Michael Bayley has responded to some customers’ concerns over kids using ship facilities late at night, confirming that the cruise line will look into its options with curfews.
Speaking at a Q&A event onboard the new Utopia of the Seas ship as part of her 3-day naming ceremony, Bayley was responding to a travel agent who was reporting feedback from her own customers.
She claimed that adults enjoy the larger ships, but are struggling with how kids are causing problems, specifically mentioning how kids are using the swim-up bar to splash around (and spoiling guests’ drinks), or playing in the Bolero’s nightclub into the very late hours when adults want to dance.
The travel agent claimed that some of her customers are now leaving Royal Caribbean to instead cruise with adults-only lines.
Bayley acknowledged the feedback and assured the agent that the cruise line would look into options for curfews in certain parts of the ships.
He confirmed that it wasn’t the first time they’d received this feedback, and so the current curfew (1 AM for all guests aged 17 and under, ship-wide) would be reviewed.
“It’s probably time for us to take a look at (the curfew). I think the idea of curfews in some of the bars is a great idea…And you know what they say, everybody loves their own kids, but they’re not so fond of everybody else’s kids.”
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean CEO
Bayley was quick to clarify that the cruise line will always be family-friendly, but that there is definitely scope to look at improving the experience for adults.
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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.
Romantic Cruise Trip: The Perfect Swimsuits for a Couple’s Retreat
A romantic cruise trip offers an unparalleled experience for couples looking to bond, unwind, and create lasting memories. With the promise of crystal-clear waters, luxurious amenities, and picturesque sunsets, planning the perfect swimsuit wardrobe becomes essential. From coordinating couple outfits to stylish individual pieces, here are some ideas for the best swimsuits to pack for your dream getaway.
Coordinating Couple Ensembles
While you don’t need to match every day of your trip, a few coordinated looks can certainly add a sweet and playful touch to your cruise wardrobe. Imagine stepping out on the deck of the ship wearing matching or color-coordinated swimsuits that showcase your unity and style.
For men, classic swim trunks in solid colors or simple patterns can be easily paired with a spouse’s bikini or one-piece swimsuit. Consider patterns such as stripes, polka dots, or even tropical themes like palm leaves and flowers. Women can opt for versatile bikini bottoms that match their partner’s trunks. This way, you both look effortlessly synchronized, whether strolling along the beach or lounging by the pool.
Chic One-Piece Swimsuits for Women
One-piece swimsuits have made a tremendous comeback and are a favorite among fashion-forward women. They offer a sophisticated look that’s flattering to various body types. Look for designs with unique necklines, cut-outs, or stylish belts that add flair and function. One-pieces are perfect for participating in cruise activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, or beach volleyball, as they provide both comfort and coverage.
Color-blocking and asymmetrical designs continue to trend, giving a modern twist to classic styles. For added romance, consider a one-piece with delicate lace or ruffle details. These designs can transition seamlessly from the pool to a casual onshore lunch, making them incredibly versatile additions to your cruise wardrobe.
Stylish Swim Trunks for Men
Men are no longer limited to basic swimwear options. Today, swim trunks come in a variety of styles, patterns, and lengths to suit every personality and body type. Opt for trunks with allover prints, including tropical patterns, geometric designs, or even cheeky phrases for a fun and light-hearted touch.
For a classic yet stylish look, solid colors in shades like navy, olive green, or burgundy are excellent choices. Trunks with side stripes or contrasting waistbands add subtle detail without overwhelming the overall look. Whatever your preference, select materials that dry quickly and provide comfort during long days of sun and sea.
Mix-and-Match Options
One of the perks of packing multiple swimsuits is the ability to mix and match pieces to create new looks. For women, having both bikini tops and bottoms in complementary colors and patterns allows for maximum versatility. You can also bring a couple of one-piece swimsuits to further diversify your options. Men can benefit from packing a few pairs of trunks that coordinate with their partner’s interchangeable pieces.
For example, a navy bikini top can be paired with striped bikini bottoms one day and solid white bottoms the next. This method extends your wardrobe and makes packing more efficient.
Accessorising Your Swimwear
No swimsuit ensemble is complete without the right accessories. For women, consider packing lightweight cover-ups like sarongs, kaftans, or breezy tunics that easily slip on and off. Wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and wedge sandals add a chic and functional touch, protecting you from the sun while enhancing your look.
Men can elevate their swimwear with simple additions such as a stylish rash guard, a classic straw hat, and polarized sunglasses. A casual button-down shirt worn open can also serve as a fashionable cover-up when you head for lunch or a beachside ice cream.
Conclusion
A romantic cruise is the perfect occasion to embrace stylish and thoughtfully chosen swimwear. With vibrant bikini bottoms, elegant one-pieces, and trendy swim trunks, a couple can reflect their unique chemistry and personal style. Coordinating outfits and versatile mix-and-match options make it easier to stay stylish throughout your journey. Don’t forget the finishing touch of accessories to ensure comfort and flair.
By carefully selecting your cruise wardrobe, you set the stage for an unforgettable retreat filled with love, adventure, and idyllic moments. Bon Voyage!
Carnival Cruise Line’s impressive ship Mardi Gras is to return to Europe for a drydock renovation, giving guests the chance to try transatlantic cruises in 2025.
Mardi Gras is part of Carnival’s Excel Class, which also contains Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. These are the biggest ships in the Carnival fleet and they sail exclusively from the US normally.
However, European guests who don’t want to fly in both directions across the Atlantic can now book a 2025 cruise either from Port Canaveral to Barcelona, or from Barcelona to Port Canaveral.
Both cruises will last 14 nights and will feature additional ports of call including Celebration Key, Carnival’s newest private island destination.
While specifics of the drydock haven’t been announced, it isn’t expected to be a major renovation – rather routine maintenance and class inspections.
The west-to-east crossing will take place in mid-September 2025 with the return journey taking place a month later.
Once the ship has returned to Port Canaveral, she will resume her regular sailings around the Caribbean.
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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.
If you’ve never cruised before, it’s easy to make a few mistakes.
While most of these are hardly going to spoil your holiday, some could be critically important – and the others are nice to know so that you make the most of your holiday.
So, learn from those who’ve cruised before you! Here are the mistakes other first-time cruisers have made, and tips on how to avoid them yourself.
1. Not researching what’s included
Most cruises aren’t all-inclusive by default, but they tend to include quite a bit. It’s not just your accommodation, but also your food in a variety of venues, some snacks, and a selection of drinks (even if that’s only at breakfast).
Some people mistakenly think that the buffet is the only free food option, or they don’t know about the inclusive snack venues around the ship. They might assume that entertainment shows have a cost too.
Always check what’s covered by your fare, and make sure you make the most of everything that’s free!
Cruise insurance is super-important – if you don’t have the right cover, you could end up paying huge medical expenses when you’re abroad, potentially enough to bankrupt you – I’m not exaggerating. Or you might end up cancelling your cruise without being able to get money back.
Choosing proper cruise insurance also means you can get extra cover for things like missed ports of call, or being confined to your cabin if you get sick (it can happen…).
So, while it’s important to buy your insurance policy on the same day you book, don’t just settle for any random travel cover.
3. Travelling to the cruise ship on the day it departs
Cruise ships have a strict schedule that they need to stick to. This means that they have to leave port at a certain time on embarkation day. And if you haven’t yet made it to the ship, you’re going to miss the cruise – and because it’ll be considered your fault, you won’t get a refund.
Don’t rely on flights being on time on the day of your cruise. If you have far to travel, make sure you go the day before, and book a hotel near the port. The extra expense is worth it to guarantee your place on the ship.
4. Not taking advantage of food and drink luggage allowances
You might assume that cruise lines ban you from bringing any food or drink onboard, since they have it on the ship. That’s not true though. They’re quite happy for you to bring food onto the ship, as long as it’s pre-packaged and hasn’t been opened.
The snacks and drinks on the ship can be a lot more expensive on land, and you’ll really regret not bringing that tube of Pringles if you then see how much one costs in the shop onboard. So get to know your allowances, and take advantage of them.
5. Booking flights home too early
On the last day of your cruise, you’ll disembark the ship and then either drive home or head to the airport to hop on a flight. And if there’s a good flight deal in the late morning or early afternoon, it can be tempting to book that.
But that could be a huge mistake, as disembarkation can take time – you aren’t guaranteed to be off the ship in the early morning, and certain guests who’ve stayed in suites or have a lot of loyalty points will be offered priority.
If you miss your flight because you then couldn’t get a cab amongst the throng of debarking passengers, that’s on you. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport.
6. Assuming only the cruise line offers excursions
Cruise excursions are a great way to spend your time in port, but booking them through the cruise line can be expensive – they do like to charge a premium.
You can often get the same excursions for much less if you book through a third party, though just be aware that the cruise line will then wipe its hands of responsibility for you being back on the ship on time. If something happens on the excursion and you miss the sailing time, you’ll be left behind.
Yes, many cruise lines still have a dress code, and a lot of people won’t check it, which can lead to disappointment when they want to head to dinner that night and they realise their options are limited because they’re underdressed.
