My absolute favourite cruise promotion is ‘kids go free’. Free child places on cruises don’t come along that often, but when they do, these deals can save you a fortune!
Children on cruises are often charged the full adult fare, or very close to that. So if you can get your kids on board for free, you could almost halve the overall cost of your cruise!
I’ve done this many times, so I’ll share the details in this guide.
How to find ‘kids sail free’ deals
Not all cruise lines offer free child places, so the first step is to identify which ones do.
Cruise lines that I have seen offer this deal include:
P&O Cruises
Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line
However, these offers aren’t available all the time, so you need to keep an eye out for their latest policies and deals.
Often, the kids sail free deals are only available on term-time cruises. This makes sense, because cruise lines have no problem filling the kids’ clubs during the school holidays.
But sometimes you can find these deals on school holiday cruises as well. I’ve done this many times, and even managed to get the kids on board Britannia for free at Easter.
The cheapest cruises are sometimes available to book two to three months before the ship sets sail. At this point, the cruise lines know how many cabins there are left to fill. If they’re not filling as fast as they should, they drop the price. However, the key word here is SOMETIMES…
Cruising is becoming more and more popular every year. The cruise lines literally cannot build ships fast enough to accommodate the growing demand. So having empty cabins is becoming rarer, meaning that last-minute price reductions are now few and far between.
If you do want to book a last-minute cruise, you’ll need to be really flexible. It’s also worth noting that just because a cruise has a large price reduction, that doesn’t mean it’s cheap.
The cheapest cabins will likely have been sold months ago, leaving the higher grades of cabins to be reduced later. Rather than paying less for your cruise, you might instead pay the same, but get a slightly larger cabin in a better location on the ship by booking late.
Cheap last-minute cruises for families
Finding a last-minute cruise for a family is like finding a needle in a haystack. Why? Well, ships only have a limited number of cabins which are suitable for families.
The majority of cruise ship cabins only fit two passengers. Although the demand for cruising is growing, the family sector of the market is growing even faster. This means that many ships simply do not have enough four-berth cabins to accommodate the demand.
Another problem you might encounter is that cruise lines tend to only admit a certain number of children in each age group. This is so that they can better accommodate them in the kids’ clubs.
In school holiday periods, parents sometimes find that there is a cabin available on the cruise they want, but no space for one of their children. The ship already has the maximum number of children in that particular age group booked on board.
Booking a family cruise early
For anyone travelling with children, I would strongly recommend booking early. And the earlier the better! Cruises generally go on sale 18 months to two years before departure, and booking then will ensure that there is availability for your family.
Plus, for popular sailings which don’t get reduced, the best prices are often available when the cruises first go on sale.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
Deals for early bookers
Cruise lines have promotions all the time. Sometimes it’s a lower price, but more often than not you can get extras such as free drinks, free port parking or credit to spend on board the ship.
However, these deals are only available for early bookers. Each cruise line will have different offers that change every couple of months. If you see an offer that really appeals to you, such as free all-inclusive drinks, then don’t hang around.
A good travel agent will be able to help you get the best deal. I’d recommend signing up to all their email newsletters. They can email you all the details of each cruise line’s latest promotions, and also let you know when the next batch of sailings are released, which happens a few times each year.
If you’re determined to take a cruise soon, then look at what last-minute deals are available (and find out how late you can book a last-minute cruise). However, if you’re not sure when you want to cruise, then it pays to look as far ahead as you can.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Are you put off from taking a cruise by horror stories about ‘cruise cough’, norovirus and other dirty diseases you may catch aboard a floating petri dish?
Fear not! I’ve put together a list of the world’s cleanest cruise ships!
Grab your rubber gloves, antibacterial wipes and sense of adventure, because we’re about to explore the most pristine corners of the cruising world. Hold onto your mops, folks, it’s about to get squeaky clean in here…
Where this data comes from
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) runs a Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) that helps cruise ships to prevent the spread of illness.
As part of the VSP, every cruise ship is inspected for hygiene twice per year. The inspections are unannounced, and so thorough that they take a team of two to five inspectors between six and eight hours to complete.
The inspections look at medical facilities, drinking water, swimming pools, spas, kitchens, dining rooms, child activity centres, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas of each ship.
During an inspection, each cruise ship is scored on a 100-point scale. Any score of 85 or below is counted as a fail.
Which cruise ships are the cleanest?
In their recent VSP inspections, 21 cruise ships achieved a perfect score of 100. Five of these ships were owned by Disney Cruise Line, meaning that every cruise ship in the Disney fleet is spotlessly clean.
With such great attention to detail when it comes to cleanliness, we can say that Disney cruise ships are the cleanest of all.
List Of The Cleanest Cruise Ships
In the most recent VSP inspections, 21 cruise ships scored a perfect 100 for cleanliness. These are shown in the table below, along with links to scores in previous inspections for those ships.
This data is accurate as of 10 May 2023. More ships may have been inspected since then. You can see the latest statistics here.
How clean are cruise ships?
Cruise ships, like any large public space, vary in cleanliness. However, it’s important to note that cruise ships are subject to stringent sanitation standards that are regularly monitored and enforced.
