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Norwegian Cruise Line To Homeport From The Port Of Philadelphia

by Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced its 2026 spring/summer itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada and New England, as well as a new season of voyages from the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) for the first time in many years.

Norwegian Jewel to Homeport in Port of Philadelphia

On April 16, 2026, Norwegian Jewel® will commence seven-to-nine-day cruises to Bermuda, launching the city as a new cruise destination. Departing from the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex, where plans are currently underway with the local government to develop a facility to welcome cruisers in 2026, Norwegian Jewel’s Bermuda itineraries will feature overnight calls to Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, providing guests more time to enjoy and discover the island’s turquoise blue waters and pink-sand beaches. This new homeport for NCL will provide residents in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region more access to cruising, as it will be the only cruise line sailing from Philadelphia through Oct. 17, 2026.

“We remain committed to delivering more experiences for our guests to create unforgettable memories so they can vacation better with us,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are particularly proud to partner with PhilaPort to launch cruising in the area, making it even more accessible to the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region.”

“The Port of Philadelphia is extremely excited to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premier cruise lines,” said Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort.  “Philadelphia has so much to offer, as the birthplace of freedom and the home to much of our nation’s history, we look forward to connecting cruisers with our world class city.  This new service rounds out the portfolio of services offered at PhilaPort, and we look forward to this next growth phase.”

The Company’s new 2026 spring/summer season includes nearly 250 itineraries for nine of its soon-to-be 20 ships. Embarking from U.S. and Canadian ports between April and November 2026, these voyages will call to 30 unique destinations across the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, Canada, and New England, as well as Alaska. With an average of 10 hours in port, guests can choose to enjoy the picture-perfect beaches, colorful cities, and vibrant culture of the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda; enjoy the rustic fall foliage of Canada and New England; or dive deep into the pristine nature and abundant wilderness found in Alaska.

Herrera continued, “Our new 2026 spring/summer deployment further meets the vacation demands of our guests with more shorter cruise offerings to fun-in-the-sun destinations, such as the Bahamas and the Caribbean, as well as a variety of longer itineraries to bucket-list destinations, such as Alaska.”

Itinerary highlights from NCL’s spring/summer 2026 deployment include:

New Bermuda, Canada, and New England Homeport and Itineraries

Following Norwegian Jewel’s first-ever season of Bermuda voyages from Philadelphia from April 16, 2026 to Aug. 27, 2026, it will sail immersive 10- and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries, alternating embarkation ports between Philadelphia and Québec City. Guests will enjoy quainter ports in the region, like Saguenay, Charlottetown, and Halifax, Canada, as well as well-known ports, such as Bar Harbor, Maine, and Boston.

On April 19, 2026, Norwegian Breakaway® will become the largest NCL vessel to offer regular turnarounds in Boston with seven-day Bermuda voyages through November. Throughout the peak summer season, voyages will feature an overnight stay at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, and a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of the highest-rated ports in Northeast Canada. From late August through mid-October 2026, the ship will embark on seven-day Canada and New England itineraries calling the most picturesque ports, including Bar Harbor, Maine, Saint John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Moreover, Norwegian Aqua will return to New York City for its second Bermuda season, sailing a selection of five—and seven-day itineraries with overnight stays at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda.

A Longer Continuous Bahmas Season

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line)Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line)
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line)

Due to popular guest demand, NCL is expanding its short-cruise offering with nearly 40 voyages to the Bahamas from Miami in spring/summer 2026 aboard Norwegian Getaway® for a continuous season of cruises to the island chain nation. The three—to four-night cruises will visit Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, the cruise line’s private island and best guest-rated port in the region. As of late 2025, it will feature a newly constructed multi-ship pier, enhancing the overall guest experience of this exclusive destination.

Caribbean Cruises Aboard NCL’s Newest Vessel

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Norwegian Prima in Miami

Norwegian Prima’s sprawling outdoor space allows for some of the best island-hopping itineraries in the Caribbean. The ship will extend its season in Port Canaveral, Fla. and sail seven-day sailings to Eastern and Western Caribbean, visiting the most sought-after ports in the region, including Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Cayman Islands and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. For an extended vacation in the tropics, guests can book back-to-back sailings to create a 14-day voyage to maximize their fun-in-the-sun experience.

The Youngest Fleet In Alaska

Alaska remains a bucket-list destination for travelers and explorers worldwide, with its rugged coastal landscapes, majestic glaciers, and local marine wildlife on display. The 2026 season will commence in late April and deliver breathtaking voyages through October from Seattle, Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences with some of the newest ships in the region, Norwegian Encore®, Norwegian Bliss®, and Norwegian Joy®, all of which feature unmatched onboard activities, including the industry’s only racetracks at sea. Custom-built for the Alaska experience, these ships feature expansive outdoor and indoor spaces to marvel at the iconic beauty of the destination.  Embarking from Seattle’s Pier 66, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will sail seven-day voyages, while Norwegian Joy will offer longer and more immersive nine- to 10-day itineraries.

Norwegian Jade® will cruise a series of seven-day open-jaw sailings between Vancouver, British Columbia, and the new-to-NCL homeport Whittier, Alaska, with no days at sea. Guests aiming to immerse themselves even more in “The Last Frontier” can add an NCL Cruisetour to their reservation and explore the interior of Alaska, take a ride on the narrow tracks of the Alaska Railroad, or fish halibut and salmon in the cold waters, of Kachemak Bay.

Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the youngest ships in Alaska for the 2026 season, including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy.

