A cruise ship will overnight in 17 ports of call on a unique cruise that will set sail from Miami in January 2028.
Silversea, a ultra-luxury cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group, has announced a 132-day cruise that will depart from Miami, Florida on January 5, 2028 and end in Nice, France.
This voyage on Silver Shadow will visit 58 ports in 29 countries with 17 of the ports being overnight calls. It will also have 59 sea days. All guests will enjoy personalized butler service and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry.
The cruise will visit the Caribbean, South America, Africa, the Middle East and end in Europe. There will be opportunities to visit over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the four month cruise.
The cruise line will also have a series of curated events and optional overland tours so guests can make the most of their cruise.
The voyage will be broken up into the following nine segments:
Anthem of the Tropics: Miami to Cartagena
Reign of the Rainforest: Cartagena to Valparaiso
Lands of Fire and Ice: Valparaiso to Buenos Aires
Beat of the Tradition: Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro
Sands of Time: Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town
Nature in Verse: Cape Town to the Middle East
Tales of Spice and Silk: 10 days exploring the Arabian Peninsula
Ancient Realm: Africa and Arabia, from Luxor to Petra
Echoes of the Empires: Off-the-beaten paths in the Mediterranean
A map of the 132-day world cruise on Silversea in 2028 can be seen below.
Cruise fares start at $74,900 per person and include the following amenities:
Business class airfare
Private transfers from your home to the airport
Bon voyage reception and pre-cruise hotel
Silver Shore Baggage Valet
Unlimited premium WiFi
One shore excursion in every port
$500 in credit per person to spend on the ship
Exclusive World Cruise events
Special gifts
Laundry service
Medical service
Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, gave the following statement:
“Our 2028 World Cruise, An Ode to the Moment, is designed to slow time, offering deeper exploration of each destination. With our unrivaled destination expertise, we guide guests to both iconic landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring they experience the world at its finest.
Exclusive events, special access, and optional overland tours create once-in-a-lifetime moments unique to Silversea’s World Cruises.”
This 132-day World Cruise from Silversea is now open for bookings. For more details, contact your preferred travel professional or visit Silverea.com.
The cruise departs from Miami, Florida on January 5, 2028 and ends in Nice, France on May 16, 2028.
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Embarking on a Princess Cruise is an exciting adventure, and of course, you’ll want to make sure that you pack appropriately.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, understanding the Princess Cruises dress code and packing efficiently will ensure you’re prepared for every moment of your getaway.
Let’s dive into the must-know details to help you dress to impress and pack like a pro for yourupcoming cruise.
Understanding The Princess Cruises Dress Code
Princess Cruises offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but it’s important to be aware of the recommended dress options while you’re onboard.
The cruise line doesn’t actually have a strict dress code, and hasn’t done for a while. But instead it has suggestions on what you might want to wear.
This reviewer gives a good overview that I agree with…
Daytime attire
During the day, the vibe on a Princess Cruise is casual and laid-back. You can feel free to wear:
Shorts
T-shirts
Sundresses
Casual skirts
Tank tops
These items are perfectly acceptable, even in the dining room for breakfast and lunch. The key is to keep it tasteful and comfortable as you enjoy onboard activities or explore ports of call.
Also avoid leaning too far into casual. When you’re in an indoor space, including the buffet restaurant, you need to make sure you’ve got something on your feet and that you’re not just in your swimwear.
If you are planning to spend the day by the pool, and just nip away for food, then make sure you dry off and that you throw on a t-shirt and shorts or a skirt before you go grab a bite.
Evening dress codes
The recommendations for your Princess cruise in the evenings will depend on the night. Most nights are just smart casual:
For women: Skirts, dresses, trousers and cardigans
For men: Trousers and open-neck shirts
But, there’ll also be formal nights, where the suggestion is that, if you want to, you can dress a little more sophisticated:
For women: Evening gowns and cocktail dresses
For men: Tuxedos, dinner jackets, or suits with an optional tie
Note that it’s recommended only. If you follow the smart casual dress code, you’ll still be able to dine in any of the restaurants on formal night. You won’t get turned away.
Even if you turn up in jeans on formal night, you’ll be fine – though there’s a slim chance you could get some of the older crowd (who still value that traditional experience) making subtle comments or looking unimpressed.
And if you’d rather dine in shorts then there are always casual venues where you can eat without anyone giving you a glare.
Formal night frequency
The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise:
1-4 night cruises: No formal nights
5-6 night cruises: 1 formal night
7-13 night cruises: 2 formal nights
14-20 night cruises: 3 formal nights
21-28 night cruises: 4 formal nights
29+ night cruises: 5 formal nights
Knowing this breakdown will help you pack the right clothes for your voyage.
Essential Packing List for Princess Cruises
Now that you understand the ‘dress code’, as it were, let’s look at what you should pack for your Princess cruise holiday…
Accessories can elevate your outfits and add functionality to your cruise wardrobe, so consider packing:
Jewellery to complement your evening wear
Sunglasses and sun hats for sun protection
A small clutch or evening bag for formal nights
A day bag for shore excursions, such as a backpack/rucksack
Packing smart: beyond clothing
While your wardrobe is crucial, there are other essentials you’ll need for a comfortable cruise experience.
You won’t want to forget any of these – some of them will be sold in the onboard shops but hardly at the same price you’d get them at home!
Toiletries and personal care
Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent (especially for tropical destinations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
Hair styling tools and products
Basic makeup and skincare products
Electronics and entertainment
Smartphone for snapping pics and staying in touch – though I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this one!
Chargers (including plug adapters) and portable power banks
E-readers or tablets for entertainment
Small games or cards for leisure time
Princess ships all have US-style outlets so if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, you’ll definitely need some adapters. There will be some USB ports too for direct charging for your phone.
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Health and safety essentials
Travel insurance documentation
Medications in their original containers
Copy of prescriptions and medical information
Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers
Tips for Efficient Packing
Packing light and smart can enhance your vacation experience. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:
Space-saving techniques
Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles
Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save luggage space
Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits
Weather considerations
So many people don’t bother to check the weather forecast before they cruise – assuming that a cruise to the Mediterranean will be warm, or that the Fjords will be cold.
But weather’s fickle and you never know – so check before you travel as you might want to pack more layers, or make sure you’ve got some nice t-shirts when there’s an unexpected heatwave.
Make sure you pack:
Light rain jacket or umbrella for unexpected showers
Warm layers for cooler climates or air-conditioned spaces on the ship
Breathable fabrics for hot and humid locations
Even if you take a tropical cruise in summer, you may find that the ship’s air conditioning can sometimes be turned up higher than you like. So always pack a cardigan or shawl to wear in the evenings if its chilly on board.
Prohibited items like weapons, illegal drugs, or flammable materials
That’s a quick summary, but it covers the most common things that people either think of bringing aboard or that they might not have thought about checking.
If you’re planning on bringing something ‘unusual’ then it’s worth checking the full Princess Cruises FAQ all about prohibited items as that has a comprehensive list. However, they could still confiscate something that’s not on the list if they feel it’d be dangerous or used inappropriately.
Packing for a Princess Cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There’s not a strict dress code, so as long as you know the sort of outfits that people tend to wear, and by following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a stylish and comfortable voyage.
Remember to pack light, choose versatile pieces, and don’t forget the essentials for your health and enjoyment. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment on your Princess Cruise, from casual pool days to elegant formal nights.
So get ready to set sail in style and comfort on your next Princess cruise adventure!
