Alaska’s cruise industry is preparing for a wave of new offerings in 2026 as six ships that have never been to Alaska before are marked on the schedule. Some of these ships are brand new and some have been sailing for over a decade.
Even as the 2025 season gets underway, 2026 is already showing a significant increase in sailings, with 85 more cruises planned.
The current cruise calendar lists 728 Alaskan cruises for 2026, compared to 643 in 2025.
Attributing to this surge of cruise activity in America’s Last Frontier, six cruise ships that have never been to the region before will be making their debut.
MSC Poesia (MSC Cruises)
Launched in 2007, the 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia will be repositioned from Barcelona to Miami in April, 2026. After this sailing, the ship will offer an 18-night Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Seattle.
The 92,627 gross ton vessel will be offering Alaskan sailings from Seattle for the first time in its history.
From May to September of 2026, MSC Poesia will offer a series of 7-night Alaskan cruises that begin and end in Seattle, Washington.
Luminara (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
For cruisers wanting a more luxurious experience, the 3-ship luxury cruise line from Ritz-Carlton has you covered. The brand-new super-yacht Luminara, 456-guest vessel, launching in 2025, will embark on 13 Alaskan voyages between May and September.
Luminara will be in Asia prior to sailing across the Pacific to Whittier, Alaska in May 2026. The vessel will transition embarkation points between Whittier and Vancouver, offering 7- to 11-night sailings to Alaska that will visit at least 11 ports of call.
Brilliant Lady (Virgin Voyages)
Virgin Voyages has not previously offered sailings to Alaska, so this one is a first for the entire cruise line.
Brilliant Lady will be the fourth cruise ship with adult-only Virgin Voyages, and it’s scheduled to enter into service in September of this year. The 2,700-passenger vessel will reposition from Los Angeles to Vancouver in May, 2026 before homeporting in Seattle for the season.
The ship will offer 7-, 9-, and 12-night roundtrip sailings out of Seattle and will offer these Alaskan sailings through September 2026.
Star Princess (Princess Cruises)
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Another brand-new ship on the list is Star Princess, which is scheduled to be delivered in September 2025. A Royal-class vessel, the sixth in its class, this 4,300-passenger ship will offer passengers a modern and comfortable way to explore the beautiful landscape of Alaska.
In April of 2026 Star Princess will reposition from Port Everglades to Seattle on a 20-day Panama Canal cruise.
From Seattle, Star Princess will offer a series of 7-night round-trip cruises from the home port and will offer Alaska sailings until mid-September.
Star Seeker (Windstar Cruises)
This new vessel, launching in late 2025 and debuting in early 2026, will make its Alaskan debut, focusing on smaller ports and unique itineraries.
The small luxury ship can accommodate up to 224 passengers across 112 suites. This will be he seventh vessel with Windstar and will offer 7- and 14-night cruises out of San Juan, Puerto Rico before offering a Panama Canal cruise on its way to Juneau Alaska on a 49-night sailing. Seven ports of call around Alaska will make up the end of this 7-week sailing.
Disney Magic (Disney Cruise Line)
Disney Cruise line will have two cruise ships sailing in Alaska in 2026. The 2,700-passenger Disney Magic will be making its Alaskan debut while joining Disney Wonder in the region.
Both of these Magic-class Disney cruise ships will offer 7-night sailings from May until September 2026.
The debut of these six new ships to Alaska give cruisers even more options for experiencing the incredible atmosphere of an Alaskan cruise. 2026 will be a busy sailing season for the area, and while the 2025 season is right around the corner, it’s not a bad time to start planning for a 2026 getaway.
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Princess Cruises has announced an expansion for their Cruisetours in Alaska that now allow you to visit up to five national parks.
Discovery Princess in Ketchikan, Alaska. Photo: Cruise Fever
Princess Cruises’ cruisetours combine seven night cruises to Alaska (Voyage of the Glaciers) with a land tour to different national parks. After the cruise line saw good demand for their new 15-night National Parks Expedition cruisetour last year, they are adding more options for this year and next.
Princess is now offering six different cruisetours that range from nine to 15 days in length. They are:
National Parks Expedition – Five parks in 15 days (2025)
National Parks Explorer – Four parks in 14 days (2025)
Katmai National Park – Two parks in nine days (2025)
National Parks Expedition – Five parks in 15 days (2026)
National Parks Explorer – Four parks in 14 days (2026)
National Parks Adventurer – Three parks in 14 days (2026)
Princess Cruises has four wilderness lodges (Kenai, Copper River, Mt. McKinley and Denali) and they also offer a stay in Fairbanks.
The cruise line will have seven cruise ships sailing to Alaska this year an eight in 2026. The cruises depart from five different homeports. They are Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Princess Cruises will make 88 visits to Glacier Bay, more than any other cruise line.
The cruise line also offers a unique onboard experience on cruises to Alaska with local lumberjacks, Iditarod champions, and storytellers sharing their passions for the 49th State.
Other offerings include fresh Alaska seafood menus, a variety of shore excursions, and authentic commentary by Glacier Bay Park Rangers and Naturalists.
Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, gave the following statement about the cruise line’s expanded cruisetours:
“There’s no better way to experience the breathtaking expanse of Alaska than by combining the luxury of a cruise with an immersive journey on land. Our expanded National Parks 2025 and 2026 cruisetours offer guests an array of exciting options that elevate their vacation experience.
“Alaska is a land of towering glaciers, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and stunning beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see. With our seamlessly crafted cruisetours, guests are brought directly to the doorsteps of some of the world’s most iconic national parks, allowing them to explore and soak in the awe-inspiring natural splendor that makes this destination truly unique.”
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Carnival Cruise Line is offering a “Early Saver Triple Play Sale” right now that is a combination of three cruise deals and one bonus credit that you can spend once you are on the ship.
This current sale from Carnival Cruise Line runs through February 17, 2025 and is good on cruises that depart through April 2027.
Here is a look at everything you need to know about the latest cruise deals being offered by Carnival.
1. 2-1 Deposits: Carnival’s cruise deposits are now priced at two for one, or 50% off the normal deposit price. This is good for all cruises that are outside of the final payment date and is valid on all ships, stateroom types and sail dates.
2. Up to 40% off Cruise Fares: Prices on Carnival cruises start at just $304 per person, this price includes taxes and port fees. (View Best Prices on Carnival Cruises)
3. Free Cabin Upgrades: You can get a cabin in a better location on the ship for free with Carnival’s free upgrades. This is good for like-to-like categories only (interior to interior, ocean-view to ocean-view, and balcony to balcony). Upgrade is not available on upper/lower, obstructed, and cove categories.
You can get a free cabin upgrade to a better location on your Carnival cruise.
4. Up to $50 in Onboard Credit: You will receive up to $50 to spend once you are on the ship. The amount is as follows: $12.50 per person (up to $25 per stateroom) on two- to five-day sailings and $25 per person (up to $50 per stateroom) on cruises six days and longer.