In addition to the newly opened spring/summer 2026 deployment, NCL cruises to more than 450 destinations worldwide giving guests the chance to plan and book their upcoming cruise vacation well in advance. For B-roll of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, please click here. 

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

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MSC Cruises Reveals This Summer’s Most Popular Cocktails

by Cruise Lines

MSC Cruises has shared its most popular cocktails, revealing what most cruisers will be sipping on all summer while introducing two brand-new drinks fleetwide—just in time for the peak vacation season.

Summer’s Most Popular Cocktails

MSC Cruises is known for creating authentic experiences for guests aboard its modern and glamorous ships. This is particularly true when it comes to food and drinks—an essential part of any vacation. The line aims to take guests on a journey with their taste buds by offering a mix of traditional favorites paired with new flavors, some in collaboration with world-class, award-winning partners.

Whether guests prefer a casual drink in the sun or an iconic pairing from the 1960s, MSC Cruises’ ships are brimming with a wide range of themed and specialty bars waiting to be discovered. The cruise line’s bartenders offer a fantastic selection of hand-crafted cocktails and alcohol-free mocktails for all guests. 

Highlights of this summer’s most popular cocktails include:

Gin & Tonics – The Cocktail of The Moment

  • NEW! Jasmine & Rose G&T: This flavorsome choice features Bloom pink gin infused with real rose petals and jasmine flowers, creating a smooth and sophisticated taste with floral notes and a touch of sweetness, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.
  • NEW! Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: This fresh cocktail is made with a refreshing blend of Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.
  • Elderflower GT: This trending cocktail combines fruity and floral notes. It combines BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and cloves.
  • Passion Fruit 0.0 GT: For those preferring a tasty alcohol-free alternative, this cocktail combines BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit, and coriander seeds.

Timeless Classics Remain a Summer Staple

  • Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic remains a top choice. It consists of a mix of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
  • Margarita: Especially popular in the U.S., this refreshing cocktail is crafted with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. 
  • Piña Colada: This famous tropical cocktail combines light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, garnished with a slice of pineapple.
  • Strawberry Daiquiri: This classic cocktail is the ideal summer treat, featuring rum and strawberry puree.
  • Mojito: A favored staple, this cocktail combines rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, capturing the essence of summer in a glass. 

Various variations on these classic summer cocktails can be found on board, including many more alcohol-free options to suit all guests’ preferences. All of MSC Cruises’ ships allow guests to enjoy whisky, gin, vodka, rum tastings, and cocktail demonstrations as part of the line’s routine cruise activities.

Guests can also treat themselves to a range of MSC Cruises’ innovative Food and beverage concepts, such as Helios Wine Bar on MSC Euribia, an immersive digital experience for the next generation of wine lovers.

The Gin Project on MSC World Europa is a must-stop shop for gin enthusiasts with more than 70 craft gins on offer, while MSC Starship Club featuring Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea on MSC Virtuosa, provides guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. For beer enthusiasts, the Masters of the Sea microbrewery on MSC World Europa allows guests to have beer made on board from desalinated seawater.

MSC Cruises’ new ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ program serves up something special for guests by bringing some of the most acclaimed and award-winning bars ashore to MSC Cruises’ ships as pop-ups for a six-month extravaganza. This offers a truly unique and immersive experience like never before at sea. The program started in April 2024 and will be available this summer with the Paradiso pop-up on MSC World Europa and Sips on board MSC Euribia, allowing guests to savor the finest mixology at sea.

To learn more about MSC Cruises or to book your cruise, click here.

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Activities Not To Be Missed On Your Next Cruise

by Cruise LinesCruise Tips

Traveling the world is always at the top of our to-do list. Seeing all the sights, experiencing the wonders of the world, and experiencing new things are the best ways to spend those all-important holiday days. There’s nothing like exploring a new country to invoke a new lust for life.

However, seeing everything you want to see could take a bit of time. Flights and other forms of travel can be time-consuming, but there is a great way to see everything you want to see all at once.

Best activities to do on a cruise

Cruises can be a great way to explore a particular country or part of the world. Most of the traveling happens at night so you can wake up in a new place. 

Check out the pool

Although the ocean might surround you for much of your time on a cruise, you rarely get to enjoy it. This might be a shame for most, but it’s more than made up for by the sheer number of pools most cruise ships have.

Of course, the pools will differ depending on the ship you’re traveling on, but they’re all going to give you the taste of relaxation that you’re after. There is usually a kid’s pool with slides and water features. And then the more grown up pool for adults to swim in or hang out whilst enjoying the water.

See what games there are in the arcade

When gaming at home, you might be on sites like BonusFinder Canada to get the best gaming deals. But there’s no need to game online on a cruise, as you’ll typically find a casino on board.

If you’re looking to while away a few hours before dinner or fancy a quick game before bed, you can always hop along to the casino. There are always many games to choose from, so you know you’ll be able to find something you enjoy.

There could also be a kid’s arcade that you can check out. Arcades aren’t just for kids; anyone can enjoy a game of air hockey or Mario Kart on a cruise! It’s a great way to get your favorite entertainment while on board a cruise ship.

Enjoy the entertainment

One of the best things about cruise ships is all the entertainment opportunities. There are shows on every night to keep you entertained in the evening. There are also opportunities to get involved with activities on a cruise ship during the day. 

You could take a dancing lesson on deck or try out a water polo activity in the water. There are always numerous forms of entertainment to get involved with and keep you occupied at sea. 

Many cruise ships will have shopping malls and cinema rooms that you can enjoy yourself in, too. If you get an overcast day or you’ve had your fill of the sun deck, you can cozy up and check out the newest releases.

