PO-Britannia.jpg

20 Things That P&O Cruises Used To Offer That They No Longer Do

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsP&O Cruises

Cruise lines change over time, and sometimes that means making improvements, but it can mean taking things away too.

It might be a lack of popularity, or a cost-cutting measure.

P&O Cruises used to offer sailings that were a lot more expensive, but it’s now more value-oriented, which means a lot of the little touches have been taken away.

An aerial view of the P&O Britannia cruise ship sailing through the open sea. The ship's top deck features pools, sunbathing areas, and various amenities, while the Union Jack livery is prominently displayed on the bow. The vessel cuts smoothly through the water, leaving a wake behind.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that the cruise line used to offer, but no longer does.

1. Mini White Company toiletries in rooms

Neatly arranged bathroom featuring a sleek white sink and chrome faucet, with White Company toiletries on the countertop. Glass shelves with stacked towels and a mirror reflect the shower area in the background on a P&O cruise ship.

You used to get miniature White Company toiletries in your cabin bathroom, which were a lovely little premium extra. You could even steal them when your cruise was over – it was totally acceptable!

But now they’ve got rid of them, and instead you’ll just find refillable bottles for handwash and body wash in the bathroom and shower respectively.

It’s better for the environment to use refillable bottles, sure. But it was nice when you had proper miniatures of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

You can sometimes get them by asking your cabin attendant, but not always.

2. Grab & Go snack bar

Grab & Go salad container on a table, with a background view of the ocean. The label reads: "Green Bean and Pea Salad with Griddled Vegetables, Pimento Quinoa, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Caerphilly Cheese and a Honey Dressing. Production Date: 16-Jun-2019. Use By: 19-Jun-2019." The ingredients are listed below.

When you’re enjoying a relaxing day by the pool, you sometimes don’t want to have to go for a walk to the buffet for a bite to eat.

So the Grab & Go snack bar was perfect – a self-service area where you could pick up a sandwich or other light bite without leaving the area, perfect when you just needed something to tide you over until lunch.

It’s gone, though. It’s not clear whether it’s because of cutbacks or to help prevent the spread of illnesses onboard (because there was nothing to stop people from picking up the items and putting them back).

A shame, but it’s not the end of the world – you can head to the buffet still to find a range of lighter meal options. You’ll just need to throw on something to cover your bathing suit.

3. BYO spirits

Bottle of Kopparberg Premium Gin, Strawberry & Lime flavor, with an alcohol content of 37.5%, placed on a light beige surface. The label features an illustrated scenic landscape with trees and a winding path.

P&O Cruises made some big changes to its alcohol policies in May 2024, including raising the prices of drinks packages and altering the rules on what drinks you could bring onboard for your cruise.

No longer can you bring your own beer or bottle of spirits – now you’re limited to a bottle of wine or Champagne, up to 1 litre in size.

When I’ve cruised with my husband previously, we saved hundreds on drinks by bringing a spirit bottle each along with some mixers.

It’s true that P&O is now in line with other cruise lines, but it’s still a shame for a lot of people who liked this perk of sailing with P&O.

4. Fancy cutlery with P&O logo on

Cutlery with P&O Cruises logo

In the main dining room on your P&O cruise, you used to get fancy cutlery that was imprinted with the P&O Cruises logo.

That’s been changed now to regular cutlery, which I understand would be cheaper to produce and replace, but it’s still just one of those tiny little touches that were nice, but we don’t get anymore.

5. Free 3rd and 4th guests on cruises under 7 nights

A smiling family of four stands in front of a docked P&O cruise ship. The mother, wearing a yellow cardigan, holds the camera, while the father, in a red hoodie, stands beside their son in a green hoodie and daughter in a pink jacket, who holds postcards. The cruise ship features the Union Jack on its bow.

When booking a family cruise, you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. And with P&O Cruises you can sometimes enjoy offers where the 3rd and 4th guest in your cabin cruise for free.

However it’s now only available on cruises of 7 nights or more, but you used to be able to enjoy it on shorter cruises lasting 3 or 4 nights.

So if you want to take the kids on a short break during half term, you’re going to be paying full price for them, or at best a discounted rate. They won’t be free, though.

Suggested read: How to Find Bargain School Holidays Cruises with P&O Cruises

6. Option to wear fancy dress

A performer in a black and white striped suit with a curly green wig poses beside an easel with a simple line drawing of a face, creating a whimsical and artistic atmosphere in a cruise ship's bustling indoor promenade

You used to be allowed to wear fancy dress on a P&O cruise, though not on formal nights of course. Obviously, it’s not something you would do regularly, but maybe if you were celebrating a stag or hen party onboard.

But that’s not allowed anymore, ever since the infamous ‘clown’ incident…

To be clear, the incident was a mass brawl that happened on Britannia which was rumoured to involve someone in clown fancy dress, but that has since been denied – there wasn’t actually a clown.

Still, for the avoidance of doubt and to make sure that such an incident couldn’t be sparked by someone in a costume, fancy dress is no longer permitted.

7. 5-course dinners

A gourmet plate of Beef Wellington served with roasted vegetables, a potato gratin, and a drizzle of sauce on P&O Main Dining Room. Accompanied by a glass of red wine and a glass of water with a lemon slice in the background, the setting exudes fine dining.

You used to be able to enjoy a five-course dinner on a P&O cruise, which would include a fish course and a sorbet as a palate cleanser.

Everything’s been simplified now though, and instead, you’ll get a standard three courses. 

There’ll be plenty of choices and the menu will change each day, but it’s a little less fancy than the older five-course options.

You can still make your three courses into four by ordering a soup as well as a salad for your starters though!

8. Great British Sailaway

P&O Cruises great British sailaway

P&O Cruises is very much a British cruise line, aimed at British passengers. But it used to do a lot more celebrating of the British spirit.

This would include the Great British Sailaway party, which would include a lot of plastic flag-waving and traditional songs such as Jerusalem.

That’s all gone now. Sailaway parties do still happen but without all the flags and bunting, and with pop songs replacing the patriotic song choices.

Guests have claimed that the crew explained that the parties were ditched to be more politically correct, but also to reduce the single-use plastics with the flags.

It was all very cheesy but it was fun. 

9. Evening turndown service

Chocolate on pilllow

On your cruise, you’ll have a cabin steward who will attend to your room daily, making sure that you have fresh towels and a beautifully made bed.

But you used to get an evening turndown service as well, so that the room was fresh and ready for you to sleep in, and a chocolate on your pillow.

This isn’t just a P&O change, but one that’s happened across cruise lines. The days of the evening turndown are over across pretty much every cruise line, although premium lines like Cunard and Celebrity Cruises still offer it.

10. Chocoholics buffet

There used to be a special event held on a P&O cruise, which was a chocolate buffet. It’d take place once per cruise and would be a special buffet dedicated to gateaux, other cakes, chocolate treats and a chocolate fountain.

