Luxury Cruising Editorial - Luxury Cruising

Carnival Releases First Wave of Cruise Ship Deployments for the Summer of 2026

August 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

Last week, Carnival Cruise Line sent out a teaser email saying that new cruises in 2026-2027 will soon open for bookings. Today, Carnival began to announce some 2026/2027 ship deployments that include their first ever solar eclipse cruise that will set sail on Carnival Legend.

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This solar eclipse cruise on Carnival Legend will depart from Dover, England on August 9, 2026. In addition to viewing the total solar eclipse on a sea day, the cruise will visit ports in France, Spain, Portugal and Belgium.

This Carnival Journeys cruise will be 11 days in length and is now open for bookings. The cruise ship will offer a total of nine cruises from Dover that range from nine to 12 days in length. Carnival Legend will also offer six cruises from Civitavecchia, Italy.

The cruise ship will visit ports in the following countries:

Iceland
England
Scotland
Germany
Estonia
Finland
Sweden
Denmark
Belgium
Portugal
Spain
France
Turkey
Croatia

In addition to the cruises on Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruise Line has also opened for bookings cruises to Alaska in 2026 on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle.

Both ships will sail to Alaska from Seattle on week long itineraries.

Also new are four Carnival Journeys cruises that transit the Panama Canal to reposition Carnival Miracle and Carnival Spirit before and after the summer in Alaska. The cruises feature visits to Cabo San Lucas, Puntarenas and Cartagena.

Carnival Spirit’s 16-day Carnival Journeys cruises take the ship to Seattle from Mobile on April 12, 2026 then back to Mobile on an October 8, 2026 departure. These will be the first Carnival cruises that sail between these two cities.

After the Alaska cruise season is over, Carnival Spirit is sail a 15-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle to Hawaii on September 23, 2026.

Carnival Miracle will reposition from Tampa on April 11, 2026 and depart Seattle September 26, 2026 on 16-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise ending in Galveston.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, gave the following statement about these new cruises:

“The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France aboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity – among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises. And as the popularity of Carnival Legend’s 2024 Europe sailings prove, it’s never too soon for our loyal guests to start planning their next summer vacation.”

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13 Royal Caribbean Cabins To Avoid

August 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Royal Caribbean

Planning to set sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Chances are you won’t spend a lot of time in your stateroom – these ships are packed with exciting things to see and do from the moment you wake up until well past your normal bedtime.

But you will need to sleep at some stage, especially if you have little ones with you. And while all Royal Caribbean staterooms are furnished to a very high standard, there are still some rooms that you might want to avoid.

They’re not bad – there aren’t really any bad rooms on Royal Caribbean ships – but depending on your preferences there are some staterooms that will be better and some that will be worse for you.

Here are 13 staterooms that you might want to steer clear of when you make your booking…

1. Promenade View Rooms

One of the coolest features on select Royal Caribbean ships is the Royal Promenade. This is a spacious open-air promenade in the middle of the ship that you’ll find on Freedom Class, Voyager Class and Oasis Class vessels. It’s home to bars and dining venues, and it acts as a real hub of activity.

Promenade room above Playmakers Sports Bar

And lining the promenade are a number of staterooms that, while classed as interior rooms, have windows looking out over the promenade. You get a great view of all the hubbub and can enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s different from an ocean view, but it can be quite entertaining.

Except that these aren’t special one-way windows, so if you’re on a lower deck then people could easily see into your stateroom just as much as you can see out of it! Your neighbours across the promenade can also see right into your room.

View from Promenade Room on Mariner of the Seas — View from Promenade Room

You’ll have to be careful to make sure the curtains are always closed when you’re getting changed or if you just want to get cosy in your PJs.

Plus, the promenade tends to be quite lively until late at night, and while the rooms do have some element of soundproofing they aren’t flawless. If you want a stateroom where you can enjoy peace and quiet and you don’t need to worry about someone seeing you undressing, you might want to avoid these staterooms.

2. Noisy cabins near the entertainment

Again, Royal Caribbean ships always have something fun going on, including into the later hours. This is great if you’re a night owl, but if you’re someone who likes to be tucked up in bed by 10 pm ready to start the next day of adventures, then there are certain locations you should look to avoid.

All Royal Caribbean ships have a theatre, so try to avoid staterooms directly above it. Then look out for the bars, and try to avoid the staterooms either directly above or below, just because sometimes the noise can carry.

Anthem of the Seas theatre — Theatre on Anthem of the Seas

The Playmakers Sports Bar is often a lively one and a lot of past cruisers have mentioned singing passengers once the bar closes after they’ve had an entertaining night – if you don’t want to be serenaded to sleep then it’s best to find an alternative location.

Each Royal Caribbean ship is different so I can’t really give you specific stateroom numbers to avoid across the whole fleet, but if you check out the official deck plans for each ship you’ll usually find the bars and theatres on the lower decks, so you can plan which staterooms are above and below them and make sure to book elsewhere.

Of course, if you’re someone who’s likely to be out enjoying those bars until the late hours then you don’t need to worry about it.

3. Noisy cabins underneath the pool deck

Essentially the opposite of the point above, the other staterooms that can sometimes suffer from noise are the ones directly below the pool deck. And that’s not because of late-night pool parties, but instead, it’s those early risers who are getting up to beat the crowds and secure themselves a lounger!

The loungers aren’t left in place, and so people will drag them around to get them into the perfect poolside position. And those wooden floors are, unfortunately, excellent at carrying the scraping sound directly into the rooms below.

Sunloungers on Anthem of the Seas — Rows of sunloungers

Again, if you’re also an early riser then you don’t need to be worried. It’s not a horrific sound, so it’s only an issue if it’s likely to wake you up. But if you do want a lie-in, it’s best to pick a stateroom that has another cabin directly above and below it.

4. Cabins a long way from the elevators

Sometimes it’s good to avoid booking a stateroom near the elevators on a cruise ship because of – again – the noise. Not from the actual elevators themselves, as they’re pretty quiet, but more due to the noise of people gathering around them and chatting as they walk back to their rooms at night.

However, I would argue that it’s more of an inconvenience to book a stateroom that’s a long walk from the elevators, particularly if you’ve got young children with you. There is a high chance that you’ll be tiring out your kids during your cruise and they may end up needing to be carried to bed when you collect them from Adventure Ocean at 10 pm.

Good luck trudging down a long corridor with a fast-asleep toddler if you’ve got your best heels on (been there, done that).

This is a common theme on most cruise lines, but there are some Royal Caribbean ships where it really does make a difference. All ships have multiple elevators but there are some, where you can only use one set to get to your room – the mid-ship area is blocked off and you can’t walk through it, which can be a real inconvenience.

And then there are some ships – the ones that have a Royal Promenade – where if you have certain staterooms on Deck 9 you need to walk the length of the ship, turn a corner, and then double back on yourself to get to your room. That’s a long distance!

So, always check the deck plans and the walking route to the elevators before you commit to your booking.

Mariner of the Seas Deck Plan — The red line is a really long walk!

I actually booked room 9456 that you can see on the deckplan above. But when I spotted that there’s no shortcut, I called my travel agent and they switched it for me for no extra cost.

5. Cabins with tiny little portholes

If you don’t want to pay the extra for a Balcony stateroom but the idea of an Interior stateroom leaves you feeling a little claustrophobic, then an Oceanview Stateroom is usually a good compromise. You’ll still pay a little more than you would for an inside room but you’ll at least get some natural light.

Some of Royal Caribbean’s ships have rooms with large picture windows, while some staterooms will have a porthole. Now that might sound small but normally, those portholes are pretty big still – easily a few feet across.

But not always… There are some rooms where the porthole is a lot smaller. And you know what’s the worst thing? Royal Caribbean won’t advertise which ones have the tiny portholes – they cost the same as those with the larger portholes!

Small Porthole on Independence of the Seas

The good news is that they’re all confined to the Deck 2 on the relevant ships that have them, so if you’re booking an Oceanview stateroom with a porthole, you can just avoid Deck 2 and you’ll be fine.

6. Cabins that could make seasickness worse

Most people who book a cruise don’t get seasick, so if you’ve never experienced it before then you shouldn’t worry about it. It’s unlikely that it’ll affect you. However, if you’re someone who has a history of seasickness, then it’s a good idea to try to book a stateroom where you won’t be subjected to the most movement.

Ships naturally have a rocking motion as they go over the waves, which means that the places where you’re going to feel the most movement are at the front and aft of the ship, on the higher decks.

Meanwhile, the staterooms closest to the middle of the ship (as in, those in a mid-ship location and on a middle deck) will feel the least movement. It won’t stop you from suffering altogether but it can really help to minimise the feeling of motion, and when it’s a room where you’re trying to sleep that definitely helps.

If you can’t get a mid-ship location then just try to avoid the extremes of a higher deck at the front or rear of the ship, and hopefully, you won’t feel it too much.

Suggested read: The Best Deck on a Cruise Ship

7. Obstructed view cabins

On a Royal Caribbean ship, just like with many other cruise lines, there are some Outside and Balcony staterooms that don’t have quite the same view as others. That’s because they’re classed as Obstructed View, due to the fact that the lifeboats are partially covering what you can see.

But with Royal Caribbean it’s not just the lifeboats that can obstruct your view of the ocean…

On Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships, there are some aft-facing staterooms on the lower decks that also have an obstructed view because of a metal wrap-around structure at the back of the deck. You don’t have an uninterrupted view – in fact you have to look in the gaps to see the ship’s wake.

View from aft balcony on Mariner of the Seas
Photo: Raymond Oca

And that can be really disappointing since the aft is meant to be one of the best views on any cruise ship. It’s even more disappointing that these balconies aren’t flagged as being an obstructed view, and so if you hadn’t read this guide then you could’ve booked them expecting a much better view than you’ll get.

If you don’t mind a partially blocked view because of a lifeboat, then a proper obstructed view stateroom can save you money. But avoid aft balconies on decks 6, 7 and 8 on the Freedom- and Voyager-class ships since there’s no benefit to booking them.

8. Interconnecting cabins if you don’t need both

Interconnecting cabins are great if you’re cruising with a larger group and you want to stay together. They’re essentially two cabins with a door between them which is normally locked, but for group bookings, it can be unlocked to let you walk between the cabins and create one larger shared space.

The problem, if you’re booking an interconnecting stateroom without being part of a group, is that the door between the cabins is not anywhere near as soundproofed as the actual wall.

This means that even though the door stays locked when you aren’t part of the same travelling group as your neighbour, you’ll still hear a lot more of what they get up to.

If you end up with an interconnecting stateroom, you’ll have to hope that they’re not the kind to have holiday arguments or to get home too late when you’re trying to sleep.

Ideally, you’ll avoid this altogether by not booking an interconnecting stateroom at all. You can see them easily enough on deck plans – look for the double-headed arrows over the rooms.

interconnecting rooms on deck plan — Interconnecting rooms are easy to spot on a deck plan

9. Expensive suites if you’ll hardly make the most of them

There are some pretty spectacular suites on Royal Caribbean ships, especially those that offer the Royal Suite Class of perks. These aren’t just spacious rooms, they have all kinds of extra benefits including some with a Royal Genie – the cruise line’s equivalent of a private butler.

But these extra perks don’t come cheap and while the rooms are pretty spectacular, why would you pay thousands for a week-long cruise for a room that you never spend any time in?

So if you’re thinking about booking a suite, just think about your cruising habits and make sure that the extra cost is worth it.

If you still think you’ll be out the door at the crack of dawn and only making your way back to your room once the last bar has closed, then it’s probably better to save the extra cash and downgrade to a room that’s still spacious enough, without all the extra benefits that you aren’t using.

10. Vibrating cabins near the propellers

There are some Royal Caribbean cruise ships where you can book a stateroom quite low down – Deck 2 is often where the accommodations start.

If you book a stateroom at the aft of the ship on Deck 2 then you might be disturbed a little more than you were expecting, because it’s not uncommon for the ship’s propellers to cause the room to vibrate. It’s subtle, but definitely noticeable based on previous guests’ reviews of their trip.

There can be some noise too, not just from the propellers but also from the anchor when you’re arriving in port (which usually happens in the early hours). But specifically, it’s the hum and vibration that can be bothersome to some people.

