Luxury Cruising Editorial

The latest cruise ship to join Carnival’s growing fleet has arrived at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal on Tuesday.

The 135,156 gross ton Carnival Firenze is the second “Costa as Carnival” ship to be transferred from Costa Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line.

After sailing from Europe to Long Beach, California, the 5,200-passenger capacity “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship has found its new home.

Actor Jonathan Bennett has been named the godfather of the ship and he will be present at the naming ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. 

This event will be live streams on the cruise line’s Facebook page.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald took to his social media page to talk about the arrival of the ship.

Heald reported the Carnival Firenze’s arrival in Long Beach yesterday following a 30-day trip. The crew faced a busy day with immigration checks, a full US Coast Guard exam including drills, and possible health inspections. New crew members even joined the ship, all before tomorrow’s ceremony.

Carnival Firenze will be offering year-round sailings out of the California port, with various cruises that range in length from 3 days to 7 days in duration. 

The Florence inspired ship will visit destinations in the Mexican Riviera like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Esenada.   The first cruise out of Long Beach on Carnival Firenze is scheduled to sail on Thursday. 

This will be the third Carnival ship to sail out of Long Beach this season, with Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance also calling the California port home. 

The 1,061-foot vessel was built in 2020 and delivered to Costa Cruises in December of that same year.  In the summer of 2022 Carnival announced that the ship would be joining Carnival Venezia as part of the “Costa by Carnival” program which provides an Italian flare to the Carnival cruise experience.

Carnival Venezia is currently homeporting in New York City out of the Manhattan cruise port.

Lifeboats on cruise ships have come a long way in the last 20 years.  In fact, modern safety features across the board have made huge strides that most people don’t even know about.

After all, when on a cruise ship, enjoying an amazing vacation at sea, who really thinks about worst case scenarios?

Most passengers are more concerned about a potential view being blocked by a lifeboat hanging off the side of the ship rather than what those bright orange boats do in the first place.

And yes, the internet is chalk full of fear-mongering articles about lifeboats.  Some will say there aren’t enough for everyone.  Others will use “clickbait” on YouTube thumbnails that will make would-be first-time cruisers more hesitant to hop on a ship.

Here’s the good news: cruise ships are built with safety as the top priority. Instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios, let’s dive into the fascinating world of cruise ship lifeboats.

One of the first things you should do when you first board your cruise ship is to find your muster station so you can complete the e-muster drill that is required before the ship can leave port.

Hopefully, these fun facts will help enlighten that entire muster drill experience.

Here are 10 surprising facts you might not know, from hidden features to rigorous testing procedures.

1. Some lifeboats are used as tenders

A tender is a boat that takes cruise passengers back and forth from ship to land.   These boats are used in ports of call where the ship cannot dock and must drop anchor offshore.

I’ve had the chance to take a ride in a lifeboat tender many times.  In fact, on a recent cruise with Celebrity Ascent, the co-captains (the Kafetzis brothers) actually had a little race along side the ship as Celebrity debuted its brand-new vessel. 

And yes, those boats can move faster than you think.

Now, that’s something the average cruiser won’t get to experience, but it did give me a lot of insight into what these little life-savers are capable of.

Lifeboats that you see hanging off the side of the ship that have no windows along the full length are not usually the ones used as tenders.  Tender lifeboats are much more spacious and will often have padded seating (with some cruise lines).

Of course, in the case of an emergency, these vessels will be much more cramped as they will be filled close to maximum capacity. 

2. The capacity of lifeboats has changed

How many people can fit in a lifeboat?  That number has changed over the years. 

The 150-person capacity for lifeboats was originally set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) code 4.4.2.1. 

Many lifeboats on today’s modern cruise ships will hold 300 people.

And now with larger cruise ships with passenger capacity’s pushing over 7,000, exceptions have been made for these behemoth vessels like Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean.

The 370-capacity Schat-Harding CRW55 was introduced on Oasis of the Seas, which allowed the ship to carry 18 lifeboats.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas carries lifeboats with an even greater capacity of 450 people.

3. There are enough lifeboats and life rafts for EVERYONE

This really shouldn’t be a “surprise” but if you read certain headlines on social media you might be surprised to know this.

It’s a topic that clickbait articles like to use, saying that “there aren’t enough lifeboats for everyone” on a cruise ship.

And if you’re doing the math yourself you might come to the same conclusion. 

But this fear tactic overlooks some very important facts. 

First, cruise ships do not usually ever sail at true maximum capacity.  This would mean every bed (including lower berths) is filled.

