Virgin Voyages has announced that it has cancelled the entire Australia and Asia Pacific cruise season for ship Resilient Lady in 2024/25 due to the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea.
While several cruise lines have cancelled individual sailings or a small handful of cruise options, Virgin Voyages is the first to cancel an entire cruise season.
Now, once Resilient Lady completes her summer Mediterranean season, she will instead cross the Atlantic and cruise the Caribbean for the 2024/25 winter period.
The cruise line is still considering a return to the Australia and Asia Pacific region in future, once the repositioning sailings to reach that part of the world are safer.
Based on the regional and government advice we have received, we remain very concerned about potential escalations in the Red Sea over the next 12 months.
This significant and ongoing conflict puts unacceptable risks for safe passage through the region for our Sailors, crew and vessel. As a result, we have been left with no choice but to cancel our 2024/25 voyage season plans for Resilient Lady, impacting the late 2024 and early 2025 repositioning voyages between Europe and Australia and a second sailing season in Australian waters.
Virgin Voyages statement
The cruise ship is currently in Australia and will depart on 27th March, making a journey to the Mediterranean via the revised route around the western coast of Africa.
Itineraries for the new Caribbean season haven’t yet been confirmed but will depart from San Juan in Puerto Rico, and it’s expected that sailings of between 7 and 11 nights will be made available.
Any guests who were booked onto the original winter 2024/25 cruises on the ship will be given the chance to transfer their booking to a new one, or receive a full refund. Details will be sent to guests or their travel agents.
These guests will also be given priority for bookings on future cruises around Australia and Asia Pacific once they become available again.
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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.
Have you ever wished you could sell everything you own and sail into the sunset? Single father Gary Payne is doing just that.
As his children grow up and prepare to fly the nest, Gary is swapping his traditional life for a permanent world cruise aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.
In this exclusive interview, he explains his motivations, how he will deal with the practicalities of life on the waves and what he’s most excited about on his solo voyage…
Gary Payne
What led you to purchase a cabin on the Villa Vie Odyssey?
I’m a single dad, and my kids are now living more with their mum. They are also getting to university age, so they will be fleeing the nest.
I’ve gone without, saved, and invested my whole life. My health has gone downhill a bit since splitting from my ex, and I want to spend time on myself and do what I’ve always strived to do… Travel more.
Have you cruised much in the past?
Not really a proper cruise. Nothing more than a night or 2 days. I know, I’m crazy!
Why did you choose Villa Vie Odyssey over any of the other ships that offer full-time living at sea?
Currently, there are not many options to reside on a ship as opposed to buying back-to-back trips.
“The World” won’t entertain you unless you’re worth millions. A couple of other start-ups tried to start a cruise, but never even got a ship.
Villa Vie Residences has a ship, has a dry dock booked, has ports booked, and looks like the first “affordable” option.
Also, it goes around the world slowly. It takes 3½ years to go around once, stopping at over 140 countries and staying at each place longer, meaning residents can explore each place a lot better, and immerse in the local area. There are even plans to help out in some communities with voluntary roles if you like.
I also like the fact it’s a smaller ship, so can get to places other ships can’t reach (such as up the Amazon).
The ship has a rich history, sailing for Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen previously. Did that influence your decision to choose this particular vessel?
Not at all. I signed up just before the ship was announced. The funds went into an Escrow account, so I would be protected if things went wrong.
What type of cabin have you chosen?
I’ve purchased an outside room. I’m looking forward to seeing all the different ports each week through the window.
A lot of people wonder “How can you live in such a small space?” But I see it as – my cabin is my bedroom. The ship is my house.
My house has a gym, bars, restaurants, games room, and ever-changing views. I never need to do laundry or cook or clean ever again (there is a teaching kitchen for residents to use if you want to).
There is also a large business centre for those digital nomads to work from.
The way the pricing works, the costs are good for solo travellers. Inside cabins are at a reasonable price, but selling out fast.
The monthly fees for all-inclusive living are low comparable to living in the UK if you consider no bills, car tax and insurance, all food, drinks, housekeeping, laundry etc.
What features on board the ship are you most excited about?
It’s great to have a gym, spa and games room, but I’m particularly excited that the top deck has gyroscopic telescopes. Imagine the sky at night with no light pollution at all!
I like the fact we can buy our own drinks and bring them on board, and even store them behind the bars. I also like the fact we stop in most ports for between two and five days.
I also plan to take the opportunity to volunteer with people from the local communities to learn more about the places we go.
How do you anticipate integrating into the onboard community?
As far as I know, I’m currently the only UK resident (I’d love for more to sign up). I know there are several from other countries, but the vast majority are from the US.
I’m looking forward to learning new sports (they all seem to love pickleball, so we are getting a court on board), and I like expanding my cultural acquaintances.
I have a little trepidation about being such a minority, but I’m looking forward to cheering on England and Team GB in major events like the Olympics.
I think I’ll avoid playing scrabble. It could lead to spelling arguments!
Pre-cruise, we currently have a social app where we can chat and get to know each other. I know lots of names and faces already.
We are invited to help make decisions regarding the ship (i.e. naming the ship “Odyssey”). Several of our requests are already being acted on.
We also have lots of interest groups set up so we know who shares what interests for onboard activities and to find like-minded souls.
There are also a few webinars and Zoom meetings each week explaining both trip progress and advancing social aspects.