But the bigger mistake is turning formal night into a big drama, and worrying about whether your outfit is suitable. If you want to take part, just make an effort – it’s OK if you’re not quite following it to the letter of the law.
And if you don’t want to take part, there are plenty of places on the ship where you can still eat in your regular comfy clothes. Formal night should be fun – don’t worry yourself over it.
The last thing you want to do is finish your cruise and then receive a phone bill for hundreds of £s or $s, all because you forgot to turn off your mobile data.
You might have a roaming deal in your contract, but that only covers you when you’re in certain countries. It doesn’t count at sea – but your phone will connect, and you will get some astronomical charges. The networks you connect to at sea really aren’t cheap.
As soon as you board your cruise, turn data off. You can pay for WiFi if you want to get online, or use free WiFi in ports, but never let yourself get trapped with a huge data bill.
9. Failing to understand tips/gratuities
Different cruise lines have different policies when it comes to tips and gratuities. Some charge a daily rate that is added to your account automatically, whereas others will include it in the fare.
Some even charge a daily gratuity rate but then leave tipping envelopes in your cabin, encouraging you to tip more (looking at you, Disney Cruise Line…).
Familiarise yourself with the tips you’re supposed to pay for your cruise line, so it doesn’t come as a shock when you get onboard.
10. Buying a drinks package without researching it
When you book your cruise, you may be offered an all-inclusive drinks package, and it might seem like a good idea – pay for the package upfront and you never have to worry about paying for drinks individually.
The mistake is that a drinks package isn’t right for everyone. If you don’t drink much, you could be massively overpaying.
My drinks package calculator will help you understand that, for some people, you could save a lot just by paying for drinks as you go.
11. Overpacking
One of the most common tips I see for new cruisers is to pack for your cruise, and then remove half, and then potentially even remove half again!
New cruisers love to overpack, stuffing their suitcase with every possible outfit they might need. But instead, you’ll find it much easier to just pack the essentials along with a few versatile outfits.
Another mistake is overpacking your carry-on bag, loading it up with all kinds of electronics and other heavy items that you ‘might’ need for the flight and the first couple of hours of your cruise.
The thing is, you might end up having to carry that bag around for a long time, especially if there are long lines for boarding the ship and then a few hours to kill until your cabin is ready. Try to only pack the essentials in your carry-on so you don’t have a huge weight on your shoulders, literally.
However…
13. Packing swimwear in suitcases
It’s a great idea to pack your bathing costumes in your carry-on, instead of making the mistake of putting them in your suitcases.
Again, you might have a few hours to wait once you’re on the ship until your cabin’s ready and your suitcases are delivered. If you pack your swimming gear, you can get changed and start enjoying the pool as soon as you’re onboard.
14. Packing towels
One last point on packing – you don’t need to pack towels. That’s a lot of bulk and weight that’s completely unnecessary. The cruise ship will have plenty of towels for you, including beach towels.
15. Not checking cabin location
On every cruise ship, there are good cabin locations and bad cabin locations. They aren’t all the same, because it’ll depend on what kind of cruise passenger you are. For example, cabins adjacent to the kids’ clubs are great for families, and terrible for solo travellers!
Many first-time cruisers assume all cabins are equal, but with a little bit of research when choosing your cabin, you can find the best ones for you.
Balcony cabins cost more than inside cabins, and so they’re always better – right?
That’s the kind of assumption that first-time cruisers often make in error. In reality, the different cabin types fit different needs too. Yes, inside cabins are best if you’re on a budget, but that doesn’t make them the worst – some people love them because of how well you’ll sleep in the dark.
Some people think balconies are overpriced and unnecessary, others will refuse to do anything else after trying one.
The tip here is to actually read reviews of the different cabin types before making any snap judgements when you book.
I’ve had some really funny conversations with people before when they’ve told me they’re going on their first-ever cruise, I’ve asked them which cruise line, and they reply “Oh, I can’t remember”.
Some first-time cruisers pay no attention to the cruise line even though they all offer very different experiences. Imagine not remembering if you’ve booked on a Carnival or a Celebrity ship!
Take your time to understand the vibe on each cruise line, and even each individual ship, before booking.
Hygiene is really important on a cruise ship, because sickness bugs can get passed around very easily. And yet, first-time cruisers often don’t realise how important it is to wash your hands regularly.
To be fair, a lot of experienced cruisers still don’t seem to have got the message…
The fact that cruise lines now have to employ crew members to stand outside the buffet restaurants and sing catchy songs about washing your hands to convince you is a damning indictment of what some cruise guests are like.
Here’s my tip – wash your hands.
19. Not hydrating properly
Cruises are extremely relaxing, especially when you’re lounging on the pool deck under the beating sun. However, don’t get so comfortable that you forget to properly hydrate. You can easily make yourself ill by not drinking enough water on a ship.
The same could also be said of sunscreen – you’re very exposed on a pool deck so you need to be properly protected.
20. Avoiding the main dining room for breakfast and lunch
Many cruise passengers assume that the buffet is the main place to go for breakfast and lunch, and that the main dining room is really for dinner only.
But that’s a mistake, as it’s absolutely worth trying the dining room for a nice sit-down breakfast or some different lunch options.
You might try it once and decide you prefer the ease of the buffet or the other casual venues, and that’s fine. But don’t dismiss the dining room without giving it a go.
21. Booking based on price without checking the weather
It’s understandable that you’d want to save money when booking your first cruise, but if you find an amazing deal, ask why the price might be so low.
It’s often because it’s out of season, and the weather could have a serious impact on your itinerary. Some cruises lose multiple ports when storms are bad, because the ship is just unable to dock.
Do your research on different times of year for the region you want to cruise to, and make sure you aren’t taken in by a deal without digging a little deeper.
How many of these mistakes did you make on your first cruise?
How many do you still see people making, even if they seem to have cruised many times before?
Share any tips or mistakes of your own in the comments too, if you think I’ve missed any!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The best cruise packing tips come down to three things: keep everything you need for the first afternoon in your carry-on, leave banned items at home (power strips, irons and spirits are the usual culprits), and pack mix-and-match clothes around your itinerary and the ship’s dress code. Below are 40 practical tips grouped by stage, from choosing your luggage to organising a small cabin once you’re on board.
The rules quoted here come from the cruise lines’ own published policies as of October 2026. Policies change, so check your line’s FAQ in the week before you sail.
Cruise Packing Tips for Luggage: Ship vs Flight Allowance
Your airline is usually the real limit. Mainstream lines don’t publish a strict weight or piece limit. Royal Caribbean, for example, asks guests to bring a “reasonable amount” of luggage and to keep the number of pieces down. If you’re flying to the port, pack to your airline’s checked and cabin allowances, not the ship’s.
Driving to the port? Still pack with restraint. Cabins are small and storage is limited. Two medium suitcases per couple is plenty for a week, and soft-sided bags are easier to slide under the bed.
Use TSA-approved locks. Royal Caribbean states that luggage may only be locked with a TSA-approved lock, because port security may need to open your bag.
Make your bags easy to spot. Hundreds of near-identical black cases come off the ship at once. Add a bright strap or tag, and consider an AirTag or similar tracker so you can see whether your bag has reached the ship.
Print your luggage tags before you leave home. Most lines let you print tags from your online check-in. Attach them at home or at the hotel so a porter can take your bags at the terminal.
Embarkation Day Carry-On: What to Keep With You
Checked bags are handed to porters at the terminal and delivered to your cabin later. Royal Caribbean warns that they may not arrive until later in the afternoon. Pack your carry-on as if your suitcase won’t turn up until dinner.
Passports and documents. Bring your passport (or the accepted ID for closed-loop US sailings), boarding pass, visas and travel insurance details. Never put these in checked luggage.
All medications. Keep prescriptions in your carry-on in their original labelled containers, with enough to last a couple of extra days in case of delays.
Swimwear and a change of clothes. The pools and buffet are open from boarding, and you’ll want something smart enough for dinner if your case arrives late.
Phone, charger and power bank. You’ll use your phone for the cruise app, boarding pass and photos all day.
Wine, if you’re bringing any. Lines that allow a bottle on board (see below) usually require it to be carried on at embarkation, not packed in checked luggage.
What Not to Pack for a Cruise: Banned Items
Every bag goes through an X-ray at the terminal, and prohibited items are confiscated. You may get them back at the end of the cruise, or they may be disposed of. These are the items that most often catch people out.
Power strips, surge protectors and extension cords. Royal Caribbean bans “electrical extension cords, including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets” as fire risks. Other major lines have similar rules. A USB charging hub without a surge protector is the usual workaround. Royal Caribbean says chargers must carry a recognised US or European safety mark.
Clothing irons and travel steamers. Both are banned on Royal Caribbean, along with candles, coffee makers, hot plates, electric blankets and oil diffusers. Hair dryers, curling irons and flat irons are specifically allowed.