Despite these strict standards and regular inspections, outbreaks of illness can still occur on cruise ships. These are most commonly gastrointestinal illnesses like norovirus. Such outbreaks are usually well-publicised, but relatively rare considering the number of people who take cruises every year.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, cruise lines implemented even more stringent cleaning and sanitation procedures. These included more frequent cleaning of public areas, use of electrostatic sprayers with disinfectant, enhanced air filtration systems, and policies to encourage physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Despite this, people still catch Covid on cruise ships, which is why many crew members still opt to wear masks. I have had Covid twice, and both times I fell ill upon returning from a cruise.
How long does it take to clean a cruise ship?
Regular daily cleaning includes tasks like tidying up cabins, cleaning public areas and maintaining dining rooms. This is an ongoing process that crew members work on around the clock.
On turnaround day (when one set of passengers disembarks and a new set embarks), a deeper cleaning takes place. This typically includes more thorough cleaning of cabins, including changing linens, vacuuming and deep-cleaning bathrooms.
On turnaround day, public spaces are also cleaned more intensively. For a large cruise ship, this process typically takes several hours and involves a large team of cleaning staff.
After a cruise ship has been in service for a while, it will occasionally undergo a dry dock. This is a period of several weeks when it’s taken out of service for maintenance and deep cleaning.
During this time, everything from the engines to the carpets can be cleaned, repaired or replaced. This could take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the work being done.
In the case of an outbreak of illness on board, such as norovirus, a ship will undergo an intensive disinfection process. This could take 24 to 48 hours, and involves cleaning all surfaces with strong disinfectant.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, fellow voyagers – the cleanest cruise ships on the high seas! From gleaming decks to sparkling staterooms, these maritime marvels are setting the gold standard for the industry.
Although these ships may top the list, the vast majority of cruise ships are committed to providing a clean, healthy and safe environment for their guests. With stringent sanitation practices, regular inspections and dedicated crews working around the clock, you’re in good hands when setting sail on your dream cruise.
Whether you’re cruising on one of these squeaky-clean superstars or another vessel in the varied fleets worldwide, rest assured that your wellbeing is a top priority. Cruise ship cleanliness is taken very seriously, and the proof is in the pudding… or perhaps, in this case, the buffet line.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A harbor pilot is a highly experienced local mariner who climbs aboard a ship near the entrance to a port and guides it through the channel, alongside the berth and back out to sea again. On a cruise ship, the captain stays in command, but the pilot brings detailed knowledge of local tides, currents, traffic and hazards that no visiting crew could match. In most major ports in the US, the UK and elsewhere, taking a pilot is a legal requirement for large ships.
If you have ever seen someone scramble up a rope ladder on the hull at dawn, you have seen a harbor pilot (harbour pilot in the UK) at work. Here is what they do and what to watch for on your next sailaway.
What is a harbor pilot?
A harbor pilot, also called a maritime pilot, marine pilot or ship pilot, is a mariner with specialist knowledge of one particular stretch of water. The International Maritime Pilots’ Association describes pilots as highly trained experts in navigating ships in specific waters, with extensive knowledge of local conditions.
Pilots are not part of the ship’s crew. They work for, or are licensed by, a local pilotage organization and board each vessel for one job: bringing it in, taking it out, or moving it between berths.
Why ports make pilotage compulsory
Even the most experienced cruise captain might call at a given port only a handful of times a year. Local pilots handle these waters every day, in every kind of weather. That is why most busy ports make pilotage compulsory for ships over a certain size.
In the US, the American Pilots’ Association notes that each of the 24 coastal states runs its own compulsory pilotage system, with pilotage fees set by government and paid mainly by foreign-flag shipping. Since nearly all large cruise ships are registered abroad, the pilot who boards in Miami, Galveston or Seattle is normally a state-licensed pilot. US-flag ships in domestic (coastwise) trade fall under a separate federal pilotage system overseen by the US Coast Guard, which also oversees pilotage on the Great Lakes.
In the UK, the Pilotage Act 1987 gives Competent Harbour Authorities (CHAs) the duty to decide whether pilotage should be compulsory in their area and to authorise the pilots who work there. The UK Maritime Pilots’ Association represents around 500 pilots, which it says is over 80% of the UK’s authorised pilots.
How do pilots board ships?
Boarding is one of the riskier routines in shipping. There are three main methods.
Pilot boat and pilot ladder. By far the most common. A fast, sturdy pilot boat comes alongside the moving ship, which slows down and creates a sheltered “lee” on one side. The pilot steps from the boat onto a rope ladder with wooden steps hanging down the hull, then climbs up to an open shell door or the deck. Under international SOLAS rules, a pilot should not have to climb more than 9 metres (about 30 feet) on the ladder alone; for higher freeboards, a combination of pilot ladder and the ship’s accommodation ladder (a stairway lowered down the side) is used.
Through a shell door. Many cruise ships have a dedicated pilot door low in the hull, so the climb is short and the pilot steps straight into a crew area before being escorted up to the bridge.