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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.
Carnival Corporation’s Princess Cruises has confirmed a gastrointestinal illness outbreak aboard the Coral Princess, affecting more than 80 passengers and crew.
Outbreak Details
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 69 passengers and 13 crew members experienced gastrointestinal symptoms during the cruise that commenced on 21 February 2025. In total, 82 individuals—comprising 3.62% of passengers and 1.45% of crew—reported illnesses. The ship carried 1,906 passengers and 895 crew members at the time of the outbreak.
The CDC officially identified norovirus as the causative agent on 7 March 2025. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known for rapid transmission through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Affected individuals primarily experienced symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.
Response Measures
Princess Cruises responded quickly by implementing rigorous cleaning procedures, testing samples from affected individuals, and isolating sick passengers and crew to control the spread of the illness.
The affected voyage was a 16-night Panama Canal itinerary departing from Los Angeles, California. It included port calls in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Aruba before concluding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on 9 March.
Second Norovirus Incident in 2025
This marks the second norovirus incident aboard Coral Princess in 2025, following an earlier outbreak in January that impacted 148 individuals. Symptoms during that outbreak were similarly characterised by vomiting and diarrhoea.
Broader Impact on Cruise Industry
Multiple cruise lines have reported norovirus outbreaks this year, including Royal Caribbean International (Radiance of the Seas), Holland America Line (Rotterdam and Eurodam), Sea Cloud Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Princess Cruises. The Eurodam outbreak was particularly severe, affecting approximately 8% of passengers and 17 crew members.
The CDC notes a significant increase in gastrointestinal illness outbreaks aboard cruise ships in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, during which only three outbreaks were recorded. As of 12 March 2025, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have not reported similar incidents.
The CDC publicly reports outbreaks under its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) when voyages involving U.S. and foreign ports have illnesses affecting at least 3% of passengers or crew.
Increased Norovirus Activity Across the U.S.
Norovirus cases have also risen in the U.S. From 1 August 2024 to 15 January 2025, NoroSTAT-participating states—including North Carolina, Michigan, Oregon, and New Mexico—reported 1,078 outbreaks, nearly double the figure from the previous year.
Recent data from MU Health Care indicated that more than 60 patients presented norovirus-like symptoms within a single week. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Times highlighted elevated norovirus activity throughout Florida.
Dr Maria Garcia, an emergency medicine physician at Baptist Health South Florida, remarked, “It’s a tough illness to have to deal with.”
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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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Wonder of the Seas, along with the other Oasis Class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, are some of the largest in the world, and therefore some of the most impressive. They’re packed with amazing things to see and do, as well as some of the best accommodation options at sea.
Of those, the suites are the most desirable (and also the most expensive), but there are many different suites to choose from. Which one (if any) is right for you? Let’s answer that by looking at all the suite options available on Wonder of the Seas.
Wonder of the Seas suites by the numbers
There are 174 suites on Wonder of the Seas, including 8 different types of suites. Of those, 114 are Junior Suites, and 28 are Grand Suites. There are also some specialist suites, including the Royal Loft Suite and Ultimate Family Suite, with only one of each.
Here’s a run of all the different suites available to book on Wonder 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
18
6
1524
843
2367
Ultimate Family Suite
1
18
8
1134
212
1346
Crown Loft Suite
8
18
4
545
114
659
AquaTheater Suite – 1 Bed
6
11, 12, 14
4
555 – 605
245 – 630
800 – 1235
AquaTheater Suite – 2 Bed
6
8, 9, 10
8
675 – 820
610 – 770
1285 – 1590
Owner’s Suite
10
18
3
560
250
810
Grand Suite – 1 Bed
28
17
4
370
115 – 360
485 – 630
Junior Suite
114
6 to 14
4
290
80
370
Want some help with choosing the best suite for you on Wonder of the Seas? Grab a copy of my free checklist:
Suite costs on Wonder of the Seas
Suite prices on Wonder of the Seas vary depending on the suite, the time of year, the length of your cruise, and how many guests you travel with. Expect to pay around $4,000 total for a Junior Suite, and $20,000pp for the Ultimate Family Suite, for 7 nights.
The Ultimate Family Suite
You’ll pay more per person if you don’t fill a room – so a Junior Suite with two occupants might cost $2,000, while it drops to $1,500 for four occupants. It’s still overall more expensive for all four of you, but if you’re travelling with friends then booking a suite can be a good way to split the cost since it’s less for each person to have to spend.
The Ultimate Family Suite Wonder of the Seas cost is one of the most searched-for cruise fares, because people know how amazing this room is and are desperate to book it – but at $20,000 per person just for a week, you need a serious budget to afford it.
Royal Suite Class Deals
I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.
Does Wonder of the Seas have 2-Bedroom Suites?
Wonder of the Seas does have two-bedroom suites, which are AquaTheater Suites. The Royal Loft Suite also has two bedrooms, while the other Loft suites are designed to convert the lower floor into a second bedroom.
This means that you can still enjoy two separate bedrooms, even if one of them is converted back into a living area during the day.
If you’re looking to book for a group, then of all the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas rooms, a suite is going to be a better option since they’re more spacious.
Star Class Suites on Wonder of the Seas
The Star Class suites on Wonder of the Seas include the Ultimate Family Suite, the Royal Loft Suite, and the AquaTheater Suites. These suites are considered the top tier on a Royal ship and come with the services of a Royal Genie.
The other suites on the ship are part of the Sky Class, except for the Junior Suites, which are considered the Sea Class.
Wonder of the Seas’ Suite Neighborhood
The Wonder of the Seas Suite Neighborhood is an exclusive area on Decks 17 and 18, where many of the suites are located. It includes the exclusive Sun Deck and the Suite Lounge, as well as the Coastal Kitchen. These are all open only to Suite guests.
Suite Sun Deck
The biggest suite on the ship is…
The largest suite on Wonder of the Seas is the Royal Loft Suite. The interior floor space is 1,530 square feet, while the balcony is 850 square feet, for a total of 2,380 square feet. The Royal Loft’s balcony alone is bigger than two Junior Suites combined.
Despite its epic size, the Royal Loft Suite is designed for only six people. This isn’t a suite for huge groups, but instead, it is designed for anyone who wants more space to relax and potentially host parties, but with a spacious room to relax in once everyone has moved on.
The 8 types of Suite on Wonder of the Seas
Let’s take a look at what each different suite offers…
Royal Loft Suite
Wonder of the Seas has a number of two-storey suites, the largest of which is the Royal Loft Suite. And it is huge. The lower floor has a large living area that includes a grand piano, as well as a separate dining area, along with a bedroom and bathroom. It’s also where you’ll find the wraparound balcony, including multiple seating areas and a hot tub.
Upstairs is the master bedroom, with a walk-in wardrobe, and the master bathroom which includes a large bathtub, a two-sink vanity, and a bidet.
Designed to be, well, the ultimate suite for families, this amazing two-storey room is ideal for those travelling with children. There’s a separate loft bedroom on the upper floor, with a slide down to the lower floor – amazing. It also has a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, an air-hockey table and a separate TV room, which has a 3D cinema, popcorn machine and games consoles.
The fun continues outside, too – the wraparound balcony has a bumper pool table, a whirlpool and even its own small climbing wall. And this is another Star Class suite, so the Royal Genie can make sure your family’s wishes are met.
Crown Loft Suite
The smallest of the two-storey suites, the Crown Loft rooms look almost like a regular (but spacious) balcony stateroom on the lower floor, with a bathroom and a living area that opens onto a balcony that has room for loungers.
