A recent incident on a Carnival cruise has been brought under the spotlight after one passenger was reportedly seen filming another who had slipped and fallen near a hot tub.
In a world where clicks and views are treated like currency, it appears that common decency is not as common as we would like to think.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
The incident, which was recently the focus of a Facebook live video by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, is raising questions about cruise etiquette and privacy.
Heald addressed the issue head-on, asking his followers, “Would you do this?”
According to the account shared with Heald by a guest named Connie, the incident occurred on the Lido deck.
While the ship’s medical team responded quickly and crew members thoughtfully used beach towels to shield the injured woman who had fallen, Connie was disturbed to witness another guest holding their phone high in the air, seemingly recording the scene.
Heald quoted Connie’s message during his live broadcast:
“Is it OK for another guest to be filming the incident? It upset me when I saw someone holding her phone high in the air to capture the incident. I asked her why she would think it’s OK to film this and it was very disrespectful… to film an incident like this in my opinion is very disrespectful, John. What do you think?”
John Heald, known for his direct and creative communication style, didn’t mince words in his response. Admitting that phone cameras are everywhere and a part of reality, he stated:
“Well, you know, wherever we are in the world, you see an accident on the road, somebody’s filming it. There is always somebody with their phone in the air filming everything.”
Heald then gave his own feelings about the issue which seemed to echo the sentiment of the comments on the Facebook post as well
“Would I do it? Not in a million years. Do I think it’s awful? Yes.”
Heald further challenged his audience to consider the perspective of the person who had fallen:
“Do I think that people don’t think, ‘What if that was me laying at the bottom of the steps of the hot tub if I just slipped over, I want someone filming me now?’ Of course, you wouldn’t…”
While expressing his strong personal disapproval, Heald also offered a realistic view:
“…but there’s nothing we could do. It is the world that we live in, it really is.”
Heald’s message is a reminder that just because we can film something doesn’t mean we should. This isn’t about the legality of filming in a public space; it’s about basic human decency.
We can prioritize compassion over content, right? How’s that for alliteration!
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Just months after Royal Caribbean resumed calls to its private Haitian destination of Labadee, the cruise line is once again pulling out – at least temporarily – due to escalating unrest in the country.
Guests currently sailing aboard Voyager of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas have confirmed that Labadee has been removed from their itineraries, replaced by alternate Caribbean ports.
One guest onboard Voyager of the Seas reported that the captain announced all calls to Haiti have been suspended for the next month.
“The captain has just come over the Tano and said that Royal Caribbean have [cancelled] all stops to Haiti for the next month due to the ongoing situation which is rapidly escalating. We are now going to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic,”
That sailing, a 5-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed Port Canaveral on 14th April 2025, will still include a visit to Royal Caribbean’s other private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.
Similarly, guests aboard Oasis of the Seas, currently on a 6-night voyage from Fort Lauderdale, were informed of a switch from Labadee to Nassau, Bahamas.
Letters distributed onboard cited “an abundance of caution” as the reason for the itinerary change.
More Changes Likely
Initial reports suggest Royal Caribbean will avoid Labadee through at least mid-May, meaning other ships scheduled to call on the port – including Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas – may also see changes to their itineraries.
This comes after Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises made a similar move, quietly adjusting a dozen sailings to remove Labadee.
No official explanation was given at the time, but many suspected the ongoing unrest throughout Haiti was behind the changes.
While Labadee itself is a fenced-off, controlled-access resort with private security and limited access to the broader country, Haiti as a whole remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the US State Department.
The alert cites risks such as kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest.
The worst of the violence is centred in Port-au-Prince – more than 100 miles away from Labadee – but the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, prompting concern even for restricted-access locations.
When Royal Caribbean resumed visits to Labadee in October 2024 after a seven-month hiatus, they did so with limited shore excursions that stayed within the safe bounds of the 260-acre destination.
However, in light of recent developments and worsening conditions reported by agencies like the UN and Red Cross, the cruise line is once again erring on the side of caution.
Travellers booked on upcoming cruises featuring Labadee should prepare for potential itinerary changes.
Royal Caribbean has not yet released an official blanket statement, but based on shipboard announcements, the destination may be off the schedule for at least the next month.
Guests are encouraged to monitor communications from the cruise line and check for itinerary updates in their cruise planner or booking portal.
For now, it seems Labadee is once again on pause – a decision made to prioritise guest safety amid an unpredictable and rapidly shifting situation on the ground.
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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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A 19-year-old man has been jailed for 8 months after emailing in a bomb hoax to a cruise over a trivial disagreement.
Joshua Lowe, a Michigan resident, has been sentenced to 8 months in a federal prison after the hoax, which was attributed to him being upset that his girlfriend cruised without him, leaving him to look after the pets.
The threat, sent via email to the Carnival Sunrise in January 2024, prompted immediate and widespread emergency action.
More than 1,100 crew members onboard were forced to conduct an urgent search of over 1,000 staterooms as the ship followed security protocols.
The Sunshine-class vessel was also escorted by the US Coast Guard and Jamaica Marine Police during the scare.
The cruise, which had departed from PortMiami, was carrying thousands of passengers when the threat caused panic and operational disruption.
Ultimately, the email was traced back to Lowe, who confessed he was angry about being left behind to pet sit while his girlfriend vacationed with her family.
“We take every threat of mass violence seriously,” said US Attorney Mark Totten following Lowe’s sentencing on April 14, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
“Hoaxes can endanger lives, incur needless costs, and divert public safety resources needed to address real threats. My office has zero tolerance for wrongdoers who intentionally convey false and misleading information,” Totten added.
