The debate on whether a pier should be built on Grand Cayman heated up this past week due to fewer cruise ships visiting the island.
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Cruise ships are required to use tenders in Grand Cayman since the island doesn’t have a pier for large ships.
The Association of Cruise Tourism’s (ACT) Town Hall Meeting took place at John Cumber Primary School Hall this past week as industry officials issued an urgent appeal for cruise berthing facilities at the port.
Since their is no pier to accommodate cruise ships, cruise passengers must use tenders (water shuttles) to visit the island. Port visits are canceled due to weather, especially during the winter or hurricane season.
Cruise passenger numbers continue to drop compared to 2018. In 2023, the island saw 650,000 fewer guests arrive via a cruise ship compared to five years earlier. Last year saw a decline of 838,000 cruisers compared to 2018.
Part of the drop is due to cruise lines building more mega ships than ever before. Due to the amount of guests that these ships carry, they generally avoid ports where you have use tenders.
A Carnival Corporation executive confirmed that new, larger cruise ships are bypassing the port due to the lack of a pier.
In contrast to a port that’s recently added ship berths, Nassau, Bahamas saw a record 5.6 million cruise passengers in 2024, up 1.2 million over the year before.
The debate about a cruise pier at Grand Cayman is not new and has been going on for over a decade. 10 years ago, a unique cable car concept was launched as an alternative to building a pier. The project never moved forward.
Five years ago, Cruise Fever reported that Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean were going to finance a pier that would allow cruise ships to dock at Grand Cayman.
An artist rendering of the piers can be seen below.
Artist rendering of the future pier that is proposed for Grand Cayman.
Unfortunately, the $200 million project never got going and all cruise projects were put on hold or canceled months later due to the 2020 epidemic.
Grand Cayman used to be one of the top five most visited cruise ports in the Caribbean, but has dropped down to 18th.
Ellio Solomon, Executive Program Manager of ACT, gave the following statement:
“The numbers are dwindling, Cayman used to be in the top five destinations. Now we are down to 18. There are 3,000 families who depend on cruise tourism … and if we fail to look out and be our brothers’ keeper and let the cruise industry fail, we are going to have major problems.”
The next Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, arrived in the U.S. for the first time this past weekend after sailing across the Atlantic from Southampton.
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Queen Anne in New York Harbor with Cunard President Katie McAlister and Captain Inger Thorhauge
Queen Anne is Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years. The vessel carries 3,000 passengers and has 15 dining venues.
The visit to New York City is the first stop on the ship’s 107-day world cruise. Cunard has sailed into New York since 1847, longer than any other cruise line.
The cruise line has a storied history of carrying immigrants to America and they have carried 20% of immigrants to the U.S.A.
For the first time in the cruise line’s history, they have two female leaders in command. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge is captain of Queen Anne while Katie McAlister serves as Cunard’s president.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said the following about their newest ships arriving in New York:
“Queen Anne represents the pinnacle of innovation, design, and hospitality for Cunard, and her arrival in New York is an historic milestone for our company. As we celebrate nearly two centuries of maritime excellence, Queen Anne ushers Cunard into a new era of luxury cruising and continues delivering unforgettable experiences that connect people and cultures around the globe.
We are proud to contribute to the record-high1.5 million cruise passengers that travel to NYC bringing $500 million in local economic impact to New York.”
Disney Cruise Line is probably one of the most misunderstood of all of the cruise companies that exist.
So many people assume that a Disney Cruise “isn’t for them”, when in fact, I’m sure they would love it if they gave it a try.
After taking four Disney cruises, I’ve discovered there’s much more to this cruise line than mouse ears and princesses meet-and-greets.
I used to believe all sorts of things about Disney cruises that turned out to be completely wrong. From worrying about constant cartoon characters in my face to assuming I’d need a second mortgage to afford it, these misconceptions nearly stopped me from discovering what’s now become my favourite way to holiday…
1. Disney Cruises Are Over-Disneyfied
Here’s something that really surprised me about Disney cruises – they’re actually very classy! I was worried I’d be walking into a floating theme park, but it’s nothing like that at all.
When I first stepped onto the ship, I noticed how elegant everything looked. The grand entrance hall reminded me of a luxury hotel, with beautiful art deco touches and subtle Mickey Mouse designs that won’t even spot at first glance.
Yes, there are Disney characters around, but they’re not in your face all the time. I love how they pop up for scheduled meet-and-greets or special shows, but then they leave you to enjoy your holiday in peace. It’s perfect – you get those magical Disney moments when you want them, but you can also have a grown-up dinner without Goofy doing the cha-cha next to your table!
The ships themselves are gorgeous, with lots of little nods to maritime history and classic cruise design. The restaurants are particularly lovely – places like Palo and Remy feel just like fancy restaurants you’d find in Paris.
Palo restaurant on Disney Magic
I think Disney’s got it just right. There’s enough magic to make it special, but it’s all done with such style that you never feel like you’re trapped in a cartoon.
2. Disney Cruises Are Too Expensive
I used to think a Disney cruise would break the bank, but doing some in-depth analysis, I’ve found they’re actually quite reasonable when you consider what you get. Let me explain why.
There’s a lot included in your fare – all your meals (and believe me, there’s lots of them!), soft drinks, and tons of fun activities. When I compare this to paying separately for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment at Disney World, the cruise often works out cheaper.
You can make it even more affordable if you’re a bit clever about it. Sailing during school term times, especially in January and September, can save you loads. And if you’re not fussy about your exact room location, you can let Disney pick it for you – they call it a “guaranteed stateroom,” and it’s usually cheaper.
You don’t have to worry about constantly reaching for your wallet once you’re on board. It’s so nice knowing most things are already paid for, and you can just focus on having fun!
I used to think Disney cruises were all about kids running around and non-stop cartoon characters. But after taking a few trips myself, I can tell you that’s not true at all!
The ships have brilliant adult-only spaces where you won’t see a single child. I love spending afternoons at the quiet pool area, where I can read my book in peace or have a little snooze in the sun. And when we stop at Disney’s private islands, there are lovely beaches that are just for grown-ups.
The nightlife’s fantastic too! In the adult district you can enjoy live music, comedy shows and dancing – all without any little ones around.
The food’s amazing as well, especially if you book into one of the speciality restaurants which are exclusively for adults. There are various alcohol tasting events too that are always popular.
So while Disney cruises are brilliant for families, they’re just as good for adults who want a bit of magic in their holiday. You can join in with all the Disney fun when you want to, but there’s always somewhere quiet to escape to when you need it.
4. You’ll Get Bored
Before my first Disney cruise in 2021, I was a little worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do onboard. But oh my goodness, was I wrong! There’s so much happening that my biggest problem now is fitting everything in.
The ship has these brilliant shows – Broadway-style productions that’ll knock your socks off. Plus, there are several cinemas showing all the latest Disney movies as well as your favourite classics.
If you fancy a bit of fun and games, there’s always something on at the D Lounge with trivia, gameshows, arts and crafts and animation classes. The schedule is packed!
My kids and I love Disney’s waterslides too. Instead of one big pool, there are lots of little ones, which kids love!
The really handy thing is the Navigator app. It tells you exactly what’s happening and when, so you won’t miss out on anything you fancy doing. Trust me, by bedtime, you’ll be wondering how to squeeze in everything you want to try!
5. Disney Cruises Are Too Scheduled
Our first Disney cruise was on the Disney Magic and as it was just after the pandemic, everything was pretty scheduled. We were required to book everything on the app, even if we just wanted to say hello to Mickey!
Things have changed a lot since then though, and there’s very little that you need to book in advance – you can just turn up. Apart from a few must-do bits like the safety drill when you first get on board, you’re free to do whatever you fancy.
Take mealtimes, for instance. While there are set dining rooms for dinner, you’ve got loads of choices. If you don’t fancy going to the main dining room at your scheduled time, you can grab something from the poolside food court instead, or order room service.
In fact, I often decide to avoid the crowds by planning my day to be the opposite of everyone else on board. That means going to the pub at noon and riding the water slides in the dark! Read more about my backwards cruise schedule here.
I really love how different it feels from a Disney park holiday. In the parks, you’re always checking your watch for FastPass times or restaurant bookings. But on the ship, everything’s more laid-back. If you miss a show, there’s usually another one later. If you fancy a swim at 10pm, go for it! The pools are open super late.
You get a handy app that shows you everything that’s happening each day, but there’s no pressure to do it all. Some days I’ll pack in loads of activities, and others I’ll just chill out with a book.
6. You’ll Feel Out of Place as a Solo Traveller
Nobody wants to feel like a weirdo taking a cruise full of kids by themselves. But I promise, you won’t feel odd at all. Lots of people cruise solo with Disney.
The adult-only areas are perfect for solo travellers. You can spend many happy hours at the Quiet Cove Pool, chatting with other grown-ups over coffee at Cove Café or in the jacuzzi.
Dining’s really well sorted too. You’ll be seated at a shared table so you can meet people. If you prefer quiet time, you can grab something from the poolside food court or order room service and watch the sunset from your balcony.
Some of my favourite moments were just wandering around the ship on my own schedule, popping into activities whenever I fancied. No compromising, no rushing – just me doing exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. Isn’t that what holidays are all about?
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Final Thoughts
It’s funny how wrong I was about Disney cruises, before I took one. They’re not the over-the-top, budget-busting, kid-crazy experiences many people imagine. Instead, they’re thoughtfully designed holidays that somehow manage to please everyone – from solo travellers to foodies, and from peace-seekers to party-lovers.