Relax and unwind in the spa

While this might not apply to all cruise ships, most do have access to a spa. Nothing could be more relaxing than getting a mani-pedi or a massage while sailing out in the open ocean. 

You don’t need to worry about your manicure chipping or your haircut not looking its best. Simply make an appointment at the spa and feel like yourself again. 

And it’s not just for beauty treatments. A sauna or steam room has many health benefits – especially if you’ve had a glass of wine or two the previous evening! 

Try out some water sports activities

Being out at sea and having access to pools means lots of room for water-based activities. Whether it’s something as small as a diving lesson or as big as learning to surf on the wave machine in the pool, there’s plenty of time to learn a new skill, so you might as well use it!

Plan your adventure for the next stop

Activities Not To Be Missed On Your Next Cruise | 19Activities Not To Be Missed On Your Next Cruise | 19
Millennium Class, Celebrity Revolution, Celebrity Millennium, ML, Celebrity Summit, SM, staterooms, accommodations, veranda stateroom, Concierge Class, AquaClass, balcony

Another great way to pass the time on a cruise is to plan your adventures once you get to the next destination. You don’t always get a lot of time at each stop, so it’s imperative to ensure you have a game plan to fit everything in.

Even small things like where the best restaurants are can be helpful when you’re making a plan. You might also want to know whether they shut for a siesta hour! 

There are so many activities to try out on a cruise, but what’s at the top of your list?

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Marella Reveals New Ports For Winter 2025 Season

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Popular all-inclusive British cruise line Marella Cruises has revealed its 2025 winter season, which will include new itineraries and ports of call across the fleet.

Marella winter sun cruises

Similar to the 2024 season, the cruise line will have three ships stationed in the Caribbean and two in the Canary Islands.

One of the highlights is the new Tropical Isles itinerary, which will include first-time visits to Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic, and Ponce in Puerto Rico. Other ports of call on the itinerary will include San Juan, Charlotte Amalie, and Fredericksted.

Another highlight is the Exotic Islands itinerary which will be available on Marella Discovery 2.

This will feature an overnight stay in Willemstad, Curacao, and it has some fantastic options for a cruise & stay holiday, including the Hilton Barbados Resort and Radisson Aquatica.

In the Canary Islands, a particular highlight will be the cruise ‘A New Year’s Dream’ onboard Marella Voyager, which will include the firework display in Madeira to ring in 2026.

By expanding our overnight onboard stay offering in the Curacao and Canary Islands and cruise-and-stay options in the Caribbean and Canary Islands, it will give guests a chance to explore the sights, with a change to stay at our TUI hotels pre- or post-cruise.

Chris Hackney, managing director of Marella Cruises

The new cruises are on sale to guests now.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Marella Cruises 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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Playing cards and casino chips on a green felt table, representing the Celebrity Blue Chip Club casino programme

Celebrity Blue Chip Club Explained (2026-27): Tiers, Points and Free Cruises

by Celebrity CruisesCruise LinesCruise News

The Celebrity Blue Chip Club is Celebrity Cruises’ free casino loyalty programme. You join automatically the first time you play with your SeaPass card, earn Tier Credits (for status) and Reward Points (for FreePlay or onboard credit), and climb six tiers from Pearl to Ruby. The real prize for regular players is the offers: discounted or free cruise certificates, plus an annual free cruise at the upper tiers.

This guide covers how the programme works for the August 2026 to July 2027 tier year, what each tier gets you, how people actually land free cruises, and where Blue Chip stands next to Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale. Celebrity changes casino perks fairly often, so treat the numbers as a guide and check your own account before you book.

How to join the Celebrity Blue Chip Club

There is no fee and no form to fill in. Celebrity’s FAQ says guests who are in the Captain’s Club and use their SeaPass card while gaming are enrolled automatically. In practice:

  • Slots and video poker: insert or tap your SeaPass card on the machine before you play.
  • Table games: hand your card to the dealer or pit supervisor so they can rate your play.
  • Age: you must be 18 or over, or 21 or over on Alaska sailings.

If you play without your card in the machine, that play is not tracked and cannot count toward offers later. That is the most common way new players miss out.

Tier Credits vs Reward Points

Every eligible bet earns two separate things, and mixing them up causes a lot of confusion:

Tier Credits Reward Points
What they do Decide your tier status Pay for FreePlay, casino chips or onboard credit
How long they last Build up across the tier year (August 1 to July 31) Expire at the end of each voyage
Can you spend them? No Yes, on the ship where you earned them

Blue Chip Club points: earning rates

Celebrity’s official pages list these rates:

  • Reel slots: 1 point for every $5 played.
  • Video poker: 1 point for every $15 played on Celebrity’s US page (some third-party guides quote $10, so check your ship).
  • Table games: based on the game, your average bet and how long you play. No fixed rate is published.
  • No points: Texas Hold’em poker, Keymaster, Cash Crane and coin pushers. You also don’t earn Tier Credits on FreePlay or promotional chips.

Note that “played” means the total amount wagered, not the amount you lose. If you feed $100 into a slot and keep replaying your winnings, you can easily wager $500 or more, which would earn 100 points.

Spending your points

Points can be downloaded as FreePlay on slots, swapped for non-negotiable chips at the casino cashier, or turned into credit on your onboard account through the casino host. Folio credit needs a minimum balance (reported as 10,000 points), and people in the same stateroom can pool points to reach it. Points have no cash value, and anything you don’t use is gone when the cruise ends. So redeem before your last night.