Up the stairs is the master bedroom with a separate desk and wardrobe area, and a master bathroom with a bathtub.
There are accessible Crown Loft suites available for guests in a wheelchair to book – these are slightly larger and have a wet room.
AquaTheater Suite – 1 Bedroom
The AquaTheater suites are so-named because they sit on the aft corners of the ship, with wraparound balconies that overlook the – you guessed it – AquaTheater. These amazing suites offer spacious accommodation and plenty of storage space, but the main benefit is those balcony views – ideal for shows.
AquaTheater Suite – 2 Bedroom
These suites are almost identical to the one-bedroom version, except that they’re slightly larger and have a second bedroom. These are located on lower decks than the one-bedroom version – on Decks 8, 9 and 10.
Owner’s Suite
The Owner’s Suite is normally a name reserved for the top one or two suites on a ship, but Wonder of the Seas isn’t an ordinary ship, nor are her suites ordinary. The Owner’s Suites are still amazing, offering a lot of inside and balcony space.
They’ve one bedroom, though the living area easily converts into a separate bedroom thanks to curtain dividers, while the master bathroom has a bathtub, a separate shower cubicle, twin vanity and a bidet.
Grand Suite – 1 Bedroom
The Wonder of the Seas Grand Suite options are available on multiple decks, and offer spacious accommodation similar to the Owner’s Suites, although missing a couple of features – primarily in the bathroom, which has a shower over bath instead of both separate, and no bidet. But it still has the twin vanity.
The bedroom can be curtained off again to create two bedrooms, and the balcony is spacious enough to have two seats along with two loungers.
There are a lot of Wonder of the Seas Junior Suite rooms available across multiple decks, each of which is essentially a more spacious balcony cabin with extra Junior Suite perks. There is no separate bedroom or living area here, but you do still have a walk-in wardrobe and a bathtub with a shower over in the bathroom.
There are a couple of accessible Junior Suites available, which are wider and have a wet room instead of a standard bathroom.
Which Suite to choose?
The big question, right? With so many amazing suites to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
For a lot of people, it comes down to two things – occupancy and budget. If you’re a family of four, there’s no point booking the suites that sleep 8 guests, unless you really want proper bedrooms for you and the kids.
The Star Class suites do have the benefit of the Royal Genie, but consider whether you’ll use them, or if you would be better served saving the money. One cruise in a Star Class suite often costs the same as two (or more) cruises in a lower-class suite.
I recommend booking with luxury specialists Panache Cruises for the best service.
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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.
There is absolutely something romantic about the beach. It sparks visions of long walks with your soulmate as the sun sets (which sets the perfect ambience, of course), or it perhaps sets you in the mind of spending time on a tropical escape as a couple, away from the world.
And so it’s no surprise that there are many quotes about the beach and love that sum up those feelings about true love, including maybe some that seem to be the perfect reflection of your own relationship.
Whether it’s the summary of the ideal setting for a wedding, or just the metaphors that these beach love quotes paint of the deep and meaningful bonds we share with our partner, these quotes will have you wistfully remembering some of your happiest memories together.
Or, they’ll have you looking at a travel agent’s website as you plan your next vacation – I’d recommend a Caribbean cruise if you want to see some of the best beaches the world has to offer.
So, if you’re in need of a little bit of a romance boost, you want to reminisce over your favourite times on the beach with your loved one, these love beach quotes are here for you.
“Long walks on the beach are the supposed holy grail of a romantic evening. The beach becomes a kind of utopia – the place where all our dreams come true.”
Roxane Gay
“To go out with the setting sun on an empty beach is to truly embrace your solitude.”
Jeanne Moreau
“When the warm grains of sand touch our hearts, we know we’re in the right place.”
Unknown
“To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.”
Emilia Wickstead
“The beach is truly home, its broad expanse of sand as welcoming as a mother’s open arms. What’s more, this landscape, which extends as far as the eye can see, always reminds me of possibility.”
Joan Anderson
“Isn’t it strange, the way time moves? I could stand here and watch the sea crash beneath me for hours and it would feel only like minutes had passed.”
Sjana Elisa Earp
“A day at the beach restores the soul.”
Unknown
“After a visit to the beach, it’s hard to believe that we live in a material world.“
Pam Shaw
“Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think. “
Robert Henri
“Take time in a place you love, restore your spirit on the beach.”
Luanne Rice
“I miss the beach, the peace it brings you. I love the sound and smell of the sea.”
Genesis Rodriguez
“The real enjoyment is on the beach and in the encounter with the water and with the way the sand heals the soul.”
Elizabeth Berkley
“I could never stay long enough on the shore; the tang of the untainted, fresh, and free air was like a cool, quieting thought.”
Helen Keller
“Happiness is a day at the beach with sand between my toes and sunburn on my nose”
Unknown
“The calming movement of the sea along with the restless ocean breeze gently caresses me creating a soothing trance which lulls me to a place of peace.”
M. L. Borges, By The Sea
“I followed my heart, and it led me to the beach.”
Unknown
“I like anywhere with a beach. A beach and warm weather is all I really need.”
Rob Gronkowski
“A day at the beach is never lost time. When the warm grains of sand touch our hearts, we know we’re in the right place.”
Unknown
“Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.”
Christy Ann Martine
“A kiss on the beach when there is a full moon is the closest thing to heaven.”
H. Jackson Brown Jr.
“If there’s heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.”
Jimmy Buffett
“At the beach — time you enjoyed wasting, is not wasted.”
T.S. Eliot
“I love the beach. I love the sea. All my life I live within — in front of the sea.”
Rafael Nadal
“Beach, a place of relaxation, rest and tranquility.”
Unknown
“A beach is not only a sweep of sand but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean.”
Henry Grunwald
“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves all combine to create a sense of peace and calm.”
Unknown
“On the beach, you can live in bliss.”
Dennis Wilson
“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy.”
Amy Dykens
“Summer means happy times and good sunshine. It means going to the beach.”
Brian Wilson
“It was love at first sight, the day I met the beach.”
Unknown
There are a lot of amazing sayings about the beach and love quotes that really capture the emotions we feel as we stand on the soft sands, staring out into the ocean. Some of these short statements really pack a punch – they’re poetic, but powerful too.
Think about the happiest times that you’ve shared on the beach. Think about your partner and the emotions they’ve felt there too – maybe she has some of her favourite memories there? Or for him, it might be more about the promises you’ve made together when experiencing the stunning scenery of the coast.
These quotes about beach life might inspire you to make new plans together – to explore the world and see more of the wonders that it has to offer.
Or maybe they just take you into your happy place – letting you escape the stresses of your day-to-day life and have a moment of calm and respite while sitting at your desk.
Do you have a favourite of the sea love quotes here? Or have you got other quotes and sayings about the beach and the sea that you have immortalized on your wall, or just burned into your head?
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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.
A wonderful cruise port to visit, St. Kitts offers a perfect blend of beach vibes and mountain backdrops. Found in the eastern Caribbean, close to Antigua and Barbuda, one of the biggest highlights of a cruise to St. Kitts is the choice of beautiful beaches to visit.
From Frigate Bay on the south side, across to Half Moon Bay on the eastern coastline, there are many to choose from if you’re planning a cruise to St. Kitts.
Below, I’ve listed the seven closest beaches to St. Kitts cruise port to help plan your day ashore. For each one, I’ve also included a map to show you exactly how to get there.
