Celebrity Cruises

Effective February 1st, 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line will make a major change regarding onboard currency.

Foreign currency exchange services will no longer be available on the cruise line’s ships, making USD the sole form of payment accepted for settling onboard accounts.

Norwegian Cruise Line shared the changes in an email to guests and travel partners on Friday.  This change impacts all upcoming cruises scheduled to depart on or after the specified date.

What this means for cruise travelers

Cruise passengers sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line will need to plan ahead if they want to use local currencies in foreign ports of call.

While USD will still be accepted for onboard account settlements, exchanging US dollars for other currencies will only be possible off the ship.

While exchanging currencies at a local bank or credit union is generally recommended, some travelers have gotten used to the convenience of onboard services.

However, be aware that cruise ship exchange rates are often unfavorable and only suitable as a last-minute option. Additionally, settling onboard accounts in Euros or Pounds will no longer be possible.

Cash on a cruise

While traveling abroad and not using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees, I will sometimes use a local ATM for local currencies.  It’s convenient and the fees are not usually that exorbitant.   The only issue is making sure the ATM machine has not been compromised.

A cruise ship is a cashless society, but since you will be getting off at various ports of call, having cash on hand for both tipping and buying goods from vendors is a good idea.

Keep in mind that many ports of call in the Bahamas and Caribbean will gladly accept U.S. dollars, but always do your research first.  Even if you pay in USD you might receive Bahamian dollars back as change.

Read more: Why I still bring cash on a cruise and how much I bring

Statement from Norwegian

Read the full statement from Norwegian Cruise Line here:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE SERVICE DISCONTINUATION

Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners,

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Thank you for choosing to sail with us for your upcoming cruise vacation. We have important information to share, and travel partners are asked to share this information with impacted guests.

Effective February 1, 2024, we will no longer provide foreign currency exchange services on board, and USD will be the only form of currency accepted for the settling of your onboard account. If you are in need of US currency for your upcoming cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

As always, we are at your service and look forward to providing you with a truly memorable onboard experience!

Sincerely,
Norwegian Cruise Line

Read more: 10 cruise port scams some people still fall for

People love to cruise.  Unpacking once, seeing the world, and eating as much as you want is a vacation style growing in popularity.

But there’s always room for improvement.

We recently asked a question on social media to see what tweaks cruise passengers wanted to see from various cruise lines.  This post is a result of the replies that poured in.

“[Cruise Line] would be awesome if they just _______________.”

Better service

This will vary by cruise line and by expectations.  While I’ve almost always been impressed with the service on a cruise ship, some expressed the need for more attention to detail on the part of the crew.

One reader put it this way, “CCL would be awesome if they would put “Service” back into the cruising experience. There are far too many lines for everything in order to do anything. The workers are overwhelmed because CCL wants to put more workers in areas to make us spend money instead of using the workers in much needed ares like Cabin service, MDR, buffet line, or the pizza line.“

No more deck chair hogs

We saw this comment numerous times in the replies.  Deck chair hogs are one of the greatest annoyances on a ship.

If you’re going to use a lounger, use it.  And if you decide to leave your belongings on the deck chair for hours on end, don’t expect other passengers to respect your “claim” and not use it for themselves.

While some cruise lines have tried to come up better ways of regulating how long a towel can actually reserve a lounger near the main pool, it’s still the bane late-rising sun-bathers.

Read more: 10 things to never do on the pool deck of a cruise ship

More inclusive offerings, less nickel-and-diming

A desire for cruise lines to offer more restaurants and amenities that are included in the cruise fare was clearly stated by several respondents.

However, this also means the cruise fare price would go up for everyone.  Offering more inclusions and raising prices is something Celebrity Cruises just tried recently, and it was met with some dissatisfaction from loyal passengers.

On the flip side,  being charged extra for every little thing on a ship gets cumbersome by the end of a cruise.  But it does allow for passengers to only pay for things they will actually use.

All-inclusive cruises are great for people that don’t mind paying the premium.  Paying once and enjoying all aspects of the cruise for the rest of the trip is a great way to enjoy a vacation.

Fewer kids (more adult only areas)

This was also a recurring theme in the comments.  There are adult-only cruise lines available.  The issue is that most of the more affordable cruise lines tend to also be family-focused.

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Some mentioned at least wanting more areas on the ship that are off-limits to children, such as more adult-only pools and lounges.

Offer a few cruises that are adult only

Along the same idea as above, some wanted to see cruise lines offer a few cruises throughout the year that are adult only.  For instance, a cruise line that is not normally adult only could offer a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean that is only for passengers 18 and above.  It would be more like a chartered cruise but carried out by the cruise line.

Stop making new ships and improve the ones they have

I don’t see this one happening any time soon, but I do understand the guests who expressed this sentiment.  The difference between new cruise ships and ships that have been in the fleet for 15+ years is stark.

The truth of the matter is that cruise lines can charge a premium for a brand new ship, and there isn’t as much revenue available to justify spritzing up that ship from 2002.   But I’d love to see this happen as well.

Read more: 8 advantages of older cruise ships over newer ones

Better quality food

Some expressed dissatisfaction with some of the food quality lately.  Again, this will vary by cruise line and individual taste, and while some cruise lines have been cutting down on those extra entrees and lobster, the quality of food should always be above par.

Bigger showers

I think we can all agree on this one.  Cruise showers in standard staterooms are tiny at best.  But at least it seems like we’re moving away from the shower curtains that cling to your body every time you try to turn around in the shower, at least for the most part.  If you want a bigger shower you may have to upgrade to a suite.

Better perks in loyalty programs

I’ve written several articles on cruise line loyalty perks, and the reality is that not many of them are very good.  Royal Caribbean does offer more benefits to their cruisers than Carnival in my opinion, but there’s still so much more that can be done to encourage loyalty for cruise lines across the board.