Spirits and beer. Royal Caribbean and Carnival don’t let you bring hard liquor or beer on board. Both allow one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult of legal drinking age, carried on at embarkation. A corkage fee may apply if you drink it in a restaurant or bar.
Speakers on Carnival. Carnival’s safety page says Bluetooth, portable and wireless speakers will be held and returned at the end of the cruise. Bring headphones instead.
CBD and cannabis products. Carnival’s list explicitly includes CBD items, even where they’re legal on land. Ships follow maritime and port-country law, not your home state’s.
Drones. Lines generally don’t allow drones to be flown from the ship, and some won’t let them on board. Check before you pack one.
Wagons on Carnival. Collapsible wagons are allowed through the terminal but must be folded at embarkation and disembarkation, and can’t be used on board.
Item
Typical rule
Pack instead
Power strip / surge protector
Banned (Royal Caribbean and most major lines)
Non-surge USB hub with a safety mark
Clothes iron or steamer
Banned
Wrinkle-release spray or the ship’s pressing service
Hair dryer, straighteners
Allowed
Your own if you need it; most cabins have a basic dryer
Spirits and beer
Banned
One bottle of wine per adult, in your carry-on
Bluetooth speaker
Held until disembarkation on Carnival
Headphones
Magnetic hooks
Allowed, and recommended by Royal Caribbean
Not applicable
Many cruise lines now treat formal nights as optional dress-up evenings. Photo: Alexandra Kollstrem on Pexels
Clothes and Dress Codes: Cruise Packing Hacks for Your Wardrobe
Pack for the itinerary, not just “a cruise”. A Caribbean week needs swimwear, cover-ups and sandals. Alaska or the Norwegian fjords need waterproof layers, a warm hat and shoes with grip. A Mediterranean sailing needs outfits that cover shoulders and knees for church visits.
Use a capsule formula. A common starting point for seven nights is five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two evening outfits and one set of accessories. Choose one colour palette so everything mixes.
Check how formal “formal night” really is. Dress codes have relaxed a lot. Cruise Critic reported in August 2026 that Celebrity and Princess have embraced more relaxed formal-night attire. Regent Seven Seas began allowing “refined denim” and dress sneakers at dinner from 1 August 2025. A dress or smart separates, and a jacket or open-collar shirt, now covers most mainstream formal nights. A tuxedo is optional unless you’re sailing a line like Cunard that still holds black-tie gala evenings.
Bring layers for indoors. Theatres and restaurants are air-conditioned and can feel cold. A light cardigan or overshirt earns its space.
Limit shoes to three pairs. Wear walking shoes on travel day, then pack sandals or water shoes and one pair of evening shoes.
Plan around the laundry options. Many Carnival and Princess ships have self-service launderettes. Royal Caribbean has none and instead sells per-bag laundry deals. If you know you can wash halfway through, you can pack for half the trip.
Plugs, Chargers and Electronics
Check which sockets your ship has. Ships built for the US market mostly have North American (110V) outlets, often alongside a European (220V) socket. UK-focused ships, such as those sailed by P&O Cruises and Marella, typically have UK three-pin sockets. Your line’s FAQ will tell you which type your ship uses.
Cabins rarely have enough outlets. Older cabins may have only one or two sockets near the desk. A compliant USB hub, or a single adapter with several USB ports and no surge protection, solves this without breaking the rules.
Bring a long charging cable. The only socket is often nowhere near the bed. A 2-3m cable lets you charge your phone overnight within reach.
Toiletries, Medications and Documents
Decant toiletries if you’re flying. Airport liquid rules still apply to your cabin bag on the way to the port. Most cabins supply soap, shampoo and shower gel, so you may need less than you think.
Pack a small first-aid and seasickness kit. Include motion-sickness tablets or bands, painkillers, antacids, plasters and after-sun. Onboard shops sell these, but at a premium.
Use reef-safe sunscreen where it’s required. Some destinations, including Hawaii and parts of the Caribbean, restrict sunscreens containing certain chemicals.
Carry paper and digital copies of documents. Keep photocopies of your passport, insurance and prescriptions separate from the originals, and save photos of them to your phone.
Bring a pen. Some arrival forms in port countries still have to be filled in on paper.
A light day bag makes port days much easier. Photo: Mikhail Nilov on Pexels
Your Day Bag for Port Days
Use a light, zipped day bag. A cross-body bag or small backpack is safer in busy ports than an open tote. Pack your cruise card, photo ID, a little local cash and a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Take a refillable water bottle and a dry bag. A dry bag protects your phone on tender boats and beach days. Many lines let you take water bottles ashore and refill them back on board.
Note the all-aboard time and the port agent’s number. Both are in the daily programme or app. Take a photo of them in case your phone battery or signal fails.
Cabin Organisation Hacks
Inside and oceanview cabins are often around 150-180 sq ft, so storage makes a real difference. If you’re still deciding on a cabin, our guide to whether a balcony cabin is worth it over an inside cabin covers how much extra space you actually get.
Packing cubes that double as drawers. Sort cubes by category (day, evening, swim, underwear) and put them straight on the shelves. Unpacking takes five minutes.
Magnetic hooks. Most cabin walls and doors are metal. Royal Caribbean itself suggests heavy-duty magnetic hooks for hats, lanyards and bags.
An over-the-door shoe organiser. Hang it on the bathroom or wardrobe door for sunscreen, chargers, toiletries and small items that would otherwise clutter the desk.
A hanging toiletry bag. Cabin bathrooms have little counter space, and a bag that hooks over the door keeps everything visible.
Extra hangers or a hanging organiser. Wardrobes often come with few hangers. Collapsible or cascading hangers make the space go further.
Zip-lock or wet bags. Use them to keep damp swimwear away from dry clothes on the last day, when you have to pack before the pools close.
Packing for River Cruises, Families and the Last Night
River cruises have smaller cabins, less formal evenings and more walking tours, so pack lighter and focus on comfortable shoes and layers. Our Viking river cruise packing list covers what’s different. Travelling with little ones? See our baby and toddler cruise packing list for nappies, sleep gear and swim essentials.
One thing many packing guides leave out is the last night. On most big ships, checked bags must be outside your cabin by late evening, often around 10-11pm, for porters to collect. Before you sail, set aside a small “last night” bag in your carry-on with your disembarkation outfit, toothbrush, medications and documents, so nothing important ends up in the hold. If you haven’t booked yet, our guide to cruise deals and when to book can help you time it.
To keep everything else on track, use our printable cruise checklist, which runs from booking to disembarkation.
If you want to make the most of your sea days, take a look at our guide to the best books to read on a cruise, from mysteries at sea to books about your destination.
Leave power strips, surge protectors, extension cords, clothes irons, steamers, candles, spirits and beer at home. Most major lines ban them, and Royal Caribbean lists the electrical items and irons as fire hazards. Carnival also holds Bluetooth speakers until the end of the cruise and bans CBD products.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?
Usually only wine. Royal Caribbean and Carnival allow one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult of legal drinking age, carried on at embarkation. Spirits and beer aren’t allowed, and a corkage fee may apply in restaurants.
Are magnetic hooks allowed on cruise ships?
Yes. Magnetic hooks aren’t on the major lines’ prohibited lists, and Royal Caribbean recommends them because most cabin walls are metal. They’re one of the most useful cruise packing hacks for small cabins.
How much luggage can you take on a cruise?
Mainstream lines don’t set a strict weight limit. They ask for a “reasonable amount”, and carry-on bags must fit through the terminal X-ray scanner. If you’re flying to the port, your airline’s allowance is the limit that matters.
What should be in my carry-on for embarkation day?
Your passport and cruise documents, all medications, swimwear, a change of clothes for dinner, your phone and charger, and any wine you’re bringing. Checked bags may not reach your cabin until the afternoon or early evening.
A lot of people have this idea of the stereotypical cruise holiday in their mind.
It usually involves some staples such as tropical destinations, lounging by the pool, amazing service etc. And for a lot of people, it’ll always include the idea of sipping cocktails and enjoying luxurious steak dinners throughout the cruise.
That’s despite the way society’s moving, with more and more people cutting down on the amount of meat and alcohol they consume in their everyday lives for all kinds of reasons.
So I wanted to answer the question – what would people miss more on a cruise, alcohol or meat?
Maybe the results will surprise you!
Explaining the data
To find out whether people prioritised meat or booze on their cruises, I simply asked my Facebook audience.
The question was – “Imagine you won a free cruise but it had to be either meat-free or alcohol-free – which would you choose?”
The post got hundreds of responses, and from that, I’ve been able to analyse the data to see which is the most popular answer!
Meat is way more important than alcohol!
Almost 60% of people surveyed said that they would rather have an alcohol-free cruise than one without meat.
Around 29% said that they would give up meat if it meant they could still enjoy a drink on their cruise.
Around 8% said that they would be fine with either of both if it meant they could enjoy a free cruise!
And finally, there were just under 4% of people who said that even if they were offered a free cruise, they would turn it down if they had to give up either meat or alcohol – they couldn’t manage without both!
A lot of the people who replied said that they would rather skip out on alcohol if it meant they could still enjoy their steak and lobster, which they felt was the best part of a cruise.
