Icon-Ultimate-Family-Townhouse-1.jpg

This 3-Storey Cruise Ship Suite Costs $80K Per Week!

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsRoyal Caribbean

Icon of the Seas might be the biggest cruise ship in the world, but the main reason that’s exciting is the fantastic accommodations and features she packs into all that space.

And none of the staterooms or suites on Icon of the Seas is more unique and thrilling than the Ultimate Family Townhouse. This takes the Ultimate Family Suite concept debuted on some of the Oasis-class ships to a whole other level – literally.

Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas

Let me explain why that’s a bad pun, and why the Ultimate Family Townhouse is one of the best family suites at sea – but also why it’s not for everyone.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a family suite available to book on Icon of the Seas. It is a three-storey suite situated at the after corner of the ship, sleeping up to 8 guests in incredible luxury.

The Ultimate Family Suite accommodations first debuted with the two-storey Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

With the Ultimate Family Townhouse, Icon of the Seas has added a third storey (there’s your “other level” pun) and is packed with great features for adults and kids alike.

The suite is massive!

The Ultimate Family Townhouse has 1,772 square feet of interior space, as well as three balcony areas – a main level balcony off the living room (410 square feet), a second balcony off the master bedroom (90 square feet) and a backyard area (251 square feet).

To put that into context, an Interior Stateroom on the same ship measures 156 square feet – so the Ultimate Family Townhouse has 11 times the interior space, along with three outdoor spaces – two of which are bigger than the Interior Stateroom in total.

And if you just totalled up the balcony and backyard space alone, that’s over 750 square feet – bigger than most of the other suites on the ship with their balconies included. This really is a massive suite.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is situated on Decks 7, 8 and 9 of Icon of the Seas, so it’s around the middle of the decks on the ship. You can find it on the Icon of the Seas deck plans – the information for it is listed under Deck 8, as that’s where the main living space is.

Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas

Here’s what you get for your money…

The Ultimate Family Townhouse consists of two bedrooms, a cinema room, a living room and an outdoor backyard. There’s a balcony off the master bedroom and another off the living room, and a slide connecting the upper floor with the main living space.

That just scratches the surface through. This is a suite that is packed with entertainment for the whole family. The living area includes a spacious living room and a dining room, which has an interactive gaming table. The sofa in this room is a double sofa bed, which is useful if you’re travelling with a party larger than 4.

Inside the cinema room, as well as a giant TV you’ll find your own popcorn machine and karaoke machine, and there’s comfy seating including a monster-themed daybed.

The master bedroom has a king-size bed and its own master bathroom with twin vanity and two shower heads, while the kids’ room has bunk beds and its own TV and games, and its own bathroom including a bath. So they can get that one messy and leave yours looking pristine.

Down the steps into the backyard, you’ll find a ping pong table and some cosy seats, along with a white picket fence which opens straight into the Surfside neighbourhood on the ship, so you’ve got easy access to the splash areas and many of the best family-friendly features on the ship.

Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas

There’s even your own mailbox – perfect for picking up any notes from your Royal Genie (more on that below). It’s also just really picturesque – your own idyllic private entrance to one of the most exciting parts of the ship.

You get some extra perks too

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is classed as a Star Class suite under the Royal Suites Program with Royal Caribbean. This means guests get extra benefits including the services of a Royal Genie, free drinks, free WiFi and more.

There are a lot of perks that you get as part of your cruise fare. The Royal Genie is one of the most notable ones – these are essentially the butlers of Royal Caribbean, but with a less formal name.

But the other perks shouldn’t be discounted. Free drinks packages and WiFi help to justify a small part of the additional cost, while your typical gratuities are included too – although, not those of your Royal Genie, which are extra.

Let’s talk about the cost…

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is one of the most expensive suites at sea – expect it to cost around £17,500 / $20,000 for a week. That’s the per-person cost too – although you may get discounts for booking up to the maximum 8 guests. Expect to pay around £70,000 / $80,000 for the suite in total.

That’s a lot of money for a one-week cruise. Bear in mind that you can get an Interior Stateroom on the same ship for around £950/$1000 per person; you’re paying 20x more if you decide you want the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Or to put it another way, that’s 20 cruises at the ‘normal’ Icon of the Seas rooms prices, versus one cruise in an Ultimate Family Townhouse. I know which I’d choose!

So, is the Ultimate Family Townhouse worth it?

Whether the Ultimate Family Townhouse is worth it depends entirely on your budget. It’s out of reach for most passengers who’ll book a cruise on Icon of the Seas due to its high cost, but for some guests, it could be the perfect base for your family vacation.

You do get a lot of extra benefits included, but you also get those in some of the other suites on the ship – many of which are a quarter of the price of the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Ultimately (sorry), it’ll come down to your own situation and budget. For the average cruiser, it would probably be better to spend the money on multiple cruises. But for the lucky few with the money to spend, it’s definitely a suite that’ll provide some magical moments for your kids (and for you, too).

It’s not the only Icon of the Seas family suite, either, so you do have other options if you want suite perks without paying the high prices for this one!

Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas

Final Word

The Ultimate Family Townhouse is a suite worthy of the biggest ship in the world – it’s massive, it’s fun-packed, and it’s innovative too.

It’s not indicative of the entire ship, though – it’s pretty exclusive, thanks to its high price point, while Icon of the Seas is very much about everyone having an incredible cruise, no matter whether you choose the best suites or an Interior Stateroom.

Anyone who books the Ultimate Family Townhouse will have one of the best holidays ever, but you don’t need to book the Ultimate Family Townhouse to have an incredible time on Icon of the Seas.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

smoking-on-cruise.jpg

What Smokers Need To Know Before Taking A Cruise For The First Time

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsFirst time cruisers

Smoking on cruise ships is a contentious topic and one that’s often debated in Facebook groups and forums. But, the fact is that smokers are always welcome on board. That said, there are a few things you’ll need to know to make sure you don’t break any rules or upset anyone.

smoking on cruise

1. You Can Smoke On Every Cruise Ship

All cruise ships allow smoking on board. While many people would relish the idea of a non-smoking cruise ship, in reality, every cruise ship has at least one smoking area.

With 13% of US adults regularly smoking cigarettes and 5% vaping electronic cigarettes, banning smoking from cruise ships altogether wouldn’t be practical or profitable for cruise lines in the modern day.

smoking

2. You Can Only Smoke in Certain Places Onboard

Smoking on cruise ships is only permitted in designated areas. Cruise ship smoking areas are usually tucked out of the way and are pretty easy for non-smokers to avoid.

When you board your cruise ship, you’ll receive a copy of the deck plan which highlights useful areas such as smoking areas, toilets and lifts.

Most smoking areas are outdoors, but there’s usually a covered area to shelter from the rain. Some cruise lines also allow smoking indoors in smoking rooms, cigar bars or in the casino.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…

3. Some Cruise Lines Allow Smoking on Your Balcony

The question ‘Can you smoke on a cruise ship balcony?’ is often asked by smokers and non-smokers alike.

Some smokers dislike the idea of having to walk to the smoking area first thing in the morning or last thing at night. Whereas non-smokers worry about the possibility of second-hand smoke drifting onto their balcony from the one next door or below.

Of course, there’s also the issue of safety as on balconies there are no staff members around to ensure that cigarettes are properly extinguished. There are also fears that some inconsiderate smokers may throw cigarette ends overboard and pollute the ocean.

For these reasons, smoking is banned on most cruise ship balconies. The only cruise line allowing smoking for the foreseeable future on private balconies is Costa Cruises. You can smoke on a balcony on a Fred. Olsen cruise ship but only until 1st April 2025 when the policy will change.

smoking on cruise ship balcony

4. Some Cruise Lines Allow Smoking in the Casino

Smoking in cruise ship casinos varies by cruise line, by ship and even by the day of the week. Some ships have smoking areas or smoking rooms within the casino, some allow smoking throughout the casino and some ban it altogether.

