Thank you for watching Letโs Go! Travel Tips and joining us as we talk about cruising to such destinations as Alaska and the Caribbean, but also to more distant and exotic locations in Europe, including the Mediterranean, the Baltic, British Isles, Norway and beyond.
We share the latest Cruise News Today and Cruise Travel Tips. Please be sure to tell us in the comments your own experiences so we can all learn how to best enjoy our cruise vacation. Thank you and God Bless you!
๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ!๐ข Get some awesome CRUISE MERCH: Check out our CRUISE NICE TO HAVES LIST:
๐ฆA little about us!๐ง Hi! We are Jason and Kellie! Weโve been married 25 years. We have four awesome children! We were both Army officers! We love Jesus! And, we love life! Traveling the world is what we do! One of the best ways to do that is by ship! Our passion is to give you all of the cruise news and information you need in a concise way that values your time. We hope you will subscribe and take the journey with us!
The Titanic was the most luxurious ship of its time, and sailing on her wasnโt cheap.
Over a century later, the tragic voyage still captures our imagination, especially when it comes to who could afford a ticket.
So, how did the cost of travelling on the Titanic compare to modern cruise fares? The numbers might surprise you.
Titanic Ticket Prices
Tickets to sail on the Titanic in 1912 cost from ยฃ7 for a Third Class ticket up to ยฃ870 for a First Class Suite. At todayโs prices, that would equate to around ยฃ850 for Third Class to over ยฃ105,000 for the best First Class Suite.
Whatโs also interesting is how much the tickets cost in US dollars. The exchange rate between the Pound and the Dollar was much wider back in 1912 โ you could get almost $5 to the pound. So, a Third Class ticket was $35 while the First Class Suite was over $4,000.
Class
Price in 1912 (ยฃ)
Price in 1912 ($)
Price today (ยฃ)
Price today ($)
First Class Suite
ยฃ870
$4,350
ยฃ105,883
$133,132
First Class Berth
ยฃ30
$150
ยฃ3,651
$4,591
Second Class
ยฃ12
$60
ยฃ1,460
$1,834
Third Class
ยฃ7
$35
ยฃ852
$1,071
Itโs estimated that there were 324 first-class passengers on board the Titanicโs maiden voyage when it sank, though it isnโt known how many of them took a standard first-class berth and how many took a suite.
There were 284 second-class passengers on board, and 709 third-class passengers (source). The Titanic was around half-full on her sailing.
So, if all the first-class passengers paid the ยฃ30 berth fare, then the total fare for all passengers would have been ยฃ18,091 ($90,455) in 1912, or just over ยฃ2.2 million ($2.75 million) in todayโs money.
As a side note, White Star Line was sued for around ยฃ3.2 million ($16 million) in compensation by the survivors of the sinking, but the company only paid out ยฃ132,000 ($664,000).
That worked out at around ยฃ190 per person, or $950. In todayโs money, that would be just over ยฃ23,000.ย
The Most Expensive Ticket Boughtโฆ
While the most expensive suite on the Titanic would have cost around ยฃ870, that wasnโt occupied. The most expensive ticket purchased was believed to have cost around ยฃ512 ($2,560), approximately ยฃ60,000 ($75,000) today.
It is thought that the most expensive suite sold on the Titanic โ with two bedrooms and a sitting room โ was occupied by Charlotte Drake Cardeza, an American arts patron. She travelled with her 36-year-old son and their maid and valet. All survived the sinking of the ship, although they left behind 14 trunks of luggage as well as many other belongings.
The suite benefitted from its own private promenade deck which was 50-feet long -considerably larger than many of todayโs suite balconies.
First-Class Tickets Explained
The Titanic first-class ticket price varied between ยฃ30 and ยฃ870, depending on whether passengers chose a first-class berth or a private suite. That equates to between ยฃ3,651 and ยฃ105,883 in todayโs money. The most expensive first-class ticket actually bought is thought to have cost ยฃ512.
First-class rooms were decorated to the same standards as a high-class hotel, and there were a number of onboard facilities exclusively available to these guests.
These included a gym, a squash court, a swimming pool and a Turkish bath. Games like shuffleboard and chess were available to play on the deck.
The cost to use the Turkish Bath was 4 shillings or 1 dollar (approximately ยฃ60 in todayโs money). The swimming pool was priced at 1 shilling or 25 cents (ยฃ15 today). Men could also swim for free between 6 am and 9 am.
Guests could choose to dine in the main dining room, which had tables for between two and eight guests.
All meals were served in this room, with dinner traditionally served between 7 and 8.15 pm. Alternatively, first-class guests could pay extra to dine in the a la carte restaurant.
Food for first-class passengers was typically high-class, including canapes, oysters, expensive meat dishes such as lamb and duckling, and varied cheese boards for dessert, along with French pastries. A lot of the menus were based on French cuisine, but some British and American options were included.
