Luxury Cruising Editorial

For those who love Formula 1 racing and being on a cruise ship, one luxury cruise line is offering the ultimate experience. Passengers on their docked ship will be able to walk directly to one of the world’s most prestigious races: the Monaco Grand Prix.

Explora Journeys is offering a truly special way to experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco in 2025. Never mind searching for hotels and dealing with traffic.  Passengers will be able to live right at the heart of the action on an ultra-luxurious ship, Explora II.

From May 21st to May 26th, 2025, Explora II will be docked in Monte Carlo’s famous Port Hercule for six days. This means these cruise passengers will be just a short walk – mere steps, really – from the narrow 3-kilometer street circuit where the world’s best drivers compete.

Having a luxury ship right there, so close to the racetrack, is a huge advantage.  While the race will take place on May 25, several practices and qualifying races will take place in the days leading up to it.  This also gives cruisers time to soak up the atmosphere and get to the race without any hassle.

Extras for Race Fans

Explora Journeys has put together special packages for a more immersive experience as well. These often include tickets to a grandstand seat located across from the pits. This spot is perfect for watching the teams in action and seeing those incredibly fast tire changes.

There are also options to upgrade with exclusive access to F1 Paddock Club. This can include behind-the-scenes tours of the pit lane and team garages, giving fans a peek at where all the magic happens.

Some will also get to meet and hear from some of the F1 drivers and legends of the sport. There’s even a top-tier package called the “Monaco Triple Crown,” which adds a gourmet lunch made by the famous chef Gordon Ramsay and a prime seat at the exciting La Rascasse corner of the track.

This six-day Grand Prix experience, which covers the main race weekend from May 22nd to May 25th, is a high-end offering. A five-night stay with race tickets starts from $18,500 per person. Explora Journeys also has shorter three-night options that are cruise-only.

Cruise Line’s Ties to Formula 1

It’s interesting to note that Explora Journeys’ connection to Formula 1 runs deep because of its parent company, MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises is a major partner of Formula 1, even sponsoring several other races and working closely with the BWT Alpine racing team.

Many MSC cruise ships are even known to have Formula 1 racing simulators for cruise passengers to enjoy.

By having Explora II docked right in Port Hercule, Explora Journeys offers a smooth and unforgettable way to experience everything the Monaco Grand Prix has to offer.

Explora II is a luxurious ship where every room is a spacious suite with its own private balcony. Included on each cruise comes nine culinary experiences, free Wi-Fi, thermal suite access, and many wellbeing and fitness programs.

You can check out more details about this sailing here on the Explora Journey’s website.

Cruise lines rely heavily on the feedback they receive about crew members.  But some cruise passengers still wonder if those post-cruise comments ever get seen by those hard-working individuals.

I always try to let the crew members know both through tips and through my words how much they were appreciated on my sailing, but some passengers don’t even fill out the survey at the end, feeling like it doesn’t make a difference.

It’s a question that gets asked a lot within the cruising community: when you take the time to fill out that post-cruise survey, does your feedback, good or bad, actually make its way to the crew members and officers on board?

John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, recently tackled this question on his Facebook page as one person asked if they were just wasting their time.

Heald shared a message he received from a cruiser that doubted the crew member would ever know how much they were appreciated—or criticized. The passenger wondered if such comments – or those sent directly to Heald – were “ignored.”

The cruiser noted this was a “big talking point” with a “general assumption” that feedback wasn’t being passed up to ship leadership. Their pointed question to Heald cut to the chase: “Are we wasting our time doing this? Most of us think we are. Care to comment?”

Yes, Feedback Reaches Leadership

Heald directly addressed the idea that official survey feedback disappears without a trace. He stated clearly that when guests complete the online comment survey, their input is absolutely reviewed by key personnel, each and every comment.

According to Heald, “each point made, whether good or bad is absolutely seen by the hotel director and the department heads.“.

Positive Shout-Outs Are Shared

It’s not just the critical comments that get attention. Heald was particularly clear about positive feedback received through the official survey.

He confirmed that “Every single positive comment you make on the online review form is shared by the hotel, director and senior officers with the crew.” This means that acknowledging great service in the survey is a direct route to getting that crew member recognized by their superiors.

It does appear that it’s up to those senior officers to pass on those comments to the crew members individually.

Comments to John Heald Aren’t Ignored Either

For those who interact directly with Heald on his popular Facebook platform, he assured them their messages are being heard as well. He explained that he and his colleague, Jacinta, actively compile and forward these comments.

Heald stated that for those who “sent me a positive comment here on Facebook,” he and Jacinta “send them immediately to the hotel director and they all make sure praise and recognition is given to the crew members who are mentioned.”

He reiterated his commitment to this process, emphasizing that regardless of the nature of the feedback – “whether it be good or not so good” – he will “always make sure that comments made here to me are shared with the right people.”

