Viking has announced three new cruise itineraries that will provide exclusive access to China later this year and will range from 10 to 20 days in length.
Not only will these new cruises visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but they will visit ports in China that only Viking has access to. The sailings will take place on Chinese flagged Viking Yi Dun, the cruise ship formerly known as Viking Sun. It’s the first ship to offer domestic cruises in China to foreign travelers.
“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers. Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their mind—and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall, to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation. We introduced the real China to our guests, and visiting local school children was always a particular highlight. Now, we are delighted to offer such encounters once again with new voyages to a destination that never ceases to capture the imagination.”
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Wonders of China is a 20 day roundtrip cruisetour from Beijing. Guests will be able to walk on the Great Wall of China, visit a Tibetan family in their home, and explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 15 day Classic China & the Coast will start in Beijing and end in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). Guests will be able to visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. The cruise portion is a 10 day China Discovery itinerary along China’s coastline.
For those who only want to visit China by sea, the 10 Day China Discovery cruise starts in Shanghai and ends in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). It will offer guests to experience the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.
Viking Yi Dun is specifically dedicated to explore China and is a sister ship to Viking’s award winning fleet of ocean cruise ships.
For the rest of the month, the cruise line is offering free international airfare, $25 deposits, and special cruise fares and all voyages. While space is limited for 2024, this cruise deal includes the new coastal China itineraries.
Did you know there are perks for owning stock in a publicly traded cruise line? How does some onboard credit sound?
With 3 cruise companies to choose from you can lock in some onboard credit just for owning a certain amount of shares in one of these companies.
What kind of benefits do you get by owning shares of cruise line stocks? (Photo credit: Cruise Fever)
*This article has been updated from its original publishing date to reflect recent changes.
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In this post we will cover what perks you get for owning stock in these cruise companies and the slight differences in each program.
While the price of a stock will fluctuate throughout the year, one advantage to owning stock in a cruise line is the onboard credit value stays relatively constant.
I say “relatively” because cruise lines do tend to change their shareholder benefits from time to time and there may even be restrictions added to certain situations.
Note: This is not financial advice and we are not investment advisors. You should talk with your own financial advisor and assess the risks of buying or owning stock in any company.
What 3 cruise companies offer onboard credit perks?
Not every cruise line is publicly traded in the U.S. stock market. Some, like MSC Cruises, are privately owned.
But, the majority of cruise ships in the world, sail under one of these 3 parent companies that ARE publicly traded and invest-able:
Carnival Corporation & PLC
Royal Caribbean Group
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
If you don’t see your favorite cruise line in this list above, not to worry. Many cruise lines are owned by these “big 3” parent companies and we have detailed this below. In fact, a large majority of all cruise lines fall under one of these brands.
Carnival Corporation & PLC – owns the following brands
Carnival Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Seabourn
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises (Australia)
Costa Cruises
AIDA Cruises
Cunard
Royal Caribbean Group – owns the following brands
Royal Caribbean International
Celebrity Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd – owns the following brands
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Note: Not every cruise brand may qualify for the perks of its parent company, and it’s important to check with your cruise line first. For instance, currently passengers on Silversea cannot benefit from the ownership of Royal Caribbean stock (RCL).
How many shares do you have to own to get the perks?
The perks and requirements for each of these cruise companies is very similar. For each of them you must own 100 shares of stock in the company to get onboard credit benefits.
Now, let’s dig a little deeper and see exactly how much onboard credit you receive for each cruise company. The requirements for each company are only slight different based on the duration of itineraries.
Also, keep in mind that these offers can change or updated at any time at the discretion of the cruise companies.
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Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Carnival Corporation & PLC
Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:CCL)
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 14 days or longer: $250
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 13 days: $100
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less: $50
In order to receive the onboard credit you have to ask for it and prove you own shares in the company.
I just did this for my Carnival Celebration cruise recently. Just request proof of stock ownership from your brokerage company and send it to the email address on this page.
According to Carnival’s shareholder document, requests for the onboard credit must be made at least 3 weeks before a sailing date. If using a travel agent you should do this at least 4 weeks before.
Restrictions: Employees, travel agents cruising at travel agent rates, interline rates, tour conductors or anyone cruising on a reduced-rate or complimentary basis are excluded from this offer.
Also, the onboard credit is not transferable. In other words, once you prove you own the stock in Carnival the onboard credit is applied to the cabin you are staying in.
The credit cannot be exchanged for cash and cannot be used in casinos or applied to gratuities onboard.