How will you manage the practical aspects of living at sea?
We will have both Starlink and ViaSat 3 wifi, so can make wifi calls and Facetime with family and friends. We will also be able to have mail sent to us on board via a central land-based address.
Healthcare is a concern as a UK citizen who is used to the NHS. There is a medical centre, pharmacy, doctors and dentists on board. However, any procedures over and above the included health checks would be charged.
I am struggling a bit to find an insurer who will cover anything over 90 days away from home but I think I’ve found one.
Villa Vie is in discussions with an insurance provider about this to get a discounted cover for any residents who sign up. It’s a relatively new concept. I’m waiting to see what my options are. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.
How long do you intend to live on the ship?
I foresee myself being on board permanently, other than for any major personal or logistical events.
It takes 3½ years to circle the globe once, but then it just carries on and does it again. Residents will be consulted about future itineraries.
I’m most excited to visit Antarctica and Micronesia. Plus, we will be in Rio for a week during the carnival.
Do you have any apprehensions or concerns about spending such a long time at sea?
I have several concerns, naturally. It’s a big change. I’m concerned about not seeing family members. They can visit very cheaply, but not everyone is able to travel.
What if you don’t get on with some residents? You can’t avoid them on a ship. Then again, it’s the same on land I guess!
But on the whole, I’m super excited to set sail and begin my new life at sea.
Note from Jenni:
I would like to thank Gary for taking the time to do this interview. I’d love to follow in his footsteps and explore the world by cruise ship one day! It’s a fascinating journey and I wish him all the best.
If reading this has given you the urge to do the same, take a look at my guide to living on a cruise ship to see how Villa Vie Odyssey compares to the other options that are available to you.
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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.
Four cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line have resumed visits to Blue Lagoon Island in The Bahamas.
Blue Lagoon Island, a premier tourism destination in The Bahamas, can be visited when cruise ships visit Nassau, Bahamas. It is know for its pristine beaches, clear blue water, and exciting activities.
Visitors can relax on the beach, interact with friendly marine animals, enjoy lunch and tropical drinks, shop, or unwind in paradise. Blue Lagoon Island is committed to the safety and well-being of its guests. It has further enhanced its safety policies, procedures, and staff training and certifications, which exceed industry standards.
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“We are pleased to welcome our cruise partners back to Blue Lagoon Island,” said Robert Meister, Managing Director of Blue Lagoon Island. “Cruise visitors to Nassau will have the opportunity to enjoy our private beaches and calm lagoon, adding an unforgettable experience to their itinerary and creating lasting memories.”
Blue Lagoon Island offers a little of something for everyone. Even though it is family friendly, there are also adults only areas.
Blue Lagoon Island also provides training to and collaborates with local, regional, and international organizations and schools regarding marine education, nature conservancy, marine conservation programs, and beach, waterway, and ocean cleanup.
The island offers encounters with native dolphins, stingrays, nurse sharks and sea lions, among many educational activities, including eco-nature walking tours that feature beautiful beaches, native flora and fauna
With all the changes cruise lines have made recently, what can you still get for free in 2024? We have listed some of the best things you can enjoy on a cruise ship without spending an extra penny.
Perhaps you’ve read about the extra charges for room service on your favorite cruise line or an extra fee for getting another entree in the main dining room.
In an effort to reduce costs and pay back debt some companies have had to make a few adjustments. For instance, your stateroom might get cleaned only once per day instead of twice.
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Cruises still offer an excellent value for the money, and even though not everything is included when you sail with one of the mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC), there are still plenty of things that won’t cost you any extra.
A few of these items are a surprise to first-time cruisers or to those who haven’t been on a cruise in a while. For some of them, all you need to do is ask.
1. That extra main course for dinner
What’s better than dining at sea? Getting an extra steak or pasta dish just because you can. Even though some cruise lines are now charging extra if you want to get a 3rd entree, most will let you get at least a 2nd one for free– for now. All you have to do is ask.
Tip: If you do want a second main course be sure to do it when you’re first ordering, especially if you’re eating with others at your table. The cruise wait staff likes to keep everyone on the same meal course, and you could delay their dessert if you don’t order an extra entree until later. I’m a peaceful person, but please don’t mess with my chocolate melting cake!
2. Free raffle tickets to the spa on embarkation day
Embarkation day can be a busy time, but make sure you swing by the spa at some point during the day. You can get a free tour of the spa and thermal suite and sometimes even get a free 5 minute massage or facial treatment.
Almost every cruise line gives out free raffle tickets for one of their service as well. You just have to be present during the drawing to win, which is usually later that same day.
I know many who have received free spa treatments and massages from these raffles, so it’s worth a shot. Plus, it’s nice to check out the spa before committing to thermal suite access anyway.
Note: I’ve attended some of these drawings that were, well, quite drawn out, taking up to an hour. Since they function as infomercials for the spa’s services, this extra hour or so of your time might not be worth it. The gym area, where these drawings are usually held, can also get quite crowded, with over a hundred people vying for a chance at a free massage.
3. Prizes for participating in games and game shows
One of my favorite parts of cruising is both watching and participating in all the games and activities on board. Whether it’s the Love and Marriage game show, Family Feud, Deal or No Deal, or a scavenger hunt, these games provide another way to spice up a sea day. Who doesn’t love a good Battle of the Sexes game in the main theater!