Most cruise ships sail closer to just above double-capacity numbers, which includes two people per cabin.

Also, while almost every passenger will typically have space in a lifeboat even near maximum capacity, there are also life rafts on board. 

These inflatable life rafts are mainly used for the crew in case of emergency, but they also offer more than enough space for extra passengers as well.

A SOLAS law requires enough lifeboats for 75% of passengers (37.5% on each side of the ship).  But there must be enough lifeboats and life rafts for 100% of passengers, which means the remaining 25% can be inflatable life rafts.

These life rafts are kept in circular drums on the side of the ship.  They use a hydrostatic release system that automatically inflates when they hit the water.

Note: Even though life rafts are mainly for the crew, each lifeboat will also have crew members in them to help cruise passengers with supplies, food, and overall organization.

The number of crew in each lifeboat will vary.  There could be anywhere from 10 – 18 crew members depending on the capacity of the lifeboat.

Read more: Top 5 cruise lines with the most capacity (total berths)

4. The color of some lifeboats has changed

Historically, lifeboats have been bright orange.  This bold color would allow the boats to be more easily spotted in a vast ocean.

International maritime safety regulations emphasize the importance of lifeboats being as visible as possible.

But Disney Cruise Line wasn’t a fan of this color, as it contrasted with their brand’s color scheme. 

Thanks to approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, Disney was allowed to paint its lifeboats bright yellow, affectionately known as Pantone 99. 

Since then, Royal Caribbean has adopted yellow as its lifeboat color of choice for ships in the fleet (except for Vision and Sovereign-class ships).  Costa Cruises also has yellow lifeboats.

5. Lifeboats can be launched even with 20-degree listing

It’s important for a lifeboat to be launched in all kinds of conditions.   20-degrees is a significant tilt for such a large vessel. 

But even in this circumstance most cruise ships can still launch their life saving vessels.  

Special launch systems like adjustable davits and self-balancing winches allow lifeboats to be lowered safely. Lifeboats themselves are designed to bob upright upon water entry.

Some davits may also have counterbalancing mechanisms to help manage the weight of the lifeboat during launch on an incline.

Video tour of cruise ship lifeboat

6. All aspects of these boats are tested regularly

Before a lifeboat is even installed on a cruise ship it goes through rigorous testing.  This includes filling the boat with water weights to mimic the weight of passengers and making sure the lifeboat can handle various loads and weight distribution, among other things.

If you’ve taken many cruises you’ve probably noticed the crew take a lifeboat or two for a spin while your ship was in port. 

This isn’t just a joy ride.  It’s to make sure the engines are still operational and the vessels as still seaworthy.

Lifeboats go through weekly and monthly inspections.  The crew check for damage or improper equipment function when running through these regular tests.

Life rafts are not tested by the crew but are periodically sent to facilities for inspection as they are sealed in drums on the ship and not easily accessible.

Even the equipment on board the lifeboats are inspected.  Food rations, batteries, signal equipment, and first-aid kits are inspected for quality to make sure everything is operational in the event of an emergency.

7. Each boat has an assigned commander who drives

Not everyone on a cruise ship can drive a lifeboat. It takes a special certification that involves classes, written exams, and practical tests on the water.

The person in charge of driving a particular lifeboat (the boat commander) is often determined by their position on the ship, rather than who currently holds that job title.

There is also a second in command who will drive if the boat commander is not available. 

Also, launch teams are assigned to each boat who are in charge of operating the hooks and pulleys and will lower the boats into the water.

All of this training goes on behind the scenes with most passengers completely unaware of the safety protocols in place.

8. There’s enough food and water for at least a week

In any emergency situation in which a lifeboat is used the goal is to be rescued as quickly as possible.   But if the rescue takes longer than expected there is enough fresh water and food on board to ensure survival for at least a week.

Many cruise ships have enough water for about half a liter of water per person per day and also a box of high-calorie dry biscuits (about 270 calories per bar).  These ration biscuits have an extremely long shelf-life and can be eaten without any preparation, making them the perfect survival food that is jam packed with calories.

No, it’s not the kind of gourmet food you may find in the main dining room, but again, the point here is survival.

Read more: 10 biggest things that can ruin your cruise if you let them

9. Seasickness medication is available on lifeboats

Large cruise ships are very stable and barely move at all in relatively calm weather.  The same cannot be said of lifeboats. 

These smaller vessels do their fair share of bobbing up and down and back and forth in even minimal waves.  