Scroll down to see a table showing which cruise lines allow smoking in casinos. Please note though, that if mask mandates are in place, there may be a temporary ban on indoor smoking.

smoking in casino

When I cruised on MSC Preziosa, I noticed that most people
in the casino seemed to be smoking and it did put me off staying in there too
long. At the roulette table, the etiquette seemed to be that players would
offer a cigarette to each person at the table before lighting up themselves.

Here’s Where Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship

This table shows where smoking is allowed with each cruise line. Most information is given about each cruise line smoking policy below the table.

Cruise line Outdoor smoking areas? Indoor smoking lounges? Smoking in casino? Smoking on balconies? Smoking in your cabin?
Carnival YES YES YES NO NO
Celebrity Cruises YES NO NO NO NO
Costa Cruises YES YES NO YES vaping only
Cunard YES Cigars and pipes only NO NO NO
Disney Cruise Line YES NO NO NO NO
Holland America Line YES NO Selected ships on designated nights NO NO
Marella Cruises YES NO NO NO NO
MSC Cruises YES YES YES NO NO
Norwegian Cruise Line YES Cigars only Yes (except for cigars and pipes) Only for guests staying in Garden Villas NO
P&O Cruises YES NO NO NO NO
Princess Cruises YES YES At designated slot machines only. Not at table games NO NO
Royal Caribbean YES Cigars and pipes only on selected ships Depends on departure country NO NO

Prefer to Vape?

The general rule regarding electronic cigarettes on cruise ships is that they are treated in the same way as cigarettes and so vaping is only permitted in designated smoking areas. There are three cruise lines – Costa Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, which allow e-cigs to be vaped in cabins.

Read more: Vaping On A Cruise Ship? What You Must Know!

It’s important to note that electronic cigarettes are illegal in many countries including the United Arab Emirates, India and much of South America and Southeast Asia. You should check before you travel as you may have to leave your e-cigarette on the ship. Punishment for possession ranges from confiscation to a fine or even up to ten years in prison.

Be Careful To Bring The Right Lighter!

Cigarette lighters are allowed on cruise ships. However, torch lighters that emit a powerful, concentrated flame are not allowed on most ships. Similarly, novelty lighters that look like guns are also not allowed.

What Happens if You Get Caught Smoking Somewhere You Shouldn’t…

If you get caught smoking on a cruise outside of the designated areas then you will first receive a warning. If you repeat the offence then you may be kicked off the ship. If you’re caught smoking in your stateroom you may have to pay a cleaning fee.

Fire is one of the biggest threats to a cruise ship, so you should only ever smoke in the designated smoking areas.

Suggested read: How To Get Away With Smoking On A Cruise Ship

What Should You Do if You See Someone Smoking on a Cruise?

If you see someone smoking on a cruise ship outside of the smoking area then you can either ask them not to do it, or tell a crew member.

It may be that the person is unaware that they should not be smoking, so they may be grateful for your tip-off. However, they may have chosen to break the rules and may not relish being reprimanded.

If you’d prefer to avoid confrontation, then you can tell a nearby crew member or telephone guest services. That way, the smoker needn’t ever know that it was you who reported them.

No Smoking Cruise Ships

At the moment, there is no such thing as a no-smoking cruise ship. However, if you are determined to avoid smoke, you most certainly can. All you have to do is look up where the smoking areas are and avoid them.

Cruise Line Smoking Policies 2024

Here are links to the latest smoking and vaping policies for each cruise line…

Celebrity Cruises Smoking Policy

Celebrity Cruises only allows smoking in designated outdoor smoking areas. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes, pipes and cigars.

Carnival Cruise Smoking Policy

Carnival Cruise Line limits smoking to specific exterior deck
areas and designated casino and nightclub spaces that can be monitored. Cigars
and pipes may only be smoked in outdoor smoking areas.

Costa Cruises Smoking Policy

Costa Cruises allow smoking only in designated indoor areas which are marked as ‘cigar lounges’ and designated outdoor smoking points. Smoking cigarettes and tobacco are not permitted in cabins but electronic cigarettes are allowed in cabins. Smoking is allowed on private balconies.

Cunard Smoking Policy

The smoking of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes is
permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas. Pipes and cigars are also
allowed at any time of day in Churchill’s lounge, but cigarettes are prohibited
here.

Disney Cruise Line Smoking Policy

Disney Cruise Line allows smoking and vaping only in
designated outdoor smoking areas.

Holland America Smoking Policy

Holland America Line allows smoking only in designated
outdoor smoking areas. Some ships (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Amsterdam,
Maasdam, Volendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Veendam) also allow smoking in the
casino, but only on certain nights and only whilst playing. Electronic
cigarettes may be vaped in staterooms.

Marella Smoking Policy

Marella cruise ships only allow smoking in designated areas
of the open deck. The same rule applies to e-cigarettes.

MSC Cruises Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated indoor and outdoor
smoking areas and in the casino.

Norwegian Cruise Line Smoking Policy

Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas. Most ships (all except Norwegian Sky, Sun, Star and Pride of America), have a cigar lounge where cigars are welcome. Nothing but cigars and pipes may be smoked in these areas.

Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore have a designated smoking room within the casino where people can smoke whilst playing.

On other ships, smoking is allowed throughout the casino. Cigar and pipe smoking is not allowed in the casino.

Whilst smoking is not generally allowed in cabins or on balconies, guests staying in Garden Villas are allowed to smoke in their private garden and on their private sun decks.

P&O Cruises Smoking Policy

Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking
areas. These locations are not published as they change depending on the
weather or cleaning processes.

Princess Cruises Smoking Policy

Princess Cruises allow smoking in designated areas which
include outdoor smoking areas, cigar lounges and a section of the nightclub. In
the casino, smoking is allowed only whilst playing designated machines and not
at table games. The casino will have one or more non-smoking nights on each
cruise. Electronic cigarettes are permitted in cabins (but not on balconies)
and within the smoking areas.

Royal Caribbean Smoking Policy

On Royal Caribbean cruises, smoking is permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas. The rules about smoking in the casino varies for different regions of the world. On cruises departing from China and Hong Kong, smoking is allowed throughout the casino. On cruises departing from the UK and Australia, smoking is not allowed in the casino. On all other cruises, the casino will have a designated smoking area. 

Cigars are not allowed in the casino, only in designated outdoor smoking areas. Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships feature cigar bars where cigars and pipes are allowed, but no other types of smoking.

Final Word

So, can you smoke on cruise ships? Yes, but only in very specific places. Usually, you can’t smoke on your balcony or in any of the restaurants, but there are very limited places indoors and outdoors where you can use cigarettes or vapes.

It’s important that you follow the rules because you can get in a lot of trouble if you keep flaunting them. One strike will probably just get you told to extinguish your cigarette but keep pushing your luck and you might be more severely punished.

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

Toddler-on-PO-Britannia.jpg

Cruise Ship Balcony Rooms Are NOT Safe for Toddlers

by Baby & toddlerCruise LinesCruise News

If you’re planning a cruise with your toddler, then one of the biggest concerns is their safety. And if you’re constantly worrying about your little one, you’re simply not going to have fun.

I’ve been cruising since my son was six months old and I’ve done it plenty of times with toddlers in tow. So I know exactly how you feel.

Toddler on P&O Britannia

I’m not saying you can’t have a cabin with a balcony with young children. But if you do, you’ll have to be as vigilant as a hawk. So, read on and I’ll help you decide which is the best stateroom to choose for your family.

What Are Cruise Ship Balconies Like?

Cruise ship balconies are usually pretty small, with just enough space for two chairs and sometimes, if you’re lucky, a little table or footstool. The side is made of glass that comes up to waist height, and if you look down, the drop will be between four and 20 storeys, either into the sea, or onto a promenade deck.

cruise ship balconies on Iona
Balconies on Iona

People do go overboard from cruise ship balconies several times per year, and it’s almost always fatal. It’s important to note, though, that these instances are pretty much always caused by passengers who jump on purpose, or are doing something silly, like climbing.

You can’t fall off a cruise ship balcony by accident. But If you’re standing up holding a toddler near the edge, or letting them climb up on furniture, then the risk of them falling overboard is very real.

me on balcony

What Parents Need to Be Aware Of

Cruise lines go to great lengths to ensure the safety of their guests, but their measures are not foolproof. And as you’ll know, toddlers, are as nifty as they come.

