Holland America Line has opened 2026 Europe cruises for bookings on four cruise ships. The sailings range from seven to 42 days in length.
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Holland America Line will offer cruises to Europe from 11 homeports in 2026. The cruises will feature 12 overnight ports and 19 late night departures (between 10 p.m. and midnight).
These cruises will take place on Oosterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam.
The departure cities are:
Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Barcelona, Spain
Boston, Massachusetts
Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy
Dover, England
Lisbon, Portugal
Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Reykjavik, Iceland
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Holland America ships will visit 35 countries and guests will be able to visit a total of 175 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Six Celestial Cruises will be offered. Three of them will be eclipse cruises, two Northern Lights cruises, and the last a summer solstice Arctic Circle crossing.
July 18, 2026, 35-Day Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse (Legendary Voyage)
July 25, 2026, 28-Day Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland (Legendary Voyage)
Aug. 9, 2026, 13-Day Mediterranean Solar Eclipse with Barcelona Overnight
Oct. 4, 2026, 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights
Oct. 17, 2026, 14-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights
June 13, 2026, 14-Day Arctic Circle Crossing: North Cape Solstice
Paul Grigsby, Holland America Line’s vice president of revenue planning and deployment, gave the following statement:
“There’s so much to see throughout the Mediterranean region and by creating itineraries from multiple homeports we’re giving our guests the opportunity to explore more ports and countries in an exciting way we haven’t offered before. The range of options we’ve put together really allows travelers to choose their own, ideal Mediterranean adventure.”
“Further, we made sure to listen to guest feedback when crafting these itineraries: We’ve included some of our most requested calls, including Sicily and Portofino — two of 11 ports of call in Italy. And for the first time in over 15 years, we’re returning to St. Tropez, France.”
Several of the cruises can be combined into Collectors’ Voyages up to 42 days in length.
If you book one of these Holland America 2026 cruises to Europe with the Have It All premium package, you can receive the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. This offer will be available for a limited time.
Royal Caribbean has just released the last of their deployment schedule for late 2025 and early 2026 cruises.
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The cruise line announced that Serenade of the Seas will sail from Columbia and Panama starting in October 2025. This completes Royal Caribbean’s deployment schedule for next year. You can see where all of the cruise line’s ships are sailing to and from here.
The ship’s first cruise from Cartagena, Colombia will set sail on October 5, 2025, a week long cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Serenade of the Seas will sail 29 cruises from the port.
Cruisers will also be able to board the ship in Panama on 21 of the cruises.
The cruise ship will remain in the region through March 2026. All of the cruises on the ship in this region can be seen here.
Port stops on these cruises include Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, and Panama.
Alberto Muñoz, associate vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean for Royal Caribbean International, gave the following statement:
“We are very pleased to return to the region with Serenade of the Seas and fulfill our ongoing commitment to contribute to the market in Latin America.”
“The region has a diversity of destinations to create the best experiences for the whole family and all types of travelers. Serenade will bring an experience designed for the local market, full of flavors, music and activities that exalt the identity of Latinas.”
Royal Caribbean recently had Rhapsody of the Seas deployed in this region and the cruise line said these voyages were a success.
The world’s largest cruise line said that they will have experiences designed for the Latin market that will be revealed at a later date.
These newly announced cruises on Serenade of the Seas are now open for bookings.
Legendary cruise vacations are on the horizon for guests aboard the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Lineâs new heroes and villains-inspired ship, which will set sail in late 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A voyage aboard the Disney Destiny will embrace the dynamic duality of every great Disney story, where opposing forces of light and dark drive characters to rise to their destinies. A diverse range of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters will be the inspiration behind themed venues and entertainment aboard the ship, including a first-of-its-kind dining experience inspired by the unforgettable music of âThe Lion King,â an exclusive confectionary themed to âThe Incredibles;â and hero-worthy staterooms and concierge accommodations. In the coming days, even more new offerings coming to the Disney Destiny will be announced on the Disney Parks Blog and disneycruise.com.
âFor the Disney Destiny, we will introduce brand-new cruise experiences inspired by the legends and legacies of some of Disneyâs most iconic heroes and villains,â said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Cruise Line. âFrom the dining rooms to the staterooms and everywhere in between, guests aboard our new ship will be surrounded by extraordinary storytelling paired with the signature service and family-fun adventures that are hallmarks of a Disney Cruise vacation.â
The âManeâ Event â A Feast for the Senses
The iconic songs and legendary moments of âThe Lion Kingâ will come to life at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, a first-of-its-kind dining experience celebrating the renowned music of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film that continues to transcend generations. (Disney)
The iconic songs and legendary moments of âThe Lion Kingâ will come to life at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, a first-of-its-kind dining experience celebrating the renowned music of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film that continues to transcend generations.