Read more about the stock ownership onboard credit program or learn how to apply with Carnival here.
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Royal Caribbean Group
Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:RCL)
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings 14 or more nights: $250
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 to 13 nights: $100
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 5 nights or less: $50
Onboard credit per stateroom on a World Cruise: $1,000
These onboard credits can be made on two Royal Caribbean brands including Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.
Royal Caribbean stipulates that your request for onboard credit must be in their office between 2-3 weeks before your sailing date. This means you should make the request 3-4 weeks before your cruise just in case.
Restrictions: All Galapagos sailings are excluded from this onboard credit program.
Also, the onboard credit cannot be redeemed for chartered sailings or complimentary sailings.
The perk applies only to the cabin in which a shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. The credit is applied per cabin, assuming double occupancy. Only one credit can be claimed per cabin on any given voyage. If shares are jointly held, 100 shares are required for each credit request on any one voyage.
Credit given at the start of the voyage cannot be used for charges incurred on the voyage or for activities booked in advance. Any credit remaining after the final night of the voyage will be forfeited and cannot be exchanged for cash.
Requirements: Must own at least 100 shares in the company (NYSE:NCL)
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 15 days or more: $250
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 7 to 14 days: $100
Onboard credit per stateroom on sailings of 6 days or less: $50
Currently this offer can be used on sailings with all 3 of NCL’s cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Proof of stock ownership must be provided to Norwegian at least 15 days prior to the sailing date and this can be done through mail or email. See the link below to start this process.
Restrictions: This offer cannot be applied to chartered sailings.
If you’re looking to get onboard credit for booking multiple staterooms or suites and you hold shares jointly, you’ll need to have at least 100 shares per room booked.
If you’re a single traveler paying 200% of the fare, you’ll be able to get the full value of the credit. Just keep in mind that any unused credit won’t be refunded and can’t be exchanged for cash. This benefit can’t be transferred to others and doesn’t apply to certain special rates, like employee discounts or cruises booked through travel agents.
If you own at least 100 shares of NYSE:NCL stock and would like to make a request for onboard credit in your upcoming cruise you can use the Shareholder Benefit Request Form here.
What’s the biggest perk of onboard credit through stock ownership?
If you’re a long term investor and you go on a lot of cruises, this should be a pretty simple decision.
The biggest perk is that you can get the onboard credit for every cruise you take in the future (provided the program remains in place). If you take 4 cruises a year that can easily amount to $400 total on 7-night sailings.
The stock price of cruise lines has dropped dramatically over the last few years but is still fairly volatile, and we aren’t here to predict the future about where the price could go.
At the time of the writing of this article it would cost just over $1,700 to buy 100 shares of Carnival Corp. stock.
I just looked up some prices for Carnival cruises out of Miami and found a few deals on Carnival Magic in 2024 for about $384 per person without taxes and fees. This is a 7-night cruise and would be eligible for $100 of onboard credit.
That’s not a bad perk in my book.
What can you use your OBC (Onboard Credit) for?
You can use that onboard credit for just about anything you can pay for on a cruise ship. Things like spa treatments, massages, facials, and hair treatments can quality. Or you can use it for specialty dining restaurants or even for a purchase in the gift shop.
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Some things you cannot use your onboard credit for would be things like gratuities and gambling in the casino.
Again, none of this is financial advice and you really should talk with your financial advisor before buying stock in a cruise company just to take advantage of onboard credit.
If you do take a lot of cruises throughout the year and would like to find a way to supplement some of your onboard spending, this might be something worth looking into.
Also, keep in mind that cruise companies were hit hard by shutdowns over the last couple years and their financial stability is in question. We don’t know how long programs like this will be in effect.
“You only have what are called edible straws. These straws are for — and greens,” read the comment from a Carnival passenger, writing in to object to the cruise line’s policy on the beverage utensil.
Most cruise lines have completely removed plastic straws from their fleet of ships.
With the goal of reducing waste and harmful impacts on the environment, some have replaced the plastic tubes with paper or biodegradable straws.
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Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line have each eliminated them and instead have also encouraged cruisers to bring their own reusable straws.
The idea of edible straws in frozen drinks has also recently been introduced to cruises ships, and it has received a mix of reactions.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald took to his Facebook page to react to the complaint from a passenger on Carnival Jubilee who stated,
“Do not tell me to buy or bring a reusable straw. I’m not washing out a straw on my cruise. I use plastic straws at home. I will not be guilted. Explain why I had no problems getting as many plastic straws with every drink on —– Cruise Lines Company. Do better Carnival.”