Although Lowe received an eight-month sentence, the punishment could have been more severe.
Under Section 35 of Title 18 of the US Department of Justice’s Criminal Resource Manual, making a false bomb threat carries penalties of up to five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.
In a comparable case in 2010, a Florida woman was sentenced to a full year behind bars after falsely claiming a female terrorist with a bomb was aboard Carnival Fascination.
Despite the disruption and wasted resources, Lowe expressed remorse. In a letter to US District Judge Paul Maloney, he wrote, “This is all my fault and [I] take full responsibility.”
A Costly Mistake
Lowe’s actions not only caused fear and confusion aboard Carnival Sunrise, but also resulted in the unnecessary deployment of emergency services.
Given the heightened sensitivity surrounding cruise ship security, hoax threats are treated with full seriousness, regardless of the motivation.
“Anyone making a bomb threat should expect to be taken at his word. Fortunately, this particular hoax did not result in physical injury,” said Assistant US Attorney Nils Kessler.
The Carnival Sunrise scare wasn’t the only recent cruise-related bomb threat.
On 3rd March 2025, PortMiami – one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs – experienced chaos after an unrelated threat disrupted port operations for hours. Though no explosive was found and no one has been arrested, the investigation remains ongoing.
Five cruise ships were in port that day, including Independence of the Seas, MSC Divina, Norwegian Joy, and both Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Conquest.
The key takeaway: real threats should always be reported to cruise security teams or authorities. But making false reports – even in moments of anger or jealousy – can result in serious legal consequences.
Carnival Cruise Line and other operators have strict security protocols in place for any kind of threat, with teams trained to handle emergencies both onboard and ashore. While most cruises are safe, enjoyable experiences, safety will always remain the top priority.
For Lowe’s girlfriend, if her pet is a dog then she may wish to consider a dog-friendly cruise in future instead of leaving any partner behind where they might be so upset as to fake a bomb!
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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.
Just months after Royal Caribbean resumed calls to its private Haitian destination of Labadee, the cruise line is once again pulling out – at least temporarily – due to escalating…
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Icon of the Seas is the first of the newer Icon-class ships to sail for Royal Caribbean, and the largest ship in the world.
She therefore also features some of the most impressive features, including fantastic accommodation. And there’s nothing better than the suites you can book onboard.
There isn’t just one type of suite though – in fact, there are many. In this guide, I’ll take you through all of the suite options you can book on Icon of the Seas, and you can determine which is best suited to you.
Plenty of Suite options available!
There are 180 individual suites on Icon of the Seas, with 13 different types of suite (or 16 if you count accessible variants as their own unique type).
The most common (and cheapest – though I use the term loosely) suite type is a Junior Suite, with 66 on the ship. Unique suites include the Royal Loft Suite and Ultimate Family Townhouse.
The table below lays out all of the suites on Icon of the Seas:
Suite type
How many?
Deck location
Sleeps up to
Suite size (sq ft)
Balcony size (sq ft)
Total size (sq ft)
Royal Loft Suite
1
17
6
2088
705
2793
Ultimate Family Townhouse
1
8
8
1772
751
2523
Icon Loft Suite Accessible
1
17
4
968
108
1076
Icon Loft Suite
7
17
4
838
108-172
946-1010
Owner’s Suite
8
16-17
5
658
190
848
Sunset Corner Suite
10
8-12
4
380-480
280-360
660-840
Infinite Grand Suite
6
9
4
431
102
533
Grand Suite
10
16-17
4
431
108
539
Sunset Suite
6
9, 11
4
390
96-120
486-510
Sky Junior Suite Accessible
2
16
4
420
145
565
Sky Junior Suite
6
16-17
4
332
80
412
Ocean View Panoramic Suite
10
16-17
4
370-440
0
370-440
Surfside Family Suite Accessible
1
11
2+2
312
74
386
Surfside Family Suite
41
9-11
2+2
269
53
322
Sunset Junior Suite
4
10
4
322-330
115-130
437-460
Junior Suite
66
9-11
4
322
80
402
That’s a lot of suite options! Need some help choosing the best suite for you on Icon of the Seas? Grab my free checklist here:
The price varies wildly between the best and worst suites
The cost to stay in a suite on Icon of the Seas varies depending on time of year, itinerary and your chosen suite. The most expensive suites cost around £18,000 ($20,000) per person, per week, while Junior Suites cost much less – around £2,000 ($2,500) per person, per week.
The top suites – the Ultimate Family Townhouse and the Royal Loft Suite – have a significant price jump compared to other suites. As a rough guide, Sunset Suites cost from around £3,500 ($4,400) per person, per week while Owner’s Suites cost from £5,000 ($6,300) per person, per week.
There are 2-bedroom suites ideal for families & groups
Icon of the Seas does have 2-bedroom suites. These include the Ultimate Family Townhouse (2 bedrooms – sleeps up to 8) and the Royal Loft Suite (2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6). Surfside Family Suites have a nook with a pull-out bed for kids, acting as a second bedroom space.
Star Class Suites – the best of the best
The Star Class suites on Icon of the Seas are the Royal Loft Suite, the Ultimate Family Townhouse and the Icon Loft Suites. These include all the benefits of Star Class, including the services of a Royal Genie.
On its more modern ships, Royal Caribbean classifies its suites into three categories – Star, Sky and Sea. This is what determines what extra perks each suite gets. The top tier is Star and that applies to the three best suite categories on the ship.
The Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive area on the ship for suite guests only, situated on the top decks near the best suites. Guests can enjoy a two-storey sun deck with private pool, and two restaurants for guests in these suites only. There’s also a Suite Lounge with views into the AquaDome.
Royal Suite Class Deals
I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.
The largest suite is…
The biggest suite on Icon of the Seas is the Royal Loft Suite, with an interior floor space of 2,088 square feet and a balcony measuring 705 square feet, for a total combined space of 2,793 square feet. That balcony alone is larger than two Surfside Family Suites combined.
The Royal Loft Suite on Icon of the Seas is also the biggest suite in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. It doesn’t feature the biggest balcony, but the interior space is 33% larger than the equivalent Royal Loft Suite on Wonder of the Seas.
Royal Loft Suite
In terms of capacity, the largest suite on Icon of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which can sleep up to 8 guests.
More info on all 13 suite categories
Let’s look at every suite option on Icon, starting with the biggest and best…
Royal Loft Suite
The Royal Loft Suite is the finest suite on the ship and the biggest in the whole Royal Caribbean fleet. It’s split across two storeys, with a bedroom and bathroom downstairs along with a spacious living area, including a grand piano. The main balcony space is on this floor too, with its own hot tub.
Upstairs is the master bedroom with a bathroom (including a large bath and a bidet), and a walk-in wardrobe. It’s super luxurious, and super expensive too.
View: Ocean View + Chill Island View
Sleeps: 6
Room size: 1,482 square feet
Balcony size: 705 square feet
Bedrooms: 2
Code: RL
Ultimate Family Townhouse
The Ultimate Family Townhouse is the only three-storey accommodation on any Royal Caribbean ship. As the name suggests it is perfect for families – with two bedrooms, a games area and an actual slide from the upper floor down to the main floor!
The third storey is downstairs again, a private backyard area with a picket fence that leads directly into the Surfside neighbourhood, so guests staying in this suite have ample space of their own and easy access to one of the most popular parts of the ships for families.
View: Ocean View + Surfside View
Sleeps: 8
Room size: 1,772 square feet
Balcony size: 751 square feet
Bedrooms: 2
Code: UL
Icon Loft Suite
Icon Loft Suites are two-storey suites that are very modern and luxurious. The lower floor offers a spacious living area, with a sofa bed meaning it becomes almost a second bedroom. There’s a bathroom on the lower floor too.
Upstairs is the master bedroom with its own separate wardrobe, and the master bathroom. The Icon Loft Suite is part of the Star Class so, like the Royal Loft and Ultimate Family Townhouse, it gets the benefits of a Royal Genie.
An accessible Icon Loft Suite is available with wider doors and a wet room replacing the lower bathroom.
View: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 656 square feet
Balcony size: 151-183 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: IL
Owner’s Suite
On many cruise ships, the Owner’s Suite would be the pinnacle – the best suite on the ship. And while that’s not true on Icon of the Seas, it is still an outstanding accommodation choice.
It has one bedroom, but the living area has a sofa bed and can be cordoned off to make a second bedroom space. The bathroom is spacious and includes a bathtub, separate shower cubicle and twin vanity.
View: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 658 square feet
Balcony size: 190 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: OS
Sunset Corner Suite
Sunset Corner Suites are spacious accommodations situated at the aft of the ship. They have wraparound balconies to allow guests to enjoy fantastic views over the ship’s wake. The balconies are almost as big as the rooms themselves!
These suites have one bedroom and a sofa bed, although due to the shape of the room, that can’t easily be cordoned off to make a second bedroom, even if you bring your own curtains to hang.
View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 380-480 square feet
Balcony size: 280-360 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: SN
Infinite Grand Suite
Infinite Grand Suites are the only suites on Icon of the Seas to have an Infinite Balcony. This is where, instead of being a completely outdoor space, the balcony is an extension of the room. It’s fully enclosed, with a large window that slides down to open it up into a balcony space.
The room itself has a main bed and a sofa bed, and a spacious bathroom including a bathtub.
View: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 431 square feet
Balcony size: 102 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: IG
Grand Suite
Grand Suites are part of the Suite Neighborhood at the top of the ship and offer fantastic views from their floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms themselves are very spacious and comfortable and similar to other suites, including a double bed and a sofa bed to sleep two more guests.
Sunset Suites are named for their fantastic floor-to-ceiling windows that give an incredible view from the room. The suites are spacious, but otherwise a similar layout to smaller suites – expect a large bedroom with a sofa bed, and a spacious bathroom.
You can at least draw a curtain to separate the sofa bed from the rest of the room, to give yourself two bedrooms.
View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 390 square feet
Balcony size: 66-120 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: SS
Sky Junior Suite
The Sky Junior Suite is unique for Royal Caribbean. It is the size and layout of a regular Junior Suite, but it has Sky-class suite benefits instead of the usual Sea-class benefits – so a concierge service, complimentary internet access and more.
Otherwise, the room is fairly standard for a suite. It’s still more spacious than a Balcony Stateroom and can sleep 4 guests, but it is one of the smaller suite options on the ship.
View: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 322 square feet
Balcony size: 80 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: JY
Ocean View Panoramic Suite
These suites are situated inside the AquaDome at the front of the ship. Due to their location, they don’t have a balcony – it’d be too windy. Instead, they have large floor-to-ceiling windows with an excellent view out to sea.
They sleep up to 4 guests and while they’re not as large as the Grand Suites, they are still spacious accommodation options. Ideal if you want a spacious room and you’re not too fussed about sitting outdoors on a balcony.
