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17 Secrets To Know About Princess Cays (2024)

by CaribbeanCarnivalCruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsPrincess Cruises

Thinking of booking a Carnival or Princess cruise in the Bahamas, and wondering what to expect from your visit to Princess Cays?

People relaxing at Princess Cays' beach area

Princess Cays is one of a number of private destinations owned or leased by cruise lines, and these are becoming more and more popular. 

Guests tend to love that feeling of exclusivity in a tropical destination, away from the bigger crowds. Cruise lines can make the most of this through exclusive excursions and activities that attract more guests and can bring in more cash, too.

So, to help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at what Princess Cays has to offer on your cruise.

1. It’s not an island, but it is a private resort

Princess Cays island is not actually a private island, but it is owned by Carnival. It’s a private resort situated at the south end of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. The resort area of the island is only open to cruise guests of the Carnival Corporation cruise lines – Carnival and Princess Cruises.

Cruise passengers are able to leave Princess Cays and explore the rest of Eleuthera if you want to – it’s not fenced off. Just be aware that most of the best attractions will be found at Princess Cays. You also won’t eat for free elsewhere – it’s only the resort where free food is served to guests.

If you do want to explore Eleuthera you also have to make sure you’re back in time for the last tender boat back to the ship.

Aerial view of Princess Cays

2. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are not the same place

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are two different destinations – they are not the same. Half Moon Cay is a small private island, whereas Princess Cays is a resort on the island of Eleuthera. They are, however, both owned by the Carnival Corporation.

Most cruises in the region go to either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays but not both.

The two destinations are quite similar in how they operate and the kinds of activities you can get up to, but they have some key differences. Princess Cays is a lot smaller than Half Moon Cay, and doesn’t have quite the range of excursions. Guests tend to prefer the softer sands of Half Moon Cay as well.

Read more: Princess Cays Vs Half Moon Cay Comparison

Carnival Elation at Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay

3. You do need a tender boat, unfortunately

Princess Cays doesn’t have a pier and so guests will need to use a tender boat to get to shore from their ship. The downsides of this are that you may have to queue to get off the ship, and it’s not quite as easy to make a quick return to the ship if you’ve forgotten something, or you’d prefer to dine on board.

Otherwise, the tender journey is short and you’ll be at the resort in no time at all, so you’ll still have a long day to explore and relax. Just be mindful that the return tenders to the ship towards the end of the day can get busy. You won’t be left behind if you’re queuing but you might have to stand around until it’s your turn to board a tender.

The only other downside to the resort being a tender port is that it means it can sometimes be cancelled if the weather isn’t suitable. Tender boats can’t deal with stormy waters in the same way that larger ships can, and it could be unsafe.

Carnival Sunrise and a tender boat at the ocean

4. It’s east of Nassau

Princess Cays is a resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera, which lies to the east of Nassau. Most cruises to the resort are short trips that will call at Nassau and Princess Cays before returning to the US coast.

The location does mean that you get a similar climate to other major destinations in the Bahamas, which means it’s warm throughout the year. Cruises are most popular during the winter months to escape the colder weather at home.

5. Food’s included!

Your food is included when you visit Princess Cays. A buffet is provided for all guests to enjoy close to the tender pier, which includes a selection of barbecue favourites, salads and some tasty sweet treats.

This food is provided by the cruise line, with staff bringing it ashore and preparing it on the island during the morning. It’s similar to what you would get at the buffet restaurant on the ship but with more of a focus on burgers, chicken and other BBQ favourites.

If you’re used to the huge buffets that you get at Disney’s Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, then you may be disappointed by the smaller choice of the Princess Cays buffet.

If you want more variety, you can return to the ship to dine there instead where it will be much quieter than usual.

6. Drinks packages only work on Princess Cruises’ visits

The Carnival Cheers drinks package doesn’t apply when you’re on Princess Cays, or on the other private island Half Moon Cay. You can still use your Sail & Sign card to pay for drinks, so you don’t need to carry a credit card or cash.

However, if you’re visiting Princess Cays on a Princess Cruises ship, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Princess drink packages do work on the island!

This is a little disappointing for Carnival guests because, where the resorts are fully owned by cruise lines, you can usually use your drinks package when ashore. I suppose Carnival guests have a bit of a reputation for drinking a lot and maybe the cruise line doesn’t want to facilitate all-day drinking on the island.

Women having a drink at Princess Cays bar

7. The drinking age is a little confusing

While the legal drinking age across the Bahamas is 18, that doesn’t apply on Princess Cays. As it is a privately-owned resort, the minimum drinking age of the cruise line applies, and that is 21. Guests aged 18, 19 and 20 won’t be able to buy any alcoholic drinks while at the resort.

8. The resort has so many activities to choose from

There is a lot of choice when it comes to activities on Princess Cays, but don’t feel like you have to sign up for everything. One of the best things to do in Princess Cays is to head to one of the beaches and sunbathe with a refreshing drink. The views are gorgeous out over the ocean, after all.

But if you do want to get active, there’s a lot of water sports equipment you can hire, including kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards and aqua bikes. You can also hire floating beds and water noodles if you just want a more lazy swim.

Water sports equipment at Princess Cays

There’s a kid’s play area too, and the whole family will want to join in at the Junkanoo beach party.

In terms of organised Princess Cays excursions, you can take part in:

  • Dune buggy tours
  • Walking trails of the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve
  • Boat trips around the island
  • Fishing trips
  • Stingray encounters
  • Bike tours

9. But there’s no main swimming pool…

There isn’t a large swimming pool at Princess Cays, although there is a small paddle pool at the kids’ play area Pelican’s Perch. Guests are instead able to swim and enjoy water sports on the ocean, which has crystal-clear warm waters.

10. Some people have spotted sharks (don’t worry)

There have been some sightings of smaller nurse sharks on snorkeling excursions from Princess Cays but even these are rare. It is generally very safe to snorkel off the island, and the expert guides are on hand to reassure you and explain what wildlife you will see.

If there ever was a shark in the waters, the guides are trained to act quickly and ensure everyone clears the area – you wouldn’t be left at risk. There is one shark at Princess Cays that you definitely will spot – a fake one on the beach. Guests love to take photos of it claiming they’ve spotted a shark during their excursion.

Shark Attack!

11. Shopping’s available – don’t be afraid to say no

There is a craft market on Princess Cays where local vendors will sell a variety of items including clothing, shells and handmade gifts. You can’t pay for these using your Sail & Sign card – the vendors aren’t employed by the cruise line. You’ll need US dollars, or a credit card.

The sellers here shouldn’t ever scam you, since they operate under the permission of the cruise line, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be very enthusiastic and may haggle rather than have set prices, so you may pay more than something is worth if you aren’t prepared to barter.

Don’t ever be afraid of just saying “no” and walking away. While in some cruise ports, you might still get hassled, but that shouldn’t happen at Princess Cays.

People enjoying a relaxing swim at Princess Cays' beach

12. Snorkeling is really popular here

Princess Cays is an excellent snorkeling spot, with clear waters and a wide array of natural sea life, including plants and animals that you can spot. Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear or it can be hired at the island.

The waters are great for snorkeling from the beach itself, although if you want to see more unique and exciting flora and fauna, then it’s worth paying for an excursion on a snorkeling boat, which will take you further out to sea.

The guides are friendly and helpful so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get some great underwater views as you build up your confidence.

couple at the beach holding a snorkeling gears

13. Excursions aren’t always needed

There are some activities on Princess Cays that are free and don’t require any charges, but there are some excursions that you’ll need to book in advance. These include dune buggy and sand bike tours, fishing excursions, snorkel boating and other guided tours.

Whether you need to book excursions is a personal choice. A lot of people will be happy just wandering the island, relaxing on the beaches and grabbing a bite to eat, or joining in the casual volleyball tournaments.

But there are plenty of exciting excursions that you could try, so it’s definitely worth looking at the options available before you arrive for the day, and see whether there are any you want to sign up to.

couple having fun on a paddle boat at Princess Cays beach

14. Nobody lives in Princess Cays

There are no permanent residents of Princess Cays due to it being a small tourist resort. Some locals do come from the rest of the Eleuthera island to work, especially the vendors selling at the market. Other jobs are managed by the crew from the ship.

As the resort is private, island residents can’t wander in whenever they want to, so the resort is safe. It’s only those with permission to work that come to the resort.

15. No passport needed!

As the Princess Cays cruise port is in the Bahamas, US residents don’t need a passport to sail to the destination. Cruises within the Bahamas can be boarded with other forms of ID – a photo ID and a birth certificate.

Anyone who isn’t a US citizen will, of course, need their passport to get into America when they’re first boarding their cruise. And generally, cruise lines recommend that you take a passport if you have one – it makes it easier to rebook travel if your cruise suffers from any cancellations or delays.

16. WiFi is available too

The MedallionNet WiFi internet service is available to guests on Princess Cays. Most private islands owned by cruise lines don’t have WiFi, making this a significant advantage if you want to get online to share photos and stories of your time on the island with friends and family.

Women smiling while looking at a mobile phone

17. Which is better: Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both very similar destinations, but they’re not identical. They offer similar water sports activities, but Half Moon Cay has the more unique experience of horse riding through the sea.

However, snorkeling fans tend to give the edge to Princess Cays – the waters are a little clearer, the wildlife more diverse, and it’s easier to explore directly from the shore as well.

You’ll have a great time no matter which private destination you sail to on your Carnival or Princess cruise, but most cruisers give the slight edge to Half Moon Cay for its softer sands and its more expansive area.

People swimming at Princess Cays' beach
Princess Cays

Final word

Princess Cays may be a relatively small resort but it still packs a lot of activities into that space, without ever feeling too crowded either.

This isn’t a day you want to skip if you’re on your cruise. Whether you sign up for action-packed excursions or just sunbathe on the beach, there’s a lot of fun to be had at this private resort destination.

