Valencia, located on the southeastern coast of Spain, is a vibrant port city known for its rich history, innovative architecture, and the sweet fragrance of oranges wafting through its streets. As a popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, Valencia offers travelers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Barrio del Carmen or marveling at the futuristic structures in the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia promises an unforgettable experience.
Upon docking in Valencia, one of the first things you’ll notice is the abundance of oranges and the delightful aroma they release into the air. This scent is so captivating that it has inspired various orange scented perfumes that aim to bottle the essence of Valencia’s most famous fruit. As you explore the city, these citrus notes provide a refreshing backdrop, enhancing the sensory experience of your visit. Whether you’re savoring freshly squeezed orange juice at a local café or exploring the lush gardens where these fruits are on display, the orange truly is the heart of Valencia.
Must-Visit Attractions in Valencia
The City of Arts and Sciences: An architectural masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava, this complex is a must-see for any visitor. It includes several futuristic buildings such as the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative centre of interactive science), the Oceanogràfic (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species), and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (which hosts opera and other performing arts).
Valencia Cathedral: This stunning example of Gothic architecture houses what is reputed to be the Holy Grail. The cathedral is a testament to Valencia’s religious history and its blend of architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque adds to its unique charm.
Mercado Central: One of Europe’s oldest running food markets offers a vibrant place to sample local foods and shop for fresh produce, including, of course, Valencia oranges. The building itself, with its modernist architecture, is also worth admiring.
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and no visit would be complete without trying this famous dish at a local restaurant. For a truly Valencian experience, seek out paella with rabbit and chicken, cooked over an open fire with local ingredients. Tapas bars also abound, offering a variety of small dishes like patatas bravas, squid, and Iberian ham, which are perfect for an evening out.
Cultural Experiences
Las Fallas Festival: If your cruise coincides with March, you’re in luck. Las Fallas is one of the most vibrant and fiery festivals in Spain, where locals create and then burn large papier-mâché figures in a celebration that fills the city with music, traditional costumes, fireworks, and parties.
Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this group of Gothic buildings showcases the economic power of Valencia in the 15th century. The intricate detailing and stunning courtyards are a photographer’s dream.
Outdoor Activities
Turia Gardens: This park is set in a former riverbed and runs right through the city, providing miles of walking and cycling paths, sports facilities, and tranquil spaces to relax away from the buzz of the city.
Beaches: Valencia boasts some beautiful beaches such as Malvarrosa and El Saler. Spend a day relaxing on the golden sands or enjoying water sports in the Mediterranean.
Valencia is a city where the past and future collide in the most picturesque way. For cruise travelers, it offers a chance to immerse themselves in Spanish culture, history, and cuisine all within the setting of a beautiful Mediterranean landscape. The pervasive scent of oranges, the taste of authentic paella, and the sight of extraordinary architecture make Valencia a must-visit destination on any Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
Carnival Corporation has successfully integrated Starlink internet connectivity throughout its entire fleet, enhancing the onboard experience for guests and crew alike.
Guests aboard Carnival ships now enjoy high-speed, low-latency internet, allowing them to stay connected, stream their favourite content, and even work remotely if needed.
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, highlighted the benefits: “Starlink has been a game-changer for the onboard connectivity experience our cruise lines deliver to their guests, and we’ve already seen a surge in guest satisfaction and positive feedback from the super-fast and reliable Wi-Fi service we provide onboard.”
Weinstein added, “We see this technology as a win-win-win – it provides our guests with more flexibility to stay as connected as they’d like on vacation, it allows our crew to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and it enhances our onboard operational systems.”
The rollout began in December 2022, starting with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises. It then extended to Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK), and Cunard.
The integration of Starlink not only enhances the cruising experience but also aligns with Carnival Corporation’s commitment to providing top-notch services for its guests.
Whether travellers are looking to relax, stay connected, or work remotely, the upgraded internet service ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey.
I used it on my Cunard cruise in May 2024 and can confirm it was rapid – I got all my work done extremely quickly and was able to spend most of the day sunbathing!
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
With 128 days at their fingertips, guests on Holland America Line‘s 2024 Grand World Voyage aboard Zuiderdam used their time and their talents again this year to support Project Linus, a not-for-profit organization that provides handmade blankets to children in the U.S. who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need.
World Cruisers Knit Blankets
Project Linus blankets on display on the Lido deck that were made during the 2024 Grand World Voyage. (Source: Marty Gottlieb)
Throughout the world cruise — which departed Fort Lauderdale Jan. 3 and will conclude back in Florida on May 11 — approximately 150 guests participated in the project, knitting more than 500 blankets utilizing over one-million yards of yarn.