View: Ocean View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 370-440 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: VP
Surfside Family Suite
The Surfside Family Suites are a debuting accommodation category on Icon of the Seas, aimed at families. They sleep two adults and two children, with a smaller sofa bed in a separate nook of the room – it’s classed as half a bedroom since it is its own space, but separated by a curtain only.
There’s a split bathroom – very helpful for getting ready when you have kids – and easy access to the Surfside neighbourhood.
View: Surfside View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 269 square feet
Balcony size: 53 square feet
Bedrooms: 1.5
Code: SF
Sunset Junior Suite
Sunset Junior Suites are a step up for a regular Junior Suite, as they’re situated at the aft of the ship and have a corner balcony. They feel more spacious too because they have a higher ceiling. The location is very popular with some of the best views from the ship, so these will be very popular.
Sunset Junior Suites sleep 4 guests, with a double bed and a sofa bed.
View: Ocean View & Surfside View
Sleeps: 4
Room size: 320-330 square feet
Balcony size: 115-130 square feet
Bedrooms: 1
Code: JT
Junior Suite
Junior Suites are the smallest suite option on Icon of the Seas. They’re still bigger than a Balcony stateroom, but there aren’t a huge number of benefits for booking one – the Sea Class offers access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for dinner, and then a couple of in-suite touches such as a luxury mattress and bathrobes to use.
If the Junior Suite doesn’t cost a lot more than a Balcony then the upgrade is worthwhile, but if the price difference is significant it may be better to book the cheaper Balcony room and use the money on other things during your cruise.
So many choices – but which suite is the right one for you?
And should you even book a suite at all? It may be that you’re better suited to choosing an Inside, Oceanview or Balcony Stateroom instead. You’ll save a lot, with suites often costing at least twice that of a regular stateroom. Would you prefer one amazing cruise in a suite, or two in a smaller room?
If you are looking for a larger room, and you have the budget to spend, then these suites are amazing, and you get some great perks too. But the right one for you depends on what you want from your cruise.
Anyone travelling with kids and no budget limits will love the Ultimate Family Townhouse, but the Surfside Family Suites are excellent cheaper options. And if you want the best luxury experience, the Royal Loft Suite is one of the finest suites of any cruise ship.
Royal Suite Class Deals
I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.
I also found this video that shows you inside many of the suites, so I recommend you check that out for more info:
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 ships are like huge floating cities, transporting up to 7,600 passengers around the world. Given their mammoth size, you may be wondering how fast cruise ships go…
Of course, how fast they ‘can’ go and how fast they choose to sail are two completely different measurements. Your car ‘can’ go a lot faster than you drive (I hope).
So it’s interesting to take a look at what’s possible, and the speeds they actually travel (and why).
Cruise Ships Average A Relatively Slow Speed
The average speed of a cruise ship is 18 to 22 knots (20 to 25 miles per hour). The maximum top speed of a cruise ship is around three knots faster than its real-life average cruising speed. The fastest cruise ship, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, can reach top speeds of up to 30 knots.
But when asking how fast does a cruise ship go, that’ll depend on how far it needs to travel. The average cruise ship speed is exactly that – an average.
In reality, the ship will only travel as fast as it needs to in order to reach the next port by morning. It’s very rare for a cruise ship top speed to be used – in fact, for itineraries visiting ports close to each other, the average speed of cruise ship travel might be much lower.
Converting Knots to MPH
To convert a speed in knots to miles per hour, you can multiply the knots by 1.151.
Why We Use Knots Instead of Miles Per Hour
Knots means ‘nautical miles per hour’. A nautical mile is 6,076 feet, which is about 15% more than a mile on dry land (which is called a statute mile).
I once heard Captain Wesley Dunlop, who was the captain of P&O Cruises’ Britannia at the time (he’s since joined Disney Cruise Line), joke that a nautical mile was longer because the land is quite flat but the sea goes up and down! Of course, this isn’t the real reason for the difference between nautical miles and statute miles.
The measurement of miles on land dates back to Roman times and is based on 1,000 paces (only counting the left foot). Nautical miles were defined much later, in 1929, and are based on degrees of latitude around the earth.
The equator is a circle, which has 360 degrees. Each degree is divided into sixty nautical miles. This actually makes much more sense than statute miles, which are based on 1,000 times the length of two strides.
Cruise ships tend to have a top speed of around 25 knots, though it’ll vary by ship. The top speed of cruise ships is usually considered quite irrelevant, as cruise ships hardly ever reach their maximum speeds!
The only time a cruise ship tends to reach its top speed is during sea trials. These are test voyages in which a brand new cruise ship is taken out into the ocean and put through its paces to confirm that it meets specifications.
So, even if a cruise ship has a top speed of 25 knots, it will realistically only ever travel at about 20 knots because this speed is much more efficient.
Just like when you drive your car on the motorway, if you drive at 80 mph, you’ll burn much more fuel during the journey than you would if you stuck to a steady 60 mph. With something as large as a cruise ship, that extra fuel will be very expensive.
When a cruise ship goes faster, the ride also becomes bumpier for the passengers. The slower the ship is travelling, the more submerged the hull is, which makes for a smoother ride.
Cruise ships do sometimes go faster than the standard speed, such as when there is bad weather that they must quickly move away from. If another ship puts out a distress call, then a cruise ship may also speed up to offer assistance as soon as possible.