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Preserving Memories from Your Travels – CruiseMiss.com

by Cruise LinesDiplomacy

Cunard Announces New 2025 Programme

Wanderlust Chronicles: Preserving Memories from Your Travels

Traveling is a grand adventure that fills our hearts and minds with unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of the Maldives, every journey enriches our soul and broadens our horizons.

However, amidst the whirlwind of exploring new destinations, it’s paramount to find ways to preserve the memories we create. In this Wanderlust Chronicles piece, we delve into thoughtful methods to capture and cherish those travel memories for years to come whether you’re looking to preserve your cruise memories or your other travel adventures.

Crafting a Visual Story

Photographs are the quintessential keepsakes from any adventure. These snapshots serve not only as visual souvenirs but also as tangible reminders of fleeting moments. To elevate the traditional photo album, consider modern options such as creating photo tiles online. These photo tiles can be customized and effortlessly affixed to walls, transforming any space into a whimsical gallery of your travels. Their sleek design and ease of application make them an attractive alternative to traditional frames, and they can be rearranged to reflect new adventures as they come.

Cruising Chronicles

Cruising holidays offer a unique way to explore multiple destinations while enjoying the luxurious amenities of a cruise ship. To preserve these special experiences, consider these additional methods tailored specifically for cruise vacations.

Nautical Journaling

Keeping a cruise-specific travel journal can be particularly rewarding. Document each port of call, onboard activities, and the unique maritime experiences. Note the different cuisines you try, the sounds of the waves, and the people you meet. Including details about the ship itself, such as its layout, favorite spots, and the daily rhythm of life at sea, will create a comprehensive record of your cruise adventures.

Collecting Nautical Souvenirs

On a cruise, you have the opportunity to collect unique souvenirs from multiple destinations. Look for items that reflect the maritime culture or specific ports you visit. Nautical-themed memorabilia like miniature ship models, seashells, or local crafts can serve as tangible reminders of your journey. Each piece will bring back memories of your time spent both on the ship and exploring new locales.

Digital Voyage Diaries

Leverage digital platforms to chronicle your cruise adventures. Create a blog or social media account dedicated to your cruise journeys, where you can upload photos, videos, and daily reflections. This not only helps preserve your memories but also connects you with a community of fellow cruisers who share your passion for the sea. Use hashtags specific to cruising and the destinations you visit to increase your reach and engagement.

Cruise Memory Maps

Creating a memory map for your cruise can be a wonderful visual representation of your journey. Use a world map or a map of the specific region you cruised, marking each port of call and the route taken by the ship. Add photos, postcards, and small souvenirs around each location to enhance the map. This can serve as both a decorative piece and a reminder of the vast areas you’ve explored by sea.

Cruise Scrapbooks

Combine elements of journaling and photography in a cruise-themed scrapbook. Include boarding passes, daily itineraries, photos of on-deck activities, and mementos from ports of call. Adding captions and anecdotes will help you relive the unique experiences of each day at sea and in port. This creative process can be an enjoyable way to reflect on your trip and create a beautiful keepsake.

Journaling Your Journeys

While photographs capture the visual essence of a place, travel journals document the emotional and sensory experiences that images alone cannot convey. Keeping a travel journal allows you to detail your adventures in real-time, making note of the tastes, smells, and sounds that characterize each destination.

Over time, these written accounts become a rich tapestry of your journeys, enabling you to relive the moments with vivid clarity. Furthermore, journaling can become a meditative practice, giving you time to reflect on your travels and appreciate the transformative impact they have on you.

Collecting Souvenirs

Another delightful method to preserve travel memories is through collecting souvenirs. Beyond the conventional keychains and magnets, seek out unique items that reflect the local culture and artisanship of the places you visit. Handcrafted pottery, textiles, or even small pieces of local art can serve as evocative reminders of your sojourns. Each item carries its own story, intertwining with your own, and enhances your living space with a touch of global flair.

Creating Memory Maps

For the geographically inclined, memory maps can be an ingenious way to document your travels. These maps can be as simple or intricate as you desire, ranging from pushpin maps to detailed cartographic depictions adorned with photos and mementos. By visualizing your journeys in this manner, you establish a tangible connection to the places you’ve visited, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a reminder of your global adventures.

Sharing Stories

One of the most timeless ways to keep the spirit of your travels alive is by sharing stories with family and friends. Whether through an informal gathering or a more organized presentation, narrating your experiences allows you to revisit your adventures while enlightening and entertaining your audience. This oral tradition also forges a connection between you and your listeners, perhaps even inspiring future travel plans for them.

Conclusion

Traveling is an enriching endeavour that broadens our perspectives and fills our lives with cherished memories. By utilising creative methods to preserve these moments—whether through photo tiles online, travel journaling, or digital storytelling—you ensure that the essence of your adventures remains vivid and enduring. As you continue to traverse the globe, these preserved memories will serve as a testament to your wanderlust and the indelible impact of your journeys.

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Best & Worst Cabins on P&O Cruises’ Arvia

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsP&O Cruises

Arvia is P&O Cruises’ stunning mega-ship. It has 2,610 cabins to choose from, and some of them are much more desirable than others.

I cruised on Arvia’s maiden voyage. We booked an inside cabin, but when we arrived we had a look around it before heading to Guest Services and paying to upgrade to a balcony!

Me with Arvia

I’ve also stayed in Sea View cabins on sister ship Iona (the rooms are identical to Arvia). So, it’s fair to say that I have plenty of experience when it comes to accommodation on Arvia.

I’m something of a deck plan geek and have spent hours looking for the best and worst cabins, as well as reading cruise forums and Facebook groups to see what others had to say.

In this guide, I’ll show you which Arvia cabins to avoid and point out the best cabins that you’ll want to snap up, should they be available when you book.

Arvia Cabin Types

Like most other cruise ships, Arvia offers four main cabin types:

  • Inside cabins – Single, standard or larger
  • Outside cabins – Standard
  • Balcony cabins – Single, smaller, standard or deluxe
  • Suites – Conservatory mini-suite, family sea view suite or suite

Arvia’s Inside Cabins

The cheapest cabins on Arvia are inside cabins. Located in the interior of the ship, these cabins have no windows to let in natural light. If that doesn’t bother you, inside cabins can be a great choice as they offer the best value for money.

Arvia inside cabin

I booked an inside cabin on Iona, and while there was nothing wrong with it at all, we chose to upgrade while on board as we were cruising for two weeks at Christmas, and we wanted to treat ourselves.

I’ll give you more information about how to upgrade (and when’s the best time to do it) later on in this guide.

Suggested read: Why I (almost) always choose an inside cabin for a family cruise

The standard inside cabins on Arvia are 135 square feet, which is a little smaller than average. If you’d like more space, you can upgrade to a larger inside cabin which is 40% larger at 190 square feet.

Most inside cabins on Arvia sleep two people, but there are some that can accommodate three or four. These have a sofa bed for the third passenger and some also have an extra bed that comes down from the ceiling (called a Pullman bed) for the fourth passenger.

Not all inside cabins are the same on Arvia as some are square and some are rectangular. If you have more than two people in your room you will be assigned a square one like in the image above.

Also on Arvia’s maiden voyage with me were cruise YouTubers Tom and Dom. I had a drink with them and they explained how their rectangular inside cabin was quite different to mine.

They’ve made this video of their cabin which is worth a look if you’re trying to decide between the square and rectangular options:

Arvia also has single inside cabins for solo passengers. Wheelchair or scooter users can book an accessible inside cabin, which is 213 square feet in size and features a wet room.

Arvia’s Outside Cabins

An upgrade from an inside cabin on Arvia would be an outside cabin. Also known as sea view cabins, outside cabins have a window. But the natural light isn’t the only bonus you get with an outside cabin onboard Arvia.

Arvia ocean view cabin

At 210 square feet in size, Arvia’s outside cabins are 55% larger than inside cabins, and they’re also noticeably larger than balcony cabins!

These cabins have the same amount of space as deluxe balcony cabins – making them one of the best cabin types for families, or for cold weather cruises where you may not want to sit out on your balcony.

The location on Deck 4 or 5 is pretty handy too. Midship on Deck 5 is the best spot as it’s just one flight of stairs up to the atrium. There are only four of these though, so you’ll have to be quick!

Outside cabins on Arvia can accommodate two, three or four passengers, depending on whether the cabin has a sofa bed or both a sofa bed and a Pullman bed.

Suggested read: What is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship?

This is my favourite cabin type on Arvia. I’ve stayed in two of these on sister ship Iona and would have also chosen it on Arvia if one were available.

Accessible outside cabins onboard Arvia are huge, at 307 square feet, which gives lots of space for those who need it to accommodate a wheelchair or scooter.

Arvia’s Balcony Cabins

There are 1,334 standard balcony cabins on Arvia, making this the most popular cabin type on the ship.

As Arvia will be mostly offering warm-weather cruises, a balcony can be a great choice as it will enable you to enjoy your own private space in the sunshine. This is the cabin that we stayed in for two weeks…

Arvia balcony cabin

As well as the 170-square-foot standard balcony cabins, there are also 120 deluxe balcony cabins to choose from. These have a footprint of 210 square feet, making them 24% larger.

If there are only two of you, you may wish to opt for a smaller balcony cabin. At 150 square feet, these are only slightly smaller than standard balcony cabins but will be a little cheaper. The balcony itself will be the same size, you’ll just lose a little space in the interior.

Some standard balcony and deluxe balcony cabins on Arvia are wheelchair accessible and these will be larger.

Whichever balcony cabin you choose, you’ll enjoy sliding doors that lead out to your private balcony, where you’ll find two chairs and possibly a small table.

It’s important to note that some balconies on Arvia are much, much bigger than others. You can read more about that later in the ‘best cabins on Arvia’ section below.

And you should also note that not all balconies have views of the ocean and not all are private. Take a look at this one below, which I would say is the worst balcony on Arvia…

Be sure to read on to the ‘worst cabins’ section of this article for a list of rooms that you would do well to avoid if you can.