This is why every lifeboat also comes equipped with motion sickness medication for every person on board.  In fact, upon entering a lifeboat every person will be given motion sickness tablets along with a bag in case anyone gets sick from all of the rocking.

What other kinds of equipment and essentials can be found in a lifeboat?

• Fishing tackle
• Sea anchor (to slow the boat or stay in one position)
• Thermal protective blankets and aids
• First-aid kit
• Can opener
• Rope and rope ladder
• Smoke floats
• Rockets and hand flares to for better visibility
• Compass
• Fire extinguishers
• Flashlight and batteries

Read more: 35 genius cruise items on Amazon for under $15 (mostly)

10. Some lifeboats have bathrooms

People often ask if cruise ship lifeboats have toilets.   And while historically the answer has been no, some modern lifeboats do have a bathroom.

It should be noted that the primary purpose of a lifeboat is to keep you alive.  These aren’t cushy and comfortable pleasure vessels.  They are used in emergencies to help ensure your safety.

But when Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, she also debuted a new concept in her 370-passenger lifeboats: a toilet.   While the idea of sharing a bathroom with several hundred people isn’t a brochure-worthy concept, it’s presumably better than nothing.

Final Thoughts

While we hope that no one reading this ever has to use a lifeboat in an emergency situation, at least now you have some useless knowledge to throw around at the dinner table in the main dining room.

And you can rest at ease knowing not only are there enough lifeboats and life rafts for everyone on board, but that the crew is vigilant in making sure this equipment is kept in working order.

Read more: 15 DUMB things people still believe about cruise ships

If you’re going on a cruise with a third or even fourth person in the cabin, there are a few things you need to know.  Don’t worry.  We’re going to cover all of it in this article.

*This article has been updated since its original publishing date.

More often than not, you will see many couples or families traveling together. The trend of traveling solo has gained in popularity throughout the years as well.

Traditionally, standard cabins are sized for two people. Family cabins and suites are another matter altogether.

So, what happens if you decide to cruise with a total of three or four in a cabin? How will this affect your stay and experience?

First of all, not all cabins can accommodate third and fourth persons. Be sure to choose the proper cabin when booking. Once we get past this standard rule, there are a few other things to remember.

1. Space Will Be Tight

Be prepared to maximize space when cruising with a third person!  If you can get some in the group to limit their luggage it would be a good idea too.

You may need to keep some of your clothing neatly folded in your suitcase, if you find that there is not enough room in the drawers and closet for everyone’s cruise attire.

Utilizing space saving bags or packing cubes can be a good idea.

Cruise ship bathrooms are naturally small. This is one space in your cabin that you will need to be extra diligent with your space saving hacks.

Try using hanging toiletry bags for each person. They can be hung in your closet and taken into the bathroom when needed. This keeps everyone’s toiletries tidy, separated and organized.

On most ships cruise ship cabins tend to run on the small side. An interior cabin is usually the smallest option on the vessel.

If a third person is in your room, be aware that space will be scarce, unless you booked a larger suite or more swanky cabin category.

I recommend an ocean view cabin at the very least. The space may not differ much, but having a window or porthole can give the room a more open feel.

You can often cram four people into an interior cabin to maximize savings, but maximizing the cruise experience is no guarantee.

A balcony cabin is an even better option. When space is feeling a bit cramped, there is an outside area to relax in that usually has a table and chairs. Even if the room isn’t larger itself, the balcony area creates a feeling of a larger space, with more options for everyone.

Read more: 25 Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More Livable

2. Drink Package Rules

Many cruisers opt to purchase the all-inclusive drink packages after boarding the ship. These packages are usually priced per day and include a large selection of beverages that you can enjoy, without the fear of a surprise bill.

The golden standard across cruise lines requires all persons in the room to purchase the package. If one purchases it, everyone in the cabin must as well.

Keep this in mind when traveling with a third. Many times, their cruise rates will be cheaper, but they must participate in the drink package if the other two decide to opt-in.

It is up to you and your cabin mates to decide if the drink packages are beneficial to you. Some people find that they come out cheaper in the long-run when buying the packages and others prefer to pay a la carte.

Of course, this rule doesn’t apply to minors.

3. Bedding Options

We already know that space will be very limited when cruising with a third person. What options are available for sleeping and bedding?

Most cruise ships will have two twin size beds that can be converted to a king. Before your trip, you can usually customize the bed configuration for the first two passengers.

Third and fourth passengers’ beds are handled differently. Some rooms will have upper berths that are “hidden” in the wall or ceiling, until the room steward prepares the cabin in the evenings.