Participating in these game shows could get you some free stuff to take back to your cabin too. Granted, these prizes might just be little trinkets, plastic trophies, or coffee tumblers, but they’re free and it’s fun to actively enjoy these kinds of activities on a ship anyway.
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4. Prizes for playing cruise ship trivia
I always try to participate in at least one round of trivia when on a cruise. You can check your daily cruise planner for when these events take place, and you will find all kinds of topics to choose from as well. On my last Carnival Celebration cruise I was amazed at the dozens of different topics and themes for trivia enthusiasts throughout the week.
So, whether you’re a history buff, sports fanatic, or a person filled with useless facts, give trivia a try and win yourself a free lanyard, t-shirt, or cruise-branded keychain. Some trivia events allow you to be part of a group too.
Note: Some cruise lines have had to cut back on prizes given for trivia, so do this one for the love of winning just in case you leave empty-handed.
5. Tournament trophies
So, the prize for winning a cornhole or ping-pong tournament might only be a ship-on-a-stick trophy or medallion necklace, but hey, it’s a free souvenir you can take home and brag about. I have a collection of these at home, and every glimpse of them just makes me get “Cruise Fever” all over again.
And now with pickleball courts on many cruise ships, there’s an extra trendy activity to enjoy on modern vessels.
6. Gifts for attending a shopping talk
While I’ve never been a huge fun of the shopping talks on a cruise ship, you can get some cool free stuff by attending them. In fact, that’s the only reason some people even go. These talks do offer some helpful information about cruise ports and what you can expect if you’re wanting to go on a shopping spree when you get off the ship. And they mainly happen on cruises where duty-free shopping is available in port.
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Some of these talks have a raffle at the end, but they always provide you with vouchers and coupons that you can use in port to redeem for free gifts at the different shops in the area.
7. Drinks and appetizers for attending a special event or meetup
Between the welcome and farewell parties on a cruise ship there are all kinds of other events throughout the week. Whether it’s a Cruise Critic meetup or a special event you can often get a free beverage and delicious appetizer to go with it. On mainstream lines these drinks cost extra, so this is a way to get a little something for free. The same goes for art auctions and talks that will typically offer a glass to each participant.
8. Onboard credit if you own some cruise stock
I recently wrote an article on the benefits of owning cruise stock in three different publicly traded cruise lines. If you’re a frequent cruiser it makes sense to earn some perks for owning stock since you can benefit from this over and over again.
Each of these publicly traded cruise companies require ownership of 100 shares before you receive onboard credit and that can range from $50 to $250 per cruise, depending on the duration of your voyage. So yes, this “freebie” requires buying something first, but using this onboard credit over and over again can really add up, especially if you cruise a lot.
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Just bear in mind that a cruise line could take away this benefit from their shareholders in the future, so enjoy it while it lasts. An extra $100 of onboard credit on a 7-day cruise is a nice incentive.
9. Room service
There have been a lot of recent changes involving room service policies on cruise lines, but most offer at least some room service for free. Typically, you can still get a continental breakfast delivered to your cabin that is complimentary, although you should still tip the delivery staff.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival only offer the continental breakfast sent to your cabin for no extra cost, but Norwegian Cruise Line has implemented a standard $4.95 even for this limited breakfast.
Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line still offer free room service for almost everything on the menu, and almost all luxury cruise lines will provide free room service as well.
If you find that your cruise cabin mattress is a little stiff you can ask your room steward for a mattress topper. These are usually provided for free to guests who need them, but they are only available in limited supply. So test out that bed before it’s bedtime to find out if you need some padding or not.
11. Loyalty and status match perks
You might have perks available that you didn’t even know about. Some cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages have status match programs that allow you to receive perks from sailing with a completely different cruise line. You will want to read the fine print and know all the details involved, but some of these perks could include free WiFi, free dry cleaning, onboard credit for drinks, and all kinds of other good stuff.
Also, be aware that cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are owned by the same parent company and offer shared benefits when it comes to loyalty perks. Royal Caribbean Group calls these loyalty status perks “unique but comparable”.
12. Free onboard credit for referring a friend
Some cruise lines will give you onboard credit simply for recommending a cruise line to a friend. Holland America has a program called “Refer a Friend” that will pay you $50 in future cruise credit when a friend goes on a cruise with them. And the best part is that your friend gets $50 as well, so they have an extra incentive to give you “credit”.
Other cruise lines like Seabourn, Viking, and Princess Cruises also have referral programs, and some pay as much as $250. For most of these referral programs the friend needs to be new to that cruise line, but it’s a great way to not only introduce new people to the wonderful world of cruising but also get rewarded for it as well.
What did I miss?
What do you like to get on a cruise ship that doesn’t cost you anything extra? Let us know in the comments below and share the knowledge!
Also, check out these articles for more great tips on saving money and having the best cruise possible:
Princess Cruises’ newest cruise ship, Sun Princess, will finally debut today and it will have the cruise line’s second Extraordinary Experience.
Extraordinary Experiences on Princess cruise ships are unique experiences that are not found on any other ships in the world. This newest experience, Spellbound by Magic Castle, will be offered three times per night and cost $149 per person.
The evening starts with a shared dinner in the Horizons Dining Room before you are escorted to the secluded Spellbound Bar for a evening of drinks and magic.