Arvia’s Suites

For those who like a little luxury, a suite can be the best choice with more space and, depending on which suite you book, some very special perks.

Arvia Suite
Photo credit: Richmond International / P&O Cruises

There are three types of suites to choose from on Arvia:

  • Conservatory Mini Suites
  • Family Sea View Suites
  • Suites

1. Conservatory Mini Suites

Arvia conservatory mini suite
Photo credit: Richmond International / P&O Cruises

Conservatory Mini Suites are the cheapest suites on Arvia. These don’t come with any of the extra perks that you get with a suite. I would say that Conservatory Mini Suites are actually more similar to balcony cabins than suites.

What you do get with this type of accommodation is a conservatory area in between the bedroom and balcony. As well as the standard sofa (which converts into an extra bed in some cabins), you’ll get another sofa inside the conservatory area. Here, you have bi-folding doors that lead onto the balcony.

At 255 square feet, Conservatory Mini Suites are 50% larger than standard balcony cabins. This type of room is a good option for families, as you can leave the sofa bed set up as a bed, and still have the L-shaped sofa in the conservatory to sit on.

There are no wheelchair-accessible Conservatory Mini Suites on Arvia.

2. Family Sea View Suites

There are only two Family Sea View Suites on Arvia, but this rare type of accommodation offers a great option for families of three or four. The Family Sea View Suites are located on Deck 8, which is the Promenade Deck.

These suites don’t have a balcony, but instead have large windows overlooking the promenade.

Arvia family sea view duites

For parents of young children who want the space of a suite but would prefer not to have a balcony for safety reasons, Family Sea View Suites are ideal. They’re very spacious at 300 square feet. This is 43% larger than an oceanview cabin and more than twice the size of an inside cabin.

Family sea view cabins have a sofa bed and a Pullman bed. However, there’s no reason why you couldn’t book one of these for only two people if you desire.

3. Suites

Photo credit: Richmond International / P&O Cruises

Arvia has 25 suites to choose from. These are the largest and most luxurious of all of the accommodation types on Arvia, with at least 434 square feet of space. You’ll get a separate bedroom and living room as well as a large wraparound balcony.

Arvia’s suites can accommodate either three or four people, with a sofa bed and the option of an extra Pullman bed, depending on which suite you choose.

Suites on Arvia are located at the forward or aft corners of the ship on decks 9 to 15. These locations aren’t ideal for anyone who suffers from seasickness, so if you’re worried about that, you may be better off opting for a conservatory mini suite in a mid-ship location as you’ll feel less movement here.

I would say that the aft suites (at the back of the ship) are better than the forward-facing suites because they are more sheltered from the wind and have glass balconies rather than steel, so you can admire the ocean views while sitting down.

There is one wheelchair-accessible suite on Arvia.

As well as the extra space, suites on Arvia come with a whole host of perks. These perks also apply to guests staying in family oceanview suites, but not conservatory mini suites.

Arvia Suite Benefits:

  • Priority check-in
  • Access to hospitality lounge with drinks and pastries while you wait to board
  • Get on the ship first
  • Welcome reception with canapes and drinks
  • Welcome Champagne, water, chocolates, fruit and flowers in your suite
  • Butler service
  • Daily canapes delivered
  • Use of bathrobe and slippers
  • Premier toiletries from The White Company
  • Breakfast in the Epicurean restaurant
  • Use of atlas and binoculars
  • Selection of magazines
  • Coffee machine
  • Pillow menu
  • Free room service
  • Option to enjoy the main dining menu in your suite

Read more: P&O Cruises Suite Benefits Explained

Butler service explained

Some of the things you might ask your butler to do on your cruise would be to pack and unpack your suitcase, make reservations for dinner, bring room service, book spa sessions, book shore excursions or organise your laundry.

Choosing the best cabin on Arvia

I’ve made a checklist of everything that you should look out for and possibly avoid when choosing a cruise cabin. If you’d like a copy, just enter your email below and it will be delivered straight to your inbox for free.

Alternatively, read on for more information about the Arvia cabins, including the best and worst cabins on this ship.

Arvia Cabin Grades

The cabins on Arvia are grouped together into grades for pricing purposes. Cabin grades are two letters (e.g. PF) or a letter and a number (e.g. B4). Each grade is shown in a different colour on the Arvia deck plan.

To decode the cabin grades, you must know that the first letter refers to the cabin types (e.g. P = inside) and the second letter or number refers to the location on the ship (e.g. F = high or low deck, forward location.

Here’s a table of the Arvia cabin grades and what they mean…

Cabin Type 1st Letter of Grade
Suite B
Conservatory Mini-suite C
Deluxe Balcony E
Balcony / Smaller Balcony G
Sea View L
Larger Inside O
Inside P
Single Balcony Q
Single Inside S
Cabin Location 2nd Digit of Grade
Mid decks. Midship location. A
All decks. Mid-forward, mid or mid-aft location B or V
High or low decks. Mid-forward or mid-aft location. C or W
Mid decks. Aft location. D or 4
All decks. Forward or aft location E, Y or 5
High or low decks. Forward location. F, Z or 6

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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Arvia cabins to avoid

Now that we know which cabin types are available on Arvia, let’s take a look at those cabins which you may wish to avoid. Then, I’ll list some of the best cabins on Arvia which you may want to look out for instead.

I’m not saying that there are any bad cabins on Arvia. What would be an undesirable cabin for one person, might be a wonderful cabin for the next. Everything is subjective and you should choose a cabin depending on your own priorities.

1. Noisy cabins

One of the things that people complain about most often on a cruise is when their sleep is disturbed by noise either late in the evening or very early in the morning.

If you like to go to bed quite early, you may wish to avoid cabins numbered 8140 to 8235. These are located right above the Headliners Theatre. Shows may go on until close to midnight and there’s a chance that you may be able to hear some noise from the speakers.

Another location you may wish to avoid is right above the nightclub. These cabins are numbered 9701 to 9744.

As Arvia has a retractable roof, if it’s open at night then you may hear the noise from the shows if you stay in a midship balcony on Deck 14 or 15.

If you like to sleep in late it’s generally wise to avoid any cabins that are located directly below sunbathing areas. When people start to move deckchairs around in the morning, if they drag them along the floor you may hear this from the cabins below. For this reason, you may wish to avoid all cabins on Deck 17.

Another location that you may wish to avoid is beneath the gym. This is because you may hear some noise from treadmills or weights being dropped early in the morning. These cabins are numbered 4201 to 4532 (odd numbers only).

2. Balconies that aren’t private

Many cruisers prefer to have a balcony that other passengers cannot see onto. If this sounds familiar, then there are lots of cabins on Arvia that you’ll want to avoid.

Just like sister-ship Iona, Arvia has an unusual design in that balcony cabins on the promenade deck have a public walkway between the balconies and the ocean.

This means that if you book a balcony cabin or conservatory mini suite on Deck 8, people will be able to walk past your balcony and see in.

In the image below, the brown area is the public walkway on the Promenade Deck

Arvia promenade deck

Deck on 8 on these ships has a really bad reputation. And yes, I would avoid choosing a balcony on this deck. The ones near the front of the ships are particularly undesirable. This is because the walkway gets higher as you walk to the front of the ship, meaning that the balcony rails are now at waist height rather than chest height.

Here’s a photo of my eight-year-old daughter walking past one of the Deck 8 balconies on Arvia to demonstrate what I mean…

3. Balcony cabins with obstructed views

Lifeboats are a common cause of obstructed views on cruise ships. Arvia’s clever design means that the lifeboats are located outside of the theatre and casino, where they don’t block the view from any balcony cabins.

However, I would say that the obstructed view cabins on Arvia are possibly worse than any lifeboat obstructions, and they don’t come with any discount in the price.

If you stay in cabins numbered 8309 to 8312 and 8322 to 8330, the obstruction is a hot tub located between your balcony and the sea!

Arvia obstructed view cabins

Instead of looking out at the ocean from your balcony, this could be your view…

Arvia infinity hot tub

4. Cabins that could make you seasick

Anyone worried about motion sickness at sea should book a cabin on a low deck in a mid-ship location. When you’re on a high deck or at the very front or back of a ship, you’ll feel the movement more than you would anywhere else.

The worst cabins for seasickness on Arvia will be 17201 to 17217 and 16201 to 16240.

As Arvia is a very large and modern ship, any movement won’t be felt as much as it would on a smaller ship that doesn’t have the same stabilising technology.

Suggested read: Do big cruise ships rock less?

5. Cabins far away from amenities

Arvia is 345 metres long, so it would take the average adult around three minutes to walk from one end of the ship to the other. Of course, if you have mobility limitations or are travelling with young children, this could take much longer.

If you’re worried about walking long distances, cabins in midship locations are often the best choice.

The inside cabin that I originally had was right at the front of Deck 4. This is the worst location on the ship as it’s so far from everything. It’s one of the main reasons why we moved!

6. Cabins with balconies you can’t always use

Arvia has some forward-facing balconies. These are numbered 8101 to 8108, 9102 to 9109, 10101 to 10108, 11101 to 11108, 12103 to 12110, 14101 to 14110 and 15101 to 15108.

The problem with being forward-facing on any cruise ship is that it can be incredibly windy! In fact, most cruise ships don’t actually have forward-facing balconies for this very reason.

If it gets too windy, a storm door will be closed across your balcony door and you won’t be allowed to go outside. You’ll still be able to see out of a small window, but most people would find this to be annoying.

Take a look at this video to see what one of these balconies looks like…

The balcony itself is a little larger than a standard balcony and some people do enjoy facing forwards and watching where the ship is going. But if you’re cruising on Arvia in the Caribbean in hurricane season, then this is one to avoid for sure.

Best cabins on Arvia

The best cabins for families on Arvia

The best cabins or families on Arvia are ones that offer a little more space. These are:

  • Larger inside cabins
  • Sea View cabins
  • Deluxe Balcony cabins
  • Conservatory Mini-Suites
  • Family Sea View Suites
  • Suites

Each cabin on Arvia has a shower, except for suites (grades B4, B5 and B6), which also have a bath.