Here are the things that you need to know about cruise ship balcony rooms, so you know what to expect if you book one…

1. The height of balcony rails

Waist-heigh glass barriers may seem impossible. But that’s not always the case, and you should never assume that your child won’t be able to climb over. Toddlers are very curious as you’ll know, and they may find a foothold somewhere that you haven’t spotted.

my daughter on the balcony
The height of balcony railings

While most modern cruise ships have balcony barriers made of glass, some do have either solid metal or metal railings. The solid metal balcony fronts usually have a ledge that a child could use to step up, and the metal bars of a railing make them the easiest to climb.

solif-fronted balconies
Solid-fronted balconies on Nieuw Statendam

2. Balcony furniture

A chair or a table may seem like an exciting climbing frame to our little explorers. But once a child has that added height, it becomes all to easy for them to go overboard.

You can ask your cabin steward to remove the furniture from your balcony, but this isn’t always possible. On our cruise on P&O Cruises Iona, we tried to bring the chairs in from the balcony, but they were simply too wide to fit through the door.

balcony furniture on Iona cruise ship
Our large balcony on Iona

3. Balcony doors

Cruise cabins usually have glass doors that open onto the balcony. Most have a lock at the top of the door that’s tough for a toddler to reach unless they get creative with a chair.

However, the locks aren’t always at the top, sometimes they’re much lower. As you can see in this photo that I took onboard MSC Virtuosa, my six-year-old was able to open the balcony door lock with ease.

Child opening balcony on MSC Virtuosa
Balcony door on MSC Virtuosa

The Golden Rule

There’s a golden rule you’ve got to stick to when you’re cruising with your little ones. Never, ever leave a young child unattended with access to a balcony. Even if you use the bathroom, make sure that there’s another adult watching your child so they can’t sneak out there.

Of course, the exact age at which you can trust your child to behave sensibly on a balcony depends on the child. I could trust my eight-year-old daughter not to do anything dangerous with 100% confidence. But when I remind my six-year-old son not to climb on the balcony footstool, he’ll likely forget five minutes later and do it anyway.

Baby and toddler on a cruise
Cruising with a baby and toddler

Other Areas of Cruise Ships That Can Be Dangerous For Toddlers

Aside from your cabin, there are several public areas that could prove to be hazardous for your child. It’s important to be aware of these and take necessary precautions.

1. Railings in Public Areas

Out on deck, the barriers are usually chest height to an adult and made of glass. Sometimes, they’re over head height. This makes them impossible to climb, unless there’s furniture involved.

However, many older cruise ships also have horizontal metal railing instead of glass, making it much easier for small adventurers to climb.

Railings on Bolette
Promenade deck on Bolette

River cruise ships are probably the most dangerous, with metal guardrails only reaching an adult’s waist height. These would be very easy to climb, and this is one of the reasons why most river cruise lines do not allow children under five on board.

balcony on a river cruise ship
Our balcony on A-Rosa Sena

You may remember the horror story when a grandfather accidentally dropped his grandchild through an 11th-storey window on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in 2019. He lifted the 18-month-old toddler up to what he believed was a wall of glass, but it was actually an open window. The child fell through his hands and sadly died.

2. Swimming Pools

Most cruise ships don’t allow toddlers who aren’t yet toiletry trained to use the pools. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t dangerous to young kids.

When my son was two, he was walking around the edge of a very deep swimming pool on P&O Cruises’ Britannia. I was walking right behind him. In the blink of an eye, he dove head-first into the water and immediately sank down to the bottom. I had no idea that a child would sink so fast! 

My toddler on Britannia
My toddler on Britannia

Frantically, I reached down and plunged my whole arm into the water to grab his ankle and haul him out.

Luckily, my son was absolutely fine and somehow not upset at all. But I was very shaken, and also felt very lucky that he was underwater for just a couple of seconds.

Depending on the cruise line, the pools on your ship may or may not have lifeguards. But even if they do, the pools are often very busy, so you should always keep a very close eye on your toddler near the water.

3. Bars and Restaurants

Your little one might think it’s all fun and games at the bars and restaurants on a cruise ship, but it could be a recipe for danger. People come and go, toting trays laden with food and drink. One unexpected toddler dash could lead to someone tripping and spilling a hot drink or smashing a glass in the vicinity of your child.

While you’re enjoying your food and drinks, it’s vital that you don’t let your children run around. Be sure to pack some tabletop toys and activities that will keep them entertained between courses.

Toddler on a cruise with her drink

4. Stairs

The stairs on cruise ships can be incredibly dangerous for little ones. The problem is that they often have gaps in between each step. While these gaps may be small to an adult, they could be huge to a toddler, so they could fall through.

Kids on a river cruise ship
The stairs on A-Rosa Sena

As each deck is quite heigh, a flight of stairs may have 15 or more steps, and they’re sometimes made of marble, crystal or other materials that won’t give a soft landing.

5. Elevators

Ready for another tale from my accident-prone son?

A couple of years ago we were in the elevator on an MSC Cruise ship when he let out an almighty shriek. As the elevator doors opened, his finger had got sucked into the side and trapped.

We frantically pressed the button to close the doors in an attempt to free his finger, but they didn’t move. All that was left to do was to pull his finger out with force. Luckily, it wasn’t too badly damaged, but it was red and swollen for a few days. It could have been much worse. 

Cruise ship elevators

6. Falling out of bed

Most cruise lines allow you to borrow a travel cot for your baby. But once they’re over a year old, you may find that they’re simply to big for it, or they try to climb out, which can be dangerous.

At that point, you’ll have to put them in a full-size bed. So it’s important to know what kind of beds are in the room when you book. Your best option would be a sofa bed.

kids asleep on sofa bed
A double sofa bed on Azura

If they’re likely to fall out you should bring your own bed guard from home, tuck a pool noodle under the sheet, or place some spare pillows on the floor. Alternatively, you could bring an inflatable ‘Ready-Bed’ for them to sleep on the floor.

Some cabins have Pullman beds that come down from the ceiling. These sometimes have age restrictions, but not always. When we cruised on MSC Virtuosa, our two-year-old slept up on the top bunk.

That bed had a large guard rail, but not all do. Here’s an example of what extra beds may look like on a cruise…

Iona sofa bed
Sofa bed on Iona

If, when you arrive, you’re at all concerned about the safety of where your toddler sleeps, you should be sure to let your stateroom attendant know.

Should You Book A Balcony Stateroom With A Toddler?

Cruise ship balcony staterooms do have their advantages for parents with young kids. It’s a private space where you can relax while your kids nap, with the fresh air from the sea making you feel alive.

But, if you feel that you wouldn’t be able to relax with a balcony, then an ocean view stateroom might be a better bet. As well as being safer, they’re more affordable and come with enough room and amenities for a comfortable stay.

The lure of a balcony stateroom can feel strong, but remember, the child’s safety comes first. Logically, an Ocean View stateroom might just hit that right balance of budget and safety.

Ocean View stateroom with kids

My Recommendation

When it comes to cruising with kids, it’s all about ensuring they have a memorable time while staying safe. If you’re torn about which type of room to book, then make sure you read my article about why I (almost) always choose an inside cabins for a family cruise. 

Choose your accommodation wisely, keep a keen eye on your kids, and you’re good to go. After all, a safe cruise is a happy cruise. And as a parent, that’s all we truly want.

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

Cruise ship docked in a harbor, illustrating a guide to the best way to book a cruise

The Best Way to Book a Cruise: Direct, Agent, Online or by Phone

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsMoney saving tips

The best way to book a cruise for most people is to check the price and cabins on the cruise line’s own website, then get a quote from a reputable cruise-specialist travel agent or a large online cruise agency. Base fares are often identical everywhere, so the winner is whoever adds the most value through onboard credit, upgrades, service and financial protection. Experienced cruisers who know exactly what they want can book direct online in minutes.

This guide compares every way to book a cruise: online, by phone, in person, through an agent and through cashback sites. It also gives a step-by-step guide to booking a cruise online and explains how your money is protected in both the US and the UK.