Cruise ships calling at St. Kitts dock at Port Zante in Basseterre, St. Kitts’ capital. The port is north of the most popular beaches and is close to the major road which circles the island.
In Basseterre, you can find open-air markets, stalls, museums and eateries, so there’s much to explore. But, if you want to visit the beach, you’ll need to venture a little further afield.
Don’t expect a short walk to the beach!
It’s possible to walk from St. Kitts cruise port to the beach in around an hour. The nearest beach within walking distance is Half Moon Bay which is 3.3 miles away. Both South and North Frigate Bay beaches are not far away either at just over an hour to walk.
The best beaches near the cruise port
Here are the best St. Kitts beaches near the cruise port, listed nearest to farthest. Any taxi price quotes are approximate, and it’s recommended to confirm your fare with the driver beforehand.
1. Half Moon Bay
Best for: Beach days, visiting the capital and sports activities
Half Moon Bay is the closest beach to St. Kitts cruise port by walking. It provides a tranquil escape on St. Kitts’ Atlantic side, with soft sands and views of ocean scenery.
With the beach close to the island’s capital – Basseterre – it’s a good one to pair with a day of shopping and dining there too.
How to get there:
Driving to Half Moon Bay from St. Kitts cruise port will take 15 minutes, though walking will take just over an hour. A taxi for 15 minutes would be around $10.
What to expect:
Half Moon Bay is one of the best beaches in St. Kitts, with plenty to see and do. If you’re looking to relax, the beach has soft sands and stunning views to enjoy from your lounger.
For activities, the Royal St. Kitts golf course is nearby, where some of the course’s greens lead right down to the water’s edge. There are also water sports such as swimming, body-boarding and body-surfing.
2. North Frigate Bay (Marriott Beach Resort)
Best for: Walking along the coast, private stretches of sand and snorkelling
North Frigate Bay is only 10 minutes from St. Kitts cruise port by taxi. It’s the longest beach in St. Kitts at a mile long and the place where the exclusive Marriott Resort is situated.
If you’re looking for the nicest beach on the island, this is the one that cruise ship staff often recommend to visit. It’s all part of the Marriott Beach Resort, but anyone is allowed to enjoy the beach.
How to get there:
You can reach North Frigate Bay from St. Kitts cruise port by taxi. The cost is approximately $10. Alternatively, walking would take 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What to expect:
North Frigate Bay is quiet and doesn’t offer many facilities, meaning it’s a great option for relaxing downtime.
One of the biggest draws to this beach is the Marriott Resort. You can purchase a day pass from the hotel during your stay for exclusive access to their beach. This has amenities such as lounge chairs, umbrellas and beach cabanas, as well as the use of resort facilities, including swimming pools, WiFi and discounts on food, beverages and spa treatments!
There are toilet facilities within the Marriott Resort but there aren’t other options on the North Frigate Bay.
3. South Frigate Bay
Best for: Water sports, dining, nightclubs and marine life.
South Frigate Bay is one of the closest beaches by car to St. Kitts port, approximately 10 minutes from the cruise port by taxi. It has various places to eat and drink, as well as swimming, wind-surfing, water-skiing and snorkelling.
How to get there:
You can reach South Frigate Bay from Port Zante in 15 minutes by car, with taxis available from the port for approximately $10. Walking would take 1 hour and 20 minutes.
What to expect:
The beach is one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, so expect to spot plenty of marine life, including sea turtles! There are various places to enjoy food and drinks, from shacks to restaurants, bars to nightclubs. There are toilet facilities in all these venues too.
At only a quarter-mile long, South Frigate Bay is a small beach to visit but offers plenty to keep you entertained. It’s situated at the island’s most narrow point, meaning you can walk from here to North Frigate Bay – on the opposite side of the island – in just under 20 minutes.
Why not get a taxi here and then spend a couple of hours on each beach?
4. South Friar’s Bay
Best for: Snorkelling, calm waters and marine life
South Friar’s Bay is another great choice as it’s a quick ride from Port Zante in a taxi and has plenty of water activities such as swimming or snorkelling.
How to get there:
You can reach South Friar’s Bay by taxi from St. Kitts cruise port in approximately 15 minutes. These can be found near your ship and will charge around $10. To walk here it would take 1 hour 45 minutes.
What to expect:
South Friar’s Bay is one of the smaller beaches on St. Kitts and Nevis at just a quarter-mile long. With soft sands, a wide range of dining venues, and some of the best snorkelling on St. Kitts, it’s a popular choice.
The far west side is where you will find the Carambola Beach Club, a fine dining restaurant perfect for a special treat. For something more casual, the other end of the beach is home to the Shipwreck Beach Bar.
Both venues offer umbrellas, lounge chairs, toilets and additional options for hire such as water sporting equipment. There’s also free wifi here, the only beach that offers this on the island!
5. White House Bay
Best for: Adventurers, snorkelling and great food
White House Bay has a rocky reef, sunken tugboats and excess marine life, making it the perfect place for adventures above and below the surface.
Put on the map thanks to the enchanting Salt Plage restaurant, the beach offers a different experience of St. Kitts altogether.
How to get there:
It takes around 15 minutes in a car to reach White House Bay from the cruise port. This costs about $20 for a taxi for four people. Walking isn’t recommended as it’s 7 miles away so would take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
What to expect:
The beach at White House Bay is rocky, so you aren’t likely to find sand here, however, you will find plenty of reefs that make it ideal snorkelling territory.
One of the best things you can find is a recently discovered 18th-century British troop ship as well as other sunken objects. It’s highly recommended to bring your snorkel gear – or hire some from nearby – and visit these treasure troves for yourself to spot marine life.
The snorkelling spot is also joined by the Salt Plage Restaurant and Bar – listed in the ‘Top 8 Beachside Cafes in the World’ by Conde Nast. Here, enjoy custom cocktails and picture-perfect sunsets. With an open-air design that makes the destination the focus, it’s a beautiful place to visit.
6. Sandy Bank Bay
Best for: Romantic retreat with white sands
Only recently accessible to the public, the natural beauty of Sandy Bank Bay can now be enjoyed by all. It’s around 20 minutes from the cruise port in a taxi and offers a quiet, narrow beach perfect for unwinding on its soft sands.
The beach has minimal facilities compared to others, making it ideal for a romantic retreat or a quiet sanctuary to enjoy alone.
How to get there:
A taxi to Sandy Bank Bay from St. Kitts cruise port costs around $25 and takes around 20 minutes. You can find a taxi easily from the cruise port. Walking takes a long time and public transport is limited around the island so a taxi is your best option to reach this beach.
What to expect:
Sandy Bank Bay beach is secluded from the rough sea, so the calm waters provide a sanctuary for swimming and wading. The beach was only opened to the public recently, making it a hidden gem to those not in the know, and means you won’t be scrambling for a spot.
The beach is ideal for nature lovers, couples and low-maintenance cruisers as the facilities are rather minimal with no commercial activity and limited access to toilets.
Surrounded by the views of the cove and calming sounds of the waves, it provides a private beach that feels like you have it all to yourself.
7. Cockleshell Bay
Best for: Incredible views, great food and a quiet beach
Cockleshell Bay Beach is found at the tip of the southern peninsula of St. Kitts. It’s worth the trip simply for the views of the neighbouring island – Nevis – and the calm waters for swimming.
It’s also one of the longest beaches on the island, stretching three-quarters of a mile long, and offering plenty of options for food and drink on either end. With it being so far from the cruise port, it’s also much quieter, so it’s a great option for those seeking peace and quiet!
