When you’re excited about your cruise, one of the questions you’ll want to know is, how soon can you get on the ship? After all, if you can embark before lunch you’ll enjoy an extra meal and half a day of extra cruise time compared to if you embark in the later afternoon.
I love embarking early on a cruise as it makes the first day so much more relaxing. You can take your time to find your muster station, unpack and even have a dip in a whirlpool to get your cruise off to a fun start.
But what time can you actually get on a Princess cruise ship? And how can you be among the first people to board?
You can (sometimes) board from 11!
The earliest that you can board a Princess cruise is typically 11 am, though if you have priority boarding, then you may be able to board as early as 10 am and go straight to the front of the queue in the port.
The boarding time can also vary depending on whether the prior cruise docked on time, and everyone else left the ship when they should.
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How to get priority boarding
Certain groups of guests get priority boarding on Princess cruises. These are:
Platinum or Elite Captain’s Circle Members: Guests who have completed five cruises or 50 cruise days
Suite Guests: Those staying in a full suite (not a mini-suite)
Guests With Special Needs: Those with medical issues or using mobility aids
There used to be a Bon Voyage Experience where guests could pay an extra charge to board early and enjoy a four-course lunch, ship tour and photo, but that service has been discontinued.
No more need to select an arrival time!
It used to be that, to board a Princess cruise, you needed to book an arrival time. The earlier slots always went very quickly too, so if you weren’t on it, you could end up being last on the ship!
But Princess decided to get rid of that in 2023 and now it’s essentially a free-for-all, except for those people who get priority boarding and can skip the wait.
It’s not actually chaotic, but if you do show up earlier, you’ll probably find that the lines are longer, though it’ll depend on the port and whether more people are likely to be getting the coach, or flying in – if you’re there at 11, you might beat the bigger crowds!
If you are staying in a hotel near the port on the night before your cruise, you can make sure you’re one of the first people on the ship. Just remember that if you do turn up at 11 am or even sooner to queue, you might still be waiting a while, especially if the ship isn’t ready.
Blue lanes and green lanes explained
When you arrive at the port, there’ll be a couple of different lanes that you can use.
The blue lane is if you still need help with check-in, but you can skip that and have a much faster experience if you use the Princess Cruises app on your phone.
If you do all the check-in admin on the app before you reach the port, you can use the green lane, and you’ll get on the ship faster.
US passengers can only use the green lane if they’ve had the Medallion shipped to their home already. If you’ve done all the admin but need to pick up your Medallion, it’s the blue lane you need.
In the UK, nobody gets their Medallion shipped to them, so the green lane is for picking up the Medallion once the check-in stuff on the app is sorted.
There is a third lane too, which is an accessibility lane for anyone who needs help with mobility or other accessibility needs. If that’s you, you shouldn’t have to worry about being forced into a queue where you need to stand for a long time.
Don’t be late!
It’s really important that you make sure you know the check-in times for your ship. The all-aboard time is around one hour before the ship’s departure time. If you miss this, you won’t be allowed to board the ship, even if it hasn’t yet left port.
This is because the ship’s crew have some admin to do once all the passengers are on board before departure and must submit a manifest detailing the names of everyone on board to the port authority.
The ship will bar you from entering, and also, they won’t refund you because it’ll be your fault. Even if someone else makes you late, the cruise line will tell you that you should’ve planned extra time. So you’ll be watching the ship sail away without you, knowing you’ve lost the money (and insurance might not cover it too).
Don’t be late! It’s always best to travel the day before if you’ve got a long journey to make to get to port.
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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.
When you book a cruise with MSC Cruises, as well as deciding all the usual things such as which is the best ship, which cabin type to go for and whether to buy the drinks package, you’ll have an extra decision to make…
MSC Cruises offers three different ‘experiences’ which are named Bella, Fantastica and Aurea. Each has different benefits and a different price, so you can decide whether you want a budget-friendly cruise, or to pay a little more for lots of added extras.
If you’re trying to decide whether to go for the Bella experience, the Fantastica Experience or the Aurea experience for your next cruise, read on and I’ll help you to make the right decision based on your preferences…
We upgraded from Bella to Fantastica
MSC Cruises changed what’s included in the Bella, Fantastica and Aurea packages from 2023 onwards. This guide has all the latest info – some of the info you find from other sources may not be up to date.
Benefits
Bella
Fantastica
Aurea
Make changes to your booking
For a fee
Free once
Free once
Choose your own cabin
No
YES
YES
Free continental breakfast in your cabin
Delivery fee applies
Free
Free
Discounted drinks package when you book
Yes
YES
YES
Free delivery for room service (24-hour)
No
YES
YES
Access to the Thermal Area
No
No
YES
Welcome Prosecco & Chocolates
No
No
YES
Choose your dining time
No
No
YES
Access to the Top Exclusive Solarium
No
No
YES
Spa discounts
No
No
YES
Priority boarding & luggage drop-off
No
No
YES
Available in cabins
Balcony and below
All
Balcony and Suite
MSC Bella Experience
MSC Cruises’ Bella experience is the standard cruise package with no extra cost. You’ll get everything that you would expect on a cruise – accommodation, meals, entertainment and use of the kids’ clubs and leisure facilities.
The Bella experience includes the following…
Accommodation
With the Bella experience, you don’t get to choose your cabin, and it’ll be located somewhere in the less-desirable areas of the ship such as right at the front, right at the back or somewhere noisy like right above the nightclub.
If you choose a Bella balcony cabin, it may have a metal rail rather than glass, which means that you would have to stand up to enjoy the view. Bella balcony cabins sometimes have obstructed views or they may be in locations that are prone to being windy or shaded.
As you can see from the following photo, the Bella balconies have metal fronts, so if you have kids aged about six or under, they won’t be able to see out. This could make it more tempting for them to climb on furniture, so I’d avoid these balconies with young kids.
That said, not all Bella cabins are bad, some of them are actually just as good as Fantastica cabins. So check the deck plan before you decide.
If you want to change your Bella stateroom or your booking, you’ll be charged an admin fee.
When I stayed in this inside cabin we had the Bella experience
Food and drink
With MSC Cruises’ Bella experience, you’ll be able to dine in the buffet or one of the main dining rooms at no charge, as well as having the option to eat in the speciality restaurants for an extra fee if you wish.
You can submit a preference for an early or late sitting, but there’s no guarantee that your request will be met as the first choices are given to guests who have booked the Fantastica or Aurea packages.
You’ll also be able to book a drinks package with a discount when you book your cruise. If you don’t book it when you book the cruise, you won’t get the discount.
Activities
With the Bella experience, you’ll be able to use the ship’s pools, gym, sports facilities and see shows in the theatre at no charge. Your children can attend sessions in the kids club each day for no extra cost.
Loyalty points
Whichever experience you choose, you’ll earn MSC Voyagers Club points which will give you discounts and perks on future cruises.
Not available with suites…
You can select the Bella experience when you book any Interior, Ocean View or Balcony Cabin. You can’t select the Bella experience if you want to stay in a Suite.
MSC Fantastica Experience
The Fantastica experience is an upgrade to MSC Cruises’ standard package. For an extra cost, you’ll enjoy a range of perks such as a cabin in a better location, the first choice of dinner sittings and more flexible booking terms.
The Fantastica experience includes…
Accommodation
When you upgrade to the Fantastica experience, you get to choose your own cabin, and you’ll have more choices of where to book your room, but you still won’t be able to select from the most desirable areas of the ship – that’s reserved for Aurea.
The wider choice of accommodation means that you may have the option of a sofa bed for kids, rather than a Pullman bed.
Our Fantastica Balcony Room on MSC Virtuosa with sofa bed
If you make the wrong choice with your cabin, you’ll be able to change it for free. If MSC Cruises have to change your cabin number for operational reasons, they will give you an upgrade.
If you wish to change your cruise dates or destination, you’ll be able to do this once for free. However, you’ll need to do it at least one month before departure and the new date must be within three months of the original. You should also note that it doesn’t state that you’re allowed to change the ship, just the date and destination.
Food and drink
As well as dining in the buffet and main restaurants, if you choose MSC Cruises’ Fantastica experience you can also enjoy breakfast delivered to your cabin at no charge.
For a little while they did remove this benefit, but now it’s back.
If you choose the Fantastica experience, you’re allowed to request your preferred dining time, but it’s subject to availability. So you aren’t guaranteed it still.
And in 2022, another benefit was added for Fantastica guests so they now also get a 20% discount on a dedicated speciality restaurant pre-paid package.
Activities
Just the same as the Bella experience, you’ll be able to use the ship’s pools, gym, sports facilities and see shows in the theatre at no charge. There are no longer any extra activities like cooking classes and foreign language classes for kids staying in Fantastica accommodation.
Services
Last year, a photographer would circle around the main dining room on Mediterranean Night taking photos and you could collect a printed photo for free from the photo counter. This is no longer a perk for Fantastica guests so if you do want any photos, you’ll have to pay for them.
Loyalty points
Whichever experience you choose, you’ll earn MSC Voyagers Club points which will give you discounts and perks on future cruises.
Fantastica’s available with any cabin type
You can upgrade to the Fantastica experience when you book any cabin type, including Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite.
Bella Vs Fantastica – what’s the difference?
When you upgrade from Bella to Fantastica you will get:
Choice of cabin location
Free room service at breakfast time
Choice of dinner sittings (subject to availability)
Opportunity to change your cabin, cruise date or destination for free
The Aurea experience is MSC Cruises’ top package. For an extra cost, you’ll enjoy benefits like access to exclusive areas of the ship, priority boarding and discounted spa treatments. However, MSC Cruises no longer offers free drinks for Aurea guests.