Can you book a cruise online?

Yes. Every major cruise line, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, P&O Cruises and Cunard, lets you search sailings, choose a specific cabin and pay a deposit online. Online travel agencies and cruise-specialist sites do the same across many lines at once. Booking online is quick and you can see the deck plans as you choose. The downside is that you are on your own if something is unclear, such as cabin noise, connecting rooms or flight timings.

The best way to book a cruise: every method compared

Booking method Best for Pros Cons
Direct with the cruise line, online Repeat cruisers who know the ship and cabin they want Live cabin selection, loyalty benefits applied automatically, easy to manage in the line’s app Few extra perks, only one line’s ships, no one on your side if there’s a dispute
Direct with the cruise line, by phone Complex requests, such as accessible or connecting cabins A human can hold cabins and explain fare rules, and some lines give you a named contact Sales staff only sell their own line, and wait times vary
Online travel agency (e.g. Expedia, CruiseDirect, Cruise.com, Costco Travel) Comparing many lines and dates quickly Side-by-side comparison, frequent extra onboard credit, rewards or gift cards Service is usually by call center, and changes can be slower
High-street or independent travel agent First-timers and people who want face-to-face help Personal advice, package building (flights, hotels, transfers), help when things go wrong Cruise knowledge varies, and some branches favor partner lines
Cruise specialist or home-based agent Most cruisers, especially for luxury, expedition and fly-cruise trips Deep product knowledge, group-rate space, added perks, price-drop monitoring Quality varies, so check credentials and reviews
Cashback site or quote-comparison service (e.g. CruiseCompete) Price-focused bookers who are happy to shop around Agents compete for your booking, or you get cashback on top Cashback can take months and is not guaranteed, and you deal with an agent you don’t know

Booking direct vs using a travel agent

This is the question most people are really asking. Cruise lines pay agents a commission, so using an agent rarely costs you more. Because many lines restrict public discounting, the base fare is often the same everywhere. That leaves extras, service and convenience as the real differences, and that is what decides the best way to book a cruise for you.

When booking direct makes sense

  • You are loyal to one line and want your past-guest benefits applied without fuss.
  • You have already picked the ship, sailing and cabin.
  • You want to manage everything yourself in the line’s app, including dining, excursions and drinks packages.
  • A direct-only promotion is running. Check the small print, because agents can often book the same deal.

When a travel agent is the better choice

  • It is your first cruise, or you are choosing between several lines.
  • You are booking a fly-cruise, a group trip or a multi-cabin family cruise.
  • You want extra onboard credit, prepaid gratuities or upgrades on top of the cruise line’s offer.
  • You want someone to track price drops and claim the difference before final payment.
  • You would like an advocate if your itinerary changes or a flight is cancelled.

Many booking “rules” you’ll hear, such as always booking at the last minute or never using an agent, are worth questioning. Our article on cruise booking tips and when to ignore them covers the common ones.

Person comparing holiday options on a laptop with a notebook and coffee
Comparing the same cabin on two or three sites takes minutes and can reveal extra perks. Photo: Leeloo The First on Pexels

How to book a cruise online: step by step

  1. Set your must-haves. Decide your dates, budget, departure port, cruise length and who is travelling. If you haven’t chosen a line yet, narrow it down to two or three before you start comparing prices.
  2. Search the cruise line’s site first. This shows you real cabin availability, the fare types (refundable or non-refundable deposit, with or without drinks packages) and the final payment date.
  3. Choose your cabin on the deck plan. Check what is above and below it. A cabin under the pool deck or a nightclub can be noisy. Midship, lower decks feel less motion.
  4. Get one or two competing quotes. Ask an agent or online agency to price the same ship, date, cabin category and fare type, then compare perks like for like.
  5. Read the fare rules. Look at the deposit amount, whether it is refundable, the final payment deadline, cancellation charges and name-change rules.
  6. Enter names exactly as on passports. Mismatches can cause problems with flights and at the port.
  7. Pay the deposit by credit card. This gives you extra protection (see below).
  8. Buy travel insurance straight away. Cover for cancellation starts when you buy the policy, not when you sail. See our cruise insurance buyer’s guide.
  9. Watch the price until final payment. Most lines will adjust your fare or give onboard credit if the price drops, though the rules vary by line and fare type.
  10. Complete online check-in. Lines typically open online check-in weeks before sailing. Upload documents and choose an arrival time.

Best sites to book a cruise

No single site always has the best price. Different sites suit different needs:

  • Cruise line websites are the most accurate source for cabin inventory and loyalty pricing.
  • Large US online agencies, such as CruiseDirect, Cruise.com, Cruises.com and Expedia, are good for broad comparison and frequent onboard credit promotions.
  • Warehouse and membership travel, such as Costco Travel, adds shop credit or gift cards that can be worth a significant amount on longer sailings.
  • Quote services, such as CruiseCompete, let several agents bid for the same sailing.
  • UK cruise specialists that are ABTA members (and ATOL-licensed for fly-cruises) are the UK equivalent and often add drinks packages or onboard spending money.

For many people, the best way to book a cruise is to combine these: research on the cruise line site, then book wherever the total value is highest. These are examples, not endorsements. Offers change weekly, so compare the total value: fare, taxes and fees, gratuities, onboard credit and any cashback.

What to look for in a cruise travel agent

  • Credentials: In the US, look for CLIA membership or certification and, where relevant, state seller-of-travel registration. In the UK, check ABTA membership and an ATOL number for any package that includes flights.
  • Cruise focus: Ask how many cruises they book each year and which lines they know best.
  • Transparency: They should spell out every perk in writing and say who provides it, the agency or the cruise line.
  • After-sales service: Ask whether they monitor price drops and who you contact if something goes wrong while you are away.
  • No pressure: A good agent will compare lines honestly rather than steer you towards one supplier.
Hand holding a credit card over a laptop keyboard while paying for a trip
Paying by credit card adds an extra layer of protection to a cruise booking. Photo: Tim Samuel on Pexels

Cruise booking protection in the US and UK

Financial protection is often overlooked when people book a cruise, yet it matters when you pay a deposit a year or more before sailing.

If you book in the US

  • Pay by credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can dispute charges for services that are not delivered. That gives you a chargeback route if a seller fails.
  • Use an established seller. Choose CLIA-affiliated agencies or the cruise line itself, and be wary of prices far below what the cruise line shows.
  • Insure the trip. Travel insurance with supplier-default cover protects your prepaid costs. Many policies require you to buy it within a set time after your deposit.

If you book in the UK

  • ATOL covers most fly-cruise packages sold by UK companies. If the company fails, you get a refund or a flight home. Cruise-only bookings from UK ports fall outside ATOL.
  • ABTA membership provides financial protection for many cruise-only bookings, and ABTA members follow a code of conduct.
  • Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes your card provider jointly liable for purchases between £100 and £30,000. This applies even if you only paid the deposit on the card. The protection can be weaker when you pay through some intermediaries, so ask before paying.
  • Booking flights and the cruise separately usually means no package protection if a flight is cancelled and you miss embarkation.

The cheapest way to book a cruise

  • Book 6 to 12 months ahead for the best mix of price and cabin choice. Lines often open sailings 12 to 18 months out.
  • Use wave season. From late December to March, lines often stack upgrades, drinks packages and reduced deposits.
  • Compare perks, not just fares. A slightly higher fare with prepaid gratuities and onboard credit can be the better deal.
  • Be flexible. Shoulder seasons, repositioning cruises and guarantee cabins are usually cheaper.
  • Stack savings carefully. Past-guest discounts, resident or military rates and agency perks can sometimes be combined.

For more ways to save, read our insider guide to getting cheap cruises.

If you are considering a discount agency, our roundup of Vacations To Go reviews covers how it works and what cruisers praise and complain about.

FAQs

Is it cheaper to book a cruise directly through the cruise line?

Not usually. Cruise fares are often the same whether you book direct or through an agent, because most cruise lines restrict discounting. Where they differ is in the extras: agents and online agencies often add onboard credit, prepaid gratuities or cashback, which can make them cheaper overall.

