A male passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has gone overboard just one day into the ship’s 7-night Western Caribbean voyage.
The incident took place in the early hours of 26th May, after the ship had set sail from Miami.
Despite the early hours, the overboard situation was detected and the emergency alarm sounded. The crew immediately halted the ship for two hours so that the passenger could be recovered.
Passengers filmed videos showing two small rescue boats helping the man to be recovered. According to passenger reports, the man was then taken to the onboard medical centre.
On Icon of the Seas right now. Someone jumped/fell overboard and now a Search & Rescue is taking place. Low chance they’ll be found. Hold your loved ones close, guys. pic.twitter.com/xYZbDV5Sza
At the time of writing, it is not yet clear whether the man had survived.
It’s also not clear what caused the man to go overboard, and the cruise line refuses to fuel speculation, as it should. Reports state that he jumped but there has been no confirmation of this. The cruise line is also protecting the identity of the passenger, for privacy reasons.
Despite the two-hour pause in sailing, the ship was able to continue onto Roatan on time.
Often guests who do jump or fall off a ship are not found, but the fast action of the crew here meant that the passenger could be recovered in the hope that he can pull through.
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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.
Carnival Cruise Line has returned to Baltimore for the first time in two months after the bridge collapse shut down most vessel traffic in and out of the port.
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Carnival Pride arrived in Baltimore earlier this morning and will head out on a two week Carnival Journeys cruise later today.
The cruise will visit ports in Canada and Greenland before returning to Baltimore on June 9, 2024.
Carnival Cruise Line had temporarily moved their cruise traffic from Baltimore to Norfolk, Virginia after the collapse of the Key Bridge on March 26.
Carnival Pride is scheduled to offer cruises from Baltimore through the spring of 2026.
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Celebrity Cruises has announced that it is enhancing The Retreat, the premium ship-within-a-ship you’ll find across the Celebrity fleet.
The Retreat is where you’ll find all the suite accommodations on a Celebrity cruise, along with some public spaces reserved exclusively for suite guests.
And now, Retreat guests will enjoy and even better experience with some new benefits to make cruising even better.
At the minute, all Retreat guests have access to a butler, who is available for any requests that guests may have during their cruise. Butlers are assigned to suites, but will typically manage multiple suites per cruise, and so are not always immediately on-hand.
So now, guests will be able to use a special Butler Chat feature via WhatsApp to message their butler at any time, whatever they need.
There will also now be a special shore excursions expert on hand to help Retreat guests to book activities ashore. As well as arranging transfers to help guests, they can also plan private car trips for guests, with the butler offering a suite-to-car escort for these special excursions.
Luminae, the Retreat-exclusive restaurant, will offer some new enhanced menu options, while in-suite dining will also now include a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with premium wines.
Guests already enjoyed premium check-in, but they will now benefit from priority luggage drop off at port, and priority delivery on the ship too.
And finally, as well as the welcome drinks that guests are already served and the premium drinks package included, guests will now have a complimentary stocked minibar in their suite along with some personalised treats.
At The Retreat, the world really does revolve around our guests. We collected extensive feedback from past guests, loyalty members and our trade partners to inform how The Retreat experiences are being reimagined to continue exceeding vacation expectations by delivering on the amenities and experiences Celebrity Cruises guests value most.
Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises
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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.
Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 arrived this week in New York carrying the Eternal Flame after a seven-day North Atlantic Crossing. Following the ship’s arrival, a commemorative ceremony was held onboard Queen Mary 2 by the Consulate General of France, La Flamme de la Liberté, and Cunard honoring the WWII Normandy Landings of 1944 and marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Those in attendance included Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States; Mr. Damien Laban, Acting Consul General of France in New York; Mr. Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for International Affairs, City of New York; Queen Mary 2 Captain Andrew Hall; General Patton’s granddaughter, Helen Ayer-Patton; and WWII veterans from The Greatest Generations Foundation.
The Eternal Flame, which has been burning since November 11, 1923, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, was collected on May 8. From there, a group of 12 young French ambassadors carried the flame from Paris to Cherbourg where it crossed the English Channel to Portsmouth, a key embarkation port for the Normandy Invasion. Thereafter the flame proceeded the short distance to Southampton where it boarded Queen Mary 2 to cross the Atlantic and arrive in New York. The ambassadors will escort the flame to Arlington Cemetery to lay it down at an official ceremony on May 24, and let it burn until June 6, 2024.