The rate code for this new sale from Carnival Cruise Line is OCS. It’s good on cruises through April 2027 and expires on February 17, 2025.
For complete terms and details for this “Early Saver Triple Play Sale” from Carnival Cruise Line, contact your preferred travel professional or visit Carnival.com.
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Credit cards often have special deals and offers that work as a sort of loyalty scheme, letting you spend points that you’ve earned for your regular spending. And the Carnival World Mastercard is a great example.
But what does the Carnival World Mastercard give you, and is it worth replacing your everyday credit card? Let’s take a look.
How the Carnival World Mastercard Works
The Carnival World Mastercard is a credit card, and so it works just like any other Mastercard credit card – you spend money from your credit allowance and then pay it off using your own money.
The Carnival World Mastercard is not issued by Carnival. It has to be issued by a bank, after all, and Carnival prefers to focus on fun cruising rather than banking. Instead, the card is issued by Barclays, one of the biggest banks in the world.
You can use a Carnival World Mastercard anywhere in the world that accepts Mastercard – which is most places. Mastercard is one of the most widely accepted cards around the globe – second only to Visa. You can use the Carnival World Mastercard at over 37 million merchant locations in over 210 countries and territories.
By using your Carnival World Mastercard, you’ll build up FunPoints, and these can be redeemed against purchases with Carnival (and sister cruise lines). There are other benefits too, which I’ll get into.
It’s worth noting that the Carnival World Mastercard is only open to residents of the United States aged 18 and over. While Barclays Bank does have bases around the world, this particular credit card is for the US market only.
What credit score do you need for a Carnival card?
The credit score you need to qualify for a Carnival World Mastercard isn’t published officially, but realistically you need a ‘Good’ credit score. A ‘Good’ score is between 670 and 739, although being in this range does not guarantee you will be accepted.
Everyone’s credit score is judged alongside their financial habits. Many people who have applied for the credit card with a score below 700 have been declined, although some have been accepted. You’re more likely to be accepted if your credit rating is ‘Very Good’ (740 to 799) or ‘Excellent’ (800 to 850).
Your credit score won’t just impact whether or not you are accepted – it will also affect your credit allowance and the APR you are assigned for your card.
Depending on your creditworthiness, you will either be assigned an APR of 19.99%, 25.99%, or 29.99%.
The Benefits of the Carnival Credit Card
Here are the benefits of taking out a Carnival World Mastercard. These are correct at the time of writing, but they may change, so be sure to consult the Carnival website for the latest Ts&Cs.
1. Low APR On Carnival Cruise Bookings
Using your Carnival World Mastercard when booking a cruise essentially lets you spread the cost for six months without penalty. That’s because you get a rate of 0% APR on Carnival cruise bookings for six months with the card.
It’s important to make sure you clear the balance within six months of your purchase, otherwise, your remaining balance will be charged at your regular APR – either 19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99%, depending on your credit score when you took out the card.
This is a promotional APR and therefore could be changed or withdrawn in future. But if you don’t own a credit card, and you really want a cruise (especially last minute) that you don’t have the immediate funds for, then a Carnival World Mastercard at least makes it viable. Though you should only book a cruise if you know you’ll be able to clear the balance.
2. Bonus FunPoints
When you first take out a Carnival World Mastercard, you’ll be rewarded the first time you either make a purchase or transfer over a balance from another credit card.
Regardless of the size of the purchase or the balance transfer, you’ll be given 20,000 FunPoints, which can be redeemed for a $200 statement credit the next time you book a cruise with Carnival.
Again, this is a promotional offer so this may not be available in future. There will typically be some kind of offer, but exactly what it is can vary. For example, in early 2023 the offer was that you would be given 25,000 FunPoints but only after spending $500 within your first 90 days of owning the card.
Bear this in mind – if you want to get a free $200 towards your next Carnival cruise then it may be worth getting the card sooner rather than later, as the offer could change again.
3. 10% Back On Shore Excursions
When using a Carnival World Mastercard to book shore excursions through Carnival.com, you’ll get 10% of the cost back as a statement credit. Essentially you’re getting 10% off the cost of shore excursions, though you’ll pay in full and then get 10% back on your credit card as a refund.
This only works for official Carnival shore excursions booked through the Carnival website. If you book shore excursions through a travel agent, or you book third-party shore excursions using your credit card, you won’t get the 10% back.
According to the terms and conditions of the card, you can book excursions up to 11.30 pm ET the evening prior to your cruise departure, and you’ll be eligible for the statement credit. It’ll be applied to your account within 1-2 business days and you’ll see it on your next card statement, alongside the purchase of the shore excursions.
4. Double FunPoints On Carnival Purchases
Whenever you use your Carnival World Mastercard for purchases, you’ll earn 1 FunPoint for every $1 spent. However, when making any purchase with Carnival, you’ll earn twice the reward – so 2 FunPoints for every $1 spent.
This includes making cruise bookings, but it also includes any purchases you make with the cruise line onboard the ship. So if you assign your Carnival World Mastercard to your Sail & Sign account, then every time you have a drink onboard, or you book a speciality dining meal, or you make a purchase in a retail store, you’ll earn double the points.
And even better, this offer also applies to the sister cruise brands of Carnival, under the umbrella of “World’s Leading Cruise Lines”. So any time you spend on AIDA, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK or Seabourn, you will earn double FunPoints.
5.No Annual Fee Or Foreign Transaction Fees
Some credit cards will charge an annual fee for owning the card, or they will charge an additional fee every time you use the credit card at an international vendor.
The Carnival World Mastercard has neither of these fees – so you don’t need to worry about paying every year for just owning the card. And more importantly, you can use the card internationally without additional penalties.
Considering how the card is aimed at cruise passengers, this is a pretty important benefit.
6. Low Introductory APR On Balance Transfers
When you first open a Carnival World Mastercard, you can transfer the balance of any other credit cards you own to the card for a 0% introductory APR. You’re permitted to do this within 45 days of opening an account, and the 0% APR remains in place for 15 months.
After this 15-month period, any outstanding balance will be charged at your typical APR.
This isn’t a unique benefit – many credit cards offer similar benefits, often for longer periods. But if you’re interested in the cruise-related benefits and you have an existing credit card with a balance that you’re paying interest on, you could save money by opening a Carnival World Mastercard and transferring that balance over.
Also, it’s important to add that balance transfers aren’t completely free. You will need to pay either $5 or 5% of the balance transfer value – whichever is the higher amount.
How Carnival FunPoints Work
The rewards system with the Carnival World Mastercard is called FunPoints. Every time you spend using the card, you’ll earn points back.
Specifically, you’ll earn 1 FunPoint for every $1 you spend using the card. The exception is when you make any purchases with Carnival or any of its sister cruise lines, where the reward is doubled – so you get 2 FunPoints for every $1 you spend.