It was extremely popular – lines would be long – even if there wasn’t always a huge amount of variety in what was on offer.

It’s been a few years since P&O offered this, but there are still plenty of sweet treats you can enjoy in the regular buffet.

11. Trays in the buffet

P&O Cruises buffet food on a tray

This one might seem really minor, but trust me – people do miss it! And that’s having trays in the buffet on the ship.

Now you just get your plate, which is fine if you’re serving yourself, but it does make it a lot harder to grab meals for your family, particularly if you’re travelling with kids that you don’t quite trust to hold their own plate yet.

You often have to make multiple trips, instead of just having two plates on an easy-to-carry tray. I’m not sure why the trays have gone, but it would be handy if they came back.

At the very least, I’d like them to be available on request for families or those who need to get food for a friend or relative as well as their own.

12. Cruise directors

Captain Wesley Dunlop and an entertainment manager on Britannia in 2019.

You no longer get cruise directors on a P&O cruise. Instead, there are entertainment managers who do a similar job, helping to put together a schedule of activities throughout the day.

Some guests feel like the job has been watered down, and that there isn’t the same level of thought put into the schedule, with clashes happening.

Ultimately it’s not something that’s really been taken away, more that it’s changed and maybe not for the better. Have you ever felt frustrated at the activities on a P&O cruise?

13. Cheese and crackers (including Stilton)

Port and Stilton on Britannia in 2019

At the end of dinner, you used to be able to select your own cheese and crackers as a way of rounding out the meal.

This included real care and attention for the types of cheese – such as whole Stilton soaked in port, brought to the table, carefully scooped and served at the right temperature.

You can still get a cheese plate for your dessert but it’s not something you can customise and it’s just a standard plate – not as good as it used to be.

14. Afternoon tea in the Main Dining Room

A smiling server in a patterned vest and tie pouring tea during afternoon tea service on a P&O cruise ship. The table is adorned with a menu and purple orchid decorations, adding a touch of elegance to the setting.

We’ve established that P&O is a very British cruise line and so you won’t be shocked that afternoon tea is popular onboard.

But it’s no longer served in the main restaurant as an included service, meaning instead you’ll need to visit one of the smaller restaurants to enjoy it for an additional charge.

A lot of guests are disappointed that you don’t get this for free anymore, but you can always make your own in the buffet. It might not be quite the same, but it’s a decent plan B.

15. Biscuits on your tea tray

P&O Cruises tea tray with kettle but no biscuits

American cruise lines are usually missing a very important item in the cabins for British guests – a kettle. Don’t worry, P&O still has one, so you can still enjoy that fresh brew each morning.

However, you used to get better quality biscuits on your tea tray too, with more should you run out. Now, it’s just basic options. They’ll be topped up as your tea and coffee supplies are, but it’s another small cutback that can disappoint loyal guests.

16. Boiled sweets in the cabin

Another cabin extra that’s disappeared – you no longer get a small selection of hard-boiled sweets in your room to enjoy.

Best to bring your own if you like these. You can find sweets in the onboard shops but the prices are extremely high!

17. Hot breakfast room service

My kids enjoying room service breakfast on Christmas day on Arvia

Room service is a great way to relax and enjoy a leisurely start to the day, and with P&O you don’t have to pay for breakfast – just fill out the card the night before with what you’d like, and it’ll be delivered free the next morning.

However, you can’t select hot items. It’s now a continental breakfast only, meaning fruits, cereals and pastries.

If you love a Full English or just a fried egg sandwich, you’ll need to head to the buffet or main dining room instead.

18. Free kitchen and bridge tours

A ship captain and a passenger on the bridge of the P&O Britannia ship. The captain, dressed in a white uniform, is explaining the navigation controls to the passenger, who is leaning forward and engaged. The bridge features modern equipment and large windows offering a panoramic view.

P&O used to offer behind-the-scenes tours of different parts of the ship, including the bridge where the officers steer the ship, and the kitchens for the main dining rooms. And the best thing is that the tours were free.

You can still enjoy the tours, but they cost extra now. It’s worthwhile, lasting around 3 hours, but if you’re used to the free tour then you might not want to pay the extra.

19. Various menu staples

A vegetarian dinner served in the main dining room on the P&O Britannia. The dish features a breaded and fried patty with black sesame seeds, placed on a bed of mixed greens and thinly sliced radishes, garnished with small dollops of purple sauce. The presentation is elegant and appetizing.

Guests have posted a lot on social media about some of the menu options that are no longer widely available on P&O cruises.

Prawn cocktail starters are often mentioned, along with “proper” cheesecake – there are some cheesecake options but they are often vegan, meaning they’re great for me, but they aren’t authentic cheesecake!

Dinner menus still have plenty of choice but there are some who miss the classic options that were common.

20. Fruit juice by the pool

Chilled fruit juice by the pool on Britannia

Before the shutdown, P&O Cruises used to have large containers of chilled water and juice by the pool, along with paper cups.

While it was lovely to be able to help yourself to a drink without queing at the bar, I can see why they don’t do this any more. It was probably stopped with the increased hygiene measures required, and not started again as the cruise line would rather you pay for drinks.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest P&O Cruises offers…

Final Word

A lot of these things might sound like ‘first world problems’, and it’s true that P&O’s cruises are still very popular.

But it can still be disappointing for long-time P&O fans to find that the experience isn’t as good as they remember it, even if it’s just a culmination of very small tweaks and changes.

Have you noticed the difference on your own cruises, with P&O or with any other cruise line?

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Person holding a smartphone on the deck of a cruise ship with the ocean behind

Is the AT&T Cruise Package Worth It? 2026 Prices, Ships and Tips

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsMoney saving tips

The AT&T cruise package (often called the AT&T cruise plan) today is the International Day Pass: $20 per line for each 24-hour period you use your phone at sea, with unlimited talk and text and 500MB of high-speed data a day, on 400+ cruise ships. Customers on the AT&T Elite 2.0 plan can use a cheaper Cruise Day Pass at $15 a day. It is worth it if you need your own number and messages on a few sea days, but ship Wi-Fi is usually better value for heavy data use.

AT&T has changed its cruise offering several times, so a lot of advice online is out of date. Below is how the current setup works as of October 2026, what a typical 7-night cruise could cost, and how it compares with onboard Wi-Fi and with Verizon and T-Mobile. Prices are AT&T’s published rates and can change, so check your account before you sail.

The AT&T Cruise Package Explained (2026)

Until April 2025, AT&T sold one-off packages called Cruise Basic and Cruise Plus, which bundled a fixed number of minutes and megabytes for a whole cruise. Those plans have been retired. AT&T now folds cruise coverage into the International Day Pass, which also covers more than 210 destinations on land.

