Silversea, an ultra-luxury cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group, has introduced three new cruise fares to gives guests more flexibility than ever.
The new cruise fares from Silversea went into effect on September 11, 2025 and will enable guests to best personalize their travel.
Guests can opt to purchase their air travel, pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers, shore excursions, and land experiences through Silversea for all fares, tailored to their needs and preferences.
Here is a look that the three new cruise fares from Silversea.
All-inclusive Plus Fare
Silversea’s new ‘All-Inclusive Plus Fare’ provides the greatest value to guests, and offers a refundable deposit, as well as the peace of mind provided by the brand’s Fare Guarantee Program.
When opting for the ‘All-Inclusive Plus Fare’ on oceangoing voyages, guests will enjoy a shore excursion credit which will be determined by the length and region of the cruise. They will be able to apply it to the experiences of their choice.
All expedition voyages will continue to offer included shore excursions as part of the experience, as well as Zodiac tours, expert lectures, in-country flights, and pre-/post-cruise hotel nights as required by the destination, and other customary inclusions.
All-inclusive Fare
Silversea’s ‘All-Inclusive Fare’ will be available exclusively on ocean cruises. This fare type offers guests the flexibility to purchase shore excursions à la carte, either before the cruise or on board. ‘All Inclusive Fares’ will require a non-refundable deposit.
Last-minute Fare
Available on select oceangoing and expedition cruises within five months of departure, the ‘Last-Minute Fare’ offers guests favorable savings. With this fare, the deposit is non-refundable, and the total payment must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, gave the following statement about these three cruise faries:
“The Luxury of Choice reflects our deep commitment to delivering on the feedback of our guests.
“Our guests consistently tell us that they value flexibility in their travels. With our new fare options, we’re empowering them to personalize every aspect of their journey — from start to finish — while continuing to enjoy our signature all-inclusive onboard experience, which is one of the most comprehensive at sea.”
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There’s something quietly brilliant about having your own balcony at sea. Whether it’s a place to catch your breath after a busy port day, a front-row seat to sunrise with a coffee in hand, or simply somewhere to air out your brain with the breeze – once you’ve had one, it’s hard to go back!
But not all balcony cabins are built the same and they are far from equal. Some are made for families, others are clever with the space, and a few are just plain unusual (in a good way).
You’ll find no Suites here. This is all about proper balcony cabins, each with its own edge. Some are roomy, others are quirky, and a couple will definitely raise some eyebrows…
Best Modern Balcony: Edge‑Class Infinite Veranda (Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity’s Infinite Veranda cabins are a bit of a game-changer. Instead of the usual sliding doors that separate the room from the balcony, the entire outer wall is a floor-to-ceiling window that lowers at the touch of a button.
That means more usable space inside the cabin – and a breeze-on-demand setup that works surprisingly well.
These cabins feel sleek and contemporary, with a clean, boutique‑hotel vibe. You can close off the veranda with folding glass doors if you want a more traditional layout, or leave it open and let the whole room flow into the view.
It’s not quite the same as stepping out onto a traditional balcony, but for modern cruisers who value flexibility and fresh air, it’s hard to beat.
That said, if you’re someone who loves the feeling of being fully outside – feet up, sea breeze in your face, drink on the table – this style might feel a touch enclosed. But for anyone wanting extra elbow room and a sense of innovation, it’s a solid win.
Best Family Balcony: Surfside View Balcony(Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class ships are essentially floating theme parks, so it makes sense that they’ve designed balcony cabins with families in mind.
The Surfside View Balcony cabins overlook the family-dedicated Surfside neighbourhood – an area packed with splash zones, sweet shops and kid-friendly fun.
The Surfside Family Suites are more spacious while Surfside View Balcony rooms do tend to have a little bit of a typical layout, but their location – right next to the Neighborhood – is the stuff children dream of.
The view might not be the ocean, but kids are often more interested in seeing the splash area below than the horizon anyway. For families who want balcony access without sacrificing layout, this setup is a thoughtful (and surprisingly rare) option.