These FunPoints can then be redeemed for the following:
Statement credit for cruise bookings and purchases with Carnival
Statement credit for cruise bookings and purchases with sister cruise brands
At least – that’s the official line on what you can use the card for. But many people have reported that the options for merchandise and onboard amenities have essentially disappeared and are no longer available. So if you were hoping to use FunPoints towards fun little gifts for your cruise on the ship, you might be disappointed.
One other thing to note – Carnival has previously offered another benefit named “Fun Points” but this was aimed at people making group bookings. They’re not the same, so don’t get them confused if you stumble across “Group Booking Fun Points”.
What are FunPoints worth?
Here’s a look at what FunPoints are worth for each redemption category:
Redemption Category
Point value
Minimum redemption value
Carnival Cruise Purchases, Redeeming $1,500+
1.5 cents per 1 FunPoint
100,000 FunPoints
Carnival Cruise Purchases, $50 to $1,499
1 cent per 1 FunPoint
5000 FunPoints
Sister Cruise Line Purchases
1 cent per 1 FunPoint
5000 FunPoints
Carnival Merchandise & Onboard Amenities
1 cent per 1 FunPoint
Varies
Travel Purchases
0.9 cents per 1 FunPoint
5000 FunPoints
Gift Cards
0.75 cents per 1 FunPoint
3,300 FunPoints ($25 Gift Card)
How To Use Carnival FunPoints
The best way to take advantage of your Carnival FunPoints is to use them against purchases of $1,500 or more with Carnival. That way, you’ll get the most value back from your FunPoints.
As a quick example – say you book a cruise and it costs you $1,000. To redeem the full value of that cruise, you’d have to use 100,000 FunPoints.
But if your cruise costs $1,500, then it would cost the same number of FunPoints. So if you end up with 100,000 FunPoints to spend on a cruise, and your fare is around the $1,000-$1,499 mark, you might as well upgrade your room and get a bigger statement credit!
You can use FunPoints for purchases on the other brands under the World’s Leading Cruise Lines name, including AIDA, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK and Seabourn.
However, no matter how much you’re redeeming against, it will always only be 1 cent per FunPoint.
Carnival merch, if it’s available, is the same conversion rate and the minimum number of FunPoints you have to redeem will vary.
How many Carnival FunPoints for a free cruise?
The number of Carnival FunPoints needed for a free cruise depends on the cruise you’re booking. 1 FunPoint = 1 cent for purchases under $1,500, so a cruise costing $1,000 would need 100,000 Fun Points. However, many Carnival cruises are cheaper so would need fewer points.
At the time of writing this guide, the cheapest 3-day cruise I’ve found on the Carnival website costs $706.40, which is for two people and includes taxes, fees and port expenses. So this would need 70,640 FunPoints if you wanted the cruise for free.
However, you don’t need to wait until you’ve got enough FunPoints to redeem against the full value of a cruise. You can redeem as few as 5,000 FunPoints to get $50 statement credit against your cruise booking.
That’s good, since to earn those 70,640 FunPoints for that free cruise, you would need to spend $70,640 using your Carnival World Mastercard.
You could fast-track it though – you get 20,000 free FunPoints for your first purchase, and then you could earn the other 50,640 FunPoints by spending $25,320 on Carnival purchases only, since you get double points for purchases with the cruise line.
How To Redeem Carnival Mastercard FunPoints
You can redeem Carnival Mastercard FunPoints by logging onto your online account with Barclays. The bank then has a menu that you can browse, in order to spend your FunPoints.
How to Redeem Carnival FunPoints for Statement Credit
To redeem Carnival FunPoints for statement credit you need to:
Log onto your Barclays account and navigate to the FunPoints section
Choose “Pay with FunPoints”
A list of eligible purchases from the last 180 days will be shown
Click “Redeem Now”
Choose the value of FunPoints to apply
Confirm your decision
The statement credit will be posted to your account within 1-2 business days and will show on your next statement.
To be clear, you can only claim statement credit on cruise purchases and travel purchases made within the last 180 days using your Carnival World Mastercard.
Things To Know About The Carnival Credit Card
Do Carnival FunPoints expire?
Carnival FunPoints don’t expire. As long as you keep your account open, your FunPoints will accumulate until you decide to spend them. If you close your account and you have enough FunPoints to redeem against a reward, you will have 60 days to do so.
Does the Carnival cruise credit card have an annual fee?
There is no annual fee for the Carnival World Mastercard, nor are there any fees for foreign transactions.
Does Carnival Mastercard have travel insurance?
Unlike many other credit cards, the Carnival World Mastercard does not include travel insurance. You will need to make sure you take out a suitable travel insurance policy elsewhere whenever you are cruising.
Can you use Carnival Fun Points with other cruise lines?
You can use Carnival FunPoints with any other cruise line owned by the Carnival Group. This includes AIDA, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, P&O Cruises UK, Seabourn, and Fathom.
Is The Carnival Credit Card Worth It?
It’s tough to give an easy answer on whether the Carnival World Mastercard is worth it, because it depends on your own personal credit situation.
Many other credit card companies will offer better value rewards, and you do have to earn a lot of FunPoints in order to redeem high amounts against your Carnival purchases.
But if your typical spending habits do mean that you use a credit card regularly, and you’re a loyal Carnival cruise guest, then it’s certainly worth considering this card, provided you can keep up with repayments.
If you want to be loyal to Carnival but a credit card doesn’t feel right, there are other options too, including Carnival’s casino points (which gets you benefits such as free drinks if you spend enough in the casino during one sailing), and the VIFP program, which rewards regular cruisers with benefits such as free laundry, complimentary speciality dining, cabin upgrades and more.
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.
If you’ve booked a cruise from London International Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, then you’ll need to book your car parking in advance.
Parking at Tilbury’s cruise terminal is easy, but it can be expensive. In this guide, I’ll show you how to book car parking at Tilbury Docks, as well as where to find cheaper parking options nearby.
I’ll also show you a list of the best hotels with parking near Tilbury. These are a great option for anyone planning to drive for more than a couple of hours before their cruise.
Where Do the Cruise Ships Dock in Tilbury?
Cruise ships sailing from Tilbury will dock at the London Cruise Terminal. This is located within Tilbury Docks on the north bank of the River Thames in Essex.
Tilbury Cruise Terminal Address: London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NG
1. Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal
The most convenient parking option when cruising from London Tilbury is to park at Tilbury Cruise Terminal.
Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal is so easy because you can park your car right by the ship. The car park is large enough to accommodate most cruise passengers, but pre-booking is recommended.
Cost of Parking at Tilbury Cruise Terminal
Parking at Tilbury Port costs £11 per night when booked at least three days in advance. After this, the price will increase.
Larger vehicles such as motorhomes or minibuses will be charged £22 per night.
How to Book Parking at Tilbury Docks
There are two ways to book parking at Tilbury Docks:
Telephone your cruise line and ask if they can book parking for you
Parking at Tilbury Docks isn’t available for passengers of every cruise ship. To be allowed to park at the port, your cruise line must have a relationship with Cruise & Passenger Services (CPS), the company which manages the official car park.