Although you might find that it’s actually quite soothing.

11. Studio Staterooms if you like your space

Usually, if you’re travelling on a cruise ship alone, you’ll need to pay a single supplement – an extra fee to cover the losses that the ship is incurring by having one fewer passenger onboard that would be paying for their room, their drinks and so on.

Often that single supplement is the same price as the standard cruise fare, so single travellers pay the same price for a stateroom as a couple would.

The alternative is to book a single room, which some cruise lines offer, and with Royal Caribbean, these are called Studios. As you can probably guess, these are a lot smaller than a standard room, and sometimes only have a single twin bed. If you’re used to sleeping in a double bed, this can be a little disappointing.

Studio rooms can actually be quite expensive and you may find that it’s actually cheaper to book a double room for single occupancy in some cases! If you do this, you’ll also get the Crown & Anchor loyalty points for both fares if you do, which is a nice bonus, and you’ll have more choice of your room’s location

12. Balcony cabins near the bridge

Some people recommend avoiding balconies that are overlooked by the bridge. Usually, I think that this isn’t really something to be concerned about because surely the officers have better things to be doing than looking behind them onto people’s balconies.

However, on some Royal Caribbean ships, including Quantum-class ships, guests can step out onto an area above the bridge.

This is what I could see from my balcony on Anthem of the Seas…

Actually, my room was quite far from the bridge, so this didn’t cause much of an issue at all. But, balconies that are right next to the bridge would have no privacy at all.

You can see that in this photo that I took from the outside area above the bridge…

Balconies viewed from the bridge area on Anthem of the Seas — Balconies viewed from the bridge area

13. Balcony cabins on colder winter cruises

I rarely ever get a balcony because I think that inside cabins offer much better value for money. That’s particularly true when you’re on a cold weather cruise!

While it can be lovely to sit outside and admire the views, you may be less likely to do that if you need to put on your winter coat and take the duvet from the bed each time to keep warm out there!

If you plan to cruise in Europe in winter, then a balcony is rarely a good idea. That’s why so many cruise lines offer free balcony upgrades in the colder seasons!

Final thoughts

As I said, there aren’t really any staterooms on a Royal Caribbean ship that I would tell everybody to avoid at all costs. Most of them have a positive and a negative side, depending on how you spend your time on a cruise.

The only ones that I would lean towards suggesting most people avoid are those with a tiny porthole, and the aft-facing balconies with an unadvertised obstructed view, since you can get a better room for the same price elsewhere on the ship. Even then, they aren’t really bad, and you’ll likely be spending your time all over the ship anyway.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve got any recommendations of your own cruise ship cabins to avoid, either for staterooms that you love or staterooms you would avoid in the future.

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To recap, here’s a list of the Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid:

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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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Carnival Guests Face Cancelled Cruise Due To Charter

August 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News News

Carnival Cruise Line has notified guests who had booked a cruise on Carnival Liberty that their voyage has been cancelled, due to the ship being chartered.

Many guests had already booked onto the cruise set to depart on 19th October 2025, but the cruise line has now confirmed that the cruise will no longer be going ahead.

“We are very sorry to inform you that the ship has been chartered and your cruise has been cancelled… We have a variety of alternatives and are confident you will find another Carnival cruise that is filled with an equal amount of fun.”

Notification sent to guests booked on the cruise

The cruise line is allowing guests to cancel their cruise without any fee, or book a different cruise. If they choose a similar cruise itinerary then their fare will be protected.

There are several limitations on this and guests can’t book onto charter cruises or longer cruises, along with certain key dates, and cruises to Hawaii, Europe or Alaska.

Guests who do choose to rebook on an alternative sailing will be given $100 per person onboard credit to enjoy on their cruise.

Anyone who doesn’t contact Carnival to book an alternative sailing by 29th August 2024 will automatically be refunded.

While it must be extremely frustrating to be told that your cruise is no longer going ahead because a charter takes priority, guests can at least be thankful that the cruise line has been upfront about the reason.

Cruise lines can cancel dates without providing an explanation, so at least the guests know the cause of the cancelled cruise – and they’re being told 14 months before they sail, so many won’t have booked airfare yet if needed.

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Sneak Peek at Disney’s New Mega Cruise Ship, Disney Adventure

August 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

Disney Cruise Line has given a first sneak peek on what will be the largest cruise ship in their fleet, Disney Adventure. It will be the first mega ship in Disney’s fleet at over 200,000 gross tons in size.

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Artists rendering of Disney Imagination Garden

Disney Adventure will have seven uniquely themed areas and for the first time, the cruise line has released renderings of Disney Imagination Garden.

The seven uniquely themed areas on Disney Adventure will be:

Disney Imagination Garden
Disney Discovery Reef
San Fransokyo Street
Wayfinder Bay
Town Square
Marvel Landing
Toy Story Place

Disney Imagination Garden will be the central hub of the cruise ship. It will be made up of over 100 years of heroic and heartwarming Disney adventures.

This open air garden will have a three story tall castle art piece, two quick-service restaurants, garden view staterooms, a bar, and a stage that will bring Disney stories to life.

Disney Imagination Garden will be filled with landscapes styled like paper cut-outs, including decorative foliage of blooming flowers, shaped topiaries, tall trees and cascading vines, all among scenic props like towering trellises and twinkling lanterns.

Planted throughout the idyllic scenery will be a mix of popular characters and designs from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel stories.

Laura Cabo, portfolio executive creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering, gave the following statement about Disney’s Imagination Garden:

“Disney Imagination Garden is the heart and soul of the Disney Adventure, where our guests will interact with our Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories in a whole new way.”

“The size and scale of this space provided us with so many opportunities to dream big and try new things with our experiential design, creating first-of-a-kind experiences for our guests, from all-new entertainment to delicious dining and lots of magical surprises sprinkled throughout. Rooted in the rich legacy of Disney storytelling, we’re creating an area that will open doors to new adventures and encourage guests to create magic of their own.”

Mowglis Eastery will serve Indian cuisine and will be inspired by Mowgli’s epic journey in “The Jungle Book.”

Gramma Tala’s Kitchen will reflect the vibrant scenery and island flair of “Moana.”

Disney Adventure will debut in 2025 offering three- and four-night cruises from Singapore. This 6,700 passenger ship will be the largest in Disney’s fleet at 208,000 gross tons.

Disney Cruise Line will continue to announce more features that will be on the ship leading up to the vessel’s debut next year.

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Finding my Spirit of Discovery – CruiseMiss.com

August 20, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Diplomacy

Finding my Spirit of Discovery

I recently returned from a 15-night Mediterranean cruise with SAGA and I want to tell you all about it.

I’m a huge fan of SAGA, I have been since my first cruise with them several years ago aboard Saga Sapphire. I fell in love with that ship and when she was sold, it was a sad moment. However, the first time I stepped aboard Spirit of Discovery I knew something very special was happening and within hours, she took a firm place in my cruise ship heart.

This cruise was my first time back onboard a SAGA ship since before Covid. I’d spent a lot of time on Spirit of Discovery in the run up to her launch, attending various shakedown cruises, her naming ceremony and then her maiden voyage, so to say I was excited to get back onboard and savour everything the ship has to offer is a massive understatement. I’d missed the cruise line very much and the wonderful friends I’d previously made with members of the crew.

SAGA is reserved for those over 50. It’s an all-inclusive boutique cruise line that really cares about providing an exceptional cruising experience, mixed with delicious cuisine, fascinating destinations, and the occasional famous face: during my sailing we were joined by Jools Holland and Ruby Turner, and celebrity chef John Torode. When I say all-inclusive, I mean they literally include everything, from a door-to-door chauffer service to Wi-Fi.

Destination Highlights

We were heading for the Mediterranean, with ports of call including Lisbon, Palma, Cartagena, Toulon, Barcelona, and Gibraltar. All exciting, but the ship herself was the biggest attraction for me. Nevertheless, my destination highlights were Lisbon and Barcelona, which surprised me, as neither are high on my ‘places I love’ list. Maybe it’s because I’ve visited both many times, but this time around, I was pleasantly surprised.

In Lisbon, I joined one of SAGA’s newest shore excursions to be offered, a tuk tuk ride through the city. It was excellent, I’d highly recommend, but it’s not for those with back problems. It was incredibly bumpy at times going through the cobbled and uneven side streets, but it gave the chance to see things that many people miss. I’ve visited Lisbon no less than 4 times and nearly everything offered on the tuk tuk tour was new to me. I felt like I’d really explored the city and sampled Portugal beyond just finding a pastel de nata.

Barcelona brought a visit to the Spanish Village, which was beautiful and very interesting, before we made our way to the famous Park Güell. In 1984, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared it a World Heritage site. The site is incredible! I’ve seen many photographs of the park, but nothing quite compares to seeing it with your own eyes and we were lucky, we had a beautiful, sunny day for it and the light reflected off all the stunning colours of the tiles and mosaics. I felt like I was in a fairy tale land – it didn’t look or feel real.

Onboard

My onboard accommodation was a standard balcony cabin (all cabins on SAGA ocean ships feature a balcony – there are no inside cabins) on Deck 13 forward. It was very comfortable, and my cabin steward was very attentive. There was more than enough storage space and all the power outlets on the ship are standard UK 3-pin, so there’s no need to pack adaptors.

Spirit of Discovery was purpose-built for SAGA and her style, luxurious comfort and wonderful crew won’t disappoint. Onboard, you’ll find stylish and comfortable lounges, such as the Britannia Lounge, located at very front of the ship and offering stunning views; The Living Room, where fresh coffee and cakes await; The Playhouse, which comes alive in the evening for Broadway-style productions and more. There’s also a very comfortable library and a selection of bars to enjoy, including the sophisticated South Cape Bar and on warmer evenings, you can soak up the sea views from the Verandah Bar.

Spirit of Discovery Dining

Dining options onboard are varied and the menus are crafted to ensure there’s something for everyone. The Club is Spirit of Discovery’s signature steakhouse venue, but there is always a chicken or fish option available and a wide selection of side dishes and desserts. In the evening, this space also becomes a small and intimate area for enjoying live music.

East to West is the ships Asian-fusion restaurant, with the menu incorporating flavours from destinations such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s a sumptuous experience and the flavours seem to explode on the palette. Most dishes are prepared as mild, but don’t be afraid to ask if you’d like more spice and heat – the chef will happily oblige – nothing is too much trouble.

If seafood is your calling, then Coast to Coast is a must. Delicious lobster, shrimp, scallops, turbot, and more are all waiting to tempt you. The menus across all three speciality dining venues change from time to time, but during my sailing, one starter option here was a sharing seafood platter and it was huge. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I watched the waiter bring one out from the galley. Although it is a platter for 2, the maître d’ did say if I wanted to try it, he could ask the chef to make a smaller one just for myself. I respectfully declined, as I knew it would still be overflowing and I’d never finish it or then eat my main course. One thing SAGA do not sacrifice is quality or quantity. I remember being on Saga Sapphire during a cruise to the Baltic. I asked if I could have extra peas and the waiter brought me a plate full! I also, on another sailing, had tempura crab to start and I enjoyed it so much, I asked if I could have another one as dessert, that request was also fulfilled. Coast to Coast also occasionally offers a lunch menu.

The Grand Dining Room is the ships main dining option and can be found below The Club. The menu here is also reflected in The Grill. This is located on Deck 12 and acts as a buffet-style option for breakfast and lunch, and then table service in the evening. Both offer an always available menu for lunch and dinner. If you cruise on Spirit of Discovery, I set you a task – to see if you can spot the bird that sits on one of the ceiling lights in The Club!

The Verandah is Spirit of Discovery’s outside dining venue for lunch, offering classic burgers, hot dogs, amazing fish and chips, scampi, and more. One thing I really liked during my cruise was that on days when the weather was less favourable, they would close this area but offer a special curry lunch or Filipino lunch elsewhere onboard, usually in The Club. It allowed for even more variation.

Entertainment onboard varied and although I don’t usually participate in the shows, I enjoyed doing so on this cruise. The Spinettes were onboard and were fabulous. As mentioned, Jools Holland was with us for a few days and his performance with Ruby Turner was wonderful.