Rows of brightly lit slot machines in a casino
Slots earn Blue Chip points fastest, at 1 point per $5 played. Photo: Darya Sannikova on Pexels

Blue Chip Club tiers for 2026-27

There are six tiers. Your tier is set on August 1 each year, based on the Tier Credits you earned in the previous programme year. If you move up during the year, you get the new benefits from your next cruise. Celebrity puts its benefits grid in an image rather than text, so the thresholds below come from recent third-party guides that broadly agree. Confirm them in your Celebrity account.

Tier Tier Credits (approx.) Headline benefits
Pearl 1 Reward Points for FreePlay, casino event invites, free drinks while gaming
Onyx 500 Pearl benefits plus a waived cash-advance fee
Amethyst 5,000 $200 Effy boutique credit, 10% spa discount, 30% off premium Wi-Fi, a digital photo, no fee for cashless wagering
Sapphire 15,000 $250 Effy credit, 15% spa discount, Wi-Fi for one device, friends and family stateroom rates, annual cruise
Sapphire Plus 75,000 $350 Effy credit, onboard credit of $25 to $75 depending on cruise length, annual cruise
Ruby 150,000 $550 Effy credit, 20% spa discount, Wi-Fi for up to four devices, $50 to $100 onboard credit, priority boarding and tenders, room service and reserved show seats, annual cruise

At slot rates, 5,000 Tier Credits works out to about $25,000 wagered in a year, and Ruby is around $750,000. For most holiday players, Pearl or Onyx is realistic and Amethyst is a stretch. The upper tiers are aimed at serious players.

The annual cruise benefit

Celebrity’s US page lists an annual cruise for Sapphire, Sapphire Plus and Ruby members. The current terms allow one per year, booked and sailed by July 31, 2027. Third-party guides say the cabin improves as you move up the tiers, from a veranda at Sapphire to Concierge Class at Sapphire Plus and Aqua Class at Ruby. Some also list an inside cabin for Amethyst, so ask the Blue Chip reservations team (1-866-461-7170) what your tier qualifies for. Taxes, port fees and gratuities are not included.

How to get a Celebrity casino free cruise

Most Blue Chip members never reach an annual-cruise tier. Free cruises usually come from offers based on your play on recent sailings, not from your tier. In outline:

  1. Play with your card on every sailing. Offers are mostly based on your theoretical loss (how much the casino expects to win from your play) and the points you earned per cruise. One big session can count for more than a little play spread over many trips.
  2. Check your offers online. Since August 2025, Blue Chip offers appear in your Celebrity account rather than on the old separate offers website.
  3. Read the certificate carefully. Offers usually name a cabin type (inside, ocean view or veranda), a set of qualifying sailings, a booking deadline and sometimes a short sailing window. They are normally for two guests in one stateroom. You still pay taxes, fees, port charges and gratuities, and sometimes a deposit.
  4. Book through the casino reservations line unless the offer says otherwise. Regular bookings don’t apply casino pricing automatically.
  5. Watch for on-board deals. Casino hosts sometimes have offers for the next cruise for active players. Ask before you get off the ship.

Some Celebrity players get offers by playing on other lines. Other casinos run their own cruise promotions, so it’s worth comparing what each line will give you. Our guide to getting free (or nearly free) casino cruises covers that strategy in more detail.

What a “free” cruise really costs

Before you chase an offer, add up what you will still pay: taxes and port fees (often $150 to $400 per person on a seven-night cruise), daily gratuities, drinks if you don’t have a package, flights and hotels. Then think about what you might lose in the casino. If you weren’t going to gamble that much anyway, a full-fare cruise bought at a sale price can work out cheaper than a “free” one.

Stacks of colourful casino chips beside a roulette wheel
Table play is rated on game type, average bet and time played. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

Blue Chip Club vs Royal Caribbean Club Royale

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean belong to the same company and run very similar casino programmes, but they are not linked. Both lines’ FAQs say Club Royale and the Blue Chip Club don’t offer reciprocal benefits or status. Your tier on one line doesn’t carry across, and points don’t move between them.

The structures are clearly related, though. Both use a points-per-wager model, a tier year starting August 1, and offers built around recent play. Celebrity’s terms say it can grant status under a “tier match program”, but it doesn’t publish one. If you have high status with another casino, it’s worth asking the Blue Chip team whether they will match it. If you are choosing between the two lines, our Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity comparison looks at the wider onboard experience. For the casinos themselves, see our round-up of the best casino cruise ships.

What changed in 2025-26

  • The new benefits package started on August 1, 2025. Celebrity announced a revamp in July 2024, then delayed it after members complained. Under the new package, Effy boutique credits, spa discounts and casino-only drinks replaced the old FreePlay allowances and drinks packages. Priority services became Ruby-only.
  • Tier Credits reset on August 1, 2025 and again on August 1, 2026. Your current tier reflects play between August 2025 and July 2026.
  • Offers moved into your Celebrity account in August 2025.

Practical tips for Blue Chip members

  • Set a budget for the whole cruise before you board, and use FreePlay as part of that budget, not on top of it.
  • Check your points balance at the casino desk or a machine mid-cruise. Mistakes are easier to fix on board than afterwards.
  • Use or pool your Reward Points before your last night, because they expire.
  • Remember that Blue Chip is separate from Captain’s Club. Casino status won’t upgrade your cruise loyalty tier, and Captain’s Club status won’t upgrade your casino tier. For how cruise loyalty schemes compare, see our cruise line loyalty programs comparison.
  • Keep certificate emails and screenshots of your offers, including the offer code and expiry date.

