Michael Bayley has responded to some customers’ concerns over kids using ship facilities late at night, confirming that the cruise line will look into its options with curfews.
Speaking at a Q&A event onboard the new Utopia of the Seas ship as part of her 3-day naming ceremony, Bayley was responding to a travel agent who was reporting feedback from her own customers.
She claimed that adults enjoy the larger ships, but are struggling with how kids are causing problems, specifically mentioning how kids are using the swim-up bar to splash around (and spoiling guests’ drinks), or playing in the Bolero’s nightclub into the very late hours when adults want to dance.
The travel agent claimed that some of her customers are now leaving Royal Caribbean to instead cruise with adults-only lines.
Bayley acknowledged the feedback and assured the agent that the cruise line would look into options for curfews in certain parts of the ships.
He confirmed that it wasn’t the first time they’d received this feedback, and so the current curfew (1 AM for all guests aged 17 and under, ship-wide) would be reviewed.
“It’s probably time for us to take a look at (the curfew). I think the idea of curfews in some of the bars is a great idea…And you know what they say, everybody loves their own kids, but they’re not so fond of everybody else’s kids.”
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean CEO
Bayley was quick to clarify that the cruise line will always be family-friendly, but that there is definitely scope to look at improving the experience for adults.
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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.
It’s been almost 20 years since a cruise line has sailed out of the “City of Brotherly Love”.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that it will begin offering sailings out of Philadelphia, PA, with the first cruises scheduled for April 16, 2026.
The cruise ship Norwegian Jewel will offer 7- and 9-day sailings to Bermuda from the Pennsylvania cruise port at the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex.
The local government of Philadelphia is currently working on plans to develop the facilities at the port which has not seen a cruise ship in almost 2 decades.
Norwegian will be the only cruise line to operate out of the port and is scheduled to offer cruises through October of 2026.
According to reports of the announcement, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, David J. Herrera, said he wants to make cruising more accessible to residents of the region.
“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories, so they can vacation better with us,” Herrera stated. “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”
Executive director and CEO of PhilaPort also announced excitement over the partnership between the cruise port and Norwegian, stating,
“The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines. Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world class city. This new service rounds out the portfolio of services offered at PhilaPort, and we look forward to this next phase of growth.”
Romantic Cruise Trip: The Perfect Swimsuits for a Couple’s Retreat
A romantic cruise trip offers an unparalleled experience for couples looking to bond, unwind, and create lasting memories. With the promise of crystal-clear waters, luxurious amenities, and picturesque sunsets, planning the perfect swimsuit wardrobe becomes essential. From coordinating couple outfits to stylish individual pieces, here are some ideas for the best swimsuits to pack for your dream getaway.
Coordinating Couple Ensembles
While you don’t need to match every day of your trip, a few coordinated looks can certainly add a sweet and playful touch to your cruise wardrobe. Imagine stepping out on the deck of the ship wearing matching or color-coordinated swimsuits that showcase your unity and style.
For men, classic swim trunks in solid colors or simple patterns can be easily paired with a spouse’s bikini or one-piece swimsuit. Consider patterns such as stripes, polka dots, or even tropical themes like palm leaves and flowers. Women can opt for versatile bikini bottoms that match their partner’s trunks. This way, you both look effortlessly synchronized, whether strolling along the beach or lounging by the pool.
Chic One-Piece Swimsuits for Women
One-piece swimsuits have made a tremendous comeback and are a favorite among fashion-forward women. They offer a sophisticated look that’s flattering to various body types. Look for designs with unique necklines, cut-outs, or stylish belts that add flair and function. One-pieces are perfect for participating in cruise activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, or beach volleyball, as they provide both comfort and coverage.
Color-blocking and asymmetrical designs continue to trend, giving a modern twist to classic styles. For added romance, consider a one-piece with delicate lace or ruffle details. These designs can transition seamlessly from the pool to a casual onshore lunch, making them incredibly versatile additions to your cruise wardrobe.
Stylish Swim Trunks for Men
Men are no longer limited to basic swimwear options. Today, swim trunks come in a variety of styles, patterns, and lengths to suit every personality and body type. Opt for trunks with allover prints, including tropical patterns, geometric designs, or even cheeky phrases for a fun and light-hearted touch.
For a classic yet stylish look, solid colors in shades like navy, olive green, or burgundy are excellent choices. Trunks with side stripes or contrasting waistbands add subtle detail without overwhelming the overall look. Whatever your preference, select materials that dry quickly and provide comfort during long days of sun and sea.
Mix-and-Match Options
One of the perks of packing multiple swimsuits is the ability to mix and match pieces to create new looks. For women, having both bikini tops and bottoms in complementary colors and patterns allows for maximum versatility. You can also bring a couple of one-piece swimsuits to further diversify your options. Men can benefit from packing a few pairs of trunks that coordinate with their partner’s interchangeable pieces.
For example, a navy bikini top can be paired with striped bikini bottoms one day and solid white bottoms the next. This method extends your wardrobe and makes packing more efficient.
Accessorising Your Swimwear
No swimsuit ensemble is complete without the right accessories. For women, consider packing lightweight cover-ups like sarongs, kaftans, or breezy tunics that easily slip on and off. Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and wedge sandals add a chic and functional touch, protecting you from the sun while enhancing your look.