Sometimes, this relationship isn’t set up until a few months before the cruise departs. You can see if port parking is available for your cruise by visiting the CPS website and seeing if your ship appears under ‘Book Parking’.
2. Cheaper Car Parking Near Tilbury Docks
If you’re not able to park at Tilbury Cruise Terminal or would like to explore cheaper options, there is some convenient car parking in Tilbury which you can book for as little as £2 per day.
As Tilbury Docks is an industrial zone of several square miles, you may need to take a taxi, Uber or ferry from your parking space to the ship. But, this can still work out cheaper than parking at the port, particularly for longer cruises.
To find cheap parking near Tilbury cruise port, I like to use a website called Your Parking Space. This lists lots of private car parks and even has driveways to rent.
How to Find Car Parking With Your Parking Space
1. Go to yourparkingspace.co.uk
2. Do a search
Select ‘Hourly’
Enter ‘Port of Tilbury’
Select your dates and times
Hit ‘Search’
3. Use the map to find the nearest parking spaces
4. Take a closer look
The blue flag is Tilbury Docks, but the Cruise Terminal is closer to where it says ‘Fortress Distribution Park’
Zoom in and out
Check prices
Check the description and reviews
5. Choose and book your parking
Enter your vehicle registration and payment info
Your booking details and entry instructions will be sent via email and text message
You’ll probably need to take a taxi or Uber from your parking space to the cruise terminal, so be sure to factor in that cost.
An option may be to park in Gravesend and take the ferry across the river to Tilbury. The ferry runs every half an hour and the crossing takes 5 to 10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the ferry and cost £4 for adults and £2 for children.
Find More Car Parking With Just Park
Just Park is a website that is very similar to Your Parking Space. It works in exactly the same way, but often has different car parking spaces.
To find the cheapest and nearest car parking to Tilbury Cruise Terminal, it’s a good idea to check both Just Park and Your Parking Space.
3. Hotels With Parking Near Tilbury Docks
Driving to Tilbury the night before your cruise is a good idea as you can arrive in plenty of time and not worry about rushing through the traffic on the morning of your cruise.
There are several hotels near Tilbury that offer parking for cruise passengers. These have been recommended by other cruisers in popular cruise forums.
There are currently no ‘Stay, Park and Cruise’ deals advertised. However, I’d certainly advise that you contact the hotels to check the availability of parking on your dates.
List of Hotels With Parking Near Tilbury Cruise Port:
Orsett Hall Hotel – 6 miles
Stifford Hall Hotel – 6 miles
Premier Inn Thurrock East – 7 miles
Ibis London Thurrock M25 – 8 miles
Clarendon Royal Hotel – 18 miles (or 3 mins walk to Gravesend Ferry)
Depending on the length of your cruise, you may find that a hotel and parking deal works out cheaper than parking alone.
Where is the Best Place to Park in Tilbury for a Cruise?
The best place to park in Tilbury for a cruise is at Tilbury Cruise Terminal. However, this option isn’t available for all cruises and it is quite expensive.
For cruises of a week or more, it’s a good idea to look for cheaper parking options and take a taxi or take the ferry across the River Thames from Gravesend.
Take a look at Your Parking Space and Just Park to find the best parking spaces and car parks in Tilbury.
How to Get to Tilbury Cruise Terminal
Driving directions to Tilbury Cruise Terminal:
Head for M25 Junction 30, and follow A13(E) towards Tilbury
Follow the A13 for 3 miles, before taking the slip road for A1089 towards Tilbury & Docks
Continue on this road for 4 miles, going straight on at the roundabout towards Tilbury Docks and Tilbury Fort
Past the station, at the signposted junction, turn right into the cruise terminal
Parking and drop off locations are signposted
Final Thoughts
There’s no single right answer on the best option Tilbury Docks parking. It depends on whether you want to (and are able to) book right at the terminal, or if you’d rather park further away and get a taxi or Uber to bring you to and from the port.
With the Tilbury Docks cruise terminal being quite industrial, it can be hard to get a taxi quickly after your cruise, since lots of people will be ordering them but they have to travel a short distance to reach you.
But if you want to keep your Tilbury parking cost down, then choosing a further-afield option or one of the Tilbury hotels with cruise parking might be a better choice.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The port of Barcelona is located at the waterfront in Port Vell, at the end of Las Ramblas in the centre of Barcelona. It’s one of the world’s busiest cruise ports with seven cruise terminals located on three piers.
If you’re flying into Barcelona airport the day before your cruise, you’ll want to find a hotel close to Barcelona cruise port.
This article will help you to do just that, showcasing some of the best hotels near Barcelona cruise port.
Map of Hotels Near Barcelona Cruise Terminal
First, let’s take a look at Barcelona cruise port on a map, so that we can see where the nearest hotels to Barcelona cruise terminal area, and how far that is from the city centre.
You can use the interactive map below to search for hotels near Barcelona cruise port on your chosen dates.
The best hotel for your stay will depend on how long you wish to stay in Barcelona.
If you are arriving in the evening and cruising the next morning, you only really need a place to sleep and should look for hotels near Barcelona cruise ship terminal.
However, if you plan to spend a few days in Barcelona, you may prefer to stay close to Barcelona’s main attractions, such as in the Gothic Quarter or by La Barceloneta beach. You may also want to look for Barcelona pre-cruise hotels with swimming pools, restaurants or rooftop gardens.
Closest Hotels to Barcelona Cruise Terminal
Now, let’s take a look at which hotels are closest to Barcelona cruise terminal, in order.
The closest hotel to Barcelona cruise port is Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel. This five-star luxury hotel is not only the nearest hotel to Barcelona cruise terminal, but it’s also one of the very best hotels in Barcelona.
Located within Barcelona’s World Trade Centre building, the hotel overlooks Barcelona port and is also just a five-minute walk from Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s main tourist street.
The hotel offers modern rooms, including family rooms, which feature satellite TV and a pillow menu. On the roof, you’ll find a stunning rooftop pool as well as terraces where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast, or just relax and enjoy the views. The Grand Marina restaurant serves Mediterranean-style meals and there’s a lobby bar which serves great cocktails.
How to get to the cruise port from this hotel
Whether or not you can walk from the Grand Marina Hotel to Barcelona cruise port depends on which terminal your cruise ship arrives in to.
If your ship docks at the North, South, or East terminal at the World Trade Centre (WTC), you will only have a few minutes to walk, which will be fine, provided that you can wheel your own luggage.
However, if your ship arrives on the Quai Adossat at terminals A, B, C or D, then your ship may be over a mile from the hotel. In this case, it would be better to take a taxi or the cruise port shuttle bus. Known as the ‘blue bus’, this is a regular service that runs from the cruise port to Las Ramblas.
