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The Best and Worst Cabins on the Island Princess

Island Princess is one of the older ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, but one that offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to itineraries.

She was built to the old Panamax dimensions, along with her sister ship Coral Princess. This means she’s the largest possible size to sail the old Panama Canal locks.

Island Princess

Island Princess sails all around the world, with cruises available from ports in North America (on both coasts), Europe, Asia and Australia. it’s not just itineraries where you have a lot of choice, but cabins too. There are loads of different options on board, including some you won’t find on the larger classes of ships in the Princess fleet.

But which one is right for you? Which are the best cabins on Island Princess and – just as important – which ones are the worst?

In writing this detailed guide, I’ve spent time looking at cruise forums and Facebook groups to see what past guests think. I’ve also looked at common themes across all Princess ships to see which, if any, apply to Island Princess.

Read this guide, including the cabins to avoid section, and you’ll have everything you need to book the best Island Princess cruise holiday.

Island Princess Cabin Types

There are eight main types of cabin on Island Princess. I’ve listed these in a handy table so that you can compare the sizes:

Accommodation Sleeps Size (incl. balcony)
Interior 2 to 4 156 to 217 sq ft (14.5 to 20 sq m)
Oceanview 2 to 4 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Premium Oceanview 2 to 4 212 sq ft (19.7 sq m)
Balcony 2 to 4 210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
Premium Balcony 2 to 4 248 sq ft (23 sq m)
Mini Suite No Balcony 2 to 4 300 sq ft (27.9 sq m)
Mini Suite 2 to 4 280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
Suite 2 to 4 319 to 777 sq ft (29.6 to 72 sq m)

Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Island Princess does. In fact, it’s also one of the few ships to have Premium Oceanview rooms and Mini Suites without a balcony. Of all the Princess ships, this one has the widest choice of base category.

However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There are different categories within each type, some of which are better than others. You also need to think about the location on the ship, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).

Therr’s a lot to consider, so I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:

Island Princess Inside Cabins

Island Princess Inside Cabin

On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Island Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light. 

They’re normally designed for two people, but some can sleep four. Inside cabins tend to be the smallest on a ship, and that’s generally correct with Island Princess, although some are slightly bigger than some of the Oceanview cabins.

These rooms are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and may get a better night’s sleep without any windows. Or you may not be bothered about having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks when you do want to see the sea.

Interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Island Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.

Beds are normally twin beds that can be converted into a double. The cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children, but can support some adults so long as you’re not too heavy.

Pullman beds either fold down from the wall or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Island Princess it’s the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.

I took this photo of a Pullman bed in an inside cabin on Ventura, but it’s the same thing on Island Princess:

Pullman bed

Island Princess Inside Cabin Grades

Every cabin on Island Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.

Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF. So if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.

Grade Sleeps up to Average size
IA 2 156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IB 4 156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IC 2 156 to 166 sq ft (14.5 to 15.4 sq m)
ID 2 156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IE 2 156 to 166 sq ft (14.5 to 15.4 sq m)
IF 4 156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)

Island Princess Oceanview Cabins

Island Princess OceanView Cabin

If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.

Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Island Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or other obstructions at the aft of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, they could be ideal.

There are also Premium Oceanview cabins available on Island Princess, which are larger rooms situated towards the front of the ship. There are only a handful of these available, but if you want a better view (being higher) and more space, they’re a good option without having to upgrade to a Balcony.

Island Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades

This table shows the different grades of Oceanview rooms on Island Princess:

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size
O5 Premium Oceanview 2 212 sq ft (20 sq m)
O6 Premium Oceanview 2 212 sq ft (20 sq m)
OB Oceanview 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OC Oceanview 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OE Oceanview 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OV Oceanview Obstructed 4 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OW Oceanview Obstructed 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
O Oceanview Obstructed 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OZ Oceanview Obstructed 2 162 sq ft (15 sq m)

Note that families only have the option of the obstructed view with this room type. The larger, Premium OceanView rooms are just for couples. I suppose that’s because if you are a couple, you wouldn’t want to pay extra and the have to contend with the awkward Pullman beds that you might bash your head on in the night.

Island Princess Balcony Cabins

Island Princess Balcony room

Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors that open onto your own miniature veranda, where you’ll have a couple of chairs so you can sit and relax with a view.

Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available: Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, although Island Princess does have regular Balcony cabins with aft views too.

There are also obstructed view Balcony cabins on Island Princess. If you don’t mind the lack of view and just want a private space to enjoy the sea air, these are the cheapest Balcony cabins on the ship.

Island Princess Balcony Cabin Grades

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size
B1 Premium Balcony 4 248 sq ft (23 sq m)
B2 Premium Balcony 4 248 sq ft (23 sq m)
BA Balcony 4 248 sq ft (23 sq m)
BB Balcony 4 210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
BC Balcony 4 210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BD Balcony 3 210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BE Balcony 2 210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
BF Balcony 2 210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BY Balcony Obstructed 2 210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BZ Balcony Obstructed 2 210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)

Island Princess Mini Suites

Island Princess Mini Suite

The Mini Suites on Island Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite.

This has some pros and cons. You get more space and a few extra benefits, but not as many as a full suite. However, you’re not paying the same price as you would for a suite, so there is that to consider as well.

The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Island Princess are:

  • A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
  • A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
  • An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
  • A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
  • An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
  • Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
  • A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship

There are some Mini Suites on Island Princess that don’t have a balcony, but instead are oceanview only. Obviously, these don’t come with any balcony chairs.

They’re a good choice if you want the benefits that come with a Mini Suite, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to one with a balcony.

Island Princess Mini Suite Grades

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size
M1 Club Class Mini Suite 3 280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
MB Mini Suite 4 280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
MD Mini Suite 4 302 sq ft (28 sq m)
ME Mini Suite 4 302 sq ft (28 sq m)
MY Mini Suite No Balcony 4 300 sq ft (27.8 sq m)

Club Class Mini Suites

If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house. They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.

Island Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:

  • Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
  • An even comfier bed
  • Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
  • A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
  • Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
  • Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.

If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth considering whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, you might want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.

If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.

Island Princess Suites

Island Princess Suite

If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Island Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.

Island Princess Suite Perks:

  • Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
  • Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
  • Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
  • Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
  • Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
  • An upgraded room service menu to choose from
  • Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
  • A free minibar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
  • A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
  • A twice-daily ice service
  • Tea served in your suite
  • A cruise card wallet
  • Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
  • Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
  • One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer

Island Princess Suite Grades

Here are the different suites you can choose on Island Princess…

Grade Type Sleeps up to Average size
S4 Penthouse Suite 3 533 sq ft (49.5 sq m)
S5 Premium Suite 3 568 sq ft (52.8 sq m)
S6 Vista Suite 3 460 to 495 sq ft (42.7 to 46 sq m)

So, which is the best? Read on to find out…

Penthouse Vs Premium Vs Vista

There are just three types of Suite on the Island Princess, which is a more limited range than there are on other Princess Cruises ships.

When comparing the suites, the best are the Penthouse Suites, but only those on Deck 14 with a wraparound balcony.

After that, it’s a little less clear. The other Penthouse Suites are situated towards the aft, but still with balconies facing the port or starboard sides.

There are various Vista Suites, some of which have aft views, while the Premier Suites occupy the aft corners but not on the highest decks.

So if the aft-facing Penthouse Suites are already booked, decide whether you value the aft view or the extra space more. Just make sure you check the location of your suite before you commit.

Special Cabin Types

Island Princess Aft Rooms

Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing. The rooms also tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.

On the Island Princess, the aft-facing rooms are:

  • Oceanview – Decks 6 to 8
  • Balcony Cabins – Deck 11
  • Vista Suites – Decks 12 and 14
  • Premium Suites – Deck 7
  • Penthouse Suites – Deck 14

Island Princess Connecting Rooms

Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that either can’t fit into one cabin or want a little more space.

They are two cabins side-by-side with a door between them. This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms, you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.

On Island Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:

  • Two Interior Cabins
  • Two Oceanview Cabins
  • Two Balcony Cabins
  • Two Mini Suites

Island Princess Accessible Rooms

Princess Cruises Accessible Room

Although the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins, which have wider doorways, a wet room and more floorspace around the bed to allow a wheelchair to manoeuvre.

These are really popular, and will often book up quickly. If you’re interested, you should definitely try to book in advance. If you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.

The accessible cabins on Island Princess include:

  • Interior Cabins – Decks 5
  • Oceanview Obstructed Cabins – Deck 8
  • Balcony Cabins – Decks 7 and 10
  • Premium Suite – Deck 7
  • Penthouse Suite – Deck 10

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Island Princess Cabins to Avoid

Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Island Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.

Obviously, I haven’t stayed in every room on Island Princess. But I have spent many hours scouring cruise forums and Facebook groups. I’ve found the rooms on Island Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them here.

Remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you. None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms and what surrounds them.

With that clarified, here are the Island Princess cabins you might want to avoid.

1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck

A312 to A633 (Deck 12)

A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools. When guests wake up early to secure themselves a deck chair, they often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. And that sound carries through the floor.

It wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck almost as late as midnight.

When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account, so that shows it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in, consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.

2. Balcony Cabins Near the Front of the Ship

A209 & A214, B205 & B206, C205 & C206, D205 & D206, E207 & E208

A few cruise lines have Balcony cabins situated in a forward position that are rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing, because of the high winds (barring some that have special reinforced panels in place).

While Island Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies, it does have some situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds. Even when you are allowed to use them, I saw that a couple of people said it wasn’t a pleasant experience, as it was too breezy to be able to relax.

Island Princess balcony cabins to avoid due to wind

If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.

The good news is that there are only a few of these rooms on Island Princess. The ones on Deck 12 (Aloha) are certainly the worst, because other balconies near the front of the ship on lower decks are sheltered by either Oceanview rooms or Mini-Suites with ocean views.

3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness

L701 to L726, A209 to A321 and A618 to A729, B201 to B310 and B618 to B745

If you’re worried about getting seasick, avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.

Aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.

4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundry

B711, C714, D720, E717, P623

There are a handful of laundry rooms on Island Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.

There are two reasons. First is the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible, but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for B711 and E717 they run perpendicular to the laundromat, so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the rooms – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.

The other issue is traffic. You may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins above is between the laundromat and the lift.

5. Obstructed View Rooms

Any OV, OW, OY or OZ Oceanview cabin or any BY or BZ Balcony cabin

There are a number of Oceanview cabins and Balcony cabins that have an obstructed view. Most of the obstructions are caused by the lifeboats, but others are just due to the layout of the ship.

