It was a historic reunion for two ships this week when Queen Mary and Queen Mary 2 were together for the first time in 20 years.
The meetup took place in Long Beach, California where Queen Mary serves as a hotel next to the cruise port. The 90-year old ship is a dynamic cultural destination with acclaimed dining, immersive tours and exhibits, signature festivals, and overnight accommodations.
Adding to the historical significance of the meetup, Queen Mary 2’s starboard funnel still houses a fully refurbished whistle originally from the first Queen Mary, cementing an everlasting connection between generations of Cunard Queens.
Queen Mary 2 is currently in the middle of a 108-night cruise around the world that visits Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Americas.
Queen Mary 2 Meets her sister for the first itme in 20 years at The Port of Long Beach CA
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said the following:
“This iconic rendezvous pays a powerful tribute to Cunard’s enduring legacy and the spirit of ocean travel.
“Queen Mary 2’s reunion with the original Queen Mary for the first time in 20 years reflects our past, present and future, reminding us of Cunard’s distinct connection to maritime history and the generations brought together through timeless elegance, innovation and one-of-a-kind journeys around the world.”
Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary, added:
“Welcoming Queen Mary 2 to Long Beach during our 90th anniversary year is an extraordinary honor, and watching the rendezvous this morning was a once-in-a-generation sight. This historic moment reflects the enduring bond between the Queen Mary’s past and present and continued role as a living symbol of ocean travel, innovation, and preservation.”
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Not all cabins on P&O Britannia are created equal – and choosing the wrong one can quietly ruin your cruise.
On paper, Britannia offers eight different cabin types, from solo inside cabins to deluxe balconies and suites. But here’s what most people don’t realise: the cabin grade you book can matter just as much as the cabin type itself.
I’ve cruised on Britannia and seen first-hand how two “balcony cabins” can deliver completely different experiences – one bright and peaceful, the other cramped or overlooked.
Below, I rank P&O Britannia’s cabin grades from best to worst, explain what those confusing grade codes actually mean, and share which ones are worth paying extra for… and which ones look tempting but rarely are.
Because there’s one cabin upgrade on Britannia that sounds amazing – but often isn’t.
Cabin Grades Explained
P&O Cruises gives each cabin a two-letter code (e.g. HF), called a ‘cabin grade’. The cabin grades group similar cabins together.
On Britannia, there are eight cabin types (e.g. balcony), and within each cabin type, there are between one and six cabin grades. The different cabin grades are shown in different colours on the Britannia deck plan.
To decode P&O Britannia cabin grades, you need to understand that the first letter refers to the type of cabin, and the second letter refers to the location of that cabin on the ship.
Cabin Type
1st letter of grade
Suite
B
Superior Deluxe Balcony
D
Balcony
G or H
Balcony (Partially Obstructed View)
I or J
Larger Inside
O
Inside
P
Single Balcony
Q
Single Inside
S
Deck Position
Location
2nd letter of grade
Mid
Midship
A
Mid
Mid Aft or Mid Forward
B
Upper or Lower
Midship
B
Upper or Lower
Mid Aft or Mid Forward
C
Mid
Aft
D
Upper or Lower
Aft
E
Mid
Forward
E
Upper or Lower
Forward
F
The deck position refers to whether the cabin is on a high or low deck. The location refers to whether the cabin is at the front (forward), middle (midship) or back (aft) of the ship. These are illustrated in this diagram (click to show).
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The Best Britannia Cabins
Regardless of whether you choose an inside cabin, a balcony cabin or a suite, the cabins with A as the second letter of the grade are in the most convenient location, at the heart of the ship, closest to all the amenities. Many people will be willing to pay more to be in a midship location.
If you’d like to know what to look out for to choose the best cabin, you can get my free cabin checklist. Just pop your email into the form below, and I’ll send it to you instantly.
I also have an article about the worst cabins on Britannia. This ship definitely has some dodgy ones! You can read it here: P&O Britannia cabins to avoid.
If you’re looking for the best suites on Britannia, there’s a brilliant post all about these over on CruisewithAmber.co.uk.
I also have a guide to P&O Cruises’ suite perks, because you get much more than just extra space when you book a suite.
The Cheapest Cabins on Britannia
The cheapest cabins on P&O Cruises are PF-grade cabins. On Britannia, PF grade cabins are inside cabins at the front of the ship, either on a high or low deck.
We stayed in the cheapest grade of cabin on Britannia. Our cabin was A121, which is a PF grade inside cabin right at the top and the front of the ship.
No matter whether you choose the cheapest inside cabin or a luxury suite, there are some cabins on Britannia which you might want to avoid. These include noisy cabins, cabins near the smoking areas, and (believe it or not) cabins with beds that block the balcony doors!
If you want to make sure you avoid the noisy cabins on Britannia, or you want to steer clear of a blocked balcony, I’ve got a guide just for you.
Select Fare: You choose exactly which cabin number you want
Saver Fare: You choose the cabin type (e.g. inside/balcony/suite) and the cabin number is assigned to you
Early Saver Fare: The same as Saver, but with an early booking discount
If you book a cabin on a Saver Fare or Early Saver Fare, you
can assume that your cabin is likely to be at the front or back of the ship,
rather than midship. If you’re fine with that, booking a Saver Fare or an Early
Saver Fare will be the cheapest way to cruise.
That said, Select price fares do come with additional benefits such as the first pick of dining times and table sizes, the first priority for any available upgrades, free shuttle buses in port and more flexibility to change your booking.
On cruises of seven nights or more, you also usually get a choice of free on-board spending money, free car parking in Southampton or return coach travel to Southampton.
You’ll need to do the maths to work out if a Select Fare or Saver Fare offers the best value for money for your particular cruise.
Final Thoughts: Which Britannia Cabin Grade Should You Choose?
There’s no single “perfect” cabin grade on P&O Britannia – only the one that makes the most sense for you.
If you want the lowest price and don’t mind walking a bit more, the cheapest grades can be fantastic value. If location and convenience matter more, paying extra for a midship grade may be worth it. And if you’re tempted by an upgrade, it’s always worth checking exactly what you’re getting before you commit.
The key takeaway? Don’t book on cabin type alone. Understanding the cabin grade can make the difference between a cabin you barely notice – and one that quietly annoys you all week.
And if you’re ever unsure, checking the deck plan (and knowing what to avoid) can save you a lot of regret later.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported yesterday that a cruise ship was hit with a gastrointestinal illness outbreak.
Regent Seven Seas Mariner had an illness outbreak on its most recent voyage that affected 3.3% of guests and 1.3% of crew members.
Cruise lines are required to report to the CDC anytime 2% or more of guests get sick on a sailing. If the number crosses 3%, it officially becomes an outbreak with details posted to the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program’s website.
The CDC reported that 21 guests and 6 crew members had diarrhea and the causative agent is unknown at this time.
In response to the outbreak, the cruise line took the following actions onboard the ship:
Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to their outbreak prevention and response plan
Collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing
Isolated ill passengers and crew
Consulted with VSP about sanitation cleaning procedures and reporting ill cases
The CDC remotely monitored the situation and reviewed the ship’s response and sanitation measures.
This is the first illness outbreak on a cruise ship this year. In 2025, there were 23 outbreaks reported to the CDC.
Regent Seven Seas Mariner is currently on a 154-night cruises around the world that started in Miami on January 10 and will return back home on June 13, 2026.
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Just a few days after MSC Cruises announced major upgrades to its private destination at Ocean Cay, it’s been revealed that the cruise line is making another big move in The Bahamas.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis announced in a press conference that MSC Cruises is moving forward with a $450 million investment to make major enhancements to Freeport on Grand Bahama Island.
“Yesterday, we signed and advanced another major step in the relaunch of Grand Bahama’s economy, through MSC’s major cruise terminal in Freeport Harbour,” Davis said, adding that growth had stalled in the area.
The new project will involve the building of a new cruise ship pier complex along with new visitor and commercial infrastructure.
The Project
Most of the $450 million will go toward developing a site known as Billy Cay. Cruisers that have sailed into Freeport in the past know how industrialized the area surrounding the cruise port can feel.
With this new project, instead of ships docking in that industrial area of the harbor, MSC is building a dedicated, state-of-the-art terminal.
The new pier will be built to handle the world’s largest cruise ships and a brand-new visitor center will greet cruisers in the welcome plaza.
The plans also include new spots for shopping, food, and local entertainment. The idea is to make the transition from ship to shore as seamless as possible.
Upgrading the Current Port
The remaining funds ($50 million) are for the existing Freeport Harbour area. This part of the project is focused on relaxation and local commerce that will include a new Beach Club and refurbishments to Retail Village.
A “Multi-User Facility”
Prime Minister Davis explained that “the project is designed as a multi-user facility, supporting operational flexibility,” which means it will be open to ships from other cruise lines as well.
The project is positioned to “capture greater cruise activity and higher passenger volumes” for Grand Bahama. The goal is for this area to be a port of call cruisers look forward to visiting instead it being an excuse to stay on the ship.
For MSC, it’s a strategic move to stay competitive with Carnival’s nearby “Celebration Key,” while making sure that the new Retail Village and Beach Club stay busy even when an MSC ship isn’t in port.
Doubling Down on The Bahamas
This Freeport project is only half of the story. MSC Cruises just recently announced a major upgrade of its existing private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
By late 2027, the island will have an extended pier capable of docking two ships at once. , The island will also be getting new dining venues and beach areas to handle the extra flow of passengers.
Some of the additions coming to Ocean Cay include:
“Little Cay”: A brand-new second island retreat connected by ferry, exclusively for Yacht Club and Explora Journeys guests.
Family & Adult Zones: A new splashpad and ropes course at Seakers Cove for kids, and a quiet, adults-only retreat called Paradise Sands.
New Dining: Four additional food and beverage venues.
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Severe weather that swept across the Bahamas last weekend continues to disrupt cruise itineraries, with Royal Caribbean Group confirming that damage at its private island, Perfect Day At CocoCay, is limiting how many ships can safely dock.
Guests sailing this week aboard Freedom of the Seas and Celebrity Reflection have both been informed that their scheduled visits to CocoCay have been cancelled due to safety concerns following the storm.
Although the island is shared by Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, only one vessel per day can currently berth, forcing itinerary changes across both brands.
Pier Damage Prevents Full Operations
According to a letter delivered to guests onboard Freedom of the Seas, strong winds and heavy seas caused significant damage to the eastern side of the island’s pier. Several catwalks were torn loose and fell into the water during the storm, creating a hazard for arriving ships.
The letter explained that divers have so far been unable to locate all of the submerged structures, making it unsafe for vessels to approach or dock on that side of the pier. Until the debris is recovered or the area is declared clear, docking capacity remains restricted.
Freedom of the Seas is currently sailing a five night Bahamas itinerary that departed Miami on Monday, 2nd February. Instead of calling at CocoCay on Tuesday, 3rd February as originally planned, the ship remained at sea and will now make an additional stop at Cabo Rojo in the Dominican Republic.
Celebrity Reflection has also been affected. The ship departed Fort Lauderdale on the same day for a five night cruise that was scheduled to include both CocoCay and Nassau. While Nassau is still expected to go ahead, CocoCay has been replaced with a visit to Freeport in the Bahamas.
Limited Docking Capacity Continues
While the damage has forced cancellations, CocoCay has not closed completely. Ships are still able to dock on the western side of the pier, allowing one vessel per day to visit the island.
This reduced capacity means that on days when two ships are scheduled, one must either divert to an alternative port or spend the day at sea. That was the case on Tuesday, 3rd February, when Wonder of the Seas was able to proceed with its planned CocoCay call while Freedom of the Seas remained at sea.
Given the popularity of CocoCay across Royal Caribbean Bahamas itineraries, most days typically see two ships scheduled. As a result, further cancellations are likely in the coming days until the eastern side of the pier can safely reopen.
Decisions on which ship retains access to the island are expected to be based on a range of factors, including vessel size, original berthing plans, and how easily alternative ports can be substituted. In some cases, sailings may be adjusted to allow a visit on a different day, particularly when no ships are scheduled, such as Thursday, 12th February.
Guests affected by any changes are being notified either onboard or shortly before sailing. As standard practice, any pre-paid shore excursions for CocoCay booked through Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises will be automatically cancelled and refunded if the visit does not go ahead.
No Repair Timeline Yet
Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed how long repairs at Perfect Day At CocoCay may take. Before full operations can resume, the missing catwalks must either be recovered or the surrounding waters confirmed clear of debris to ensure safe manoeuvring for ships.
Once the area is deemed safe, replacement catwalks will still need to be installed and inspected before both sides of the pier can reopen. The disruption could be resolved within days, but there is also the possibility that further sailings across both fleets will be impacted if repairs take longer than expected.
Until then, itinerary changes are likely to remain a feature for some Bahamas cruises calling at Royal Caribbean’s flagship private island.
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Carnival Cruise Line has begun notifying booked guests and travel agents about upcoming price increases that will affect onboard gratuities and its popular Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda package.
The changes will take effect from 2nd April 2026, but passengers who pre-pay before that date will be able to secure the current, lower pricing, regardless of when their cruise actually departs.
According to the email sent to guests and agents, Carnival is adjusting both daily gratuity guidelines and the adult price for its soda package next spring.
“We are writing to let you know that we will be changing the price for Bottomless Bubbles (for adults only – there is no price change for children) and adjusting the onboard gratuity guidelines, effective April 2, 2026,” the email notification confirmed.
“However, we will honor the existing price for both if purchased prior to the adjustment.”
Gratuity Rates Increasing Across All Stateroom Types
Under the current structure, Carnival Cruise Line charges daily gratuities of $16 per person, per day for standard staterooms and $18 per person, per day for suite accommodations when paid in advance.
From 2nd April 2026, both rates will rise by $1 per person, per day. This represents a 6.25% increase for standard staterooms and a 5.55% increase for suites. Once the change takes effect, guests will pay $17 per person, per day in standard cabins and $19 per person, per day in suites.
Guests who pre-pay gratuities before the April deadline will retain the existing rates, even if their sailing takes place well into the future. Carnival continues to allow guests to adjust gratuities onboard at their discretion, unlike some cruise lines that have moved to fully fixed service charges.
Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package Also Set For Price Rise
Alongside the gratuity adjustment, Carnival will also increase the adult price of its Bottomless Bubbles unlimited soda package.
Currently priced at $9.50 per adult per day, the package will rise to $11.99 per adult per day from 2nd April 2026. That is an increase of $2.49 per day, or approximately 26%. There is no change to the children’s price.
The Bottomless Bubbles package will still be subject to Carnival’s 20% service charge. While the percentage itself is unchanged, the higher base price means guests will pay around 50 cents more per day in service charges once the new rate applies.
As with gratuities, guests who purchase the soda package in advance before 2nd April will keep the lower price. Pre-payment can be completed through Carnival’s website for individual bookings or by contacting a travel agent.
Part Of A Wider Industry Trend
Carnival Cruise Line is not alone in increasing onboard charges in 2026. Margaritaville at Sea announced a gratuity increase effective 1st February, with mandatory daily gratuities now set at $22 per person, per day. Unlike Carnival, those charges cannot be adjusted or removed by guests.
Carnival’s move was widely expected, as the cruise line last raised gratuity rates on 1st April 2023. Going nearly three years without an adjustment is relatively uncommon within the cruise industry.
It is also worth noting that Carnival increased its mandatory service charge from 18% to 20% in late 2025. That charge applies to drink packages, individual beverage purchases, speciality dining and other onboard services, but it is separate from daily gratuities.
With Carnival now announcing its own increase, it is likely that other cruise lines will review their gratuity structures in the months ahead. At present, some major operators still have comparatively lower daily rates, but history suggests that gratuity prices tend to move in one direction only.
For guests, pre-paying remains the most reliable way to lock in the lowest possible cost, as while future increases are never guaranteed, reductions in gratuity rates are extremely rare.
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MSC Cruises has confirmed plans to extend its luxury Yacht Club concept to two additional ships, with both MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra set to receive the premium upgrade by 2027.
The announcement was made by MSC Cruises on 2nd February 2026, confirming that the work will be completed as part of scheduled refurbishment programmes for both vessels. Once finished, every ship in the Musica class will feature the ship-within-a-ship experience.
Yacht Club Coming To The Entire Musica Class
The 92,409-gross-ton MSC Musica will be the first to receive the Yacht Club, with installation planned for late 2026 ahead of the ship’s seasonal deployment to South America.
Sister ship MSC Orchestra, also 92,409 gross tons, will follow in the first quarter of 2027, timed to coincide with the start of its Mediterranean programme sailing from Bari.
With the additions, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra will join MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica in offering the Yacht Club. The move is notable as it brings one of the cruise line’s most popular premium products to smaller, more traditional ships, rather than limiting it to newer, larger vessels.
Once the two refits are complete, the MSC Yacht Club will be available across 19 ships in the fleet. The concept centres on spacious suites paired with 24-hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, and exclusive areas including private dining venues and lounges.
“MSC Cruises is always looking for new ways to enhance the onboard experience, striving to create exceptional and elevated concepts to ensure that guests will remember their cruise as the ultimate vacation experience,” the company said in a statement.
“With the addition of MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, the MSC Yacht Club will now be available across 19 ships fleetwide, further expanding its appeal to guests seeking a premium and effortlessly luxurious way to travel,” MSC Cruises added.
While Musica-class ships are smaller than newer vessels such as MSC World America, which features the largest Yacht Club in the fleet, the cruise line has indicated it is aiming to deliver a consistent premium experience across ships of different sizes.
MSC Cruises has not yet confirmed how many Yacht Club suites will be added to each ship or whether other public spaces will be altered as part of the refurbishments. Further details are expected closer to the opening of Yacht Club bookings.
Currently, both MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra have a passenger capacity of 3,223 guests.
Yacht Club Launches Aligned With New Itineraries
The introduction of the Yacht Club on both ships has been closely aligned with upcoming deployments in key cruise regions.
MSC Musica will operate in South America from November 2026 until April 2027, offering itineraries focused on Brazilian ports. The programme will also include a series of eight- and nine-night sailings over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as visits to Buenos Aires and Uruguayan ports including Montevideo and Punta del Este.
The season will conclude with a 16-night transatlantic crossing departing Santos on 1st April 2027 and arriving in Genoa.
MSC Orchestra’s Yacht Club debut will follow shortly afterwards. From 13th March 2027 through to 24th April, the ship will sail Eastern Mediterranean itineraries from Bari. These cruises will include calls in Turkey, with stops in Izmir and Istanbul, alongside Greek destinations such as Piraeus and Corfu.
Onboard, Yacht Club guests will have access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck, all reserved exclusively for suite passengers.
In addition to larger accommodations, inclusions range from daily in-suite refreshments and premium bath amenities to unpacking services and personalised shore experiences. MSC Cruises has also indicated that the Yacht Club is expected to feature on future World-class ships scheduled to enter service through 2031.
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MSC Orchestra was prevented from calling at Marseille, France, on 2nd February 2026 after a protest by striking sailors blocked access to the cruise port, forcing the ship to abandon the stop entirely.
According to French outlet Ouest-France, demonstrators shut down the northern access to the port, leaving the 3,223-guest cruise ship unable to berth.
The Musica-class vessel waited for several hours offshore, but with negotiations failing to resolve the situation, the decision was eventually taken to sail on without docking.
The missed call caused significant disruption as Marseille is one of the embarkation and disembarkation ports used by MSC Orchestra for its seven-night Mediterranean itineraries. The ship operates the same sailing with multiple homeports, including Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, as well as Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia in Italy.
Passenger Plans Thrown Into Disarray
The inability to dock meant that passengers scheduled to end their cruise in Marseille were unable to disembark, while a new group of guests waiting to board were left behind at the port.
“I’m at the dock in Marseille and the boat left embarrassingly without us. We’ve been stranded since 11 am this morning,” one affected passenger wrote on social media.
Another guest confirmed how long the ship remained offshore before departing, saying: “The boat just left in the direction of Genoa. It was waiting for negotiations that did not come until 20h. We had the boat in view till 8pm.”
Tracking data later showed the 92,409-gross-ton ship sailing towards Genoa at around 18 knots on the evening of 2nd February. She spent all of 3rd February docked in Genoa as planned, departing in the early evening.
Passengers who were unable to board in Marseille have since reported that MSC Cruises arranged hotel accommodation overnight and organised ground transport to Genoa, approximately 244 miles away. The journey by road takes around two and a half hours.
“They transferred us to hotels and tomorrow we’re heading to Genoa by bus,” one guest confirmed.
At the time of writing, MSC Cruises has not confirmed whether guests will receive additional compensation for the missed day of their cruise or how passengers who were unable to disembark in Marseille will be assisted, although similar transfer arrangements are expected to be offered.
Strike Action Behind The Port Blockade
While Marseille has previously seen cruise ships disrupted by protests, this incident was not linked to environmental campaigners such as Extinction Rebellion or Stop Croisières, which have targeted cruise traffic in the past.
Instead, the disruption was caused by striking sailors represented by the Fédération Nationale des Syndicats Maritimes Union (FNSM-CGT). The union had filed a 48-hour renewable strike notice covering 2nd and 3rd February, directly overlapping with MSC Orchestra’s scheduled visit.
The strike is focused on demands for increased employment opportunities, improved wages and better working conditions for French seafarers.
No further cruise disruptions are currently expected unless the strike action is extended. MSC Orchestra was the only cruise ship scheduled in Marseille on 2nd February. The next planned call is on 6th February, when Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Vesta is due to arrive.
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7 Things Experienced Cruise Travellers Do Differently
If you’ve ever come off a cruise thinking, that was fun but also weirdly exhausting, you’re not alone.
Cruising isn’t like normal travel; it has its own learning curve, and most of it isn’t written anywhere obvious. The seasoned cruisers you see floating around with a drink and zero stress didn’t get lucky – they learned what actually matters after a few trips.
They know what to sort early, what to ignore completely, and how to avoid the little traps that drain your energy.
This article is about drawing from their experience with these seven tips, so your cruise feels a lot more enjoyable from day one.
Pick The Ship Before The Destination
Anyone who’s done this a few times before knows to stop letting the map make the decisions for them.
They’ve learned that the ship is the place you actually live for a week or two, not the ports you’ll pop into for a few hours at a time. Different ships have different vibes and offer a completely different experience.
When the ship fits you, even ordinary sea days feel good. When it doesn’t, even the best destination can’t save it.
Your cabin booking strategy needs to be well thought-out.
A mid-ship cabin means fewer motions and easier walks to everything. Being a few decks away from busy areas saves you from foot traffic and light-night noise. Experienced travellers also think about what’s above and below them, not just the view.
Elevators sound convenient until you’re waiting in a crowd, so being near stairs suddenly makes sense. Focus on choosing a space that works with the rhythm of your day and makes everything easier.
People who’ve been doing this a while don’t gamble with travel days anymore.
They’ve done the mad sprint through an airport, the sweaty watch-checking, the “we’ll be fine” optimism – the whole shebang. Arriving early takes all of that off your dance card.
Arriving the day before means there is plenty of time for a decent coffee, lunch near the port, maybe even a moment or two to feel smug about your life choices. That calm, unhurried state carries straight on board and sets the tone for the cruise.
Cruise insurance is one of those things experienced travellers never skip, because they’ve seen how quickly plans can change.
Flights get delayed, bags go missing, ankles get twisted, and ships don’t hang around while you sort it out. Medical care onboard or in a foreign port can cost more than the cruise itself, and suddenly that “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it” plan feels super expensive.
Insurance lets you relax properly. You’re not doing mental calculations every time something feels off or plans shift slightly. If something goes sideways, there’s backup and support instead of stress.
