Would you enjoy a shorter dining experience after a long day in port? Carnival Cruise Line is testing new express dining on one of their cruise ships that will get you in and out in 45 minutes.
Carnival is testing this new fast dinner experience on Carnival Vista. They have a specific section of the Horizon Dining Room that’s just for quick dinners.
The express dining is for those who have My Time Dining (Anytime) and Carnival is trying to get guests in and out in 45 minutes.
They have a smaller menu to choose from that includes:
Appetizers
Roasted Duck Rolls
Shrimp Cocktail
Caesar Salad
Tomato Soup
Main Course
Shrimp
Cornish Game Hen
Braised Short Rip
Sirloin Steak
Dessert
Cheesecake
Chocolate Melting Cake
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, said that if this new express dining is popular, the cruise line will look to possibly add it to other Funships.
But for now, it is only on Carnival Vista.
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Carnival Cruise Line was the first major cruise line to sail from Port Canaveral in 1990 and today, they celebrated 35 years of sailing from the port.
To celebrate the occasion, Carnival hosted an onboard celebration on Mardi Gras. The event included several members of the community, such as leaders from the Canaveral Port Authority, the United States Coast Guard, and Brevard County.
Carnival also announced the charitable donation of a hybrid pickup truck that will support the work of Keep Brevard Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental conservation in the area.
The donation coincides with the weekend of World Ocean Day, emphasizing Carnival’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement:
“Port Canaveral has been a cornerstone of Carnival’s success for 35 years. We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside the community that has been such an essential part of our growth.
“Our exciting growth continues with the opening of Celebration Key next month, our exclusive destination that will really be a game-changer for us and for our guests.”
Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO, added:
“We are proud to celebrate Carnival Cruise Line’s 35th anniversary of sailing from Port Canaveral and humbled by what this milestone represents.
“From the inaugural sailing of the TSS Carnivale in 1990 to having five year-round and seasonal vessels in their homeported fleet today, Carnival Cruise Line is our longest continuous cruise business relationship, contributing economic value over the decades for our Port community, the Central Florida region and our state.”
Carnival Cruise Line carries more passengers from Port Canaveral than any other cruise line. Their ships carry over 1.2 million guests a year from the Florida port.
Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of cruise experiences from Port Canaveral that visit The Bahamas, Caribbean and the Panama Canal. Cruises range from three-day weekend cruises to longer Carnival Journeys sailings.
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A crew member aboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa was successfully rescued after falling overboard in Souda-Chania, Crete, Greece, on 3rd June, 2025.
The incident occurred in the afternoon while the cruise ship was docked at the port and guests were ashore exploring the popular Mediterranean destination.
Under circumstances that remain unclear, the 30-year-old Tunisian crew member fell into the water, prompting an immediate rescue response from her fellow crew members onboard.
Crew aboard the Costa Deliziosa swiftly initiated emergency procedures, including throwing a life jacket to the woman and alerting local authorities.
The Greek Coast Guard quickly arrived at the scene, dispatching multiple patrol units and a rescue boat to assist.
According to the Chania Port Authority, the woman was retrieved conscious from the water with the joint assistance of crew onboard and the local rescue units.
After being assessed by medical personnel onboard the Costa Deliziosa, she was confirmed to be in good health and required no further medical attention.
“The Chania Port Authority was informed of the fall of a woman into the sea, in the port of Souda. Immediately, LS-EL.AKT patrol vehicles went to the scene, while with the assistance of a launch and a cruise ship (C/Z), flagged in the Bahamas, from which a life jacket was thrown, the woman was retrieved conscious,
“She is a 30-year-old foreigner (Tunisian citizen) sailor (specialty of assistant), a crew member of the above C/Z. The 30-year-old, after examination by the C/Z’s doctor, was diagnosed as being in good health,”
Chania Port Authority
Costa Deliziosa, the only cruise ship docked in Souda-Chania at the time of the incident, can accommodate 2,826 passengers and 934 crew members.
The vessel is currently operating Mediterranean cruises, visiting ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia on itineraries of 7 and 14 nights.
An investigation has been initiated to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crew member falling overboard.
Other Overboard Incidents
Though concerning, incidents of individuals falling from cruise ships are relatively rare.
According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), only 212 people fell overboard between 2009 and 2019, a small number relative to the millions of guests and crew sailing annually.
However, due to factors like strong currents, difficulty in locating individuals, and weather conditions, successful rescues remain challenging, with only about 28% of overboard situations resulting in a successful rescue during that period.
The most recent similar incident involving a crew member occurred in August 2024 aboard Carnival Dream off the coast of Mexico, in which the individual sadly was not found.
Prior to that, a crew member from AIDAperla fell overboard in the English Channel in October 2023, and was also presumed lost.