By helicopter. In some places, such as parts of Norway and northern Europe, pilots can be lowered by helicopter when sea conditions or distances make a boat transfer impractical. The Norwegian Coastal Administration says its pilots board by pilot boat or helicopter at designated points along the coast.
Boarding has caused serious accidents, often linked to badly rigged or poorly maintained ladders. In June 2025 the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and new performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements. According to classification society DNV, these apply to all pilot transfer arrangements from 1 January 2028, with existing ships needing to show compliance at their first survey on or after 1 January 2029.
The bridge is where the pilot, captain and officers work together during arrival and departure. Photo: Jules Clark on Pexels
Who is in charge: the captain or the pilot?
This is one of the most common questions cruise passengers ask. In almost every port, the answer is that the master (captain) remains in overall command and keeps legal responsibility for the ship. The pilot advises and, by agreement, often gives the helm and engine orders, but the captain can step in or overrule at any time if they believe the ship is at risk. IMO guidance on pilots (Resolution A.960) is clear that having a pilot aboard does not relieve the master or the officer of the watch of their duties.
There is a notable exception. In the Panama Canal, the canal authority says it takes control of each vessel during its transit, and its pilots board and steer all vessels from start to finish. Panama Canal pilots therefore have a level of authority that goes further than that of a typical harbor pilot.
The master-pilot exchange
When the pilot reaches the bridge, the first job is a structured conversation known as the master-pilot exchange. It usually covers:
The planned route, speed and turning points, and where the ship will berth or swing
The ship’s handling details: draft, engine and thruster power, any defects
Tides, current, wind and expected traffic
How many tugs will be used, where they will attach, and how lines will be handled
Ships carry a “pilot card” summarising their key data, and modern pilots often bring their own portable navigation unit (a laptop or tablet with precise positioning) to cross-check the ship’s systems.
Tugs and bridge teamwork
Modern cruise ships have powerful bow thrusters and pod propulsion, so many can berth without tugs in calm conditions. In strong wind, narrow basins or where local rules require it, the pilot will usually coordinate one or more tugs by radio. On the bridge, the captain, the officer of the watch, the helmsman and the pilot all have defined roles, with orders repeated back aloud so everyone knows what is happening.
How to become a harbor pilot: training and licensing
Region
Who licenses pilots
Typical route in
United States (foreign-flag ships)
Individual coastal states, often via a state pilot board
Years as a licensed ship’s officer, a competitive exam, then a multi-year apprenticeship on the local waterway
United States (US-flag coastwise ships)
US Coast Guard (federal pilotage endorsement)
Licensed mariner plus route-specific trips and exams
United Kingdom
Competent Harbour Authorities, such as port authorities
Experienced officer or master, then local training and graded authorisations by ship size
Norway
Norwegian Coastal Administration (state pilot service)
Experienced mariners trained into the state pilot service
Florida is a good example of the US model. The Florida Harbor Pilots Association says candidates must be US citizens aged at least 21 with at least two years of sea service as a licensed officer and a suitable license, then pass a demanding exam on seamanship and detailed port knowledge. Successful candidates become deputy pilots for a training period of two to three years, gradually handling larger vessels, before sitting a further exam for a full license. In the UK, the UKMPA notes that it typically takes about 10 years of experience before a pilot is cleared for the largest and most challenging ships.
Harbor pilot salary: how much do pilots earn?
Pay varies hugely by port, workload and how pilots are organised. Many US pilots work as members of self-governing associations rather than as salaried employees, and income at the busiest ports has been widely reported in the hundreds of thousands of US dollars a year. Business Insider reported in 2024 that harbor pilots can earn around $434,000 a year. Treat any figure as a rough guide: rates are set by regulators and vary widely between ports and countries.
Pilot boats meet ships near the harbor entrance in almost any weather. Photo: Yadelis Nicole on Pexels
Famous pilotage areas for cruise ships
Southampton, UK. Britain’s busiest cruise port sits at the head of a winding approach past the Isle of Wight, with a tight turn near Calshot and strong tidal influence. Big ships rely on local pilots and often tugs to make the turn and swing off the berth.
Miami and Port Everglades, Florida. Narrow cuts, busy cruise terminals with many ships arriving on the same morning, and crosswinds make these classic harbor pilot territory. Florida’s state-licensed pilots handle the traffic.
Panama Canal. Canal pilots take control for the whole transit, working with locomotives at the older locks and tugs at the newer, larger locks.
Alaska’s Inside Passage and Puget Sound. The Southeast Alaska Pilots’ Association says it typically sends two pilots to a cruise ship, each staying aboard for an average of 3 to 11 days, boarding at a station south of Ketchikan and leaving at Cape Spencer. Ships sailing from Seattle take Puget Sound pilots for the inland waters.
Norwegian fjords. Norway’s state pilot service has just under 300 active pilots and some 25 pilot stations. If you are planning one of the Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK, you will almost certainly have a Norwegian pilot on the bridge as you thread the narrow fjords. The same applies on Northern Lights cruises from the UK heading up the coast towards Tromsø and the Arctic.