If you’ve been putting off a Disney cruise because of any of these myths, I’d say give it a chance. You might just find yourself wondering why you waited so long to experience the magic at sea.
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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.
People ask me all the time what my favourite cruise line is. And while it’s a close call, I have to say Disney.
This may come as a surprise, as I’m not your typical Disney fan. I wouldn’t recognise most of the Princesses and I’ve never seen a Marvel movie. But I do love Disney cruises!
While many people book Disney cruises for the character experiences, there are a large portion of people book them just because Disney Cruise Line offers really great cruises.
They’re not cheap, though. You might pay double or even triple what you would with another cruise line. But I think they’re worth it, and I’m looking forward to my fifth Disney cruise next year.
So, what is it that makes Disney cruise so special? Let me show you…
1. Enchanting Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment at sea, I’ve got to say that Disney Cruise Line absolutely knocks it out of the park.
Every time I watch one of their musicals, I’m blown away by the sheer spectacle of it all. The shows are absolutely incredible – we’re talking proper Broadway-level productions that bring beloved Disney stories to life with stunning costumes, amazing sets and the world’s most talented performers.
One show might end with Mickey-shaped confetti raining from the ceiling, during another ther theatre might fill with bubbles. There’s no way that even the youngest kids could find them boring. I also love that there are enough seats for everyone, so you never have to book ahead or arrive too early to get a seat.
2. Deck Parties
On a Disney cruise, the entertainment doesn’t just happen in the theatre. You can join the most fun parties up on the the deck. The swimming pools convert into deck space and there’s a roped off area at the front for the kids to guarantee that they get a good view.
I love the sailiaway parties. but the Pirate Night is my favourite. Many people bring full pirate costumes, but if you haven’t got space in your luggage then don’t worry – Disney will provide you with a pirate bandana to wear.
Pirate Night ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Imagine standing on deck, watching fireworks explode over the ocean – it’s proper goosebump material!
3. Character Appearances
If you want to meet your favourite characters, a Disney cruise is a much better way to do it than the parks. In the parks, you might queueue for an hour or more to see Mickey and his friends. On the ships, you’ll rarely wait for more than ten minutes.
What makes Disney’s entertainment really special is how they weave those little magical moments throughout your entire cruise. You might be grabbing a coffee when suddenly there’s an impromptu character appearance, or you could be heading to dinner and stumble upon a mini-show in the atrium.
One of our favourite moments on the Disney Dream was when we were queing for a photo with all of the main characters in their Halloween costumes while Stitch was running around causing mischeif and distracting people in the line while his chaperone tried to control him.
4. Movies Galore
While other cruise lines might show the odd film here and there, Disney screens their latest releases in proper cinema settings. Each ship has two cinemas indoors, an outdoor movie screen in the funnel and endless Disney movies on TV.
During our transatlantic cruise, we watched more Disney movies than I have in my whole life! The kids rarely watch TV or movies at home, so it really brough the characters to life.
We particularly loved the outdoor movies. On a hot day, we would watch from the pool, and when it was colder we would snuggle under blankets on the deck chairs.
5. The Best Kids Clubs At Sea
My kids have been lucky enough to take around 20 cruises and they will tell you that Disney Cruise Line has the best kids clubs by far. (They’ll also tell you that Celestyal Cruises has the worst!)
The kids clubs on Disney cruises are huge, with several different spaces themed around different movies and offering different activities. So rather than being told what the activity is at that moment, kids always have a choice of different activities or free play.
Kids are free to move between the different themed areas of the kids club. Younger kids will love the Toy Story area which feels just like you’re stepping into Andy’s room!
The Oceaneer Club accepts kids aged 3 to 12, so siblings can stay together. This is unique to Disney as almost every other cruise line splits kids into different age groups.
The teen clubs are split by age though, and there are three different areas for those aged 11 to 14, 14 to 17 and 18 to 20. That means that teens will only be with those their own age. 11-, 12- and 14-year-olds can choose if they want to be with older or younger friends. No other cruise line offers that flexibility.
The kids clubs are open from about 9 am until midnight. Unlike most others, they don’t close for lunch and you never need to book – your kids can just turn up when they want to.
There are open house sessions too so that the whole family can enjoy the facilities together. Even if you don’t have kids, you can just turn up and play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch!
What I love most is how the counsellors really get to know each child. They’re not just minding the kids; they’re creating genuine connections and ensuring everyone feels special.
6. The Rotational Dining System
The rotational dining system is one of my favourite things about sailing with Disney. Instead of being stuck in the same restaurant every night, you get to move between three completely different themed venues. But here’s the clever bit – your serving team moves with you!
Before long, our servers knew what drinks we usually wanted and that the kids wanted a bowl of cucumber slices for a starter every day!
The food quality is consistently fantastic, and I love how each restaurant has its own unique personality. One night you might be dining in an elegant, Enchanted Garden with twinkling lights and fountains, and the next you’re in an animated dining room where the walls come alive with Disney magic. It’s a theatrical dining experience that you just don’t get on other cruise lines.
7. Casual Dining Options
On Disney cruises, I always love the poolside food court. Here you can get so many different things like tacos, burritos, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, fries, grilled meats and salads.
There’s also a fantastic buffet called Marceline Market. Sadly, this isn’t open in the evening, which is a shame. However, if you fancy something more casual than the Main Dining Room for dinner, you can head to the poolside eatery.
Disney also offers really great room service, which is included in your cruise fare. I highly recommend the plant based chicken tenders. You can even order a plat of Babybel cheeses!
8. Self-Service Ice Cream
Most cruise lines charge extra for ice cream, so of course when you have kids it’s great when it’s free of charge and you never have to say no!
What’s even better than free ice cream, is that on Disney ships you can serve it yourself. There are cones and soft serve machines with all different flavours like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana. It’s so much fun to make your own ice cream cone!
9. Vegan Food
I made a list of the best cruise lines for vegans and Disney is number two. Number 1 is SeaDream Yacht Club and their ships only have around 100 guests, so it’s a bit easier to cater at that scale than on the much larger ships.
If you have a dietary requirement, then each evening the waiter will go through the menu for the next day with you and together you can plan what you’ll have and how you might like to adapt any dishes to make them suitable.
Yes, this is all vegan!
There are also some fantastic meat alternatives onbaord like Beyond burgers, plant-based hot dogs, vegan pepperoni pizzas and omelettes made with Just Egg. For the best vegan breakfasts, head to the 1923 restaurant. Let your server know that you plan to visit the night before, and your breakfast will be fast and fresh for you.
On a Disney Cruise the soft drinks are free. By the pool and in the buffet there are machines so you can help yourselves to all kinds of fizzy drinks. You’ll also get free soft drinks and juices in the restaurants. My kids love the chocolate milk.
Alcohol is pretty pricey, but if you usually go for soft drinks you can save a fortune. If you do prefer beer or wine, the Disney drink packages can save you some money.
You’re also allowed to bring two bottles of wine or six beers per person when you board. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney also allows you to bring on extra drinks in each port of call. You can drink these in your room or on your balcony.
Another nice touch is that you get free pre-dinner cocktails or mocktails on formal night. I’ve seen other cruise lines like P&O Cruises offer a glass of sparkling wine, but Disney is the only cruise line I have known to offer cocktails. And I love that.
11. The Crew Members
From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like royalty – but in this wonderfully warm, friendly way that feels genuinely personal rather than stuffy or forced.
Disney Cruise Line’s crew members go above and beyond to make sure every guest is happy. If you request something, they never say no. They always say ‘let me see if we can make that happen’. And they almost always will.
In the dining room, if you want something that isn’t on the menu, with 12 hours notice, they can do that for you. My kids asked if it would be possible to have a jacket potato with baked beans, so for the next evening our waiter arranged for the potatoes to be ready and the beans to be brought down from the buffet.
And the wait staff don’t just serve the food. They keep the kids entertained with jokes, magic tricls and even origami!
The housekeeping team goes above and beyond too. They don’t just make up your room – they create adorable towel animals and leave little chocolates on your pillow.
The guest-to-crew ratio on Disney cruises is perfect. There always seems to be someone nearby when you need them, but they’re never hovering or making you feel uncomfortable. I love how they manage to strike that perfect balance between attentiveness and giving you space to enjoy your holiday.
12. Stateroom Comforts
I absolutely love how Disney’s thought about every little detail in their staterooms.
My favourite feature has to be the split bathroom setup – it’s an absolute game-changer when you’re travelling with family. While one person’s having a shower, someone else can be using the toilet in the other half. It’s these practical touches that make mornings so much smoother.
The beds are super comfy too – it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. There’s a curtain to seperate the double bed from the kids beds to offer some privacy.
The pull-down bunk has a lovely starry sky painted on the ceiling. And as a surprise, mid way through your cruise the kids bedding will be changed from plain duvets to character themed bedding.
There are too many little touches to mention, from the gorgeous toiletries to the little cable tidy that your stateroom attendant might add to keep your wires neat, everything is spot on.
13. Private Islands
Disney has two private resorts in the Bahamas – Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. They each have their own unique charm, but a day spent at one of these destinations will be the highlight of your cruise.
The island resorts have something for everyone. Whether you want to chill on the adults only beach or splash around with the kids in one of the splash parks, or even get active with a hike or a 5K run, you can do.
14. Adults Only Spaces
Disney cruises are just as popular with adults as they are with kids. If you cruise outside of the school holidays, you can expect to see very few kids on board.