Costa Cruises has not released further details on this recent event, but the quick action by crew members and the local authorities helped avert a more serious outcome.
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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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Fincantieri kicked off construction this week on a new class of cruise ships when the first piece of steel was cut for Oceania Sonata.
Oceania Sonata will be the first in a new Sonata class from Oceania Cruises, one of the world’s leading destination focused cruise lines.
The first piece of steel was cut for Oceania Sonata at the Fincantieri-Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. The ship will be the most spacious and amenity-rich ship in the cruise line’s fleet.
The new cruise ship is expected to enter service in the summer of 2027 with sister ship, Oceania Arietta, debuting soon after.
A mockup of a penthouse on Oceania Sonata
Oceania Sonata will be the ninth ship in Oceania’s fleet. The cruise line said that the ship will be a masterpiece of design, created to deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences.
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer, Oceania Cruises
Jason Montague, Chief Luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, gave the following statement:
“Oceania Sonata heralds the dawn of a new era in luxury cruising. We are proud to continue our legacy of innovation alongside Fincantieri, our shipbuilding partner for close to 20 years.
“Together, we have crafted ships that stand as some of the most acclaimed examples of luxury, elegance, comfort, and Italian craftsmanship at sea.”
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MSC Cruises has announced that they will offer year-round cruises to the Southern Caribbean for the 2026-2027 season.
This will be the first time where the cruise line has offered Southern Caribbean cruises in the summer and they will also have two ships sailing to the region in the winter months.
MSC Seaview will offer cruises during the winter months with MSC Opera sailing year-round.
MSC Seaview
MSC Opera will offer a range of seven-night cruises with the option for guests to extend their cruise to a 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise to a multitude of stunning Southern Caribbean destinations including:
Dominican Republic
Martinique
Guadeloupe
British Virgin Islands
Barbados
Antiqua and Barbuda
Netherlands Antilles
The ship will homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a new regular destination for MSC Cruises, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. Starting April 2027, the ship will also offer a second embarkation port—Fort de France. All of MSC Cruises’ southern Caribbean cruises are now available to book.
MSC Opera joins MSC Seaview in the region for Winter 26/27, offering 7-night sailings from her homeport in Fort-de-France to destinations including:
Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadeloupe)
Philipsburg (Sint Maarten)
St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda)
Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Roseau (Dominica)
Bridgetown (Barbados)
Kingstown (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)
Saint George (Grenada)
Castries (Saint Lucia)
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A major change is happening at the top of Royal Caribbean Group, and it’s come as a surprise to some. After leading the company since 1988, Richard Fain, the long-time Chairman of the Board of Directors, will step down from his role in the fall of 2025.
But he’s not leaving entirely. Fain will stay on as a director on the board, still sharing his smarts and helping guide the company.
Taking his place as both Chairman and CEO will be Jason Liberty, who has been Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO since early 2022. The board picked Liberty to take over Fain’s spot, which should be a seamless transition.
Richard Fain’s Journey
Richard Fain’s time at Royal Caribbean Group, and really, in the whole cruise world, has been pretty remarkable. Just look at how different the cruise company looks compared to even 20 years ago.
Under Fain, Royal Caribbean Group grew into a huge vacation company, with top cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. They also added game-changing Oasis and Icon-class ships, in addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Jason Liberty himself praised Fain’s big impact, saying, “Fain’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative. Under his leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group has become the leading vacation company with industry-leading brands, ships, destinations and people.”
Fain clearly feels good about handing things over. He shared his trust in Liberty’s leadership, saying, “It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent at RCG, and I am very confident that under Liberty’s strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights in the years ahead.”
Since he’ll still be on the board, Fain’s wisdom and experience will keep helping the company move forward.
Jason Liberty: Steering the Ship into the Future
Jason Liberty, who is already running things as President and CEO, will now take on the extra job of Chairman. This means he’ll be fully in charge of Royal Caribbean Group’s plans for the future.
Liberty is clearly excited about his bigger role. He said, “I am honored and humbled to have been elected as chairman and CEO, and I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests and delivering elevated long-term value for our shareholders.” He also added, “Fortunately, the company and I will continue to benefit from Fain’s experience and mentorship in his continued role as a director on our board.”
New Role for John Brock on the Board
In another board update, John Brock will now serve as the Independent Lead Director. Brock has been on the board since 2014 and already leads the committee that picks new board members and handles company rules.
Liberty pointed out how valuable Brock’s new role will be, saying, “Looking ahead, Brock brings invaluable experience from his time as chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises and CEO of InBev, and strong integrity that will support the company’s ongoing growth and governance. I look forward to working with him in his new role, along with the rest of the board, as we execute on our bold ambitions.”
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The single most common complaint I see when I read a bad review of a cruise is a problem with the cabin. I reckon maybe 70% of the negative reviews come down to a cabin issue, at least in part.