This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight. You’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know how much you’ll be able to see.

In this video, my friends Richard and Helen from Visit With Us discuss whether booking an obstructed view on a Princess cruise ship is a good idea or not.

6. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them

Various

The connecting cabins are great for travelling families. But if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms, avoid booking one of them at all.

The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall. So you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.

If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.

Most cruise lines mark the interconnecting rooms with arrows, but Princess Cruises doesn’t do this. On the Island Princess deck plan, be sure to click in to that cabin number to check the details if you’d rather avoid those pesky interconnecting doors.

Island Princess cabin details

7. Overlooked Balconies

C311 to C415, C505 to C633, D311 to D415, D505 to D623

Decks 9, 10 and 11 of Island Princess have a tiered design. This means that if you book certain cabins on Deck 9 (Dolphin Deck) or Deck 10 (Caribe Deck), then your balcony will be overlooked from above.

Overlooking balcones on the Island Princess

This isn’t a problem for everyone. But if you book one of these rooms, be sure that you’re fully dressed before heading out onto the veranda!

These overlooked balconies do have their advantages though, as they tend to be much larger than those on higher decks. So you may decide that the compromise in terms of privacy is worth it for the extra space.

larger balcony
Larger balcony on Island Princess

Island Princess has ‘bump outs’ in the design – wider points where the cabins stick out more. This location doesn’t have the same issues as the recessed areas, but you also won’t get the extra balcony space.

8. Aft Cabins If You Don’t Want to Risk Soot

PR726, PR727, B738, B740, B741, B743, A728-729, L721-724, L726

Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.

Island Princess aft cabins

It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck, and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.

Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.

9. Cabins Near Crew Doors

D201

There aren’t many cabins next to crew doors, and they’re hard to spot on the deck plans too. But a reader did email me to let me know of their bad experience with cabin D201.

They explained how the door was frequently slammed by crew while in use (day and night). The room was close enough to the engines so that, when docking, the noise of the thrusters and ropes (then the cooling fan for the thrusters) was particularly noisy.

And to top it all off, the theatre was two decks below and could still be heard as well!

The Best Cabins on Island Princess

1. Aft-Facing Penthouse Suites

The aft corner Penthouse Suites on the Lido deck are the best accommodations on Island Princess. You get all the perks of booking a suite, plus a wraparound balcony with amazing views over the wake of the ship.

Penthouse Suite on Islland Princess

Of course, they come at a price. Many people won’t be able to afford them, or would rather book two or three cruises in a Balcony cabin instead of just one in a Penthouse Suite. But if you do have the budget, the Penthouse Suites on Island Princess are pretty special.

2. The Cheapest Cabins

The cheapest cabins on Island Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities. But they are ideal for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room.

You’ll save a lot of money, often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying. This can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.

Take a look at this video for a closer look at one of the cheapest rooms on Island Princess:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRU0drB76-4

3. Lido Deck Rooms if You Enjoy the Pool

There are a handful of cabins situated at the rear of the Lido deck towards the aft, including Balcony cabins, Vista Suites and the aforementioned Penthouse Suites right in the aft corners. They are very close to the swimming pools on the Lido Deck, and adjacent to the Lotus Spa.

If you plan on booking spa treatments or you’re likely to spend a lot of time sat by the pool, this is the place to be. You’ll never be more than a minute from your cabin if you want to get changed or grab something. And as long as you don’t have a long lie-in, you’ll have first dibs on the best loungers.

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To Conclude

There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Island Princess cruise ship. But depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, there may be some that are better for you than others.

I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums. It’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too, and read the real Island Princess reviews. You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.

Finally, always check the Island Princess deck plans before confirming a booking. Make sure you’re not above or below somewhere loud, or too far from everything!

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Island Princess Accommodation FAQs

When was Island Princess last refurbished?

Island Princess was last refurbished in 2017, and while she is one of the oldest ships in the Princess fleet, she still has a lot to offer. She isn’t as stunning as the newest ships, but she is comfortable and well looked after.

How many cabins does Island Princess have?

Island Princess has 1,107 cabins in total including 31 suites. She has a maximum guest capacity of 2,200, making her one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet, due to the Panamax spec she was built to.

What class is Island Princess?

Island Princess is part of the Coral Class, the smallest class of ship for Princess Cruises. The only other ship in the class is the Coral Princess, which was built one year earlier.

Is Island Princess a MedallionClass ship?

Yes, Island Princess is a MedallionClass ship. All Princess Cruises ships have received the MedallionClass upgrades, which allows guests to use their medallion as their room key, add purchases to their account, or track their travelling party around the ship.

What is the best deck on Island Princess?

There’s no single answer – the best deck depends on your preferences. Decks 9 to 11 have only cabins above and below them, which tends to make for less noise. Higher decks will have a better view, but are also worse if you tend to get seasick.

More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides

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Cruise Mummy

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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Bimini-BeachClub_AerialShot.jpg

A Guide To Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club

If you book a cruise in the Bahamas, you’ll often find that your itinerary includes a trip to a private island, where only guests from the ship are permitted.

Royal Caribbean has CocoCay and Labadee, Carnival has Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays and so on. But the Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini is a little different – it’s private, but it’s not a secluded resort that’s closed off.

Aerial view of Bimini Beach Club

Let’s take you through some Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club photos, what the Beaqch Club is, and how to get the most out of your cruise to this unique destination.

The Beach Club resort explained

The Bimini Islands are in the Bahamas. The islands are close to the US coast (about 50 miles from Florida), and are around 110 miles to the west of Nassau, the capital of the country.

The Beach Club is a private resort at Bimini that covers four and a half acres of land. Rather than being a private island, or a private resort that is separated from the rest of the island, it’s just a resort that is open only to select guests. Those guests are free to explore the rest of Bimini if they wish.

The facilities at the Beach Club are shared. Whenever a Virgin Voyages ship is docked in Bimini, the resort is exclusively available for guests of that ship. If there’s no ship in port, then the resort is open to other guests of Resorts World.

With the proximity of the Bimini Islands to the coast of Florida, there are often short-haul ferries that bring guests to the resort on days when a Virgin ship is not docked. So it’s possible to enjoy the Beach Club without being on an ocean cruise.

Lovely view of Bimini Beach

Activities at the resort

Virgin Voyages’ guests (called sailors) will find a lot to enjoy at the Beach Club. It’s essentially an upmarket beach resort, so the obvious attractions include relaxing on a private beach and grabbing a drink at one of the bars.

There are six bars at the resort in total, each of which has ample comfy seating nearby. Whether you want to sit in a deep-cushioned booth, swing in a wicker chair over the pool or just lie in a hammock, you’ll find plenty of cosy spots to pass the day.

And yes, there is a pool if you would prefer to sit there rather than down on the sand – you have the choice of both.

Bimini Beach Club Bar

There’s a shack that rents out water sports equipment too, for any guests who want to try their hand at snorkelling or paddle boarding. 

You can also go shipwreck diving. There’s an old World War 1 ship called SS Sapona, that ran aground in the 1920s during a hurricane and has remained stuck since. It’s now filled with wildlife, so it makes for an excellent excursion from the shore.

Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that’s only for adults. The Beach Club reflects that atmosphere, with a vibe that feels similar to an upmarket resort you’d find in Ibiza.

During the day, expect a place of tranquillity and relaxation. This includes optional yoga and meditation sessions on the beach, and a quiet space where you can enjoy self-reflection away from the bustle of the bars.

Bimini Beach Club pool area

But at night the party starts, both at the beach and around the pool. With renowned live DJs performing for guests, beach bonfires and more, there’s a lively atmosphere long into the evening.

And you’ll have time to enjoy them, because on a Virgin cruise your ship will stay in dock for longer. Rather than having to get back on board between 3pm and 5pm like you would at most destinations, you can stay at the resort until the evening to see the sunset and experience the party atmosphere.

Food’s free – drinks aren’t

Virgin sailors who head to the Beach Club will be able to enjoy complimentary food, including barbecue options and some tropical salads and fruits. Drinks are not included, and will need to be paid for. You can use your credit card or pay in US dollars.

Suggested read: Virgin Voyages Drinks Packages

Unlike with some private resorts, it’s not really convenient to head back to the ship from the Beach Club if you want to return again after lunch. You will have enough time to do so, with the longer stay in port, but it’s a 20-minute journey in each direction on foot. Bus transfers are available, but you may have to wait.

So it’s best to make the most of your time and enjoy the free food at the resort if you can.

Bimini Beach Club lounge area

Cabana rental – luxurious but pricey

There are cabanas that you can rent at Bimini Beach Club. There are three options: Bimini Beach, Bimini Grove and Bimini Lagoon. All cabanas cost $350 per day, and include a round of drinks as part of the price you pay.

The only difference between the three types of cabana is their location. Bimini Beach cabanas are situated at the beach, Bimini Grove cabanas overlook the hammock groves that are part of the Beach Club, and the Bimini Lagoon cabanas are close to the swimming pool.

Beach view of Bimini Beach Club cabana

Richard’s Retreat for the RockStars

Richard’s Retreat is an area of the Bimini Beach Club that is reserved for guests staying in the RockStar Suites on the ship. These sailors are able to relax in an exclusive terrace area which has loungers, its own bar and private cabanas.

There’s also a dedicated DJ for this ‘retreat within a retreat’. Guests don’t even have to leave if they want a bite to eat, as they can order food for delivery to their cabana.

This area is reserved for RockStar Suite guests only, but there may be occasions when they are not all used. When this happens, the cabanas are released to other guests to book on a first-come first-served basis. So you might be able to snap one up if you’re lucky.

Take a look at this video to learn more about Richard’s Retreat on Bimini.

So Virgin doesn’t own the resort…

The Beach Club at Bimini is owned by Resorts World, which in turn is owned by the Genting Group. Virgin Voyages worked with Resorts World to build the Beach Club, but they are not owners. Instead, they are contractually given exclusive use whenever a ship is in port.

The Genting Group parent company is a huge organisation based in Malaysia. It owns a large number of resorts and casinos around the world, including casinos throughout the UK, Malaysia and the US.

Other cruise lines visit the island but not the resort

Virgin Voyages is not the only cruise line to travel to Bimini, but it is the only cruise line with access to the Beach Club. Other cruise lines that visit Bimini include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.

The pier is capable of hosting more than one cruise ship at a time, but it’s rare that you’ll have two ships docked on the same day. There may be ferries bringing casual guests to the island though, so you may not be the only group present on the island at once.

That’s why having access to a resort like the Beach Club is great, as you’re guaranteed a slice of tranquillity away from bigger crowds.