One cruiser said: “I would miss the alcohol, but not as much as I would hate rabbit food, or even worse, fake food, for the duration.”
Another said: “Alcohol free would be fine for me, couldn’t go without a steak.”
It’s not just the love of meat that’s caused people to vote that way, though. Part of it is considering the impact of the rules on other guests onboard too.
As one cruiser put it, they would prefer alcohol-free as “people that are drunk irritate me” and another said, “It would be great, no overbearing drunk kn*bs”.
There were still plenty of cruisers who said they would rather give up meat than alcohol on their cruise.
Many of these already live a meat-free lifestyle. There were quite a few who said similar to “I am a vegetarian anyway” so there wasn’t really a choice involved for them.
One cruiser explained how they just couldn’t give up their favourite drinks, saying: “I can go without meat, but I couldn’t go without my cocktails”.
Another said they “love the drink package” too much to consider giving up alcohol.
One person even said they would choose a meat-free cruise because “I need alcohol to get through it!”, which makes you wonder why they’re even cruising in the first place if they need booze to just get through the experience!
And as one cruiser put it, you don’t need meat to still enjoy the food onboard. He said “I can live on cakes and junk food all week long. Can’t live without alcohol.”
Cruising without alcohol
Cruises are definitely still tailored more towards a drinking crowd. Almost every cruise line offers an all-inclusive drinks package that you can pay extra for, and their menus are dominated by the wines, beers and cocktails you can buy.
But there are sober cruises, for those who just don’t like a drink, who prefer to avoid drunken crowds, or who are recovering from more serious alcohol-related conditions including addiction.
Sober cruises are rarely completely free of alcohol – they tend to be group bookings as part of a larger cruise – but they’re still a great way of surrounding yourself with others who aren’t drinking.
Many cruise lines have been embracing meat-free menu options for some time now.
Don’t get me wrong – steak and lobster and all the other usual favourites are still around, and likely always will be.
But most cruise lines now have at least a decent range of vegetarian and vegan options so you can avoid meat if you want to – or even just mix up what you’re eating during the week if you want to try some non-meat dishes during your cruise.
Even Carnival unveiled a new vegan menu towards the end of 2023, and Carnival’s long been one of the worst cruise lines for vegetarian and vegan food options. Up until then, I said I wouldn’t be able to cruise with them, but now it’s something I’d definitely consider.
It’s interesting to see how many people would rather give up alcohol than meat on their cruise, considering just how much people seem to put value into their cocktails and drinks packages when they sail.
There are definitely advantages to cruising sober – not least just feeling refreshed and ready to go each morning before you tackle that full-day excursion.
But the important thing is that cruises really are for everyone, so whether you’re tee-total or you enjoy a drink; whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or an omnivore (or essentially a carnivore), you’ll find that you’re well catered for on a cruise ship.
And for now, you aren’t forced to give anything up when you want to sail 🙂
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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.
Utopia of the Seas vs Titanic in one line: Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas measures roughly 236,000 gross tons, about five times the Titanic’s 46,329, and it carries more than twice as many passengers. Titanic was built as a fast Atlantic liner, though, and its service speed of 21 knots was close to Utopia’s. The real gap between the two ships is in volume, width, amenities and, above all, safety.
Utopia of the Seas entered service in July 2024 as the sixth Oasis-class ship. Titanic left Southampton on its maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 and sank five days later. Below is a side-by-side comparison using official and historical figures, followed by what those numbers mean for anyone booking a cruise today.
Utopia of the Seas vs Titanic: Size Comparison Table
Specification
Utopia of the Seas (2024)
RMS Titanic (1912)
Gross tonnage
About 236,000 GT (236,860 and 236,473 are both quoted)
46,329 GT
Length
1,188 ft (362 m)
882 ft 9 in (269 m)
Beam (width)
About 155 ft at the waterline, up to around 211 ft at its widest point
92 ft 6 in (28 m)
Height
Roughly 236 ft above the waterline
About 175 ft from keel to funnel tops
Decks
18
9 lettered decks (sources count 7 to 10)
Passengers
5,668 at double occupancy (more when third and fourth berths are filled)
About 2,435 to 2,453 capacity; around 1,300 sailed on the maiden voyage
Crew
About 2,290
About 885 to 900
Cabins
2,834
About 840
Lifeboats
Lifeboats and life rafts for everyone on board, as international rules require
20 boats for 1,178 people
Service speed
About 22 knots (top speed reported at around 23)
21 knots (top speed around 23 to 24)
Fuel
LNG (liquefied natural gas), dual-fuel engines
Coal, 29 boilers
Build cost
Not officially disclosed; reported at about EUR 1.2 billion (around $1.3 to 1.4 billion)
About GBP 1.5 million (roughly $7.5 million at the time)
Figures vary a little between sources because tonnage gets re-measured, and older Titanic records count decks and berths in different ways. The proportions don’t change, though: on internal volume, Utopia of the Seas is about five Titanics.
Titanic Compared to Utopia of the Seas: Length vs Width
Many people are surprised that Utopia is only about 35% longer than Titanic. Most of the difference is in width and height. Titanic was a narrow, streamlined hull built to cut through the North Atlantic. Utopia uses the Oasis-class design: a very wide hull split down the middle by two open-air neighbourhoods, Central Park and the Boardwalk, with balcony cabins facing inwards over them. That shape lets Royal Caribbean fit far more cabins, restaurants and public space into a ship that is not dramatically longer.
What About the Build Cost Then vs Now?
Titanic cost about GBP 1.5 million to build. Converting a 1911 price into today’s money depends on the method you use. A simple price-inflation estimate puts it at roughly GBP 190 million in 2024 terms, or around $240 million, while estimates based on wages or share of the economy come out much higher. Royal Caribbean has not published Utopia’s price, but industry reports put it at about EUR 1.2 billion. Even on generous inflation assumptions, Utopia cost several times more than Titanic did. That is no surprise for a ship with five times the volume, LNG engines and modern safety systems.
Speed: Ocean Liner vs Cruise Resort
This is where Titanic holds its own. Its job was to carry people and mail between Southampton and New York, so speed sold tickets. Its service speed of 21 knots was about the same as Utopia’s, and some sources give Titanic the slightly higher top speed.
Utopia doesn’t need to race anywhere. It sails three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas, usually including Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Those routes are short, so the ship can cruise slowly to save fuel and spend more time in port. The trip is the point of the holiday, not just a way to get somewhere.
Facilities and Activities on Board
Titanic was the height of luxury in 1912, but mostly for first-class passengers. They had a heated saltwater swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a gymnasium, a squash court, the Ritz-style à la carte restaurant and the Café Parisien. Second class was comfortable for its time. Third class was basic but decent by the standards of the day, and passengers there shared washing facilities.
On Utopia, almost everything is open to every guest. Highlights include:
The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide that drops several decks and is billed as the longest at sea
A FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, rock-climbing walls, laser tag and an escape room
Central Park and the Boardwalk, open-air neighbourhoods with real plants and a carousel
Theatre, ice and aqua shows, plus comedy, live music and two casino areas
Royal Railway – Utopia Station, a themed dining experience in a mock train carriage (extra cost)
Modern ships like Utopia put pools, slides and sun decks at the heart of the experience. Photo: id23 on Pexels
Pools and Water Fun
Titanic was one of the first liners with an indoor swimming pool. It was a single tank of heated seawater, about 7 feet deep, and only first-class passengers could use it, for a small fee. Utopia of the Seas has several pools, including an adults-only Solarium, as well as hot tubs, waterslides, a children’s splash area and the FlowRider. On a short Bahamas cruise, the pool deck becomes the social centre of the ship during sea days.
Dining: Then and Now
Titanic’s first-class dining saloon served elaborate multi-course dinners at long communal tables. Second and third class had their own dining rooms, and the menus got simpler as you went down the decks. Your ticket determined where you ate.
Utopia has more than 20 dining venues. The included options include the Main Dining Room, the Windjammer buffet, a pool-deck food truck and casual spots along the Royal Promenade. Specialty restaurants such as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Chops Grille and Izumi cost extra. Anyone can book any of them. What changes the cost of your trip is which extras you choose, not which class of ticket you hold.
Accommodation: Steerage vs Staterooms
Titanic’s third-class cabins slept anywhere from two to ten people, and passengers on those decks shared a small number of bathtubs. First-class suites were spectacular, with private promenade decks on the very best.
Every cabin on Utopia of the Seas has its own bathroom. There are 2,834 staterooms, ranging from interior cabins and “virtual balcony” rooms to balconies overlooking Central Park or the Boardwalk, family suites, two-deck Loft Suites and the class’s only Solarium suites. Even the cheapest interior cabin is far more comfortable than most of Titanic’s berths.
Today's lifeboats and life rafts are designed to hold everyone aboard. Photo: Matthis Volquardsen on Pexels
Safety Advances Since Titanic
This is the most important difference. Titanic carried 20 lifeboats with room for 1,178 people, which was legal under the outdated Board of Trade rules but nowhere near enough for the roughly 2,200 people on board. About 1,500 died. The disaster led directly to the first International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1914, and SOLAS still sets the rules every ocean-going cruise ship follows today.