What passengers can watch for
Watching the pilot handover is one of the best free shows on a cruise. Here is what to look out for:
The pilot boat. Usually brightly painted, often orange, red or black, and marked “PILOT” in large letters. Arrivals are frequently early in the morning, so set an alarm and head to an open deck low down on the side the boat approaches.
The ladder and pilot door. Crew rig the pilot ladder and open the shell door shortly before the boat arrives.
Flag H. Once the pilot is aboard, the ship may fly the international code flag “H” (vertical red and white halves), meaning “I have a pilot on board”.
Pilot boat lights at night. A pilot vessel on duty shows a white light above a red light.
The drop-off on departure. On the way out, the pilot leaves the same way, often at speed in open water. The ship then picks up speed for the open sea.
Some lines show the bridge view on the cabin TV, which lets you follow the approach. If you are still choosing a sailing, browsing cruise deals for 2027 with scenic approaches such as fjords, Alaska or the Panama Canal in mind is a good way to see expert pilotage up close.
FAQs
What does a ship pilot do?
A ship pilot boards a vessel near a port or waterway and advises the captain on navigating local waters safely, often giving helm and engine orders and directing tugs during berthing and departure.
Can a cruise ship enter port without a pilot?
In most major ports, large cruise ships must take a pilot by law. Some regulators grant exemption certificates to masters who regularly visit the same port and pass local tests, but this varies from place to place.
Does the pilot take over from the captain?
Usually not. The captain stays in command and remains responsible for the ship, while the pilot provides local expertise. The Panama Canal is a key exception, where canal pilots take control of the vessel for the transit.
How do harbor pilots get on and off the ship?
Most pilots transfer from a pilot boat by climbing a pilot ladder or stepping through a shell door in the hull. In some areas, including parts of Norway, they may also be lowered or lifted by helicopter.
Is being a harbor pilot dangerous?
Yes, boarding a moving ship from a small boat is considered hazardous, particularly in bad weather or if the ladder is poorly rigged. New IMO rules on pilot transfer arrangements apply from 1 January 2028 to improve safety.
Cunard Line is a luxury cruise line known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The cruise line has a distinct dress code that reflects the elegance and tradition the company has maintained for over 175 years.
Many travellers wonder if they can wear jeans and similar casual clothing while on a Cunard cruise.
We’ll explore Cunard’s dress codes and provide tips on how to incorporate jeans into your wardrobe, while still sticking to the guidelines.
Cunard’s Daytime Dress Code
During the day, Cunard passengers are free to dress casually and comfortably, including jeans, shorts and T-shirts. Casual clothing is perfectly acceptable for daytime activities such as exploring the ship, attending onboard events or enjoying leisure time on deck.
However, most people on a Cunard cruise will be dressed very smartly, even in the daytime. Although you can wear casual clothing like jeans during the day, ripped or scruffy jeans aren’t the best choice.
Cunard is known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, and ripped jeans may not align with the overall ambience the cruise line seeks to maintain. The same goes for cut-off jean shorts that are very short and show a lot of flesh.
But if your jeans or denim shorts are smart, there’s no reason why you can’t wear them in the daytime.
Cunard has two main dress codes for evenings: Gala Evenings (also known as formal nights) and Smart Attire (also known as informal nights).
Gala Evenings
On these nights, passengers are expected to dress up in more formal attire. For men, this typically means a tuxedo, dinner jacket or a dark suit with a tie. For women, this means a formal gown, cocktail dress or dressy separates. Jeans are not considered appropriate for Gala Evenings.
Smart Attire
On Smart Attire nights, passengers can dress more casually but are still expected to maintain a sense of elegance. For men, this usually means a jacket, collared shirt and dress trousers. Women can wear a dress, skirt or dressy trousers with a blouse.
Although jeans are not explicitly prohibited during Smart Attire evenings, it’s recommended that you choose dressier, dark-wash jeans without any rips or excessive wear. Pair them with a more formal top and shoes.
So dark jeans and a crisp shirt, or a nice top with smart shoes or heels, are absolutely fine to wear in the evenings on a Cunard cruise.
These dress codes are mainly enforced in the main dining rooms and other public areas of the ship during the evening. When dining in more casual venues or spending time in your own stateroom, you can generally wear what you like, including jeans.
Cunard Packing Tips
When planning your wardrobe for a Cunard cruise, consider the following tips:
Bring at least one formal outfit for Gala Evenings.
For Smart Attire nights, pack a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, such as dark jeans, blazers, dressy tops or skirts.
Don’t forget comfortable clothing for daytime activities and excursions.
Pack appropriate footwear, including dress shoes for formal nights and comfortable walking shoes for daytime activities.
Remember to check the weather and plan accordingly, bringing layers and appropriate outerwear for the regions you’ll be visiting.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Some people are lucky enough to find themselves with immediate free time and enough money to splash out on a last-minute cruise.
Perhaps you had to cancel another holiday you had planned, and now you’re stuck not knowing where to go. Or perhaps you had a windfall and want to spend it on enjoying yourself.
Last-minute getaways are thrilling, but is it possible on a cruise? How far do you have to book a cruise in advance? Let me explain…
How late can you book a cruise?