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In his own inimitable way, Heald expressed the cruise line’s desire to protect the ocean while admitting that he is not an environmentalist.
“I cannot say that while my car has a V8 engine, I fly multiple times a day and that my underpants are not made from kale,” Heald replied.
With over 300 comments in the Facebook post, cruisers were mostly positive on the introduction of edible straws to cruise ships.
“Those edible straws were a game changer for me! I did not know they existed until we cruised on the Mardi Gras. My husband would bring me a drink without a straw and I had to get him to go back and get me one of those tasty straws,” one Facebook user wrote.
Some commenters stated they were happy to bring their own reusable straws or biodegradable straws on their cruises. Heald just asked that passengers not bring plastic straws on board, even though it’s not technical a banned item that’s not allowed.
“I know the edible straws are not a favourite of everyone but you can bring your own straw, a stainless steel or reusable straw but please, not plastic. We do not have a rule on bringing plastic straws on board but please try not to if you can. The beards , myself and most of all Willy the Whale and his mates thank you,” Heald stated.
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Other alternatives for cruise passengers can include straws made from bamboo, paper, stainless steel, and other materials. You can often buy these reusable straws at gift shops and bars on board as well.
After waiting in the cruise terminal with your carry-on bags in tow, you’ve finally boarded your cruise ship made it to your cabin. Your home away from home for the next few days.
You’ll probably be tempted to throw your bag down, run out the door and head straight to the pool. Maybe you want to check out the daily drink specials before the lines get too long.
Before you rush out into the excited crowds of vacation goers, consider completing a few key things beforehand.
Sky Suite on Celebrity Ascent. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
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*This article has been updated since the original publishing date.
Taking a few extra minutes to do some minor “housekeeping” tasks can be the difference between a good vacation and a great one. Keep reading for suggestions of what to do before you empty your suitcase.
1. Prep for Muster
One of the most important things you will do on a cruise is attend the Muster Drill. For those of you that traveled on a cruise pre-Covid, you know that the drills have varied over the years.
Once upon a time, in-person Muster drills were the standard across all the major cruise lines. Around the beginning of your cruise, everyone was required to go to their Muster Station. Each person was accounted for before you were dismissed.
In recent years, some cruise lines shifted to an eMuster style program. This process is completely digital and well-received. Some cruise lines have started to go back to the traditional Muster Drills in recent months.
It is highly recommended that you take a few minutes to prepare for your Muster Drill, no matter the type or style. Be sure to inspect your room and make note of your actual Muster station that will be posted, in the event that there was an emergency. Don’t wait until the last minute to find your Muster Station. This leads to confusion and longer processes for everyone.
While it may sound strange, checking your bed is pretty important. Before your cruise, you will usually be given the opportunity to choose your bed configuration. Do you want the beds pushed together or separated?
Once you enter your room, be sure that the beds are laid out in the way that you want them for the duration of your cruise. If it is not correct, be sure to let your cabin steward know and they will do their best to accommodate your request.
Be sure to inspect your pillows. Do you have enough and are they firm or soft enough? Many times, the cabin stewards can bring you additional pillows or a variety close to what you may require.
3. Read over the daily schedule
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Each cruise line has some sort of a daily schedule that lists activities pre planned for each day. When you board the ship, there will usually be one waiting for you in your cabin.
Before you unpack, be sure to thoroughly inspect the schedule. Each day, all events will be listed, with times and locations. Go ahead and make a game plan for the rest of your embarkation day!
A favorite of many, food and restaurant information is clearly listed on the schedule. Each venue will have operating hours that will be posted.
If a venue or event is not included in the price of your cruise, it will usually be noted as an extra charge on the schedule.
You don’t want to miss the Welcome Aboard Show or the Newlywed Game later in the week. Utilizing the daily schedule will help you plan around the fun, giving you more time to soak up some rays.
Note: Many cruise lines have shifted to offering their daily program on a mobile app. While many love this convenient option, some prefer the traditional paper method. Be sure to ask your cabin steward for a copy of the schedule if one is not delivered to your cabin.
Oftentimes, there will be additional paperwork in the room on your first day. Be sure you look through it before throwing it aside.
If the cruise line you chose has a room service option, the menu may be offered for you to review. Selections and prices will be featured so that you can make the best choices.