The Aurea experience includes…
Accommodation
One of the main MSC Aurea benefits is that it lets you choose from the best locations for Balcony cabins and Suites. You’ll also get a bathrobe and slippers in your cabin, and a pillow menu so you can get the best night’s sleep.
Food and drink
In previous years, the main benefit of the Aurea package is that you would get a free Easy drink package. This would entitle you to free draught beer, house wines, selected spirits and cocktails, soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water and classic hot drinks.
You also get a ‘welcome package’ with prosecco and chocolates in your room on departure day.
The MSC Aurea experience also gives you the option to enjoy My Choice dining in a dedicated restaurant or area as well as a 20% discount on a prepaid speciality dining package. Plus you get free delivery on room service 24 hours a day, but you need to pay for the actual things you order (except for breakfast, which like Fantastica is free).
Activities
The Aurea experience gives adults access to an exclusive sundeck on your ship. You’ll also get a Wellbeing package which includes access to the Thermal Area of the spa throughout your cruise where you can visit the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
From 2022, Aurea guests will no longer receive the free ‘Well Being Package’. This did include a welcome cocktail in the spa, a private MediSpa doctor consultation, a 50-minute massage and a tanning booth session. Instead, you’ll now get a 40% discount on a dedicated spa prepaid package or a 10% discount on any other spa treatments.
Services
Aurea guests get priority boarding on embarkation day with luggage drop off. There’s no VIP line at guest services or any other priority treatment during your cruise.
Loyalty points
Whichever experience you choose, you’ll earn MSC Voyagers Club points which will give you discounts and perks on future cruises.
The sauna on MSC Seaview
Only available in the best rooms…
The MSC Aurea experience is only available for guests staying in Balcony cabins or Suites. If you want an Interior or Ocean View cabin, then you will have to choose either a Bella or Fantastica experience.
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Fantastica Vs Aurea – what’s the difference?
When you upgrade from Fantastica to Aurea you will get:
Choice of the best Balcony cabins and Suites
Welcome prosecco and chocolates
Pillow menu
Dining in a dedicated restaurant or area at flexible times
Access to Thermal Area of the spa and the Top Exclusive Solarium
Which MSC experience is best depends on how much value you place on each of the added extras and the cost of the upgrade.
The price to upgrade from Bella to Fantastica or Aurea varies from cruise to cruise and can also change over time. It also depends on the cabin type, so you might find that upgrading to Fantastica could cost £140 extra for an Inside cabin, but only £30 extra for an Ocean View cabin, as an example.
The price of upgraded experiences is payable per person, but it usually only applies to the adults in your cabin.
Are the Fantastica or Aurea Experiences Worth It?
On a seven-night cruise, let’s say that the Fantastica experience costs £50 per person extra and the Aurea experience costs around £100 per person extra (the actual prices may be different on your cruise)
So, you would need to look at the perks and decide if they are worth it for you…
MSC Fantastica perks:
Choice of cabin locations
Free room service at breakfast
Choice of dinner sittings (subject to availability)
20% discount on a prepaid speciality dining package
Flexibility to change your room, cruise date or destination
MSC Aurea perks:
All of the Fantastica perks
Welcome prosecco and chocolates
Pillow menu
Dining in a special area with flexible times
Access to Thermal Area of the spa and Top Exclusive Solarium
Discounted spa treatments
Priority boarding
MSC Cruises Perks That You Can No Longer Get (Removed in 2022)
Free drink package for Aurea guests
Free tanning booth and cocktail for Aurea guests
Free delivery of room service outside of breakfast time
Extra activities for kids
ZOE virtual assistant
Free photo
Here’s when you should upgrade
The Fantastica package can be worth it…
1. If you’re not happy with the choice of Bella cabins
Take a look at the cabins you’re offered with Bella. If you don’t like any of them, you should probably consider upgrading to Fantastica for more choice.
2. If your dining time is important
On MSC Cruises, the second dinner sitting usually starts at around 8.30 pm, meaning that your meal is unlikely to be finished until well after 10 pm, possibly as late as 11 pm. If you’re cruising with kids, you’re unlikely to find this to be acceptable.
While you can speak to the maître d on the first evening and request an earlier dining time, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to do this for you, even if you have young kids.
Choose Aurea if…
1. You hate fighting for sunloungers
On some MSC Cruises ships, you’ll find that other guests reserve sun loungers with towels all day. Which means that there aren’t enough loungers for everyone else. If you have access to the exclusive sun deck for Aurea guests, this should be less of an issue.
It’s important to note though, that kids aren’t allowed in the spa or the private sundeck. If you have kids with you, you’ll only be able to use these areas when your little ones are in the kids’ club. You need to be child-free to really make the most of the Aurea experience.
2. You like to dine at different times each day
One day you might like to dine at 6 pm right after your excursion, another you might like to lay in the sun until 8 pm, get ready for an hour and then eat at 9p m. The Aurea package allows you to do this with the flexible dining option.
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To conclude
If you’re cruising on a budget, the Bella experience will be the best one for you. However, depending on your circumstances and the cost, it might be worth upgrading to Fantastica or Aurea.
If you’ve not cruised with MSC Cruises before, I’d recommend that you read my next article ‘Why Are MSC Cruises So Cheap?‘ to get an understanding of how MSC Cruises compares to other, more expensive cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises.
If you want special treatment on your cruise above and beyond what you get from Aurea, I recommend that you look into the MSC Yacht Club instead.
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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.
Princess suite benefits now come in three main levels. A Reserve Collection mini-suite (the tier Princess used to call Club Class) gets you a bigger room plus Reserve dining and a few small extras. A full suite adds free laundry, a free specialty breakfast and embarkation-night dinner, priority everything and, on many ships, a lounge. The Sanctuary Collection, on Sun Princess and Star Princess now and on five Royal-class ships from 2027, bundles the Princess Premier package with a private club, a private restaurant and a dedicated suite manager.
The names have changed a lot over the past few years, so plenty of older guides still use labels Princess no longer sells. This guide sets out what each tier includes as of late 2026, where the perks differ from ship to ship, and how to choose. Perks do change, so check the details for your sailing on princess.com before you book.
Princess suite benefits at a glance
Princess sorts its premium cabins into three groups:
Mini-suites are roughly 300 to 330 sq ft including the balcony, with a separate seating area and sofa bed. Most are sold as Reserve Collection mini-suites, which come with dining and priority perks.
Full suites range from Vista, Window and Premium suites up to Penthouse, Owner’s and Grand suites. On most of the fleet they carry the Reserve Collection suite benefits.
Sanctuary Collection is a ship-within-a-ship that includes selected suites, mini-suites, balconies and (on Royal Princess) new oceanview cabins. Every Sanctuary fare includes Princess Premier.
Perk
Reserve mini-suite
Full suite (Reserve)
Sanctuary Collection suite
Separate seating area and sofa bed
Yes
Yes, larger
Yes, larger
Reserve dining area in main dining room
Yes
Yes
Private Sanctuary Restaurant instead
Wine on embarkation day
One bottle
Full mini-bar setup
Mini-bar setup
Evening canapés on request
Yes
Yes
Yes
Priority boarding and disembarkation
Yes
Yes, plus tender priority
Yes
Free laundry and pressing
No
Yes
Yes
Free specialty restaurant breakfast
No
Yes, daily
Yes
Free specialty dinner on embarkation day
No
Yes (cruises of 6+ nights)
Covered by Premier dining
Suite or concierge lounge
No
Ship-dependent
Yes (two-storey Signature Suite Lounge on Sun and Star)
Princess Premier package
No (extra cost)
No (extra cost)
Included
Private pool club
No
No
Sanctuary Club
Sanctuary mini-suites and balconies get Premier, the Sanctuary Club and the Sanctuary Restaurant too. The suite lounge and suite experience manager are kept for full suites.
Mini-suite perks and the Reserve Collection (formerly Club Class)
If you have seen “Club Class mini-suite” on an old booking or forum thread, it is the same product as today’s Reserve Collection mini-suite. Princess’s own Reserve Collection FAQ says only the name changed and the services stayed the same. Reserve Collection can’t be added to a standard cabin. It comes only with a qualifying mini-suite or a full suite.
The room
Separate seating area with a sofa bed, plus a balcony with patio furniture
Princess Luxury Bed, plush duvets and cotton towels
Two flat-panel TVs and, on most ships, a walk-in closet
Bathroom with a combined tub and shower (accessible mini-suites have a shower only)
Upgraded bathrobes
The extras
Priority boarding and disembarkation at the start and end of the cruise
Reserve Collection Dining: a separate section of the main dining room with its own entrance (varies by ship), quick seating, no reservation needed, dedicated waiters and extra dishes such as a daily chef’s special. It is open for dinner nightly and for breakfast and lunch on sea days.
A one-time wine setup with one full bottle on embarkation day, and a welcome glass of bubbly on the first night
Premium canapés and fresh fruit delivered on request
Priority reservations for specialty restaurants
Mini-suite guests don’t get free laundry, a free specialty breakfast or lounge access. Those stay with full suites. For a cabin-by-cabin look at where mini-suites sit on one popular ship, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Ruby Princess.