For most cruises, you can book right up until the day before it sets sail. On some rare occasions, you may even be able to book on embarkation day, although most cruise lines won’t allow this due to the logistics involved.
This does vary depending on the ship and itinerary. I did a whole load of test bookings, so scroll down to see that data and which cruise lines let you book for tomorrow.
A few things to consider when booking a last-minute cruise:
You’ll need to pay the whole fare upfront in one go.
Any packages or add-ons, like drinks or Wi-Fi, may be charged at a higher rate as you’ll have missed any advance payment deals.
You’ll likely only be able to choose from a handful of cheaper cabins, and not all types may be available.
You may be limited in your choice of destinations, especially if visas are needed.
You’ll need to arrange your own last-minute transport to the port. Public transport (trains and coaches) can be more expensive if booked late.
Can I book a cruise the day before it leaves?
With most cruise lines, you can book a cruise on the day before it leaves, although some may not allow you to book online.
You should be able to see all of the dates on the cruise line’s website, but you may be directed to call them if it’s a really last-minute booking. That’s because cabin availability can be so limited that the online booking system may struggle to place you properly.
The cruise line may also want to make sure the rooms sell out. They don’t want people to reserve them for a few hours while they think about it, only to change their mind and leave the room unsold when it could have been booked by someone else.
I went online and had a look at the next available cruise for all the major ocean cruise lines.
To be clear, this is not the minimum amount of time that you have to book a cruise in advance – this is just when the next available sailing is. Also, these will be skewed slightly by sailings that are sold out, or cruise lines with fewer ships that aren’t offering itineraries every single day.
So don’t treat this as a scientific, definitive list of when you can book a cruise for each cruise line. Instead, use it as an example of how many cruise lines do offer next-day sailings if you want to book something last minute.
Cruise Line
Next Available Sailing
Ambassador Cruise Line
Next day
Azamara
Next day
Carnival
Next day
Celebrity Cruises
Next day
Costa Cruises
In 12 days
Cunard Line
In 4 days
Disney Cruise Line
In 5 days
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
In 5 days
Holland America Line
In 2 days
Hurtigruten
Next day
Marella Cruises
In 6 days
MSC Cruises
In 2 days
Norwegian Cruise Line
In 3 days
Oceania Cruises
Today*
P&O Cruises
In 2 days
Princess Cruises
Today**
Regent Seven Seas
In 6 days
Royal Caribbean
In 2 days
Seabourn
In 4 days
Silversea Cruises
Next day
Viking Cruises
In 2 days
Virgin Voyages
In 4 days
* With Oceania, cruises departing the same day were listed, but you had to call the company in order to book. So it may not always be possible.
**With Princess Cruises, I was able to complete most of the online booking, at least as far as I could go before paying. So it looks like you can book a same-day cruise. What a whim that would be!
Do cruises get cheaper closer to the date?
In most cases, cruises don’t get cheaper closer to the date of departure. As you get closer to the sailing date, cruises will usually either stay the same price or increase, depending on demand. The exception is when the cruise is struggling to sell out.
The best time to book a cruise is usually when they first go on sale, since you get the widest choice of cabins and the prices tend to be at their lowest.
You can also get some great deals at around 12 weeks before departure. This is when final payments are due, some people cancel and the cruise line knows how many cabins are left to fill.
Otherwise, common sale times can be a good time to look. Late December and early January tend to have good deals.
If a cruise has not sold out and a lot of cabins are still available, prices can drop in the last week or two before departure. It’s not guaranteed though, so it is not advised to wait for a price drop before you book.
They also drop after around 12 weeks. So if your reason for booking late is to get a good deal, you don’t need to hold out that late.
If there are cruises that you know aren’t selling well – you’ve tried to book and there are lots of cabins left – you could try waiting to see if the price does come down. But if there’s a rush, you may miss out on the cruise completely, so it’s a gamble I wouldn’t recommend.
Do cruises usually sell out?
Most cruises will either sell out or almost sell out, leaving just a few cabins left to book. Depending on the time of year and the itinerary, some cruises may sail at between 50% and 70% capacity, but these are in the minority these days.
Cruises are expensive for cruise lines to run. Cruise ship fuel costs a lot, and they have to order the food for guests in advance, so they can’t risk understocking the ship. It’s always in the best interests of a cruise line to fill each cabin.
This means that you may be able to get cheap prices on some last-minute cruises, but not always. Typically, cruise lines plan where to position their ships in the world to make sure they mostly sell out.
It’s also worth noting that the higher classes of stateroom or suite almost always sell out first. So if you are able to get a last-minute cruise, expect it to be in one of the most basic cabins on the ship.
Final word
The good news is that you definitely can book a cruise last minute, potentially even on the day of sailing in rare circumstances. So if you have some free time and you’re close enough to port, you can sail off on an exciting getaway with almost no warning.
But don’t hold back in the hope of getting a better deal. It’s a risky strategy that likely won’t pay off, and you may miss out on the cruise.
Be sure to read my guide on the best way to book a cruise, since last-minute cruises may need you to call the cruise line rather than booking online.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the itinerary of the Utopia of the Seas, cancelling two ports.
Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral on 28th October 2024 to visit Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise will now head to Labadee, Haiti, due to adverse weather conditions in the Bahamas.
This decision was made in consultation with the company’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, to prioritise the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew members, after some poor weather conditions were tracked.
“Along with Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring some adverse weather along our intended path. In order to steer clear of any increment weather conditions, we’ll need to cancel our visits to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and we’ll enjoy a visit to our private destination, Labadee, Haiti instead.“
Royal Caribbean communication sent to guests
Labadee, a private destination owned by Royal Caribbean, has been selected as the new port of call.
This adjustment follows Labadee’s recent reopening to cruise ships, marked by the visit of the Adventure of the Seas on 8th October 2024, after a seven-month closure due to safety concerns in Haiti.
The cruise line has emphasised that the safety and well-being of guests and crew are their top priorities, assuring passengers that the ship is one of the safest places to be during adverse weather conditions.
The Utopia of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, entered service in July 2024. It offers short cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, typically including visits to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, the ship is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable experience for all passengers.
Guests who’ve booked the correct cruise travel insurance with missed port cover will be able to claim for both the cancelled Nassau and Perfect Day visits.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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MSC Cruises is set to expand its North American footprint with new Alaska itineraries launching in 2026.
The 92,627-gross-ton MSC Poesia will homeport in Seattle starting on May 11, 2026, marking MSC’s first foray into Alaska cruises.
The 7-night sailings will travel through the Inside Passage, visiting popular destinations such as Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Icy Strait Point, Alaska’s first Indigenous-owned cruise destination.
“Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations,
“Seattle will be our fifth US homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the west coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market,”
Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of MSC Cruises USA
The Port of Seattle, which handled 277 Alaska cruises during its 2024 season, is looking forward to adding MSC Cruises to its lineup. Stephanie Jones Stebbins, maritime managing director for the port, expressed confidence that MSC’s guests will enjoy the pre- and post-cruise opportunities Seattle offers.
MSC Cruises has also committed to sustainability, actively seeking shore power-enabled ports – a policy Seattle will require by 2027.
With MSC Poesia completing her Alaska season in September 2026, she will then return to Miami for a winter Caribbean schedule.
MSC’s expansion in North America includes its biggest ship yet, MSC World America, launching in Miami in 2025.
Specifically designed for the North American market, the ship will feature itineraries from 7 to 14 nights to the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, MSC Seascape will debut in Galveston, Texas, for year-round Western Caribbean cruises in November 2025.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Holland America Line has announced significant changes to the 2026 World Voyage itinerary for the MS Volendam, citing the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region. The cruise line…
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Holland America Line has announced significant changes to the 2026 World Voyage itinerary for the MS Volendam, citing the ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region.
The cruise line will bypass the Red Sea, as well as Europe and Africa, on its 133-night voyage. Instead, the itinerary will now focus on five continents, with visits to Asia, the United States, and Central America.
The revised itinerary affects the last 54 days of the voyage, which will now include 51 ports across 23 countries.
The ship will no longer travel from the Maldives to Egypt via the Suez Canal, as initially planned for early April 2026, and will also skip its European stops.
This change results in the removal of 19 ports, including those in the Maldives, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway, and England.
Additionally, stops in Phuket, Thailand, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, have been removed to facilitate a more efficient route back to North America via the Pacific Ocean.
In place of the removed ports, new destinations have been added to the itinerary, including ports in Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.
From 24 March to 12 April 2026, MS Volendam will visit a trio of Vietnamese ports: Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Nha Trang, and Halong Bay near Hanoi.
The ship will also make overnight calls in Hong Kong, and Nagasaki and Tokyo, Japan. In Taiwan, the ship will call at Kaohsiung and Keelung (Taipei).
The new itinerary offers a diverse and enriching travel experience, allowing passengers to explore a wide array of cultures and landscapes. The addition of an extra day, due to crossing the International Date Line, further enhances the voyage, making it one of the longest around-the-world cruises available.
There have been concerns over the Red Sea for some time now, but Holland America Line had previously held off on announcing changes to the itinerary in case the situation de-escalated.
However, it can’t announce a change as significant as this with short notice, which is why the cruise line has decided to act now.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Royal Caribbean International has announced a change to the itinerary of the Utopia of the Seas, cancelling two ports. Initially scheduled to sail from Port Canaveral on 28th October 2024…
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The best cruises for over 50s from the UK are on lines that are calmer and more grown-up, and where more is included in the fare. Saga is the only major line that sails only for the over-50s. Ambassador, Fred. Olsen and P&O’s Arcadia offer adult-focused, no-fly sailings from British ports. Viking and Oceania now take only guests aged 18 and over, and Holland America and Cunard suit travellers who want classic cruising with fewer families on board.
The right choice depends on your budget, whether you want to fly, and how much you care about having no children on board. The comparison table below sets out the main differences. After it, each line has a short profile, followed by the practical checks over-50s should make before booking.
Cruises for over 50s: comparison table
Cruise line
Best for
Age policy
Fleet
Typical inclusions
Departs UK?
