MSC Cruises has announced that they will have more cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports in 2025-2026 than ever before. They are currently the world’s third largest cruise line with 22 ships in service.
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MSC Cruises will have seven ships sailing from Miami, Port Canaveral, New York, and Galveston in 2025-2026. All of these cruises are also open for bookings.
Cruises From Miami
MSC Cruises will have three ships sailing from Miami, MSC World America, MSC Seaside and MSC Divina. The cruise line is currently building the largest cruise terminal in North America in Miami for these ships to sail out of.
MSC World America will be the cruise line’s largest ship to sail from the U.S. It will offer seven night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
MSC World America
MSC Seaside will sail short three and four night cruises, as well as week long sailings. The cruises will visit the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
MSC Divina will offer longer Caribbean cruises with seven, 10, and 11 night sailings. The longer cruises will visit the Southern Caribbean.
Cruises From Port Canaveral
MSC Grandiosa will be the first Meraviglia Plus class ship to sail from the U.S. It will sail alternating seven night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
MSC Seashore will also offer cruises from Port Canaveral sailing shorter three and four night cruises to The Bahamas.
Cruises From Galveston
MSC Seascape will sail seven night cruises to the Western Caribbean from Galveston. The port stops will be Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatan.
Cruises From New York City
MSC Meraviglia will continue to homeport in New York sailing seek long cruises to Florida and The Bahamas.
The majority of these cruises from MSC Cruises will visit the cruise line’s popular private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Ocean Cay
Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said the following about adding more ships sailing from the U.S.:
“The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, with seven ships sailing from U.S. homeports. We are delighted to provide our guests more choices than ever before when it comes to embarkation ports, ships, itineraries and destinations, making it easy to find the perfect cruise.
We look forward to introducing MSC Grandiosa to Port Canaveral, launching MSC Seascape from Galveston and offering a new world of cruising aboard MSC World America for our guests embarking in Miami.
Combining world-class entertainment, dining and amenities onboard with the fantastic updates coming to Ocean Cay makes for an incredibly exciting future, which is perfect for everyone from first-time cruisers to our most devoted fans.”
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As travelers seek authentic experiences in storybook destinations, AmaWaterways continues to meet their expectations with new river ships and itineraries tailored to their needs. The line is proud to announce two new river ships launching in 2026: AmaKaia joins AmaDara on the MekongRiver and AmaSofia will sail Europe’s Rhine and Danube Rivers.
Two New River Ships for 2026
With an expected launch date of May 24, 2026, AmaSofia will be the award-winning cruise line’s 24th ship to sail on Europe’s most popular rivers. AmaSofia’s inaugural 14-night itinerary, aptly named Magnificent Europe, follows the route of emperors, kings and queens as it journeys between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guests will sail on three rivers through four countries on an immersive exploration of local culture, history, foods and traditions. Highlights include guided bike rides through scenic vineyards and small towns, visits to a pretzel bakery, tours of numerous castles and palaces, culinary tours, and deep dives into many of the region’s most historic cities. The custom-designed luxury AmaSofia will have 31 departures in 2026, featuring multiple itineraries on the Danube, such as Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube, and the very popular Christmas Markets on the Danube.
AmaKaia is expected to embark on its first seven-night itinerary on August 3, 2026. Guests will explore the ancient cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia while enjoying regional delicacies, a wide range of daily included excursions, local onboard entertainment, and the luxury amenities AmaWaterways is known for. Exploration opportunities include traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) rides, visits to local workshops and monasteries, a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony, and learning about the region’s histories from those who taught it and, in many cases, lived it. The two seven-night itineraries, Charms of the Mekongand Riches of the Mekong both offer guests a unique blend of well-known sites and off-the-beaten-path experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime. AmaKaia will be doing 22 sailings in 2026 and upwards of 38 in 2027. Land extensions are available in several cities including Siem Reap, home of the world’s largest religious structure, Angkor Wat.
Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Program with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more.
For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.
Princess Cruises has announced it will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season.
The 2025-26 cruise season to the must-see island nations of Japan and Southeast Asia onboard a Princess ship has just been announced. On sale now, Japan-built Diamond Princess returns featuring an expanded Japan season showcasing the region’s breathtaking fall foliage, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and more.
2025-26 Japan & Southeast Asia Cruise Season
“We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. “For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we’re thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo (Yokohama) during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia. Plus, our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard.”