Men can elevate their swimwear with simple additions such as a stylish rash guard, a classic straw hat, and polarized sunglasses. A casual button-down shirt worn open can also serve as a fashionable cover-up when you head for lunch or a beachside ice cream.
Conclusion
A romantic cruise is the perfect occasion to embrace stylish and thoughtfully chosen swimwear. With vibrant bikini bottoms, elegant one-pieces, and trendy swim trunks, a couple can reflect their unique chemistry and personal style. Coordinating outfits and versatile mix-and-match options make it easier to stay stylish throughout your journey. Don’t forget the finishing touch of accessories to ensure comfort and flair.
By carefully selecting your cruise wardrobe, you set the stage for an unforgettable retreat filled with love, adventure, and idyllic moments. Bon Voyage!
Carnival Cruise Line’s impressive ship Mardi Gras is to return to Europe for a drydock renovation, giving guests the chance to try transatlantic cruises in 2025.
Mardi Gras is part of Carnival’s Excel Class, which also contains Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. These are the biggest ships in the Carnival fleet and they sail exclusively from the US normally.
However, European guests who don’t want to fly in both directions across the Atlantic can now book a 2025 cruise either from Port Canaveral to Barcelona, or from Barcelona to Port Canaveral.
Both cruises will last 14 nights and will feature additional ports of call including Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest private island destination.
While specifics of the drydock haven’t been announced, it isn’t expected to be a major renovation – rather routine maintenance and class inspections.
The west-to-east crossing will take place in mid-September 2025 with the return journey taking place a month later.
Once the ship has returned to Port Canaveral, she will resume her regular sailings around the Caribbean.
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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.
The world’s largest cruise line isn’t slowing down. The cruise line is developing a new class of cruise ships called the Discovery Class.
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Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, briefly talked about this new class of ships during a press conference on their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.
While Bayley didn’t give any details on this new class, he confirmed that their next class of cruise ships will be called Discovery Class.
Royal Caribbean is the world’s largest cruise line and they have more guests sail on their ships than any other cruise line.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of Seas in PortMiami
Last night, the cruise line celebrated the christening and official naming of their newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Meghan Trainor served as the godmother of Royal Caribbean’s 6th Oasis class ship.
Royal Caribbean currently has the seven largest cruise ships in the world with another three on order. This includes two more Icon class ships and another Oasis class.
It will be interesting to see what Royal Caribbean is planning for this new Discovery class.
Cruise Fever will have all the latest info on this new class from Royal Caribbean when more details become available.
If you’ve never cruised before, it’s easy to make a few mistakes.
While most of these are hardly going to spoil your holiday, some could be critically important – and the others are nice to know so that you make the most of your holiday.
So, learn from those who’ve cruised before you! Here are the mistakes other first-time cruisers have made, and tips on how to avoid them yourself.
1. Not researching what’s included
Most cruises aren’t all-inclusive by default, but they tend to include quite a bit. It’s not just your accommodation, but also your food in a variety of venues, some snacks, and a selection of drinks (even if that’s only at breakfast).
Some people mistakenly think that the buffet is the only free food option, or they don’t know about the inclusive snack venues around the ship. They might assume that entertainment shows have a cost too.
Always check what’s covered by your fare, and make sure you make the most of everything that’s free!
Cruise insurance is super-important – if you don’t have the right cover, you could end up paying huge medical expenses when you’re abroad, potentially enough to bankrupt you – I’m not exaggerating. Or you might end up cancelling your cruise without being able to get money back.
Choosing proper cruise insurance also means you can get extra cover for things like missed ports of call, or being confined to your cabin if you get sick (it can happen…).
So, while it’s important to buy your insurance policy on the same day you book, don’t just settle for any random travel cover.
3. Travelling to the cruise ship on the day it departs
Cruise ships have a strict schedule that they need to stick to. This means that they have to leave port at a certain time on embarkation day. And if you haven’t yet made it to the ship, you’re going to miss the cruise – and because it’ll be considered your fault, you won’t get a refund.
Don’t rely on flights being on time on the day of your cruise. If you have far to travel, make sure you go the day before, and book a hotel near the port. The extra expense is worth it to guarantee your place on the ship.
4. Not taking advantage of food and drink luggage allowances
You might assume that cruise lines ban you from bringing any food or drink onboard, since they have it on the ship. That’s not true though. They’re quite happy for you to bring food onto the ship, as long as it’s pre-packaged and hasn’t been opened.
The snacks and drinks on the ship can be a lot more expensive on land, and you’ll really regret not bringing that tube of Pringles if you then see how much one costs in the shop onboard. So get to know your allowances, and take advantage of them.
5. Booking flights home too early
On the last day of your cruise, you’ll disembark the ship and then either drive home or head to the airport to hop on a flight. And if there’s a good flight deal in the late morning or early afternoon, it can be tempting to book that.
But that could be a huge mistake, as disembarkation can take time – you aren’t guaranteed to be off the ship in the early morning, and certain guests who’ve stayed in suites or have a lot of loyalty points will be offered priority.