Families of five or more wishing to cruise on Arvia will need two cabins. As children aged under 16 cannot stay in their own cabin, you’ll need to choose cabins that have interconnecting doors between them.

Most of the time, with interconnecting cabins, you’ll need two of the same cabin type e.g. two insides or two balconies. However, some of the forward suites connect to inside cabins which can a good option for families with three or more children or those that are cruising with grandparents.

The best cabins for solo travellers

Solo travellers cruising on Arvia have the choice of 10 single inside or 12 single balcony cabins. These cabin types offer a cost-effective way for single travellers to cruise, but you can still expect to pay more than you would if you were sharing a twin cabin.

Solo cabins always sell out very quickly. If you’ve missed out, don’t worry. It’s worth getting a quote for a double cabin for solo occupancy as sometimes this doesn’t cost any more.

Suggested read: P&O Cruises with no single supplement

The best inside cabins

For anyone who likes to cruise as cheaply as possible (like myself), the best inside cabins on Arvia are the PF grade cabins as these are the cheapest.

Deck 9 is a good spot to find cheap, quiet, inside cabins.

The best sea view cabins

Sea view cabins on Arvia are located on Decks 4 and 5. These are all great cabins, although we don’t yet know if there is any difference in the sizes of the windows.

If you like to go to the gym or spa frequently, I would suggest booking a cabin numbered 5301 to 5321 as these are right next door.

The best balcony cabins

Some cabins on Arvia have much bigger balconies than others, for the same price. If you like to have a lot of space on your balcony, these are certainly worth looking out for.

In the example below, you can see that cabin 17219 has a huge L-shaped balcony. This is a GF grade balcony cabin, which is the cheapest grade of standard balcony cabins on Arvia. The price grade is based on the location of the cabin on the ship, not the size of the balcony.

In the example above, the lilac-coloured cabins will be cheaper than the pink ones, just because they are located slightly further forward on the ship. So 17219 will be cheaper than 17305, even though it has a much bigger balcony!

You’ll find cabins with large balconies on most decks on Iona, so it’s worth studying the deck plan to choose one of these, particularly if you’d like more than two people to be able to sit out on the balcony together.

As I’ve studied the deck plan thoroughly already, here’s a list to choose from:

The largest balconies on Arvia:

Deluxe:

  • 9236
  • 9239
  • 9320
  • 9321
  • 10238
  • 10245

Standard:

  • 9714
  • 9711
  • 10320
  • 10321
  • 10525
  • 10526
  • 11242
  • 11243
  • 11320
  • 11321
  • 11711
  • 11712
  • 12242
  • 12255
  • 12320
  • 12321
  • 12711
  • 12712
  • 14242
  • 14255
  • 14320
  • 14321
  • 14524
  • 14527
  • 14711
  • 14712
  • 15242
  • 15253
  • 15316
  • 15317
  • 15526
  • 15527
  • 15711
  • 15712
  • 16242
  • 16253
  • 16320
  • 16321
  • 17219
  • 17317
  • 17320

The best suites

The best suites on Arvia are the aft suites as they have huge wraparound balconies and the best views over the ship’s wake. As you may feel the movement of the ship more in this location, aft suites on Decks 9 or 10 may be a better choice than those on higher decks.

Choosing a cabin – how it works

P&O Cruises offer three fare types:

  • Select Fare
  • Saver Fare
  • Early Saver Fare

Only the Select Fare gives you the option to choose your cabin number.

With Saver and Early Saver Fares, you can choose the cabin type (e.g. inside, outside, balcony or suite) but the cabin number will be assigned to you at a later date depending on which cabins are left. This is known as a ‘guarantee cabin’.

Booking the Select Fare costs a little more. However, as well as your choice of cabin number, you’ll also get some extra benefits such as free shuttle buses in ports, some on-board credit, free car parking or even a coach to Southampton.

When I booked a cruise on Arvia we got a coach for four people for the 500-mile round trip. This alone was well worth the extra money for the Select Fare. The choice of cabin numbers was a nice bonus.

Arvia cabin amenities

In each cabin on Arvia you’ll find:

  • En-suite bathroom with shower and a clothesline for drying
  • Wardrobe space
  • Desk and chair
  • Air conditioning
  • Toiletries from The White Company
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Hairdryer
  • British plug sockets
  • Safe
  • Mini-bar (chargeable)
  • Kettle with tea, coffee and biscuits
  • Mineral water on arrival
  • Daily steward service

If you book a suite you’ll also enjoy:

  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Bathroom with a bath, shower and dual sinks
  • Walk-in dressing area

There are also lots of suite perks which are listed further up in this guide.

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Final word

Now you know which are the P&O Arvia cabins to avoid, make sure you refer back to this guide when booking your cruise. That way, you’ll always get the best room to suit you and your travelling party.

It’s also a good idea to check out P&O Arvia reviews on Facebook groups, because you’ll often get to see photos of your specific cabin from past guests.

Even the cabins to avoid aren’t ‘bad’ cabins, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing cruise on Arvia – but the advice in this guide should help you guarantee no little issues.

Related posts:

More P&O Cruises Cabin Guides:

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Cove-balconies-on-Mardi-Gras.jpg

What Is A Cove Balcony On A Carnival Cruise (And Are They Worth Booking)? Should You Get One?

by CarnivalCruise LinesCruise News

Choosing the right room can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of a cruise, so it’s a good idea to find out exactly what you’re letting yourself in for when you opt for an unusual room type like a cove balcony.

I’ve done all of the research for you, so read on to find out exactly what a cove balcony is, and whether you should book one or not.

Cove balconies on Mardi Gras
Cove Balconies on Mardi Gras

Cove Balconies – what are they?

A cove balcony on a Carnival cruise ship is more enclosed than a standard balcony. The sides and bottom half of the balcony rail are made from a solid steel panel and it has a smaller opening than a normal balcony. These factors mean that cove balconies provide greater privacy, but there are some downsides too.

Cove balconies are found on the lower decks – that’s either deck 2 or deck 5, depending on the ship.

Suggested read: The Best Deck on a Cruise Ship (to Avoid Seasickness and Noise)

As they are less open than standard balconies they feel much more private and have a more secluded and cosy feel than the normal balcony. This is despite the fact that they are actually quite a lot bigger than a regular balcony. 

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The different Cove Balcony rooms

Cove balconies can be found in category 7C staterooms on Carnival’s Excel-class, Vista-class and Dream-class ships. That’s basically every ship that has been built since 2009.

The room itself is exactly the same as a normal balcony room – the only difference is the balcony outside.

Cove Balcony
Standard Cove Balcony Room

The Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) also have some Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony rooms. These category 7S rooms are located near to the spa and come with a pass for unlimited use of the thermal suite facilities and some other perks.

Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony Room

Families cruising on Carnival’s Vista-class ships (Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama) also have the option of a cove balcony with the FM and FS categories of Family Harbor Suites.

Family Harbor Cove Balcony
Family Harbor Cove Balcony

On Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, the GS category Grand Suites also have cove-like enclosures where the bottom half of the balcony rail is solid steel.

Grand Suite with Cove Balcony
Grand Suite With Cove Balcony

List of Carnival Ships with Cove Balconies:

  • Carnival Breeze Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Celebration Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Dream Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Horizon Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Jubilee Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Magic Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Panorama Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
  • Carnival Vista Cove Balcony and Family Harbor Suite Cove Balcony
  • Mardi Gras Cove Balcony and Cloud 9 Spa Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony Vs Balcony – the differences explained

The biggest difference between the two standard balconies and cove balconies on Carnival ships is that the cove balcony is far more enclosed with a smaller opening and more solid walls between you and your neighbour.

1. Privacy

Many of the cove balconies are underneath the suspended lifeboats. This provides another layer of privacy. The regular balconies have much less of a barrier between you and the cabin next door and also vertically so you a more likely to come into contact or hear your fellow passengers when on the balcony.

Cove balconies
View of Cove Balconies from the pier

2. Shade

As well as offering extra privacy, Carnival’s cove balconies also provide a more shaded area for sitting in on sunny days. Some people will like the shade whilst others will miss the sun. Of course, the time of day and direction of travel will also have an impact on this.

3. Size

Another big difference is that the cove balcony is quite a bit bigger, it is 45 sq ft compared to 35 sq ft for a regular balcony. This is quite a big difference (28% bigger), so it definitely gives you a bit more space to relax.

4. Views

Cove balconies are on deck 2 or 5, depending on the ship. They are the lowest possible balconies to the water so they provide fantastic views out to sea. Some guests have enjoyed great close-up views of dolphins swimming alongside the ship.

It does also mean that they can get wet at times and have a hatch that can be closed during bad weather and rough seas. It is worth getting a cabin that is not too near the front of the ship as then the spray from the movement of the ship will be less of an issue.

5. Access

If the weather on your cruise gets so bad that the open decks of the ships are closed, then you probably won’t be allowed to use your cove balcony either as it could be dangerous to be outside so close to high waves.

If this happens, a steward will close a metal storm door over your glass balcony door and you won’t have access to your balcony until the next port of call. You will, however, still be able to see out of the window.

6. Getting On and Off the Ship

The position low down on the ship is excellent when you are getting on and off at ports of call, as you’ll be right near the gangway. It’s also a better place to be in rough seas with a lower risk of motion sickness. 

It is worth noting that the actual cabins for cove balcony rooms and regular balcony rooms are the same, so there is no need to factor that into your decision.

Pros and cons of Cove Balconies

Pros:

  • Cove balconies are bigger than normal balconies
  • More private thanks to solid sides and lifeboats above
  • They are more shaded
  • Low deck position gives close-up views of the sea
  • Quick to get on and off the ship
  • Can be cheaper

Cons:

  • Some people might not like the enclosed nature of cove balconies and the smaller opening
  • Can get wet and salty
  • Might be too shady for some
  • Further from the action on-ship
  • Balconies may be off-limits in bad weather

The big question – are Cove Balcony rooms better?