Hereโs an example of a first-class lunch menu :
Second-Class Tickets Explained
A second-class ticket on the Titanic cost ยฃ12 (or $60), which is approximately ยฃ1,460 ($1,834) in todayโs money. There were fewer second-class passengers travelling on the Titanic when she sank (284) than there were first-class passengers (324).
Second-class guests enjoyed a little more comfort than those in third class, with private cabins (although bathrooms were still shared). There was a library and a men-only smoking room, as well as promenade decks where guests could enjoy fresh air.
There was one second-class dining room that was large enough to accommodate all guests at once, and while menu options were more limited than in first class, there was still plenty of variety in the food available.
As an example, the last meal enjoyed by Titanic guests in second class included chicken curry, spring lamb or roast turkey for the main, while dessert options included cheese and biscuits, American ice cream and plum pudding.
Hereโs a second-class dinner menu from the Titanic:
Third-Class Tickets Explained
A third-class ticket on the Titanic cost ยฃ7 ($35 at the time), the equivalent of around ยฃ852 in todayโs money ($1,071). That price did include food as well as the accommodation cost. Titanicโs third class was considered to be as good as second class on similar ships of the time.
Wages at the time varied, but a skilled working-class man in England would likely have made around ยฃ100 per year, making the cost of a ticket on the Titanic around 7% of the annual salary. Many third-class travellers were sailing to America to start a new life there in the hopes of building their fortune.
On the Titanic, there were two dining rooms for third-class passengers, who also had outdoor deck space to enjoy as well as communal rooms to enjoy. Third-class guests didnโt eat dinner, which was considered a reserve of the upper classes, but instead had tea and supper.
The food included fresh-baked bread, fruit and vegetables, along with meat and seafood, with many guests likely to have eaten better than they would normally have done at home.
Hereโs a daily menu for third-class passengers on the Titanic:
At the time, many third-class passengers on other ships aside from the Titanic would have had to bring their own food with them.
There Were Rich People Onboard
The richest person on the Titanic was John Jacob Astor IV, an American businessman with a net worth at the time of around $87 million (equivalent to almost $2.5 billion today). He did not make it into a lifeboat and died when the ship sank.
Astor was sailing with his second wife, Madeleine Force Astor. She had fallen pregnant as the couple was travelling, and as they wanted the child to be born in the US, they bought tickets to sail on the Titanic.
Also in their travelling party were Astorโs valet Victor Robbins, Madeleineโs maid Rosalie Bidois and her nurse Caroline Louise Endres. They also had their dog, Kitty, with them. Madeleine, Rosalie and Caroline all made it onto a lifeboat and survived, but John, Victor and Kitty did not.
Astor was a very prominent businessman, to the point that one newspaper (the New York American) even broke the story of the Titanic sinking by almost dedicating the entire article to his loss of life, mentioning the other lives lost only at the end of the article.
Due to his notoriety, a lot of stories about his last moments on the Titanic were reported, including releasing all the onboard animals from the kennels to helping a boy get into a lifeboat. None of these can be substantiated, though, and most are expected to be exaggerations.
To Conclude
As you can tell, the prices on the Titanic werenโt actually so different from the equivalent prices today.
Itโs not as simple a comparison since we no longer have first, second, and third-class tickets, but if you compare the prices to a balcony, oceanview and interior room on your average 7-day cruise, then you may not be too far away.
Of course, that falls apart when you add in the ยฃ100,000+ first-class suite โ only a half-year world cruise on an ultra-luxury ship would set you back that much today.
Now that youโve got a good idea of how much the Titanic cost, why not see how it directly compares to the largest cruise ship in the world right now?
Check out my guide to Icon of the Seas vs Titanic for a full breakdown of accommodation, ticket prices, facilities and more.
Related posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
As controversy over Carnival Cruise Lineโs overhaul of its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program continues to stir strong reactions, company president Christine Duffy is stepping in to address guest concerns head-on.
The changes, announced in June 2025 and set to take effect on 1st June 2026, shift the program from a cruise-day-based model to a spending-based system.
Many long-time cruisers have voiced frustration over the elimination of lifetime status and the increased emphasis on dollars spent.
Speaking from Carnival Vista on 14th July, Duffy acknowledged the outcry but defended the decision as necessary for the cruise lineโs future.
โWhile we knew this change and this announcement was going to be difficult, the lifetime status benefits just cannot be delivered in the right way,โ
Duffy pointed to the exponential growth of Carnivalโs guest base as a key factor. Founded in 1972, the line will have carried 110 million guests by the end of 2025 โ 65 million of them in just the past 13 years.
With two more Excel-class ships and three new Ace-class vessels on the way, the company says it needs a scalable loyalty system that rewards guests based on actual engagement.
โI really just want to reassure people that it is not our intention at all for people not to maintain their statusโฆ Just lifetime status is not feasible given the number of people and the growth in the highest tiers.โ
New Structure: Points and Stars
The revamped program, Carnival Rewards, introduces two systems:
Points which are earned based on money spent on cruise fares, onboard extras (spa, specialty dining, drinks, etc.), casino play, and purchases made with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
Stars, which determine a guestโs loyalty tier and will be based on spending activity within a rolling two-year window.