Full suites add more living space and a larger balcony. Photo: Jan van der Wolf on Pexels
Full suite benefits on Princess Cruises
Full suites (Vista, Window, Premium, Penthouse, Owner’s and Grand, depending on the ship) get everything a Reserve mini-suite gets, plus a longer list of services. Princess’s suite materials list:
More space. Royal-class suites run from about 440 to 682 sq ft with balconies of 83 to 338 sq ft. The largest suites in the fleet are bigger still.
Free laundry, pressing and shoe polishing. On a cruise of a week or more, many suite guests rate this the most useful perk.
Free breakfast in a specialty restaurant every morning, often Sabatini’s, depending on the ship.
A free specialty dinner on embarkation day on cruises of six nights or more.
A mini-bar setup on embarkation day, also on voyages of six nights or more.
Priority at almost every step: boarding, tender tickets, guest services, shore excursion and specialty dining bookings, and a disembarkation lounge on the last morning.
Lounge access where the ship has one. Royal-class and newer ships have a dedicated suite or concierge lounge, but some older ships don’t.
In-room extras such as upgraded linens and towels, a better showerhead, upgraded turndown, an embarkation fruit bowl, afternoon tea on request and an expanded room service menu.
Thermal suite access at the Lotus Spa on selected older ships. Princess’s suite flyer has named Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, Coral and Island Princess.
Some of these perks have depended on the ship and the itinerary for years. A suite on an older ship without a lounge is a different experience from one on a Royal-class ship with a concierge team. If lounge access matters to you, check your ship before you book.
Sky Suites
Sky Suites are the largest suites Princess sells, with only two per ship. Princess’s suites page lists them on Discovery, Enchanted and Sky Princess, where they sit at the top of the ship. Princess lists up to 1,800+ sq ft for the largest configuration, a balcony of around 700 sq ft (the biggest in the fleet), 270-degree views and space for up to five people. Guests can also watch Movies Under the Stars from their own balcony. Princess’s Sanctuary Collection pages say Sky Suites will be part of Sanctuary as it rolls out, with a shoreside concierge added, so Sky Suites on those three ships are expected to include Premier once Sanctuary arrives in 2027. They are booked months ahead, so reserve early if you want one.
Sanctuary Collection: Princess’s top suite tier
The Sanctuary Collection launched on Sun Princess in 2024 and is also on Star Princess. Reports say it replaced the Signature Collection branding (and Reserve for suites) on those Sphere-class ships. You will still see “Signature” in the name of the Signature Suite and the Signature Suite Lounge. For a deck-by-deck view of where these cabins sit, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Sun Princess.
Every Sanctuary Collection booking includes:
Princess Premier, which covers specialty and casual dining, unlimited premium drinks and fine wine, multi-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi, reserved theatre seating, crew appreciation and a shore excursion credit of up to $300 depending on cruise length. Princess values Premier at about $90 per person per day, though the price you’d pay to add it varies by market and date.
The Sanctuary Club, an adults-only area on the top deck with a bar, a pool, a custom menu and cabanas (cabanas may cost extra)
The Sanctuary Restaurant, kept for Sanctuary guests, with walk-in dining and a chef’s menu
Sanctuary suites also add a suite experience manager, access to the Signature Suite Lounge, an in-room Lavazza coffee machine, a mini-bar setup and priority disembarkation.
Sanctuary Collection rollout to Royal-class ships
In October 2026 Princess began adding the Sanctuary Collection to five Royal-class ships. Each ship goes on sale first, and the experience starts onboard several months later:
Ship
On sale from
First Sanctuary sailing
Royal Princess
22 Oct 2026
4 Jan 2027
Regal Princess
5 Nov 2026
17 Apr 2027
Discovery Princess
4 Dec 2026
24 Apr 2027
Sky Princess
10 Dec 2026
29 May 2027
Enchanted Princess
17 Dec 2026
12 Jun 2027
On these ships, the former Retreat pool area becomes the Sanctuary Club and part of the main dining room becomes the Sanctuary Restaurant. Royal Princess left a Singapore dry dock at the end of October 2026 with the new spaces. According to cruise news reports, Royal Princess guests who booked Reserve Collection before 22 October 2026 get the Sanctuary experience but not the Premier package. Some cabin categories on these five ships are moving into Sanctuary, so the perks attached to a given cabin number may change. Check the current category for your cabin, especially if you’re looking at Sky Princess (see our note on Sky Princess cabins to avoid).
Sanctuary guests get their own top-deck club and pool. Photo: alleksana on Pexels
Which Princess cruise suite should you choose?
The right tier depends on what you would otherwise pay for:
Choose a Reserve mini-suite if you mainly want more space, a tub, quicker dinners without booking and a few small extras. The price gap over a balcony is often modest, and on many sailings this is the best value per dollar.
Choose a full suite on a cruise of a week or longer, especially on a Royal-class ship with a lounge. Free laundry, a daily specialty breakfast and the embarkation dinner add up, and priority tendering saves real time in tender ports.
Choose Sanctuary if you would buy Princess Premier anyway. If you were going to pay for drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining, having them included makes the higher fare easier to justify, and you also get a quieter pool area. Light drinkers who rarely use specialty restaurants may find a Reserve suite better value.
Is the old Club Class (Reserve) mini-suite worth it?
For most couples on a seven-night cruise, yes, if the fare difference over a standard balcony is small. Reserve dining saves you queues and reservations every night, and the extra seating area makes a real difference on sea days. If you prefer to eat in specialty restaurants most nights, or you want free laundry, you’re better off putting the extra money towards a full suite.
A cost check most guides skip
Before you compare fares, add up what each tier would save you. Take the Premier package value (Princess quotes about $90 per person per day) and multiply it by your nights and the number of guests. Then add laundry and any specialty meals you’d book anyway. On a 10-night cruise for two, Premier alone is worth around $1,800 at that rate. If a Sanctuary cabin costs less than that over a Reserve cabin with a similar view, the Sanctuary fare is likely the better deal. Look at current cruise deals for 2027 too, because suite promotions often change the sums.
A Sanctuary suite is a full suite in Princess’s Sanctuary Collection. It includes the Princess Premier package, access to the Sanctuary Club and Sanctuary Restaurant, a suite experience manager, Signature Suite Lounge access and an in-room Lavazza coffee machine. It is on Sun and Star Princess now and comes to five Royal-class ships in 2027.
Is Club Class still offered on Princess?
Not under that name. Club Class was renamed Reserve Collection, and Princess says the services are the same. Reserve mini-suite guests get priority boarding, Reserve dining, a bottle of wine on embarkation day and canapés on request.
Do Princess suites include the drinks package?
Only Sanctuary Collection bookings include Princess Premier, which covers drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining. Standard Reserve suites and mini-suites don’t include a package, so you buy Princess Plus or Premier separately.
Do Princess mini-suites get free laundry?
No. Free laundry and pressing are full-suite benefits. Mini-suite guests pay for laundry or use the self-service launderettes.
Which Princess ships have a suite lounge?
Royal-class ships and Sun and Star Princess have dedicated suite lounges. Some older ships don’t, so check your ship’s suite details before you book if lounge access matters to you.
Explora Journeys, the new luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group has announced its partnership with American Express Cruise Privileges Program (CPP). The partnership officially begins globally on May 23, 2024.
As the newest partner to join American Express’ Cruise Privileges Program, Explora Journeys is set to provide exclusive cruise program benefits for both Platinum and Centurion American Express cardholders on all journeys on reservations made through an American Express Travel Professional or an Independent Agency. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone in enhancing the travel experience for American Express card members.
American Express
Explora Journeys will offer the following exclusive amenities for American Express cardholders as part of the CPP:
CPP Platinum Amenity*: 300 EUR ($325) Journey Experience Credit (JEC), One (1) extra Membership Reward® point per eligible dollar spent, and an exclusive welcome amenity in suite.
CPP Centurion Amenity**: 500 EUR ($543) Journey Experience Credit (JEC), One (1) extra Membership Reward® point per eligible dollar spent, and an exclusive welcome amenity in suite.
To celebrate Explora Journeys’ partnership with American Express, the brand is rolling out an exclusive promotion for cardholders from May 23 to July 31. During this time, cardholders will enjoy a special offer available in all participating markets, including a unique JEC component, which, when combined with American Express CPP benefits, guarantees even more rewards for our guests.
“We are excited to join forces with American Express and participate in the Cruise Privileges Program,” said Chris Austin, President, North America at Explora Journeys. “American Express has crafted an exceptional premium brand that closely resonates with the Explora Journeys clientele. Our goal is to offer unmatched experiences to our guests, and this collaboration enables us to offer even more benefits to cardholders.”
Explora Journeys is one of the few cruise lines participating in the American Express Cruise Privileges Program that offers amenities for both Platinum and Centurion card members. Currently, the program includes 15 cruise lines, with Explora Journeys being the latest addition. American Express global markets activated by this partnership include, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States including its territories and possessions.
MSC Cruises has announced an exciting expansion of its kids and family programmes, set to debut for the summer 2024 itineraries.
This enhancement includes a variety of new entertainment options and services designed to create unforgettable experiences for families.
From extended hours for kids’ clubs to new family game shows and marine conservation initiatives, MSC Cruises is committed to providing a memorable holiday for all ages.
At the heart of our business is family. We love creating unforgettable memories and holidays for everyone, especially for families. That’s why we proudly offer a fleetwide family program of entertainment and activities that resonates with our valued guests.”
Steve Leatham, global head of entertainment at MSC Cruises
One of the exciting new additions for summer 2024 is the “Doremiland Open House and Party.”