The onboard shops usually have advertisements that will be waiting in your room. They usually offer great deals that are comparable to onshore prices or those found at home. Sometimes, the liquor shop will have special deals and multi-bottle discounts.
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The shore excursion desk may provide you with a listing of available shore excursions for each port. If you have an excursion that greatly interests you, go ahead and book it. There is a chance that the excursion you are interested in will sell out. Avoid possible disappointment and visit the shore excursion desk as soon as they open. Check your daily schedule to see their operating hours!
Do you have any loyalty perks on your cruise? Have you cruised this cruise line before or is it your first cruise with them?
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If you have past sailings with your chosen cruise line, many times you will have perks that will enhance your cruise vacation.
Chances are, if you are a repeat cruiser of a specific cruise line, you may have received a discount or special rate on your cruise. The perks don’t always end there though!
Any loyalty perks available to you should be included in your embarkation paperwork. Some cruise lines offer discounts, free drinks, priority booking in restaurants, and even casino perks.
6. Do I have a minibar/refrigerator and what is included?
Be sure to inspect your room for a refrigerator or minibar. Many cruise lines offer a small refrigerator in your cabin that is appropriate for storing beverages and other items.
If you have purchased an unlimited beverages package, make sure to inquire about the beverages inside the minibar. Sometimes these are included in your package, but many times they are not. Check with your room steward if prices are not easily found.
These refrigerators do not keep a stable, cool temperature and it is not usually advised to store important medications here.
Cabin temperature is an often overlooked comfort of your cruise. Your cabin is going to be your haven of rest during your vacation. Be sure that it is comfortable in every way possible!
If the thermostat is not working properly, tell your cabin steward as soon as possible. If there is an issue, they will be able to contact maintenance to repair your air conditioning/heating.
No one wants to come back to a hot room after a day on the beach. Likewise, no one wants to return to a cold room when they have been on an Alaskan excursion all day.
More than likely, you won’t have a ton of storage space but it will be adequate for you and your cabin mates. Cabins are designed to maximize space and provide you with a suitable and comfortable space for the duration of your trip.
You will usually find a closet with a few hangers there for your convenience. Utilizing this space for your formal clothing is always a good idea. You can always ask your cabin steward if any extra hangers may be available.
Drawers and shelves are scattered throughout your room for stowing away your things as well.
This may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but inspecting your safe is a great idea. You will probably want to utilize your safe throughout the trip to store valuables, passports, and extra cash.
Some safes are the variety that use a code. There will be instructions for setting that up near the safe or just inside the door. One variety uses a magnetic strip reader.
Be sure that your safe is fully functioning before storing anything in it. If there is a problem at all, let your room steward know. They may be able to repair it or contact someone else who can.
10. Be sure the television works adequately
There may not be a lot of time for watching television on your cruise or you may have vowed to not watch any television at all. There’s plenty of time to watch television at home, right?
While this is correct, most cruise lines will put valuable information on at least one of the channels. It is a great idea to check these channels daily.
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The safety or muster drill is usually gone over on the first day. Important events and other pertinent info is also given on these channels.
Sometimes, cruise lines will feature information for upcoming ports and towns that the ship visits. Shore excursions may be featured, so that you can get a better idea of what they entail.
Last but not least, many cruise lines include free movies on the television in your room. The movies will usually be newer or still at the movie theater.
11. Check the bathroom
It is always a great idea to check the bathroom. Make sure that you have adequate bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes for the first day.
You may want to be sure that there is plenty of toilet paper and facial tissue as well.
Now is a great time to locate the storage space in the bathroom and place your toiletries there for easy access during your cruise. Placing these items here will give you more space in your cabin.
Also, check the water pressure and temperature in your shower. If something seems like it’s just not right, let your cabin steward know. If the water never seems to get warm or if it is too hot, let someone know.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you have enjoyed our suggestions and have an amazing cruise. Doing these few things can make a huge difference in your trip. Cruise lines are just like anyone else. They make mistakes and things break from time to time.
Don’t let that ruin your cruise and make sure that you report anything amiss to your cabin steward right away. They will make it right and they want you to enjoy your cruise as much as you do!
After a transatlantic crossing that began last week, Carnival Vista is now positioned at the Navantia shipyard in Spain.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
The 133,596 GT ship, which was the first Vista-class vessel built in 2016, will be receiving a new hull livery, some regular maintenance, and a few technical enhancements.