After 4 years away from SAGA, I can say that nothing has changed. Standards remain extremely high, as they have always been. Her crew is excellent. The quality of food ingredients was exceptional, along with the choice of dishes offered. Spirit of Discovery was spotless, I didn’t see a single sad looking piece of carpet or a mark on a wall – it was as if she was launched just yesterday. I felt like I’d finally returned to my home-away-from-home, and it felt wonderful.

I’m visiting her sister ship, Spirit of Adventure, in just a few days – so keep an eye on my social media channels for photos and more.

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Cruise Lines With the Best Pizza, Complimentary and Pay Restaurants

August 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Diplomacy

While no one goes on a cruise to eat pizza, it is a nice comfort food after a day in port or by the pool on a sea day.

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Which cruise lines have the best pizza at sea? After taking nearly 80 cruises, here are my favorite pizza joints that you can find on a cruise ship.

I have them divided up between complimentary, those that come with a surcharge, and then a category that ranks them all together.

Surcharge

While most pizza on a cruise ship is free, there are a few restaurants that charge extra. They are all sit down restaurants where you will have a personal waiter. Spoiler alert, these places rate extremely well on my combined list at the end of this article.

1. Pummid’oro Pizzeria, Costa Cruises – Hands down the best pizza at sea, this sit down restaurant is found on Costa ships.

Yes, you have to pay extra for dine at this pizzeria but it is worth every penny. I ate here twice on my week-long Costa Toscana cruise because I enjoyed it so much.

And it wasn’t just me saying that it was the best at sea. I dined with different colleagues each time I went here and they said the same thing.

2. Alfredo’s, Princess Cruises – While Alfredo’s/Gigi’s used to be complimentary for everyone, you now have to pay to eat here unless you have one of the all-inclusive Princess packages.

This was my favorite until I had Pummido’oro pizzeria on Costa but I rank it a close second. I love dining at Alfredo’s when taking a cruise on Princess and the pizza is always perfect.

3. Frank & Lola’s, Margaritaville at Sea – I was pleasantly surprised by the pizza restaurant on Margaritaville at Sea. This a great option if you don’t want to go to the main dining room but don’t mind spending a few dollars on a casual dining experience.

Bonus points for Margaritaville at Sea because they had a robot bring the pizza to my table one of the times I dined there. I just thought it was cool and different.

Complimentary

1. The Pizza Place, Virgin Voyages – My favorite complimentary pizza on any cruise ship is found on Virgin Voyages. You custom order your personal pizza and it is usually ready in about 10-15 minutes or less.

Custom made to order pizza on Virgin Voyages. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever

2. New York Deli, Holland America Line – A close second to Virgin, New York Deli, found by the main pool on Holland America Line, also has custom made to order pizzas.

When they are busy, it can take up to 30 minutes but they are worth the wait.

They also have pizza by the slice ready to go but those are never as good as the made-to-order personal pizzas.

3. Slice, Princess Cruises – Slice on Princess cruise ships is my favorite ship pizza joint when you just want to grab a slice and go. It is found by the main pool and perfect for sea days when you just need a little snack.

4. MSC Cruises – Several years ago, the pizza on MSC Cruises was by far my favorite. Unfortunately on my last few cruises, it has not nearly been as good and has dropped a few spots. A few times it was just plain disappointing. However, I will try it again on my next MSC cruise and hopefully the cruise line will make their pizza great again.

5. Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival has a few different names for their pizza joints that range from Pizza Pirate to Miami Slice to Coastal Slice. If it is fresh out of the oven it’s decent but if it looks like it’s been sitting out awhile, just pass on it.

6. Sorrento’s, Royal Caribbean – You can’t miss Sorrento’s when walking through the Main Promenade on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Sorrento’s on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

While Sorrento’s may be my least favorite pizza at sea, that doesn’t stop me from grabbing a slice every time I walk by.

Best Cruise Ship Pizza Overall (Combined List)

Costa Cruises – Pummido’oro Pizzeria*
Virgin Voyages – The Pizza Place
Princess Cruises – Alfredo’s*
Margaritaville at Sea – Frank & Lola’s Pizzeria*
Holland America Line – New York Deli
Princess Cruises -Slice
MSC Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean – Sorrento’s

*Comes with a surcharge or you need a package to dine there

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31 Hacks I Learned From Taking 40+ Cruises

August 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips First time cruisers

The first time I took a cruise I had absolutely no idea what to expect. And I made a lot of mistakes. But, over the years, as I’ve cruised more and more, I’ve picked up plenty of little hacks that can improve the experience, and save money.

So, here are the best tips I’ve learned from cruising over 40 times…

1. Pack a carry-on bag with essentials for embarkation day

It can take hours for your checked luggage to arrive at your cabin. Sometimes, your cases will arrive right away, but other times you might be waiting until after dinner! As a rule, the bigger the ship, the longer you can expect to wait.

Be sure to include any essential medications. You’ll probably also want to pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, and a change of clothes.

A female traveler wearing a hat and backpack sits on a stone ledge with her arms outstretched, facing a serene lake surrounded by mountains. The bright, clear day highlights the natural beauty and sense of adventure.

If your suitcase still hasn’t arrived by sailaway, don’t worry. Just head to the guest services desk where you’ll likely find it missing its label.

2. Ensure your watch is set to the ship’s time

As your ship sails you can change time zones frequently, and it can be easy to lose track. If you rely on a phone and a smart watch, sometimes you don’t know if your phone and watch have automatically updated or not!

On a recent cruise, we were woken by a telephone call from the spa at what we thought was 8.10 am, to ask why my husband wasn’t at the 9 am massage he had booked. We were positive it wasn’t 9 am yet and I still to this day don’t know what happened there!

One trick I like to do is to turn of the automatic time updating on my phone. That way, if I have to do it myself, I can be sure that it matches the ship.

Another option would be to bring a simple watch and/or alarm clock rather than any fancy smart version that might update all by itself.

A woman in a beige trench coat and gray scarf stands on a wooden deck near the ocean, checking the time on her wristwatch. Her left hand is in her pocket while her right hand is adjusting the watch, with the sea visible in the background.

3. Review and settle your onboard bill before the last day

On some cruises, you’ll never see your bill. They’ll just debit it from your bank account a few days after you’ve left – so you’ll never know if it’s right or not!

On the last day, be sure to get a copy of your bill, whether that’s via the cruise line’s app, the TV in your cabin or a paper copy from guest services.

A smiling customer service representative assists two passengers at the Guest Services Priority Line for Club Orange on a Holland America Line cruise ship, with a bouquet of orange roses on the counter.

There may be a long line at reception on disembarkation day, so be sure to check your bill regularly during the cruise and resolve any issues before then.

4. Plan where you’ll be at sailaway

The sailaway moment can be a highlight of the cruise. Not so much if you’re departing from Southampton in winter. But if you’re sailing out of New York, past the Statue of Liberty and heading to the sunshine of the Caribbean, it can be quite the occasion!

Planning where you’ll be ensures you get the best view and experience, whether that’s from your balcony, a deck party, or a quiet spot where you can relax and enjoy the views from a chair.

Cruise Mummy and her husband are seated on a cruise ship balcony, wrapped in blankets and wearing hooded jackets to stay warm. They are smiling and enjoying a cozy moment together, with the ocean visible in the background as the sun sets, casting a warm glow on their faces.

5. Decide between self-disembarkation and traditional methods

When you leave the ship, you’ll have a choice of carrying your own bags off at a time that suits you, or leaving them outside your room on the last night and collecting them from the terminal building at a specified time in the morning.

Knowing your disembarkation plan helps you prepare, whether you need to carry your luggage off the ship yourself or set it out the night before.

Several pieces of luggage, including black and red suitcases, are lined up against the wall in a cruise ship hallway. The corridor is decorated with patterned carpet and handrails, with green emergency exit lights visible in the distance.

On more than one occasion I’ve seen people leaving the ship in the morning wearing an evening dress and high heels because they’ve packed all of their clothes (possibly while a little tipsy) and not left any for the next day!

Suggested read: How Long Does It Take to Disembark a Cruise Ship?

6. Use magnets and magnetic hooks to make the most of wall space in your cabin

Cruise ship cabins are often small, so using magnetic hooks on the metal walls helps to maximise space, keeping your room organised and clutter-free.

If you’re cruising solo for a weekend, they won’t be necessary. But when there are four of you in the cabin for two weeks, you’ll want to make the most of every inch of the space. Trust me!

A cruise ship stateroom wall with various items hanging on hooks. Visible are a blue and green jacket, a black coat, a pink jacket, a yellow mesh bag, and a pair of snorkeling masks. The room's practical use of space includes a small ladder and neatly organized personal items.

Most magnets aren’t strong enough to hold handbags and heavy coats. I use these super strong ones and hang them from the ceiling instead of the wall to make sure that they can handle the load.

7. Bring your own drinks

Many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard, which can lead to significant savings compared to purchasing drinks on the ship. The norm is one bottle of wine each, but be sure to check this guide to be sure.

A hand holds a bottle of Pol Acker sparkling wine inside a cabin on the Cunard Queen Mary cruise ship. The background shows part of the cabin with light wooden furniture and a balcony with a glass door.

You’ll also want to check whether you can bring soft drinks on board. If you can, you’ll be able to bring more on in each port too. So there’s no need to pay $4 for each can of Pepsi Max when you can get a six-pack for that price and keep it in your fridge.

8. Request extra hangers from your cabin steward

I don’t know why, but most cabins have large wardrobes with only five or six hangers inside. Yes, you can hang multiple things on each one. But more hangers means you can properly store your clothing, reducing wrinkles and keeping your cabin tidy.

A spacious closet on the Star Legend cruise ship features wooden shelves, hangers with a robe, life jackets, a small chest of drawers, and luggage storage. The closet also has a backpack and neatly organized travel essentials, providing ample storage for passengers.

9. Book a low-deck midship cabin if you’re worried about seasickness

Most people don’t get seasick on cruises. But if you’re prone to it, and you’re cruising somewhere with rough seas, then it’s worth choosing a cabin where you won’t feel the motion quite so much.

The front, back and top of the cruise ships are the areas that move the most as the ship rocks. So choose a cabin located in the middle of the ship on a low deck to make your cruise more comfortable.

Two children are seated on a window seat inside P&O Iona cabin, gazing out at the ocean through a large sea view window. The boy is dressed in a vest and trousers, while the girl wears a colorful dress and holds a stuffed animal. The cozy seating area is adorned with plush cushions, providing a comfortable spot to enjoy the scenic view.

10. Make your luggage stand out in the terminal

After one cruise, I arrived into Southampton to find that somebody had already taken my pink suitcase. An hour later, the terminal was empty apart from one other pink suitcase that wasn’t mine.

I called the number on the tag to find that the owner of this case was half-way home, with what he thought was his pink suitcase. He sheepishly made his way back with it.

I was lucky, I got my case back. Not everyone does!

A brightly-coloured suitcase isn’t enough. Ideally, you want some kind of unique luggage strap or label that makes it obvious who the case belongs to.

A collection of luggage with cruise tags is arranged in a corner of a room. The luggage includes a leopard print suitcase, a pink suitcase, and a large black suitcase, all with visible tags displaying cabin numbers and other identification details. Nearby is a fabric laundry basket, indicating a well-organized packing setup for a cruise trip.

11. Look for first-day special offers onboard

Most people don’t eat in speciality dining venues or visit the spa on the first day of their cruise. But this can be the cheapest time to go!

Look out for any special offers that are advertised around the ship so that you can enjoy these experiences at a fraction of the cost.

A tranquil spa experience onboard an MSC cruise ship, where a guest enjoys a relaxing massage from a professional therapist in a serene room with an ocean view, emphasizing wellness and relaxation at sea.

12. Take your daily programme with you when you leave the ship

There are two reasons I always take the ship programme with me whenever I leave…

The first is that it has the onboard time printed on it. I’d hate to misremember what time I’m meant to be back at the ship. If it’s printed on a piece of paper, I can be 100% sure.

A couple sits inside the Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café on an MSC cruise ship, reading the MSC daily program. The man and woman are engaged in conversation and appear to be planning their day. The café sign is prominently displayed in the foreground, while a large round window in the background offers a glimpse of the outside.