The second closest hotel near Barcelona cruise port is the Hotel Miramar. This five-star hotel is located in a former palace with gardens on Montjuic Mountain, yet is still only a few minutes’ walk from Barcelona cruise port.
The exterior of the hotel retains many ancient Neucentisme style features, yet the interior is modern and luxurious. Facilities include both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and L’Occitane Spa with a hot tub, sauna and steam room. There’s also a restaurant which serves Catalan and Mediterranean dishes.
Rooms at the hotel sleep up to three guests, meaning that it may not be the best choice for families. However, this hotel is ideal for couples looking for a special pre-cruise stay in the perfect location in Barcelona.
Another Barcelona pre-cruise hotel to consider is W Barcelona. Part of the Marriott hotel chain, this iconic sail-shaped hotel is located by Barceloneta beach and offers fantastic views over the city.
This five-star, ultra-modern design hotel features a rooftop bar on the 26th floor, an infinity pool and a spa with a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Each bedroom comes with a chaise lounge and rainfall shower.
Unfortunately for parents, this hotel doesn’t have any family rooms. Also, whilst it’s the nearest hotel to Barcelona cruise port as the crow flies, it isn’t possible to walk between the hotel and the port and so you would still need to take a taxi.
However, if you’re looking to stay in the most famous hotel in Barcelona and enjoy cocktails in the W Lounge, then this is the place to choose.
Cheap Hotels Near Barcelona Cruise Port
The nearest hotels to Barcelona cruise terminal are all five-star hotels which come with a price tag to match. Barcelona is a pretty expensive city for accommodation, particularly during the summer, Easter and at weekends.
So, if you’re on a budget and looking for cheap hotels in Barcelona for before or after your cruise, you’ll want to know about some of the more affordable Barcelona cruise hotels, even though you might be further from the port.
In Barcelona, like many European cities, the cheapest accommodation is actually in hostels, rather than hotels. However, you shouldn’t let this put you off. It certainly doesn’t mean that you’ll be expected to share bunk beds with a room full of teenage backpackers!
Many Barcelona hostels actually have private rooms for couples or families, with private en-suite bathroom facilities, and all the amenities you would expect of a cheap hotel.
These cheap Barcelona hotels all offer great options for families looking to stay in Barcelona before or after a cruise.
Hostal BCN port is a guest house in a great location close to Barcelona cruise port. Depending on which terminal your cruise ship docks at, you can either walk or take the cruise bus from right outside. The beach is also just a ten-minute walk away.
Some rooms in this hostel have shared bathrooms, with private en-suite rooms available too. Quadruple rooms sleep up to four people. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in the best location for your cruise and also to explore Barcelona, Hostal BCN Port is a great base.
Another reasonably-priced hotel in an excellent location close to Barcelona cruise port is Grums Hotel and Spa. This four-star modern hotel is located just a five-minute walk from Barcelona cruise terminal, close to Las Ramblas and the Parallel Metro Station. Facilities include a spa with a hot tub, sauna and steam bath.
Despite its four-star status and sleek modern decor, Grums Hotel is very reasonably priced and offers a great value option. The hotel has a choice of rooms including triple and quadruple rooms for families, all with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hostal Drassanes is a guest house in a great location, close to Las Ramblas and just 100 metres from Port Vell Harbour. It offers basic but clean and comfortable accommodation for couples and families in the very heart of Barcelona’s Gothic quarter.
If you only have a short time in Barcelona and want simple accommodation in the most convenient location, a hostel like this one is ideal.
Barcelona Hotel and Cruise Packages
If you book a fly-cruise with a travel agent, you will likely be given the option to add a pre-cruise hotel in Barcelona. Doing this is generally a good idea, as it means that all parts of your cruise holiday are ATOL protected. If your cruise or flight is cancelled, you will also receive a refund for your hotel.
However, if you’ve already booked your cruise and flights and are now looking for a hotel, don’t worry. You can often find hotels that offer free cancellations, which gives you added peace of mind.
Transportation from Barcelona Hotels to Cruise Port
Even if you choose one of the nearest hotels to Barcelona cruise port, it may still be too far to walk, depending on which terminal your ship docks at and how much luggage you have. It’s almost always easier to transfer from your hotel to Barcelona cruise port with a taxi, Uber or the cruise port shuttle bus.
Here are your options…
1. Taxi from Barcelona hotel to cruise port
Taxis and Ubers in Barcelona are a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to get around. You can ask your hotel front desk to call a taxi for you, but usually, if you step outside, you will see lots of taxis passing with green lights on to show that they are available.
If you have the Uber app, you’ll find that Ubers are readily available in Barcelona and you never have to wait more than a few minutes for one to arrive.
2. Barcelona cruise port shuttle bus
The blue bus runs a service from the Christopher Columbus monument at the foot of Las Ramblas to Barcelona cruise terminals A, B, C and D. The bus runs a schedule depending on the arrival and departures of cruise ships, so it will always be running when you need it.
Tickets can be purchased on the bus in cash with coins or small notes. The cost is €3 per person for a single ticket and €4.50 per person for a day ticket.
Due to how simple it is to get a taxi or the cruise port shuttle bus, Barcelona hotels do not tend to offer a shuttle service to the cruise port.
While you might find articles titled ‘Best Hotels Near Barcelona Cruise Port With Shuttles’. These hotels don’t actually offer a shuttle service. But they will call you a taxi, as any hotel would.
Booking Your Hotel in Barcelona
It’s easy to find and book Barcelona hotels online. Prices vary depending on demand, and I recommend booking your hotel sooner, rather than later, to get the best deal.
Look out for hotels with free cancellations. I sometimes book one of these as a backup and cancel it if anything cheaper or better comes up nearer the time.
As Barcelona is such a fantastic city to visit, it’s often a good idea to stay for at least a couple of nights either before or after your cruise, to make the most of your time here. Take a look at this 3-day Barcelona itinerary and this 4-day Barcelona itinerary for inspiration.
As well as exploring the many attractions that Barcelona has to offer, you could also enjoy day trips from Barcelona to places like the Montserrat Monastery, Tossa de Mar or Girona.
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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.
Serenade of the Seas might be significantly smaller than the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and she might not have all the latest tech that you’ll find on Quantum-class ships, but she still has a very loyal fanbase.
She’s been cruising for over 20 years now and in that time, hundreds of thousands of guests have sailed to exotic destinations, dined on great food, and hopefully had a good rest away from day-to-day life.
But there may be some guests who chose the wrong cabin for them, and so didn’t get quite the peaceful cruise they were hoping for. To help you avoid making that mistake, I’ve put together this guide on the cabins to avoid on Serenade of the Seas.
How to Choose the Best Cabin
Some things to look out for are specific to a ship, while others are tips for all cruise ships. To help, I’ve made a free checklist of everything to look out for when booking a cabin, regardless of the ship you’re on. Leave your details here if you want a copy, and I’ll send it right over.
