In keeping with its commitment to providing exceptional culinary experiences, leading yacht-style cruise line Windstar Cruises is thrilled to announce the addition of Basil + Bamboo™, a new complimentary specialty restaurant aboard Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht launching December 2025. This innovative dining venue offers a captivating blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, creating a memorable culinary experience for guests.
Basil + Bamboo
Rendering of the NEW Basil & Bambook Restraunt aboard Windstar Cruises, Star Seeker. (Photo by Windstar Cruises)
Basil + Bamboo will take the place of Cuadro 44 across the line’s fleet in 2025, first on Star Breeze in February 2025, and debut as the new dining venue aboard Star Seeker, introducing a fresh and vibrant alternative for discerning diners. With limited seating, Basil + Bamboo promises an intimate dining experience where guests can indulge in a harmonious fusion of flavors.
Kitchen view aboard Windstar Cruises, Star Seeker. (Photo by Windstar Cruises)
Guests can expect delicious offerings such as comforting miso soup, delicate tuna tartare and a refined sampler of sashimi, nigiri and maki. Main entrees highlight bold flavors and premium ingredients such as miso black cod with pea purée, Jamon ibérico de Bellota, and pickled wood ear; free-range young chicken served with Jerusalem artichokes and yuzu kosho; and crispy brussels sprouts glazed in Korean honey-soy. The dessert menu boasts artful creations like Citrus Olive Oil Cake with lemon cream aside Greek yogurt ice cream and Chocolate Caramel Crémeux, paired with ginger-cinnamon hibiscus ice cream and sake caviar.
Some of the food available in the NEW Basil & Bambook Restraunt aboard Windstar Cruises, Star Seeker. (Photo by Windstar Cruises)
“As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation®, we continue to prioritize bringing exceptional dining experiences to our guests. The introduction of Basil + Bamboo will further enhance and diversify the culinary offerings available aboard,” said Windstar Cruises’ Chief Operations Officer Stijn Creupelandt. “This new dining venue perfectly complements the elevated ambiance of Star Seeker and the exciting destinations she will visit.”
Basil + Bamboo joins four other enticing dining options on Star Seeker, creating a symphony of flavors to satisfy every palate:
Amphora: A reimagined main dining room serving a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation–affiliated guest chefs.
The Yacht Club: A casual cafe for breakfast and lunch, offering a blend of traditional and modern flavors along with specialty coffee drinks.
Star Grill: A casual restaurant for lunch and dinner, featuring smoked, grilled, and barbecued meats, seafood, and vegetables.
24-Hour Complimentary Room Service: Complimentary room service menu in addition to Amphora’s full dinner menu during dinner hours for guests who prefer to dine in the privacy of their suites.
Basil + Bamboo will be open for dinner only and reservations are required.
Star Seeker is Windstar’s newest yacht, featuring 112 spacious suites, nearly all with a full private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window. The yacht will be sailing to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Japan in 2026.
To be one of the first to experience Basil + Bamboo and the other culinary delights of Star Seeker, please visit https://www.windstarcruises.com/.
AYANA Cruises, docked at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, a five-star resort north of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island in East Indonesia, is thrilled to unveil the 2025 schedule for shared voyages aboard its luxury yacht, AYANA Lako di’a. For the first time, guests are invited to explore Komodo more leisurely with the exclusive new three-day, two-night voyage, in addition to the two-day, one-night journey introduced last year.
Ayana Cruises
AYANA Lako di’a Exterior (Photo by AYANA Cruises)
The flagship of AYANA Cruises, AYANA Lako di’a is a modern phinisi that pays homage to the traditional wooden sailing ships of South Sulawesi, a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. The vessel features nine elegantly appointed cabins, including the expansive 69-square-meter Master Suite with a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub, and six 20-square-meter Luxury Suites, all with ensuite bathrooms and stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy a variety of onboard facilities, including a lounge, bar, indoor dining area, and spacious daybeds on the main deck.
AYANA Lako di’a – A Modern Phinis
Balcony aboard AYANA Lako di’a (Photo by AYANA Cruises)
The 2025 season of AYANA Lako di’a cruises will run from April 18 to October 18, with selected dates tailored for travelers seeking a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. In addition to the two-day, one-night journeys, this season features four exclusive three-day, two-night voyages, offering a deeper exploration of Komodo National Park. The itineraries include visits to breathtaking destinations such as Kalong Island, where a spectacular sunset and the mesmerizing flight of fruit bats set the tone for an enchanting evening; Komodo Island for an up-close encounter with the legendary Komodo dragons; snorkeling at the iconic Pink Beach; and a sunset hike on Padar Island, where guests are rewarded with panoramic views of crescent-shaped beaches and lush green hills.
3-Day 2-Night Shared Voyages
Exclusive to the three-day, two-night sailings are additional destinations such as exploring Taka Makassar‘s pristine sand dunes, snorkeling at Manta Point—renowned for its graceful manta rays gliding through crystal-clear waters—and unwinding on Mauwan Island, creating an unforgettable escape.
Main Deck aboard AYANA’s Lako di’a (Photo by AYANA Cruises)
Both itineraries include full-board gourmet meals, free-flow mineral water and non-alcoholic beverages, and a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, and film screenings. Additional inclusions are transfers to and from Komodo International Airport, Komodo National Park entrance fees, and digital photo documentation to capture every magical moment of the journey.
“Our new three-day, two-night itineraries reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Komodo National Park. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard for what promises to be an unforgettable voyage,” says Manik Sudarsana, Hotel Manager, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach.
The 2025 schedule for AYANA Lako di’a includes the following dates:
AYANA Lako di’a offers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation to explore the wonders of Komodo National Park. Guests can choose the spacious 69 sqm Master Suite, complete with a king bed, private balcony, ocean-view bathtub, and walk-in wardrobe, or opt for one of six 20 sqm Luxury Suites featuring customizable twin or double beds, ocean views, and private balconies. All rates include the entrance fee to the Komodo National Park.
Master Cabin aboard AYANA Cruises Lako di’a (Photo by AYANA Cruises)
For a one-night journey in the Master Suite, the rate is IDR 35,000,000++ for single occupancy or IDR 24,000,000++ per person for double occupancy. For a two-night journey, the rate is IDR 70,000,000++ for single occupancy or IDR 48,000,000++ per person for double occupancy.
The living room aboard AYANA Lako di’a (Photo by AYANA Cruises)
The Luxury Suites are ideal for families or groups, offering thoughtfully designed spaces with breathtaking views. Pricing for a one-night stay is IDR 25,000,000++ for single occupancy or IDR 19,000,000++ per person for double occupancy. For a two-night stay, the rate is IDR 50,000,000++ for single occupancy or IDR 38,000,000++ per person for double occupancy.
When you get on a cruise ship around lunchtime, your luggage may not arrive at your stateroom until the evening. So a carry-on bag is essential as you’ll want to pack your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, medication, travel documents and a whole load of other things that you need on that first day.
You need something lightweight, sturdy, and easy to keep with you. So in this guide, lets look at some of the best carry-on bags you can buy for a cruise.
The Best Carry-On Bags For Your Cruise
1. Level8 Luminous Textured Carry On
I own this Level 8 luggage set. At 20 inches high, the smallest piece is perfect to use as a carry-on bag. You can buy it as a set or on its own here.
I love that this bag comes with a built-in lock so you can be sure your belongings are safe. With four wheels, its easy to wheel along and never falls over, even on uneven surfaces.
The polycarbonate shell feels really sturdy and has a nice diamond texture that’s designed to reduce scratches.
Pros
Durable polycarbonate shell
Divided interior to keep everything organised
The spinner wheels are really quiet
Choice of 5 colours
Cons
Not the cheapest option
No front pocket so you have to open the whole thing
The Mares Cruise Captain Rolling Bag is a top-notch choice for your cruise carry-on needs, thanks to its perfect balance of functionality and portability.
The Mares Cruise Captain Rolling Bag is a simple but effective carry-on bag. Its dimensions (8 x 16.2 x 22.7 inches) make it an optimal choice for a carry-on luggage while leaving sufficient room for all your essentials, including your swimming costume if you want to get straight into those pools.
The bag has a wide wheel placement, allowing for excellent manoeuvrability and stability on any terrain. Navigating through the cruise terminal becomes a breeze, and the smooth bearings will make sure you don’t attract attention for being that person with the loud bag. Moreover, the strong and durable materials used to make this bag ensure that it will withstand the test of time and countless trips.
One of the only real downsides is that the bag’s not going to win you any style points – it’s not ugly, but it’s not exactly fashionable either – it’s more sporty in design, and available in just black with a white accent.
It can also be a little heavier than some other bags once full, though because it has wheels you don’t have to lift it too much.
The Mares Cruise Captain Rolling Bag is a fantastic option for anyone looking for reliable carry-on luggage that offers maximum space and comfort.