Is it better to book a cruise directly or through an agent?

Booking direct suits experienced cruisers who know which ship and cabin they want. A cruise-specialist agent is usually better for first-timers, fly-cruises, groups and anyone who wants help comparing lines or sorting out problems. Agents are generally paid by the cruise line, so their help rarely costs you extra.

What is the best website to book a cruise through?

There is no single best site. Use the cruise line’s own website to check cabin availability and the base fare. Then compare that price, including perks, against one or two large online agencies such as CruiseDirect, Cruise.com, Expedia or Costco Travel in the US, or ABTA-member cruise specialists in the UK.

What is the most cost-effective way to book a cruise?

Book 6 to 12 months ahead, or during wave season (January to March), when perks peak. Compare the total value rather than the headline fare, and pay by credit card. Keep watching the price until final payment, because most lines will adjust your fare or give onboard credit if it drops.

Can you book a cruise over the phone?

Yes. Every major cruise line and most agencies take phone bookings. Phoning is useful for complicated requests such as connecting cabins, accessible staterooms or group bookings, and you can ask for a named contact for any later changes.

silver-dawn-1.jpg

Silversea Is Owned By Royal Caribbean. Here’s What That Means For You

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsSilversea

Silversea is one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines. The standards of service on a Silversea ship are arguably unrivalled, with every guest feeling like they’re a truly special VIP from the moment they step on board.

Silver Dawn

So it may surprise you when you find out who owns the cruise line – although when you look at it from a perspective of success, it’s actually no surprise at all. 

Silversea is part of one of the biggest and most successful ocean cruise companies in existence – let’s take a look at the line’s current ownership and history.

Silversea Was Acquired By The Royal Caribbean Group

Silversea Cruises is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, and has been since July 2020. It was the most recent cruise line to be acquired by the group, which already owned various cruise lines including its flagship Royal Caribbean International brand.

While the brand ‘Silversea Cruises’ is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group company, you could argue that the cruise line is owned by various different investment groups, since it is publicly traded. 

Capital Research & Management is the largest shareholder in the Royal Caribbean Group, owning over 16% across multiple subsidiaries.

The Royal Caribbean group owns three cruise lines outright – as well as Silversea, it owns Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. The company retains a 50% share in TUI Cruises, having sold half of the cruise line. And it currently owns two defunct cruise brands – Pullmanter and CDF.

The group did previously own Azamara as well, but sold that cruise line to Sycamore Partners in 2021.

In terms of net worth, the group is one of the most valuable in travel. As of November 2023, the net worth of the Royal Caribbean Group was $21.85 billion – around $7 billion more than Carnival.

The CEO Of Silversea Cruises

Roberto Martinoli is the President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. He has been with the company since 2016 and oversaw the cruise line’s acquisition by the Royal Caribbean Group. Originally from Italy, he has also studied in the US before embarking on a career in cruise.

Roberto Martinoli
Roberto Martinoli

Prior to his role at Silversea, Martinoli held senior positions with Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines and Costa Crociere.

Silversea was founded in Monaco as a joint venture between the Vlasov Group of Monaco and the Lefebvre family in Italy. The cruise line still has its headquarters in Monaco.

The cruise line’s parent company, the Royal Caribbean group, does have its headquarters in the US but it is registered in Liberia.

Silversea cruise ship

Silversea Cruises History

Silversea Cruises was founded in 1994 by two groups – the Lefebvre Family of Rome and the Vlasov Group of Monaco. The two had worked together previously as the owners of Sitmar Cruises. They were based in Monaco but did add a US sales office.

They were the first cruise line to run with a marketing strategy around all-inclusive cruises, giving guests a fare that included drinks, tips, shore excursions and more.

Silversea cruise guests

Growth In The Fleet

Silversea was founded with one ship, the Silver Cloud, but this was quickly followed by the Silver Wind in 1995. It was then another five years before two more ships joined the fleet, the Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

Silver Cloud
Silver Cloud

The fleet has expanded slowly since. The next ship to join was Silver Spirit in 2009, before the company purchased Canodros S.A., a tourism company based in Ecuador. This led to the formation of Silversea Expeditions, and the launch of Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos. Silver Discoverer became the third Expeditions ship in 2014.

Since then, the Silver Muse, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn have launched. The newest Silversea ship, Silver Nova, set sail in July 2023.

Silver Nova
Silver Nova

Read more: List of Silversea Cruise Ships

Acquisition By Royal Caribbean

In 2018, Royal Caribbean made an offer to purchase two-thirds of Silversea for a cost of $1 billion. At the time, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the son of co-founder Antonio, was the sole owner. The deal was agreed upon, and Silversea ordered three new ships.

Then in 2020, the Royal Caribbean Group bought the rest of the shares and took the cruise line into full ownership in the group.

In 2022, Silversea bought the Crystal Endeavor ship from the now-defunct cruise line Crystal Cruises. The ship cost $275 million and has been renamed Silver Endeavor.

What To Know Before Buying Shares

Silversea Cruises does not have its own stock, but you are able to buy shares in the parent company Royal Caribbean Group (listed as RCL on the New York Stock Exchange). This is one of the highest-price cruise line stocks you could buy.

Interestingly, there are currently no benefits to owning stock if you were to then sail on a Silversea cruise. Usually, when you’re a shareholder in a cruise company, you are entitled to an onboard credit allowance on every sailing you book.

And indeed, that same offer applies to Royal Caribbean Group shareholders when they sail with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises. If you own 100 shares in the group, you can enjoy up to $250 to spend on-board on every Royal or Celebrity cruise that you take.

But despite being a part of the same corporation, that benefit has not yet been extended to Silversea sailings. When questioned, the Chief Commercial Officer of the cruise line confirmed that they are looking into ways to partner with their sister cruise brands more and that one of those could be in the shareholder benefits offered.

Bear that in mind if you were hoping to buy shares in the Royal Caribbean Group in order to earn free onboard spend on your Silversea cruises – as it stands, you won’t be entitled to it. Though it is potentially a nice perk just to say you’re part of the Silversea ownership, one of the world’s most luxurious cruise lines.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Shareholder Benefits Explained

How To Buy Shares

If you want to buy shares in Silversea Cruises, you’ll instead need to purchase Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) stock. You can’t buy shares in the individual cruise line, only the parent company. Use a stockbroker – either in person or online – to make your purchase.

It’s up to you whether you work with a stockbroker in person, or you just log onto a platform on your laptop or smartphone to buy the shares yourself. Stockbrokers charge higher fees but can offer financial advice, whereas you take the risk on entirely yourself if you just use an online platform.

I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my RCL shares through an online investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.

I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.

(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)

Read more: Should you invest in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd?

To Conclude

Silversea Cruises isn’t just one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world, but it’s part of arguably one of the two biggest cruise companies in existence too. The Royal Caribbean Group may now only hold three brands, but they are some of the very best names in mainstream, premium and luxury cruising.

If you want, you can invest your own money to become a part-owner if you buy stocks. Just remember that trading stocks and shares is a risk, and you could lose all your money if things worked out really badly.

And while at the moment you wouldn’t get any benefits on a Silversea cruise as a shareholder, you would if you decided to try a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise instead.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Silversea offers…

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

drug-dog-1.jpg

Do Cruise Ships Check for Drugs?

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsPacking

Smuggling recreational drugs onto a cruise ship is always a terrible idea. Not only could you get kicked off the ship, but you could also end up in prison.

Can you bring drugs onto a cruise ship at all? Well, prescription drugs on a cruise are usually fine. Just put them in your hand luggage, and be sure to bring a copy of your prescription with you.

However, if you want to bring medical marijuana, I recommend that you read my article about bringing marijuana on a cruise ship.

drug dog at cruise port

Can You Sneak Drugs Onto a Cruise Ship?

Illegal drugs are not allowed on cruise ships. If you are caught sneaking drugs onto a cruise ship, you will likely be handed over to the police, and you could face a harsh sentence for drug smuggling.

Do They Search for Drugs on Cruise Ships?