Top Speed is an Average
Cruise ships can go faster when they’re going in the same direction as the waves. However, rather than waiting for the right sea conditions to break speed records, cruise lines always use an average that factors in going both with and against the waves. This is a more accurate way to measure the top speed.
Newer Ships Are Quicker
Faster cruise ships don’t necessarily have more powerful engines. The difference in speed is due to efficiency.
Newer cruise ships have more advanced technology, like air bubble systems under the hull. These reduce friction between the ship and the water, meaning that they can go faster with the same fuel, or, as more commonly happens, go the same speed with less fuel.
The Fastest Cruise Ship
Deciding which is the fastest cruise ship depends on your definition of a cruise ship. Small passenger ships and ocean liners are the fastest, but these aren’t technically cruise ships. Smaller ships can go faster because they carry less weight, while ocean liners are designed to be more aerodynamic.
Queen Mary 2 Photo credit: Cunard
Some people may consider Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 to be the fastest cruise ship with a top speed of 30 knots. However, you may be surprised to learn that she’s not technically a cruise ship, she’s an ocean liner! This ship is designed to transport passengers across the Atlantic, sitting lower in the water with a pointed bow and an extra-thick hull compared to a true cruise ship.
You can read more about the differences between cruise ships and ocean liners here.
There’s no official record of the fastest cruise ship as cruise ships rarely, if ever, use their top speed. However, several ships from Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have been known to reach speeds of over 25 knots (29 mph) during sea trials.
The Fastest Ocean Liner On Record
The fastest ocean liner ever built was the SS United States which, on her maiden voyage in 1952, shattered the trans-Atlantic speed record and reached a top speed of 39 knots (45 mph). [Source].
Although the 1,928-passenger SS United States retired from service in 1969, she still holds the record as the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic in either direction.
In the 1950s, the time it would take to complete an ocean crossing was a major selling point for cruise lines. These days, however, people prefer to cruise at a more leisurely pace and call at several destinations during the voyage.
The Average Speed of a Cruise Ship
The speed at which cruise ships travel on open seas is known as ‘cruising speed’ or ‘service speed’. This speed offers the best combination of distance travelled and fuel economy.
The actual speed at which a cruise ship travels may be influenced by:
Itinerary: Cruise ships travel slower when they have plenty of time to reach the next port of call
Fuel: Faster speeds are less fuel-efficient so a ship will slow down if it needs to conserve fuel
Distance to shore: Cruise ships slow down as they approach ports. If they arrive early they may even stop and anchor at sea
Hazards: In some areas, such as Alaska, cruise ships proceed with extra caution to avoid glaciers
Weather: Cruise ships may speed up to move out of the path of storms. If the weather is rough, they may also slow down, preferring to make up progress over flat seas
Have you noticed how time of day isn’t listed there?
Cruise ships don’t travel any faster or slower in the night. While visibility is obviously reduced in the dark, cruise ships have equipment that means that they can look out for hazards, even in the dark. Plus, other vessels have lights, so they’re easy to spot.
The Maximum Distance a Cruise Ship Can Travel in a Day
In 24 hours, a cruise ship travelling at the standard service speed can cover about 480 nautical miles (which equates to 552 land miles).
From the UK: A cruise ship departing from Southampton on the south coast of England, could reach as far as Newcastle Upon Tyne in the North East of England in 24 hours.
From Florida: A cruise ship departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, could reach as far as Havana, Cuba in 24 hours
From Spain: A cruise ship departing from Barcelona, Spain, could reach as far as Livorno (Pisa), Italy in 24 hours
Of course, these are hypothetical journeys. Cruise ships time their journeys to dock at ports in the early morning and depart in the evening to allow passengers to explore. If the distance between two ports is too great, the ship will spend a day at sea.
The Bottom Line
Cruise ships travel relatively slowly, with an average speed of 18 to 22 knots (20 to 25 miles per hour). Ocean liners like Queen Mary 2 can reach top speeds of 30 knots, but for true cruise ships, the maximum speed is more like 25 knots.
So when asking how fast can a cruise ship go, really you’re asking about theoreticals – because ships will only travel as fast as they need to.
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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.
Water transportation continues to advance, thus shifting how we expect our lodging setups to appear. Modern travellers no longer desire hotels with standard rooms and typical cabins. Alongside the contemporary travel trends, people nowadays pursue lodgings that provide profound experiences and visually striking stays. Questers discover the teepee as it emerges as an impressive wilderness experience for modern travellers despite being initially used by nomadic people to shelter their homes.
Cultural Roots Meet Modern Travel
Native Americans maintained teepees (tipis) as their portable dwelling solution, which protected them from the weather according to traditional plains tribal life. Teepees, in their contemporary form, highlight the original cultural tradition with modern features that enhance convenience. Guests who stay in teepees gain access to a respectful panoramic view of traditional lifestyle traditions along with their outdoor adventure experience. The modern teepees present an exceptional tribute to the past through authentic design, blending cultural heritage with luxurious contemporary comforts.
Glamping Trends & Eco-Tourism
The rapidly growing trend of glamorous camping called glamping incorporates teepees as its essential element. People who love nature enjoy rustic experiences but still desire comfort elements, including comfortable beds and air-conditioning paired with personal restrooms. The accommodations of teepees grant all features and much more than basic camping services. Teepee stays have gained popularity as people choose them instead of usual accommodations because they combine eco-tourism advantages with limited environmental effects. Guests at Westgate’s famous teepees enjoy experiencing teepees in peaceful natural landscapes, enabling them to bond with nature without creating ecological harm.