The other reason I take my programme is that it has the ship’s telephone number on it. If my bus breaks down or there’s some other reason why I’m unexpectedly late back to the ship, I’d be able to call and let them know.

Usually, cruise ships wait a maximum of 30 minutes for late guests if they don’t know where they are. But if you can call and let them know what happened and what time you’ll be there, they’re much more likely to hang on and wait for you if they can.

13. Walk away from the port for cheaper taxis

The taxis that wait at the port are usually overpriced. On my last cruise, I overheard a woman being quoted 20 Euros for what was no more than a 10-minute walk.

Even just a short walk further from the port will likely get you much better prices. If you’re unsure about finding your own, ask the crew – they might have some tips if they’ve visited the port themselves before.

Apps like Uber and Free Now are often much cheaper than local taxis, and you’re less likely to be ripped off too. They may not be allowed to drive right up to the ship, so walking a little way also makes this option available to you.

You can save money and also beat the crowds too – win-win!

14. Spend time researching your ship and itinerary before you book

I know this sounds really obvious, but you do need to do some actual research into the ship you’ll be sailing on, and the destinations, before you book anything.

The amount of times I’ve heard people onboard wishing that there were better restaurants, or that they didn’t realise that a port would be so far from the city they wanted to visit.

A close-up shot of a document titled "Trip Itinerary" placed over a green background, with part of a black passport visible underneath. The focus is on the text, highlighting the preparation for travel.

None of this is a secret, you can easily find out what your ship will be like or what to expect from each destination.

If you book a cruise and you’re caught off-guard by it not being right for you, that’s on you.

On my last cruise, I was so busy in the weeks leading up to it, that I didn’t have time to plan any of the days ashore. Luckily, I got chatting to a man who had spent weeks planning out his time in each port, so he was able to give me lots of tips!

Other guests can be fountains of knowledge, so take the opportunity to chat to people by sharing tables at dinner or making conversation in the hot tub, to get the most out of your cruise.

15. Book excursions as early as you can – or ask onboard about cancellations

There are lots of different parts of cruise bookings where it can make sense to wait for deals to come up. They might have a sale for a drinks package or for WiFi. But shore excursions don’t really get the same treatment. The price is what it is.

So, if you know there’s an excursion you want to try, book it sooner rather than later. They do sell out – the best ones, often far in advance.

But here’s a handy hint – people often book a wide range, and then cancel. As long as they give at least a day’s notice, there isn’t usually a financial penalty.

This means some excursions will have last-minute available, so hit the shore excursions desk onboard if there’s an experience you wanted to try but missed out on. You might get lucky.

A cruise line representative is discussing shore excursions with a couple at a travel desk, with brochures and promotional materials displayed. The setting appears to be an upscale, elegant lobby, emphasizing personalized service and luxury travel planning.

16. You have a safe – use it (and set a reminder to check it)

I see a lot of posts from people who’ve lost their valuables on a cruise ship, and there’s an easy solution to that – use the safe in your room.

If you just make sure that you use the safe for the important bits like your passport, you’ll not worry about misplacing them.

A SentrySafe electronic safe is securely mounted in a wooden compartment inside a cruise ship stateroom. The safe features a keypad for entering a security code and an instructional label on the front. A small decorative box is placed on the shelf above the safe.

Set a reminder on your phone for the last morning of your cruise to check the safe and empty it, too. That way you won’t accidentally leave stuff there as you disembark.

17. Hanging storage can save a lot of space

Even if you get a bigger cruise cabin, they aren’t huge. You’ll get a good amount of storage but for a lot of people, it’s not enough.

And it’s not as fun living out of a suitcase. It just makes the cruise feel so much more ‘temporary’.

So look to the walls and doors and get some hanging storage. An over-the-door hanger is great for holding shoes or other bits and bobs, so that they don’t take up desk space.

A hanging storage organizer is seen on a cruise ship, featuring multiple clear pockets filled with various items such as rolled-up socks and small clothing articles. The organizer is made of navy blue fabric with red trim and is neatly hung against a white background, maximizing space efficiency in the cabin.

And a small hanger in the bathroom for toiletries will make it much easier to keep everything organised.

18. Pack some seasickness remedies – just in case

If you are worried about getting seasick, or if you’ve never cruised before and you have no idea whether you would suffer, pack something to help with it – just in case. You can get tablets for it, or ginger sweets are another good option.

A hand holding a box of seasickness patches labeled "SHIP-EEZ" for sea sickness relief. The box indicates that the patches are fast-acting, non-drowsy, safe and effective, and suitable for ages 3 and up. The packaging design features a maritime theme with a blue sky, clouds, and ocean waves.

If you forget, check to see if there are green apples available onboard. They’re supposed to be a good remedy for settling a queasy stomach.

Suggested read: Will You Get Seasick On A Cruise? How To Know

19. Always carry contact details on private shore excursions

You can save big by booking your excursions through a third party instead of with the cruise line. But if you do, you need to always have two things with you – the phone number of the tour provider, and the phone number of the ship.

The tour provider number lets you get in touch with them if something goes wrong with the tour guide, or if you get separated and need help finding your transport back to the ship.

A happy family on a cruise excursion takes a smiling selfie with a picturesque view of the cityscape and docked cruise ships in the background, capturing a memorable moment of their vacation adventures.

And it’s absolutely crucial that you have the number for the ship in case you get held up on the excursion, because it will leave without you if you’re late back. Ships will wait for cruise line excursions, but not third-party ones.

20. Ask staff for their recommendations

Cruise ship staff aren’t tethered to the ship – they will be allowed ashore on some of their days off, and they’ll often revisit the same port a few times during a contract.

This image shows a friendly interaction between a cruise ship staff member and a passenger in a stateroom. The female staff member, wearing a dark uniform, is smiling and offering a fresh white towel to a male passenger. The background reveals a cabin with a floral arrangement and a view of the ocean through a balcony door.

So, they can be a great source of information if you want tips on places to visit – whether that’s a restaurant, or some sights away from the tourist crowds.

They’re also really good at finding out where the free WiFi is available in each port, since they have to pay for their own onboard too. If you need to get online and don’t want to pay, ask the crew for their tips in each destination.

21. Return to the ship for meals (depending on the port)

Obviously, this hack doesn’t work in every port. But, if you’re getting off the ship somewhere where you can walk to the main sights, it often makes sense to head back to the ship to eat.

Some ports might have pricey restaurants, or you just might not fancy the local cuisine. The best restaurants might be busy, too.

Heading back to the ship if it’s in walking distance can save you money and you’ll get plenty of choice from things you know you like onboard.

Cruise Mummy and her family are enjoying a meal at an outdoor dining area on a cruise ship, with the ocean in the background. The parents and two children are seated at a table with plates of food, including burgers, fries, pasta, and vegetables, along with glasses of juice and water. They are all smiling and appear to be having a pleasant time together.

22. Pack sooner rather than later – and don’t overpack!

I’m such a hypocrite for this hack but oh well! The sooner you can pack for your cruise, within reason, the better.

I don’t mean you should be packing your suitcase two weeks before you set sail. I just mean that leaving it to the night before is a risk.

There’s the chance that your favourite outfit has accidentally become buried at the bottom of the laundry basket, or that you’ve forgotten to buy something essential.

Packing a couple of days before means you’ve still got time for last-minute organisation and it means you’re not rushing around the night before you sail.

A person in a pink sweatshirt packs a suitcase with summer essentials, including a straw bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bikini, headphones, sandals, and travel documents. The suitcase is laid open on a wooden floor with a pink fuzzy rug nearby, suggesting preparation for a sunny vacation.

23. Check out the onboard offers – they can be good

Most cruise lines will have the option to book another cruise onboard.

It’s actually worth checking it out, because sometimes the discounted rates or the extra onboard credit you can get will be worthwhile, and you often don’t need to pay much of a deposit at all.

Even if you book, and then decide to cancel later, you might only lose out on a tiny amount and you could tie up a deal that’s really good value.

But, bear in mind that the offers aren’t always the best. Sure, you might get an extra $100 on board credit. But if the cruise is likely to be reduced by $300 later, you’d be better off waiting for a deal and booking it then,

24. Praise the crew where you can

This is less of a hack for you really, but it’s a top tip I would recommend – don’t be shy to praise crew members onboard where possible, either by filling out any comments cards or surveys, or even visiting the Guest Services desk if someone does something really special for you.

Sure, there’s the option of tipping, but if you’ve prepaid your gratuities you might not want to get into paying extra. And positive feedback can be pretty beneficial too – it could guarantee crew get future contracts and might even help them to get promoted if they want to.

A Disney cruise crew member is serving a family at a beautifully set dining table on the ship. The waiter is placing a bread basket on the table as the family, including a young girl, looks on with smiles. The elegant dining room features other guests enjoying their meals, with polished decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

25. Don’t be afraid to stay onboard

You don’t have to leave the ship when it is in port – if you want to stay onboard, you absolutely can.

In fact there are lots of benefits to staying onboard, such as quieter pool decks, no lines for any open attractions and more.

This image captures a clear and inviting view of the pool area on the deck of the Star Legend cruise ship, featuring both a large rectangular swimming pool and a smaller circular hot tub. The deck is laid out with textured tiles that enhance the safety and aesthetics of the space. Sun loungers and open deck areas provide ample space for relaxation and sunbathing under a vast blue sky. The setting is designed for optimal leisure, with the ship's structure and the endless ocean horizon providing a dramatic and tranquil backdrop.

If you’ve visited a port before, or you just don’t want to get off the ship, don’t!

26. Plan speciality dining around the main dining room menus

You can often see the menus for the main dining room of your cruise in advance, usually through the app if your cruise line has one.

The menu will rotate, so if you plan on dining in the main dining room but want to try some speciality restaurants, check for the days that you don’t mind skipping the main restaurant and book speciality meals for those days.

Cruise Mummy and her family are enjoying a meal at a specialty dining restaurant on the Fred. Olsen Bolette cruise ship. They are seated at a round table adorned with a candle and elegant place settings. The backdrop features an ornate framed painting of a still life with fruit and champagne. The family, dressed in vibrant, summery clothing, is smiling and engaged in conversation, creating a warm and pleasant dining atmosphere.

A little bit of planning can help you enjoy the best food throughout your cruise.

Of course, if you plan on sticking to the buffet, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

27. Bring an extension cord (but check it’s allowed)

Many cruise ship cabins will only have a couple of plug outlets, and they might not be close to the bed.

If you’re someone who likes to use their phone before they sleep (no judgment), or you have lots of things to charge, an extension cord might be useful.

A white extension cord lies on the floor, with multiple electronic devices plugged into it. The devices include a large, square-shaped charger and a smaller adapter, both connected via their respective cords. The setup indicates a practical solution for charging multiple gadgets simultaneously in a single power source.

Just check what your cruise line allows. Strangely, it’s the surge-protected ones that tend to be banned more, even though they’re normally safer in your home.

That’s because the fuses used in them aren’t designed for a ship’s power supply and so they can actually be less safe.

28. Don’t forget the binoculars on scenic cruises

Booked your cruise to a scenic destination like Alaska?

Sure, you’ll get amazing views from the deck or your balcony, but sometimes you might see something cool in the distance that you wish you had a better view of, and that’s where binoculars come in handy.

A young girl wearing a pink pajama top with black and white patterns is using orange binoculars to look out from a cruise ship balcony. She is smiling and appears excited, enjoying the scenic view of the calm water and distant coastline. The clear blue sky and peaceful surroundings enhance the moment of exploration.

I’d always recommend carrying a pair on any kind of scenic cruise. You might get lucky and see some cool wildlife, and getting a closer view (from a distance) can be really special.

29. Make sure you pack for excursions

When you’re packing your suitcase, don’t forget about excursion days. You want to make sure you’ve got a comfy pair of shoes for walking, and it’s a good idea to pack a refillable water bottle too.

Otherwise, you’re relying on any cafes or stores for buying a drink, and on certain sightseeing tours that might not be an option.

Also, if you’re heading to the beach, consider packing your own snorkel gear if you have it, or buy a cheap set before you travel.