This means guests must continue to cruise and spend in order to retain status โ a dramatic shift from the original program, which was largely based on days sailed.
Carnival promises that all current VIFP tiers will remain in place until 31st May 2028. Diamond members will receive a longer grace period through 31st May 2032.
Cardholders Affected
Duffy also addressed questions surrounding the Carnival Rewards Mastercard, currently issued through Barclays. Points accrued under the existing program will automatically carry over into the new system.
There are ongoing discussions to include Canada and Australia, although regulatory differences in credit and data laws may require unique program variants for those markets.
For guests nearing a milestone reward under the current program โ such as commemorative items or sailings โ Duffy confirmed they will be able to redeem those benefits for up to five years after the new program launches.
A new Milestone program is also being developed, though details remain under wraps for now.
โWe want to be transparent, and we want to be sure everyone understands the program,โ
The cruise line has promised that full details about how points, stars, and tier rewards work will be released before the end of 2025, giving guests several months to understand and plan for the transition.
Loyalty Tested
While the updated system may offer more flexible redemption and rewards tied to spending habits, many Carnival fans have said the shift undermines the sense of community and recognition that long-time cruising built.
Some have already voiced intentions to switch to competitor lines like MSC Cruises or Explora Journeys, both of which offer loyalty status matching.
Carnival, for its part, hopes transparency and clearer communication in the months ahead will help keep its core base onboard.
For now, loyalty guests are encouraged to monitor updates closely and redeem existing benefits before the system is replaced in June 2026.
TODAYโS BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Donโt miss these offersโฆ
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation. Carnival Cruise Lineโs Carnival Adventure will be the first vesselโฆ
Carnival Cruise Line frustrated many loyal guests earlier this summer by announcing the new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the existing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program. Nowโฆ
In an age where AI can write headlines faster than a journalist can fact-check them, the public is increasingly at risk of being misled by fake or sensationalised news storiesโฆ
Norwegian Starโs latest cruise to Iceland got off to a dramatic start when the ship lost power just hours after leaving New York City. But thanks to fast action byโฆ
Cruise tourism is officially returning to Vanuatu, just eight months after a powerful earthquake devastated parts of the island nation.
Carnival Cruise Lineโs Carnival Adventure will be the first vessel with regularly scheduled visits to call at Port Vila since the disaster, with her arrival set for 8th August 2025.
The 10-night โVanuatu & New Caledoniaโ voyage, roundtrip from Sydney, will also include stops at Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Lifou, and Noumea (New Caledonia).
Carnival Adventure, which can carry up to 2,600 guests, will continue calling at Port Vila through September 2025, before resuming those visits again in summer 2026.
This marks a significant moment in the regionโs recovery.
While Oceania Cruises made one-off visits earlier this year โ Oceania Insignia on 4th June and Oceania Regatta on 7th July โ Carnivalโs return represents the first consistent return of cruise tourism to Port Vila.
Like many cruise lines, Carnival halted visits following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 16th December 2024, which caused extensive damage.
In the immediate aftermath, Carnival Cruise Line also donated $60,000 to support local paramedic services caring for the injured.
Carnivalโs return is part of a broader recovery for Vanuatuโs cruise tourism sector. Sister ship Carnival Encounter, homeported in Brisbane, is also scheduled to visit the port on select itineraries in 2025.
Both ships were previously operated by P&O Australia, but were transferred to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet following the brandโs dissolution in June 2024.
Royal Caribbean is also preparing to return, with Anthem of the Seas (based in Sydney) and Voyager of the Seas (based in Brisbane) expected to call at Port Vila in the months ahead.
Local Preparations Underway
To prepare for the relaunch of cruise tourism, the Vanuatu Tourism Office is working closely with Port Vila City Council and other government departments.
Theyโve invited residents and local businesses to a community meeting on 23rd July 2025, where details will be shared on temporary wharf facilities, the upcoming cruise schedule, and port readiness.
With Port Vila operating as a tender port, officials are also expected to address logistical updates needed to accommodate guests safely and comfortably.
โWe know the benefits cruise ships bring to our country and communitiesโฆ We are already running awareness programs so that the public, and especially businesses, are informed and prepared to welcome the visitors on this important day.โ
Rachel Koran, marketing officer at the Vanuatu Tourism Office
A VIP ceremony is planned to welcome Carnival Adventure on 8th August, with local leaders set to attend and officially mark the milestone.
Ahead of that arrival, a Port Vila Clean-Up Campaign is also underway to beautify areas frequented by tourists, and local businesses are being encouraged to decorate storefronts and public spaces with welcome signage.