From ancient temples and castles, to bustling markets and breathtaking gardens, cruisers experience the best way to see Japan with Princess with a new fall 2025 season offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days, visiting 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun, as well as stops in Korea and Taiwan. Highlights of the season include:
13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing taking place during the beautiful autumn leaves season
9-day Circle Japan voyage a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato
9-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki
10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
For the ultimate Japan exploration, guests can combine these 18- to 22- day itineraries for an unforgettable 40-day adventure
Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings including:
14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise, which also includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My)
16-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam departure which also includes a call to Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a gateway to Hanoi
Closing the season will be a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late night More Ashore stays in both Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji)
Diamond Princess
Built in Japan, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess offers a unique experience tailored to the region. Guests enjoy authentic cuisine at Kai Sushi, sip Japanese-inspired cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd, soak in the traditional Izumi bath and enjoy folkloric shows, regional entertainment and Japanese holiday celebrations.
Additionally, the all-new Churrascaria Brazilian Grill offers quality meats boasting bold South American flavors, cooked to perfection in the tasty tradition of grilling churrasco style. Servers present these flavorful cuts on vertical skewers, and hand-carve them right onto the plate.
No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.
Viking® (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) is celebrating the start of its third season in the Great Lakes, with both of its identical expedition ships, the Viking Octantis® and the Viking Polaris®, now deployed in the region. Voted #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards, Viking offers a variety of itineraries that operate between Toronto and Duluth and explore all five Great Lakes. The 378-guest expeditions vessels, which were designed specifically to transit the historic Welland Canal, will remain in the lakes until early October before returning to Antarctica for the austral summer.
Viking Returns to the Great Lakes
Viking has also announced that two new itineraries in the Great Lakes for 2026 are now open for booking. The 10-day Great Lakes Treasuresvoyage will sail roundtrip from Milwaukee and will allow guests to explore new ports of call for Viking, including Chicago, as well as Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park and Benjamin Islands. The longer, 17-day Niagara & Great Lakes Treasuresvoyage sails between Toronto and Milwaukee and also includes Niagara Falls, Canada’s Point Pelee National Park and a transit of the Welland Canal.
“The Great Lakes region is a phenomenal place that is close to home for many of our guests, but one that few have yet to fully discover. With more than 10,000 miles of coastline, world-class cities and remote wilderness areas, it is truly a destination that is best explored by ship,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “We would like to thank our local partners for the warm welcome once again, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to the Great Lakes this season and in future years.”
The return of Viking’s expedition ships to the Great Lakes coincides with the recent announcement of the company’s latest scientific advancement—for the first time ever, phytoplankton is being genetically sequenced at sea. With scientific support from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing of phytoplankton is being conducted in the PCR lab on board the Viking Octantis.
Visiting scientists contributing to the Genomics at Sea Program (GASP) are able to monitor the environmental impact on phytoplankton without the need to transport samples to a distant shoreside facility. Viking will regularly host Scripps scientists on board the ship this season in the Great Lakes.
Viking has also partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), which conducts innovative research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions to provide information for resource use and management decisions that lead to safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. Additionally, Viking’s expedition ships have been designated official NOAA / U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations, from which regular launches are undertaken.
Highlighted 2024-2026 Great Lakes Voyages:
NEWGreat Lakes Treasures(10 days; roundtrip Milwaukee) – Visit the “Windy City” of Chicago and its wealth of world-class museums, including the Art Institute. Explore the picturesque islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and admire their bucolic landscapes. Venture out to Flowerpot Island in the Fathom Five National Marine Park and marvel at the stunning pink granite isles of the Benjamins Islands. Participate in lab studies as you explore coastal wetlands and delve into the Native cultures of the Great Lakes.
NEWNiagara & Great Lakes Treasures(17 days; between Toronto – Milwaukee) – Discover the mighty waterfalls of Niagara and immerse yourself in nature amid the freshwater marshes of Point Pelee’s peninsula. Witness the creativity of Detroit’s urban development as you admire the city’s postmodern and art deco skyscrapers. Behold the stunning isles of Georgian Bay from the water and marvel at their verdant landscapes during this extended voyage.
