Embarkation day on a cruise ship is a busy time for everyone. The crew have just successfully disembarked thousands of passengers and must get ready for the next set of cruisers to set sail.
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One of the biggest jobs for the crew to tackle is making sure each stateroom is ready. Bedding, towels, and the entire cabin are thoroughly cleaned as soon as passengers leave.
But getting that room ready takes some time.
One of the perks cruise lines give loyal passengers is the ability to get on the ship faster and get to their staterooms faster as well. However, this doesn’t mean a stateroom attendant is given superpowers to clean a cabin with extra speed.
John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, recently replied to a disgruntled passenger that complained about a stateroom not being ready, even though they were Platinum-level members of the VIFP Club.
The passenger’s message read as follows:
“If we are platinum you said we can go straight to our room. That is a LIE John Heald. We took our bags to our room. We had a 14 hour drive from Mechanicsville to Miam. My husband needed to sleep. —–is our steward. He had no sympathy and bluntly told us to leave. This is another perk pulled from under our feet. Our stewards name is———. Some person in authority needs to tell her!”
While Platinum and Diamond members of the VIFP Club are given priority check-in and boarding on embarkation day, this does not mean staterooms are ready for passenger use right away.
Heald responded to the message on Facebook, clarifying Carnival’s boarding policy with his usual wit and charm:
“Thank you and of course I understand that your husband was tired after a long drive like that. However, as others have been agreeing with you and to make sure that I once again clarify this please allow me to be as clear as possible,” Heald stated.
“Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun Guests, those in suites and anyone from Cleveland, Ohio ( kidding FFS [For Fun’s Sake]) can go to their cabins as soon as they go on board. They can drop off their luggage but, please, leave straight away. The cabins will not be ready to the high standard you will all expect until approx. 1:30pm. Please then leave. No shower, no unpacking, no napping, no rumpy pumpy and this is all to support the brilliant hard work of your state room steward. Thanks so much again for your understanding.”
The main perk of these loyalty levels and Faster to the Fun is that passengers can drop off their luggage and go about the ship. They can enjoy the pools, restaurants, and amenities of the ship without having to drag a few bags all over the vessel.
But passengers expecting to go to their stateroom right away and take a long snooze before lunch will be disappointed.
Some cruise lines will not allow guests access to their cabins at all unless they are suite guests, and typically only premium cruise lines allow for cruisers to drop off their bags as soon as they board the ship.
Besides it being a hassle to carry backpacks and carry-ons all over the ship, it also makes for extra crowded cruise ship elevators on embarkation day.
For those who want to hit the pool right away or explore the ship without the extra burden, purchasing Faster to the Fun is one way to do it before reaching a higher loyalty status.
Carnival does state that suite guests will be able to access their rooms upon arrival.
Platinum and Diamond guests with Carnival also have priority debarkation. Platinum level is reached at 75 points and Diamond level is reached at 200 points.
My guest writer, Jenny, brings some valuable insights into the world of river cruising.
If you’re thinking about booking a river cruise and are looking for some expert guidance, Jenny can help. Alongside her team, she also books cruises and other adventures to destinations worldwide.
Discover River Cruising: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the fascinating world of river cruising. If you’re considering this serene and scenic mode of travel, you probably have a lot of questions. I have toured or stayed on board 40 river ships, and I’ll share insights and tips to help you set off on your ideal river cruise journey.
A river cruise is a journey along historic, inland waterways, stopping at various ports of call along the way. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises feature smaller ships that can navigate narrow rivers and dock in the heart of cities and towns. This allows for more intimate and immersive experiences at each destination.
What are the main differences between river and ocean cruises?
River cruises differ significantly from ocean cruises in several ways:
Ship size: river cruise ships are much smaller, often accommodating around 100-200 passengers, most ocean ships are much larger.
Port access: river cruises dock in city, town or village centres, offering easy access to local attractions and culture.
Scenic views: on a river cruise, there’s always something to see, from picturesque villages to historic landmarks, as you sail along the river.
Excursions: included shore excursions are often more frequent and immersive, focusing on local culture, history, and cuisine.