Project Linus at Sea has been going on for more than 20 years on Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyages and is led by guests. Holland America Line supports the guest volunteers by contributing materials and helping secure space on board where they knit and crochet the blankets.
“This is such a welcome tradition on the Grand World Voyage,” said Henk Mensink, Zuiderdam’s general manager. “Guests love it as an extra sea day activity, and we’re all glad to be doing good for some children in need.”
Grand World Voyage guests Gail and Marty Gottlieb, who led the project on board for the fifth year, helped to source the one-million yards of yarn directly from manufacturers, with funding from other guests and Holland America Line. Before embarking in January, they sorted through it all in their garage and then rented a trailer truck to haul the supplies to Fort Lauderdale. Once on board, guests jumped at the opportunity to get involved in giving back on the world cruise.
“This is a great cause and unfortunately, the need is still there. There is a lot of camaraderie among guests making blankets for the children and we are glad to have another successful effort,” said Marty Gottlieb.
Project Linus at Sea
Project Linus blankets on display on the Lido deck that were made during the 2024 Grand World Voyage. (Source: Marty Gottlieb)
Five Fun Facts on Project Linus at Sea:
Project Linus was named after the adorable security blanket-toting character from the Peanuts comic strip.
Guests on Holland America world cruises have been making blankets for Project Linus for more than 20 years.
On average it takes 20-25 hours to complete one blanket and light & bright colors or patterns are the most popular among guests.
Guests used more than one-million yards of yarn in more than 40 colors to complete the blankets.
On the 2020 Grand World Voyage guests completed 500 blankets; in 2023 guests completed 618 blankets and in 2024, guests completed 500 blankets.
The town of 95,000 is expected to pass a resolution that will essentially block cruise ships from using a particular area as a building site for a terminal.
Passage of the resolution is set to happen Tuesday evening.
However, not all council members are on board with the plan to bar Carnival cruise ships from sailing out of the area.
At the end of the year, the contract between Carnival Cruise Line and the Ports Authority will expire.
Carnival Sunshine, the ship that currently calls the port home, will have to move somewhere else.
With Charleston no longer offering a terminal for Carnival to use, the idea of building a terminal right across the harbor was introduced.
The area in question is a piece of property on Patriot’s Point, where a naval and maritime museum currently resides.
Building a cruise terminal in the area would allow hundreds of local workers to keep their jobs.
According to WCBD-TV in Charleston, Gary Santos is at least one councilmember who supports the idea of keeping cruise ships in the region.
“It’s just good for the businesses here in Mount Pleasant, whether it’s the restaurants or the stores. It could have a big benefit for the town,” Santos said.
But opponents to cruise ships in Mount Pleasant are pointing to a 1970s law that bans the use of Patriot’s Point from being used for cargo or passenger vessels.
Council member Jake Rambo spoke with WCBD-TV to state his plan to vote in favor of the resolution which would stop a cruise terminal from coming to Patriot’s Point.
“I am unequivocally against cruise ships in Mount Pleasant. I don’t think it’s right for Mount Pleasant for a number of reasons. Traffic, congestion, ecologically. It would take massive dredging where you could even have a place where you could do that.”
Council member Santos argues a Mount Pleasant terminal would benefit local businesses.
“I don’t know why everyone is so much against it, this is revenue,” Santos said.
Without a cruise port in South Carolina, local residents will have to drive at least 200 miles to Jacksonville, Florida or another 270 miles to Port Canaveral to take a cruise.
Learn the cruise secrets most people don”t know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)
On behalf of the nation’s largest source of wild domestic seafood, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has announced a first-of-its kind partnership with Holland America Line, which will certify the cruise line’s dining and galley team members for their understanding of the species, benefits and responsible fishing practices of the Alaska fishing industry, via ASMI’s proprietary Seafood U® educational course.
Alaska Seafood – Sustainable Seafood Education
ASMI’s Seafood U Certification proudy on display of a Holland America Ship sailing Alaskan waters.
ASMI’s Seafood U® is a short digital course that can be taken from anywhere, even a cruise ship. It provides education on the various Alaska seafood species, health benefits, fishing methods, and overall sustainability practices of the state, which supplies more than 60% of our nation’s wild seafood. Seafood U® Training for Holland America Line’s culinary teams began earlier this year, in advance of the cruise line’s 2024 Alaska season. Approximately 2,500 shipboard team members covering six ships will undergo the training.