It Makes a Real Difference

Heald then stressed the genuine impact that passenger feedback has on the crew members’ lives and careers. He extended a “huge thank you” to everyone who takes the time to send comments recognizing the crew.

He shared candidly that this feedback “really does make a big difference to their careers and makes them feel so very proud.”

As cruise lines continue to announce new epic cruises, Holland America Line recently revealed a new cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida that will visit two islands that cruise ships hardly ever stop at.

The cruise line’s 2027 Grand World Voyage will visit 28 countries and 53 ports over the course of four months. It will depart from Port Everglades on January 5, 2027 and return to the same port 129 days later.

This cruise on Volendam will feature seven overnight port stops and visit two islands in the South Atlantic that are nearly inaccessible: Ascension Island and St. Helena. 19 of the ports are exclusive to Holland America’s Grand Voyages. The overnight ports are:

• Copenhagen
• Bordeaux
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Bali, Indonesia
• Sydney, Australia
• Papeete, French Polynesia
• Callao (Lima), Peru

The ship will sail along the west coast of South America before visiting Easter Island and the South Pacific and Tahiti.

After a visit to Australia, the ship will head to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The ship will sail along the west coast of Africa before visiting Europe. After a few port stops in Europe, Volendam will cross the Atlantic Ocean and return back to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Highlights of the cruise include:

• 53 ports
• 28 countries
• Six continents
• Access to 81 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, gave the following statement about their new cruises:

“When you sail on one of our Grand Voyages, we know you’re looking for experiences you can’t have anywhere else, and part of that is the carefully crafted itineraries featuring unique ports of call.

“I’m very excited to announce the Mariners’ Collection — a special series of ports that are only featured on our Grand Voyages. These are bucket-list and often hard-to-reach destinations you might not visit otherwise.”

Guests who book the 129-day cruise will receive the following early booking benefits:

• Up to $2,000 in onboard credit per guest
• 3% pay-in-full discount
• Free WiFi package
• $500 air credit if booked through Flight Ease
• Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers to and from FLL

Certain cabin categories will also include extra perks like free gratuities, laundry and luggage service.

I love a good cruise deal. And last-minute deals are still possible, especially after final payment is due and some cabins open up.

But an eleventh-hour deal has some major drawbacks too, and some of these might be a deal breaker for some deal seekers. Let’s look at 7 cons to booking a cruise at the last minute—even though it’s still one of my go-to cruises to book.

1. Only the Less-Desirable Cabins Still Available

That spacious balcony cabin with a view of the wake, or maybe a specific location midship away from noise? Chances are, the prime locations, most popular cabin types, and best layouts were booked months ago.

You’re often left with whatever didn’t sell – potentially obstructed views, cabins under noisy areas, or the last few interior rooms.  If you aren’t picky about your cabin, it’s no big deal.  Just remember you’re getting a cruise ship’s version of leftovers when booking right before a sailing.

I’ve ended up with a lifeboat as my ocean view and an interior cabin that was very far from any elevators when booking last second.   Depending on just how many days are left before the sailing, only the less-desirable cabins will be left.

2. Popular Excursions Are Filled Up

Got your heart set on a limited-spot ship tour, a private snorkeling trip, or swimming with stingrays? The best, most popular, and often limited-capacity shore excursions are typically snapped up by passengers who booked early to guarantee their spot.

This is especially true for excursions through the ship itself, so you can often still find some 3^rd party excursions.  Just don’t expect the full menu of excursions at your disposal.

I remember sailing on a Viking Ocean cruise and many of the more popular excursions got completely filled up on the same day the excursions were opened for booking.

3. Airfare Costs Can Be Sky-High

This is probably the most overlooked factor because the focus tends to be on the amazing cruise deal that was just discovered.  But if it will cost twice as much just to fly to the port, your “deal” just got a lot more expensive.

Trying to find a reasonably priced flight just weeks or days before departure can easily erase any savings you got on the cruise fare itself, sometimes adding hundreds or even thousands to your total trip cost.

If you’re just a short drive from the cruise port, it makes last-minute deals must more attractive.

4. Limited Dining Options and Times

Preferred main dining room times (like the popular early seating) and reservations at highly sought-after specialty restaurants are often fully booked well in advance by guests planning their evenings.

Some cruise ships require you to make reservations after you board the ship, so it really depends on the cruise line in this case.

You might find yourself assigned to a less convenient late dining time for the main restaurant or unable to get into those exclusive specialty dining experiences you were hoping to try.

Read more: 10 things that can ruin your cruise (if you let them)

5. Less Time for Planning and Preparation

Booking a cruise weeks or days out leaves you with a rushed timeline to research ports of call, figure out what to pack for various climates and activities, arrange for pet or house sitters, notify banks of travel, and handle all the little logistical details that go into a smooth vacation.

Then again, some travelers love this kind of spontaneity when it comes to cruising.  As long as you have your travel documents, you really can have an amazing cruise without planning a single second of the trip.

