The cruise industry continues its remarkable growth trajectory with over 35 new ships ordered in 2024, ranging from intimate expedition vessels to massive megaships for top-tier brands like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
These new orders signal robust confidence in the sector, which is poised to see a surge in passenger numbers and demand for diverse cruising experiences.
Several of the newbuilds are game-changers in their respective categories, offering innovation in design, sustainability, and passenger experiences.
In February, Carnival Cruise Line placed orders for its fourth and fifth Excel Class vessels, each accommodating 5,400 guests and weighing in at 183,900 gross tons.
Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, these ships are scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, continuing Carnival’s commitment to LNG-powered ships.
Royal Caribbean International added to its groundbreaking Oasis and Icon Class fleets with a seventh Oasis Class ship (231,000 gross tons) from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, due in 2028, and a fourth Icon Class ship (250,800 gross tons) from Meyer Turku in Finland, set for 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings made headlines with a multi-billion-dollar order in April, commissioning eight new ships for Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent.
With deliveries staggered from 2026 to 2036, the fleet will cater to diverse audiences, including Norwegian’s 5,100-guest megaships and Regent’s 850-guest luxury vessels.
The expedition cruise segment also saw significant investments, with Antarctica21 ordering the Magellan Discoverer (100 guests) for delivery in 2026 and Emerald Cruises announcing the Emerald Kaia, an 11,000-ton luxury ship, also slated for 2026.
American Cruise Lines, a leader in small-ship cruising, expanded its coastal and river fleet with two coastal ships and two riverboats, with deliveries planned for 2026 and 2027.
Expanding fleets and future opportunities
Luxury cruise brand Crystal announced a trio of newbuilds in June and November, featuring smaller, more exclusive ships designed for just 690 guests.
These vessels, built by Fincantieri, are expected to elevate the brand’s premium offerings with the first delivery in 2028.
In the family cruising space, Disney Cruise Line revealed plans for four new 160,000-ton ships featuring a fresh design. Deliveries will be between 2027 and 2030, enhancing Disney’s fleet with advanced features catering to families.
Even with global economic uncertainties, the cruise industry’s expansion underscores sustained confidence in its resilience and growth potential.
The diverse range of vessels, from expedition ships to record-breaking megaships, reflects the broadening appeal of cruising as a preferred holiday option.
This wave of ship orders also aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability, with many newbuilds incorporating LNG propulsion systems and other green technologies to reduce environmental impact.
With the first of these ships expected to debut as early as 2026, passengers can look forward to more choices, destinations, and onboard innovations in the coming years.
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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.
Kate McCue, the popular cruise ship captain, has shared the sad news that her iconic sphynx cat Bug Naked passed away last week. Bug died following complications from a routine…
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Kate McCue, the popular cruise ship captain, has shared the sad news that her iconic sphynx cat Bug Naked passed away last week.
Bug died following complications from a routine dental cleaning and tooth extraction on the 26th December. Bug had her own social media account with an extensive following – almost 85,000 followers on Instagram. She was 8 years old.
“Our little girl is gone. Our hearts are shattered,”
Captain Kate McCue
Bug had been by Captain McCue’s side for her entire life, becoming a beloved figure aboard Celebrity Beyond and capturing the hearts of countless crew members and guests.
Her adventures, from her unique presence on the bridge to her appearances at onboard events, will remain fond memories for those who had the privilege of meeting her.
Remembering Bug Naked’s extraordinary life at sea
Bug Naked was more than a pet; she was a true maritime personality.
Born on March 20, 2016, and named after Captain McCue’s childhood nickname “Love Bug,” the elf-eared sphynx cat sailed to destinations around the globe, sporting an impressive wardrobe of over 100 outfits and even holding her own EU passport.
Known as the ship’s unofficial “Maneuvering Support Mammal,” Bug often joined Captain McCue on the bridge, observing docking maneuvers with regal poise.
Her presence at onboard trivia games, where winners earned the rare opportunity to meet her, was a highlight for many guests.
Beyond her official duties, Bug Naked was an active part of ship life. She attended weddings, strolled the corridors in her stroller, and basked in sunbeams across Celebrity Beyond.
Her daily adventures were documented on her Instagram account.
Bug’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, crew members, and guests who had the chance to share in her unique spirit.
A short but impactful life
While Bug’s time was tragically brief, her life was filled with love and adventure.
Sphynx cats are known for their shorter-than-average lifespans, with an average of just 6.68 years according to studies in feline medicine. Bug Naked, however, surpassed expectations, living a full and joyous 8.5 years under Captain McCue’s devoted care.
Although pets are typically not allowed aboard cruise ships, Bug’s status as Captain McCue’s companion granted her special exemptions. This connection brought joy not just to the captain but to the entire Celebrity Cruises family.
Bug’s legacy will remain a treasured part of Celebrity Cruises’ history, and she will forever be remembered as a one-of-a-kind seafaring companion who enriched the lives of all who sailed with her.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A content creator has created a wave of controversy online after sharing a video to TikTok where they told a member of the crew that they planned to jump overboard…
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When going on a cruise, it can be difficult to know what clothes to wear for the different times of day, different climates and the cruise line’s dress code.
As someone who regularly goes on cruises, I’ve had to pack many times for different types of cruises. From my experience, I now know all the things you need to take into consideration.
In this guide, I’ll share my tips and give you all the info you need to help you decide what to pack for your next cruise.
Consider your destination
When packing your clothes for a cruise, the first thing I would consider is the destination.
Not only will you need to think about the weather, but the inside and outside temperature when on the ship, the activities you’ll be doing and any cultural factors you may need to consider.
Temperature
It may seem obvious what to pack depending on the weather conditions. It’s no surprise the temperature varies widely from the Caribbean to the Alaskan seas. But even when going to a hot destination, there are a few other things to consider.
If you’re doing indoor activities, where you may be sat still for a long period of time, such as watching a show or enjoying a top dining experience, the air con can make you feel a bit cold.
Secondly, it can get windy out on the deck, making it feel a little chilly. If the ship is going full steam ahead, the wind can really pick up, even if the sun is blazing.
Us, failing to get a good photo in the sun and wind!