Magic Castle sponsored magicians will perform feats of illusion in the different rooms of Spellbound.
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The intimate Spellbound Theater for close-up magic
Each night of the cruise, there will be three different times slots to choose from: 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm. The cost will be $149 per person and there is limited availability for each time slot.
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Magic Castle is a private club in Hollywood for magicians and magic enthusiasts. Many celebrities have performed here including Neil Patrick Harris, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, and Michael Carbonoro. This is the first time that they have partnered with a cruise line.
Princess Cruises is bringing the magic of Magic Castle to Sun Princess in what is promising to be one of the most unique experiences you can have on a cruise. Advanced bookings will be required.
Princess Cruises’ first Extraordinary Experience, 360: An Extraordinary Experience, has been on a hit on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.
Sun Princess is the largest cruise ship in Princess’ fleet at more than 175,000 gross tons. It is the first of two Sphere class ship from the cruise line and will sail her maiden season in the Mediterranean.
After a season in Europe, the cruise ship will head to Florida and begin to offer Caribbean cruises from Port Everglades in the fall.
Cruise Fever will be sailing on Sun Princess in two weeks so stay tuned as we bring you everything that this new cruise ship has to offer.
There are a lot of small extra costs that you need to bear in mind when budgeting for a cruise, and a lot that you need to plan as well. An example for both is your transport to the ship and for your return journey home – if you’re planning on driving, what do you need to do, and can you park for free?
Well, I’ve got some bad news if you were hoping to enjoy free parking for your Carnival cruise – but don’t worry, with this guide, I’ll take you through all the options available and help you find the ideal solution.
Carnival Doesn’t Have Free Parking
There is no free parking option at the cruise terminals when sailing with Carnival. Every terminal has on-site parking, but there’s a daily charge for leaving your car there – starting from $16.50 per day for the ports most regularly used by the cruise line.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to park for free when cruising with Carnival, but the terminal car parks are the most convenient option. You drive into the secure garage, and then you can just walk to the terminal. You’ll often find luggage valet services close to the parking terminals too so you don’t even need to wheel your suitcases around for long.
That convenience comes with a price though. Here’s a breakdown of the main Carnival departure terminals and the costs involved:
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Parking
Parking at Port Canaveral costs $17 per day, plus tax – so it’s actually just over $18 per day. This includes arrival and departure days, so for a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay for 8 days of parking at a total cost of $144.16.
Reservations are not required, so you can just turn up and leave your car. You’ll pay when you leave. Cash isn’t accepted. You’re asked to drive to the cruise terminal to drop off your bags before you park your car.
Cheaper parking is also available if you choose one of the off-site car parks, many of which have free shuttles to the cruise terminal.
Miami Cruise Terminal Parking
Parking at Miami costs $22 per day, which works out at $176 for an average 7-night cruise (again, you need to pay for both your arrival and departure days, even if the total time ends up being less than one day).
You don’t need to reserve parking in advance, and Carnival guests should park in Garage D as it’s opposite the terminal.
An interesting note – Miami’s parking costs more for Royal Caribbean than it does for Carnival and other cruise lines. So you’re saving more on parking as well as on the cruise fare, on average anyway.
New Orleans Cruise Terminal Parking
Parking at the Erato Street cruise terminal in New Orleans costs $25 per day, so for a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay $200 including your arrival and departure days.
There’s a dedicated offloading area on the first floor of the parking garage where you can drop off your checked bags before you go and park. You need to have your boarding information to hand to be able to enter the parking garage, and you can pay for your parking via cash or card.
Alternatively, you can park from $14 per day at nearby car parks that have free shuttles.
Galveston Cruise Terminal Parking
There are several parking options available at Galveston cruise terminal, for Carnival guests. Rates vary depending on demand and on whether you choose the garage of an open lot. Prices vary between $16.50 and $22 per day. A shuttle is provided for anyone using the Economy Lot. You do need to reserve your spaces in advance for this port.
Seattle Cruise Terminal Parking
Parking at Seattle Cruise Terminal costs $27 per day, making it one of the most expensive ports to park at. For a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay $216 in total.
There is a free shuttle to make it easy to get to the terminal once you’ve parked your car. You don’t need to make a reservation unless you’re arriving in an RV, which has higher costs of $40 per day.
3 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Parking
There are some ways you can get free car parking for your Carnival cruise, and failing that, you can definitely pay less than the cruise terminals charge. Here are the best options for keeping parking costs to a minimum:
1. Hotels with Parking
If you’re driving a longer distance to get to the port, it’s often best to book a hotel stay for the night before you sail. That way, you won’t miss the cruise if there are any delays on your journey.
Many hotels in the busiest cruise ports will offer park-and-cruise packages, including free or discounted parking for the length of your cruise if you only stay for one night. You’ll often get a free shuttle service to the port too, although even if you don’t, paying for a taxi is still likely to be cheaper than having to park at the port.
Search for “*city* hotels with cruise parking” online and you should find some good options. Make sure you’re clear when you book that you want that package though.
2. Off-Site Car Parking
There are always car parking options near the terminal you can book if you want something cheaper. They won’t be free, but you should be able to find deals that are often half the price of parking at the terminal itself.
However, some of these might be open lots, so be careful. It’s always best to book a parking garage, ideally one where you’ll be on a higher level. Some Carnival guests in South Carolina once returned to flooded cars after storms – and these were the official car parks at the terminal! So whenever you use any parking, try to get a garage space.