How to get there:
A taxi is the best option for visiting Cockleshell Bay from the cruise port, which will take about 20 minutes at roughly $25. A walk here would take well over three hours and there are no public buses, so a taxi is the best option for a visit.
What to expect:
The sand on Cockleshell Bay’s beach is made up of tiny shell pieces, hence the name. It’s one of the longest beaches and offers great views of Nevis.
The beach is also home to the world-famous Reggae Beach Bar & Grill which has a relaxing, casual atmosphere. Specialising in seafood and barbeque dishes, this venue is perfect for some authentic Caribbean dishes. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience the Spice Mill Restaurant offers a fine dining venue where Caribbean flavours are mixed with global influences, all enjoyed with views of Mount Nevis.
As well as restaurants, there are plenty of other amenities such as toilets, plus beach chairs and umbrellas to rent.
The best beach
As well as these seven, there are plenty more beaches to visit up and down the island of St. Kitts.
For adventurers and snorkelers, the White House Bay offers shipwrecks and marine life aplenty, while the quieter shores of Sandy Bank Bay are better suited for couples and visitors seeking a relaxing day at the beach.
The best all-around beach to visit on a cruise to St. Kitts is South Frigate Bay Beach. Not only is it one of the closest to the port, but it offers plenty of facilities for couples, friends and family alike, and is active from morning until night.
South Frigate Bay Beach
Final word
If you’re looking for St Kitts beaches within walking distance of the cruise port, you might be a little disappointed. The St Kitts cruise port is at least an hour’s walk from the best beaches, so a taxi is recommended.
As for the best beach in St Kitts? It’s subjective, but Half Moon Bay will always get a lot of recommendations.
You can’t go wrong with any on this list, though.
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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.
While Royal Caribbean offers the perfect collection of cruises for families and kids, this cruise line is also great at providing sailings ideal for adults too!
With 27 ships in the fleet, many of them offer adult-only areas and venues for a cruise getaway completely kid-free, even if there are no out-and-out Royal Caribbean adults-only cruises. But, which ship is the best depends on the kind of cruise you’re looking for.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing oasis of calm in the adult-only solarium, looking to try your luck in the casino, or eager to dance the night away in the nightclub, Royal Caribbean features plenty of fun for the adults on board.
Don’t expect any adults-only cruises
Royal Caribbean does not have any cruises that are for adults only – families are always welcome. Anyone looking for a Royal Caribbean adults only cruise will have to content themselves with the dedicated spaces onboard ships where kids are excluded.
You can definitely have a great time on an adults-only getaway with Royal Caribbean, just don’t expect a ship completely free of children.
There’s always an adults-only section, though
Every Royal Caribbean ship has adult-only areas. These include the solarium, casino, nightclub, spa and certain adult-only bars and lounges.
Solarium – This is featured on all Royal Caribbean ships and is only open to guest aged 16+. The venue pools, whirlpools, a bar and some ships also have a cafe.
Casino – All Royal Caribbean ships have a casino and guests must be 18+ to enter. Any adults are able to visit, even if they are not gambling, as there is a bar and seating in most.
Nightclub – Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship offers a nightclub space on board for adults to enjoy music and dancing into the early hours.
Spa – Each ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet has a spa with treatments including facials, acupuncture and massages. A kid-free venue, it offers the ideal sanctuary for relaxation.
Bars and lounges – These are included in every Royal Caribbean ship and are great for trying out cocktails, listening to live music and meeting friends over an after-dinner drink.
The best Royal Caribbean ships for young adults
The best Royal Caribbean ships for younger adults are the Quantum-class ships. While this isn’t the biggest class for Royal Caribbean, its onboard facilities are more focused on technology, adrenaline-rushing activities and thrill-seeking, with plenty of adult-only options too.
The best Royal Caribbean ships for young adults:
Ovation of the Seas.
Anthem of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships feature the cruise line’s first installations of the North Star observation pod and the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator.
You can enjoy cocktails crafted by robots, fantastic stage shows and watch the cruise industry’s best cover bands at the Music Hall.
The best class of Royal Caribbean ships for couples is the Quantum Ultra Class. Just a step up from the Quantum Class, these ships pack even more on-board to keep both you and your partner entertained, including the lively Lime & Coconut Bar, Playmakers Sports Bar, laser tag and more!
The best Royal Caribbean ships for couples:
Odyssey of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas is mainly based in Asia, featuring regional flavours on menus in restaurants such as Sichuan Red and Noodle Bar, while Odyssey of the Seas is found in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
The modern and innovative ships feature two open-air, resort-style pools for optimal fun in the sun, alongside the first fully-immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea – Virtual Adventure Zone.
The adult-only solarium on Odyssey of the Seas
The best Royal Caribbean ships for seniors
The Radiance Class is best for seniors as it offers a smaller ship experience, alongside all the signature features cruisers of Royal Caribbean come to expect. These ships don’t tend to attract as many crowds or young families, meaning they’re quieter and more relaxed.
The best Royal Caribbean ships for seniors:
Brilliance of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Radiance of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Radiance-class ships offer floor-to-ceiling views – perfect for taking in the sunsets and watching your destinations come into view. With destination-focussed itineraries, you can enjoy more time ashore and fewer sea days than on the larger ships.
Jewel of the Seas
The best Royal Caribbean ships for solo travellers
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class is best for solo travellers as those travelling alone couldn’t possibly get bored while sailing on some of the largest cruise ships in the world! With a variety of activities and entertainment for all tastes and ages, these ships are ideal for making new-found friends and enjoying plenty of experiences while you sail.
The best Royal Caribbean ships for single travellers:
Wonder of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Ships in the Oasis Class include Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas. There is a larger class of ship now available, too – the Icon Class. So that’s another option if you want an epic action-packed experience.
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Icon of the Seas
The Oasis-class ships are well-known for a few things. Central Park is a popular venue which is situated in the centre of the ship and brings a neighbourly vibe. With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, it’s a true tropical hideaway.
Other features of Oasis-class ships include the tallest slide at sea – the Ultimate Abyss – and the incredible AquaTheater stage for diving and acrobatics like you’ve never seen before.
The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. This isn’t just the newest ship, but she’s also the largest – with a gross tonnage of 250,800 and a maximum guest capacity of 7,600.
The best overall Royal Caribbean ships for adults:
Icon of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Legend of the Seas – coming 2026
While this is definitely a ship class that families love, there are some great features specifically for adults who are either travelling without kids or who just want to relax while their children are busy in the kids’ club.
Adults looking to relax will love the Chill Island area of the ship, which is home to four of the pools that she holds. One of these is Swim & Tonic, the first pool on a cruise ship to have a swim-up bar, while there’s also Cloud 17, an adults-only pool. The neighborhood also hosts Lime & Coconut bars, including the first to specialise in frozen cocktails.
There’s another neighborhood just for adults as well, which is The Hideaway. This is an elevated area that has the first suspended infinity pool at sea, with a multi-level sun terrace offering plenty of spaces to relax.
That just scratches the surface of what Icon of the Seas has to offer, with 15 restaurants, many bars and lounges, exciting waterslides, cutting-edge entertainment and more. Adults will love this ship more than kids.
While Royal Caribbean doesn’t place an age limit on their sailings, there are still plenty of options for guests seeking an adult-only experience. Whether you’re taking a break from the kids while they play in the Adventure Ocean kids’ club, or you’re honeymooning as loved-up newlyweds, there are a few spots and venues where children aren’t to be seen.