Cruise tourism is a vital contributor to the local economy, and the return of ships like Carnival Adventure is a key step in Vanuatuโs post-disaster recovery.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offersโฆ
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
As controversy over Carnival Cruise Lineโs overhaul of its Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program continues to stir strong reactions, company president Christine Duffy is stepping in to addressโฆ
Carnival Cruise Line frustrated many loyal guests earlier this summer by announcing the new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the existing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program. Nowโฆ
In an age where AI can write headlines faster than a journalist can fact-check them, the public is increasingly at risk of being misled by fake or sensationalised news storiesโฆ
Norwegian Starโs latest cruise to Iceland got off to a dramatic start when the ship lost power just hours after leaving New York City. But thanks to fast action byโฆ
Welcome back to the Always Be Booked Cruise Podcast. Host Tommy Casabona catches up with Mike Gormley of โThe Nauti Cruiserโ for a Thursday Conversation.
In an age where AI can write headlines faster than a journalist can fact-check them, the public is increasingly at risk of being misled by fake or sensationalised news stories โ especially about cruise ships.
One recent example: an exaggerated viral article claiming that a fire on the Island Princess cruise ship caused widespread panic, a full-scale evacuation, and even a collision with a freighter.
None of that actually happened.
What Really Happened on the Island Princess
On Tuesday, 15th July a small fire broke out in a galley aboard the Island Princess while it was en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The incident was quickly handled by the crew, extinguished with minimal disruption, and did not require all passengers to report to their muster stations.
There are mixed reports over whether a small number of guests were asked to head to their muster stations, but it certainly didnโt affect the entire ship.
No injuries occurred, and the ship continued on schedule, docking safely in Halifax two days later.
Thatโs the truth.
Yet, within hours, AI-generated articles flooded social media claiming there had been an โexplosion,โ passengers in โfear for their lives,โ and a dramatic emergency that barely avoided disaster.
Fake images showed firefighters ashore racing to help a blazing ship. Which makes no sense.
And the one article that went most viral even called the captain โthe dudeโ. Bizarre.
In reality, the fire was a minor onboard issue โ one the well-trained crew addressed exactly as they are trained to.
Why Fake Cruise News Spreads
These overblown stories often come from websites or social media accounts more interested in clicks than credibility.
With AI tools that can churn out hundreds of dramatic-sounding articles in minutes, some operators deliberately exploit real events by adding false or exaggerated details to stoke fear and draw traffic.
Itโs a dangerous trend.
Fake cruise news:
Erodes public trust in cruise safety
Spreads unnecessary panic among travellers and their families
Diverts attention from the real heroes: the trained crews who keep passengers safe every day
Check the source: Is the article from a known cruise news outlet, travel blog, or mainstream publication? Or is it from an unfamiliar site youโve never heard of before?
Look for Over-the-Top Language: Phrases like โpassengers feared for their lives,โ โexplosion,โ or โtotal chaosโ are red flags โ especially if the official reports contradict them.
Cross-Reference Facts: Before sharing a story, see if other credible sources are reporting the same details. A real emergency will be reported by multiple reputable outlets.
Beware the โToo Convenientโ Narrative: AI tools often create stories that follow predictable, dramatic plots โ even if the facts donโt support them.
Why Trust Still Matters
Cruise lines like Princess Cruises invest heavily in safety training, regular drills, fire suppression systems, and emergency protocols.
Their crew members are professionals who know how to handle incidents quickly and calmly, as shown on the Island Princess. Misinformation only undermines public understanding of how cruise safety truly works.
The Bottom Line: Stay Informed, Not Alarmed
Yes, the Island Princess did experience a small fire. But no, it was not a major emergency. Passengers were not mustered en masse, and the ship carried on with its itinerary without issue.
Donโt fall for AI-generated alarmism. Stick to trusted sources and remember that just because something appears on social media doesnโt mean itโs true.
When in doubt, verify before you share.
TODAYโS BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Donโt miss these offersโฆ
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Norwegian Starโs latest cruise to Iceland got off to a dramatic start when the ship lost power just hours after leaving New York City. But thanks to fast action byโฆ
Nearly two weeks after Niceโs mayor Christian Estrosi attempted to expel Voyager of the Seas from the Villefranche-sur-Mer harbour, a French administrative court has blocked the local restrictions he triedโฆ
More than 115 years after RMS Titanicโs infamous maiden voyage, a full-scale replica is now set to follow in the footsteps โ or rather, the wake โ of the worldโsโฆ
With the Mediterranean cruise season in full swing, some dishonest taxi drivers near Greeceโs busiest port are taking advantage of unsuspecting cruise guests. One recent traveller is now sounding theโฆ
Carnival Cruise Line frustrated many loyal guests earlier this summer by announcing the new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the existing VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program.
Now its upscale sister brand Seabourn is making loyalty headlines of its own โ although this time, itโs mostly good news.
On 15th July 2025, Seabourn revealed a full redesign of its Seabourn Club loyalty program, with a stronger focus on guest feedback, simplified tiers, and faster ways to earn elite status.
โWeโre evolving Seabourn Club to make it more rewarding for more guests on every voyage,โ
Seabourn statement
While the program has always offered some of the most generous perks in the luxury cruise market, the new update introduces a point-based structure, replaces the old โClub Daysโ calculation, and lowers thresholds to help guests unlock benefits faster.