Pros
Wide wheel placement for stability
Ideal dimensions for carry-on luggage
Durable materials and excellent build quality
Cons
Limited colour options
Slightly heavier compared to some alternatives
3. Bluboon Women Ladies Canvas Weekender Bag
This stylish and spacious Bluboon Women Ladies Canvas Weekender Bag is the perfect carry-on companion for your cruise vacation, keeping you organized and chic.
This Bluboon Weekender Bag is a great choice if you want your carry-on bag to scream style. But it’s not just attractive, it’s a quality, functional bag too, offering all the space you’ll need for your carry-on essentials.
It’s made from canvas and PU leather, which means it’s long-lasting and comfortable. It has lots of compartments and pockets too, so keeping everything organised is a cinch. No need to spend ages digging through to find your passport or snacks.
And the ingenious feature of the bag is the slip-over sleeve designed to attach to a larger suitcase. You can just slip it over the handle, and then roll your case all the way from your car to the terminal. It’s only once you’ve checked your main luggage that you’ll need to carry this bag using the shoulder strap.
A few things to be aware of – because the bag is made from fake leather and canvas, it might smell a bit funky when new – so give it an air-out if you need to. It’s also not designed for really heavy-duty use, so avoid stuffing it with anything too heavy. If you do, you could tear the bag or break the strap clasp.
Overall it’s a great choice, as long as you’re not using it every other week and wearing it out. As a casual-use, stylish bag it’s definitely worthy of consideration.
Pros
Spacious design for ample storage of essentials
Durable canvas and PU leather construction
Slip-over sleeve for easy attachment to rolling luggage
Cons
May have an initial smell upon arrival
Not designed for heavy-duty use
Strap clasp could be stronger
4. DELSEY Paris Cruise 3.0 Hardside Expandable Luggage
This stylish and durable carry-on bag from DELSEY Paris is a great choice for your next cruise holiday.
The DELSEY Paris Cruise 3.0 is a carry-on bag that does it all. It’s hard-wearing, easy to manoeuvre, and it looks great too. It also has a nifty trick up its sleeve…
The bag has its own USB port, and a pouch where you can store a power bank. So you can easily keep your smartphone charged while you’re travelling to the terminal, or as you’re on the ship waiting for your cabin, without having to carry the powerbank in your pocket or have it out on the table.
The only downside to this feature is that you’ll need to buy the powerbank separately.
As for the bag itself, it’s made from a tough polycarbonate material that is lightweight but will stand up to knocks and bumps, and the wheels are decent quality too. You’ll be wheeling this around the terminal with ease.
The interior of the bag is expandable, if you need extra space, and the lining can be removed too, and put through the laundry in your washing machine. So it’ll always be fresh for your next trip.
And finally, it’s stylish too, with an attractive platinum colour. The only other negative to mention is that some users have said that the zipper does wear down over time, and becomes harder to use.
Generally though, this carry-on bag is the ideal blend of fashion and function, with that handy tech feature for phone charging thrown in as a nice bonus.
Pros
Lightweight and impact-resistant polycarbonate construction
Expandable interior with removable, machine-washable lining
Built-in USB port and power bank sleeve for on-the-go charging
Cons
Power bank not included
Potential zipper issues with repeated locking
5. Gonex Canvas Duffel Weekender Bag
Discover the perfect carry-on companion for your cruise with this stylish and multi-functional Gonex Canvas Duffel Weekender Bag.
The Gonex Canvas Duffel Weekender Bag shares a lot of similarities with the Bluboon Weekender Bag above, including a similar design.
You’ll immediately be impressed by the durable water-repellent canvas, the refined stripe pattern, and the high-quality faux leather accents. The golden clasps and comfortable padded handle add an extra touch of class to this carry-on bag, making it an attractive choice for your cruise adventure.
Functionality is at the forefront of the Gonex Weekender Bag’s design. The adjustable and detachable shoulder strap allows for versatile carrying options, while the bottom rivets offer enhanced protection for your belongings. It again has the back sleeve that enables you to slide the bag over the handle of your suitcase or luggage for hassle-free transport.
With 42L of capacity, this bag provides plenty of space for all your essentials. The multitude of pockets and compartments mean that your belongings are kept organised and easily accessible. It even has a dedicated shoe compartment, although how many shoes you’ll need before you can access your cruise cabin is questionable. Despite its generous size, the bag remains manageable and convenient to carry.
The downsides of the bag are that, because it’s a carry bag only, the shoulder strap may get uncomfortable once you’ve checked your main suitcase, and you need to be careful with the rivets on the bottom. They’re solid enough that they may damage some surfaces.
The Gonex Canvas Duffel Weekender Bag is generally a good choice though – spacious, stylish and with enough compartments to make it really easy to keep everything to hand until you get access to your cabin and can properly unpack.
Pros
Premium material with eye-catching design
Adjustable shoulder strap and suitcase handle sleeve
Multiple pockets and a separate shoe compartment
Cons
Shoulder strap may be uncomfortable for long periods of carrying
Bottom rivets may scratch some surfaces
6. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Carry-On
Choose this carry-on if you’re looking for a durable and scratch-resistant option packed with features for your cruise.
Pros
Lightweight and sturdy construction
Expands for extra packing room
TSA lock and highly manoeuvrable spinner wheels
Cons
Lacks external pockets
May be difficult to push when heavily packed
Smaller capacity than expected
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Carry-On is made using an injection-moulded polycarbonate material, perfect for a cruise where luggage space might be tight. It can withstand impacts and stays looking in good nick, even after numerous trips.
You’ll find the 360-degree spinner wheels make navigating the busy airport or ship terminal an easy task, and the built-in TSA lock reassures you of your belongings’ safety. The storage space inside isn’t the biggest, but it is expandable if you do have a lot of items you want to keep with you for the first few hours of your travel.
However, this carry-on does have a few drawbacks. Due to its hard shell, there are no external pockets, which may be a slight inconvenience when trying to access essentials quickly. Additionally, it can become difficult to manoeuvre when packed to its full capacity – it may be small but it’s a bit of a bulky one if packed to the brim.
Overall, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Carry-On is a reliable and durable choice for a cruise vacation. With its lightweight construction and secure features, it’ll keep everything inside safe while you travel – but make sure your essentials are easy to grab.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best carry-on bag for a cruise, there are several features you should consider to make sure it’s the most comfortable and suitable choice.
Material
Durability is essential for your carry-on bag, because you want it to last. That’s true whether you’re going to use it once every year, or for multiple cruises – you need to make sure it’s tough enough to hold everything you want to take with you.
Also look for water-resistant materials. This will let you take your carry on to the pools with you while you wait for your cabin to open up, without the risk of splashes soaking your luggage inside.
Wheels or No Wheels
Choosing between a wheeled and non-wheeled bag depends on your preference and how you’ll be using the bag. Wheels make it easier to move the bag around, especially during embarkation and disembarkation.
On the other hand, non-wheeled bags such as backpacks or duffels can be more versatile, and might double-up as a good bag to take ashore at the ports you visit when you only need to carry a few things. It’s important to consider the weight of the bag too, as a heavier bag can be difficult to lift and carry without wheels.
Think about how you’ll be using the bag on the ship too – if you do just intend to sit at a bar or by the pool for a few hours until your cabin’s open, a wheeled bag may not be needed.
Compartments and Organisation
Having multiple compartments in your carry-on bag will help you to keep your belongings organised and easy to find.
Look for bags featuring separate compartments or pockets for items such as toiletries, electronics, and documents. This will make it easier to find items quickly and efficiently, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cruise experience, particularly during check-in.
Size and Weight Restrictions
Cruise lines may have specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. It’s crucial to check these limitations before buying a bag to avoid any problems during your journey. Measure the dimensions and weigh your bag once packed to ensure it complies with the restrictions.
Security Features
When travelling, it’s essential to keep your belongings secure. Look for carry-on bags that have lockable zippers, hidden pockets, or compartments for valuable items. These features will allow you to have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe while you enjoy your cruise.
Just because you’ll likely have your carry-on bag with you at all times, doesn’t mean you should ignore security features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight limit on carry-ons?
Weight limits for carry-on bags can differ from cruise to cruise. Most cruise lines impose a limit between 20 to 25 kg; however, they are often more lenient than airlines. It’s essential to check with your cruise company before packing your bag, as exceeding the weight limit might force you to check the luggage.
What size for cruise carry-on?
When choosing a carry-on bag for your cruise, it’s essential to consider the size restrictions set by your cruise line. Generally, a bag measuring around 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches should work well. However, it’s always best to check with your specific cruise for their regulations and guidelines.
Do cruises search bags?
Yes, cruises do search bags for security purposes and to ensure passengers comply with their policies. Both carry-on and checked luggage are subject to inspection before boarding. Security officers may check bags at random or when deemed necessary. It’s important to pack your bags only with allowed items to avoid any delays or confiscation of belongings.
Carry-on or checked luggage?