Gamble responsibly

Casino offers are designed to bring players back, and the house edge stays the same however good the perks look. Only gamble money you can afford to lose. Don’t chase losses to reach a tier, and take breaks. If gambling has stopped being fun, the US National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) is free, confidential and open 24/7. You can also ask the casino manager on board about limiting your access to the casino.

FAQs

Does it cost anything to join the Celebrity Blue Chip Club?

No. Membership is free. Celebrity says Captain’s Club members are enrolled automatically when they use their SeaPass card in the casino. Members must be 18 or over, or 21 on Alaska sailings.

How many points do you need for a free cruise with Blue Chip?

There is no fixed number. Most free cruise offers are based on your recent play per cruise and how much the casino expects to win from it. The guaranteed annual cruise is for Sapphire members and above, which third-party guides put at about 15,000 Tier Credits.

Do Blue Chip Club points expire?

Yes. Reward Points expire at the end of each voyage and can’t be carried to another cruise, so redeem them before you disembark. Tier Credits build up until July 31, when the tier year ends.

Is Blue Chip Club status shared with Royal Caribbean Club Royale?

No. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both say the two programmes don’t offer reciprocal benefits or status, even though both lines belong to the same company.

When does the Blue Chip tier year reset?

The programme year runs from August 1 to July 31. Your tier for August 2026 to July 2027 is based on the Tier Credits you earned between August 2025 and July 2026.

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Celebrity Cruises Communicates (And Clarifies) Changes To Blue Chip Club

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Celebrity Cruises has revealed changes to its Blue Chip Club, the rewards programme for guests who use the casino.

A vibrant casino floor filled with a variety of colorful slot machines, all unoccupied, in a well-lit gaming area. The scene captures the essence of modern gambling with bright displays and the allure of potential jackpots.

The cruise line has also apologised after its initial email to customers was unclear, making it seem that changes were being made immediately.

“Yesterday, we announced some changes to the Celebrity Blue Chip Club program. The feedback we received from you in the last 24 hours made it clear that we did not roll out these changes the way we should have… We are very sorry for the stress this may have caused you and would like to share how we are addressing this“

Celebrity Cruises’ email to guests

Instead, the rewards changes will come into effect in August 2025.

The changes are quite significant, with the biggest one being the removal of drinks packages from the rewards tiers.

Packages have been replaced with complimentary drinks in the casino only – once the new rewards kick in, guests will have to buy their own drinks when they aren’t gambling.

Other changes include free play credit being altered, a downgrade in WiFi reward for all except Ruby guests, and a downgrade in digital photography rewards.

However, new reards have been added, including new credit to spend in the onboard Effy Boutique, spa discounts, and exclusive rates for family members.

Ruby-tier members will also enjoy several new benefits, including unlimited complimentary room service, priority luggage delivery, onboard credit, a welcome lunch on the ship, and reserved theatre seating.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Celebrity Cruises 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.

Read more about me

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Cruise Line Charges Guests For Missing The Ship In Alaska

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A family that missed their all-aboard time during a cruise to Alaska was charged almost $9,000 by Norwegian Cruise Line due to the incident.

NCL ship in Ketchikan, Alaska

The charge was for fees incurred by the family for violating US Customs and Border Protection policies, and was for $971 per person. The family of 9 had missed the return time while in Ketchikan.

The family was forced to pay the fee, but NCL did later confirm that it would refund the charge and that it was also refunding other out-of-pocket expenses for the family. As a gesture of goodwill, the family also received a 20% discount on a future cruise.

That’s despite the fact that the cruise line was not at fault for the family missing the ship, but instead it was the fault of a local tour company.

The family had used the operator to see a lumberjack show, but then when they tried to use the company’s bus to return to the port, they were told it was full and to wait for another.

The company never sent another bus, and so the family had to urgently contact the cruise line and the port authority who did send a van, but it was too late.

Apparently, the tour operator was not checking who had booked with the ship, and so was allowing anyone onto the bus.

While most of the family were given their passports back, one had been left on the ship and so the family couldn’t travel to meet the ship in the next port of call.

They eventually managed to get home, although they said they had issues with cancelled flights and had to travel via various cities.

NCL claims that they were able to help the family make their travel arrangements so that they could get home.

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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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10 Unusual Cruise Tips No One Wants To Tell You

by Cruise LinesCruise Tips

Here are some important and unusual cruise tips you might not find on any other list. Cruise lines won’t tell you these.

Unusual Cruise Tips

A good travel agent might but it would not be negligent of them to keep these tips to themselves. Only the most trusted of friends will let you in on these tips, if they know about them.

Be careful flossing

Or just skip it unless you’re on a really long cruise.  Either that or bring along an emergency dental care kit if you have anything other than original teeth in your head.  Crowns, bridgework, fillings, all love to jump out of your mouth at sea.  Yes, the ship’s medical center can help but do see #3 below for more information.Cruise CompeteCruise Compete

It is going to cost more than you thought

This is nothing to be scared of but to say a cruise is “all-inclusive” is stretching it a bit.  While we have done cruises and not spent any money onboard (one cruise and it was tough) We have also spent more on ‘extras’ than the cruise fare. Passing up onboard spending can mean losing out on some rich experiences through shore excursions, spa treatments and other optional elements.