3. Free Parking for Disabled Guests
Many of the cruise terminal car parks will offer free parking to guests with disabilities, but typically you’ll either need to be a disabled veteran of the state in which you’re parking, or you’ll need to be using a vehicle that’s adapted for your needs, such as with a ramp.
Guests with hidden disabilities or with limited physical disabilities that don’t require adapted vehicles will still have to pay full price for their parking. And typically you’ll need to book a disabled space too, even at the car parks where reservations aren’t needed.
Pros and Cons of Terminal Parking
Parking at the terminal for your Carnival cruise has pros and cons. While it’s not free, it might be worth paying the extra.
Pros of Terminal Parking
It’s more convenient – once you’re parked you can walk to the terminal, or board a quick shuttle
Most cruise terminals have sheltered parking
You can drop your luggage off before you park at most terminals
Once you disembark, you don’t have to travel far to get to your car
Cons of Terminal Parking
It’s more expensive
You can’t always guarantee a space, if reservations aren’t accepted
It’s busy, especially on disembarkation day, and it can be slow to get out of the parking lot/garage
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Final Word
Parking at the cruise terminal for your Carnival cruise is never free, and there aren’t really any free options unless you’re disabled. Hotels might offer free parking nearby but only if you pay to stay with them.
There’s no clear best option for Carnival cruise parking – it depends on whether you’re happier to spend more to be as close to the terminal as possible. It’s also worth considering public transport since you’ll often get shuttle services from the airport or train stations, while taxis can be cheap otherwise.
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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.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the inaugural cruise for Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship for the cruise line, has been cancelled.
Guests who were booked onto the 7-night cruise sailing around the Eastern Caribbean received notification on Tuesday, 27th February that their cruise would no longer be sailing.
The email from the cruise line stated that “after a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date. As a result, we must cancel our inaugural 7-Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day August 17th, 2025 sailing.”
Now, the new inaugural cruise will take place on 31st August 2025 – two weeks after the original scheduled date.
Guests originally booked on the 17th August 2025 sailing have been presented with several options:
They can transfer to the new inaugural sailing on 31st August 2025. This is the default option, and if guests don’t choose one of the others then they will automatically be moved onto this sailing
They can transfer to a cruise on Wonder of the Seas, which will depart on 17th August 2025 – meaning the date remains the same
They can transfer to a cruise on Icon of the Seas, sister ship of Star of the Seas, on 16th August 2025
They can ask for a full refund
If guests choose any of these rebooking options, then their original stateroom price will be protected, or reduced to the fare for the new cruise – whichever is lowest. This excludes extra fees such as taxes and gratuities.
Guests can also move their booking to any other cruise with Royal Caribbean on any ship in the fleet, but if they do, then they’ll be responsible for any differences in cruise fare.
There is a deadline – guests have until 12th March 2024 to make their decision, otherwise they will be moved to the new inaugural cruise.
There are always risks that cruise lines have to cancel inaugural cruises – Princess Cruises has twice cancelled the inaugural cruise of their latest ship, Sun Princess.
While it’s disappointing for guests to have their plans change, the small positive is that this was announced almost 18 months before the cruise was due to depart, giving guests plenty of notice.
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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.
The Carnival Serenity Adult-only Retreat is the perfect place to unwind when you need to escape from the crowds on a busy Carnival ship.
After all, Carnival’s reputation is for fun, fun and more fun – and that doesn’t always lend itself to a peaceful and calm experience.
When you need a break from the crowds (and the kids), then the Serenity Deck is the place to go – and in this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about it.
1. The Serenity Deck is Free of Charge
The Serenity deck on a Carnival cruise ship is free of charge – unlike some other exclusive sun deck areas on cruise ships, you don’t need to pay for a day pass or a pass that lasts the length of the cruise.
You can just head to the Serenity Deck area whenever you feel like you want to relax, and walk right onto it. Because of this, there are no limits to capacity beyond the actual available space, so it can feel a little busy at times, though the atmosphere is at least usually calmer than it would be around the main pools on the rest of the ship.
The area has a range of hammocks, loungers, day beds and clamshells that guests can use. None of these require an additional charge, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Serenity Deck on Carnival Celebration
2. The Serenity Deck is Only For Adults
One of the best things about the Serenity Deck is that it is for adults only – children aren’t allowed, and if you try to take your children onto the deck then the crew members will ask you to leave.
To be clear, you need to be 21 years or older, since Carnival is an American cruise line. So if you’re a British family travelling and you have 18- to 20-year-olds in your group, they unfortunately won’t be able to make use of the space with you, as Carnival classes them as minors.
The age limit of the area is typically reflected in a more mature decor style too, using browns and teals instead of the bright colours elsewhere on the ship.
3. Every Carnival Ship Has a Serenity Deck
Every Carnival ship in the fleet has a Serenity Deck – no matter which ship you book, you’ll find a relaxing adults-only space away from the main crowds. The Serenity Deck debuted on former ship Carnival Inspiration, but was retroactively added to the ship in 2007 rather than appearing when she first set sail.
It’s since been added to all other ships that sail for Carnival and were built prior to 2007, and it has been included on all ships built since, after it proved to be very popular among guests who wanted a place to escape from the bustling atmosphere of the rest of the ship.