The choice between carry-on or checked luggage depends on your personal preferences and needs. Carry-on bags give you the advantage of keeping your belongings close at hand and avoiding potential mishaps or delays that can occur with checked luggage. However, if you have a lot of gear or clothing to bring, it might be more convenient to check a larger bag. You’ll need some form of carry-on with you in most cases, because once you board the ship it’ll be a few hours until your cabin is ready. Make sure you’ve got everything you need for those few hours. And bear in mind that any cruise lines letting you bring water onto the ship, or bring your own alcohol onto the ship, ask you to do so in your carry-on bags only.
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
Ever wished that you could cruise for free? Well, I’m pleased to tell you that almost anybody can cruise for free these days! I’m lucky enough to enjoy free cruises from time to time, and I’ve met people on board who are cruising for free for all kinds of reasons.
So, here’s my list of the 15 ways you can cruise for free…
1. Be a teacher
Did you know being a teacher could get you a free cruise? Some cruise lines recognise the hard work that teachers do and offer cruise deals or even free cruises as a sign of appreciation.
For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line has a programme that rewards teachers with free cruises. Since 2019, the Giving Joy program has awarded 250 educators with the trip of a lifetime.
Margaritaville at Sea has a Heroes Sail Free offer where teachers and other people such as military personnel, first responders, law enforcement officers can all cruise for free when accompanied by a paying guest.
Additionally, teachers may be able to join educational tours or workshops as group leaders where they get to cruise for free while providing educational services on the cruise.
2. Be a healthcare worker
In 2021, Royal Caribbean International gave away 999 free cruises to UK residents working in the NHS, social care sector and armed forces. They all cruised together for four nights on board Anthem of the Seas.
Then in 2023, Virgin Voyages gave away 2,023 free cruises to healthcare workers in the US, worth a whopping $5.9 million. They each enjoyed a Caribbean cruise from Miami.
Other cruise lines sometimes have promotions where healthcare workers can cruise for free when accompanied by a paying guest. AmaWaterways offered this last year and Margaritaville at Sea currently also has this promotion.
Another way for healthcare workers to get a free cruise is by offering their professional services on board. Some cruise lines hire healthcare professionals to provide health-related workshops, seminars, or casual talks to their passengers. For example, on a recent cruise on Fred. Olsen’s Bolette, there was a seminar about how to use defibrillators and kids were also given first aid lessons.
3. Be a guest speaker
Being a guest speaker can be your ticket to securing a free cruise. Many cruise lines frequently organise educational and entertainment programs that need a variety of speakers.
If you have expertise in a field that could be interesting to the passengers, such as history, art, science, or even cooking, you could potentially be invited on board as a guest speaker.
Guest speakers don’t usually get paid, but in return for sharing your knowledge, you will cruise for free.
4. Be a religious leader
Not every cruise ship offers religious services on board, but when they do, religious leaders will cruise for free. Responsibilities include leading worship services, blessing marriages for weddings at sea, and being on hand to help anyone who is in need of emotional support.
Another strategy for securing a free cruise is to serve as a group leader. If you’re a religious leader, this could involve coordinating travel for your congregation. Whether it’s a family reunion, an anniversary, or a religious retreat, group travel can be a wonderful way to strengthen community bonds while also providing you with an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary cruise.
5. Be a journalist or content creator
Being a journalist or content creator can potentially pave your way towards a free cruise. Journalists often cruise for free in exchange for coverage in the magazines and newspapers that they write for.
The digital age has made it easier for those with exceptional writing or videography skills to gain recognition, even without a formal degree.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s an easy path. It requires dedication, years of hard work, and a certain level of talent to build a following online.
Of course, not all content creators get free cruises and they often pay for their own trips. When press trips are available, you should expect to spend most of your day at sea working
But, it’s certainly a possibility if you create quality content that catches the attention of cruise companies. If you’re passionate about your craft, the reward could be significant.
Becoming a travel agent is another avenue to consider if you’re aiming to sail for free. Travel agents often get the opportunity to experience new cruise ships before they’re available to the public.
Shakedown cruises sail for a few nights before the maiden voyage of each new ship. As well as ironing out any last-minute snags before the paying guests arrive, this is a strategy used by cruise lines to generate buzz and encourage bookings. Although these trips are typically short and more of a business trip than a holiday, they still offer a unique experience.
As a travel agent, you could also score free cruises by building a good history with cruise lines. However, keep in mind that these free trips may not cover additional expenses such as hotel stays and transport to the port. Nonetheless, this can be a rewarding career choice if you love travel.
7. Host events or workshops
Another way to earn a free cruise is by hosting events or workshops. Cruise lines often host various events onboard, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts workshops, bridge classes, dance lessons, or even wine-tasting sessions.
If you have a unique skill or talent, you could propose to host an event or workshop during the cruise. In return for your services, you could be offered a free spot on the cruise.
You may also have to help out with other duties, such as helping out on excursions or pointing guests in the right direction on embarkation day.
Hosting events or workshops on a cruise ship can be an excellent opportunity for networking and promoting your skills or business to a diverse and captive audience. After we returned from a cruise, the bridge teachers sent us emails with details of their bridge-themed events in the UK.
8. Organise a group cruise
Organising a group cruise is another excellent way to secure a free cruise ticket for yourself. Many cruise lines offer group discounts, and in some cases, if you bring along a large enough group, your own cruise could be free.
This could be particularly beneficial if you are part of a large family, social club, or organisation. Planning a group cruise can take some work, but the reward of a free cruise can make it well worth the effort.
As the organiser of the group, you might also be offered a free balcony room. This room upgrade can allow you to enjoy the cruise in a more luxurious setting. However, keep in mind that organising a group cruise requires careful planning and coordination. You will need to manage the bookings, plan the itinerary, and ensure everyone in your group has a memorable experience.
9. Be the 3rd or 4th guest in a cabin
Being the 3rd or 4th guest in a cabin is yet another approach to securing a free or heavily discounted cruise. Cruise lines often offer special deals for additional guests sharing the same cabin, especially outside of the school holidays. The logic is simple: more occupants in a cabin mean more potential customers for onboard services and amenities.
So, if you’re flexible and don’t mind sharing your space, this could be a cost-effective way to enjoy a cruise.
When I cruise with my friends we often take advantage of these deals and have four in a cabin. Rather than some of us cruising for free, we split the fare between us all and cruise for half price.
10. Collect casino points
If you’re a fan of gambling, you might be able to score a free cruise by collecting casino points. Many casinos offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn points for every dollar spent. These points can often be redeemed for rewards like free travel.
The reason for this is simple – cruise lines want the high rollers to cruise so much that they’ll let them cruise for free. They know that these guests are likely to spend way more than the cost of the cruise in the casino – and they’re also likely to spend more than average on drinks, spa treatments, shopping and other onboard purchases.
This method requires you to spend quite a lot before you can earn enough points for a free cruise, so it’s not advisable for those who are worried about gambling too much or are on a budget.
The number of points needed can vary, but it’s worth considering if you’re already a regular casino-goer. Just remember to keep your spending under control while you’re earning points to avoid getting into financial trouble.
11. Collect credit card points
Many credit card companies offer their customers the opportunity to accumulate points that can be exchanged for various incentives, including free cruises. The number of card points required for a free cruise will depend on the specific credit card, but it’s well worth saving them up.
The Carnival Mastercard gives you one Fun Point for every $ you spend. Or if you use it to book a cruise, you get two Fun Points for every $. If you collect 100,000 Fun Points, you can redeem them on a cruise worth $1,500, which is more than enough for two of you to cruise for free.
Remember, the key to using credit card points effectively is to ensure that the value of the rewards you receive outweighs any costs, such as the annual fee.
12. Join a loyalty program
Most cruise lines have loyalty programs that offer a variety of perks. At the highest levels with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, you can unlock free sailings.
For example, with Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty scheme, each night you spend at sea earns you points. Typically, it’s one point per night, but select cabin types and special offers can net you more points per night. Once you reach 700 points, you get a free 7-night cruise in a balcony stateroom.
While this method may take a very high level of investment (usually paying for at least 100 cruises), your loyalty to a cruise line can indeed be rewarded with a free trip. Imagine enjoying free drinks from your balcony cabin on a cruise, all because of the points you’ve earned through your loyalty program!
13. Have an awful cruise experience
A less pleasant way to possibly earn a free cruise is if you’re compensated with one as a result of a bad experience. Cruise companies are known to compensate dissatisfied customers with free cruises to make up for their negative experiences. It may not be the most desirable method, but it is a potential route to a free cruise.
Free cruises aren’t given as compensation very often though. Usually, it would only happen if the majority of your cruise has been cancelled while you’re on board, or something else that ruins your entire experience.
If a cruise is cancelled before it departs, you’ll usually be given a refund instead. This is a better option than a free cruise, as you can spend the money on whatever you want and aren’t limited to booking another trip.
14. Marry an officer
One unconventional yet very effective way to earn free cruises is by marrying an officer. The captain and other senior officers on a cruise ship often have the privilege of inviting their spouse and other family members to stay on board for free.