And yet the vast majority of the time, the fault lies with the cruiser, because they didn’t do their research in advance. Try telling them that, though…
Every ship is unique, but there are a list of cabin locations that apply to most (if not all) cruise ships that you should definitely think twice about before you pay that deposit.
1. Cabins Right Beneath the Buffet
That morning buffet buzz? Lovely when you’re up there, less lovely when it’s right above your bed.
Cabins directly under the ship’s buffet areas can be noisy – think chairs scraping, trolleys clattering and the low rumble of foot traffic starting before sunrise.
Add the occasional dropped plate or rolling cart and, well… breakfast might come with a side of sleep deprivation.
2. Anywhere Neat The Theatre, Club or Atrium Stage
These venues are entertainment gold… for everyone except the person trying to sleep next door.
Sound from live shows, thumping music and microphone testing can bleed straight into your room.
That atrium band you loved? Less enjoyable when it echoes through your headboard at 10:45 p.m.
Make sure you check the deck plans because if you’re directly above or below these venues, you may get the bass of those speakers thumping away into the late hours.
3. Next to Self-Service Laundrettes
Onboard laundrettes are a great amenity – unless your cabin shares a wall with one!
People come and go at all hours, doors bang, machines rumble and someone will absolutely stand outside the room loudly debating fabric softener.
Plus, if there’s a bench or folding table, expect laundry-day socialising just outside your door.
These cabins might feel luxurious or private – but they’re also the spot where ship movement is most intense.
If you’re prone to seasickness, being up front is a fast ticket to queasy town. Add wind, creaks, and a lot more motion during choppy sea days, and that balcony suite might not feel worth it.
Top tip if you do suffer from seasickness: aim for the middle of the ship, on a lower deck. That’s where you’ll feel the movement the least. Also newer ships tend to have better stabilisers.
A lot of forward-facing balconies can’t even be used while the ship’s in motion, so always check that before you book.
Cabins in the extreme forward section on lower decks come with a fun cruise tradition: the 5:30 a.m. anchor drop.
It’s not subtle. It’s a metal-on-metal clang that can jolt you out of dreams like a maritime alarm clock. If your itinerary includes lots of port days, steer clear of anything too close to the front and low down.
Sure, it’s convenient. But it’s also the hangout spot for groups coming back from shows, heading to excursions, or just talking loudly about buffet plans.
People chat as they leave the elevator. They do usually hush up as they realise that they’re on the corridor with cabins, but by them, they’ll have already walked pasy your room. That’s not ideal if you like silence with your sleep.
7. Adjacent to Crew Areas or Utility Rooms
Those “Crew Only” doors hide corridors full of movement, carts, and utility gear. It’s all necessary – but not exactly peaceful.
If your room borders a service area, you might hear the occasional door slam, vacuum noise, or whatever mysterious machinery lives behind the walls.
And you can’t exactly ask them to keep it down when they’re serving the needs of a few thousand guests…
8. Next to the Sports Court, Running Track or Kids’ Play Zones
If your cabin sits under the basketball court or next to the running track, expect early-morning thudding and bouncing.
Likewise, kids’ areas – while wonderful for families – aren’t always serene. Children on sugar highs are not known for whispering quietly while skipping past your door.
Being next to the kids’ clubs can be really handy if you’re travelling with children who’ll use it. It can be a nightmare if you aren’t.
9. Close to the Galley or Above the Engine Room
These areas are typically hidden from guests, but your nose and ears may still notice them.
The galley often hums with late-night cleaning and early-morning prep, complete with rolling trolleys and clanging pans.
Engine room-adjacent cabins might feel subtly shaky and occasionally carry the scent of marine fuel. Not the dream ambience for your lie-in.
It sounds pretty idyllic to be close to the pool onboard your cruise. That convenience of being just a single set of stairs from a refreshing dip is a nice thought, but the pool is one of the worst offenders for causing noise to the room below.
Well, not the pool itself, but the decking around it – and all those loungers that are dragged across the wooden floor, very early in the morning.
If you’re likely to be up early yourself to grab one of these then it’s not an issue – but if you value a lie-in, maybe an extra deck between you and the pool deck would be a good idea.
13. Close to Smoking Areas or the Casino
Depending on your ship, smoking may be allowed in certain indoor or outdoor spaces – and smoke has a sneaky way of drifting.
If you’re sensitive to the smell, avoid cabins near smoking-permitted balconies, casino areas (if allowed), or outer decks marked for cigars.
There’s nothing worse than sipping coffee outside your own cabin while inhaling someone else’s leftover Havana.
If you want to avoid booking a cabin in a bad location, you need to start with the deck plans.
Every cruise line lists detailed deck plans for each ship right on their website – usually under the “Ships” or “Fleet” section. Just select your ship and look for the deck-by-deck breakdown.