These beds are opened and appear almost identical to a bunk bed. The person sleeping here will have a ladder to access the bed. This option is very popular with families and kids tend to love it.

Some cabins have a sofa or couch located along one wall. Sometimes, these sofas can be converted to a bed in the evenings.

If your third person is an infant, cribs can usually be provided by each cruise line. Just be sure to speak with your cabin steward for more information and availability.

4. Savings Possibilities

Luckily, most cruise lines offer some amazing deals for third and fourth passengers in a cabin. Cruise vacations tend to be a wonderful way to maximize your vacation budget and that holds true even further for additional passengers in your cabin.

It’s not unheard of for the cost of a cruise to be half-price for a third or fourth person.

Some cruise lines even offer FREE fare for third and fourth passengers. You can’t beat cruising for free!

This is a wonderful option to cut down on costs for your trip. The total cost can be divided by three rather than two, for incredible savings.

Remember: Even though the third or fourth person may cruise for free, they will still have to pay taxes and port costs. 

Read more: How to avoid spending an extra penny on your cruise

5. Gratuities Still Apply

If taking advantage of a lower cost or free fare for the third person, remember that some standard rules still apply.

The third person will still have to pay gratuities. Keep in mind that the extra person will still be eating and using the amenities of the dining room. Gratuities still need to be paid for the service that they receive. Your cabin stewards will be cleaning up after three, rather than two.

Just remember to keep this extra amount for gratuities budgeted into the total cost of your cruise vacation.

Cruising with a third person can be an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Being fully prepared before your trip can cut down on any surprises that you may have once boarding.

Make a budget beforehand, pack as light as possible and have lots of fun making memories together.

We hope our insight will prepare you for your next cruise with an additional person in your cabin. What would you suggest for others cruising with a third person? Let us know in the comments!

Read more: Cruise cabin check: 11 things to do before you empty your suitcase

There are certain things you’re not allowed to bring onto a cruise ship.  Some are pretty obvious, and others are in a sort of grey area.

And while many regular cruisers know that things like candles, irons, and weapons of any kind should not be stuffed into a suitcase bound for a cruise ship, some still try to push the limits.

No, you’re not allowed to bring a portable washing machine onto a cruise ship.

While doing laundry on a cruise is often an essential part of packing light and sailing on a longer voyage, these vessels have their own washing machines and dryers. 

Carnival Cruise Line is still one of the few cruise lines that also have self-service laundry rooms on many of its ships.

You can see a list of which cruise ships have launderettes (self-service laundry rooms) here.

Today, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald responded to a message he received from a passenger who got in trouble trying to sneak a portable washing machine on board.

On his Facebook page, Heald posted this message from a previous guest:

“Mom and me were on the Valor back in March. We were called to the naughty room because we had a Kuppet portable washing machine in our big bag. We were treated like criminals and degraded. I hope Carnival will be more sympathetic to people and do away with this humiliating experience.”

Heald acknowledged the passenger’s frustration and assured them the intention was not humiliation. He also revealed portable washing machines will be added to the list of prohibited items.

Kuppet portable washing machines come in a variety of sizes and styles.  The cheapest mini versions sell for around $60 and larger twin-tub washing machines from the company sell for $120 online, although it’s debatable how “portable” this 26lb machine really is.

A small mini Kuppet washing machine weighs about 8lbs, and is more than likely the kind the passenger tried to take on the cruise.

These washing machines can wash up to 5 shirts at a time and are often used by people who own RVs or go camping.

The wash time can be up to 15 minutes with these machines and they use 170w of power.

Heald admitted that he didn’t even know these kinds of machine existed, adding a bit of humor over the passengers use of the term “naughty room”.

“I do have to say I always smile when I hear the place on deck 0 where these inspections are carried out referred to as “ the naughty room.” Where did this ever start? Was it my late Mum who came up with this?”, Heald stated in his post.

He then opened the comment section to those who also had been called to the “naughty room” over something they packed in their suitcase that they should have left at home.

Most commenters were adverse to the idea of doing laundry while on a cruise ship in the first place, with one person saying,

“I don’t want to do laundry at home, not gonna pack a portable machine and do it on vacation.”

Did you know that a cruise line has a standby program where you can cruise for just $49 per day per person?  Here is how it works.

Holland America Line, one of nine cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation, is offering a standby program from eight different homeports in 2024. 