So I recommend packing a balance of light, and warm clothing will give you the flexibility to enjoy your cruise regardless of the weather.
Cultural considerations
Countries such as those in the Middle East can sometimes have an expectation of what should be worn. This means you may need to take into account any cultural considerations.
Also, you may want to visit religious buildings, such as a mosque or temple, when doing shore excursions.
It is expected that clothing should be respectful, this means you should not wear anything too revealing. Also, many of these places are hot destinations, so make sure your clothes are light and cover your arms and legs, such as a long dress or linen trousers and a top.
Consider your cruise line
Each cruise line has a different dress code, so it’s important to find out what the cruise line expects before you go.
During the day, it’s usually quite relaxed, however, it may be quite different in the evening. Before you start packing, make sure you check the cruise line’s policy.
Daytime cruise wear
During the day on a cruise, you’ll likely be doing a range of activities, particularly if you have a day at sea. During the daytime, you’ll likely want to wear a few different outfits.
In one half of the day, you may be relaxing by the pool and the other half taking part in some of the onboard activities.
Poolside and Sunbathing Outfits
If you enjoy swimming, sunbathing or relaxing by the poolside on the Lido Deck, make sure you have a few pieces of swimwear.
Particularly, if they get wet, you may want a second swimsuit or bikini to put in in case the other set has not dried yet. Also, the deck can get quite hot sometimes, so make sure you bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops, so you don’t burn your feet.
Many cruise lines will not let you in the ship’s restaurants, bars or reception if you just have swimwear on.
So if you’re planning on going from the pool to a restaurant, make sure you bring something to cover up with to the poolside, like a lightweight summer dress or shirt and shorts, and appropriate footwear.
Clothing for onboard activities
Most ships have a gym, so if you’re a regular visitor to the gym and don’t want to miss out, make sure you bring your gym gear.
When packing your clothes, plan how many workouts you’ll be doing and make sure you have enough. Some gyms won’t let you in if you don’t have the right footwear, so make sure you have a pair of trainers.
Some cruise ships have activities such as rock climbing, ziplining and Royal Caribbean’s surf simulator, the FlowRider.
Each one will likely have a specification on what you need to wear. For example, you’ll need close-toed shoes for rock climbing and laser tag and secure shoes for ziplining.
For the FlowRider surf simulator board shorts and a rash top are recommended. But you can get away with a swimsuit and a t-shirt. One thing’s for sure, though… Ladies, you must wear a top! If you try to do the FlowRider in a bikini, things won’t end well for you!
If you’re doing indoor activities, such as ice skating, you must pack something that covers your legs, such as long trousers or leggings.
Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean state that you won’t be allowed on the ice if you do not have suitable clothing. Also, it will be a bit cold in there, so if you are watching or taking part, remember to pack a few layers.
Evening cruise wear
In the evening you’ll likely want to wear completely different clothes. Whether it’s a casual, formal or theme night, you’ll want to be prepared when packing your luggage.
Casual nights
Many cruise lines have casual nights, but many wonder how casual is casual? It all depends on that particular cruise line’s dress code. On most cruise lines, they would expect you to wear something such as a nice top with jeans, a polo or casual button-down shirt, or a smart dress.
Below, you can see the type of clothes that we like to wear on casual evenings…
Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), are freestyle, meaning you can wear casual clothing at all times, even during formal nights.
Some cruise lines are more strict than others. For example, on a recent Fred. Olsen cruise, my husband was turned away from the main dining room on a casual night because he was wearing smart shorts. He changed into more casual jeans, and that was fine!
I find that cruise lines are generally much more strict with men. I’ve worn smart trainers and a dress in the main dining room with no issue, whereas men may be less likely to get away with it.
On the whole, as long as you look nice and your clothes aren’t ripped or have too much skin showing, you’ll generally be fine. But, it’s wise the check the dress code of your particular cruise line to avoid having to nip back to your room to change.
Formal nights
On formal nights, cruise lines often have a smart dress code that allows passengers to wear their most glamorous clothes.
For example, Cunard usually has three formal evenings for a week-long cruise. Ladies may wear a cocktail dress, a ball gown or something a bit more chic. Men might wear a suit or tuxedo.
On some of Royal Caribbean ships, it’s listed a dinner dress suggestion of “Wear Your Best”, which is described as “Say goodbye to Formal Night, and hello to Wear Your Best. Get glamorous. Be Chic. It’s time to shine – your way.” [Source].
It’s also worth noting that typically, if you don’t want to wear formal clothing, you’ll be able to relax in your casual gear but your dining options may be more limited – you’ll have to eat in the buffet, rather than the main dining room. You may also find that some bars are off-limits.
Theme nights
Most cruise lines offer a variety of themed nights. This is the perfect time to dig out costumes from parties out the back of your wardrobe. Usually, costumes aren’t sold onboard, so coming prepared is essential. Check what theme nights are scheduled in advance and pack accordingly.
Wearing red on Scarlet Night
Each cruise line has different themed nights. For example, Royal Caribbean is known for various theme nights, such as Black and White Night, 60s, 70s, and 80s nights, and Toga Parties.
Meanwhile, Carnival offers its unique 80s Rock’n’Glow Deck Party, Silent White Hot Night, and Superhero Music Party.
NCL encourages its guests to take part in their vibrant neon “glow” party.
Virgin Voyages theme nights include Scarlet Night and a pyjama party where you can arrive in your best nightwear!
Disney Cruise Line features Pirate Nights. Many of the kids dress up as pirates for this, and some of the adults do too!
Packing for shore excursions
Another thing to consider when packing is shore excursions. Your clothing needs may be quite different to what you need on the ship.
Walking shoes and comfortable clothing
Firstly, it’s important to pack the right shoes. Sightseeing can often involve lots of walking, so if you want to make the most out of the shore excursions, you’ll need some comfy shoes.
The best type of shoes are the ones that you are used to, which provide plenty of support. I would also recommend they are flat.
If you come across any cities with uneven pavements or cobblestones, anything with a heel can be difficult to walk in, so it’s best to stick to flat shoes, like trainers or sturdy sandals. You may want to check out my guide on shoes for cruises.