Read more: 10 reasons I’d rather cruise with multiple cruise lines than stay loyal to just one

Offer flavored coffee creamer

I never really thought about this one.  As I’m an avid coffee drinker but prefer to drink it black, I can’t recall seeing many creamer options besides the standard milk and cream.  I wonder how many other cruisers would like to see more flavored creamer on ships.

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Being allowed to bring pets

This topic was brought up while I was on Celebrity Ascent a few weeks ago.  A member of the audience asked one of the company’s representatives about allowing guests to bring pets onto the ship.  There was a resounding groan that came across the crowd as it was clear most people were not fond of the idea.

There are also a lot of logistics when it comes to going into a port of call and who would watch the dog or cat while a passenger is off the ship.

I don’t expect to see this happen any time soon, although Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has its own Chief Dog Officer now.

More trivia

I’m all about trivia on a cruise ship, but I was surprised people wanted more of it.  Perhaps it depends what cruise line those people have been sailing on.  On my last Carnival cruise with Celebration there were 5 or 6 trivia games going on every single day, and the topics ran the gamut.

More comedians

This also depends on the cruise line.  Carnival Cruise Line has been known to have some top-notch comedians, offering both family friendly and adult-only comedy.  Sometimes this will depend on the demographic a cruise line caters to most.  Norwegian Cruise Line has some great comedy options and Disney Cruise Line has some family friendly comedy as well.

Better smoke control in the casino

Some newer cruise ships have done a good job of controlling smoke from the casino, but it’s still an issue cruise lines are trying to fix.  Some cruise lines, like Carnival, will only allow smoking in the casino if someone is seated and playing.  Still, cruise lines like Norwegian have built clear barricades to try to keep the smoke from traveling to other areas of the ship.

Get rid of the single supplement fee

I’ll be one of the first to sign this petition.  I’ve seen pricing for a single person in a cabin that is more than twice the cost of two people in the same cabin category.

Solo cruising is only getting more popular, and cruise lines that are quicker to adapt to this trend and allow for more solo cabins without a single supplement fee or at least a reduced fee will win.

Read more: Every Cruise ship with solo cabins

Enforce existing rules

Not enforcing the rules is worse than not having the rule at all.  Some cruisers were exasperated by the lack of enforcement with some unruly passengers. This can probably be extended to the whole lounger-hog debate we mentioned above as well.

Cruise lines walk a careful balance beam of trying to make sure a paying customer is happy with the product, while also making sure no one else has a bad vacation because of their actions.

Totally free room service

You don’t have to go back very far in time to remember when almost all cruise lines offered free room service.  But in the post-pandemic cruising world, cruise lines just want to climb back into profitable territory.  You can still get free room service on some cruise lines, but the menu may be limited.  And don’t forget to tip the delivery person.

Read more:  Cruise ship room service menus and fees for various cruise lines

Have self-laundry facilities

I recently wrote about every cruise line that has self-service laundry.  And let me clue you in, there aren’t very many these days.

But having access to a launderette means I can pack less and have an affordable way to get my linens clean and fresh.   You can always get a bag of laundry done by the cruise line, of course.

Offer some good sweet tea

It appears we have some southerners in our Cruise Fever audience.  Sweet tea was mentioned several times in the comments.  This drink is a staple of the southern part of the U.S., but it has to be made right.  I wonder if some cruisers can tell me which cruise line had the best sweet tea.

A more user-friendly website

This comment was made in relation to the MSC Cruises website, which I will admit has come a long way in its user friendliness.  I remember booking an MSC cruise back in 2012, and it was almost impossible to use.  MSC and other cruise lines have made great strides in making their websites easy for the average person to find a book a cruise.

Make it less crowded

This requires a careful balance by cruise lines as well.  They need to be profitable to keep offering cruises, but most people don’t want it to feel cramped on their cruise vacation.  I recently posted an update to an article on the space/passenger ratios of 141 cruise ships.

But the flow and design of a cruise ship is what makes it feel crowded or spacious.  More cruise ships are being designed with this particular thing in mind.

Read more: How to avoid crowds on a cruise ship (12 best tips)

Changing how gratuities work

The topic of gratuities and tips on a cruise ship is always a dicey one.  Some want them removed so they can pay crew members individually, and others want gratuities listed in the total fare price of a cruise.

Perceptions of gratuities are different based on different places in the world as well.  Cruisers from non-western countries can’t comprehend how we tip for almost everything in the U.S.

Read more: 10 biggest cruise tipping mistakes to avoid

Fresher itineraries

Some cruisers were simply tired of the same cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean.  Nassau was mentioned as a port that many were tired of seeing on their itineraries.  But as the Bahamian cruise port just broke passenger records last year, it doesn’t look like cruise traffic to Nassau is slowing down any time soon.

For those cruisers it may be time to branch out to other destinations in the world and try a cruise along Norway or Iceland, or even a Mediterranean cruise to spice things up.

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No complaints

A large majority of cruisers were simply happy to be cruising!  After all, there’s always some minor detail we can focus on and complain about.  But just being at sea, on a cruise ship that offers everything we could possibly want, is a magical experience.

My favorite reply to the question:

Tara A. “Royal Carribbean and Carnival would be awesome if they just let me stay on the ship for as long as I want. I’m tired of putting my bags outside the door lol.”

Ok good, I’m not the only one that feels this way!

Why take a cruise on an older ship?  You’re missing out if you overlook cruise ships that were built 15 or 20 years ago.

Here are the best reasons to book a cruise on an older ship and why it can offer an even better vacation for some people.

The term “old” is quite relative in terms of cruise ships.   Out of the mainstream cruise lines, the oldest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas which was built in 1996.  But it only seems old because of the drastic innovations made by cruise ships in recent years.

Once a new cruise ship is built by a cruise line every other ship in the fleet suddenly feels just a little bit older.  Don’t let the glamour and glitter of brand-new ships blind you to the perks of sailing on older vessels.