Many people do think that cove balconies are better than regular balconies, but it does partly come down to personal preference. 

If you are looking for a cosy, private space then you are likely to enjoy having a cove balcony. The close views of the sea are also generally enjoyed by most people who have stayed in a room with a cove balcony but there may be times when it is too wet and windy to be used. 

It is worth noting that cove balconies are generally shadier than other balconies so if you are hoping to sit in the sun then you might be better off looking at other types of balconies, although you can always head up to the Lido deck to catch some rays.

The real risk with booking a cove balcony comes if the weather is rough. You may find that the crew members close the storm door over your balcony door, leaving you with just the window to look out of. For this reason, you should probably avoid cove balconies on cruises during hurricane season.

Cove balconies on Carnival Celebration
Cove balconies on Carnival Celebration

The bottom line

I hope that reading this post has helped you to understand what you are getting if you book a cove balcony on a Carnival cruise.

By far the majority of people that choose them are happy with their choice and the cosy cove balcony helps to make their cruise even more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a balcony, then you should consider an Ocean View room with a window. Some of these rooms are incredible, so they’re definitely worth looking into.

You can learn more about the different types of Ocean View rooms in my Guide to Carnival Ocean View Rooms.

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Related Posts:

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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royal-caribbean-tips.jpg

Everything you need to know

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

When you take a Royal Caribbean cruise, as well as your cruise fare, you’ll be expected to pay a little extra to the crew members. To make tipping simpler and fairer, Royal Caribbean’s tips policy is to collect this money from all the guests and automatically share it between the crew members.

Royal Caribbean gratuities

Guests still have some decisions to make about whether to pay the gratuities before or after the cruise, and whether to tip any extra on top.

So if you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, read on for everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean gratuities.

This guide has been updated with the latest price increase from November 2023.

Royal Caribbean gratuity costs

Royal Caribbean charges a gratuity of $18.00 per person, per day. For guests staying in Grand Suites and above, the fee is $20.50 per person, per day. In addition to this, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drinks, and 20% is added to spa and salon services.

These prices increased in late 2023 and the prices do usually go up every 12-18 months. If prices go up you’ll usually get a few weeks’ notice, and you can pre-pay at the existing rate, even if your cruise is after the date that the prices increase.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Raises Gratuity Prices

Gratuities for children and infants – they still need to pay!

Royal Caribbean’s standard gratuity rate of $18.00 per day ($20.50 for suites) applies to guests of all ages, including children and infants.

This may seem high, but when you think about it, the crew members do a lot of work for each baby, perhaps even more than for an adult. They will set up the travel cot (pack n play) each night, puree food as requested, clean up at mealtimes and much more.

Royal Caribbean gratuities breakdown

Royal Caribbean shares the gratuities between various crew members including stateroom attendants, waiters, bar staff, culinary staff and other hotel services team members.

This slip of paper below, shows how the gratuities are broken down between the various crew members. It’s using old figures from a couple of years ago, but it explains the typical breakdown still.

Royal Caribbean gratuities breakdown.

However, it’s not exact because, for example, there will be several people serving you in the dining room such as your main waiter, the wine waiter and the dining room receptionist. There are also waiters in speciality dining venues and crew members who work in the buffet.

What about the Royal Genie?

Royal Genies are Royal Caribbean’s version of butlers. They serve guests in the top suites onboard some of the ships. And their tips aren’t included in the regular gratuities, so you should tip them extra.

I’ve got a whole guide on tipping the Royal Genie, so it’s best to read that.

Are gratuities mandatory? Your options explained

Royal Caribbean’s ‘Free Gratuities’ deals

Royal Caribbean regularly has promotions to encourage people to book cruises. You may get reduced kids’ prices, included drinks, or free gratuities.

If you book a cruise with free gratuities, it means that Royal Caribbean will pay the gratuities to the staff members for you, so you don’t need to worry about paying them.

Alternatively, you may get some free onboard credit to spend. You can use this to cover the gratuities, or any of the things mentioned in this list: 15 Ways To Use Your Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit

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Opting out

If you don’t receive good service during your cruise, you can ask for the gratuities to be removed or reduced. To do this, you would need to go to the Guest Services desk on the morning of your departure and explain your reason.

The service on Royal Caribbean cruises is generally exceptional. So, if you do have any issues, you should head to Guest Services as early in your cruise as you can, so that things can be put right for you before it affects the rest of your cruise.

Suggested read: 56 amazing examples of Royal Caribbean customer service

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean

Tipping individually

Some people like to remove the gratuities and tip staff members individually. Whilst you are free to do this, it isn’t recommended.

The breakdown of gratuities is carefully worked out to be fair for all crew members. If you tip individuals instead, you may be doing a disservice to staff members who you haven’t met personally, such as the kitchen staff or cleaners.

Overpayment of gratuities is allowed but is not expected. If you wish to reward one or two crew members in particular, you could pay the standard gratuity fee and also hand cash to any crew members who you feel are particularly deserving.

Suggested read: Where To Get $2 Bills

At the end of your cruise, you’ll receive an envelope that you can use to give extra cash tips if you wish. Extra envelopes are available at guest services.

Tip envelope

Some people like to give gifts such as chocolates or wine to the crew members. However, the feedback from them is that they always prefer cash.

Another way to pay extra gratuities is when you buy a drink. You can add an additional tip on to your receipt if you wish. Doing this is a good way to ensure that you’re served first next time!

You may also wish to give some cash to porters who help with your luggage outside of the ship, particularly if you start your cruise in the United States where this is customary.

Other ways you can recognise great service

If you want to recognise outstanding service by a particular crew member, then head to the Guest Services desk and fill out a ‘WOW card’. Your positive feedback will go on their permanent file, which can help them to get promotions and pay rises.

Ways to pay gratuities

You can usually pay your gratuities in advance of your cruise, or choose to receive a bill on the last day of your cruise. It’s up to you. However, if you want to choose the flexible ‘My Time‘ dining, rather than having a set dining time, you must pre-pay your gratuities.

Prepaying gratuities

There are several ways to prepay your gratuities:

  • Add them on to the total cost of your cruise when you book
  • Call Royal Caribbean before your cruise
  • Log on to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner before your cruise
  • Ask your travel agent to arrange to take a payment from you

Paying at the end of the cruise

When you check in for your cruise, your onboard account will be set up. This is also known as a SeaPass account. Cash isn’t used on cruise ships, so all your purchases and gratuities (if not prepaid) will be added to your onboard account.

When you check in, you’ll be asked if you wish to set up the account with a credit card or debit card. If you do, Royal Caribbean will automatically charge your card at the end of your cruise. If you don’t, then you’ll need to settle the account with a credit, debit card or with cash before you disembark at the end of your cruise.

It’s usually a good idea to prepay, but not always…

There are pros and cons to paying your gratuities before your cruise, and it’s very much a personal choice. There are some circumstances in which it would be better to prepay and some in which it would be better to pay at the end of your cruise

Prepay if: Free gratuities are on offer

If you get free gratuities thrown in as an incentive for booking a cruise, then these will be automatically prepaid. The best kind of Royal Caribbean prepaid gratuities!

Prepay if: You want MyTime dining

MyTime dining is when you don’t have a set dining time and instead, you can arrive at the main restaurant whenever you like. With MyTime dining you will sit at a different table each night and be served by different crew members.

On most cruises, Royal Caribbean tips need to be prepaid to request MyTime dining.

Prepay if: You book far in advance

Royal Caribbean’s daily gratuity rate increases every one to two years. The latest increase was in 2018 when gratuities went up by $1 per person, per day. If you prepay your gratuities, you’ll only ever have to pay the lower rate.

Prepay if: You like to pay in instalments

If you like to pay for your cruise monthly, then you can add the gratuities to your monthly payment. This makes paying for your cruise more manageable.

Suggested read: How to pay for a cruise in instalments

Prepay if: You don’t have a credit card

If you don’t have a credit card, then you’ll need to link a debit card to your onboard account, or deposit cash.

It’s not a great idea to link a debit card to your cruise account because Royal Caribbean will place a ‘hold’ on some of the money. This will reduce the overall balance you have available to spend. Likewise, carrying large amounts of cash isn’t recommended for safety reasons.

So, if you don’t have a credit card, then you should prepay your gratuities to avoid running out of money in your bank account or having to carry a lot of cash.

Pay later if: You have onboard credit to spend

If you get some free onboard credit as an incentive when you book your cruise, then you can use this to pay your gratuities. So, don’t pay the gratuities in advance and wait for the onboard credit to be applied.

If you don’t have a lot of money available when you come to pay for your cruise, then don’t worry about paying the gratuities right away. Waiting until the end of your cruise will give you a few more paydays to save up the money.

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To conclude

You don’t need a fancy Royal Caribbean gratuity calculator to work out the tips you need to pay – all you need to do is multiply the daily gratuity charge by the number of nights and the number of passengers in your party.

Whether you pay your Royal Caribbean daily gratuities before or after your cruise is your choice, but it’s never recommended to remove them.

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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MSC-cruise-ship-2.jpg

MSC Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst According To Real Customer Reviews

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsMSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is a really interesting cruise line that seems to split opinions. Some people think it’s one of the worst cruise lines going, and really don’t enjoy their time on board. Others love MSC, especially the low prices.

MSC cruise ship

It’s the same with the ships – they all have mixed reviews. But which ones score highest, and which are the worst? In this guide, I’ll rank them all.

How I gathered the data

I’ve been on several MSC cruises, but I certainly haven’t experienced all 22 of the ships, so it wouldn’t be fair for me to rank them all based on my opinion.

Plus, that’s super-subjective – I might’ve had a really good or really bad experience on a ship that wasn’t normal.

So instead, I’ve ranked these ships based on the average review scores from three of the biggest cruise review websites – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

I’ve done these guides for other cruise lines in the past including ranking the Royal Caribbean ships and the Carnival ships. And I always state that “worst” is to be taken with a pinch of salt because the lowest scores are still what you’d consider to be above average.