Zoom in and take your time. Check not just your cabin, but what’s above, below, and beside it. Look out for:
Symbols or icons next to cabin numbers – these usually mark connecting cabins, accessible rooms, sofa beds, pull-down bunks, or obstructed views. There’s normally a legend or key that explains what each symbol means. Don’t skip this – it’s how you’ll know if your “balcony” faces a lifeboat or if that sneaky extra door connects to someone else’s room.
Greyed-out areas or unlabelled blocks – these often represent crew areas, galleys, service rooms or other “noisy” zones.
Unusual gaps or cut-outs in passenger cabins – that might be where a laundrette or public venue is lurking.
Cross-reference with the deck above and below. That “quiet” cabin might look fine on your deck, but if the pool deck is right above it or the engine room is below, it might not stay quiet for long.
The Risk of Guarantee Cabins
A guarantee cabin can look like a smart deal on paper – you choose the type (inside, oceanview, balcony etc.), and the cruise line picks the actual cabin for you. In exchange, you get a cheaper fare. But there’s a trade-off.
When you book a guarantee cabin, you give up control over the location. That means you could end up in any available room in that category – including the very ones we’ve just warned you about: under the buffet, next to the lift, or with a glamorous view of a lifeboat.
You might luck out and get upgraded. But you might not. If you’re sensitive to noise, prone to seasickness, or just a picky sleeper, it might be worth paying a little more to choose your exact cabin and avoid surprises.
Think of it like this: would you book a hotel room without knowing if it faced the nightclub or the car park? Same idea, just with more water involved.
When you pick a guarantee cabin, it’s not just the location that you’re leaving up to chance, but also the layout of the cabin itself.
Some cabins have very weird layouts that savvy cruisers know to avoid. The last time I opted for a guarantee cabin, my stateroom looked like this…
Get the right location, and your cabin becomes a peaceful retreat. Get it wrong… and it might be the noisiest nap of your life.
I’ve got a ton of guides to the cabins to avoid on different ships, so check those to see if your next cruise ship is covered! You can click on the maginfying glass at the top to search for the name of your ship.
What if you’ve already booked and then find out your cabin is dodgy?
Don’t panic. Just call the cruise line (or your travel agent if you used one) and explain. They will usually let you change it. There may be a fee to upgrade, but your peace of mind is worth it.
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.
Ever heard the phrase, “Don’t ask, don’t get”? As long as you aren’t rude or too demanding, it’s absolutely something you can take advantage of on a cruise.
There are a whole host of freebies, little perks or just useful touches that you can get if you speak to the Guest Services team, and most cruisers don’t know about most of them!
But if you’re fully prepared with this list, you’ll know all the little tricks and bonuses that you can use to just make your cruise that extra bit smoother, or even more special.
1. Sea Sickness Medication
Feeling a bit green around the gills? Guest Services often provides free seasickness tablets. They’re usually basic over-the-counter options, but they can save your cruise if you’re feeling queasy.
If you know that you’re likely to suffer from sickness during the cruise, I wouldn’t rely on the freebies from Guest Services. They aren’t guaranteed, and even if they have them, they could run out.
Whether you’re charged or not really depends as well. Sometimes I’ve been charged, and sometimes not. And that’s all on the same ship!
However if you’re caught off-guard by those sickness feelings, definitely check in with Guest Services before heading to the pharmacy ashore.
Lost your key card somewhere between the pool and the buffet? No problem. Just pop down to Guest Services, and they’ll print you a fresh one – no charge, no judgment.
There might be a little judgement if it keeps happening though – so you might want to consider some accessories such as a lanyard to help keep your card safe.
I have lost many cruise cards over the years. I just try not to do it more than once per cruise!
3. Daily News Digests
Missing your daily news fix? Some cruise lines offer complimentary news sheets summarising major world events – a great way to stay informed while you’re off the grid.
Not everyone does this and it’s a little more of a traditional thing – modern cruise lines probably want to push you towards buying a WiFi package.
Still, worth asking if you like to stay up to date.
4. Stationery
Planning to leave a little thank-you note for your cabin steward? Need an envelope to store your onboard receipts? Guest Services can sort you out with free pens, paper and envelopes.
Don’t expect reams and reams of the stuff, but you should have no problem getting a little that you need.
5. Maps of the Ship
Getting lost on a massive floating city is easy, especially on your first few days. Grab a free paper map from Guest Services, and you’ll be navigating like a pro in no time.
Again, though, many cruise lines are moving away from printed materials, and so you might be directed to download the cruise line’s app instead which may give you access to maps.
6. Phone Chargers
Forgot your phone charger at home? Or is your charging cable doing that annoying thing where it’s only working when your phone is balanced at an impossible angle?