When I was booking my very first cruise almost 14 years ago, I just HAD to book the newest and greatest ship.

As a total newbie to cruising I had the same misconception that many rookie cruisers deal with: assuming that only new ships offer a great cruise experience.

But older cruise ships offer a few things newer ships can’t.  Here are the best reasons to book a cruise on an older cruise ship:

1. They are much more affordable

We’ll start with the most obvious reason, which is also the biggest reason for some travelers.  A cruise on an older ship can cost 30% – 50% less than a newer ship with a similar itinerary.

Because there is so much hype and demand for cruise ships that are fresh out of the shipyard there is a premium cost to go with it.  But if you want to cruise more often and are on a limited budget, older cruise ships are the way to go.

You can also find last-minute deals on older cruise ships more easily than on newer ships, so if you can be flexible with your schedule even better.

2. Fewer people means smaller crowds

Most cruise ships built around the year 2000 and earlier hold about 2,000 passengers at double capacity.  Compare that with the 4,000 and 5,000 passenger capacity on some cruise ships built in the past few years.

Whether it’s crowds during embarkation, debarkation, tendering, or simply at the buffet, a newer and larger cruise ship can feel crowded in certain spaces.

A smaller number of passengers an on older vessel can make for a more relaxed cruise with more personalized service.

Much of the feeling of “crowdedness” comes down to the design and space on the ship as well.

We detailed this in our post which compared the space/guest ratio for every cruise ship in operation.  It’s a fun read if you want to see which ships have more space per passenger than others.

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Related:  12 tips to avoid crowds on a cruise ship

3. A more intimate atmosphere

Cruise ships in the 65,000 to 90,000 gross tonnage range are beloved by regular cruises.   And older ships are commonly found in this small to medium size range.  The spaces are smaller and more intimate.

This also means less walking forward and aft.  Sure, elevators help with going up and down a few decks, but so far there are no people-movers on cruise ships for walking the length of these floating resorts.

From lounges and pool decks to dining rooms and atriums, a cruise ship built decades ago can often provide a cozy atmosphere that seasoned travelers who don’t care for the bells and whistles of modern ships just really enjoy.

4. Unique spaces and features

There are features on some older ships that simply can’t be found on recent ship builds.  When sailing on the 20-year-old Caribbean Princess I was enamored by the aft part of the ship.

High above the aft pool is a very unique lounge that gives the ship its distinctive look.  Skywalker’s Nightclub lounge on deck 19 offers fantastic views and is a quiet place to relax during the day.   It also offers some shade over the aft pool, creating an inviting space.

Another iconic space is the Viking Crown Lounge on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, which have been a staple of the cruise line since the 70’s.

This top deck lounge shaped like a saucer offers wonderful panoramic views and is one of my favorite places from which to watch sailaway.

The lounge has been done away with on newer ships, however, so you will need to book a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship at least 15 years old to enjoy it.

5. A nod to nostalgia and tradition

Older cruise ships embrace nostalgia and tradition, and this is quickly seen in the design of some of these timeless vessels.  They are a perfect choice for those passengers seeking a connection to the golden age of maritime travel.

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These vessels often feature classic designs reminiscent of ocean liners from the past, with elegant lines, prominent funnels, and a distinct profile.

The interior decor showcases art collections, ornate detailing, and grand staircases.

6. More flexibility with destinations

The truth of the matter is that the mega ships of today cannot visit certain locations because of their size.  Older, smaller ships can navigate some destinations that are inaccessible to large ships.

They fit under bridges that others cannot and can sail narrower waterways.  Some older ships can even use piers that larger ships cannot.  These larger ships must use tenders to transport passengers which can be a time-consuming process.

There’s also a factor that newer ships need to generate lots of revenue and will tend to sail to more common itineraries instead of going off the beaten path.

You can often find more exotic and rare itineraries on an older ship.

Related: Most popular cruise destinations by month of the year

7. It could be your last chance to sail on that older ship

Once a cruise ship hits a certain age, its days are numbered.

I had a chance to sail on Carnival Imagination (a Fantasy-class ship) right before it retired and also on Royal Caribbean’s beloved Majesty of the Seas shortly before it was removed from service.

These ships have loyal fans that love the more intimate atmosphere and unique spaces.  Sailing on these older ships gives you one last chance to enjoy an iconic cruise ship before it is removed from service and sent to the scrapyard.

8. Rank up your loyalty rewards faster

This goes back to the first point about saving money on each cruise.  The more money you save on a cruise the more often you can afford to take a cruise.

Taking shorter cruises on older ships is the most economical way of getting your loyalty points up to the next level.  And this means more rewards and benefits for each cruise you take thereafter.

Related: 8 cruise line loyalty programs compared

Bottom Line

Booking a cruise on an older ship holds a lot of advantages. These ships offer a unique charm and nostalgia that newer vessels may lack. From the timeless elegance to personalized service, there’s something special about these ships.

Exploring lesser-known destinations, enjoying a taste of classic luxury, and immersing yourself in the rich history are just a few reasons to consider sailing on an older ship. So why not embrace the chance to step back in time and create lasting memories that will make your cruise experience something to remember.

Read more: Inside cabin cruise hacks: 14 tips to make the most out of your interior cabin

A cruise through the Red Sea offers access to exotic locations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.  And ports of call at Aqaba, Jordan provide access to the UNESCO city of Petra.

But tensions in the Red Sea over the last several weeks have caused shipping vessels and cruise ships alike to alter course, avoiding the region altogether.

Recent Houthi militant attacks on shipping vessels near Yemen have cast a shadow over the popular cruising route.

This has led to cruise ships taking a much longer voyage around Africa, as companies and operators prioritize safety.

Cruise Travel Through the Red Sea

While a Red Sea cruise is a dream for many travelers, its peak season with cruise lines typically begins in spring. This has allowed some companies to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding itinerary adjustments as tensions in the region unfold.