The main improvements a modern ship like Utopia benefits from:
Lifeboat and life raft space for everyone, including crew, plus marine evacuation systems
A mandatory muster drill before sailing. Royal Caribbean uses a digital version where you check in at your assembly station through the app.
Radio watch around the clock, satellite communications and GPS. Titanic’s wireless set had a guaranteed range of only about 350 miles.
Radar and modern navigation, along with the International Ice Patrol that has tracked North Atlantic icebergs since Titanic sank
Watertight subdivision, fire detection and sprinkler systems built to today’s much stricter standards
Utopia also sails warm Caribbean waters, where icebergs are not a concern. Even so, the safety culture on today’s ships comes straight from the lessons of 1912.
What This Means If You’re Booking Utopia
Comparison articles usually stop at the statistics, so here is the practical side. Utopia of the Seas is built for short getaways. Most sailings are three or four nights from Port Canaveral, close to Orlando, with a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay. That makes it a good first cruise or a long-weekend add-on to a Florida theme-park trip. With roughly 5,700 to 7,000 guests aboard, expect busy pool decks on sea days. Book shows, specialty dining and the Royal Railway in advance through the app, and plan to visit the most popular attractions early in the day. Check current itineraries and prices on the Royal Caribbean website, because schedules change.
How big is the Titanic compared to Utopia of the Seas?
Titanic was 46,329 gross tons and about 883 ft long. Utopia of the Seas is about 236,000 gross tons and 1,188 ft long, so it is around five times larger by volume and about 35% longer.
Is Utopia of the Seas faster than the Titanic?
Not really. Both have a service speed of roughly 21 to 22 knots, and Titanic’s reported top speed was similar to or slightly higher than Utopia’s. Cruise ships usually sail more slowly to save fuel.
How many Titanics would fit in Utopia of the Seas?
By gross tonnage, which measures enclosed volume, Utopia equals about five Titanics. It doesn’t literally hold five hulls, because Utopia is not five times as long.
What ship is comparable to Utopia of the Seas?
Its Oasis-class sisters (Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony and Wonder of the Seas) are the closest match. Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas are larger again.
Does Utopia of the Seas have enough lifeboats for everyone?
Yes. Under the SOLAS rules introduced after Titanic, modern cruise ships must carry lifeboat and life raft capacity for everyone on board, passengers and crew.
Cruise ships are pretty impressive – even the smaller ones are stunning, epic works of engineering genius. And they’re hardly empty shells – they’re packed with cabins, restaurants, places to relax and things to do. None of which comes cheap.
Imagine the cost of your average hotel – now factor in making sure that the hotel can float, has powerful engines (and fuel) to move it between destinations, and the ability to power every room without being constantly plugged into the power network.
It all sounds terribly expensive – but how much does a cruise ship actually cost to build and operate?
Let’s take a look at the costs involved, as I think you’ll be impressed by the scale of it all.
The cost of building a cruise ship (they aren’t cheap!)
The cost of a cruise ship varies depending on its size and complexity, but many break the $1 billion level, especially the latest mega-ships. The average cost of an ocean cruise ship sailing today is $496 million (or £380 million).
So, on average, how much is a cruise ship? Well, this table shows the world’s most expensive cruise ships in order:
Even though Icon of the Seas launched quite a while ago now, we haven’t had confirmed figures for her final build cost. But she’s likely the most expensive ship ever built even if the $2 billion estimation ends up being an exaggeration.
In comparison, the cruise ships sailing in 2024 that cost the least amount of money to build are SeaDream Yacht Club‘s SeaDream I and SeaDream II. They were built in 1984 and 1985 respectively and cost a mere $35 million each.
An alternative comparison you can make is to look at the most expensive cruise ship per berth. Most cruise ships cost in the region of $100,000 to $350,000 per passenger to build, but there are a few anomalies below and above that range.
The most expensive cruise ship ever built when you look at the cost per berth is the luxury expedition cruise ship Hanseatic Nature, which is operated by Hapag Lloyd for the German market. At $155 million, the ship wasn’t so expensive overall, but as she only has a capacity of 199 passengers that works out at a huge $779,000 per person.
That’s a lot of cruises that the ship needed to operate to make back her money!
Hanseatic Nature
Of the cruise ships to have a maximum capacity of at least 1,000 guests, the most expensive are the Oceania Marina and Riviera, which each has a capacity for 1,258 passengers at a cost of $380,000 per person to build.
Of course, building a cruise ship is only the first step. Most of the cost of running a cruise line comes from operating and maintaining the ships.
The cost to operate a cruise ship varies depending on the size of the ship and where it’s sailing. As a guide, Royal Caribbean ships cost an average of $240 million per year to operate.
There are six main areas of expense for cruise ships:
1. Commission and transportation
This is a broad area that covers everything to do with getting passengers onto a ship. So that’ll be the cost of producing tickets, any commission fees paid to travel agents, and the costs involved in using a port for embarkation and disembarkation.
Port costs are normally calculated based on the capacity and tonnage of a ship – a bigger ship means more passengers will be boarding, which in turn means more space is needed, more security staff must be hired or paid for longer, and even just the cost of power for the terminal goes up too.
2. Onboard expenses
This area covers the cost of any facilities or features on the ship that cost money to run. So think entertainment, spas, shops and activities. These all need special insurance too, so that’s covered in this section of expenses.
3. Payroll
A really simple one – the staff on the ship need to be paid. Again, depending on the size of the ship this will vary pretty dramatically. Often the larger ships will have as many crew as some smaller ships will have total passengers.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of cruise ship food is high – cruise ships get through a lot of food, and so this expense gets its own category. There are all the upmarket meals that guests eat, including snacks and drinks, while the crew also needs to be fed while they’re on board.
Fish & Ships on Independence of the Seas
5. Fuel
Fuel costs include the cost of buying the fuel, but also the cost of getting the fuel delivered to the ship and any costs involved with storing it. Fuel is expensive, and cruise ships spend huge amounts on it – more on that below.
6. Other expenses
The final category of expenses covers ‘everything else’, such as general repairs and maintenance, and the cost of insuring the ship as a whole.
Fuel is one of the biggest costs for ships
The amount of fuel used by a cruise ship depends on its size and cruising speed. The largest ships will use around 250 tonnes of fuel per day, which means a cost of around $187,500 per day.
Just like all fuel costs, the price of ship fuel has continued to climb, and ships can now expect to pay between $700 and $750 per tonne, depending on the port that they buy it from. Based on using 250 tonnes per day at $750 per tonne, that’s a mammoth sum, working out at over $68 million per year on fuel – for one ship!
Smaller ships will likely use between 100 and 150 tonnes per day. If we take an average of 125 tonnes per day, then a small cruise ship would spend just under $95,000 per day or $34 million a year on fuel. Still pretty pricey!
Maintenance matters too – ships need a lot of TLC
It’s been reported that around 7% of a cruise line’s revenue goes into ship maintenance. That averages out at around $19 million a year per cruise ship, although that figure fluctuates as cruise ships will do larger refurbishments every three to five years.
Ships go through a lot of wear and tear, but cruise lines don’t want guests to know about that. It’s important that everything is properly cleaned, repaired and maintained so that every guest gets the same high-quality experience.
Cruise ships are cleaned very thoroughly
This means there are ongoing costs to keep on top of smaller issues, and then larger refurbishments when features start to get tired and need an update.
These refurbishments often cost huge sums. Here are some examples:
Celebrity Revolution
Celebrity Cruises undertook a massive refurbishment programme towards the end of the 2010s, spending $500 million to modernise the entire fleet of nine ships and bring them in line with Celebrity Edge, at the time their newest ship. Suites and public areas were given an ‘epic makeover’ as part of the investment.
The newly revolutionised Celebrity Equinox
Norwegian Spirit
In one of the largest ever single-ship refurbishments, NCL spent $100 million to upgrade the Norwegian Spirit in 2020, carrying out a number of major enhancements.
I visited Norwegian Spirit just before the makeover, and she actually looked fine! A little dated, yes, but still in good condition as you can see from my ship tour.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent spent $125 million to upgrade the Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner from 2016-to 2017, following the launch of the Seven Seas Explorer. Compared to the $100 million NCL spent on one ship it doesn’t seem like an incredible sum, but these ships were already exceptionally luxurious.
Ships still make money (of course)
So, given the huge costs of building and maintaining cruise ships, you may now be interested to know how much profit cruise lines are making.
Owning a cruise ship is profitable, providing the ships sail with enough passengers – likely around 70% capacity. While there are huge expenses involved, cruise fares are designed to cover these costs while still being affordable to passengers.
Even deals like drinks packages are carefully planned out based on the data that cruise ships record. They’ll look at how many drinks they’re selling on average by passenger, and then offer a package that covers that cost.