Don’t panic. Some ships have spare phone chargers you can borrow from Guest Services.
You won’t be surprised to learn that charging cables are one of the more forgotten items onboard, so it’s easy for cruise lines to build up a stockpile.
Just remember to return it once you get your own. It’s not fair to keep it, and you’re helping the next person who forgets theirs.
7. Plug Adaptors
I recently took a cruise on National Geograhic Endurance – a small ship with only 71 cabins. As it was a press trip, all of the guests were UK journalists and travel agents.
The ship had no UK sockets at all, but luckily they had a stock of 30 international adaptors to lend out. That wasn’t enough though, the stockpile quickly ran out as over half the guests forgot to bring any sort of adaptor with them!
So if you forget your adaptors, don’t worry. Most ships have a mix of US, European and British sockets, as well as USB and USBC ports on the more modern ships. But if that’s not enough, just head to guest services and they will lend you one.
7. Help Setting Up Internet
Struggling to get your device connected to the ship’s WiFi? While there’s usually a dedicated internet desk, Guest Services can often help troubleshoot basic connection issues.
The apps are pretty straightforward and I’ve never found it to be too confusing. Still, good to know that the service is there if you need it.
While your cabin steward is usually the go-to, Guest Services can also arrange for extra blankets, towels, or pillows if you’re feeling chilly or just want to be extra cosy.
This is extra helpful on larger ships where you may barely even see your cabin steward, so Guest Services could become your main point of contact for these requests.
10. Special Occasion Decorations
Got a birthday or anniversary? Let Guest Services know, and you might score a free card, a small gift, or even a surprise decoration in your cabin.
I would say this is less likely than many others on this list though, as most of the major cruise lines now offer celebration packages that you can buy.
This are often quite expensive – but Guest Services will still want to push you towards buying one rather than giving you something for free.
11. Mailing Postcards
Want to send a postcard straight from the ship? Drop it off at Guest Services, and they’ll make sure it’s sent out for you. Handy!
You will need to make sure it already as a stamp, though. They’re helpful but they aren’t going to pay for things they don’t need to.
12. Borrowing a Fan
Some cabins can get a bit warm, and if you’re someone who needs a bit of airflow to sleep, you can sometimes borrow a fan from Guest Services – if they have them available.
I’d ask quickly because if they do have them, they won’t have many. First come, first served.
13. Emergency Laundry Help
Got a serious stain or a wardrobe malfunction just before formal night? Guest Services can sometimes help with emergency laundry or even basic repairs (like giving you a safety pin).
Don’t turn up at the desk with a bag of laundry though. That’s what the onboard laundry services are for. This is purely for emergencies.
Busted zipper? Broken wheel? Believe it or not, some ships can even help you get your luggage repaired, thanks to their onboard maintenance teams.
You’ll need to drop it off and wait because you won’t be their top priority – they’ll be fixing ship-wide issues first. However, a free fix that takes a couple of days is better than no fix at all.
15. Hypoallergenic Pillows
If you’ve got allergies, you don’t have to suffer.
Guest Services can help you swap out your pillow for a hypoallergenic option – just ask.
Some suites on cruise ships come with full pillow menus to choose from, but if you’ve an allergy then you should be able to get swapped regardless of your cabin choice.
16. Printing Important Documents
Need to print out an excursion ticket, a boarding pass, or some other important document? Guest Services can often print a few pages for you, no charge.
As with everything on this list, don’t push your luck. A few pages is fine – an essay, probably not.
17. A Bible
You’ll find a Bible in the drawer of the bedside table in most hotels, but the same can’t be said for cruise ships.
Cruise ships are often cautious about anything that could be interpreted as controversial or sensitive, especially since they dock in various countries with different laws and cultures.
However, if you want to read the Bible and haven’t brought your own, just head to guest services. Even if the ship doesn’t have a library, they should have a spare copy of the Bible that they can lend you.
18. Sports Equipment
Most cruise ships have facilities like sports courts for basketball, football, tennis or pickleball. But what if you get there and there’s no equipment?
That’s actually pretty common, and all you have to do is go to guest services and ask.
While there will be organised sports at certain times, the rest of the time you’re free to start your own games. Just ask at the guest services desk and they will give all the balls or bats you need.
18. A Dramatic Show!
A bit of a cheeky one to end on, but if you’re the kind of person who likes to people watch, and you find entitled cruisers to be entertaining, then the Guest Services desk is a great spot to catch some drama!
I don’t see entitled people on every cruise, but I’ve definitely seen a few people get demand-y and shouty before, and it’s quite embarrassing for them.
I would obviously rather that the Guest Services team didn’t have to handle those people, but they’re very good at taking it in their stride.