The Suez Canal, a critical shortcut for world cruises, has also felt the impact.

Even before the current escalation, MSC Cruises made the decision to reroute their MSC Poesia mid-way through her 121-day World Cruise in early January, bypassing the Red Sea altogether.

Instead of sailing past ancient pyramids and vibrant reefs, Poesia charted a new course that went by Cape Verde and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic.

Cruise Lines Adjusting Itineraries

Silversea’s Silver Moon cut its Red Sea trip short, stopping early in Aqaba, Jordan, because of increased security concerns in the region. The ship, which was originally sailing from Aqaba to Muscat, Oman, with stops in Saudi Arabia, will now disembark passengers in Aqaba.  The cruise line will be making further travel arrangements for the passengers.

This development adds to the growing tension surrounding Red Sea cruises amid recent maritime attacks near Yemen. While Silversea quickly altered its itinerary for passenger safety, there’s still some uncertainty over future sailings in the region, including those scheduled for February.

Future Uncertainty for Cruise Lines

Major cruise players like Carnival Corp. have remained somewhat silent about their contingency plans in the face of this geopolitical unrest.

During a recent earnings call, CEO Josh Weinstein stressed that passenger safety remains most important, with strategies in place should the situation escalate. However, specific decisions regarding the Red Sea and Suez Canal routes remain unconfirmed.

Other cruise lines that have plans to sail through the Red Sea over the next few months include Cunard, Seabourn, Fred Olsen, Holland America Line, Regent, Azamara, P&O Cruises and Princess.

Several cruise lines have made statements about the rising tensions in the Red Sea.

P&O Cruises:  A spokesperson confirmed the cruise line is monitoring the situation on a daily basis, stating, “We will advise guests should any changes to the itinerary be necessary. The safety, security and wellbeing of guests and crew is our absolute priority.”

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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines:  Fred Olsen has a world cruise currently scheduled to sail through the Red Sea and Suez Canal in April but so far has not yet made any changes.  The company stated, “We continue to have regular communication with the relevant authorities and evaluate all risks. In the event of an increased risk, we will of course implement our contingency itinerary.”

Cunard and Holland America: Both cruise lines noted they are closely monitoring the situation, with HAL adding they will inform guests of any updates “at the earliest opportunity.”

Bottom Line

Geopolitical tension is one of several reasons a cruise line may choose to skip certain ports or completely alter the destination of a particular cruise.

The United States has increased naval presence in the region, conducting patrols and escorting commercial vessels to ensure safe passage. Despite these efforts, the uncertainty and risk associated with the Red Sea region remain high.

There’s a lot to do on cruise embarkation day.  But one passenger found out that not doing something led to an expensive bill after arriving back home.

A recent Carnival Cruise Line passenger is making waves online after sharing a pricey post-cruise phone bill.  But the real spark in the debate came from the comment which blamed Carnival for not warning about potential phone charges.

The passenger, whose question appeared on Carnival Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page, claims they received a $470 bill after the phone was used to play games during the cruise.

“$470 worth of charges from my cruise”

The passenger stated, “Just got my monthly cell phone charges through and there are $470 worth of charges from my cruise on Carnival cruises Freedom.”

Apparently, the passenger never put their phone into airplane mode.  Later someone told them to center the blame on the cruise line.

“Someone told me that the cruise line should be responsible because nobody told us that we should have the phone in airplane mode or off. All he did was play games on the phone”, they stated.

The upset passenger went on to criticize the cruise line for “being covert” about the pricing structure and not providing clear warnings about the potential for such high charges claiming,

“Nowhere on the ship does Carnival highlight that there will be extremely high prices for using data at sea and EXACTLY what that cost is. The reason for this is that no one will use the service.”

While Heald confirmed that Carnival does not receive any portion of the roaming charges, he acknowledged the possibility of improved communication.

“I do want to ask those reading this if you think we can do a better job in letting people know about this kind of thing or is it something you are mostly aware of?” he wrote, sparking a heated debate in the comments section.

Related: 10 most overlooked cruise expenses and how to avoid them

Comments from the crowd

The vast majority of the 5,600 comments sided with the cruise line, placing the responsibility on passengers to be aware of roaming charges and take precautions. Several mentioned downloading the official Carnival Hub app beforehand or purchasing onboard Wi-Fi packages.

One user commented, “Our cruise director said airplane mode throughout our WHOLE cruise. Even the hub app tells you to put it on airplane mode. Even in some of my cruise documents it said something about airplane mode.”

Another Facebook user sympathized with passengers new to cruising, stating, “For a first time cruiser, this can be quite a shock! Perhaps some sort of note in the room would be helpful. I agree with others that you don’t always hear announcements. However, it still comes down to the responsibility of each person to understand their own cell phone. Carnival is not making any money from the cell phone companies and of course is not going to reimburse this person. Sometimes you have to learn things the hard way!”

It’s important to remember that using your phone at on a cruise is very different from using it on land, as cruise ships often rely on satellite networks for connectivity.

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These satellite connections can lead to significantly higher roaming charges, so it’s always a good idea to check your carrier’s plan and consider alternative options like onboard Wi-Fi packages before cruising.

While most major carriers do offer some form of international coverage, these plans aren’t as cheap as cruise ship Wi-Fi in most cases. Additionally, some carriers, like T-Mobile, provide proactive warnings when entering areas with high roaming costs.

Read more:  Comparison of cell phone plans at sea with Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T

Ultimately, passengers are responsible for managing their phone usage and any related charges while cruising.

How you can avoid a massive phone bill from your cruise

So, what can travelers do to avoid a similar post-cruise shock? Here are some tips:

• Check your carrier’s roaming policies and rates before setting sail. Some carriers offer special packages or deals for international travel.
• Download content beforehand for offline entertainment. Movies, music, and ebooks can keep you occupied without racking up data charges.
• Purchase onboard Wi-Fi packages, especially if you need to stay connected for work or social media.
• Enable airplane mode on your phone when not actively using Wi-Fi. This will prevent your phone from inadvertently connecting to expensive satellite networks.