Cruise lines use a variety of methods to search for illegal drugs, including X-rays, metal detectors, scanners, and sniffer dogs. That said, the security team’s main priority isn’t to look for drugs, as they have other things to be concerned with.

Cruise ship security teams are mostly searching for alcohol and weapons. Due to the high cost of drinks on cruise ships, a lot of people try to sneak alcohol on board. And if anyone were to sneak a bomb onto a cruise ship the consequences would be disastrous.

Do You Get Searched on a Cruise?

Cruise ship passengers aren’t routinely patted down when boarding a cruise ship, although you will be asked to walk through a metal detector. If the metal detector beeps, you may either be scanned again with a hand-held metal detector or patted down by hand.

cruise port security check

Do Cruise Ships Have Body Scanners?

Cruise ports don’t have the ‘nude’ body scanners that you step into and put your hand up like at airports. But they do have walk-through metal detectors to detect any hidden weapons.

Do They Check Your Bags on a Cruise Ship?

When you board a cruise ship, your bags will be x-rayed to check for alcohol and weapons. At many ports, the luggage is also checked by a sniffer dog who may be trained to detect drugs and explosives.

Carnival has shown that when they find CBD gummies on a person boarding, they will ban them for life. So they’d no doubt do similar for other drugs too.

Are There Drug Dogs at Cruise Ports?

Not all cruise ports have drug dogs present. Ports in Mexico, the United States, Australia, the Bahamas and Bermuda are most likely to have drug dogs present. Smaller ports are less likely to use sniffer dogs.

sniffer dog at cruise port

In 2021, cruise lines tested the use of sniffer dogs that are trained to detect passengers with COVID-19. It’s believed that these dogs can detect infected people with 97% accuracy, even in those who are asymptomatic. [Source].

Carnival Cruise Line has announced a renewed effort to sniff out drugs across the fleet. Guests can expect to see drug sniffer dogs at home ports, destination ports, and on the ships themselves.

Read more about drug dogs on cruises.

Matt Lupoli, a spokesperson for the cruise line, said “The K-9s are part of our security team and are deployed to various locations, so guests may very well see them at terminals, destination ports, or onboard, and their deployment could change at any time.”

And Christine Duffy, the President of the company, further clarified: “In case there’s any confusion, let me remind guests that while marijuana and cannabis products may be legal in some states, we are required to follow federal law irrespective of the law in the state where you may be boarding your ship.”

You won’t see the Carnival cruise drug dogs on every sailing, but there is a chance they’ll be onboard.

How To Take Drugs on a Cruise Ship

If you plan on bringing drugs on a cruise ship, you should make sure that you also bring your prescription. That way, if there are any questions asked about the drugs, you can prove they you are legally allowed to take them.

Smuggling illegal recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, hallucinogens and amphetamines on cruise ships is a serious offence and it is not something that anyone should consider doing. If you’re caught, the consequences could ruin your life.

Do You Get Drug Tested To Work on a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ship employees are drug tested before they begin working on a cruise ship and they are also subject to random drug testing. If the cruise line suspects drug use, they will arrange additional drug tests.

Cruise lines have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs. If any guest or crew member is caught possessing or taking drugs, they will be sent home at the next port of call. Carnival has even stated that guests may be banned from taking future cruises.

The Bottom Line

if you want to take drugs on a cruise ship, you’d better make sure that you have a prescription for them. But even with a prescription, some drugs like medical marijuana are still not allowed.

If you just want to party and have a good time, get yourself a drinks package and you can get wasted legally every day of your cruise if you want to.

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

Explorer-of-the-Seas-cabins.jpg

Cruise Passenger Arrested For Soliciting Sex With Teenager Onboard

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsNewsRoyal Caribbean

A 21-year-old cruise passenger onboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas was arrested last week after trying to initiate oral sex with a 14-year-old boy.

The Explorer of the Seas

According to local reports, Anish Shan was detained once the ship concluded a 5-night cruise on 8th March in Miami. He has been charge with two felonies – less and lascivious behaviour, and lewd and lascivious exhibition on a child under 16.

The reports state that the incident occurred in the ship’s sauna at around 7pm during one night of the cruise.

Shan approached the teenager and asked how old he was. Upon learning the boy was 14, Shan began to masturbate while making eye contact with the boy, and then attempted to solicit oral sex from him.

It’s unclear whether Shan was arrested on the ship by the crew, and detained in his stateroom, but the Miami-Dade police arrested him immediately upon the ship’s arrival back to Port Miami.

The news comes just a short while after a crew member was arrested on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas for hiding spy cameras in guests’ rooms, along with hiding himself under the beds while guests showered.

That crew member has now been charged with multiple crimes, including child pornography, after footage of children as young as five was found on his cameras.

Related Posts

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

Spacious luxury suite with sofa and ocean view windows, illustrating a Royal Caribbean Star Class suite

Royal Caribbean Star Class Explained: Ships, Suites, Royal Genie and Cost

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean Star Class is the highest of the three Royal Suite Class tiers (Sea, Sky and Star). It applies to the biggest suites on Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships and bundles a dedicated Royal Genie, the Deluxe Beverage Package, most specialty dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi and priority access into the fare. Expect to pay five figures for a week, but almost nothing extra once you are on board.

This guide covers Royal Caribbean Star Class only: which ships and suites qualify as of November 2026, what the Royal Genie actually does, what is and is not included, the 2026 policy changes, and how to judge whether the price makes sense for your group. For a side-by-side look at all three tiers, see our guide to Royal Caribbean suite perks and the Royal Suite Class tiers.

What Is Royal Caribbean Star Class?

Royal Caribbean groups its suites into Royal Suite Class on its newest and largest ships. Junior Suites usually sit in Sea Class, mid-size suites such as Grand and Owner’s Suites in Sky Class, and the flagship lofts, villas and family suites in Star Class. Each tier inherits the perks of the one below and adds more on top.

What makes Star Class different is not just space. It is the only tier that comes with a Royal Genie and the only one where almost everything you would normally buy on board (drinks, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, laundry, tips) is already paid for. Royal Caribbean describes it as the most inclusive way to sail its fleet, and in practice it is the closest the line gets to an all-inclusive luxury product.

Which Ships Have Star Class in 2026-27?

Star Class is only offered on ships that use the Royal Suite Class system. As of November 2026 that means:

  • Icon class: Icon of the Seas (2024), Star of the Seas (August 2025) and Legend of the Seas, which debuted in the Mediterranean in July 2026 before moving to Fort Lauderdale for the winter. Hero of the Seas is scheduled for 2027.
  • Oasis class: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas.
  • Quantum and Quantum Ultra class: Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas. Spectrum, which sails in Asia, has its own twists, such as The Balcony instead of a Suite Sun Deck and some Spectrum-only dining venues.

Older Freedom, Radiance, Voyager and Vision class ships do not have Star Class suites. They still have suites with their own perks, and since mid-2026 you can buy Royal Genie service on them as an add-on (more on that below).

Royal Caribbean Star Class Suites by Ship Class

Royal Caribbean’s official list of Star Class categories includes the Ultimate Family Suite, Royal Loft Suite, four-bedroom Villa Suite, Owner’s Loft and Grand Loft Suites, Owner’s and Grand Panoramic Suites, the Ultimate Panoramic Suite, Star Loft Suite, the two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites, the Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Icon Loft Suite and the Solarium Suite. Not every ship has every category, and the line notes that categories can change, so always check the deck plan for your specific sailing.

Ship class Typical Star Class suites Good to know
Icon class Ultimate Family Townhouse, Royal Loft Suite, Icon Loft Suites, Panoramic-style suites Suite sun deck is called The Grove; the three-level Townhouse is the headline family option
Oasis class Royal Loft, Owner’s Loft, Grand Loft, Star Loft, two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites; Ultimate Family Suite and Villa Suite on newer ships Line-up varies a lot between Oasis (2009) and Utopia (2024), so compare ships, not just the class
Quantum / Quantum Ultra Royal Loft Suite, Grand Loft Suite and the top family-style suites on select ships Fewer Star Class suites per ship, so they can sell out early

A useful rule of thumb: on these ships, the loft suites (Royal, Owner’s, Grand, Star, Sky and Icon Lofts) sit in Star Class, while the Crown Loft Suite is Sky Class. If a suite name does not appear on Royal Caribbean’s Star Class list, assume it is Sky or Sea Class and price it accordingly.

