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One Of The Most Unusual Cruise Traditions Explained

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFood and drink

Few traditions in the world of cruise split opinion as much as the Baked Alaska Parade.

Baked Alaska Parade

Some guests love it – others hate it. According to an article on the Mirror’s website, it’s embarrassing – but lovable.

And many cruise passengers who’ve only been cruising in the last 10-20 years might have never even heard of it!

So, what exactly is the Baked Alaska Parade? Which cruise ships have it? And why do some people think it’s so cringe?

Baked Alaska Parades explained

A Baked Alaska Parade is when, during dinner, crew members will parade through the main dining room of a cruise ship carrying baked Alaska desserts, while the passengers dining in the room twirl their napkins in the air.

Baked Alaksa Parade

Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that consists of three main components: cake, ice cream, and meringue. The dessert starts with a layer of sponge cake. On top of the cake, a layer of ice cream is added, typically flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. The ice cream is then covered with a dome-shaped meringue made from beaten egg whites and sugar.

The unique aspect of Baked Alaska is that the entire dessert is briefly baked in a hot oven, just enough to brown the meringue while keeping the ice cream inside frozen. The meringue acts as an insulating layer, protecting the ice cream from melting during the baking or torching process.

Baked Alaska dessert

When the tradition first started and for many years, the baked Alaska desserts would be set alight, and the wait staff would be weaving around the room holding flaming meringue dishes. 

Now, the tradition only exists on a handful of ships. And where ‘fire’ is used, it’s in the form of either battery-powered tea lights or sparklers instead of real flames, for safety reasons.

I’ve taken over 30 cruises and only experienced my first Baked Alaska Parade fairly recently. My first glimpse of this spectacle was on Ambassador Cruise Line’s ship Ambition, when guests started waving their napkins and a stream of chefs appeared carrying the icy desserts above their heads!

Here’s what that looked like…

The history of Baked Alaska on cruise ships

It’s hard to find the history behind the Baked Alaska Parade on cruise ships, because while it’s been a long-running tradition, it’s not something that has a clearly defined starting point.

The earliest mention of what might be a Baked Alaska parade that I can find comes from the book The Only Way To Cross, written by John Maxtone-Graham in the early 1970s.

The book documents the history of ocean liners, and makes a mention of waiters on a 1905 cruise on the Amerika carrying combinations of fire and ice on a parade through the dining rooms.

But it’s more in the 1950s and beyond that the Baked Alaska Parade became a more regular event on cruise ships, and specifically became about the Baked Alaska dessert.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the tradition really became regular, and of course, many of the cruise guests in the 50s and 60s are no longer with us to share their stories.

But it persisted through the 1970s and 1980s and there is a lot of mention of it from past guests on cruise forums.

“I was on my first cruise at 21, in 1972 and then again in 74 on the Fairsea and Fairwind.....Baked Alaska......Lights dimmed and the waiter paraded around the dining room....... Seems this takes it earlier than the other posters can remember.....OMG, that makes me really old doesn't it? hahahaha”
“We had the Baked Alaska parade on our first cruise - 1981 South Pacific on Sitmar's Fairstar. I don't recall it on our latest cruise - Emerald Princess, April 11, 2007.”

A lot of cruise lines started to fade this tradition out in the late 90s and into the 2000s.

The cruise industry, in general, began to modernise – traditional dining was being replaced by more flexible options, and many cruise lines were making a real effort to attract a younger audience who were not familiar with the tradition.

Not only that, improved health and safety standards meant that having waiters dancing around a packed dining room with flaming desserts may not have been the wisest decision. Although I can’t find any stories of the parade ever going wrong!

The reason behind the parade

Baked Alaska dessert gained popularity as an extravagant and visually impressive dessert. Its association with luxury and celebration made it a natural fit for cruise ships, which strive to provide memorable experiences for their passengers.

The parade serves as a way for cruise ships to showcase their culinary expertise and entertain guests simultaneously.

It offers a chance for passengers to appreciate the culinary artistry involved in creating such an elaborate dessert and provides a memorable shared experience during the voyage.

Baked Alaska is one of the most difficult desserts to make. And parading it around a room, held over your head, while it’s set alight, just adds to the complexity – and therefore the impressiveness.

Baked Alaska Parade on a Princess cruise

You can still enjoy these odd events!

These days, only a select few cruise lines still offer a Baked Alaska Parade. You’re more likely to find it on Princess Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line, although some sister cruise lines of Princess (Carnival, Holland America Line and Seabourn) do occasionally have the parade.

The tradition of the Baked Alaska Parade may have gone very quiet at the turn of the millennium, but it did not completely disappear. Carnival did get rid of it, only to bring it back in 2017. 

Modern Baked Alaska Parades don’t have flaming desserts though. They will usually have electric lights atop the desserts – much safer, if less spectacular.

This video shows the baked Alaska parade on a Princess Cruises ship…

Another option for cruise lines is to use sparklers – these at least offer a bit of razzle-dazzle even if they are much safer than a completely flaming dessert.

The video below is from the now-defunct Cruise & Maritime Voyages…

Or in some cases, no lights are used at all – and it’s just the baked Alaska desserts being carried through the room!

The parade is used to give guests the chance to thank the crew responsible for running their dining experiences – including the chefs and galley staff, and the wait staff. Depending on the cruise line it will either happen on a formal night, or on the last night of the cruise.

One tradition which has stuck for many cruise lines is the use of the song ‘Feeling Hot Hot Hot’ by The Merrymen for the parade. The song became something of a Baked Alaska Parade anthem, creating the party atmosphere and being a fun wink at the fiery desserts being carried around the room.

It’s not something you’ll find on every cruise with these cruise lines. Ambassador Cruise Line is the only one which mentions it in their official itinerary plans, so if you like the idea of a Baked Alaska Parade (or you used to enjoy them, and want to relive them) then consider booking on an Ambassador ship.

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Baked Alaska Parades aren’t as popular as they once were though…

“I've experienced it several times over the years and I think it is a practice best left to history. It always struck me as a little cheesy. Not a fan.”

Other culinary cruise traditions

The Baked Alaska Parade is not the only culinary cruise tradition. Here are some others that are worthy of note…

Food sculptures

It used to be common for chefs to create impressive sculptures from food – often fruits and vegetables – to be displayed in the buffet.

They’d actually be a great photo opportunity for guests. Sculptures aren’t as common anymore, particularly due to guests being more aware of food waste. But fruit carving is still popular and you may still see ice sculptures in some rare cases.

Fruit carving display
Fruit carving display

Midnight buffet

A midnight buffet used to be seen as a real treat on a cruise – the chance to have a fun extra meal in the middle of the night and really indulge. 