Great Lakes Collection (15 days; between Toronto – Duluth) – Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Niagara & the Great Lakes (8 days; between Toronto – Milwaukee) – From urban skylines to uninhabited islands, discover North America’s wilderness alongside renowned cultural attractions while cruising the striking waterways of the Great Lakes. Immerse yourself in the lakes’ compelling shipping history, experience the power of the thundering Niagara Falls and keep watch for scores of migratory birds at Point Pelee. Led by a team of experts, explore sheltered bays and woodlands to uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures.
Undiscovered Great Lakes(8 days; Thunder Bay – Milwaukee) – Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, exploring the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage as you sail. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of the lake. Gain insight into the unique features and ecosystems of remote wilderness islands, and admire Kakabeka Falls, the “Niagara of the North.” Follow in the footsteps of fur traders in Duluth and step back in time as you stroll the quaint, car-free streets of Mackinac Island.
Canada & East Coast Explorer(15 days; between Toronto – Fort Lauderdale) – Sail the US’s Atlantic coastline and visit storied cities. Enjoy Charleston’s southern charm and colonial homes. Visit Norfolk, home to the world’s largest naval base. Trace Nova Scotia’s shores to explore its rugged landscapes and visit Quebec’s national parks. Traverse one of North America’s scenic waterways, the St. Lawrence River, and marvel at the locks and canals that comprise the St. Lawrence Seaway on an enriching journey to historic ports.
Viking is also offering a variety of Longitudinal World Cruises between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, offering guests the opportunity of a lifetime to sail from the world’s largest freshwater system to “the end of the world” or the reverse. Additionally, all of Viking’s Great Lakes voyages feature Mackinac Island, which was recently rated the #1 summer travel destination in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best.
Viking Expedition Ships
The Polar Class, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. These vessels are built for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, guests are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include:
The Aula: A stunning panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall, the former venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Used for lectures, daily briefings, documentaries and films, this spectacular venue features a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts to expose floor-to-ceiling windows and 270° views.
Finse Terrace: An outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating, the Finse Terrace was designed to allow guests the comforts of the ship al fresco while enjoying the dramatic scenery. Named after the Finse Plateau in Norway, where some of the greatest polar explorers, including Nansen and Amundsen, did their expedition training in preparation for their North and South Pole expeditions.
The Hangar: A state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment while sheltered from the elements.
The Bow: An important forward-viewing platform. And in the case of inclement weather, The Shelter is a comfortable, partially enclosed space for guests to warm up with a hot drink before going back out into the elements.
The Science Lab: Developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Akvaplan-Niva, The Science Lab, at 380 sq. ft., is designed to support a broad range of research activities and is equipped with wet and dry laboratory facilities. Guests have supervised access to The Science Lab to learn from and participate with scientists in undertaking meaningful research.
Expedition Central: The hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on their expedition activities and share knowledge about the destinations on a one-on-one basis, with the aid of 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table.
Dining Choices: The Restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and always-available classics; the casual World Café offers an open kitchen, bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi choices, as well as a wide range of international flavors; Mamsen’s, named for the Hagen family matriarch, serves Scandinavian-inspired fare; and Manfredi’s offers the best of Italian cuisine.
The Nordic Spa: Following a day of exploration, The Nordic Spa offers guests opportunities to experience the ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) that is open to the outside.
Explorers’ Lounge: Located high on the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Explorers’ Lounge provides guests an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery, share discoveries with fellow travelers or to enjoy a drink.
The Living Room: On the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris, The Living Room is located to maximize views of the surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows and a library that informs even the best-read explorers. The Library is curated by acclaimed London bookshop Heywood Hill, as on all Viking vessels, as well as Cambridge University’s Scott Polar Research Institute.
Nordic Balcony: A first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s expedition ships feature a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf at elbow level to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Guests can choose from six stateroom categories that range from 222 sq. ft. to 1,223 sq. ft.—all with a Nordic Balcony, as well as a king-size bed and large bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated bathroom floor and anti-fog mirror. Every stateroom is also equipped with a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
Expedition Ship Suites: Nordic Junior Suites (322 sq. ft.) and Explorer Suites (580 sq. ft.) on the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris are similar to those on Viking’s fleet of ocean ships, with wood detailing and amenities that include additional storage and seating, an expanded bathroom with extended shower and double sinks, welcome champagne, a fully-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, complimentary laundry, priority restaurant reservations and more. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. Additionally, each ship features one Owner’s Suite (1,223 sq. ft.) that has three rooms –a living room, a board/dining room and a bedroom—as well as a 792 sq. ft. private deck with a traditional Norwegian badestamp open to the invigorating outdoors.