To cater for people who prefer a more sophisticated break, there are large sections of each ship where kids aren’t allowed. There are several bars which are adults-only in the evenings and the speciality restaurants don’t allow children either.
The Quiet Cove Pool is my little sanctuary – no splashing or squealing, just peaceful swimming and sunbathing. It’s also the only place where you’ll find a hot tub.
The Senses Spa features the ‘Rainforest Room’ which is the nicest thermal suite I’ve ever seen. I love the outdoor space on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure which is absolutely huge with two massive hot tubs.
15. Waterslides
My family and I love the waterslides on Disney cruises. Each ship has several different slides so there’s something for everyone.
The AquaDunk slides on the Disney Magic are actually pretty terrifying, but on most ships the slides are more tame! The Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure have ‘water coasters’ which include short movies as part of the experience. And all ships have a yellow slide that kids aged 4 to 14 will love, as well as some smaller slides for toddlers.
The only thing that comes close to Disney’s Magic Bands is Princess Cruises’ Medallion. The magic bands work to open your door, sign kids in and out of kids club and to make purchases onboard – basically everything your cruise card does.
They’re totally optional, but a nice touch for people like me who usually don’t have pockets and constantly misplace their cruise card. The kids love them too, especially when they light up during the shows.
17. Loyalty Benefits
I find that on most cruise ships, the loyalty program never really gives you much. At least that’s the case until you get to the top tiers where you may get free drinks and spa visits.
But on a Disney cruise, your loyalty perks start at the end of your first cruise. While onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to buy a placeholder which will give you a whopping 10% off your next cruise. You can use it for almost any sailing in the next two years. Or if you decide you don’t want to cruise with Disney again, it’s fully refundable.
As a Castaway Club member, you’ll also get a welcome gift on your second cruise and each one after that. Last year I got a lovely beach bag.
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18. The Sense of Community
Disney Cruise Line allows Whatsapp to work on the ship so that guests can message each other for free, without needing a wifi package.
When I took a transatlantic cruise on the Disney Dream, I was part of a WhatsApp community for the cruise that had thousands of other guests in it! Within the community were many different groups, each discussing different things such as seasickness, specialty dining, pin trading, and there was even a group for Ozempic users!
People on Disney cruises love to be kind to each other. Many people hang fish extenders outside their door so that others surprise them with gifts.
There’s also something called ‘pixie dusting’ which involves giving out random gifts to strangers for no reason. My daughter was pixie dusted with this cute little TY toy, which made her so happy!
I found the WhatsApp community to be SO helpful. And I loved that I could choose which group chats I was interested in and join those. The community helped guests to organise activities such as fish extender gifting, LBGTQ+ meetups and an unofficial 5K run around the promenade deck.
I discovered the WhatsApp community via the Facebook group for my cruise. So if you have a Disney cruise booked, I would definitely recommend that you search Facebook for your sailing and see if there’s a WhatsApp group you can join.
18. The Bathroom Amenities
I love the toiletries that you get in your bathroom on a Disney ship. For some reason, most cruise ships don’t provide conditioner, but of course, Disney does, so that’s one less thing to pack.
There’s also shower gel, hand wash and cute soap which has Mickey’s face on it!
You never have to worry about running out of clean towels and you even get a black flannel to take your make-up off with to avoid staining the white ones. Smart.
I also love that in the public restrooms there are machines where you can get tampons and sanitary towels for free!
Most cruise ships don’t offer any vending machines for sanitary protection at all and I’ve heard horrow stories of when people have been caught short at sea and found that the shop doesn’t even sell them! No such worries on a Disney cruise.
Why Disney Is Different
Before I took my first Disney cruise, I imagined them to be loud, brash and busy. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Disney cruises are elegant and luxurious, warm and welcoming and above all, a lot of fun.
The food is better than most ships, the soft drinks are included, and the service is the very best. There are no casinos onboard and no unlimited drinks packages – two things which most cruise lines rely on for a large portion of their income.
So yes, they do a cost more than most family cruises. But in my opinion, a Disney cruise is worth every penny.
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.
As we sail into 2025, Carnival Cruise Line is shaking things up in some pretty big ways!
From fleet expansions and exciting new destinations to farewells that might disappoint some loyal fans, there’s actually a fair amount of change on the horizon for the cruise line.
Not every update will have passengers cheering, but there’s plenty to get excited about – whether you’re a seasoned Carnival cruiser or planning your first Fun Ship adventure.
Let’s dive into the eight biggest changes coming to Carnival Cruise Line in 2025.
1. Integration of P&O Australia into the fleet
In a significant shakeup for Carnival Cruise Line, 2025 will see the end of the P&O Cruises Australia brand, with two of its ships being absorbed into Carnival’s fleet.
Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will be rebranded as Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter, marking a major expansion of Carnival’s presence in the Australasian market.
The transition, set to begin in March 2025, will double Carnival’s year-round operations in the region.
Carnival Adventure will be based in Sydney, alongside Carnival Splendor, while Carnival Encounter will call Brisbane home, joining Carnival Luminosa during peak seasons. Together, these ships are expected to serve nearly 600,000 guests in 2025.
While both ships will undergo redesigns to align with Carnival’s “Fun Ship” vibe, including features like the Fun Squad, Build-a-Bear workshops, and the Carnival Hub app, they’ll retain popular P&O offerings.
Guests can still enjoy Luke’s Bar & Grill, The Edge Adventure Park, and exclusive suite access to the Byron Beach Club.
With itineraries covering destinations like Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, there’ll be so many options for Carnival fans in the region and it’s an exciting time for the fleet as a whole, growing to 29 ships.
2. Introduction of Celebration Key in the Bahamas
Carnival Cruise Line is set to make waves in 2025 with the opening of its newest private destination, Celebration Key, located on Grand Bahama Island.
Designed to immerse guests in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Bahamas, the resort promises a blend of relaxation, fun, and local charm.
Celebration Key will feature five themed “portals,” each offering a unique experience:
Welcome Portal: The starting point of the resort, complete with live music and a giant sandcastle centerpiece.
Family-Friendly Portal: Perfect for families, this zone includes a freshwater lagoon, watersports, racing slides, sports courts, and private cabanas with waterslides.
Adult-Friendly Portal: A lively beach and lagoon area with a swim-up bar, DJ, and an energetic party atmosphere.
Private Club Portal: A tranquil adults-only retreat with an infinity pool and premium dining options for those seeking a quieter escape.
Retail Portal: A shopping haven with duty-free stores, artisanal crafts, and local souvenirs.
The resort is built around a new pier that can accommodate two Excel-class ships, allowing guests to walk straight into the action.
It will debut in July 2025, with itineraries already on sale. Over 10 Carnival ships will visit Celebration Key on voyages ranging from 3 to 10 nights, and it’s expected to host up to 2 million guests annually by 2026.
It’s a great time to visit a brand-new destination and be one of the first guests to try everything out!
3. New European and Caribbean itineraries
One of the big highlights of 2025 for the cruise line will be a series of new itineraries, including an exciting return to Europe and an expanded presence in the Caribbean.
These fresh offerings include more than 100 sailings to Celebration Key, as well as a line-up of European cruises on the Carnival Miracle.
Carnival Miracle will spend the summer of 2025 in Europe, offering 16 cruises ranging from 9 to 15 nights.
Departing from Lisbon, Dover, and Civitavecchia, these voyages will visit iconic destinations such as Iceland, Copenhagen, Greece, Istanbul, and Amsterdam, providing a rare opportunity for Carnival guests to experience Europe.
After its European season, the ship will relocate to Tampa, sailing six to eight-night Caribbean itineraries.
And of the 100 sailings that will visit Celebration Key, there’ll be cruises departing from Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, and New Orleans on 18 different ships, including:
Carnival Horizon, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Sunrise (Miami)
Carnival Vista and Carnival Venezia (Port Canaveral)
Carnival Paradise (Tampa)
Carnival Valor (New Orleans)
Carnival Venezia will also offer three 14-night Carnival Journeys cruises, including two to the Caribbean and one to the Panama Canal.
4. New year-round cruises from Norfolk, Virginia
Starting in February 2025, Carnival Sunshine will make Norfolk, Virginia, its year-round homeport, offering a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Carnival’s new private destination, Celebration Key.
This deployment marks a significant boost to Norfolk’s cruise options and gives passengers more diverse choices without needing to travel to larger ports.
After undergoing a drydock in France, Carnival Sunshine will debut in Norfolk on February 11, 2025, with a five-night cruise to the Bahamas, featuring stops in Freeport and Bimini.
The Sunshine’s 2025 schedule includes:
Eastern Caribbean: Six eight-night cruises between May and July to Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and San Juan.
Bahamas: Nine six-night sailings from March to December, visiting Bimini, Nassau, and Freeport.
Bermuda: Seven six-night summer cruises to King’s Wharf, with an overnight stay and three relaxing sea days, running from July through October.
Celebration Key: From September, three six-night sailings will include Carnival’s new private port in the Bahamas, along with stops in Nassau and Bimini.
With such a wide variety of options, Carnival Sunshine offers something for everyone, from short getaways to longer escapes.
The addition of Norfolk as a year-round homeport is a significant milestone, making it easier for travellers along the East Coast to enjoy Carnival’s signature Fun Ship experience.
5. Expanded Alaska sailings
Carnival Cruise Line is taking its Alaska offerings to the next level in 2025 with an extensive lineup of cruises on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa, alongside unique long-haul Carnival Journeys itineraries.
Operating from Seattle, Carnival Luminosa will sail seven-night cruises to Alaska every Thursday from May 1 to September 11, 2025.