How the International Day Pass works at sea

  • Price: $20 per line for each 24-hour period you use cellular service at sea. If you are at sea and on land in the same period, the $20 covers both.
  • Included: unlimited talk and text (calls to the U.S. and other included destinations), plus 500MB of high-speed data per 24 hours. AT&T says speeds may then be cut to 512Kbps on some ships until the next period starts.
  • Eligibility: it is added to an existing AT&T unlimited plan.
  • Billing: the 24-hour clock starts the first time you make or take a call, send a text or use data. You are only charged for periods you actually use the phone.
  • Automatic add-on: if you haven’t added it, AT&T adds it when you connect to an included ship or destination and texts you to confirm.

AT&T Cruise Day Pass for Elite 2.0 customers

If you are on the AT&T Elite 2.0 plan, AT&T offers a separate Cruise Day Pass at $15 per 24-hour period of use at sea. It includes unlimited sent texts, calls received and calls to the U.S. or Elite 2.0 destinations, and at least 500MB of the ship’s best-speed data per day before speeds drop to a maximum of 512Kbps. It only works at sea (at least 6 nautical miles from land) on included ships, not in port or on land. Received texts alone don’t trigger the fee, but background app data does.

Pay-per-use rates if you have no pass

Using your phone at sea without a pass is where people get burned. According to AT&T’s Cruise Day Pass terms, consumer pay-per-use rates at sea from May 6, 2026 are:

  • Data: $2.05 per MB (a single 100MB day would be about $205)
  • Calls: $4 per minute
  • Texts sent: $1 each; photo or video messages: $2 each

In practice, AT&T usually adds a day pass automatically once you use the ship’s network, but you should not rely on that. Add the pass before you leave home, or keep cellular data switched off.

Which Cruise Ships Does the AT&T Cruise Plan Cover?

AT&T says its cruise coverage works on more than 400 cruise ships. Its own pages name major lines such as Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages, and it publishes a downloadable ship list. Onboard cellular networks are run by specialist maritime providers such as Telenor Maritime and Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), and AT&T customers roam onto them.

Three things to know about coverage:

  1. Check your exact ship. Not every ship in a fleet is always included, and lists change. Search AT&T’s current list before you book anything.
  2. The ship network switches off near land. Ships generally count as at sea once they are about six nautical miles or more from shore. In port your phone roams on local land networks, which the International Day Pass covers at its land rate in included destinations.
  3. Signal varies around the ship. Coverage tends to be strongest in public areas and can be weaker in some cabins or lower decks.
Large white cruise ship sailing across open blue ocean far from land
At sea, your phone connects to the ship's own cellular network. Photo: SlimMars 13 on Pexels

What a 7-Night Cruise Could Cost: AT&T vs Ship Wi-Fi

To make the numbers concrete, here is a typical 7-night Caribbean itinerary from Florida with four sea days and three foreign port days. (If you’re still choosing a sailing, our comparison of the cheapest 7-day cruises out of Florida is a useful starting point.) Figures are per phone and approximate.

Option How it’s charged Estimated 7-night cost Best for
AT&T International Day Pass (use every day) $20 x 4 sea days + $12 x 3 port days About $116 Staying reachable on your own number
AT&T International Day Pass (sea days only, airplane mode in port) $20 x 4 sea days About $80 Check-ins on sea days
AT&T Cruise Day Pass (Elite 2.0 only) $15 x 4 sea days (ports billed separately under your plan) About $60 at sea Elite 2.0 customers
Pay-per-use, no pass $2.05/MB, $4/min, $1/text Can run into hundreds of dollars Nobody – avoid
Ship Wi-Fi package (one device) Per day or per voyage, set by the cruise line Often roughly $100 to $250+ Streaming, video calls, heavy data

Ship Wi-Fi pricing varies a lot by cruise line, package tier and whether you buy before sailing, so treat that last row as a rough range and check your line’s current prices. The important point is that the AT&T pass works out per phone, while Wi-Fi is per device: a couple who both want connectivity pay twice either way.

AT&T Cruise Package vs Starlink Ship Wi-Fi

Most big cruise lines have now moved their onboard internet to Starlink or similar low-orbit satellite systems, and that has changed the value equation. Starlink-based ship Wi-Fi is typically fast enough for streaming and video calls, which AT&T’s 500MB daily allowance is not designed for.

When AT&T makes more sense

  • You want normal phone calls and SMS on your own number, for example for work or family emergencies.
  • You only need light data: messages, maps, email and a little social media.
  • You’ll only switch on for one or two sea days, so you pay just $20 (or $15) on those days.
  • You want something that works the moment you step on board, with no login.

When ship Wi-Fi is better value

  • You’ll stream, upload photos or video call home.
  • You want connectivity every day of the cruise; full-voyage Wi-Fi packages often cost less per day than a daily cellular pass.
  • You can do everything through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage over Wi-Fi.

Plenty of cruisers combine the two: Wi-Fi for one phone, and the AT&T pass switched on only when it’s needed. Families sometimes skip both for the kids and use walkie-talkies on board instead; see our guide to walkie-talkies that actually work on cruise ships.

How AT&T Compares With Verizon and T-Mobile at Sea

Carrier At-sea option Headline price What you get
AT&T International Day Pass $20 per 24 hours Unlimited talk/text, 500MB high-speed data, 400+ ships
AT&T (Elite 2.0) Cruise Day Pass $15 per 24 hours Talk/text, 500MB+ high-speed data, at sea only
Verizon Cruise Daily Pass $20 per 24 hours (launch price, 2025) 0.5GB high-speed data, unlimited texts, calls to the U.S.; 200+ ships
T-Mobile Pay-per-use only Around $0.50 per text and $5.99 per minute (reported) Texts and calls; no data at sea

Verizon’s cruise pass is broadly similar to AT&T’s, though AT&T currently quotes a larger ship count. T-Mobile does not sell a cruise pass at the time of writing; its International Pass covers land only. Rates for all three carriers change regularly, so confirm on the carrier’s site before sailing.

Hand holding a smartphone showing the settings screen while travelling
Set up your pass and roaming settings before you leave home. Photo: Brett Jordan on Pexels

How to Set Up the AT&T Cruise Package

  1. Check eligibility. You need an AT&T unlimited plan for the International Day Pass, or Elite 2.0 for the $15 Cruise Day Pass.
  2. Check your ship on AT&T’s current cruise ship list.
  3. Add the pass before you leave through the myAT&T app or att.com. Add it to every line that will travel.
  4. Update your phone and download what you need at home: offline maps, playlists, films and the cruise line’s app.
  5. Turn off automatic updates and backups so they don’t use your 500MB on day one.

Airplane Mode and Data Roaming Tips

Because one stray background sync can start a $20 day, a few habits save real money:

  • Use airplane mode as your default on days you don’t plan to use the pass, then switch Wi-Fi back on if you’ve bought ship internet. Wi-Fi works with airplane mode on.
  • Turn off data roaming (iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options; Android: Network settings > Mobile network). This stops background data while still letting you send an SMS if you need to, which starts the day on a pass.
  • Remember the 24-hour clock. The pass runs 24 hours from first use, not by calendar day, so switching on at 8pm and again at 9am the next day costs one period, not two.
  • Watch the sail-away. As the ship leaves port, phones can pick up the ship network. If you don’t want a charge that day, switch to airplane mode before departure.
  • Check usage in the myAT&T app; AT&T also texts you when a day pass starts.