The savanna-inspired venue will bring unique depictions of animals and nature to life through lighting and special effects. At the same time, the window-lined back wall will transform from stunning sunrises to enchanting sunsets throughout the meal.
As families dine, a colorful ensemble of live musicians and storytellers will take the stage in the restaurant’s center â complete with tiered risers that evoke African drums â as they present a musical journey through the award-winning soundtrack. Performances will include productions of âCircle of Lifeâ and âHakuna Matata,â plus a mash-up of âI Just Canât Wait to Be Kingâ and âBe Prepared,â a fun take that highlights the hero-villain dynamic of the story.
A uniquely themed menu will underscore beloved music during this soulful celebration of family and Simbaâs journey to embrace his destiny.
Itâs a Sweet Shop, Darling
Edna Modeâs lab, where the famed fashion designer from Pixar Animation Studiosâ âThe Incrediblesâ films whips up outfits for the worldâs most famous Supers, will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind confectionary at the brand-new Edna à La Mode Sweets aboard the Disney Destiny.
Inspired by the âAuntie Ednaâ short film, the labâs modern sewing equipment will be repurposed as sweet-making mechanisms to entertain Jack-Jack, the unpredictable and hilariously unstable super baby. The results: a marvelous selection of handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies, and specialty treats served among the labâs bolts of fabric, costume models, and picture-perfect sculptures of both Edna and Jack-Jack â one hard at work, one hungry for ânum nums.â
Fuel for Heroic Feats
Just off the Grand Hall â the central hub and gathering space on the Disney Destiny â two casual walk-up cafes will serve a mighty selection of coffee, tea, specialty beverages, and snacks.
With luxurious accommodations that embrace the duality in every great story, a heroâs welcome will be waiting for guests aboard the Disney Destiny. Each stateroom will showcase custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of famous Disney legends, evoking a sense of awe and inspiration as families rest, reconnect, and dream of far-off places.
Like every Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Destiny will offer spacious, comfortable and functional staterooms that uniquely meet the needs of families. Most staterooms will feature Disney Cruise Lineâs signature split-bath concept, and many will offer the option of a connecting door that adjoins staterooms to accommodate larger groups.
Concierge guests aboard the Disney Destiny will receive a premium level of dedicated service and access to exclusive areas and amenities throughout their voyage, including a concierge lounge and private sun deck.
Large, lavishly appointed concierge staterooms and suites will draw guests into the enigmatic world of Disney Animationâs âFantasiaâ through elegant, watercolor-style artwork illustrating the rich color palette, otherworldly spectacle, and dynamic duality of the classic film. Seven special oceanview rooms located directly above the bridge and adorned in the distinctive iconography of Pixarâs âThe Incrediblesâ will provide awe-inspiring, floor-to-ceiling views.
In four royal suites of heroic proportions, guests will be empowered by epic stories to embrace their destinies. Celebrating the majestic powers and noble heroism at the heart of Disney Animationâs âHercules,â the Hero Suites will be inspired by Greco-Roman architecture, colors and patterns. The boldly themed IncrediSuites will invoke the exhilarating exploits of âThe Incrediblesâ through a streamlined mid-century modern aesthetic inspired by the Pixar films.
A Ship Destined for Greatness
The Disney Destiny will be approximately 144,000 gross tons and powered by liquefied natural gas. Its delivery is part of a multi-year expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet that includes the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure; the Disney Adventure that will be homeported in Singapore; the recently announced agreement with Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029; and a new island destination in The Bahamas: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500, or contact their travel agent.
Royal Caribbean has reduced the single supplement that solo travelers are charged on select cruises on 15 of their cruise ships.
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Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, has reduced the single supplement to 150% on all repositioning (Transatlantic and Transpacific), Canada, and Panama Canal cruises.
Additionally, Diamond + Crown and Anchor Society members will see their single supplement reduced from 150% to 125% on these sailings.
The Royal Caribbean ships that have reduced single supplement rates on these cruises are:
Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
Brilliance of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Odyssey of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Radiance of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Vision of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas
A complete list of all cruises on these ships that offer the reduced single supplement can be seen here.
Cruise prices are all based on double occupancy in a cabin and normally, solo cruisers have to pay double.
P&O Cruises is offering any talented musicians the chance to win a cruise and a performing slot onboard with their new Talent of Tomorrow competition.