So yes, if you like a bit of gossip and find rude people getting flustered to be a bit entertaining, grab a drink and a seat near Guest Services. It won’t be long before you’re front row to some drama.
Guest Services is more than just the place to complain about your noisy neighbour or check your bill.
It’s a treasure trove of useful (and free) goodies that can make your cruise even better. Don’t be afraid to swing by and ask – you never know what you might get for free.
The golden rule though is to not expect anything. These are all freebies you might be able to get.
The worst cruisers are those who think they are entitled to a load of extras, and then demand them.
Don’t be one of those.
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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.
The rules at sea aren’t always the same as they are on land, and lots of people have managed to get themselves in trouble before when on a cruise.
If you don’t want to be placed under ‘cabin arrest’ (yes, that’s a thing) or even kicked off the ship, you need to make sure you don’t break the laws at sea, even if it’s something you’d normally be allowed to do on land.
So you need to make sure you’re aware of what’s permitted and what isn’t – or face the consequences…
1. Bringing Your Own Alcohol
Picture this: you’ve packed your favourite bottle of gin, dreaming of enjoying a cheeky G&T on your balcony while the sun sets over the open ocean.
P&O Cruises used to let you bring a bottle of spirits onboard, but changed their policy in 2024.
But as you board, security swoops in and snatches it away faster than you can say “cheers.” Most cruise lines have strict policies against bringing alcohol onboard. Some might let you bring a single bottle of wine or champagne, but hard liquor? It’s a no-go.
And if you try sneaking it in? Confiscated. Some lines may even kick you off the ship for breaking the rules!
At least, that’s what they say. It doesn’t tend to happen, though if you filled an entire suitcase full of spirits then I imagine they’d be looking at your real intent.
Save yourself the embarrassment – and the booze – by checking the cruise’s alcohol policy in advance. Make the most of your allowance but don’t push it.
2. Drinking If You’re Under 21 (Depending on Where You’re From)
If you’re used to legally drinking at 18 in the UK or other parts of the world, heading onto a cruise where the drinking age is 21 can feel like being grounded.
Most major cruise lines follow US regulations when sailing from the US, where the drinking age is 21. Some might allow 18-20 year-olds to drink with parental permission, and others may permit 18-year-olds to drink if you’re sailing around Europe, but this varies by line and itinerary.
Thinking of trying your luck at the bar? Think again. When the bartender scans your cruise card it will flag on the system that you’re underage so you have no chance.
CBD products are becoming more common and legal in many places on land, but that doesn’t mean you can freely bring them on a cruise ship.
Cruise lines have strict rules about CBD, including medicinal CBD products, due to the varying laws of the countries they visit. So yes, even if you have a prescription, it may be confiscated at embarkation.
Worse, you can even be banned. A Carnival passenger once tried to sneak CBD gummies onboard to help with their sleep, but they were caught, and subsequently banned for life from Carnival.
Check your cruise line’s policy carefully, and if in doubt, leave it at home. If you need it for medicinal reasons, the official advice is that you should consult your doctor to ask about alternatives for your cruise.
Ultimately, if your need is that great, you might have to think about whether the cruise is worth it…
There’s nothing quite like a cup of your own perfect brew, but that beloved travel kettle or coffee maker of yours? It’s a major fire hazard onboard.
Cruise ships have strict safety protocols, and personal electrical appliances are a big no.
If you pack one, expect it to be confiscated at embarkation.
Stick to the ship’s coffee stations instead. If you’re a real coffee connoisseur then there’s usually a posh café or barista onboard where you can get your fix.
And the good news is that if your cruise departs from the UK, or you’re sailing with a British cruise line, there’s a good chance you’ll find a kettle in your cabin anyway. After all, everyone knows how much us Brits value a cuppa in the morning!
You wouldn’t toss your rubbish out of a car window (I hope), so why would you chuck anything into the sea?
But you’d be amazed at how many passengers are tempted to toss everything from food scraps to plastic cups overboard.
Not only is it bad for the environment, but it’s also illegal. And I know – littering isn’t exactly legal on land, but even biodegradable stuff can get you a telling off when you’re at sea, which normally you might be OK with on land.
Guests have found themselves in big trouble for throwing cigarette butts into the sea. Something that they aregued was harmless, when in fact it’s a fire hazard.
The big one is ashes – generally you can scatter them freely on land, but on cruise ships you need special permission.
Modern ships are closely monitored, and getting caught could see you fined or even put off the ship. Want to watch something sink? Head to the pool’s diving competition.
7. Having Animals
Your furry friend might be your best travel buddy on land, but unless they’re a certified service animal, pets are strictly prohibited on most cruise ships.
That means no dogs, cats, parrots, or emotional support llamas. The exception? Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which has special kennels for transatlantic crossings.
On land, especially in the United States, you may be legally allowed to carry a weapon if you have the right permits or licences. But on a cruise ship, those rights stop at the gangway.