AT&T Cruise Package Reviews: What Cruisers Report

Feedback from cruisers on forums and social media follows a consistent pattern:

  • Calls and texts work well. Most people who use the pass for messaging home, checking in with family or the occasional call find it reliable on sea days.
  • Data is the weak point. 500MB a day goes quickly, and once speeds drop to 512Kbps, maps, video and photo uploads slow to a crawl. Heavy users usually end up buying ship Wi-Fi as well.
  • Surprise charges come from background data. Many complaints trace back to apps updating in the background, which triggers a day pass on a day the person did not mean to use their phone.
  • Coverage depends on the ship. The ship’s own cellular network is usually switched off in port and near land, so expect gaps.

In short, the AT&T cruise plan gets good reviews as a backup for calls and texts, and mixed reviews as a main internet connection.

Is the AT&T Cruise Package Worth It?

For most AT&T customers, yes, as a targeted tool. At $20 a day (or $15 on Elite 2.0), with charges only on days you use it, the pass is far cheaper than pay-per-use and simpler than any cruise line plan for calls and texts. It is less convincing as your only internet on a long cruise: 500MB a day won’t cover streaming, and a full-voyage Starlink Wi-Fi package often costs less per day if you want to be online all the time.

A sensible plan: buy ship Wi-Fi if you need lots of data, keep the AT&T pass on your account as a backup, and leave your phone in airplane mode unless you need it. Planning further ahead? Our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 lists sailings worth watching.

FAQs

How much is the AT&T cruise package?

The AT&T International Day Pass costs $20 per line for each 24-hour period you use your phone at sea, including unlimited talk and text and 500MB of high-speed data. Elite 2.0 customers can use the Cruise Day Pass at $15 per day at sea. Prices can change.

How does the AT&T cruise package work?

Add the International Day Pass (or the Cruise Day Pass on Elite 2.0) to your line before you sail. When your phone connects to the ship’s cellular network and you make a call, send a text or use data, a 24-hour period starts and you are charged $20 (or $15). Days when you keep the phone in airplane mode or on Wi-Fi only cost nothing.

How does AT&T cellular at sea work?

Cruise ships carry their own cellular network, connected by satellite. Your AT&T phone roams onto it once the ship is about six nautical miles from land, and the day pass is charged only for 24-hour periods when you use talk, text or data.

Are AT&T Cruise Basic and Cruise Plus still available?

No. AT&T retired Cruise Basic and Cruise Plus for cruises starting on or after April 16, 2025, and replaced them with cruise coverage in the International Day Pass.

How do I use my phone on a cruise without getting charged?

Keep your phone in airplane mode with data roaming off, and connect only to ship Wi-Fi. Turn off automatic updates and backups, and switch to airplane mode before the ship leaves port.

Is the AT&T cruise plan better than ship Wi-Fi?

For calls, texts and light data on a few days, the AT&T pass is simple and good value. For streaming, video calls or daily use, a cruise line Wi-Fi package is usually better value.

Relaxing luxury spa area, illustrating the Celebrity AquaClass spa-focused perks

Celebrity AquaClass: Is It Worth It in 2026? Perks, Cost & Alternatives

by Celebrity CruisesCruise LinesCruise News

Celebrity AquaClass is worth it if you will actually use the spa and want quieter, healthier dining. For a modest premium over a standard Veranda stateroom you get unlimited thermal suite access, dinner and breakfast in the AquaClass-only Blu restaurant, and wellness touches in your cabin. If the upgrade costs more than a few hundred dollars per cabin, or you rarely visit spas, a Veranda or Concierge Class cabin is usually better value.

This guide explains exactly what Celebrity AquaClass includes for sailings in late 2026, how it compares with Concierge Class and The Retreat, which ships offer it, and a simple way to work out whether the price premium makes sense for your cruise.

What Is Celebrity AquaClass?

AquaClass is Celebrity Cruises’ wellness-focused stateroom category. It sits above standard Veranda and Concierge Class cabins and below The Retreat, the line’s suite tier. Physically, an AquaClass cabin is a balcony stateroom much like a Veranda, usually located close to the spa and fitness center. The difference is the package of perks attached to it: spa access, a private restaurant and a few in-room upgrades.

Cabin sizes vary by ship class. According to Celebrity, Edge Series AquaClass staterooms offer around 243 sq. ft. of total living space including the Infinite Veranda, Solstice Series cabins are about 192 sq. ft. with a 54 sq. ft. veranda, and Millennium Series cabins are about 209 sq. ft. with a 42 sq. ft. veranda.

Celebrity AquaClass Perks in 2026

Based on Celebrity’s current AquaClass and “What’s Included” pages, these are the exclusive benefits for 2026 sailings:

Blu restaurant

Blu is a smaller, quieter dining room reserved for AquaClass guests (and Aqua Sky Suite guests on the ships that have them). The menu leans toward lighter, “clean” cooking, though richer dishes and desserts are on offer too, and there is a list of sustainable and biodynamic wines. Blu serves breakfast and dinner but not lunch, so at midday you will use the main restaurant or buffet like everyone else. Many past guests cite Blu as the single biggest reason to book AquaClass, because it gives you a calmer, more personal dinner without reservations in a busy main dining room.

Spa and thermal suite access

  • Edge Series ships: unlimited access to the adults-only SEA Thermal Suite, with heated loungers, steam and sauna rooms and other heat and water experiences.
  • Solstice and Millennium Series ships: unlimited access to the Persian Garden, with aromatic steam rooms, tropical rain showers and heated tile loungers.
  • A dedicated spa concierge, priority spa reservations and discounts on spa treatment packages (treatments themselves still cost extra).
  • Complimentary fitness classes, with the selection varying by cruise length.

Other guests can usually buy thermal suite passes, but these are limited in number and can sell out on busy sailings. Having access included is a real convenience on sea-day-heavy itineraries.

In-room amenities

  • Two bottled waters in the cabin daily
  • Two yoga mats and an in-room fitness amenities menu
  • eXhale bedding, a pillow selection on request and 100% cotton robes, slippers and towels
  • Eco-friendly shower amenities and, on Solstice and Millennium Series ships, a massaging showerhead
  • An enhanced air filtration system
  • A welcome bottle of sparkling wine on request, plus an umbrella, binoculars and shoeshine service
  • An expanded room service breakfast menu (Celebrity notes a $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply)

What AquaClass does not include

AquaClass does not include drinks beyond the daily water and the optional sparkling wine, free Wi-Fi, a private lounge, butler service or priority boarding. Celebrity lists priority embarkation for The Retreat, not for AquaClass. If you want drinks and Wi-Fi, look at Celebrity’s All Included fare or a drinks package separately.