Queen Mary 2 Captain Andrew Hall said: “We are honored that our flagship Queen Mary 2 was part of this historic occasion honoring the men and women who served in D-Day, and the many hundreds of thousands of whom were brought over the Atlantic on Cunard ships. Today will truly be remembered as an important part of Cunard’s long and storied history.”
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.
Here is a great value for everyone to make a booking with little down. From Alaska, Canada/New England, the Caribbean and the Pacific Coast to Mexico/Panama Canal, South America, Australia & New Zealand, travelers will experience smooth sailing when it comes to added value.
NEW! $25 Deposit
From now through May 31, travelers can book Summer 2024 through Spring 2025 cruises and receive the following:
$25 Deposit
Up to 45% off Cruise Only Fares
Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom
Free & Reduced Fares for 3rd and 4th guests
*Offer excludes Grand Voyages and cruises three days or less.
With its picturesque seascapes, the Mediterranean continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination. MSC Cruises has met the demand, offering guests a variety of itineraries that visit multiple cities in the breathtaking region for the ultimate summer getaway, and it’s not too late to book.
Summer Vacation In The Mediterranean
Vacationers can visit the most popular Western Mediterranean destinations with MSC Cruises this summer with the ease of only unpacking a suitcase once during their trip.
A cruise provides the best experience-value proposition, with a wide range of offerings both aboard and ashore to suit any type of traveler. From incredible itineraries and destination excursions to unique onboard experiences with a range of international gourmet dining options, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages, as well as luxurious spa and fitness centers, MSC Cruises offers endless experiences for guests to enjoy.
Offering sailings from May to October, nine elegant MSC Cruises’ ships visit this list of both iconic destinations and options off-the-beaten-path, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and entertainment.
Valencia, Spain –Valencia is a vibrant port city full of rich history, Mediterranean charm and what might be the best nightlife in Spain, making it a must-visit this summer. Here, cobblestone streets lead guests to discover storied Spanish history coupled with modern style, not to mention culinary delights like tapas, Paella and refreshing horchata. Vibrant blue waters at Playa de Las Arenas beach are perfect during the day and, as the sun sets, Valencia comes alive with hip bars and nightlife. Ships calling on Valencia this summer include:
MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
2. Livorno, Italy – Brimming with historical monuments, fascinating museums and amazing seafood, Livorno is a beautiful port town on the west coast of Tuscany. Stunning natural environments like Macchia della Magona are a staple of the region and ideal to explore in summer. Livorno is also the perfect launch pad to Tuscany’s capital of Florence, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and visitors can admire ancient architecture and masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and da Vinci. A short coastal drive to Pisa leads to Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous Leaning Tower, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery with its splendid Gothic facade. Ships calling on Livorno this summer include:
MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
3.Barcelona, Spain – A metropolis full of diverse experiences, Barcelona is alive during the summer with festivals and outdoor activities, including its beaches. Those who opt to explore the city center will find world-class museums, designer restaurants and shops brimming with art, not to mention Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Batlló with its unique facade reflecting the joyful artist. In nearby El Raval, eclectic bars and boutiques have flourished around the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. An unparalleled view of this iconic city is best observed on the mountain Montserrat, where visitors can journey to the basilica perched on top and take in the scenery below. Ships calling on Barcelona this summer include:
MSC Seaview – 7-night itineraries from Barcelona
MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
MSC Grandiosa –7-night itineraries from Livorno
MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
MSC Poesia – 11-night itineraries from Genoa
4. Palermo, Italy – Palermo is Sicily’s capital city that holds an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a labyrinth of medieval streets and markets. A complex and multilayered city, Palermo is best explored by foot as back alleys give way to lively scenes in the city center. Historic venues, such as the 18th-century Palazzo d’Orleans and Palermo’s opera house, Teatro Massimo, which has appeared in movies and TV shows, are delightful to visit, as are the impressive Baroque churches. Ships calling on Palermo this summer include:
MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
5. Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza is synonymous with beauty and excess, making it the hub of Spanish nightlife, but there is so much more to explore on the island this summer. Ciutat d’Eivissa is the most charming town on the island, featuring the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Dalt Vila, encircled by impressive medieval walls which culminate at the main archway entrance, the imposing Portal de ses Taules. Just inside lies the elegant Plaça de Vila, a delightful square lined with restaurants and cafés, perfect for enjoying tapas or a leisurely meal. The climb up the steep, winding streets to the cathedral is well worth the effort, if only for the spectacular views over the harbor. Ships calling on Ibiza this summer include:
MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
6. Cádiz, Spain – Discovered more than 3,000 years ago, Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. Since then, the various settlers of Cádiz have left an important cultural imprint whose influence is still reflected in the city’s character. Located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, this peninsula has managed to maintain a significant historical heritage, stemming from its commercial significance, alongside pristine beaches and delectable regional cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will find the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unparalleled destination for exploration.