This initiative allows parents to spend quality time with their children in the kids’ clubs. During designated time slots each day, all Doremiland areas will be open for families to explore together.
In addition to the open house, MSC Cruises will host a big family party once per cruise. This event is designed for parents and kids to engage in fun activities and play together.
To accommodate the needs of families, MSC Cruises has extended the hours of its teens’ clubs.
This allows parents to enjoy some adult-only time while knowing that their children are in a safe and entertaining environment. The new hours will be 10 am to 1 pm and 3pm to midnight on sea days, and 3pm to midnight on port days.
Perhaps the biggest change is the fact that the Baby Club Chicco – the kids club for those under 2 – will now offer baby care services for children as young as six months.
Previously only children aged 1 and over would be cared for by staff while parents explored the ship. Now babies will be able to engage with Chicco toys and have naptime either in the baby club or in your own stateroom (with staff supervision at an extra charge).
Other changes include:
New marine conservation activities created in collaboration with the MSC Foundation, so that kids can learn about sustainable initiatives
The MSC Dance Crew competition returns, in partnership with Fremantle (the production company behind The X Factor and Got Talent TV shows)
Guinness World Record quiz activities will be rolled out to the following ships: MSC World Europa, MSC Euribia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Magnifica, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa
Two new family game shows will be available for guests to take part in. World Quest will be a geography-based trivia game, and Caravaggio is a spy-themed game show with art-based challenges
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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.
Celebrity cruise ships ranked from best to worst usually follow ship age and class: the five Edge-class ships (led by the brand-new Celebrity Xcel) sit at the top, the five Solstice-class ships fill the middle, and the four Millennium-class ships, built in 2000-2002, come last. Celebrity Flora, the line’s only Galápagos expedition ship, is in a category of its own and is the best choice if wildlife is the point of your trip.
Below we rank all 14 of Celebrity’s ocean ships for 2026-27 sailings, explain what separates each class, and show which ship suits which kind of traveller. Rather than a single score, the order is based on clear, checkable criteria, set out first so you can weigh them yourself.
How we ranked the Celebrity fleet
No single review score is reliable across every ship, so we used four practical factors that shape your cruise:
Age and class: newer classes have bigger balconies, more dining venues and more modern cabins.
Refurbishment status: whether a ship has had Celebrity’s multi-year “Revolution” refit, which updated cabins, suites and public rooms to look more like the Edge class.
Venues and choice: the number of restaurants, bars and signature spaces such as the Magic Carpet, the Lawn Club or a Retreat suite area.
Space and crowding: guest numbers against the size of the ship, and how busy the pool and buffet areas tend to feel.
Outside rankings point the same way. U.S. News Travel’s 2026 list of Celebrity ships, built from reviews and health inspection results, puts Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond joint first. Celebrity’s own fleet page describes the Edge series as its flagship ships. Keep in mind that the gaps between ships within a class are small. A well-priced Solstice-class cruise on the right itinerary can be a better holiday than an expensive Edge-class sailing you don’t really want.
Celebrity cruise ships ranked: summary table
Rank
Ship
Class
Entered service
Approx. guests (double)
Best for
1
Celebrity Xcel
Edge
2025
3,260
Newest venues, first-timers who want the latest
2
Celebrity Ascent
Edge
2023
3,260
Europe and Caribbean, couples
3
Celebrity Beyond
Edge
2022
3,260
Families, pool and deck space
4
Celebrity Apex
Edge
2021
2,910
Edge features with slightly fewer guests
5
Celebrity Edge
Edge
2018
2,918
Edge design, often at lower fares
6
Celebrity Reflection
Solstice
2012
3,046
Most cabin choice in the Solstice class
7
Celebrity Silhouette
Solstice
2011
2,886
Updated Solstice ship, Revolution in 2020
8
Celebrity Equinox
Solstice
2009
2,850
Caribbean value, Revolution in 2019
9
Celebrity Eclipse
Solstice
2010
2,850
Longer and repositioning voyages
10
Celebrity Solstice
Solstice
2008
2,850
Alaska, Australia and Pacific routes
11
Celebrity Summit
Millennium
2001
2,218
Port-heavy itineraries, smaller ship feel
12
Celebrity Millennium
Millennium
2000
2,218
Asia and Alaska routes, quieter cruising
13
Celebrity Constellation
Millennium
2002
2,170
Classic, relaxed Europe cruising
14
Celebrity Infinity
Millennium
2001
2,170
Budget-minded port-focused voyages
Own category
Celebrity Flora
Expedition
2019
100
Galápagos wildlife expeditions
Guest figures are approximate double-occupancy numbers and can vary slightly between sources. Deployments change each season, so check the current itinerary on Celebrity’s official ships page before you book.
Newer ship classes offer more balcony cabins and bigger outdoor spaces. Photo: Ksu&Eli Studio on Pexels
Edge class: the best Celebrity cruise ships
If you are asking which is the best Celebrity cruise ship, the answer is almost always one of the Edge class. These ships introduced Infinite Verandas (a balcony that becomes part of the cabin at the touch of a button), the cantilevered Magic Carpet platform, the Rooftop Garden, a resort-style pool deck and a large Retreat area for suite guests.
1. Celebrity Xcel (2025): the newest Celebrity ship
Xcel is the newest Celebrity ship. It began preview sailings in November 2025 and was named at Port Everglades on 16 November 2025. It builds on Ascent’s layout but replaces Eden with The Bazaar, a destination-themed space, and adds the IYKYK speakeasy-style bar, the Attic games area at The Club, a Hydra Room thermal spa space and Bora in place of the Rooftop Garden restaurant. It also has the line’s first tri-fuel-capable engine. If you are thinking about cabins, see our guide to Celebrity Xcel cabins to avoid.
2. Celebrity Ascent (2023)
Ascent has the lengthened hull of the later Edge ships, an expanded Sunset Bar and larger pool and Retreat areas. It offers almost everything Xcel does, and fares are often a little lower now that Xcel is the newer ship.
3. Celebrity Beyond (2022)
Beyond was the first of the longer Edge ships, and it brought in the two-level Sunset Bar and Le Voyage restaurant. Its larger Resort Deck makes it a strong pick for families and anyone who spends sea days by the pool.
4. Celebrity Apex (2021)
Apex shares the original Edge-class size and layout, so it carries a few hundred fewer guests than Beyond, Ascent and Xcel. It ranks highly in guest-review-based lists, including the U.S. News 2026 list, and for many cruisers that slightly smaller scale is a plus.
5. Celebrity Edge (2018)
The ship that started the class still has every core Edge feature. It ranks fifth only because it is the oldest and lacks the later additions. It is often the best-value way to try the Edge design. Read about Celebrity Edge cabins to avoid before choosing a stateroom.
Solstice class: the strong middle of the fleet
The five Solstice-class ships (2008-2012) introduced Celebrity’s real-grass Lawn Club, a glass-blowing show and a high proportion of balcony cabins. They feel more traditional than the Edge ships but are spacious and have a wide choice of restaurants. They also sail many of Celebrity’s longer and more varied itineraries.
6. Celebrity Reflection (2012)
The youngest and largest of the class, with an extra deck of cabins and suites. It had a drydock refresh in 2023, which helps keep it at the top of this group.
7. Celebrity Silhouette (2011)
Silhouette received the full Revolution refit in 2020, with redesigned cabins and suites and a new Retreat lounge, so its rooms feel newer than its age suggests.
8. Celebrity Equinox (2009)
Equinox completed its Revolution refit in 2019. It is a popular Caribbean ship and a good value alternative to the Edge class from Florida.
9. Celebrity Eclipse (2010)
A sister to Equinox that is well liked for longer voyages and repositioning cruises. Its Revolution refit was postponed, so check the most recent drydock updates if a modern cabin matters to you.
10. Celebrity Solstice (2008)
The class original, often based in Alaska and the South Pacific. It has the same Lawn Club and balcony-heavy layout, but it is the oldest of the five and was not among the first ships to get the Revolution refit.
Millennium class: older, smaller, port-focused
The four Millennium-class ships (2000-2002) are the oldest in the fleet and hold roughly 2,200 guests. Standard cabins and bathrooms are smaller, and some balconies are narrow. They do have advantages: they fit into smaller ports, their atmosphere is calmer, and they often run interesting itineraries in Asia, Alaska, Europe and the southern Caribbean at lower fares.
11. Celebrity Summit (2001)
Summit was one of the first ships to get the Revolution refit in 2019, which updated its cabins and suites. That puts it at the top of its class.
12. Celebrity Millennium (2000)
Millennium was the first ship to get the Revolution refit, in February 2019. It ranks below Summit only because it is the oldest ship in the fleet.
13. Celebrity Constellation (2002)
Constellation was “Solsticized” with Solstice-class features in the 2010s, and some sources report a more recent refresh. However, it has not been confirmed as having the full Revolution refit, which keeps it lower in the order. Check recent drydock news before you book.
14. Celebrity Infinity (2001)
Infinity received Solstice-style upgrades in 2015 and a routine technical drydock in Marseille in January 2026. It is the smallest of the class, has not had the full Revolution refit, and has the fewest dining choices, so it comes last here. Choose it for the itinerary rather than the ship itself. For more on what to expect on these older ships, our guide to Celebrity Millennium cabins to avoid covers the class layout.