Adult area on Mariner of the Seas
The newer classes of ships are better catered to younger adults and those seeking adventure, while the smaller classes of ships bring with them more port-intensive itineraries as well as a pared-back roster of activities, meaning there will likely be fewer children around.
And if you’d like to see how the different Royal Caribbean ships fared in reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Cruiseline.com and Cruise Critic, then take a look at this guide to The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews.
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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.
Celestyal Cruises isn’t the most well-known of cruise lines, but could it be just what you’re looking for?
This Cypriot-owned cruise line is still a relative newcomer to the cruise market, being established in 2014. That’s not long at all, especially when compared to world-famous cruise lines like P&O Cruises which has been cruising for over 180 years!
Celestyal Cruises is a small cruise line by most standards, with only two ships, a handful of embarkation ports and a smaller range of destinations. But, if you like the idea of a port-intensive Greek Island cruise or a specialist itinerary around the Arabian Gulf, then Celestyal Cruises could be just the ticket.
1. Celestyal Cruises are all about the destinations
Me in Santorini
On a Celestyal cruise, exploring new places is the highlight of your holiday. Yes, the ships are beautiful, but spending time at sea isn’t the main reason to take a cruise with this cruise line.
Each Celestyal cruise focuses on showing you the most exciting, historic and romantic port cities and islands of the eastern Mediterranean or the Middle East. If you want to see a lot of this part of the world in a week or less, a cruise ship is certainly the best way to travel.
Celestyal Cruises visits a relatively small number of countries:
Greece
Turkey
Cyprus
Croatia
Italy
Montenegro
Bahrain
Oman
Qatar
UAE
Concentrating on just these destinations, rather than the whole world, means that Celestyal Cruises can be a specialist in this area. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase the most awe-inspiring scenery, architecture and natural wonders as you cruise between volcanic islands to explore vibrant cities and admire beautiful beaches.
Celestyal Cruises offers a choice of three-night, four-night or seven-night itineraries. If you want a longer cruise, you can take two different seven-night cruises back to back to create a 14-night itinerary.
It used to be that each cruise departed from Athens – an easy city to fly to from anywhere in the world. But you do now have more options, including Abu Dhabi and Doha in the Middle East.
As well as popular tourist destinations like Santorini, Mykonos and Istanbul, you can expect to visit lesser-known hidden gems like the Greek islands of Syros and Patmos.
2. Celestyal Cruises call at multiple ports per day
Mykonos
On a three-night cruise, you can expect to visit as many as seven ports of call. This means that on some days, you’ll get off the ship in the early morning, back on-board for lunch and then get off again to explore somewhere new in the afternoon and evening.
To make the most of your cruise, you’ll need to be ready to disembark as early as 7 am. If your annual leave is running out and you want to pack as much adventure as possible into a short cruise, then a Celestyal cruise is ideal.
Most cruise lines would take at least ten days to visit seven ports, so the fact that Celestyal Cruises can do this in four is amazing. There’s certainly no time to be bored.
You might think that visiting so many ports would make your cruise feel rushed. However, in some ports like Santorini and Istanbul, your ship will dock overnight and popular ports like Mykonos have 24-hour stays on some itineraries.
To make the most of your time on-board, you can board the ship as early as 9 am on embarkation day, for a sailaway before lunch.
3. Excursions deals are available with Celestyal Cruises
Ephesus
Each Celestyal cruise offers a huge range of excursion options that you can book. You can choose what you’d like to see – whether that be to experience new cultures, learn about ancient history or just find somewhere scenic to relax.
Specialist local expert guides will take you to attractions like Ephesus and the Palace of Knossos – all without you having to pay a penny more!
And to sweeten the deal, you can save on excursion bundles – up to 20% off depending on how many you book!
4. Celestyal Cruise ships are spacious and relaxing
Each of the Celestyal Cruises ships is medium-sized, with lots of space to relax. Many cruisers feel that this is the ideal size for a cruise ship – small enough to reach the ports that bigger cruise ships can’t access, yet big enough to offer a choice of dining and entertainment options.
Celestyal Cruises ships can accommodate the following guests:
Celestyal Discovery – 1,266 guests
Celestyal Journey – 1,258 guests
5. There are no set dining times on Celestyal Cruises
The Amalthea restaurant
There’s no need to rush to arrive for dinner at your allocated time, as Celestyal Cruises have a much more relaxed approach to dining.
Food is servedat the following times:
Breakfast – 6 am until 9 am
Lunch – 12 pm until 2 pm
Afternoon tea: 4 pm until 5 pm
Dinner – 7.30 pm until 10.30 pm
Outside of these times, you’ll find that plenty of snacks are available.
6. Celestyal Cruises offer several different formal nights
Live music in the Main Dining Room
If you like a formal night then you’ll love the different evening events that take place on Celestyal ships:
Gala nights – Formal dress
Captain’s Cocktail nights – Formal dress
Greek nights – Dress in blue and white (the colours of the Greek flag)
If formal nights aren’t your thing, you’ll be relieved to know that there’s no pressure to dress up. On most evenings, the dress code is smart-casual.
Celestyal Cruises did used to offer some all-inclusive fares, but they’ve moved away from that now. Instead, they have a simple fare that includes unlimited free pour sodas with your meals, along with tea, coffee and juice.
Then if you want any alcoholic drinks, you’ll just pay for them individually, or you can prepay a drinks tab and get bonus credit included as a special deal.
8. There are no gratuities to pay on Celestyal Cruises
Enjoying drinks on-board
While we all want to recognise the great service that cruise ship staff provide, nobody likes getting a big bill at the end of their cruise.
Celestyal cruise line includes all staff tips in the price of your cruise ticket, which means that you can relax knowing that’s all taken care of. If you wanted to tip any extra in cash to certain staff members you can do, but this is in no way expected.
9. Celestyal Cruises are very affordable
Cruising around the Greek Islands
The ticket price for a Celestyal cruise includes all your food, soft drinks, tips, and two shore excursions, so it represents amazing value for money. If you were to stay in hotels, eat out on land and take guided excursions this would undoubtedly cost you a lot more. A Celestyal cruise is one of the most affordable ways to travel in the eastern Mediterranean.
As most people will need flights to get to Athens, these can be packaged up, along with transfers and a pre-cruise hotel stay to create a great-value package holiday.
One highlight of a Celestyal cruise is the delicious locally-sourced food. Guests can enjoy pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, Greek gyros and an outdoor barbecue.
Celestyal cruise ships each have an authentic Greek feel. You can eat al-fresco on white wooden chairs whilst enjoying the wonderful sea views. Some of the bars have Greek names and are decorated with Greek flags. You’ll definitely know you’re in Greece!
At breakfast, you can expect international dishes with a Greek twist, including freshly baked muffins and Danish pastries, healthy Greek yoghurts and fresh fruit, as well as a full hot buffet.
At lunch and dinner, you can enjoy starters, salads, soups, a choice of main courses and the most incredible desserts, all paired with locally-sourced wines.
If you have a special diet such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal, you’ll be well-catered for on board. You’ll just need to communicate your request in good time before you travel. You can see photos of the vegan food I enjoyed on board in my Celestyal Cruises review.
11. Each Celestyal Cruise has a jam-packed program of activities
Music and dancing in the evenings
The whole time your ship is at sea there’ll be something to do. On a Celestyal cruise, the activities start early and continue all day long and well into the evening.