Saga
All-inclusive, over-50s only
50+ (companions 40+)
2 ocean ships
Drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, UK port transfers, many excursions
Yes, several UK ports
Ambassador
Budget no-fly, adults-only
All no-fly sailings adults-only from 2027-28
3 ships
Meals and entertainment; drinks packages extra
Yes, from regional ports
Fred. Olsen
Small ships, scenic routes
All ages, but mostly older guests
3 ships
Meals and entertainment; drinks packages optional
Yes, several UK ports
P&O (Arcadia)
Adults-only from Southampton
Arcadia is adults-only
Arcadia leaves P&O in 2029
Meals and entertainment; drinks extra
Yes, Southampton
Marella
Value, drinks included
Explorer 2 adults-only; Discovery 2 joining it
5 ships
Drinks and tips included
Mostly fly-cruise
Cunard
Formal style, transatlantic
All ages
4 ships
Meals and entertainment
Yes, Southampton
Viking
Culture, port-intensive trips
18+ only
Ocean and river fleets
Wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi, one tour per port
Some sailings
Oceania
Food-focused, upper premium
18+ for bookings since January 2026
Mid-sized ships
Speciality dining included; packages vary
Occasionally
Holland America
Traditional, mid-sized ships
All ages
11 ships (12 from 2029)
Meals and entertainment; packages optional
Rarely, mostly fly
Inclusions change with each fare type and promotion, so always check the current booking terms before you book.
Cruise lines for over 50s that sail from the UK
Saga: the only line built for the over-50s
Saga’s booking conditions say its ocean cruises are “for anyone aged 50 or over”, and a travelling companion or family member can be 40 or over. The line runs two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Both are all-balcony and smaller than most mainstream ships, and each has a large number of single cabins.
Fares usually include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and a chauffeur or transfer to the UK port, and often excursions and travel insurance too. That makes headline prices look high, but once extras are added, Saga can work out close to what other lines charge. Read the inclusions for your sailing carefully, because some perks depend on the fare.
Ambassador: adults-only, no-fly cruising
Ambassador Cruise Line runs three ships, Ambience, Ambition and Renaissance, from a wide spread of UK ports including London Tilbury, Liverpool, Bristol, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Dundee and Belfast. The line has confirmed that its 2027-28 no-fly programme is the first in which every no-fly sailing is reserved for adults. It focuses on traditional entertainment and fares at the lower end of the market. To see how it compares with a bigger brand, read our P&O Cruises vs Ambassador Cruise Line comparison.
Fred. Olsen: small ships and scenic itineraries
Fred. Olsen has three ocean ships: Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. They are small by modern standards, which lets them reach narrow fjords, smaller harbours and river cities that larger ships miss. Children are allowed, but most guests are older, and the atmosphere is relaxed and sociable. Departures are spread around the UK. In 2026, for example, Balmoral sails from Newcastle, and the line also uses ports such as Southampton, Dover, Liverpool and Rosyth.
P&O Cruises: Arcadia for adults-only sailings from Southampton
With Aurora gone from the fleet, Arcadia is P&O’s adults-only option, sailing from Southampton on no-fly routes and longer voyages. Plan ahead if you want her. Carnival Corporation has confirmed that Arcadia will finish her P&O farewell season in August 2029 and then join Holland America Line. Cunard’s Queen Anne is due to move to P&O in May 2029 under a new name. P&O has not yet said whether Queen Anne will be adults-only, so do not assume she will take over Arcadia’s role.
A private balcony is one of the most popular choices for cruisers over 50. Photo: Ray Bilcliff on Pexels
Best cruises for over 50s who want adults-only ships
Not every over-50 wants to avoid children, but many prefer a quieter ship. These lines either ban under-18s altogether or have dedicated adults-only ships. For a longer list, see our guide to adults-only cruises from the UK.
Viking: 18+ and focused on culture
Viking requires every guest on its ocean ships to be 18 or older by the day of embarkation. It also has no casino and offers no children’s facilities. Fares typically include wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and one shore excursion in most ports, so it is a good fit for travellers who are more interested in the destinations than in onboard nightlife. Most Viking cruises involve a flight, but a few itineraries start or finish in the UK.
Oceania: adults-only since 2026
From 7 January 2026, Oceania Cruises accepts only guests aged 18 and over for new bookings. Reservations made before then were not affected. The line is known for its food, with speciality restaurants included in the fare, and its mid-sized ships have a relaxed, country-club feel. Most sailings fly from the UK.
Marella: adults-only value cruising
Marella Cruises, part of TUI, includes drinks and tips in its fares, which makes budgeting simple. Marella Explorer 2 is already adults-only, and Marella has announced that Marella Discovery 2 will sail as an adults-only ship again for winter 2027-28, with its kids’ spaces replaced by new adults-only venues. Most Marella holidays are fly-cruises from UK regional airports, with Caribbean and Canary Islands homeports in winter. For more detail, see our Marella Cruises vs P&O Cruises comparison.
Cruises for over 60s and beyond: classic and luxury options
Cunard
Cunard currently has four ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne. Queen Anne leaves for P&O in 2029, which will take Cunard back to three ships. Cunard is not adults-only, but its formal nights, ballroom dancing, lectures and transatlantic crossings from Southampton have long been popular with cruisers over 60.