The Galápagos Islands are home to wildlife found nowhere else. Photo: Lloyd Douglas on Pexels
Celebrity Flora: the Galápagos expedition ship
Celebrity Flora (2019) carries just 100 guests in all-suite accommodation and sails year-round in the Galápagos. Naturalist guides, Zodiac landings and an itinerary built around wildlife make it a different kind of cruise, so ranking it against 3,000-guest ships would not be fair. If the Galápagos is on your list, it is the obvious Celebrity choice.
Older articles may still list Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Xploration. Both ships left the fleet in January 2025 after being sold to Lindblad Expeditions, which now runs them as National Geographic Gemini and National Geographic Delfina. Flora is now Celebrity’s only Galápagos ship.
Newest Celebrity ships coming next
A sixth Edge-class ship, Celebrity Xcite, is under construction. Steel was cut in October 2025 and delivery is expected in 2028. Celebrity is also starting a separate river brand. Celebrity River Cruises plans to begin with Celebrity Compass on the Rhine in August 2027, followed by Celebrity Seeker. Each river ship will carry up to about 180 guests, and around 20 ships are planned by 2031. These are a very different product, so we have not included them in the ocean-ship ranking above.
Which Celebrity ship should you choose?
Something most rankings skip is that the ship matters less than the cabin category and itinerary. A few quick rules of thumb:
Want the newest experience? Book Xcel or Ascent, and expect to pay for it.
Want Edge style at a lower price? Look at Edge or Apex, which often cost less than the newest ships on similar routes.
Want a big balcony cabin on a longer voyage? A Solstice-class ship such as Reflection or Silhouette is often good value.
Want unusual ports? The Millennium-class ships go to places the larger ships can’t reach. Pick these for where they go, not for the facilities.
Thinking of upgrading? Spa-focused AquaClass cabins can make an older ship feel more special. See our view on whether Celebrity AquaClass is worth it.
Whichever ship you choose, prices for the same ship can vary a lot by sailing date. If you are flexible, compare several dates and ships before you commit.
If the onboard casino matters to you, our ranking of the best casino cruise ships compares casino size, games and gambling ages by line.
FAQs
What is the best Celebrity cruise ship?
For most travellers it is one of the Edge-class ships. Celebrity Xcel is the newest, while Apex and Beyond were joint first in U.S. News Travel’s 2026 Celebrity ranking. For the Galápagos, Celebrity Flora is the clear choice.
What is the newest Celebrity ship?
Celebrity Xcel, which began sailing in November 2025. The next ocean ship, Celebrity Xcite, is expected in 2028, and the first river ship, Celebrity Compass, is due in August 2027.
Which is the oldest Celebrity cruise ship?
Celebrity Millennium, which entered service in 2000. It is the lead ship of the Millennium class, alongside Infinity, Summit and Constellation.
What is the passenger capacity of Celebrity Cruises ships?
About 100 guests on Celebrity Flora, roughly 2,170 to 2,220 on Millennium-class ships, about 2,850 to 3,050 on Solstice-class ships and up to about 3,260 (double occupancy) on the larger Edge-class ships.
Which is nicer, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?
Celebrity is Royal Caribbean Group’s more upscale brand. It has a calmer, more adult atmosphere, better-rated dining and fewer thrill attractions. Royal Caribbean suits families who want water slides and big shows, and Celebrity suits couples and travellers who want a more refined experience.
With Princess cruise ships ranked by class, the order is simple: the two Sphere-class ships (Star Princess and Sun Princess) come first, the six Royal-class ships follow, and the older Grand-class, Gem-class and Coral-class ships fill out the bottom half. That ranking is based on age, size and signature features rather than invented review scores, and “bottom of the list” still means a well-run ship that suits some cruisers better than the newest ones.
Princess has 17 ships in service as of November 2026, and no ship has been announced as leaving the fleet. Below you’ll find the full ranking, a comparison table with build year, tonnage and guest numbers, where each ship is sailing in the 2026-27 season, and how to pick the right one for your trip.
How we ranked the Princess fleet
Every Princess ship shares the same core product: MedallionClass technology, the adults-only Sanctuary area, Movies Under the Stars, and similar menus in the main dining rooms. What really changes from ship to ship is the hardware. So instead of mixing in anonymous reviews, this ranking uses things you can check yourself:
Class and design generation. Ships in the same class share a layout, so they rank together.
Age. Newer ships generally have more balcony cabins, newer bathrooms and more dining choice. Our guide to whether a cruise ship’s age really matters explains when an older ship is still a smart pick.
Signature features. Things like The Dome on the Sphere class, the glass-floored SeaWalk on the Royal class, and the Panama Canal-friendly size of the Coral class.
Size and atmosphere. Bigger isn’t automatically better, so we note where a smaller ship has a real advantage.
Specs below come from Princess’s own fleet fact sheets. Princess rounds tonnage differently in different documents (for example, the Sphere-class ships are listed at both 175,500 and about 177,800 gross tons), so treat these as close guides rather than exact measurements.
Princess cruise ships ranked: full table
Rank
Ship
Class
In service
Gross tons
Guests (lower berths)
1
Star Princess
Sphere
2025
~177,800
4,300
2
Sun Princess
Sphere
2024
~177,800
4,300
3
Discovery Princess
Royal
2022
145,000
3,660
4
Enchanted Princess
Royal
2020
144,650
3,660
5
Sky Princess
Royal
2019
144,650
3,660
6
Majestic Princess
Royal
2017
143,700
3,560
7
Regal Princess
Royal
2014
142,229
3,560
8
Royal Princess
Royal
2013
142,229
3,560
9
Ruby Princess
Grand
2008
113,561
3,080
10
Emerald Princess
Grand
2007
113,561
3,090
11
Crown Princess
Grand
2006
113,561
3,090
12
Caribbean Princess
Grand
2004
112,894
3,140
13
Diamond Princess
Gem (Grand variant)
2004
115,875
2,710
14
Sapphire Princess
Gem (Grand variant)
2004
115,875
2,680
15
Island Princess
Coral
2003
92,822
2,210
16
Coral Princess
Coral
2003
91,627
2,000
17
Grand Princess
Grand
1998
107,517
2,610
Within each class, the newer ship ranks higher because later sisters usually get small upgrades. Enchanted Princess was delivered in 2020 but didn’t carry guests until cruising restarted, so it is still one of the line’s newest ships in practice.
1-2. Sphere class: the best Princess cruise ships right now
If you simply want the best Princess cruise ships available today, book one of the Sphere-class pair. They are the largest and newest ships in the fleet, and the first Princess ships to run mainly on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
1. Star Princess (2025)
Star Princess began sailing on October 4, 2025, with a Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. It carries 4,300 guests across 2,157 cabins, and more than 1,000 of those cabins have balconies. Its headline spaces are shared with Sun Princess: The Dome, a glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship with a pool and a stage, and the Sphere, the suspended structure that gives the class its name and extends the central Piazza.
Star Princess edges ahead of its sister because Princess added extras based on the first ship. According to Princess, these include a SkyDeck sports court for pickleball and basketball, a Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool, a splash pad, more dining venues and a non-smoking casino area. Specialty restaurants include Makoto Ocean, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, Umai Teppanyaki and The Catch by Rudi (extra charges apply).
2. Sun Princess (2024)
Sun Princess launched the class in February 2024 and has the same basic layout, size and capacity as Star Princess. It moved to Florida for Caribbean sailings in late 2024, and some restaurants were rearranged for that move. If you find a better fare or itinerary on Sun Princess, you aren’t giving up much by picking it over Star.
Good to know: the Sphere-class ships are the biggest in the fleet, so expect more people at peak times. If a quieter, classic Princess feel is what you’re after, a Royal-class ship may suit you better.
Balcony cabins make up a large share of the newer Princess ships. Photo: Rov Camato on Pexels
3-8. Royal class: the sweet spot for most cruisers
The six Royal-class ships were built by Fincantieri between 2013 and 2022. They all carry around 3,560 to 3,660 guests and share the features many regular Princess passengers love: the Italian-style Piazza atrium, the glass-floored SeaWalk that juts out over the side of the ship, a large Movies Under the Stars screen, The Sanctuary and the Lotus Spa. Most cabins on these ships have balconies.
3. Discovery Princess (2022)
The sixth and final Royal-class ship, Discovery Princess, made its U.S. debut from Los Angeles in March 2022. Like its two predecessors, it has the two Sky Suites, which Princess describes as having the largest balconies at sea. Being the newest of the class, it also has the most recent fit-out.
4. Enchanted Princess (2020)
Nearly identical to Discovery Princess in size and layout, with the same 3,660-guest capacity. It is one of the main Caribbean ships for the 2026-27 winter season.
5. Sky Princess (2019)
Sky Princess was the ship that introduced the Sky Suites and the updated version of the Royal-class design that Enchanted and Discovery followed. It’s a strong choice if you want a modern Princess ship without paying Sphere-class prices.
6. Majestic Princess (2017)
Majestic Princess was first designed for the Chinese market and now sails worldwide. For winter 2026-27 it is scheduled for South America and Antarctica, after Princess canceled its planned Galveston season. Its slightly smaller capacity than the later three ships is barely noticeable on board.
7. Regal Princess (2014) and 8. Royal Princess (2013)
The first two Royal-class ships introduced the SeaWalk and today’s Piazza design. They lack the Sky Suites and some newer touches, but they still offer more balconies and a more modern layout than any Grand-class ship. Royal Princess spends winter 2026-27 in Australia and New Zealand, while Regal Princess sails the Caribbean.