But the lack of time to plan for some can lead to stress, forgetting essential items, or feeling unprepared once on board.

6. Missing Out on Pre-Cruise Package Deals

Cruise lines frequently offer discounts on popular packages like unlimited drink packages, Wi-Fi access, or bundles of specialty dining reservations if you purchase them through their online portal before your sailing date.

Booking the last minute means you might miss the cutoff for these potential pre-cruise savings and have to pay the higher, onboard price for these amenities.  The difference is not usually that drastic, but it’s still something you should know.

7. Limited Availability for Onboard Activities

Many popular onboard activities, classes (from fitness classes to cooking), desirable spa appointment times, and reservations for special events (like tastings or behind-the-scenes tours) can get fully booked by guests planning their cruise experiences months ahead.

You might find your preferred spa treatment time is unavailable or that the cooking demonstration you wanted to attend is full.  Spa scheduling on sea days is particularly tricky as these time slots fill up fast.

Last Minute Deals Are Still Perfect for Some

However, let’s not forget the main point: the price. The main reason anyone dives into the last-minute market is the chance to score a deep discount on the cruise fare itself.

It should be noted though, with the cruise industry in full swing, it’s getting harder to find some of these last-minute deals and ships are filling up further in advance than ever before.

But if you’re a traveler who is flexible with details, isn’t particular about having a specific cabin number or dining time, can roll with the punches if your first-choice excursion is booked, and thrives under a bit of pressure, then go ahead with that last minute sailing.

For the budget-conscious cruiser or someone who can drop everything and go, that last-minute price can make cruising accessible when it otherwise might not be.

And the other huge advantage is that when you sail last minute, there is less of a chance that something will come up to interfere with those sailing dates.

Read more: 7 Biggest Myths About Booking a Cruise at the Last Minute

Planning a cruise, especially a honeymoon cruise, often involves booking early to get the perfect cabin and take advantage of any promotions. But what happens when plans change, and you decide you want a different cabin category?

A future Carnival cruise passenger recently faced this very situation and found out they would be losing their $250 OBC (onboard credit) if they went through with it.

A recent post on Reddit brought up a common–and frustrating– situation where a passenger discovered that making a cabin change themselves meant giving up valuable original booking perks.

The original poster shared their experience booking an Alaskan cruise for their 2026 honeymoon back in December 2024. Initially, they opted for an interior cabin, securing an offer that included $250 in Onboard Credit (OBC) and free drinks.

However, they later decided that a honeymoon warranted something a bit nicer and looked into “upgrading.”

The Unexpected Catch

Their attempt to switch cabins, first online and then by calling Carnival, revealed an unexpected catch. They were told that if they chose to move to the balcony cabin, they would lose their original promotional offer because the $250 OBC and free casino drinks were no longer available promotions.

They would have to pick a new, less valuable offer currently being advertised. The future passenger was willing to pay almost $1700 more for the balcony but didn’t expect to lose the perks that came with the initial booking.

“Is this normal? Is there anyway around it? And/or what would you do?” the user asked.

Why This Is Normal

First of all, yes, this is normal.  What the person was trying to do was essentially rebook the cruise.  And when you rebook a cruise cabin you lose the original perks and promotional deals that came with it. 

However, there could be some new promotions that you can still take advantage of.

Responses from the Reddit also added some insight into this common misunderstanding. This is a standard practice when a passenger initiates a change in cabin category. As one commenter put it,

“It’s normal if you’re upgrading of your own choice, and the promotion you originally had is no longer available.”

Promotions and pricing are constantly changing in the cruise industry. Your original booking is tied to the specific offer available at the time you booked it. When you decide to change your cabin category, the cruise line treats this not just as a simple swap, but effectively as canceling your old booking and creating a new booking.

You don’t get to keep the best parts of both the old and new offers; you get the package available when you make the new booking.  It kind of reminds you of the cliché of having your cake and eating it too, right?

Are There Any Alternatives?

The Carnival agent reportedly suggested two alternatives to the passenger: wait to see if Carnival sends them an upgrade offer (which might allow them to keep their original perks) or attempt to upgrade once on the ship.

However, as the original poster and others noted, waiting carries risk, especially for popular itineraries like Alaska where the best cabins like balconies tend to sell out well in advance.

The Main Takeaway

The confusing part for many is the difference between you choosing to change your cabin and the cruise line offering an upgrade.

When you decide to change your cabin category after you book, the cruise line typically sees it as canceling your first booking and starting a new one under today’s terms. Your original promotions are usually tied to that first booking and are lost.

However, if the cruise line offers you an upgrade, they often let you keep your original perks.

This rule forced the honeymooners to weigh their options: Get the balcony now and give up their valuable freebies, or keep their perks and hope for a cruise line upgrade later, which isn’t guaranteed.

The main takeaway? If you change your cabin category yourself after booking, expect it to be treated like a new reservation. You’ll get current offers, not necessarily the great deal you started with.