Secondly, choose comfortable clothing suited for the climate. Clothes made from cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics can be the most comfortable, especially in warmer climates.
It’s also a good idea to wear layers, as there may be changing weather conditions throughout the day, or it might be cold outside, but if you’re visiting indoor places, it can get warm. Or if you’re in a hot destination, you may go into a place with freezing cold air con.
Essential items for day trips
When packing for shore excursions, you also need to think about other essentials that will make your day more comfortable and enjoyable.
If you’re in a hot destination, sun protection should be on your list. You may want to purchase a good sun cream that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Bring a hat and sunglasses too, to further protect yourself from the sun. Also, to stay hydrated, I like to pack an insulated water bottle that can be topped up throughout the day.
Sometimes I also like to pack light snacks, particularly if you have kids. Dry pre-packaged snacks, like granola bars, are usually fine. However, if you’re bringing food off the ship, it’s best to check the country’s laws, as sometimes it can be illegal.
To carry all of your items, take a comfortable backpack or crossover bag. It will need to be able to fit your essentials in there, including your phone, purse or wallet and other items that you might buy on your day trip.
How much to pack
Another factor to consider when deciding what to wear on a cruise is how much you need to pack. You’ll need to consider your luggage allowance and whether you will use the onboard laundry service.
Luggage allowances
Usually, cruise lines give a good luggage allowance – or none at all, letting you take as much as you can carry. This means you can take quite a few outfits with you. However, think about the size of your bags as they have to fit into your stateroom and your clothes in the wardrobe and drawers available.
Before going on a cruise, you can look at the size of your room and the storage available. Secondly, you can check the size of the luggage allowance. You could take quite a lot of clothes with you, but you definitely don’t want to bring too much and then have to return it home.
Some cruise lines like Carnival have restrictions on the size and weight of your bags. Read more here: Carnival Luggage Restrictions.
Also bear in mind any luggage restrictions on flights to get to your embarkation port or to return home. They’ll usually be stricter than the cruise line.
It is easier to pack light, which means you may want clothes that don’t take up too much room or items you can mix and match for different outfits throughout your time on the cruise. For more top tips on what to pack, check out these handy cruise packing tips and tricks.
Laundry
Another key factor when deciding what clothes to bring on a cruise is whether you want to use the ship’s laundry service. If you’re going on a long cruise or travelling with kids, this might be ideal for you.
Most cruise lines have some sort of laundry service. Some cruise lines have a full-service with dry cleaning for an item-based fee. Others offer self-service or a flat-rate ‘fill the bag’ service. For more details, check out my helpful cruise ship laundry guide.
As a guide, I’d recommend taking about three to four daytime outfits, two to three casual evening outfits, one to two formal options and two swimwear options for a 7-night cruise.
Rather than take your whole wardrobe with you, have outfits that are versatile and can be mixed and matched.
For a week’s cruise, it’s best to pack two or three swimsuits. You can wash them in the shower each day and hang them to dry. So with a couple of options, you’ll always have a dry one to wear.
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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.
Babies can be expensive little things, can’t they? However, one of the upsides of travelling with a baby is that they get in pretty much everywhere for free.
But do babies cruise for free?
My baby on his first cruise
On holiday you wouldn’t expect to pay for a baby to stay in your hotel room, visit tourist attractions with you or eat bits of your plate in a restaurant.
So, you might think that your baby would also travel for free on a cruise, right?
Do You Have to Pay For a Baby On a Cruise?
Babies typically aren’t free on a cruise. MSC Cruises and Cunard don’t charge for babies, but any other cruise lines that accept them will charge, though it will often be a reduced fare.
Many cruise lines charge the FULL ADULT PRICE for babies on-board.
Shocking! So does that mean that your cruising days are over once your little bundle of joy arrives? Or that you suddenly need to pay for a whole extra person when you add a baby to your booking?
Thankfully, no. Read on to find out how you can take your baby on a cruise for a reduced rate, or even for free…
Cruise Lines Where Babies Sail For Free
If you want to get the best value for money when taking your baby on a cruise, you’ll want to know about these two cruise lines that don’t charge for infants…
MSC Cruises
The baby facilities on board MSC Sinfonia
If you want to take your baby on a cruise for free, one of the best cruise lines to choose is MSC Cruises as children under two sail free of charge.
Cruises from the UK are available, or, if you need to take a flight to start your cruise, you’ll just have to pay a very small amount to your airline to have the babysitting on your knee. The exact amount depends on the airline, but it won’t be much.
Not only do babies sail for free with MSC Cruises, but there are loads of facilities for them on-board too. In fact, MSC Cruises have partnered with the Observatorio Chicco Baby Research Center in order to create holidays that are ‘tailormade for babies’.
They even now offer babysitting services for kids as young as six months old, as of summer 2024. So you can drop them off for a nap, and go explore. There is the option to have your baby supervised in your cabin but that’ll cost extra.
I took my six-month-old son on his first-ever cruise with MSC Cruises on MSC Preziosa and we had a fantastic time – I would highly recommend this cruise line.
Cunard
Cunard’s Queen Victoria
Under-twos sail for free on board Cunard cruise ships, but you will still need to pay Cunard’s daily gratuities for them.
Whilst traditional cruise line Cunard isn’t the first cruise line that comes to mind for most families, it is actually really good for babies.
Unlike MSC Cruises, which has a limited choice of sailings from the UK, Cunard has plenty. However, you won’t find the same level of facilities for them on-board.
One great thing about Cunard cruises that MSC Cruises doesn’t offer, however, is the complimentary night nursery.
Open from 6 pm until 11 pm, under-twos can be left to sleep under the supervision of professional staff whilst you enjoy dinner, a show, or a trip to the onboard casino.
Cruise Lines Where Babies Sail For a Reduced Rate
The following cruise lines are also certainly worth considering if you’re looking for a cheap cruise with a baby…
Costa
Cruises
Peppa Pig onboard Costa Cruises
Not only will you find Peppa Pig on board, but Costa Cruises doesn’t charge any cruise fare for children under the age of 18 years. Rejoice!
However, they do charge port fees and taxes for children of all ages, including babies. Port charges are what the cruise line must pay to the local authority of each port that the ship calls at, and taxes are what they have to pay to the government.