Enrichment On Board and On Shore: Viking has created the world’s leading scientific enrichment environment in an expedition setting. Exclusive partnerships with the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—as well as other prestigious scientific institutions match leading researchers and educators with each expedition. Thirty-six experts accompany each journey as part of the Viking Expedition Team, including an Expedition Leader and support staff, photographer, field research scientists, general naturalists, mountain guides, kayak guides, submarine pilots and specialists (ornithology, geology, higher predator biology and history). On board, guests enjoy daily briefings and world-class lectures about their destination. On shore, they can assist in fieldwork or interact through experiential activities during landings—such as monitoring birds to help identify migratory patterns; accompanying scientists to collect samples; or taking their cameras ashore alongside a professional photographer to learn how best to capture scenic landscapes.
Environmentally Considerate: Viking believes that its responsibility extends beyond providing exceptional travel experiences. From the outset, the company has been deliberately concerned about the environment, making decisions that it believes are scientifically correct, rather than what is deemed as politically correct. Viking’s fleet boasts many environmentally friendly features, such as diesel-electric river ships and energy-efficient ocean vessels equipped with closed-loop exhaust scrubbers. Viking’s expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel by exceeding the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38%. Additionally, Viking is working to make its next generation of ocean ships even more environmentally friendly, with a project for a partial hybrid propulsion system of liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, which could allow for operation with zero emissions while in port and while traveling at low speeds.
With a clear focus on creating experiences for The Thinking Person, Viking does not try to be all things to all people. This approach has resonated with guests, and in 2023, Viking was rated #1 for Expeditions, as well as #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans by Condé Nast Traveler in the most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.
For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking’s award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.
Hurricane season is officially from June 1 through November 30 each year. During those times, hurricanes and tropical storms will sometimes change the itineraries for cruise ships in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
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Carnival Ecstasy during Hurricane Rita in 2005
The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has predicted an above normal hurricane season for 2024. They are predicting an 85% chance of an above normal season, 10% chance of a normal season, and 5% chance of a below normal hurricane season.
They are forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms with eight through 13 of them becoming hurricanes. Of these eight to 13 hurricanes, they predict four to seven will develop into major hurricanes.
So what happens if there is a hurricane or tropical storm during the same dates as your cruise?
First you need to know that cruise lines do everything in their power to make sure the “cruise goes on”. Only in rare cases will the cruise actually be cancelled by the cruise line. These ships can travel at speeds over 21 knots so they can usually outrun any hurricanes or tropical depressions and just go around any inclement weather.
You may face some choppy seas
The seas can be rough for anyone who gets sea sick easily, so make sure you carry some Dramamine with you. The bigger ships will not rock as much, but when you are really close to a big storm you will feel movement. This should not last long though, as the captain will try to get as far away from the storm as quickly as possible.
The seas will not always be rough when you are sailing around a hurricane, however, and it’s definitely not as bad as maybe you have seen in the movies.
If the weather gets too rough the shows will be cancelled, though, and the pools will be emptied. It’s definitely an adventure cruising in choppy seas, but if you can just hold on you might even get an extra couple days out of your trip.
Your itinerary could change
If the hurricane is going to hit one of the ports you were going to be visiting, there may be a change in plans. It is best just to have a good attitude about the situation since you really can’t do anything about it anyway. You might visit a different port or even stay at a port for an extra day while the weather clears.
Do I get a refund?
With most cruise lines, you will likely only get a full refund if the entire cruise is cancelled. This is a very rare thing because cruise lines do everything they can to keep out of harm’s way and sail around storms.
However, if you booked a 7 day cruise and there is a hurricane coming in during that same time you might get your trip shortened by a couple days (cruise lines will usually refund the amount of days that were canceled).
At the same time, the people that are on the ship when a storm is coming in might get an extra 2 days on the ship (and they usually only have to pay for 2 days worth of tips).
Be prepared with travel insurance
A hurricane might not affect your trip at all or it might make your cruise miserable. If you do lose a couple days of your vacation or have your flight cancelled because of the weather and therefore can’t make your cruise you will want to have travel insurance to be compensated.