Many cruise ships still keep the tradition alive in some form, though rarely a full buffet – most people aren’t looking to eat too much after dinner, so there’d be a lot of wastage.

Modern cruises tend to focus on late-night pizzerias, or room service options instead. If the buffet is open, it may just have cheese and biscuits, soup, fruit and maybe a curry and some rice.

Cocktail fountains

Cruise lines would often have a cocktail fountain – a literal fountain of a cocktail that you could help yourself to using your glass. Think of it as being like a chocolate fountain, but booze.

These aren’t very common anymore either, particularly with increased awareness of hygiene on a cruise. I saw a cocktail tower on my recent cruise on board Fred Olsen’s Borealis, but it was just for display purposes.

cocktail tower
Cocktail tower

Cocktail of the day

A minor tradition but still one that you’ll often find on cruise ships today is a cocktail of the day – a special drink that guests can usually enjoy at a discount. It helps encourage guests to try a different drink each day.

Chef’s Table

Some cruise lines have a small dining venue named the Chef’s Table, where limited dining parties can enjoy a fine dining meal created by the executive chef on the ship. This will usually be closer to a fine dining restaurant experience ashore, including taster courses and often wines selected by a ship’s own sommelier.

The Chef's Table on Carnival Celebration
The Chef’s Table

Wine tasting

Wine tasting experiences are classy affairs where guests can enjoy sampling a selection of different wines. These events will often be themed around the destinations that the ship is sailing too, helping create a more immersive experience.

Cookery classes

Some cruise lines offer guests the chance to learn some new cooking skills of their own during their cruise. Limited sessions in specially designed kitchens give guests the opportunity to see how some of their favourite cruise meals are made.

Captain’s cocktail party

A long-standing tradition for cruise ships has been for the Captain to host events onboard for select guests, where drinks and hors d’oeuvres would be served. These days it’s less common for a Captain to host an event but often there will be an officer party – though it isn’t usually as exclusive as they once were.

On Princess Cruises, for example, suite guests can attend a special cocktail party with the officers.

Captain’s Circle cocktail party

Captain’s Dinner

It used to be the case that a lucky few cruisers would be invited to eat dinner at the Captain’s table. This rarely happens now, but some cruise lines still do it on formal nights from time to time, depending on who the captain is.

Final word

Honestly, I was quite surprised to learn about Baked Alaska Parades and the history behind them. They used to be so widespread and they’re a lot less common now.

Are they fun, or are they a cheesy interruption to your nice dinner? I’m not sure how I’d feel having one on every cruise – but with more cruises aimed at families, I think kids would love having more opportunities to enjoy their wait staff having fun – as long as they were actually enjoying parading around the room!

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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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Special Offers on Disney Cruise Line Sailings as of March 24, 2025 • The Disney Cruise Line Blog

by Cruise NewsCruise Special OffersDisney Cruises


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The Correct Name For The Bottom Of A Cruise Ship Might Surprise You

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsOther

When it comes to cruise ships, there’s a lot more to the lingo than just bow and stern – and the bottom of the ship? That’s where most people slip up.

bottom of a cruise ship

If you’ve ever confidently said, “the hull” or “the base,” then you’re not alone – but there’s a more accurate term that cruise insiders actually use.

Want to know the right name?

Technically the hull is part of it, but the word you want is ‘keel’

The bottom part of the ship is often referred to as the hull, but the hull of the ship also includes the sides below the gunwale. The lowest part of the ship is the keel, which is the centerline structure that forms the foundation of the hull.

The hull is the water-tight lower part of the ship which includes the bottom, but also the sides of the ship. It extends down under the water but also upwards to the lower decks of the ship. 

A couple of years ago, I visited the SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. We were able to walk underneath this incredible ship and see the shape of the hull.

The hull of S.S. Great Britain
The hull of S.S. Great Britain

Hull Vs Keel

Modern cruise ships have U-shaped displacement hulls which are designed to displace water and this is what makes a cruise ship float.

The keel is the backbone-like structure that holds the hull together and gives it its shape. It’s definitely at the bottom of a ship but is not often used to describe the bottom of the ship.

Both of these terms can be used to describe the bottom of a ship although they both have a more specific meaning than that. 

There are a couple of other words that can be used to refer to the bottom of a ship, one of them is kind of obvious and not hugely scientific – the bottom. 

Yep, it’s that simple! Mariners will often refer to the part of the hull below the waterline as the bottom of the vessel. It’s much easier to learn than most parts of a ship! 

Another term that you could use to describe the bottom of a ship is the underside. Again this is a fairly simple and self-explanatory term.

So, while the term hull is probably the most commonly used term to describe the bottom of a boat, it’s not the only term that you can use and it technically describes more of the ship than just the bottom. 

If in doubt, you can always just refer to it as the bottom of the ship, safe in the knowledge that this is an accepted term amongst mariners. 

You’ll love the name of the bottom deck of a ship…

The bottom deck of a ship is called the orlop. This is the lowest deck on a ship and is typically situated below the water line. The orlop is often used for storing cables. It’s possible that the term orlop has come from the practice of over-looping cables.

ship orlop deck

But this is not known for certain, another theory suggests that it could be a variation of “overlap,” which refers to a partially overlapping balcony half deck that could be found in parts of the lowest deck’s area.

I do think it’s a funny sounding word though.

Suggested read: What Is Deck 1 On A Cruise Ship?

The bottom of a cruise ship holds some pretty important things!

In the bottom of a cruise ship, you’ll often find the engine room, clean and dirty water treatment systems, air conditioning, fuel bunkers, water storage tanks, and extensive plumbing.

It’s quite likely that you’ll also find quite a lot of the crew cabins in the bottom of the ship. 

ship engine room

Basically, in the bottom of a cruise ship, you will find all the noisy, smelly, dirty things that you want to keep away from paying passengers. And of course, the quarters of the lovely staff who definitely don’t smell!

The cruise ship engines are usually found towards the aft of the ship and will be located in the position that they are most effective with the other spaces designed around them. It’s very rare to find underwater cruise ship staterooms. 

Only a tiny proportion of a ship sits below the waterline

The bottom of a cruise ship is usually between 5 metres (16ft 5in ) and 10 metres (32ft 10in) underwater.  A typical cruise ship extends around 8.5 metres (25ft 6in) underwater. This is tiny in comparison with the huge overall height of cruise ships. 

The depth that a ship extends underwater is known as the draft. The depth of a cruise ship draft will affect which ports it’s able to dock at and a deep draft could limit opportunities to visit interesting places.