While it might seem like an extreme measure, marrying an officer is a surefire way to ensure free cruise trips. However, remember that marriage is a significant life decision and should not be taken lightly.
Choosing to marry an officer on a cruise ship not only provides you with the opportunity for free cruises but also a unique lifestyle. You’ll have the chance to travel the world, meet people from various cultures, and experience life on the sea. However, you’ll want to consider the sacrifices and challenges that come with this life choice, such as long periods away from home and a limited private life.
15. Enter cruise competitions
Securing a spot on a cruise line ship can sometimes be as simple as entering and winning competitions. I’ve won two free cruises myself with this method!
Some cruise companies organise contests as part of their marketing strategies. These contests often involve winning a free balcony room. It’s a win-win situation for both parties. The cruise company attracts potential customers, and the lucky winner enjoys a free cruise.
I list every cruise competition that’s open for UK residents every week and I even give you the answers to any quiz questions you need to answer.
So, if none of the above situations apply to you, and you want to bag yourself a free cruise, then you can enter all of the cruise competitions here in just a few clicks.
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If you found this interesting, please share!
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 want to experience something a little more special on a Disney cruise, then you might want to try Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge level.
Booking a Concierge stateroom or suite gets you some luxurious benefits that make your whole cruise feel a lot more special. Those benefits don’t come cheap though – Concierge is often a pretty hefty upgrade.
So, let’s take a look at everything you get with DCL Concierge, and how much it costs, so you can decide whether it’s worth it for your next cruise…
Concierge Suite on the Disney Dream
What is Concierge on a Disney Cruise?
Concierge on a Disney cruise is essentially a premium category of accommodation. Concierge-level staterooms and suites are the best on the ship and they come with a number of additional benefits, as well as access to the Concierge lounge.
Every Suite on a Disney cruise is considered part of the Concierge class, while there are also some Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs that have the benefits.
Signposting for Concierge staterooms
Not many though – so don’t expect hundreds of Concierge guests on every voyage. Numbers are kept lower because these rooms do cost a lot more, and guests expect not to be crowded when they’re taking advantage of the Concierge-level services.
How Much is Concierge on a Disney Cruise?
The price for Concierge on a Disney cruise will vary. All suites are Concierge-level, so the suite price that you see is inclusive of Concierge services. A typical 7-night cruise will cost around $2,500 per person for a deluxe Verandah stateroom, and $5,000 per person for a similar room with Concierge.
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That’s quite the extra price jump since it essentially doubles the price of your room. And with two guests that’s a pretty huge difference of $10,000 compared to $5,000.
Adding a child to a room costs less but still almost doubles when you look at a Disney Concierge cruise. Instead of $6,000 for a typical Family room with Verandah, you’ll pay around $12,000.
Verandah Stateroom on Disney Wish
As I say, these prices will vary depending on the time of year, the destination, and the length of the cruise. But it just proves that Concierge isn’t some low-cost addition, and you’ll definitely want to weigh up the benefits to see if it’s worth the extra cost.
You could easily get two cruises for the price of one if you opt out of a Disney Cruise Concierge room!
So is DCL’s Concierge-level worth it? Let’s take a look…
What Does Concierge Get You on a Disney Cruise?
Concierge-level on a Disney cruise lets you access a private lounge during your voyage, and gives you a number of extra benefits including a Concierge Host to attend to any needs you have, early boarding, and more.
The idea is that you’ll experience a more luxurious cruise than passengers who’ve chosen not to book a Concierge class stateroom. It’s an even more special experience.
As to whether it’s worth it – that depends on how much you’ll use each of the perks.
List of Disney Cruise Concierge Perks
Here are the Disney Cruise Concierge benefits you can enjoy:
Priority boarding and disembarkation
Various extra benefits in your stateroom
Access to the Concierge Lounge with free food and drinks
Access to the Concierge Sundeck
Priority booking for dining and excursions
Support from the Concierge Hosts to manage anything you need
Free wifi
Free gifts throughout the cruise
Sounds good? Let’s explore these in a little more detail…
1. Priority Boarding and Disembarkation
On the first day of your cruise, guests who’ve booked a Concierge stateroom have a priority line for check-in, and a separate waiting area once they’ve made it through the terminal.
The Concierge Hosts will then come to escort these guests onto the ship first, before anyone else is permitted to board.
The first glimpse of Mickey and Minnie
Guests are taken straight to the Concierge Lounge on the ship, where they’ll be able to enjoy a special embarkation lunch with selected free alcoholic drinks. The menu isn’t really different from anywhere else serving an a la carte lunch on the ship, but you’ll be able to enjoy it earlier and in a quieter location.
The Concierge Hosts will also use this time to run through your itinerary so far, and ask if there’s anything you want to change or book. This is good as there can often be a scramble to book activities as soon as you board and some things get booked up right away.
Your room is also one of the first prepared, and it’s often ready for you by midday. Other guests typically have to wait until mid-afternoon before they can access their stateroom. And they can’t even dump their bag of wine outside as the whole corridor will be roped off.
You’ll get a similar treatment on the final day of your cruise too. Instead of having to wait in line to disembark, you’ll be escorted from the ship quickly and efficiently, beating the crowds and overall enjoying a much smoother experience.
2. In-Room Perks
There are a number of extra benefits to improve your stateroom if you book a Concierge option. These include down duvets in the main bedrooms, and a pillow menu – guests can choose from feather, hypoallergenic and memory foam.
Pillow Menu in a Concierge stateroom
There’s also a personal robe and slippers provided for use during the cruise – but don’t take them home. All of the robes are super soft, but if you stay in one of the top suites then you get an upgraded luxury robe…
Standard robesUpgraded robes
You also get nicer sofas and chairs in Concierge class, which are generally more comfortable, along with a fridge that will be regularly topped up with bottles of water and cans of soda thanks to your host.
In the bathroom, you can enjoy upgraded toiletries. All of the toiletries are nice on Disney ships, but at Concierge level, you only get the best.
Concierge-level toiletries
And on top of that, Disney’s Concierge guests also benefit from improved in-room dining options. As well as normal room service, you can get dinner delivered to your stateroom from the main dining room. Guests in a Royal Suite can also get dinner sent to their room from Palo, the popular speciality dining restaurant.
Some great options on the room service menu
And one last sweetener – Concierge guests can enjoy room service breakfast on disembarkation day. For other guests, room service ends at 1.30 am on the last night, so this is just a little extra time to enjoy a bite in your stateroom before you depart.
3. Concierge Lounge
The Concierge Lounge is available on all Disney ships – Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Wish. It’s located on Deck 10 for the Magic and Wonder, and Deck 12 for the Dream, Fantasy and Wish.
Guests are escorted here on embarkation day to enjoy lunch away from the crowds (though guests are free to wander off and explore if they prefer). And then the lounge is open daily from early morning to around 10 pm at night, offering a comfortable and luxurious place to relax.
Breakfast, light lunch items and snacks are available throughout the day, along with soft drinks in a help-yourself fridge that’s always kept stocked up.
In the evenings, bartenders will serve alcoholic drinks too, most of which are free (any with a charge will be made clear so you aren’t stung).
There are special events held in the lounge for guests too, including special character meet-and-greets that again are much less crowded and mean that you don’t have to wait in lines to have your photo taken with a popular Disney character.
And one last little treat – as well as the cookies and marshmallow snacks that are available for free throughout the day, look out for bags of popcorn that you can pick up to take with you to the shows or the movies on board.
4. Concierge Sun Area
As well as a Concierge Lounge, there’s also a private Concierge sundeck where you can relax and enjoy a more peaceful time than you would by the side of the busier pools.
The sun decks are situated one deck higher than the lounge – so that’s Deck 11 for most of the ships, except for Disney Wish where it’s on deck 13. The facilities and size vary depending on the ship too – the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are missing private hot tubs, but it’s still a nice place to relax.
What really helps to make it feel more luxurious is the small added extras, including suncream – no need to remember to bring your own, it’s all there ready for you.
There are towels on-hand as well and they even have Evian facial sprays that you can use to cool off, which is definitely extravagant.
5. Priority Activity Booking
A lot of the experiences on a typical Disney cruise – including speciality dining restaurants and excursions – are in high demand. So having the advantage of being able to book earlier is definitely not something to be ignored.
Concierge guests are able to make bookings at the same time as Platinum Castaway Club guests on the ship, but they’re actually permitted to send in their requests five days earlier than that. And when the booking window does open, Concierge guests are given priority.
In most cases, this priority treatment isn’t too detrimental to everyone else’s experience. On most cruises, there is plenty of time for guests to enjoy speciality dining at Palo, and most of the excursions have a lot of space – there aren’t that many Concierge guests on each sailing.
Dining at Palo
Where this tends to really matter is with the cabanas on Castaway Cay. If your cruise visits Disney’s private island, then booking a Concierge stateroom or suite is the only way to guarantee you’ll get a cabana for the day. They are limited, and they do book up fast.