MSC Orchestra offers 10-night itineraries this summer from Genoa that call on Cadiz
7. Naples, Italy: Southern Italy’s bustling historic city captivates all five senses and is one of the country’s most underrated large cities. Situated on the coast in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is alive with artistic treasures and architectural wonders like Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. Its location is ideal to explore nearby Pompeii, the town frozen in time from the volcanic eruption in AD 79. Guests can also take a trip to Capri to admire its cove-studded coastline and learn about the many legends surrounding the island. Ships calling on Naples this summer include:
MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
MSC Divina – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
8. Cannes, France: Guests seeking a blend of glamour, beauty and Mediterranean charm will need to look no further than this French Riviera hotspot, acclaimed for its world-renowned film festival. This magnetic city offers visitors a range of attractions to explore including breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, upscale shops along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette, and the city’s old town, Le Suquet, which is full of rich history. Ships calling on Cannes this summer include:
MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
A woman from Georgia in the US has undergone quite the ordeal after falling ill during her Carnival cruise to the Caribbean.
Loretta Cox, 54, from Georgia in the US, was on a cruise that departed on 19th May 2024, but she took ill while onboard and, by the time the ship arrived in the Dominican Republic on 22nd May, things were more serious.
Loretta was transferred to a local hospital with fluid in her lungs, where she had to be placed on life support. She was of course kept in the hospital, with the cruise ship carrying on its itinerary without her.
However, Loretta did not have proper travel insurance cover for her medical bills, meaning that she had racked up significant charges of $28,000 for the transfer to hospital, and an extra $4,000 each day she spent there.
The costs to evacuate Loretta back to the US, where she could continue treatment under her regular health insurance, were over $25,000 with upfront payment required.
The family were unable to afford this alone but quickly started a fundraising campaign, raising $18,000. The family paid the remaining amount and on Friday 24th May, Loretta was flown to a hospital in Florida, just two days after being admitted in the Dominican Republic.
The latest updates at the time of writing have Loretta in a stable condition, although she remains on life support.
This story shows the importance of getting appropriate travel insurance for any cruise you take – you never know when you might need medical help, and the financial support to pay for 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.
I am currently on a seven night cruise to Alaska on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam. Although I have previously sailed on cruise ship, this is my first time cruising to Alaska with Holland America Line. I have visited Alaska with other cruise lines.
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Note: All photos in this article were taken during my cruise to Alaska with Holland America.
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam visit Glacier Bay
I am sailing with my wife and three year old son on this trip. We are sailing as guests of the cruise line with a group of media on board. You can read my previous review of Koningsdam here when I sailed on the ship a few years ago.
After spending nearly a week on the ship, here are 10 reasons why I think that your next cruise to Alaska should be on Holland America Line.
Cruising to Alaska Longer Than Any Other Cruise Line
Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska longer than any other cruise line in the world. Because of all of this experience, they are able to provide the best possible cruise to the 49th state.
Holland America Line has been cruising to Alaska since 1947, longer than most of us have been alive.
Better Docking Locations
At every port that we visited, Holland America Line ships had the best docking locations out of all of cruise lines. We were often in port with one or two other of HAL’s ships.
A better docking location means less walking to get into town, and this comes in really handy since it will likely rain on one or more days of your cruise. Hey, that’s just the weather in Alaska. It can be 70 and sunny or 40 and raining, more likely the latter.
While we were docked right in town, other ships were a good 15-20 minute walk away.
On our day in Juneau, it rained just about the entire day so having the best docking location was really nice.
Holland America Line always had the best docking locations during our cruise to Alaska. Photo is from our day in Juneau.
Fresh Fish Program
While I was onboard the ship, I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Stendebach, VP of Food and Beverage, and John Mulvaney, Director of Culinary Operations for Holland America Line.
The cruise line’s new fresh fish program offers the freshest fish you will find on any cruise ships in the world.
How fresh it is? On my Alaska cruise, fresh fish was brought on board in Vancouver, Juneau, and Ketchikan. It is never frozen and goes from fished to plate within 48 hours.