9-14. Grand and Gem class: older ships with good value
The Grand-class design dates back to Grand Princess in 1998. The later ships (Caribbean, Crown, Emerald and Ruby) were stretched or updated versions, and Diamond and Sapphire Princess, built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are often called the Gem class. These ships are smaller, have fewer balcony cabins and offer fewer specialty restaurants than the Royal class. On the other hand, they often cost less and many cruisers find them easier to get around.
9. Ruby Princess (2008): The newest of the Grand-class ships. It is based on the U.S. West Coast for 2026-27, with Mexico and Hawaii sailings from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
10. Emerald Princess (2007): A sister of Ruby and Crown, also on the West Coast and Hawaii for winter 2026-27.
11. Crown Princess (2006): The first of these three sisters and a Caribbean ship for the 2026-27 winter.
12. Caribbean Princess (2004): It carries the most guests of the Grand-class ships (3,140) on a slightly smaller hull, so it can feel busier. It is also scheduled for the Caribbean in winter 2026-27.
13. Diamond Princess (2004): It has a Japanese-style public bath and is based in Asia for winter 2026-27, sailing from Japan and Singapore.
14. Sapphire Princess (2004): The sister of Diamond Princess. It switched its registry to Bermuda for 2025-26 and joins Diamond in Asia for winter 2026-27. There have been no announcements that it is leaving the fleet.
Smaller Coral-class ships fit through the original Panama Canal locks. Photo: Edwin Stanley Portillo Rodriguez on Pexels
15-17. Coral class and Grand Princess: smaller and oldest
15. Island Princess (2003) and 16. Coral Princess (2003)
At around 2,000 to 2,200 guests and roughly 92,000 tons, these are the smallest ships Princess runs. They were built narrow enough for the original Panama Canal locks. That’s why Island Princess is scheduled for full Panama Canal transits in winter 2026-27, and why Coral Princess is often used for long voyages and world cruises. They rank low because of their age and limited choice compared with the newer ships. But if your priority is the itinerary, a smaller ship and a quieter atmosphere, they can be the best pick for you.
17. Grand Princess (1998)
Grand Princess is the oldest ship in the fleet and was one of the largest ships in the world when it was built. It has been refurbished several times, but its layout and cabins are the oldest on offer, so it ranks last here. It is based in Australia and New Zealand for 2026-27, and fares on older ships are often lower than on newer ones.
Princess ships by age: what’s coming next
For a list of Princess ships by age, start at the bottom of the table above and work upward: Grand Princess (1998) is the oldest, followed by the 2003 Coral-class pair and the three 2004 ships. Star Princess (2025) is the newest Princess cruise ship.
No new Princess ship will arrive until well into the 2030s. In April 2026, Princess ordered three Voyager-class ships from Fincantieri. Each will be about 183,000 gross tons and carry about 4,700 guests, with deliveries planned for late 2035, 2038 and 2039. Princess says they will build on the Sphere-class design and run mainly on LNG. Until then, the Sphere-class pair will stay at the top of any ranking.
Which Princess ship is best for your trip?
The table below shows where each ship is scheduled for the 2026-27 winter season, based on Princess’s announced deployment. Check the current schedule on Princess’s official ships page before you book, because plans can change.
Region (winter 2026-27)
Ships
Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Juan)
Star Princess (2025) is the newest and most feature-packed Princess ship, closely followed by its sister Sun Princess (2024). If you want a newer ship with a more traditional Princess feel, Discovery, Enchanted and Sky Princess are the top Royal-class choices.
What is the oldest Princess cruise ship?
Grand Princess, which entered service in 1998, is the oldest ship in the Princess fleet. It is scheduled to sail from Australia and New Zealand in the 2026-27 season.
What is the newest Princess cruise ship?
Star Princess, which debuted in October 2025, is the newest Princess ship. The next new ships are three Voyager-class ships, ordered in April 2026, with the first due in late 2035.
How many ships does Princess Cruises have?
Princess has 17 ships as of November 2026: two Sphere-class, six Royal-class, seven Grand and Gem-class ships, and two Coral-class ships.
Is Princess a low-end cruise line?
No. Princess is a mainstream premium line. It is generally more relaxed and refined than budget-focused lines, but it isn’t a luxury line in the way small-ship brands such as Regent or Silversea are.
To get a job on a cruise ship, choose a role that fits your background, apply through the official careers site of a cruise line or one of its authorized hiring partners, pass the interview, then complete your medical, safety training and visa paperwork. You usually need to be at least 18 (21 to serve alcohol), hold a valid passport and speak fluent English. You should never pay a fee to apply or to be hired.
That is the short version of how to get a job on a cruise ship. Below are the documents, the jobs open to people with no ship experience, realistic pay, and the recruitment scams that catch out new applicants. The advice is written mainly for US readers, with notes for UK applicants where the process differs.
How hard is it to get a cruise ship job?
It depends heavily on the job. Cruise lines hire across many departments, and recruiters regularly report the most openings in housekeeping, restaurants, bars and galleys. Those roles are the realistic way in. Entertainment, shore excursions and guest-facing officer roles draw more competition and often ask for a portfolio, audition video or specific experience.
“No experience” also needs a little translation. Plenty of jobs need no previous experience at sea, but a line may still want some shoreside hospitality or customer service work on your resume. Royal Caribbean Group, for example, says some roles need specific certifications or prior hospitality experience. A year in a hotel, restaurant, bar or store can make a real difference to your application.
The bigger test is often the lifestyle. Expect long days, seven days a week, for months at a time. Norwegian’s US-flagged Pride of America, for example, describes schedules of typically 8 to 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Basic requirements for cruise ship jobs
Exact rules vary by line, role and nationality, but these are the usual checks.
Age: Royal Caribbean Group asks for at least 18, or 21 for beverage serving positions. Some lines and roles set the minimum at 21.
Passport: Valid, with blank pages for stamps and visas. At least one recruiter asks for a year of validity from the date you embark, so renew early if yours is close.
English: Fluent English is standard, because safety instructions and guest service depend on it.
Medical: You must pass a pre-employment medical exam (often called a PEME) with a doctor approved by the cruise line. UK applicants may be asked for an ENG1, the UK seafarer medical certificate, from a Maritime and Coastguard Agency approved doctor. The British Medical Association lists the ENG1 fee at £115.
STCW safety training: Most crew need STCW Basic Safety Training, a course of about five or six days covering areas such as firefighting, survival and first aid. Some lines deliver it on board or in the first week; others want it completed before you join.
Background checks: Some positions, particularly those working with children or in medical teams, need police clearance or an enhanced check.
Vaccinations: Requirements vary. Yellow fever is a common one, because some countries on ship itineraries require it.
Visas: C-1/D and who needs one
Foreign crew working on ships in US waters generally need a D crewmember visa, and a C-1/D if they are also traveling to the US to join the ship. The State Department lists a $185 application fee and notes that Canadian and Bermudian citizens do not need these visas for crew travel. UK applicants joining a ship that calls at US ports should expect to need one, usually arranged after a job offer. US citizens do not need a US crew visa, though your itinerary may bring other visa requirements, which your employer should explain.
One US-specific route is worth knowing. Norwegian’s Pride of America, which sails Hawaii, is US-flagged, so its crew must be US citizens or permanent residents. It also requires a Merchant Mariner Credential and a TWIC card, and its FAQ says STCW training, the medical and approved travel costs are covered or reimbursed.
Hotel and restaurant departments hire the most new crew. Photo: Abu Sina on Pexels
Cruise ship jobs with no experience
These entry-level cruise ship jobs are the ones most often open to first-timers. Recruiters list many of them as needing no experience, though individual lines set their own standards.
Housekeeping: Assistant cabin steward or cleaner roles. Stewards handle far more than making beds, as our guide to what to ask your cabin steward for shows.
Galley: Potwasher, galley cleaner or galley utility. Hard, fixed-pay work, but a common first step toward a cook’s role.
Bar: Bar utility, restocking and cleaning. Serving drinks usually requires you to be 21.
Restaurant: Assistant waiter or buffet attendant. Restaurant experience helps here.
Deck: Deckhand or ordinary seaman, where you handle maintenance and operational tasks on the outer decks.
Other hotel roles: Bell staff and gift shop assistants.
New crew often start at the lowest grade in their first contract and move up based on onboard evaluations. It can be worth accepting a junior role in a department you like, rather than waiting for the perfect job.
What are the best jobs on a cruise ship?
The best job depends on what you want from it. For earning potential without a specialist qualification, tipped roles such as stateroom attendant, waiter and bartender tend to pay best at the entry end. For guest contact and more predictable fixed pay, guest services and activities roles are popular but usually ask for more experience. Spa, casino and retail jobs are often run by concession partners with their own hiring. To compare employers rather than roles, see our rundown of the best cruise lines to work for.
How to get a job on a cruise ship, step by step
Pick one or two target roles. A resume aimed at “anything on a ship” is easy to reject.
Tailor your resume. Lead with service, teamwork, languages and any safety or food hygiene certificates. UK applicants should use a one or two page CV in the same style.
Check any agency against the line’s own list. Royal Caribbean Group says only partners listed on its site may recruit for it, and some nationalities are routed through local agencies.
Prepare for interviews. Expect a screening, then a role-specific interview, usually by video. Some roles add an assessment or portfolio.
Complete your pre-joining paperwork. After a conditional offer, arrange your medical, training, visa and any background checks. Keep the originals, as you may need them on board.