This is why cruise ships are designed to have a far shallower draft than comparably sized container ships which only ever head to deep water docks.

bow of a cruise ship

Most ships have the same shaped bottom too

The bottom of a large ocean-going cruise ship will usually have a U-shaped displacement hull under the water. It looks flat from a distance but on closer inspection, you will see contour bends at the edges and at the bow and stern of the ship. 

Suggested read: Bow Vs Stern

The bottom of a cruise ship is wide and flat, this helps to keep the ship stable even in choppy seas. 

At the front of the ship you will often find a bulbous bow.  This is a large rounded projection that sticks out in front of the main hull of the ship. The aim of the bulbous bow is to reduce the ship’s fuel consumption by changing the way the waves move along the hull.

the bottom of Symphony of the Seas cruise ship

At the back of the ship (stern), you will find the ship’s propellers or thrusters. The main hull is often raised in this area with the propellers projecting downwards. 

The propellers can be huge at around 6 metres (20 feet) wide. Some ships also have smaller side thrusters near the bow. These are used to help guide the ship into position when the ship docks at a port.  

Ship propeller

You can see the keel running through the centre of the hull and cruise ship bottoms also have bilge keels and fin stabilizers to help them stay upright. The angle of the fin stabilizers is adjustable and can be changed to mitigate the force of waves against the ship.  

When you look at the bottom of a cruise ship under the water you might also see some more natural features since sea life like algae, plankton, sea grass, mussels, and barnacles can attach themselves to the hull.

Red’s a traditional colour

The bottom of a ship is often painted red as it’s a nautical tradition to paint the hull of a ship in red. This tradition has developed from a time when ships were made of wood and reddish copper paint was used to preserve and protect the wood. 

SS Great Britain hull painted red
S.S. Great Britain’s hull painted red

Copper coating was used as a biocide to protect the hull from anything that might degrade the ship over time. The copper paint would protect against worms eating the wood, and barnacles, seaweeds and algae attaching themselves to the ship when in the water. 

These types of creatures can cause damage over time and they also add to the weight and drag of a ship making it less efficient.

These days, antifouling paint can be made in any colour that you like, but seafarers are a traditional bunch and more often than not ships are still painted red on the bottom. Sometimes, they’re painted blue.

Man from Royal Caribbean looking at the ship

There is a second reason why it’s a good idea to paint the bottom of a ship red. 

The red paint contrasts well against the colour of the sea, making it easy to see. This makes it easier to tell if a ship is overloaded and sitting low in the water, and makes the ship easier to spot from above in case of an emergency. 

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11 Things You Need To Know About Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsRoyal Caribbean

Think you’ve seen everything Nassau has to offer? You’re wrong.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club

Royal Caribbean is shaking things up with something totally new — and it’s not your typical beach day. We’re talking private island vibes, luxury touches, and a twist that has cruise fans buzzing.

If, like me, you’ve been to Nassau several times all ready, you’ll know that it can get a bit samey after a while. It can also get super busy, which means that many seasoned cruisers choose to simply stay on the ship when the port of Nassau is on the agenda.

Curious why this new experience is making waves before it’s even opened? Let’s dive into what makes the Royal Beach Club so different — and whether it’s worth the hype.

1. It’s the first of its kind

The Royal Beach Club is a new 17-acre destination experience with multiple beaches, swimming pools, private cabanas, Bahamian barbecues, and live music.

Located on Paradise Island – a narrow strip of land near the cruise port in Nassau – it will have a local architectural style that complements the stunning views of the turquoise-blue waters and white sand beaches.

Paradise Island

To be clear, it’s not an actual island, so it’s not the same as the private island destinations that Royal Caribbean has leased such as Perfect Day at CocoCay. But it will be a private resort that guests sailing to Nassau can enjoy.

2. It’s set to open in December 2025

As it stands, we don’t have an exact opening date for the Royal Beach Club at Nassau yet, but the latest update is that it will open in December 2025.

A lot of Royal Caribbean ships will be cruising in the Caribbean during the winter season, so there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy a visit to the new resort.

It’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean had originally announced the Royal Beach Club way back in March 2020, but then, of course, the entire cruise industry went into shutdown due to the global events of that year.

It took until 2023 for the go-ahead to be given by the Bahamian government for the project to get back up and running again.

Paradise Island

3. Royal Caribbean won’t own the resort outright

So far, I’ve explained that Royal Beach Club will belong to Royal Caribbean, and that’s true.

The resort will be for the exclusive use of the cruise line’s guests, potentially along with sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises too, but it’s more likely to be just for Royal Caribbean International.

But what’s unique about this new resort is that it won’t be wholly owned by the cruise company. Instead, as much as 49% of the equity in the Royal Beach Club will be owned by Bahamians. This will help to ensure that the local people are well looked after, and that the cruise line isn’t just taking up land only for its own gain.

Also, the land will be split – 13 acres will be owned by the cruise line, and the remaining 4 acres will be Crown Land, split as equity amongst the government and the people of the Bahamas.

And if that wasn’t enough giving back, the cruise line is also welcoming local businesses and entrepreneurs to manage the experience. Instead of Royal Caribbean providing the staff, it’s allowing locals to generate their own work and income from the project.

It’s new, and it’s a cool way of doing things, making sure the cruise line gives back to the local area and local people.

Bahamas flag on Royal Caribbean cruise ship

4. There’s no cruise ship dock at the resort

The Royal Beach Club doesn’t have a private dock. Instead, ships will sail to Nassau as normal, docking at the usual pier where Royal Caribbean ships always dock. From there it’s a short walk to the water taxi area, where guests will be able to hop on for a short ride across the bay to get to Paradise Island.

According to the plans, it looks like the water taxi will make two stops at the resort, so you’ve got a couple of options for where to get off and where to catch the water taxi back to the main port area once it’s time to return to the pier.

You’ll only be able to ride the water taxi if you’ve booked the Royal Beach Club as an excursion for the day at Nassau. You may be able to pay when you get to port, but it’s unlikely, and you won’t be able to ride to Royal Beach Club without paying for it.

Nassau Water Taxis

5. Expect family-friendly activities

Royal Beach Club is very much oriented toward family guests, and so there’ll be a lot of activities that everyone can enjoy. The focus is very much on relaxation, but there’ll be plenty of fun too.

So you can look forward to beach games, swimming, lively music and more all while you soak up the sun.

Royal Beach Club

6. Lunch, drinks and even WiFi will be included!

Guests will be able to eat lunch at the Royal Beach Club and it will be included in the price you’ve paid. There will be three beach grills across the resort, all of which are included.

Because you can only get to the Royal Beach Club via the water taxi, it’s not quite as convenient as when you call at a private island and can walk back to the ship for lunch. So Royal Caribbean is making sure there are enough options to keep everyone at the resort happy.