In Juneau, the fishing boats bring the fish to the processing plant that is 50 meters from the ship. The fish is then brought on board and it is so fresh, it is never more than a few hundred feet inland. No other cruise line offers fish this fresh.
They are also in constant talks with the fisherman and so they can adjust the menu based on based on the fresh fish that is caught. The menus are based on the fresh fish that is available, not on frozen fish that was caught weeks or months before.
Crew
While the crew on most ships are fantastic, there is one particular thing that happened during my Koningsdam cruise that really stood out.
One night while I was enjoying Billboard Onboard with my family, I walked over to Rolling Stone bar and asked for a Red Bull. The man working behind the bar said,
“We are all out, but I remember you also asking for one yesterday. I’m going to get you one, let me go find one for you.”
He then left and came back a few minutes with an ice cold Red Bull. In my 15 years of cruising, I’ve never had that happen before. We went completely out of his way to serve me.
He wasn’t the only crew member to stand out. Song, who works in the spa, did such a great job on my haircut, that my son also got one and she styled my wife’s hair. She really is amazing.
The crew members in the World Cafe remembered my son’s name from day one and always greeted him by it.
I really can’t say enough great things about the crew members on Koningsdam.
Glacier Guarantee
Holland America Line recently added a Glacier Guarantee on all cruises to Alaska. If your ship does not visit a glacier, you will receive a 15% credit towards a future cruise.
They are the only cruise line to offer this. Their ships visit Glacier Bay, College Fjord, Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier and the Tracy Arm Fjord’s Twin Sawyer Glaciers.
Access to Glacier Bay
Speaking of glaciers, Holland America Line has more permits to visit Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line.
Visiting Glacier Bay was a highlight of our cruise and I can’t imagine taking a cruise to Alaska and not visiting this national park.
Not every cruise line can visit Glacier Bay. In 2024, only five cruise lines have approval to visit with Holland America offering the most sailings.
You’re doing yourself a disservice if you book a cruise to Alaska without a stop in Glacier Bay.
They opened the bow of the ship on the day we visited Glacier Bay to bring you as close as possible to the glaciers.
Onboard Programming
With Holland America Line, you aren’t just visiting Alaska, but they also bring Alaska to the ship. The onboard entertainment and programming will immerse you deep into Alaska so you can make the most out of your cruise.
In the World Stage (theater), the ship had the following programming during the cruise:
Destination Alaska: The Route. The Ports. The Tours.
When and When to Spot Wildlife
Alaska Up Close: Pacific Giants
How to Use Your Binoculars
Alaska Up Close: The Iditarod
Alaska Up Close: Ancestral Memories
A Spectacular Day in Glacier Bay
Movie: Mystery Alaska
Glacier Bay Park Ranger Program
Native Voices: Stories of the Tlingit People
Salmon: Keystone Species
For specific Alaska related activities, they were marked with WE ❤️ ALASKA in The Daily so you could easily find them.
Visiting the historic Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
Ships Have Pool With Retractable Roof
All of Holland America Line’s cruise ships that are currently sailing in Alaska have a main pool with a retractable roof over it. This greatly enhances cruises for two reasons.
First, it allows this area to be used no matter what the weather is. As I mentioned earlier, the weather isn’t always the best in Alaska so the pool can be used for the entire cruise.
Secondly, it creates more area where you look out the windows and enjoy the incredible views in Alaska. On most ships, you’ll be cold or wet when the weather isn’t the greatest. On Holland America Line, they just close the roof and you have a more enjoyable experience.
The pool with the roof closed on Koningsdam
As an added bonus, the covered area by the aft pool on Koningsdam had heaters so you could enjoy the views and not be so cold.
Observation Lounges
All Holland America Line ships that visit Alaska have an observation lounge, aka the Crow’s Nest. This provides a climate controlled area where you can see both the port and starboard side of the ship.
Early one morning, they had a whale watching party here as this area provides 270 degree views from the top, front of the ship.
Wildlife and Wilderness Opportunities
A cruise to Alaska is unlike any other cruise and Holland America Line offers more wildlife and wilderness viewing opportunities than any other cruise line. This includes nearly 180 different shore excursions that can take you on a wildlife or wilderness encounter.
They have a wildlife expert on board to help you spot humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, sea otters and black bears. Their daily program tells you what time you can meet the expert so you can see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Vancouver or Seattle?
When taking a cruise to Alaska, you have the option of sailing from Seattle or Vancouver. While many of the ports that you visit are the same, sailing from Vancouver has two distinct advantages.