Passengers who drink a lot will probably get value for their money but there’ll be a lot of passengers who take out a drinks package but don’t consume their share – extra profit for the cruise line.
A decent chunk of profit comes from casinos, spas, speciality dining and guests booking suites. As a general rule, if you book an inside cabin and decline the drinks, speciality dining, spa services and casino, the cruise line will make a loss on your stay.
So the Royal Caribbean made twice as much money, which is even more impressive when you consider that Hilton has almost a million rooms in its hotels, whereas Royal Caribbean has around 70,000 staterooms on its ships.
In years since the global shutdown of 2020, many cruise lines have lost money rather than being profitable, but year-on-year things are improving again.
Per ship, it’s a decent chunk of change
A cruise ship will usually generate around $200 million to $300 million in revenue every year. The amount of profit that a cruise ship makes every year will vary but it’s usually between $20 and $40 million annually.
As I said above, Royal Caribbean Group made around $1.8 billion in profit in 2019, the year before the global pause. When you divide that between all the ships operated by the group at that time (across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises and other smaller lines) that averages at $40 million per ship each year.
Ships will eventually need to be sold or scrapped
On average, a cruise ship tends to last for around 30 years if properly maintained, and they will usually undergo some refurbishments or a refit during that time to keep them updated.
That can vary though – some ships have a much longer lifespan. The longest-surviving cruise ship still sailing is the Sea Cloud, owned by Sea Cloud Cruises operating as an independent cruise ship for up to 64 passengers. She was first built in 1931 as a private yacht and served during World War II as a weather ship for the US Navy.
Hebridean Princess is another ship that’s had a long life – she was first launched in 1964 as MV Columba, serving as a car ferry and Royal Mail ship. She now serves as a cruise ship for Hebridean Islands Cruises around the islands of Scotland.
Here are some notable ships that no longer operate, and their lifespan:
Cruise Line
Ship
Year Launched
Year Ended Service
Years Active
Notes
Carnival/Century
Carnival Fascination/Century Harmony
1994
2022
30
Spent most of her life as Carnival Fascination for Carnival, until 2020.
Carnival
Carnival Sensation
1993
2022
31
After being retired in early 2022 by Carnival, she was scrapped immediately.
Fred.Olsen
Black Watch
1972
2022
50
Never returned to service after the global shutdown of 2020.
Fred.Olsen
Boudicca
1973
2021
48
Began life as Royal Viking Sky. Various operators including Princess from 1993-97.
NCL
Norwegian Star
1973
2021
48
Originally built for Phoenix Reisen, bought by NCL in 1997.
Cunard
Queen Elizabeth 2
1969
2008
39
Cunard’s longest-serving ship, now operating as a floating hotel in Dubai
P&O Cruises
Arcadia
1988
2021
33
P&O’s second Arcadia also served for Princess, and Cruise and Maritime
Royal Caribbean
Sovereign of the Seas
1988
2020
32
Served as MS Sovereign for Pullmantur Cruises from 2008 to 2020
Carnival
Mardi Gras
1972
2003
31
Carnival’s first ship was sold on in 1993
MSC Cruises
Melody
1982
2013
31
Sailed for MSC from 1997-2013. Started life as the Atlantic.
Carnival
Carnival Fantasy
1990
2020
30
Served its whole life with Carnival.
Celebrity Cruises
Horizon
1990
2020
30
Sold by Celebrity in 2005, served for Island, Pullmantur and CDF since
Royal Caribbean
Monarch of the Seas
1991
2020
29
Served as MS Monarch for Pullmantur Cruises from 2013 to 2020
Princess Cruises
Princess Patricia
1949
1978
29
Princess’ first ship when bought in 1965.
P&O Cruises
Arcadia
1954
1979
25
Built as a passenger ship originally, began cruises in the 1960s.
The bottom line
Phew – quite the stat-heavy guide there, but hopefully you can see now just how big the numbers are when dealing with how much cruise ships cost, both when being built and to be maintained, and how much money they make.
Are the numbers what you expected? Or are they bigger, or smaller?
The numbers will only get bigger again, especially now that capacity is getting back to maximum levels and new, feature-packed ships are launching.
It’s an exciting time to be a cruise passenger with some of the epic ships on the horizon – that will no doubt cost a pretty penny.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The main Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid are rooms directly below the pool deck on deck 14, rooms above the Royal Theater on deck 6, low inside and oceanview cabins on deck 3 under busy entertainment venues, obstructed-view cabins behind lifeboats, and Central Park balconies right below the outdoor movie screen. If you are prone to seasickness, also skip cabins at the very front of the ship. Choose a midship cabin on a deck sandwiched between other cabin decks and you avoid most of the common complaints.
Wonder of the Seas is the fifth Oasis-class ship from Royal Caribbean. It is around 1,188 feet long, has 18 decks and roughly 2,867 staterooms, so picking the right one makes a real difference. This guide explains which rooms to skip, which are worth paying for, and how the ship’s current schedule of short Bahamas cruises from Miami should change the way you choose.
Wonder of the Seas at a glance in 2026
Wonder of the Seas moved to Miami in late August 2025. It now sails three-night and four-night Bahamas cruises year-round, usually leaving on Fridays (three nights) and Mondays (four nights). Most itineraries call at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and many also stop in Nassau, where Royal Caribbean opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in early 2026. Published schedules show the ship staying in Miami through 2027 and into 2028, but deployments can change, so check the itinerary when you book.
Short cruises matter for cabin choice. You spend less time in your room, the ship is often at its busiest and liveliest, and weekend sailings tend to attract a younger, more party-minded crowd. That makes quiet locations more valuable and paying for a large cabin a little less important than on a seven-night trip.
Wonder of the Seas cabin types explained
Like its sister ships, Wonder has “neighborhoods”, and many cabins face inward onto them rather than out to sea. Royal Caribbean groups its rooms into four broad categories:
Category
Main options on Wonder
Best for
Interior
Standard, connecting, Promenade View, Central Park View, Virtual Balcony
Budget travelers, light sleepers who want a dark room
Ocean View
Standard and Ultra Spacious Ocean View
Families who want natural light and extra floor space
Balcony
Ocean-facing, Central Park View, Boardwalk View
Most couples; sea views and fresh air
Royal Suite Class
Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Owner’s Suites, Crown and Royal Loft Suites, AquaTheater Suites, Ultimate Family Suite
Travelers who want space, priority perks and suite-only venues
Room sizes vary by layout, so read the square footage on each listing rather than assuming that two “balcony” cabins are the same size. Royal Caribbean’s own site and deck plans show the current figures.
Wonder of the Seas cabins to avoid
None of these rooms are bad for everyone. They simply carry a higher risk of noise, motion or a disappointing view. Cabin numbers below are taken from published deck plans and guides. Ranges are approximate, so always check the latest deck plan for your exact room before you book.
1. Cabins under the pool deck (deck 14)
The pool deck on deck 15 sits above part of deck 14. Crew set out and stack loungers early in the morning, and the scraping can carry into the cabins below. Guides commonly flag the midship ranges around 14162 to 14240 and 14562 to 14640. Balconies in this area also sit under a deeper overhang, which means more shade. Some guests like that, but it is not ideal if you want sun.
2. Cabins above the Royal Theater (deck 6)
Rooms directly above the main theater can pick up sound from rehearsals and late shows. Ranges often mentioned include roughly 6130 to 6160 and 6530 to 6560, plus the matching odd-numbered rooms opposite. Early sleepers should look at deck 7 or higher instead.
3. Low cabins near entertainment venues (deck 3)
The inside and oceanview cabins on deck 3 are close to Studio B, the ice rink, and below the casino area. They are cheap and very stable, but late-night activity can be noticeable. If you go to bed early, or you are on a lively weekend sailing, consider moving up a few decks.
4. Obstructed-view oceanview and balcony cabins
Many rooms on decks 7 to 11 at the forward ends of the ship, and a handful of others, look out onto lifeboats or other structures. Royal Caribbean usually labels these and prices them lower. If the view is the reason you are paying for an oceanview or balcony, avoid them. If you just want daylight at a lower fare, they can be good value.
5. Central Park balconies right below the movie screen
Central Park and Boardwalk balconies are popular, but they face into the ship rather than the sea. Guests have reported that sound from the pool deck movie screen carries down to some higher Central Park balconies. Boardwalk-view rooms face the AquaTheater, the carousel and the zip line, so expect show music and evening noise. On a three-night cruise with a sea day at CocoCay, a sea-facing balcony usually gives you more for your money.
6. Cabins at the very front of the ship
The bow moves more in rough water than the middle of the ship. No cabin can guarantee you won’t feel seasick, but a low, midship room is the most stable place to be. The Bahamas route is usually calm, although winter cold fronts can bring choppier seas.
7. Connecting cabins you don’t need
Connecting rooms are excellent for families booking two cabins. If you are not sharing the door with your own group, though, it lets through more sound than a solid wall, so you may hear strangers next door. Filter them out when you choose a room.