Even better, you’ll also get drinks included too – cocktails, mocktails and soft drinks across the 10 bars at the resort. That includes 7 beach bars and 3 swim-up bars!

Drinks are included whether you have a drinks package for your cruise or not. And you’ll also be able to access free WiFi too!

Royal Beach Club

7. You’ll have a choice of places to swim

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will have plenty of options for you if you want to swim or relax by the water – two beaches, and three pools.

There will be cabanas that you can rent, along with bungalows. The best is the Ultimate Family Cabana – imagine the Ultimate Family Suite but on land and you’re pretty close!

Royal Beach Club UItimate Family Cabana

The two beaches include Chill Beach which, as you can imagine, has the more relaxed vibe. Then there’s the Family Beach with all the games to play.

Two of the pools are named in the same way – the Chill Pool and the Family Pool. Then there’s the Party Pool, where you’ll find the Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim-up bar. Swish!

8. You’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the resort

It’s currently expected that a visit to Royal Beach Club will last for around 6 hours.

Typically cruise ships will spend around 9 hours in Nassau in total, and the excursions are planned to include time for guests to explore the Nassau port area alongside having a good amount of time at the resort.

Plus you don’t want to be rushing back to the ship at the very last minute.

Depending on how much it costs, six hours may not seem like a long time, but all the more reason to make sure that you get off the ship as early as possible that day, so that you can make the most of your time at this exciting resort location.

ships in Nassau

9. We don’t know how much it’ll cost to visit yet…

At the moment, we don’t know how much it will cost for guests to access the Royal Beach Club, but we do know that a charge will be involved.

So this isn’t like a private island that acts as a port of call, but instead, it’s more like an excursion to enjoy whilst visiting Nassau.

Prices are expected sometime in Spring 2025 so watch this space!

Royal Caribbean drinks pacjage

10. It’s not quite the same as Coco Beach Club

The Royal Beach Club will share some similarities with the Coco Beach Club at CocoCay, but it’s not quite the same. It’s sort of a middle ground.

Coco Beach Club is a smaller, exclusive area that forms part of Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Royal Caribbean private island. While access to the rest of CocoCay is free, you need to pay for access to the Coco Beach Club, just like you will have to pay for access to the Royal Beach Club.

However, Coco Beach Club only has a few amenities, including one beach, an infinity pool, and more luxurious cabanas, as well as an exclusive restaurant. Most of the fun activities happen on the rest of CocoCay, which you access for free.

That’s why the Royal Beach Club is more a middle ground – it’s a paid-for resort, but once you’ve paid, it’s more like you’re accessing a destination closer to the whole of CocoCay.

Coco Beach Club
Coco Beach Club

11. More are on the way…

At the moment, the Royal Beach Club at Nassau will be the first of its kind, but we do know that more are coming.

The Royal Beach Club Collection will be the term for all of the resorts, and so far we know that Cozumel will feature the second one. Expect more to be announced in future if they continue to be successful for the cruise line!

Final word

We’re ticking down the months until Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opens and I personally can’t wait to pay it a visit!

I really enjoy cruise line private islands, and so this will have a similar vibe. It’s not ideal that it will have an extra cost, but I think it could be worth it when you consider everything that’s included.

Will you be paying a visit?

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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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Drinking On A Cruise At 18 In International Waters

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFood and drink

Think you can drink on a cruise at 18 just because you’re legal at home? Think again!

Drinking age on a cruise

Cruise rules are completely different, and they could ruin those cocktail dreams of yours before they even begin.

There are some sneaky age rules that catch a lot of people out – but don’t worry, once you know them, you’ll know exactly who to book with and where to sail if you don’t want to miss out.

Most cruise lines have a minimum drinking age of 21

On most cruises, the minimum drinking age is 21. Some cruise lines have a lower drinking age of 18, and on some cruise lines, it depends on where the ship is sailing – with most cruises that include ports in the US or Middle East having the higher legal age of 21.

The policy does vary by cruise line though. There are some cruise lines which let guests drink on Europe voyages, and others that permit drinking for 18- to 20-year-olds in some regions if parents sign a waiver.

Enjoying drinks onboard

So if you’re 18, 19 or 20 years old and you want to drink on your cruise, it’s important you choose the right cruise line.

There are also some cruise lines which follow Norwegian drinking law, which is slightly different. On those, guests aged 18 to 20 may be able to drink beer and wine, depending on parental permission, but spirits are not allowed until guests turn 21. So that cocktail of the day might just be out of reach for a couple of years.

There’s also one interesting unique policy, and it’s that of P&O Cruises. On a P&O ship, guests aged 16 and 17 are allowed to drink “modest amounts” of beer, cider and wine to be consumed with a meal on the ship, provided they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.

It’s the same law as applies when in a licensed premises in the UK. But again, it excludes spirits.

“Modest” is a bit vague though, isn’t it?

When in port, local laws will apply

When you’re sailing on a cruise and you disembark the ship, you must follow the local drinking laws. This means there may be some cruises where 18-year-old guests are not allowed to drink on the ship, but they are permitted to drink while ashore.

Similarly, there may be some ports such as Amsterdam, where you’re allowed to smoke weed ashore but not on the ship!

Senior Frogs Bar in the Bahamas
Senior Frogs Bar in the Bahamas

The laws for cruise ships are about serving alcohol, not about having intoxicated people on the ship – so you will be allowed to board if you’ve had a couple of drinks while visiting a licensed premises ashore.

However, you’ll be subject to the same rules as adults when it comes to being drunk – if you’ve had too much while you’re ashore you may not be allowed back onto the ship.

It’s also worth clarifying that cruise lines’ private islands are treated the same as being on-board, so for example, even though the Bahamas has a legal drinking age of 18, if you’re on a cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas and the drinking age on the ship is 21, it’ll be 21 on the island too.

Some cruise lines have a drinking age of 18!

The only cruise lines that have a permanent minimum drinking age of 18 are British cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen and Marella Cruises as well as Virgin Voyages.

Most other cruise lines will permit drinking on itineraries that avoid the US and Middle East, although for Carnival it’s only cruises from Australia where the age limit changes.

Here’s a more in-depth look at the legal drinking age rules:

International waters & drinking rules

The legal drinking age in international waters is defined by the rest of the cruise itinerary.

For most cruises that have a US or Middle East port on the itinerary, you won’t be permitted to drink at 18, even when the ship is in international waters. A drinking age limit will apply to the whole itinerary.

women drinking beers

Bahamas cruises and drinking ages

The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, so provided guests are disembarking the ship and drinking at a private establishment, they are allowed to drink at 18 whilst on a cruise.