The cost of port charges and taxes varies depending on the ports that you call at but is usually around 10-20% of the adult cruise fare. This means that you’re still making a great saving when you take your children on a Costa cruise compared to other cruise lines.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Night Nursery
On P&O Cruises, infants under two years old travel at a ‘reduced rate’ which varies by cruise. P&O Cruises doesn’t publish details of what the rate is, but as it varies by cruise, this is likely to be based on port taxes and charges, as well as possibly some other factors.
Passengers have reported paying anywhere from £50 to £300 to bring their baby on-board, which is always a great reduction on the adult fare.
What’s more, P&O Cruises regularly have promotions which offer child places for as little as £1 outside of the school holidays. So if you can travel then, and book at the right time, you can make great savings.
The complimentary night nursery is open from 6 pm until 2 am, which means that you can spend each evening child-free, should you wish.
On Disney cruises, under-threes pay half of the child fare. The child fare varies and isn’t a set % of the adult fare.
Disney’s pricing is a bit different than other cruise lines in that they don’t display a ‘per person’ price, just the overall price for your group. This makes it a bit tricky to see how much you’re paying for the kids, but it won’t be a great deal extra to add on a baby.
What might be worth noting, is that Disney Cruise Line is one of the few cruise lines to provide cabins that sleep five people.
On other cruise lines, you’ll be forced to book two cabins, or a family suite, for the five of you, whereas with Disney you can all fit in one room, which is generally cheaper.
Most other family-friendly cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line don’t make any reductions in pricing for children or babies.
This means that, in theory, your baby could be charged up to the full adult fare for your bundle of joy.
Royal Caribbean’s baby facilities
However, it’s important to note that almost all cruise lines DO have reductions for the third and fourth passengers in a cabin – which applies whether they are babies, children, or even adults.
The reductions for the third and fourth passengers varies. It can be just a 10-20% reduction, or it can be much more, depending on your choice of the cruise line, sailing, whether it is in the school holidays or not, and any promotions which are currently running.
Does Royal Caribbean Charge For Infants?
Royal Caribbean charges the standard cruise fare for babies – there is no discounted Royal Caribbean infant price. However, if your baby is the third or fourth passenger in a cabin, you will often pay a reduced rate for them. Infants are also charged the full gratuity rate per day.
How to Decide Which Cruise Line is the Cheapest For a Baby
To decide which cruise has the best price, you need to work out the price of the entire cruise holiday, not just the price for the baby.
Whilst babies might get a highly reduced rate on a Disney cruise yet no discount on a Carnival cruise, the Disney cruise could still cost you three times as much.
You also need to add in the cost of other added extras such as gratuities. Some cruise lines will add up to $15 per person, per day to your bill at the end of your cruise to cover tips for the staff. Often, the gratuity charge applies to all passengers, even babies.
On a seven-night cruise for two adults and a baby, gratuities could add up to an extra £250.
If you’re not expecting it, this can be an unwelcome surprise at the end of your cruise. But if you choose a cruise line that doesn’t charge any gratuities, such as P&O Cruises or MSC Cruises, you won’t need to worry about it.
Babies tend to be free of charge (or only have a very small fee) on most airlines.
Of course, if you decide to fly, you’ll have airline luggage restrictions to think about because let’s face it, babies tend to need a lot of stuff! One of the great things about cruising from your nearest post is that you don’t have any limits on how much luggage you can bring.
Finally, remember, that the cheapest cruise isn’t always the best. When you’re travelling with a baby, you’ll want to be really mindful of things like awkward flight times, long coach journeys in each port and whether the cruise has like-minded passengers who will be happy to see families joining them on-board.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
Have you cruised with a baby? Did you get a good deal?
And if you need a little more help, why not sign up for my baby cruise packing list?
And if you fancy bagging yourself a free cruise for the whole family, check out this article next: How To Get A Free 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.
If your vacation includes some time in Cozumel, you may be wondering if there are any beaches where you can sunbathe topless or even nude.
The topless beaches in Cozumel aren’t well advertised but they do exist. And while there aren’t official nude beaches in Cozumel, there are also a few quiet spots where you’ll be able to sunbathe naked without causing alarm, if that’s what you choose to do.
Personally, I’m British, so topless sunbathing is a totally normal thing for us to do! Probably not in England (it’s too cold!), but when I’ve travelled to countries like Spain, France and Greece, it’s been common for most women to be topless, even on family beaches with kids around.
And yes, I’ve sunbathed topless myself many times.
Technically… it’s illegal!
Topless sunbathing in public is technically illegal in Mexico. However, the law is very rarely ever enforced, especially on tourist beaches in places like Playa Del Carmen.
On Mexico’s mainland, you’ll find some topless-optional beaches and even clothing-optional beaches within some of the resorts.
Cozumel is very much a family island and so topless sunbathing would be seen as offensive on most beaches. However, there are a few beaches where you’re allowed to remove your bikini top and there are also some deserted beaches where you’re unlikely to see any other people around if you want to go fully nude.
If you want to sunbathe topless in Cozumel, here’s where you can go…
1. Playa Mezcalitos
Mezcalitos is a fun little beach bar located on the East side of Cozumel. It’s the first beach that you’ll come to when you arrive at the coast via the ‘transversal’ road that goes right across the island.
This photo of Cozumel is courtesy of Tripadvisor
Some people consider it the main nude beach Cozumel has to offer. That’s because there’s a ‘Naked Beach’ sign at Mezcalitos, but it’s mostly just for novelty purposes. Most people do wear clothes, but if you really do want to sunbathe nude or topless here, you should have no problem.
If you’re feeling shy, you’ll probably want to walk a little further down the beach away from the people. But, the further you go, the rockier the sand gets.
Here’s a video of the bar and beach at Mezcalitos.
Mezcalitos is 12 miles from Cozumel Cruise Terminal, on the opposite side of the Island. The easiest way to get there is to take a cab.
2. Coconuts
Coconuts Bar and Grill is a fun bar on the east coast of Cozumel. With bras and thongs hanging from the ceiling, this place isn’t to everyone’s taste, but if you want to visit somewhere light-hearted with great sea views, you should give it a shot.