Entertainment and facilities: ocean cruises offer a wide range of entertainment and facilities, including multiple dining venues, theatres, shops, pools, and sports facilities. They might have activities like rock climbing, basketball, and water slides. River cruise ships, on the other hand, offer more low-key entertainment such as musical performances, quiz nights, and themed evenings. Facilities may include a small pool, gym, and spa.
Which rivers are popular for cruising?
Some of the most popular rivers for cruising offer travellers a wealth of experiences and sights:
The Rhine: The Rhine River is renowned for its fairy-tale castles, lush vineyards, and historic towns. Travellers can expect to see the picturesque Lorelei Rock, charming medieval villages, and grand castles perched on hillsides. Key highlights include exploring the Gothic architecture of Cologne’s cathedral and the romantic old town of Heidelberg.
The Danube: Flowing through ten countries, the Danube River is a cultural and historical treasure trove. Travelers can visit grand cities like Vienna, with its imperial palaces and classical music heritage, and Budapest, known for its stunning architecture and thermal baths. The river also passes through scenic landscapes like the Wachau Valley, famous for its wine production and picturesque villages.
The Rhône: The Rhône River flows through the heart of Provence, offering travellers a taste of French culture, cuisine, and wine. Highlights include the ancient Roman city of Arles, the beautiful landscapes of the Camargue, and the historic city of Lyon, renowned for its culinary excellence.
The Douro: The Douro River in Portugal is celebrated for its stunning scenery and port wine production. Visitors can expect breathtaking views of terraced vineyards, charming riverside villages, and historic cities like Porto. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique landscape and cultural significance.
The Mekong: The Mekong River offers an exotic and culturally rich experience, flowing through Vietnam and Cambodia. Travelers can explore bustling markets, ancient temples, and rural villages. Highlights include the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, the historic temples of Angkor Wat, and the colonial architecture of Phnom Penh.
There are many other navigable rivers that can be explored by river ship including the Nile the Ganges and the Mississippi.
What should I expect in terms of accommodation?
River cruise ships offer a range of accommodations from fixed window cabins to luxurious suites. There are no inside cabins onboard. The Scenic Crystal, for instance, features balcony suites with all-weather balcony systems, sumptuous linens, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-bars. The Uniworld SS Catherine is known for its opulent décor and beautifully designed cabins, providing a comfortable and stylish home away from home.
Choosing the right cabin can change your river cruise experience. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for suites with private balconies, larger rooms with additional facilities, or more budget-friendly options that still offer comfort and style. For more detailed guidance, see my blog on choosing the right cabin on a river cruise.
Are meals included on a river cruise?
Yes, all meals are included and are a highlight of the river cruising experience. Dining on river cruises is often a gourmet affair, with a focus on local ingredients and regional specialties. Scenic Crystal offers exceptional dining experiences with multiple dining venues and a wide selection of wines and spirits. The Uniworld SS Catherine also excels with its culinary offerings, often incorporating fresh, local produce.
What kind of excursions can I expect?
Excursions are a key part of the river cruise experience. Most cruises include daily shore excursions led by knowledgeable local guides. These can range from walking tours of historic cities to wine tastings in renowned vineyards, such as those along the Rhine and Rhône rivers. For example, on a Rhône River cruise, you might visit the Hospices of Beaune and enjoy wine tastings in Tournon and Tain-l’Hermitage.
Is river cruising suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Some river cruise lines offer dedicated sailings for solo travellers and others offer reduced solo supplements. The smaller, more intimate setting of river cruises makes it easy to meet fellow passengers and participate in group activities and excursions.
Can children travel on a river cruise?
Yes, sometimes. There are some river cruise lines who cater specifically for families and A-Rosa are particularly good at this. Some companies allow children above a certain age but don’t provide extra facilities. I can advise on the best options for families.
Are river cruises all-inclusive?
The inclusions very between river cruise lines. Some river cruises are all-inclusive, covering accommodations, meals, drinks, and excursions. For instance, Scenic Cruises offers a truly all-inclusive experience with everything from fine dining to shore excursions and gratuities included in the fare. Others only include drinks with meals. There are also some options where excursions are not included to allow for maximum flexibility.
What are some of the highlights of river cruising?
Some personal highlights from my river cruising experiences include:
Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley: sampling delicious port wines while cruising through one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions.
Sailing on the Scenic Crystal: enjoying the panoramic views from the Sun Deck, and dining at the specialty restaurant Table La Rive.