Cruise line-owned destinations will apply the same drinking age as they would for drinks on the ship.

Caribbean cruises and drinking ages

Most Caribbean cruises include a US port, even if it is just the home port, and so guests must be 21 or older to drink while on the ship, even while sailing the Caribbean.

18- to 20-year-olds can disembark at most Caribbean islands and drink in private bars not run by the cruise line, though.

men drinking

Mexico cruises and drinking ages

Provided a Mexican cruise itinerary does not include any US port, guests aged 18 or over can drink onboard on most cruise lines. If a US port is included on the itinerary, 18- to 20-year-olds can only drink while ashore in Mexico, but not on the ship.

Majestic Princess in Mazatlan Mexico.

Carnival’s drinking age is usually 21, but…

On most Carnival cruises, the minimum age to buy and consume alcoholic drinks on the ship is 21. The only exception is for cruises sailing from Australia, where the minimum drinking age is 18.

Read the Carnival Liquor & Beverage Policy and the amended Liquor & Beverage Policy for Australia cruises.

woman having drinks at Carnival Cruise's Blue Iguana Tequila Bar

Norwegian Cruise Line lets 18-year-olds drink, itinerary permitting

18-year-olds are allowed to drink beer and wine on an NCL cruise, provided that the cruise does not have a US port on the itinerary. Also, an accompanying parent must be on the cruise and must sign the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver, except on round-trip European and Australian cruises.

Read the NCL Liquor & Beverage Policy

Drinking beer on Norwegian Encore

Disney’s European cruises allow 18-year-olds to drink

Guests on a Disney Cruise Line ship in Europe may drink alcohol if they are aged 18 to 20 and their parents or guardians on the same cruise sign a Beverage Consent Form. The form is not needed for round-trip cruises from Australia and New Zealand. Elsewhere in the world the drinking age on Disney ships is 21.

Read the Disney Cruise Line Alcohol Policy

Bartender preparing Disney cruise drinks

Royal Caribbean also allows 18-year-olds to drink in select situations

You can drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you are aged 18 or older and your cruise originated from a port in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia or New Zealand. Any other cruises have a drinking age of 21. The minimum drinking age is also 21 on Royal Caribbean’s private islands, regardless of where the cruise originated.

Read Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean drinks

Most MSC cruises allow 18-year-olds to drink

MSC Cruises allows guests aged 18 and older to drink on all cruises except those which feature a North American or Caribbean port of call. Those cruises have a higher drinking age of 21.

Read MSC’s Boarding Condititions to see the alcohol policy. It’s a long document so use search to find the relevant section.

It only states that minors can’t drink alcohol, but it defines minors earlier in the document as those under the legal drinking age of the area the ship is cruising in.

MSC Cruises bar

Legal drinking age by cruise line

Here’s a look at the minimum drinking age for the major cruise lines depending on where the ship is sailing, according to their own policies.

I’ve not added a column for cruises in the US or Middle East because the same rule applies across the board – if a cruise line is visiting a US port then the minimum drinking age is 21.

Even cruise lines like Fred Olsen and Marella Cruises, on their rare calls to North American ports, raise their typical drinking age to 21.

Cruise Line Drinking age on non-US or non-Middle East cruises
Azamara 18
Carnival 21
Celebrity Cruises 18
Costa Cruises 18
Cunard 18
Disney Cruise Line 18 with parental permission
Fred. Olsen 18
Holland America Line 18 (20 in Japan)
Hurtigruten 18 for beer and wine. 20 for spirits.
Marella Cruises 18
MSC Cruises 18
Norwegian Cruise Line 18 with parental permission. 18 without parental permission in Europe and Australasia only. Beer and wine only.
Oceania Cruises 21
P&O Cruises 18 (16 with a meal)
Princess Cruises 18 (20 in Japan)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises 21
Royal Caribbean 18
Seabourn Cruises 18
Silversea Cruises 21
Viking Cruises 21
Virgin Voyages 18

Final word

There you have it then – a comprehensive list of the legal drinking age for cruise ships, and when you’ll be allowed to have a drink depending on where in the world you are sailing.

For any guests planning on travelling without their parents, you’ll want to also check the rules as some cruise lines treat all under-21s as minors, so it may not be allowed.

I’ve made it easy for you though – my guide to the best cruises for 18-year-olds without parents has everything you need to find the cruise lines where you can travel, drink and have fun on your first independent cruise sailing.

And of course, whatever age you are, drink responsibly! Getting kicked off a ship for being too drunk will leave you with more than just a horrendous hangover to deal with – it’ll be a lot of stress too!

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Cruise Mummy

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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Full Schedule Through 2027 Shows Where the Ship Will Go

by Diplomacy

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, began welcoming its first passengers this week after arrival in Lisbon, Portugal. The third Prima-class vessel will then sail to Southampton, England, before a transatlantic voyage to Boston, Massachusetts.

Norwegian Aqau cruise ship

With a capacity of 3,571 passengers, Norwegian Aqua is set for a busy schedule between 2025 and 2027. The ship will depart from PortMiami, Port Canaveral, and New York, offering a variety of itineraries across the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda.

Cruise Fever has compiled a detailed breakdown of the ship’s departure schedules and itineraries.

Miami: Year-Round Voyages

Miami anchors the schedule with 55 sailings from April 2025 to March 2027, offering consistent cruises to tropical destinations like the Bahamas, Caribbean – East, and Central America.

  • April 2025: Starts with a 5-day Bahamas cruise (April 16) and a 4-day Bahamas trip (April 21), both round-trip, visiting places like Great Stirrup Cay and Bimini.
  • October 2025–March 2026: Shifts to 7-day Caribbean – East sailings nearly every week, featuring stops such as Great Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic (e.g., October 12 onward). A 5-day Central America trip on October 7 includes Harvest Caye and Cozumel.
  • October 2026–March 2027: Features 7-day Central America cruises (e.g., October 18, with Harvest Caye, Cozumel, and Roatan) and Caribbean – East runs (e.g., March 28).  There’s even a 2-day Bahamas trip on October 16 for those wanting a quick trip on the newest ship.

Check prices on Norwegian Aqua here.

Port Canaveral: Summer Caribbean Voyages

Port Canaveral hosts 16 departures, all 7-day Caribbean – East cruises, from April to August 2025.

  • April–August 2025: Runs weekly from April 26 to August 9, visiting Great Stirrup Cay and Dominican Republic.
  • Post-August: No sailings after August 9, keeping this port exclusive to summer.

New York: Seasonal Bermuda Voyages

New York features 36 departures, primarily round-trip Bermuda cruises, from August 2025 to October 2026.