But thereโs one major caveat: guests must opt in by 20th October 2025, or risk losing all previously earned progress.
A New Point System โ With Better Rewards
Under the previous program, guests accumulated Club Days based on how much they cruised with Seabourn, with bonuses for premium suites and back-to-back sailings.
Now, those days are being replaced by โClub Pointsโ, a more flexible structure that better reflects a guestโs loyalty without requiring complex bonus tracking.
Tier thresholds are also being lowered:
Silver status drops from 20 Club Days to 15 Club Points
Gold moves from 75 to 50
Platinum shifts from 140 to 100
Diamond drops from 250 to 200
Diamond Elite falls from 650 to 500
This change should allow more guests to reach higher tiers sooner โ a marked contrast to Carnivalโs controversial switch to a spending-based loyalty system that many long-time cruisers felt punished those who booked earlier or in less expensive staterooms.
Enhanced Perks, With a Warning
In addition to the faster tier progression, Seabourn is enhancing several key perks:
Silver and above now receive stream-level WiFi
Gold and Platinum enjoy complimentary unlimited laundry (but that doesnโt include pressing)
Diamond guests receive a one-time 100 Club Day bonus when the program goes live, with Diamond Elite guests getting 150 Club Days added.
While the tiers will now be earned with โClub Pointsโ, there will still be โClub Daysโ based on your sailing days alone that will continue to count towards complimentary cruise awards.
Guests can still earn:
A 7-day free cruise at 350 Club Days
A 14-day free cruise at 460 Club Days
Additional 7-day awards every 110 Club Days after that
This is an increase of requirements compared to the old system, which gave a 7-day cruise at 140 Sailed Days and a 14-day cruise at 250 Sailed Days.
However, to preserve progress and perks, guests must opt in to the revised program by 20th October 2025. Failure to do so will result in loss of all loyalty status, including earned rewards and milestone accruals.
โThe new program strikes a thoughtful balance of benefits, rewards, and recognition,โ
Loyalty in the Spotlight
The loyalty program refresh comes at a time when cruise line loyalty structures are under heavy scrutiny.
In June, Carnival Cruise Line โ Seabournโs sister company under Carnival Corporation โ sparked outrage after announcing major changes to its loyalty program.
While Seabournโs approach does not mimic Carnivalโs spending model, the company has clearly taken steps to modernize its offering in response to guest input โ and possibly to avoid the missteps seen elsewhere in the cruise world.
Guests hoping to make the most of Seabournโs updates โ especially those nearing milestone reward thresholds โ are encouraged to review their accounts now and claim any Redeemable Sail Days before the new system launches in October, if they are due to get a reward sailing that they wonโt yet be eligible for under the new system.
The best way to book a Seabourn cruise
Want expert help to plan your perfect cruise?
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Cruise holidays are usually smooth sailing, with thousands setting off every day and returning with nothing more dramatic than a sunburn or a souvenir.
But on rare occasions, things have gone horribly wrong.
From tragic sinkings to shocking onboard incidents, this guide dives into the worst cruise ship disasters of all time โ the moments when paradise at sea turned into something far more terrifying.
Important Definitions
Before we dive into the list, we need to define two things: what is a cruise ship, and what is a โdisasterโ?
For the purposes of this list, Iโve chosen to include ships that were operating as a cruise ship or as an ocean liner at the time of the disaster. These are ships that were either making long-haul passenger journeys or ships that were sailing for pleasure. This means Iโve chosen not to include ferries such as the MS Estonia or other types of ships.
So, for example, I havenโt included the Lusitania even though she was designed as an ocean liner, because when she was sunk, she had been commandeered for the First World War.
When it comes to the term โdisasterโ, the definition is a little more vague. There are other articles you can read that will include the Carnival Triumphโs 2012 cruise as a disaster, for example, where the ship lost power and had major issues with sewage. Horrible, absolutely, and Iโm sure the passengers onboard called their cruise a โdisasterโ โ but I chose not to include it.
Instead, Iโve kept this list to incidents which involved a loss of life, because I think thatโs a definition you absolutely canโt argue is a disaster. Itโs also not a list of every cruise ship incident where life was lost, just the worst disasters.
With all that context, letโs take a lookโฆ
1. RMS Titanic
Number of deaths โ 1,517
Easily the most famous of the disasters on this list, the Titanic is one of the biggest maritime disasters regardless of ship type. With a loss of over 1,500 passengers and crew, it was a horrific tragedy.
The cause of the incident is well documented โ the ship hit an iceberg, creating a series of holes along the starboard side of the ship. This caused the hull to buckle and separate, eventually leading to the ship sinking.
A lack of lifeboats meant that many people onboard ended up in the freezing waters, where they had almost no chance of survival. The only good to come of the incident was that it triggered a major overhaul of safety measures on ships, though it is horrendous that it took something of this magnitude to spark those changes.