View of the Bimini beach at night

Don’t fancy the resort? Bimini has others!

While Virgin Voyages guests will usually want to make the most of the Bimini Beach Club day pass, there is plenty to see and do on the island for all cruise guests.

There are other resorts that cruise passengers can buy a day pass for. These resorts are similar to the Beach Club, offering comfortable seating areas, private beach access and luxurious pools.

Although these resorts often host parties in the evening, it’s unlikely that your ship will be in port long enough for you to enjoy them. That’s what makes a Virgin Voyages cruise to Bimini that extra bit special. The longer hours in port are ideal if you want to see the island at night, and not feel like you’re rushed.

The SS Sapona shipwreck can be visited on excursions led by other cruise lines too, and there are companies hiring out water sports equipment as well. The waters around Bimini are exceptionally clear, so it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Walkable beaches

You can easily walk to the beach from Bimini cruise port. There are some excellent beaches as soon as you reach the beginning of the pier. The Beach Club for Virgin Voyages’ cruise guests is also within walking distance, although there are bus shuttles to make it easier.

North Bimini island, where the ships dock, is not extremely big so you can see most of the beaches and resorts on foot if you’re comfortable walking. Cruise line excursions that include a resort day pass will often provide transfers too, so you can get to your private beach quickly and set up for the day.

Passport rules for US citizens

US citizens travelling on a cruise to the Bahamas (including Bimini) don’t need a passport, but they do need other forms of ID including a photo ID and usually a birth certificate. It’s often easier to take a passport, since this is the only ID you would need.

Cruise lines generally recommend that you sail with a passport, as it’s easier to rebook any travel if there are delays or cancellations to your itinerary.

Of course, any guests travelling from outside the US need a passport to get into the US before they sail, so a passport to sail to Bimini would again be required.

Sunset at Bimini Beach Club

Final word

Guests sailing to Bimini’s Beach Club with Virgin Voyages will love the exclusive luxury that the resort has to offer. You also have the freedom to wander the rest of Bimini, unlike other private resorts which are often fenced off.

If you’re sailing to Bimini with another cruise line, you won’t be able to attend the Beach Club. However, you may get a day pass to another resort where you can enjoy similar experiences. It’s not quite the same, especially with the late-night parties that Beach Club offers to Virgin sailors, but it’s still a great destination to explore.

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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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Virgin Voyages to Launch Innovative “Mystery Voyage” on Brilliant Lady in 2025

Virgin Voyages is set to introduce a groundbreaking cruise experience with the launch of its “Mystery Voyage” aboard Brilliant Lady in September 2025.

Brilliant Lady

This innovative concept will feature a reality TV-style murder mystery, inviting guests to participate in a fictional plot filled with suspense and intrigue.

It will be filmed, but it’s not clear yet where the show will be screened. The mystery will unfold on a weekly basis.

The cruise aims to transform traditional cruising by integrating interactive entertainment that captivates and involves passengers in a unique narrative.

Brilliant Lady is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, known for its expertise in building state-of-the-art vessels.

Originally planned for a December 2023 launch, Brilliant Lady faced an 18-month delay due to supply chain and staffing challenges. Virgin Voyages has confirmed that the ship is now on track for its September 2025 debut.

Guests aboard the Brilliant Lady will find themselves at the centre of a thrilling murder mystery, complete with suspects, jewellery heists, and kidnappings.

The interactive nature of the storyline is designed to provide a unique adventure, making each cruise a distinct and memorable experience.

The “Mystery Voyage” will extend beyond the ship, with planned filming locations in Mykonos, Santorini, and Bodrum.

Brilliant Lady will offer cruises from New York, offering 5-, 8-, and 10-day itineraries to Bermuda and Canada/New England.

These initial voyages will set the stage for the ship’s innovative entertainment offerings, providing guests with a taste of the unique experiences that Virgin Voyages has crafted.

Following her New York debut, the ship will reposition to Port Miami in October 2025, offering a range of 7- to 12-day Caribbean voyages. In April 2026, Brilliant Lady will make its way to Los Angeles, expanding its reach and itinerary options.

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Carnival Cruise Food Menus

Carnival cruise ships offer a huge array of dining options. With so much to look forward to, I can’t blame you for wanting a look at each food menu before your cruise!

Food on Carnival cruise ship

In this guide, I’ll show you all of the Carnival food menus. If you want to see the drinks menus too, you’ll find those here: Carnival Cruise Drink Menus.

I’ll show you which ships feature which restaurant, the meals they are open for and a rough idea of the cost. I’ll also let you know whether you can dine there for free during your cruise.

Main Dining Rooms

  • Ships: All
  • Cost: Complimentary with exception of optional Steakhouse Selections $
  • Meals: Breakfast (port days), Brunch (sea days), Lunch (on cruises over eight days), Dinner

Here is the breakfast menu in the main dining rooms:

Carnival main dining room breakfast menu

Here is the Seaday Brunch menu in the main dining rooms:

Seaday brunch menu

Here is the dinner menu in the main dining rooms. It’s worth noting that the Carnival cruise food menu has been updated recently with new vegan options. I’ll add those as soon as I can.

Carnival main dining room dinner menu
Carnival main dining room dinner menu
Carnival main dining room dinner menu

Bonsai Sushi™

  • Ships: Breeze, Celebration, Dream, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Sunrise, Sunshine, Venezia, Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days), Dinner until 12am

Here is the menu for lunch and dinner at Bonsai Sushi…

Carnival Bonsai Sushi lunch and dinner menu

Bonsai Teppanyaki™

  • Ships: Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Venezia
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days), Dinner

Here is the menu for lunch and dinner at Bonsai Teppanyaki.
*Reservations are highly recommended as there is limited seating.

Carnival Bonsai Teppanyaki lunch and dinner menu

Ji Ji Asian Kitchen®

  • Ships: Horizon, Panorama, Sunshine, Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Dinner

Here is the dinner menu at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen:

Carnival Ji Ji Asian Kitchen dinner menu
Carnival Ji Ji Asian Kitchen dinner menu
Carnival Ji Ji Asian Kitchen dinner menu

The Steakhouse

  • Ships: Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Liberty, Luminosa, Magic, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Venezia, Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Dinner

Here is the dinner menu at The Steakhouse:

Steakhouse menu
steakhouse entrees
steakhouse dishes

Pizza Pirate / Pizzeria del Capitano / Miami Slice

  • Ships with Pizza Pirate: Breeze, Conquest, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Legend, Liberty, Miracle, Paradise, Pride, Valor
  • Ships with Pizzeria del Capitano: Dream, Horizon, Luminosa, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Venezia, Vista
  • Ships with Miami Slice: Celebration
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Almost all day (9am to 4am)

Here is the menu at Pizzeria del Capitano:

Carnival Pizzeria del Capitano menu

The Captain’s Pasta Bar / Pasta Bella

  • Ships with The Captain’s Pasta Bar: Breeze, Horizon, Magic, Panorama, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista
  • Ships with Pasta Bella: Dream
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch

Here is the lunch menu at The Captain’s Pasta Bar:

Carnival The Captain's Pasta Bar lunch menu

Here is the lunch menu at Pasta Bella…

Carnival Pasta Bella lunch menu

Cucina del Capitano®

  • Ships: Breeze, Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Lunch (with a complimentary made-to-order pasta bar), Dinner

This venue serves as an alternative to the Main Restaurant on Celebration, Jubilee and Mardi Gras. It is included in the cruise fare. Pre-cruise reservations are not available.

Here is the dinner menu at Cucina del Capitano:

La storia della cucina del capitano
La storia della cucina del capitano menu
La storia della cucina del capitano desserts

The Carnival Deli / Deco Deli

  • Ships with Carnival Deli: Breeze, Conquest, Dream, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Legend, Liberty, Luminosa, Magic, Miracle, Panorama, Paradise, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Vista
  • Ships with Deco Deli: Celebration
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner until 11pm

Here is the menu for lunch and dinner at The Carnival Deli:

Carnival The Carnival Deli lunch and dinner menu

Piazza Panini (and deli)

  • Ships: Mardi Gras
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Specialty Italian desserts will be served after 8pm.

Fresh Creations

  • Ships: Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Vista
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch

Salad bar open for lunch at the adult-only Serenity.

Here is the lunch menu at Fresh Creations:

Carnival Fresh Creations lunch menu
Freshcreations

RedFrog® Pub / RedFrog® Pub and Brewery

  • Ships with RedFrog Pub: Breeze, Magic, Spirit
  • Ships with RedFrog Pub and Brewery: Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Snacks

Here is the food menu at RedFrog Pub and Brewery:

Carnival RedFrog Pub and Brewery menu

Chibang!™

  • Ships: Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Here is the menu for lunch and dinner at Chibang!:

Carnival Chibang! lunch and dinner menu

BlueIguana Cantina™

  • Ships: Breeze, Celebration, Conquest, Dream, Elation, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Legend, Liberty, Magic, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Paradise, Pride, Radiance, Spirit, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, Vista
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Here is the menu at BlueIguana Cantina:

Carnival BlueIguana Cantina menu
Carnival BlueIguana Cantina menu
Carnival BlueIguana Cantina menu
Carnival BlueIguana Cantina menu
Blue Iguana Salsa Bar

Guy’s Burger Joint

  • Ships: All, excluding Luminosa and Venezia
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch until 6pm

Here is the menu at Guy’s Burger Joint:

Carnival Guy's Burger Joint menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse

  • Ships: Breeze, Dream, Magic, Radiance, Sunrise, Vista
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days)

Here is the lunch menu at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse:

Carnival Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse lunch menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse Brewhouse

  • Ships: Celebration, Horizon, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Panorama
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days)

Here is the lunch menu at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse | Brewhouse:

Appetizers
smokehouse
smokehouse menu
smokehouse sides menu
smokehouse dessert menu

Ol’ Fashioned BBQ

  • Ships: Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Liberty, Luminosa, Splendor, Valor 
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days)

Here is the lunch menu at Ol’ Fashioned BBQ:

Carnival Ol' Fashioned BBQ lunch menu

Emeril’s Bistro

  • Ships: Mardi Gras, Celebration
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (sea days), Dinner

Here is the menu at Emeril’s Bistro:

Carnival Emeril's Bistro 1396 breakfast, lunch and dinner menu

Rudi’s Seagrill™ 

  • Ships: Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Dinner

Here is the dinner menu at Rudi’s Seagrill:

Carnival Rudi's Seagrill dinner menu
Carnival Rudi's Seagrill dinner menu

Big Chicken

  • Ships: Celebration, Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Radiance
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch until 5pm