Serenity Deck on Carnival Celebration
4. Some Ships Have a Split-Level Serenity Deck
On most Carnival ships, the Serenity Deck is situated on one level, but there are a handful of ships that have an extended Serenity area which fits across multiple decks.
Serenity Deck on Carnival Dream
Carnival Dream was the first to debut this with a two-level Serenity Retreat, and both Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance are similar. You do have to note that it’s positioned near the slide entrance, so some noise does carry.
A lot of people believe Carnival Sunshine has the best Serenity Deck since it is split across three levels, and offers the most space.
However, parts of that Serenity Deck may be closed off if it is windy due to the position of the area at the front of the ship. And on that note…
5. Aft Serenity Decks Are Better
Most people prefer the ships that have the Serenity Deck at the aft (rear) of the ship, because it’s more sheltered – not just from the wind, but from the noise as well. Even in an adults-only area, the sound of the busy crowds can carry, but the ships that have a Serenity Deck towards the aft tend to offer a quieter experience.
Serenity Deck on Carnival Pride
Ships with aft Serenity decks:
Carnival Legend
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Paradise
Carnival Pride
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Splendor
You also get to enjoy views over the wake of the ship as you unwind, which many people believe are the most relaxing.
6. Serenity Decks Don’t Have Formal Opening Times
There aren’t set opening and closing times for the Serenity Deck, so you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing there for as long as you want. The bar tends to close around 10 pm which is the same time that any whirlpools will be switched off, likely to be turned on again around 8 am, though that can vary.
If you want to head there early to grab one of the best spots, the early risers tend to start grabbing the day beds and clamshells from around 7 am. The mornings tend to be busier in the Serenity area, but then as the day drifts on people get bored and go exploring the rest of the ship. If you want to enjoy the Serenity when it is quiet, aim to head there mid-afternoon.
7. You Can’t Reserve Loungers or Day Beds
One important point is that you’re not supposed to reserve loungers or day beds on the Serenity Deck, or indeed anywhere else on a Carnival ship. That doesn’t mean that people won’t try it though – often people will get up early and try to reserve one with a towel before disappearing for a while.
Most crew will take action to remove towels after around 40 minutes but don’t be afraid to prompt them – if you see a clamshell or day bed with a towel on it and nobody returns for a while, let the crew know and they’ll remove it for you.
8. Most Serenity Decks Have a Whirlpool But Only Some Have a Pool
Pretty much every Serenity Deck has at least a whirlpool for adults only, but not many have an actual pool (and the ones that do have a pool only have a small pool area).
The ships with a whirlpool are:
Carnival Breeze – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Celebration – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Conquest – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Dream – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Freedom – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Glory – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Horizon – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Jubilee – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Legend – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Liberty – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Magic – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Miracle – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Panorama – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Paradise – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Pride – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Radiance – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Spirit – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Splendor – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Sunrise – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Sunshine – 1 whirlpool
Carnival Valor – 2 whirlpools
Carnival Vista – 1 whirlpool
Mardi Gras – 2 whirlpools
The ships that have a pool are:
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Legend
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Pride
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Sunshine
Mardi Gras
Serenity Pool on Carnival Sunshine
9. The Serenity Has a Bar
A prominent feature of the Serenity Retreat area is the bar – no need to leave if you want to cool off with a refreshing drink.
The Carnival Serenity Bar Menu includes a range of Signature Sangrias, various wine options, beers (available as solo beers or a bucket of 4) and a selection of Signature Cocktails, including frozen and low-calorie options.
10. On Some Ships You Can Order Salad At The Serenity Deck
Some of the Carnival cruise ships with a Serenity Deck have a salad bar called Fresh Creations, so you can enjoy a refreshing bite to eat. These are:
Serenity decks with salad bars:
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Vista
Mardi Gras
Fresh Creations on Carnival Celebration
You can choose from a pre-made salad, or customize your own. Here’s a look at the Fresh Creations menu:
Some guests have said that crew on other ships may box up lunch options from the buffet for Serenity guests to enjoy as a quick grab-and-go lunch, but this is rare and you shouldn’t expect it.
11. You Don’t Need To Take a Towel With You
Unless you’re visiting the Serenity Deck at super-early or super-late hours, don’t worry about taking a towel with you. There’ll be a towel attendant on duty who can hand out towels and then collect them from you as you leave.
If you want to head there super early then you might want to grab one from the pool deck, but it’s fine to go to the Serenity Deck, grab a lounger and then, once the attendant starts their shift, ask them for a towel.
12. Serenity Is Not Clothing Optional
There’s no dress code you need to worry about for the Serenity Retreat on a Carnival cruise ship, except that you are expected to be clothed. Some people believe that, because it’s an adults-only area, it’s OK to go topless or even nude to sunbathe.
Officially that is not the case. Carnival’s policy is that guests must always be covered up when they’re on the ship. In reality, you might be fine if you did want to sunbathe topless, especially on a European cruise, though be aware that you might be asked to cover up.
Final Word
If you’re cruising with Carnival and the noise of all the parties and screaming kids gets a bit overwhelming, there’s always an adults-only quiet area you can visit, though depending on its location and the time of day, it’s not always an absolute haven of tranquillity.
It’s still a good option, especially on the ships with a pool area or where you can grab a salad for lunch if you enjoy a lighter bite, but with it being free you shouldn’t expect it to feel super-exclusive or to have any extra freebies for you.