Calm indoor spa pool with heated loungers, similar to a cruise ship thermal suite included with AquaClass
Unlimited thermal suite access is the headline AquaClass perk. Photo: Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

AquaClass vs Concierge Class vs The Retreat

The question “AquaClass vs Concierge Class” comes up constantly, and it has changed slightly this year. For sailings departing after September 21, 2026, Celebrity dropped the afternoon canapés from Concierge Class and replaced them with complimentary room service, with the $9.95 delivery fee waived (gratuity still applies). You can read more in our news story on how Celebrity swapped Concierge Class canapés for free room service.

Feature Concierge Class AquaClass The Retreat
Cabin type Upgraded veranda Wellness veranda Suite
Exclusive restaurant No Blu (breakfast and dinner) Luminae (all meals)
Thermal suite / Persian Garden No Unlimited Varies by suite
Room service Free, delivery fee waived Expanded breakfast menu, fee may apply Free 24-hour
Embarkation lunch Yes No Yes, in Luminae
Priority boarding Priority debarkation No Priority embarkation and debarkation
Private lounge No No Yes, The Retreat Lounge
Drinks and Wi-Fi Sparkling wine on request Daily water, sparkling wine on request Premium drinks, minibar, premium Wi-Fi
Butler No No Yes

In short, Concierge Class buys convenience: a better cabin location, a concierge, an embarkation lunch and now free room service. AquaClass buys a lifestyle: the spa and a private dinner venue every night. The Retreat is a different level of cruise, with a lounge, butler, Luminae restaurant and drinks, and a price to match. The Retreat page on Celebrity’s official site lists its full benefits.

On the newer Edge Series ships, Celebrity also offers Aqua Sky Suites, which combine AquaClass wellness perks with Retreat-level suite benefits. These are a niche option for guests who want both.

How Much More Does AquaClass Cost?

There is no fixed surcharge. The AquaClass premium over a standard Veranda depends on the ship, itinerary, season and how many AquaClass cabins remain unsold, and it moves constantly. On some sailings the gap is small enough to be an easy yes; on popular holiday cruises it can climb well into four figures per cabin.

Rather than relying on a rule of thumb, price the same sailing three ways and do this quick check:

  1. Find the difference. Compare the AquaClass fare with the cheapest Veranda and Concierge Class fare on the same date, using the same fare type (cruise only or All Included).
  2. Value the thermal suite. Check what a cruise-long thermal suite or Persian Garden pass costs for two on that ship. If you would buy one anyway, subtract it from the difference.
  3. Value Blu honestly. If you would otherwise book a specialty restaurant once or twice for a quieter dinner, count that. If you are happy in the main dining room, count nothing.
  4. Decide on what is left. If the remaining premium is small, AquaClass is good value. If it is still several hundred dollars or more, ask whether a calmer dinner and in-cabin extras are worth that to you.

Fares shift with promotions too, so keep an eye on offers such as those in our roundup of cruise deals for 2027. A good sale can shrink the AquaClass premium significantly.

Private balcony overlooking the ocean, typical of a cruise ship veranda cabin
AquaClass cabins are balcony staterooms, usually near the spa. Photo: Roman Chernov on Pexels

Which Celebrity Ships Have AquaClass?

AquaClass is available across Celebrity’s three main ship classes. It is not offered on the small Galapagos expedition ships.

Ship class Ships Thermal area
Edge Series Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, Xcel SEA Thermal Suite
Solstice Series Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette, Reflection Persian Garden
Millennium Series Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, Constellation Persian Garden

The Edge Series ships, including Celebrity Xcel, the newest ship in the class, have the largest AquaClass cabins and the more extensive SEA Thermal Suite, so the upgrade tends to feel most worthwhile on these ships. On the older Millennium Series ships the cabins are smaller and the Persian Garden is more compact, though Blu is still a strong draw.

Is Celebrity AquaClass Worth It? Who Should Book It

AquaClass tends to suit:

  • Couples and solo travelers who enjoy saunas, steam rooms and a daily spa routine
  • Guests on itineraries with lots of sea days, when the thermal suite gets the most use
  • Diners who prefer a smaller restaurant and lighter food over a busy main dining room
  • Anyone who would buy a thermal suite pass anyway

It is less likely to be worth it if you:

  • Are on a short or port-intensive cruise and will be ashore most days
  • Rarely use spas or prefer the main dining room’s atmosphere and menu
  • Value a midship location, an embarkation lunch or free room service more, which point toward Concierge Class
  • Are traveling with young children, since the thermal areas are adults only

One practical tip that many guides skip: AquaClass cabins cluster near the spa and pool decks, and on some ships certain cabins sit beneath outdoor structures such as the running track or near late-night venues. Check the deck plan above and below any cabin number before you pay the premium, and see our guide to Celebrity Cruises cabins to avoid for specific locations to steer clear of.

If you are tempted to go one step further, our guide to Celebrity Retreat suite perks explains what each suite tier adds.

If drinks are part of your budget, compare the Celebrity Classic and Premium drink packages before you sail.

If the spa is not a priority, you may also want to weigh up whether Celebrity Concierge Class is worth it before choosing a cabin.

FAQs

What does AquaClass get you on Celebrity?

Unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden, breakfast and dinner in the exclusive Blu restaurant, a spa concierge with priority reservations, complimentary fitness classes, daily bottled water and wellness amenities in your stateroom.

Is Aqua Class worth it on Celebrity Cruises?

It is worth it if you will use the thermal suite most days and enjoy Blu, and the premium over a Veranda is modest. If you rarely visit spas or the price gap is large, a Veranda or Concierge Class cabin is usually better value.

Which is better, AquaClass or Concierge Class?

Choose AquaClass for spa access and Blu. Choose Concierge Class for a better cabin location, a concierge, an embarkation lunch and, from late September 2026, free room service with the delivery fee waived.

Do AquaClass guests get priority boarding on Celebrity?

No. Celebrity lists priority embarkation for The Retreat, and priority debarkation for Concierge Class, but not priority boarding for AquaClass.

Does AquaClass include drinks on Celebrity?

No. AquaClass includes daily bottled water and a sparkling wine on request, but not a drinks package. Drinks come with Celebrity’s All Included fare or a separate package.

Parent holding a baby on holiday, the kind of trip families plan when cruising with an infant

Can Babies Go on Cruises? Cruising With an Infant: Age Limits by Line (2026)

by Baby & toddlerCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise Tips

Yes, babies can go on cruises. Most major cruise lines accept infants from 6 months old on the first day of the sailing. That rises to 12 months for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and other long or sea-day-heavy itineraries, and on MSC to 2 years for cruises of 11 nights or more. Cruising with an infant also means planning around a few firm rules, especially swim diapers and pools, plus nurseries that only some lines offer.