Here is the menu at Big Chicken:

Carnival Big Chicken breakfast and lunch menu

Seafood Shack™ / Seafood Corner

  • Ships with Seafood Shack: Conquest, Celebration, Dream, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Liberty, Magic, Mardi Gras, Panorama, Splendor, Sunrise, Valor, Venezia, Vista
  • Ships with Seafood Corner: Legend, Luminosa, Spirit
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Lunch (sea days), Dinner until 10pm

Here is the menu at Seafood Shack:

Carnival Seafood Shack menu

Masala Tiger

  • Ships: Splendor
  • Cost: Complimentary
  • Meals: Lunch

Here is an example lunch menu at Masala Tiger. The actual menu changes every day.

masala tiger

Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast

  • Ships: ALL
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Breakfast

Here is the breakfast menu at Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast:

Javablue™ Cafe

  • Ships: Celebration, Elation, Glory, Horizon, Jubilee, Luminosa, Mardi Gras, Miracle, Panorama, Radiance, Splendor, Sunrise, Sunshine, Vista
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Snacks

Here is the dessert menu at Javablue Cafe:

Carnival Javablue Cafe dessert menu

Good Eats: Late Night Snack

  • Ships: All
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Late Night

Here are the late night snack options:

Good Eats Late Night Snack Menu

Room Service

  • Ships: All
  • Cost: $
  • Meals: Available anytime

Here is the breakfast menu for room service:

Carnival Room Service breakfast menu

Here is the all-day Carnival menu for Room Service:

Carnival Room Service all-day menu

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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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Princess Cruises Partners with Blake Lively to Introduce Betty Booze and Betty Buzz on All Ships

Princess Cruises has announced a collaboration with Blake Lively to introduce her premium beverage brands, Betty Booze and Betty Buzz, into its “Love Line Premium Liquors” collection.

This partnership will make these beverages available across all 16 ships in the Princess fleet, enhancing the onboard experience with high-quality, innovative drink options.

Betty Booze offers a selection of low-alcohol, ready-to-drink canned cocktails, featuring flavours such as Sparkling Bourbon with Peach Honey Mint and Sparkling Tequila with Smoky Pineapple.

Betty Buzz provides gluten-free, non-alcoholic sparkling sodas and mixers, including Sparkling Lemon Lime and Ginger Beer.

Both brands focus on clean, high-quality ingredients, aligning with Princess Cruises’ commitment to exceptional guest experiences.

“Blake’s commitment to delivering high-quality drinks with the cleanest ingredients matches our passion to delivering our guests the highest quality experiences grounded in passion, creativity and authenticity,

“With the addition of Betty Booze and Betty Buzz to our exclusive ‘Love Line Liquors Collection,’ we are giving our guests something exciting and new while also expanding drink options to better serve modern, healthy and active lifestyle preferences.”

John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises

Betty Buzz has achieved over 3 billion media impressions and 7 million social impressions, ranking in the top 10 of the soft drinks category and #3 on Amazon’s best sellers list during Prime Day 2024.

Similarly, Betty Booze has garnered over 7 billion media impressions and 70 million social impressions, earning a top 10 spot in the ready-to-drink category at Total Wine. Both brands have received numerous industry awards, highlighting their impact and popularity.

Both Betty Booze and Betty Buzz will be included in the Princess Plus (and therefore, by default, Princess Premier) cruise fares.

While many celebrities have their own alcohol brands, not many have partnered with cruise lines yet.

But one notable partnership prior to this has seen Blake Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, partner with Virgin Voyages to offer Aviation Gin-based cocktails.

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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.

Read more about me

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The Best and Worst Cabins on Carnival Celebration

The Carnival Celebration is a fantastic cruise ship for the Carnival fleet. It’s packed with many of the most popular features from prior ships, along with exciting new ones too.

If you’re thinking about booking a cruise on Carnival Celebration, one of the most important things to consider is which stateroom to choose. There are quite a lot of different options available, and some rooms are much better than others!

Carnival Celebration Staterooms
This stateroom has a swing on the balcony, but not much privacy.

I’ve been onboard Carnival Celebration, studied the deck plans and read feedback from others online. In this guide, I’ll take you through the many different stateroom choices, explaining which ones to consider booking and those you should avoid.

There are, if you count all of the different variations, 28 different stateroom categories on Carnival Celebration. I wasn’t kidding when I said there were quite a few options!

But ultimately, you can boil them down into Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite – the classic options of almost every cruise ship.

Here’s a quick overview of the Carnival Celebration room sizes when you just consider those four options. (I’ll go into more detail on all the variations later in this guide.)

Room Sleeps Size (incl. balcony where it has one)
Interior 2 to 4 158 to 205 sq ft (14.7 to 19 sq m)
Ocean View 2 to 4 243 sq ft (22.5 sq m)
Balcony 2 to 4 216 to 325 sq ft (20 to 30.2 sq m)
Suite 2 to 5 312 to 1,120 sq ft (29 to 104 sq m)

Not sure which is the best room for you? It can be tricky, but I’ll explain all the different types of staterooms in this guide, to help find the perfect fit for you and for budget.

I also recommend grabbing a copy of my free checklist, which will show you any cabins you might want to avoid!

Carnival Interior Stateroom
An Interior Stateroom

The interior staterooms on Carnival Celebration are the smallest on the ship, but they’re also the cheapest. They’re comfortable and modern (as you would expect from one of the newest ships in the Carnival fleet), but don’t give you a lot of space to unwind.

These rooms are the best choice if you don’t plan on spending much time in your stateroom. If you just treat it as a place to sleep, shower and change, an interior room could be the best choice.

But there are multiple interior rooms to choose from. Some are even square interior rooms rather than the traditional long shape. If you want twin beds, they may even be arranged at right angles to each other and offer more open floor space.

Carnival Interior Rooms
Interior Staterooms

Here’s a table that shows the different Interior staterooms on Carnival Celebration, along with the category codes and the sizes.

Room Category Size
Interior 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, 4I 158 sq ft (14.7 sq m)
Premium Interior 4N, 4O 205 sq ft (19 sq m)
Family Harbor Interior FA 158 sq ft (14.7 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Interior 4S, 4T 158 sq ft (14.7 sq m)
Havana Interior HA 158 sq ft (14.7 sq m)

Now, let me tell you a little about each Carnival Celebration Interior room…

Premium Interior Staterooms

Premium Interior Staterooms are simply larger versions of the standard Interior staterooms. As you can tell from the Carnival Celebration room layout picture, you get around 30% extra floor space. So if you don’t want to feel too cramped, you can pay a little extra to enjoy a more room.

Carnival Premium Interior Stateroom
Premium Interior Stateroom

Family Harbor Interior Staterooms

Guests who book a Family Harbor Interior get a bright and fun room that’s perfect for kids. More importantly, you can also access the Family Harbor Lounge close to your room, which offers breakfast and a snack buffet in the afternoon.

Carnival Family Harbor Interior Stateroom
Family Harbor Interior Stateroom

Cloud 9 Spa Interior Staterooms

The Cloud 9 Spa Interior Staterooms are close to the Cloud 9 Spa. Guests have unlimited access to the Thermal Suite during their cruise (otherwise guests need to book day passes). The rooms also include some spa-related amenities. 

Cloud 9 Spa Interior Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Interior Stateroom

Havana Interior Staterooms

The Havana is an outdoor area of the ship that includes a bar, comfortable seating and a pool. Only guests in a Havana stateroom or suite are permitted here during the day until 7pm. Otherwise, a Havana Interior Stateroom is the same as a regular stateroom, except for its Cuban-themed decor.

Carnival Havana Interior Stateroom
Havana Interior Stateroom

If you’re thinking that a cheap inside cabin may be the best choice for you, be sure to read my guide to Carnival Cruises Interior Rooms. Otherwise, read on to learn about the other room types on this ship…

Carnival Ocean View Room
An Ocean View Stateroom

As the name suggests, Ocean View Staterooms offer a view of the sea as you sail. They aren’t open-air rooms, but you do at least get some natural light.

The Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration are actually pretty spacious compared to some other cruise ships. They’re not extremely spacious but they are absolutely comfortable, offering over 80 square feet (7.4 square metres) of space on average against the typical interior stateroom.

They are, of course, more expensive than an Interior Stateroom but not quite as expensive as a Balcony. So they’re a good compromise if you want to enjoy the view while working to a budget.

Here’s a table that shows the different Ocean View staterooms on Carnival Celebration, along with the category codes and the sizes.

Room Category Size
Ocean View 6A, 6B 243 sq ft (22.5 sq m)
Family Harbor Ocean View FE 243 sq ft (22.5 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View 6S 243 sq ft (22.5 sq m)

Family Harbor Ocean View Stateroom

The Family Harbor variation of the Ocean View Staterooms are decorated in fun nautical colours. They’re situated close to the Family Harbor Lounge, so breakfast, snacks and games are always just a short walk away.

Carnival Family Harbor Ocean View Stateroom
Family Harbor Ocean View Stateroom

Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Stateroom

The Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Staterooms are ideal for anyone who wants to truly unwind with a view of the ocean. You get the spa-themed amenities in your stateroom, and the Thermal Suites are just a short walk away.

Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Ocean View Stateroom

If you’d like to know more about Ocean View staterooms, including the pros and cons of this room type, check out my guide to Carnival Cruises Ocean View Rooms.

Carnival Balcony Room
A Balcony Stateroom

Choosing a Balcony Stateroom on Carnival Celebration is a great way to truly enjoy the passing scenery and ocean vistas.

Balcony Staterooms have their own private balcony (with one exception, which has a patio – more on that below). From this balcony, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and a beautiful view every day. 

There are many different Carnival Celebration Balcony Room options, as you can see from the table below:

Room Category Room size Balcony size
Junior Balcony 7X, 7Y 177 sq ft (16.4 sq m) 44 sq ft (4 sq m)
Cove Balcony 7C 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 44 sq ft (4 sq m)
Balcony 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 44 sq ft (4 sq m)
Extended Balcony 8J, 8K 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 62 sq ft (5.7 sq m)
Forward-View Extended Balcony 8L 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 71 sq ft (6.6 sq m)
Aft-View Extended Balcony 8M, 8N 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 120 sq ft (11.1 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony 7S 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 44 sq ft (4 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony 8P 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 44 sq ft (4 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Forward-View Extended Balcony 8V 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 71 sq ft (6.6 sq m)
Havana Cabana HE 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 82 sq ft (7.6 sq m)
Havana Extended Cabana Balcony HG 205 sq ft (19 sq m) 71 sq ft (6.6 sq m)

Cove Balcony Staterooms

The Cove Balcony Staterooms that some Carnival ships offer are quite unique. Their balcony is much more enclosed. The sides and bottom half of the balcony rail are all solid steel, with a smaller opening to look out from.