With sister ship Carnival Firenze less than a mile away at the Bay of Cádiz, Carnival Vista is scheduled to be in dry dock for the next two weeks. Firenze is receiving its “Carnival Fun Italian Style” livery and other enhancements before it becomes the second Vista-class ship to sail from Long Beach, California.
Carnival Vista made headlines in December of 2022 when it was announced that Vista and Sunrise would need to enter dry dock and several cruises which were set for early 2024 had to be cancelled.
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While dry docks are usually set far in advance, sometimes cruise lines have to make changes due to shipyard availability and other factors that make long-term planning difficult.
After dry dock enhancements are complete, Carnival Vista will sail back across the Atlantic toward Port Canaveral to begin offering cruises again on February 15th.
After its initial 3-night sailing to the Bahamas, the Carnival Cruise Line ship will then offer 6- and 8-night cruises out of the Florida cruise port to the Caribbean.
Vista will be sailing out of Port Canaveral at least through April of 2026.
Carnival Vista was once the largest ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, until her sister ship Carnival Horizon came along in 2018.
She has 15 decks and can accommodate over 3,934 passengers at double-capacity.
Due to rising security concerns in the Red Sea, MSC Cruises has canceled three Grand Voyages scheduled for April: MSC Splendida (South Africa to Genoa), MSC Opera (Dubai to Genoa), and MSC Virtuosa (Dubai to Southampton).
These cruise sailings were all Grand Voyages with MSC Cruises, extended cruise itineraries that spanned continents and offer a more immersive experience.
Each of the three itineraries were set to navigate through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
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Because of Houthi attacks on merchant ships commercial ships have recently opted to sail the long way, all the way around Africa to and from the Mediterranean Sea.
This route is not always a viable solution for cruise ships.
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Cruises that will be affected by these cancellations:
MSC Splendida – 27-night sailing that was set to depart in South Africa on April 3rd and end in Genoa Italy.
MSC Opera – 21-night sailing that was to depart in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 21st and end in Genoa, Italy.
MSC Virtuosa – 23-night sailing from Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Southampton, England.
MSC Cruises released a statement about the cancellations, stating that the safety of the passengers and crew was their highest priority and there were no other viable routes for these ships to take.
The three cruise ships that were impacted by this decision will sail to Europe without any passengers on board and without stopping at any ports along the way. These ships will sail the western route around Africa and ready for the summer cruise reason.
All passengers affected by this decision are in the process of being contacted. They will be offered the opportunity to change their booking to another Grand Voyage for no additional cost.
Impacted guests will also be given the choice to rebook another cruise with MSC Cruises or receive a full refund.
Last September, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero’s sublte mention of “ships in the oven” sparked rumors about a possible order from Carnival. But now an Italian maritime publication is fanning the flames with recent revelations.
According to sources, Carnival is poised to commission the construction of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy, with each vessel boasting a gross tonnage of 208,000 tons and accommodating nearly 7,000 passengers.
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These new ships are expected to eclipse the size and capacity of the current largest Italian-built ship, the Sun Princess, which has a gross tonnage of 175,500 tons and can accommodate 4,300 cruise passengers.
The new ship class, inspired by the prototype units under construction for Princess Cruises, will reportedly cost at least $1.6 billion each, making the total contract worth almost $7 billion.
The size of these ships would be 12% larger than the Excel-class vessels.
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Sun Princess at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
When would these ships be delivered?
The first delivery of these four rumored ships is slated for late 2028 or early 2029. Initially, the agreement includes four new vessels, with the first few likely destined for the Carnival Cruise Line, while the latter could potentially be allocated to Costa Cruises.
These rumors follow recent visits by top Carnival Corporation executives to Fincantieri in Italy, fueling speculation about the impending deal.
However, neither Carnival Corporation nor Fincantieri has confirmed these reports.
If true, this significant investment by Carnival could signal a robust recovery and future growth strategy.
But until confirmed, these reports remain speculative and their potential impact on Carnival’s business and the broader cruise industry is uncertain.
Costa ship coming to Carnival
In June of 2022, Carnival announced that Costa Firenze would be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line and have a new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style” paint job.
Following its initial season with Costa Cruises, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2024. The ship will undergo rebranding and renovations before welcoming its new passengers.
Carnival’s newest ships
Carnival Jubilee was the latest Carnival ship to be launched by the cruise line after the success of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It was the third of the 180,000 GT Excel-class lineup of ships, the largest in Carnival’s fleet.
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To put these reports into perspective, the massive Excel-class ships are capable of accommodating 6,500 guests at maximum capacity and over 5,200 at double-capacity.