Below is a line-by-line comparison of current infant policies for 2026-27, followed by what to know about nurseries, splash zones, cribs, fares and packing. Policies change, so always confirm the rules for your exact sailing before you pay a deposit.

Minimum infant age by cruise line

The age is checked on embarkation day, and lines are strict about it. Royal Caribbean, for example, denies boarding to infants who don’t meet the requirement, and won’t give a refund. The table summarises each line’s published policy for infants on a cruise, along with the onboard childcare available for under-3s.

Cruise line Minimum age (most sailings) Higher minimum applies to Childcare for babies and toddlers
Royal Caribbean 6 months 12 months for cruises with 3+ consecutive sea days, transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and select South America Royal Babies & Tots nursery, 6 to 36 months, paid by the hour (on most ships)
Carnival 6 months 12 months on longer itineraries such as Hawaii and transoceanic sailings No daytime nursery for under-2s in the US fleet; Night Owls paid late-evening group babysitting from 6 months
Disney Cruise Line 6 months 12 months for transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii It’s a Small World Nursery, 6 months to 3 years (from 1 year on those longer itineraries), paid by the hour
Norwegian (NCL) 6 months 12 months on certain long or sea-day-heavy itineraries Guppies parent-and-baby open play, 6 months to 3 years (parents stay); Splash Academy from age 3
MSC Cruises 6 months on shorter cruises 2 years (24 months) for sailings of 11 nights or more departing from 15 May 2025 Baby and toddler areas vary by ship; kids clubs from age 3
Celebrity Cruises 6 months 12 months on select sailings No nursery; Camp at Sea from age 3 (must be fully potty trained)
Princess Cruises 6 months 12 months on selected longer voyages No nursery; youth programmes from age 3
P&O Cruises (UK) 6 months 12 months on selected sailings Free evening Night Nursery, 6 months to 4 years; daytime play areas with a parent
Marella Cruises (UK) Generally 6 months (confirm with TUI) Check at booking No nursery; kids club from 3 to 12 years. Marella Explorer 2 is adults-only

Royal Caribbean’s 12-month rule is easy to trip over. A stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay counts as a sea day under its policy, so a sailing with two sea days either side of a CocoCay call can trigger the higher minimum. Count the sea days on your itinerary before you book.

If you or your partner is pregnant, most lines will not carry a guest who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more at any point during the cruise. Marella, for example, applies the 24-week limit to the end of the cruise, and lines usually ask for a doctor’s letter confirming fitness to travel.

Nurseries and childcare for under-3s

Most cruise kids clubs start at age 3 and require children to be fully toilet trained, so for babies the real question is whether the ship has a nursery.

  • Royal Caribbean runs the Royal Babies & Tots nursery for 6 to 36 months on most ships. RoyalCaribbeanBlog reported fees of $9 per child per hour during the day and $12 per hour in the evening; check current prices on board.
  • Disney Cruise Line has the It’s a Small World Nursery for 6 months to 3 years, with extended hours and an hourly fee. Spaces can fill up, so reserve as early as your booking allows.
  • P&O Cruises offers a free supervised Night Nursery in the evenings for 6 months to 4 years, booked with the youth team in advance, so parents can have dinner or see a show.
  • Norwegian doesn’t offer drop-off care for babies, but Guppies is a parent-and-child play session for 6 months to 3 years, and diapers are fine.
  • Carnival Night Owls is paid group babysitting late in the evening that has accepted children from 6 months. The day clubs start at age 2.

Celebrity, Princess and Marella don’t offer nurseries, so plan on looking after your baby yourself the whole time. For a wider look at which fleets suit young families, see our guide to the best cruise lines for families with kids.

Toddler playing in a shallow splash area, similar to the baby splash zones on some cruise ships
Swim diapers are only allowed in designated baby splash areas. Photo: Franco Monsalvo on Pexels

Can babies go in the pool on a cruise?

This catches out a lot of families. Because of public health rules, children in diapers, including swim diapers and pull-ups, cannot use the main pools or hot tubs on any major line.

  • Royal Caribbean allows children who are not fully toilet trained only in its Baby Splash areas. These are on selected ships, including the Oasis- and Icon-class ships and many Quantum-, Freedom- and Voyager-class ships.
  • Disney ships have splash zones designed for little ones in swim diapers.
  • Marella does not allow children in nappies, swim nappies or pull-ups in any onboard pool.
  • On ships with no baby splash area, babies cannot get in the water on board, so look for a beach day in port instead.

If water play matters to your family, choose a ship with a dedicated baby splash zone. Our guide to the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids of each age can help you narrow it down.

Cribs, cabins and sleeping arrangements

Cruise lines generally provide cribs or pack-and-play travel cots free of charge on request. Disney’s stateroom hosts will even set the cot up and take it down each day. Request one when you book, or through your online booking’s special requests form, because supplies are limited and allocated first come, first served.

Some practical points to keep in mind:

  • A cot takes up a lot of floor space in a standard cabin. A larger cabin, a family stateroom or a suite with a separate living area can make naps and early bedtimes easier for everyone.
  • Balcony doors need constant attention with a mobile baby. Some families choose an inside or ocean-view cabin for that reason, and for the darkness at nap time.
  • Babies count towards a cabin’s maximum occupancy, which matters if you are a family of four or five.
  • Baby food, formula and diapers are generally not sold on board, or only in a small range. Some lines, including Marella, will warm milk and baby food for you, but you need to bring your own.
Baby travel essentials including diapers, bottles and clothes packed for a family cruise holiday
Bring enough formula and diapers for the whole trip. Photo: Tanya Gorelova on Pexels

Do babies cruise free?

Usually not. An infant is a passenger with their own ticket, so most lines charge a fare for them, often at the lower third- or fourth-guest rate, plus government taxes, fees and port charges. Some lines and agents run “kids sail free” or reduced-fare promotions that include under-2s, but these depend on the sailing and the fare type. Daily gratuities may also apply per guest depending on the line. Ask for an itemised quote that shows the infant’s fare, taxes and service charges separately before you book.

What to pack for a cruise with a baby

Because supplies on board are limited, packing is the part of cruising with an infant that needs the most planning. The essentials:

  1. Diapers and wipes for the whole trip, plus extras for delays.
  2. Formula, baby food and snacks in sealed packaging.
  3. Swim diapers and a sun suit for baby splash areas and beach days.
  4. A lightweight stroller that folds small enough for tenders and narrow corridors.
  5. A baby carrier for embarkation, tender boats and shore excursions.
  6. Baby sunscreen (check suitability with your pharmacist), a sun hat and a portable fan.
  7. Medicines your doctor recommends, plus copies of any prescriptions.
  8. A night light, white noise, blackout covers and familiar bedding to help with sleep.
  9. Passport or travel documents for the baby. Every infant needs their own.

For a complete, printable checklist, use our baby and toddler cruise packing list.