Travel Insurance Reimburses You

Nobody mentions this and while it is in the written details of your policy a trip to the medical center is going to cost you up front, then reimbursed later.  Be sure to get receipts, the names of those providing assistance and keep a journal of your experience.   Travel insurance is almost always secondary coverage.  That’s also good to know if considering the travel protection provided by your credit card, when it is used to buy travel; also secondary coverage.

Some Extras Are Hard To Avoid

The big one is “gratuities” which are conveniently charged to passenger onboard accounts every day, for their convenience.  This can be a good thing if that’s what you want to have happen. In fact, on many lines you can pre-pay this amount before boarding.  If you think that a gratuity is a show of appreciation for a job well done, think again.  These things go on your bill automatically which kind of spoils the fun of it all.

Behave, You Can Get Kicked Off The Ship

Cruise lines, more specifically, the Captain (aka “master of the vessel”) have the right to put you off the ship at the next port without a refund or way back home if you misbehave.  That could mean something as innocent as an argument with a fellow gambler in the casino.  Fact check:  ‘walking the plank’ never was an option on a cruise vacation.

Kids Can buy Booze

If they try hard enough, your teenage children can find a way to get it on the ship.  One popular method is paying double price for a bucket of beer, in cash, to an adult looking for slot-machine money.  Another is buying it ashore in Mexico where the legal drinking age is “whoever has money” then sneak it back on the ship, also easy to do.  My simple rule when we had teens “Don’t do anything that would require me to talk to security or identify your body”  That aside, a cruise truly does have something for everyone; even angst-filled teens.

The Critical First Night Kids Meeting

This is critical, especially with those teens.  The first night decides the social order and defines who hangs out with who in supplement to any informal hookups they may have made up to that point.  Missing this important social opportunity dooms your kids to being outsiders and robs them of the chance to be cool; akin to losing a limb for adults.

Actually, Any Cruise Can Be A Booze Cruise

While we’re on the subject,  short cruise sailings have a bad rap for being the binge-drinkers itinerary of choice.  I’ve seen those same sloppy drunks on just about every ship I have ever sailed on.  One cruise line is not necessarily better than another in this area.

Tell The Captain “Thank You”

You will hear him referred to as “the Master of the vessel” and that is exactly what he is; the top dog.  If you see him walking about the ship, make eye contact and if the opportunity presents itself, shake his hand and thank him for the marvelous ship you are sailing on.

It’s Tempting But Don’t Bring Your Own Toilet Paper

Using vacuum systems to dispose of human waste is a bit tricky.  Think of going to the drive-in bank teller and the vacuum tubes used to collect and give money.   It’s basically the same system on a cruise ship and only toilet paper made especially for use with the system will do.  Unfortunately, this toilet paper is not part of the Charmin Ultra Soft Boutique Collection.  Bringing your own might seem like a good idea until you get the bill for repairing the toilet system you broke.

Plan Your Trip?

Need help planning a trip? Check out these helpful links:

Brought to you by Cruise Compete.  allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts

 

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Large modern cruise ship sailing on blue ocean, illustrating the Royal Caribbean ship classes

Royal Caribbean Ship Classes Explained (2026): Every Class, Ship and Who It Suits

by Cruise LinesCruise Tips

Royal Caribbean has seven active ship classes: Icon, Oasis, Quantum (including Quantum Ultra), Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision. Ships in the same class share a hull design, size and most of their signature features, so knowing the Royal Caribbean ship classes is the quickest way to narrow down which ship suits you. An eighth class, Discovery, is on order for late 2029.

Below, each class is explained: its ships, build years, size, signature features and who it suits. If you only want every ship ranked by gross tonnage, see our Royal Caribbean ships by size comparison chart instead.

Royal Caribbean ship classes at a glance

The table below summarizes the classes from largest to smallest. Guest numbers are at double occupancy (two per cabin); ships can carry more when third and fourth berths are filled. Gross tonnage (GT) measures internal volume, not weight, and figures vary slightly between sources and after refits.

Class Ships in service Years built Approx. GT Guests (double occ.) Best known for
Icon 3 (+4 on order) 2024-2026 248,000-250,800 about 5,610 Category 6 waterpark, AquaDome, Surfside family area
Oasis 6 (+1 on order) 2009-2024 225,000-236,000 about 5,480-5,730 Central Park, Boardwalk, AquaTheater, Ultimate Abyss
Quantum / Quantum Ultra 5 2014-2021 167,000-169,400 about 4,180-4,250 North Star, RipCord by iFLY, SeaPlex, Two70
Freedom 3 2006-2008 154,000-156,300 about 3,800-3,930 Long Royal Promenade, FlowRider, ice rink
Voyager 5 1999-2003 137,000-140,000 about 3,100-3,600 The original Royal Promenade, ice skating
Radiance 4 2001-2004 about 90,000 about 2,140-2,190 Floor-to-ceiling glass, exterior glass elevators
Vision 4 1996-1998 74,000-83,000 about 2,000-2,250 Classic, smaller-ship feel, Centrum atrium

In short, newer classes are bigger and carry more headline attractions; older, smaller classes trade thrill rides for shorter lines and access to smaller ports.

Icon class (2024 onwards)

Ships: Icon of the Seas (January 2024), Star of the Seas (August 2025) and Legend of the Seas (July 2026). Hero of the Seas is due in 2027, with three more unnamed Icon-class ships planned for 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Size: roughly 248,000-250,800 GT, about 5,610 guests at double occupancy and up to around 7,600 when every berth is full. These are the largest cruise ships in the world, and the first Royal Caribbean ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Signature features: Category 6, the biggest waterpark at sea; the glass AquaDome with its own aqua show; Surfside, a neighborhood built for young families; Thrill Island with the Crown’s Edge ropes course; and the Hideaway adults-only pool area with an infinity pool hanging over the stern.