A man and woman walk out of the ocean onto the beach at Princess Cays, holding snorkeling gear in their hands. The woman is wearing a yellow bikini, and the man is wearing blue swim trunks. Both are smiling and enjoying the sunny day, with the waves gently crashing around them and the expansive blue sea in the background.

30. Bring a nightlight with you

If you’re staying in an interior cabin (and I’d recommend it, if you want to save money), it’s a good idea to bring a nightlight.

Interior cabins get very, very dark. And if you wake in the middle of the night needing the bathroom, you can either stumble through the darkness or put on a very bright main light.

Taking your own third option – a nightlight – will make it easier to get around without waking yourself up too much, or disturbing your cabinmates.

A small, square-shaped nightlight is plugged into an electrical outlet on a wall, emitting a soft white glow. The light provides gentle illumination in the darkened room, creating a cozy and safe atmosphere.

31. Pack a portable charger

Even though you’re on a cruise ship where you’re within walking distance of your cabin, it still makes sense to pack a portable charger for your holiday.

If you’re relaxing by the pool, you don’t want to give up your space to go back and charge your phone.

And they’re really handy when heading ashore, especially in case you need to call the ship in an emergency and you’ve low battery.

You can get really small ones that’ll manage one charge – that’s all you need.

A person is holding a smartphone connected to a portable charger by a cable. The hands are resting on a book with a grassy background, suggesting an outdoor setting. The individual is wearing a black wristwatch, indicating they are using the portable charger to keep their device powered while away from a traditional power source.

Final Word

None of my cruises have really gone spectacularly wrong (touch wood), but knowing these tips and hacks before I took my first cruise would’ve made some things a little bit easier.

Hopefully you find them useful – and if you have any of your own to add, please do drop a comment below.

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The Craziest Complaints From Carnival Cruise Guests

August 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Carnival Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips

I tell you what – John Heald certainly earns his wages.

The former Cruise Director for Carnival Cruise Lines is now their Brand Ambassador, and he spends most days answering hundreds of questions and requests from fans on his popular Facebook page (with the help of his assistant, Jacinta).

However, not every message he receives is written in a polite way. There are many people who feel entitled to have a go at John, either because they don’t like his humour or because they feel he owes them something.

I’ve taken a look back over just the last couple of years and found some of the craziest comments and questions John’s received – you won’t believe these people are serious!

1. Please just renovate the bathrooms for us

Message: John Heald. I am cruising with my family of husband--- and our son ---he is ---- age nine years. Sensory overload is constant and overwhelming for my child who is on the spectrum. Strange sounds encountered on a cruise may make things worse and can unbearably crowded and noisy for --- and many autistic kids. We have recently discovered that the sound of the hand dryers in public bathrooms would make him so upset. Is there any way these can be removed from the bathrooms on our cruise on Carnival Vista. I know we could use the bathroom in our room but it is not always possible to make it ‘in time’. Do the have hand dryers I the disabled bathrooms? Please respond. We will be cruising in June so we need to plan. Please show some understanding

There are plenty of people who write in to John expecting a certain level of VIP treatment, but this is a whole other level.

Asking for the electric hand dryers to be uninstalled for the bathrooms for this one cruise, just to accommodate this one family, is so extreme. It’s obviously impossible, and also it shows no concern for the other passengers who, you know, want to dry their hands after washing them.

I understand that the child may be overwhelmed by the noise, but there are definitely alternatives that don’t require major bathroom renovation.

2. I understand that you are not Mr. Healthy

A family member is considering a cruise with Carnival on Radiance with the rest of my family. She wants to know if any of the food is genetically modified. This will be a deal breaker for her. I am learning a lot about GMO foods myself now and understand that you are not mr healthy John and are obviously from your size you are not worried. I hope Carnival does provide non-GMO foods only? At home I eat 100% organic, antibiotic, rBGH and thans to my SIL I eat GMO free. Can I do this on the Radiance? BKG number *****

This one is less about the subject matter of the complaint, and more the way they speak to John.

John is one of the first people to admit that he is not skinny, but that does not entitle people to speak to him about his health in this way.

And the assumption of “obviously from your size you are not worried” is a whole other level of crazy. That’s just not how you speak to people!

3. Stop other people having fun!

Message: If you wont do the classy move then ban those tacky door displays! You said they bring joy to everyone. Brainless answer. No pax has that the right to use public space, and the outside of your door facing a hall is public space to decorate, advertise etc. This is why --------is a better more classy cruise line. With door decorations and ducks your ships look more like the Brimfield Flea Market.

This complaint is another that’s very entitled – expecting John to make sure that door decorations are banned from cruises.

Not every cruise line is the same, and Carnival is definitely one where fun takes priority. So I’m sure there’s no way door decorations will be banned. The fact that this Carnival guest assumes that others should stop having fun just because they think it’s tacky shows how selfish they really are.

Also, if they banned door decorations, where would we see the upside-down pineapples being displayed?

4. Let us bring our own tablecloth – and then wash it for us!

Strange day in so many ways – made even stranger by the demand from a guest to be able to bring his own tablecloth, have it placed on the table washed every night without any charge to him. The environmental impact of washing thousands and thousands of tablecloths every night is why we ( and most restaurants on land) stopped these some years ago. But to threaten to cancel a cruise because we don’t allow this is honestly jaw droppingly astonishing.

Hoo-boy, this one is a little crazy. It’s written from John’s perspective about a message he received from a guest who demanded they bring their own tablecloth from home, but then have the crew clean it and place it on the table from them.

Main dining room on Carnival Celebration

The crew are there to help you enjoy your cruise and, within reason, they will do all that they can to make your cruise as special as possible. But they aren’t your personal slaves and you can’t expect them to have the time to cater to such requests!

John generally has patience for guests but for him to call out the request as “jaw droppingly astonishing” shows just how far this customer wanted to push things.

5. Disrespectful non-American crew

I hope you will allow me to comment on something that has been brought to my attention by around half a dozen people or so today.Yesterday, during the Super Bowl, the American national anthem was played. Obviously, most of the guests stood up and stayed silent during the anthem, which means so much to so many of our guests.However, I did receive these comments that our crew members who were serving drink, and food did not, and carried on working. They did not stand to attention or pause their work.Those that have written to me said that they found this “ very disrespectful. “I want to try and explain. First of all the crew may not have realized that this was happening. Secondly they also have a job to do and need to keep working, and they certainly meant no disrespect.I will mention this to my colleagues to see if this is something that we need to look at for next year.Again, it was not done out of any disrespect by crew members from various nationalities, who were continuing to do their job to provide service for everyone during a very busy time.Thank you so much for listening

As a Brit, I know that I’m an outsider on this one. A Carnival guest wrote to John to complain that the crew weren’t stopping their work and standing to attention during the playing of the US national anthem.

But, here’s the thing – most of the crew aren’t American either.

Speaking broadly, I know that many US citizens have a real sense of national pride and they treat the anthem with a lot of respect.

That doesn’t mean non-US citizens need to do the same, though!

6. Stop posting dessert pictures and lose some weight!

Here’s another jab at John’s weight from a ‘fan’ on his Facebook page. “You need a diet plan and soon” is such a personal insult.

Look, enjoy yourself on a cruise. Eat lots if you want to. Or don’t, if you prefer to watch what you eat. Just stop judging other people.

As long as they aren’t being rude or unhygienic then what does it even matter to you?

7. Cancellation rules shouldn’t apply to us!

Message: Double whammy. The winter storm has 70000 people across Michigan without power. Flights are canceled. This means DH and me will not be cruising today on Magic. We have no power. We have no 18th wedding anniversary cruise. And what are you talking about on Facebook John? Some infantile joke attempt about new years eve. We do not have insurance so I guess we are screwed. Thanks for nothing.

I’m very lucky that, so far (touch wood), I’ve never missed a cruise. I tend to make sure I travel the day before embarkation if it’s anything more than a couple of hours, because you never know what could happen en route.

However, if I did miss the ship, I’d know two things – 1) it’s not the cruise line’s fault, and 2) I can claim on my travel insurance.

Close-up of a person's hands filling out an 'Insurance Claim Form' on a tablet, with fields for policy number, date of loss, cause of loss, and amount claimed visible on the screen.

“We didn’t purchase travel insurance” is not a good enough excuse to ask the cruise line to pay in the form of a future cruise credit. Even if something wasn’t your fault, it’s on you to have insurance.

Suggested read: Why You Need Cruise Insurance

8. We’ll clean, thanks – stop trying to help!

Message: My wife and me are germaphobes and proud to be so. John the very first action we take when we get to our room is look in all the storage areas Next we take out our bottle of Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach and clean every surface. We clean everything and everywhere John. Including the bathroom . We will ask the steward for two pool towels to put down on the sofa, The bedding is put away and not to be seen again, we bring our own bedding . I need to know if we can have a vacuum from the cabin steward. We asked on the Breeze last time and we were told this was impossible. Not very good service standards there. We only need it for 15 minutes of time. We remove the gratuities and on a five day cruise we did we tipped the cabin steward $20. We do not require any cabin service at all before we get flamed. We are in shock when we walk by some open room doors, how do some people live like that.We clean by our own standards not Carnival’s. There are many more passengers I am sure who would prefer no cabin service at all. There should then John be a system in place so that these things can be arranged pre-cruise so we do not have to waste our time trying to hunt down the cabin steward.

Yikes, this was a long one!

The cabin stewards generally do a really good job of getting cabins turned around between cruises, and keeping them cleaned throughout.

I’m not going to say that they’re always perfect, but most people are happy with the work they do. And in general, cruise ship cabins are much, much cleaner than hotel rooms.

You shouldn’t need to pack your own cleaning supplies – and then trying to get the cabin stewards to leave your room alone so that you barely tip them isn’t fair.

While it’s unfortunate, cruise ship crew rely on tips. Removing them to pay a pittance because you’d rather do their job for them is not helpful. You wouldn’t get in a taxi and tell them you’ll drive but will only pay a tiny portion of the fare!

9. How dare you not have country music!

Message: Just off the Jubilee. Amazed and sickened that there was no country Texas is the heart of America and mainstream country music.. I found it offensive to Texans and to the that there was no country band on the ship. It reflects badly on Carnival who are not as worried about pleasing us Texans. I reckon being an non-native John you will never understand. Come to Austin where word is spreading quickly that Carnival does not understand what their Texan customers want.

Carnival’s a cruise line that has to cater to a huge range of guests and they can’t have every type of music represented onboard.

I understand that the cruise line does sail out of Galveston but not everyone cruising from Texas is a Texan. A lot of people will travel to the port from across the US and further afield too!

So not having a country band onboard doesn’t reflect badly on Carnival, in the eyes of most people anyway.

And if you really need a certain type of music to enjoy your cruise, there are plenty of themed music cruises you can book, including the Texas Country Music cruise!

10. Stop lying and sail to my schedule!

Message: We are sailing this Saturday from PC on Vista!!!!!!!. There is a rocket launch 4:45pm EST.-------asked you if the ship was staying to see this once in a life time event!!!! You said no because the ship needs to leave on time so as not to be late in port. LIAR! This is because you want to open the casinos !!! Stop with the lies. Let the ship stay and let everyone see what they want to see. Poll this Heald and see for yourselves. Nobody would even care if the ship was late to the island!!!

This person wrote to John to complain that the ship wouldn’t stay in port to watch the rocket launch from nearby – I’m assuming they were sailing from Port Canaveral.

If you want to watch a rocket launch, I’d recommend going to a launch-watching site. Rockets are launched from Port Canaveral at least 50 times per year. If you want to enjoy a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas, book a cruise.

You can’t do both – and you can’t expect a cruise ship to deviate from its schedule, pay loads more money in port fees and risk messing up its itinerary, just because you want to watch a rocket.

They aren’t lying. It’s not about rushing to open the casinos. They need to stick to their plan.

11. We’re not idiots – we demand harder puzzles

This one really made me laugh – I love it when people write such strongly-worded complaints over really insignificant parts of their cruise.

What do you think – should the puzzles and crosswords onboard a Carnival ship be more difficult? Or is this snooty person just thinking about themselves and not the wider range of guests onboard?

Also, you know they have an attitude when they address John as “Heald”.