Serving Alaska Seafood
Serving Alaska seafood on Holland America Line ships has long been part of the brand’s immersive culinary experiences and commitment to sustainability. On any Alaska cruise, the line serves more than 2,000 pounds of Alaska salmon, 1,000 pounds of Alaska cod, 800 pounds of Alaska halibut, 500 pounds of Alaska rockfish, and much more. Guests can enjoy Alaska seafood-based dishes like an Alaska salmon chop salad or roasted fennel crusted Alaska halibut.
In 2022, Holland America Line was awarded Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification for all six of its ships that sail to Alaska, making it the first cruise line to achieve this distinguished credential by serving only certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood.
Committed To Serving Fresh, Sustainable Seafood
“We’ve shared the thrill of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife with our guests for more than 75 years and supporting sustainable fishing and local business is an important commitment for us,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “With this new step, Holland America Line has committed to not only serving fresh, sustainable seafood, but ensuring our team has the knowledge to be expert sources to our guests as we cruise Alaska’s waters.”
Wild seafood is overall preferred 4:1, with products that are clearly marked as wild, and more so with the Alaska Seafood logo, being more desirable to shoppers.1 And while the vast majority of consumers want to eat sustainably, more than 3 in 5 Americans say they’re not sure which seafood is sustainable and which isn’t.2
“We know consumers are interested in learning about how to select seafood that’s high-quality, nutritious and sustainable. ASMI’s Seafood U® is available across various industries, so that anyone involved in the seafood industry, from processors to chefs and restaurant staff to grocery store seafood departments, can better understand the value of Alaska seafood,” said Leah Krafft, Foodservice Marketing Manager at ASMI. “We’re thrilled to take this step with longtime supporter of the Alaska seafood industry, Holland America Line, and hope it can serve as an example for how other operators can easily become more knowledgeable.”
Seafood from Alaska
Seafood from Alaska includes five species of wild salmon, cod, halibut, wild Alaska pollock, sablefish, rockfish, sole/flounder, crab and more that are available year-round. Alaska is the only state with sustainable fishing written into its constitution and the Alaska seafood industry goes to great lengths to ensure they only harvest what the environment can support, meaning consumers can feel good about choosing seafood from the area, whether that’s on a cruise ship, from a restaurant menu or from the seafood case, freezer or shelf-stable section of the local supermarket.
The Seafood U® training course is available across industries and beneficial for staff anywhere seafood is bought, sold or served. To inquire about access to the training program, please reach out to Leah Krafft at lkrafft@alaskaseafood.org.
A Disney cruise is a magical experience, but it’s also not cheap. You’re looking at cruise fares often twice as high as some other cruise lines, but how much of that is down to just the ‘Disney’ price tag, and how much is related to what’s included in your fare?
It’s important to know exactly what your Disney cruise includes, because if you’re already unsure about paying the price for one and you don’t realise which extras you’ll also need to pay extra for, you might be in for a nasty shock.
So, in this guide I’ll explain everything that you’ll get included in the price you pay, and the parts of your cruise that you’ll need to pay extra for (if you want to).
By the end, you’ll be able to get a rough idea of exactly how much you’ll need to budget for a Disney cruise holiday.
What’s Included in a Disney Cruise and What Costs Extra..?
1. Accommodation
When you book a Disney cruise, your accommodation is one of the main things you’re paying for. You’ll get to choose from a range of different stateroom options, including:
Inside – the cheapest options with no window
Oceanview – with an in-room porthole
Oceanview with Verandah – a room with a private balcony
Concierge Suites and Family Staterooms – the most spacious and luxurious accommodations onboard
Regardless of which category you choose, you’ll get all the following:
A TV with in-room movies to enjoy
A hairdryer
A fridge
Signature spa, bath and shower toiletries
Twice-daily housekeeping services
Most staterooms also have split bathrooms – ideal for families, these separate the toilet and shower into separate rooms, so that they can both be used by different people at the same time.
Guests in a Concierge Suite or Family Stateroom also get the following:
Early reservations for shore excursions and speciality dining
Priority boarding and disembarkation
Access to a private lounge and sun deck
Upgraded room amenities including a pillow menu, bathrobe and slippers
Priority theatre seating
A concierge host to help with anything you need on the ship
The vast majority of the food you eat on a Disney cruise is included in the fare you’ve paid. There are only a handful of venues where you’ll need to pay extra, including:
Palo, an Italian steakhouse that costs $50 per person
Remy, a French restaurant that costs $80 per person for brunch and $135 per person for dinner
Enchante on Disney Wish, costing $80 per person for brunch and between $135 and $205 per person for dinner
Preludes Snack Bar, which has a la carte pricing
Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats, selling candy and gelato with a la carte pricing
Palo restaurant on Disney Magic
Some of those prices are pretty high, right? The good news is you don’t ever need to visit those restaurants, and the included ones are excellent.