This standby program allows you to just for just $49 per day, per person with no double occupancy fares for solo cruisers in single occupancy rooms.  It’s available at the following eight homeports:

• Seattle
• Vancouver
• Whittier
• San Diego
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Boston
• Montreal
• Quebec

These cruises visit Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Canada, New England, and transatlantic sailings.

You can add yourself to the standby list by calling Holland America Line at (877) 724-5425. If a cruise still has standby space, you will be required to make a full payment for the cruise that equals to $49 per day, per person.

The cruise line reviews standby lists anywhere from two to seven days before embarkation. If you are cleared, you will received confirmation from the cruise line to pack your bags.

You will always know at least 48 hours if you’re been cleared to cruise standby.

If there are no open cabins by the time they come to your name on the list, you will receive a full refund in four to six weeks.

Priority is based on when you joined the standby list. The first ones to join will receive the first open cabins.

Your cabin will be an inside, ocean view, or balcony. The cruise line chooses for you and you are not allowed to choose the exact cabin type. So it’s best to go in expecting an inside and then be pleasantly surprised if you get a balcony.

Third and fourth guests in a cabin can sail for free, they just have to pay for taxes and port fees.

You can see a complete list of cruises in 2024 that are eligible for standby rates on HollandAmerica.com.

If you live near one of these eight homeports and have a flexible schedule, then this standby program is a great way to cruise for less.

We asked our readers which cruise ports in the Caribbean and Bahamas were their favorite and least favorite.

This list is a direct result of the replies to this question from several hundred followers willing to voice their opinion.

Not all cruise ports are created equal.  And with the popularity of cruise travel in the Caribbean and Bahamas there are some destinations more popular than others.

It should be noted that this is a very subjective topic.  While some may rather stay on the ship when docking in Nassau, you might love exploring this port.

Top 5 Favorite Cruise Ports

These cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean were the most mentioned in the “favorite” category by our readers.

1. St. Maarten

With a French side and a Dutch side, this 13 square mile island is one of the busiest cruise ports on our list.  In fact, Port of Philipsburg in St. Maarten saw at least 1.3 million cruise passengers last year, with almost 500 cruise ships pulling into port.

Cruise passengers love both the culture of the area as well as the natural beauty.  There are 37 beaches around the island, and according to some sources the island holds the record for the most beaches per square mile.

St. Maarten was the most mentioned favorite cruise port, and as more cruise itineraries have this port of call on their schedule, more cruisers have had the chance to explore this little slice of paradise.

Read more:  25 Things to do in St. Maarten on a Cruise

2. Aruba

A favorite Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary hot spot, Aruba is the most well-known of the ABC islands.   You will find this port of call on cruises with durations of 8-12 days in many cases.  Since the island is so far south in the Caribbean Sea, it requires a longer voyage for ships sailing out of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Cruisers love Aruba for its pristine white sandy beaches, Dutch heritage that permeates the island, and the feeling of safety throughout.  Aruba is one of the safest ports of call to visit.  Add in some great shopping spots in Oranjestad and plenty of unique excursions, and you can see why Aruba made the list.

Read more: 19 Best Things to do in Aruba

3. Grand Cayman

With about 1.4 million cruise passengers visiting Grand Cayman every year, it’s one of the most popular ports in the Caribbean.   Cruise visitors will often rave about Seven Mile Beach or the stunning coral around the port that is perfect for both snorkeling and diving. 

George Town offers loads of shopping opportunities as well.  And don’t forget one of the most popular tourist activities on the island: Cayman Turtle Centre.

Grand Cayman is one of the three Cayman Islands and is located about 100 miles west of Jamaica and south of Cuba.

Read more: Best Grand Cayman Tips for Things to Do and See

4. San Juan

San Juan, Puerto Rico is one of my personal favorite ports.  There’s just something special about Old San Juan and the vibrant culture that can be found along those cobblestone streets.  Cruisers love that most of this area can be explored on foot and that beautiful beaches like Condado Beach and Playa El Ultimo Trolley offer plenty of space for some relaxing in the sun.

You can also get some fantastic food in San Juan (Oh, and I love the local coffee) with a blend of Spanish and Caribbean flavors.  There’s also some unique history at this port.  El Morro is a six-level fortress that looks over San Juan Bay which was built in the mid 1500’s.

5. Curacao

Another Dutch Caribbean island, the C of the ABC islands is known for colorful reefs and stunning beaches.  Williamstad, the capital city, is also a popular attraction near the port.  The vibrant colonial style buildings provide a lovely backdrop for walks along the waterfront that is dotted by shops and cafes, so always save a little room in your stomach for a walk downtown.