12. You should pay for the bad weather

Message: We have winter weather across Florida today. Temperatures are in the 40s. We are on Freedom leaving today. Will Carnival give us any kind of credit for the bad weather. DH paid for our cruise to have sunshine not having to wear our Rokka&Rolla coats we will have to bring. We are in room ----. It is our anniversary cruise.

Guess what – the weather on a cruise holiday can’t be predicted. And so no, Carnival really won’t be paying out any kind of credit because the sun isn’t shining quite as much as you wanted it to.

Can you imagine asking this of any other type of holiday destination, like a hotel? You absolutely wouldn’t – so why should a cruise line be any different?

13. We demand respect – we pay their wages!

“ Crew people should not be calling us by our first names. It is undignified to do this. This is why-----has a upscale passenger demographic. It is good and proper manners to refer to someone who pays the crews wages as Mr—or Mrs----.

Another guest here that compares Carnival to other cruise lines, completely unaware that Carnival is not trying to be the same as every other cruise line!

Carnival definitely has more of a fun atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean the crew onboard are disrespectful. A lot of the positive comments talk about how friendly the crew are, how they will remember your name and always greet you with a smile.

Now, does it matter that it’s your first name? If it does, and you insist on being called “Mr X” or “Ms X” then perhaps Carnival’s just not the cruise line for you?

Plus, the whole line about paying the crews wages is, in itself, so tacky.

14. I’m entitled to better treatment than this

John. When I cruise last month, I was so excited to be platinum with priority boarding and a stop in the Captain's Lounge if we had to wait until the ship was ready for boarding. I was expecting SOMETHING, ANYTHING a little special, but there was nothing. No TV, no beverage, no cushy seating and no food. I was first to board, so....... was I too early for the perks/special treatment? Thank you so much.

Guests who have reached a certain level of a cruise line’s loyalty program can sometimes act in a way that’s entitled. Not everyone, absolutely – but it’s definitely a recurring theme for some guests on social media.

This is just one example, where the guest expected special treatment above and beyond the standard perks they get for being Platinum, and they were annoyed that their boarding was not special because they were first on the ship.

Look, if you’re first on the ship, you’ve already got the best perk there is! And remember that loyalty programs are meant to add a little extra, not define your whole experience.

15. I’m also entitled to special treatment!

Hi John - I was surprised on my cruise 2 weeks ago by being given a shiny diamond like s&s card with MILESTONE 25 on it. How disappointed I was by the end of the cruise that Carnival couldn't even do something like send a bottle of wine to dinner or a plate of cookies or something really cheap as a Thank You. It is clear that Carnival is doing everything possible to increase revenue but come on... what about those of us who made Carnival what it is today? A little gesture goes a long way. Just say'n.

Here’s another guest who complained about their treatment as a new Diamond member, expecting even more perks on top of those they were supposed to receive.

“Those who made Carnival what it is today”? Loyal customers sometimes act like they’ve done the cruise line a favour by spending money on cruises, as if they didn’t get anything back in return!

Just say’n – your reward is all that amazing time you spent cruising!

16. It’s not fair that you have to set limits!

Why does Carnival offer a shore excursion with an age limit? We are 66, are experienced snorkelers and divers and in very good health. This is an insult, especially since we have a large, multi generation family on this cruise.

Of all the complaints on this list, this is one that I concede might be controversial.

The guest wrote to John to complain about the age limit on a more extreme snorkelling excursion, saying that they were too old for it at 66.

Carnival is a business and so it has to look out for the safety of its guests and, at the same time, make sure that any risks are carefully considered. So it’s understandable that it has to set an age limit for some excursions that could be dangerous for those who aren’t fit and healthy.

Absolutely, I can see that some guests who are over the 65-years age limit could be fit enough to tackle the excursion safely, but it’s not intended as an insult.

Particularly in countries like the US where litigation is common, the cruise line has to draw the line somewhere.

17. It’s your fault we spent so much money!

Message: Hey!!! Just got my monthly cell phone charges through and there are $470 worth of charges from my cruise on Carnival cruises Freedom. Someone told me that the cruise line should be responsible because nobody told us that we should have the phone in airplane mode or off. All he did was play games on the phone. My complaint is this… nowhere on the ship does Carnival highlight that there will be extremely high prices for using data at sea and EXACTLY what that cost is. The reason for this is that no one will use the service. One thing I do know is Carnival must be getting paid very well for this service at the expense of their passengers and they try to be a covert as possible with the pricing structure. We should be compensated. We spent $---- on the cruise. You should be worried about loosing face with me and everyone reading this if no compensation is given.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you cruise is not turning off your data, and letting your phone rack up significant charges.

This customer clearly thought that the cruise line should do a better job of telling guests this, but surely that’s as much your own responsibility too?

I’ve certainly never seen a cruise line try to be shady with this, and hide the fact that connecting to mobile data while at sea can cause you to incur hefty charges.

The cruise line should not compensate people for their own mistakes.

18. Bring back a class system onboard!

I think that there should be two split dining halls. One for those of us who uphold the cruise tradition of formal night. Only those men with a or long evening gown or cocktail dress for ladies would be allowed to be there. The other dining hall could be for everyone else where they can wear whatever they want! There is no reason I can see why this would not be popular John. We should not have to see jeans and t shirts and baseball hats. Let them eat with their own kind I say.

One of the topics that’s always guaranteed to be controversial on a cruise is formal dining night, and whether guests should adhere to a dress code or not.

There are plenty of people who like getting dressed up for fun, and those who prefer to keep it casual and dine elsewhere.

But then there’s always the crowd you don’t just want to put their formal clothes on, but also expect others to follow the same guidelines. Apparently, it can ruin their night if they see others wearing non-formal attire.

This guest had an extreme plan of essentially bringing back a class system like you had on the old ocean liners like the Titanic. I can’t see it taking off on any cruise line, but Carnival? No chance.

19. Don’t let the riff-raff mingle with us!

Hey John. Platinum party question. The invitations say "And guest". I am Platinum and no one else in my family is. I will not ask if they can come and will go by myself. This is a stupid rule. If everyone brought a none P/D person, it would be way too crowded. It should be for those who are P/D ONLY.

Another one where people expect there to be a certain level of VIP access to parts of the ship. This guest received an invitation to a Platinum party, with the option to bring a guest.

They believe that this is dumb, and that only Platinum or Diamond guests should be allowed to attend – to the extent that they refused to invite a family member and decided they would go alone instead.

Not everyone wants to go to a party on their own, so surely having a few guests isn’t going to ruin the atmosphere, is it?

20. You expect us to dine next to the crew?

We do allow some of the offices and staff to eat on the Lido.And while a few people have been writing this morning to me saying they do not believe they should be allowed, I hope that many more will enjoy seeing them there and perhaps interacting with them. Thoughts please Cheers

Most of the time on a cruise ship, the crew will dine away from guests, in their own dining room on the lowest decks.

But sometimes some members of the crew will be able to dine in the public areas. Not always the formal sit-down restaurants, but absolutely in the Lido buffet.

For 99.9% of cruise guests that won’t be a problem, but John did have to address the few people who wrote in to complain about it. How dare they have to sit next to the ‘help’!

21. Asking us to pay for our dinner is a cash-grab!

Message: I want to reserve dinner for all 5 of us at the steak restaurant on the Jubilee for my daughters college graduation cruise. I could not believe I was asked to pay upfront . I expect you will tell me that it is because a small percentage of passengers are no shows some of the time. Not my problem. Making us all pay upfront is insulting. This is an obvious money grab. Why should we have to do this? Nobody is OK with this.

This guest wanted to complain about being asked to pay for their steak meal upfront, even though they fully understood the reasons – sometimes, people will book this extremely popular venue and then no-show!

Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse on Carnival Horizon

I don’t understand how you can clearly grasp the reasoning – which is very valid (Carnival would lose a lot of money with an empty table of 5) – but then be insulted by being asked to pay.

Almost as if they were considering cancelling at the last minute…

Their assertion that “Nobody is OK with this” is clearly a lie because most people do pay upfront for their speciality dining.

Also, guess what – you can get a refund if you do cancel with enough notice. So it’s hardly the end of the world.

22. You aren’t spoiling us with hot chocolate!

Message: Hey question! Does Carnival not realize that many Americans are drinking hot chocolate instead of coffee?! On my cruise on Radiance there was of course the awful Nestle packets you could mix yourself at no charge (sh*t!!!!!!!!)...however the morning we were at Java café and they had hot chocolate. It was OK but not worth the price and there were no marshmallows!!!!!!! I am telling you that Carnival needs to get on this before they get left behind. Hot chocolate is the new coffee. Do the research. Get Swiss Miss or Ghirardelli!!!!!

This is another message for John where it’s not so much the content of the request, but the way that it’s made.

It’s fine for guests to ask John about Carnival expanding their hot chocolate ranges to potentially include more premium options. And yes, Ghiradelli is awesome.

But “I am telling you that Carnival needs to get on this”, and “Do the research” are just rude ways of speaking. Ask politely instead of being so shouty. It’s not assertive, it’s just not cool.

23. Why not change the itinerary to chase the sun?

Currently on the Liberty and this cruise has been absolutely awful. One sunny day the entire cruise. I know Carnival can't control the weather but instead of just sitting in a rainy port, why not find a sunny place at sea?

Another guest who assumes that their wishes are the same as everyone else onboard. Who cares that some people have pre-paid for excursions in port, let’s just ditch it and go sail into the warmer weather!

No – that’s not how it works, and you can’t just think that everyone feels the same as you. Cruise ships have to stick to that schedule and they aren’t going to go chasing the sun.

They’ll avoid dangerous storms, but a bit of rain? Just go grab a drink in an indoor bar. There are plenty.

24. You’re making me pack a pen?!

Message: Sitting here in room **** on the Valor.You need to tell people that Carnival has gone el cheapo and given us a pathetic pencil in the rooms. What is this BS????????? I now have to add a pen to my packing list?????????I hate pencils. My guess is a guest is less likely to take one as a souvenir which is why you did this right?????????????? .What happens when the pencil needs sharpening?????????? Do you expect us to go down to guest services for a pencil sharpener???????? Next we will be given the Big Chief tablets to write on that we had in the 3rd grade.

When was the last time you heard/saw someone say “What is this BS?????????” (nine question marks…) because they were given a pencil?

No more pens?! That's it, no more cruising for me. Same here, I'm on the phone canceling my cruises as I'm typing this.

This is some serious anger over something so unimportant. It feels pointless. (Pardon the pun!)

25. I hope you have a serious illness!

Message: John, it is my wish that one day you have serious bad health and find yourself having to use a mobility scooter. This is a disgrace, and you are a disgrace.”

I had to save this one til last. What an insane comment to make!

There’s been a lot of controversy over the use of mobility scooters. Primarily it comes down to the rules that scooters can’t be left in corridors outside cabins – they need to be small enough to go into the cabin to be stored there.

A lot of mobility scooter users aren’t happy with this, but to actively wish illness or injury on someone like this is horrific. Only one person in this conversation is a disgrace, and it’s not John.

Final word

John Heald does an excellent job of handling the difficult questions and rude comments that get sent his way, and he’s got a great sense of humour.

It was a difficult week for me. There were some very disturbing comments about my intelligence, my ability to do this job and yesterday posts about my weight and appearance.So in full disclosure I want to let you all know that I went to see someone this morning. I’d lost self-confidence because of the put-downs and criticism so I made an appointment with a psychiatrist.I wanted to be honest and let you know.He told me not to worry about low self-esteem, saying " it’s very common among total losers like me. "Sticks and stones, sticks and stonesCheers everyone Oh FFS

I know that he’s made some comments before where guests have crossed the line to talk about his family, and that’s horrendous.

But when it’s just being rude to John himself, he seems to manage OK with turning it around into a joke – even if he sometimes has to let his alter-ego ‘Bob’ answer in his place.

Thankfully most people that message John aren’t quite this rude or expectant, and you can see more for yourself by following his Facebook page.

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Best Time To Book Flights For Cheap Tickets In 2024

August 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Tips

You might be surprised to learn that what you’ve heard about the best time to book a flight could be costing you more than you think. When securing the best deals, knowing the cheapest month to book flights and understanding how far in advance to book flights can make all the difference. But when is the best time to book international flights, and does this differ for domestic travel? As savings await the savvy flyer, it’s time to explore the intricacies of the best time to purchase airline tickets and book flights internationally.