Not only is there plenty of variety for your casual options during the day, but the Disney main restaurants are something truly special.
Instead of dining in one restaurant, you’ll rotate between them on your cruise to give you a range of experiences, including one that will feature an interactive show throughout the meal. The specific restaurant and show varies depending on your ship.
The food that you have to pay for is only for special occasions or treats – most people don’t spend any money on food on a Disney cruise.
3. Drinks
On most cruise lines, you need to pay for the drinks you want to enjoy during the cruise – those aren’t included in the fare, beyond maybe basic teas, coffees and fruit juices served at breakfast.
Disney Cruise Line is a little better, because you can enjoy a range of soft drinks throughout the cruise at no extra charge, either from the restaurants or at beverage stations near the pool area.
These drinks include:
Coca-Cola
Diet Coke
Coke Zero
Water
HiC Fruit Punch
HiC Pink Lemonade
Fuse Ice Tea
Sprite
Sprite Zero
Coffee (standard coffee only – speciality coffee is charged for)
Hot Chocolate
Assorted Teas
If you want to order drinks from the bar (including those drinks above) then you will be charged – they’re only free at restaurants and the beverage stations.
All other drinks must be paid for, including alcoholic ones. And unlike most other cruise lines, there’s no all-inclusive drinks package you can pay for on Disney Cruise Line.
You can buy beer and wine packages, but these are set amounts that offer a small discount, rather than being unlimited. Disney’s a family cruise line, and it wants to discourage anyone from drinking too much alcohol.
But, if you aren’t someone who drinks alcohol, you can absolutely enjoy a Disney cruise without paying anything extra for your drinks.
4. Room Service
There’s a great room service menu that guests can enjoy on Disney’s cruises, and almost everything on there is completely free of charge.
Room service is available 24 hours a day, with breakfast options available from 7 am until 10 am and then a range of meals and snacks available outside of these hours.
For breakfast, you’ll need to order using a hanger that you fill in the night before, and place on the door handle outside your cabin. Otherwise you can order room service on the app, with options such as salads, pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, wings and desserts.
There are a small number of items on the menus that have an additional charge, including some snack items – buttered popcorn, peanuts and M&Ms for example – along with any drinks that you order. You’ll need to pay for those along with the 18% gratuity – more on that later.
Everything else is included though, so why not treat yourself?
5. Entertainment
Frozen show on Disney Wish
Disney’s ships offer some incredible live entertainment – not just in the restaurants but in the onboard theatres too. Your favourite Disney movies are brought to life on stage, not just with all the songs you know and love already but even some new ones exclusive to the ship.
There are also parties that you can enjoy on deck, including the fun-packed sailaway party and Mickey’s Pirate Party, where guests are encouraged to put on their best pirate costumes and join in with plenty of fun and games.
And you’ll never have to pay for any of the stunning entertainment on your Disney cruise. All of the parties and shows are included at no extra charge.
6. Activities
Disney’s cruise ships are packed with fun things to keep the whole family busy throughout the day, including waterslides, character meets, Goofy’s Sports Deck, and even on the newest ships a full-blown Disney Attraction at Sea in AquaMouse, which is like a water coaster with interactive elements.
Most of the activities on Disney’s cruises are free. There are just a handful of special experiences that have an additional cost, such as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover.
You’ll also need to pay for things like arcade games, as you’d expect. But generally, the activities that you take part in are included in the fare – even the ‘premium’ options like the AquaMouse.
On most other cruise lines, their top attractions have an additional fee, so that’s a win for Disney on this instance.
7. Kids’ Clubs
The kids’ clubs on Disney’s cruise ships are completely free – you can drop the kids off and leave them for the entire day if you want, and you won’t be charged a penny extra. The only exceptions are for babies and toddlers, where there’s a $9 per hour charge, but if your kids are over three years old then it’s free.
And on Disney Cruise Line, those kids’ clubs really are something special. There are different clubs for different age groups, each offering age-appropriate activities with that Disney sparkle. Teens will love their cool hangout areas, and younger children will take part in all kinds of princess, pirate and superhero-themed adventures.