Where to Find These Famous Teepees
Teepee accommodations have been spreading throughout the United States, beginning with the desert of Arizona and then transitioning to the mountain vicinity of Colorado. Among these, Westgate’s famous teepees at Westgate River Ranch Resort in Florida stand out for their exceptional blend of luxury and outdoor adventure. These upscale accommodations go beyond typical glamping, offering access to ranch activities such as horseback riding, airboat tours, and evening campfires. Guests can enjoy all the comforts of a luxury resort while connecting with nature in a unique and memorable setting. It’s the ideal destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable vacation experience.
Who Should Stay in a Teepee?
The teepee experience is the best option for those seeking unique accommodation. These portable camps provide couples with their desired romantic nights under the stars. Family members find value in the authentic campfire experience because it gives them room to develop lasting bonds. Those who travel alone with remote workers find peace in the special atmosphere of the teepees. Westgate’s famous teepees are a distinctive vacation choice that appeals to travellers with various interests and goals.
What to Expect Inside
Don’t let the rustic exterior fool you. Step inside and find climate control, high-end bedding, modern lighting, and even private bathrooms. Some teepees include flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, and Wi-Fi. The interiors of Westgate’s famous teepees feel more like boutique hotel rooms than tents, combining indigenous-inspired décor with modern luxury to create a truly magical ambience.
Booking Tips & What to Bring
Teepees are gaining popularity fast, especially during peak seasons, so book early. Look for weekday deals and seasonal promotions to score the best rates. When packing, bring layers (even luxury teepees can get chilly at night), outdoor-friendly footwear, and your sense of adventure. And, of course, check out any exceptional amenities offered by Westgate’s famous teepees, like on-site activities or dining packages, to enhance your stay.
Conclusion
Teepees are no longer just symbols of the past — they are the future of experiential travel. With their perfect mix of heritage, nature, and high-end hospitality, it’s no wonder they’re becoming must-stay destinations. And if you’re looking for the best in this category, Westgate’s famous teepees deliver an unforgettable escape that’s equal parts cultural, comfortable, and calm.
Enjoying a leisurely cruise has always been a popular way to see more of the world. There’s nothing like stepping onboard a stylish cruise liner and setting sail to whatever exotic destinations it’s heading to. With the perfect blend of relaxation at sea and excitement when ashore, cruises really do have it all.
For this reason, many people will already be looking at booking their next cruise getaway. Tracking down the best deals makes sense when doing this, as this can save you lots of money on your next trip.
But what are some of the best promotions to take advantage of right now when booking your next cruise?
Holland America Line — 42-night Arctic cruise
One of the very best deals for your next break is this cruise from Holland America. Starting on 28th June 2025, there is a massive 52% price discount at present! This makes it a top promo for seeing one of the beautiful parts of the world for less. The extended 42-night sailing time also makes this a great trip to get away from daily life and recharge your batteries.
Although it has lots of eye-catching destinations along the way, stops at Trondheim, Husavik, Reykjavik, and Cork stand out the most. When not onshore, the facilities onboard are first-class. This includes a fitness center, comfortable accommodation, multiple dining venues, and regular entertainment activities.
Virgin Voyages — 12-night Mediterranean cruise
With a 41% drop in price currently, this is an eye-catching promo for your next cruise trip. Virgin Voyages has built up an enviable reputation within the industry, which means an awesome time is on the cards. The cruise starts on 25th September 2025 and lasts for 12 nights.
During this time, it takes in some of the most gorgeous locations around the Med and shows just why this part of the world is so popular. From starting in the cultural hotspot of Barcelona to visiting the party island of Ibiza and sensational Ajaccio in Corsica, this cruise has it all. Wi-Fi is included as standard, and this is very useful for staying entertained onboard in several ways.
Playing games online at real-money casinos is a case in point and gives cruise-goers something exciting to do from their cabin. The most popular iGaming sites have thousands of games, fantastic bonuses, and high-end security features. This makes using Wi-Fi on this cruise the perfect way to add even more fun to your trip. The best iGaming sites to play at while away include Casumo, Casushi, and CasinoKings.
Norwegian Cruise Line — 12-night Northern Europe cruise
With a current deal that slashes 62% off the standard price, there’s never been a better time to see Northern Europe with Norwegian Cruise Line. This jaunt takes place over 12 nights and sets sail on 10th October 2025. Among a whole host of stunning European destinations, it visits Tromso, Alesund, and Bergen before finishing its adventure in Southampton.
The cruise takes place onboard the jaw-dropping “Norwegian Star.” This ship has plenty to keep you entertained while at sea — from swimming pools to leisure facilities, theme nights, and deck parties. If you’re looking to explore Northern Europe but save some money as you go, this is a great deal to consider for your next trip.
MSC Cruises — 7-night Western Caribbean cruise
This cruise starts on 20th December 2025 and takes in seven nights in the glorious Western Caribbean region. MSC Cruises is a respected name in the sector and is someone you can trust to deliver the best experience. To make this getaway even better, it has a 49% price drop on it at the moment.
Setting off from Miami, the trip takes place on Roatán Island, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve before returning to Miami. The stop at MSC’s Marine Reserve is truly spectacular and not to be missed. This cruise has lots included in the price — from accommodation to return flights, port taxes, adult-only areas, and sailaway parties. All you have to worry about is having an awesome time!