Exploring with Uniworld SS Catherine: visiting charming towns like Viviers and the vibrant city of Avignon along the Rhône River.
River cruising offers a unique and enriching way to travel, providing unforgettable experiences along some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. One of the things that I enjoy the most is sitting on deck, watching the world go by. Exploring new places each day while having one room to stay in is something I also appreciate.
How to Find the Right River Cruise
As a river cruise expert, I can help you find the ideal river cruise tailored to your preferences and interests. Whether you’re drawn to Europe’s historic cities or lush wine regions, I can offer personalised recommendations that fit your budget and travel style.
My goal is to help you navigate the many options available and find a cruise that perfectly matches your requirements.
Norwegian Jade’s cruises from 18th October 2025 until 16th February 2026 have all been cancelled, following months of cancellations for Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Star.
Instead of calling Miami its homeport for that season, with cruises to the Caribbean between 6- and 14-nights long, the ship will now instead be based out of San Diego.
She will offer 7-day cruises to the Mexican Riviera, with the popular ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada all likely to feature.
“At Norwegian Cruise Line, we strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences that delight our guests. Occasionally, scheduled itineraries may need to be cancelled, allowing us the opportunity to introduce enhanced voyages that accommodate strong guest demand and provide a more immersive experience
“While unfortunately cancellations may arise, please rest assured that we are always working hard to provide you with world-class cruise vacations to bucket-list destinations.”
Norwegian Cruise Line’s letter to affected guests
The cruise line is offering a similar compensation package to Jade guests as it did to those impacted by the cancellations on Dawn, Jewel, and Star.
This means guest will get a full refund of their fare paid so far, and they’ll also get 10% of their cruise fare extra back as a Future Cruise Credit, to be applied to any sailings until 31st December 2026.
Guests can expect their refunds to hit their bank accounts within 30 working days, although guests who had already paid using Future Cruise Credits will have that amount reinstated within 10 days instead.
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the worst offenders when it comes to cruise lines planning a season and then changing tack, if demand is not there.
Beyond the major cancellations announced within the past couple of weeks, the cruise line has frequently made significant cancellations in the past of a similar nature.
Cancellations for redeployment, such as this, are at least announced far in advance, typically before most guests would’ve booked airfare for their cruise.
Still, it no doubt remains a disappointment for any guests who had been looking forward to their chosen itinerary, who are now forced to either choose an alternative ship with a different date, or a completely different destination.
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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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Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced that Kool & the Gang will headline the 2025 World Cruise Gala, marking the launch of the cruise line’s longest-ever voyage.
The 150-night Away in Wonder world cruise aboard Seven Seas Mariner departs from Miami, Florida, on 7th January 2025.
The gala, set to take place during the evening before the ship’s departure, promises an unforgettable night of music and dance. Guests will enjoy live performances of Kool & the Gang’s iconic hits, including “Ladies Night” and “Get Down on It.”
The event will also feature a cocktail reception and dinner, encouraging attendees to don disco-themed attire for the celebration.
“We are delighted to host such a remarkable celebration for our cherished guests ahead of this milestone voyage,
“This gala is more than just a pre-cruise event; it marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey that embodies the pinnacle of luxury travel and exploration. For many, a Regent world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are honoured to set the stage with unforgettable memories from the very start.”
Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The Away in Wonder world cruise will span three oceans and visit 97 ports across 25 countries and five continents, including South America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and Alaska.
The itinerary includes highlights like Rio de Janeiro, Bora Bora, and Ho Chi Minh City, with in-port overnight stays and over 465 shore excursions.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for offering the ultimate in luxury travel, and the 2025 world cruise is no exception.
Guests will enjoy exclusive amenities such as door-to-door luggage service, a comprehensive visa package, unlimited valet laundry, onboard medical services, and a wealth of personalized experiences.
Onboard, travellers will indulge in gourmet dining, premium beverages, and spectacular entertainment.
The journey also includes three exclusive shoreside events in Buenos Aires, Auckland, and Bangkok, offering once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences.
For those seeking an even more tailored journey, the optional Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare adds flights, airport transfers, and private chauffeur service, ensuring seamless luxury from start to finish.
With Kool & the Gang setting the tone for this extraordinary voyage, the Away in Wonder world cruise promises to be a celebration of discovery, luxury, and unforgettable memories.