The kids’ clubs are open from 9am until around midnight on most cruises, and you don’t even have to pay for the evening sessions like you would on some other cruise lines.
It’s perfect if you want to enjoy family dinner together but then a quiet adults-only evening – drop the kids off for a couple more hours of fun, then go pick them up to take them to bed. Just hope they’re awake or that you don’t have too far to carry them.
8. Service Charges
Most big cruise lines charge guests a daily gratuity rate, and Disney Cruise Line is no different. All guests will be expected to pay these automatic gratuities for their cruise, which for most guests will be $14.50 per night.
This includes infants and children too – gratuities will be calculated to include them, so if you’re travelling as a group of two adults and two infants, the daily cost will be $58.
The cost is also higher for guests staying in Concierge Staterooms and Suites, where the daily charge is $15.50 per day.
At the end of your cruise you’ll get a paper that breaks down where your tips go.
On top of that, Disney Cruise Line often includes tip envelopes in your stateroom at the end of your cruise, should you wish to give more tips to helpful members of the crew. You don’t need to do this – it’s entirely optional.
Also, there is another gratuity you’ll need to pay – 18% every time you order drinks or use the spa services. This is added to your account automatically.
9. WiFi
You can access WiFi internet on a Disney cruise, but you’ll need to pay. There are a limited number of websites you can access without buying a WiFi package, but it’s Disney’s own websites only.
There are three different packages you can buy, depending on what you want to do when you get online. What’s interesting about Disney is that you don’t need to pay for the full cruise if you don’t want to – you can just pay for single-day access.
WiFi Package
Cost Per Day (Whole Cruise)
Cost For 24 Hours
Stay Connected Package
$16
$18
Basic Surf Package
$24
$28
Premium Surf Package
$34
$42
The Stay Connected package is a basic social media package. You won’t be able to access the internet or your emails if you choose this package – you’ll be limited to social media apps only.
The Basic Surf package works with all social media apps and unlocks full web browsing, including email clients.
But if you want the fastest speeds, you’ll want the Premium Surf package, which lets you use music and short-form video streaming apps like YouTube. Even with this fastest internet, you won’t be able to use apps like Netflix.
Not everyone wants to use the internet on their cruise, so this is definitely an optional cost. If you have to work or you need to be online to be contactable, then you’ll have to pay up, but you can get away with it if you just stick to finding free WiFi whenever you’re in port – there’s usually somewhere close by.
10. Laundry
You might want to make use of Disney’s laundry services onboard the ship. There are two different laundry options available.
Firstly there’s a full service laundry and dry-cleaning option which charges by the item – expect to pay around $1.50 for a pair of socks, or $11 if you want a suit dry cleaning. This is a next-day service, though you can also pay fees to speed things along – 50% more for a same-day service returned that evening, or 100% more for the express service returned in just a few hours.
It’s cheaper to use the self-service laundry facilities if you’re on a budget. You can find everything you need in the laundry room and you just need to use your room key to pay. It’ll cost around $3 for a wash load and $3 for the dryers.
Of course, remember that most Disney cruises are shorter itineraries – so you may find it easier to just pack enough clothes along with a few spare outfits.
11. Flights and Overseas Transfers
Most Disney cruises depart from the US, particularly on the newest ships in the fleet, though there are other options around the world. Regardless, unless you’re lucky enough to live close to the port, you’re likely going to need to book flights to get you to the ship.
You’ll also need to think about transfers – getting from the airport to the cruise ship.
It is possible to book flights with Disney Cruise Line directly. The Disney Cruise Line Air Program has a couple of different fare options – choose Flexible Fares if you want the freedom to change your plans or cancel, or opt for Restricted Fares if you want the lowest price.
You can also book flights independently, or ask your travel agent to do it for you. If you don’t book through the cruise line, then you’ll need to keep an eye on your flight details and make sure times don’t change, potentially causing you to miss the cruise. Disney will do that for you if you book through them.
A lot of people flying to the US to sail often like to add on a hotel stay for a couple of days, including a trip to the Orlando theme parks – but then costs are definitely going to increase!
12. Transfers to Southampton
There is the option of cruising from Southampton, if you don’t want to pay for flights or you just want the convenience of cruising from home. Your choice is then more limited for duration and ship, but there are some good itineraries available.
However, you’ll need to think about costs for getting there. You could get a coach or the train, or you could drive down – but then parking becomes a consideration too.
And if you’re travelling a long distance, you should think about booking a hotel near the cruise port, otherwise you’ll risk missing your cruise if there’s any traffic or problems with the train on the day. The ship won’t wait for you!