With MSC, that’s still sort of the case, but not quite as clearly. The lowest-ranked ship on this list scores 2.8 out of 5. Bear in mind you can’t score ships as 0 out of 5, so a pure average would be 3 out of 5.

So a 2.8 out of 5 isn’t great, and also the best ship only scores 3.57 out of 5 – hardly setting the scoring chart alight.

When I tell you that the worst Royal Caribbean ship scored an average of 3.77 out of 5, and only two Carnival ships scored lower than MSC’s best score, you get a clearer idea of how people view MSC’s ships…

Me with MSC ship

The best MSC ship is…

According to customer reviews across three major websites, the best MSC Cruises ship is MSC Bellissima, which launched in 2019 and was the second of the Meraviglia class. The worst cruise ship according to reviews is the MSC Seascape, also one of the newest ships in the fleet.

1. MSC Bellissima

MSC Bellissima

MSC Bellissima is the second ship in the Meraviglia class, and having launched in 2019 she’s one of the newer ships in the fleet. Described as a “big, bold and boisterous” ship in an expert review, she really is packed with features, a lot of which are tailored towards families.

MSC Bellissima kids club

Highlights of the ship include two Cirque at Sea shows and an impressive kids club, but part of the ship’s charm is also her downfall – she’s so busy that finding spaces where you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet time is often a challenge.

2. MSC Seaside

MSC Seaside ship

MSC Seaside launched the Seaside Class of ship in 2017 – a ship that was designed to be smaller than the recent Meraviglia Class, aiming to provide a calmer atmosphere.

While she does have water slides, a kids club and other family features, there’s more of a focus on spaces to relax.

MSC Seaside water slides

Positive reviews focus on how attractive the ship is, and the variety of food, although there are also a lot of negative reviews about the food quality being lacking (including some criticisms that the food is too Italian-focussed – be aware this is an Italian cruise line!)

While she may have scored high in terms of reviews, unfortunately, this ship didn’t score quite so highly on its hygiene inspection. MSC Seaside failed an inspection by the CDC, meaning that it’s level of cleanliness had dropped below the acceptable level.

3. MSC Euribia

Me with MSC Euribia

The newest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Euribia has clearly done well since she launched, appearing high on this ranking list.

That’s been helped by the cheap cruises she’s offered – I sailed on her for just £99!

Modern and stylish interior of a cruise ship lounge with comfortable grey swivel chairs, geometric patterned carpet, and contemporary lighting. Large screens and windows suggest a space designed for entertainment and relaxation.

She’s beautifully modern, has some great dining venues and lots to entertain guests so I’m not surprised she’s one of the more popular MSC ships.

4. MSC Sinfonia

MSC Sinfonia

It’s telling that, despite almost half the fleet of MSC ships launching since 2017, MSC Sinfonia is the fourth most popular ship in the fleet even though she is the second-eldest, having first set sail in 2002.

Like the rest of the Lirica Class, she’s much smaller than the most recent ships, and positive reviews focus more on the attentive service and the quality of itinerary rather than how much there is to do onboard.

If you want a simple, cheap cruise then MSC Sinfonia could be an ideal choice.

5. MSC Seaview

MSC Seaview

MSC Seaview is the sister ship to MSC Seaside, and she offers a very similar experience. Guests enjoy the fact that she’s a slightly smaller ship than the very largest ones, although she is still much bigger than older ships in the fleet, giving a good balance of space and features.

MSC Seaview interior

A lot of the positive reviews also talk about the Yacht Club and the speciality restaurants – bear in mind these both mean paying more, so you might want to look at other ship options for a budget cruise.

6. MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia

MSC Meraviglia is the sister to MSC Bellissima, and her average review score is only 0.2 lower, so you can expect a very similar experience – tons of things for the family to do, a huge kids club, and a very lively atmosphere throughout your sailing.

MSC Meraviglia - waves restaurant

Points are lost because of the quality of the food in the main dining restaurant, but that’s a common thread across the cruise line. Some reviewers have also said that things can feel a little disorganised or even chaotic, since the ship is so busy.

7. MSC Musica

MSC Musica ship

MSC Musica is a mid-sized ship – around 50% larger than the smallest ships in the MSC fleet, but also only around half the size of the biggest ships.

And based on reviews, she definitely splits opinions – one of the best-reviewed features is the crew, but they also attract some of the biggest criticisms. You can’t please everyone.

MSC Musica pool deck

She’s a little more dated than other ships in the fleet, and would be a little more boring for families compared to the newer feature-packed ships, but she has good food, a relaxing atmosphere and a fun atmosphere that is very international.

8. MSC Divina

MSC Divina

MSC Divina is the first of the Fantasia-class ships to appear on this list, and when she debuted she offered a few modifications on her earlier sisters, making her slightly larger.

She launched with luxury decor but in the 10+ years since that now looks a bit more dated to some guests’ taste – it’s a lot of red and gold, although the atrium still sparkles.

MSC Divina entertainment theatre

She is a good ‘overall’ MSC ship – positive reviews touch on everything, including the service, the food, and the evening entertainment. A reliable choice if you want the MSC experience.

9. MSC Preziosa

Cruise mummy with MSC Cruises - Preziosa

MSC Preziosa is very similar to her sister ship MSC Divina and it’s no surprise that they are back-to-back in this list. Indeed they have identical averages so Preziosa could’ve been placed higher.

MSC Preziosa The Green Sax Jazz Bar

The more positive reviews really focus on how the ship is excellent for the price you pay, while negatives tend to focus on the atmosphere being a bit too loud – not just from the crowd but from the various bars and entertainment venues playing music at high volumes.

10. MSC Grandiosa

MSC Grandiosa

The MSC Grandiosa launched in 2019 as the first Meraviglia-Plus ship – designed to be similar to the Meraviglia ships, but bigger and better. So why does she rank below both of them?

People love the variety of things to do, but the negative reviews all talk about how service feels poor on this ship – it’s too big, too busy and it hasn’t been thought through, so there are often long lines, or the overall quality of service just isn’t as good as on smaller ships.

11. MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida ship

MSC Splendida is a Fantasia-class ship that launched in 2009, so in terms of both the age and size of the ship, she’s very much in the average of the fleet. For her size there’s a lot to do on-board, but not so much that you can’t find quiet spaces to relax either.

Unfortunately, the biggest letdown seems to be the food – the free options aren’t the best quality and there aren’t too many choices for speciality restaurants when you want to upgrade to something a bit fancier.

12. MSC Armonia

MSC Armonia ship

MSC Armonia is the oldest ship in the MSC fleet, and is almost identical to her sister ship MSC Sinfonia. Sinfonia is the outlier – it’s not as much of a surprise that Armonia is lower since compared to other ships in the fleet she is older and has less to do on board.

MSC Armonia lounge bar

While the daytime facilities may be lacking, her evening entertainment still gets positive feedback and the crew are praised for their attentive service – no doubt helped by the fact it’s a smaller ship that tends to be quieter.

13. MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa

MSC Virtuosa is one of the newest ships in the MSC fleet, and as the second Meraviglia-Plus Class ship she is also the third-largest (MSC Euribia, another Meraviglia Plus ship, is slightly larger). This means she is packed with exciting things to do day and night, and she looks amazing. So why is she in the bottom half of reviews?

Again, she’s a victim of poor planning. The biggest criticisms all focus on just how busy the ship constantly feels – long queues for food or entertainment, crowded spaces, and a lack of quiet locations where you can take things easy.

MSC Virtuosa drinks

I’ve cruised on MSC Virtuosa twice. The first time I had a great time and the second, not so much. But this was just as cruising was returning in 2021, and the guest-to-crew ratio certainly varied a lot at that point.

Read more: 15 Fun Things To Do on MSC Virtuosa

14. MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa

MSC’s largest ship, MSC World Europa, was marketed by MSC as the future of cruising. She has some exciting features, including a lot of tech-infused attractions aimed at giving families thrilling memories.

MSC World Europa interior

The theme of reviews seems to be that she’s very much a work-in-progress. We know that MSC’s biggest ships often suffer with service and wait times, and while it’s early days for MSC World Europa, she’s suffering from similar criticisms. Things may improve once the crew are more experienced with the ship.

Read more: MSC World Europa Review

15. MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia

MSC Fantasia is starting to show her age a little – she’s over 15 years old, and while she has been well-maintained she doesn’t have the same contemporary look and feel that many of MSC’s newer ships do.

MSC Fantasia restaurant

Having said that, if you want a classic MSC cruise – good Italian food, a lively international atmosphere and plenty of fun evening entertainment, all for a low price – then she’s as good a choice as any other ship on this list.

16. MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore

MSC Seashore was the first of the Seaside EVO Class ships to launch for MSC, enhancing the design of the two Seaside-class ships. Her main improvements over the Seaside-class ships are behind the scenes, making her more environmentally friendly, although she does have more outdoor spaces too.

Balcony hot tub on MSC Seashore

The recurring criticism of MSC ships feeling too busy repeats itself with this ship (with one review I spotted asking if cruise ships can be overbooked!) – again, guests just feel like they aren’t getting the service they deserve, even with the low cruise fares.

17. MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia

MSC Poesia is part of the Musica class, and similar to MSC Musica she’s a good choice if you aren’t looking for an overwhelming crowd or an extensive range of features – if you’re happy lounging by the pool during the day, provided there’s good entertainment at night, then Poesia is worth your attention.

MSC Poesia pool deck

Reviews even describe her as a good “old school” ship, and beyond the lack of daytime facilities the main criticisms are around the food choices, but most people acknowledge she is a budget cruise ship and that the food is fine for the price you pay.

18. MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica was the last of the Musica-class ships to be built and while she is slightly larger than her three sister ships, the experience is relatively unchanged. Expect a comfortable ship that isn’t super-modern but is well-maintained and plenty of space to relax during the day.