At Coconuts, you can get your photo taken topless in exchange for a free tequila shot. The photo then goes into an album, which is passed around for future guests to admire.
While you won’t find many women sunbathing topless at Coconuts, if you want to sunbathe topless on the beach, you can do. Just tell the staff that’s what you want to do and you may even get free drinks while you do it!
Here’s a video of Coconuts Cozumel…
Coconuts is 15 miles from Cozumel Cruise Terminal, on the other side of the Island. The easiest way to get there is to take a cab.
3. Freedom in Paradise
Freedom in Paradise is a beach bar that’s located across the road from another bar called Rastas – both are owned by the same family. You’ll find it on the south east coast of Cozumel.
There’s a topless beach at Freedom in Paradise and, just like at coconuts, you’ll get a free tequila slammer for participating. Most people choose to keep their swimwear on, but if you want to go topless on the beach, you can do.
Here’s a video of Freedom in Paradise and Rastas…
Freedom in Paradis is 15 miles from Cozumel Cruise Terminal, towards the southern tip of the Island. The easiest way to get there is to take a cab.
Nude beaches in Cozumel
Cozumel’s famous ‘Naked Beach’ sign can be found at Playa Mezcalitos, a small beach just beyond Mezcalitos bar on the east coast of Cozumel. However, the sign is mostly just for fun and few people actually sunbathe nude here.
If you want to sunbathe nude in Cozumel, the best thing to do is to find a quiet, secluded beach. Cozumel has miles of beaches, so you should have no problem finding a nice beach away from the bars and resorts where you can have the whole place to yourself.
Palancar is one option to consider. It’s located towards the south of the island, about a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal. You could rent a scooter or a jeep and explore the area.
Another option is to head towards the east side of the island where the beaches are almost deserted. You should be aware though, that swimming may not be an option as the sea can be very rough. Plus, there may be no mobile phone reception, so if you take a cab you should be sure to book it both ways.
Final thoughts
As topless sunbathing is technically illegal in Mexico, it’s not something that you’ll see happening often on Cozumel. The police generally turn a blind eye to topless women on beaches, although removing your bikini top isn’t recommended in most places.
If you want to sunbathe topless in Cozumel, there are a few beach bars that allow it – some will even give you free tequila slammers if you pose for a photo! Alternatively, if you want to soak up the sun’s rays in Cozumel nude, you’ll want to seek out deserted beaches on the east side of the island where there will be no other people around to offend.
Of course, Cozumel has lots more things to do besides visiting the beaches. So be sure to check which excursions are offered by our cruise line or take a look at this list of the best things to do in Cozumel for ideas.
Personally, I’d take the opportunity to go diving as Cozumel is known for its amazing scuba diving sites.
If you’re looking for a cruise where you can sunbathe topless then Virgin Voyages is a great option. It’s only of the few cruise lines to have a dedicated topless sunbathing area.
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.
Formal night on a cruise is a great opportunity to dress up in your finest clothes and enjoy a Gala dinner and a trip to the theatre before dancing the night away.
But knowing what to wear to a formal night on a cruise can be tricky. Do you need to wear a floor-length evening gown? Or a cocktail dress? Can you wear a smart suit?
Below are some photos of the types of evening wear that people usually wear on a cruise ship, including some of my own cruise dresses. I’ve also answered the most-asked questions about formal nights on a cruise and what to wear in the evenings…
What do you wear on formal night on a cruise?
On formal nights on cruise ships, ladies wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses and men wear suits or tuxedos. Evening dresses can be long or short, but look out for crease-free fabrics and dresses that are comfortable to eat a large meal in.
I do enjoy dressing up for formal night on a cruise. Here’s a photo of my friends and me on a formal night onboard P&O Cruises’ Iona…
I’m on the right. My dress is from Amazon and you can see it here.
At first, I was a bit unsure about buying clothes from Amazon. The first time I did it, I had a last-minute cruise and nothing to wear. So I ordered three dresses, they all cost £30 to £40 each. And to my surprise, I loved them all!
Since then, I’ve bought almost all of my cruise dresses from Amazon. I love that the material doesn’t crease and there’s always a bit of stretch, which comes in handy, especially on a two-week cruise!
The best evening dresses I’ve found…
This is the dress that I’m wearing in the photo above. The fabric is really soft and comfortable. It’s thick enough to hide any lumps and bumps without being heavy. It’s easy to wear a bra with this dress and it’s flowy around the middle so you don’t feel squeezed in.
It comes in lots of different colours from size 8 to 30. There’s also a similar dress that’s short at the front, if you like to show off your nice shoes.
This is another of my favourite formal cruise dresses. Here’s a photo of me wearing it on Ambassador Ambition earlier this year…
This dress is magical. Around the top, it feels like slightly sticky rubber, so it doesn’t fall down at all, even when dancing. I love how light and flowy this dress is – it’s so comfortable. And with the frilly top, no bra is needed, yay! Of course, you could wear a strapless if you like some extra support.
Again, this dress comes in about 20 different colours and all sizes from 4 to 34.
This beautiful floor-length evening gown is perfect to wear on a cruise. It’s made from crease-resistant chiffon with delicate lace and gemstone detailing.
The empire cut and ruched detailing make this dress a flattering option for ladies of every shape, from petite size 8s to plus-size 30s. With a choice of 16 different colours, there’s one to suit every skin tone.
If you don’t like long dresses, a cocktail dress can be a good option for a cruise formal evening, and this A-Line off-the-shoulder gown would be ideal.
Made from a stretchy and crease-free material, this dress is sure to survive being packed in a suitcase without wrinkling. The high waist and flared style mean that you don’t need to worry about over-indulging on cruise food; you’ll still be comfortable.
With colours to match the ocean, this blue floral dress would look lovely on a cruise in the evening. Cruise formal wear doesn’t always have to be dark and glitzy, especially if you’re cruising on a more casual ship where dressing up is optional.
Chiffon is one of the best fabrics for cruise formal dresses as it’s lightweight, doesn’t take up much space in your luggage and doesn’t crease. This dress would suit ladies of all ages and is available in sizes 4 to 34.