Read more:
2. Empress of Ireland
Number of deaths โ 1,012
The Empress of Ireland was another major shipping disaster which occurred in the early 20th Century โ she sank in 1914, only two years after the Titanic, contributing to a bleak time in maritime history which would only get worse as the First World War took hold.
This was a Canadian ship, and she struck another ship, the Storstad, which was a Norwegian Collier. The ships were aware of each other, but the sudden onset of fog made it very difficult to communicate, with only whistles available.
The Empress of Ireland sank once she was hit, leading to the deaths of over 1,000 passengers and crew in the worst peacetime maritime disaster in Canadaโs history. The Storstad survived the incident and would ultimately be handed over to the Canadian Pacific Railway company, which had owned the Empress of Ireland, as compensation.
3. SS Eastland
Number of deaths โ 844
The SS Eastland was a large passenger ship designed for cruises of the Great Lakes. She was built in 1903 and would sail until 1915, when she sank, causing the deaths of over 800 passengers and crew. This is the largest loss of life of any ship on the Great Lakes.
The ship had a history of listing issues, having first almost capsized in 1904 when she was carrying 3,000 passengers. This led to a reduction in her maximum capacity, though further incidents took place, which caused concern.ย
On 24th July 1915, the ship would lurch and ultimately capsize while at the dock in Chicago, with many passengers trapped below the decks as the ship sank to the river bottom. Some passengers were also killed after being crushed by heavy furniture. Despite the ship being so close to the dock, it was impossible to get everyone out in time, hence the high death toll.
4. Saint-Philibert
Number of deaths โ Approx. 500
The Saint-Philibert was a small cruise ship that offered cruises along the Loire River and around the northern coast of France.ย
She only measured 32 meters in length, but she had an estimated 500 or so people on board on a cruise from Nantes in 1931 โ 467 passengers were officially checked onto the ship alongside at least 8 crew members, though there were also children onboard and they werenโt counted.
This was around twice the expected load for the ship, and a combination of being overloaded and bad weather caused issues. As the ship sailed on its return leg, it capsized, leaving behind only 8 survivors.
The victimsโ families took the owners of the ship to court, but they were found not to be at fault despite the overcrowding of the ship.
5. Dongfang Zhi Xing
Number of deaths โ 442
The most recent cruise ship disaster on this list is also the worst river cruise disaster in history. The MV Dongfang Zhi Xing (roughly translated as the Eastern Star) was sailing along the Yangtze River in 2015, cruising through the renowned Three Gorges.
Unfortunately, on 13th June, the ship was caught in a massive storm โ originally thought to be a tornado, though it was later clarified that the tornado occurred 8km away and instead this was a downburst in a thunderstorm. It caused the ship to capsize.
There were 454 people onboard the ship, most of whom were from the Nanjing region of China and in their 60s and 70s. There were around 45 crew members on the ship, as well as five tour guides who were brought onboard to help educate guests on the region. Only 12 people survived the incident, including the shipโs captain and chief engineer.
6. SS Admiral Nakhimov
Photo credit: Leo Medvedev/ะะตะฒ ะะตะพะฝะธะดะพะฒะธั ะะตะดะฒะตะดะตะฒ
Number of deaths โ 423
The SS Admiral Nakhimov was originally built as a passenger liner for the North German Lloyd Line in Germany, sailing as the Berlin. She was then used by the Nazis as a hospital ship during the Second World War, before being given to the Soviet Union through reparations. By this time, she had already been hit by mines and sunk once, and she was sunk for a second time in 1947.
She was raised, repaired and renamed and was then used as a passenger service, cruising the Black Sea on a six-day round trip, which she did successfully for almost 40 years.
On 31st August 1986, she collided with the cargo freighter Pyotr Vasev (source). This is despite earlier radioing the freighter and warning of a collision course, with the crew on the freighter claiming that they would turn and pass without incident, despite not changing course.
Of the 888 passengers and 346 crew members onboard, over 400 were killed when the ship sank, most of whom were Ukrainian.
7. Aleksandr Suvorov
Photo credit: Mike1979 Russia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Number of deaths โ 176
The Aleksandr Suvorov is a river cruise ship that is still operating sailings on the Volga, the biggest river in Russia.
On 5th June 1983, while sailing from Rostov to Moscow, an auction was taking place in the cinema hall on the upper deck, with many guests present. However, the ship was trying to pass the Ulyanovsk railway bridge at the wrong point, and it wasnโt noticed until the ship was about to collide.
Girders from the bridge cut through the cinema hall where the auction was taking place, and of the 395 people onboard the ship, almost half were killed. Despite the captain having relinquished control of the ship to his chief mate, he was jailed for six years for the incident.
8. SS Morro Castle
Photo: International News Photos, Inc., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Number of deaths โ 137
The SS Morro Castle is another incident where the ship involved did not actually sink, but still suffered a major disaster that was quite horrific. And it began, on 5th September 1934, with the death of the shipโs Captain by an apparent heart attack, after complaining of feeling unwell earlier in the evening.