I was lucky enough to get to use a cabana on Castaway Cay
Special activities are also offered to Concierge guests too, such as the Palo Be Our Guest cooking experience. While technically open to all passengers, Concierge guests often book up this limited eight-person event, so most of the time guests in standard rooms don’t even stand a chance.
6. Concierge Hosts
The Concierge Hosts are the people who make sure that everyone in a Concierge stateroom or suite has the best cruise experience possible.
Rather than one host to a room, there’s usually a small team covering all the Concierge guests, but there are more than enough to make sure you never have to wait for anything onboard.
Concierge Hosts are essentially your own butler and booking agent rolled into one. They are able to manage a lot of different services on your behalf, including booking excursions, adding money to your onboard account, securing or moving a dining reservation, and booking a placeholder stateroom or suite for your next cruise.
And they don’t just book anything. If you use your host to book a table at a restaurant with entertainment, expect one of the better seats with the best views. Their only job is to make Concierge guests happy, so they go above and beyond.
Enjoying the show from the best seat
And they’ll take the time to learn about you as you go through your cruise. Enjoying one type of soda more than the others in your fridge? They’ll make sure you don’t run out. Particular taste for the dessert snacks on board? Don’t be surprised to find one waiting for you in your room at the end of the day!
If you want to feel like you’re a VIP on your cruise, the Concierge Hosts will definitely give you that impression.
7. Free WiFi
One of the smaller perks of Concierge rooms, but one that’s still worth having. All guests on a Disney cruise will get 50Mb of internet access free at the start of their voyage, provided they sign up for an internet package on the first day.
But book a Concierge room, and pay for the internet package, and you’ll get 100Mb free instead.
That’s not a huge amount if you plan on spending time uploading photos or watching videos, but if you’re only sending emails and keeping friends and family up to date, it’ll mean that your internet allowance stretches a lot further before you have to pay.
Of course, if you do intend to use the internet a lot, you could pay for a Royal Suite on-board, where you get completely unlimited WiFi access throughout your entire cruise.
Royal Suite on Disney Fantasy
8. Gifts
Throughout your cruise, you’ll be given little extra gifts to make your cruise that bit more special. These gifts vary and aren’t guaranteed, but I’ve looked through many stories of people who’ve booked a Concierge stateroom or suite and pulled together some examples of what you can expect.
Guests often enjoy a free fruit basket on their first day, which is handy if you’re looking for some healthier snacks for you or the kids. However it’s not all healthy – don’t be surprised if some Mickey-shaped sweet treats make it into your room at some point over your cruise, especially if you have younger travellers with you. Concierge Hosts love to make a cruise as special as possible for kids.
Special Marvel bedding
And on the last evening, you’ll often receive a more substantial leaving present for the end of your cruise – guests have often received special sketches drawn by a Disney expert to take home with them, showing some of the famous characters.
It’s a lovely memento of your voyage and something you could frame and hang at home to remind you of your special cruise – or to nudge you to book your next one.
So, Is Disney Cruise Line Concierge Worth It?
Honestly, there’s no single answer here on whether Disney’s Concierge service is worth it. If you’re on a budget then I’d probably suggest it’s not something to book, since you can put the extra money aside for potentially an entirely new cruise holiday instead. And a ‘standard’ Disney cruise is still a really special experience.
But if you have the money available, then Concierge is a really nice upgrade overall. The Concierge Hosts really make the difference – from the private escort onto the ship and from the ship on disembarkation day, to their willingness to run any little errand you need – they leave you to fully focus on relaxing.
It’s worth factoring in the extra tipping cost though – you’re likely going to want to leave a sizeable thank-you for your Concierge Hosts, which isn’t covered in the extra fare you’ve already paid. So, be sure to bear that in mind when you’re costing it all up.
A lot of people say that Concierge is worth it more on shorter cruises, where you need the extra help to secure the bookings that you want. On a longer cruise, you won’t have as much competition.
Ultimately, it comes down to how much of a VIP you want to feel like, and the budget you’ve got planned for your cruise.
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Disney Cruise Concierge FAQs
Is alcohol included on Disney Cruise Concierge?
Some alcohol is included with Disney’s Cruise Concierge service. Guests that attend the embarkation lunch can have some alcoholic drinks for no fee, while guests can also enjoy a selection of free beers, wines and spirits in the evenings at the Concierge Lounge.
How much do you tip Disney Concierge?
There’s no set amount to tip a Disney Concierge, it is left to the guests’ discretion. The suggested tip is $8 per guest, per day. Most people leave a generous tip considering how much work the Concierge do during the cruise.
When can Concierge board a Disney cruise?
Concierge guests are the first to board a Disney cruise, sometimes as early as 10 am. They get a separate queue and waiting area, from which they are escorted on board before other guests. Guests can arrive later if they prefer. Concierge rooms are also ready earlier – typically from noon, compared to 2 pm for other guests.
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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.
Virgin Voyages is an adults only cruise line that will welcome their fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, into their fleet later this year.
Virgin’s Terminal V at PortMiami. Photo: Cruise Fever
The cruise line announced five enhancements to their cruises today that range from new ports to new menus at a couple of the restaurants on their ships. Here is a look at five exciting new things coming to Virgin Voyages.
New Ports/Itineraries
Virgin will visit new ports in the Caribbean for the 2026-2027 season. They include Panama City and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands).
The cruise line is also adjusting the schedule for their four-night Fire & Sunset Soirees cruise that visits Key West and Bimini. The sailings will depart on Thursday and return on Monday.
Next week, Virgin is also opening for bookings a new 17-night cruise through the Panama Canal to Miami. The original east-to-west option sold was the fastest selling itinerary in the cruise line’s history.
The Aquatic Club on Virgin Voyages. Photo: Cruise Fever
New Menus
Extra Virgin, the specialty Italian restaurant, and Gunbae, the Korean BBQ, will receive a refreshed menu.
A few of the new items that will be added to the menu at Extra Virgin are new pastas, arancini, seafood risotto, and roasted monkfish.
Gunbae will receive shrimp kimbap rolls, bulgogi fire meat, and bo ssam (whole roasted pork butt with oysters and caviar).
The new menus will debut in July.
Perks for Groups
Virgin offers parties of eight or more the following perks:
10% discount
Up to $300 in drinks
Dedicated group dinner at one of six Michelin-inspired restaurants
Virgin Voyages is rolling out new perks for groups that include fresh blooms, bubbles (Champagne or prosecco), chocolate and beer buckets to say “bon voyage” in style.
New Entertainment
Virgin’s next new ship, Brilliant Lady, will have two immersive new shows. The first will be a production inspired by Virgin Records’ musical catalogue from the past five decades that celebrates the history, entrepreneurial attitude and rebellious spirit that is Sir Richard Branson.
More new entertainment options for the ship will be announced next month.
Comedy Cruise
New for 2025 will be a U.S. based Comedy Festival. This sailing will depart from Miami on August 10, 2025 and visit Costa Maya and Bimini.
The comedy cruise will feature a full lineup for can’t miss comedians.
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The Scottish firm Clydebuilt has revealed an overhauled design of its planned residential cruise ship Dark Island, just three years before the luxury ship could set sail on her maiden voyage.
The ship was first announced in 2019 with further details revealed two years later, but only recently the firm has released brand new artwork of the sleek look for the ship, which is due to offer 236 suites, all of which with a sea view.
The ship will be named Dark Island in honour of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, with the ship’s designers aiming to bring the “essence of the Highland glens” into the décor of the ship.
Guests will be able to purchase a suite onboard to use freely, and can also then rent out their suite to others – but only for long term rentals of six months or more.
They can allow family and friends to use the suite for short-term stays.
The full details of the ship’s original itinerary are still to be confirmed, but it is planned that the maiden voyage will be a world cruise lasting 800 days.
Once this is completed, residents will be allowed to vote on the next world tour itinerary, with the captain having final approval.
Residents will be able to enjoy free WiFi and laundry services onboard, along with all dining. A selection of drinks will be included daily too.
Residents will also have a butler who can make sure that all guest needs are taken care of, to provide that luxury hotel experience that Clydebuilt is aiming for.
As well as the updated designs, the ship’s deck plans are now available to view on the Clydebuilt website.
The ship is planned to feature a state of the art fitness and wellbeing centre, multiple restaurants, a pool, live entertainment and more.
It will also have its own helicopter to allow select guests to enjoy unique excursions that normally wouldn’t be practical to reach from port via road or rail.
Pricing information isn’t public but the sales team is now accepting enquiries for guests who wish to buy a suite onboard, with the option to request a bespoke interior if you’re feeling particularly flush.
Other residential cruise ships
Dark Island is the latest in a growing trend of residential cruise ships, offering a permanent home at sea for those seeking a life of adventure and luxury.
While this concept was once considered niche, several high-profile vessels now provide similar opportunities for those looking to invest in a floating residence.
One of the most well-known residential ships is The World, which has been sailing since 2002.