Again, if you choose to book with a travel agent then they can help you with all of this but if you book directly with Disney, you’ll need to arrange it all yourself.
13. Shore Excursions (Including Cabana Hire)
Shore excursions arranged through Disney Cruise Line aren’t included in the price you pay – if you want to book onto one of the tours that the cruise line offers then you’ll need to pay an extra fee.
Exactly how much will depend on the nature of the excursion. Sightseeing tours can start at around $35 per person, but the more unique excursions can cost a lot more – fancy seeing Cannes by private yacht, for example? Expect to pay over $6,000 per person! That’s quite pricey for a trip that’ll only take a few hours…
You don’t have to pay for these trips – you can arrange your own through another company and typically, you’ll save compared to Disney’s prices, or just wander of the ship and explore for free.
You’ll also need to pay for some activities on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay, such as cabana rental if you want the luxury of your own cabana for the day. This starts at $399 per day, but that’s the total price for four guests.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Disney Cruise Line offers…
To Conclude
Disney Cruise Line is expensive, and you typically get the same type of inclusions as you would on other cruise lines – except for the soft drinks, where Disney does give you more free inclusions than most others.
The main reason Disney is more expensive is because it’s Disney – so you know you can expect amazing service for your whole family, great character interactions, and that little touch of pixie dust throughout.
Now, you’re prepared to budget in full for a Disney cruise, which will help you decide whether it’s the right cruise line for you or if a cheaper option (with more money to spend on extras) would be a better choice.
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.
We know how important it is to find a good deal on the perfect vacation for you and your family. So we allow you to easily browse the top price drops and provide cruise tips to help you save money. Browse popular cruise lines below to find even more specific cruise deals which you’ll want to take advantage of.
Current Top 10 Cruise Price Drops
You can follow our current Top 10 Cruise Line price drops page and see what cruises are dropping in price and then check prices with various agents. These prices change throughout the day, so be sure to check often.
Top 10 Balcony Cabin Deals
Here are lists of all cruise lines based on the different criteria. The first being the lowest overall price for a balcont cabin and the second for the lowest priced Balcony cabin for an Alaska cruise.
Top Balcony Cabin Deals By Cruise Line
Here are listings for the specific cruise lines, showing the lowest prices for a balcony cabin cruise for all of the ship’s in the cruise line fleet. So these tools offer an quick way to find the best deal based on price for a balcony cabin.
I hope you enjoyed finding these special cruise prices. Be sure to share this page with a friend and come back again to see more great prices on Princess Cruises.
Plan Your Trip?
Need help planning a trip? Check out these helpful links:
Are you still looking for the right cruise? Remember to bookmark this page, as the prices are constantly updating.
Taking a trip with Princess Cruises offers luxury and ease. Yet, understanding your drink options can feel complicated. There are many Princess Cruises drinks packages to choose from. Choosing the right one is key to enjoying your vacation without overspending. Imagine enjoying a great cup of coffee with your Princess Cruises coffee card or a special cocktail at sunset. The right drink package on Princess Cruises can turn a great trip into an extraordinary one.
Princess Cruises Drinks Packages
What Drinks are Included on Princess Cruises?
When it comes to drinks on Princess Cruises, there are some that are included in the price of your cruise fare, while others come at an additional cost. Similar to most cruise lines, Princess Cruises provides basic beverages that are complimentary. These include non-bottled iced water, iced tea, lemonade, brewed coffee, tea, and juice at breakfast. However, it’s important to note that soft drinks, espresso-based beverages, and all alcoholic beverages are not included and will incur an extra charge.
It’s worth mentioning that Princess Cruises has a policy that prohibits guests from bringing any alcoholic beverages onboard at embarkation. So, if you’re planning to enjoy alcoholic drinks during your cruise, you’ll need to consider purchasing a drink package or paying for each drink individually.
“Drinks included on Princess Cruises:
Complimentary Drinks
Additional Cost
– Non-bottled iced water
– Soft drinks
– Iced tea
– Espresso-based beverages
– Lemonade
– Alcoholic beverages
– Brewed coffee
– Tea
– Juice at breakfast
So, while you can enjoy a selection of refreshing beverages free of charge, it’s important to budget for any additional drinks you may want to indulge in during your Princess cruise.
Princess Cruises Drink Package
On every Princess Cruise, passengers get free hot tea, coffee, lemonade, and iced tea. It’s great for those who love simple, refreshing drinks. When picking a drinks package, think about what you like, your needs, and how much convenience you want. These cruises have lots of options to make your trip remarkable.