Butler in a white jacket serving drinks on a tray in an elegant suite
Personal butler service is the closest everyday comparison to a Royal Genie. Photo: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

What Does a Royal Genie Do?

The Royal Genie is the signature Star Class perk and the one thing you cannot replicate by buying packages separately inside a standard cabin on the newer ships. Think of a Genie as a mix of butler, concierge and personal fixer. Each Genie looks after a small number of suites, typically three or four, which is why they can be so hands-on.

Typical things a Royal Genie handles:

  • Booking specialty restaurants and show seats, including last-minute changes, so you do not need to plan everything before you sail
  • Getting you into activities with priority access, from the FlowRider to the waterslides and ice skating
  • Arranging in-suite extras such as decorations, catered gatherings, snacks or a specific drink you like
  • Escorting you through embarkation and disembarkation, and helping with luggage and onward plans

Genie service belongs to the Star Class guests in the suite. It cannot be extended to friends or family sailing in other cabins, even if you are travelling as a group. Gratuities for the Genie and concierge are not covered by the prepaid tips, and many guests choose to tip them separately at the end of the cruise.

Royal Caribbean Star Class Benefits: What Is Included

Based on Royal Caribbean’s current benefits list, Star Class includes the following on top of everything in Sea and Sky Class:

Dining

  • All-day access to Coastal Kitchen, the suite restaurant (dinner reservations required)
  • Complimentary dining at most specialty restaurants, including Chops Grille, Giovanni’s and Hooked where available, plus premium Main Dining Room items and lobster at Chops
  • Priority reservations and reduced cover charges at the extra-cost experiences, for example around $50 for Chef’s Table and Royal Railway, and around $130 for the Icon class supper clubs

Drinks and connectivity

  • Deluxe Beverage Package for guests of legal drinking age, or a Refreshment Package for younger guests
  • Minibar stocked with soft drinks and water, replenished daily
  • VOOM internet powered by Starlink for one device per guest

Service and access

  • Royal Genie service
  • Prepaid gratuities for dining, culinary and housekeeping staff
  • Complimentary laundry and pressing
  • Expedited boarding and disembarkation
  • Best seats at select shows and priority entry to many activities (Royal Caribbean excludes 1pm to 4pm on sea days)
  • Suite Lounge with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in the evening, and access to the Suite Sun Deck (The Grove on Icon class)

What is not included

Star Class is very inclusive, but not completely. Shore excursions, spa treatments, casino play, Starbucks food, Signature Cuts at Chops, the Celebration Table and drinks outside the Deluxe Beverage Package are all extra, as are the reduced-but-not-free surcharges for Chef’s Table, Izumi Omakase and the supper clubs. Royal Caribbean also states that dining offers can change at any time.

Star Class Changes in 2025-2026

Two policy changes announced in June 2026 matter if you are booking Star Class now:

  1. Coastal Kitchen guests. Star Class guests can now bring up to four non-suite guests per meal into Coastal Kitchen (Sky Class can bring two). The charge is reported as $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $25 for dinner per guest, with children 6 and under free, plus gratuity and any applicable VAT. This is a big help for multi-generation trips where only part of the family is in a suite.
  2. Royal Genie for everyone else. Royal Caribbean now sells a Royal Genie Package on its smaller Freedom, Radiance, Voyager and Vision class ships, from around $300 per adult per day ($200 for children), bookable through the cruise planner and non-refundable. Star Class on Icon, Oasis and Quantum ships is unchanged, but the add-on gives a useful price signal for what the Genie alone is worth.
Spacious modern suite living room with sofa, dining table and large windows facing the sea
Star Class suites add living and dining space as well as service. Photo: Moussa Idrissi on Pexels

How Much Does Royal Caribbean Star Class Cost?

Star Class fares vary more than almost any other cabin type because the suites are so different in size. A Grand Loft Suite on an older Quantum or Oasis class ship on a short off-season sailing sits at the lower end, while the Royal Loft Suite or Ultimate Family Townhouse on an Icon class ship at Christmas sits at the very top. When Legend of the Seas opened for booking, a six-night Caribbean Christmas sailing in December 2026 was listed at roughly $116,000 for two in the Royal Loft Suite and about $110,000 for the Ultimate Family Townhouse. Most Star Class sailings cost far less than that, but a week will almost always run to five figures.

Because pricing is dynamic, the best approach is to compare the same suite on two or three sailings and ships. Older Oasis and Quantum class ships, shoulder seasons and shorter itineraries are where Star Class becomes noticeably more affordable. Our guide on how people get cruise suites without paying full price covers bidding upgrades, price drops and loyalty offers in more detail.

Is Royal Caribbean Star Class Worth It?

The simplest way to decide is to add up what you would otherwise spend. For two adults on a seven-night cruise, a Deluxe Beverage Package, an unlimited dining package, Wi-Fi, gratuities and laundry can easily come to several thousand dollars before you start adding show reservations and priority access. Add the Royal Genie, which Royal Caribbean now prices at around $300 per person per day as a standalone package on its smaller ships, and the value of the inclusions for two people over a week can reach well into five figures.

Star Class tends to be worth it if:

  • You would buy the drinks and dining packages anyway
  • You are travelling as a family or group and can split a large suite such as the Ultimate Family Suite, Villa Suite or Townhouse
  • You want to skip queues and avoid planning reservations on a busy Icon or Oasis class ship
  • You are marking a special occasion and want someone else to handle the details

It is harder to justify if you drink little, prefer casual dining, or spend most of the day ashore. In that case Sky Class gives you the suite lounge, Coastal Kitchen and much of the space at a lower price. If you are still choosing a ship, our Icon of the Seas suites guide shows how the Star Class options compare with the rest of the suite line-up on Royal Caribbean’s newest class.

FAQs

What does Star Class include on Royal Caribbean?

Star Class includes a Royal Genie, the Deluxe Beverage Package, complimentary dining at most specialty restaurants, all-day Coastal Kitchen access, prepaid gratuities, Starlink Wi-Fi, laundry, priority boarding, priority access to activities and the Suite Lounge and Suite Sun Deck.

How do you book Star Class on Royal Caribbean?

Book a suite category that Royal Caribbean lists as Star Class, such as a Royal Loft, Owner’s Loft, Grand Loft, Icon Loft or Ultimate Family Suite, on an Icon, Oasis or Quantum class ship. The perks are attached to the suite automatically.

What are the classes of Royal Caribbean suites?

Royal Suite Class has three tiers: Sea Class (mostly Junior Suites), Sky Class (mid-size suites) and Star Class (the largest lofts, villas and family suites). Each tier adds more perks than the one below.

Can you get a Royal Genie without booking Star Class?

On Icon, Oasis and Quantum class ships the Royal Genie remains a Star Class perk. Since 2026, Royal Caribbean sells a paid Royal Genie Package on its smaller Freedom, Radiance, Voyager and Vision class ships, from around $300 per adult per day.

Is Star Class better than Sky Class?

Star Class adds the Royal Genie, the drinks package, free specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and laundry, while Sky Class focuses on space, the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen. Star Class costs much more, so it suits guests who would buy most of those extras anyway.

Nickelodeon-cruise-kids-aqua-park-1.jpg

The Nickelodeon Cruise 2024 – Can You Book It?

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsKids

A cruise is a great way to enjoy a family holiday, and having your children’s favourite characters on board is sure to make the trip even more memorable. 

You probably know all about the Disney Cruise Line but today I’m going to be talking about the Nickelodeon Cruise. 

Nickelodeon & Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Nickelodeon at Sea Partnership

The bad news is that the chance to cruise with Spongebob and the rest only existed for a few years and is no longer running, but fear not, I will run through all the best alternatives to the Nickelodeon cruise that you can still book in 2024

What Cruise Line Has Nickelodeon?