Tips for cruising with an infant

  • Choose shorter, port-rich itineraries first. A 3 to 7-night sailing with plenty of ports keeps you within the 6-month rule on most lines and breaks up the days.
  • Speak to your doctor. Check vaccinations and any advice for the ports you will visit. Ship medical centres are not specialist paediatric units.
  • Insure the whole family. Make sure your travel insurance names the baby and includes emergency medical cover at sea.
  • Book dining times that suit naps. Earlier sittings or flexible dining usually suit babies better than late dinners.

Once your little one is older, our guide to cruise age requirements for every age covers kids’ club ages, teen clubs and the rules for sailing without parents.

Once you know your baby is old enough to sail, read our guide on how to feed your baby on a cruise, from formula and breast milk to weaning in the buffet.

FAQs

How old does a baby have to be to go on a cruise?

On most major lines, at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise. Longer sailings, such as transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii or cruises with three or more consecutive sea days, usually require 12 months. MSC requires 2 years for sailings of 11 nights or more.

Can you take a baby under 6 months on a cruise?

Not on the major lines covered here, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess and P&O. Infants who don’t meet the age requirement on embarkation day can be refused boarding.

Can babies go in the pool on a cruise ship?

Not in the main pools. Children in diapers or swim diapers can use only designated baby splash areas, found on selected Royal Caribbean and Disney ships. Marella doesn’t allow nappies in any pool.

Do babies need a passport to cruise?

Yes, for most international cruises every infant needs their own passport or other valid travel document, just like adults. Check the documentation rules for your departure port and itinerary.

Which cruise lines have nurseries for babies?

Royal Caribbean (Royal Babies & Tots), Disney Cruise Line (It’s a Small World Nursery) and P&O Cruises (free evening Night Nursery) offer care for children from 6 months. Norwegian’s Guppies is a parent-accompanied play session.

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Passenger Overboard From World’s Largest Cruise Ship

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A male passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has gone overboard just one day into the ship’s 7-night Western Caribbean voyage.

Icon of the Seas Aerial

The incident took place in the early hours of 26th May, after the ship had set sail from Miami.

Despite the early hours, the overboard situation was detected and the emergency alarm sounded. The crew immediately halted the ship for two hours so that the passenger could be recovered.

Passengers filmed videos showing two small rescue boats helping the man to be recovered. According to passenger reports, the man was then taken to the onboard medical centre.

At the time of writing, it is not yet clear whether the man had survived.

It’s also not clear what caused the man to go overboard, and the cruise line refuses to fuel speculation, as it should. Reports state that he jumped but there has been no confirmation of this. The cruise line is also protecting the identity of the passenger, for privacy reasons.

Despite the two-hour pause in sailing, the ship was able to continue onto Roatan on time.

Often guests who do jump or fall off a ship are not found, but the fast action of the crew here meant that the passenger could be recovered in the hope that he can pull through.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Even More Luxury – Cruise Line Upgrades Suite Services With Even More Perks

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

Celebrity Cruises has announced that it is enhancing The Retreat, the premium ship-within-a-ship you’ll find across the Celebrity fleet.

Exclusive celebrity retreat aerial shot showing its premium look onboard

The Retreat is where you’ll find all the suite accommodations on a Celebrity cruise, along with some public spaces reserved exclusively for suite guests.

And now, Retreat guests will enjoy and even better experience with some new benefits to make cruising even better.

At the minute, all Retreat guests have access to a butler, who is available for any requests that guests may have during their cruise. Butlers are assigned to suites, but will typically manage multiple suites per cruise, and so are not always immediately on-hand.

So now, guests will be able to use a special Butler Chat feature via WhatsApp to message their butler at any time, whatever they need.

There will also now be a special shore excursions expert on hand to help Retreat guests to book activities ashore. As well as arranging transfers to help guests, they can also plan private car trips for guests, with the butler offering a suite-to-car escort for these special excursions.

Luminae, the Retreat-exclusive restaurant, will offer some new enhanced menu options, while in-suite dining will also now include a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with premium wines.

Guests already enjoyed premium check-in, but they will now benefit from priority luggage drop off at port, and priority delivery on the ship too.

And finally, as well as the welcome drinks that guests are already served and the premium drinks package included, guests will now have a complimentary stocked minibar in their suite along with some personalised treats.

At The Retreat, the world really does revolve around our guests. We collected extensive feedback from past guests, loyalty members and our trade partners to inform how The Retreat experiences are being reimagined to continue exceeding vacation expectations by delivering on the amenities and experiences Celebrity Cruises guests value most.

Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises

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Queen Mary 2 Arrives In New York City With The Eternal Flame

by Cruise Lines

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 arrived this week in New York carrying the Eternal Flame after a seven-day North Atlantic Crossing. Following the ship’s arrival, a commemorative ceremony was held onboard Queen Mary 2 by the Consulate General of France, La Flamme de la Liberté, and Cunard honoring the WWII Normandy Landings of 1944 and marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Those in attendance included Mr. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the United States; Mr. Damien Laban, Acting Consul General of France in New York; Mr. Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for International Affairs, City of New York; Queen Mary 2 Captain Andrew Hall; General Patton’s granddaughter, Helen Ayer-Patton; and WWII veterans from The Greatest Generations Foundation.

The Eternal Flame, which has been burning since November 11, 1923, on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe, was collected on May 8. From there, a group of 12 young French ambassadors carried the flame from Paris to Cherbourg where it crossed the English Channel to Portsmouth, a key embarkation port for the Normandy Invasion. Thereafter the flame proceeded the short distance to Southampton where it boarded Queen Mary 2 to cross the Atlantic and arrive in New York. The ambassadors will escort the flame to Arlington Cemetery to lay it down at an official ceremony on May 24, and let it burn until June 6, 2024.

Queen Mary 2 Captain Andrew Hall said: “We are honored that our flagship Queen Mary 2 was part of this historic occasion honoring the men and women who served in D-Day, and the many hundreds of thousands of whom were brought over the Atlantic on Cunard ships. Today will truly be remembered as an important part of Cunard’s long and storied history.”

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

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Holland America Line Add $25 Deposit To Anniversary Sale

by Cruise Lines

Here is a great value for everyone to make a booking with little down. From Alaska, Canada/New England, the Caribbean and the Pacific Coast to Mexico/Panama Canal, South America, Australia & New Zealand, travelers will experience smooth sailing when it comes to added value.

NEW! $25 Deposit

From now through May 31, travelers can book Summer 2024 through Spring 2025 cruises and receive the following:

  • $25 Deposit
  • Up to 45% off Cruise Only Fares
  • Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom
  • Free & Reduced Fares for 3rd and 4th guests

*Offer excludes Grand Voyages and cruises three days or less.

Example itineraries include (but not limited to):

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MSC Cruises Will Have Nine Ships In The Mediterranean

by Cruise Lines

With its picturesque seascapes, the Mediterranean continues to grow in popularity as a vacation destination. MSC Cruises has met the demand, offering guests a variety of itineraries that visit multiple cities in the breathtaking region for the ultimate summer getaway, and it’s not too late to book.