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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 you book a cruise, your time spent off the ship is just as important as your time spent on it.
Shore excursions can make or break a cruise for many people. Getting a few things right ahead of time will not only save you money. It will save you from a bad experience as well.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
I hear many first-time cruisers booking a cruise because of the amazing itinerary. But then they have no idea what they will do once they get there. These shore excursion tips for your next cruise will help keep that from happening.
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If you want to make the most out of your cruise, make your time at shore count. With so many activities and tours to choose from it can be a little overwhelming, but the time spent planning your excursion will pay off when you look back at the timeless memories made.
There are 10 rules I try to follow every time I plan my shore excursions, and I hope they can be a help to you.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links for which we will be compensated if a purchase is made through them. Thank you for your support!
Booking through the cruise line or on your own
There’s one thing to note before we dig in. You can book your excursions through the cruise line or on your own. There are pros and cons to each, but I will boil it down to the basics.
If you book your excursion through the cruise line you won’t have to worry about being left behind at the port if things are running late. The same can’t be said if you book your own excursion, but you can also save a few dollars and even find “unlisted” excursions if you book your own.
Booking through the ship will give you some peace of mind as these tours are fairly well vetted, and you can work directly with the cruise line for making changes, so if this is important to you that’s something to remember.
FYI: If you book an excursion through our partners at Shore Excursions Group they offer a guarantee to get you back to the ship and have 24/7 support with over 300 ports of call.
Regardless of how you decide to book your activities and tours at shore, here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Know your limitations
Don’t let the excitement of a shore excursion’s description make you forget about your own limitations. When planning your shore excursion activities, consider how much time and money you want to spend as well as any physical limitations that may affect your ability to participate in certain activities.
The view from the top of the mountain may look stunning in pictures, but the tour may require some rigorous hiking to get there. You may need to find a different excursion if any health-related issues would complicate this.
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Make sure you look into any age requirements before making a reservation too; many tour companies have minimum age restrictions for certain tours if you’re bringing a family with young children.
2. Know what each port offers
Puerta Maya
If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship that was pulling away from port as you listened to a fellow-passenger describe an amazing excursion that you didn’t even know about, you will want to note this point.
Save yourself some regret and do a ton of research about each stop on the cruise itinerary ahead of time.
Even if it involves doing research on tours you have no interest in, at least you will know what the port has to offer and can plan accordingly.
Often a cruise port will have an attraction that you can book through the ship, but you might find that you can just hire a local taxi and see it yourself for just the cost of transportation.
You can visit our cruise ports page for some information about some of the most popular places on cruise itineraries or visit some cruise forums. There are many list articles or “things to do” articles that will break down some of the more common things travelers do in these port cities around the world.
As an informed traveler you will know exactly what attractions are “must-see” and can even have a back-up plan in case your scheduled excursion gets canceled. More on this later.
3. Read reviews with a critical eye
It’s always a good idea to see what other cruise travelers have to say about a certain tour or excursion. You can get useful information about what to really expect and if that particular activity is good for families, children, the elderly, etc.
But read them with a critical eye as not all of them may be as genuine as they seem. And some may have complaints that aren’t typically the case for every traveler. In fact, some people only leave a review when they have had a bad experience.
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Still, you want to read as many reviews on an excursion of interest to know if it’s right for you. You can find such reviews in places such as Trip Advisor, Google, and Cruise Critic. You can even ask in our Facebook group about particular cruise ports for some ideas.
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4. Make sure you have time
This is especially true if you are booking an excursion on your own. In some ports of call there are excursions that require 1-2 hours of driving before even starting your tour. If your ship is only in port for 6 or 7 hours it could be cutting it close. Way too close.
If you think time will be an issue at all I would suggest you find another excursion. First, you don’t want to feel rushed as you enjoy your day at shore, and secondly you definitely don’t want to come close to missing the ship. No excursion is worth that hassle.
Booking through the cruise line itself will ensure this isn’t a problem, but it’s still your responsibility to get back to the ship on time, unless you want to end up on someone’s Tik Tok video as a “pier runner”.
5. Book as early as you can
There are a couple of reasons for this. First, some of the more popular shore excursions will sell out and fill up fast, so if you don’t book them earlier enough you may not be able to at all. You can try to get on a waiting list if someone drops out, but it’s always a good idea to book the shore excursions you know you wan to enjoy as soon as you can.
And secondly, booking in advance rather than waiting until you’re on the ship takes the stress out of the equation. You can take your time reading reviews, looking at pictures and videos, and make an informed decision about an activity in port without feeling pressured.
6. Get confirmation details from tour provider
After you booked your excursion be sure to get all the necessary information from the tour operator. Things like the exact time and date, meet-up location, names, and contact information in case you need to reach out to them are important to get as soon as you can.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard of cruisers missing their excursion due to a mix-up about the meeting time or place
7. Check-in with tour provider
Once you have the contact information for the shore excursion company, make sure you reach out to them before your cruise. Don’t rely on them to reach out to you if there are any changes.
Proactively call or email the tour operator. Make sure everything is still good to go and that your booking is actually on the books. You can also check-in with them to ask any questions you might have and to know what other items you may need to bring with you.