A sea-facing balcony away from busy public areas is often the safest choice. Photo: Jess Loiterton on Pexels
Best cabins on Wonder of the Seas
Avoiding problem areas is only half the job. These are the Wonder of the Seas best cabins for different travelers.
Midship ocean-facing balconies on decks 8 to 12
For most couples, this is the safest choice. The decks above and below are cabin decks, the rooms are close to the elevators, and you get a real sea view. On a short cruise, it is also nice to watch your arrival at CocoCay or Nassau from your own balcony.
Virtual Balcony interior rooms
These inside cabins have a floor-to-ceiling screen that shows a live view from outside the ship. You get the low price and darkness of an inside room without feeling boxed in. It is a smart choice for a three- or four-night trip, when you will spend most of your time out on the ship.
Ultra Spacious Ocean View cabins
These larger oceanview rooms can sleep bigger families and have more floor space than a standard balcony cabin. They are worth comparing if you are traveling with children and don’t need a balcony.
Deck 14 for families, with care
Families with kids often like deck 14 because it is one deck below the pools, the Windjammer and the kids’ areas. Choose a room away from the pool-deck ranges listed above, and you get the convenience without the early-morning noise.
Wonder of the Seas suites and the Suite Neighborhood
Suites are where Wonder is most different from the older Oasis-class ships. Wonder was the first Royal Caribbean ship to have a dedicated Suite Neighborhood. This private area sits high on the ship, on decks 17 and 18, and is reserved for suite guests. It includes:
Suite Lounge with a concierge and complimentary drinks and snacks at set times
Coastal Kitchen, a restaurant open only to suite guests
Suite Sun Deck with an infinity-style plunge pool, in-water loungers and a bar
The Ultimate Family Suite is a two-level loft for up to 10 guests. It has more than 1,100 square feet inside, an in-suite slide, games areas, and a balcony with a hot tub. The Royal Loft Suite has an exceptionally large balcony. Crown Loft Suites and Owner’s Suites are on deck 18, and one-level Grand Suites are on deck 17, including an accessible version. AquaTheater Suites overlook the outdoor theater at the back of the ship. They are not inside the Suite Neighborhood, but their guests can use it.
Are the expensive suites worth avoiding? On a three-night cruise, the per-night price of a top suite is hard to justify unless you value the private sun deck, Coastal Kitchen and priority boarding. A Junior Suite gets you more space and some perks for much less, but not the full suite-class benefits. Check which tier each suite belongs to (Sea, Sky or Star) before you pay, because perks differ a lot between them. AquaTheater Suites have great views, but show rehearsals and performances happen right below them.
What makes Wonder different from its sister ships
If you are comparing Oasis-class ships, Wonder’s layout has a few touches of its own that can affect where you want to stay:
Wonder Playscape is an underwater-themed play area for kids with slides, climbing features and games. Families with young children may want a cabin with easy elevator access to the upper decks.
The Vue is a bar that extends out over the side of the ship, with wide sea views and a canopy that lights up at sunset.
The Windjammer buffet wraps around the Boardwalk on deck 15, so its layout differs from older sisters.
The Ultimate Abyss dry slide drops from the top decks down to the Boardwalk.
Busy upper decks bring fun by day but can mean noise for the cabins below. Photo: Mochammad Algi on Pexels
Guarantee cabin or choose your own?
A guarantee fare means you pay for a category and Royal Caribbean assigns the actual room later, often close to sailing. It is usually cheaper, and sometimes you are upgraded. The catch is that you cannot avoid any of the locations listed above. If you are a light sleeper, prone to seasickness or traveling with young children, it is worth paying a little more to pick your room. If you are flexible and mainly want the lowest fare for a short Bahamas getaway, a guarantee can be good value.
Booking multiple cabins for a group
Groups and families have three good options on Wonder: connecting rooms, adjoining balconies (balconies with a removable divider) and cabins directly across the hall from each other. Book as early as possible, because these pairings sell out first, especially on holiday sailings. Ask for the cabins to be linked on one booking, so that dining times and boarding can be coordinated. Families comparing ships for their children’s ages can also read our guide to the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids of each age.
Quick checklist before you book
Open the current deck plan and check what is directly above, below and beside your cabin.
Prefer a midship room on a deck with cabins above and below.
Avoid “obstructed” or “partial view” labels unless the discount is worth it to you.
On weekend three-night sailings, put quiet location ahead of cabin size.
Compare a Virtual Balcony interior with a standard balcony. On a short trip, the savings can pay for a drinks package or a beach club day.
Check which suite tier you are getting before paying for suite perks.
For more on low-deck cabins in general, see our guide to Deck 1 on a cruise ship and whether it is a bad choice.
FAQs
What deck is best on Wonder of the Seas?
For most people, decks 8 to 12 midship are best. They have cabin decks above and below, which keeps noise down, they are close to the elevators, and they are in the most stable part of the ship.
Are Central Park balconies on Wonder of the Seas worth it?
They are worth it if you like looking over the gardens and want a cheaper balcony, but they face inward rather than to sea. Some higher rooms pick up sound from the pool deck movie screen. Most guests prefer a sea-facing balcony on a short Bahamas cruise.
Where is the Suite Neighborhood on Wonder of the Seas?
It is on decks 17 and 18. It includes the Suite Lounge, the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant and a private sun deck with a plunge pool and bar.
Where does Wonder of the Seas sail from?
At the time of writing, Wonder of the Seas sails three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami, mostly calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau. Published schedules run into 2028.
Which cabins are best for seasickness on Wonder of the Seas?
Low, midship cabins move the least. An interior or oceanview room on one of the lower midship decks is the most stable choice. Avoid cabins at the very front of the ship.
The price of drinks on some cruise ships will be similar to your local pub, but on other cruises, the drinks prices can be pretty steep with $10 for a glass of wine being the norm.
If you’re on a budget you may be tempted to try to sneak liquor on your cruise ship to save yourself some money.
Sneaking booze on a cruise is strictly prohibited. However, a study by Cruzely.com showed that 19% of passengers admitted to smuggling alcohol onto a cruise ship at least once.
You should know that there’s no foolproof way to sneak alcohol on a cruise. However, there are many different ways that people have tried.
Disclaimer: I have never smuggled drinks on a cruise myself and am in no way encouraging you to do it. I am just showing you how others have done it in the past so that you can make your own decisions.
1. Use a disguised umbrella flask
If you hide your booze in a sneaky umbrella flask, there’s pretty much zero chance of anyone suspecting anything. This handy flask holds 9 oz (255 ml) of your favourite drink and is easy to pour out into your glass. It looks and feels like an umbrella rather than a hard bottle.
This type of hidden container isn’t likely to be discovered, particularly on Northern European cruises where rain is likely. Take it to the Mediterranean in summer and it may seem slightly more suspicious!
2. Hide your booze in a fake tampon
If you’d like another virtually foolproof way to smuggle booze on a cruise, then tampon flasks may be it. These fake re-sealable tampon wrappers contain refillable mini flasks. Each one can hold one shot of alcohol.
Even if someone had a really good rummage through your luggage, they’d be unlikely to open a tampon to check in there.
The downside to these is that each one only holds 1 oz (30ml) which is slightly larger than a single measure of spirits. Therefore you’d need a lot of tampons to cover a week-long cruise!
This product may be better for smuggling small amounts of booze into the onboard bars, rather than for bringing a booze haul to drink in your cabin.
3. Re-use shampoo bottles (or buy fake ones)
Putting alcohol in shampoo bottles for cruise holidays sounds like an interesting idea, but it has many flaws. The first is that the design of shampoo bottles makes them very difficult to clean so you’ll never fully get rid of all of the shampoo residue. This will make your drink taste horrible.
The second reason why you shouldn’t use a shampoo bottle to hide alcohol is that shampoo and conditioner bottles aren’t watertight. I once had a bottle of shower gel explode in my suitcase and it was messy. Imagine the same but with red wine. No thanks!
However, you can buy shampoo bottle flasks on Amazon, which are made to conceal alcohol. These leak-proof bottles even include six ‘factory seals’ so that if a security guard opened the bottle, they wouldn’t be able to smell the alcohol.
These are a good option because each bottle fits 8 ounces of liquor. Hidden alcohol bottles are also available to buy in the form of fake sunscreen bottles or deodorant cans.
4. Buy a binocular flask
Some of the things to hide alcohol in for cruise vacations are just genius. This binocular flask would be unlikely to show up as anything suspicious on an X-ray, and even with a manual search, it may go undetected.
Each side of the binoculars holds 8 oz (230ml) of liquor, and it comes with a little funnel that allows you to fill it up without spilling a drop. The two sides aren’t connected, so you could have gin in one half and vodka in the other if you wish to create your own cocktails.
5. Try cleaned-out mouthwash bottles
Another of the popular things to hide alcohol in on a cruise has, for many years, been mouthwash bottles. Mouthwashes such as Listerine come in bottles of up to one litre.
The idea is that you would add a clear spirit such as white rum, gin or vodka, and blue or green food colouring to make it look like mouthwash.