Command passed to the Chief Officer, William Warms, and as the night continued, a fire broke out within a writing room. Acting Captain Warms tried to beach the ship, but had to abandon his plan, by which point the ship was in darkness after the electrical cables were burned through.
Passengers gathered on the deck but were not given clear instructions. Some lifeboats were launched, but they contained just 85 people, most of whom were crew. Passengers were forced to jump into the stormy waters, but some died due to being unable to operate the flotation devices, or even after being struck by the devices being thrown into the waters.
In total, 137 people died either on the ship or in the water.
9. SS Andrea Doria
Number of deaths โ 46
The SS Andrea Doria was a luxury ocean liner that launched in 1953, but only sailed for three years before she sank. On 25 July 1956, the ship collided with the Stockholm, a Swedish passenger liner (source).
The Stockholm was sailing an unorthodox route, avoiding the typical eastbound traffic area and sailing into westbound traffic. Still, this was deemed to be safe because the ships were using radar, though it appears that both ships misinterpreted each otherโs course.
While the Andrea Doria did lose half her lifeboats in the collision and subsequent listing, she remained above the water for 11 hours, which meant that the crew could calmly arrange for all guests left alive to be rescued.
The 46 people who lost their lives all died at the moment of the collision. Over 1,600 passengers and crew were rescued.
10. Costa Concordia
Number of deaths โ 32
The Costa Concordia disaster is very famous due to its recency and the fact that itโs one of the only major disasters to occur involving what weโd consider to be a modern ocean-faring cruise ship.
The cruise ship ran aground on 13th January 2012, after Captain Francesco Schettino changed the course of the ship to carry out a sail-by of the island of Giglio. Schettino refused to raise the alarm and abandoned ship while passengers were still onboard.
32 people lost their lives in the incident, with the final bodies discovered three years after the ship ran aground, as the ship was being dismantled. Schettino was jailed for his role in the disaster.
Read more:
11. MV Royal Pacific
Number of deaths โ 9
The MV Royal Pacific was a cruise ship sailing on a two-night cruise to nowhere from Singapore when she was hit by a fishing trawler on 21st August 1992.
The extent of the damage to the MV Royal Pacific caused her to sink in just 15 minutes.
There were 355 passengers and 179 crew on the ship and most were able to abandon ship quickly on the lifeboats. During the rescue, three people drowned, while another six werenโt found and were assumed to be trapped in the ship. A report declared that there was fault on both shipsโ parts for the incident.
Final Word
Thatโs the list of the worst cruise ship disasters in history by loss of life. If you know of any disasters that Iโve missed in my research, bearing in mind the rules I set out at the start of this guide, then please do let me know and Iโll be sure to update this list.
TODAYโS BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Donโt miss these offersโฆ
Related Posts:
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay might look like tropical twins at first glance โ both are private island escapes owned by Carnival Corporation and shared by Princess, Carnival, and Holland America.
But donโt be fooled, these two slices of paradise offer very different experiences.
In this guide, weโll break down the key differences so youโll know exactly which island is the better fit for your perfect cruise day in the sun.
1. Only One Is an Island
While both Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are sometimes referred to as cruise line private islands, only Half Moon Cay is actually an island. Princess Cays is a private resort area on the larger island of Eleuthera.
Half Moon CayPrincess Cays
Despite this, Half Moon Cay is actually bigger, much bigger, as it measures around 2,400 acres in total compared to the 40-acre stretch of beach that makes up Princess Cays.
Despite this, most guests visiting Half Moon Cay will stick to the 50 acres that have been developed as a luxury resort.
Guests can explore further afield from Princess Cays if they wish, and visit other parts of the island (provided they make it back to the ship in time, of course). Most people prefer to stick to the area around Princess Cays, though, since thereโs more to do.
2. Different Cruise Lines Visit Each Destination
The Carnival Group owns a number of cruise lines, but not every one of them visits each of these destinations.
Princess Cays is primarily visited by Carnival and by Princess Cruises โ unsurprisingly, considering the name. More Princess ships visit the resort than Carnival ships.
Half Moon Cay is mainly visited by Carnival, but some Holland America Line ships also visit the island.
Be aware that prices on the island will vary depending on which cruise line youโre visiting with! Cabana rental will be more expensive with Holland America, for example.
3. Half Moon Cayโs Sands Are Softer
The quality and style of the beaches on both islands are one of the key differences, and this could be one of the main deciding factors for you.
Half Moon Cay has sandy beaches that are known to be very soft โ a lot of people find that the beaches here are some of the most luxurious of any destination, and theyโre the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail.
The beaches on Princess Cays are a lot harsher, with rocks and shells making up most of the coastline. If you want to wander around the beach, then itโs recommended you at least wear water shoes to protect your soles from cuts and scrapes.
There are different beach areas to explore including an adults-only one, but the coasts are all similar.
4. Excursion Choices Are Differentย
A lot of the excursion options across both resorts are very similar. If youโre someone who wants to try snorkelling or see stingrays in their natural environment, then youโll find a good range of options regardless of the destination.