Negative reviews talk about the food again, and the lack of things to do during the day, but a lot of the feedback seems to be from people who’ve cruised with other lines, and are surprised that this cheaper ship isn’t at the same standard.

19. MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica ship

MSC Lirica is another Lirica-class ship, actually, the third to launch in 2003. Being over 20 years old, she is definitely showing her age in some places – she’s generally well maintained but don’t expect the same modern look and feel as the latest ships in the fleet offer.

MSC Lirica pool deck

She’s not a great choice for families with teens or anyone who enjoys a lot of daytime activities, but for that relaxing smaller ship vibe at a lower price bracket, she’s a good choice if you enjoy quiet days by the poolside.

20. MSC Orchestra

MSC Orchestra ship

MSC Orchestra is a twin of MSC Musica and she enjoys similar praise and suffers similar criticisms as that ship. People who know what to expect from an MSC cruise enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and the friendly crew, while those choosing MSC Orchestra after experiencing other cruise lines are often disappointed with the food and the lack of things to do.

MSC Orchestra kids club

She’s a good ship for younger families, especially on busier itineraries where you can enjoy the fun kids club or the days in port, but older teens will likely be bored by the lack of excitement during the day.

21. MSC Opera

MSC Opera

MSC Opera is the final Lirica-class ship and she offers a very similar experience – not a whole lot to do during the day, but some wholesome entertainment at night, good service and a decent selection of food even if the actual dining venues themselves are limited.

Criticisms of the ship focus on her being a little tired, and having a design that’s not always easy to navigate, but she gets a lot of positive talk too from guests who know what to expect from an older MSC ship.

22. MSC Seascape

MSC Seascape

I was surprised that MSC Seascape – a newer ship launched in 2022 – finished bottom of this list. She has so much to see and do, her design is gorgeous and families would typically have a great time on-board.

MSC Seascape deck

But, considering how new ships often score low due to teething problems, and seeing the wider issues for MSC with its larger ships as I’ve detailed above, it’s not as shocking as I first thought. Expect reviews to improve in time, but also don’t choose this ship if you want a quiet, calm cruise.

Read more: The World’s Worst Cruise Ships (According to Reviews)

MSC Seascape interior

Choosing the right MSC ship for you

There’s no single answer on which is the best MSC ship for everybody because the ships are all different. Even the lowest-reviewed ships will actually better suit some people. It always depends on what you want from your cruise ship, which is why it’s important to research your options before you book.

The newer ships are packed with more to do during the day, but as you can see from the reviews and the rankings above, that often means they feel really busy, and the service can suffer.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing cruise, you’re better off choosing one of the older ships that is smaller and tends to have more focus on outdoor space.

While all of the MSC ships to have launched in the last few years are beautifully decorated and feature attractive artwork pieces, the MSC Seaside is regarded as one of the nicest ships in the fleet – she is very stylish, not too large, and very comfortable.

The best MSC cruise ship for families is the MSC World Europa. The largest ship in the fleet, she is packed with features to keep everyone entertained, including water slides, virtual reality experiences and more.

If slides are important, then it’s worth noting that the MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Divina, MSC Preziosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa are the ones that have slides. Some older ships have small slides for children only.

And if you want a luxury experience then the MSC Yacht Club – a “ship within a ship” luxury suite club, is available on MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa.

The bottom line

Cruising with MSC definitely isn’t for everyone, but the cruise line is determined in its goal to become the biggest cruise company in the world. So expect them to keep building shiny new ships, and doing everything they can to make their current ships as popular as possible.

I think what’s clear from the reviews is that, if you go on an MSC cruise and you know what to expect from a cheap cruise line, you’ll enjoy it. But if you go with expectations that are higher than the cruise line maybe warrants, you’ll definitely be disappointed.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions You Need to Know (2024)

by CarnivalCruise LinesCruise NewsPacking

Carnival Cruise Line’s luggage limits are a little different from some other cruise lines, so it’s important that you know what you can bring before you start to pack for your cruise.

While the Carnival luggage policy has no restrictions on how many bags you can bring, there are some weight limits and suitcase size requirements that you must follow.

In this guide, I’ll go over all of the Carnival luggage restrictions, so that you know exactly how much luggage you can bring, as well as what items are allowed and not allowed on Carnival cruise ships.

Carnival Cruise luggage limits explained

On a Carnival cruise, there’s no limit to the amount of luggage that you can bring, but each bag should weigh less than 50 pounds, and it must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your stateroom.

Any bags that you check in will be taken from you outside the port and delivered to your stateroom. You can also bring carry-on bags with your essentials and valuables.

Carnival’s own website sets a size limit of no bigger than 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide when laid flat and the 50lb weight limit. This is for the benefit of the porters, more than anything. The weight likely won’t be checked at port, but if you do overpack, then please make sure you tip the porters generously!

Carnival luggage

Three Carnival Cruise luggage rules you must know

1. You can take as many bags as you want!

Carnival Cruise Line suggests that guests check in only one bag per person for 3- to 5-day cruises and no more than two bags per person for longer cruises. This is just a suggestion though – you can actually bring as many bags as you like, since there are no Carnival luggage limits.

It’s up to you whether you bring formalwear on a Carnival cruise – many people don’t – so two bags per person should be more than enough for even the longest cruise.

Suggested read: Things To Know About Formal Night On A Carnival Cruise

If you bring more bags than this, you may struggle to store them under the bed. You can use the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people prefer to put cases under the bed to maximise storage space.

If you need to bring a lot of luggage on a cruise, having suitcases of different sizes will allow you to store the smaller bag inside the larger one.

2. Bags shouldn’t weigh more than 50lbs

Each bag that you bring on a Carnival cruise should weigh no more than 50 pounds because porters must be able to lift them safely. If you need to bring more than this, you should split your luggage into two smaller bags.

It’s unlikely that the weight will be checked, but bear in mind Carnival sets this rule on their website. Many people have told me that they have packed a heavier bag than this and had no problems.

Interesting note – the Carnival Australia website suggests a higher weight limit of 32kg or 70lb. Again, more proof that the weight isn’t likely an issue.

luggage porters

If you are flying to join your cruise, you should also be aware of any luggage weight restrictions that the airline may have.

3. Bags shouldn’t be too large

On a Carnival cruise, checked and carry-on bags must be small enough to fit through the x-ray machine and to be stored under the bed in your room. The maximum allowed Carnival luggage size is 16 inches high and 24 inches wide. Length does not matter.

How to measure

Sometimes, people can get confused when measuring luggage for a Carnival cruise because 16 inches high doesn’t sound like a lot. However, you need to ensure that your suitcase is laid flat as it would be when stored under the bed, not standing tall as it would be when you pull it along.

how to measure luggage for a Carnival cruise

Here’s how to measure your luggage:

  1. Lay your bag flat
  2. Measure the height from bottom to top
  3. Measure the width from left to right
  4. The longest measurement, the length, isn’t needed
  5. Remember to include any wheels or handles
  6. Make sure that the height is less than 16 inches and the width is less than 24 inches

You can store the bags in the wardrobe if you prefer, but most people find it’s much easier to put cases under the bed.

Don’t forget luggage tags!

Luggage tags will enable the cruise ship porters to deliver your luggage to your stateroom.

After you have completed the online check-in for your Carnival cruise, you will receive your personalised luggage tags within your electronic documents. You can access these here: www.carnival.com/BookedGuest.

You should print out your luggage tags at home. Black and white is fine – you don’t need to print Carnival luggage tags in colour.

Before you arrive at the port you should fasten your luggage tags to your baggage. If you don’t have enough tags, don’t worry, you can get extra ones from the curbside porters.

If the cabin number on your luggage tag says TBA, the porters will retag your luggage with the correct cabin number.

Adding luggage tags

After printing your luggage tags you should fold them according to the instructions on the paper. You can affix the luggage tags to your bags using staples or tape.

Because luggage tags are made of paper, there’s a risk that can come off, particularly if you’re flying to the cruise port or if it is raining. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re at the port to attach the tags.

If your luggage tags come off, there could be delays in getting your luggage. If your luggage doesn’t arrive in your stateroom, you’ll need to head down to guest services to find out what happened to it.

Read more about luggage tags.

Carnival Cruise luggage tag holders

A great solution to the problem of paper cruise luggage tags coming off is to buy luggage tag holders. These are pretty cheap and a good investment as you can use them on every cruise that you go on in the future.

Luggage tag holders mean that you don’t need to bother with tape or staples. They’re waterproof and durable, so you’ll know that your luggage tags are always secure.

Different cruise lines have different-sized luggage tags and Carnival luggage tags are generally wider than Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

I like these luggage tag holders because they will fit the tags for all cruise lines, including Carnival…

Carrying your own luggage – you can, if you really want to

You may carry your own luggage on a Carnival cruise if you wish, but it makes much more sense to let the porters deliver it to your stateroom for you. If you arrive less than two hours before the ship’s sailing time, you will miss the baggage service and will have to carry your own bags onto the ship.

Read more about carrying your own luggage on a cruise.

Tipping porters

When you take a cruise, it’s customary to tip curbside porters $1 per bag for helping with your luggage. Curbside porters don’t work for the cruise line, they are employed by the port.

Suggested read: How Much To Tip Cruise Staff

What you CAN bring on a Carnival cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has strict requirements about what you can and cannot bring onto its cruise ships. Knowing what you can not bring on a Carnival cruise is important as they do check luggage and they will confiscate any prohibited items.

Snacks

You are allowed to bring food and snacks on a Carnival cruise as long as they are pre-packaged and unopened. Homemade food is not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. Candy and potato chips are fine to bring.

Drinks

You are allowed to bring only one 750ml bottle of wine and 12 cans or cartons (not bottles) of soft drinks or soda per person on a Carnival cruise. You are not allowed to bring any other drinks.

Alcohol

On a Carnival cruise, each guest aged 21 or over may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne. Beer and liquor are not allowed. You must bring the wine in your carry-on luggage and drink it in your stateroom. If you wish to drink it in a dining room or bar, you will be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.