The first is that you get to sail through the Inside Passage twice. As I am writing this, we are sailing through the Inside Passage and just a few hundred feet offshore. The views are spectacular as we cruise through this pristine wilderness.
The second advantage is that you don’t have to make a port stop in Canada. All round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska have to make one stop in Canada and that is usually a short visit in Victoria. It can be as short as three to four hours, which makes it pointless to even visit. However, it is required due to the Passenger Services Vessel Act of 1886.
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Regent Seven Seas has announced a partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team for an exciting and exclusive Spotlight Voyage in the Mediterranean in 2025.
The cruise will be a 10-night sailing on 22nd July 2025, and will include the typical all-inclusive Regent experience. But it will also host a number of F1-related events for fans, too.
The cruise will be hosted by the F1 team’s ambassador, and former F1 driver, Pedro de la Rosa, and he will host meet and greets and Q&A sessions onboard the cruise.
Guests will also enjoy access to a range of masterclasses and workshops with the Aston Martin engineers and executives, enjoying some thrilling experiences that aren’t available anywhere else.
The cruise will include visits to destinations with strong F1 links, including Barcelona and Monte Carlo, along with other luxury ports of call such as St Tropez and Tuscany.
“I am thrilled to host this exclusive Spotlight Voyage aboard with our friends at Regent and even more excited to be sailing from my hometown of Barcelona.
I’ve spent over three decades pursuing my passion for racing in every corner of the globe, and I can’t wait to share this passion and my unique experiences with both Regent and Aston Martin Aramco fans while cruising the Mediterranean on this special voyage.”
Pedro de la Rosa
The ship will host a full-size replica of an F1 car on the public deck during the cruise, as well as a sophisticated simulator to let gets test their racing skills.
Ashore, a number of specially-curated driving and motor-racing themed experiences will round off this exceptional cruise.
To complete the package, guests can look forward to special ‘Race Day’ themed dishes, gifts, co-branded merchandise and more.
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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.
When packing for a cruise, it can be tempting to throw everything into your suitcase. I’ve been guilty of the “just in case” mentality too.
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But ending up with a bunch of stuff you either don’t need or will never actually use while on your cruise just means more luggage and more headaches.
This article serves as an âunpackingâ list, reminding you what you will not need. It will contain items either the cruise line already offers or are simply unnecessary.
The items in the list below are not prohibited or banned by cruise lines, just to be clear.
But just because you can bring something doesn’t mean you should.
1. Towels
Not only do towels take up a ton of room in your suitcase, they are also completely unnecessary to take with you. Sure, cruise ships are not exactly notorious for having the most absorbent towels — I will grant you that.
But to make up for that, you can request as many towels as you would like for your cabin. And when you’re done with them you can just throw them onto the bathroom floor like an adolescent slob.
For a beach day in a port of call you can “check out” a few towels for your group.
Just make sure you return any pool towels to the towel stations before the cruise is over or you will find yourself the owner of that fine piece of cloth, even if you don’t know where it is. It happens more than you might think.
2. A pillow
I’ll probably get some flack for this one. I know some of our readers are very particular about their pillows. And after years of finding the perfect cushion for that dome of yours you might feel the need to cram that piece of fluffy goodness into your carry-on.
Just know that most cruise lines keep a few spare pillows in a “magic back room” somewhere. You can request more pillows or different kinds of pillows from your cabin steward.
Who knows? Maybe you will be able to get a pillow that reminds you of your own back home. If not, you will be so relaxed from your cruise it might not even matter.
By the way, you can often request mattress toppers if you find the mattress is a bit too firm. You can ask your cabin steward if there are any extra, but there are a finite number of these on board.
3. Snacks
I get the reasoning that people like to bring snacks with them on a cruise. And if you have kids traveling with you, it makes even more sense.
But this is a floating buffet we are talking about here. There’s enough food on board to make your local grocery store jealous. You can literally snack any time and all the time.
That said, kids can ask for snacks on short notice, and onboard room service can be slow. So, if you are traveling with little ones might be a good idea to pack a few resealable bags to stock up on refreshments when you are at the buffet.
When you are at lunch or dinner, your kids can fill up these baggies with fruit, cheerios, or cookies and bring them back to the room for later.
Just don’t try to take any food that is not in a sealed container off the ship as this can land you in some hot water.
4. Exercise equipment
Some of the nicest gyms I’ve ever seen were on cruise ships. Modern vessels have the latest and most innovative equipment.
Most of the time when I walk into a cruise ship gym I don’t even know how the machines work. I have to analyze the little pictures on the side of the machine as if I’m an archeologist reading hieroglyphics.