The Different Rooms on Serenade of the Seas
To understand the best rooms and the cabins to avoid on Serenade of the Seas, it’s best to start by looking at all the cabins onboard. There are 1,074 rooms in total, which includes 61 Suites.
Of all the rooms on the ship, 54% have a balcony, which is pretty consistent with most of the ships in the fleet – the smaller and older Vision-class ships stand out for having a much lower percentage, though.
In total, Serenade of the Seas has 19 different cabin types, although some of these are only marginal differences. Here’s the list in full, including sizes and where you’ll find them:
Room
Type
Max. guests
Decks
Average Size (sq ft)
Average Balcony Size (sq ft)
Interior
Inside
4
2-4, 7-10
170
N/A
Interior Accessible
Inside
3
3-4
258
N/A
Studio Interior
Inside
1
4
108
N/A
Ocean View
Ocean View
4
2-4
170
N/A
Ocean View Accessible
Ocean View
4
2-4
276
N/A
Connecting Oceanview
Ocean View
4
3-4, 7
170
N/A
Spacious Ocean View
Ocean View
2
7-8
170
N/A
Ultra Spacious Ocean View
Ocean View
6
7-8
265
N/A
Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
4
7-10
179
20-41
Ocean View Balcony Accessible
Balcony
2
7-10
271
131
Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
2
7-10
179
41
Spacious Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
5
7-10
204
41
Junior Suite
Suite
4
10
299
66
Junior Suite Accessible
Suite
4
10
362
86
Grand Suite – 1 Bedroom
Suite
4
10
385
106
Owner’s Suite – 1 Bedroom
Suite
4
10
532
57
Owner’s Suite – 2 Bedroom
Suite
8
7-9
584
151
Ocean View Suite – No Balcony
Suite
8
10
592
N/A
Royal Suite
Suite
4
10
952
172
Serenade of the Seas Room Sizes
One thing that’s important to note is that the room sizes in the table above are averages. While most rooms will be right, there may be some that are a little larger than others.
It’s a good idea to browse the Serenade of the Seas deck plans on the Royal Caribbean website, because then you can see all of the rooms to scale – and maybe grab yourself a room with a little more space.
Accessible Cabins on Serenade of the Seas
The Accessible cabins on Serenade of the Seas are those that have been adapted for wheelchair users. This means they’ll have slightly wider doors, and a wet room instead of a traditional bathroom, with supports.
There are plenty of options available, including the cheapest interior rooms and suites, too. So whatever your budget, if you need an adapted room then you’ll be able to pick one that’s in your price range and has the amenities you want.
Serenade of the Seas Cabins to Avoid
While there are no real ‘bad’ rooms on Serenade of the Seas, there are some that might be best avoided, depending on your personal preferences. So this is a list of the cabins you might want to avoid on the ship.
1. Obstructed View Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins 7050 to 7090, 7550 to 7590, 7110 to 7150, 7610 to 7650
On many cruise ships, some of the ocean view or balcony cabins that you can book will be advertised as having a restricted view. It is often the lifeboats that are the cause, but it can also be steel railings (due to high winds) or other objects in your view.
Typically, to make up for the partially ruined view, you pay less for these rooms – so it’s a good value option for cruisers who don’t mind not having an unspoilt balcony or window view.
Serenade of the Seas, officially, doesn’t have any obstructed view cabins. However, those Balcony Staterooms I’ve listed all have a partially-blocked view due to an overhang that covers the lifeboats on the deck below.
What’s weird is that, on sister ship Jewel of the Seas (with the same layout), the deck plans make a note that the view is obstructed. And on Brilliance of the Seas, another sister ship, the cabins are officially labelled as having an obstructed view (and so you pay less!).
So, don’t book these cabins if you can avoid it on Serenade of the Seas. You’ll pay the same as you would for an unobstructed view, which is a bit cheeky of the cruise line.
2. Cabins Below the Pool Deck
1028 to 1052, 1528 to 1552
A common problem on cruise ships is the noise that can carry through the floor or the ceiling. And one of those problematic spaces is on Deck 10, situated right underneath the pool deck.
Specifically, it’s the sound of deck chairs being scraped across the wooden deck that can often wake guests in the early hours. If you enjoy a lie-in, consider avoiding this part of the ship directly underneath the pool areas.
3. Cabins Above the Theatre & Bars
Most of Deck 7
Another potentially noisy spot is Deck 7, since on the deck below you’ve got the Theatre and several of the ship’s bars. So this is less of a problem if your priority is a lie-in, but if you like an early night, you might find the evening noise runs a little long and is a little loud.
That’s my second recommendation for avoiding rooms on Deck 7 – if you want a good balcony view and a peaceful night, then definitely skip these rooms.
4. Small Studio Interior Cabins
While it’s great that Serenade of the Seas offers single cabins for solo travellers, think carefully before you book one. The size of these cabins is pretty small and even on your own, they can feel a bit cramped.
If the price is good and it removes all single supplement fares, then it’s probably worth it. If not, consider booking a regular interior cabin and paying a little extra – you’ll get almost double the space.
5. Connecting Cabins
There are plenty of options for connected cabins on the Serenade of the Seas, but if you’re not planning to book both of the linked cabins, it might be a good idea to steer clear of them.
The door that connects these cabins is thinner than a regular cabin wall. So, even when it’s shut and locked, you might catch some of the sounds from the neighbouring room.
Typically, this isn’t much of an issue unless your neighbours are being loud. But if they are, especially when you’re attempting to catch some shut-eye, it can get pretty annoying – and let’s face it, who wants their sleep disrupted?
6. Smaller Cabins for Families
A lot of the Interior and Ocean View cabins can sleep up to four guests, but when those sofa beds and pull-down beds are in use, they become very cramped, very quickly.
If you’re travelling with more than three people on Serenade of the Seas, I would recommend you either book an Ultra Spacious Ocean View, or choose a suite and enjoy the extra perks that come with it.
Best Rooms on Serenade of the Seas
1. Aft-View Spacious Balcony Staterooms
The balcony staterooms on Serenade of the Seas are already good choices, since they’re pretty roomy, but the Spacious Balcony Staterooms just feel that bit more special with the extra square footage.
And the best of those are at the rear of the ship with an aft view. Aft views are always popular on cruise ships – you’re sheltered from any wind and being able to look out over the ship’s wake is pleasant.
These rooms do cost a bit more than a regular Balcony Stateroom but if you want to make the most of your balcony, they’re a great choice. Take a look at this video of a Spacious room to help you decide…
2. Interior Staterooms
Serenade of the Seas is a little dated in places, and she is an older ship. So when I recommend the Interior Staterooms as some of the best on the ship, it’s not because they’re stunning, or because they’re packed with the latest tech like you might find in modern Royal Caribbean interior rooms.
But, they are a decent size – not big, but there are many smaller cabins on other cruise ships. And they’re a good price too. If you’re on a budget then the interior rooms are a really solid choice, especially if you want a good sleep – being in total darkness with no window can be very soothing.