Carnival Cove Balcony Staterooms
Cove Balcony Staterooms

They don’t really restrict your view unless you are sitting down, and they feel a lot more private and secluded. But some people prefer the more open style of a typical balcony, so it’s down to personal preference.

Read more: Carnival Cove Balcony Staterooms

Extended Balcony Staterooms

As the name suggests, Extended Balcony Staterooms are rooms that have a slightly extended balcony. They are available mid-ship, or with a Forward-View or an Aft-View. Forward-View rooms will be cheaper but you’ll feel the wind a lot more, while Aft-View rooms tend to be the most sought-after.

Carnival Extended Balcony Stateroom
Extended Balcony Stateroom

Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Staterooms

Similar to the Interior and Ocean View Staterooms, a Cloud 9 Balcony lets you enjoy a more spa-like room. You’ll have easy access to the spa, including discounted treatments and free use of the Thermal Suites.

Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Stateroom
Cloud 9 Spa Balcony Stateroom

Havana Cabana Balcony Staterooms

The Havana Cabana Balcony Staterooms are similar to the Havana Interiors, except that you either get a Balcony overlooking the outdoor Havana area, or a Havana Cabana patio which opens out right onto the Havana. 

Carnival Havana Cabana Balcony Stateroom
Havana Cabana Balcony Stateroom

These tropical rooms are great if you want to spend a lot of time in the quieter Havana space. Be aware that other guests can use the Havana area after 7pm, so the space outside your patio might get busy.

Is a balcony the best room for you? This is the most popular of the Canrival Celebration cabins, but you’ll want to be sure. Read more about Carnival Cruises Balcony Rooms.

Carnival Suites
A Carnival Celebration Suite

As with any ship, the suites are the most spacious and luxurious accommodation options on Carnival Celebration. Not only do you enjoy the extra room and larger balconies, but there are a number of suite perks.

Suites are, of course, the most expensive accommodation on the ship. So you need to think carefully before booking one. If you’re pushing your budget to the limit to get a suite, can you still do everything else you want to onboard?

But if you do have the budget for a suite, you’re sure to love the experience of staying in one.

Here’s a list of the suites on Carnival Celebration:

Suite Category Room size Balcony size
Family Harbor Ocean View Suite FP 312 sq ft (29 sq m) N/A
Ocean Suite OS, OT 287 sq ft (26.6 sq m) 54 sq ft (5 sq m)
Cloud 9 Spa Suite SS 287 sq ft (26.6 sq m) 54 sq ft (5 sq m)
Havana Cabana Suite HS 308 sq ft (28.6 sq m) 118 sq ft (11 sq m)
Havana Cabana Corner Suite HU 350 sq ft (32.5 sq m) 161 sq ft (15 sq m)
Carnival Excel Suite DS 410 sq ft (38 sq m) 205 sq ft (19 sq m)
Carnival Excel Corner Suite KS 398 sq ft (37 sq m) 312 sq ft (29 sq m)
Carnival Excel Aft Suite LS 463 sq ft (43 sq m) 398 sq ft (37 sq m)
Carnival Excel Presidential Suite SV 474 sq ft (44 sq m) 646 sq ft (60 sq m)

This article focuses just on the staterooms rather than these suites. But if you’re interested in a suite, I have a whole guide for you! You can read it here: Carnival Celebration Suites Guide

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Carnival Celebration staterooms you may wish to avoid

Let’s be absolutely clear up front: there are no really bad staterooms on Carnival Celebration. It’s a relatively new ship and has been built to last, so rooms are comfortable and well-equipped at every level.

But some rooms are not quite as good as others, depending on your perspective. It might be down to location, cost or the features that aren’t right for you.

Here are some of the Carnival Celebration rooms to avoid, although some could be ideal for you too. It depends on your own tastes.

1. Havana Cabanas

Havana Cabana rooms are meant to be an upgrade, but they certainly have their downsides too. Personally, I’m not a fan.

The problem with these rooms is that, as they are all on Deck 8, there is a walkway between your balcony and the edge of the ship.

Carnival Havana Cabanas
Havana Cabanas

Yes, this area is only open to Havana guests, so it’s not going to be busy. But still, people can walk right past your balcony and look in. And I’m not a fan of that! If I have a balcony, I prefer to look right at the ocean and not view it through glass.

The forward-facing Havana Extended Cabana balconies are the worst. The barrier at the edge of the ship here is metal, not glass. So when you’re sitting on your (dare I say overpriced) balcony, you won’t be able to enjoy a sea view at all!

Carnival Havana Cabanas
Forward-facing Havana Cabanas

2. Rooms above the Havana Pool

9333, 9335, 9337, 9341

The Havana pool isn’t that big. It’s about the size of a large whirlpool, and people will be sitting in it rather than swimming. Just a few feet above the pool, almost hanging over it, are balconies.

Carnival Rooms above the Havana pool
Havana pool

If you’re unlucky enough to end up in one of these rooms, you’ll have no privacy at all on your balcony, and not much peace and quiet either. While you might enjoy looking down on people in their swimwear, many of us would undoubtedly feel a bit awkward sitting here.

3. Junior Balcony Staterooms

There’s nothing particularly wrong with Junior Balcony Staterooms. It’s just that they’re a little underwhelming, especially if it’s your first time booking a balcony stateroom on a cruise.

They can also feel quite cramped. A Balcony Stateroom is typically more than just an Inside Stateroom with an extra balcony, and while you get a small amount of extra room compared to an inside, it’s only 19 extra square feet which is barely noticeable.

Carnival Junior Balcony Stateroom
Junior Balcony Stateroom

The most disappointing thing about Carnival Celebration’s Junior Balconies is that the combined square footage of the room and the balcony is around 20 square feet less than the square footage of the cheaper Ocean View Stateroom!

If you’re desperate for a balcony, this will be your cheapest option, but it’s better to opt for a regular Balcony Stateroom if you can. Unless you’re a solo traveller, in which case this could be a good option.

4. Forward-View Balcony Staterooms

Many people are content with the view from the balcony in a mid-ship location. However, it’s definitely true that the more interesting views are often at the front facing the direction you’re sailing, or at the aft over the wake.

But then physics and weather come into play. On a Forward-View balcony, the high winds will hit you as the ship is sailing forward. It can be quite cold, and sometimes even uncomfortable and loud.

Carnival Forward-View Balcony Stateroom
Forward-View Balcony Stateroom

The good thing about Carnival is that, unlike some other cruise lines, they won’t ever block you from using a forward-facing balcony. They have protected doors instead, so it’s not an issue. But they don’t stop the balcony from being a little uncomfortable to use during direct winds.

5. Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove Balconies are definitely a love/hate kind of room. Maybe hate is too strong a word, but some people definitely won’t enjoy the quite claustrophobic nature of the enclosed balcony.

It definitely feels more snug, which could be perfect for some. But if you want your balcony to feel fresh, open and sunny, then a regular one will be a much better choice than a Cove Balcony room.

Carnival Cove Balcony Staterooms
Cove Balcony Staterooms

6. Specialist rooms that don’t suit you

Carnival’s range of accommodations includes some great rooms. These include the Family Harbor rooms with access to the Family Harbor Lounge, the Cloud 9 Spa rooms that allow guests to use the Thermal Suites for free, and the Havana rooms with direct access to the Havana area of the ship.

Although these rooms are beautiful, refreshing and a bit more special than their standard counterparts, they are also more expensive. So you have to make sure it’s worth it.

If you aren’t travelling with kids, or you want to be heading to the pool deck rather than spending time in the lounge, it’s no use booking a Family Harbor room.

If you’re shy with the idea of spa treatments and might not take advantage of the discounts, or spend time in the Thermal Suites, why book a Cloud 9 Spa room?

Suggested read: Carnival Cloud 9 Spa Room Perks

And if the idea of sunbathing by the side of a quiet Havana pool sounds boring, and you’d rather explore the rest of the ship, then a Havana Cabana room is pointless.

Don’t waste your money because it sounds nice, or has slightly better decor. Check that you’ll make use of the extras.

7. Connecting rooms when you don’t need them

Connecting rooms are a fantastic idea for people who cruise as part of a group, either as a family or as friends. They let you open up the door between the cabins, which essentially turns two separate staterooms into one with two bedrooms.

Sometimes, you can also open the divider between the balconies too, and share a larger space again.

However, if you don’t book both sides of a connecting stateroom, you might find that it’s a little more noisy. The door between the staterooms is not as thick as the metal wall would normally be, so you might hear what your neighbours get up to next to you.

8. Rooms directly below the Pool Deck

15322 to 15507

Novice cruisers might assume that being on Deck 15 just below the pool deck is a treat. After all, you’re never more than one flight of stairs from sunning yourself alongside the Lido or going for a dip.

However, there are often problems when you stay directly below the pool deck, specifically with noise. That’s because people like to get there early to bag themselves a lounger. And when they do, they tend to noisily drag it across the wooden deck floor, which you will hear in your room below.

Carnival pool deck
Pool Deck

So if you like to sleep in, you probably should avoid these rooms.

9. Rooms directly above the bars, theater or atrium

8250 to 8305, 9294 to 9503

Staying in a stateroom directly below the pool is bad for anyone who wants to lie in. But choosing a stateroom directly above the bars, the Grand Spectrum Theater or the Atrium will cause you similar problems at night.

The noise can carry through the floor, and some of these venues will be entertaining guests until the wee hours. The atrium on Carnival Celebration, known as Celebration Central, has a DJ pumping loud music out of the huge speakers.

Carnival Celebration Atrium
Celebration Central

If you like to get an earlier night, ready for the next day of your cruising adventure, you should book a higher deck.

10. Rooms with shaded balconies

Deck 15 Mid/Aft and Aft

Rooms in this area are doubly bad. They are below the pool deck and the Lido Marketplace buffet, so you’ll hear chairs and loungers being dragged across your ceiling. Another problem with these balcony rooms is that the balconies won’t get any sun on them.

Carnival rooms with shaded balconies
Rooms with shaded balconies

As you can see from the image above, Deck 16 overhangs Deck 15 by quite some way. If you like the shade, this will be ideal for you. But sun worshippers should know that this location isn’t ideal.

The best rooms on Carnival Celebration

The best staterooms on Carnival Celebration will very much depend on your own tastes, but here are the top choices that I would recommend that you check out.