Most cruise lines have strict zero-tolerance policies for weapons of any kind – firearms, tasers, pepper spray, and even certain knives.
Even if you have a licence to carry, you won’t be allowed to bring these items on board. Cruise lines prioritise safety, and security checks are thorough – any prohibited items will be confiscated, and you could even be denied boarding.
In 2024 a Carnival guest (why is it always Carnival?) shared videos of the handgun they managed to sneak onboard which, unsurprisingly, got them fast-tracked to a ban.
It used to be the case that guests were allowed to do skeet shooting off the top deck of cruise ships. But that’s not allowed any more. Of course! Weird that it was even a thing, but it was!
And One Thing Legal At Sea But Often Banned Ashore – Gambling
In some parts of the United States, gambling is heavily restricted or outright illegal. But take a short sail into international waters, and the casino doors swing open.
Cruise ships can legally operate casinos once they’re in international waters, and some cruise lines even offer short “casino cruises” that sail just far enough offshore for you to legally try your luck at the slots and tables.
If you’re craving a spin on the roulette wheel but live in a state where gambling is banned, cruising might be your answer.
Cruise ships have their own set of rules that might seem strict compared to what you’re used to on land.
Understanding these regulations before you set sail can save you from some pretty embarrassing – and potentially costly – mistakes.
After all, the last thing you want is to be the one arguing with security while everyone else is relaxing by the pool.
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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.
The biggest mistakes that cruisers make (and not just the newbies) are often related to tipping. It’s an absolute minefield!
Get tipping wrong, and you could find yourself embarrassed, overcharged or unintentionally rude to someone. None of those are ideal when you’re trying to enjoy your cruise!
And yet some of these errors are surprisingly common…
1. Assuming Gratuities Are Included
One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is assuming that gratuities are already included in the fare.
In reality, most mainstream cruise lines add gratuities as an additional fee, which means they’re tacked onto your bill at the end of your trip. You can pre-pay them when you book, but if you don’t, they’ll be added to your onboard account along with your onboard purchases.
Even after paying your automatic gratuities, many cruisers (particularly those from the United States) like to tip extra in cash. This may be $5 to the porter who handles your bags at the cruise terminal, $5 to the person who delivers your room service, or even $100 to the person who has cleaned your room all week.
To facilitate this, some cruise lines like Disney will leave you envelopes to add cash to and tip particular crew members extra on top of the auto gratuities.
Not every cruise line charges gratuities separately though.
Cruise lines that include gratuities in the fare that you pay include:
P&O Cruises
Marella Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Seabourn
Silversea
Scenic Ocean Cruises
Emerald Cruises
Azamara
MSC Cruises (on European sailings)
And then there are the cruise lines which include gratuities if you pay a certain fare, such as Princess Cruises with the Plus or Premier fares.
Sometimes, people ask me if gratuities are mandatory or if they can remove them. While technically you can remove gratuities, I defintley wouldn’t recommend that. You can read more about that later in this article, or here: Can You Refuse To Pay Gratuities On A Cruise?
2. Only Bringing Large Bills
While you won’t need cash for most onboard expenses, you will need small bills if you wish to tipping people. They also come in handy if you want to buy small items ashore.
Bringing nothing but $50 notes might leave you in an awkward spot when you want to show your appreciation without handing over a fortune.
Imagine trying to tip a bartender with a crisp £50 – you might get great service all cruise, but your wallet won’t thank you!
Make sure you head to the bank or bureau de change before you head for the port, and grab yourself some smaller bills.
3. Forgetting to Tip the Porter at Embarkation
Porters work hard lugging your suitcases on board, often in all kinds of weather. A small tip – think $1-2 per bag – is a simple way to show your appreciation.
This isn’t the norm in the UK or Europe, as port workers receive a decent wage. But if your cruise departs from the United States, you can expect that porters rely on tips to survive.
When I got on a transatlantic cruise in Southampton, I noticed that all of the Americans were tipping the porters, while the British people weren’t. I bet the British porters love it when they load up the ships full of Americans!
Forgetting tips can leave you feeling like a bit of a scrooge before you’ve even stepped onboard. Yes, your bags will likely make it to your cabin either way, but a little kindness goes a long way.
4. Removing Automatic Gratuities Without Good Reason
Sure, you can ask Guest Services to remove the automatic gratuities from your account, but this is strongly discouraged.
Those tips go towards the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable.
If you’ve had an issue with service, it’s always better to speak with a manager first – cancelling gratuities because your drink took an extra minute is a bit like burning down the house because you found a spider.
And it is hugely unfair on a lot of the behind-the-scenes crew who also rely on those tips.
If you’re cruising in Europe, tipping your tour guide in US dollars isn’t particularly helpful – although some many not mind, as long as it’s paper money, not coins.