  • August–October 2025: Opens with a 4-day Bermuda trip (August 18), followed by 5-day sailings (e.g., August 22) and 7-day trips (e.g., September 6), all to Royal Naval Dockyard.
  • April–October 2026: Resumes April 18 with 7-day Bermuda cruises, includes an 8-day trip (July 3) and a 6-day option (June 27), and closes with 5-day runs (e.g., October 8).

New York’s focus on warm-weather Bermuda trips makes it a seasonal departure port, with no winter departures.

Southampton: One-Time Transatlantic Voyage

Southampton offers a single departure on March 28, 2025, a 7-day one-way cruise to Boston. This transatlantic trip follows the ship’s voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, marking its journey from Europe to the U.S. before settling into East Coast operations.

Norwegian Aqua delivery

What This Means for Cruisers

Norwegian Aqua’s port lineup offers variety: Miami for year-round tropical cruises, Port Canaveral for summer Caribbean sailings, and New York for seasonal Bermuda sailings.

Whether you’re planning a Bahamas getaway from Miami, a summer Caribbean trip from Port Canaveral, or a Bermuda cruise from New York, Norwegian Aqua’s schedule allows Norwegian fans from different port areas to experience the ship.

And there’s a lot of buzz around Norwegian Aqua. The Prima-class series has been a big success for the cruise line. 

The ship’s headline attraction, the Aqua Slidecoaster, a unique hybrid of waterslide and rollercoaster, is already getting some rave reviews by current passengers.

The christening ceremony for Norwegian Aqua is next month on April 13 and will take place in Miami with Emmy Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet serving as the ship’s godfather. 

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Cruise Passenger Dies in Jet Ski Collision at Carnival’s Half Moon Cay

by Diplomacy

A tragic accident took place at Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas yesterday, March 22, 2025.  A jet ski accident resulted in the death of a female cruise passenger that news reports say was a British/Czechoslovakian national.

Nieuw Amsterdam at Half Moon Cay
Nieuw Amsterdam at Half Moon Cay. ID 124882823 | Cruise © Jiawangkun | Dreamstime.com

The incident took place shortly after 1:00 p.m., when the woman, a guest on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, reportedly lost control of her jet ski and collided with a rock.

Despite immediate assistance from medical personnel, she was pronounced dead by a local doctor. Authorities from Eleuthera, about 30 miles away, were notified by the island manager and have launched a full investigation.

Nieuw Amsterdam, the only ship docked at Half Moon Cay that day, was wrapping up a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from Fort Lauderdale on March 16. The accident delayed the ship’s return to Port Everglades, pushing back both disembarkation and the embarkation of passengers for its next voyage, a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Guests scheduled to board on March 23 were informed that check-in would begin at 2:00 p.m., with all passengers required onboard by 5:00 p.m. for a 7:00 p.m. departure.

Holland America Line provided free Wi-Fi to assist current passengers in rescheduling flights, advising departures no earlier than 5:00 p.m. from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or 7:00 p.m. from Miami International Airport.

Details about the victim’s identity were not disclosed, and it’s unclear whether she was operating the jet ski or riding as a passenger. Jet ski excursions at Half Moon Cay typically include safety briefings, but the investigation will examine whether all protocols were followed.

waverunners and jetskis in costa maya

Depending on the findings, jet ski activities at the destination may be temporarily cancelled or face more regulations.

Despite the tragedy, passengers aboard Nieuw Amsterdam praised Holland America Line’s response.

A Reddit user, MotherVisit1997, who was on the ship, posted,

“We are onboard the ship after a guest was tragically killed on a jet ski yesterday in Half Moon Cay. The captain and staff have been wonderful handling the crisis and assisting guests who need help changing their flights home due to the six-hour delay. Overall, this was our first ever cruise and the level of service by Holland America really sold us on taking another cruise in the future.”

Other users on the site echoed the sentiment citing Holland America’s professionalism in past incidents, including a heart attack at sea and a sightseeing plane crash in Alaska. One commenter noted, “HAL took the situation very seriously… They took care of everyone after the fact quite well”.

Representatives from Holland America Line have remained at Half Moon Cay to cooperate with authorities and support the victim’s family and travel companions.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety during shore excursions. For now, Cruise Fever and the cruise community send thoughts and prayers to the family involved as we mourn their loss.

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A Look at Viking’s 3 New Cruise Itineraries for 2025

by Diplomacy

Viking has more cruise ships sailing on rivers in Europe than any other cruise line. They are adding seven new Longships to their fleet this year that carry 190 or fewer guests.

Viking river ship

One of those new seven river ships was Viking Nerthus, a ship built specifically to sail from Paris on the Seine River.

From March through December, Viking is offering three new itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Seine that range from eight- to 11-days in length.

New Viking Itineraries

Rhine & Main Explorer

The first new itinerary from Viking is an eleven-day cruise from Nuremburg to Basel on the Rhine and Main. The cruise will visit the hidden gems of southern Germany, Switzerland, and France.

The cruise will allow you to visit Basel, Switzerland’s capital of culture, explore Frankfurt’s vibrant cityscape, and admire the charming medieval towns of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. You will see and visit turreted castles and rolling vineyards.

Christmas on the Rhine and Main

The second new cruise is also an 11-day voyage from Nuremburg to Basel but takes place during Christmastime so you can visit the Christmas markets along the two rivers.

You will be able to browse festive stalls in Basel and Karlsruhe, discover Strasbourg’s Alsatian traditions, and wander through Nuremberg’s world-famous Christkindlesmarkt while savoring mulled wine and handcrafted holiday treats.

Christmastime in Paris & Normandy

The third and final new cruise from Viking is an eight-day roundtrip sailing from Paris during the holidays.

You will celebrate the holiday season in the “City of Light” before setting sail through the serene landscapes of Normandy. You will have the opportunity to visit the charming riverside town of Rouen, soak in the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets, and return to Paris to enjoy its world-famous holiday illuminations.

New for 2026

Viking is adding four new pre- and post-cruise extensions in 2026. The new, fully guided, three or four-night extensions feature Privileged Access to museums, local cuisine for lunches and dinners, vineyard visits, cooking classes, as well as more time to personalize the trip with optional excursions.

They will be offered in Holland, Belgium, France, the Alps, Switzerland and Northern Italy.

Viking’s river cruises in Europe range from eight- to 15-days in length.

The cruise line currently has an additional 25 river ships on order/under construction and by 2028, they will have 109 river vessels in their fleet.

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Passenger Wants 50% Discount for Kids, Parents Weigh In

by Diplomacy

I’m old enough to remember when one of the favorite aspects of cruising was unplugging and disconnecting from “real life” for a while. If the boss wanted to get a hold of you, well, sorry, I was on a cruise and my phone wouldn’t work. Wi-Fi packages didn’t exist, and news events were a complete mystery until we got back home.