1. The specialist rooms (if they do suit you!)

The Family Harbor, Cloud 9 Spa and Havana staterooms and suites are fantastic accommodations, if you are the kind of person who would make use of their added extras.

The Family Harbor Lounge, which Family Harbor guests can use, makes for a great breakfast option if you don’t want to trek the kids all the way to the Lido and fight the crowds there.

Family Harbor Lounge
Family Harbor Lounge

If you love the idea of spa treatments, book a Cloud 9 Spa room and that feeling will extend through the furnishings and amenities, plus you’ll get discounts.

And if you want a bit of peace and quiet away from the stereotypical loud and fun Carnival atmosphere, the daytime access to the Havana pool area from the Havana rooms is perfect.

9344-9386 (even), 9345-9375 (odd) 9475-9496, 10330-10375, 10474, 10475, 11342-11386 (even), 11343-11379(odd), 11483, 11286, 12338-12382 (even) 12349-12383 (odd), 12482, 12487, 14340-14384 (even), 14339-14399 (odd), 14482, 14501, 15320-15362 (even) 14335-15379 (odd), 15462, 15481

Carnival Celebration has many ‘bulges’, which means some balconies are bigger than others. The great thing about these balconies is that while some of them are classed as Ocean Suites, others don’t cost more than the regular-sized ones. So you get extra space for free!

Carnival Rooms with extra large balconies
Rooms with extra large balconies

Some only have a little extra balcony space, but some have more than double the usual. So it’s worth studying the deck plan carefully to see if there are any of these left for your cruise.

Carnival Rooms with extra large balconies

3. Square Interior Staterooms

Square Interior Staterooms are a little unusual but if you’re travelling as a pair, they do feel quite roomy compared to regular longer rooms. 

If you like to have space to stand up while you get ready, without feeling cramped against the bed, these are an unusual but popular choice.

Take a look at this video to see the pros and cons of a square interior stateroom on Carnival Celebration:

4. Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms

The views across the aft of a ship are always the most sought-after. You’re shielded from the wind, the wake is fascinating to watch, and you can just relax in a more peaceful environment.

The Aft-View Extended Balcony Staterooms are therefore the best balcony rooms on Carnival Celebration, especially since you get a larger balcony from which to enjoy the view.

5. Suites

Suites are always going to be the best option on a cruise ship, if you have the money for them. That extra space, plus the additional perks you get, will make your cruise feel more special.

Although not the most spacious, themed suites such as the Cloud 9 Spa and Havana are exceptionally beautiful. However, the Excel Presidential Suite – with its epic 646 square foot balcony – is without doubt the king.

Carnival Excel Presidential Suite
Excel Presidential Suite

If you’re not sure whether the upgrade to a suite is worth it or not, bear in mind that you do get some extra perks in a suite. And I’m not just taking about chocolates and sparkling wine. There are some really good extras that can make the cost of a suite worth it!

Be sure to take a look at my guide to Carnival Celebration suites to find out more.

The bottom line

So many choices! If you want to book a cruise on Carnival Celebration, it can definitely be a little overwhelming. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to narrow things down, and avoid the rooms that might be less than ideal for you.

Always consider your budget for your cruise accommodation carefully. Overspending on your room could limit what you spend on dining, entertainment and more. It’s all about finding the right balance.

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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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TUI River Cruises Launches Refurbished TUI Al Horeya with New Venues on the Nile

TUI River Cruises is preparing to launch the refurbished TUI Al Horeya on its inaugural voyage along the River Nile for the cruise line this November.

TUI Al Horeya

This venture marks a significant milestone for TUI as it expands its cruising operations into North Africa. The itinerary promises an enriching experience, guiding guests through Egypt’s historical and cultural landmarks and offering a unique perspective on the region’s rich heritage.

The TUI Al Horeya is designed to accommodate 145 guests across 74 cabins, each crafted with flexibility and customer choice in mind. This approach ensures a personalised and comfortable stay, with options tailored to meet diverse preferences and needs.

A standout feature of the TUI Al Horeya is its innovative Top Deck, a multifunctional space that serves as a leisure hub during the day and transforms into the Felucca al fresco dining area by night.

During the day, guests can relax by the swimming pool or unwind in one of the two hot tubs, surrounded by sun loungers.

As evening falls, the space becomes an intimate dining venue, offering a reservation-only experience with locally inspired dishes such as shish veal kebab and beef kofta.

Complementing the Felucca is the main restaurant, Lazeeza, which seats 141 guests and offers a diverse culinary experience.

Guests can enjoy a buffet and live cooking options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a special gala dinner enhancing the dining experience.

“We’re so excited that TUI River Cruises will be revealing its fully refurbished ship this November. We have focused on TUI Al Horeya having quality venues, with flexibility in mind for all our customers.

“The design of each of these venues gives choice to our customers from the intimate Felucca dining space to the traditional Lazeeza main restaurant. We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle and now our first North-African cruise ship down the Nile, which will offer our customers the chance to experience Egypt in a whole new light.

“Coupled with the option of TUI flying means that we can truly ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.”

Katy Berzins, head of TUI River Cruises

TUI’s expansion into the River Nile cruise market represents a strategic shift from its traditional European waterways, which include the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle.

A second ship, TUI Bahareya, will offer Nile cruises from winter 2025.

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Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me


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The Best and Worst Cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas

Want to know the cabins to choose and those to avoid on the Adventure of the Seas cruise ship? You’re in the right place!

Adventure of the Seas is one of the popular Voyager Class ships sailing for Royal Caribbean. She has some great features along with a wide range of stateroom and suite options.

Adventure of the Seas

They aren’t all equally good, though. Some are in a more awkward location, or their view is impeded. Others are a little noisier too, which isn’t ideal if you’re a light sleeper.

In this guide, I’ll tell you all about the different stateroom and suite options on Adventure of the Seas, and tips on picking the best one for your cruise.

How To Choose The Best Cabin

I’ve created a free checklist of what to look out for when choosing a cruise cabin. If you’d like a copy, just leave your email address below and it will be with you right away.

Adventure of the Seas Room Categories

None of the five Voyager Class cruise ships are identical. Each is slightly different, and some have different cabin categories.

Adventure of the Seas has 15 different cabin types to choose from. The cabins can be broken down into four categories: inside, outside, balcony and suite.

Inside Cabins:

  • Interior Stateroom – Sleeps up to two or four
  • Promenade View Interior Stateroom – Sleeps up to two
  • Studio Interior Stateroom – Sleeps one
Adventure of the Seas interior stateroom
Interior Stateroom

Outside Cabins:

  • Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to two or four
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to two or four
  • Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to four
  • Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – Sleeps up to six
Adventure of the Seas ocean view stateroom
Ocean View Stateroom

Balcony Cabins:

  • Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – Sleeps up to two or four
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – Sleeps up to two or four
Adventure of the Seas balcony room
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

Suites:

  • Ocean View Panoramic Suite (no balcony) – Sleeps up to six
  • Junior Suite – Sleeps up to four
  • Grand Suite (one bedroom) – Sleeps up to four
  • Grand Suite (two bedrooms) – Sleeps up to eight
  • Owner’s Suite – Sleeps up to four
  • Royal Suite – Sleeps up to four
Adventure of the Seas two-bedroom grand suite
Two-Bedroom Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean’s suites come with more space and a huge list of extra benefits. You can see those here: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks.

Many people will be just as happy going for a cheaper room. For example, an Inside Stateroom is often ideal for a short cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

However, if you have the budget for it, there are some staterooms and suites which are much bigger. Let’s have a look at how the rooms on Adventure of the Seas compare in terms of square footage…

Adventure of the Seas Room Sizes

The cabin sizes on Adventure of the Seas vary a lot. The largest suites are almost twelve times the size of the smallest staterooms!

There’s also some variation with cabins of the same type. Certain interior and ocean view cabins are 60% bigger than others. However, before you get excited about the possibility of booking a huge cabin, these are wheelchair-accessible cabins. So they’re only available for the people who need them.

If you do want a large cabin, there are some very big outside staterooms and suites to choose from.

Adventure of the Seas Rooms From Smallest to Biggest:

  • Studio Interior Stateroom – 106 sq ft (9.8 sq m)
  • Interior Stateroom – 160 to 256 sq ft (14.8 to 23.8 sq m)
  • Ocean View Stateroom – 161 to 276 sq ft (15 to 25.6 sq m)
  • Promenade View Interior Stateroom – 167 sq ft (15.5 sq m)
  • Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – 198 sq ft (18.4 sq m)
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony – 203 sq ft (18.8 sq m)
  • Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – 211 sq ft (19.6 sq m)
  • Junior Suite – 277 sq ft (25.7 sq m)
  • Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom – 283 sq ft (26.3 sq m)
  • Ultra Spacious Ocean View Stateroom – 328 sq ft (30 sq m)
  • Grand Suite (one bedroom) – 381 sq ft (35.4 sq m)
  • Ocean View Panoramic Suite (no balcony) – 406 sq ft (37.7 sq m)
  • Owner’s Suite – 506 sq ft (47 sq m)
  • Grand Suite (two bedrooms) – 547 sq ft (50 sq m)
  • Royal Suite – 1,260 sq ft (117 sq m)
Adventure of the Seas forward facing ocean view
Forward Facing Ocean View Room

Adventure of the Seas Deck Plan

When choosing the best stateroom for your cruise, the deck plan can give you lots of useful information such as:

  • where your cabin is located
  • the size of your cabin and balcony in square feet
  • what types of extra beds are provided, for example sofa beds or Pullman beds.

Click here to see Adventure of the Seas Deck Plans (opens in a new window)

Should You Pick Your Room Or Not?

When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise online, you’ll often see two prices, which look like this…

choose room

Royal Caribbean usually gives guests the choice to select their room for an extra fee. If you opt not to choose your own room, you’ll be assigned what’s known as a ‘Guarantee Stateroom’.

What’s a Guarantee Stateroom?

On a cruise, this guarantees that you’ll receive a cabin in that category (for example, interior stateroom) or higher (if you’re lucky enough to be upgraded).

Benefits of choosing your stateroom number:

  • Choose your preferred location on the ship
  • Book two cabins next to each other
  • Avoid undesirable cabins

Booking Multiple Cabins

If you want interconnecting cabins that have a door between them, you will have to pay to pick your own room.

Tip: For a family of four, it’s sometimes cheaper to get two interconnecting cabins than to get one cabin that sleeps four.

Connecting door on Adventure of the Seas

If you just want cabins next door to each other, you can opt to let Royal Caribbean choose your room and request that your cabins are nearby. However, there’s no guarantee that they will be.