With cruise travel insurance you can be reimbursed in case the weather or any other unforeseen event messes up your high seas getaway. You can check out Travel Guard to see everything that is covered with your cruise.
Note: This article was updated on June 1, 2024.
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Two cruise lines, MSC Cruises and Margaritaville at Sea, are offering expanded activities and features for families and kids this summer. This includes expanded hours at the clubs for kids and more family game shows.
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MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is making a few changes that parents will love. First, they are opening Doremiland to the entire family for a dedicated time slot each day. During this time, parents can spend time with their kids in the kid’s club and there will also be a big family party on each cruise.
The cruise line is also expanding service for babies and will now offer dedicated baby care service for children as young as six months old. This is a change from one catering to children who are at least one year old.
Two new family game shows will also take place on MSC cruise ships. “World Quest” a geography-based trivia game and “Caravaggio”, a spy game show dedicated to art, allow children and parents to play together.
MSC is also expanding the hours at teen club to10am – 1pm and 3pm – midnight on sea days, and from 3pm to midnight on port days.
After a successful trial of Guinness World Record show on board select ships, it will roll out to additional cruise ships.
Steve Leatham, Global Head of Entertainment at MSC Cruises, said the following about how the cruise line caters to families:
“At the heart of our business is family. We love creating unforgettable memories and holidays for everyone, especially for families. That’s why we proudly offer a fleetwide family program of entertainment and activities that resonates with our valued guests. As a father of three boys, I know first-hand the incredible job our youth team does on board, not only in entertaining children and families but also in creating moments that can’t be replicated anywhere else”.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea is also expanding options for families as they add a second, and newer ship to their fleet, Islander.
The cruise line’s new offerings for families will have everything from an all-ages lounge and arcade to a first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf challenge course.
The family friendly offerings on the ship will include:
Caribbean Amphibian Play Pad & Slide – Designed for young children, this playground will feature an elevated play space, waterslide, and splash-and-spray “lily” pad.
Dis and Dat Activity Zone – This is the first-ever cornhole-meets-mini-golf course at sea. This unique take on two fan-favorite games on the outer deck will put guests’ skills to the test for one-of-a-kind fun.
Paradise Pickleball at Sea – Join the craze of the world’s fastest growing sport with some friendly competition with the ultimate pickleball match.
Defying Gravity Experience – A family experience for everyone with circus-themed workshops, interactive game shows, and scavenger hunts.
Far Side of the World Arcade and Lounge – Teens can sing their favorite karaoke songs and take the arcade by storm in this family-forward lounge area.
5 o’Clock Somewhere – The main pool where the music never stops and the vibe is just right to relax or grab a bite to eat.
Coral Reef Lounge – This aquarium-inspired lounge has mermaids and mocktails, family karaoke, comedy acts, and other surprises.
There will be club for kids ages three to 17. They are:
Jolly Mon (ages 3-5)
Parakeets Kid’s Club (ages 6-9)
The Hang Out (ages 10-12)
The Far Out (ages 13-17)
Karen Maybury, Vice President of Entertainment at Margaritaville at Sea, said:
“The new Islander is packed with an exciting variety of active and interactive ways for cruisers of all ages to enjoy their fun in the sun. The new lineup of programming and activities designed specifically for children, teens, and families will greatly enhance the cruise experience, creating unforgettable memories for all of our guests.”
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There’s no rule that says you have to get off the ship when you arrive at a port of call on a cruise. The port city makes money from port fees even if you decide to hang out on the lido deck all day.
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Cozumel, Mexico with Carnival Celebration, Carnival Breeze, and Harmony of the Seas in port. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
People who don’t cruise have a hard time understanding why you would book a cruise to a certain destination only to treat the ship itself as a destination.
But sometimes you’re better off just staying on the ship that’s already been paid for.
On the other hand, you could miss out on some amazing cultural experiences and shore excursions if you do opt to stay poolside.
How do you know when you should have a port day and when you should just hang around the ship?
In this article I’ll walk you through some things to consider when trying to make this all-important vacation decision.
1. You Have Spa and Thermal Suite Access
Thermal suite on Carnival Celebration (Photo Credit: Cruise Fever)
Some cruise lines are notorious for selling too many slots for the thermal suite. This can make the spa especially crowded on sea days.
But when the ship is in port you will have a lot more elbow room.