We will keep our readers updated as we hear more on this story and as Carnival announces details about upcoming ships and projects.
A cruise line is offering $1 deposits on cruises for one day that also includes free balcony upgrades, kids cruise free, and up to 40% off sailings.
Holland America Line is offering a one day special where you can reserve your next cruise on one of their ships for just $1 per person. The best part is that you can combine this offer with their current promotion that offers big savings on their cruises that sail all around the world. This offer includes the following:
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This offer can be combined with Holland America Line’s “Have It All” program that includes drink packages, WiFi, and specialty dining.
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The $1 deposit offer is only available on January 16, 2024.
For complete terms and details of this one day offer from Holland America Line, visit HollandAmerica.com or contact your preferred travel professional.
I recently came across a concerning comment from a first-time cruiser.
“Everything just seems incredibly overwhelming,” the person stated after prefacing the comment with how excited they were about a first-time cruise out of Miami.
“Between here [Reddit], the obligatory Facebook groups for the sailing, the bloggers and influencers is making the idea of the experience anxiety inducing.”
This really made me pause to think about what it really is like for someone who has never gone on a cruise before. It’s been well over a decade since my first cruise and things have changed dramatically since then.
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The hours scouring the internet and social media feeds for cruise tips and advice is at first exciting, and then it can easily become stressful when hearing about all the things that you “absolutely MUST do—or else”.
The person went on to mention the different things that caused stress in the planning process, saying,
“It’s almost Disney-like with those devoted to RC saying in almost every avenue how to have a vacation, and if you don’t do something, it’ll make your trip worse. The stress of booking excursions, drink packages, shows, getting the right check in time… everything has become so stressful for us as a first time, multi-generational family.”
Allure of the Seas. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Reading all of this led me to reflect on what’s really necessary for a first-time cruiser to focus on, and what things they can just forget about.
I can’t help but feel partially responsible after attempting to give cruise advice on Cruise Fever these last 13 years. But we don’t try to sensationalize here. We like to give practical, actionable advice, that is designed to be easy to understand and follow.
So, for those first-time cruisers stressing about the planning process, I wrote down a few things to help ease the stress and only focus on a few things that matter most. Not everything is as important as we regular cruises make them out to be.
The point is to take care of the basics and just make sure the pre-cruise stress doesn’t ruin a great vacation. After all, that’s what we’re all really after.
Tips for Making it Easier
Don’t try to plan out every minute of every day
I’ve made extensive plans on some cruises, only to throw them right out the window once I was actually on board. Having a plan is fine, but the best part of cruising is not having a rigid schedule. Plus, you will find certain things about your ship that totally change how you want to enjoy your week at sea — a certain show, lounge or dining venue that you just want to try again and again. Embrace the moment and be flexible.
Realize that even with zero planning you can have an amazing time
This goes along with the point above, but I can’t stress it enough – ok, maybe I shouldn’t use the word “stress” there. I’ve gone on cruises where I planned like crazy and others where I didn’t plan at all. You know what the outcome was of each? There was basically no difference at all, except for one set of cruises I did a whole lot of work ahead of time.
Yes, there might be some FOMO if you miss out on an excursion or great place to eat, but if all the planning stresses you out, either keep it to a minimum or let someone else do it. Even if you know nothing about cruising, there will be tons of passengers and crew to help you out.
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Take care of check-in
This one is easy and only takes a few minutes. Different cruise lines open check-in at a certain number of days before your cruise. Just mark your phone’s calendar for when you can check in and forget about it. Checking in on the day it opens will help you get a good boarding time, select your dining time, and help lock in a stateroom if you picked a guaranteed fare.
Book any packages ahead of time
Whether it’s a drink package, specialty dining package, or Wi-Fi package it’s almost always cheaper if you book it ahead of time on the cruise line’s website.
Book excursions through the cruise line
You don’t have to go crazy here. You can spend more on excursions than the cruise itself if you wanted to. And you can totally ignore this tip if you just want to walk around a port of call and experience it yourself. I actually love to do this myself. But if you must, book your excursion through the cruise line. As a first-time cruiser this will ease your mind in knowing the ship will not leave without you, and if you have any issues you can work directly with the cruise line.
Download the cruise line’s app and follow the daily planner
Cruise lines are very structured in the daily routine. This is why you can just show up. Download the cruise line’s app and you will have everything you need. The daily planner will tell you what’s going on each day and you can often use it to keep in touch with other member of your group.