Still, it’s always best to check the local currency for your destinations and have some on hand.
Most Caribbean destinations are happy with US dollars, but this isn’t true everywhere.
In some countries like Turkey, which use the Turkish Lira, most of the shops and taxis will accept Euros. However, they’ll give you a really poor exchange rate, so it’s not advised to do this.
6. Skipping Tips for Shore Excursion Guides
Even if your shore excursion is booked through the cruise line, it’s customary to tip your guide separately if they’ve provided an excellent experience.
These guides often work hard to give you a memorable day – a little recognition goes a long way.
Think of them as your adventure sidekicks – and every great sidekick deserves a thank you.
I often like to take ‘free’ walking tours in cities. While these are advertised as being free, they’re not, as you’re expected to pay what you feel the tour is worth at the end. The guides have to pay a fee to the company, usually around $5 per person. Anything after that is theirs to keep. So if you only pay $5, they’re effectively working for free, which isn’t fair.
7. Saving All Your Tips for the Last Day
It’s a classic mistake – waiting until the last day to hand out tips.
Not only does this make it feel like a financial punch all at once, but you also miss the chance to show appreciation to a standout bartender or cabin steward throughout your cruise.
Plus, a little generosity early on can sometimes make for even better service.
You’re missing out if you wait – maybe spreading out the tipping love could just swing you a little special treatment during the cruise (though don’t expect it!)
8. Over-Tipping Because You’re Unaware of Service Charges
Some onboard purchases, like spa treatments or drinks, already include a service charge.
Tipping extra on top of this is unnecessary unless you’ve received exceptional service. And yet some people do, because it can be a little bit confusing.
So it’s worth checking the costs whenever you pay for something on the ship – do your research before you sail on whether your drinks include the tip already. If you’re already paying 18% on top of the menu price for each drink, you may feel that’s more than enough.
Again, there’s no harm in tipping extra if you want to – and the occasional small tip with a bartender could help you get served even quicker the next time you visit.
Just make sure you aren’t overpaying unnecessarily.
9. Assuming Prepaid Gratuities Mean You Don’t Have to Tip Extra
Prepaying your gratuities means you’ve covered the basics – but it doesn’t mean you can’t show a little extra appreciation to crew members who go above and beyond.
A small personal tip to your cabin steward or favourite bartender can make a big difference. And what might not seem like much to you, could be what makes their day.
Bring a little extra with you if you can, and reward the good service you get. Trust me, they’ll know whether you’ve already prepaid too, so your extra tips will be appreciated even more.
Room service on many cruise lines already has a service charge included, so you’re not required to leave an extra tip. It can feel awkward, since you would always expect to tip a delivery, but it might be something you’ve already paid.
Of course, if you receive exceptional service – like a quick late-night delivery – a couple of pounds or dollars as a thank you won’t go amiss.
After all, there’s something magical about a late night snack in bed on a cruise. And if they’ve gone out of their way to make it happen for you, it might be nice to say a special thanks.
11. Forgetting About Your Cabin Steward
Your cabin steward is the unsung hero of your cruise, keeping your room clean and tidy (amd potentially handling quite a few extra tasks for you too…)
A small additional tip is always appreciated and can be a great way to thank them for their hard work.
And like I say, maybe don’t wait until the end of your cruise – a bit of a thank-you every now and then can make sure any requests you have take priority.
Trust me, you’ll miss them when you get home and have to make your own bed again.
12. Tipping Everyone for Everything
With so many crew members working hard to make your cruise amazing, it can be easy to feel like you need to tip everyone for everything.
But remember, many services already include a gratuity, and you don’t need to double-tip unless you want to.
Generosity is great, but let’s keep it within budget. You don’t have to drain your bank account just for tipping’s sake.
13. Using Tips To Jump The Queue
Sometimes, when the bars are busy, you may see someone come to the bar and slide a dollar bill onto the table, in the hope of getting served first.
While that may work, it’s very annoying to everyone else who has been waiting patiently in line. It can feel as though you’re paying to jump the queue.
There’s nothing wrong with the tradition of tipping in cash for each drink. But if you do it, perhaps wait until after you’ve been served? Or if you do get served first, perhaps thank to your previous cash tips, then the polite thing to do would be to point the bartender towards the person you know has been waiting longer than you.
Final Thoughts
Cruise tipping doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enjoy your holiday without awkward moments or unexpected charges.
After all, cruising should be all about relaxing, not worrying about who you’ve forgotten to tip.
To make it easy on yourself, just double-check a few things before you go – are gratuities already covered, do your onboard purchases have an automatic service charge, and pack some smaller banknotes.
You can then tip as you want to, without feeling pressured to go over the top.
TODAY’S BEST CRUISE DEALS!
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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.