If you already paid for this luxurious amenity, you might as well make the most of it. Spending time on a heated tile lounger, in a scented sauna, or in a therapy pool is much more relaxing when most everyone else is off the ship.
This point also applies if you have rented a cabana on the ship or have paid for special access to an exclusive area of the vessel.
2. You Want Ship Amenities Without the Crowds
Celebrity Ascent’s resort deck pool. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Whether your ship has an amazing water park or vast assortment of swimming pools, you can have more of these ship amenities to yourself when the ship is at a port of call.
In fact you won’t have much of a line at all for the ship’s zipline, Flowrider, roller coaster, bumper cars, or any other adventure you want to have on board.
Of course, it will depend how popular the port is too. I’ve noticed more people staying on the ship in ports like Nassau and Jamaica.
On my first cruise I was on a mission to do it all. I entered every contest, tried to see every show, and did as much as I could in every port.
Now that I’ve been on 50+ cruises, I know better. Cruises, especially 2-week cruises, can be exhausting if you don’t pace yourself.
If you’re already tired from a previous port of call or just need a day to catch up on rest, don’t feel bad about just staying on the ship all day.
On most port days you will end up doing a lot of walking. It’s a great time to reach your step goal for the day.
But you probably won’t enjoy the port as much as you should if you’re getting off the ship with that glazed-over look on your face.
4. You’re on a Limited Budget
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Even mainstream cruise lines offer quite a bit of freebies on board. Once you get off the ship there are no more free meals and transportation.
If you are on a strict budget and don’t want to spend an extra penny on your cruise, enjoy all the free stuff your cruise ship has to offer and stay on the vessel. At least get a few pictures of the port from the ship though.
That being said, you can still get off the ship and walk around for free. It’s not like you’re charged admission.
But once you get in cruise mode it’s easy to forget how the little things add up quickly after you’re off the ship. A couple of taxi rides, a few local meals, a souvenir or two, and a can’t-miss tour of a historical building and your budget is blown to bits.
5. You’re Bored with the Port
Carnival Celebration and Allure of the Seas docked in Costa Maya. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
In my opinion, you should always check out a port for yourself if it’s your first time to that region of the world.
It doesn’t matter what other people have said about it. See it for yourself.
But what if you’ve been to that same cruise port over and over? If you can’t get excited about getting off the ship and exploring a port city, you’re already not in the frame of mind to have a great port day.
Especially if any of the other points in this article apply, if this last point applies to you it sounds like you’re about to have an epic ship day!
Another tip
Just because you’ve been to a cruise port before don’t assume you’ve seen it all or everything is exactly the same as it was before (sounds like I’m contradicting myself I know).
Also, don’t assume because you read 1,000 reviews about a port that there isn’t something there you would absolutely love to see or do.
I met a couple on this one cruise who opted to stay on the ship in Cozumel. However, when they learned about an incredible shore excursion another couple raved about, they couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret – the classic vacation FOMO hit them hard.
Final Thoughts
For me, I always like to get off the ship, even if it’s just for half an hour or so. There’s always something I hadn’t noticed before. I also like to get pictures of the ship in port, so there’s the “working as a cruise journalist for Cruise Fever” aspect as well.
The important thing is not to lose your sense of adventure in your cruise travels. I know some ports of call have become very “touristy” and that can ruin the authentic vibe we all want in an exotic location.
But local vendors also rely on cruise passengers. And when more locations want cruise traffic, the more options we have for cruise destinations.
Royal Caribbean Group has announced an overhaul of its loyalty status match programme, significantly improving the benefits to guests.
The new programme, coming into effect on all sailings from 5th June 2024, allows guests to transfer their loyalty club levels across its three main cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.
This means frequent travellers can enjoy the same benefits, no matter which Royal Caribbean brand they choose to sail with.
Previously, the loyalty match programme only applied to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, and it was capped, meaning that those who had earned their way to the top tiers would not get the same treatment if cruising on a sister brand.
Here’s how the new match scheme will work:
Royal Caribbean – Crown & Anchor Society
Celebrity Cruises – Captain’s Club
Silversea – Venetian Society
Gold
Classic
1 VS Day
Platinum and Emerald
Select*
100 VS Days*
Diamond
Elite
250 VS Days
Diamond Plus
Elite Plus
350 VS Days
Pinnacle Club
Zenith
500 VS Days
*Anyone at the Select tier of the Captain’s Club, or with 100 VS Days, will enjoy Platinum-level benefits on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
It’s important to note that guests will not carry over their benefits, but will only enjoy the benefits of the tier on the cruise line they’re sailing with.