If you have adjacent balcony cabins, you can ask your stateroom attendant to open the balcony dividers to create one large balcony. You do not need interconnecting rooms to do this. If you’re friendly with your neighbours, the partition can be opened, as long as everybody agrees.

Adventure of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

The main reason why people choose their own cabin number is to avoid ending up in one of the worst rooms on the ship.

If you choose a cabin that’s in a noisy location, a long walk from anything or has an obstructed view from the balcony, it can put a real downer on your trip.

Here are the cabins to avoid on Adventure of the Seas:

1. Noisy Cabins

2330 to 2358, 2630 to 2658: Cabins at the aft end of Deck 2 are the closest to the ship’s engines. You may experience some engine noise and propeller vibrations in these cabins. They are also beneath the main dining room.

2240, 2233, 2235 and 2536: These cabins are right next to the Royal Theatre, so you may expect some noise during performances and rehearsals.

Tip: If you only want one cabin, avoid the cabins with interconnecting doors. Cabin doors are never as soundproof as walls, so you may be able to hear your neighbours.

3540 and 3240: These cabins are located right next to public bathrooms.

3600 to 3616: These cabins are beneath Boleros bar, so there may be noise until the small hours.

6575, 6577, 6579, 6581, 6583, 6587, 6589, 6591, 6593, 6595 and 6597: These Promenade View Interior Staterooms are located directly above the Duck and Dog Pub on Deck 5. These cabins have been reported as being noisy until after midnight as people gather, chat and sing outside the pub. Also, people on the promenade on Deck 6 and your neighbours can see right in.

1248 to 1305 and 1548 to 1605: These staterooms and suites are located directly beneath the pool areas. You could hear some noise from deck chairs being dragged across the floor in the morning. Early risers should have no problems here, though.

2. Rooms That Are a Long Walk From Anything

9465, 9467, 9469, 9471, 9473, 9475, 9477, 9479: These cabins are a really long way from the elevators. All cabins right at the back of the ship are far from the elevators, but this problem is made so much worse on Deck 9. You have to walk right to the end of the ship then go back on yourself to reach your cabin!

On the deck plan below, you would have to follow the red line to take you from the nearest elevator to your cabin. This distance is about 500 feet, which is a really long way if you struggle with walking or are carrying a child.

Deck 9 deck plan on Advanture of the Seas

I accidentally booked cabin 9465 on Mariner of the Seas, which is a similar ship. This is the farthest cabin from the elevators on the whole ship! I wouldn’t mind myself, but my child had a condition which means that she can’t walk too far without getting tired. I called my travel agent and they changed it for me with no problems.

3. Cabins With Obstructed Views

Aft cabin and suites: Aft balconies are the ones right at the back of the ship that look out to where the ship has been. On most cruise ships, aft balconies offer the best views of all. This is not so on Adventure of the Seas!

Due to the design of the ship, the aft cabin balconies aren’t at the rear edge of the ship. There’s an extra area between the balcony and the end of the ship. This means that steel structures partially obstruct your view when looking out, and completely obstruct your view when you look down.

The view from the aft balconies seems to be less than ideal, but these cabins actually get great reviews online. One advantage of the aft cabins on Adventure of the Seas is that the balconies are much larger than standard balconies on the port and starboard sides.

If you do want to go for an aft balcony, I’d recommend choosing a corner one for the biggest balcony space and the least obstructed view.

This video shows an aft balcony cabin:

For more staterooms to avoid that aren’t specific to Adventure of the Seas, don’t miss this guide: 13 Royal Caribbean Cabins To Avoid.

Best Deck on Adventure of the Seas

Many people ask which is the best deck on Adventure of the Seas. In fact, there isn’t one deck that’s the best. But three decks are particularly good if you want a quiet room that’s not too far from the action.

Decks 7, 8 and 9

If you’re looking for a nice quiet room on Adventure of the Seas, you can’t go wrong with Deck 7, Deck 8 or Deck 9. All cabins on these decks only have other cabins above and below them. This creates a buffer from the noise of the public areas.

Best Rooms on Adventure of the Seas

The best cabins on Adventure of the Seas are very much down to personal preference. For some people, the cheapest inside cabins are the best. Others prefer a spacious room with panoramic windows, whereas for some cruisers, a balcony is an absolute must.

Here are some Adventure of the Seas rooms which you should look out for as they offer something special:

Best Inside Cabin: Promenade View Interior Stateroom

It’s pretty rare for an inside stateroom to have a window. Although you won’t be able to see the sea, having a window over the promenade can be great for those who enjoy people watching.

Adventure of the Seas promenade view

Even if you keep your curtain closed the whole time, you can make use of the window seat. This is an extra area that standard inside cabins on Adventure of the Seas don’t have.

Adventure of the Seas promenade view interior stateroom

Best Outside Cabin: Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom

The windows in outside cabins vary in size. On some ships, you’ll have just a small porthole above the bed. On Adventure of the Seas, however, the windows in many of the cabins are very large indeed.

I particularly love the window in this Spacious Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom. This is located at the front of the ship, high up on Deck 12. This cabin is also really big, even larger than the most spacious balcony cabins.

Best Balcony Cabin: Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony

There are two types of balcony room on Adventure of the Seas: standard and spacious. You may expect the spacious one to be better, and in some ways it is, but I don’t think the extra space is worth the extra price.

In fact, with the spacious balcony cabin, you get only five square feet more space in your room and four square feet more space on your balcony. That’s not even enough room for an extra chair, so you probably won’t even notice that your room is any bigger.

Be sure to look at the price difference before you make the decision to upgrade to a spacious balcony.

Best Suite: Royal Suite

The Royal Suite is the top suite on any Royal Caribbean ship. On Adventure of the Seas, the Royal Suite sleeps up to four people. At 1,260 square feet, it is more than twice the size of any other suite on the ship.

Of course, a photo would never do this suite justice. Take a look at the video above to see what you can expect from the Royal Suite, with its private hot tub on the balcony and baby grand piano.

More Information About Rooms On Adventure of the Seas

If you have a question about rooms on Adventure of the Seas, you’ll find lots of helpful cruisers in Facebook groups. Two groups that I would definitely recommend that you join are:

While I’ve already scoured these for this article, you might find some other useful information. The groups are full of Adventure of the Seas reviews, covering everything about cabins and the onboard experience.

Have you cruised on Adventure of the Seas? What did you think of your cabin? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below.

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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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All the Benefits and Extras in a Holland America Line Suite

If you’re thinking about booking a suite on a Holland America cruise ship, you’ll want to know how much of an upgrade they are over the Balcony staterooms and other accommodations. You’ll also want to know what else you get for your money.

Holland America Line is considered to be a premium cruise line. It’s not quite on the same level as some ultra-luxury ships, but definitely has a more upmarket style than some mainstream cruise lines. The ships are packed with beautiful art, the decor is tasteful and the service is of a really high standard. But how are the suites?

Pinnale Suite dining room on Holland America Line cruise ship

All guests who book a suite on a Holland America ship will enjoy a selection of extra amenities, including a pillow menu, fresh flowers and a stocked minibar. Some suite guests also benefit from the Club Orange programme, which includes priority boarding, exclusive events and more.

The higher the category of suite, the more you’ll get as an additional benefit. But some of the perks can actually be purchased as an additional extra by non-suite guests too.

Let’s take a look at the four different suite categories on Holland America ships, including how they differ and the perks that you get with each.

Vista Suites

The first step up from a Balcony cabin on a Holland America ship is the Vista Suite.

Vista Suite on Holland America Line cruise ship

A Vista Suite on Holland America is essentially a Mini Suite. They are similar to Balcony staterooms but they have more space, between 260 and 360 square feet (24 to 33 square metres). Guests enjoy a bedroom with a seating area and their own private veranda.

The Vista Suites are very much entry-level for Holland America suites. They’re still an upgrade to just booking a Balcony, but you don’t get a much bigger room for the additional cost, nor many better perks.

Vista Suite perks

There are a few extra features that you get by booking a Vista Suite on a Holland America cruise, but not too many. You’ll get:

  • A whirlpool bath, on selected ships
  • Binoculars in your suite for you to use during your cruise
  • A pillow menu, with a choice of firm, medium or soft pillows
  • A stocked minibar that you can enjoy

To help you avoid the worst cabins on Holland America Line, I’ve created a cabin checklist that you can get for free. Just enter your email address below, and you’ll receive it in your inbox straight away.

Signature Suites

A Signature Suite is more what you’d expect from a ‘suite’, with a more spacious room layout and a few extra perks included.

Signature Suite on Holland America Line cruise ship

Signature Suites are a spacious suite category that’s one step above the entry-level Vista Suites. You get an upgraded king size bed and a more spacious room, measuring around 400 square feet (37 square metres). 

Depending on the configuration of the room, these suites have either a pull-down bunk, a sofa bed or a Murphy bed. This makes them a good choice for families who want to enjoy a suite.

Signature Suite perks

If you book a Signature Suite with Holland America, you will get:

  • A king size bed
  • One or two Murphy beds/sofa beds for extra guests
  • A whirlpool bath, on selected ships
  • Binoculars for you to use during your cruise
  • A pillow menu, with a choice of firm, medium or soft pillows
  • A stocked minibar

Neptune Suites

The step up to a Neptune Suite is significant. Unlike the small list of extra perks that a Vista or Signature Suite gets you, Neptune Suites have a lot more included.

Neptune Suite bedroom on Holland America Line cruise ship

Neptune Suites are the best suites that you can book on the Rotterdam Class, Vista Class and Signature Class ships. They feature a large sitting area and bedroom, and come with a number of extra benefits including Club Orange.

Neptune Suites are significantly larger than Signature Suites, between 465 and 502 square feet (43 and 46 square metres). Most come with a whirlpool bath in the bathroom. The bathrooms are generally more spacious, and have a dual vanity and a larger shower cubicle.

Neptune Spa Suites Explained

Neptune Spa Suites are the same as a Neptune Suite, except they come with a selection of spa-related amenities. These include cut fruit, flavoured water and access to a Spa Concierge who can book treatments. Yoga and exercise equipment is also provided in the room.

Neptune Spa Suite on Holland America Line cruise ship

There are spa variations of other accommodations on the ships, including Inside, Outside and Balcony cabins. But of the suites, only the Neptune Suite has a spa variation.