It offers 165 privately owned residences and follows a continuously changing itinerary based on the preferences of its residents.
Unlike traditional cruises, The World functions more like a private yacht, where residents can vote on upcoming destinations and stay in ports for extended periods.
The ship boasts a golf simulator, multiple gourmet restaurants, and even a dedicated culinary arts centre.
Meanwhile, the MV Narrative, currently in development by Storylines, aims to bring a more community-driven approach to residential cruising.
The ship will feature a sustainable design with a solar-powered farm, hydroponic gardens, and wellness programs focusing on long-term health and wellbeing.
The most recent residential ship to launch was the Villa Vie Odyssey, although it underwent significant delays before finally setting sail.
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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.
Instead of docking in Santorini as originally scheduled, the cruise ship Viking Star will call on the Katakolon (Olympia) cruise port in Crete today. The itinerary change comes as a result of recent earthquake activity near the popular Greek island.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
The earthquakes have left some Santorini residents facing damaged homes and businesses, with many of the 16,000 residents choosing to evacuate the area.
Since February 1, over 800 earthquakes have been recorded near the coast of Santorini, each with a magnitude of 3 or higher. The region felt a 5.0 magnitude tremor Sunday night.
The series of earthquakes and tremors has triggered a decline in tourism, with cancellations piling up. Seismologists attribute the activity to a regional pattern, but its intensity concerns local authorities.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
On Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a $3 million funding package for the construction of an emergency evacuation route in the southern region of Santorini. The country’s state of emergency declaration is currently in effect until March 3.
Landslides have been reported in the region and the old port of Fira in Santorini is a major concern.
BBC News has reported school closure in the surrounding areas, including in Mykonos, another popular cruise port in Greece. Mykonos is about 94 miles from Santorini.
Impact on Tourism and Cruise Ship Schedules
Viking Star was the only ship scheduled to visit Santorini this month and is scheduled to visit the island again on February 15, although it’s very likely that port visit will also be cancelled and changed to Katakolon or another port in the area.
Experts cannot predict when the “seismic crisis” on Santorini will end or if a major volcanic eruption or tsunami will occur. Preparations are being made for more tremors to come. It should be noted that Santorini was formed by a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC.
The longer the earthquakes and tremors go on, the longer it will be before the port can reopen to cruise traffic.
In March, Viking Star is currently planning to visit the Greek island again on the 11th and 15th while Celestyal Discovery is scheduled to visit three times toward the end of the month.
April is a much busier cruise season for Santorini, with at least 26 scheduled visits to the island that represent 13 different cruise lines.
Cruise lines will be updating their passengers if any changes need to be made to itineraries in the near future. For now, only two cruise lines have planned visits to Santorini in the next few weeks, and it’s hoped that the tremors will die down soon.
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If you’re booking a cruise with MSC, one of the options you need to think about is whether to get a drinks package, and if so, which one should you book?
One of your options is the Easy Plus package, which isn’t quite the top-tier option but will be sufficient for many, once you know what you get and how much it costs. MSC’s more clear on the former than the latter, so I’m here to clear everything up.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Easy Plus package, including restrictions.
What Is the Easy Plus Drinks Package on MSC?
The Easy Plus Drinks Package for MSC Cruises is a package that includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There are cheaper options available including one which still includes alcohol, but if you want a good range of drinks without paying top price, this may be the best option.
Of course, it might be that a drinks package isn’t right for you at all. If you don’t drink much then you might be better off if you pay for each drink individually. After all, the Easy Plus package has to be bought for the full duration of your cruise, not just the days you pick and choose.
So, you should weigh up whether it’s best to buy drinks individually before deciding on getting a package, and then decide which is right for you.
My drinks package calculator will help:
Drinks Included in the MSC Easy Plus Package
The Easy Plus Drinks Package with MSC includes all drinks priced up to $10, €9 or £10 – the currency will depend on where your ship is sailing. It covers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Here’s the full list of what you get with the package:
A variety of draught and bottled beers
A selection of wines by the glass
A variety of frozen and classic cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktails
Selected house and brand spirits
Liqueurs and cordials
Soft drinks – fountain sodas and fruit juices
Mineral water
Coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
Hot chocolate and hot teas
You also get a 10% discount on any bottles of wine that you buy while you’re onboard.
So that’s a pretty good list – you aren’t going to be short of choice when it comes to deciding what to drink during your cruise. Still, it’s not all-inclusive – there are lots of drinks that cost more than these limits.
It’s important to note that the Easy Plus package does cover you in speciality restaurants, as well as the Main Dining Room, the buffet and the bars on the ship. The package below this one, the Easy package, doesn’t include drinks in speciality restaurants, so Easy Plus is the starting point if you plan on dining in various restaurants onboard.
It’s also good to know that, on MSC cruises in the Middle East, you won’t be able to get served an alcoholic drink while your ship’s in a Saudi port, even with the Easy Plus package. You’ll have to wait until the ship’s in international waters again.
MSC Easy Plus Drinks Package Price
The cost of the Easy Plus Drinks Package varies depending on where you’re sailing, and how long for. You’ll also get it cheaper if you book in advance. You’ll pay between $61 and $74 per person, per night on US cruises and between £47 and £57.50 per night on cruises from the UK.
MSC are a little secretive about their drinks package prices – they don’t publish them online and only let you see them once you’re booking or have booked a cruise. The prices are fixed though, unlike some cruise lines that don’t publish them because they like to change them for different dates, or depending on demand.
Here’s a full breakdown of the Easy Plus drinks package prices:
Cruise
Price Per Night (Bought Onboard)
Price Per Night (Prebooked)
North America & Caribbean Up To 6 Nights
$74
$64
North America & Caribbean 7+ Nights
$70
$61
Europe & Middle East Up To 6 Nights
€54
€47
Europe & Middle East 7+ Nights
€62
€54
Cruise From UK Up To 6 Nights
£57.50
£50
Cruise From UK 7+ Nights
£54.05
£47
The discount for booking before you sail is 15%, so it’s definitely worth booking before you travel if you want a drinks package. Over the length of a cruise, it works out at quite the saving.
Plus, you’ll be glad to know that all of these prices (either prebooked or booked onboard) include the gratuity that would normally be charged for each drink you buy – so there’s no extra 18% on each drink for US cruises, or 15% for Europe and Middle East cruises. The package price is all you’ll pay.
What Happens if You Order Outside of the MSC Easy Plus Drinks Package?
If you order a drink that costs more than $10, €9 or £10 on your MSC cruise and you have an Easy Plus drinks package, you’ll only pay the difference – you don’t have to pay the full price of the drink.
So if you order a cocktail that costs $14, you’ll only pay $4, since the $10 is covered in the drink’s package. You’ll also pay the gratuity on that drink but only on the extra you pay – so a $14 cocktail will actually cost you $4.72, since you’re paying 18% on the extra $4.
This is still a better deal than with some other cruise lines that would charge you the full price of the drink.
You can also upgrade while you’re onboard, if you decide you want the Premium Extra drinks package instead. Remember though that you’ll pay the full onboard price for the package.
What Is the Difference Between the Easy Package and Easy Plus Package on MSC?
The Easy Plus drinks package covers all drinks up to the values of $10, €9 or £10, depending on your sailing. With the Easy package, you only get selected drinks included, so your choice is more limited.
Here’s a comparison of what you get with each package:
Drink
Easy
Easy Plus
Beer
Heineken only
Selection of beers
Wine
House wines
Selection of wines
Cocktails
Classic cocktails & mocktails
More cocktails, including frozen options
Spirits
House spirits
House & branded spirits
Liqueurs
No
Yes
Soft drinks
Fountain sodas
Fountain & bottle
Water
Yes
Yes
Coffee
Yes
Yes
Hot chocolates and teas
Yes
Yes
10% discount on wine bottles
No
Yes
Also, remember that Easy Plus includes drinks in speciality restaurants whereas the Easy package does not.
You Can Use the MSC Easy Drinks Package On Private Islands
If your cruise calls at any of MSC’s private resorts – Ocean Cay or Sir Bani Yas – then you can use your Easy Plus drinks package in that resort. The drinks selection may be more limited than on the ship, but anything that would normally be included is still covered.
You Have To Buy A Drink Package For Kids
It’s not possible for only some guests in an MSC cabin to have a drinks package, and this includes children. If the adults buy an Easy Plus drinks package, the children must have an appropriate drinks package for them too.
Depending on their ages and where you’re sailing, they may not be eligible for the Minors drinks package. In Europe, anyone 17 and under can get the Minors package, but on sailings from the US, that only applies to kids up to the age of 12. From 13 to 20, they can buy the Alcohol Free package, and then get one that includes alcohol when they turn 21.
I find this very frustrating as my six-year-old only ever drinks water. He’s just not interested in any other drinks, so buying a package for him is a complete waste of money as tap water is free. He won’t even have ice in it or a slice of lemon!
Is the MSC Easy Plus Drinks Package Worth It?