Read more: Can You Bring Alcohol On A Cruise?

Wine

On a Carnival cruise, each adult may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne to be consumed in your stateroom. Pack this in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bag.

bringing wine on a cruise

Soda

Each guest may bring a 12-pack of soda on a Carnival cruise. This must be in cans or cartons up to 12 ounces (350ml) in size. Instead of soda, you could bring other non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling water, juice or milk.

Red Bull

Carnival Cruise Line treats Red Bull and other energy drinks as soft drinks. This means that you can bring 12 cans on Red Bull with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. You can consume it in your stateroom.

Water

You cannot bring bottled water on a Carnival cruise, but you can buy 12 bottles, which will be delivered to your stateroom for $9.95. If you need distilled water for medical reasons or for babies, you can bring this in your carry-on luggage or purchase it from room service for $3.00 per gallon.

You can buy bottled water here: www.carnival.com/funshops.

A Cooler

On a Carnival cruise, you may bring a small cooler, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches to store non-alcoholic beverages or medications. You must bring this as carry-on luggage.

Your own cup

You are allowed to bring your own personal cup, such as a Yeti cup, or reusable water bottle on a Carnival cruise. Any size is fine and you can use it to drink whatever you like.

If you plan to fill your cup from a public water or coffee machine, please use a clean drinking vessel first and then decant it for public hygiene reasons.

A vape

Vape pens are allowed on Carnival cruise ships. Vaping is treated the same as smoking, so you’re only allowed to vape in designated areas and not in your stateroom or on your balcony.

Read more: What You Must Know About Vaping On A Cruise

A fan

You are allowed to bring a fan on a Carnival cruise. The rooms have good air conditioning and your room steward will be able to provide a fan on request. But, if you prefer to bring your own fan from home, that’s okay too.

A corkscrew

You are allowed to bring a corkscrew on a Carnival cruise and it’s recommended that you do indeed bring one if you plan to bring a bottle of wine with a cork to drink in your stateroom. If you forget to pack a wine opener, you can also request one from your room steward.

Things you aren’t allowed on a Carnival cruise

An iron

Clothing irons and travel irons are not allowed to be brought onto Carnival cruise ships. However, flat irons for straightening and curling hair are allowed. There’s no reason why you can’t use this to remove creases from your clothing.

There are also laundry rooms on Carnival cruise ships where you can go to iron your clothes should you need to.

Read more: How To Do Laundry on Cruise Ships: The Ultimate Guide

A steamer

Clothes steamers are banned from Carnival cruise ships along with any other electrical appliance that produces heat. If you need to steam you clothes, you can iron them in the laundry room or send them for speciality cleaning.

A pocket knife

Carnival Cruise Line no longer allows guests to bring knives on board, even if the blade is small. The only exception is scuba diving knives. These must be checked into the security department and checked out when you visit a port.

A drone

Since May 2022, Carnival has completely banned drones from their cruise ships. It used to be the case that you could bring one in your luggage to use outside of the ship and port area. But now, you must check it in with the Chief Security Officer.

Weed

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits marijuana of all kinds, including medical marijuana with a prescription and CBD. Passengers get lifetime bans if they try to bring CBD products onboard.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Bringing Weed on a Cruise

More prohibited items

The following items are not allowed on Carnival cruise ships:

  • Illegal drugs, kava, CBD and medical marijuana
  • Weapons and ammunition
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Compressed gases (except for personal grooming)
  • Alcohol (except for one 750ml bottle of wine per person)
  • Non-alcoholic drinks (except for 12 cans or cartons per person)
  • Electrical appliances that produce heat (except for hairdryers and hair irons/curlers)
  • Knives, scissors and open razors
  • Handcuffs or restraints
  • Hoverboards and footwear with wheels, including Heelys
  • Emergency radio beacons, communication scanners and satellite phones
  • Lasers
  • Boomboxes and large radios
  • Candles and incense
  • Helium balloons
  • Inflatable paddling pools
  • Hookahs
  • Surfboards, boats and canoes
  • Fish

You can see a full list of Carnival prohibited items and other Carnival cruise packing rules here.

Packing your carry-on bag

In your carry-on bag you should pack:

  • Passport or ID
  • Travel documents
  • Mobile phone
  • Medication
  • Valuable items like jewellery and laptops
  • Wine
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Sunglasses and/or reading glasses
  • Camera
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Kids essentials

You may not receive your main luggage until later in the afternoon, so be sure to pack everything that you might need on the first day of your cruise, including your swimsuit if you might want to go swimming.

Suggested read: The Best Carry-On Bags For A Cruise

Carnival luggage searches

All luggage going onto a Carnival cruise ship will go through an X-ray scanner. This is primarily to check for alcohol, weapons and explosives It could also be checked by sniffer dogs. Any luggage that looks suspicious will be opened up for a full check, so it’s important that you leave your bags unlocked when checking in.

You’ll find more info on when and how luggage is searched here.

searching luggage at cruise port

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Major Flooding Causes Widespread Cruise Cancellations

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Recent flooding on several European rivers, particularly the Danube, has caused significant disruptions, leading to multiple cruise cancellations and itinerary changes.

Danube River Cruise

High water levels have made it difficult for ships to pass under bridges, navigate through locks, and dock at ports.

Additionally, strong currents and debris carried by floodwaters pose significant safety risks.

Avalon Waterways has been forced to cancel two cruises on the lower Danube due to ship access and availability issues.

Similarly, Viking River Cruises has been updating travellers about potential itinerary adjustments on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

And TUI River Cruises has also been affected, revising itineraries to ensure current and future guests have minimal disruption.

River cruise lines are taking various measures to adapt to the flooding conditions. Some are adjusting their routes along tributaries or spending more time on less affected portions of rivers while waiting for the water levels to recede.

Others are offering alternate sailings on sister ships to their booked guests, depending on the individual circumstances of each sailing.

If you have a river cruise booked in the coming weeks, it’s crucial to stay in close contact with your cruise line. They will provide updates on potential deviations, itinerary adjustments, or cancellations.

The best way to book a river cruise

Want expert help to plan your perfect 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.

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Carnival Quietly Removes VIFP Perk

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Carnival Cruise Line has removed a casino-related perk from the top tiers of its VIFP loyalty program, but has done so without notice.

Carnival Casino

Guests on the Diamond and Platinum tiers were able to enjoy a $25 FunPlay credit in the casino, but this has now been removed, with no replacement perk announced.

The $25 credit was always advertised as a temporary benefit to replace the paused tournaments, but when it was introduced guests were informed that it was being added.

Its removal had gone under the radar until John Heald, the Brand Ambassador for Carnival, was forced to address the issue due to questions from guests on his Facebook page.

“The $25 FunPlay casino credit was one of our temporary offers to our top tier VIFP guests. With a full suite of casino promotions and activities, we are sunsetting this credit and continue to look for other ways to make sure our loyal guests have a great time while cruising with us.“

John Heald

He told Carnival fans that the removal had come at the request of the casino management team, and that it was not related to a planned renovation of the VIFP program.

The VIFP program is being looked at by the senior Carnival management team with an overhaul planned for this year.

Guests are disappointed to lose the perk, and in the way that Carnival has removed it without telling guests, leaving them to find out when they arrive at the casino to claim it.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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Parents Upset They Miss Their Cruise Ship, Blame Teenager

by Diplomacy

A recent high school graduate took to Reddit this week to ask a popular community if it was wrong to leave the parents at a Caribbean cruise port.

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Celebrity cruise ship sailing off into the sea

The unidentified teen says the cruise was a birthday gift for turning 18.  It was also supposed to be a family vacation. 

While the parents were accustomed to all inclusive resorts, the OP said, “I have always wanted to go on a cruise.”

According to the post, the teen made clear to the parents that cruise excursions were different than a land-based vacation and that they must follow the schedule.  In other words, “Make sure you’re back to the ship on time.”

But the parents didn’t heed the warning.

“Well it was a week-long cruise and they would not head back to the ship when I said it was time to go. They were busy shopping and bargaining with the locals. I finally said that I was heading back to the ship. My mom waved me off,” the post said.

The parents were late by about 45 minutes and tried to contact the teenager through WhatsApp, asking why the ship didn’t wait for them.

The teen, frustrated by the lack of awareness on the part of the parents, said, “I wanted to scream that they were not going to inconvenience 3,998 people because two could not understand what a schedule was.”

According to the teen, the parents then had to book an expensive flight to the next port to reunite with the ship, and they were upset at their child for leaving them behind.

Airplane showing taking off at sunset with cruise ships in port

“I don’t know what I was supposed to do. They literally told me that they knew what they were doing. I wish I had never asked for this. They are making me miserable because I left without them,” the Redditor said.

As over 2,000 comments flooded into the post, most users on the platform were supportive of the teen.

Some comments were in disbelief about the parent’s reaction to the situation, with one user saying, “they seriously think the ship will delay for 45 minutes, yea no. The docks and ship have a schedule to keep.”

Others wondered what the parents expected of the child.  “What precisely do they think you could have done? Kidnapped the captain? Staged your own drowning? You didn’t abandon them, they abandoned you, don’t let them weasel word this around to being your fault in any way, shape or form,” said another comment.

We have said this many times on Cruise Fever.  Cruise ships will not wait for you if you booked an excursion through a 3rd party or just want to spend an extra hour shopping in port and are late.

The expenses of finding transportation to the next port are on you, and it’s often not cheap. 

Sometimes a captain will wait a few extra minutes or half an hour if there is knowledge of a late-comer trying to get back to the ship.  But the comments in this post hit the nail on the head.

The captain and crew will not make everyone else late to the next port because of someone who lost track of time.

Additionally, if a ship leaves a port late it means it will have to travel at a higher speed to get to the next port on time.  This burns extra fuel and makes for a bumpy ride as well. 

Read more: What to do if your ship leaves without you

 

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