Cruise port at Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
8. Check “ship time” vs “shore time”
After you get on your cruise ship remember that ship time isn’t always the same as shore time. And since your phone or watch may automatically change the time to adapt to shore time you might want to bring a watch that has a time set to the ship’s time. In this case a “dumb watch” might be more helpful than a “smart watch”.
Why do cruise ships sometimes have a different time than the ports they are visiting? This helps to ensure that all activities, events, and schedules on board remain consistent and organized, and passengers don’t get confused by changing time zones as they travel from port to port.
9. Bring necessary items
It all comes down to being prepared. Your shore excursion might have you out in the sun for 5 hours straight. Make sure you have the sun-screen, water, and appropriate clothing to be ready.
Also, know what documentation you might need to bring ashore. This depends on the port of call and is unnecessary for private island excursions. Most of the time you don’t need to being your passport, but each tour operator should tell you exactly what is needed in that particular country and area. Even if I don’t bring my passport I will sometimes have a copy of it somewhere in my bag.
Other things to bring may include comfortable footwear, a light jacket that can packed in your bag, snacks, and some cash. Cash is good to have on hand for tips at the end of the tour and also for some souvenir shopping.
And lastly, don’t forget to bring any medications that you might need, especially if you end up spending more time on shore than anticipated.
10. Have a back up plan
Your shore excursion might get canceled. This can happen even if you booked through the ship and there was not enough interest for that particular excursion. Or sometimes weather conditions may cause an activity to be canceled. And on this point, I should mention that travel insurance is almost always a good idea.
Always have a back-up plan just in case your day at shore isn’t as perfect as you had hoped. Also, this is why it’s important to look at the refund and cancellation policy of the excursion before you book. Any good tour operator or excursion company like Shore Excursions Group will have a refund and cancellation policy in place.
When you book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’ll have the option of some Free at Sea packages. One of those packages is for speciality dining.
But what do you actually get? And how does it work? I’ll explain all…
How Many Meals Are Included in NCL Free at Sea?
If you choose NCL’s Free at Sea, you get 1-3 speciality dining options included, depending on the length of your cruise and your cabin choice. You can choose any of the speciality restaurants onboard your ship – there are no restrictions on which you can dine at.
One of the many reasons we love to use NCL as a family is the flexible dining; there are many options included in your cruise fare. And with the Free at Sea you get extra speciality options included for the first two guests in the cabin.
Here’s how many meals you get included with Free at Sea:
Cruises of 3-6 nights – 1 meal
Cruises of 7-11 nights in a Studio, Inside or Oceanview – 1 meal
Cruises of 7-11 nights in a Balcony or above – 2 meals
Cruises of 12+ nights in a Studio, Inside or Oceanview – 2 meals
Cruises of 12+ nights in a Balcony or above – 3 meals
You can also upgrade to Free at Sea Plus to get an additional 2 meals.
When we sailed on Norwegian Getaway this summer, we opted for the Brazilian restaurant Moderno. We gorged on the amazing small plates and wonderful sizzling meats as they’re brought round to you on a skewer.
Dining with fussy children isn’t a problem, as there is a kids’ menu available too. We dined as a couple though, to make the most of the experience – thank goodness for the kids club, Splash Academy!
For our second choice, we opted for the Italian, La Cucina. We simply paid for the meals the kids ate as they joined us this time. It’s an a la carte option, there’s not a flat surcharge.
As you can see on the receipt, it would have been a meal over $140 if not for the Free at Sea.
We loved the food and the service was epic, a fantastic option for the final night of the cruise – family dining at its best.
You have the flexibility of choice with the Free at Sea; as long as there’s availability, you can eat in any of the speciality restaurants with this add-on. It really is exceptional value to be able to add your drinks and some extra special meals.
How Does Free at Sea Speciality Dining Work?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free At Sea dining packages apply to the first two guests on the cabin booking. You reserve your dining choices online using the cruise personaliser, up to two meals in any restaurant, and they’ll show up on your onboard account at $0.
You can reserve any of the restaurants, and there are no restrictions on the time you can have your table. It’s not like an early-bird special.
The guests using the speciality dining offer on NCL’s Free At Sea must dine together, and if someone fails to attend or declines to use it, it’s non-transferrable, non-refundable and has no monetary value.
However, when we sailed on the Norwegian Getaway this summer, they were exceptionally accommodating when we missed our reservation! You know when you’re away, you don’t wear a watch, or even know what day it is – that’s what happened. Guest Relations were wonderful and allowed us to book an alternative for no extra charge. We can’t guarantee they would do this every time, but they showed us wonderful customer service by doing this – no fuss.
How to Reserve Speciality Dining on a Norwegian Cruise
You pre-book your speciality dining reservations on the Manage My Booking part of the NCL website when you are able to check in, which is 21 days pre-departure.
Free at Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board.
I suggest you book as soon as you can. As experienced cruisers will know, availability is limited, and you want to make sure you get the restaurants you want. We booked as soon as we could to get Teppanyaki, which is extremely popular with NCL guests.
Unfortunately, we missed one of our reservations (it’s really easy to lose track of the days on a cruise!), and NCL were really good about it, even allowing us to re-book the meal at another time with no cost penalty.
Final Word
Choosing Free at Sea with NCL is a great way to enjoy the varied speciality dining restaurants on your ship. While you get plenty of fantastic food in the restaurants already covered by your cruise fare, the chance to enjoy something fun and different shouldn’t be passed up.
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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.