If you miss your flight because you then couldn’t get a cab amongst the throng of debarking passengers, that’s on you. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport.
6. Assuming only the cruise line offers excursions
Cruise excursions are a great way to spend your time in port, but booking them through the cruise line can be expensive – they do like to charge a premium.
You can often get the same excursions for much less if you book through a third party, though just be aware that the cruise line will then wipe its hands of responsibility for you being back on the ship on time. If something happens on the excursion and you miss the sailing time, you’ll be left behind.
Yes, many cruise lines still have a dress code, and a lot of people won’t check it, which can lead to disappointment when they want to head to dinner that night and they realise their options are limited because they’re underdressed.
But the bigger mistake is turning formal night into a big drama, and worrying about whether your outfit is suitable. If you want to take part, just make an effort – it’s OK if you’re not quite following it to the letter of the law.
And if you don’t want to take part, there are plenty of places on the ship where you can still eat in your regular comfy clothes. Formal night should be fun – don’t worry yourself over it.
The last thing you want to do is finish your cruise and then receive a phone bill for hundreds of £s or $s, all because you forgot to turn off your mobile data.
You might have a roaming deal in your contract, but that only covers you when you’re in certain countries. It doesn’t count at sea – but your phone will connect, and you will get some astronomical charges. The networks you connect to at sea really aren’t cheap.
As soon as you board your cruise, turn data off. You can pay for WiFi if you want to get online, or use free WiFi in ports, but never let yourself get trapped with a huge data bill.
9. Failing to understand tips/gratuities
Different cruise lines have different policies when it comes to tips and gratuities. Some charge a daily rate that is added to your account automatically, whereas others will include it in the fare.
Some even charge a daily gratuity rate but then leave tipping envelopes in your cabin, encouraging you to tip more (looking at you, Disney Cruise Line…).
Familiarise yourself with the tips you’re supposed to pay for your cruise line, so it doesn’t come as a shock when you get onboard.
10. Buying a drinks package without researching it
When you book your cruise, you may be offered an all-inclusive drinks package, and it might seem like a good idea – pay for the package upfront and you never have to worry about paying for drinks individually.
The mistake is that a drinks package isn’t right for everyone. If you don’t drink much, you could be massively overpaying.
My drinks package calculator will help you understand that, for some people, you could save a lot just by paying for drinks as you go.
11. Overpacking
One of the most common tips I see for new cruisers is to pack for your cruise, and then remove half, and then potentially even remove half again!
New cruisers love to overpack, stuffing their suitcase with every possible outfit they might need. But instead, you’ll find it much easier to just pack the essentials along with a few versatile outfits.
Another mistake is overpacking your carry-on bag, loading it up with all kinds of electronics and other heavy items that you ‘might’ need for the flight and the first couple of hours of your cruise.
The thing is, you might end up having to carry that bag around for a long time, especially if there are long lines for boarding the ship and then a few hours to kill until your cabin is ready. Try to only pack the essentials in your carry-on so you don’t have a huge weight on your shoulders, literally.
However…
13. Packing swimwear in suitcases
It’s a great idea to pack your bathing costumes in your carry-on, instead of making the mistake of putting them in your suitcases.
Again, you might have a few hours to wait once you’re on the ship until your cabin’s ready and your suitcases are delivered. If you pack your swimming gear, you can get changed and start enjoying the pool as soon as you’re onboard.
14. Packing towels
One last point on packing – you don’t need to pack towels. That’s a lot of bulk and weight that’s completely unnecessary. The cruise ship will have plenty of towels for you, including beach towels.
15. Not checking cabin location
On every cruise ship, there are good cabin locations and bad cabin locations. They aren’t all the same, because it’ll depend on what kind of cruise passenger you are. For example, cabins adjacent to the kids’ clubs are great for families, and terrible for solo travellers!
Many first-time cruisers assume all cabins are equal, but with a little bit of research when choosing your cabin, you can find the best ones for you.
Balcony cabins cost more than inside cabins, and so they’re always better – right?
That’s the kind of assumption that first-time cruisers often make in error. In reality, the different cabin types fit different needs too. Yes, inside cabins are best if you’re on a budget, but that doesn’t make them the worst – some people love them because of how well you’ll sleep in the dark.
Some people think balconies are overpriced and unnecessary, others will refuse to do anything else after trying one.
The tip here is to actually read reviews of the different cabin types before making any snap judgements when you book.
I’ve had some really funny conversations with people before when they’ve told me they’re going on their first-ever cruise, I’ve asked them which cruise line, and they reply “Oh, I can’t remember”.
Some first-time cruisers pay no attention to the cruise line even though they all offer very different experiences. Imagine not remembering if you’ve booked on a Carnival or a Celebrity ship!
Take your time to understand the vibe on each cruise line, and even each individual ship, before booking.
Hygiene is really important on a cruise ship, because sickness bugs can get passed around very easily. And yet, first-time cruisers often don’t realise how important it is to wash your hands regularly.
To be fair, a lot of experienced cruisers still don’t seem to have got the message…
The fact that cruise lines now have to employ crew members to stand outside the buffet restaurants and sing catchy songs about washing your hands to convince you is a damning indictment of what some cruise guests are like.