These itineraries include awe-inspiring destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and a stop in Victoria, British Columbia.
Beginning its Alaska season earlier, Carnival Spirit will operate 21 seven-night cruises departing Seattle between April 14 and September 9, 2025, covering similar scenic Alaskan ports.
Special Long-Haul Sailings
Before beginning her Alaskan season, Carnival Luminosa will embark on an extraordinary 29-day voyage from Brisbane, Australia, visiting Japan and Alaska en route to Seattle. Meanwhile, Carnival Spirit will offer unique post-Alaska cruises, including:
A 15-day Hawaii roundtrip from Seattle, stopping in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo, and Victoria.
Two exclusive Carnival Journeys:
A 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Miami, featuring stops in the Azores and Bermuda.
A 15-night Panama Canal journey, visiting Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cabo San Lucas.
6. Other itinerary changes for 2025
Carnival Cruise Line has announced several minor itinerary tweaks for early 2025 (and 2026), affecting a number of ships and voyages.
These changes include adjustments to port orders, modified visit times, and the replacement of some destinations.
Impacted ships include Carnival Freedom, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Pride, Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Firenze.
While most adjustments are relatively small – such as swapping port days or replacing one destination with another – some may inconvenience passengers.
For example, Carnival Firenze’s itinerary change has upset some sports fans, as its visit to Ensenada now falls on Super Bowl Sunday, which guests often prefer to fall on a sea day so they can fully enjoy the whole pre-game build up.
Despite the changes, Carnival has worked to notify guests well in advance where possible, allowing travellers to adjust their plans if necessary.
7. No more AARP gift cards
As of January 1, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line gift cards are no longer available through the AARP Rewards Program.
The program initially offered a 10% discount on Carnival gift cards, but this was reduced to 8% in November 2024, and then further slashed to 5% in December.
While some cruisers still found value in the reduced discount, the complete removal of the gift cards has left many loyal Carnival guests frustrated.
AARP attributed the decision to Carnival, though the cruise line has not provided a clear explanation.
Carnival’s Brand Ambassador John Heald previously commented that AARP operated independently in managing the discounts, but the ultimate decision to discontinue the cards remains unclear.
If you’re not too familiar with the gift cards, it’s important to be clear that a huge number of Carnival cruise guests would use these schemes to get significant discounts.
So their removal is pretty big news – and one of the worse changes for Carnival fans in 2025 by some distance.
8. No more Sandra’s Tours
Sandra’s Cruise Tours, an independent operator that has long offered shore excursions to Carnival Cruise Line guests, has cancelled its entire 2025 season with the cruise line.
Known for offering refunds if a ship misses a port, the company’s practices have drawn scrutiny in the past, with many travellers reporting difficulties in receiving full reimbursements.
Sandra O’Leary, the company’s founder, announced the decision on her website, citing changes in Europe’s tour operator policies as the primary reason.
According to O’Leary, many operators now refuse to offer full refunds when ships miss ports, a risk she no longer wishes to take on.
Despite her claims, the cancellation only applies to Carnival Cruise Line, leaving travellers questioning whether tours will still be offered for passengers on other cruise lines. This selective approach has added to the scepticism surrounding her services, and many Carnival fans are unimpressed.
Carnival’s own shore excursions won’t be impacted but many people prefer to book independent excursions to save money, even with the increased risk of the ship leaving them behind if there are any delays in getting back to the port.
Things that may happen in 2025 (but there’s no guarantee)
1. More info on new ships
Carnival has announced five new ships coming to the fleet between 2027 and 2033, including two more Excel-class ships and then a brand-new class with three ships between 2029 and 2033.
So at some point in 2025, we can probably expect to learn more about some of these ships – especially the first new Excel-class ship since she launches in just two years.
It’s not uncommon for cruise lines to keep some details under wraps until closer to a ship’s launch but I’d be highly surprised if we didn’t at least know the name of the ship by the end of the year.
2. Revamp of the VIFP loyalty program
It’s long been rumoured that Carnival’s VIFP loyalty program could be undergoing a revamp, with potential new tiers as well as a change to the perks that loyal guests can enjoy.
Nothing’s been confirmed, but people have asked John Heald about it in the past and there are no definitive answers as to whether smaller changes are on the way or a complete overhaul of the program.
2025 could be the year for big changes – but we’ll have to wait and see.
3. Price increases
Unfortunately, price increases could be on the way during 2025 for certain features of Carnival cruises.
Firstly, there are plans in place for some cruise destinations, including Mexico and some ports in Europe, to begin levying extra taxes on cruise passengers.
This would likely be passed onto guests, and could see fares rise. It’s not exclusive to Carnival, but would impact any cruise passengers visiting these destinations.
And Carnival raised prices on its Drinks and WiFi packages in December 2024, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the prices then increased again towards the end of the year.
The cruise line took a bit of a battering on social media for making the changes without announcing them in advance this time, so perhaps they’ll revert back to their old methods and give guests a warning, so that they can book their packages early and secure the lower prices.
Something that definitely won’t happen in 2025
One of the most talked-about cruises coming in 2025 doesn’t involve Carnival at all – it’s the dog-friendly cruise Tails of the Seas being organised by Cruise Tails and sailing on Margaritaville at Sea.
Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has been asked about the potential of Carnival hosting their own dog-friendly cruises in future, and has closed the idea down pretty quickly.
So, don’t hold your breath over the idea of a canine-friendly Carnival cruise this year. Or anytime soon.
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Final word
2025 is shaping up to be a year of big changes for Carnival Cruise Line. From exciting new ships and itineraries to the introduction of Celebration Key and expanded Alaska sailings, there’s plenty for cruisers to look forward to.
However, not all news will be welcome – farewells to popular perks like AARP gift cards and the cancellation of Sandra’s Tours will surely disappoint some loyal fans.
Whether you’re a seasoned Fun Ship fan or considering your first Carnival cruise, staying informed about these changes will help you make the most of what’s ahead and make the best of your 2025 Carnival cruise.
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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.
Norwegian Cruise Line just announced a late check-out program, so cruise passengers can enjoy a little more time on the ship and miss the bustle of disembarkation day.
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Let’s dive into this program’s details and see what ships and itineraries can take advantage of it.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Whether it’s boarding a cruise ship or disembarking, there’s usually a rush for cruise passengers to get where they’re going.
But a new program allows passengers to sit back and relax for a while longer, which is great for cruisers with flights later in the day that really aren’t in a rush to get back home.
In a nutshell, the late check-out program will allow passengers to stay on the ship until 1:00 PM, even as new passengers are boarding the ship. But they still must be out of their cabin by 8:30am and cannot go back.
Where will this be available?
This new service will only be available on select ships in the fleet and only for European sailings right now.
The late check-out program will be available on the following ships and dates:
Norwegian Breakaway: March 28 to November 7, 2025
Norwegian Dawn: March 30 to November 2, 2025
Norwegian Epic: May 14 to November 13, 2025
Norwegian Pearl: May 8 to October 15, 2025
Norwegian Prima: May 11 to October 20, 2025
Norwegian Sky: June 4 to December 6, 2025
Norwegian Star: March 31 to November 20, 2025
Norwegian Viva: April 26 to November 28, 2025
What about luggage?
According to Norwegian, guests who use the late check-out program will be able to pick up their luggage that is stored by the cruise line.
It isn’t clear if guests will be able to carry their own luggage off the ship, which makes sense. After all, passengers who use this program will be able to stay on the ship for lunch, and all those extra bags would only get in the way.
Currently, those who carry their own luggage off the ship can get off the ship before most of the groups are called.
How much will it cost?
Yes, there’s a cost that comes with these extra few hours you can spend on the ship.
$49 for adults
$39 per child (ages 3-12)
This program is custom-made for those who have late flights and would rather spend that extra time on the ship than at the airport.
Include the fact that you get another meal on the ship and the extra cost could be well worth it for many without a time-sensitive travel plan.
Royal Caribbean also has a similar type of program. It’s called the “Stay Awhile Program” for guests on certain European cruises.
For a small fee, passengers can remain on the ship until 90 minutes before the ship leaves port, Royal Caribbean manages guests’ luggage during this time, similarly to how Norwegian’s program has been described.
I love a new cruise ship – there’s always something to get excited about. Even if it’s a sister ship to one that’s already sailing, there are normally a few new features, or at least the chance to experience that class of ship in some new destinations.
And in 2025, we’re hardly getting shortchanged – there’s an impressive 16 new cruise ships due to launch that year, although one of them is a little different from anything I’ve heard of before.
Let’s take a look at all the cruise ships that are due to launch in 2025, though be aware, delays aren’t uncommon and some of these could slip into 2026. After all, some of these were originally due in 2024…
1. MSC World America
Cruise line: MSC Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 215,863
Capacity: 6,762
Expected delivery: April 2025
The second World Class ship to launch for MSC Cruises, MSC World America will join MSC World Europa as the largest ships in the fleet.
She’ll also be the biggest MSC Cruises ship to sail around the Caribbean, offering cruises to the eastern and western sides of the region from Miami, including visits to MSC’s private island Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
She’ll continue the trend of recent MSC ships to blend innovative tech with sleek, modern design.
There’ll be more than 30 bars, lounges and restaurants where guests can unwind, along with a host of leisure facilities including the MSC SportPlex with rollerskate arena, and plenty of live entertainment in the theatres and lounges, along with pop-up experiences all over the ship. It’ll also be the first MSC ship with a comedy club!
2. Norwegian Aqua
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 156,000
Capacity: 3,550
Expected delivery: April 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line is set to introduce a new sub-class of ship with Norwegian Aqua. She’ll be the first Prima Plus ship, taking the design of the existing Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Aqua and expanding upon it.
Norwegian Aqua won’t be the biggest ship in the fleet – the Breakaway Plus subclass keeps that title – but she will offer a huge range of exciting features.
Chief among those will be the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first combination rollercoaster and waterslide (not just at sea, but anywhere in the world!).
Guests can also look forward to relaxing in the sumptuous Infinity Beach area, bracing the glass-floored Oceanwalk, and the most luxurious Haven accommodations yet.
Norwegian Aqua will offer sailings from New York, Port Canaveral and Miami, with itineraries including calls at NCL’s private resort Great Stirrup Cay.
3. Allura
Cruise line: Oceania Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 68,000
Capacity: 1,200
Expected delivery: May 2025
Typically, when a cruise line names a class after a ship, it’s the first ship in that class given the naming right. Typically, but not always. Oceania is making an exception, as Allura is set to become the second ship in the new Allura Class, following her sister ship Vista which launched in 2023.
Expect a continuation of everything that makes Oceania’s ships so great, including incredible dining options as part of The Finest Cuisine at Sea.
There’ll also be beautiful luxury accommodations that you can book, and exciting experiences. Allura will have a focus on mixology, with “experiential beverage carts” taking cocktails to whole new levels.
Allura’s inaugural season will include sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean and then around the Americas.
4. American Patriot
Cruise line: American Cruise Lines
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: 125
Expected delivery: June 2025
American Cruise Lines is a smaller cruise company based in the US (and before you say “duh”, Norwegian Cruise Line ISN’T based in Norway, even if it was founded there, so it’s a valid point…).
They offer a mix of coastal and Great Lakes cruises, and American Patriot will be the first of two new Coastal Cat ships, part of a new Patriot Class.
She’s set to offer cruises in the New England region, and will accommodate up to 125 guests across just 56 suites, all of which have a private balcony. Her inaugural sailing will be a 14-night cruise from Boston.
5. Viking Vesta
Cruise line: Viking Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 47,000
Capacity: 998
Expected delivery: July 2025
Viking Vesta will be the 12th ocean cruise ship in the Viking fleet – this is one company that loves to build a large fleet, as we’ve already seen with their river cruise arm.
Like her sister ship Viking Vela, which launches in December 2024, she’ll be larger than the previous 10 ships in the fleet, though not by much – she will still offer a luxury experience for under 1,000 guests.
Expect the same high-class facilities as you’d find across the rest of the fleet, including several bars and lounges, a main dining room and two speciality restaurants, a winter garden and two separate pool decks. She’ll also feature stunning accommodations including the Owner’s Suite, which has its own private library, an ocean-view dry sauna and more.
Viking Vesta will offer cruises all across Europe in her inaugural season.
6. Luminara
Cruise line: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 46,750
Capacity: 452
Expected delivery: July 2025
Luminara will be the third superyacht sailing for Ritz Carlton, the company that also owns several of the most luxurious hotels around the world.
She will have 226 suites available to guests with an incredible space ratio, including two categories of suite that have 1,000 square feet of space.
The ship will feature five restaurants and six bars, as well as a wine vault for the wine connoisseurs out there. She’ll also feature an expanded marina, allowing guests to enjoy even more water sports activities directly from the ship.
Her maiden season will be spent in the Mediterranean.
7. Star Princess
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 175,500
Capacity: 4,300
Expected delivery: August 2025
The third ship named Star Princess to have sailed for Princess Cruises over the years, this latest vessel will set sail in the second half of 2025 and join Sun Princess in the Sphere Class.
It’s expected that she’ll be an almost identical twin, though Princess Cruises may have some surprises up their sleeves as we get closer to her launch.
She’ll have a huge range of bars and restaurants available and 1,500 cabins with balconies. She’ll also be the second Princess ship to be powered by LNG.
The Signature Suites return, as does the impressive dome, where guests can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment throughout their cruise. Her inaugural season will include cruises throughout Europe.
8. Star of the Seas
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean
Gross Tonnage: 250,800
Capacity: 7,600
Expected delivery: August 2025
Royal Caribbean has a habit of making very small adjustments to cruise ship sizes when new ships are launched within a class – so, while it is yet to be confirmed, there’s a good chance that Star of the Seas will be the standalone biggest cruise ship in the world when she arrives in 2025.
Failing that, she’ll share the title with her sister ship, Icon of the Seas.
We do know that Star of the Seas won’t be an identical twin when it comes to the features onboard, but we don’t yet know what all of the differences will be.
She will still retain many of the features that Icon of the Seas guests already love, including the Category 6 waterpark, the Swim & Tonic bar and so much more.
Star of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral and offer cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with every cruise including a visit to the private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Originally scheduled to launch in December 2023, Brilliant Lady was unfortunately delayed in September 2023 due to a combination of staffing issues, supply chain problems and construction delays at the shipyard.
She was then scheduled for early 2024 but that was pushed back once more – and now she’s set to debut in September 2025.
While it meant disappointment for a number of passengers already booked, it also means more time to get hyped about this incredible new ship.
With 20 onboard eateries, ranging from Michelin-style formal dining to casual snack venues for those late-night cravings, and with plenty of choices for bars and nightclubs, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
10. Celebrity Xcel
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 141,000
Capacity: 3,260
Expected delivery: November 2025
The next and final ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class is Celebrity Xcel, set to debut in the Caribbean in late 2025.
While we don’t know a huge amount of detail yet. Celebrity Cruises has said that the ship will blend all the best bits of the Edge Class with some new experiences that will “change the game all over again”, so I can’t wait to see what those involve.
You can view the Celebrity Xcel deck plans already but they are mostly covered up with a “Coming Soon” notice. It does confirm that the Magic Carpet, the moving bar that’s attached to the side of the ship, will be present.
11. American Pioneer
Cruise line: American Cruise Lines
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: 125
Expected delivery: November 2025
The second of the new Patriot Class ships for American Cruise Lines, American Pioneer will debut six months after her sister ship the American Patriot. Like her sister, she’ll offer comfortable accommodation in the biggest suites for the cruise line.
The new ships will also feature the very best in stabilisers, designed by Rolls Royce, along with special designs to make sure that the coastal cruises are as smooth as can be, even when the seas aren’t particularly calm.
American Pioneer will sail around the Florida Coast and Florida Keys, with the maiden voyage being a 14-night cruise from Jacksonville to St. Petersburg.
12. Star Seeker
Cruise line: Windstar Cruises
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: 224
Expected delivery: December 2025
A later addition to this list, Windstar Cruises waited until April 2024 to announce two new additions to its Star Class. The first, Star Seeker, will join in 2025 with sister ship Star Explorer following a year later.
These luxury small ships will offer exceptional comfort, relaxing dining and café spaces, and of course the iconic watersports platform that is featured across the Windstar fleet – perfect for enjoying some thrilling activities while exploring the oceans.
13. Disney Adventure
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 208,000
Capacity: 6,000
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
In 2016, Disney Cruise Line announced two new ships that would ultimately become the Wish Class, with a third ship confirmed in 2017.
But amongst that, an opportunity arose – Dream Cruises, a company owned by Genting Hong Kong, went out of business and put its under-construction ship Global Dream up for sale. Disney bought it, and is now putting the finishing touches to what will be the Disney Adventure.
She’s set to be the biggest Disney cruise ship by quite some margin – the Wish Class ships are all around 144,000 GT,
While we don’t know a huge amount about the ship, we know that she will be based out of Singapore for at least five years, though it’s not clear if that will be year-round. And details announced in June 2024 revealed the main areas of the ship, even if it’s not clear exactly what attractions or restaurants they will include yet.
14. Disney Destiny
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 144,000
Capacity: 4,000
Expected delivery: November 2025
That third Wish-class ship I mentioned above is also due for delivery in 2025, and is set to be called Disney Destiny.
She will have a Heroes & Villains theme, and will feature a range of encounters with characters from movies like The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmatians – plenty for guests young and old to get excited about!
She’ll have a new version of the AquaMouse, a water attraction, this time themed around a Silly Song. Plus guests can enjoy a pirate-themed sports pub, a tower suite themed around Iron Man and so much more.
15. Four Seasons Yacht
Cruise line: Four Seasons
Gross Tonnage: TBA
Capacity: Approximately 200
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
Four Seasons has decided to follow in the footsteps of Ritz Carlton and move from the luxury hotels game into the world of cruising, with the launch of its first superyacht later in 2025.
But there’s a catch, which makes this quite unique from a cruising perspective – for the initial season at least, cruises are by invitation only.
So, you won’t be able to book onto a cruise unless Four Seasons invites you, with priority going to loyal hotel guests.
This is shaping up to be a seriously special ship. She is being designed around immersive luxury experiences and will have just 95 suites, with the best being the Funnel Suite.
This stunning accommodation option will be the first four-storey suite at sea, with a huge outdoor terrace and an incredible 9,500 square feet of space. That’s considerable, seeing as the suite is designed for a maximum of six guests.
The ship will have a massive 20-metre (66 feet) pool, a marina that stretches the entire length of the ship, and plenty of space to relax with a glass of Champagne and some fine dining. She will sail in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean when she launches.
16. World Seeker
Cruise line: Mystic Cruises
Gross Tonnage: 9,934
Capacity: Approximately 200
Expected delivery: TBA 2025
The World Seeker is a delayed cruise ship that is expected to launch at some point in 2025. She’s designed as an expedition ship, and will offer cruises in the polar regions.
Mystic Cruises doesn’t reveal a huge amount about its fleet of ships, even those already sailing for the cruise line.
But you can expect luxurious service and comfortable accommodations in both balcony and infinite suites, and signature dining with menus designed by renowned chefs.
I’ll keep you updated if the cruise line reveals any more information on the ship, including a more specific debut date.
To conclude
There’s a real mix of ships due to launch in 2025, including a new biggest ship in the world, some fantastic luxury cruise ships, and some that are packed with family-friendly activities.
It’s going to be an exciting year, that’s for sure, so let’s cross our fingers that all the ships on this list launch as planned.
Bookings are already open for many of them, so don’t hang about – inaugural seasons sell out quickly and you’ll want to secure your place if you want to be one of the first onboard.
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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.
2025 is shaping up to be a big year for Royal Caribbean – and a lot of that will be down to some of the changes on the horizon.
A brand new ship is currently being worked on, while another popular ship will get a long overdue renovation. There’s a new destination to get excited about, and a much-loved favourite ship returns to the UK too.
Let’s dive into the six biggest changes you can look forward to in 2025.
1. Introduction of Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is set to make a splash when she launches in August 2025.
As the second ship in the Icon Class, it’s clear that Star will share a lot of similarities with Icon of the Seas, but there are exciting tweaks and enhancements that are sure to make this new addition stand out.
While both ships are aimed at delivering the ultimate family vacation, Star of the Seas will take things up a notch, especially in the family-friendly department.
One of the major updates is the expansion of the Surfside neighbourhood. On Icon, this space catered to younger children, but Star will broaden its appeal to include older kids, up to age 10.
Expect even more fun, interactive features in areas like Splashaway Bay and Playscape, making it an exciting place for kids of all ages.
Dining options are getting a refresh too. The beloved Empire Supper Club will transform into the Lincoln Park Supper Club, bringing a Chicago-inspired menu and vibe to the table.
Plus, Pier 7, a California-inspired restaurant on Icon, will be replaced with a completely new concept, ensuring a fresh experience for regular cruisers.
For the adventurous, Star will offer even more thrilling attractions. With six waterslides onboard, plus a gravity-defying obstacle course, there’s no shortage of excitement.
(Just a note – Royal Caribbean loves to talk about the “20” waterslides you can enjoy on a Star of the Seas cruise but it’s a little cheeky, since it’s including 14 that are ashore on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Technically true, but they love to make it sound like the ship has 20 slides. It doesn’t.)
Royal Caribbean is also enhancing the Aquadome Market with even more food options, so there’s plenty of deliciousness to keep you fuelled up between adventures.
And let’s not forget the ultra-luxurious Ultimate Family Townhouse, which will get an upgrade to better suit the needs of today’s families. This three-floor suite includes everything from a movie room to a private backyard leading right to Surfside – perfect for a bit of extra space and fun.
Star of the Seas may share a class with Icon, but with these changes, it’s bound to deliver its own brand of unforgettable adventure!
2. Launch of Royal Beach Club in Nassau
Royal Caribbean is about to redefine the beach day experience with the opening of its first-ever Royal Beach Club, set to debut on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, in December 2025.
This exclusive, all-inclusive retreat promises a beach day like no other – designed for Royal Caribbean guests who are looking for the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and island vibes.
It’s not free, though. It’s a paid excursion with a capped number of guests – this isn’t a resort like Perfect Day at CocoCay that everyone can enjoy.
The Royal Beach Club spans 17 acres on the western end of Paradise Island, just a short water taxi ride from where the cruise ships dock.
It’ll feature a mix of beautiful beaches, three pools with swim-up bars, and a variety of dining options, including four restaurants offering both local Bahamian flavours and international favourites.
The standout feature? The world’s largest swim-up bar, aptly named The Floating Flamingo, located in the Party Cove, where you can groove to live DJ beats while enjoying tropical cocktails.
For a truly luxurious experience, guests can opt for the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story retreat complete with a thrilling slide and personal attendant service. The cruise line definitely loves those “Ultimate Family” options – and likes to charge quite the price for them!
With plans for more Royal Beach Clubs to open in Cozumel and beyond, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a game-changing addition to Royal Caribbean’s destinations portfolio.
Allure of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships but she definitely needs a little bit of TLC.
She was due to get some upgrades back in 2020 as part of the cruise line’s Amplification programme but, for obvious reasons, that had to be cancelled.
Since then, fans have eagerly been awaiting news of a renovation and in March 2025, the ship will finally get it.
This isn’t just a lick of paint. Instead she’s getting a host of new additions to put her on par with her sister ships, including:
New waterslides and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide
A redesigned pool deck with a Caribbean theme
A new kids’ aquapark
The Pesky Parrot tiki bar and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
New restaurants – Mason Jar and El Loco Fresh
A new escape room
Laser tag
Upgraded kids’ and teens’ clubs
New suite accommodations
At a total cost of over $100 million, it’s a proper refurbishment that will make the ship sparkle – just in time for her summer season sailing around the Med from Barcelona and Civitavecchia.
Starting in 2025, Royal Caribbean will introduce new cabin codes as part of a room recategorisation aimed at simplifying the booking process and offering more tailored options for different types of cruisers.
This change will help travel agents and guests easily identify the right rooms, particularly for those with large families or specific needs.
Key changes include new options for large families, with separate cabin categories for triple and quad occupancy Interior and Oceanview rooms.
There will also be new high-occupancy guarantee staterooms and expanded categories for Junior Suites and Balcony Staterooms.
One notable change is the separation of aft balcony cabins and Junior Suites into distinct categories. The Sunset Junior Suite will be a new addition, making it easier for guests to find these sought-after rooms.
These updates mark the first year the new room categories will be in effect, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the new terminology when booking your next cruise. This reorganisation is designed to make your search for the perfect cabin quicker and more straightforward.
5. Independence of the Seas makes long-awaited UK return
This one isn’t ‘news’, but it is a big change for the UK cruise market, and one that’s highly anticipated.
Independence of the Seas is making her return to Europe for 2025, offering sailings from Southampton throughout the summer period.
She last sailed from the UK in 2019, having been replaced by Anthem of the Seas once cruising resumed in 2021 after the global shutdown of 2020.
‘Indy’ has always been a popular ship for the market and there are some exciting itineraries available around Europe for guests in the UK to enjoy. Many of which still have cabins available – so it’s not too late to book if you’re interested.
Unfortunately for Indy fans, 2025 is the only chance to sail on her for now if you want to cruise from the UK. It’s been confirmed that 2026 will see Liberty of the Seas, her Freedom-class sister ship, take her place in Southampton.
Towards the end of 2025 we will probably get an announcement on plans for summer 2027 – watch this space to see which ship will sail from the UK then.
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6. Reveal of the third ship in the Icon Class
2025 is definitely the year of Star of the Seas, as I’ve already mentioned. But once she launches and the excitement begins to slightly die down, all eyes will look ahead to the next Icon-class ship, due in 2026.
We already know she’s coming, but that’s about all we know for now. So 2025 will be the year that we learn some more details on what we can expect from the ship.
At the very least, we’ll learn her name. Any bets you’d like to place?
A fourth Icon-class ship is due in 2027 (and there’s a seventh Oasis-class ship following in 2028) but I wouldn’t expect too many details on those ships to be revealed this year.
Things that might happen in 2025 for Royal Caribbean
There are a couple more things that could happen this year for the cruise line – but there are no guarantees.
New class of ship formally announced
For a long time, it was an open secret that Royal Caribbean was working on a new class of cruise ship.
That was essentially confirmed by CEO Michael Bayley during a talk onboard Utopia of the Seas, when he spoke briefly about the Discovery class – although barely. The exact quote is “The Discovery Class will be really exciting, but we can’t say anything about it.”
Maybe 2025 will be the year that the lid is lifted and we learn more about these new ships. It’s expected that the Discovery Class will be a smaller ship class, designed for ports that the giant ships such as the Icon-class and Oasis-class ships can’t access.
But who knows what else will be included? I’m sure we’ll learn something about the class this year, and hopefully we’ll get a full announcement.
Price increases
Not all changes are good changes, and there’s a reasonable chance that we could see price increases for Royal Caribbean in 2025, including for drinks, drink packages, and WiFi packages.
Price increases happen relatively frequently on most cruise lines, usually once a year with most cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean’s package prices are a little harder to pin down because they vary by ship and itinerary. There’s no fixed price for a drink package.
The best bet, in case there are price increases this year, is to book any packages you want at the earliest opportunity. That locks in your price.
And then, if there’s a special offer, you can always cancel and rebook the package to take advantage of any lower prices.
Final word
With the introduction of Star of the Seas and the debut of the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, there’s no shortage of exciting new offerings to enhance your holiday.
Add to that the major renovation of Allure of the Seas and the changes to cabin categories, and it’s clear that Royal Caribbean is focused on delivering even more unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or booking your first Royal Caribbean voyage, these updates are bound to make your 2025 cruise extra special.
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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.
When planning a cruise holiday, you might wonder – what is deck 2 on a cruise ship? Is it a good choice or should you steer clear?
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It has its pros and cons, like most things, and much depends on personal preferences and what you value most in your holiday experience.
Deck 2 isn’t inherently bad, but it’s certainly different from other decks. It is positioned lower in the ship, which affects both the views and the proximity to certain amenities.
If those factors are critical to your holiday enjoyment, you might consider a higher deck. But if you’re more interested in a unique, up-close experience with the ocean and potentially cheaper accommodation, then Deck 2 could very well be a great choice for you.
Not sure? I’ve stayed on Decks 1 and 2 on several cruise ships, so let me explain what you can expect.
How Cruise Ship Decks Are Numbered
Understanding how cruise ship decks are numbered can help you make an informed decision about your cabin location.
Decks are numbered from the bottom up. So is Deck 1 the lowest? Not always!
It depends on how the ships number their decks. For example, on Excellce class ships like Carnival Celebration, P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Costa Smeralda, the lowest deck that’s accessible to guests is Deck 4. Deck 1 is the lowest deck on the ship and is only open to crew members.
But, on some other ships, Deck 1 is the lowest guest deck. There are decks below that, but they will either have numbers like 0, -1 and -2, or letters like A, B and C.
Deck numbers on Fred. Olsen’s Bolette
If you’re not sure how the decks are numbered on your cruise ship, you can search Google for the ship’s name plus “deck plan” to see a diagram of the layout and deck numbers.
Is Deck 2 On A Cruise Ship Underwater?
A common misconception is that Deck 2 on a cruise ship is underwater. While it is lower than many of the other decks, it is not submerged. The rooms and corridors on Deck 2 are well above the waterline, so there’s no need to worry about sleeping under the sea!
There are a few factors that some people might see as downsides to staying on Deck 2. These are largely related to its location on the ship and the types of rooms available. However, remember that ‘bad’ is subjective, and what one person dislikes, another might enjoy.
Distance From The Pools and Buffet
One potential drawback of staying on Deck 2 is that it’s usually a bit further from popular facilities like the swimming pools and buffet. This means you might need to take a lift or climb a lot of stairs to reach these areas. If easy access to these amenities is important to you, you might prefer a cabin on a higher deck.
On the other hand, some people appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with being a little removed from the hustle and bustle. You might find that the slight inconvenience of a longer walk is worth the tranquillity of your lower-deck location. Again, it all depends on your personal preferences.
Proximity to and Crew Areas
Deck 2 on a cruise ship is often located near the areas where the crew members work and reside. This can sometimes result in unexpected noise or activity at odd hours, depending on where your cabin is located exactly.
Being close to the crew areas can also offer a unique perspective on the running of the ship as you can peek behind open doors and see where the laundry goes or the various control panels that crew members sometimes access down here. It allows you to see the hard work that goes into making your cruise experience enjoyable. However, if you are seeking a quiet and undisturbed vacation, this proximity may not be ideal for you.
Lack Of Balcony Rooms
Another potential downside of staying on Deck 2 is the lack of balcony rooms. Many cruise ship guests enjoy the luxury of stepping out onto a private balcony to take in the ocean views. Unfortunately, rooms on Deck 2 are always either inside or ocean view cabins. Deck 2 is just too close to the water for a balcony to be possible.
The exception to this is river cruise ships which have only three or four decks. Most river cruise ships don’t have balconies. But when we stayed on A-Rosa SENA, we did have a balcony on Deck 2. It was only about a foot above the waterline! Bit of course, there are no waves on a river so that wasn’t an issue.
While balcony rooms provide a more luxurious experience, their absence on Deck 2 does not necessarily make it a bad choice. Inside cabins can be cosy and comfortable, offering a quiet retreat from the bustling activities on the ship. Yet, if having a private outdoor space is important to you, Deck 2 might not meet your expectations.
Some Windows Are Very Small
Another point to consider is that some rooms on Deck 2 have smaller windows, often referred to as portholes. These portholes may not provide the same panoramic views as the expansive windows found on higher decks.
When it comes to ocean view cabins, the difference between having a small porthole above your bed and having a large picture window with a seat beneath it so you can look out is quite a lot.
If you’re someone who loves admiring the ocean from the comfort of your room, this could be a significant drawback, so be sure to do your research to see what kind of window your room comes with.
If you are a light sleeper or simply prefer a quieter environment, it’s worth bearing in mind when choosing your accommodation on the ship.
Why I Like Staying On Deck 2
Despite these potential downsides, there are plenty of reasons why I like staying on Deck 2…
It’s Close To The Ocean
One of the main attractions of staying on Deck 2 of a cruise ship is its proximity to the ocean which offers a unique and intimate connection with the sea.
This might not seem like a big deal at first glance, but it can make a significant difference to your cruise experience. When your room is close to the ocean, it provides a sense of peace and tranquillity which is hard to find on the higher decks, amidst the hustle and bustle of the cruise activities and the blare of music from the lido deck above.
Cheaper Rooms
Another benefit of choosing Deck 2 is that the rooms are often cheaper, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers like myself.
As someone who prefers the simplicity (and safety) of an inside or ocean view room to a balcony room, Deck 2 is a smart choice. Not only do you get to save on your travel budget, but you also get a comfortable room with all the needed amenities. It’s a win-win situation.
Proximity To The Gangway
Deck 2’s proximity to the gangway makes embarking and disembarking the ship particularly convenient. When you get back to the ship after a long day’s sightseeing, it’s great to be able to embark on Deck 2 and walk just a few steps to your room to drop off your heavy bags.
This can save you a lot of time, especially on a busy cruise with multiple stops.
Is Deck 1 or 2 Better On A Cruise?
Choosing between Deck 1 and Deck 2 on a cruise ship is a matter of personal preference as both decks have their own advantages. Deck 1 might be located closer to the engine room, which can sometimes result in more noise. Deck 2 is usually closer to the gangway, making it easier to get on and off the ship during port stops.
The rooms on Deck 2 might be slightly more expensive than those on Deck 1. Neither deck is a bad choice, so I’d weigh up the pros and cons. But if both were the same price, I’d go for Deck 2.
On river cruise ships, the difference between Deck 1 and Deck 2 becomes much more apparent. Deck 1 rooms are mostly below the waterline, which means that windows are usually very small and located above shoulder height. On Deck 2, however, you’ll have full-size windows and possibly even a Juiet or step-out balcony.
FAQs
Many cruisers have questions about specific cruise lines, and these are very valid questions as what you can expect from Deck 2 varies quite a lot. So here goes…
What Is Deck 2 on a Carnival Cruise?
On most carnival cruise ships (aside from the newest ones where Deck 2 is a crew deck) Deck 2 has only cabins. These may be inside cabins or have a porthole or ocean view. Some ships feature the Family Harbor Lounge on Deck 2, making this the ideal spot for families to stay.
What Is Deck 2 on a Disney Cruise?
Deck 2 is a great deck to choose on Disney cruise ships. Deck 3 is where you’ll find a lot of the facilities like the theatre, atrium and restaurants, so you won’t have far to walk at all. On the newest ships, Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, the kids’ club is on Deck 2, making this a really convenient place for families to stay.
What Deck Level Is Best On A Cruise Ship?
Choosing the best deck level on a cruise ship often comes down to personal preferences. Different decks offer unique advantages and disadvantages, so it largely depends on what you value most during your cruise trip.
Higher decks, for instance, provide excellent ocean views and are close to pool areas and buffets. But they may also be more prone to the ship’s movements, which could be a problem if you’re sensitive to motion sickness.
Additionally, rooms on higher decks can be more expensive. Lower decks are not only more stable, but rooms are often cheaper. Depending on the ship though, they might be further away from dining and entertainment venues, and noise from the engine and other machinery could potentially be an issue.
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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.
It’s a question which is asked a lot – are inside or outside cruise cabins best? Once you’ve chosen your cruise ship, destination and dates, one important question you’ll be faced with is which cabin type to choose.
I’ve booked a lot of cruises with my children and almost always booked an inside room. However, on one particular cruise, I would happily pay double for a balcony.
Read on to find out why I believe that an interior cruise room is one of the best cruise ship cabin types for families. And under which circumstances they might not be.
What is an Inside Cabin on a Cruise?
An inside cabin is a stateroom located in the centre of the ship, with no windows or balcony to the outside. Inside cabins offer no natural light and for that reason, they are cheaper than any other type of cruise cabin.
There are four main cruise ship cabin types to choose from:
Inside Cabin – no windows or balcony
Outside Cabin – has a window
Balcony Cabin – has a balcony
Suite – a larger cabin with separate living and sleeping areas
Technically, outside cabins, balcony cabins and suites are all classed as outside cabins, as they are located on the outside of the ship (usually). An inside cabin is on the inside of the ship.
Depending on the width of the ship, there will be two rows of outside cabins on each deck, with up to five inside cabins across the middle.
The larger the ship, the more inside cabins there will be. Small, luxury ships sometimes have no inside cabins. There are also no inside cabins on river cruise ships as they are not wide enough to accommodate them.
Are There Family Rooms on Cruise Ships?
Carnival Vista Family Stateroom
Most cruise ship cabins sleep up to four people. You’ll usually have either double or twin single beds and then extra beds which are either sofa beds or top bunk beds which pull down from the ceiling. These are also known as Pullman beds, after the inventor, George Pullman.
If you want a ‘family’ cabin in terms of separate bedrooms for the kids and adults, your options will be either:
Interconnecting cabins – two cabins with a door in between them
A family suite – large accommodation with a bedroom for the adults and either a second bedroom or sofa bed in the living area for the kids
A curtain – some standard cabins have a curtain to divide it for a bit of privacy
Royal Caribbean inter-connecting cabin
The Best Type of Cruise Cabin for Families
This is, of course, a matter of personal preference, but I would almost always choose an inside cabin. However, I do know people who wouldn’t cruise if they couldn’t have a balcony.