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Understanding the Flight Booking Window

When it comes to securing the best airfare, timing is everything. The industry jargon ‘optimal booking window’ or ‘prime booking window’ may sound complex, but in essence, these terms refer to a period when travelers can bag the lowest possible fares. Understanding this window within the intricate landscape of airfare pricing could be the difference between a satisfactory and outstanding deal.

The Prime Booking Window Revealed

For those wondering when to book flights to secure the best rates, data pinpoints a specific timeframe. If you’re booking domestic flights, aim to make your reservations between 28 to 49 days before your intended departure. Expect a marked increase in ticket prices once the countdown hits 35 days before takeoff. International travelers should be particularly planful, as the ideal window extends three to four months in advance, with a sharp rise in costs beginning 28 days before the scheduled flight day.

Last-Minute Booking vs Advance Planning

It might seem tempting to wait for last-minute flight booking deals, but this often results in paying premiums akin to the highest fares found during the 35-day pre-departure spike. The best time to book flights is neither at the eleventh hour nor too far in advance. To illustrate the importance of timing, consider the comparative table below showing price fluctuations based on various booking periods:

Booking Period	Domestic Flights	International Flights
60+ days before departure	Higher fares, not yet at peak	Early deals available
28 – 49 days before departure	Optimal fares (Prime Booking Window)	Good fares, nearing peak prices
7 – 27 days before departure	Prices escalate	Significant fare increase
Last Minute	Highest fares (comparable to advanced booking)	Most expensive

With this information, budget-conscious flyers can confidently navigate the complexities of airline pricing. Remember that the cheapest time to book flights requires a combination of strategic timing and proactive planning to unlock substantial savings on your next journey.

Decoding the Best Days to Book for Maximum Savings

Identifying the best day to book flights has become an elusive pursuit for many travelers. While some may cling to the notion of a Tuesday myth, suggesting that it is the cheapest day to book flights, recent analyses have upended such beliefs. Instead of adhering to old wives’ tales about booking tickets, savvy consumers seek data-driven insights to determine the best time to buy flights.

The Myth of the Tuesday Deal

For years, the claim circulated that Tuesday held the key to the lowest airfares, prompting countless travelers to time their purchases accordingly. However, comprehensive studies have dispelled this as no more than a myth. As it turns out, the truth shows little to no significant difference in flight prices aligned with any specific weekday. So, for those wondering when to book a flight and hoping Tuesday would bring steep discounts, it’s time to realign strategies toward more impactful factors.

The Real Impact of the Day of the Week When Booking

While the weekday may not wield substantial influence on the price of fares, there are other timing considerations when attempting to snag a deal. A crucial aspect, often overlooked, is the best time of day to book flights. Coupled with the day of departure, this factor can sway the cost. Typically, booking flights on weekends, especially Sundays, yields better savings than weekdays. So when it comes to the famous question of the best day to book a flight, one should consider the day and the harmony between booking and departure days. Let’s break down these patterns through tangible data:

Booking Day	Domestic Flight Savings	International Flight Savings
Sunday	Up to 15%	Approximately 10%
Friday	Least Savings	Less Savings than Midweek
Departure Day – Wednesday	Cheapest Day to Fly	Cheapest Midweek Day
Departure Day – Sunday	Most Expensive Day	Higher Weekend Rates

In summary, while the notion that Tuesday offers the most affordable flight options has been negated, the takeaway is that the savings are more significantly influenced by the balance of your booking and flying days. Prospective travelers should aim for Sunday bookings and midweek departures to optimize savings and benefits.

Best Time to Book a Flight: Early Bird vs. Last-Minute Deals

When navigating the complexities of air travel, understanding the best time to book a flight can be the difference between overspending and snapping up a bargain. In light of recent data, savvy travelers are reassessing the merits of early bird flight deals against the allure of last-minute flight deals. For those pondering the cheapest time to book a flight, recent trends show it could be more complex than one might think.

While the traditional notion suggests booking well in advance secures the lowest fares, this has shifted. Specifically, for domestic flights, an optimum 42-day booking lead time is recommended, which aligns with airlines’ cost-effective pricing structures. This strategic timing departs from the previous guideline advising passengers to book approximately 70 days before takeoff.

With its inherent complexities, international travel still favors a more proactive approach. Yet, it’s not a case of the earlier, the better. Fares for international destinations tend to have a ‘Goldilocks’ window – not too early or too late. The recommended booking period ranges from a few weeks to three months before the flight, a substantial window that caters to planners and spontaneous travelers alike.

Contrary to popular opinion, last-minute deals, though still evocative of dramatic savings, may equate to expenditures similar to those who reserve their seats nearly a year out. In these cases, ticket prices can be almost as inflated as fares for travelers who book 280 days in advance.

Airfare Type	Optimal Advance Booking Time	Expected Price Difference
Domestic Flights	42 days	Better fares compared to 280 days
International Flights	3 weeks to 3 months	Can vary; earlier tends to be better
Last-Minute Deals		Comparable to very advance bookings

The winning strategy for both domestic and international flyers seems to be moderation—booking neither too early in a fare’s lifespan nor procrastinating until the eleventh hour. Thus, discerning individuals might enjoy remarkable early bird flight deals without falling prey to the myth that waiting for a last-minute deal is a surefire way to save.

The Cheapest Months and Days to Fly

Best time to buy airline tickets

For budget-conscious travelers, timing is a critical factor in booking flights, particularly when selecting the correct month and day of the week. Identifying patterns in airfare pricing is critical to maximizing savings and getting the best possible deal for domestic and international travel.

The Cheapest Month: Why January Wins for Travelers

Mark your calendars, as the cheapest month to fly consistently proves to be January. Following the holiday season’s peak fares, January offers a respite for travelers, with prices dropping substantially. Flight tickets during this month are observed to be roughly 15% lower for domestic routes and close to 30% cheaper for international trips compared to the preceding December, which translates into remarkable January travel savings.

Midweek Flying: Why Wednesdays Can Offer Lower Prices

While identifying the cheapest time to book flights is critical, selecting the optimal day of the week to fly can influence cost just as much. Wednesdays are revered as the most affordable days for flights, creating a prime opportunity for savvy travelers to book their journey. On average, passengers can save a compelling $102 per ticket by opting for a Wednesday departure instead of soaring on a Sunday, widely known as the priciest day to fly. So, if you’re aiming for the best time to buy plane tickets, aligning your travel with midweek dates is a strategic move to reduce expenses.

Flexibility: Your Secret Weapon to Finding Cheaper Flights

Navigating the constantly evolving landscape of air travel requires a strategic approach. Flexibility stands out as a critical factor in truly harnessing the potential for cost savings. Whether targeting flexible flights or strategically choosing the cheapest time to buy flights, savvy travelers who embrace booking flexibility are often rewarded with the best deals.

Price Fluctuations and When to Act

Flight prices are not static; they shift frequently due to various factors, including demand, season, and fuel costs. On average, airfare can change 49 times, emphasizing the need for travelers to stay alert. The best time to look for flights often involves setting price alerts and being ready to book when a drop occurs. This proactive approach taps into the heart of airfare flexibility, potentially unlocking unprecedented savings.

The Power of a Flexible Departure Date

When planning your next trip, pinpointing the cheapest flight booking time can feel like a guessing game. However, those who can adjust their travel dates may be at a distinct advantage. A minor change in your departure or return date, even just one day, can remarkably impact the overall cost. Airlines, such as United Airlines, often announce flash deals and promotions, rewarding those with the agility to adapt their schedules.

Flexibility Aspect	Benefits	Strategies for Optimization
Date Flexibility	Lower prices on alternative days	Use fare calendar tools to visualize cheaper days
Destination Flexibility	Access to broader range of deals	Consider multiple destinations and select the one with the best deal
Timing Flexibility	Advantageous fares by booking at opportune moments	Set up alerts and subscribe to newsletters for deal notifications

Domestic vs International: Booking Strategies That Save

Understanding the nuances between booking domestic and international flights can lead to significant savings for savvy travelers. Each type of travel requires a distinct approach tailored to the nuances of airline pricing trends and passenger demand levels. Keeping a pulse on the best times to secure tickets can make all the difference in optimizing your travel budget for 2024 and beyond.

Domestic Flight Booking: A Timeline for Lower Prices

To ensure lower prices on domestic flights, it’s critical to nail the timing of your booking. Historically, grabbing your tickets between 28 to 49 days ahead of your departure provides the ideal balance between affordability and availability. This period allows for snagging deals before the predictable prices increase, which generally kicks in at the 35-day pre-departure mark. Strategically, this window is your best bet for domestic travel plans.

International Strategy: When to Book to Travel the World for Less

For those with global destinations in mind, the best time to book international airline tickets is slightly more generous. Casting your net three to four months before takeoff is considered the sweet spot. This strategy for international flights can be the key to crossing borders without breaking the bank, especially as you dodge the price escalation that embarks 28 days before the wheels lift off the tarmac. Understanding when is the best time to book international flights has never been more vital.

Booking Type	Best Booking Time Frame	Price Increase Starts
Domestic Flights	28 to 49 days in advance	35 days before departure
International Flights	3 to 4 months in advance	28 days before departure

Is Upgrading Your Flight Worth the Cost?

In recent years, the allure of premium economy deals has resonated with savvy travelers seeking comfort without the hefty price tag. For many considering international travel, the question arises: When is the best time to purchase airline tickets for a premium experience? Recent data suggests that the cost discrepancy between standard and premium economy has notably narrowed, positioning the enhancement from economy to premium as an increasingly justifiable expenditure.

Domestic flight booking in the USA appears to mirror this trend, with significant carriers rolling out more competitive premium economy pricing. This shift in the market elucidates that whether voyaging abroad or staying within domestic borders, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of flight upgrades is becoming more accessible than ever. But what exactly are these benefits?

Additional legroom
Enhanced in-flight services
Prioritized boarding
Increased baggage allowance

For those fixated on determining the best time to buy international flights, balancing satisfactory cost and desired comfort is essential. With statistics highlighting a significant reduction from a 304% price increase in 2019 to just 212% in 2021 for upgrading to a premium economy, the contemporary climate may be ripe for indulging in an elevated travel experience.

How Far in Advance to Book Your Flight

For savvy travelers aiming to secure the best deals, the timing of your booking is a crucial factor. Understanding the dynamics of the best time to book airline tickets can lead to both satisfaction and savings. Whether you’re daydreaming about the sunny beaches of Florida or planning a cross-country business trip, the golden rule remains: book smart and book early—but not too early.

Seasonal Considerations for Booking

Seasonal trends significantly influence flight prices, with January often emerging as the month offering lucrative deals. Analyzing past years’ data suggests a pattern: snagging tickets after the holiday travel frenzy dies down could be the best time to purchase flights. Yet, this only applies to some scenarios, as peak travel seasons can vary based on destination. For instance, the best time to book flights to Florida may differ from those excellent winter deals due to its perennially sunny appeal.

Exceptional Cases: Holidays and Event-Based Travel

Holidays and large-scale events often see a spike in demand, leading to a steep climb in ticket prices. If your travel plans end up with these occasions, it’s a good idea to lock in your reservations well ahead of the standard recommendation. While it’s typically advised to book domestic travel 42 days in advance, exceptional cases demand a more proactive approach—think festival seasons or global sports events. As you navigate your travel plans, aim for the best time to book a flight, considering all possible fluctuations to avoid premium prices.

Final Thoughts

The quest for the cheapest airfare hinges upon a blend of practiced flexibility, strategic timing, and intelligent observation of industry trends. Whether targeting domestic flight deals or sifting through options for the best time to buy international plane tickets, adopting a systematic approach to flight booking can lead to substantial cost savings.

Final Thoughts on Securing the Best Flight Deals

Travelers diligent in pursuing the best time to get cheap flights understand the value of the prime booking window. Navigating this period successfully calls for booking flights when prices are historically low. If planning for domestic travel, assessing when the best time to book a domestic flight is becomes crucial. An early reservation typically yields more pocket-friendly options for globetrotters, cementing the importance of knowing when to buy flights for international vacations.