Read more: 5 most overlooked cruise costs most first-time cruisers miss

The Port of Galveston will be welcoming another cruise ship in 2025, according to a statement released by MSC Cruises.

Starting in November of 2025, MSC Seascape will be offering 7-night sailings out of Galveston Texas. The 5,877 max-capacity cruise ship– 4,540 at double-capacity — is the second Seaside EVO-class ship to be built by the cruise line.

The newest Seaside-class vessel is currently sailing out of PortMiami and will transition to Galveston for its first sailing on November 9th, 2025.

Itineraries on the 169,400 gross ton MSC Seascape will include visits to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

Check out sailings on Seascape out of Galveston on MSC’s website here.

In the statement, CEO of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato, emphasized the cruise lines desire to expand its operations in the U.S. saying,

“This announcement is the latest step in our strategy to continue to grow our U.S footprint. Earlier this year we began operations from our third U.S. home port, New York City, where we now sail year-round, and we are proud to add Galveston to that growing line-up alongside PortMiami and Port Canaveral.”

“We are committed to bringing our newest, largest, most innovative ships to the U.S. and are pleased that MSC Seascape will be more easily accessible to guests in central and western parts of the U.S through Galveston, as well as to our guests internationally via the well-connected international airport hub of Houston.”

Due to the distances between ports, reaching these Caribbean ports of call requires 3 sea days within most itineraries. Longer  7- and 10-day cruises are typical for sailings out of Galveston.

Galveston has been growing in popularity as a homeport for other cruise lines as well, with Princess Cruises recently sailing Regal Princess from the port until March of 2024.

Ships scheduled to sail out of Galveston throughout 2024 include the following:

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Miracle
Disney Cruises: Disney Magic
Royal Caribbean International: Harmony of the Seas Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Prima
Princess Cruises: Regal Princess

Read more: Best cruises out of Galveston through 2025

Cruise ships have often been famously referred to as floating buffets at sea – and for good reason. With all-you-can-eat pizza, cake, steak, and lobster, the options truly are endless.

But we often see the same mistakes made when it comes to dining on a cruise ship.  A little cruise buffet etiquette can go a long way to ensure everyone on the ship has a pleasant vacation.

Almost all major cruise ships have at least one buffet on board, which is included in your cruise fare. What’s also included is the 10 pounds you’re sure to gain from sampling all these culinary delights.

Although cruise dining has an overall laid back vibe, there are some unwritten rules you should know before you belly up to the bar – or the buffet that is. Read on to learn about these 10 golden rules every cruiser should follow.

1. Don’t Cut the Unofficial Line (You Know It’s There)

While the buffets on cruise ships are known for being more fun and easy-going compared to its counterparts (looking at you, Main Dining Room), it goes without saying that there is some form of structure and order. A prime example of this would be the lines of hungry people snaked throughout the room.

Cutting people off at the store wouldn’t fly on land, and it isn’t permissible (nor polite) onboard. Instead, exercising your patience and waiting your turn is not only encouraged, but required here.

In the instance you approach a selection of food you’d rather skip all together, you can either wait patiently, or ask the passenger ahead of you in line if you may kindly pass them by. The key here is to ask, as they did arrive before you.

Read more: 12 biggest cruise dining mistakes to avoid

2. Always Wash Your Hands First

The saying may go that your eyes eat before your stomach, but your hands get washed before you do any anything else.

Cruise ships have an overabundance of restrooms, hand-washing stations, and now, hand sanitizer pumps dispersed throughout the vessel. These sanitizer pumps are typically stationed at the entrance of all dining rooms to encourage all guests to wash up before eating.

Even though you will not be touching the food directly (right?), you will be handling those serving utensils that everyone else also touched. You wouldn’t want the person in line ahead of you to have dirty hands, so wash yours too.

3. Use the Tongs (Not Your Hands)

This one isn’t just for the kids (though they are the biggest offenders) – adults are just as guilty.

While it can be tempting to grab that last slice of cheese, sitting all alone with your fingers, just don’t do it. There are food handling utensils for a good reason, and the cruise line expects that everyone uses them.

Related: 10 reasons to eat dinner at the buffet on a cruise

4. Watch Your Children

Speaking of children – watch and accompany your children at all times in the buffet and seating area. Period.

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The buffet area commonly stores hot plates, foods, glassware and other items that can pose harm to children and others if not handled properly. As a parent, it is your responsibility to watch, and escort them to and throughout the buffet.

Children also need gentle reminders on buffet etiquette such as not cutting others in line, not grabbing food with tiny fingers, or running around in inappropriate areas.

5. Always Use a New Plate

One of the unwritten golden rules of buffet dining is that there will be more than one plate of food consumed per person. It goes without saying.

With that in mind, it should be noted that when you go back for seconds (or thirds, nobody is judging on a cruise), leave your used plate on your table and grab a new, clean one.

Buffet dining halls have plenty of staff members rounding the tables to take away dirty plates, silver wear, cups and napkins. This is to avoid the serving spoons and tongs coming into contact with your personal dishes, so please be respectful.

6. Do Not Move the Serving Utensils

Each buffet station has its own set of tongs, spoons, forks, or knifes for a reason – to avoid cross-contamination of different food products. This is primarily for allergy, or dietary reasons but is also to avoid mixing unwanted flavors (because nobody wants French fries in their chocolate cake).

Should you transfer the utensils from one station to another, you are risking serious consequences for other passengers. Some are allergic to shellfish, or peanuts, while some may be following a vegetarian, kosher, or gluten free diet. Keeping the utensils in their proper places allows all guests to dine comfortably.