Here are the four drink packages:
Package
Includes
Cost
Classic Soda
Sodas, juices, mocktails, smoothies
$14.99 per day
Zero Alcohol
All non-alcoholic drinks
$29.99 per day
Plus Beverage
Drinks up to $20 each
$64.99 per day
Premier Beverage
Drinks up to $15 each
$84.99 per day
Note: All Drink Packages charged an extra 18% service per day.
Deciding Between Plus & Premier Cruise Packages
Choosing the right fare package is crucial for a great time on your cruise. Princess Cruises has options to suit everyone, balancing luxury with budget. We’ll look at the beverage packages in both the Princess Plus and the drink packages, helping you pick the best for your sea journey.
Comparing Plus and Premier Beverage Package Benefits
Each package, like the Princess Plus Package and the Premier Drinks Package, has unique benefits. This section explores the perks and value of these options, helping you decide if the All Inclusive Drinks Package is right for you.
1. Premier Beverage Package
$84.99 per day + 18% service charge
Includes drinks up to $20:
Top shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass and new high-end crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd
Selection of 75+ spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails
Premier wines by the glass including Duckhorn, Stag’s Leap, Grgich Hills and Cattier Champagne
Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess
Personalized Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Single Barrel Select
25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda
2. Plus Beverage Package
$64.99 per day + 18% service charge
Includes drinks up to $15:
Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, specialty coffees fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juices and healthy smoothies (juice bar), new juice bar, mocktails and crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd
50 spirits, 25 wines by the glass, 25 beers, all specialty coffees & non- alcoholic drinks
25% discount on wine bottles (including rare vintages)
25% discount on large bottles of water and cans of soda
3. Zero-Alcohol Package
$29.99 per day + 18% service charge
Enjoy premium and specialty coffees and teas along with sodas, fresh juices and healthy smoothies (juice bar), hot chocolate, “zero-proof” mocktails, bottled water, San Pellegrino, Evian and Red Bull Energy Drinks througout your entire cruise with this zero-alcohol beverage package.
4. Classic Soda Package
$14.99 USD* per person, per day + 18% service charge
This package includes all sodas, fruit juices, mocktails and smoothies.
Princess Plus and Princess Premier Cruise Packages Compared
Princess Cruise offers many choices in packages and they now have bundled packages that make your cruise more inclusive by allowing you to have more things included with additional packages at a good value.
Package
Princess Plus
Princess Premier
Cost:
$60 per day
$80 per day
Beverages:
Plus Beverage Package (including the service charge)
Premier Beverage Package (including the service charge)
Wi-Fi:
1 device per guest
4 devices per guest
Crew Appreciation Tips:
Included
Included
Premium desserts:
2 per day
Unlimited
Fitness classes:
2 per cruise
Unlimited
OceanNow® (delivery anywhere onboard):
Included
Included
Room service delivery:
Included
Included
Casual meals:
2 per guest
Unlimited
Medallion Device
Shipped to home free
Shipped to home free
Speciality Dining:
Not Included
2 speciality dining meals per guest
Professional photos:
Not Included
Photo package
Reserved theater seating:
Not Included
Reserved theatre seating
Princess Prizes:
Not Included
Princess Prizes
Must-Know Details for Avoiding Extra Charges
Choosing your beverages carefully is important. Remember, drink packages cannot be refunded or shared. You must buy the package for the whole cruise. This applies even if you don’t use it every day.
When one adult gets an alcohol package, others in the same cabin must too. Try to stay within the 15 alcoholic drinks per day limit. Souvenir glasses and minibar drinks are not covered, which might add extra costs.
Final Thoughts
Starting your journey with Princess Cruises, you get a wide choice of drinks to make your cruise even better. There are many drinks packages for your trip, focusing on what you like and great value. Princess Cruises offers a mix of drink prices and alcohol packages, making each guest’s experience special. You can choose from the Princess Beverage Package or the exclusive Princess Cruise Line Drink Package, depending on what you prefer.
Princess guests discovering the scenic east coast on a 2025 Canada & New England cruise sailing out of New York City can now immerse themselves in historic America as they tour the nation’s capital, interact with early settlers at a living history museum, visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and stand on the same soil as Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic America Cruisetour
Come Feel the Love
This Historic America cruisetour takes guests on a seven-night, hosted land tour with overnight stays in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Staunton, Gettysburg and Philadelphia prior to boarding a seven-day Canada/New England cruise onboard Enchanted Princess roundtrip from New York City.