You’re sure to feel like a mermaid in this sparkly fishtail evening dress. Perfect for Christmas and New Year cruises, this is the perfect dress to stand out from the crowd.
The dress is fully lined, with a padded bust area that makes bra-wearing optional. It’s available in two colours and sizes from 8 to 26.
This stunning long evening gown is covered with intricate sequin detailing. It would make the perfect formal night dress for women of all ages, suiting everybody from teenagers up to 50 plus, 60 plus and beyond.
This dress is made from crease-free fabric with a simple hemline that’s easy to trim for those who are shorter than average height. It has a built-in bra, although you could also wear your own without the straps showing. The dress comes in a choice of two colours.
Short at the front and long at the back, this cruise evening dress has beautiful diamante and faux pearl detailing at the waist. It comes in a choice of seven beautiful colours.
The gown is made from tulle, so it will never look creased on your cruise. The straps are adjustable, and the high-waisted design will be flattering for everyone, whether you’re a UK size 8 or a size 30.
Evening gowns don’t need to be revealing and this elegant formal dress is perfect for those who like to keep the upper arms covered. It’s available in sizes 8 to 30 with a choice of 12 colours.
The sequin detailing is simply beautiful, making this dress a great choice for the formal night on your cruise.
Simple yet elegant, this off-the-shoulder evening gown is light and floaty, making it ideal for a summer evening. The empire waist is flattering for ladies of all shapes and sizes and the fabric is chiffon, so it won’t crease in your suitcase.
This gorgeous dress comes in a choice of 14 colours and you can choose your size from UK 8 to 30. The back has hidden elastic to the dress will always be comfortable and is sure to fit you well.
This 1920s-style flapper dress is decorated with thousands of beads and sequins with a fancy fringe trim.
With a cocktail dress like this, you would be sure to fit in on even the most formal of cruise ships. It won’t crease, but it is delicate, so be sure to handwash it.
Lace dresses always look good at formal night on a cruise and this floral knee-length bodycon dress is no exception.
You won’t have any issues with this dress creasing, thanks to the stretchy lace fabric and you’ll also find it easy to wear a bra without it showing. There are five jewel tones to choose from, sized to fit ladies from 6 to 18.
What to wear on a cruise
Hopefully now you’re a little bit closer to getting your formal night outfit planned. But remember, there are plenty of other nights to consider too. There’s also your daywear, swimwear, gymwear and lots more to think about!
You don’t have to dress up every night on a cruise. Usually, each evening will be designated as either casual or formal and most people choose to wear the attire that suits the dress code for that night.
Most cruises have at least one formal night, but not all do. On short cruises of five nights or less, there may be no formal night. Some cruise lines have very relaxed attitudes to formal nights, and you’ll find that many people opt to wear casual clothes on these nights.
Cruise lines where you don’t have to dress up at all include:
Carnival
Disney Cruise Line
Marella Cruises
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Windstar
On relaxed cruises like NCL and Royal Caribbean, over half of the guests won’t dress up. On cruises with a strict dress code, like Cunard, if you don’t dress up you won’t be allowed into any venue except the buffet restaurant.
Formal nights – why?
Most cruise ships have formal nights because guests enjoy dressing up, enjoying fine dining and having professional photos taken. Most cruise ships are elegantly styled and it’s nice to dress up in a glamorous way to match your surroundings and have a fun evening.
The most formal cruise line in Cunard. On Cunard cruises, most guests wear suits and cocktail dresses every night, with a strict black-tie dress code on Gala Evenings. Luxury cruise lines such as Silversea, Crystal Cruises and Seabourn also tend to be very formal.
Depending on the cruise line, the formal night might be known by another name. On your cruise schedule, you may see it called Captain’s Night, Gala Evening, Black Tie Night or Elegant Night. These names all mean the same as formal night.
More often than not, the formal night on a cruise will be on a sea day so that guests have time to get ready. The first and last nights of a cruise are rarely designated as formal nights. On seven-night cruises, you may have two formal nights and on longer cruises, you may have four or more.
High heels & cruises
You can wear high heels on a cruise ship and many ladies choose to do so on formal nights. If the sea is rough, you may feel the movement of the ship, which can make walking in high heels difficult, especially after a few drinks.
If you’re not great at walking in high heels and are worried about falling over when the ship rocks, I suggest packing a pair of sparkly flat sandals or low-heeled wedges.
I’m not good at walking in high heels, so on a cruise, I like to wear shoes like these. They go with everything and will never make my feet hurt, even when carrying sleepy kids from one end of the ship to the other at the end of the evening!
Final thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for cocktail dresses for cruises or you just wanted a bit more advice on evening cruise wear and how enforced the rules are, I hope this guide has helped.
For first time cruisers, it can be confusing working out what to wear on a cruise in the evening, but don’t overthink it too much. You don’t need to spend loads on brand new evening cruise wear, and you can totally just wear casual clothes to the buffet if that’s more your thing.
But if you like to dress up a little, like I do, then it’s a great excuse to treat yourself before you sail.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
There might be times in life when things aren’t going to plan for you, and you’re feeling a little low. This list of quotes about the sea is intended to encourage and inspire you.
There are hundreds of rough seas quotes and this list picks out just 15 of the best. In most quotes about the ocean, the water is a metaphor for life. Just as the sea can be calm or rough with ups and downs, so can our lives. It’s how we deal with it that makes the difference to the outcome.
Of course, you might draw your own rough sea meaning from these quotes…so see how they make you feel.
The Best Rough Sea Quotes
We are all in the same boat, in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.
Gilbert K. Chesterton
Gilbert Keith Chesterton was an early 20th century English author. In this quote, the ‘stormy sea’ is a metaphor for the struggles that life presents to us. Just like a rough sea, challenges in life are neither predictable nor in our control.
‘In the same boat’ means that er all face the same struggles. The people in the boat could be a family, a team of colleagues, a subset of society (such as parents if young kids), or, if you step back far enough, the whole of civilisation.
The phrase ‘terrible loyalty’ seems a bit odd, because ‘terrible’ usually means something bad. However, in this context, it means something more like ‘inescapable’. Because life is rough and we’re all in it together, we have no option but to co-operate and show each other kindness.