If you are dining on a cruise ship and have dietary concerns, all cruise lines encourage you to speak directly to the maître d. They can modify dishes, or even prepare special dishes for you without risk.

Read more: 25 cruise cabin hacks to make your stateroom more livable

7. Don’t Take All of the Cookies

Make sure to pack your courteous pants with you when you board because you’ll certainly need them in line at the buffet.

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You’ll encounter many a station where you’re presented with the last couple items, and as respect to the hungry passengers in line behind you: don’t take all of them. Even if you have a table of 4 waiting for you across the room. That’s right – just don’t do it.

The right thing to do here is to take one, leave some behind and alert the chef who’s probably standing behind the station, that the supply is running low and needs to be replenished. They’ll know what to do from there.

And if you really, really (like really) need to take that last cookie, definitely make sure to let a chef know so that everyone else can have one, too.

8. Do Not Eat in Line

With endless, mouthwatering options, eating while standing in line (that seems to move at a snail’s pace) can be painfully tempting, but don’t do it.

The food on your plate, nor at the buffet, isn’t going anywhere and this may be a good opportunity to practice patience (and to teach little ones about this virtue as well).

Eating in line is unsanitary and defeats the purpose of rule number 2 – washing your hands first. As in, before you eat and touch the utensils you’re using as a vehicle to put the food on your plate. It’s just rude and sends the wrong message to other guests.

Related: 15 most popular dining venues on cruise ships

9. Don’t Overload Your Plate

Again – cruise food makes you salivate, so loading up your plate can happen before you even realize it. Why should you have to choose between nachos, and French fries? Here’s the thing though: you don’t.

There are tactics to avoid overloading one plate and appearing gluttonous to other passengers. You can eat in shifts by taking one plate at a time. Start with a salad, then your entrée, and then move onto dessert(s).

Or, if you’d rather make one trip, you can take a little bit of everything instead of normal-sized portions of each item. Think: Thanksgiving-style, cruise ship edition.

10. Be Kind to All Staff Members

Above all, expressing your kindness, sincerity and appreciation to staff members throughout the buffet dining hall, and within the dining room should go without saying, but is certainly worth mentioning.

While all cruise staff members are there to serve you (and certainly go above and beyond to make your experience memorable and exceptionable), passengers need keep in mind that they are deserving of respect.

Make sure to always say please, thank you, or no thank you, to smile and wave and let them know when they have made a difference in your dining experience!

Read more: 10 biggest things that can ruin your cruise

Final Thoughts

Cruises are the best vacation you can take if you’re looking to sample the flavors of the world in a single sitting. This truly all-you-can-eat experience coupled with a casual environment is not to be missed.

Before you embark on your next cruise buffet dining experience, please keep in mind the unwritten rules of the dining hall to ensure the best experience for both you and everyone else on board.

Remembering to practice best etiquette such as:

• Ensuring your hands are washed.
• Not handling food with your hands
• Don’t cut the line!
• And being respectful of staff members

These key points will help maintain the laid back, comfortable dining experience that every passenger comes for, and ultimately is why they stay around.

Read more: Cruise dining regrets: 10 foods these travelers say they avoid on every cruise

The most important day of your cruise is about to begin: Embarkation day!  Here are some things that you should do to make the most out of your cruise.

The embarkation day experience on a cruise has changed over the last several years. Various requirements and policy changes have made boarding day slightly different than what you might be expecting.

With all the excitement and anticipation that leads up to this very first day of your cruise vacation it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the all-important embarkation process.

Related: How to find the best cruise cabins

If you’ve ever had a bad embarkation day experience you know how important the information below is going to be to new cruisers. This is essentially the very beginning of your cruise, so making sure it’s as smooth as possible is key.

In this article we are going to cover the 19 things smart travelers always do on the embarkation day of their cruise.

Whether it’s a short 3-nighter or a longer 14-day cruise, the things you do on day one can either enhance or diminish your cruise vacation. Here at Cruise Fever we’re all about helping travelers make the MOST out of their cruise. So, let’s dig into some tips to keep your boarding day painless and stress-free.

The first part of this article will cover things you should do before you arrive at the port.

Actually, the first two items on our list involve things you need to do even before embarkation day.  But this had to be mentioned as it will make your boarding day a lot easier.

Complete online check-in as early as possible

You don’t get on the ship early by showing up at the port early.  In fact, if you show up well before your check-in time you will probably be told to come back later.

Get an early check-in time by doing the online check-in as soon as possible at home. Some cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean) allow you to do this 45 days before your cruise and for others it’s 14 days before, so check with your cruise line so you know how soon you can do this.

More check-in time slots will be available when check-in opens, and those early time slots fill up very fast. The easiest way to do this is through the app, and even if you don’t complete the entire check-in process you can at least lock in the check-in time right away. Often the earliest times are around 10:30am or 11:00am.

Related: Cheapest weeks of the year to cruise

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Arrive the day before

Here’s another important tip that involves planning before boarding day, but it’s one of my main recommendations when cruising from a port far from home.

Booking a pre-cruise hotel near your cruise port takes all the stress and hassle out of a day that will be rather busy.

I always recommend flying into the city you will be sailing out of 1 or 2 days ahead of time.  This way even if there is bad weather and your flight has to be delayed you won’t have to sweat missing your ship.

Additionally, if you book a hotel that is near the cruise port you can often get free or very inexpensive transportation to the port as part of your stay.  Even if you drive to the port some hotels will allow you to keep your car there during your vacation.

Just make this extra day or two another part of your vacation.

Related: Tips for booking shore excursions

Download the cruise line’s app

You can and should do this step early on as well.  The app makes the check-in process very simple and quick, and it allows you to book all kinds of other amenities you may want on your cruise.

You should pre-book everything you know you will want to do or have on your cruise. Things like drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa services, specialty dining, shore excursions etc. are all things you can book through the app or website.  Additionally, you can often save money by booking in advanced.