“Visiting our nation’s capital, nearby historic cities and landmarks always ranks high on travelers’ lists of places to visit in their lifetime,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. “We make traveling to historic America easy, educational and memorable with our knowledgeable and inspiring tour guides sharing the incredible stories of our country’s settlers, leaders, landmarks and historic sites.”
What Is Included?
This Historic America cruisetour includes hotels, motorcoach transportation, sightseeing and most breakfasts and dinners. Sample itinerary details:
Day 1: Arrive Washington, DC
Day 2: Tour Arlington Cemetery, Embassy Row, National Cathedral, museums of choice, evening illumination tour of Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II, and Korean War Memorials
Day 3: Visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s iconic estate, and Jamestown Settlement before arriving in Williamsburg for dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
Day 4: Full day of Colonial Williamsburg historic area
Day 5: Tour Richmond National Battlefield Park and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate
Day 6: Enjoy Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield
Day 7: City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, First Bank, Carpenter’s Hall, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church
Day 8: Arrive in New York City to embark Enchanted Princess for cruise
Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island
Day 10: Boston, Massachusetts
Day 11: Portland, Maine
Day 12: At Sea
Day 13: Halifax, Canada
Day 14: At Sea
Day 15: Return to New York City
On sale now, there are 10 Historic America cruisetour options in 2025 with departure dates of August 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11 and 18, 2025. Rates start at $4,529 per person.
250th Anniversary of America in 2026
Thornton added, “With the upcoming 250th anniversary of America in 2026, now is the time to visit our nation’s historic landmarks and celebrate our independence.”
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.
Local shop owners in Bar Harbor, Maine are tired of cruise passengers being told they aren’t welcome in their town. They are fighting back against a local ordinance.
Our free cruise newsletter offers the latest cruise news and deals: Sign Up
The ordinance which was recently implemented, aims to reduce how many cruise passengers can visit their establishments.
It states that no more than 1,000 cruise passengers can visit the port per day, hampering the ability for these shops and storefronts to cash in from the summer cruise traffic.
According to news reports, business owners in Bar Harbor are now suing the town. They are saying that the restrictive ordinance hurts the entire local economy.
The Association to Preserve and Protect Local Livelihoods (APPLL) is a non-profit that filed an injunction against the limiting ordinance.
Ocean Properties Director of Operations, Eben Salvatore, helped organize the group of local citizens to take the town to court.
“More than 90% of our visitors annually come on ships larger than that. And as you can imagine, if you’re a cruise ship, to have to pick and choose who you would like to come ashore and who would have to stay on board, it’s not something that you will do, so they’re just not coming. It’s harmful to the taxpayers, it’s harmful to the businesses and the owners and their employees and families, etc.,” Salvatore stated.
These small businesses rely on tourism and cruise traffic for revenue. On top of this the port fees help stimulate economic growth.
The injunction that was filed would prevent the ordinance from being enforced until a court can decide on the matter.
Cruise season has begun in Bar Harbor
Cruise ships just started calling at Bar Harbor as the warmer months have opened cruise sailings in the region.
This month Norwegian Gem and Holland America cruise ship ms Volendam have made visits to the Maine port.
These vessels have a passenger capacity of 2,394 and 1,432 respectively. This means that neither of the cruise ships would be able to let every cruise passenger off the ship if the ordinance were enforced.
However, there was a condition in the ordinance when it was passed two years ago. Ships that made reservations for the cruise port before the vote were allowed to stop in Bar Harbor without any restrictions.
Any ships that made reservations after the vote would be limited in how many travelers could get off the ship.
The ordinance faced resistance from the onset, but a federal district court ruled in February that the town was allowed to impose the restrictions.
The recent lawsuit now puts everything back in question.
Local residents speaking out
Speaking with WABI, Susan Stanley of Seagrass Gallery stated that Bar Harbor has always been a tourism town.
“It’s not just the cruise ships. It’s the fact that they bring people back,” Stanley said.
“We do receive well over a million dollars in cruise ship fees, and that money is able to go to our town parks, our bathrooms, our sidewalks, our streetlamps.”
The shop owner then gave a warning about the lack of cruise ship revenue being compensated in other ways.
“The only way to make up for the missing revenue is going to be raising our property taxes again. It’s got to be figured out somehow, and I think APPLL is more than willing to work with, you know, the other side about this, and I just hope that happens before it’s too late,” Staney concluded.
Learn the cruise secrets most people don”t know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)