Join your ship. Your letter of employment should confirm the port, date and who pays for travel.
Restaurant roles can earn gratuities on top of a modest base pay. Photo: Andy Brodie on Pexels
Cruise ship jobs salary: typical monthly pay
Treat the figures below as a rough guide. They are drawn from published crew pay lists and a recruitment salary guide, and they vary by line, ship, contract and how full the ship is. Your contract is what counts.
Role
Approx. monthly base (USD)
Approx. with tips (USD)
Galley utility / potwasher
$650 to $1,000
Usually no tips
Assistant cabin steward / stateroom attendant
$650 to $1,400
$1,800 to $2,800 for full stateroom attendants
Assistant waiter / waiter
$600 to $1,200
$1,800 to $2,800 for waiters
Bar utility / bar server / bartender
$650 to $1,250
$2,000 to $3,200 for bartenders
Cook
$1,200 to $2,200
Usually fixed
Activities or entertainment host
$1,200 to $2,000
Usually fixed
Junior guest services officer
$1,500 to $2,200
Usually fixed
Gratuity pools rise and fall with occupancy, so tipped earnings are never guaranteed. Tax depends on where you live and how the job is structured: Pride of America crew pay US federal and state taxes, for example, while crew on international ships should get advice for their own country.
Perks of working on a cruise ship
Accommodation and meals are provided, so everyday living costs are low. Expect a small, often shared, cabin at entry level.
Uniforms are provided, though Royal Caribbean Group notes that crew pay for some personal items.
Onboard medical care, and time ashore in port when your schedule allows.
Clear promotion routes, especially for crew who complete several contracts.
Recruitment scams and placement fees: what to watch for
Most guides mention this briefly, if at all, yet it is where first-time applicants can lose the most money. Under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (Standard A1.4, paragraph 5), seafarer recruitment and placement services must not charge seafarers, directly or indirectly, for recruitment, placement or getting work. The International Labour Organization lists only three exceptions: the statutory medical certificate, a national seafarer’s book, and a passport or similar personal travel document. Visa costs are not on that list, so the shipowner should bear them. The convention works through the countries that have ratified it, so enforcement varies, but major lines state the same principle themselves.
Royal Caribbean Group says it never asks candidates to pay fees to apply or to secure an interview or employment. Princess says it and its approved representatives will never charge for applications or recruitment services, and it warns of fraudsters using fake jobs and AI-generated content. Research by the Mission to Seafarers and Liverpool John Moores University, based on 200 seafarers, found illegal fees averaging about $1,872, often labeled as service, agency or registration charges.
Watch for these red flags:
A “registration,” “processing” or “placement” fee of any kind, or a request to pay in advance.
Payment by wire transfer, crypto or gift card, or to a personal account.
A job offer with no interview, or “urgent vacancies” that pressure you to pay today.
Emails from free webmail addresses, or an agency not listed on the cruise line’s site.
Someone holding on to your passport or certificates until you pay.
A required “partner” training school or medical clinic that the cruise line itself does not name.
Legitimate costs do exist, which is what makes these scams believable. Royal Caribbean Group says the pre-employment medical is usually at the employee’s expense, and independent guidance puts medical costs at very roughly $240 to $800 depending on line and role. STCW courses bought privately can run to more than $800, and some operators reimburse visa costs or travel only after you join. Get in writing what you will pay, what will be reimbursed, and when. US applicants can report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and it is also worth telling the cruise line whose name was used.
Tattoos, contract lengths and life on board
Can you work on a cruise ship with tattoos?
Often, yes, but policies differ. Carnival has said crew may show tattoos as long as they are not offensive. Norwegian updated its grooming rules in 2023 to allow visible tattoos, except on the face, head or front of the neck, and bans extremist, racist, sexist or indecent designs. Other lines and hiring guides remain stricter and expect tattoos to be covered, so check the appearance standards for your line and role before you apply.
How long are cruise ship contracts?
Royal Caribbean Group says contracts typically run four to eight months, and industry guides put the wider range at four to ten months depending on role and line. Pride of America assignments run five to six months. Entry-level crew generally get around six to eight weeks off between contracts, usually unpaid, and time off during a contract is rarely allowed except in emergencies. Before signing, look at what you would earn across a full year rather than just per month.
FAQs
How much does it pay to work on a cruise ship?
Entry-level base pay is often around $650 to $1,400 a month. Tipped roles such as stateroom attendants and waiters can reach roughly $1,800 to $2,800 with gratuities, while fixed-pay galley jobs tend to stay near the lower figures. Accommodation and meals are provided, and your contract is the final word.
What qualifications do I need to work on a cruise?
Most shipboard jobs need a valid passport, fluent English, a seafarer medical and STCW basic safety training, which some lines let you complete after joining. Degrees are rarely needed outside specialist roles such as medical and engineering, though many hotel jobs favor some hospitality or customer service experience.
What is the age limit for cruise ship jobs?
The minimum is usually 18, or 21 for jobs serving alcohol, as at Royal Caribbean Group, and some lines or roles set 21 across the board. Published requirements from the lines checked for this guide set a minimum age rather than a maximum; you must still pass the medical.
Which cruise ship is hiring now?
Vacancies change constantly, so check live listings on the official careers site of each line. Roles that recruiters regularly list as having more openings include assistant waiters, cabin stewards, galley cleaners and bar utility staff. Treat any urgent vacancy that asks for money as a warning sign.
Do you have to pay to get a job on a cruise ship?
You should never pay to apply, get an interview or be placed in a job. You may have to pay for a seafarer medical and a passport, and some lines expect you to arrange STCW training or your first flight, so ask exactly what is reimbursed before you commit.
Celebrity Cruises has 16 cruise ships. These range from large cruise ships that can accommodate over 3,000 guests, to small expedition yachts with a guest capacity of just 16.
In this article, we’ll look at the different Celebrity Cruises ships, to help you narrow down your options for your next cruise. You’ll find lists of the Celebrity ships by age and size, as well as explanations of the different classes of vessels in the fleet.
Whether you’re a regular cruiser or are considering your first cruise with Celebrity, I hope that you find this guide to Celebrity Cruises ships ranked by age and size to be useful!
All the Celebrity ships by age – newest to oldest
The following table shows all of Celebrity Cruises ships ordered by year of launch, including which is the newest Celebrity ship…
Ship
Launch date
Celebrity Ascent
December 2023
Celebrity Beyond
April 2022
Celebrity Apex
June 2021
Celebrity Flora
June 2019
Celebrity Edge
November 2018
Celebrity Xploration
March 2017
Celebrity Reflection
October 2012
Celebrity Silhouette
July 2011
Celebrity Eclipse
April 2010
Celebrity Equinox
August 2009
Celebrity Solstice
November 2008
Celebrity Xpedition
June 2004
Celebrity Constellation
May 2002
Celebrity Summit
October 2001
Celebrity Infinity
March 2001
Celebrity Millennium
July 2000
Celebrity Ascent is the newest ship
The newest Celebrity Cruises ship is Celebrity Ascent. This ship made her maiden voyage in December 2023 in the Eastern Caribbean.
Celebrity Ascent
Before Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond (2022), Celebrity Apex (2021) and Celebrity Edge (2018) were the newest mainstream cruise ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Two small Galapagos expedition ships, Celebrity Flora (2019) and Celebrity Xploration (2017) are also relatively new.
Celebrity Apex
There’s then a five-year gap in the construction of new ships, with Celebrity Reflection being built in 2012.
There are several ships that Celebrity Cruises used to operate that have been sold on. Meridian was the oldest, which also sailed as Sun Cruises once sold. She sank in 1999.
Horizon was sold in 2005, and Zenith in 2007. Both ships have since been scrapped.
But there are three older ships that are still sailing on. Celebrity Galaxy, Celebrity Mercury and Celebrity Century have all have several names since leaving the Celebrity fleet, and now operate for Marella Cruises as Marella Explorer, Marella Voyager, and Marella Explorer 2 respectively.
From big to small – Celebrity ships in order of size
When it comes to comparing the size of cruise ships, the best way is to consider the Gross Tonnage. This is a measurement of the internal volume of a ship. Length, guest capacity and the number of decks that are accessible to passengers may also be considered.
The following table shows the Celebrity Cruises ships ordered from largest to smallest…
Ship
Tonnage
Length
Guest Decks
Guests
Crew
Celebrity Ascent
140,600
327m
16
3,937
1,416
Celebrity Beyond
140,600
327m
16
3,937
1,416
Celebrity Edge
129,500
306m
16
2,918
1,320
Celebrity Apex
129,500
306m
16
2,910
1,319
Celebrity Reflection
126,000
319m
13
3,030
1,293
Celebrity Silhouette
122,000
319m
13
2,902
1,285
Celebrity Equinox
122,000
317m
13
2,852
1,290
Celebrity Eclipse
122,000
317m
13
2,850
1,286
Celebrity Solstice
122,000
315m
13
2,850
1,284
Celebrity Constellation
91,000
294m
11
2,184
1,022
Celebrity Millennium
90,940
294m
11
2,218
1,024
Celebrity Infinity
90,940
294m
11
2,170
1,024
Celebrity Summit
90,940
294m
11
2,158
1,027
Celebrity Flora
5,739
102m
6
100
80
Celebrity Xpedition
2,842
90m
4
48
58
Celebrity Xploration
316
30m
3
16
12
The occupancy refers to how many passengers each ship can accommodate based on having two guests in each room. As some staterooms have extra beds for third and fourth passengers, the maximum occupancy will be higher.
Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond are the biggest in the fleet
The largest Celebrity Cruises ship is Celebrity Ascent, along with her twin sister Celebrity Beyond. These cruise ships have a volume of 140,600 GT and a length of 327 m, making the ships 12% larger than the next biggest ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet.
The biggest Celebrity Cruises ships at sea previously were sister ships Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex which have a volume of 129,500 GT and 16 passenger decks. However, Celebrity Reflection is 13 meters longer at 319m in length and can accommodate around 100 more guests despite having three fewer decks.
Why are some ships so small?
Celebrity Xploration, Celebrity Xpedition and Celebrity Flora are small ships, accommodating 16, 48 and 100 guests, respectively. In fact, Celebrity Xploration is the smallest cruise ship in the world!
These ships cruise to the remote Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador and so they need to be small to access the ports, sometimes via Zodiac boat.
Celebrity Flora
The four Celebrity classes explained
Celebrity Cruises has four classes of ships, which are referred to as ‘series’. Each class of ships has something different to offer, whilst the ships within each class will be relatively similar.
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Celebrity Edge Class Ships
Celebrity Edge class ships are the newest in the Celebrity Cruises fleet. Designed to bring you closer to the ocean, they feature the Magic Carpet, an outdoor levitating bar, and Eden, a beautiful indoor area with 7,000 square feet of windows.
The ships in Celebrity Edge Class are:
Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Beyond
Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Apex
Magic carpet on Edge class ships
Celebrity Solstice Class Ships
Celebrity Solstice-class ships are large cruise ships that were built between 2008 and 2012. They each feature a half-acre real grass lawn and ice-topped Martini bars.
The ships in Celebrity Solstice Class are:
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Eclipse
Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Reflection
Real grass lawn on Celebrity Solstice-class ships
Celebrity Millennium Class Ships
Celebrity Millennium-class ships were built between 2000 and 2002 and accommodate around 2,000 passengers. Ideal for destination-focussed cruise itineraries, they’re able to access the smaller ports that larger cruise ships can’t reach.
The ships in Celebrity Millennium Class are:
Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Infinity
Celebrity Summit
Celebrity Constellation
Celebrity Millennium in Alaska
Celebrity Galapagos Class Ships
Celebrity Cruises Galapagos ships are designed specifically for cruises around the Galapagos Islands. They feature groundbreaking technology and offer a yacht-like experience for 16 to 100 guests.
Celebrity Cruises also has two classes of accommodation that offer special services and amenities: the Aqua Class and the Concierge Class.
Aqua Class staterooms – In premium locations close to the spa, these come with unlimited access to spa areas and a range of perks, including welcome drinks, daily canapes, a pillow menu, bathrobes, yoga mats and priority check-in.
Concierge Class staterooms– Located on upper decks in midship locations, these come with perks such as an exclusive lunch on embarkation day, daily canapes, a pillow menu, priority check-in and access to a personalised concierge service.
The best Celebrity ships for families
All of the Celebrity Cruises ships are good for kids, so it wouldn’t be possible to say that one particular ship is the best. While you won’t find waterslides and ziplines, Celebrity Cruises kids’ clubs are great, with soft play and lots of organised activities.
They also have special resources available to help autistic guests, including children. Families can get priority boarding, and there are sensory toys to hire. Some film screenings are also low-volume and low-lighting, and autistic children can attend a kids club outside of their age range if it means they are more comfortable with a sibling.
When choosing a Celebrity cruise with children, the itinerary is probably more important than the ship. Older kids will love the Galapagos expeditions, warm weather cruises are loved by all, while parents with pre-school kids may like to look out for no-fly cruises from their nearest port.
There’s a Celebrity Cruises ship for everyone. The newest ships, especially Celebrity Beyond, are modern and luxurious with stunning new design concepts and the latest technology.
The older ships have all been modernised as part of a $500-million makeover. So it’s fair to say that there are no bad ships when it comes to Celebrity Cruises.
But if you’d like to see which ships cruisers rate the highest, then check out this list of the best and worst Celebrity ships according to reviews for more info.
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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 price you see advertised for a cruise is never what you actually pay. There are always extras, some are mandatory, some are optional, but they all add up.
I found an absolute bargain – a 2-night Southampton to Hamburg cruise for £99. I also booked the back-to-back return trip, two nights from Hamburg to Southampton for another £99.
So, did my four-night Cunard cruise cost £198? The short answer is no. Far from it! Here’s how much I actually spent (including my VERY surprising bank statement!)
Single supplements – £160
As I opted to travel solo on this trip, I had to pay a single supplement of £80 for each segment.
Yes, I could have just paid £38 more and brought a friend along for the four nights. But, I planned to spend the vast majority of this trip working so I wouldn’t have been much fun. Plus, I like to spend some time alone, I find it invigorating.
Gratuities – $64
Cunard charges $16 per person per day for gratuities. So for the four nights, I was billed $64.
I did meet one person who said that she would be removing the gratuities as she didn’t think that the service was very good. While you can do that by visiting guest services, I wouldn’t advise it.
Crew members work very hard and don’t get paid a lot. And many of them work behind the scenes doing the jobs that you don’t see.
Tipping extra on top of the gratuities is completely optional. However, each time you order a drink or room service, you’ll be asked to sign for it and there’s a box where you can add an extra tip.
I tipped cash to my cabin stewards and added a small tip for the servers who brought me room service. You don’t need to do that, but if it makes you happy, and it makes them happy too, then why not?
The included drinks with Cunard are very good. As well as the standard tea, coffee, water and fruit juices with breakfast, you do get some drinks included that I didn’t expect.
You can get fruit juice in the buffet at any time of the day, not just at breakfast as on most cruise ships. You can also get cranberry juice and lemonade. The lemonade is particularly delicious and I drank lots of that.
Cunard allows you to bring a bottle of wine on embarkation to drink in your cabin. There’s also a half bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge which was a very nice and unexpected touch.
With so many included drinks, I didn’t buy many. Just two pints of lager, a mojito, a glass of wine and a diet Coke. These five drinks added up to $47 (including the 15% service charge).
Wifi – $72
As I spent much of this cruise working, I did buy the wifi package for the two sea days. That cost $36 per day for the fast wifi.
It’s powered by Starlink and was fast enough to do anything I wanted to do, including video calls with clients.
On the port day, I stayed on the ship but used my 5G connection. This didn’t work in my inside cabin, but was fine to use outside or in the public areas near a window.
Cunard does give you one hour of free internet access per cruise, so if you don’t have work to do you could just use that as well as your 5G when the ship is docked.
My Total Spend
My initial cruise fare was £198 plus an extra £160 for single supplements. I then spent $207 (£163) on board on tips, wifi and drinks. ($20 of this was paid in cash to the room stewards)
In total, over the four days, I spent £521.
I don’t think this is a bad price for a four-night solo cruise. Especially as the next night I stayed at a Premier Inn in London for the Sailawaze Excellence Awards and paid £230 for a basic room!
My Surprise Bill!
When I returned home from my cruise and checked my online banking statement, I had a bit of a shock!
My card had been charged six times while I was on board, totalling £288.48.
I would have expected to be charged about £150 based on my spending, so I was really shocked to see the actual amount billed was almost double this.
I have contacted Cunard via their website to ask for a breakdown of the charges and will update this here once I hear back from them.
Freebies
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Cunard includes some extras that you don’t get with sister lines like P&O Cruise and Princess Cruises.
In my cabin, there was a bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge. There were also some slippers in the wardrobe that I took home with me after the cruise. I also took the notepad and pencil as a souvenir. In fact, I have a full list of things you can ‘steal’ from cruise ships.
When I went to the buffet I was impressed to see that fruit juices were available all day. This definitely saved me money on on soft drinks, which were particularly pricey at $4.50 each, plus a 15% gratuity.
Wine was also expensive to buy on board, at $12, plus 15% gratuity for a glass of house rose.
Being able to bring a bottle on board with me saved me some money there. And as my cruise was technically two back-to-back cruises, I could have brought on another bottle in Hamburg if I wished.
The complimentary hour of wifi was also a nice touch that I wish more cruise lines would offer.
The nightly chocolates on the bed were welcomed too. And I love that room service was free!
On the first of my back-to-back cruises, I was very pleasantly surprised to learn that the inside cabin I had booked had been upgraded to an obstructed view balcony! I’ve never had a free upgrade in over 40 cruises, so well done Cunard for being the first!
Many other cruise lines like MSC, Princess and Celebrity make guests ‘bid’ how much they will pay for the upgrades.
It’s great that Cunard give these for free. I wasn’t the only one, I spoke to other cruisers on board who had the same thing happen to them too.
What I didn’t buy
I do sometimes like to use the thermal suite of the spa on a cruise. But at $59, I felt that this was a little expensive for a sauna and soak in a hot tub. Instead, I used the hot tubs by the pool. It wasn’t busy so I had them to myself most of the time.
I also brought my own snacks with me. I spotted some M&Ms in the ship for $11.25 so I was glad I did that!
To conclude
Although my cruise cost considerably more than £99, I still felt that it offered good value for money. Short cruises like this are perfect when you want to decide if a cruise line is right for you or not.
I’m hoping that the overcharging was indeed a mistake and that I will be refunded for it soon. I’ll let you know.
If you’re interested to see whether I would cruise with Cunard again, you can read my next article which is coming soon for you! You can sign up to my email newsletter to be notified about that one.
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If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