Carnival Wi-fi internet
Carnival Corp has rolled out Starlink internet to every ship in the fleet. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever

But with Wi-Fi speeds at sea faster than ever, and internet connectivity simpler and easier than ever before, there’s a growing trend of plugging in instead of unplugging.

While some parents don’t mind their children having access to their social media accounts while on a cruise, others feel it’s good for them to get away from “screen time” and enjoy all of the tangible things a cruise has to offer, in addition to the experience of amazing ports of call.

A recent story about a cruise passenger wanting a discount on Wi-Fi specifically for children to stay connected online has stirred this pot once more.

According to a post by Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald, a request was made for “Carnival to give a 50% social media internet discount to all children and teenagers” so they could access their favorite apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Heald didn’t mince words—or his signature wit—in responding to the suggestion.

“Maybe I am once again showing that I am a megasorearse dinosaur,” he wrote, questioning why teens would prioritize their “eye phones” over the onboard fun and family time a cruise offers.

As a father to a 15-year-old daughter, he also mentioned the mental health toll of social media, suggesting it might deserve age limits like cigarettes or alcohol. The post, which he said left his “mind spinning,” has clearly resonated, racking up hundreds of responses from his loyal community.

woman with cell phone on cruise ship
(Photo 156953856 | Phone Cruise © Martinmark | Dreamstime.com)

Carnival Fans Give Honest Feedback

The feedback was pretty one-sided in the comments.

“No to the discount,” wrote Pam. “I know these kids don’t realize how lucky they are to be cruising.” Gail added “If they need to be on their phone or tablet all of the time, maybe they should just stay home.”

Another echoed the sentiment which was a theme in the replies to the post, saying, “Kids need to learn how to social act with their peers, not have their noses stuck to electronic devices all the time!”

Many of the recent features and amenities added to Carnival’s modern ships have children in mind, as the brand caters to families. Features like Bolt, a roller coaster at sea, WaterWorks, Sky Zone, and Camp Ocean are all designed to offer something for everyone.

Not all comments agreed though. John O. injected some humor: “I love all these posts about people who don’t need wifi and want to disconnect, but when the wifi only works 60% of the time there will be 3000 people going to guest services wanting a discount!”

It’s not a bad point, as I’ve seen this first-hand as well.  Another user also pointed out a potential conflict with a social media ban, as smart phones are practically required on a cruise ship just to know what’s going on and checking in.

wi-fi in a cruise port

 “Yet the ship wants you attached to the phone for breakfast and YTD check-in, menus, daily activities schedule, etc. So the kids think they need their phones thanks to Carnival also,” one Facebook user noted.

While offering a discount for kids to use social media on a cruise is not likely to happen any time soon, it’s important for families to realize the actual social interactions that can take place at sea.

Laura shared her approach: “My kids never needed [phones] when we were on our cruise. They met so many people and friends their ages they didn’t need electronics.”

Cost of Wi-Fi for Social Media Now

With Carnival’s social media package priced at $18.70 per day and no teen discount in sight, Heald’s post has tapped into a larger tension: connectivity versus escape.

If passengers want a discount, there is a 15% reduction in price when the package is booked before the sailing instead of on board.  This brings the price to around $16.

Carnival’s website states that the “Social Wi-Fi Plan” allows access to “applications like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, X, Reddit, LinkedIn, and major airline sites.”

Read more: 10 Ways Your Phone Can Either Ruin or Enhance Your Cruise

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11 Extra-Charge Cruise “Perks” That Are Worth Every Penny

by Diplomacy

A cruise vacation offers amazing value.  And while you can go the entire cruise without spending an extra penny, there are some extra’s that could just be the highlight of your trip if you just try them out.

In this article I will highlight the best things that are extra-charge items on a ship.

MSC Divina cruise ship docked at Ocean Cay in the Bahamas
Some things are worth the extra charge on a cruise ship

Here at Cruise Fever, we are all about saving money, but we’re also about making the most of a cruise.  After all, if you can only take a cruise every once in a while, you might as well at least try a few extras to see if it’s worth it.

Not all of the items on this list will be for you, but we think the perks on this list are worth the extra charge and should be considered the next time you walk onto a cruise ship.

Most of these perks will be included in the cruise price already if you are taking an all-inclusive cruise. However, we will be focusing on some of the mainstream cruise lines with this article.

11 things that cost extra on a cruise but are totally worth it:

1. Specialty Dining

Yes, you can eat as much food as you would like on a cruise ship without spending an extra dime. But if you’re a foodie or just want something with a bit more pizzazz for your palate, you will love some of the selections in specialty dining restaurants on a cruise.

You’re not necessarily paying for better tasting food. You’re paying for an experience, for impeccable service, for a sort of “food excursion” that will probably become one of your favorite memories from the ship.

This can range from a 5-star steak dinner to a fun Hibachi grill experience.  Either way, don’t be afraid to splurge on an unforgettable night of dining.  And get those reservations early, whether through the cruise line’s app or as soon as you get on the ship on embarkation day.

restaurant on harmony of the seas cruise ship

2. Wi-Fi Packages

As someone who writes about cruise ships and tips, having Wi-Fi is always essential on a cruise. And I totally get it if someone just wants to get away from it all while at sea and not be distracted with work and other matters back home.

It’s a healthy thing to disconnect. But if you plan on connecting to the internet at all, whether it’s to check on your pets or read a review about a cruise port, it’s well worth it to buy an internet package. Speeds have improved tremendously in the last few years, and even things like video calls and streaming are no problem on most modern ships.

Related article: Wi-Fi cost for each cruise line

3. Thermal Suite Access

Thermal suite on Norwegian Encore with padded loungers and therapy pool
Thermal suite on Norwegian Encore. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever

I’ve been in some incredible thermal suites on cruise ships that rival five-star spas on land. We all cruise for different reasons, but if you truly desire a relaxing and calming experience, I highly recommend splurging on thermal suite access, provided your cruise ship has one.

Some thermal suites have multiple steam rooms, dry saunas, heated tile loungers, heated therapy pools, and even snow rooms to cool off.

In my experience Norwegian Breakaway-class, Prima-class and some newer MSC cruise ships have excellent thermal suites.  Carnival and Royal Caribbean have them on some ships as well, but they usually aren’t very big or elaborate.  It’s still worth it in many cases though.

Occasionally you can get access to a dry sauna in the locker room near the gym for free on a ship. Every cruise line and ship offer a different spa and thermal suite experience, so definitely look at pictures and videos of the thermal suite before you buy access.