Best Big Family Balcony: Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah (Disney Cruise Line)
If you’re cruising with kids in tow – and lots of them – Disney’s Deluxe Family Verandah cabins are about as well-designed as you’ll find without paying suite prices. These rooms sleep up to five, with a combo of queen bed, sofa bed, and pull-down bunks hidden away until bedtime.
But what really makes them work is the layout. The split bathroom (with tub!) lets kids get ready while someone else brushes their teeth next door.
A privacy curtain separates the main bed from the sitting area, which goes a long way during early bedtimes or Netflix wind‑downs.
It’s not the biggest balcony at sea, but it’s perfectly sized for watching sailaway while the kids nap inside. For sheer liveability, especially on longer cruises, Disney gets this exactly right. Which isn’t a surprise – Disney just gets families.
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Best Obstructed Balcony : Prima-Class Obstructed Balcony (Norwegian Cruise Line)
Obstructed balconies aren’t usually a cause for excitement, but Norwegian Cruise Line accidentally created a bit of a cult hit with some of theirs.
On newer ships Norwegian Prima and Viva, a handful of balcony cabins are positioned right beside the towering water slides – meaning instead of an undisturbed view of the ocean, you’ve got a loop of blue plastic swooping past your eyeline.
Now, that might not sound appealing to everyone. If you’re after peace and quiet, or unspoilt views, this is a firm “nope.” But for kids and thrill‑seekers, there’s a weird charm in watching riders zoom past or listening to the occasional splash from below.
These cabins are often priced lower due to the obstruction, so they can be a savvy way to get a balcony for less – if you’re not fussed about having the perfect Instagram sunset shot. Just pack some earplugs and treat the slide like your balcony’s unexpected entertainment.
Not all balconies are breezy and open-air. Carnival’s Cove Balconies are tucked low on the ship, closer to the waterline, and have a solid steel bottom half with an enclosed design. It’s a bit like having your own hideaway – with a touch of sea spray, shade and a slightly secretive feel.
These balconies aren’t about big views or wide-open sunbathing space. Instead, they’re ideal for those who want a bit more privacy and don’t mind trading in sunlight for shelter. They’re also a smart choice on routes with rougher seas – less wind, less splash, more comfort.
And because they’re closer to the water, you’ll actually hear the waves more clearly – a surprisingly soothing soundtrack if you’re the kind of cruiser who likes a morning coffee in peace.
Best Traditional Balcony: Verandah Stateroom (Holland America Line)
There’s something to be said for a balcony cabin that just… gets everything right.
No gimmicks, no design experiments, no trade-offs – just a roomy veranda, good furniture, a proper bathtub (yes, even in standard cabins), and a plush bed you’ll actually want to climb into.
That’s what Holland America delivers in its Verandah Staterooms. The décor might lean classic rather than flashy, but the attention to comfort is spot-on.
You’ll find ample storage, soft-close drawers, and a balcony that’s wide enough to stretch your legs and still have space for a breakfast tray.
For those who like their cruising experience smooth, restful and grown-up, this is a reliable, unshowy option. It won’t trend on TikTok – but it’ll be the cabin you want to come back to after a long port day.
Best Balcony for Lazy Days: Sea Terrace with Hammock (Virgin Voyages)
Virgin’s Sea Terrace cabins are designed for kicking back. The décor is smart but playful, the lighting is adjustable, and the standout feature – no question – is the red woven hammock on the balcony.
These hammocks aren’t a gimmick. They’re large, supportive and ridiculously comfortable. Once you figure out how to clamber in and out (it gets easier), it becomes the spot you’ll return to again and again – book in hand, breeze on your face, cocktail balanced nearby.
Everything in these cabins leans toward laid-back. There’s no main dining room stress, no fixed schedules, and no kids – Virgin is adults-only. So, if your ideal balcony day involves lounging rather than sightseeing, this is your happy place.