The winner won’t just get the opportunity to sing on a ship – they’ll also be mentored by Gary Barlow, one of Britain’s most popular singer/songwriters.
Anyone can enter the competition, but they’ll need to provide a YouTube video audition which includes them singing a song and playing an instrument – backing tracks are not allowed.
The song can be an original or a cover, but the YouTube video has to be recent – any uploads prior to 1st June 2024 will not be accepted.
From the applicants, a shortlist of 10 will be chosen to perform in front of a panel of experts, who will select the final three.
Those three will get to enjoy a visit to the ship Iona to be mentored by Gary Barlow, where they’ll be filmed for a final performance. That performance will go to a public vote, with the winner getting to enjoy a cruise of at least 7 nights on either Arvia or Iona.
During that cruise, the winner will get to perform in the ship’s 710 Club in a series of gigs.
Full details of the competition, and the entry form, are all available on the P&O Cruises website. The final day for entries is 11th August 2024.
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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.
More and more people are searching for family cruises, according to data from travel agency Iglu Cruise.
The specialist agency has revealed that searches for the term ‘Family Cruise’ were up 45% in July 2024 compared to July 2023, showing just how much the demand has risen for families looking for a cruise getaway.
This demand is being met by more, bigger cruise ships, such as Icon of the Seas which launched in early 2024.
Dave Mills, the CEO of Iglu Cruise, gave five top tips for any families who are looking to book their first cruise:
1. Book early to avoid disappointment
While there may be a temptation to wait for last-minute deals, typically that’s not the case for family cruises. The best family rooms book up quickly, so the sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good deal on a family room.
“Some cruise lines also offer lower deposits when you book early, meaning you’ll be able to secure your cabins at a lower rate. This is also sometimes refundable, meaning that if for any reason your plans change, you’ll be able to get it back.“
2. Check the daily cruise schedule
Modern ships are packed with different family-friendly features to enjoy, but there’ll also be a ton of activities going on during your cruise – so make sure you check the daily schedule onboard each day. Be aware that spaces for shows and activities can be limited, so be prompt in booking if you need to.
“Sometimes a schedule can be found on the cruise line app before you embark, and you may be able to book seats for an event or show on your cruise. It’s therefore a good idea to download the app ahead of your voyage.“
3. Do some cabin research
Plan ahead when deciding which cabin you want to book. Don’t just think about the type of cabin, but think about the location too. You might want to be closer to the kids’ clubs or the pools, or you might prefer to be a little further away from the action for some peace and quiet.
“Have a browse for the type of cabin you’d like and if you aren’t sure which cabin is right for you, an expert cruise agent will be able to help you choose the best cabin at the best value.”
4. Plan onshore activities
You can book shore excursions before you set sail, so you’ll be able to plan in advance to know what you’re going to do when you’re in port. There are always child-friendly shore excursions, including exciting activities like kayaking or snorkelling depending on the ports you’re visiting, or maybe museums that are interactive.
“On the other hand, you may wish to not partake in many excursions at all. The ships are usually quieter when docked in a port, and some families enjoy using this time to make full use of the ship’s fantastic facilities such as the pool or games room. Either way, make sure you plan ahead.”
5. Pack appropriately
You’ll want to think carefully about what you take with you on your cruise. Make sure you plan for the itinerary and the time of year – take layers if it’s colder destinations, or pack lighter items for warmer ports. Flexible outfit options are always good if you’re not sure what to expect, weather-wise!
“Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during shore excursions, especially if you have older children…(and) don’t forget to pack any essential toiletries, including a high-factor SPF sun cream.”
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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.
SeaDream Yacht Club has revealed its early 2027 cruise season, highlighting an exclusive selection of luxury small-ship cruises in the Caribbean.
These newly announced voyages offer the crème de la crème of SeaDream’s most coveted yachting experiences in the region.
SeaDream’s two yachts, each accommodating just over 100 guests with a 1-1 guest-to-crew ratio, will both sail in the Caribbean for the winter 2026/27 season.
The newly unveiled cruises (of which there are 28) will include 7-day itineraries that showcase the pristine beauty of the US and British Virgin Islands, the idyllic beaches of Anguilla, and the vibrant culture of the French West Indies.
“We have listened to our guests and will give them more of what they want and more of what they love. This is simply put the best of the best of Caribbean yachting”
Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club
Some voyages will venture further south to islands like Guadeloupe, Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Barbados.
Each itinerary includes at least one overnight stay, predominantly in the glamorous St Barths.