Norwegian Cruise Line featured Nickelodeon characters on board its ships between 2010 and 2015. These NCL cruises offered passengers the chance to meet, greet and interact with their favourite Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and Patrick Star. 

Norwegian Breakaway was the first ship to include Nickelodeon-themed experiences on its voyages. It was the newest ship in the fleet at the time, so it was the obvious choice to introduce the new partnership. 

Over the next few years, several NCL ships introduced Nickelodeon partnership experiences. 

The five ships that sailed with Nickelodeon-themed entertainment were:

  • Norwegian Epic 
  • Norwegian Gem
  • Norwegian Jewel
  • Norwegian Getaway
  • Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Escape was under construction at the time that the deal with Nickelodeon ended and the planned Nickelodeon branding was removed before her debut.

Nickelodeon & Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Nickelodeon at Sea Partnership

Is the Nickelodeon Cruise Still Open?

The Nickelodeon cruise is no longer running. The Nickelodeon cruise was a partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line and Nickelodeon’s parent company, Viacom. The partnership ran for 5 years between 2010 and 2015. The deal was not renewed and Nickelodeon branding was soon phased out. 

When they were running, the Nickelodeon cruises included character meet and greets and the chance to splash around with Spongebob and others in the kids’ aqua park. 

One of the most popular events was Slime Time Live which gave cruise passengers the chance to have green slime dumped on them whilst playing high paced games. 

A less messy alternative was the chance to enjoy Dancing with Dora or special themed breakfasts called Pajama Jam Breakfast.

Here’s a TV advert for the Nickelodeon cruise that shows what you could have expected from it…

What Happened to the Nickelodeon Cruise?

Nickelodeon cruises ended in 2015 and since that time they have not re-appeared. The reason for the cruises ending has never been announced publicly but it was not due to customer dissatisfaction, since the Nickelodeon cruises were very popular with passengers.

It seems likely that the partnership ended as Nickelodeon wanted to go in a new direction. They announced a new partnership with Karisma Hotel and Resorts at around the same time. This was in order to work together to build modern resorts in the Caribbean including an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. 

Norwegian stated that the partnership had been successful and had resulted in a 20% increase in guest satisfaction with its youth programming. 

7 Alternatives to a Nickelodeon Cruise

So, you can’t book yourself on a Nickelodeon cruise right now. But that doesn’t mean that you (and your kids) need to miss out on all the fun! 

If it’s Nickelodeon that you love then there are a few other options. 

1. Nickelodeon Resorts

Nickelodeon Resorts

As mentioned above, Nickelodeon has branched out into resorts which you can find at NickResorts. There are currently two resorts, at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. 

These luxury resorts feature character meet and greets with the likes of Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

There are also pretty amazing water parks that feature Nickelodeon character theming throughout. The brightly coloured splash park with water slides is sure to be a big hit with families. 

But It’s not all about the kids. Adults can enjoy a relaxing all-inclusive stay and can pamper themselves at the spa and fitness centre while the little ones enjoy the Club Nick Kids Club. 

2. Nickelodeon Theme Parks

Nickelodeon Theme Parks

Another way to get your Nickelodeon fix is to visit one of their theme parks. 

Universal Studios Florida is one of the biggest and best theme parks around and it includes a Character Party Zone with favourite Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick or Squidward, Dora the Explorer, Diego, Boots or Baby Jaguar.

Nickelodeon Universe in Minnesota is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the United States. It has a wide range of very colourful themed rides packed into the Mall of America in Minnesota. There are some pretty impressive rides here and all your favourite characters will make an appearance. There is another Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream in New Jersey.

If you’re in the UK, Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a great option. Here you will find 12 amazing rides and a whole host of Nickelodeon characters. Rides include Rugrats Lost River, Spongebob’s Splash Bash, Diego’s Rainforest Rescue, Dora’s World Voyage and young kids are sure to enjoy Wonder Pets Big Circus Bounce.

Other great options include Nickland at Movie Park, Germany,  Nickelodeon Land at Sea World on Australia’s Gold Coast, and Nickelodeon Land at the Parque de Atracciones in Madrid. 

3. Disney Cruise Line

Kids with Disney cruise characters

If it’s cruising with characters that you want then a Disney Cruise is probably the best option. 

The whole voyage is filled with Disney magic from a range of beloved characters that is hard to match. 

Disney Cruises feature amazing live shows, and character meet-and-greets from characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Disney Princesses throughout the ship. There are also themed parties, deck parties, and fireworks displays to keep guests entertained.

Read more: How Much is a Disney Cruise Compared to Other Cruises?

4. P&O Cruises with Aardman Animation

Wallace and Gromit

P&O Cruises has partnered with Aardman to bring Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep on their cruises. 

The characters appear at a welcome on-board party and there are special character appearances at dance sessions for the little ones. I love that they have a clay workshop where you can create your own characters.

You can also enjoy story time with the characters and there are a whole host of themed arts and crafts activities including making a character mask, Gromit ears, or your very own rocket. There is also a 30-minute stage show featuring Wallace and Gromit.

Read more: 8 Things That P&O Cruises Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

5. Peppa Pig on Costa Cruises

Peppa Pig on Costa Cruises

If your little one is a big fan of Peppa Pig then Costa Cruises have your back. As soon as you board, children receive an invitation to meet Peppa, while the kids club recreates the atmosphere and setting of the cartoon. 

The highlight is the on-deck swimming pool which features Grandpa Pig’s boat. There are also Peppa Pig-themed activities like coloring, puzzles, and treasure hunts, plus in the evening the disco is Peppa’s Pirate Party.

Be aware though, Peppa is only onboard during the school holidays. I cruised in January and I didn’t see her once.

6. Seuss at Sea on Carnival Cruises

Seuss at Sea on Carnival Cruises

Carnival has brought the world of Dr. Seuss on board their ships. You can enjoy a character parade, interactive story time, and arts & crafts activities. 

But the highlight is sure to be the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat where you can enjoy a fantastical feast. Bright colours and patterns decorate your table, while you choose from fun and unique menus. It’s a pretty unique experience!

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately, the Nickelodeon Cruise is no more. It ran for a few years, people loved it and then it disappeared. It’s a shame, but there are a few good options for cruises with popular kids’ characters. 

Disney is the best. They have amazing shows, a huge range of characters, fireworks and Disney Magic sprinkled throughout the ship.  You might also want to look into Peppa on Costa if your child is a big fan of everyone’s favourite pig. 

If it’s Nickelodeon that you love then their resorts are great or you can get a quick character fix at one of their theme parks. 

Related Posts:

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link

Iona-cruise-ship.jpg

Shipyard Delays Mean Popular UK Cruise Ship Forced To Cancel Sailings

by Cruise NewsNewsP&O Cruises

P&O Cruises has been forced to cancel two sailings on popular ship Iona, after the cruise ship’s refurbishment set for March 2025 was delayed by the shipyard until October of that year.

P&O had already planned ahead for the refurbishment of the ship in March and had avoided selling itineraries for the ship during that window. But now the shipyard won’t be able to accommodate Iona, meaning the refurbishment has been delayed and now two cruises have unfortunately been cancelled.

The cruises in particular were G532 and G533 set to take place on 4th October 2025 and 18th October 2025 respectively.

Guests have been contacted by email and told that they will be issued a full refund automatically, along with £100 per person onboard credit for a replacement cruise – but only for the first two passengers in a cabin, so families are capped at £200.

Many guests have taken to social media to complain – while the cancellation is not the fault of the cruise line, guests are disappointed in the lack of support for rebooking alternative cruises, since many are priced a lot higher.

Often, when cruise lines are forced to cancel a sailing, they will offer guests to transfer to an equivalent one without paying extra, but that offer has not been extended to Iona guests at this time.

There is also no confirmation of what Iona’s refit will entail. The ship only launched in 2020 but P&O likes to make sure ships are refurbished on a regular schedule, to keep them at their best.

There is also no confirmation yet as to whether P&O Cruises will offer new cruises to fill the gap in March when the ship was originally due to undergo her refit, but it’s likely.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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

Related Posts

If you enjoyed this article please share!
Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

Source link