Half Moon Cay then has a wider range of activities to try on the shore, including horse riding (and the option to ride a horse through the sea), bike tours, and some very scenic hikes into the island.
Princess Cays instead has a better range of water-based activities outside those typical excursions. You might want to cruise around the coast on a sailboat, try your hand at fishing with an expert guideโs help, or choose a clear-bottom kayak tour to see the underwater wildlife while staying (mostly) dry.
5. Princess Cays Has Better Snorkelling
If you love the idea of snorkelling โ either as a beginner or a more experienced enthusiast โ then choosing a cruise that visits Princess Cays will probably be more rewarding.
There are some wildlife species that youโll be able to enjoy while snorkelling around Half Moon Cay, but thereโs more variety around Princess Cays, despite the resorts only being a few miles apart.
The rockier shoreline is home to coral reefs and mangroves, which are more accommodating to aquatic species, and this is why thereโs just more to see when you snorkel at Princess Cays.ย
6. Princess Cays Has More Bugs
There are more varieties of wildlife at Princess Cays than there are at Half Moon Cay. Unfortunately, this also extends to the bug species around the resort itself.
One of the bigger drawbacks for people whoโve visited Princess Cays is the number of bugs they sometimes have to deal with. Make sure you have repellent spray packed with you if you want to minimise the disturbances.
7. Drinks Packages Work Differently at Each Resort
Another important difference between these two destinations is how the drinks work once youโre ashore.
On a cruise to Princess Cays, your drinks package from the cruise ship covers you at the islandโs bars. You donโt need to pay for the drinks that you would otherwise enjoy on the ship โ theyโre still included. If you donโt have a drinks package, then youโll just pay for drinks individually as normal.
Thatโs not true on Half Moon Cay. Youโll need to either buy your drinks separately, or you can pay for a drinks package specifically for the island, although this is only available for Holland America Guests. Carnival guests just have to pay for the drinks individually.ย
Both destinations have a range of bars serving plenty of drink options, so at least getting served and finding a drink that you like wonโt be an issue, regardless of your destination.
At both destinations, if you are paying for a drink, you can do so with your room card and the drinks will be charged to your account โ no need to carry cash.
8. Princess Cays Has an Adults-Only Area
One feature that Princess Cays has that you wonโt find on Half Moon Cay is an adults-only area. The Sanctuary is a little way away from the main beach areas and has its own private beach space.
Youโll also find bungalows here for adults only. Bungalows can be hired elsewhere for families, but if youโre looking to stay away from kids and enjoy some quiet time, then choosing a Sanctuary Bungalow is a better choice.
And Some Key Similaritiesโฆ
Despite the differences between the islands, there are some important similarities between them, too.
Access
Both Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays are tender ports. This means the ship canโt dock, and instead youโll have to hop on a tender boat to get to shore, and to get back to the ship later.
This does mean itโs a little less convenient for hopping back and forth โ both resorts are designed as places youโll visit for a few hours without interruption.
Dining Options
Thereโs a great BBQ buffet provided at both resorts for guests to enjoy at lunchtime. Itโs completely free too, but it isnโt available all day, so make sure you donโt miss it. Typical serving times are between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm, but check as it can vary.
Half Moon Cay does have a Lobster Shack serving seafood options as well, but these are not included โ youโll need to pay extra for these a la carte items.
Cabana Rentals
Half Moon Cay has cabanas that guests can rent for the day, while Princess Cays has bungalows. The number of each is limited and these often sell out far in advance, so if you want your own private space to relax, then make sure you book early.
On Half Moon Cay, there are even luxurious options that can accommodate larger groups, which include your own private chef from the ship, a butler, a lifeguard and a bartender. However, prices start at $1,600 for the day, so be prepared to fork out a hefty sum if this sounds appealing.
Free Leisure Facilities
As well as plenty of hammocks and sun loungers, there are various activities and leisure facilities arranged for guests to enjoy on both Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, without extra charges.ย
So if you want to try beach volleyball, or just get a cosy spot on a clamshell daybed with a view out to sea, there isnโt a penny extra to pay.
Shopping
Youโll find plenty of shopping opportunities across both resorts, with local vendors selling craft items and trinkets for you to take home. Unlike the other purchases on the island, youโll need to pay for these with cash.
At both resorts, you might encounter pushy sellers. If you do, just be firm with them and walk away.
Final Word
Half Moon Cay tends to be the more popular of the destinations for a Carnival private resort, thanks to its beautiful sandy beaches (and the lack of annoying bugs), but Princess Cays still has plenty going for it, especially if you like snorkelling.
If youโre cruising with Holland America, then itโs likely to be Half Moon Cay you visit on a Caribbean Cruise, while with Princess, itโll be Princess Cays anyway. Itโs only on Carnival cruises that you might have a choice, so check out the itineraries available and decide which feels like the better fit for you.
I have some more detailed guides to each resort that you may find helpful:
TODAYโS BEST CRUISE DEALS!
Donโt miss these offersโฆ
Related Posts:
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