Best Aft Balcony: Premium Deluxe Balcony (Princess Cruises)
There’s just something about the view from the back of a ship. The wake stretching into the distance, the quiet hum of the engines, the total sense of being ‘away from it all’. That’s what makes aft-facing balconies on Princess ships such a gem – especially the Premium Deluxe ones.
These cabins offer more space both inside and out, and the aft location means you’re mostly free from foot traffic or loud neighbours. The views are constantly changing, especially on island‑hopping itineraries where departures are just as stunning as arrivals.
Bear in mind: you might feel a little more movement back here, especially on choppier routes. But if you’re not prone to seasickness, this is one of the most peaceful, scenic spots on board.
Best Balcony for Solo Travellers: Studio Balcony (MSC Cruises)
Solo cruisers usually get the short straw when it comes to balcony cabins – pay double the price and deal with it – but MSC offers something rare: actual studio cabins with balconies on several of their ships (specifically Bellissima, Euribia, Grandiosa, Meraviglia and Virtuosa).
That said, they come with a few caveats. The beds are often sofa beds, and occasionally bunks or wall-mounted fold-downs. You might not get a full-size double, and the connecting doors (many of these rooms are next to larger family cabins) can mean a bit of extra noise.
Still, for solo travellers wanting their own slice of sea air without paying double occupancy rates, it’s a decent deal – and the balcony gives these small cabins a huge lift in terms of feel.
Just pack earplugs, and manage your expectations around bed size. You’re here for the horizon, not hotel-level luxury.
There are some Balcony Cabins on cruise ships that really split opinion – some people think they’re nifty but others would rather book an Inside Cabin even if it were the same cost!
Promenade Balcony (P&O Cruises)
On the newest P&O Cruises ships Iona and Arvia, there are Promenade Balcony Cabins that are particularly divisive. These cabins have a balcony that extends onto the promenade deck rather than being at the edge of the ship.
This mean you can have someone literally walking right past the end of your balcony – hardly ideal if you want privacy.
Some cruisers love the vibe and people-watching potential. Others feel it’s more like being on display in a zoo than having your own private sanctuary. A balcony in name, yes – but not quite in spirit.
Obstructed Balcony Cabins with Lifeboats – Various
Found across multiple lines and ships, these balconies have all the right features… except the view. Lifeboats sit directly below or partially across your eyeline, limiting what you can actually see when seated.
On the upside, they’re often cheaper than standard balconies, and if you’re not too fussed about the view (or plan to spend most time on deck), they can be a decent compromise. Just don’t expect those sweeping sea vistas from your deck chair.
I’ve stayed in several obstructed view cabins – some were great and some weren’t so great. So if you want to choose this cabin type, then it really pays to do your research so you know what to expect.
Overlooked Balcony Cabins – Various
It’s always a good idea to check not just the deck plans for your cruise ship, but some photos too – that’ll help you see if the higher decks on the ship are level with those below, or if they are more sunk back into the ship.
Because if they are, that means guests on the higher decks can stand on the edge of their Balcony and look down directly into the balconies below – again, not exactly what you want from a private space, right?
It’s a good idea to check and make sure you’re comfortable with who’ll be able to see your balcony if you don’t want to be on show while you relax.
Tips for Choosing a Balcony Cabin
A good balcony can absolutely make a cruise. But a poorly placed one? That can be an expensive regret. Here are a few quick tips to help you pick the right one – without relying entirely on luck.
Avoid Guarantee Where Possible
A ‘guarantee’ cabin means the cruise line picks your room for you.
You’ll usually get the category you booked – or on rare occasions, a better one – but you won’t know the location until much later.
It’s fine if you’re not fussy and want to roll the dice, but it can land you with an obstructed view, noisy neighbours, or the dreaded cabin under the nightclub.
Use the Deck Plans
Deck plans are your friend. Check what’s above, below and beside your cabin. Avoid being directly under the pool deck (scraping sun loungers at 6am) or over the theatre (evening noise). Cabins near lifts can be noisy, too – especially the late-night kind.