A rough day at sea is better than any day in the office.
Unknown
This is a quote that is particularly relevant to people who enjoy cruising. Even if the seas are rough, the ship cannot dock and your excursions are cancelled, it’s still better than your best day at work!
Rough seas make stronger sailors. Tough times build greater people.
Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma is a Canadian writer, best known for his The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari book series. The meaning of this rough seas quote is obvious – it’s that adversity is character-building.
Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid. But in the end, it is always beautiful.
Unknown
Just as in many inspirational quotes about the sea, here the ocean is a metaphor for life. It serves to remind us that even in the most difficult of times, life itself is something to be cherished.
The human heart is like a ship on a stormy sea driven about by winds blowing from all four corners of heaven.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a 16th-century German professor of theology. This quote is often incorrectly attributed to the civil rights movement activist with a similar name – Martin Luther King Jr.
The Bible often refers to heaven as having four corners and four winds, just like the ‘four corners of the Earth, these are thought to be north, south, east and west.
This quote highlights how our plans and desires can frequently change direction, just like a ship on rough seas when the wind blows in every direction.
Get this rough sea quote keychain on Amazon
What world lies beyond that stormy sea I do not know, but every ocean has a distant shore, and I shall reach it.
Cesare Pavese
Cesare Pavese was an Italian author and poet. This quote means that if you keep on working, you will reach your goals eventually. Just as every ocean has a shore, every challenge has an end. It highlights the importance of perseverance, even in difficult times.
Family is a life jacket in the stormy sea of life.
J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is a British author, best known for the Harry Potter series. This quote is from the third book of the series: ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’.
This wonderful quote about stormy seas highlights the importance of family in keeping us afloat during the most difficult times.
Who sail on stormy seas;
And that’s the way I get my bread –
A trifle, if you please.
Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll is the pen-name of Charles Lutwidge Dodgeson, the English writer best known for the Alice in Wonderland books.
This quote comes from the song “Haddocks’ Eyes”, which was sung by The White Knight from Carroll’s novel ‘Through the Looking Glass’. You can read the full lyrics here.
Life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.
Unknown
While the origin of this quote about life’s roughest storms is not known, the meaning is clear. We often do not know just how strong we are until we are tested.
But where, after all, would be the poetry of the sea were there no wild waves?
Joshua Slocum
Joshua Slocum was the first person to sail single-handedly around the world. His book, ‘Sailing Alone Around the World‘ became an international best-seller.
The sea features in countless poems. But if it were flat as a lake, would it be such an interesting subject? In this quote about rough sea, the sea could be a metaphor for life and how the ups and downs make it more noteworthy.
The roaring of lions, the howling of wolves, the raging of the stormy sea, and the destructive sword, are portions of eternity, too great for the eye of man.
William Blake
William Blake was a 19th-century English poet and painter. This quote is an excerpt from his book ‘The Marriage of Heaven and Hell‘ in which Blake expresses his own romantic and revolutionary beliefs.
In this quote ‘too great for the eye of man’ refers to God. It means that we should not blame ourselves for everything that occurs, as Blake believed that some things are the work of God.
Ships are safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. So set sail on the stormy sea of love. You’re going to get soaked at times, but at least you’ll know you’re alive.
Dan Millman
Dan Millman is an American author and personal development lecturer.
The famous quote about ships being safe in a harbour means that it’s better to get out and do the things that you want to do rather than sit and do nothing. Even if you fail, at least you’ll have tried and you’ll have learned something in the process.
The courage to press on regardless – regardless of whether we face calm seas or rough seas, and especially when the market storms howl around us – is the quintessential attribute of the successful investor.
John C. Bogle
John C. Bogle was an American business magnate and investor. This quote encourages us to carry on through the most difficult of times.
Great sea captains are made in rough waters and deep seas.
Kathryn Kuhlman
Kathryn Kuhlman was an American evangelist who was known for hosting healing services. This quote means that hard times shape us into becoming better people. We learn a lot from our misfortunes and life’s challenges help us to improve.
No matter how rough the sea, I refuse to sink.
Unknown
We’ll finish this list of quotes about rough seas with this one which offers a great mantra to live by. No matter how bad times get, we should refuse to let things get us down.
Do you have a favourite of the stormy sea quotes? Do any strike a chord, with the metaphor of rough seas meaning something specific to you?
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
If you’re already a regular cruiser or just thinking about booking your first cruise, you might be wondering about how crime and security are dealt with on board.
Do cruise ships have police? Let’s take a look.
Cruise ships do not have police. Instead, an onboard Security Director will oversee the ship’s own dedicated security department, staffed by former federal, state and military law enforcement personnel from various countries.
By law, ships sailing to or from the USA must have at least one crew member trained in crime prevention, detection and reporting.
Security instead of police – why?
Police forces are governed and empowered by nation-states in order to protect their citizens and to prevent crime and civil disorder. National police forces may also sometimes work together to tackle international crime via the global policing coordination organization Interpol.
Cruise ships, however, are not based inside national borders and do not fit neatly under the effective jurisdiction of any one country. This means that there isn’t an obvious police force with ongoing responsibility for law and order on each cruise vessel.
Even where there is a linked police force (e.g. the police force of the ship’s “flagged” or nominal country) they are unlikely to have the resources to investigate all cruise ship crime thoroughly, and could not practically deploy police officers on every cruise.
If a cruise ship is in port at the time a crime occurs, the local authorities for that country have clear jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
But, if a ship is at sea, you may wonder which country has jurisdiction (the power or right to interpret and apply the law) on board the ship.
Beyond 12 miles, the ship’s officially registered (“flagged”) country normally has jurisdiction.
So, if a ship is registered in the Bahamas, then Bahamas law may apply, even if the ship is cruising on the other side of the world in the Pacific Ocean when a crime occurs.
It would obviously be impractical for Bahamas police to attend, so the highly-trained cruise ship security team will be first on the scene to deal with any crimes committed at sea.
Investigating crimes
Instead of police, cruise ships normally have their own security teams who act as first responders when crimes are reported on board. These internal security staff are employed by cruise ship companies and work under the authority of the ship’s captain.