3. Royal Suite
The Royal Suite is expensive, and for most people, it’ll be well outside their budget. But you can’t mention the best staterooms and suites on Serenade of the Seas and not include it.
Compared to the rest of the rooms on the ship, it’s huge, and yet it isn’t designed to be crammed full of people. It’s all about enjoying luxurious space, with a balcony that’s bigger than hundreds of the actual staterooms on the rest of the ship!
Plus you can take advantage of some great suite perks too.
What is the Best Deck on Serenade of the Seas?
The best decks on Serenade of the Seas are decks 8 and 9. Here you’ll find some of the better accommodation options, and you’ll be surrounded by cabins above and below, which helps to minimise the noise levels.
The best room on Serenade of the Seas is the Royal Suite – it’s huge and has a very large balcony. The Owner’s Suites, the Ocean View Suite, and Grand Suites are other good options. For guests who can’t afford a suite, the Spacious Balcony Staterooms are the best choice.
Choose Your Own Room or Go For the ‘Guarantee’ Option?
When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re typically presented with two options – let the cruise line decide your room for you, or pay an extra fee to select your exact room. You’ll be shown two prices:
If you are happy for Royal Caribbean to choose your room then you still get to decide what type of room you want – Inside, Ocean View etc. – but the cruise line picks exactly which one. This is called a ‘guarantee’ cabin.
Benefits of choosing your cabin number:
Choose your preferred location on the ship
Book two cabins next to each other
Avoid undesirable cabins
If you don’t really mind which cabin you’re assigned to, then just pay the lower fee and let Royal Caribbean decide where to put you. But if you want to avoid those noisy locations, it’s best to pay a bit more and choose your cabin number.
Find More Information About Serenade of the Seas Cabins
I’ve spent a lot of time researching this guide, using Facebook groups and forums. If you want to spend a bit more time digging even deeper, then check these out:
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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.
Cruises can be an unknown quantity for those who have never had the pleasure. Having been on several cruises myself, I know that using the word “pleasure” might not always fit into the experience. It is location and weather permitting – it also helps if the cruise you’re on has a vast range of options and isn’t a deathtrap.
There are many places across the globe where you can jump on a ship and cruise, but with many of these options involving multiple days at sea, cruises need to offer the sort of variety you can find in top hotel resorts. Some cruises can have over 7,000 people on board, so gaming is just one area where they need to be able to entice customers and keep people engaged.
Virtual gaming
One stereotype, and may I say it’s an untrue stereotype, is that cruises appeal solely to the older, more esteemed generation. This could perpetuate the idea that the latest technology, especially in gaming, might not pique their interest. Thankfully, I do not hold these ignorant opinions; I love and respect Boomers, so you won’t hear me making such ageist remarks. I’d never dream of it!
If you’re wondering how virtual gaming is helping those in the gaming world showcase their talents and top titles to the cruise industry, VR is considered by many to be the next technological marvel in gaming.
This might seem like a grand prediction, given that the technology has been around for close to a decade. Still, with Mark Zuckerberg plowing billions of dollars into the technology – and with the price of VR headsets slowly coming down – more people have started to explore what this technology offers and how it can transform the gaming experience. Meta’s latest headset, released in September 2024, incorporates gaming ideas as well as “a healthy dose of AI” – whatever that means.
Why is it changing the cruise business?
Cruises must have a diverse range of entertainment for people to delve into – some of the options include:
Live cabaret shows.
Stand-up comedians.
Live music bands, including cover bands.
Cinemas.
Casinos.
Karaoke.
Bowling alleys.
Cruises need to stay at the forefront of any changes in the entertainment world. As already discussed, cruises appeal to a wide demographic, so their gaming options must also be broad.
Dedicated gaming lounges and luxury casino gaming
Casinos have long been an integral part of the entertainment cruise liners offer. I’ve sampled some of the casinos on cruise ships, and they are just as classy as any land-based establishment.
By ensuring they have a casino gaming selection that can rival some of the top brands, cruises keep their broader offer appealing and contemporary. Casinos can get rowdy, so remember, if you haven’t been on a cruise before, you can get kicked off. Enjoy yourself, but keep it measured and respectful.
Dedicated gaming lounges have only appeared on cruises over the last decade. Initially, the idea belonged to Royal Caribbean – they wanted to offer something unique to their passengers. It was successful and has since been rolled out to the broader industry. It’s here that virtual reality re-enters the conversation.
Although many gaming lounges resemble traditional arcades, many luxury cruises are putting their money where their mouth is, offering VR casino experiences and giving their customers a taste of what the future of gaming might look like.
The novelty of a casino on a cruise ship is not lost on people who come from countries that don’t have the sort of lenient approach to gambling that the UK or certain states in the US do.
But just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should disregard responsible gambling ideals. You should only play casino games for fun, with money you can afford to lose. If you begin to chase your losses or start to view gambling as a source of income, these are just two red flags to watch out for.
Gaming cruises
The impact of esports and professional video gaming resulted in gaming-specific cruising emerging during the mid-2010s. While they’re not an idea that has set the gaming world on fire, it shows just how much potential there is in both industries. The GACUCON is a cosplay gaming concept, and the idea of the gaming convention is taken out onto the high seas.
While the majority of these cruises operate in North America, the idea first rolled out in 2023 and was renewed in 2024, and this year is shaping up to be equally successful. If it’s an idea that continues to generate noise in the gaming and cruise industry, it could be something other big cruise liners pick up on.
For now, it’s not something that’s causing too much of a wave in the industry, but considering how niche it is, it’s interesting to see its sustained popularity over the last three years.
Final thoughts
Gaming isn’t the first factor holidaymakers look for when booking a cruise. Likewise, it’s not the first type of holiday gamers will think of if they want to get away for a few weeks. Slowly but surely, though, the enhancements in gaming have started to permeate the tourist industry.
Cruise liners aren’t a conventional area of tourism, not in the way hotels are. Sure, you get luxury hotels, many of which have world-class gaming options, but unlike cruises, you aren’t confined to the hotel. You can explore the city you’re in – once a cruise ship leaves the dock, it’s up to you to find entertainment and explore the vessel.
The onus is also on the cruise company to ensure you’re not sitting around twiddling your thumbs. While the cure to boredom doesn’t always come via the medium of gaming, it’s just one of the many pieces of the jigsaw that the cruise business uses to deliver world-class entertainment. Still, those cruises that get it right can stand out from the crowd and provide something to their passengers that’s outside of the box.
Let’s be real, one of the best parts of a cruise is the drinks, right? I mean, they are delicious. I remember when I was on a cruise a few years ago I was truly impressed by the cocktails served.
Whether you are by the pool, watching the sunset, or dancing the night away, there is something magical about those perfectly crafted cocktails while you stare at the ocean. But not all cocktails are great for every occasion.
For example, the Mint Julep is great when going through the Kentucky Derby entries, but not so much in the winter. So, you have to choose the cocktail based on location, vibe, and season.