Here’s my tip – wash your hands.
19. Not hydrating properly
Cruises are extremely relaxing, especially when you’re lounging on the pool deck under the beating sun. However, don’t get so comfortable that you forget to properly hydrate. You can easily make yourself ill by not drinking enough water on a ship.
The same could also be said of sunscreen – you’re very exposed on a pool deck so you need to be properly protected.
20. Avoiding the main dining room for breakfast and lunch
Many cruise passengers assume that the buffet is the main place to go for breakfast and lunch, and that the main dining room is really for dinner only.
But that’s a mistake, as it’s absolutely worth trying the dining room for a nice sit-down breakfast or some different lunch options.
You might try it once and decide you prefer the ease of the buffet or the other casual venues, and that’s fine. But don’t dismiss the dining room without giving it a go.
21. Booking based on price without checking the weather
It’s understandable that you’d want to save money when booking your first cruise, but if you find an amazing deal, ask why the price might be so low.
It’s often because it’s out of season, and the weather could have a serious impact on your itinerary. Some cruises lose multiple ports when storms are bad, because the ship is just unable to dock.
Do your research on different times of year for the region you want to cruise to, and make sure you aren’t taken in by a deal without digging a little deeper.
How many of these mistakes did you make on your first cruise?
How many do you still see people making, even if they seem to have cruised many times before?
Share any tips or mistakes of your own in the comments too, if you think I’ve missed any!
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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’re a cruise first-timer or have cruised many times already, packing for a cruise can be stressful. Get it wrong, and you could find yourself packing way too much, or leaving important items behind.
It can be hard to find the right balance between making sure that you don’t forget any of the essentials and bringing so much stuff that you can’t move inside your cabin.
I’ve collated all of the best cruise packing tips and tricks, including some from professional organisers and pro cruisers into this article. Now, packing for your next cruise will be so much easier!
1. Check your luggage allowance
Most cruise ships allow guests to bring an unlimited amount of luggage on board. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that there are no packing limits for your cruise. For example, the Carnival luggage restrictions specify that suitcases must be below a certain size.
If you’re taking a flight, your airline will have super-strict luggage allowances, so make sure that you know what they are and adhere to them.
2. Invest in packing cubes
Many cruisers swear by packing cubes to allow them to squeeze more in, stay organised and keep their clothes wrinkle-free. When planning how to pack for a cruise, they can be great space-savers. But beware, not all packing cubes are equal.
Cruise YouTuber Emma Cruises tested out the top brands of packing cubes for durability, strength, price and overall quality. She recommends PRO packing cubes as the best brand to buy on Amazon.
3. Pack magnetic hooks
Magnetic hooks are probably only ever useful on a cruise ship, but they are so handy! You see, all of the walls on cruise ships are made of metal, and these strong magnets allow you to hang up your coats, handbags and wet swimwear – giving you loads more storage space in your cabin. They’re some of the best cruise packing hacks.
I have these ones and they’re great for hanging lots of smaller items…
But, if you want to hang your whole backpack or a heavy winter coat, make sure you get the ones listed as strong. The hooks below hold up to 100 lbs so you’ll have no problem with them falling off under the weight of your stuff…
4. Check the laundry facilities on your ship
If you’re cruising for more than a week, you may want to wash some clothes during your holiday. While most cruise ships offer a laundry service, this can be very expensive. However, many ships also have self-service washing machines and tumble dryers, which are free to use.
If your ship has self-service washing machines, be sure to pack some 2-in-1 laundry tablets.
On cruise ships that don’t have laundry facilities, I like to use my Scrubba wash bag. It’s the easiest way to wash your clothes in under five minutes.
5. Download the cruise line’s app to your phone
Cruise line apps are getting better and better. You can now use them to do all sorts of things such as finding your way around the ship, making reservations for dining and shows, reading menus and ordering food.
You’ll want to download the app for your cruise line before you set off. Once you step onboard, be sure to turn your phone onto ‘airplane mode’ so that you don’t rack up any data charges while at sea.
You might think that one pair of flip-flops is enough. I’d say otherwise!
The problem with flip flops is that they can break easily and if that happens on your ship, you’ll probably pay much more than you’d like for a new pair from the onboard shop. Flip flops are so small and light, that you can easily fit two or three pairs in your suitcase.
7. Pack closed-toe shoes, socks and long pants
Many of the activities that you can do on cruise ships require you to have your legs and feet covered. So, if you plan on trying rock climbing, ice skating, laser tag, zip-lining, a high ropes course, trampolining or anything like that, you’ll need the correct shoes, socks and trousers to take part.
From water to extension cables, there are a lot of things that you might not be able to bring on your cruise. If you bring any prohibited items, they’ll be confiscated and you may not get them back. Sneaking alcohol or marijuana could even lead to you being thrown off the ship, so it’s not worth the risk.
9. Pack everything you need for the first day in a carry-on bag
When you board the ship, your luggage will be delivered to your stateroom, but that can take some time. With literally thousands of bags to deliver, your suitcases may not arrive until around 6 pm.
In your carry-on bag, be sure to pack everything you might need, especially things like sunscreen and sunglasses and all of your valuables. You may even wish to pack a swimsuit so that you can get straight in the pool.