When crime occurs in international waters, the captain must decide whether to continue cruising to the next scheduled port of call, or to make an unscheduled stop at a nearer port.
Local authorities at the port can then be brought on board for formal investigations. The ship’s security team are responsible for passenger safety, preservation of evidence and investigation until they hand the case over to law enforcement officers.
When US citizens are involved in serious cruise ship crimes, the FBI must investigate, although other law enforcement agencies might have the primary role. Where serious crime is indicated, the FBI can draw on its global network to protect passengers and to secure and preserve the crime scene.
This recourse for US citizens is limited. Under international law, the US cannot prosecute crimes on foreign-flagged ships once they move outside US jurisdiction. It would be illegal for the FBI to enter a foreign-flagged vessel outside US territory or to enforce US criminal laws, without flag state permission.
Cruise ship security teams – what to expect
Ex-police or military personnel with relevant experience or qualifications may be sought for more senior cruise ship security positions. Even lower-level positions may have particular criteria (e.g. physical fitness requirements, diving certification, etc).
Uniformed security staff are normally visible at checkpoints or patrolling around the ship. There may also be less obvious plainclothes security staff working on the vessel.
Larger cruise ships undertaking long international journeys, especially through waters where piracy or terrorism are potential risks, may have bigger teams of specially trained security officers who have previously served with police or military units.
Committing a crime at sea
The consequences of a crime on a cruise ship vary depending on the seriousness of what you’ve done. You may be disembarked at the next port of call, and handed over to the local police. For serious crimes, you’ll be locked in your cabin or in a ship’s brig until you reach port.
If it’s a minor crime, you might still be allowed to wander the ship but you’ll be reported to the police either at the next port or when your cruise ends.
Complications of cruise ship crimes
There’s a range of potential complicating factors for crime investigation on cruise ships.
International legal and diplomatic issues
Jurisdiction is a complex issue for cruise ship crime, with multiple potentially interested authorities to consider and coordinate.
These might include a ship’s ‘flagged’ country, foreign port authorities, the home countries of victim and perpetrator, and the FBI where US citizens are involved. Investigation and prosecution can entail sensitive and prolonged international negotiations.
Maritime law versus law on land
The law at sea is not the same law you will find in any individual country. Maritime law is a unique, intricate and sometimes murky field, attempting to regulate the ungoverned spaces of the ocean. Some areas of maritime law are decades or centuries old, and may not be obviously relevant to modern cruise ship crime.
Flagging
A ship’s “flag of convenience (FOC)” is the country where it’s officially registered, regardless of ownership or operating routes. When a ship’s owner chooses to flag their ship in a particular country, activities on that ship become subject to the laws of that nation, and many crimes will be handled under its jurisdiction.
Popular FoC countries tend to be those with the least stringent laws and regulations around labour, safety and environmental protection. Cruise ships are most likely to be registered to the Bahamas, Panama and Liberia.
Cruise lines may state that they have “headquarters in Miami” without mentioning FoCs for their vessels. Passengers should understand that regardless of the location of the cruise company HQ, its ships may be registered elsewhere.
Potential conflicts of interest
The ship’s captain and security team are employed by the cruise company. While the primary purpose of a national police force is to tackle crime and protect citizens, the primary purpose of a cruise company is to run cruises and make money. Security officers may therefore feel under direct or indirect pressure to get a cruise moving again quickly, as much as ensuring that a crime is fully investigated.
Delays
It might take several days before a cruise ship is able to call at a port and allow law enforcement officers to investigate a crime report. During this time, evidence could deteriorate or be tampered with, making subsequent investigation difficult or impossible.
Cruise ship jails
Larger cruise ships do have a type of jail, known as ‘the brig’. These safe, lockable spaces are rarely used except in cases of serious crime where prosecution is likely (e.g. trafficking drugs).
For less serious crimes, or where passengers are drunk and disorderly, they may instead be locked in their cabins.
The most commonly reported crimes on cruise ships are reported to be sexual assaults followed by physical assaults with serious injury, and major theft.
Final word
So, do cruise ships have security? Yes, and they’re very good at their job. The security on cruise ships will help keep guests safe, and make sure that anyone breaking the rules (or the law) is dealt with quickly and efficiently.
If you have questions about security arrangements on particular cruise lines or ships, I would suggest that you consult the cruise line’s website or contact them directly to request further information about their security personnel and systems.
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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.
After 14 years of offering cruises out of Charleston, South Carolina, Carnival Cruise Line is sailing one last time out of the popular southern cruise port today.
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Carnival Sunshine in Charleston with the iconic Ravenel Bridge.
Today’s 5-day cruise on Carnival Sunshine will mark the end of an era for the cruise line. After this sailing the vessel will reposition to Norfolk, Virginia where it will offer 6- and 8-day sailings to the Eastern Caribbean and The Bahamas.
Carnival Fantasy was the first Carnival ship to sail out of Charleston, and the now retired Carnival Ecstasy also sailed out of the port for a time.
Charleston has been trying to end its contract with Carnival Cruise Line for years now. While there was a glimmer of hope that Carnival would be able to extend its contract or move to a nearby port, in the end the city officials got what they wanted.
In 2022, it was announced that Carnival’s contract with the city would not be renewed.
Desires to redevelop the Union Pier Terminal for other uses in addition to traffic congestion on sailing days were some of the biggest factors in the city’s decision.
Many port workers and regular cruisers in the southern U.S. states fought to keep the cruise line local.
In mid-2024 there were efforts to move the cruise ship to Mount Pleasant, just across the water from Charleston.
But the town council eventually voted to confirm that no passenger vessels would be allowed to use Patriot’s Point in Mount Pleasant.
Without a cruise port in South Carolina, local residents will have to drive at least 200 miles to Jacksonville, Florida or another 270 miles to Port Canaveral to take a cruise.
The New Year holiday cruise on Carnival Sunshine will arrive back in Charleston on January 4, making it the last time Carnival cruise passengers will disembark in the historic city.
The smaller port was not able to accommodate modern mega ships of today, but the 102,853 gross ton Carnival Sunshine was a perfect fit as it carried 3,000 passengers at a time to vacations all over the Bahamas and Caribbean.