Guests can look forward to the Champagne & Caviar Splash® beach party on every cruise, complete with a luxurious beachside barbecue.
And of course, they can enjoy the ships’ marinas, offering a range of activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and the only water slide that plunges directly into the sea.
The majority of SeaDream’s spring 2027 Caribbean voyages will depart round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas, with select departures from St. Martin and Barbados.
SeaDream’s itineraries are designed so that ships can use slower speeds to help lower fuel consumption, significantly reducing emissions compared to traditional cruises.
The new 2027 Caribbean voyages will cut fuel consumption and emissions by an estimated 15% from 2025 to 2027 alone, showing that the cruise line intends to keep innovating and pushing for environmental change within the industry.
The best way to book a SeaDream cruise
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Whether you’ve booked yourself a Windstar cruise already, or you’ve got one lined up that you’re about to secure, you’ll want to know whether or not the all-inclusive package is worth the extra cost.
Any kind of cruise holiday is going to be relaxing, but an all-inclusive one? That’s even better – as long as the price is fair. So let’s find out whether Windstar Cruises’ all-inclusive package is worth it, or not.
Windstar Cruises are NOT all-inclusive.
You do get a lot included in your standard cruise fare, but there are some extras that you’ll need to pay for – including alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, WiFi, laundry and tips for the crew.
Windstar is a luxury cruise line in terms of the style and size of the ships, and the incredible service you get onboard.
You then have the flexibility to choose whether you pay for the additional elements of your cruise individually, or you pay an upgrade to make your cruise almost all-inclusive.
Me on a Windstar Cruise
Here’s what’s included in the ticket price of a Windstar Cruise…
A standard Windstar cruise fare includes:
All of your food (including room service, snacks and speciality dining)
All non-alcoholic drinks
Onboard entertainment
Use of the watersports platform on the ship (on applicable itineraries)
Typically, Windstar includes a lot more than many other cruise lines – you won’t pay anything extra for food at all on the ship, whereas other ships have cover charges for some restaurants and a fee for room service.
And you also won’t pay for your coffee, your sodas or even your bottled water – all of these cost extra on the majority of competitor cruise lines.
You can upgrade your cruise with Windstar’s All-Inclusive Package.
It costs $89 per person, per day and it covers your drinks, your WiFi internet access and your gratuities onboard, including your beverage service fee.
Here are the details of exactly what you get for your $89…
1. WiFi
You get unlimited WiFi internet access with the All-Inclusive Package on a Windstar cruise. Unlike other cruise lines, there aren’t different internet packages to choose from – it’s just one standard WiFi connection.
Windstar has been busy installing Starlink on every ship in the fleet – this technology uses advanced satellite connections to offer significantly faster WiFi speeds than were available previously.
So you, in theory, should be able to stream and enjoy video calls when you book the All-Inclusive Package.
However, in practice, the quality of the WiFi varies depending on how many people are using it. In the morning when most guests had left the ship, I was able to use the WiFi to work with no issues.
However, on a sea day, the WiFi was barely usable. And it certainly wasn’t possible to upload or download video content.
2. Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package
Included as part of the All-Inclusive Package is the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package.
This is the better of the two drinks packages you can get on the ship, and it includes all alcoholic beverages by the glass.
So that’s a wide range of beers, 33 different wines including sparkling options, spirits, cocktails and all drinks in your minibar too. The only drinks not included as part of the package are wines by the bottle.
Windstar’s cocktail menu is huge and the cocktails are the best I’ve enjoyed at sea.
3. Hotel and Beverage Service Fee
The All-Inclusive Package covers your hotel and beverage service fees. The hotel service fees are essentially your gratuities – they’re added to your account automatically, and unless you dispute them and change the amount, you’ll be asked to pay them at the end of the cruise.
The beverage service fee is an 18% service charge that is applied to every alcoholic drink you order on your cruise.
If you’ve bought the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package, you also have to pay the 18% gratuity on top of every drink you order.
But, if you instead opt for the All-In Package, that 18% is covered and you don’t have to pay it.
The suite attendants work very hard, including providing ice in your room twice per day!
Windstar’s All-Inclusive Package Terms
There aren’t too many terms and conditions to worry about with the All-Inclusive Package but there are a couple of important things to note.
Firstly, the price of $89 per person, per day only applies if you book the package at least five days before you sail.
You can still get the package after this date, up to the first day of your cruise, but you’ll be paying $99 per person, per day.
You also have to book the package for your entire cruise – you can’t book it for part of the cruise only. That’s why you have to book it no later than the end of the first day of your sailing.
How About Laundry?