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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.
Just days after announcing a huge number of cancellations across three ships in its fleet, Norwegian Cruise Line has followed up with news of further cancelled cruises on a fourth…
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Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has revealed a light-hearted prank that he fell victim to on a recent cruise. A guest named ‘Trent’ apparently wrote to John to…
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Holland America Line, one of nine cruise lines from Carnival Corporation, has announced their Black Friday deals for 2024 that start now and run through December 1, 2024.
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Holland America Line launched their Black Friday cruise deals a little early this year to give cruisers more time to take advantage of their offer.
Their deal can be combined with their popular “Have It All” fare that makes their cruises nearly all inclusive. It’s good on over 800 cruises that depart through October 2026.
Here’s what Holland America is offering for Black Friday:
The free prepaid crew appreciation can represent savings of over $1,000 depending on the cabin booked and length of the cruise.
Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer, gave the following statement about the cruise lines deals for Black Friday:
“We have consistently offered incredible deals for Black Friday, and this year is no exception.
“We center our promotions around perks that our guests tell us they want, including crew appreciation plus free third and fourth guests on cruises to all of our global destinations—Black Friday is the ideal time to book a cruise.”
This offer is good on Holland America cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Antarctica and Australia.
Select Legendary Voyages (cruises ranging from 25 to 59 days) and back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages also are included.
To see a list of Black Friday deals from all cruise lines, you can see those here.
The question I am asked the most as a cruise journalist and blogger is, “What’s your favorite cruise you’ve ever taken?” I have never had an answer, until now.
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One of Viking’s custom built river ships for the Nile River. Photo: Cruise Fever
I have cruised all around the world from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia and Europe. I have taken over 80 cruises and visited more than 40 countries over the past 10-15 years.
While I’ve never had one particular favorite cruise, I did have a list of 10 that have stood out more than the others. They are:
7-day Hawaii on Norwegian’s Pride of America
7-day Iceland with Viking
7-day Southern Caribbean with Royal Caribbean
13-day Mediterranean with Holland America Line
7-day Christmas markets river cruise on Viking
7-day Alaska with Princess Cruises
4-day Southeast Asia on Royal Caribbean
4-day Bahamas on NCL (my first cruise)
7-day Mediterranean with Virgin
3-day Bahamas on Disney
A couple weeks ago, Viking invited me to Egypt for the christening of two new river ships for the Nile River and preview cruise to get a sample of their 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary.
After spending six days in Egypt with Viking, here is why this cruise is now my favorite cruise I’ve ever taken.
The trip starts with three nights in Cairo so you get two full days there with an excursion included each day. On our preview trip, we stayed two nights and crammed as much as we could into the one full day we had.
The map below from Viking shows the full 12-day itinerary.
Our day in Cairo started off by visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. This was a dream come true for me as I’ve wanted to visit the pyramids every since I was a little kid.
Here’s a few photos I took as we stopped at several locations around the pyramids including an up close look at the Great Pyramid of Giza.
I went inside the Great Pyramid of Giza all the way into the King’s ChamberPyramid of Chephren built for KhafreGreat Sphinx of Giza
An optional excursion in Cairo is a trip to the outdoor Khan el-Khalili Market at night that includes a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. We did this in the evening and I loved every second of it. There’s just something about night markets that allows you to soak in local culture.
Restaurants near the Khan el-Khalili Market
While in Cairo, you will also visit The Egyptian Museum, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. This was one of my favorite places to visit in the city. It’s filled with ancient artifacts that range from sarcophagi to statues to mummies.
After visiting Cairo, you take a one hour charter flight to Luxor to begin the cruise portion of the trip.
Our cruise was on Viking Sobek, one of six custom built Viking river ships for the Nile River. You can take a photo tour of the ship here. The ship only has 41 cabins and a maximum capacity of 82 guests. It quickly became my favorite river ship I’ve ever sailed on.
Viking Sobek
After the first day on the Nile River, I realized that this was not a trip of a lifetime, but THE trip of a lifetime.
“The Trip of a lifetime”
Temple of Khnum in Esna, Egypt
One of the things that blew me away is the condition of the temples that you visit along the Nile. Because of the dry climate and due to many of the temples being buried in sand over time, they are very well preserved compared to other temples around the world (Greece, Rome etc.).