But most cruise lines have exceptionally big bars and some professional cocktail masters, which means that choosing the perfect cocktail is kind of difficult.
With that said, we’ve selected some of our top choices that go along with the cruise vibe, and the ocean breeze, and there is something for everyone (no matter if you are a sweet or savory person).
Why Cruise Cocktails Hit Different
Best Cruise Cocktails From The Top Lines 3
Before we dive into the type of cocktails, let’s talk about why cocktails are so popular on cruise lines. Yes, you can get a basic drink like a beer, but cocktails are often the top choice among guests.
So, you are on the deck, the sun is setting, and the ocean is right in front of you. What do you crave? A whiskey? I don’t think so. There is no better time for cocktails than this.
Even a mediocre drink would taste amazing in that scenario. But fortunately, cruise lines don’t do mediocre. They usually go over the top, creating concoctions, and top-shelf liquors, and bartenders who have years of experience crafting the perfect cocktail.
Also, there is a lot of variety. You have classics like mojitos to exotic blends that you’ve never heard before. Most of the cocktails are included in the drink packages (except the premium ones which are available for purchase).
So, which cocktail you should try on your cruise adventure?
The Best Cruise Cocktails You Need to Try
Drinks from the Alchemy Bar are always extra special.
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some of the best signature cocktails from the top cruise lines, along with what makes them special.
1. Royal Caribbean: The Lavender Daiquiri
Royal Caribbean is known for its innovative drink menu, and the Lavender Daiquiri is a standout. This isn’t your average frozen daiquiri—it’s a sophisticated blend of rum, lavender syrup, and lime juice, topped with a sprig of fresh lavender.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
It’s refreshing without being too sweet.
The floral notes make it feel fancy (perfect for Instagram).
It pairs beautifully with a sea day by the pool.
Order it at the Schooner Bar for the full experience.
2. Carnival Cruise Line: The Caribbean Colada
Carnival is all about fun, and the Caribbean Colada embodies that spirit. Think of it as a piña colada’s cooler cousin, made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of blue curaçao for that signature tropical vibe.
Why It’s a great choice:
It’s basically a vacation in a glass.
The blue color makes it Insta-worthy.
It’s available at most bars on board, so you’re never far from your next fix.
Add a floater of dark rum for an extra kick.
3. Norwegian Cruise Line: The Rebellious Fish
Norwegian is known for its freestyle cruising, and the Rebellious Fish is a perfect match for that laid-back vibe. This cocktail combines vodka, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, and lime for a drink that’s as refreshing as it is unique.
Reasons why you should try it:
It’s light and refreshing, making it ideal for hot days.
The cucumber adds a spa-like freshness.
It’s a great alternative to the usual fruity cocktails.
Pair it with sushi at Norwegian’s onboard sushi bar for a match made in heaven.
4. Celebrity Cruises: The Martini Bar Flight
Celebrity Cruises takes its cocktails seriously and nowhere is that more evident than at the Martini Bar. While you can’t go wrong with any of their martinis, the flight is the way to go. You’ll get a sampler of mini martinis, from classic to creative flavors like espresso and passion fruit.
What makes it special?
It’s a great way to try multiple drinks without overdoing it.
The bartenders put on a show while they prepare it.
It’s perfect for sipping while enjoying the bar’s chic atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Go during happy hour for discounted prices.
5. Disney Cruise Line: The Yellow Bird
Disney isn’t just for kids—their cocktails are proof. The Yellow Bird is a tropical delight made with rum, banana liqueur, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It’s sweet, fruity, and oh-so-Disney.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
It’s like a trip to the Caribbean in a glass.
The playful name and presentation fit Disney’s whimsical vibe.
It’s a hit with both adults and kids (don’t worry, the kids get a mocktail version).
6. Princess Cruises: The Ultimate Mai Tai
Princess Cruises knows how to do tropical drinks right, and the Ultimate Mai Tai is a prime example. Made with premium rums, orange curaçao, and almond syrup, it’s a classic with a luxurious twist.
Why It’s a Must-Try:
It’s a timeless cocktail done to perfection.
The use of premium ingredients elevates the flavor.
It’s best enjoyed while watching a movie under the stars.
How to Make the Most of Your Cruise Cocktail Experience
Now that you know what to order, here are a few tips to ensure your cruise cocktail game is on point:
Get a drink package: If you plan on indulging, a package can save you money.
Try something new: Cruises are the perfect time to experiment with flavors you wouldn’t normally try.
Ask the bartender: They often know the best off-menu drinks.
Stay hydrated: Alternate cocktails with water to avoid overdoing it.
Did we inspire you? These are some great choices that will have your taste buds screaming for more. Just remember to set limits, and don’t go overboard (not literally) with the number of cocktails. After all, you want to remember your cruise trip, right?
The Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination in the world with more visitors arriving by cruise ship than anywhere else in the world.
AAA is projecting that nearly 19 million Americans will take a cruise in 2025, with many of them headed to the Caribbean.
The most popular destination for cruisers is The Bahamas, with over eight million people arriving there last year via a cruise ship. This shouldn’t come at a surprise since most cruise lines have private islands there and are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into upgrading them.
The Bahamas should continue to grow since Carnival Cruise Line is opening a new port (Celebration Key) there this summer and it will eventually be able to accommodate four ships every day.
Mexico came in second last year with just over 4.1 million cruise visits. The Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos round out the top five.
While some ports/countries in the Caribbean/Bahamas are seeing more cruise visitors that ever before, a few ports are seeing a decline in visits.
The Caribbean port that’s been hit the hardest by a decline in visits is Grand Cayman. In 2019, 1,831,011 people arrived to the Cayman Islands via a cruise ship. In 2024, that number had dropped to just 1,076,875, a 41.2% decline.
Two of the three largest drops in visits over the past five years are both tender ports, Belize and Grand Cayman.
A debate has gone on for years in Grand Cayman about the ports need to build a pier or berthing facilities to eliminate the need for tenders.
Cruise lines are building more mega ships than ever before and cruise ships over 160,000 gross tons in size rarely tender due to the amount of passengers on the ship. The ships need a pier to handle the flow of traffic getting off and getting back on the vessel.
Tourismanalytics.com created the following infographic showing which destinations in the Caribbean have had the biggest increases and decreases in visits from 2019 until 2024.
On April 30, 2025, a referendum and general election will be held in the Cayman Islands.
The Association for Cruise Tourism in the Cayman Islands (ACT) is pushing back against what it calls false and misleading claims by CPR Cayman and other anti-cruise tourism groups.
Cruise ships are required to use tenders in Grand Cayman since the island doesn’t have a pier for large ships. This has resulted in a huge drop in visits over the past five years.
Will Grand Cayman ever build a pier? Only time will tell on that one. One thing is for sure, most cruise passengers prefer a pier over tendering as it’s much more convenient.
Also, ports that require tendering are more likely to get canceled due to weather and unsafe conditions.
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