So, Royal Caribbean guests who decide to cruise with Celebrity won’t be given their daily drinks vouchers, but can enjoy the daily happy hour.
These loyalty programmes all work in similar ways – guests need to sign up (it costs nothing) and then start to earn points for each cruise they take, with bonus points often available if booking a higher tier of accommodation.
Typically it has meant that guests who want to maximise their benefits were tied to one cruise line, but now guests can enjoy sailings across the 50 or so ships across all three fleets, and still build their loyalty points to earn new perks.
Each of our differentiated brands have passionate fans who take pride in the status they’ve achieved through repeat sailings. In a first for the cruise industry, our new Loyalty Status Match program rewards guests traveling across our brands, and this is one more step in our journey of transforming a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.
Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group
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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.
P&O Cruises has written to guests to inform them that, from 30th May 2024, cancellation charges will now apply for The Reef, the kids’ clubs onboard.
During popular cruise times, especially in cruise holidays, The Reef clubs get full quickly, and so parents are asked to reserve places for a session in advance – you need to be ready at 10 am the day before to book.
It’s free to reserve a session, but they often reach capacity quickly, which means some parents are unable to let their kids enjoy the clubs.
And a long-term problem has been parents who book spaces at the clubs but then cancel at the last minute, or who no-show completely, meaning that there are empty spaces that could otherwise have been taken by other children.
Now, cancellation charges will apply to help prevent these issues. Anyone who cancels less than 24 hours before a session’s start time will have £5 added to their onboard account, and any no-shows will be charged at £10.
This only applies to The Reef for children aged 12 and under. The H2O teens club doesn’t require advance booking.
While the move might disappoint some parents who like to be more flexible with plans, it will ultimately be fairer and will hopefully mean there are more spaces for children on busier days, as people are less willing to book without being sure they’re going to use the space.
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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.
A great swimsuit and coverup can mean the difference between dancing with a cocktail at the sailaway party – or staying under your towel until the last minute before sheepishly entering the water.
When you treat yourself to some quality swimwear, you’re not just buying pretty clothing. You’re buying the confidence that comes with being well-supported and comfortable!
These past few years I’ve found swimsuit shopping to be more and more frustrating, as everything seems to be designed for people in their 20s who don’t need any help holding things in the right place!
So, I’ve created this list of my favourite swimsuits with hidden support, clever draping and adjustable straps that flatter every figure. For transparency – I was gifted some of the swimsuits in this guide.
I’m a size 12 (UK) but I’ve included options for everyone – from size 6 to 24. I’ve also included my favourite coverups that are just perfect for the sunset bar…
Made by the iconic British swimwear brand Seaspray, the Marbella is the best swimsuit I’ve ever owned. I love the thick fabric that sucks me in around the middle (whilst being stretchy and comfortable enough to fit in a decent serving from the lunchtime buffet!)
The beautiful sequin detailing around the waist gives serious mermaid vibes. The removable straps make this suit secure for swimming as well as sunbathing without tan lines on my shoulders.
I’m so happy I found this sparkly kaftan! The sequin detail matches my Marbella swimsuit perfectly, but it will also match any of your other black, blue or turquoise costumes to create the perfect cruise capsule wardrobe.
The sheer fabric is light enough to keep you perfectly cool, but opaque enough that you’ll feel confident wearing it to the buffet for lunch (so long as your costume is dry).
This beautiful tropical palm print pareo is the perfect versatile coverup. You can tie it around your waist for a shot of extra confidence as pop to the bar, or wrap it around you like a dress as you head to lunch.
I love to wear this pareo with my blue or black swimsuits, or if you love this print, Seaspray also makes Bora Bora print swimsuits, which are just stunning.
When it comes to simple, classic swimsuits, the Chloe is it. A cruise staple, if you only pack one swimming costume, this is the one I would recommend.
It offers tummy control, adjustable straps and a clever, stretchy ruched design. This swimsuit comes in a choice of five colours, eight sizes and two different lengths – offering a super flattering fit for everybody.
Made with the latest Lycra LastingFit technology, this swimsuit will be your best friend for years to come.