There’s no simple answer on whether the Easy Plus drinks package is worth it – it all depends on how much you drink on a typical day, and the kind of drinks you like to enjoy.
Also, you should check your cruise fare as you might get the Easy Plus (or even the Premium Extra) package included anyway – so you don’t need to pay any extra for it.
Weigh up how many drinks you’re likely to buy each day, and then decide whether it’ll be cheaper to get a drinks package or buy them individually. Then think about which drinks you’ll likely want, and that’ll help you decide whether the Easy Plus is the right one for you.
If you’re still not sure which package to get, then you can read my MSC Cruises Drinks Packages Guide which will explain the differences between each.
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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 decision of whether or not to get the drinks package for your cruise is always a tricky one, but MSC Cruises makes this decision seem even more complicated than it has to be.
MSC Cruises has five drinks packages to choose from. And, they make it really hard to know how much they cost, and what you get for your money.
I’ve cruised with MSC Cruises four times. I usually buy the drink package and I’ve done lots of research to help you make the right decision.
MSC Drinks Package Prices 2025
MSC Cruises no longer publishes the prices of drink packages on the website. Instead, guests are asked to log in to see the prices for their cruise.
This makes things tricky for people who want to know how much the drinks package costs before they book a cruise. But don’t worry, I got you…
My husband and I on MSC Virtuosa
The package of your drinks package will vary depending on your destination, the length of your cruise, which package you choose and when you buy it. For alcoholic drinks, you can expect to pay $61 to $101 per person, per night.
See the tables below for all of the MSC drink package prices for 2025…
For Cruises in North America and the Caribbean
(USD Currency Onboard)
Cruise Length
Purchase Date
Premium Extra
Easy Plus
Easy
Alcohol-Free
Kids
All drinks upto $16
All drinks up to $10
Selected drinks
Selected drinks
Age 4-20 years
7+ Nights
Buy Onboard
$98
$70
$53
$32
$22
7+ Nights
Prepaid
$85
$61
$46
$28
$19
6 Nights or Less
Buy Onboard
$101
$74
$56
$35
$24
6 Nights or Less
Prepaid
$88
$64
$49
$30
$21
For ships with USD onboard currency sailing in the Caribbean or Northern America, a 18% drink package gratuity is included.
For Cruises in Europe and the Middle East
(EUR Currency Onboard)
Cruise Length
Purchase Date
Premium Extra
Easy Plus
Easy
Alcohol-Free
Kids
All drinks up to €14
All drinks up to €9
Selected drinks
Selected drinks
Age 4-17 years
7+ Nights
Buy Onboard
€85
€62
€45
€28
€20
7+ Nights
Prepaid
€74
€54
€39
€24
€17
6 Nights or Less
Buy Onboard
€89
€54
€49
€30
€21
6 Nights Or Less
Prepaid
€77
€47
€43
€26
€18
For ships with EURO onboard currency, a 15% drink package gratuity is included.
For MSC Virtuosa Cruises from the UK in the Summer
(GBP Currency Onboard)
Cruise Length
Purchase Date
Premium Extra
Easy Plus
Easy
Alcohol-Free
Kids
All drinks up to £14
All drinks up to £10
Selected drinks
Selected drinks
Age 4-17 years
7+ Nights
Buy Onboard
£73.60
£54.05
£39.10
£24.15
£17.25
7+ Nights
Prepaid
£64
£47
£34
£21
£15
6 Nights or Less
Buy Onboard
£77.05
£57.50
£42.55
£26.45
£18.40
6 Nights or Less
Prepaid
£67
£50
£37
£23
£16
Discounted Drinks Packages
There may be other special offers on drinks packages available at the time of booking. For example, when I booked a cruise on MSC Euribia recently, I was able to add on the Premium Extra drink package for just £40 per person, per day.
Here are the prices for my two-night cruise without drinks and with drinks…
Whichever package you choose, you should always buy it before your cruise. If you wait until you’re onboard, you’ll pay 15% more.
Are MSC Drink Packages Worth the Expense?
Whether or not the MSC drink packages are worth it depends on how much you drink. To work out how many drinks it costs to ‘break even’ on your package, you need to know how much each drink costs.
And to work out which package is best for, you, you’ll need to know what’s included in each. And what happens if you order a drink that’s not included in your package.
Use The Drink Package Calculator
To make things really simple, you can use my drink package calculator. Just enter the drinks you plan to have, and it will tell you which is the best package for you, and how much that will save you.
Now, read on and I’ll explain what’s included in each package, how much the drinks cost without a package and the other vital things you should know…
What’s Included In MSC Drink Packages?
To help you decide which drinks package is the best, here are the menus of what’s included in each package on MSC Cruises…
1. MSC Premium Extra Package
Premium Extra Drink Package Menu:
Includes all drinks priced up to $16 / €14 / £14
Selection of draught, craft and bottled beers
Entire selection of wines and Champagne by the glass
Extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails
Premium brand spirits
Liqueurs and cordials
Sodas
Fruit juices
Energy drinks
Mineral water
Coffee (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
Hot chocolate and teas
25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles purchased on board
Drinks can be consumed in all bars (except the Starship Club on MSC Virtuosa), the buffet, the main dining rooms and speciality restaurants. It can also be used on Ocean Cay MSC Reserve and in the Raj Polo Tea Room and The Coffee Emporium on board MSC World Europa.
This package doesn’t include drinks in the onboard Lavazza coffee shops and other signature venues.
2. MSC Easy Plus Package
Easy Plus Drink Package Menu:
Includes all drinks priced up to $10 / €9 / £10
Variety of draught and bottled beers
Selection of wines by the glass
Variety of frozen and classic cocktails
Non-alcoholic cocktails
Selected spirits
Liqueurs and cordials
Soft drinks
Mineral water
Coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
Hot chocolate and hot teas
10% discount on bottles of wine purchased on board
With the Easy Plus package, drinks can be consumed in all bars (except the Starship Club on MSC Virtuosa), the buffet, the main dining room and ALSO in speciality restaurants. This is an important difference from the Easy package, which doesn’t allow you to order drinks in speciality restaurants.
It can also be used on MSC Cruises private islands, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas, and in the Raj Polo Tea Room on board MSC World Europa (but not in The Coffee Emporium)
If you plan to dine in a few speciality restaurants during our cruise, this deal is probably a better choice than the Easy drinks package.
Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte, hot tea, hot chocolate)
Drinks can be consumed in all bars, the buffet and main dining rooms but NOT in speciality restaurants or the Starship Club.
This package offers great value for money and is ideal if you’re on a budget and happy to stick with drinking draft Heineken, the same wines each day or choose from a small list of cocktails.
Here’s what the menu looks like on board so you can see exactly which drinks you can have…
Drinks can be consumed in all bars (except the Starship Club on MSC Virtuosa), buffet, main dining room, Ocean Cay, but NOTspeciality restaurants.
5. MSC Minors Package
Minors Drink Package Menu:
Wide choice of alcohol-free cocktails
Sodas
Energy drinks
Mineral water
Flavoured water
Fruit juices
Coffee drinks (latte, espresso, cappuccino, etc.)
Soft drinks
Hot chocolate
Hot teas
Soft-serve ice cream
This package is for children aged 3 to 17 on European cruises and aged 3 to 20 on North American and Caribbean cruises.
Drinks can be consumed in all bars (except the Starship Club on MSC Virtuosa), buffet, main dining room and Ocean Cay. They can only be consumed in speciality restaurants if the minor’s family purchased the Easy Plus or Premium Extra Packages.
Drinks Not Included in MSC Cruises Drink Packages
MSC drinks packages do not include drinks in souvenir glasses, drinks from your mini bar or drinks ordered via room service.
The drink packages also do not include drinks from ‘signature venues’. These include the MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, Venchi1878 establishments and Jean-Philippe Maury Venues.
Drinks in the MSC World Europa Raj Polo Tea Room are only included in the Premium Extra and Easy Plus Packages. Drinks in the MSC World Europa Coffee Emporium are only included in the Premium Extra Package.
Drinks from this robot bartender are not included in any drink package
Charges for Additional Beverages Not Included in the Package
If you want to enjoy a drink that’s not included in your package, you can order it and will only pay the difference between the package limit and the price of the drink.
This is great, as some other cruise lines will charge you the full price for the drink.
MSC Bar Prices
MSC drinks packages can be a great deal, but of course, you’ll need to drink enough to ‘break even’ and get your money’s worth.
So let’s take a look at the drinks prices…
Here are some examples of the MSC bar prices:
MSC Drinks Prices:
Cocktails: $7 to $16
Mocktails: $6
Spirits: $7 to $12
Large draft beer: $6
Bottled beer: $6.50
Glass of wine: $6 to $14
Fruit juice: $2.95 to $7.50
Water: $2.75 to $5.50
Energy drink: $4.95
Canned soda: $3.25
Glass of soda: $2.25
Coffee: $2.50 to $4.25
I took photos of every drink menu on the ship, so if you’d like to see the prices of any specific drinks, you can see photos of MSC drink menus here.