Summer Vacation In The Mediterranean

Vacationers can visit the most popular Western Mediterranean destinations with MSC Cruises this summer with the ease of only unpacking a suitcase once during their trip.

A cruise provides the best experience-value proposition, with a wide range of offerings both aboard and ashore to suit any type of traveler. From incredible itineraries and destination excursions to unique onboard experiences with a range of international gourmet dining options, award-winning facilities and activities for families and children of all ages, as well as luxurious spa and fitness centers, MSC Cruises offers endless experiences for guests to enjoy.

Offering sailings from May to October, nine elegant MSC Cruises’ ships visit this list of both iconic destinations and options off-the-beaten-path, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, culture, and entertainment.

  1. Valencia, Spain –Valencia is a vibrant port city full of rich history, Mediterranean charm and what might be the best nightlife in Spain, making it a must-visit this summer. Here, cobblestone streets lead guests to discover storied Spanish history coupled with modern style, not to mention culinary delights like tapas, Paella and refreshing horchata. Vibrant blue waters at Playa de Las Arenas beach are perfect during the day and, as the sun sets, Valencia comes alive with hip bars and nightlife. Ships calling on Valencia this summer include:
  • MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
  • MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa

2. Livorno, Italy – Brimming with historical monuments, fascinating museums and amazing seafood, Livorno is a beautiful port town on the west coast of Tuscany. Stunning natural environments like Macchia della Magona are a staple of the region and ideal to explore in summer. Livorno is also the perfect launch pad to Tuscany’s capital of Florence, where the Italian Renaissance was born, and visitors can admire ancient architecture and masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and da Vinci. A short coastal drive to Pisa leads to Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous Leaning Tower, the 13th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery with its splendid Gothic facade. Ships calling on Livorno this summer include:

  • MSC Fantasia – 7-night itineraries from Valencia
  • MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno

3.Barcelona, Spain – A metropolis full of diverse experiences, Barcelona is alive during the summer with festivals and outdoor activities, including its beaches. Those who opt to explore the city center will find world-class museums, designer restaurants and shops brimming with art, not to mention Gaudí’s masterpiece Casa Batlló with its unique facade reflecting the joyful artist. In nearby El Raval, eclectic bars and boutiques have flourished around the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. An unparalleled view of this iconic city is best observed on the mountain Montserrat, where visitors can journey to the basilica perched on top and take in the scenery below. Ships calling on Barcelona this summer include:

  • MSC Seaview – 7-night itineraries from Barcelona
  • MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
  • MSC Grandiosa –7-night itineraries from Livorno
  • MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
  • MSC Poesia – 11-night itineraries from Genoa

4. Palermo, Italy – Palermo is Sicily’s capital city that holds an unrivalled display of Norman art and architecture and Baroque churches, combined with a labyrinth of medieval streets and markets. A complex and multilayered city, Palermo is best explored by foot as back alleys give way to lively scenes in the city center. Historic venues, such as the 18th-century Palazzo d’Orleans and Palermo’s opera house, Teatro Massimo, which has appeared in movies and TV shows, are delightful to visit, as are the impressive Baroque churches. Ships calling on Palermo this summer include:

  • MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
  • MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno

5. Ibiza, Spain – Ibiza is synonymous with beauty and excess, making it the hub of Spanish nightlife, but there is so much more to explore on the island this summer. Ciutat d’Eivissa is the most charming town on the island, featuring the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Dalt Vila, encircled by impressive medieval walls which culminate at the main archway entrance, the imposing Portal de ses Taules. Just inside lies the elegant Plaça de Vila, a delightful square lined with restaurants and cafés, perfect for enjoying tapas or a leisurely meal. The climb up the steep, winding streets to the cathedral is well worth the effort, if only for the spectacular views over the harbor. Ships calling on Ibiza this summer include:

  • MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
  • MSC Seaside – 7-night itineraries from Genoa

6. Cádiz, Spain – Discovered more than 3,000 years ago, Cádiz is the oldest city in Western Europe. Since then, the various settlers of Cádiz have left an important cultural imprint whose influence is still reflected in the city’s character. Located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, this peninsula has managed to maintain a significant historical heritage, stemming from its commercial significance, alongside pristine beaches and delectable regional cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will find the Doñana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an unparalleled destination for exploration.

  • MSC Orchestra offers 10-night itineraries this summer from Genoa that call on Cadiz

7. Naples, Italy: Southern Italy’s bustling historic city captivates all five senses and is one of the country’s most underrated large cities. Situated on the coast in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is alive with artistic treasures and architectural wonders like Teatro di San Carlo, the oldest opera house in Europe. Its location is ideal to explore nearby Pompeii, the town frozen in time from the volcanic eruption in AD 79. Guests can also take a trip to Capri to admire its cove-studded coastline and learn about the many legends surrounding the island. Ships calling on Naples this summer include:

  • MSC World Europa – 7-night itineraries from Genoa
  • MSC Grandiosa – 7-night itineraries from Livorno
  • MSC Divina – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia

8. Cannes, France: Guests seeking a blend of glamour, beauty and Mediterranean charm will need to look no further than this French Riviera hotspot, acclaimed for its world-renowned film festival. This magnetic city offers visitors a range of attractions to explore including breathtaking scenery, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, upscale shops along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette, and the city’s old town, Le Suquet, which is full of rich history. Ships calling on Cannes this summer include:

  • MSC Musica – 7-night itineraries from Civitavecchia
  • MSC Seaview – 7-night itineraries from Barcelona

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Sick Passenger Stranded Without Correct Travel Insurance Cover

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNews

A woman from Georgia in the US has undergone quite the ordeal after falling ill during her Carnival cruise to the Caribbean.

Carnival's Mardi Gras cruise ship sailing in the middle of the ocean

Loretta Cox, 54, from Georgia in the US, was on a cruise that departed on 19th May 2024, but she took ill while onboard and, by the time the ship arrived in the Dominican Republic on 22nd May, things were more serious.

Loretta was transferred to a local hospital with fluid in her lungs, where she had to be placed on life support. She was of course kept in the hospital, with the cruise ship carrying on its itinerary without her.

However, Loretta did not have proper travel insurance cover for her medical bills, meaning that she had racked up significant charges of $28,000 for the transfer to hospital, and an extra $4,000 each day she spent there.

The costs to evacuate Loretta back to the US, where she could continue treatment under her regular health insurance, were over $25,000 with upfront payment required.

The family were unable to afford this alone but quickly started a fundraising campaign, raising $18,000. The family paid the remaining amount and on Friday 24th May, Loretta was flown to a hospital in Florida, just two days after being admitted in the Dominican Republic.

The latest updates at the time of writing have Loretta in a stable condition, although she remains on life support.

This story shows the importance of getting appropriate travel insurance for any cruise you take – you never know when you might need medical help, and the financial support to pay for it.

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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