Know what your priorities are and focus on that
Are you all about seeing a show? Are you a foodie above all things? Do you just want to relax the entire time? Whatever aspect of a cruise puts a smile on your face, make that your priority and don’t worry about the other stuff. For shows or restaurants see if a reservation is needed and if you can do that ahead of time or must wait until you’re on the ship.
Realize that cruising is one of the easiest vacations you can take
Sure, I’m biased. But my brother and I started Cruise Fever for a reason. We just love cruising. Unpacking once, seeing the world, eating amazing food – what’s not to love! And with so many things included, just show up with your luggage and you can have a great cruise.
Realize what you don’t have to do for the duration of the cruise
You don’t have to cook, make your bed, drive anywhere, or worry about where to go next. Whew, just writing that kinda makes me want to book another cruise right now.
Let a travel agent take care of everything
A good cruise travel agent will not only make all of these arrangements for you, but they will also be able to answer any questions you have in the process. Asking a question on social media or on a cruise forum will just overwhelm you with every side of an argument. Simplify things by just having one or two sources for information. Hey, even if reading this cruise blog is overwhelming, by all means take a break. I’d rather have someone enjoy a cruise vacation than be the source of their stress.
Let’s be real for a moment. Not everything will go according to plan. There will be a few disappointments along the way. But a cruise is exactly what you make of it. Staying positive and making the most of any situation is going to have a huge impact in how you feel at the end of the week.
Bottom Line
There’s no wrong way to cruise. And everyone has a different style of cruising they enjoy, even on the same ship.
That’s been one of my favorite things about cruising. Thousands of people can be on one ship and have a great time while enjoying different aspects of the ship.
Just ignore the advice-givers who think their way of cruising is best and there’s no alternative.
If the pre-cruise stress is becoming too much and you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
With Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas now in PortMiami and the inaugural right around the corner, a lot of questions are being asked about the world’s largest cruise ship.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
We took the most commonly asked questions about the ship, organized them by category and answered them below.
Consider this an FAQ just for Icon of the Seas. And if you have one to add, be sure to leave a comment below.
Ship Comparison:
One of the most commonly asked questions about Icon is in relation to how big it is. To try to imagine the size many are asking how it compares to other ships or landmarks.
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Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Wonder of the Seas?
Yes, it is slightly larger by gross tonnage. Gross tonnage (GT) is a measurement of volume — not weight. The GT of Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 while Icon of the Seas comes in at 248,663 GT.
Passenger capacities are similar between the ships, with around 5,610 double capacity on Icon and 5,734 on Wonder. Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world until Icon of the Seas was built.
Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Titanic?
The comparison to the Titanic is often made with new cruise ships, but it’s not really a fair comparison in the era of modern cruise ships. Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage more than 5 times greater than the ill-fated vessel.
Icon is 1,197 feet long, while the Titanic was 882 feet in length. Icon also has 20 decks with the Titanic having only 10.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Onboard Amenities:
Does Icon of the Seas have a casino?
Yes, there is actually an escalator that will take passengers to the Casino Royale from the Royal Promenade. Passengers can pay in cash or with the Sea Pass cards or even with WOWbands. Smoking is allowed in Casino Royale but there is also a non-smoking section.
Does Icon of the Seas have bumper cars?
No, there are no bumper cars on the ship. Bumper cars can be found on Quantum-class ships with Royal Caribbean.
Does Icon of the Seas have solo cabins?
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There will not be any designated solo cabins on Icon. There is a possibility that on some cruises cabins will be made available without a single-supplement fee, but so far nothing has been announced.
Does Icon of the Seas have a solarium?
No. Instead of a solarium, Royal Caribbean has decided to make other adult-only areas available on the ship, including the Hideaway. The Overlook which is part of the AquaDome might remind you of a solarium with all the front-facing glass, but instead of hot tubs and loungers there are comfy seats and chill vibes.
Does Icon of the Seas have a zipline?
Yes and no. There is no traditional zip line on the ship like you will find on Oasis-class ships, but there is a rope’s course that includes a skywalk, obstacle course, and overhead track from which guests will fly out over the side of the ship, called the Crown’s Edge. So it part of the rope’s course is similar to a zip line.
Does Icon of the Seas have an AquaTheater?
Yes, the signature AquaTheater will be in the 82-ft tall AquaDome that has 673 glass panels and is located now at the front of the ship, as opposed to the aft location on Oasis-class ships.
Does Icon of the Seas have a Central Park?