Royal Caribbean — 7-night South Caribbean cruise
Another one of the best cruise deals for your next getaway, this offer brings an 86% savings off the usual price from Royal Caribbean. The cruise sets off on the 1st March 2026 and spends 7 nights cruising around some of the most exotic locations in the South Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean is one of the top brands in cruising and can be relied upon to deliver the best experience. From beautiful accommodation to gorgeous food and top-class facilities on-board, they always hit the mark.
This sun-drenched cruise starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, moves on to Willemstad, Oranjestad, and Tortola, and then returns to San Juan. The cruise takes place onboard the “Brilliance of the Seas,” one of the top vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet.
Celebrity Cruises — 9-night Hawaii cruise
Another promo to look at when planning your next getaway is this nine-night cruise around Hawaii from Celebrity Cruises.
It currently has a big 89% discount on the standard price to grab! The trip starts on 24th April 2026 and sets sail from the iconic location of Honolulu. After this, it calls in at Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Vancouver. Kailua-Kona is a particular highlight and features the former Royal vacation home of Hulihee Palace.
The cruise takes place onboard the “Celerity Solstice” and includes a few days at sea to truly relax. Room service from 6 am to 11 pm makes this very easy, as does the Youth Programmes parents can sign their kids up for. Entertainment is laid on throughout the day and evening when you’re ready to get the party started again!
Top cruise deals for your next trip
As the above shows, some great deals are currently available for anyone looking to book their next cruise. It’s a smart move to make the most of them because these promos can save you lots on the cost of your next trip.
Royal Caribbean is reportedly pausing visits to its private destination of Labadee, Haiti, due to escalating unrest in the region, according to passenger reports.
This potential decision (the cruise line has yet to directly confirm this) comes after a similar seven-month pause in stops to Labadee in 2024. It also comes just months after the cruise line reassured guests that the private destination was safe. Even during a period of regional instability, Royal Caribbean had intended to continue sailing there.
Apparently, something has changed.
So far, passengers sailing on Voyager of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas have reported that their itineraries have been changed, with Labadee being removed as a port of call and swapped for another port.
A passenger on Voyager of the Seas reported that the captain announced that “Royal Caribbean have [cancelled] all stops to Haiti for the next month due to the ongoing situation which is rapidly escalating.”
Itinerary Changes Reported by Passengers on Voyager and Oasis
Passengers on Voyager of the Seas, currently on a 5-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, which departed on April 14, 2025, indicate the ship will now visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic instead of Labadee.
The ship’s other scheduled stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas remains on the itinerary.
Passengers on Oasis of the Seas, which departed from Port Everglades on a 6-night Western Caribbean voyage on April 13, 2025, have also reported receiving notification of a change.
According to these passenger accounts, a letter from the cruise line stated that “out of an abundance of caution, instead of visiting Labadee on Thursday, we’ll enjoy a beautiful day in Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday.”
This itinerary also includes calls on CocoCay and Falmouth, Jamaica.
Potential Impact on Future Sailings Based on Schedules
The cancellation of these Labadee stops, as reported by passengers, is now raising questions about future calls at the private destination.
Based on current schedules, both Voyager of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, along with other Royal Caribbean ships like Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas, have scheduled visits to Labadee throughout April and May.
It is possible that more itinerary changes will be announced by the cruise line in the coming days and weeks, but we’ll stay tuned for those developments.
Broader Concerns and Previous Stance
This potential move by Royal Caribbean follows a recent decision by its sister company, Celebrity Cruises, to change a few sailings to skip Labadee.
The U.S. government currently has a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory in place for Haiti, citing risks of kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.
Much of the unrest has been concentrated in areas far from the private resort of Labadee, which is about 100 miles from the capital of Port-au-Prince. The port also has its own private security team and truly is separate from the rest of the country.
Despite Labadee’s isolation and private security, Royal Caribbean has still been careful in its return to the port.
After resuming visits to Labadee in October 2024, the cruise line suspended shore excursions that required guests to leave the controlled cruise port area. One recent visitor noted that “The only thing different about this cruise is Royal has canceled the excursions that leave the area right about the pier/compound.”
Passengers Report Prioritization of Safety
Based on passenger accounts of onboard announcements and letters, Royal Caribbean’s decision to temporarily avoid Labadee appears to be sudden, or perhaps the cruise line is looking ahead and not liking what it sees.
The safety of passengers and crew is a priority for any cruise line, and I’m sure we’ll get more details on this developing story in the coming days.
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No one wants to book a cruise only to have it canceled a few weeks later. But the reality is that there are a few reasons a cruise line might cancel a booking and send that dreaded letter to impacted guests—or “would-be” guests.
Sometimes it’s a scheduling thing, it can be a maintenance issue, and sometimes it’s an individual or company with deep pockets that decides they want the entire ship to themselves.
An upcoming cruise on the Virgin Voyages vessel Brilliant Lady was recently canceled—actually, two sailings were canceled. But one in particular impacted a Reddit user who took to the platform to describe their surprise at how this could happen.
User ProfAGriffin, who booked a Rockstar status cruise departing from PortMiami on January 15, 2026, shared their disappointment on the r/VirginVoyages subreddit after being informed their sailing was canceled because the entire ship had been booked for a private event.
“Last Thursday, we were notified that the entire ship was booked for a private event and that our reservations had to be changed or cancelled all together,” ProfAGriffin stated in the post.
“We were stunned.We assumed that reservations made meant reservations kept. But apparently, if you have enough $$$, you can take the entire ship and make everyone already booked, move.”
While Virgin Voyages offered to rebook them on the same itinerary a month later with $100 in onboard credit, the experience left them less than thrilled.