Laundry is not included in the All-Inclusive Package. It used to be, so you may still see some marketing materials that advertise it as being included. However, it was removed in 2022.
You can pay extra if you want all-inclusive laundry though. There’s a package for $19 per couple per day that lets you have your clothes cleaned and pressed as frequently as you’d like during your cruise. It’s available for $9.50 for solo travellers.
Whether or not the All-Inclusive Package is worth it depends on the type of cruise passenger you are, and how much you would use the individual services.
Firstly, let’s just take a look at the cost of each element:
Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package – $65 per person, per day
WiFi internet access – $35 per day
Hotel Service Charge – $16 per person, per day
So the total cost of those alone, if bought individually, is $116 per day. Booking the All-Inclusive package would therefore save you $27 per person, per day.
For two people cruising on a 7-night voyage, that’s a saving of $378.
And that’s before you factor in the Beverage Service Charge too. Let’s give a conservative estimate of two glasses of wine each per day – with an average cost of $10 per glass, that’s $20 total, which means the 18% service charge would be $3.60.
Multiply that by two people, over 7 nights, and it’s an extra $50.40 you’ve saved, for a total saving of $428.40.
And that’s if you only have two drinks per day. The savings soon rack up if you’re having a lot of drinks.
So, it’s worth it, right?
Well, before you dive in, let’s delve a little deeper to be sure…
Drinks Prices on Windstar
The average cost of a bottle of beer on Windstar is $7, while wines, cocktails and spirit-based drinks will typically cost around $10-11.
So you have to consider how many drinks you’re likely to have – if you only want one or two per day, and you’ll stick to non-alcoholic beverages for the rest of the time, then the package probably isn’t the best option.
You’re not getting the $65 value of the beverage package, you’re getting maybe $22 of value at best – plus the $4 or so that would be the Beverage Service Charge.
It gets a little more unclear if you think five drinks sounds about right. If you have five drinks costing $11 each, then it’d cost you $64.90 with the Beverage Service Charge included.
So you need to weigh up how many drinks you think you’ll have, and decide from there whether the All-Inclusive Package represents good value for you.
It’s worth recapping that the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package can also be bought on its own for $65 per day – but then you also have to pay the beverage service charge too on every drink you buy.
Which means it doesn’t represent good value. You might as well get the All-Inclusive Package since you’d be paying $16 per day for the hotel service charge too. For the drinks package and hotel charge, that’s $81 per day.
You may as well pay the extra $8 per day and avoid the beverage service charges on each drink, especially if you’re drinking enough to justify the beverage package in the first place.
Takeaway – Don’t get the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package, the All-In Package is better.
WiFi Prices on Windstar
WiFi costs $35 per day, but Windstar doesn’t always ask you to pay for the entire duration of your cruise. You have an alternative option – paying for data packs.
Doing this regularly wouldn’t be cost-efficient, but if you only want to get online for a couple of hours, you can pay for the Email plan ($60 for 200MB of data) or the Surfing plan ($120 for 500MB of data).
Here’s the info from the TV in my suite..
Again, you need to evaluate how much you think you would use the internet on your cruise. If you’ll be on the internet every day, then the All-Inclusive Package represents good value.
If you just want to check your emails once midway through your cruise, and perhaps use 4G data or local WiFi when in port, it definitely isn’t worth it from a WiFi perspective.
Hotel Service Charge
The Hotel Service Charge is something you’re expected to pay on the cruise – the crew rely on this as a large part of their pay.
So having it included with the All-Inclusive Package makes sense, since it’s just one element paid for that you would be paying anyway.
Windstar crew members line dancing
The only exception would be if you planned to remove the charge or change it. This isn’t recommended, but you are within your rights to do so.
If you think you’re the type of person who might do this, then the All-Inclusive Package isn’t right for you because you can’t take out the package and then ask for a refund of the service charges later.
Example Scenarios
Let’s look at some quick examples to work out whether the cost is worth it to you.
Scenario 1
A glass of wine with lunch, two glasses with dinner, a cocktail by the pool during the day, and using the WiFi regularly.
Cost per day individually:
Drinks with service charge (based on average prices) – $52
WiFi – $35
Hotel service charge – $16
TOTAL = $103
Advice: Buy the All-Inclusive Package
Scenario 2
7-day cruise. Five beers per day. Will only use the internet a little, so pays for the one-off Surfing plan at $120.
Cost per day individually:
Drinks with service charge – $42
WiFi – $17 ($120 one-off charge divided by 7 days)
Hotel service charge – $16
TOTAL = $75
Advice: It’s probably better to pay for everything individually, though paying the extra $10 per day does give you more freedom with internet and lets you have more to drink if you want to.
Scenario 3
Occasional drinker only – has a cocktail every other day but sticks to soft drinks otherwise. Will use the WiFi regularly.
Cost per day individually:
Drinks with service charge – $6 (three cocktails averaged out over a week)
WiFi – $35
Hotel service charge – $16
TOTAL = $57
Advice: Pay for everything individually instead of getting the All-Inclusive package.
Windstar Cruises already offer excellent value, since you get all of your food and entertainment included as well as anything non-alcoholic – that’s more than most other cruise lines offer as standard.
But, if you’re someone who’ll use the WiFi a lot and who enjoys a couple of cocktails or glasses of wine each day, then the All-Inclusive Package is great value too.
It only leaves you with laundry services and shore excursions to pay for, and neither of those are essential – you can wander off the ship and explore at your own leisure if you prefer. So you can end up reaching the end of your cruise with no bill left to clear.
It’s not right for everyone though, and paying for each element may work out better value – so make sure you check before you book.
The best way to book a Windstar cruise
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are both very popular, although they’re pretty different from each other.
If you’re wondering which to choose for your next sailing, or simply interested to know how they compare, read on to find out what similarities and differences they have.
Both Princess Cruises and Carnival are owned by the Carnival Corporation. However, there are some stark contrasts between the two cruise lines and they tend to target different crowds.
Cruises with Princess have a sophisticated, British feel and are popular with Brits and Americans alike.
Carnival cruises are aimed mainly at young American couples, families and groups of friends.
Ships
Princess Cruises has 16 ships in the fleet, with one more under construction (Star Princess.
Carnival has 27 cruise ships in the fleet. Two more ships will join from P&O Cruises Australia in 2025 and five new ships are also planned.
Princess Cruises’ Ships
Princess Cruises has four classes of ships:
Sphere Class – The newest ships, accommodating 4,300 guests
Royal Class – Six large ships accommodating 3,560 to 3,660 guests
Grand Class – Eight mid-sized ships accommodating 2,600 to 3,140 guests
Coral Class – The oldest two ships, each catering for 2,000 to 2,220 guests
The oldest Princess Cruises ship is Grand Princess, which was launched in 1998. The newest is Discovery Princess, which joined the fleet in January 2022.
Carnival has nine classes of cruise ships. The oldest, Carnival Sunshine, was launched in 1996, while the newest is Carnival Jubilee, which was launched in 2023.
The classes include the Fantasy Class, which is the oldest, through to the Excel Class, which is the newest and largest. Guest capacity ranges from 2,606 to 6,500 passengers.
Both Princess and Carnival offer a large choice of ships ranging from mid-size ships from the 1990s to large, modern vessels. However, if you love really big ships, then Carnival’s largest cruise ships are the way to go.
Destinations
Both Carnival and Princess Cruises visit destinations across the globe year-round. The most popular places to visit include the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Australasia and Europe.
The following table shows how many cruise itineraries are available in each destination:
Carnival
Princess
Alaska
19
23
Asia
1
20
Australia & New Zealand
36
96
Bahamas
133
0
Bermuda
7
0
Canada & New England
1
19
Caribbean
254
54
Europe
24
147
Hawaii
9
8
Mexico
40
7
Panama Canal
24
22
South America & Antarctica
0
19
South Pacific
24
37
Transatlantic
9
37
Transpacific
5
0
World
0
46
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Princess Cruises’ Destinations
Princess cruises depart from 30 ports of call around the world, with the most popular being Fort Lauderdale in Florida, Southampton in the UK, Sydney in Australia and Yokohama near Tokyo.
The cruise line has a popular roster of itineraries in Australia with seven embarkation ports just for this destination, ahead of Europe (six) and just behind North America with 12.
Carnival Cruise Destinations
Carnival cruises depart from 21 ports, the most popular of which are those based in the United States. These include Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Port Canaveral, plus Galveston in Texas.
Popular destinations to travel to on a Carnival cruise include the Caribbean, where the highest concentration of sailings are, as well as the Bahamas, the South Pacific and Europe.
Which to Choose?
If you’re looking to cruise from the UK, you’ll find plenty of options with Princess Cruises departing from Southampton between March and November, whereas Carnival only has a handful of cruises departing from Dover, England.
Likewise, if you wish to cruise to exotic destinations such as Asia or the Pacific Coast, then Princess Cruises would be the cruise line to choose as these itineraries aren’t offered by Carnival.
But, if cruises from Florida to Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean are your bag, then Carnival has the best choice of itineraries.
The food experience on both cruise lines is very different. For a more classic fine dining experience, you might find you prefer Princess, while Carnival is more casual with home-style favourites such as ribs and burgers.
Princess Cruises’ Food
Princess offers a sophisticated dining experience with an emphasis on authenticity and dishes made with local influences.
There are some casual dining venues, including the World Fresh Marketplace and International Café, as well as pizzerias, hot dog grills and coffee shops. However, the best cuisine will be enjoyed in the main dining venues and speciality restaurants such as Kai Sushi, Bistro Sur La Mer and the Crown Grill.
Crown Grill
There are also experiential food encounters such as the Chef’s Table, which offers the opportunity to dine with the Executive Chefs and the Chocolate Journeys program, whereby you can sample the most exquisite chocolate works of art.
It’s widely believed that Princess Cruises offers ‘the best pizza at sea’.
Me with pizza on a Princess cruise
Carnival Food
Carnival Cruise Line’s food is catered very much to an American market with dining venues including burger joints, chicken shacks and steakhouses.
Venues include pizza parlours open 24 hours, soft-serve ice cream at Swirls, grab-and-go burger places, Mexican cantinas, street food and the Lido Marketplace.
You’ll also find celebrity-endorsed foodie venues on board selected ships. Guy Fieri has several restaurants, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, while Shaquille O’Neal is the face of the Big Chicken restaurant.
For something more formal, there are several speciality venues which are an additional cost. These include Emeril’s Bistro 1396 and Bonsai Teppanyaki.
If you love fine dining in glamorous restaurants then it’s clear that you’ll be much more suited to Princess Cruises than Carnival.
However, if you prefer to dress casually and devour endless burgers, hot dogs and fried chicken, then a Carnival cruise will be perfect for you.
Activities and Entertainment
Princess Cruises promises a wealth of activities to suit all interests aboard its fleet of ships, while Carnival caters more to family-fun and American-style experiences.
Carnival calls its ships ‘fun ships’ as there’s something going on at all times to keep guests entertained. Princess Cruises instead is more relaxed, though still offers plenty to do.
Things To Do on a Princess Cruise
Princess offers a wide range of daily activities including dance lessons, wine-tasting seminars, art auctions, world-class gaming in the casinos, shopping in the boutiques and taking a dip in the pools and hot tubs. There are also Movies under the Stars for outdoor cinema screenings, comedians and magic shows.
Entertainment is just as varied with performances from around the globe in state-of-the-art theatres. The cruise line also has its own version of The Voice, dubbed the ‘Voice of the Ocean’ where onboard guests can compete just like on the show!
Crown Princess
Things To Do on a Carnival Cruise
A Carnival cruise brings plenty of fun from the start. Mini-golf, water parks and regular poolside competitions aren’t out of the ordinary daily. This continues well into the night as game shows, casinos, karaoke and live music brings exciting late-night activities.
There are a few adrenaline-rushing activities too including the SkyRide, which is like riding a bike but on a track high above the ocean, the Bolt rollercoaster, and lots of incredible waterslides.
SkyRide
Which to Choose?
Young adults or those celebrating holidays like Spring Break will certainly prefer a Carnival cruise as there is literally non-stop fun. Older adults will definitely enjoy the sophisticated tranquillity of a Princess cruise.
For younger couples, it really depends on whether you like the loud, non-stop action of a Carnival cruise or prefer something a little more relaxing.
Kids Facilities
There’s something for children on both Carnival and Princess Cruises, depending on what experiences your kids are into.
Princess Cruises For Kids
Princess Cruises has some great educational offerings with their partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet. Families can enjoy shore excursions that cater to enriching experiences as well as the chance to meet local animals and take part in themed activities with experts.
In the kids’ clubs, children are grouped by age, with rooms for 6 months to 2 years, 3 to 7 years, 8 to 12 years, 13 to 17 years and 18 to 20 years. These are all hosted by specially trained staff and bring opportunities for kids to meet new friends and enjoy memorable experiences while sailing.
There are dining events exclusively for children. Here, they can sit with their new-found friends, supervised by Princess’ youth staff. There are also pizza parties and ice cream parties on numerous occasions during each cruise.
Princess’ Camp Discovery
Carnival Cruises For Kids
There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy on a Carnival cruise from waterslides, mini-golf and live entertainment as well as all-day youth activities.
Carnival’s kids’ clubs have three programmes available: Camp Ocean for those aged 2-11, Circle ‘C’ for those 12-14 years and then Club O2 for 15-17 years.
The cruise line’s WaterWorks on-board water park is great for all ages and includes racing slides and interactive splash zones. There are also video arcades for a bit of competitive fun and a Build-a-Bear workshop!
Carnival’s waterslides
Carnival has a partnership with Dr Seuss, with the Dr Seuss at Sea programme. This includes the Seuss-a-palooza Story Time for the youngsters, the Seuss-a-palooza Parade where beloved characters march through the ship, as well as gatherings for arts and crafts and a special breakfast of Green Eggs and Ham.
Which to Choose?
There’s no denying that Carnival cruises are fantastic for kids. They’re sure to never be bored with non-stop fun and action. But obviously, that’s not for everyone.
If you have younger kids who can’t yet join in with all of the activities, or quiet teenagers who prefer chill-out time to non-stop partying, then a Princess cruise would also be a good option to consider.
Price
The price points for both Carnival and Princess Cruises are very similar, though this depends on where you want to travel and when.
The Price of Princess Cruises
The average 7-night Caribbean cruise with Princess in a Balcony stateroom costs $1,153 per person.
On top of that, you’ll need to budget $112 per person for gratuities and an extra $525 per person if you want a drink package for a total cost of around $1,780 each.
However, you should definitely consider Princess Cruises’ special Princess Plus or Princess Premier Fare‘. For just $60 per person, per day, you’ll get a free drinks package, unlimited wifi and pre-paid gratuities all rolled into one to make your cruise all-inclusive!
The average 7-night Caribbean cruise with Carnival in a Balcony room costs $963 per person.
This doesn’t include any additional extras, which would need to be added in separately, including $112 for gratuities and $420 for the drinks package. So the average total cost would be around $1,485 per person.
Carnival cruises usually come in slightly cheaper than Princess cruises.
If you’re on a budget and live in the US, you’ll find some really cheap deals on short cruises departing from Florida.
However, for those living in the UK, you may find that Princess Cruises are cheaper for you, especially as you don’t need to fly and you can save with Princess Plus if you want an all-inclusive cruise.
The Verdict
It’s clear there are some major differences when comparing Princess Vs Carnival. Which is better depends very much on what experiences you’re looking for on your next cruise.
Princess Cruises is a sophisticated cruise line with exquisite food, high levels of service, and plenty for all the family to enjoy. Meanwhile, Carnival is catered to family fun with an American feel and itineraries highly concentrated in the Caribbean.
If you’re looking for something for the kids, Carnival is a great option to keep everyone happy. If you’re seeking something a little more grown-up in elegant surroundings, Princess is ideal.
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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.
Disney Cruise Line is adding a new The Lion King restaurant to Disney Destiny, their next new ship that will debut in 2025.
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The iconic songs and legendary moments of “The Lion King” will come to life at Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, a first-of-its-kind dining experience celebrating the renowned music of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film that continues to transcend generations. (Disney)
This unique dining experience, Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King, will bring the iconic music of The Lion King to life.
Live musicians and storytellers will take centerstage during dinner that take will you on a musical journey.
Performances will include productions of “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” plus a mash-up of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and “Be Prepared,” a fun take that highlights the hero-villain dynamic of the story.
In addition to this unique restaurant, Disney Destiny will have a sweet shop themed after Edna from The Incredibles.
Edna Mode’s lab, where the famed fashion designer from Pixar Animation Studios’ “The Incredibles” films whips up outfits for the world’s most famous Supers, will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind confectionary at the brand-new Edna Á La Mode Sweets aboard Disney Destiny. The equipment once used to make super suits for the Incredibles will be repurposed to produce a selection of handmade gelato, ice cream, cookies, candies and other specialty treats for families. (Disney)
Disney Destiny will also feature cafes themed after Hercules and Brave.
The cabins on the ship will have custom artwork depicting the epic journeys of Disney legends.
Most staterooms will feature split bathrooms for families that Disney is known for.
Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Cruise Line, gave the following statement about their next new ship:
“For the Disney Destiny, we will introduce brand-new cruise experiences inspired by the legends and legacies of some of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains. From the dining rooms to the staterooms and everywhere in between, guests aboard our new ship will be surrounded by extraordinary storytelling paired with the signature service and family-fun adventures that are hallmarks of a Disney Cruise vacation.”
Disney Destiny will be a sister ship to Disney Wish and Disney Treasure. The vessel will debut in late 2025 sailing cruises from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale).
The cruise ship will be 144,000 gross tons in size and be powered by LNG.