I like to use this SailPack tote bag as it’s the perfect size, it has a zip and internal compartments and it also doubles as a beach bag.
10. Make your luggage stand out
When you disembark at the end of your cruise, you’ll collect your luggage from a huge hall with thousands of other bags. Plain black suitcases can be hard to find, so invest in some brightly coloured ones or some eye-catching luggage covers.
11. Bring cash for tips
You won’t need any cash onboard your ship, but it can come in very handy at other times, particularly when cruising from the United States. Tipping porters and taxi drivers is expected, so be sure to bring some small bills to avoid embarrassment.
12. If you don’t have the same surname as your kids, bring their birth certificates
When boarding a cruise ship, kids’ names will be checked against the parents on their passports. If your children have different surnames to all of the adults that they’re travelling with, you could be denied boarding.
The best way to get around this issue is to bring a copy of their birth certificates and/or a letter from a parent. Be sure to check that the parent’s name on the birth certificate matches your passport, otherwise you may need to bring some extra documentation such as a marriage certificate to prove that they’re your kids.
13. Bring a battery-powered tealight for the bathroom
It’s virtually impossible to go to the toilet in the night without flooding the bedroom with light and waking everybody up. Some cruisers like to place a small battery-powered light in the bathroom so that they don’t need to turn the light on.
An alternative would be to use a plug-in nightlight just outside the bathroom. I like this one because it’s compact and just the right amount of bright for an inside cabin.
13. Leave the beach towels at home
Your cruise ship will provide you with white towels to use in the bathroom and coloured towels to use by the pool. You can also take these ashore with you and you’ll spot lots of cruisers with their ship towels on nearby beaches.
If you’d rather not carry towels on day trips, a beach sheet is a nice lightweight alternative that’s large enough for the whole family to sit on.
14. Pack towel clips
One thing you need to know about cruising is, it can be very windy! The wind can easily sweep your towels off your sunloungers and into the sea. To avoid this, I recommend using towel clips to keep everything in place.
When everyone has the same towel that’s provided by the cruise line, it can be hard to find your sunlounger. Choose bright or novelty towel clips to make this easier.
Towel clips are also handy to attach your towels and swimsuits to the chairs on your balcony while they dry.
If you prefer to pack super light, then these towel bands do the job perfectly and don’t take up any room in your bag.
15. Consider vacuumed seal bags
Vacuum-sealed bags are a great way to pack much more into each suitcase. But what do you do when you need to pack on the last day of your cruise? Well, you need to get the ones that have a small hand pump to vacuum seal the bags.
If you don’t have a pump, you can always call your cabin steward and they will vacuum it closed for you. Some cruisers like to bring an extra vacuum bag to offer to their cabin steward as a thank you.
16. Check if you can bring your own booze
Bringing your own alcohol on a cruise can be a great way to save money, but not every cruise line allows it.
Disney Cruise Line has one of the most generous alcohol policies, as each passenger is allowed to bring on two bottles of wine on embarkation day and more in each port. Some cruise lines, however, prohibit guests from bringing any drinks at all, even water.
If you’re cruising with Disney Cruise Line or Carnival, you’ll see that many cruisers like to decorate their stateroom doors. This can be a great way to celebrate your cruise and make finding your room easier.
Each evening you’ll receive a programme with all the information about what’s happening the following day on your ship. Highlighters can come in really handy here.
I like to highlight the times and venues of each of the activities we might be interested in doing, then I can just pop the sheet in my bag and easily see at a glance where we need to be and when.
Another great thing about highlighter pens is that they’re a bit more exciting than normal colouring pens for children who aren’t used to them.
19. Don’t rely on the provided toiletries
Even if your cruise ship provides you with shampoo and body wash, it’s worth bringing your own. The free stuff usually isn’t great, especially if you’ve got longer hair.
Bring your own toiletries, just make sure that they’re packed in a waterproof bag in case anything leaks.
20. Bring an over-the-door organiser
Often used to hold shoes, an over-door organiser is really handy for keeping all your little bits together, especially when cruising with kids.
If you know exactly where to find your sunglasses, jewellery, playing cards, sun cream, books, chargers and everything else, then getting ready to leave your room will be so much quicker and easier.
21. Check which plug sockets are on your ship
Your cruise cabin may have a mixture of US, UK and European sockets, but not necessarily all three. If you struggle to find out which type of power outlets will be on your ship, then it makes sense to invest in a universal adaptor.
This will not only ensure that you can plug your devices into whatever socket is available, but it will also mean that you can plug more than one appliance into each outlet. Just make sure that anything you use does not have a surge protection feature, as these are not allowed on cruise ships.
22. Pack wrinkle-release spray
Irons are not permitted on cruise ships. While there are some alternatives such as paying for your clothes to be ironed, using your hair straighteners or hanging your clothes in a steamy bathroom, the simplest method to remove creases from clothes is wrinkle-release spray.
23. Pack reusable straws
Many cruise ships have now banned single-use plastic items such as drinking straws. Where paper straws are provided, they just don’t work for frozen cocktails!
Instead, you should pack your own reusable straws that you can use throughout your cruise.
24. Size up your clothes
The average person gains five to six pounds in weight during a seven-night cruise. So, if you’re cruising for a week or more, you may find that your clothes are a little snug by the end!
Elasticated waistbands and floaty dresses are easy solutions for women. For men, you might just need to bring a pair of trousers in a larger size for the end of your cruise!
25. Consider a lanyard
Your cruise card is the key to everything. You’ll use it to open your room, pay for drinks and check into venues. If you don’t have pockets in every outfit, you may find yourself constantly misplacing it.
A lanyard is the easiest way to keep your cruise card or Medallion handy. Plus, there are some really cool ones.
26. Split your clothes between your cases
Airlines lose almost 25 million bags per year. If you’re flying to take a cruise and your bag goes missing, there’s a slim chance that you’ll get it back before your cruise.
To avoid being left out in the cold with no clothes, you may wish to split each person’s clothing between several suitcases. That way, if one goes missing, each person will still have something to wear.
27. Research any themed nights for your cruise
White night, tropical night, 80s night, formal night – There may be several different themed nights on your cruise. While you don’t have to take part, they can be a lot of fun, so find out what the dress codes are beforehand.
28. Pack double the underwear you’d normally wear
After a full day of sightseeing, when you return to the ship and take a shower, you’re not going to be putting that same underwear back on. I always pack at least two pairs per day to be sure I have enough!
29. Leave space in your suitcases
You’ll see so many tempting trinkets and souvenirs in the port cities that you visit during any cruise. Be sure that your suitcase has some extra space in it so that you’ve got room for anything that you buy during your trip.
30. Pack sticky notes
Sticky notes or ‘Post-Its’ can also come in very handy. When the ship is at sea, you won’t be able to use your phone without it costing an absolute fortune, so there may be times when you need to leave a note in the cabin to let the other members of your family know where you are or what time you’ll be back.
You can also use them to make notes of important information, such as where to go when you arrive in each port. Or even for silly games, like the one where someone sticks the name of a celebrity to your forehead and you have to guess who it is!
31. Pack some warmer clothes
Even on the warmest cruises, you should bring a cardigan or jumper. Your ship’s air-conditioning can mean that it’s sometimes a little cool indoors. Even on the hottest days, it can be chilly on the top deck or on your balcony in the evening due to the wind.
32. Check the dress code
The dress code can vary quite a lot for different cruise lines, so you’ll want to research this if you want to fit in.
The most formal cruise line is Cunard, where there are two dress codes – smart and Gala (very smart!) You can wear jeans, but only if paired with a nice shirt or top and smart shoes.
By contrast, on more relaxed cruises such as with Royal Caribbean, you may find yourself wondering ‘is it actually formal night tonight’, as many cruisers opt for jeans and t-shirts even on the nights when there’s an opportunity to dress up.
33. Pack mix-and-match outfits
Each day you’ll wear at least two outfits – one for the daytime and one for the evening. So you don’t need fresh clothes every single day. Instead, pack some plain and some patterned clothes that you can mix and match to create a different look each day.
34. Be aware of pineapples
On a cruise ship, the pineapple has a secret meaning. If you have any clothing with pineapples on, this is something to be aware of.
I must admit, I completely forgot about this when I wore these pineapple shorts on a cruise. Once I remembered, I was very paranoid that people were looking at me! (I’m not into the pineapple lifestyle, before you ask.)
Probably the most important cruise packing tip of all is to not overpack! Your luggage allowance may be unlimited, but cruise cabins are generally smaller than hotel rooms and there’s not a lot of storage space.
Lay out what you think you need for your cruise, then aim to put half of it back in the wardrobe!
36. Use a collapsible clothes rail
As part of her role as a professional super packer for MSC Cruises, Nicola Lewis suggests starting off your packing by using a collapsible clothes rail. She says: “This will allow you to plan your holiday wardrobe and coordinate what shoes and accessories to pack with your clothes.”
37. Don’t pack books and magazines
Cruise travel writer Jeannine Williamson suggests that you download your reading material to a device. She says: “The busy daily programme of activities, shore excursions, entertainment and never-ending food and drink means there is hardly time to read a newspaper, let alone War and Peace!”
When I go on a cruise I rarely ever take books. Instead, I head to the ship’s library and choose one from there for free.
Relaxing in the library on Iona (it also has a bar!)
38. Use a pill organiser for jewellery
Family packer Emily Norris suggests using a pill organiser box to separate small items of jewellery and prevent them from getting lost or tangled together.
39. Stuff your sunhat with clothes
Another valuable cruise packing tip from Emily is to pack your sunhat tightly with clothes before placing it into your suitcase so that it keeps its shape. Genius!
40. Pack for hotel stays separately
If you have a hotel stay for the night before your cruise (smart move), then make sure you pack a separate bag for it.
You don’t want it to get muddled up with your carry-on for the ship, so use a small bag that you can easily then put inside your suitcases, after you’ve taken out anything essential for embarkation day anyway.
41. Put your contact info inside the suitcases
While your suitcases will have luggage tags, there’s a slim chance something could happen to them. Adding your details to the inside of your cases will make sure they’re reunited with you if something does go wrong.
One person even had their case lost in the sea and managed to (eventually) get it back after they were called by someone in Amsterdam, with their case being carried along the canals until it was fished out!
42. Use tracker devices
Using devices like an Apple AirTag or a Tile tracker can help you keep an eye on your cases while you’re separated from them.
But be careful – if you’re on the ship and your suitcase hasn’t shown up, don’t use your phone data if you’ve left port as it’ll be super expensive. Use the ship’s WiFi – Guest Services might give you a free pass for a short amount of time to allow you to track the case if they’ve completely lost it.
43. Get professional help
Knowing what to pack for a cruise can be tricky, but MSC Cruises has an excellent solution. If you book a cruise on MSC Virtuosa from Southampton, you can book a 1-2-1 video consultation with an expert ‘holiday prep’ who will help you pack for the trip!
Any more tips?
If you have any more cruise packing tips and tricks that I haven’t covered here, I’d love it if you’d consider adding them in the comments below to help other cruisers in the future.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A lot of people have this idea of the stereotypical cruise holiday in their mind.
It usually involves some staples such as tropical destinations, lounging by the pool, amazing service etc. And for a lot of people, it’ll always include the idea of sipping cocktails and enjoying luxurious steak dinners throughout the cruise.
That’s despite the way society’s moving, with more and more people cutting down on the amount of meat and alcohol they consume in their everyday lives for all kinds of reasons.
So I wanted to answer the question – what would people miss more on a cruise, alcohol or meat?
Maybe the results will surprise you!
Explaining the data
To find out whether people prioritised meat or booze on their cruises, I simply asked my Facebook audience.
The question was – “Imagine you won a free cruise but it had to be either meat-free or alcohol-free – which would you choose?”
The post got hundreds of responses, and from that, I’ve been able to analyse the data to see which is the most popular answer!
Meat is way more important than alcohol!
Almost 60% of people surveyed said that they would rather have an alcohol-free cruise than one without meat.
Around 29% said that they would give up meat if it meant they could still enjoy a drink on their cruise.
Around 8% said that they would be fine with either of both if it meant they could enjoy a free cruise!
And finally, there were just under 4% of people who said that even if they were offered a free cruise, they would turn it down if they had to give up either meat or alcohol – they couldn’t manage without both!
A lot of the people who replied said that they would rather skip out on alcohol if it meant they could still enjoy their steak and lobster, which they felt was the best part of a cruise.
One cruiser said: “I would miss the alcohol, but not as much as I would hate rabbit food, or even worse, fake food, for the duration.”
Another said: “Alcohol free would be fine for me, couldn’t go without a steak.”
It’s not just the love of meat that’s caused people to vote that way, though. Part of it is considering the impact of the rules on other guests onboard too.
As one cruiser put it, they would prefer alcohol-free as “people that are drunk irritate me” and another said, “It would be great, no overbearing drunk kn*bs”.
There were still plenty of cruisers who said they would rather give up meat than alcohol on their cruise.
Many of these already live a meat-free lifestyle. There were quite a few who said similar to “I am a vegetarian anyway” so there wasn’t really a choice involved for them.
One cruiser explained how they just couldn’t give up their favourite drinks, saying: “I can go without meat, but I couldn’t go without my cocktails”.
Another said they “love the drink package” too much to consider giving up alcohol.
One person even said they would choose a meat-free cruise because “I need alcohol to get through it!”, which makes you wonder why they’re even cruising in the first place if they need booze to just get through the experience!
And as one cruiser put it, you don’t need meat to still enjoy the food onboard. He said “I can live on cakes and junk food all week long. Can’t live without alcohol.”
Cruising without alcohol
Cruises are definitely still tailored more towards a drinking crowd. Almost every cruise line offers an all-inclusive drinks package that you can pay extra for, and their menus are dominated by the wines, beers and cocktails you can buy.
But there are sober cruises, for those who just don’t like a drink, who prefer to avoid drunken crowds, or who are recovering from more serious alcohol-related conditions including addiction.
Sober cruises are rarely completely free of alcohol – they tend to be group bookings as part of a larger cruise – but they’re still a great way of surrounding yourself with others who aren’t drinking.
Many cruise lines have been embracing meat-free menu options for some time now.
Don’t get me wrong – steak and lobster and all the other usual favourites are still around, and likely always will be.
But most cruise lines now have at least a decent range of vegetarian and vegan options so you can avoid meat if you want to – or even just mix up what you’re eating during the week if you want to try some non-meat dishes during your cruise.
Even Carnival unveiled a new vegan menu towards the end of 2023, and Carnival’s long been one of the worst cruise lines for vegetarian and vegan food options. Up until then, I said I wouldn’t be able to cruise with them, but now it’s something I’d definitely consider.
It’s interesting to see how many people would rather give up alcohol than meat on their cruise, considering just how much people seem to put value into their cocktails and drinks packages when they sail.
There are definitely advantages to cruising sober – not least just feeling refreshed and ready to go each morning before you tackle that full-day excursion.
But the important thing is that cruises really are for everyone, so whether you’re tee-total or you enjoy a drink; whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or an omnivore (or essentially a carnivore), you’ll find that you’re well catered for on a cruise ship.
And for now, you aren’t forced to give anything up when you want to sail 🙂
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Later this month, we will board Atlas Ocean Voyages, World Traveller in Rome, for a twelve-night Epicurean Expedition. Our culinary adventure will begin in Rome and end in Athens, Greece. When Atlas Ocean Voyages isn’t sailing in the Polar regions, its ships are often found in the Mediterranean, offering guests a unique culinary adventure.
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers an Intimate, small-ship experience aboard a Yacht that holds less than 200 passengers in an all-inclusive experience. We will visit unique islands and destinations that larger cruise ships can’t reach during this voyage. It will be a very destination-focused itinerary with only one sea day. Tours are not included in the cruise fare, but one free cultural immersion experience happens during the cruise.
Things We Are Looking Forward To
It’s always exciting to visit new places and experience a new cruise line. On this trip, we will be doing both. We are excited to visit multiple destinations in Italy, Greece, Spain, and France during a single voyage. The 12-Night Isles of the Mediterranean itinerary will be a bucket-list experience for us, as it visits such unique and beautiful places.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages began operations in 2021 with a single Yacht and currently has three in operation and two more on order. All their vessels are polar-class expedition ships that sail in the Polar regions but can seamlessly sail the warmer Mediterranean and other parts of the World in luxury in the off-season. The line has partnered with L’OCCITANE en Provence for the first-ever luxury SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE at sea aboard its vessels.
Intimate Comfort and Luxury
We look forward to the intimacy and comfort we first learned to enjoy aboard European river cruises. Although we are not yet onboard, we look forward to a similar experience and all-inclusive luxury aboard the World Traveller.
There is something comforting about not battling crowds and worrying about extra costs. Luxury can be defined in many different ways, and for us, this is something we genuinely enjoy. You can relax, take in the moments, and enjoy it all.
On smaller ships, I have found that people are much more personable, and you can find yourself having enjoyable conversations and making new friends. You also get to know the crew members and staff by name, greatly enhancing the overall experience.
Atlas Ocean Voyages prides itself on including many things other brands charge extra for Free:
One cultural immersion
Gourmet dining with ever-changing menus
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits, and craft beers
Open bars and lounges, including 24-hour bar service with specialty canapés
Stocked in-room minibar
Specialty coffees, teas, and fresh-pressed juices
Afternoon and high tea
Champagne and gourmet canapés during the meet and greet
24-hour room service, including spirits, wine and beer
L’OCCITANE bath amenities
Pre-paid gratuities
Use of walking sticks and binoculars
Reusable water bottle
Butler service and expanded room service menu in suites
Epicurean Expedition by Atlas
Enjoy culinary demonstrations and tastings onboard led by esteemed sommeliers and acclaimed chefs.
Our Epicurean Expedition will also include the following exclusive inclusions:
Cultural immersion includes culinary experience ashore, such as local market visits, specialty tastings, and more
Josper Grill Dining Experience at 7AFT Grill
Culinary presentations and wine tastings
Cooking demonstrations and cuisine tastings
Events hosted by a Tastes & Traditions Expert on select expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages backpack
Our sailing will feature Academia Barill’sExecutive Chef Marcello Zaccaria, who will join our Epicurean Expedition for an exclusive pasta immersion with live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and interactive sessions onboard.
Guest Chef Julieta Davey, known as Mamá Cacao in Europe, will also be aboard to share culinary and artistic insights. Master Foodie™ Mara Papatheodorou will also be onboard to share her unique insights and expertise. Cultural Expert Brian Liss, an art dealer and curator at Liss Gallery in Toronto, will also be on board.
Our First Yacht Cruise Experience
At shy of 10K gross tons, the World Traveller will be the smallest ocean cruise vessel we’ve cruised aboard. We will enjoy a 270 sq. ft. veranda stateroom with a traditional balcony.
We can’t think of a better way to see and experience this part of the World. The World Traveller features many comforts you would enjoy on a larger ship, such as a pool, hot tubs, spa, theatre, sauna, and gym, just for a more intimate experience.
More To Come
Be sure to follow along on our social media channels and look for future articles and videos that will share our experiences aboard the World Traveller and the many Isles of the Mediterranean we will be visiting.
Ambassador Cruise Line has announced a new range of ‘Home Suite Home’ benefits for guests who book the best cabin grades on Ambition or Ambience.
The new perks are exclusively for guests in Suites, Premium Suites (Ambition only) or Deluxe Suites and include a wide range of benefits to improve the overall cruise experience.
These perks include:
A dedicated phone line for contacting the cruise line
Priority check-in at the cruise terminal
A welcome bottle of either house wine, sparkling wine or Champagne in your suite
A fruit bowl in your suite, replenished throughout the cruise
One complimentary meal in a speciality restaurant (Deluxe Suites only)
Complimentary WiFi (either Basic or Premium depending on your suite)
Late check out options
There are lots of smaller benefits too, such as the use of a bathrobe and slippers in your suite and more premium toiletries. You can also get discounts of up to 50% on laundry.
Ambassador offers sailings from ports around the UK with cruises tailored to the British market. These new perks offer a greater incentive to consider upgrading to one of the best accommodation options on the two ships.
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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.