Examples of on-board activities include:
Dancing lessons
Exercise classes
Handicraft
Lectures
Sports tournaments
Language lessons
Live shows
Traditional Greek music
Karaoke nights
Circus shows
That’s not to say that you need to take part in everything, of course. If you’d rather sit and watch the ocean scenery with a quiet drink then there’ll be lots of time for that too.
12. Celestyal Cruises attract all kinds of guests
Me with Celestyal Olympia, a ship that used to sail for the cruise line
Celestyal is a cruise line that attracts guests of all ages. Many are over 50, but there are lots of younger people on board too, and in the school holidays there will be plenty of families.
You can expect an international crowd, as Celestyal cruises are popular with guests from over 140 different countries.
Although Celestyal Cruises is a Cypriot-owned cruise line that’s based in Greece, you don’t need to worry about understanding the language at all. There are usually about eight different languages spoken at any given time, so you’ll be able to communicate in whichever you’re fluent in.
13. Celestyal Cruises offers reasonable prices for solo travellers
With Celestyal, single supplements are just 30% of the cruise fare for inside, outside and balcony cabins. This means that, unlike most other cruise lines which would charge you double, you’ll only pay for yourself plus 30%. If you want a suite to yourself, the supplement is 70%.
These solo-friendly fares have earned Celestyal Cruises an award as the best ocean cruise line for solo travellers in the Solo Travel Awards.
14. Celestyal Cruises are great for kids
Kids club
You’ll find lots of children onboard Celestyal Cruises’ ships during the summer season. Kids can enjoy organised activities on a daily basis during the hours when the ship is at sea. As long as you don’t expect waterslides and zip lines, your kids are sure to have a great time.
A Celestyal cruise can be an educational experience for children of all ages and they’ll learn a lot while visiting destinations like the palace of Knossos in Crete and the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.
On Celestyal cruises, babies can cruise from three months of age. Most other cruise lines require them to be at least six months old. So if you can’t wait to see the world with your newest addition to the family, then this would be a great option.
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Conclusion
Celestyal Cruises seems like a great option for anyone looking to experience the best bits of Greece and Turkey on a cruise. The itineraries are short and action-packed.
This cruise line offers outstanding value for money, including things like soft drinks, tips and WiFi, which most other cruise companies would charge extra for.
If you’re wondering whether a Celestyal cruise would be good for families, I think that this seems like a holiday that most kids would enjoy. This cruise line is certainly on my list of cruises that I’d love to take with my kids once we’re able to.
To learn more about Celestyal Cruises, visit Celestyal.com.
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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.
While you can’t buy shares in P&O Cruises directly, you can become a shareholder in the cruise line’s parent company, Carnival Corporation. Carnival Corporation owns a number of cruise lines around the world, including P&O Cruises both in the UK and in Australia.
If you own enough shares in Carnival, then you are entitled to claim P&O shareholder benefits every time you sail – and not just on your P&O cruise, but on any cruise you take with any of the lines owned by the Carnival group.
I cruise with P&O Cruises a lot, so for me, buying enough shares in Carnival Corporation to get free onboard credit was well worth it! Now, every time I cruise, I get free money to spend, which is a great feeling!
Let’s take a look at the benefits of owning stock in Carnival, and how you make sure you can claim them when you cruise with P&O Cruises.
Benefit of owning shares – free money!
The Carnival shareholder benefits are available to anyone sailing on a cruise line owned by the Carnival group, as long as you own 100 shares or more. You can’t buy specific P&O shares – only Carnival Group shares. If you do, then you can claim the following on your P&O UK cruise:
£150 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
£60 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
£40 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer
It’s important to note that the benefit can only be claimed once per stateroom. If you and your partner were to invest in Carnival separately, and both own 100 shares each, then you couldn’t double up on the onboard credit.
Also, there are a few other caveats. If you’re employed by the cruise line, or one of your immediate relatives is, then you won’t be able to claim it. You can’t claim it if you’re also claiming another offer that gives you onboard credit for your cruise.
And there are certain things you aren’t able to spend this free amount on – like the casino. Giving away free gambling credit to shareholders would open up some sketchy legal issues.
That’s the downsides out of the way. The good news is that this isn’t a one-time offer. As long as you remain a shareholder of Carnival, you can claim this benefit every single time you book a P&O cruise, or any cruise with another sister cruise line.
So if you were to book a British cruise with Cunard or Princess Cruises, you’d get the same onboard credit added to your account.
If you book with one of the other cruise lines, the values change slightly depending on the currency on board.
For US-based cruises on Carnival, Holland America Line, Costa, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, you’ll get $250, $100 or $50 depending on how long the sailing is.
Cruises in Australia have the same value, just in Australian Dollars – AUS$250, $100 or $50.
And cruises on Costa or AIDA that use Euros get you €200, €75 or €40.
Cruise Line
14+ Days
7-13 Days
Up to 6 Days
US-owned
$250
$100
$50
UK-owned
£150
£60
£30
Australian-owned
$250
$100
$50
European-owned
€200
€75
€40
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…
“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”
Robert and Veronica Dennehy
Buying your shares
To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.
I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.
I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.
(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)
Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?
Claiming benefits is easy
It’s important to know that the P&O shareholder benefits you receive for owning stocks in Carnival aren’t applied automatically. You need to claim them by contacting Carnival.
You need to make your claim at least four weeks before you are due to sail, but the sooner the better. And you’ll need to provide:
Your legal name
Your booking number
Your ship and sailing date
Proof of your stock ownership
You won’t be able to claim if you miss your deadline, so try to be organised to provide this information as early as possible. And you have to go through this process every time you book a cruise with P&O or any other cruise line in the group – so don’t forget on each new sailing.
Important – Whereas P&O Cruises used to let you claim the credit via fax and then later email, now it’s all handled via an app called Stockperks.
You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone, then verify the stock you own by taking a photo of the key details.
Here’s a video showing you how the Stockperks app works:
You can get all the details you need from the shareholder platform you use – so eToro for me.
I received my On Board Account Statement at the end of the sailing and I could see that the credit had been applied. It was seven nights, so I received £60 of onboard credit.
Here’s what that looked like…
To conclude
Making the decision to become a stockholder in a cruise line is not something to take lightly. Any kind of stocks and shares investment is risky, and the value of your investment could drop. Just look at what happened to cruise line share prices during the shutdown to see an example.
However, if you do invest and buy 100 shares, you will enhance every subsequent cruise you sail on. You might want to spend your credit on shore excursions, or speciality dining on-board, or put it towards a drink package.
Just make sure you claim your credit – it’d be a shame to miss out on that free money you’re entitled to just because you didn’t get your details to the cruise line on time.
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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.
While the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean are famous as the world’s largest, they aren’t the only modern ships in the fleet. The Quantum Class was created after the Oasis Class, although new ships have been built for both simultaneously.
The Quantum Class was a change in direction for Royal Caribbean, introducing a new class that wasn’t bigger than the previous one.
So, what exactly is the Quantum Class? Which ships are in the class? And what should you expect on board these ships? Let’s take a look…
Quantum Class explained
The Quantum Class for Royal Caribbean was designed to create a ship that focussed on modern technology, introducing a number of new features into the fleet for the first time. Some of these have remained exclusive to the Quantum Class, while others have been incorporated into new Oasis-class and Icon-class ships launched since.