But also, look for protrusions from the ship that could score you a slightly bigger balcony, without costing anything extra compared to the rest of the ship.
Check YouTube, Social Media and Forums
Search your exact cabin number online – you’ll be amazed how many people film walk-throughs or post reviews.
Cruise forums and Facebook groups are packed with people sharing tips, photos and layout quirks. One five-minute video can tell you more than any brochure.
Avoid Connecting Cabins If You’re Not Using Them
Cabins with connecting doors can be noisier, as they often have thinner internal walls. Fine if you’re booking both as a family – but not ideal if you value quiet mornings.
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Final Word
A balcony cabin is more than a view – it’s a mood. And depending on how you like to cruise, the right one can make your trip feel twice as relaxing, or twice as fun. Whether you’re flying solo, squeezing in the whole family, or just looking for somewhere to hide with a paperback and a breeze, there’s something out there with your name on it.
However don’t assume that a Balcony Cabin is always the best option. You might find that you can get two cruises in an Inside Cabin for the same price as a Balcony on some ships and itineraries.
And what’s better than a cruise? Two cruises.
Everyone has their own preferences and some people would never go for an Interior – if that’s you, then there are plenty of amazing Balcony options available.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cruises can be cancelled for a variety of reasons – from rough weather and safety concerns, to regional instability, to simple business decisions like chartering a ship.
This week, three major cruise lines have announced cancellations that highlight just how unpredictable cruise planning can sometimes be.
Weather Forces Ambassador to Reroute Ambition
Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition has once again been forced to alter its course due to poor weather.
The 9-night sailing, which departed Newcastle upon Tyne on 7th September 2025, was due to call at several ports in Scotland.
Strong winds and swells made it unsafe to dock or tender, leading to the cancellation of visits to Runavik, Scrabster, and Portree.
Instead, the ship turned south to avoid the worst of the conditions and will call at Ringaskiddy in Ireland on 13 September.
This marks the second consecutive cruise for Ambition impacted by severe weather, after her Norwegian fjords itinerary earlier this month also lost ports.
Despite the changes, the ship will still call at Belfast on 15th September before finishing in Liverpool the following day.
MSC Cancels Red Sea Grand Voyage
MSC Cruises has cancelled a 25-day Grand Voyage aboard MSC Euribia, scheduled to depart Dubai on 4th April 2026 and end in Southampton.
The reason given is ongoing instability in the Red Sea region, making it impossible to guarantee guest safety during the transit.
The voyage was to include stops in Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Jordan before sailing through the Suez Canal, visiting Egypt, and continuing into the Mediterranean.
Instead, guests are being offered three options: transfer to another Grand Voyage, move their booking to any other cruise on the line’s website, or receive a full refund.
This is not the first itinerary to be cancelled due to Red Sea tensions.
MSC Euribia had a similar Grand Voyage cut in 2024, and other ships in the fleet, including MSC Magnifica on her 2026 World Cruise, have also been rerouted to avoid the volatile region.
Celebrity Silhouette Sailing Dropped for Charter
Celebrity Cruises has pulled an 8-night Caribbean sailing on Celebrity Silhouette scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale on 13th February 2027.
The cruise, which was to visit Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, has been cancelled to make way for a charter sailing.
Guests are being offered alternative departures on 2nd January or 30th January 2027, both with similar itineraries and price protection.
They will also receive onboard credit of $200 per stateroom for Aqua Class and below, or $400 for suites.
Those unwilling to rebook can instead move their reservation to any other Celebrity sailing, with fees waived and credits still offered. If no alternative is chosen, a full refund will be processed.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
While the reasons behind these cancellations range from bad weather, to global unrest, to business priorities, the outcome for guests is the same: disrupted holiday plans.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
Having comprehensive cruise-specific travel insurance can make all the difference, ensuring that flights, hotels, and other arrangements linked to a cancelled sailing are protected.