On the first day of your cruise the thermal suite and spa will be open so you can check it out in person as well.

Sometimes ships will run deals towards the end of the cruise with discounted rates for the thermal suite. Of course, if the space is already sold out, you’re out of luck. Fortunately for guests, a cruise ship will only allow so many to access the thermal suite, so it’s not overcrowded.

4. Laundry Service

Depending on your situation, you may actually save money by bringing fewer bags and doing laundry on the ship. Every cruise line handles this differently, but some like Holland America will allow you to get unlimited laundry done throughout the cruise, one bag at a time. Some cruise lines like Carnival, Princess, and Holland America have self-service launderettes that will let you wash your own clothes as well.

While this will cost more, you have to consider something. If you’re flying to the cruise port for a longer duration cruise you probably have to bring some extra pieces of luggage. You may have to pay extra to the airline for this baggage. It can often be cheaper to bring less luggage on a longer duration cruise and just do laundry while on the ship.

As always, see what your cruise line offers in the laundry department and calculate the cost from there. If the cruise line only does laundry for you based on each article of clothing your laundry bill can add up fast.

I have a friend who just did a 2-week sailing with Holland America and he bought the unlimited laundry package. He said it saved his family of four a lot of money versus bringing extra luggage.

5. Upgraded/Balcony Cabin

aft-facing balcony cabin on cruise ship
Aft balcony on Sky Princess (Photo Credit: Cruise Fever)

If you cruise a lot, it may be hard to justify getting an upgraded cabin on every trip, but if your cruise is a rare getaway, you should definitely splurge for a balcony or better cabin. The perks of having a balcony are hard to quantify.

But having amazing ocean views every morning, being able to access your own private veranda to hear to sounds of the ocean and feel the sea breeze — well, I get Cruise Fever just writing about it right now. Plus, there’s nothing better than sipping some morning coffee on the balcony while the sun is coming up and the ship is still quiet.

The price difference between an interior and balcony can vary, so it’s not always that much more to upgrade your cabin. A lot depends on the cruise line, itinerary and time of year. I recently wrote a detailed article on the true cost difference between the different cabin categories if you’d like to take a look.

Related: True cost different between an inside and balcony cabin

6. Drink Packages

A drink package is only worth the extra charge if you are paying for a package that fits you. Even as a non-drinker I find that some soda packages and non-alcoholic packages with cruise lines will save me a lot of money. Buying a few specialty drinks and coffees here and there and paying for each one individually can add up fast by the end of the cruise.

This one will take some math but calculate what is offered in each package and be honest with yourself in how much you will actually consume. And if you cruise often, you can look at your bill at the end of the week and add up the drink costs to see if you would have saved money just buying a package.

7. Room Service Breakfast

Getting room service at least once during your cruise is always a good idea. I prefer having breakfast delivered to my cabin, especially if my stateroom is a little further from the food choices on the ship.

This one used to be free on most major cruise lines, but those golden days of complimentary room service are mostly over, with a few exceptions.

On busy port days it’s so nice to have breakfast delivered right to the cabin and enjoy a leisurely meal out on the balcony. If you want to avoid crowds and the bustle of the first meal of the day, this is one area in which you should splurge a little. Most of the larger cruise lines do charge extra for a hot breakfast delivered to your cabin, but there are often some complimentary options as well, especially for breakfast.

By the way, make sure you tip your delivery person when the food arrives, which is another reason to bring some cash on a cruise.

Related: Room service fees and menus for every major cruise line

norwegian escape balcony with room service breakfast at sunrise
Photo credit: Cruise Fever

8. Certain Shore Excursions

Not every shore excursion is the same. I would avoid the cruise line shore excursions that are overly generic. Excursions that are highlight tours or bus tours can be overly crowded and don’t offer a truly authentic experience.

If you are going to splurge on an excursion, go for something that people rarely get to see and experience. Go for something exotic! These are often sold out early so you will want to do your excursion research early in the process.

I remember on a recent cruise I took to Iceland that some of the most incredible hikes and shore excursion experiences were already filled up before I had a chance to book them.

Remember, you will often spend more “awake time” off the ship than on it, so create lasting memories at some exotic locations and try something you could never do back home.

9. Private Island Cabanas

Cabanas on cruise line private islands come in all kinds of sizes and varieties. You can rent a floating cabana on Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay for a cool $2000 – $3,000 or rent a Carnival Amber Cove cabana for $300 – $400 (prices subject to change). Smaller cabanas can be rented for $150 or less. There are cabanas for every budget size.

So, is this extra cost worth it? Private islands are great for beach days, and a cabana takes a beach day to the next level. You don’t have to hunt a spot to get refuge from the sun. You have a central place for your family or travel party to relax, grab a snack, get something to drink, and even get some AC to cool off.

Some cabanas come with all the food and beverages you could ask for as well, so you really can stay right there and enjoy a gorgeous beach day in total comfort.

If you have a party size that justifies it, I highly recommend getting a spacious cabana so you can split the costs if you have to.

cabanas and loungers ocean cay

10. Travel Insurance

Ok, this one is not really a perk, but it does cost extra. And if you cruise without it, you’re taking a big risk. Cruising with travel insurance will not only mean that you can travel with peace of mind, but it also makes your life a lot easier should something unexpected happen.

If you’re driving to the port, you’re young, and you booked a short and affordable cruise maybe it’s harder to justify buying travel insurance. But even an unexpected medical emergency can mean huge financial burdens you might not be prepared for. My rule of thumb? If you’re on the fence about travel insurance just get it and be done with it.

11. Pre-cruise hotel

This one needs to be taken care of before you’re actually on the cruise ship, but I always recommend booking a pre-cruise hotel for your cruise if you plan on flying. This takes away a lot of the stress of trying to get to the cruise port on time.

Even if there is a slight delay or flight cancellation, you’re much better off when your flight is the day before the cruise. Yes, it’s an extra expense that you might want to avoid, but I look at a pre-cruise hotel kind of like a poor man’s travel insurance at the very least. But even with travel insurance you should arrive a day early so your vacation can start without stressing out about every little delay in your travel plans.

Related: 7 reasons you should never fly on cruise day

Final Thoughts

Not every one of these extra-charge items may be suitable for you and your situation.   And everyone has their own budget to watch.  But if you can afford to splurge a little on your cruise, I think you’ll get a lot of value out of the above perks and amenities.

There are tons of other things you can add to your cruise vacation. Whether it’s a cooking class, a tour of the behind-the scenes areas of the ship, or a new ride that costs a little extra, try it at least once if you think you might regret not doing it.

The main thing to consider is making sure you don’t blow the budget too badly.  After all, you need to have the money to go on another cruise as soon as possible!

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