Holland America Line
Holland America sails mid-sized ships with live music venues, enrichment talks and a traditional style. It welcomes families but attracts a mostly mature crowd. The fleet will grow to 12 ships when Arcadia joins in 2029. Its European cruises usually start in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, so British passengers normally fly or take the ferry or train.
Luxury lines: Regent, Silversea and Seabourn
If budget allows, the luxury lines offer small ships, high staff-to-guest ratios and very inclusive fares. Regent Seven Seas includes most excursions, drinks and gratuities. Silversea and Seabourn include drinks and gratuities and offer expedition-style itineraries. None of them is adults-only, but very few children sail on them.
Accessibility and boarding arrangements are worth checking before booking. Photo: Tuğba Kobal Yılmaz on Pexels
What over-50s should check before booking a cruise
Top-ranking guides tend to stop at the list of cruise lines. These practical points can make a bigger difference to your cost and comfort.
Single supplements. Solo travellers can pay up to double the per-person fare. Saga and Fred. Olsen have relatively large numbers of single cabins, and some lines run reduced-supplement offers. Our complete solo cruise guide covers the options.
Travel insurance age bands. Premiums often rise at 65, 70 and 75, and some policies cap trip length or exclude certain pre-existing conditions. Get quotes before you pay a deposit, especially for long voyages, and check that the cover includes cruise-specific risks such as missed ports and emergency evacuation from a ship.
No-fly sailings. Sailing from Southampton, Dover, Tilbury or a regional port avoids airport transfers and baggage limits. Saga, Ambassador, Fred. Olsen, P&O and Cunard all offer plenty of no-fly options.
Tender ports. Some ports need small boats (tenders) to get ashore, which can be difficult if you have limited mobility. Check the itinerary, and ask the line how it handles accessible tendering.
Accessible cabins and equipment. Accessible cabins sell out early. Mention mobility scooters, oxygen or CPAP machines when you book, because most lines need advance notice.
What the fare really includes. Compare fares with the same extras added. Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and excursions can add hundreds of pounds per person on a week-long cruise.
Medical care on board. Every ocean ship has a medical centre, but treatment is charged privately, which is one more reason to have suitable insurance.
If Fred. Olsen’s Borealis is on your shortlist, check our guide to Borealis cabins to avoid and the best cabins to book.
Our Ambassador Cruise Line review explains why its no-fly sailings from regional UK ports are popular with over-50s, and where the line falls short.
For a no-fly adventure with wildlife and dramatic scenery, an Iceland cruise from the UK is well worth considering.
FAQs
Which cruise line is just for over 50s?
Saga is the main UK cruise line that sails only for the over-50s. Guests must be 50 or older, and a travelling companion or family member must be at least 40.
What is the best cruise line for over 50s from the UK?
It depends on budget and style. Saga is the most inclusive, Ambassador and Fred. Olsen offer good-value no-fly cruising, and P&O’s Arcadia offers adults-only sailings from Southampton.
Are there all-inclusive cruises for over 50s?
Yes. Saga includes drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, Marella includes drinks and tips, and luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas include even more. Viking includes wine and beer with meals.
Which cruise lines do not allow children?
Viking and Oceania take only guests aged 18 and over. P&O’s Arcadia and Marella Explorer 2 are adults-only ships, and Ambassador’s no-fly sailings are adults-only from the 2027-28 season.
Are cruises good for over 60s travelling solo?
Often, yes. Look for lines with single cabins, such as Saga and Fred. Olsen, and for hosted solo get-togethers on board. Compare single supplements before you book.
A recent investigation by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified hot tubs on two major cruise ships as the source of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
This severe respiratory infection affected numerous passengers who had used both public and private hot tubs during their voyage.
On one vessel, 63 per cent of the guests who contracted the disease had utilised the ship’s spa facilities, highlighting the potential health risks associated with these amenities.
The CDC’s investigation revealed that the hot tubs on these cruise ships were the epicentre of the outbreak.
The two cruise ships involved, though unnamed, were found to have inadequately maintained spa and hot tub facilities, which facilitated the spread of the Legionella bacteria.
The timing of the outbreak information does line up with reported cases of the disease onboard NCL’s Norwegian Prima and Celebrity Cruises’ ship Celebrity Ascent.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious infection that can lead to severe pneumonia-like symptoms. It spreads through inhalation of water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria, making hot tubs a prime environment for its proliferation.
To prevent such outbreaks, maintaining stringent hygiene and regular maintenance of hot tubs is crucial. The CDC recommends that cruise lines adhere to stricter cleaning protocols and conduct regular inspections to ensure water safety.
This means changing the weekly cleaning schedule to a continuous disinfectant dosing approach, with pH monitoring for private hot tubs onboard too.
Where continuous dosing isn’t possible, the CDC recommends shock-chlorinating each hot tub after guests use them.
Whether the cruise lines implement the recommendations or not is yet to be confirmed, though it’s anticipated they will make at least some changes considering the severity of this disease.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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