The Hathor Temple at the Dendera Temple Complex in Qena the one of the best preserved temples in all of Egypt.
Hathor TempleRooms in the temple are completely covered in Hieroglyphics
As you sail on the Nile, Egyptian enrichment sessions take that include the following:
Presentation on Egypt and the Nile
Hieroglyphics class
Falafel making class
Presentation on Medicine in Egypt
One of the biggest highlights of the cruise was visiting the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. We went inside King Tut’s tomb and were able to visit three other tombs of our choice.
When you visit the Valley of the Kings, make sure to visit the tomb of Ramses III. The size of it and the etchings on the wall are just incredible.
Viking also offers privileged access to the tomb of Queen of Nefertari.
King Tut’s Tomb in the Valley of the Kings
One unique feature of these cruises is that most of the crew are Egyptian. One night, I was talking to a bartender and the piano player and they were telling me about different places in Egypt that I should visit. They seemed to know everything about where we were visiting.
I asked one of them where he lived and he said he lives less than a 10 minute walk from where we were currently docked.
Because they are from there, they have a knowledge about the area that you don’t find on cruises in other parts of the world. This greatly enhances the cruise experience.
Before I was even home from the trip, this became my favorite cruise I’ve ever taken. It’s one of those trips where you won’t be disappointed, you’ll just be amazed.
To find out more about this incredible experience that Viking offers in Egypt, you can visit their Pharaohs & Pyramids page.
A cruise line has added three new packages that combine cruises to Tahiti with overwater bungalow stays in Bora Bora.
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Windstar Cruises, a boutique small ship cruise line, has partnered with Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourisme for the new land and cruise packages.
Overwater bungalows are a coveted experience in Bora Bora and Moorea and now cruisers can enjoy several nights in one before their cruise around Tahiti.
Cruises and Overwater Bungalow Packages
1. Final Rose & Overwater Bungalows Package: You will fly roundtrip from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui and stay one night at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort in Papeete before transferring to the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea for three nights in an overwater bungalow.
There’s an ATV and snorkeling excursion that are also included. After the three night stay, it’s off to the ship in Moorea for a 6-day cruise around the islands.
2. Golden Days in Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package from Los Angeles: You will fly roundtrip from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui and stay one night at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort in Papeete before transferring to the Hilton Conrad Bora Bora Nui for two nights in an overwater villa.
You will then take a seven-night cruise in Tahiti.
3. Golden Days in Bora Bora Air + Overwater Villa Package from Seattle: You will fly roundtrip from Seattle, Washington to Papeete, Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui and stay two nights in an overwater villa at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and one night at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort in Papeete.
After nights in Bora Bora and Tahiti, you will take a week-long cruise in the islands.
All packages include transfers between the airport, hotels and ship. Gourmet breakfast and WiFi are included at the hotels.
Windstar Cruises is a small ship cruise line with six vessels in their fleet. They carry between 148 to 342 guests and offer a more intimate experience than you’ll find on larger ships.
To read more about cruises that Windstar offers int the South Pacific, you can see them on their website here. They offer year-round cruises in Tahiti and have been sailing in the region for over 35 years.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular cruise directors, Mike Pack, has announced he is retiring.
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Mike Pack was Carnival Cruise Line’s Fleet Cruise Director after serving several years as a Flagship Cruise Director.
The last couple years, Pack would hop from one Carnival ship to another filling in and helping cruise directors.
Pack, who has over 32,000 followers on Facebook, posted the news about his retirement on his FB page and started it off with the following:
“Life Update!
“Yesterday was an emotional day for me as we celebrated our Q4 for Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment. It was a truly special occasion for many reasons.
“During the director presentations, the leadership team announced that I will be retiring from Carnival Cruise Line, marking the end of an incredible chapter in my life.
“This included a moment I’ll never forget – a surprise video played from my wife, Emma, and our little girl back in England. Seeing them thank me for all I’ve done to support them whilst sharing their excitement about my return home was deeply moving. Our three-year-old, ever the entertainer, had the entire room laughing (and left me trying to keep it together, especially with the lovely reaction from the team!)
“It was a moment that truly encapsulated what this journey has been about: family, both at home and at sea.”