It’s a reminder that while cruise lines can control many factors, there are always risks at sea and beyond.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Oceania Cruises is introducing more flexibility for future guests by adding a new choice of benefits to its “Your World Included” programme. From 17th September 2025, new bookings will come…
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Royal Caribbean is offering last minute cruise deals on 19 ships on sailings that depart through the end of November 2025.
These last minute deals include their three newest ships, Star of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.
Prices start as low as $221 per person, based on double occupancy.
The cruises include voyages to The Bahamas, Mexico and the Eastern/Western Caribbean. They range from three- to 10-nights in length on the following ships:
Oceania Cruises is introducing more flexibility for future guests by adding a new choice of benefits to its “Your World Included” programme.
From 17th September 2025, new bookings will come with the option of either a shore excursion credit or a limited beer and wine package included in the fare.
The line’s base price already covers a wide range of extras such as speciality dining, WiFi, gratuities, non-alcoholic drinks, fitness classes and laundry services.
The new offer now adds even more value.
Guests choosing the shore excursion credit will receive up to $600 per person, depending on the length of their sailing, valid towards tours at ports across the globe.
Those who prefer drinks will be able to select the beer and wine package, which covers by-the-glass service during lunch and dinner.
Oceania has confirmed this is a long-term change and not a short-lived promotion. The line says the update reflects a commitment to giving travellers more choice and ensuring its cruises continue to stand out for value.
How the Offer Has Evolved
The “Your World Included” scheme replaced the former “Simply More” promotion in October 2024.
Under that plan, guests received a larger excursion credit of up to $1,600 per stateroom and a wider beverage package.
It had also included roundtrip flights and transfers, though those were dropped in mid-2024.
The new approach streamlines the perks but keeps meaningful extras in place.
Guests also benefit from the line’s Best Value Guarantee, which ensures that if Oceania releases a stronger promotion after they book, the better deal will automatically be applied to their reservation.
Looking Ahead to New Ships
The refresh to “Your World Included” comes as Oceania continues to expand its fleet.
The line currently operates eight ships and has two Sonata-class vessels on order at Fincantieri. The first, Oceania Sonata, is due in 2027, with sister ship Oceania Arietta expected in 2029.
At 86,000 gross tons and with capacity for 1,450 guests, they will be the largest ships in Oceania’s history.
The most recent addition, Oceania Allura, joined the fleet in July 2025, following her sister ship Vista.
Oceania remains focused on delivering its hallmark blend of fine dining and immersive itineraries, now enhanced with more choice included in the fare.
The best way to book an Oceania cruise…
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Cruise Hive is here with more cruise news for today, including a passenger jumping overboard a Royal Caribbean ship to avoid debt, a Disney cruise meltdown, and an email glitch for the Celebrity Beyond cruise ship.
Cruise Hive was founded in 2008 by Emrys Thakkar, a former crew member and someone who has a massive passion for cruise ships. He has grown Cruise Hive into what it is today, a leading independent publisher covering the latest cruise news, advice, and more!
Saudi esports is shifting from headline events to durable systems: classrooms that double as scrim labs, arenas with predictable uptime, and broadcast rooms that teach careers. Hardware matters, but repeatability matters more. Programs succeed when matches start on time, input feels identical every day, and fixes take hours, not weeks. Lenovo’s impact shows up in that routine reliability rather than in confetti moments.
Odds to Edges: Compounding Value, Not Jackpots
The calculus — familiar to anyone comparing odds on Tooniebet casino— is to compound small edges, not chase jackpots. In esports, those edges are stable frame times, clean audio, and support that actually arrives. Lenovo’s value sits around the box: procurement at scale, warranty pipelines, spare-part shelves, and playbooks that keep new operators from relearning painful lessons each semester.
The Stack That Matters: Power, Ping, Thermals
Power that doesn’t panic — High-efficiency PSUs, UPS coverage, and labeled runs prevent brownout drama mid-series.
Ping discipline — Managed switches, QoS windows for scrims, and sensible ISP peering to keep domestic routes short.