Who it suits: multigenerational groups and families who want everything on one ship and are happy to pay for it. Expect top-of-range fares and busy decks. If you are weighing up whether the hype is justified, read our take on whether the biggest cruise ship in the world is worth it.

Oasis class (2009-2024)

Ships: Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022) and Utopia of the Seas (2024). A seventh Oasis-class ship is scheduled for 2028.

Size: about 225,000-236,000 GT and roughly 5,480-5,730 guests at double occupancy. Each new Oasis ship has grown a little, so Wonder and Utopia are the largest in the class while Oasis and Allure are the smallest.

Signature features: the neighborhood layout pioneered here, including Central Park (an open-air garden with real plants), the Boardwalk with its carousel, and the AquaTheater for high-diving shows. Most also have the Ultimate Abyss dry slide, the Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider surf simulators and Broadway-style musicals.

Who it suits: almost everyone. Oasis class offers most of the big-ship experience at prices that are usually lower than Icon class.

Families relaxing around a busy pool deck on a large cruise ship at sea
Pool decks on the bigger ship classes are lively from morning to sunset. Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

Quantum and Quantum Ultra class (2014-2021)

Ships: Quantum of the Seas (2014), Anthem of the Seas (2015) and Ovation of the Seas (2016) form the original Quantum class. Spectrum of the Seas (2019) and Odyssey of the Seas (2021) are Quantum Ultra, a slightly stretched version with extra cabins and some different venues.

Size: about 167,000-169,400 GT and 4,180-4,250 guests at double occupancy.

Signature features: the North Star, a glass capsule on an arm that lifts guests about 300 feet above sea level; RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulators; SeaPlex, an indoor activity area with bumper cars; and Two70, a lounge with panoramic windows and digital projections. Much of it is indoors, so Quantum ships often sail Alaska, Asia and Australia.

Who it suits: tech-minded travelers, couples and families who want modern ships without Oasis-level crowds, and anyone cruising in cooler climates. There is no Royal Promenade.

Freedom class (2006-2008)

Ships: Freedom of the Seas (2006), Liberty of the Seas (2007) and Independence of the Seas (2008).

Size: about 154,000-156,300 GT and roughly 3,800-3,930 guests at double occupancy.

Signature features: a longer version of the Royal Promenade shopping and dining street, an ice rink, rock climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators and, following Royal Amplified upgrades, the Perfect Storm waterslides and splash areas for small children.

Who it suits: families and groups who want plenty to do at lower fares than the newest ships. Freedom-class ships often sail shorter Caribbean itineraries from Florida and Texas.

Voyager class (1999-2003)

Ships: Voyager of the Seas (1999), Explorer of the Seas (2000), Adventure of the Seas (2001), Navigator of the Seas (2002) and Mariner of the Seas (2003).

Size: about 137,000-140,000 GT and around 3,100-3,600 guests at double occupancy.

Signature features: this is the class that introduced the Royal Promenade, the ice rink and the rock climbing wall to cruising. Navigator and Mariner have been heavily refreshed with waterslides and new dining.

Who it suits: value-focused cruisers who still want a big-ship feel, especially on three- to five-night trips from the US West Coast and Florida.

Radiance class (2001-2004)

Ships: Radiance of the Seas (2001), Brilliance of the Seas (2002), Serenade of the Seas (2003) and Jewel of the Seas (2004).

Size: about 90,000 GT and around 2,140-2,190 guests at double occupancy.

Signature features: acres of glass, including floor-to-ceiling windows, glass elevators on the outside of the ship and a glass-roofed Solarium pool.

Who it suits: couples, older travelers and anyone who cares more about the destination than onboard thrills. Radiance ships often sail Alaska, the Panama Canal, Europe and long voyages; Serenade of the Seas sailed the 274-night Ultimate World Cruise in 2023-24.

A mid-sized white cruise ship moored in a quiet harbor surrounded by green hills
Smaller ships can reach ports the giants cannot. Photo: DeLuca G on Pexels

Vision class (1996-1998)

Ships: Grandeur of the Seas (1996), Rhapsody of the Seas (1997), Enchantment of the Seas (1997) and Vision of the Seas (1998). All four remain in Royal Caribbean’s fleet list as of late 2026. The two other original Vision-class ships, Legend and Splendour of the Seas, were sold years ago and now sail for UK line Marella Cruises.

Size: about 74,000-83,000 GT and roughly 2,000-2,250 guests at double occupancy. Enchantment of the Seas is the largest because it was lengthened with a new mid-section in 2005.

Signature features: a multi-deck Centrum atrium, lots of glass, a Solarium, rock climbing walls and the traditional main theater. There are no big waterparks or thrill rides.

Who it suits: budget-minded cruisers, first-timers who want something manageable, and anyone choosing a cruise for the itinerary. Vision-class ships tend to run the more unusual routes, including Bermuda, Canada and New England, and Southern Caribbean voyages.

Royal Caribbean ships newest to oldest

Here is the fleet in launch order, with each ship’s class, following Royal Caribbean’s own ships-by-age list.