Oasis-class and Icon-class ships are best suited to warm weather cruising – many of their best features are outdoors. So, with the Quantum Class, there was a focus on making a ship that could also sail to colder destinations such as Alaska without compromising on the experience. More indoor features were incorporated.
That’s not to say that Quantum-class ships don’t sail to hot places – often they do, but there are plenty of things to do inside the ship when the weather isn’t the best.
Quantum Ultra – an advanced sub-class
The two most recent Quantum-class ships, the Spectrum of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas, are considered to be Quantum Ultra Class. This isn’t a completely separate class, but it’s considered a sub-class.
That means it’s not quite different enough to be its own class, but it does have some changes that make these ships different from the standard Quantum-class ships.
Differences between Quantum Ultra and Quantum
Quantum Ultra ships are slightly larger, with a higher guest capacity
Quantum Ultra ships have a unified Main Dining Room instead of separate dining rooms
Quantum Ultra ships have a Teppanyaki restaurant
Quantum Ultra ships also used to have the Skypad – the VR trampoline activity you can see in the image below (the big yellow orb). Sadly they’ve since removed it from ships across the fleet.
SkyPad on the back of Odyssey of the Seas
How many Quantum-Class ships are there?
There are five Royal Caribbean Quantum Class ships.
These Quantum-class ships are:
Quantum Class size
The Quantum-class ships are not as large as the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships that are famous as the biggest in the world. However, that doesn’t mean they are small ships – they are still some of the largest you can sail on, and they are packed with features.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships cruise from ports across the world, including Seattle, Vancouver, Brisbane, Sydney, New York, Florida, Rome and Singapore. Each of the Quantum-class ships has a regular routine of where it sails from, with most offering cold-weather cruises.
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Quantum of the Seas Itineraries
Quantum of the Seas spends half the year sailing from Seattle and Los Angeles, and the other half from Brisbane. She offers sailings around Alaska, and around the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. You can sail on a transpacific cruise as she transitions from the US West Coast to Australia and back at the end of each season.
Anthem of the Seas Itineraries
Anthem of the Seas used to be the main Royal Caribbean ship for cruises from the UK, but that changed in 2025, when she began offering Singapore-based cruises to Bali, Vietnam and Thailand in Winter and then Alaska cruises from Seattle during the Summer months.
Anthem of the Seas in Norway
Ovation of the Seas Itineraries
Ovation of the Seas runs a similar schedule to Quantum of the Seas, sailing from Canada and Australia, but her Australian base is Sydney rather than Brisbane. She also offers cruises around Asia during the winter months, particularly from Singapore.
Ovation of the Seas cruising from Sydney
Spectrum of the Seas Itineraries
Spectrum of the Seas was built for the Asian market and is primarily based in Singapore. She has been based in Shanghai in the past as well, and her cruises are based around Japan and Southeast Asia.
Odyssey of the Seas Itineraries
Odyssey of the Seas splits her time between cruising from Cape Liberty (New York) for Caribbean sailings, and from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome) for Mediterranean cruises.
Odyssey of the Seas cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island
What’s onboard Quantum-Class ships?
The Quantum-class ships have a lot of cool, modern features that make your cruise more special.
First, let’s take a look at some of the features exclusive to the Quantum Class:
North Star Observation Pod
While every cruise ship tends to have a good spot to get a view out over the sea, none can rival the North Star Observation Pod.
This pod is attached to a giant arm that lifts it over 100 metres above sea level, making it the Guinness World Record holder for the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. You’ll get incredible views across the ocean and the ship itself, appreciating just how immense she really is.
Ripcord by i-Fly Skydiving Simulator
One of the most popular features on Quantum-class ships is the Ripcord by i-Fly – a skydiving simulation tube that lets you feel the rush of skydiving without having to fly thousands of feet in the air.
You do still get quite the rush, with the option to soar high in the enclosed tube. And it’s a fantastic family activity too, as guests can enjoy it from three years and up. My five-year-old absolutely loved this ride!
SeaPlex
On most Royal Caribbean ships, the sports court area is on one of the upper decks and is situated outdoors. But Quantum-class ships are built for all-weather, hence the modern SeaPlex sports court indoors.
Various activities take place here during the day, including soccer, dance and exercise classes, roller skating and more. But most popular are the bumper cars, taking over the whole SeaPlex area.
Indoor Pool & Solarium
Because the Quantum-class ships were designed to sail in locations with cooler weather, they have both an indoor pool with a retractable roof and an adults-only indoor Solarium which has a pool and hot tubs. So even when you’re sailing to Alaska, you can relax in your swimsuit without feeling the chill.
Two70
A truly epic entertainment venue, Two70 has stunning floor-to-ceiling windows open during the day offering a – you guessed it – 270-degree view around the ship.
And at night, it comes to life with live music and virtual concerts. The centrepiece of the room is the six TV screens operated on robot arms that can move and synchronise, adding incredible ingenuity to performances.
Expedition Two70
Available in Two70 is a fun scavenger hunt. This augmented reality experience uses the Royal Caribbean app on guests’ smartphones and lets you complete tasks to earn virtual masks. It’s not the most thrilling activity but it’s a good way to keep kids entertained during the day.
And then there are the features that aren’t unique to the Quantum Class, but do feature on these ships – there are loads, but some of the highlights include:
FlowRider
Have fun hitting the waves without ever leaving the ship on FlowRider, the Royal Caribbean surfing simulator. The 12-metre-long simulator sends water rushing towards you while you bodyboard or try to stand up and surf like a pro. It’s great fun for all the family – especially those watching.
First introduced on the Quantum of the Seas and since added to Oasis-class ships as well, the Bionic Bar is a place where you can get your cocktail made by two robotic arms. The drinks are the same cocktails you’ll get at other bars on the ship, but it’s a unique experience to see them being made completely automatically.
Kids Pool – H2O Zone/Splashaway Bay
Quantum-class ships are ideal for families, so there, of course, has to be a kids’ pool area. The older Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas have the H2O Zone, which is a large splash pad with various sprayers.
Meanwhile, the Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas get the upgraded Splashaway Bay, with multiple waterslides and a large water-dumping bucket.
Oasis-class ships are larger than Quantum-class ships – carrying between 1,500 and 1,800 more passengers. They’re also larger in terms of volume and have more features on board, including a zip line and a carousel, as well as the full open-air promenade.
Quantum-class ship cabins tend to be very slightly larger on average, but the difference is minimal – you wouldn’t really notice it going from one ship to the other.
Balcony room on Anthem of the Seas
The main difference is in the purpose of the ships. Oasis-class ships are essentially built with a view to being some of the biggest, with the most things to see and do. Meanwhile, Quantum-class ships are specifically tailored to be modern and technology-focused, as well as having features suited to cold-weather cruising, like indoor pools and the indoor SeaPlex sports area.
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The bottom line
There’s a lot to love about the Quantum-class ships, especially if you’re someone interested in a cruise to a colder location such as Alaska. Most of the incredible experiences on board take place indoors, though there’s a lot to have fun with out on deck as well – and the choice of destinations reflects that.
The ships are also great for cruises with younger kids – a lot of the entertainment is geared to younger cruises, and there’s the excellent kids’ club on board too. If you’re looking for the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids and families then Quantum Class is certainly high up the list.
We loved our cruise on Anthem of the Seas
Yet with the bionic bar, the Two70 live entertainment and the vast number of dining locations and other places to unwind, it’s also a great class of ship for younger couples who want a blend of great food and entertainment, and fun things to keep you busy during the day.
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.