Not Uncommon in the Cruise World
Unfortunately, this situation isn’t unique to Virgin Voyages. As several commenters on the Reddit thread pointed out, entire ship charters are a known practice across the cruise industry.
“This happens all the time, not just on Virgin,” commented one user. They explained that if a cruise ship has lower-than-expected booking numbers, the guaranteed income from a full-ship charter can be more appealing to the cruise line.
Another user noted a perceived increase in these kinds of cancelations across various cruise lines.
Why Charter a Whole Ship?
Chartering an entire cruise ship can serve different purposes. Companies might book a vessel for large-scale corporate events like conferences or employee rewards. Some groups might also charter a ship to create unique, themed experiences for their members.
I booked a cruise before that was only partially chartered by a music group. I didn’t know it at the time of the booking, but it did make for a different experience as some lounges and amenities were unavailable because of the large group on board.
Confirmed: Brilliant Lady Sailing Chartered by Atlantis Events
Further investigation confirmed the Reddit user’s experience. According to a report by VV Insider, the January 15, 2026, sailing of the Brilliant Lady has indeed been canceled due to a private charter. The VV Insider article states that the charter was booked by Atlantis Events, a company known for organizing themed cruises.
The report also indicates that a following sailing on January 23, 2026, has also been canceled for the same reason. I confirmed that both of these sailings are no longer available for booking on the Virgin Voyages website.
Compensation Offered to Affected Passengers
Virgin Voyages is offering affected passengers two options, as detailed by VV Insider:
Rebooking with Price Guarantee: Passengers can rebook on a different Miami sailing between December 2025 and April 2026 (with some exclusions) and retain their original fare and promotions. They will also receive $100 in onboard credit per cabin.
Future Credit or Refund: Passengers can opt for a full refund or a future cruise credit.
Disappointment During Inaugural Season
The cancelation is particularly interesting because Brilliant Lady is Virgin Voyages’ brand-new ship that is set to debut in September 2025. The January sailings that were canceled would have only been a few short months after the ship’s inaugural voyage.
While it’s never fun to have a cruise sailing canceled, it’s important for cruisers to remain flexible, especially when booking a cruise more than 6 months out. It’s more common for changes to take place for sailings a year and a half to two years out, but this does happen from time to time.
Cruise lines like full-ship charters for guaranteed income, particularly during slower seasons. If you’re booking a cruise, especially far ahead, it’s smart to check the cancelation rules and think about travel insurance to protect your plans
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When Disney Cruise Line’s next new ship, Disney Destiny, debuts in November out of Ft. Lauderdale, it is promising to have epic magic in store.
The Grand Hall’s statue will be silver and of T’Challa, aka Black Panther. This will give the area a new look and feel.
The Grand Hall will have 360 lighting and a chandelier inspired by the meteorite that brought vibranium to Wakanda.
With 360-degree lighting effects that fill the room with life and color, the Grand Hall of the Disney Destiny will react to the presence of some of the most legendary villains, rogues and mischief makers of Disney and Marvel lore. One such transformation will take place with the arrival of Loki, the fan-favorite character from Marvel Studios’ films and the “Loki” television series, who will create chaos throughout the voyage with grand proclamations, questionable storytelling, surprise competitions and more. (Disney)
The Sanctum will be a Dr. Strange themed bar inspired by the New York Sanctum. While you’ll find many familiar relics from the film in here, there will also be some enchanting Easter eggs.
The Sanctum will be Disney Cruise Line’s first lounge inspired by the powerful sorcerers and mystical artifacts of Doctor Strange, featuring familiar icons like the Cloak of Levitation and spell books from the library of Kamar-Taj. The centrally located entertainment parlor will host a variety of activities throughout the voyage, offering guests a magical array of mocktails, cocktails, spirits and coffees along with entrancing tableside beverage experiences and exclusive menu items that seemingly materialize from across the multiverse. (Disney)
Disney Hercules show will be on Disney Destiny that will feature the same music and characters from the movie, but with a little more pop and more contemporary.
An original song that was cut from the movie will be included in the show.
Creative Director Jeff Conover said the following about the show:
“The concept art here, for me, captures exactly what we’re trying to achieve. Definitely larger than life. We’re doing some really interesting stuff, not just with the hydra, but also with some of the titans from the film and utilizing some technology here at the Walt Disney Theater that has never been used before.”
“Disney Hercules” will be a brand-new, Broadway-style retelling of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film developed exclusively for the Disney Destiny. Embodying the ship’s theme of “heroes and villains,” the show will feature jaw-dropping puppetry to represent the mythological behemoths that Hercules must defeat to fulfill his hero’s journey, such as the multi-headed Hydra monster. (Disney)Character-inspired cupcakes: Purple Velvet Sponge Cake with white chocolate mousse; Double Chocolate Fudge Cake with chocolate truffle mousse; Vanilla Marble Sponge Cake with white chocolate mousse; and Orange-Almond Cake with raspberry mousse (Kent Phillips, photographer)
Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King will be an immersive restaurant with windows overlooking different times of the day.
Show Director Paul Bryant shared:
“When you step into this space, you’re transformed into the Pride Lands. Can you guys hear the soundscape? We really wanted to dive into the authenticity of the musicians and their instruments.”
De Vil’s Piano Lounge will feature the Hollywood Regency architecture and glamorous cocktails.
Disney Destiny will debut on November 20, 2025, a four-night cruise from Port Everglades to The Bahamas. The ship will offer four- and five-night cruises from Ft. Lauderdale to the Western Caribbean and The Bahamas through at least September 2026.
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