Another perk of booking services ahead of time is having more time-slots to choose from, since certain popular restaurants or excursions could fill up quickly.

The more information you fill out in the app the more time you will save in the terminal.  I will mention that a few times in this article, since after all this is all about making that embarkation day as easy as possible

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Fill out the health questionnaire

This will have to get done anyway, so you might as well get it done early.  You can usually do this through the cruise line’s app, but fill out that questionnaire and save time at the terminal.

Most all U.S. cruise ports have done away with COVID testing protocols and extra requirements, so the questionnaire is pretty much like it was before the shutdowns.  If you need to fill out the paper version of the health questionnaire with your cruise line just fill it out as soon as you can.

Have documentation ready in digital and physical format

Double-check all documents and have both digital and physical copies of each.  Even if you don’t have a physical printout of your documentation at least save the files on your phone offline.  You don’t want to have to rely on your signal strength and delay the process.

Phone signal or Wi-Fi signal in terminal may not be strong, although many newer terminals have Wi-Fi throughout. You can use the folder on your phone or other apps to have copies of your documents that are accessible off-line even if you don’t have a signal.

I always like to make a copy of my passport as well, and I will keep it in my stateroom safe.  So if something happens to my actual passport I at least have a fallback plan to make the next steps a little easier.

And then have all those documents ready to go.  You can keep them in a special case or folder, but you don’t want to be shuffling through your bags when you’re being called up.

Reinforce your luggage tag with a plastic holder

The only thing telling the crew where your suitcase belongs is that luggage tag.  You know, the one you printed off at home and is made out of paper.  And no matter how many times you staple it and try to wrap it in tape, it can still easily fall off.

Save yourself a trip to guest services by picking up a luggage tag holder so you can secure your tag to your bag.  You can pick them up on Amazon pretty cheaply (Affiliate Link).

Put the essentials in your carry-on

Since you will probably and should probably have a porter take your large pieces of luggage for you (more on this later), make sure you always keep the essentials on-hand.

On the rare occurrence that your luggage gets lost or does not show up in your stateroom right away you need to be able to have access to any medications, documents, and devices you will need in the meantime.  I always like to have an extra change of clothing in my carry-on as well in the event this happens.

Having a bathing suit in your carry-on is always a good ideas as well.  The pools, watersides and hot tubs will be open when you board the ship, and many like to enjoy these areas while their staterooms are being prepared.  Another perk of jumping in the pool right away on embarkation day is that they aren’t usually that busy.

Know what items are not allowed

Packing an item that is not allowed on your cruise ship will just bog down your embarkation process.  Know what you should leave at home.  Items like irons and steamers, knives, candles, and even certain types of decorations aren’t allowed on board.

Some of the most common items people put in their luggage are extension cords (including surge-protector power strips) and too much alcohol, as cruise lines only allow for a certain amount to be brought on board.

Also know that weapons and any illegal substances in your bags will just slow down your boarding day process (which could be the least of your worries), so know what is allowed and what isn’t.

Arrive at the check-time time

You can arrive a few minutes before your check-in time as you allow for the time it takes to park and grab your luggage, but don’t get there too early.  As mentioned earlier, you will more than likely be turned away and told to come back later if you arrive well ahead of your check-in time.  This can depend on the port or terminal on how they enforce this.

Let the porter take your bags

You might want to save a few dollars by carrying all your luggage onto the ship yourself, but don’t.   Not only will it be a major pain to walk through the ship with all those bags, it will only make elevators more cramped and be a nuisance to other travelers.  You only need to tip a few dollars to the porter and the bags will magically appear in your stateroom.  Again, you will want to keep your essential items with you, so keep that carry-on and let the rest go.

Once on board you should do the following things on embarkation day

Note: Once you’re on the ship you may notice how crowded the atrium area can be.  The mid-ship elevators can get quite crowded as well, so I will usually walk forward or aft to find an easier way to navigate the ship.  You will find elevators and stairwells much more accessible away from the bottleneck of the ship’s entry point.

Make your specialty restaurant reservations

While sometimes you can make these reservations ahead of time through the app, most of the time you have to go to a restaurant on board the ship and make them in person.  If there is a particular restaurant you really want to try and you have a certain time in mind you should do this right after you get on the ship.  Usually you can make reservations at any other restaurants from any single dining venue, so go ahead and get it all done then.

If you have a dining package you should definitely do this right away.  Come prepared with the list of restaurants at which you want to eat, including preferred days and times to enjoy your specialty dining experience.

Some of the best times fill up fast, and there is a greater interest in specialty dining on some of the major lines these days.

One quick tip to note is that typically specialty dining restaurants are not as busy on embarkation day so you can try one of those venues on the first night to see how you like it.

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Complete the digital e-muster drill

The days of standing in a very crowded line on the lifeboat deck for 30 minutes while a list of names is read aloud are over, for the most part.

In the post-shutdown era some cruise lines are still fine-tuning how they carry out these “digital muster drills”.  But it’s easier now than ever to comply with the requirements of the “lifeboat drill” using an app on your phone or your stateroom’s TV.

With many lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, guests simply need to watch a presentation on their phones and find their way to their muster station where a crew member will record their attendance.  This can be done at different times as long as it’s completed in a timely manner before the ship needs to set sail.

A problem some lines have run into though is that some passengers still fail to report to their muster stations.  And according to International Maritime Law passengers needs to complete the safety briefing before the ship leaves port.   This has lead to the frustration of captain and crew as ships have tight schedules to keep.

So don’t be “that guy” that holds up everyone else’s vacation.  Get the muster drill completed and enjoy that cruise.

Make reservations for shows and activities on the app

Even for some of the free shows on cruise ships it’s recommended that you make a reservation to make sure you have a seat.   This will vary by cruise line, but I recommend you get on the app and see what activities or shows you want to try out that require a reservation.  Some of these can only be booked once you’re on the ship’s Wi-Fi and can’t be done ahead of time.