Thermals & acoustics — Front-to-back airflow, dust filters, and fan curves so labs don’t sound like a runway.
Capture that scales — Low-latency cards plus standardized OBS scenes for schools, clubs, and city arenas.
Storage with memory — NVMe for live titles, NAS for VOD/analytics, snapshots that survive accidental deletes.
Spare-parts doctrine — Barcoded GPUs, fans, and headsets with a 24-hour swap rule; downtime becomes paperwork.
Labs to Arenas: Designing for Saudi Heat and Scale
Saudi venues face heat, dust, and fast turnarounds. Lenovo towers with serviceable layouts, portable event rigs, and OLED or fast IPS panels protect motion clarity while staying maintainable. Modular truss, tidy cable trays, and compact HVAC plans shrink setup time. Hygiene policies — replaceable ear cushions and wipe-down schedules—keep shared spaces welcoming across school and community brackets.
Peopleware First: Operators, Coaches, Analysts
Infrastructure fails without humans who can run it. Lenovo’s training kits help rookies learn imaging, driver validation, and patch cadence. Coaches get templates for review blocks and drill menus; analysts receive tooling to turn VOD into next-day reps. When two staffers can rebuild a room image in an afternoon, the calendar stops depending on a single superhero.
Curricula that cover broadcast basics, event logistics, and entry-level IT turn weekend volunteers into employable talent. Certification tracks tied to real rooms — switchers, audio, lighting, camera shading — anchor opportunities for students and community leagues. A lab that teaches careers becomes self-funding: brands sponsor because deliverables look professional, and alumni staff the next event.
Procurement & Service: Parts, SLAs, and Uptime
Big seasons die on small delays. Bulk buys with consistent SKUs, local service centers, and clear SLAs keep matches from slipping. Image baselines, firmware locks, and asset tags let operators clone success. The boring metrics — ticket resolution time, first-time fix rate — are where Lenovo’s commercial muscle translates directly into player trust.
Partnerships That Move the Needle (ISPs, Venues, Federations)
Telecom partners bring peering; municipal venues add footprint; federations standardize rules and safety. Lenovo’s cadence gives these alliances a backbone: predictable replacements, loaner pools, and demo fleets for academies. The result is consistency — scrim PCs and stage PCs feel the same — so players focus on aim, not settings.
Scoreboard, Not Slogans: 12-Month KPIs to Track
Uptime in peak blocks — >99% with matches starting within five minutes of posted time.
Stability deltas — Higher 1% lows, reduced ping variance during scrims and finals.
Operator resilience — Two staffers can reimage ten machines before dinner.
Participation breadth — More schools onboarded, women’s and youth brackets filled.
Broadcast health — Clean audio, legible overlays, searchable VOD library.
Talent pipeline — Volunteers graduating into paid ops, analysts, and social roles.
Broadcast That Scales: Capture, Overlays, VOD Hygiene
Standard scene packages, graphics libraries, and audio presets prevent every event from reinventing the wheel. Clear mic discipline, compressor/limiter chains, and replay workflows elevate even school finals. VOD hygiene — consistent titles, thumbnails, and chapters — turns local matches into discoverable content that sponsors can share without caveats.
Inclusion by Design: Youth & Women’s Leagues, Safe Rules
Predictable time slots, staffed supervision, and enforceable codes of conduct widen participation. Locker-room-level policies — moderation, reporting paths, guardianship for minors — create trust. Accessible peripherals, adjustable desks, and quiet rooms bring more players in without sacrificing competitive standards.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Lock-In, E-Waste, Shiny-Gear Traps
Vendor lock-in throttles experimentation; refreshes that ignore refurbishment create e-waste; flashy rigs without coaching stall skill growth. Governance fixes this: RFPs that prioritize repairability, buy-back programs, and coaching budgets sized like hardware budgets. Hardware without humans is stage dressing.
Standardize Without Stagnating: Room Templates & Flex
Room templates speed deployment — power maps, network diagrams, seating charts — but each venue needs flex lanes for indie titles, accessibility, and content creator pods. Standardize ninety percent; reserve ten percent for experimentation. That balance keeps the scene fresh while ops stay calm.
Roadmap: Next 18 Months of Build-Out
Expect staged rollouts: campus labs first, regional hubs second, traveling “arena-in-a-truck” kits third. Add analytics clusters for aim trainers and wellness dashboards; ship spare-part vending for weekend events; train shadow crews to avoid single points of human failure. Measure, publish, iterate — the cadence of real leagues.
Verdict: Consistency Over Flash, Systems Over Sizzle
Lenovo’s influence in Saudi esports is less about logo walls and more about calendars that never slip. When power is clean, ping is disciplined, and people are trained, practice turns into progress and events into seasons. The scene grows because the experience feels the same on Tuesday as on finals day — and that sameness is what makes the highlights possible.
Cruises have surged in popularity among all age groups in recent times, and it is easy to see why. Cruises offer the adventure of a backpacking trip with the ability to explore multiple locations on one trip, but they also provide the luxury of a 5-star resort with incredible onboard facilities and services. It is this combination of adventure, luxury, and relaxation that makes cruises such a terrific option. So, what are some of the best ways to stay entertained on the high seas? It is impossible to be bored on a cruise ship as there are so many options to consider.
Live Shows
Cruise ships provide an array of live entertainment that keeps people engaged on evenings at sea. This can include cabaret, music, musical acts, comedy, theatre productions, and much more. These shows tend to bring everyone together and help to create a lively atmosphere on board. These live shows and theatrical experiences are often what people remember most about being onboard, as they provide the thrill of live entertainment with the pleasure of being out at sea.
Fitness & Wellness
MSC Aurea Spa & Gym aboard MSC Seascape (Photo by John Shallo/Cruise Addicts)
Most modern-day cruise liners have a range of fitness and wellness facilities. For many people, this will be a great way to stay entertained during the day, whether this is working out in the gym, playing a game of tennis, or taking part in a yoga class. It can be easy to overindulge on a cruise, especially an all-inclusive one, so many people turn to fitness and wellness to boost their health and wellbeing so that they feel fresh and energized each day.
Family & Group Activities
Many cruises also offer a range of family and group activities that can keep all ages entertained. This can include things like themed parties, interactive workshops, sports facilities, and simply relaxing by the pool. These activities can also make it easy to make new friends on board.
Skill-Based Gaming
There are often various gaming options available to passengers, such as casino games and arcades. Many also enjoy playing games like online blackjack while lounging around the pool. Luckynuggetcasino.com blackjack is a good choice as there is a range of blackjack games to choose from, including live dealer options for a more immersive experience. Blackjack is also a good beginner’s game as the rules are easy to learn, and you can use basic strategy to improve your chances of winning.
Culinary Entertainment
A chef aboard the Carnival Magic completes a pasta dish in the Cucina del Capitano restaurant offering family-style Italian dining. Photo by Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines
Of course, food is a huge part of what makes cruises so appealing. Cruise ships can provide passengers with all kinds of culinary experiences, including fine dining restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and themed dinners, just to name a few examples. Cruises are also a way to sample the cuisine of many different places, both onboard and on port days.
There is never a dull moment on a cruise ship. The entertainment options are endless, whether you want to catch a live performance or simply play online casino games while relaxing by the pool. This huge range of entertainment options is just one reason why cruises have become so popular in recent years.
The largest cruise ships in the world are more than simple ships, they’re floating comprehensive floating entertainment complexes. At a size that really has to be seen to be believed.
With room for thousands on board, these ships are hundreds of metres long with more than a dozen decks. They feature casino gambling, waterparks, cinemas, ice rinks, sports venues, theatres, and even, in one case, a planetarium. All sailing around the world to various iconic destinations. These, are the world’s biggest cruise ships.
Icon of the Seas is a New Level of Scale
Icon of the Seas – and her sister ship the Star of the Seas are a new class of cruise ship. Literally.
The Icon class was commissioned by Royal Caribbean in 2016, and the first two ships of the line set sail in early 2024.
Among other features, the Icon of the Seas has the largest on-ship casino in the world – outsizing some famous land based gambling venues even. A literal offshore casino if you will.
Luckily you don’t have to book a voyage into international waters to make an online casino deposit. With betway bucks you can go straight from your local store to online casino gameplay on your device in just minutes. All Betway’s top games are available, from live casino game shows to slots, and you can get into the game with a bang through their sweet promos and bonus offers.
Other amenities on board the Icon of the Seas include:
Decks split into eight distinct neighborhoods with themed eateries, bars and attractions
The biggest at sea waterpark with record breaking waterslides and diving boards
A rock climbing wall, a zipline and a skywalk ropes attraction
A swimming pool based theatre with nightly aquatic acrobatics shows
An ice skating rink
Over 30 restaurants and bars
The impressive floating construction has capacity for 7600 passengers and more than 2000 crew. As well as being the largest by dimensions it also the largest cruise ship by gross tonnage, at a huge 248,663 tonnes of internal volume.
Icon of the Seas departs from Miami, Florida, and it on its maiden voyage it was officially opened by global soccer star Lionel Messi.
Wonder of the Seas Was the Short-Lived Record Holder
Wonder of the Seas – also operated by Royal Caribbean – was the biggest cruise ship in the world between 2022 and 2024, when it was surpassed by Icon of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas is still highly-rated by travellers and cruise ship fans however, and it is still among one of the most impressive in the world.
As well as sharing many features with the Icon class, this behemoth of a ship also offers:
A crazy central Oasis park through the middle of the ship that has 10,000 plants
Two theatres
A full size indoor basketball court
A full service casino with table games and slots
An arcade with modern and vintage gaming machines
A bionic bar with drinks prepared and served by robots
The Wonder of the Seas departs from PortMiami Florida for cruises around the Caribbean. It was for a time homeported in Port Canaveral in Orlando.
The Queen Mary 2 Is the Largest True Ocean Liner
Speaking of US ports, The Queen Mary 2 may no longer be even in the top 10 of largest cruise ships. But it is, the largest true ocean liner still in service.
That is, ships built for travelling but also for the experience of the long voyage. In the lap of luxury of course.
Built in the early 2000s and launched in 2024, Queen Mary 2 still regularly sails between Southampton, England, and New York City, in an ocean-spanning voyage that takes a full seven days.
Although built for travel over leisure, no expense was spared in making the journey a pleasurable one. The ship features classic British elegance in design choices, compared to the maximalist luxury of the two mega cruise ships above, and it has the largest ship-borne ballroom in the world.
Other features include:
5000 works of art from 128 different artists
The largest library of any cruise ship, with 8000 volumes and a reading area overlooking the ship’s bow
A full service casino
A theatre – sometimes known to host Shakespeare plays with famous actors
15 restaurants and bars
The Queen Mary 2 is notable for having the first and only planetarium at sea. During the day the glass-domed room is a lecture hall and cinema, but during the night-time it uses the dark night sky of the open Atlantic to full effect. Sometimes guest lectures are held by notable or famous astronomers too, so keep an eye out for that.
There you have it – three of the world’s biggest and most impressive cruise ships. From ultra modern floating entertainment palaces to classic British working elegance, any voyage on these ships will be among the greatest travel experiences in the world.
Another day full of cruise news coming to you directly from Cruise Hive, including the much-anticipated crime cruise mysteriously cancelled, Norwegian Cruise Line implementing a new no-show dining fee, and Carnival expanding in Galveston, Texas.
Cruise Hive was founded in 2008 by Emrys Thakkar, a former crew member and someone who has a massive passion for cruise ships. He has grown Cruise Hive into what it is today, a leading independent publisher covering the latest cruise news, advice, and more!