The complete message that Pack posted on his Facebook page can be read below.
Cruise Fever had the privilege of sailing with Mike Pack several times and we wish him the best as he moves to a new chapter in his life.
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship started sailing the first of 30 cruises from Asia, the vessel’s first deployment to the region.
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Anthem of the Seas is now offering cruises out of Singapore for the first time on three- to 10-night cruises to Thailand, Malaysia and Bali.
The cruises include three-, four-, and five-night sailings to Malaysia and Thailand that visit Penang and Phuket.
An eight-night sailing to Bali will allow guests to visit iconic temples, enjoy Balinese dance performances, explore tropical beaches and visit local artisan shops.
A ten-night cruise will visit Vietnam and Thailand.
Anthem of the Seas offers a little something for everyone on the ship with features that include:
RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator
North Star all-glass observation capsule
SeaPlex
Award-winning musicals and entertainment
Royal Caribbean favorites Wonderland, Izumi and Johnny Rockets
Chad Grospe, vice president, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, gave the following statement:
“We’re thrilled to introduce Anthem to the region and look forward to welcoming holidaymakers onboard as they embark on new adventures with Royal Caribbean.
“Whether it’s a short 3- to 4-night escape or a longer adventure to fan-favorite destinations across Malaysia, Thailand and more, every type of holidaymaker can look forward to a variety of experiences on deck, from showstopping entertainment to restaurants and spots to grab a bite with flavors from around the world.”
Oceania Cruises is marking the 15th anniversary of its acclaimed Culinary Center with the launch of new cooking classes for 2025.
Available aboard Marina, Riviera, Vista, and the soon-to-debut Allura, the Culinary Center blends food, culture, and skill-building for an immersive learning experience.
The new classes spotlight diverse cuisines from regions such as the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., Polynesia, and Australia.
Guests will explore the cultural and historical connections behind these dishes while sharpening their kitchen techniques.
Each class is held in a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with individual workstations and professional-grade equipment.
The Culinary Center, founded by Chef Kathryn Kelly, Oceania’s director of culinary enrichment, has become a hallmark of the cruise line’s focus on food.
With over 60 classes on offer and a team of 11 chef instructors, it is a hub for culinary creativity.
Chef Kelly also leads Oceania’s signature Culinary Discovery Tours, available in more than 40 destinations worldwide.
These chef-led excursions allow guests to explore local food scenes and create destination-inspired dishes.
For 2025, Chef Kelly is planning additional tours to further expand the programme.
“It’s been an amazing evolution over the past 15 years. I am thrilled to work with such a creative and collaborative team as we constantly look for new dishes and class themes to introduce to our curious guests,”
Chef Kathryn Kelly, Director of Culinary Enrichment for Oceania Cruises
Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, emphasised the central role of food for the brand.
“We are the only cruise built by foodies, for foodies. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises. We have literally built our ships around the culinary experience, from vast galley spaces to an unparalleled range of restaurants,”
Frank A. Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises
New classes for 2025
The Culinary Center’s 2025 offerings include a mix of destination-inspired and thematic classes designed to delight food enthusiasts:
Culinary Northwest Passage: A celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s vibrant food scene.
Down Under Abundance: Showcasing the flavours of New Zealand and Australia, from the sea to the mountains and vineyards.
It’s a Dessert Party: A unique evening class featuring desserts and paired beverages before the nightly entertainment.
South Seas Salt Life: Highlighting Polynesian cuisine with influences from France and China.
Snow Days Brunch: Sharing popular recipes from the mixology team for a cosy, indulgent brunch experience.
Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Center continues to set the standard for food-focused travel, offering guests a chance to expand their culinary knowledge while exploring the world.
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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.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has revealed a light-hearted prank that he fell victim to on a recent cruise. A guest named ‘Trent’ apparently wrote to John to…
Carnival Cruise Line is planning a grand celebration for America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with 10 patriotic cruises featuring ship meetups, themed entertainment, and special food and drink. The cruises,…
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has cancelled 38 voyages scheduled for winter 2025-26, affecting sailings on three of its ships: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Dawn. The cancellations impact itineraries…
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced that award-winning American actor Eric Stonestreet will serve as godfather to its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua. Stonestreet, best known for his role as Cameron…