Cruisers love the laid-back atmosphere of Curacao along with the natural beauty of the island.  Hikes through Christoffel National Park are pretty popular as well, but it’s about an hour way from the port itself.

Read more: 15 Fun Things to Do in Curacao on a Cruise

Notable mentions:

 A few other favorite ports that were mentioned included St. Thomas, Bonaire, and “any private island”.

5 Least Favorite Cruise Ports

Just because a cruise destination is on this least doesn’t mean you can’t absolutely enjoy an amazing day in port there.  In fact, I often read cruise reviews that offer much different perspectives than my own.

But these ports in the Caribbean and surrounding areas were mentioned as the least favorite.  Agree or disagree, perhaps these ports have some room for improvement.  By the way, some have already made vast improvements, so don’t write them off.

1. Nassau

It was somewhat disheartening to see Nassau mentioned so many times as the least favorite cruise port, but I totally understand it.  Besides the crime issues that have plagued the region, Nassau has always felt more like a necessary rest stop for cruise passengers who were on their way someone else.

The port recently spent $300 million upgrading the entire port, so you might not even recognize it if you haven’t been there in a while.    No longer do you have to push your way through the gauntlet of local residents trying to sell you excursions and services.  The whole process has been streamlined and the terminal is much more open.  Even the straw market area is clean, open, and organized.

But I know I’m not going to convince any of you am I?  Ok, on to the second least favorite port.

Read more: Things to do in Nassau on a Cruise

2. Freeport

Another port in the Bahamas, Freeport was also not very well liked by our readers.   First of all, the port does have a very industrial feel, a contrast to the Seven Mile beach you can find at Grand Cayman.

That’s not to say Freeport doesn’t have some great natural beauty of its own.  You just have to spend some time in a taxi or bus driving by all of the cement plants and oil refineries to find it.   I’ve enjoyed a few lovely excursions to the beaches in Freeport.  I’ve also explored several beautiful caverns.

However, recent travel advisories for the Bahamas as a whole have not helped the image of this cruise port in the eyes of wary travelers as well.

Read more: Best Things to do in Freeport on a Cruise

3. Jamaica

This country has had a colorful history for cruise travelers.  Both safety concerns and trouble dealing with overly aggressive vendors have made Jamaica one of the least favorite places for some cruisers.  While exploring a foreign port on your own can be a rewarding experience, some have expressed difficulty in doing so here.

Jamaica has five cruise ports: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Port Antonia, and Port Royal (Kingston).  Ocho Rios is the busiest of these five with Falmouth closely behind it.

But there are many wonderful things to do near any of these Jamaican cruise ports as well.  A vibrant culture, lush rainforests, and many private beaches or all-inclusive reports can help make any cruise visit to Jamaica pretty incredible.

Read more: 24 Awesome Things to do in Jamaica on a Cruise

4. Belize

Due to the shallow waters around Belize City, cruise ships drop anchor a few miles from shore and send cruise travelers to the port area via tenders (small boats).  This trip can take around 20 minutes, a process not all passengers have been thrilled about. 

The area can also feel a bit on the touristy side.  While some will venture out to visit Mayan ruins and lush jungles, those who stay in the bustling cruise port area often feel they aren’t getting the true authentic experience of Belize.

5. Tortola

The largest of the 50 British Virgin Islands, Tortola is also the most populated.  Just east of Puerto Rico, about 24,000 residents live on the 21 sq. mile island.   The cruise port area can be a little more crowded and bustling than some prefer, with plenty of shopping and commercial activity nearby.

Most cruise ships will dock at the cruise pier near Road Town which can handle two large ships at once.  However, most of the time there are not more than two ships in port at the same time.  I did notice on the cruise schedule for Tortola that a few times in December of this year 3 ships will be calling on the islands on the same day.  This means at least one ship will have to anchor in the bay and send tenders to land.

Tortola is an easy port for English speakers to navigate and US dollars are accepted as well.

Notable mentions:

Some other ports that cruiser passengers weren’t in love with included Martinique and Roatan.  Cozumel, Mexico was mentioned a few times as least favorite, but it was also on commenters list of favorite ports.

Final Thoughts

As I always say, a cruise is what you make of it.  I’ve had some great cruises at the cruise ports mentioned at the bottom half of this article just as much as the ones at the top.

Everyone has a different expectation of what they want a day in port to be like, so always keep that in mind when you hear something negative said about a port of call. 

The important thing is to keep an open and curious mind about new places.  Soak in the culture and history of each place like a sponge and find something new that is not always listed in a brochure.