Check your table assignment in the main dining room

If you have a fixed dining time for your cruise you can head over to the main dining room and see where your table is.  This will help you know its exact location and also if the location needs to be changed for one reason or another.  This is especially important if you’re traveling in a group and would like a table to seat everyone, or even if you’re traveling as a couple and would like a table for two.

Check out the kid’s area

If you’re traveling without children you can skip this one, but if you did happen to bring those precious little angels with you, you should definitely check out the kid’s club.

These areas are like an open-house on embarkation day so you can get a tour of the facilities, meet the staff that will be working with the children, and check out the hours of operation.

This is also when you will get your kids signed-up and, you can go over any allergies or limitations with the crew.  It will take a few minutes to fill out a few forms, but doing this on day one makes it easier later on when it’s time to drop your kids off and scurry away to watch a show.

Your kids will get a wristband and be all set for drop-off later on that night.  I also find that it’s good for the kids to get to meet the staff and see all the cool toys and games so they are more familiar with the area and will even be excited about it (hopefully).

Enjoy some lunch

Most passengers head straight for the buffet area, so that will be the most crowded place to eat.  But many ships have other places you can grab a bite to eat on embarkation day as well.

Many don’t realize that even main dining rooms are often open for lunch and it’s a much quieter way to get some sustenance after a long day of handling logistics.  Wherever you decide to eat make sure you do take the time to start enjoying some of the hard-earned money you spent on the cruise.

Explore the ship

This is my favorite part.  It’s something I do after all the other “business” areas are taken care of.  I might check out a few deck plans ahead of time, but mostly I just peruse the ship and get familiar with my home-away-from-home for the week.

It’s important to do this on day one so you know what the cruise ship actually offers.  I’ve come across many cruisers who found their favorite venue on day 4 or 5 of a cruise and wish they knew about it sooner.

Sure, you can do some of this ahead of time by watching Youtube videos on your cruise ship, but by walking around and exploring in person you will get a better feel for the layout of the ship and spend less time backtracking later on.

Make mental notes along the way of places you want to check out later and just soak it all in.  There’s nothing like that excitement of being on a cruise ship for the first time.

Meet your stateroom attendant

In all the hustle and bustle it’s important not to forget the person who will be cleaning up after you all week.  Meeting your stateroom attendant is not only a nice gesture for the crew, but it also helps to iron out any issues you might have.  If you need the room setup a certain way, need extra pillows, or have any other kinds of needs you can let them know on day one.

And it’s always nice to put a face with a name for a more personal experience.  I always try to make sure my first encounter with my cabin steward is a positive one, not one where I have this huge problem and need it fixed right away.

Related:  Ships with best crew to passenger ratio compared

Check out some embarkation day deals

The cruise ship is always abuzz on embarkation day, and it won’t take long to come across some day 1 deals.  This is especially true in the spa area.  On most cruise ships there is some kind of raffle in the spa on boarding day, and you simply need to enter your name and show up for the drawing.

There are also sales on retail items throughout the ship and many limited time offerings.  So, you might as well take advantage of them.

Put your phone in airplane mode

You don’t have to do this one right away, but sometime before the ship leaves port you will want to enter airplane mode on your devices.  I’ve known many to rack up huge phone bills because their phone connected to the cruise ship’s towers and ran up some serious charges.

And even if your phone does not connect to the ship automatically it will just drain the battery by looking for a signal.  Just go into airplane mode, turn on Wi-Fi to connect to the ship, and enjoy your vacation.  Remember, you don’t actually need to sign up for a Wi-Fi plan to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi.  It’s just a great way to see what’s going on around the ship and stay on top of your account.

Related: Tips for using Wi-Fi on cruise ships

Conclusion

Embarkation day is an exciting part of the cruise experience. It’s important to take the time to enjoy the process and make the most of the day. Make sure you are prepared with all necessary documents, have a plan for getting to your departure port on time, and come with a positive attitude.

While embarkation day can be stressful, it is also a great opportunity to get acquainted with fellow passengers and explore the ship before setting off on your journey.

And yes, there are actually 20 items on our list.  Consider it a bonus ;).

After a $300 million cruise port renovation at Prince George Wharf, Nassau has shattered its previous records for the most passengers in one year.

The cruise port, which can now accommodate up to six cruise ships at once, welcomed 4,490,802 passengers in 2023, according to a press release.

The 1,2010 cruise ships that brought these passengers into port, helped usher in a 14% increase in passengers compared to 2019.

This surge coincides with the completion of the first phase of the port’s ambitious redevelopment.  The recent changes boasts a new arrivals plaza, a vibrant Junkanoo museum, an amphitheater, and a slew of Bahamian-owned shops and restaurants.

“This monumental achievement wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the cruise industry, our dedicated team, and the entire Nassau community,” stated Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. “We’re thrilled to share our newly revitalized waterfront, bursting with Bahamian culture, exciting entertainment, and culinary delights. And remember, even more surprises are in store for 2024!”

The revitalized port wasn’t just about aesthetics; it proved its operational might throughout the year. In March, it shattered its single-day passenger record with 28,554 visitors, only to surpass it again on December 27th with a staggering 29,316. This surge not only surpassed the projected annual target of 4.2 million guests but also etched a new record of 4,490,802 for the year.

This record-breaking year paints a promising picture for Nassau’s future. With a world-class waterfront experience, coupled with the ongoing second phase of development, Nassau Cruise Port is attempting to become a premier destination in the Caribbean, attracting even more visitors and further boosting the local economy that was crushed in 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, I. Chester Cooper estimated that the surge in cruise traffic generated more than $6 billion in visitor spending, making a tremendous impact on the Bahamian economy.

Encouraged by a successful 2023, the port team is even more ambitious for 2024, anticipating at least 5.6 million passengers.