There are some really clever things you can do in a cruise stateroom to either make it feel more personal to you, or to enhance your storage space. Some of these rely on magnets.
But you might be wondering if every cruise stateroom door and wall is magnetic, or if these handy tricks only work in certain rooms on certain ships.
So let’s find out whether all cruise ships have magnetic doors and walls, and why that might be useful.
What does magnetic actually mean?
Before I get into the bulk of this article, I need to give a quick definition.
That’s because most people ask whether cruise ship walls and doors are magnetic, but they actually mean are they ferromagnetic?
The term “magnetic” means something which exhibits a permanent magnetic field. So a magnet is magnetic.
Anything which is “ferromagnetic” is something which doesn’t exhibit a permanent magnetic field, but that is attracted by other magnets when one is introduced.
Here’s a simple explanation. Say you have stainless steel cutlery. Steel contains iron, which is ferromagnetic.
If you held a magnet close to a spoon, the spoon would be attracted to it.
But see how all of your spoons don’t clump together in the cutlery drawer? That’s because they are ferromagnetic. They don’t work as actual magnets, but they will be attracted to one.
It’s an important thing to define.
Are cruise ship cabin doors magnetic?
Most cruise ship doors are made of metal, and so are ferromagnetic – this means that magnets will stick to them, but random metal objects won’t. They are not actually magnetic, but the steel inside the door is attracted to magnets, which will cause a magnet to be held in place on a door.
Many cruisers like to decorate their stateroom doors. To prevent any damage, they often use magnets to affix the decorations.
It’s a good thing that the doors themselves aren’t magnetic. Since the door frames are also made of metal, you wouldn’t be able to open the door if they were, or you’d need a lot of strength!
Funnily enough, cruise ships don’t tend to publicise whether or not their doors are made of metal or other materials. It’s hardly seen as a key selling point of the room.
But most definitely are, with only a handful of exceptions. The most prominent exception I’ve found is the Prima-class ships for Norwegian Cruise Line. But NCL has banned door decorations anyway, so that doesn’t really matter!
Typically though, your stateroom door (even if it has a wooden/plastic finish) will contain the same steel that your cabin is made from, and so magnets will usually stick to it. Not always – sometimes there is a thick wood veneer that requires a stronger magnet to still be held in place by the steel core.
Are cruise cabin walls magnetic?
Cruise ship cabin walls are all ferromagnetic – magnets will stick to them. They are not in themselves magnetic, so if you want to stick something to them, it will need to be a magnet. All cruise ships are made using steel cabin frames for the cabins.
While the stateroom doors may vary, there are no exceptions when it comes to the cabin walls. Every cruise ship is made in the same way, with the cabins made separately using metal walls and then slotted into place during the construction process.
Spectrum of the Seas under contruction
The reason for this is that it makes it easy to build the ‘exoskeleton’ of the cabins separately from the main ship build. Having them all cut from metal to the same size and shape speeds up the process and means assembling the ship is significantly faster.
This has its good sides and bad sides. It means phone reception can be a little sketchy in your room, and it’ll cause interference with radio waves – not good for anyone who hoped to use walkie-talkies from within their cabin.
But it does mean that you can stick magnets to your cabin walls.
I always take magnetic hooks on a cruise. This gives us lots of extra space to hang coats, bags and other bits and pieces.
These are the magnetic hooks that I have. They’re okay, but not strong enough for a handbag or a heavy coat.
I would suggest that instead, you buy some super strong magnetic hooks.
These magnetic hooks hold up to 100 lbs when hung from the ceiling or 33 lbs when hung from the wall.
Just make sure that you don’t accidentally stick them to each other or you’ll never get them apart! I suggest putting each in its own little bag when packing!
Are cruise ship ceilings magnetic?
Because cruise ship cabins are built as a metal frame, the ceilings are made from metal too and so they are ferromagnetic, with magnets able to stick to them. This can be a useful way of maximising your storage space, provided you buy strong magnets able to support the weight.
If you find that your magnets aren’t strong enough to hold your coat or bag and that they slide down the wall, then you should instead try hanging them from the ceiling. That way, your magnet will hold 3 times the weight!
The only part of a cruise ship cabin that won’t work with magnets – once you’ve passed the stateroom door – is the bathroom.
While the frame of the bathroom is metal, it’s then usually tiled over, and the ceramic or other tile materials are thick enough to insulate the metal frame behind, so magnets won’t stick.
Why does it matter?
If you’ve stumbled onto this article with no idea of why anyone would care about the detail of whether doors and cabin walls are magnetic, I can understand your confusion.
The thing is, having surfaces where magnets can stick has two major benefits – decoration, and storage.
1. Magnetic cruise door decorations
While this isn’t for everyone, there is a massive cruising community who love to decorate their stateroom doors. It is generally popular on the cruise lines aimed primarily at families – Disney and Carnival especially – although not always. MSC Cruises passengers don’t tend to decorate their doors, while it’s infrequent on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
The rules on door decorations vary by cruise line too, with some allowing guests to go wild, and others being quite strict on what you’re allowed to use. NCL doesn’t allow door decorations at all, the spoilsports.
Magnets are therefore a really handy tool for decorating your door, but bear in mind that the actual magnet may need to be quite strong. The metal core of the door is often buried under a wooden-effect exterior. Thin magnets may struggle to stick.
But if you want to decorate your stateroom door, magnets could be a handy option that won’t leave any nasty residue to worry about.
The best door decorations are made from magnets. The magnet covers the whole surface of the decoration, so you can be sure that they’ll stick!
Even if you book yourself a spacious cabin, storage options in the room are usually limited. And if you’ve booked one of the smallest cabins on the ship, you might find space to be at a premium.
Even with a large and spacious cabin, if you cruise at Christmas, you’re going to want somewhere to hang your stockings, right?
This is why having walls where you can stick a magnet is handy – if you buy some strong magnetic hooks, you can suddenly store items on the wall that would otherwise be taking up floor or desk space.
I like to use Gorilla Hooks as they’re small but super strong. Just don’t get your fingers trapped between them like I once did!
As well as using the walls for storing your own items, it’s a really handy place to keep your paperwork pinned.
Whether you’ve got tickets for an excursion, or you just need to remind everyone of key times on your daily programme, having them stuck to the wall means you won’t lose them when you need them.
There’s nothing worse than rushing about trying to find a ticket you need, or wondering where your partner is if you’ve split for the day to try different activities, and forgetting where to meet. Magnets put your important paperwork in a prominent location and can keep you organised, and free to focus on the fun.
FAQs
Are Disney Cruise doors magnetic?
All Disney Cruise ship doors are ferromagnetic and can be decorated with magnets. Indeed the cruise ships themselves will sell magnets in their onboard stores that are perfect for adding to your door. Many people decorate their cruise door using magnets or using fish extenders.
Carnival cruise stateroom doors all contain a steel core which is ferromagnetic, but on some ships magnets may not be effective due to the thickness of the external finish to the door. Buy strong magnets or use command strips to stick things to your door – these are permitted by Carnival.
Why do you need magnetic hooks on a cruise?
Magnetic hooks are useful on a cruise because they allow guests to hang various items like hats, towels, or even decorations on the metal surfaces of stateroom doors and walls. Since most cruise ship stateroom doors and walls are made of metal, magnetic hooks provide a convenient and efficient way to utilise the limited space in cabins.
Final word
Broadly speaking, cruise ship doors and walls are ferromagnetic and you can take advantage of this if you want to add some fun decorations or a little extra storage space.
Very small or very thin magnets might not work very effectively, so try to buy strong ones if you can, and don’t overburden them with weight. That’ll give you the best chance of your magnets sticking in place.
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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.
Perhaps you’re fascinated with the engines that power a cruise ship, or perhaps you want to know which cabins to stay well away from, due to the noise and vibrations of the engine.
Whatever your reason for wanting to know, read on to find out where the cruise ship engines are and how much noise they make…
With a little help from a master mariner and ship’s pilot John, who has 47 years of experience in the marine industry, I’ll bring you the answers to your questions about cruise ship engines.
Cruise ship engines are typically in the same place
Most often, especially in newer cruise ships, the engines are located on the lower decks and towards the aft of the ship. They’re not all the way in the back, but they are in the mid-aft area.
Regardless of the size of the cruise ship, the engine in question is very, very loud. Fortunately, engineers can compensate for this by utilising sound reduction technology and designing the engine room of a cruise ship to be well-insulated.
The insulation serves two purposes: to keep out noise and to reduce the amount of heat- generated by a fully-operating engine – from escaping onto adjacent decks. This is of utmost importance on cruise ships, where the comfort of guests is the absolute priority.
Harmony of the Seas engines
How loud? Very loud!
The standard cruise ship engine can have a decibel range that exceeds 173 decibels. This is frighteningly loud and well into the range in which hearing damage occurs quickly. However, thanks to insulation and other sound reduction technology, it’s not nearly that loud in practice.
If you were to place a cruise ship motor right out in the open and crank it up, you would get an ungodly level of noise. However, since we can’t really do that, we can only go off of how many decibels it puts out when under operation, in place, on a cruise ship.
If you are in the ship’s engine room as it is running, a cruise ship engine is still pretty loud. In fact, it’s loud enough that anyone working in the engine room is required to use hearing protection equipment, or it will damage their hearing.
The point of all of this decibel talk is, despite the fact that adjacent cabins are well protected and the noise level is not damaging in any way, you’ll still be able to hear it through the floor and walls.
Cruise ship engines also create vibrations under operation and those vibrations are going to be felt within the immediate area, including adjacent cabins. You may find that the vibrations cause the coat hangers in your wardrobe to rattle, which could disturb your sleep.
They’re pretty big – and there’s more than one!
Modern cruise ships don’t have just one engine. The biggest ships like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class or Icon-class ships have six engines and most other cruise ships have four.
Cruise ship engine rooms are very large, spanning several decks. They need enough space not just for the engines, but also for the generators, the fuel tanks, the control room and the engine workshop.
Take a look at this video of the engine room on Carnival’s Mardi Gras ship to see just how big and noisy it is…
They do produce a lot of heat, but that’s managed
Waste heat from the cruise ship’s engines is extracted by a series of heat exchangers located on the exhaust path after the turbochargers en-route to the scrubber. Typically, exhaust gas is approx 350°C, but it’s cooled continuously by heat extraction to approx 30°C when it emerges from the funnel.
Ships engines are highly heat- and fuel-efficient. The recovered heat is typically used for a number of services, including fuel heating (if using heavy fuel oil) and the desalination of saltwater into freshwater by an evaporator plant. Fresh water is also produced by reverse osmosis to supplement the evaporator.
On cruise ships, fuel is typically held in double-bottom tanks. These will be distributed over the length of the vessel along with ballast tanks. Generally, the only fuel tanks found in the engine room would be the settling and service tanks.
Allure of the Seas engine room
Staying in cabins near the engine
Your first thought would probably be to stay well away from any cabins near the engine room. There are several reasons for this, some of which go beyond just the noise an engine produces.
Cabins near the engine room may be:
Smaller than average
Without windows
Exposed to vibrations, particularly when docking
Exposed to engine noise
Small and cramped are the defining characteristics of a cabin near the engine room. Since the engine is located in the centre/aft of the ship and on the lower decks, these rooms are not priority rooms within the context of ship design.
Staying in one of these cabins means that you will likely be exposed to plenty of noise and vibrations from the engine. You’re also likely to experience noise from the crew as they go to and from work throughout the day and night.
Since you’ll be in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck, your cabin will be dark and windowless. For obvious reasons, rooms situated towards the centre of the ship arent’ afforded the luxury of windows, so if claustrophobia is an issue for you, stay away.
Inside cabin on Mariner of the Seas
There are some advantages…
Some people can sleep through absolutely anything. If a jet breaks the sound barrier right over their heads, they’ll go on snoozing with perhaps the briefest moment where they break out or REM sleep before plummeting right back down into the depths of unconsciousness.
Cabins near the engine room are viable candidates for people who can sleep through a hurricane. Since they are windowless, you never have to worry about ambient light once you flip the light switch off at night.
The argument can also be made that no one ever spends much time in their cabins on a cruise. It’s a good argument because who would want to sleep their way across the Gulf of Mexico?
It’s not as if cruise ships lack entertainment when out to sea. There are loads of things to do and staying in your cabin will probably be the absolute last thing on your mind for anything other than brief periods of sleep.
But really, the main reason to choose an inside cabin on the lower decks is that these are easily the cheapest room on a cruise ship. You’re going on a cruise for the experience, after all, not the nap time. So a cheap room that knocks 70% off the price of your holiday is well worth the sacrifice, in my opinion.
There’s also a hidden advantage that those new to cruising probably never consider. You can purchase a cabin that’s near the engine room for an outstanding price, with the option to upgrade.
Now, this option to upgrade doesn’t always mean that if you decide to upgrade, you’ll fork over more money to upgrade your cabin. What it means is if a cabin that’s superior in quality and cost becomes vacant – such as a last-minute trip cancellation – you may be upgraded for free.
That’s right. You can target a cabin near the engine room and sign up to be upgraded in the case of last-minute cancellations and it won’t cost you a single dime. Although there are no guarantees, of course.
Even if you choose to stay in one of the most expensive suites on the ship, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to rest undisturbed. There are plenty of other things that could keep you awake at night on a cruise ship.
For example, if you sail to Canada and New England, you may find that the fog is so dense that the ship must sound its foghorn all through the night!
If your cabin is towards the bow, you may be awoken by the sound of the anchor being raised and lowered. Or, if your room is by the elevator, you may hear lots of other guests chatting as they stagger to bed in the early hours of the morning.
Cruise ship anchors are located at the bow (front)
In this case, you may find that the gentle hum of the engine is actually helpful in drowning out some of the other sounds.
There are lots of other things you’ll want to think about as well, besides potential noise, when choosing a cabin. To help you to do just that, I’ve put together a handy checklist that you can refer to when it comes to booking your cruise…
The bottom line
If you’re looking for an outstanding cruise ship cabin that’s as quiet as possible, it’s important to know where the engine room is so that you can stay well away from it.
However – you also want to know where it’s at for the exact opposite reason, which is a cheap room with the potential for an incredible upgrade.
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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.
From exploring lesser-known ports to enjoying the finest of service, luxury cruising brings the best of the best together for a sailing experience like no other.
There any many ultra-luxury and premium luxury cruise lines currently sailing, some of which have only been launched in recent years. But they bring incredible experiences to all corners of the world in a style that is reserved for true indulgence.
I’ve taken a look at the review scores of each to discover which are the most popular.
How I gathered the data
Normally when I’ve ranked cruise lines or cruise ships using review scores, I use three sources – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of cruise lines or ships missing review scores from TripAdvisor, so I’ve just used the averages from the other two. Maybe luxury cruise guests just don’t use that website too often?
Still, using two sources keeps this list unbiased, since it uses the average scores of real reviews from past customers.
Also this is the list from best to worst, but bear in mind that the ‘worst’ score was 3.55 out of 5, so that’s still pretty good.
And the top 10 all scored an average of at least 4/5! When you consider that more people leave reviews after a bad experience than a good one, those are some impressive results!
Here we go:
1. Emerald Cruises
Emerald is a cruise line that offers both yacht-style and river cruising. It’s the ocean cruise lines that we’re focussing on in this list, and their ocean-faring yachts are very luxurious indeed.
Emerald Cruises’ ocean yachts blend intimate luxury with innovative design, providing an upscale yet relaxed experience for discerning travellers. Both Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara carry a maximum of 100 guests, ensuring a personalised journey with close attention to detail. A third ship will launch in 2026, named Emerald Kaia.
With a high crew-to-guest ratio, passengers enjoy attentive service throughout their voyage, whether on the Mediterranean, Seychelles, or the Caribbean.
One of the standout benefits of Emerald Cruises is the all-inclusive pricing structure, which covers dining, gratuities, and even excursions in each port.
Onboard, guests have access to fine dining experiences that highlight local cuisine, as well as a more casual venue for relaxed meals.
Now, a caveat. Emerald is the only cruise line where I couldn’t access separate review scores for the ocean yachts and river ships (there are other cruise lines in this list that offer both, but they have distinct reviews).
So, the scores may be skewed – people do love river cruise ships, and they always review well. However, it’d be unfair for me to guess at where they’d end up in the list without those scores, so for now Emerald is number one.
2. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Although a part of the Ponant family (more on that later), Paul Gauguin Cruises is a unique luxury cruise line that deserves its own spot on this list. Offering a more relaxing atmosphere with sailings mainly focused in the South Pacific, they are a great option for all-inclusive adventures to French Polynesia.
The cruise line only offers one ship, The Gauguin. With a capacity for up to 330 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, it’s a small ship cruiser’s dream. Guests can visit ports inaccessible to larger ships with a travel experience unique to this cruise line.
Life on-board features 70% private balconies across the accommodations, as well as complimentary WiFi, gratuities, an entertainment program, a spa, beauty services and more.
All sailings with Paul Gauguin include onboard activities as well as encounters ashore such as private beach experiences with water sports including snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking too. There are three restaurants on the ship alongside 24-hour room service. As for drinks, selected wines, beers and spirits are complimentary.
Enjoy Polynesian entertainment and hospitality as you sail with Paul Gauguin, as Tahitian cultures come to life. Passengers are invited to sit back and enjoy authentic, up-close encounters of the South Seas and access to remote exotic islands only reached by ships built to navigate the lagoons of French Polynesia.
3. Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises is known for its refined luxury, offering guests a truly bespoke experience aboard its newly redesigned ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
With capacities kept under 800 guests, Crystal offers a remarkably high crew-to-guest ratio, meaning personal service is a hallmark of every journey. Crystal’s ships are renowned for their elegant décor, spacious accommodations, and a focus on comfort that appeals to those looking for an exclusive, relaxed way to explore the world.
A key highlight of Crystal Cruises is its extraordinary dining options, including Umi Uma, a world-class Japanese-Peruvian restaurant developed by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
This exclusive partnership allows guests to enjoy dishes crafted with Nobu’s signature fusion style, from delicate sushi to flavourful Asian-inspired entrées.
Dining on Crystal is all-inclusive, with options that range from casual settings to refined, multi-course meals, accompanied by complimentary fine wines and spirits.
Onboard, Crystal offers plenty of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness centre, and enrichment programs that include expert-led lectures and creative workshops. Entertainment ranges from Broadway-style shows to live jazz, creating an enjoyable atmosphere every evening.
Crystal also emphasises unique shore excursions, designed for deeper engagement with destinations, from private tours to cultural immersions in small groups.
Known for visiting iconic ports as well as hidden gems, Crystal Cruises combines luxury, attentive service, and exclusive experiences, making each voyage both relaxing and memorable.
Part of the wider MSC Cruises Group, Explora Journeys is a newcomer to the world of luxury cruising. Built on the history of MSC Cruises and with a vision to redefine cruising for luxury, Explora Journeys has planned four ships to kickstart the fleet, the first of which hit the seas in 2023.
The brand keeps the ocean at the centre of its experience, bringing guests on board with the ‘ocean state of mind’ and taking inspiration from the sea-faring history of the Aponte family who dreamed of such a luxury cruise line many years ago.
The Explora I and Explora II offer 922 passengers the chance to enjoy diverse dining with cuisine covering many worldly places across six restaurants, alongside 12 bars and lounges – four of which are outdoor.
Think of live cooking stations with pasta made to order and freshly baked pizza, alongside pan-Asian venues, a steakhouse and a French-inspired contemporary space for international dishes.
Wellness is another key part of Explora Journeys, with over 7,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities. These range from the spa, fitness spaces, beauty treatment venues and experiences designed to achieve an inner calm while sailing.
The cruise line also emphasises sustainability with all ships in the fleet being built to include the latest eco-friendly technologies and green energy solutions, such as RINA DOLPHIN certification and hybrid power generation.
5. SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club offers an intimate and personalised cruising experience with a strong emphasis on luxury and exclusivity.
Operating two elegant yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, the cruise line carries a maximum of 112 guests served by a crew of 95, ensuring a high crew-to-guest ratio and attentive service.
With its “yachting, not cruising” ethos, SeaDream is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and sophisticated escape.
The small size of its ships allows access to secluded ports and hidden coves in destinations such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
The all-inclusive experience on board features gourmet dining crafted with locally sourced ingredients, complimentary premium drinks, gratuities, and water sports from the yacht’s marina.
Activities include everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to land-based excursions tailored to passengers’ interests.
On board, guests can unwind with outdoor Balinese beds, a luxurious spa, and a casual yet refined atmosphere that fosters a sense of camaraderie among passengers.
With SeaDream, every voyage feels like a private yacht experience, making it a favourite for discerning travellers seeking a unique luxury holiday.
6. Azamara
Azamara focuses on “destination immersion,” offering longer stays, more overnight port visits, and a commitment to showcasing the best of each destination.
The cruise line operates four boutique ships, each carrying around 700 guests. Azamara is more of a “premium luxury” cruise line, which means the ships aren’t quite as exclusive as some of the other ultra-luxury lines, but fares are cheaper (though not ‘cheap’) too.
Azamara’s itineraries cover an impressive range of destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with a particular emphasis on culturally rich and off-the-beaten-path locales. Their smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, ensuring unique and immersive travel experiences.
Onboard, Azamara offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere with spacious accommodations, fine dining, and a wide array of amenities.
Meals are included, with options ranging from specialty dining venues to casual eateries, complemented by complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Enrichment programs, from cooking classes to destination-focused lectures, enhance the experience.
Azamara’s hallmark is its “AzAmazing Evenings” – exclusive events showcasing local culture, such as private concerts or traditional performances, included in the fare.
7. Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises offers a unique blend of small-ship cruising and sailing adventures, with a fleet that includes three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts – and two more ships set to join by December 2026.
Each ship carries between 148 and 342 passengers, creating an intimate and relaxed environment.
The cruise line’s focus on immersive travel experiences extends to its itineraries, which often feature less-visited ports alongside popular destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond.
The smaller ships allow access to secluded bays and charming coastal towns, offering passengers an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Dining on Windstar is a highlight, with menus designed by chefs from the James Beard Foundation, showcasing fresh, locally inspired cuisine.
The cruise line also offers its “Open Bridge” policy, allowing passengers to meet the captain and crew for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the ship’s operations.
On board, the vibe is casual yet elegant, with no formal dress codes and an emphasis on relaxation. Water sports platforms provide direct access to activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, and shore excursions are designed to offer authentic, local experiences.
Windstar combines the romance of sailing with the comfort of modern luxury, making it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous cruise.
8. Ponant
Offering a classical cruise with a French twist, Ponant is an ultra-luxury line which has stood the test of time. Also known as Compagnie du Ponant, Ponant was originally founded in 1988 and is now a benchmark for small-scale luxury cruising akin to a private yacht.
Each of the 14 ships in the fleet is designed to hold a small capacity, perfect for more intimate sailings as well as reaching the more unique ports of call.
Life on-board brings 5* personalised service, time to relax poolside or at the spa, as well as access to a fitness room and entertainment on offer in the theatre.
During your sailing, Ponant offers an all-inclusive experience with an open bar, all dining, WiFi, and access to all common areas including the spa, marina and more covered by your fare.
With a French heritage, Ponant offers the highest standard of cuisine for guests, intrinsic to instilling the ‘art of living’ akin to France.
Enjoy varied menus prepared with quality ingredients in all the dining venues, from the Gastro Restaurant inspired by French brasseries to the Le Nuna onboard Le Commandant Charcot – the first-ever shipboard restaurant by celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse.
While exploring ashore, take a guided trip on a Zodiac watercraft to discover new lands or enjoy hiking, kayaking, ice fishing and more during one of the cruise line’s speciality expedition voyages.
9. Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Quest in Canada
Seabourn has positioned itself in the ultra-luxury cruise market as a private club at sea, evoking an exclusive resort feel for passengers looking to explore the world.
The all-inclusive luxury experience with Seabourn is built upon the signature Seabourn Difference, offering an ultra-luxury service you can feel.
Across the cruise line’s six ships, guests can enjoy an intimate ship experience with personalised service to make them feel welcome and cared for.
Seabourn Moments are designed to surprise and delight guests, and Personal Suite Hosts and Suite Attendants ensure you will have everything you should need during your sailing.
Every sailing offers all ocean-front suites with amenities including marble bathrooms equipped with custom-branded Molton Brown toiletries.
Complimentary premium spirits, welcome Champagne and a fully stocked bar await from the moment you step aboard, alongside a no-tipping rule for staff. You can also enjoy in-suite dining, 24 hours per day.
The cruise line sails to all seven continents over the year, with five ocean ships and two expedition ships. Ventures by Seabourn expand your experiences with optional shore excursions, guides, and Expedition Teams.
Oceania Cruises is renowned for its focus on culinary excellence and destination-rich itineraries.
Operating a fleet of six elegant ships, including the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera, as well as the more intimate 684-passenger ships like Regatta and Nautica, Oceania provides a refined cruising experience with an emphasis on comfort and sophistication.
The cruise line’s hallmark is its exceptional cuisine, with menus crafted by renowned chefs, including Jacques Pépin.
Guests can enjoy a range of dining venues, from the elegant Grand Dining Room to specialty restaurants like Red Ginger, offering Asian-inspired dishes, and Toscana, specialising in Italian cuisine.
Oceania’s culinary offerings are all included in the fare, with no surcharges for specialty dining.
Itineraries span the globe, covering more than 450 ports, including iconic cities, hidden gems, and exotic destinations. Extended stays and overnight visits in port are common, allowing for in-depth exploration.
On board, Oceania offers a relaxed luxury atmosphere, with spacious staterooms, many featuring private verandas. Amenities include a world-class spa, fitness centre, enrichment programs, and artist-led workshops.
With its focus on fine dining, destination immersion, and a relaxed yet luxurious environment, Oceania is a favourite among seasoned travellers.
11. Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises pioneered all-inclusive cruising with the launch of its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994.
Since then, the cruise line, which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, has been renowned for its ultra-luxury getaways and has a fleet of six ocean ships and a further five expedition ships, with two more ships in the pipeline.
With each ship, the cruise line offers a luxury experience that begins as soon as you leave home, thanks to private executive transfers, and continues on board with 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service, premium beverages, and complimentary shore excursions.
Fares also include round-trip flights; hotel stays and transfers to ensure your arrival on the ship and back home is as smooth as possible.
Suites include luxury touches such as personalised stationery, your favourite wines and spirits stocked in your mini bar as well as a choice of pillows and butler-service dinner in your suite.
With such a large fleet, Silversea covers a vast number of destinations across the globe. Ocean ships travel to Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean and Northern Europe, while expedition ships explore beyond with adventures to Antarctica, the Arctic & Greenland and even South America and the Galapagos.
12. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Another cruise line which promises an all-inclusive experience is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent prides itself on offering every luxury included for its guests, most of whom are over 50.
With six ships in the fleet, each guest sailing with Regent can enjoy unlimited shore excursions and unlimited beverages with open bars and lounges as well as a mini-bar restocked daily in your suite. Two more ships have been ordered for the cruise line, too.
Gratuities are pre-paid, WiFi is unlimited and there’s even a laundry service free of charge. Some sailings and suites also include free hotel stays, land tours to add on to your cruise, and return flights.
Each suite features ocean views, 99% of which include a private balcony. Separate sitting areas, Elite Slumber beds, spacious closets and 24-hour room service are also included as standard, with more amenities available for those who choose some of the top-tier suites.
The cruise line covers a large portion of the destinations across the globe, from Asia and Alaska to the South Pacific and Northern Europe.
13. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is a boutique luxury cruise line offering intimate, all-inclusive expeditions.
With a small fleet of sleek, purpose-built ships carrying fewer than 200 guests, Atlas specialises in exploring remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and exotic regions like South America and the Mediterranean.
The onboard experience is marked by contemporary luxury, with stylish accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalised service.
Atlas’s all-inclusive pricing covers everything from excursions and gratuities to premium wines and spirits, making it a hassle-free choice for adventure-seeking luxury travellers.
Expedition-focused itineraries include unique shore experiences, guided by expert-led teams, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of each destination.
Atlas also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with ships designed to meet eco-friendly standards and minimise environmental impact.
Atlas Ocean Voyages combines the thrill of exploration with the comforts of high-end cruising, making it an excellent choice for those who want to discover the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations in style.
14. Scenic
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours branched into ultra-luxury ocean cruises in 2019 with the launch of Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht. She has since been joined by Scenic Eclipse II, a twin sister.
Inspired by one of the world’s largest yachts, the Octopus yacht, and formally named by actress Helen Mirren, the ship exuded luxury from the moment it began sailing.
Carrying up to 228 passengers alongside 176 crew, the ship has an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. While on board, guests can enjoy up to ten dining experiences, a gym and yoga studio, nine lounges and bars, outdoor terraces, and a Senses Spa.
There are also two state-of-the-art helicopters aboard the ship which can seat six guests for excursions with a bird’s eye view. And, for those looking to delve deep into the ocean, there is an eight-seater submarine that has been designed for optimal underwater viewing.
Excursions are included with Scenic, featuring the cruise line’s Discovery, Freechoice and Enrich experiences. Helicopter and submarine tours are charged an additional fee upon booking.
The ships can take you to the Polar Regions for incredible experiences, as well as other destinations including the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.
Part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the cruise arm of the business announced it would be entering the market in 2018. After some delays due to the pandemic, its first ship – Evrima – launched in 2022.
Though relatively new, the cruise ship was created to emulate both the refined residential feel of a stylish yacht and the standard of service of the famous hotel chain, offering a truly ultra-luxury cruise experience.
Just 298 guests share the space on board, alongside nearly as many crew. The ship offers an all-inclusive experience with all suites featuring ocean views and private terraces as well as a Personal Concierge. Dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and entertainment are also included in your fare.
Suites feature an espresso machine with complimentary coffee and teas, as well as a personalised mini-bar and 24-hour in-suite dining. Guests can also enjoy a welcome bottle of Champagne on embarkation and the Personal Concierge to assist with all their needs.
There are currently two ships in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection including the flagship, Evrima, followed by a second ship, Ilma, which joined in 2024. A third, Luminara, will join the fleet in 2025.
Currently, cruises explore the regions of the Caribbean, and Mediterranean and cross the Atlantic between the two, as well as voyages to Canada & New England, and Northern Europe.
Recommendation
Luxury cruising has perfected the personalised approach of holidays with staff onboard poised to ensure all your needs are met, even those you may not have thought of! That being said, there is an ultra-luxury or premium-luxury cruise for everyone.
Adventurers would most likely be drawn to the likes of Scenic Ocean, Silversea, SeaDream, Windstar, Seabourn, Ponant and Paul Gauguin for their small ship experiences alongside incredible expedition itineraries and onboard features such as submarines, marina water sports and Zodiac tours.
Meanwhile, those seeking a quieter, relaxing getaway might look to Ritz Carlton, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys for that boutique hotel feel with everything taken care of from the moment you step aboard.
And with Azamara and Oceania offering a luxury experience at a slightly lower average fare, guests have some great options for trying out the luxury experience without breaking the bank.
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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 Epic will no longer be making at least 17 ports of call in Corfu, Greece for the 2025 sailing season.
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Norwegian Epic. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
According to local news reports in Greece, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship will visit Katakolo and Argostoli instead of Corfu this spring, while the rest of the ship’s itinerary will be mostly unchanged.
Some itinerary visits to Corfu have been replaced with a day at sea.
While no specific reason was given for cancelling visits to the Greek island, Norwegian has stated that itineraries are sometimes modified because of port congestion, pier maintenance, and other unforeseen factors.
Norwegian Epic is now scheduled to visit the following ports in Greece between May and October 2025:
These dates and destinations are subject to change, and any cruise passengers impacted should inquire directly with Norwegian Cruise Line.
Other ports included on these 9- to 12-day itineraries will be Malta, Messina, Naples, Livorno, and Cannes.
Norwegian Epic is currently offering 7-day cruises to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
The ship will reposition to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy in May of this year, where it will homeport until being moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2025.
The Nassau Cruise Port had more cruise ship visitors than ever before in 2024 when 5.6 million cruise passengers visited the port.
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Nassau, Bahamas. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Nassau Cruise Port is the most visited port in The Bahamas and they just completed a second consecutive year of record-breaking growth.
The 5.6 million passengers that visited Nassau was up from 4.4 million in 2023. In 2022, the port had 3.2 million visitors arrive via a cruise ship.
The port has an ambitious plan to further expand and improve the port.
New developments that are expected to enhance the cruise visitor’s experience include enhanced facilities to facilitate transport of guests to areas of interest throughout New Providence, recreational family-oriented experiences and dining options.
The port, which is operated by Global Ports Holding, recently completed a $300 million renovation that included expanded ship berths, a new marina, ferry terminal, and over 60 retail and food/beverage outlets.
The port also has a new Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo and a 3,000 person amphitheater.
Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port, gave the following statement:
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone for the second year in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented team, our valued partners, and the Bahamian people.
“We could not have reached this point without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, including the Government of The Bahamas, our cruise line partners, local businesses, and the community at large. Together, we are shaping the future of Bahamian tourism, and I am excited to see the continued growth of Nassau Cruise Port as a gateway to The Bahamas and a source of opportunity for all.”
Forbes Travel Guide has announced that they will begin to rate cruise ship restaurants with the ratings being announced on February 12, 2025.
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This will mark the first time that Forbes Travel Guide has rated cruise ship restaurants. Up until now, they have only rated cruise ships.
Restaurants on seven cruise lines will be eligible for ratings. They are:
Celebrity Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Seabourn Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking
Forbes Travel Guide will rate more than 2,000 hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships in 2025. They issue Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards.
Every Star Rating is earned through FTG’s in-person, incognito inspections based on hundreds of objective standards. No one can buy a rating, and no fees, commissions, or business relationships are required.
Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide, gave the following statement:
“The evolution of dining on cruise ships reflects the changing expectations of discerning travelers. Restaurants aboard the world’s finest cruise ships today feature innovative menus designed by world-renowned chefs, exceptional ingredients, diverse global cuisines, and thoughtful, attentive service.
“We are delighted to be the first rating guide to celebrate restaurants aboard Star-Rated cruise ships that meet our exacting criteria for service excellence and culinary distinction.”
Forbes Travel Guide will announce their 2025 Star Ratings on February 12, 2025.
Cruise Fever will have a list of all ship restaurants that earn a Star Award from Forbes when they are announced.
The online cruise community is split over whether a ‘No Jogging’ sign on a Celestyal cruise ship should always be obeyed, after I shared a Facebook post admitting I ran a 5K on the ship.
I was sailing on Celestyal Journey over the New Year and I often like to go for a run whenever I’m cruising, so I decided to run on the promenade deck as I normally do.
There is a sign on the deck that says “No Jogging”, so technically I was breaking the rules, and this has caused some people to say that I was acting entitled.
However, there are some mitigating circumstances.
Firstly, on Celestyal Journey’s own website, it is described as a “Jogging Track”, where guests are encouraged to “stroll, jog or sprint”.
I’ve also sailed on Celestyal Journey’s sister ships which are essentially identical twin ships, except for very minor differences – such as how they don’t have the ‘No Jogging’ sign at the track.
It wasn’t wet or slippy (although I’ve ran on other ships that had puddles, without issue) and the corners weren’t very tight, so it’s not like there was any risk I’d accidentally bump into someone I hadn’t seen. I’m not a sprinter anyway! Plus when I took part in an official organised 5K fun run on Disney Dream, the corners were much tighter.
I didn’t run super-early either. I waited until 10 am.
By that point, everyone would likely have been awake – announcements are played into every cabin at 8 am in several languages (so they aren’t quick), and the breakfast buffet has already opened and then closed by 9.30 am. I doubt anyone below would’ve been bothered by the minimal sounds I was making above them.
When I shared this story with my own Facebook fans, initially the reaction was split as some said they understood while others felt I should’ve just followed the sign and not jogged.
However the post gained traction and soon ended up on popular Facebook group Entitlement of the Seas, and as a result a lot more comments were made on the original Facebook post (and on other, completely unrelated posts too with some people encouraging a pile-on).
I was accused of mentioning it was a 5K as a flex (thanks, I think?) or that I’d be the first person to sue if I fell over (I wouldn’t, but OK).
Arguably the worst comment was this one:
Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Matt (my husband).
So, was I entitled? Or was my 10 am jog acceptable?
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Viking® has announced the Explorers’ Sale, providing North American travelers with new booking incentives across the company’s extensive range of river, ocean and expedition voyages. From now through January 31, 2025, Viking is offering special fares starting at $1,999 per person and up to free international airfare on select itineraries, as well as a $25 deposit for all itineraries—plus additional savings for new and returning guests.
Explorers’ Sale Details
Viking explores all seven continents, with river, ocean and expedition voyages calling in more than 500 ports in more than 85 countries. Highlights of the company’s most popular itineraries include:
Iconic Western Mediterranean(8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – France’s famed southern coast and Italy’s Renaissance treasures take center stage on this eight-day Mediterranean sojourn. Immerse yourself in Catalonian and Tuscan art, architecture and history during overnights in Barcelona and Tuscany. In the South of France, call on historic Montpellier and picturesque Marseille, and visit Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glamorous city by the sea.
In Search of the Northern Lights(15 days; London – Bergen) – Experience a land where dawn and twilight merge on the edges of the long Arctic night. Sailing far north during Norway’s winter, witness snow-covered landscapes dotted with rugged mountains and steep fjords, and seek out the brilliant aurora borealis dancing in the night sky. Delve into Sami legends and World War II history, and immerse yourself in the Norwegian Arctic as you join us on this illuminating voyage.
Grand European Tour(15 days; Budapest – Amsterdam) – Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Rhine Getaway(8 days; Basel – Amsterdam) – Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.
Pharaohs & Pyramids(12 days; Cairo roundtrip)–Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca. Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. Join our expert Egyptologists on a 12-day cruisetour through Egypt on board our modern Nile ships, owned and operated by Viking.
Mississippi DeltaExplorer (8 days; New Orleans – Memphis) – Discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history. Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay your respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savor delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebrate musical legends in the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll.
Antarctic Explorer (13 days; Buenos Aires – Ushuaia) – This ultimate adventure takes you to the Antarctic peninsula, where you will witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, immense icebergs and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing. In the footsteps of explorers such as Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott, you will be one of the few to discover the world’s last truly wild frontier. Each day brings new surprises and the opportunity to change plans to maximize wildlife sightings and adapt to ever-changing weather.
Viking was rated #1 for Oceans, #1 for Rivers and #1 for Expeditions, by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors from both publications—something Viking has now achieved two years in a row.
Viking was named Best Luxury Line, Best Line for Couples and Best Line in the Mediterranean in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Cruise Lines ranking for the fourth consecutive year. Viking’s ocean ships have also been rated and “Recommended” as part of the Forbes Travel Guide 2024 Star Awards, an annual independent evaluation for luxury travel brands. Additionally, Cruise Critic honored Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards.
Booking Details
From now through January 31, 2025, Viking is offering North American travelers the Explorers’ Sale, with all-inclusive voyages starting at $1,999, with up to free international airfare and a $25 deposit—plus additional savings for both new and returning guests—on select 2025–2027 river, ocean, and expedition voyages. Call Viking toll-free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.
Jonathan Bennett, actor, Godfather of Carnival Firenze and Hallmark Channel star, pays tribute to Kathie Lee Gifford and the first ever national television advertising campaign for any cruise line in 1984.
Gifford famously sang “Ain’t We Got Fun” while promoting the original “Fun Ships,” and served as Godmother to the original Carnival Celebration.
Bennett had fun recreating the campaign in a video , which his fans and many Carnival cruisers are loving on Instagram.
As a longtime Carnival cruiser, Bennett and his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, (an actor who started his career singing on Carnival ships!) take their annual honeymoon trip aboard Carnival ships.