In reality, cruise port staff are familiar with this old hack and know that if they find a huge bottle of mouthwash, it’s likely to be suspicious. Because who needs a litre of mouthwash on a one-week cruise?
The first thing they’ll do is open it and smell it to see what’s really inside.
6. Push the limit on wine bottles
This is probably the most common way to sneak wine on a cruise. Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per person on board. So what people do is they put one bottle of wine in their checked luggage and another in their carry-on bag.
The bags are checked at different times by different people, and it’s virtually impossible for cruise ship staff to match them up and see that you’ve brought more than the allowance.
As there’s no limit on how much luggage you can bring on a cruise ship (unless you also have to take a flight), you could easily bring two small cases per person, as well as some more cases for the kids.
One thing you do want to be wary of is wine bottles smashing in your checked luggage. If you are planning on putting glass bottles in there, you should always buy inflatable wine bottle protectors.
7. Try classic rum runners
Rum runners, also known as alcohol bags or plastic flasks, are specially-made alcohol containers for cruises. Thousands of cruisers report having had success in using a rum runner to sneak alcohol on cruise ships.
You can buy rum runners on Amazon. They are essentially reusable plastic bags that come with a funnel so that you can decant wine, vodka, tequila or any other liquor that you wish to bring on your cruise. Each one holds up to 32 oz (one litre) of liquid.
The idea behind alcohol bags is that on an x-ray, they don’t look like a bottle, so they won’t be detected when your bag is scanned.
However, if your bag was manually checked for any other reason, it would be obvious what’s inside these booze bags.
8. Give yourself a fake beer belly
An interesting method that may be used to hide alcohol when you embark on your cruise ship is the ‘beer belly canteen’. This polyurethane container looks like a beer belly when worn under clothing and holds 32 oz of booze.
If you wear this, you might have to sacrifice looking slender in your embarkation photos!
9. Boost your bust with a wine rack bra
For women, there’s a similar product to the fake belly, in the form of a bra known as the ‘wine rack bra’, which could actually boost your appearance if that’s what you desire.
If you set off the x-ray scanner with something else, such as your watch, and called over for a pat-down, a wearable flask will easily be detected.
As port staff won’t know whether you’re carrying booze or something much more dangerous, you’ll likely set alarm bells ringing and could get in serious trouble.
10. Wear a boozy bladder
This strange-looking device ties around your waist. There’s a tube that pops out through your fly so that you can refill your glass when nobody’s looking!
This is probably one for the gents rather than the ladies. And you should probably head to a bathroom stall to refill your glass – as you may get some very funny looks from your fellow cruisers otherwise!
The good thing about this device is that it fits a massive one litre of alcohol. If you fill it with spirits, that could keep you going all cruise long.
11. Carry a wine handbag
Now, another one for the ladies – The PortoVino wine purse is a beach tote with a hidden, insulated compartment that holds two bottles of wine.
This stylish handbag comes with a secret zipper with an insulated pouch inside which keeps your wine cool for hours. This bag probably isn’t ideal for bringing booze onto a cruise ship as it may show up solid on the scanner when filled with liquor.
However, it could be an ideal way to enjoy wine from your room by the pool. Whilst some cruise ships allow you to bring your own wine on board, you have to drink it in your room. With this device, you could fill your bag with chilled wine from your in-room refrigerator and sneakily pour it into a glass by the pool using the hidden tap.
12. Hack a box of Capri Sun or water cartons
Here’s a tip from Reddit – why not empty out Capri Sun pouches and refill them with booze?
It might be a lot of work but that’s a lot of alcohol you can sneak onboard!
You can even do the same with water cartons – just use a small hole to pour out the water before re-sealing it with glue, without breaking the cap seal.
I would of course not recommend this if you actually wear contact lenses and need the solution to look after them! I’d rather pay for my drinks and be able to see, after all.
14. Just pack minis
According to one cruise guest, if you just pack miniature bottles and distribute them around your luggage, they won’t be detected and you’ll be able to enjoy them onboard.
I’d be a little wary of this one personally – I’d be surprised if they didn’t check your luggage if they saw a lot of small bottles – but apparently it can work, so it’s up to you if you want to try it.
Where to hide alcohol when you check in
When you’ve decided what type of container to hide your liquor in, your next decision will be where to stash it. Your options are:
In your checked luggage
In your carry-on luggage
On your body
The best place to hide alcohol for a cruise is in your checked luggage. You can drop off checked luggage as soon as you arrive at the port. If something is detected on the scanner and your case is opened, you won’t be around to witness the embarrassment of being called out in public.
Checked bags can be tossed around so always make sure that whatever you’ve packed in there is properly protected from damage.
Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise on your body
Sneaking alcohol on your body is the riskiest way to do it. You’ll have to remove any bulky items and walk through an X-ray scanner. If it beeps for any reason (including for a random check), then you’ll be patted down, and your stash will be discovered, no matter how well it’s disguised.
Bringing alcohol on board in foreign cruise ports
Bringing alcohol on board midway through your cruise is easier than trying to sneak it on as you embark.
When you get back on board the ship you’ll have to pass your bags through a scanner. However, if you have a bottle of something which looks like water, even if it has been opened, it’s very unlikely that anyone would inspect it more closely.
Getting caught with alcohol when boarding a cruise
If you’re caught bringing alcohol on a cruise, the worst-case scenario is that you could be denied boarding.
“Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over-consume, provide alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrate irresponsible behaviour, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage checkpoints or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. “
However, other cruise lines simply state that if you are caught with prohibited alcohol they will confiscate and discard it.
“Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception – at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage. Outside this exception, all liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.”
Even when cruise lines reserve the right to refuse embarkation, that doesn’t mean that they will do that in practice.
What REALLY happens when you get caught smuggling booze on a cruise
There are many online cruise forums where people have discussed their experiences in getting caught sneaking alcohol on a ship.
Here, I’ve seen numerous photos of orange confiscation slips inside suitcases in place of missing alcohol. As far as I could see during my research, nobody has reported that they weren’t allowed to board the ship. Interestingly, many people reported that they were even allowed to pick up their confiscated alcohol at the end of the cruise!
How to sneak whiskey on a cruise
Cruise lines don’t allow guests to bring spirits on board. If you want to bring whiskey on board then you’ll need to disguise it. Many people use a rum runner, a rinsed-out tinted bottle of mouthwash, or just decant whiskey into a wine bottle, where wine is permitted.
How to fill a sealed water bottle with alcohol
To fill a sealed water bottle with alcohol: • Cut the neck off a bottle • Place it in boiling water until soft • Pull off the intact cap and ring • Open a second water bottle and cut off the plastic ring • Swap the water for clear alcohol • Screw the intact sealed cap onto the bottle of alcohol
Alcohol allowances on cruises
Many cruise lines allow you to bring a certain amount of alcohol on the ship.
The following table shows the alcohol allowance for each cruise line.
Cruise Line
Alcohol allowance per passenger
Carnival
One bottle of wine
Celebrity
One bottle of wine
Costa
Not allowed
Cunard
One bottle of wine
Disney
Two bottles of wine or six beers
MSC Cruises
Not allowed
NCL
Unlimited wine – $15 fee per bottle
P&O Cruises
One litre of wine or Champagne
Princess Cruises
One bottle of wine for free. ($15 per additional bottle)
Most cruise lines also offer drinks packages which can be great value for money. And wouldn’t you much rather have a freshly-made cocktail than try to sneak your own spirits into soft drinks?
If you’re undecided about whether to buy a drinks package or not, my free calculator will work out whether it’s good value for money, based on what you like to drink.
Cruise lines will check for alcohol (and other things)
All cruise lines will check luggage for alcohol as well as drugs, weapons, irons, drones and other prohibited items during the embarkation process. They will check all checked and carry-on luggage with scanners as well as manual spot checks.
In fact, they’re wising up to some of the hacks on this list. There’s one that I haven’t included in the list above because cruise lines caught onto it very quickly, even though it was quite a clever hack.
It involved taking a multipack of soda, opening the cardboard carefully, swapping out some cans for alcoholic cans, then re-sealing the box using super glue so it doesn’t look tampered with.
Unfortunately, clips of the hack went viral and so cruise lines quickly learned to check the boxes!
If bottles, cans or other containers are detected on the x-ray scanner, port staff will open the bag to have a closer look.
Some cruise lines, including Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line prohibit all drinks including water (unless it’s needed for medical reasons) to be brought on-board. This speeds up the process of having to check every bottle to see if it’s water, soft drinks or alcohol.
The last word
Of course, I’m not recommending that anyone try to sneak alcohol, or anything else, onto a cruise ship. Selling drinks on board is one of the ways that cruise lines cover their costs and if everyone tried to cheat the system by sneaking alcohol on board they would inevitably have to put up the ticket prices.
Plus, getting caught with alcohol is embarrassing. Whilst you may be lucky enough to get away with finding a ticket in your case, if your case is locked, you’ll be summoned to a location on the ship and asked to open it.
If you get caught with excess booze in your carry-on bag, you’ll have to suffer the humiliation of all the passengers in the line behind you, seeing you get busted.
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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.