Staying Updated: Why Continuous Research Pays Off

Perpetual vigilance is priceless, with frequent updates on fare fluctuations and exclusive airline promotions leading to informed decisions. Procuring the best time to book a cheap flight necessitates staying current with market dynamics and flexible travel plans. In the digital age, constantly revisiting resources for purchasing airline tickets at the best price ensures that when the opportunity to save emerges, you are ready to seize it, warranting an economically sound and pleasant travel experience.

Best Time To Book A Flight FAQ

When is the best time to book flights for cheap tickets in 2024?

The best time to book cheap flights in 2024 is typically 6-8 weeks before your desired travel dates.

How can I find the best airline deals for my trip in 2024?

To find the best airline deals for your trip in 2024, you can use flight search engines like Google Flights, track flight prices, and be flexible with your travel dates.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book flights?

Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered the cheapest days of the week to book flights.

Is booking flights early or waiting for last-minute deals better?

It is usually better to book flights early as prices increase as the travel date approaches, especially during peak travel seasons.

How far in advance should I book my airline tickets for the best price?

It is recommended to book your airline tickets at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure the best prices.

What are some tips for getting the best deal on airline tickets?

Best Time to Book Flights for Cheap Tickets in 2024 | 19

Some tips for getting the best deal on airline tickets include being flexible with travel dates, subscribing to fare alerts, and using points and miles for discounts.

When is the best day and time to buy airline tickets?

The best day and time to buy airline tickets is usually on Tuesdays at around 3 pm EST, as airlines often release their discounted fares.

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The Top Roles Cruisers Would Love To Do!

August 19, 2024

by Luxury Cruising Editorial Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Work On A Ship

If you’ve ever cruised before, you’ll have had plenty of interactions with the crew. Whether it’s your cabin attendant making sure your room is spotless, or the bartender serving up your favourite drink, they all try to do it with a smile.

But what jobs would cruise passengers love to do if they were the ones working on a ship? They’ve seen it from the guests’ perspective, so what jobs look like the best?

I asked cruisers on Facebook for their dream cruise jobs and these are the top answers!

1. Captain

A Cunard cruise captain, dressed in a formal navy uniform with gold stripes on the sleeves, stands on the ship's deck holding a white captain's hat. The background features the ship's deck with potted plants and part of the ship's structure, under a clear blue sky, creating a professional and maritime ambiance.

The role of the captain is a dream for many, often seen as the pinnacle of authority and responsibility aboard the ship.

Captains command respect and have a significant influence over the entire cruise operation, making it an appealing position for those who love leadership and adventure.

You get to see the world, and it’s a nice title to be able to feel like you’ve earned. Captain Cruise Mummy has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Also, of all the roles available on a ship, it pays pretty darn well! So I’m sure that’s part of the appeal too.

2. Cruise Director

A Carnival cruise director is engaging with a lively audience in a large theater on the ship. The director, holding a microphone, stands on stage as numerous audience members raise their hands enthusiastically. The theater is filled with passengers seated in comfortable chairs, enjoying the interactive entertainment under warm, vibrant lighting.

Cruise directors are the life and soul of the ship, responsible for entertainment and activities.

This job is popular due to its dynamic nature, social interactions, and the opportunity to be at the centre of guest experiences.

You get to organise all the fun things onboard with your entertainment team, and spend your day interacting with guests to make sure they’re having the best time possible.

Many cruise directors get quite the fanbase – that’s why so many Carnival fans love to keep up to date with the Carnival Cruise Director Schedule, so they can even plan a cruise around who they’re sailing with.

3. Shore Excursion Manager

A shore excursion manager is discussing shore excursions with a couple at a travel desk, with brochures and promotional materials displayed. The setting appears to be an upscale, elegant lobby, emphasizing personalized service and luxury travel planning.

Managing shore excursions allows for interaction with guests while organising exciting trips at various ports.

I’ll be honest, I was a little surprised at how highly this placed on the list, but then when you think about it, it does make sense.

The role is a mix of planning, travel, and guest engagement, providing a taste of the destinations visited. You often have to try the excursions yourself too, to make sure they’re suitable – and that’s a pretty nice responsibility to have.

4. Bartender

Two bartenders are working behind a well-stocked bar on a cruise ship. They are dressed in matching uniforms, with one bartender preparing a drink while the other smiles and looks on. The bar area is illuminated with ambient blue lighting, and various bottles and mixers are neatly arranged on the counter, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for the guests.

Bartending on a cruise ship is a favourite for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and socialising with guests.

The job offers a fun environment, the chance to be creative with cocktails, and often comes with good tips too, which is always a nice bonus.

Of course, some of the suggestions were from people who said they might struggle to not enjoy too many of their own creations, and that’d certainly get you fired quickly.

But it would be fun while it lasted at least!

5. Chef

Two P&O Cruises' chefs, wearing traditional white uniforms and tall chef hats, are smiling and conversing in the ship's kitchen. They are surrounded by the gleaming stainless steel of the kitchen equipment and the warm lighting of the galley. The chefs' friendly interaction reflects a positive and professional working environment.

Working as a chef is attractive for culinary professionals eager to showcase their skills and work with diverse cuisines.

Working on a cruise offers a unique setting to experiment and serve a large, appreciative audience.

And while those reasons would definitely appeal to an actual chef, I do wonder how many of the people who said it would be their dream job just love cruise food and want to be involved with it.

Especially when it needs to be tasted before it’s served.

6. Entertainer (Singer, Musician, Comedian)

A vibrant scene from a Broadway-style show on Harmony of the Seas features a group of performers in colorful costumes energetically dancing on stage. The backdrop includes palm trees and a large decorative moon, with bright, multicolored stage lighting enhancing the lively atmosphere. The performers strike dynamic poses, engaging the audience with their enthusiastic performance.

Entertainers such as singers, musicians, and comedians are highly sought after for their ability to really bring the cruise experience to another level.

The appeal of this job lies in performing regularly for enthusiastic crowds and the opportunity to travel while doing what they love.

It’s also one of the best jobs on a ship in terms of the hours worked, and the freedom provided. While a cabin attendant might be working 12-14 hour days, an entertainer may work much less.

Comedians especially – you don’t need to rehearse much, and your set might only be an hour or so each night.

So that means you get more time to explore ports of call and just relax.

7. Photographer

A photographer on a cruise ship captures a woman in a striking red dress posing on the deck. The woman stands gracefully by a railing, while other passengers relax on lounge chairs in the foreground. The ship's upper decks and architecture form the backdrop, and a few crew members are visible above, adding to the dynamic, lively scene.

Cruise ship photographers capture memories for guests, making it a rewarding job for those passionate about photography.

The role could be a popular one because it combines creativity with travel and the joy of helping guests preserve their experiences.

Cruise ship photographers are also sometimes employed on more thrilling projects, to capture the destination, and you could basically be paid to shoot wildlife or dramatic scenery. I know I’d love this.

8. Casino Staff (Dealer, Host)

A cruise ship casino staff member is assisting a couple seated at a row of slot machines. The staff member, dressed in a formal blazer, is attentively explaining something to the guests, who are focused on the machines. The casino is brightly lit with colorful lights and displays from the various slot machines, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere.

Working in the casino, either as a dealer or host, is an appealing option for anyone who likes the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of a casino floor.

Not everyone goes to a casino on a cruise, but if you like to gamble, you might prefer to sit on the other side for once. If you’re a dealer then you’ll at least enjoy the variety of the job, seeing how games pan out and which guests win big.

9. Nurse

A nurse on a cruise ship, wearing a blue medical uniform and a mask, is using a stethoscope to check the heartbeat of a young woman in a light blue uniform. Both are wearing masks, ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols. The setting appears to be a medical room on the ship, equipped for onboard healthcare.

Nurses on cruise ships provide essential medical care, making it a critical and respected role.

The job is popular among healthcare professionals who seek adventure, the chance to travel, and the unique challenges of providing care at sea.

It’s also relatively well paid – not as well paid as a doctor onboard, but you’d make a decent salary, especially since your accommodation and food are free.

Hours could be an issue though, as you might need to be on call for long periods. If you work on a very small ship where you’re the only healthcare professional onboard, then you’ll be on call 24/7.

10. Youth Entertainer

A Camp Ocean staff member on a cruise ship is sitting on the floor and engaging with a group of children who are building a structure with colorful blocks. The staff member is smiling and wearing a dark uniform with light blue trim, while the children, dressed in casual summer clothing, focus on their creative play. The background shows a bright and cheerful play area designed for kids' activities.

A couple of people mentioned wanting to work as a youth entertainer or in the kids’ clubs.

If you’re someone who enjoys working with kids, then a cruise is an ideal place – sure there is some educational element to the activities, but it’s mostly all about having as much fun as possible.

It’s a lot of responsibility too, so it’s not for everyone, but if childcare is your passion then a cruise ship would be the perfect place.

Final Word

There were, of course, plenty of ‘fun’ suggestions on the Facebook post, such as wine taster, deck chair tester or towel animal expert.

While I’m sure these would be a ‘dream’ job, I wanted to keep the list to the realistic ones. Would your dream role be one of the 10 above, or something different?

Check out my guide on how to get a job on a cruise ship if you’re seriously interested – but I’ll also caveat that with these nightmare stories from cruise ship workers too.

If you found this interesting, please share!

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1. Promenade View Rooms

2. Noisy cabins near the entertainment

3. Noisy cabins underneath the pool deck

4. Cabins a long way from the elevators

5. Cabins with tiny little portholes

6. Cabins that could make seasickness worse

7. Obstructed view cabins

8. Interconnecting cabins if you don’t need both

9. Expensive suites if you’ll hardly make the most of them

10. Vibrating cabins near the propellers

11. Studio Staterooms if you like your space

12. Balcony cabins near the bridge

13. Balcony cabins on colder winter cruises

Final thoughts

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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Finding my Spirit of Discovery

Destination Highlights

Onboard

Spirit of Discovery Dining

Surcharge

Complimentary

Best Cruise Ship Pizza Overall (Combined List)

1. Pack a carry-on bag with essentials for embarkation day

2. Ensure your watch is set to the ship’s time

3. Review and settle your onboard bill before the last day

4. Plan where you’ll be at sailaway

5. Decide between self-disembarkation and traditional methods

6. Use magnets and magnetic hooks to make the most of wall space in your cabin

7. Bring your own drinks

8. Request extra hangers from your cabin steward

9. Book a low-deck midship cabin if you’re worried about seasickness

10. Make your luggage stand out in the terminal

11. Look for first-day special offers onboard

12. Take your daily programme with you when you leave the ship

13. Walk away from the port for cheaper taxis

14. Spend time researching your ship and itinerary before you book

15. Book excursions as early as you can – or ask onboard about cancellations

16. You have a safe – use it (and set a reminder to check it)

17. Hanging storage can save a lot of space

18. Pack some seasickness remedies – just in case

19. Always carry contact details on private shore excursions

20. Ask staff for their recommendations

21. Return to the ship for meals (depending on the port)

22. Pack sooner rather than later – and don’t overpack!

23. Check out the onboard offers – they can be good

24. Praise the crew where you can

25. Don’t be afraid to stay onboard

26. Plan speciality dining around the main dining room menus

27. Bring an extension cord (but check it’s allowed)

28. Don’t forget the binoculars on scenic cruises

29. Make sure you pack for excursions

30. Bring a nightlight with you

31. Pack a portable charger

Final Word

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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1. Please just renovate the bathrooms for us

2. I understand that you are not Mr. Healthy

3. Stop other people having fun!

4. Let us bring our own tablecloth – and then wash it for us!

5. Disrespectful non-American crew

6. Stop posting dessert pictures and lose some weight!

7. Cancellation rules shouldn’t apply to us!

8. We’ll clean, thanks – stop trying to help!

9. How dare you not have country music!

10. Stop lying and sail to my schedule!

11. We’re not idiots – we demand harder puzzles

12. You should pay for the bad weather

13. We demand respect – we pay their wages!

14. I’m entitled to better treatment than this

15. I’m also entitled to special treatment!

16. It’s not fair that you have to set limits!

17. It’s your fault we spent so much money!

18. Bring back a class system onboard!