Whether it’s Peloton bikes or HydroRows that are more your flavor, you can certainly find enough equipment to make you wonder why you ever wanted to bring those resistance bands with you.
Cruises also offer workout classes and health seminars, often partnering with better-known fitness studios such as Zumba and PureBarre. Some of these classes are included with the standard cruise fare, and others will be an additional charge, but access to the gym is always free.
While you don’t need to bring your exercise equipment you can definitely should bring your workout clothes. Just make sure you pack some shoes that are not open-toed as most gyms on cruise ships will not allow you to enter with flip-flops.
Gym on Viking Sky
5. Valuables
Call me paranoid, but I’m not a fan of people bringing their grandmother’s priceless emerald necklace on a cruise. Why have that extra worry that something could happen to that heirloom?
Instead, why not pack some cheap imitations? Ok, well-made imitations. That’s better.
Thereâs a growing trend of travel jewelry, and cheaper versions of many popular engagement rings and statement pieces can be purchased online.
These âvaluablesâ would be much easier to part ways with if an earring were to slip overboard.
If you absolutely must bring your expensive jewelry with you, be sure to use the in-cabin safe for peace of mind.
6. Excessive electronics
This one hits close to home for me. I love my tech.
But if the point of a cruise is to get away for a while and relax, it’s important to limit just how many chargeable devices get thrown into the suitcase.
If we were in the pre-cell phone era, I would, of course, recommend that you pack a camera to capture all your onboard memories and perhaps a laptop if you need to keep up with work.
Iâd even suggest that you pack your Walkman to listen to your favorite cassette as you sit poolside and soak up the sun.
But nowadays a smartphone can do all of that and more.
I would recommend limiting your devices to save space and keep you focused on the point of your cruise: relaxation.
7. Hairdryer
There’s already a hairdryer in your cabin. Sure, it might not put out enough heat to defrost a frozen burrito. And yes, the fan is so weak that you couldn’t blow out a birthday candle on a cupcake.
But it will do the job. With enough time and patience, your hair will dry. It will make you run back home and embrace the hairdryer in your bathroom after the cruise is over, but you don’t need to add it to your packing list.
Most cruise lines will allow you to pack a curling iron or flat iron, but double-check as these rules are always changing.
You definitely cannot bring a clothes iron, however. This is on the ban list we mentioned before.
Most cruise lines will provide shampoo and body wash in the cabins for guests; however conditioner is not always provided on mainstream lines.
But that doesn’t mean you’re going to like the soap that’s provided. I’ve heard a lot of cruisers complain about the quality of the shower soap/shampoo on some lower budget cruise lines.
The all-in-one approach to this mystery liquid can leave a lot to be desired.
So, if you’re going to break the rules on my “unpacking” list maybe this is where you do it.
Sometimes a ship will have a 3-in-1 soap with conditioner included. I don’t know what kind of sorcery goes into making a magical cleaning solution like that. I’ve never had problems with it.
But if you have skin sensitivity issues, maybe you will want to pack some soap and shampoo after all.
Just know that your cruise ship will provide these items if you would like to use them.
9. Dirty clothes bag
This one is not as consequential as some other items on the list. After all, a laundry bag doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.
But you should know that almost every cruise cabin has a laundry bag in the closet. It’s main purpose is for you to fill it up and pay the cruise line to wash your clothes for you, but many will use this same bag to separate their dirty clothes until the end of the trip.
Just make sure you don’t forget your clothes are there when it’s time to pack up to go home. And definitely don’t take the bag home with you or you will find a nice little charge added to your account.
Some cruisers like to use one of their suitcases for dirty clothes and keep it under the bed. This is helpful if you brought more than one suitcase.
I always like to hang up all my clothes as soon as I walk into my ready cabin. Living out of a suitcase is not ideal, after all. So, after a certain article of clothing is dirty I can throw it into an empty suitcase that will be the designated hamper for the rest of the trip.
Veranda cabin on Celebrity Edge. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
10. Extra Hangers
You already know your cruise cabin will have hangers, but you have packed so many clothes that you want to make sure you have enough?
The good news is you don’t need to pack any extra hangers. Simply ask your stateroom attendant for more hangers and you will have plenty for every article of clothing you crammed into that suitcase.
There are some cruise travelers that like to bring their own hangers. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just know it’s not really necessary unless you have some kind of special hangers that automatically take wrinkles out or something. In that case, we should talk.
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