What drinks are free on MSC Cruises?
The following drinks are free on MSC Cruises:
Water
Coffee
Tea
Ice tea
Milk
Juices (at breakfast only)
Not all drinks are available for free in all bars. For the best selection of free drinks, head to the Main Dining Room or the casual (buffet) restaurant.
Wine Prices
A glass of wine on MSC Cruises costs $6 for a standard house wine, up to $14 for something nicer. Bear in mind that the servings can sometimes be small. This is what a glass of wine looks like (if you’re unlucky – sometimes they’re much bigger!)
If the ship is busy, the service can be pretty slow. So bear in mind that you may be either queueing at the bar or trying to catch the attention of a waiter quite often. If you don’t have a drink package, it makes sense to order wine by the bottle to avoid this issue.
Beer Prices
On MSC Cruises you won’t get a pint of beer. Instead, large beers are served in pilsner glasses which appear to be around three-quarters of a pint in size. And unless you’re in the British pub, you can only get Heineken. This costs $6 for a large glass or $3.50 for a small.
There is a wider selection of bottles lagers, craft beers, ales, pilsner, stout, cider and alcohol-free beer. These all cost $6.50 or $7.
Personally, I think that $6.50 for a small can of alcohol-free Heineken is a rip-off. It seems crazy that a large draft standard Heineken is cheaper!
Is water free on MSC Cruises?
Tap water is available free of charge on MSC Cruises and the water in your cabin is safe to drink. Bottled water costs $2.75 for a 17oz (500ml) bottle. Bottled water is free if you have a drinks package.
Are tea and coffee free on MSC Cruises?
On MSC Cruises, tea and coffee is available free of charge but only at the buffet area. You can get all kinds of teas and coffees such as cappuccino and espresso for free throughout the ship with a drinks package.
You’re entitled to speciality coffees like cappuccino with the drinks package, but sometimes if the staff were busy they would tell me that they could only make brewed coffee.
This is one of the many things that annoys me about MSC Cruises. You can read more on that in this article: Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?
If your cruise includes UK ports such as Southampton, you’ll find a kettle in your room with tea and coffee. Otherwise, you won’t.
Cabin stewards don’t always refill the tea and coffee, unless you ask them to. Which can be mildly annoying.
Are MSC Drink Packages Worth It?
Before you go ahead and buy a drinks package, it’s worth doing a little bit of maths to figure out how many drinks you’d need to have per day to ‘break even’ on your package.
Whichever MSC drink package you choose, you’ll need to drink around five drinks per day to break even. Of course, the exact number depends on what you like to drink and which package you choose.
When thinking about whether a package is good value or not, think about how much time you plan to spend on the ship. Whilst you might easily get through five or six drinks on a sea day, you might not have so many if you’re off the ship all day and only having a couple in the evening.
MSC Cruises Drinks Package Calculator
To help you work out whether the drinks package is worth it or not, I’ve built a handy calculator tool.
The calculator will show how much your bar bill will be if you don’t have a drinks package. You can then compare this to the price of the drinks package to decide whether it’s worth it or not.
Just pop your details in the form and you’ll receive an email with a link to the calculator…
Things To Know About MSC Drink Packages
Here are the answers to your most commonly-asked questions about drinks on MSC Cruises. If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please add it to the comments below and I will answer it for you.
1. Everyone must have the same drink package
On MSC Cruises, all passengers travelling together (sharing a cabin or a table) must have the same drink package, with the exception of children who must have the minor’s drinks package.
This rule applies to everyone aged three or over. You don’t need to purchase a package for children under three.
You can’t share a drinks package. If you give drinks to anyone who doesn’t have a package, you face having your package cancelled without a refund.
2. You can’t bring your own drinks
While most cruise lines let you bring a bottle of wine in your lugagge, MSC Cruises does not allow guests to bring any drinks on board. This includes alcohol, soft drinks and water. You may bring water if you have a medical need for it and you can bring unlimited baby milk.
4. You do get free drinks with the Yacht Club experience
MSC Yacht Club guests get a Premium Extra drink package as part of their exclusive benefits.
5. You’ll pay more if you buy the package on the ship
You can order your MSC drinks package before you cruise or on board your ship. It’s 15% cheaper to buy your drink package before your cruise. You can do this via the ‘Manage My Booking’ section of the MSC Cruises website.
6. The drinking age varies for different cruises
The drinking age on MSC Cruise ships depends on the itinerary, not the nationality of the passenger. It is generally 18 years old on European cruises and 21 years old on Caribbean cruises.
7. There’s no limit on how many drinks you can have
Unlike some other cruise lines that limit you to 15 drinks per day, MSC Cruises don’t have a set maximum number of drinks per day. However, if you appear to be intoxicated you are unlikely to be served more alcohol.
8. Drink packages aren’t available on every cruise
Drink packages are available on most MSC Cruises ships. But they’re not available on cruises from South Africa and China. Due to Saudi law, no alcohol will be served during calls in Saudi Arabian ports.
9. MSC drink packages work on private islands
Your MSC drink package can be used to get free drinks on MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay as well as the private resort of Sir Bani Yas in the UAE. However, there will not be as many different drinks available on the island as there are on the ship.
Drinks Package Special Offers
If you’re interested in the all-inclusive drinks package on
MSC Cruises, you should be sure to look out for MSC all-inclusive deals which
are sometimes offered by specialist cruise travel agents.
Travel agents can package up cruises with flights, a pre-cruise hotel and all-inclusive drinks to create a great value all-inclusive package cruise holiday.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…
MSC Cruises Free Drinks Package Offer
One very popular offer is the MSC ‘ALL-IN drinks and Wi-Fi offer’ which is sometimes available on the MSC Cruises USA website. This offer includes free drinks, free Wi-Fi and free onboard credit.
Before you go ahead and book an all-inclusive deal with free drinks and wifi, I’d suggest working out how much it would cost to buy each part of the package separately to make sure that it’s actually good value. Consider whether you actually want the drinks and the wifi, or whether they just seem good because they’re packaged up in a deal.
If your all-inclusive MSC Cruise bundle comes with the Easy or Easy Plus package and you want to upgrade, you can do that either before your cruise or on board. As always, it’s cheaper to do it before you cruise.
Easy to Easy Plus costs $15 per day onboard
Easy to Premium Extra costs $44 per day onboard
Easy Plus to Premium Extra costs $28 per day onboard
You’ll save 15% on these prices if you purchase the upgrade online or via your travel agent before your cruise.
Other Drinks Packages on MSC Cruises
MSC Yacht Club Drinks Package
The luxurious MSC Yacht Club gives guests many perks including:
A luxury suite in the Yacht Club area of the ship
Access to the Top Sail lounge
Private dining in the Yacht Club restaurant
Entry to the exclusive pool area
Priority boarding
Butler service
Premium internet package
Included drinks
MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy the equivalent of the Premium Extra drinks package which can be used in all bars and restaurants throughout the ship. Yacht Club guests also enjoy a free minibar.
MSC Dine & Drinks Package
On MSC World Cruises, the Dine & Drinks package is included as standard. With this, you get house wines, draught beer, soft drinks and mineral water during lunch and dinner in the main restaurants and in the buffet.
Discontinued Drink Packages
If you’ve cruised with MSC Cruises a few years ago, you may be familiar with some of the drinks packages which have now been discontinued. These include…
MSC Premium Drinks Package
For cruises departing from November 2021 onwards, the MSC Premium drinks package has been renamed to the MSC Easy Plus drink package.
MSC Premium Plus Drinks Package
For cruises departing from November 2021 onwards, the MSC Premium Plus package has been renamed to the MSC Premium Extra package.
MSC Aurea Drinks Package
MSC Cruises Aurea Experience is an upgrade that’s available to guests staying in balcony cabins or suites. The MSC Aurea experience used to come with a free Easy drink package but this is no longer the case. Other perks like the free massage have also been removed.
MSC Drink Vouchers
Until 2019, MSC Cruises used to regularly offer cruisers 12 free drinks vouchers when they booked a Fantastica cabin. These paper coupons could be exchanged for a glass of wine, pint or bottle of beer, spirit and mixer, non-premium cocktail, soft drink, mineral water or hot drink. The coupons no longer exist.
MSC Allegrissimo Drinks Package
The MSC Allegrissimo drinks package is the name of a package that has been discontinued. The Allegrissimo offer was most similar to the Easy drinks package. The main difference is that the Allegrissimo drinks package also included ice cream.
MSC Mealtime Drinks Package
Another discontinued deal is the one where you could get free wine and beer with meals. The mealtime drinks package no longer exists, and now you can always get drinks at any time of day.
MSC Classic Drink Package
If you’re used to cruising with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, you’ll be familiar with the term ‘classic drinks package’. MSC Cruises don’t call their main package the ‘classic package’. Instead, you can choose from Easy, Easy Plus or Premium Extra drinks packages.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…
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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.