Neptune Suite perks

The perks that you get for booking a Neptune Suite include:

  • A king size bed
  • One or two Murphy beds/sofa beds for extra guests
  • A whirlpool bath, on selected ships
  • Binoculars for you to use during your cruise
  • A pillow menu, with a choice of firm, medium or soft pillows
  • A stocked minibar
  • Fresh flowers in your room
  • A coffee/espresso machine in your suite
  • A Bose SoundLink Bluetooth music system
  • A complimentary Mimosa served with your in-suite breakfast
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services
  • A welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day
  • A premium breakfast menu for in-room dining
  • Premium bathrobes to use during your cruise
  • An exclusive tote bag that you can keep
  • Use of the Neptune Lounge on-board
  • Personal concierge service
  • A cocktail party with the Neptune Lounge Concierge
  • Breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill, or the Club Orange private venue on Pinnacle Class ships
  • Priority check-in and disembarkation
  • Priority boarding for tender ports
  • Priority dining and seating requests
  • Club Orange 

That’s a lot more than you get with a Signature or Vista Suite. There are a couple of perks worth highlighting in more detail. I’ve covered Club Orange separately later in this guide.

Neptune Lounge

The Neptune Lounge is an exclusive lounge available to Neptune and Pinnacle Suite guests. Holland America says you should think of the Neptune Lounge as ‘a living room and an oasis of relaxation’.

Neptune Lounge on Holland America Line cruise ship

In the Neptune Lounge there’s a library with sofas and chairs where you can unwind, a large-screen TV, and a selection of refreshments served throughout the day. These include a continental breakfast with coffee or tea, and after 11am you can get sandwiches, pastries and cookies.

Neptune Lounge breakfast on Holland America Line cruise ship

It’s a good place to relax and meet others in the suite accommodation on your ship. It’s also a nice place to escape for a quiet breakfast, especially when you want a lighter bite before you head ashore.

The Neptune Lounge is open from 7.30am until 8.30pm on sea days, and 7am until 8.30pm on port days.

Personal Concierge

Within the Neptune Lounge, you can find the concierge service. The concierge are available to offer a personalised service, helping you with any of the shipboard experiences.

Neptune Lounge concierge on Holland America Line cruise ship

They can offer advice, make bookings for you and do whatever would make your cruise more relaxing. And when the Neptune Lounge is closed, there’s a touchscreen panel to make your own bookings and requests too.

Pinnacle Suites

The Pinnacle Suites are only available on the newest ships in the Holland America fleet. They are by far the best accommodation that Holland America has to offer.

Pinnacle Suites are the top-tier suites on the Pinnacle Class ships Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. Over twice the size of a Neptune Suite, they have separate living areas and a long list of additional perks.

Pinnacle Suites are extremely spacious, averaging 1,290 square feet (120 square metres) including the veranda. You can enjoy the luxury of your own multi-room accommodation and never feel crowded.

Pinnacle Suite perks

With a Pinnacle Suite on Holland America, you get:

  • A king size bed
  • Two Murphy beds/sofa beds for extra guests
  • A separate living area
  • A separate dining area
  • A dressing area
  • A whirlpool bath in the bathroom
  • A whirlpool bath on the veranda
  • Binoculars to use during your cruise
  • A pillow menu, with a choice of firm, medium or soft pillows
  • A stocked minibar
  • Fresh flowers in your room
  • A coffee/espresso machine in your suite
  • A Bose SoundLink Bluetooth music system
  • A complimentary Mimosa served with your in-suite breakfast
  • Complimentary laundry, pressing and dry cleaning services
  • A welcome glass of sparkling wine at dinner on embarkation day
  • A premium breakfast menu for in-room dining
  • Premium bathrobes to use during your cruise
  • An exclusive tote bag that you can keep
  • Use of the Neptune Lounge
  • Personal concierge service
  • A cocktail party with the Neptune Lounge Concierge
  • Breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill, or the Club Orange private venue on Pinnacle Class ships
  • Priority check-in and disembarkation
  • Priority boarding for tender ports
  • Priority dining and seating requests
  • Club Orange 

Club Orange perks

Guests who book a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite automatically get Club Orange: a special programme of additional benefits to enhance your cruise. But it’s not just available to guests in those suites. Any guest with Holland America can pay for Club Orange and enjoy the benefits.

Club Orange on Holland America Line cruise ship

Availability is limited, but Neptune Suite and Pinnacle Suite guests are guaranteed access for their cruise. Beyond that, you can experience a taste of the suite life by paying for a Club Orange upgrade.

Club Orange includes:

  • Priority check-in
  • Priority access to speciality dining reservations
  • Priority lines at the Guest Services and Shore Excursions desks
  • Priority access to tender boats in selected ports
  • Priority disembarkation on your last day
  • An expanded room service breakfast menu, available 24/7
  • A private dining venue for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu (Pinnacle Class only)
  • Priority seating in the Main Dining Room for breakfast and dinner with an expanded menu (Rotterdam Class, Vista Class and Signature Class ships only)
  • A complimentary stateroom upgrade (not applicable to Neptune/Pinnacle Suite guests)
  • Dedicated concierge service
  • A welcome glass of sparkling wine on embarkation day
  • Plush bathrobes to use during the cruise
  • A Club Orange keycard
  • Exclusive tote bag (one per stateroom)
  • An invitation to a special event onboard

Most of the benefits are those already included with a Neptune or Pinnacle Suite. The cost of Club Orange is usually around $25 per person per day on cruises of 13 days or less, and $15 per person per day on cruises of 13+ days.

The special events onboard vary but could include a private consultation at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, a special jewellery cleaning event, or a coffee chat with some of the entertainers on the ship.

Read more: Is Club Orange Worth It?

Club Orange on Holland America Line cruise ship

Which one would you pick?

Holland America’s suite categories are not as complicated as they can be on some other ships. There are simply four main categories, each with upgraded perks.

The Vista Suites and Signature Suites don’t offer many additional benefits, while the Neptune and Pinnacle Class have an impressive list of extras. I’d say that if you have the budget, the Pinnacle Class suites are the way to go, since you get all of the Club Orange extras included as well as a very spacious suite. It’s worth the cost for the whirlpool bath on the veranda alone.

But if you are on an older ship, or you don’t quite have the budget for a Pinnacle Suite, then a Neptune Suite is still a great choice.

Signature Suites and Vista Suites are spacious, but with the limited number of perks, you might find it’s better to downgrade to a Balcony Cabin then pay for Club Orange – you’ll have a better overall experience.

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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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Sunrise Vs Sunset On A Cruise

One of the best things about being on a cruise ship are the stunning views of the rising and setting sun across the ocean.

Sunrise vs sunset on a cruise

Although not every port of call will be scenic, you’ll still get to enjoy the sparkling water. Often the best views are at sunrise as you’re still sailing to your next destination, or sunset after leaving port.

But which is better?

I asked my Facebook followers whether they were more likely to watch the sunrise or sunset on a cruise, and the results were interesting…

Most people can’t decide between sunrise and sunset!

Despite asking a simple either/or question on whether cruisers would prefer to watch sunrise or sunset, the majority answered ‘both’.

Maybe cruisers are an indecisive bunch, or perhaps they know that they don’t have to pick between the two. You can get the best of both worlds!

Of the rest of the responses, the sunset was the clear winner with 37% of the overall tally. Another 13% said that they would be more likely to watch the sunrise.

So it’s clear that, while most cruise passengers will try to enjoy both an early start and a late evening with the beautiful views that they offer, sunset is the overall winner.

Why people prefer either sunrise or sunset

It’s not just about the view – it’s also about the experience. For many, the sunrise offers a peaceful, reflective moment.

Sunrise. I've only missed 2 sunrises in 10 cruises

On the other hand, the sunset provides a more social and relaxing atmosphere. This sense of enjoying the day’s final moments is shared by many cruisers, who love to pair the golden hour with dinner, drinks or a sail-away party.

Sunset with a cocktail

And then there’s the funny side…

To pissed to see either.Good night/ morning whatever. Happy holidays

Tips for enjoying sunrise and sunset on a cruise

Whether you’re an early riser or prefer to wind down at the end of the day, there are a few ways to make the most of these magical moments.

Best spots on the ship

If you want to enjoy the perfect sunrise or sunset, location is everything!

Many cruisers recommend heading to the top deck for panoramic views. The bow (front) of the ship is ideal for sunrises, as the ship is often facing forward when entering a new port. The aft (back) is a great spot to catch the sunset, especially after sail-away.

If you book a balcony cabin, you’ll have your own private space to enjoy the view. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll only see either the sunrise or sunset from your cabin, depending on the ship’s orientation at the time!

Even if the sun is rising or setting on the other side of the ship, you’ll still get to enjoy some pretty colours in the sky and reflecting on the water. Many people prefer to head to an outdoor deck that is facing the sun, to get the best views.

Choose the right itinerary

Not all cruises are equal when it comes to sunrise and sunset views. Some routes are particularly famous for their breathtaking scenery.

Cruising through Norway’s fjords, for example, offers both early morning and evening views that are hard to beat, with dramatic cliffs bathed in golden light.

In the Caribbean, you’ll experience vibrant hues as the sun sets over turquoise waters. Whereas Mediterranean cruises often provide picture-postcard sunrises over ancient cities.

Sunset normally, watched it after leaving Kotor on the 17th July from the dining room , fabulous

Photography tips for capturing the perfect sunrise or sunset

Many cruisers love to take photos of sunrises and sunsets, and with good reason. They’re some of the most beautiful moments to capture at sea. It’s also a great way to preserve your memories of the whole cruise experience.

If you’re hoping to snap the perfect shot, here are a few tips:

  1. Timing is key: Arrive early and stay a little longer to capture the changing light. Sunrises often feature softer pastel colours, while sunsets bring out more vibrant reds and oranges.
  2. Find the right angle: Avoid shooting directly into the sun, as this can cause your images to appear washed out or overly bright. Instead, try to capture the sunlight reflecting off the water, or a nearby boat to create an interesting focal point.
  3. Use HDR Mode: Most modern smartphones have an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode. This helps balance the lighting in shots with both bright and dark areas, making it perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
  4. Bring a filter: If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider using a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce the brightness of the sun. This will allow you to capture more details in the scene.

Final word

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, cruising offers many opportunities to enjoy nature’s most beautiful moments.

Sunset may be the favourite according to my Facebook followers, but most cruisers are reluctant to choose between the two, with nearly half saying they enjoy watching the rising and setting sun equally.

On your next cruise, why not challenge yourself to catch both sunrise and sunset? After all, you’re on holiday – you deserve to experience it all!

On the flip side, if you would rather spend that morning in bed or the evening taking in a show, then that’s also up to you. A cruise really is all about what you want to enjoy. The sun will always be there tomorrow!

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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.

Read more about me

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