Pre-Book Dinners and Shows
Seasoned cruisers know that the best dinners and shows don’t magically stay available.
They book them before the ship even leaves port. It’s not a pedantic thing; it’s more like making sure you get the most out of the cruise experience. When all of your reservations are locked in ahead of time, your evenings will be much more enjoyable.
Absolutely no one enjoys hanging around outside restaurants, waiting for a table to become available – so learn to book before you go.
One of the best things about going on a cruise is the excursion options.
Some days just call for a ship excursion with transport handled and zero thinking required. Other ports are easy to explore independently, often for less money and with more flexibility.
Experienced travellers also know to read recent reviews, check timing carefully, and leave plenty of time to get back on board without stressing or panicking. They avoid overpacking on the day and choose one extraordinary experience rather than stacking activities back to back.
People who cruise often stop letting the dinner bell run their evenings.
They know that when most passengers head to eat all at once, the experience starts to feel hurried and packed. So they choose a different window – earlier, while the ship is still easing into dusk, or later, once the rush has passed.
The difference is immediately noticeable. You’re seated without hovering, meals arrive calmly, and the room isn’t quite so deafening.
Final Thoughts
Cruising has a talent for being brilliant and baffling at the same time. One minute you’re sipping a drink at sea, the next you’re stuck in a long line wondering it all got so busy so quickly.
Follow these seven simple habits above to make things go smoother and with fewer issues.
The result is less rushing, fewer headaches, and far more time actually enjoying the experience. Borrow these small, sensible tricks and your next cruise won’t feel like a learning curve – it’ll feel like you knew what you were doing all along.
Royal Caribbean currently has 29 cruise ships in their fleet that carry more guests each year than every other cruise line.
Royal Caribbean also has the eight largest cruise ships in the world with many more being built over the next decade.
The cruise line now has six cruise ships either under construction or on order with options for an additional two. In addition, Royal Caribbean secured shipbuilding spots with Meyer Turku this past fall for in a deal that will run through 2036.
Here is a look at the six future Royal Caribbean ships, across three different classes, that are being built by Royal Caribbean.
Discovery Class
Last week, Royal Caribbean announced that they have officially placed an order for two Discovery class ships. The first will debut in 2029 with the second coming out in 2032.
They will be built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.
At this time, the cruise line has given very few details about this new class of ships. They did say that this new class would blend cutting-edge technology with immersive experiences in a way the travel industry hasn’t seen before.
Michael Bayley, President of Royal Caribbean, said that the Discovery class will deliver extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences in ways that we’ve never imagined.
In the past, Royal Caribbean has hinted that this new class may be smaller than the massive ships they have been building. However, we currently have no idea what the gross tonnage will be for the Discovery class.
Icon Class
The largest class of ships in the world at just under 250,000 gross tons, Royal Caribbean currently has two in service with three more either under construction or on order.
Legend of the Seas will debut on July 4, 2026, a seven-night cruise in the Mediterranean. After four months of offering cruises in Europe, the ship will head to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the winter 2026-2027 season.
Once the ship is at Port Everglades, it will sail six- and eight-night cruises to the Caribbean with all sailings visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. In the spring of 2027, the ship will head back to Europe.
Icon 4 is currently under construction and will debut in 2027. Royal Caribbean has yet to release the name, homeport, and itineraries for this new vessel.
The cruise line recently announced that the first piece of steel was cut for Icon 5. The ship is currently scheduled to debut in 2028.
Royal Caribbean also has options with Meyer Turku to build Icon 6 and 7. At the time of press, the cruise line has yet to exercise these options.
Oasis Class
The Oasis class ushered in the era of Mega ships with the debut of Oasis of the Seas more than 15 years ago. Royal Caribbean currently has six Oasis class ships in service with a seventh one debuting in 2028.
The name and homeport for Oasis 7 have yet to be revealed by Royal Caribbean.
List of Future Royal Caribbean ships:
2026 – Legend of the Seas
2027 – Icon 4
2028 – Oasis 7
2028 – Icon 5
2029 – Discovery 1
2032 – Discovery 2
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