  1. Legend of the Seas (2026) – Icon
  2. Star of the Seas (2025) – Icon
  3. Utopia of the Seas (2024) – Oasis
  4. Icon of the Seas (2024) – Icon
  5. Wonder of the Seas (2022) – Oasis
  6. Odyssey of the Seas (2021) – Quantum Ultra
  7. Spectrum of the Seas (2019) – Quantum Ultra
  8. Symphony of the Seas (2018) – Oasis
  9. Harmony of the Seas (2016) – Oasis
  10. Ovation of the Seas (2016) – Quantum
  11. Anthem of the Seas (2015) – Quantum
  12. Quantum of the Seas (2014) – Quantum
  13. Allure of the Seas (2010) – Oasis
  14. Oasis of the Seas (2009) – Oasis
  15. Independence of the Seas (2008) – Freedom
  16. Liberty of the Seas (2007) – Freedom
  17. Freedom of the Seas (2006) – Freedom
  18. Jewel of the Seas (2004) – Radiance
  19. Mariner of the Seas (2003) – Voyager
  20. Serenade of the Seas (2003) – Radiance
  21. Navigator of the Seas (2002) – Voyager
  22. Brilliance of the Seas (2002) – Radiance
  23. Adventure of the Seas (2001) – Voyager
  24. Radiance of the Seas (2001) – Radiance
  25. Explorer of the Seas (2000) – Voyager
  26. Voyager of the Seas (1999) – Voyager
  27. Vision of the Seas (1998) – Vision
  28. Enchantment of the Seas (1997) – Vision
  29. Rhapsody of the Seas (1997) – Vision
  30. Grandeur of the Seas (1996) – Vision

Build year is only part of the story. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplified program has added waterslides, new restaurants and refreshed bars to many Voyager, Freedom and early Oasis ships, so a refitted older ship can feel more up to date than its age suggests. Check when a ship was last refurbished before you book.

Newest Royal Caribbean ships coming soon

  • Hero of the Seas – the fourth Icon-class ship, due in 2027.
  • Oasis 7 – a seventh, as yet unnamed Oasis-class ship, due in 2028.
  • Icon 5, 6 and 7 – planned for 2028, 2029 and 2030.
  • Discovery class – a brand-new class ordered from Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France in January 2026. The first ship is due in late 2029 and the second in 2032. Company filings point to up to about 4,300 guests at double occupancy; Royal Caribbean has not yet revealed names or onboard features.

How to choose the right Royal Caribbean ship class

Ships within a class are nearly identical in size, so the real decision is which class fits your trip:

  • Traveling with young children? Icon and Oasis class have the most for kids, from splash zones to dedicated family areas. Our guide to the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids of each age goes into detail.
  • Want thrills but smaller crowds? Look at Quantum Ultra or a Royal Amplified Voyager or Freedom ship.
  • Going to Alaska or northern Europe? Quantum and Radiance classes, with their indoor spaces and big windows, are built for cooler weather and scenery.
  • Itinerary first, ship second? Radiance and Vision classes cover longer, more varied routes and usually cost less per night.
  • Short getaway on a budget? Voyager and Freedom ships offer a lot of ship for the money on three- and four-night sailings.

One thing many guides miss: the class tells you the hardware, but the itinerary decides how much of it you will use. On a port-heavy week you may spend little time on board, so paying extra for an Icon-class ship makes most sense on sailings with several sea days or a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. For the full ship-by-ship size ranking, including length and tonnage for every vessel, use our Royal Caribbean ship size comparison chart.

If you’re weighing up a Vision or Radiance class sailing, see our guide to the oldest Royal Caribbean ships and which are still worth booking.

If an onboard surf simulator is on your wish list, read our guide to the Royal Caribbean FlowRider to see which ships have one and what the rules are.

FAQs

How many ship classes does Royal Caribbean have?

Royal Caribbean has seven active ship classes: Icon, Oasis, Quantum (including Quantum Ultra), Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision. An eighth, Discovery class, is due from late 2029.

What is the best Royal Caribbean ship class?

There is no single best class. Icon and Oasis suit families who want the most activities, Quantum suits cooler destinations and tech-minded travelers, and Radiance or Vision suit cruisers who put the itinerary and value first.

What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?

Legend of the Seas, the third Icon-class ship, is the newest Royal Caribbean ship. It entered service in July 2026. Hero of the Seas is next, due in 2027.

Which Royal Caribbean ship class is the largest?

Icon class is the largest, at roughly 248,000-250,800 gross tons and about 5,610 guests at double occupancy. Oasis class is a close second. See our Royal Caribbean ships by size comparison chart for the full ranking.

What is the smallest Royal Caribbean ship class?

Vision class is the smallest, at about 74,000-83,000 gross tons and roughly 2,000-2,250 guests. Grandeur of the Seas, from 1996, is the smallest and oldest ship in the fleet.

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Carnival Tweaks Drinks Perk For VIFP Members

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a small change to its perks for the VIFP loyalty programme, giving guests more flexibility on when they can enjoy a specific perk.

Guests in the Gold, Platinum and Diamond rankings are currently entitled to a free drink during their cruise, but only at limited times.

Gold members used to get their appreciation drink (on cruises of 5 days or more) on the last evening of the cruise after 5pm, while Platinum and Diamond guests would get a complimentary cocktail during the SeaDay brunch only.

As of 20th July, that’s changing, and guests will be able to enjoy their free drink at any time of the day, on any day of their cruise.

The same rules apply regarding a minimum of 5 days for the cruise – guests on shorter cruises won’t get the free drink.

But the change – announced by John Heald in a live stream on his Facebook page and later shared to his fans via the page itself – should be welcomed by Carnival guests who can now enjoy their free drink at a time that suits them.

Wider changes to the VIFP loyalty programme are still expected later this year.

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Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link