Crochet is huge for 2024 and I’m obsessed with this timeless crotchet kaftan. With a tie waist and long length, it’s flattering and comfortable enough that I’ll wear it on summer shore excursions as well as on the ship.
I’m 5 foot 5 and have the regular length. If you’re any taller than me, there’s also a longer length that will skim your ankles.
The fabric is soft and cool, ideal for when you want to keep your skin out of the hot sun.
I love the colour and fabric of this beautiful turquoise bikini.
The bra-sized underwired top is extra-supportive with a detachable strap and the briefs are really flattering with ruched detailing and a choice of high-waist and midi options.
The subtle leopard print of this sarong goes perfectly with the bikini. I love the tassel trim and the softness of the chiffon.
This wrap also goes perfectly with the Zambia printed swimsuits and bikinis which are all lovely as well. Unlike cheaper mass-produced swimwear, with Seaspray pieces the animal print is always in just the right spot to be the most flattering. I love that attention to detail!
I realise that everyone has different challenges when it comes to swimwear. And for those with larger chests (and smaller budgets!) Ivory Rose is a brand that I want to draw your attention to.
I love the gorgeous purple colour of this unpadded yet supportive swimsuit that comes in bra sizes from 30DD to 38G. They have lots more affordable swimming costumes and bikinis too.
Another great brand that fuller-busted ladies will no doubt be familiar with already is Bravissimo. Much more than just bras, they offer a fantastic range of swimwear too.
I love the pattern of this tropical one-piece, which is available in sizes 32D to 42H. It has hidden side support which pushes everything forwards, and adjustable ties at the sides so you can control how much coverage you want at the hips.
If you’ve ever been on the FlowRider surf simulator on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll know that a bikini is not advised!
To avoid embarrassment as you’re inevitably thrown off the board into the rushing water, a rash vest and board shorts are recommended.
When it comes to surf-quality swimwear, FatFace is a great British brand to choose. I love the print of this set, which is also comes as a swimsuit or bikini in sizes 6 to 24.
I recently discovered Joe Browns, who offer a fantastic range of holiday clothes that are just perfect for cruises.
I love the print of this tankini set and that fact that it comes in so many options, with a bikini top, swim skirt and swimsuit to choose from!
Things to consider when choosing swimwear for a cruise
Choosing swimwear for a cruise can be a bit more challenging than choosing swimwear for the hotel pool or the beach. Here are some things to think about…
The vibe of your ship
Each cruise ship is different. And while a thong bikini and glitter fishnet coverup might fit perfectly on a Virgin Voyages cruise, if you turn up on a Cunard ship wearing that, you might raise some eyebrows.
Topless sunbathing is perfectly acceptable on many beaches in the Mediterranean, but the same can’t be said of cruise ships. And if your cruise has kids on board, it’s generally best not to let too much hang out.
Activities onboard
Cruise ships have all kinds of fun activities onboard like waterslides and even surfing simulators. If you plan to take part in these, you’ll need to make sure your swimwear is up to the job.
I like to spend a lot of time in the hot tub and I find the chemicals will quickly ruin any swimsuits that are made of cheaper fabrics.
Rules regarding coverups
On the pool deck, it’s perfectly acceptable to go to the bar or ice cream machine wearing just your swimwear, although many ladies do opt for a coverup to feel more confident.
Most cruise ships have poolside cafes offering burgers, fries and pizzas and you’ll probably want to pop on a coverup to grab your food from here too.
Then, there’s the buffet, which is the most popular spot to eat lunch. Swimwear isn’t allowed here, but if yours is dry and hidden under a coverup then you don’t need to get changed out of your swimsuit when you go for breakfast or lunch.
And finally, you may choose to eat breakfast or lunch in the main dining room. This will be a sit-down meal with several courses, so you’ll want to pop on a sundress or some shorts and a t-shirt for the occasion.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing when choosing swimwear for your cruise is that you feel comfortable.
Everyone has their own challenges when dressing for the pool deck. Some are two sizes bigger at the bottom than the top (or vice versa), many are taller or shorter than average, or you may have stretchmarks, scars and cellulite that you’d prefer not to show.
I used to buy cheap supermarket or high street swimsuits, but they were never that flattering and would usually stretch or fade after just one cruise. Nowadays, I’d much rather invest in quality pieces that will look great for years to come. And I hope that this guide will help you to do the same.
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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.