There are some cruises where I would only cruise with a balcony, but for the majority of sailings, I believe that an inside cabin is best, especially when travelling with children.
Disney Magic Inside Stateroom
6 Reasons to Choose an Inside Cabin for a Family Cruise
1. Inside Cabins are Cheaper
The price difference between inside cabins and balcony cabins varies from a couple of hundred pounds, up to around double the lead-in price.
Think about how you could spend the money you save by booking an inside cabin – it could buy your drinks, your excursions, or even another cruise! If I had the choice between a 7-night cruise with a balcony or a 14-night cruise in an inside cabin it would be a no-brainer!
You should think about how much time you plan to spend sitting on your balcony during a cruise that will be packed full of exciting things to do.
For example, If you pay an extra £300 per person for a balcony on a seven-night cruise, and spend an hour per day sitting on it, that costs you £42 per person, per hour. If you had to insert £84 in cash to open the balcony doors every day, you probably wouldn’t do it, would you?
2. Inside Cabins are Often the Same Size as Outside Cabins
Aside from the extra space on the balcony, which usually just about fits two chairs, you don’t often get much extra space inside your room by booking a balcony cabin. Whilst you may get a few extra square feet, often the cabins are very similar in size.
If you’re keen to have more space, you should consider a ‘larger inside’ cabin, which will have more space than a balcony cabin, as well as being cheaper.
3. Inside Cabins are Safer
People going overboard on cruise ships is very rare, but it has happened. Balconies can be dangerous places for children of all ages, whether it’s a curious toddler climbing up on a chair close to the railing, or a reckless teen attempting to climb over to the balcony next door.
Children should never, ever, be left unattended on a balcony of any sort, whether that be at home, in a hotel room or on a cruise ship.
The doors to balconies are usually heavy with high-up locks to prevent young children from going out on the balcony whilst the adults are asleep or in the bathroom. However, that’s not always the case, as this photo of my then-six-year-old opening the top lock demonstrates!
MSC Virtuosa
On some ships, you can also request balcony nets which make it difficult (but not impossible) for children to attempt to climb the railings. However, the only 100% safe way to avoid accidents on balconies, is not to have one.
4. Inside Cabins Can Be Completely Dark
As an inside cabin has no windows, when you turn off the lights it is completely black. I love sleeping in total darkness and I wish I could achieve this at home. (If you know of any blackout curtains which do this, please let me know!)
As we all know, most young children are early risers, waking up with the sun, even if that is at 5 am. However, on holiday, many of us let our children stay up much later than they would at home.
Sleeping in a completely dark room is an ideal way to ensure that the whole family gets enough sleep and wakes up fresh the next day. If your family all go to bed at 11 pm, the total darkness means that you can easily sleep in until 9 am and the children will be none the wiser.
If you need a bit of light for bathroom trips or to help with any fears, I recommend taking a small plug-in night light. Either that or leave the bathroom light on with the door slightly ajar.
5. Inside Cabins are More Private
Balcony cabins are rarely private. You can often see the people on the next balcony a little bit, and, particularly if you choose an aft balcony, people may be able to look down on to you.
When you’re in port, the balcony certainly isn’t private, so you’ll want to make sure you’re clothed before opening that door in the morning!
Inside cabins, on the other hand, offer total privacy. If you want to wander around starkers, that’s entirely up to you.
6. Inside Cabins Make You Experience More
I find that an inside cabin gives you a little push to get out of your cabin and up on the deck.
On the deck, you’ll enjoy better views, and find more comfortable loungers and armchairs than the ones on your balcony. As your ship leaves each port, there are often sail-away parties, with a fantastic atmosphere that you’ll miss out on if you stay on your own balcony.
P&O Cruises Great British Sailaway Party
Most cruise ship balconies are only big enough for two chairs, meaning that not everyone in the family can enjoy it at the same time. Do you want your kids to be sitting inside the stateroom watching TV while you’re on the balcony, or would you rather be up on deck enjoying the scenery together?
4 Times You Should Definitely Choose a Balcony Cabin
Whilst I strongly believe that inside cabins are the best for families, there are times when the advantages of a balcony cabin make it the best option for a family cruise. These are as follows.
1. You’re Cruising to a Scenic Destination
Confession time… I have booked a balcony cabin for a cruise. I broke my own golden rule – ‘always book an inside cabin’. Let me tell you why…
The cruise which we booked was to the Norwegian Fjords. I had never been to Norway before, but I knew the scenery is absolutely beautiful and I didn’t want to miss any of it.
The decision was justified too!
The Norwegian Fjords
On a Mediterranean cruise, you might call at a new port every other day, with the ship arriving in port in the early hours of the morning. However, in Norway, your ship could call at multiple ports in one day.
There are also cruise-bys where the ship sails past the scenery but you don’t get off. A balcony means that we maximised our time spent doing the one thing we’re heading to Norway for – witnessing the stunning scenery.
In summer in Norway, it doesn’t get dark until very late in the evening. If you cross the Arctic Circle, the sun never dips below the horizon all night – a phenomenon known as the ‘Midnight Sun’. A balcony allowed us to put the children in bed and then sit out with a glass of wine as we watched the beautiful sunsets.
2. You Suffer From Claustrophobia
If you don’t like to feel enclosed and go out of your way to avoid places like lifts, caves and crowds, then it would be wise to opt for a balcony cabin, or at the very least, one with a window.
Many people say that it’s ‘balcony or bust’ when it comes to cruising and claustrophobia is one excellent reason why you might be of that opinion.
Personally, I like the cosiness of an inside cabin. Growing up, I once had a bedroom that wasn’t quite big enough for a single bed (I had a miniature bed) and I liked my cosy little cave. But that’s just me! If you prefer a light and airy atmosphere, definitely consider a balcony.
3. Your Baby Will Only Nap in Bed
When he was a toddler, my son would only nap in the car or a pram. It was a bit of a pain at home that we had to leave the house every day so he could sleep. However, it was a dream on holiday – two laps of the walking track in a pushchair and he was fast asleep.
However, I know that many babies and toddlers are the opposite, and will in fact only take a nap in a cot in a darkened room. If this sounds familiar, then a balcony will be incredibly valuable. If you’re going to be confined to your cabin for one to two hours each afternoon, having a balcony where you can sunbathe with a book while your child sleeps will make a huge difference to how much you enjoy this time.
Cruise lines often have promotions to encourage people to book balcony cabins. Most ships have way more balcony cabins than they do inside cabins, and inside cabins are a lot cheaper, which can mean that they sell out first.
When this happens, the cruise line has two options:
Get current passengers to upgrade (either for free or for a reduced rate)
Offer an incentive to get future bookers to choose a balcony
In the first scenario, some cruise lines surprise passengers with free-of-charge upgrades to free-up the cheaper cabins for new bookers. Others, such as Royal Caribbean, offer a system where passengers are invited to ‘bid’ for an upgrade. The more the passenger bids, the more likely they are to secure the upgrade.
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, I was offered the chance to bid on a balcony cabin, with the starting bid set at £20 per person, per night. Not for me, thanks! But if you get the bidding email and it sounds good value, then go for it!
In the second scenario, marketing promotions are created, with offers such as ‘free drinks on balcony staterooms and above’.
If you’re intending to purchase a drinks package anyway, this can be a good deal, as it can mean that the balcony cabin can work out to be a similar price to an inside cabin. However, look at the prices carefully to make sure this is good value.
Unfortunately, these promotions are much more common on cold-weather cruises, where people tend to be less bothered about paying extra for a balcony.
Alternative Stateroom Types to Consider
Aside from the four main cabin types of inside, outside, balcony and suite, there are a few rarer cabin types that you shouldn’t overlook if you spot that they are available. These are all priced in between an inside and a balcony and might offer the perfect cabin for you.
Interior Balcony
Royal Caribbean interior balcony
Not all balconies overlook the ocean. Some of Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships have a big space in the middle where you’ll find a promenade and park.
We once stayed in an interior balcony stateroom when we sailed on Allure of the Seas. To be honest, for us, it was a complete waste of money – we barely ever went on it! Sure, it’s great if you like to people-watch, but I find that there’s much more fun to be had up on deck. Plus, these balconies have zero privacy – so people may well be watching you as much as you’re watching them.
Virtual Balcony
Also available on certain Royal Caribbean ships, virtual balcony staterooms are inside staterooms with an 80-inch HD screen that shows a real-time view of the ocean outside. There’s a curtain to conceal the screen and you can listen to the sounds of the ocean should you wish. These cabins only sleep two people, so are not ideal for families.
My tip is to switch the TV in your inside stateroom to the ship’s webcam channel and create your own virtual window, for free.
Panoramic Ocean View
Royal Caribbean’s Panoramic Ocean View Suite
Some cruise ship cabins and suites have panoramic ocean views. This means that there is a huge wall of glass along one side of the room. I like this idea, as they’re safe for children, yet you can still enjoy a great view of the ocean. Plus, if you like to watch the waves from the comfort of your bed, the view will be undoubtedly better than from the bed of a balcony stateroom.
Which Cabin Type Will You Choose for Your Next Cruise?
So you’ve heard my view on the topic of which cabin type is best. But what do you think? Are you tempted by an interior cabin cruise? Let me know which cruise ship rooms you prefer and why in the comments below.
Once you’ve chosen a cabin type, you’ll want to make sure that you pick the best cabin number and avoid any locations that might be noisy or have other problems. If you’ve already booked but want to upgrade, here’s how.
You can use my free cabin checklist to help you find the best cabins. Just enter your email address and you’ll receive it straight to your inbox.
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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.