Yes, Central Park will be one of the 8 neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas. It has more than 33,000 plants and has a more colorful, vibrant feel than Central Parks found on other Royal Caribbean ships. There are a few shops along Central Park and also some food options. Izumi is found at Central Park in addition to Park Cafe and Chops Grille (with an all new menu).
Does Icon of the Seas have an ice skating rink?
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Yes, absolutely. Absolute Zero is the name of the ice-skating rink area on Icon. It will be a venue for ice-skating shows and will be made available for passengers to free skate throughout the cruise as well.
Does Icon of the Seas have a bowling alley? No, there is no bowling alley mentioned among the announced activities.
Is there an adult-only area?
The Hideaway neighborhood will be the adult-only area as opposed to the Solarium, which has been the adult-only space on Oasis-class ships with Royal Caribbean. Previously, Cloud 17 was going to be the adult-only space on the ship, but those plans have changed, according to reports from Cruise Critic.
Does Icon of the Seas have Johnny Rockets?
No, Johnny Rockets is not among the confirmed restaurants on the ship.
Does Icon of the Seas have an escape room?
Yes, the Royal Escape Room can be found on deck 6. Reservations are required and there is an additional cost.
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Does Icon of the Seas have WOWbands?
Is is expected that Royal Caribbean’s wearable technology, the WOWbands, will be available on Icon of the Seas.
Does Icon of the Seas have Wonderland?
No, the dining venue that is popular on Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will not be on Icon.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is promising to be the ultimate family vacation when the ship debuts in January 2024.
Technical Specs:
How long is Icon of the Seas?
1,197 feet (365 meters). To put it into perspective the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall, not counting the antenna.
How much did it cost to build?
The estimated building cost of Icon of the Seas is $2 billion. Before Icon, the most expensive cruise ship built by the Royal Caribbean International was Allure of the Seas which cost $1.43 billion.
How many passengers can Icon of the Seas hold?
Approximately 5,600 guests at double occupancy. The listed maximum capacity is 7,600. 2,350 crew also work on Icon.
Dining:
What restaurants are on Icon of the Seas?
20 unique restaurants and dining options are available, including specialty venues, casual buffets, and room service.
Complimentary Dining Options:
Main Dining Room
Windjammer Café
Aquadome Market
Park Café
Basecamp
Café Promenade
Sorrento’s
Surfside Eatery
El Loco Fresh
Room Service
Specialty Restaurants:
Empire Supper Club (Central Park)
Celebration Table (AquaDome)
Chops Grille (Central Park)
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
Hooked Seafood
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Izumi in the Park
Pier 7
Starbucks
Unique Features:
What is The Pearl on Icon of the Seas?
The Pearl is a 3-deck high dazzling LED sculpture that is one of the first things cruisers will see when they enter the Royal Promenade. Great for photo ops, the Pearl has a staircase that goes through the middle, and there is a coffee shop called Pearl Cafe right behind it.
Which port will Icon of the Seas sail from?
Icon of the Seas is sailing out of PortMiami, Florida. It will begin offering cruises from Miami on January 27th, 2024 and will homeport there through at least April 2026, offering 7-night cruises to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Origin and Class:
Which country made Icon of the Seas?
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It was built in Turku, Finland at the Meyer Turku shipyard and took 900 days to complete.
What class is Icon of the Seas?
It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s “Icon Class” of cruise ships. It is the first Icon-class cruise ship with at least two more Icon ships already beginning contruction.
Crew and VIPs:
Who is captain of Icon of the Seas?
Captain Henrik Loy is the captain of the new ship. Raised in Bergen, Norway Henrik has been with Royal Caribbean for 25 years
Who is the godmother of Icon of the Seas?
Rather than a godmother, Royal Caribbean has announced that Icon of the Seas will be named by another kind of icon. Soccer sensation Lionel Messi will be the “Icon” of Icon of the Seas at the upcoming naming ceremony.
Current/Future Plans:
Is Icon of the Seas coming to Australia?
No, current itineraries are focused on the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but as we hear more news from Royal Caribbean we will make our readers aware.
Will Icon of the Seas come to Europe?
There are no current plans for Icon of the Seas to operate in Europe. It will sail its inaugural season from Miami, Florida, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Royal Caribbean has not officially announced European deployments for 2026 and beyond.
[VIDEO] First look at Icon of the Seas
Matt from Royal Caribbean blog got a sneak peek at Icon of the Seas. Here is his video of a first look at the ship:
