Cruise Lines

Tipping is a part of cruising.   And with most mainstream cruise lines you are given the option to pay for tips ahead of time.

But should you prepay those tips or wait until the cruise is over?

We’re going to look at 5 reasons you should prepay and one reason you can wait.

Anything that makes your cruise experience easier and simpler is usually a good idea.  And I usually recommend that cruisers prepay for as much as they can.  This helps lessen the sticker-shock that some first-time cruisers get at the end of their cruise.

After all, when adding up all of the fees and expenses of a cruise it’s easy to forget about gratuities.

The introduction of automatic prepaid tipping on mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others has simplified the process.

And before we dig in, here are the current gratuity charges for a few major cruise lines:

• Carnival Cruise Line: $16 per person, per day.  $18 for suite guests.
• Royal Caribbean International: $16 per person, per day.  $18.50 for suite guests.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: $20 per person, per day.  $25 for suite guests.
• MSC Cruises: $16 per person, per day.
• Princess Cruises: $16 per person, per day.  $18 for main suite guests
• Celebrity Cruises: $18 per person, per day.  $18.50 for AquaCLass, $23 for The Retreat guests.
• Holland America Line: $16 per person, per day.  $17.50 for suite guests.
• Disney Cruise Line: $14.50 per person, per day.  $15.50 for suite guests.

Read more:  10 big tipping mistakes people make on a cruise

Why You Should Prepay Your Cruise Tips

1. Convenience

Prepaying your gratuities just simplifies things.   In fact, if you don’t prepay you will see the charges show up on your account each day (or at the end of the cruise with some cruise lines).  This can be a surprise to some cruisers who forgot about this extra potential expense.

By handling this expense upfront, you can relax and enjoy your cruise without worrying about settling your bill at the end of your cruise. Mainstream cruise lines offer the option to prepay gratuities when you book your cruise or through the cruise line’s website before boarding.

2. Budget-Friendly Planning

Tips for two people on a 7-day cruise can easily be over $200 in total.  If you’re going to take care of gratuities anyway, you might as well put this in the budget so you’re better prepared.

Knowing all your expenses ahead of time makes financial planning easier.  As I mentioned above this allows for a more controlled and stress-free vacation budget.

More than likely there are going to be extra charges from your cruise that you didn’t see coming.  Making sure all of the gratuities are already covered makes sure at least this one area doesn’t break the budget.

3. Ensuring Fair Compensation

Prepaying tips ensures that the hardworking crew members who make your cruise experience enjoyable are fairly compensated. From the housekeeping staff to the dining room team, these tips are distributed among those who provide direct services to you.

I hear some people say they opt out of prepaying because they want to make sure the crew actually get the tip money, doing so by handing the wait staff and cabin steward the cash directly.  And that’s totally fine too, as long as you don’t get so busy you forget to do it.

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4. Price Locking

Gratuity rates can increase, and by prepaying, you lock in the current rate.   In that last year we saw several cruise lines increase gratuities, including one that raised them twice in a 12-month period.

Cruise lines occasionally adjust their daily gratuity rates; prepaying allows you to avoid paying more should rates rise before your departure date.

5. Simplifies Group Travel

For those traveling in groups, prepaying gratuities means one less thing to worry about splitting or settling at the end of the cruise. It ensures that all tips are fairly distributed among the service staff, regardless of the individual spending habits or preferences within the group.

One Reason You Shouldn’t

I’ve heard some people say, “I don’t prepay my tips on a cruise because I want to make sure I get good service first.”   While it’s your decision how you handle tips, this mentality can lead to forgetting or overlooking the service of your room steward and wait staff.

Whether you agree with it or not, these crew members rely on these tips to support themselves and their families.

And yes, I know there’s an argument to be made for the cruise lines to better compensate their crew.

But if you do prefer to tip with a more personal touch, you might opt out of prepaying.

This approach allows you to reward exceptional service at your discretion. Some passengers prefer handing tips directly to those crew members who went above and beyond during their cruise, offering a more personalized thank-you.

I’ll also note that if you have a large amount of onboard credit for one reason or another you might want  to opt out of prepaying.  You can just let that buffer of credit take care of some of the gratuities for you as they hit your cruise account — that is, if anything is left by the end of your cruise.

Tipping on Top of Prepaying

Even if you prepaid your gratuities, this will not usually cover tips for drinks at the on-board bars and lounges.  Also, for room service you will want to tip extra as these prepaid tips don’t cover this service.

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Final Thoughts

Personally, I like to prepay my tips and then also tip my cabin steward in cash as well, often with a personal note attached.

So, should you prepay your tips?  It’s a bit like balancing the perks of convenience with the desire to give a personal “thank you” for awesome service. For a lot of us, paying ahead wins because it’s one less thing to worry about. You get to manage your spending better, skip the hassle, and make sure the amazing folks who look after you get their fair share.

But, if you’re someone who loves to say a special ‘thanks’ with a tip for standout moments, sticking to the old-fashioned way is fine too. No matter which route you go down, remember that tipping is all about showing appreciation for the crew’s hard work and the unforgettable moments they help create on your cruise.

And don’t forget, you can both prepay and “post-pay” those tips if your service was just that good!

Read more: Cruise debates: 7 topics that always divide cruisers

Comparing two of the largest cruise lines in the world isn’t as cut and dry as some think.  Any Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean cruise discussion depends on a ton of factors, including personal taste and what a perfect cruise actually looks like.

I’ve heard it said that you should choose Carnival if you want to party and have fun, and choose Royal Caribbean if you want to play like you’re a child but still feel sophisticated.

But are these generalizations true?

*This article has been updated since its original publication date.

In this article I will point out the 10 biggest differences between Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line so you can better make this decision yourself.

Remember, you can always sail both and enjoy both (like I do). Each has its perks and quirks, and sometimes it comes down to which sailing has a better itinerary or fits your schedule and budget.

First, a few things the cruise lines have in common

In a lot of ways Carnival and Royal Caribbean have more in common than most people think, especially if they have not tried both lines.  I have sailed on both many times.

Both lines have mega-ships now that Carnival has the 180,000+ gross ton ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. These Excel-class ships offer a much different Carnival experience than the line’s other ships.

But Royal Caribbean still has the largest cruise ships in the world, dominating the top 6 slots for the biggest cruise ships on earth and another coming soon (Utopia of the Seas).

We’ll talk about that a little later in this article

Both of these cruise lines cater to families and offer both affordability and tons of things to do on board. Some would call them floating, bustling resorts that are jam packed with amenities and activities.

They both have water parks (on some of their ships), free entertainment in the theater, comedy shows, casinos, and free or specialty restaurants for an extra charge.

Most first-time cruisers will choose one of these two cruise lines, so it’s a great comparison. Although fans of each will tell you how bad the other is (can’t we all just get along?), the answer truly depends on your own preferences.

1. Vibe

The two cruise lines have slightly different vibes when you step on board. This one is fairly subjective though, so I will admit you might have a different perspective on this point.

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In general, a Carnival cruise will have a lively, fun, and often party-like atmosphere at certain times and places on the ship.  They are called the “fun ships” after all.

A Royal Caribbean cruise can feel more sophisticated and upscale but definitely with a playful and adventurous vibe.  With all those water slides, zip lines, FlowRiders, and trampolines it’s a playground for adults in many respects.

The atmosphere on a cruise can come from the decor and design of the ship as well as how the ship is operated. A good cruise director can really enhance the on board experience as well.  On a Carnival ship you will know your cruise director, and there is a greater emphasis on the entertainment and activities onboard.

I’ve had some amazing cruise directors on Royal Caribbean ships as well, and they tend to make fewer announcements and be seen more in the theater and during certain ship events.

Royal Caribbean’s decor is more resort-like and understated with wood tones and a traditional maritime feel while Carnival has a more vibrant touch with colors and glamor.  Although the debut of Icon of the Seas blows away that theory with tons of pops of color.

Even though it’s just design it does reflect the mood and feel of these two cruise lines.

The solariums on Royal Caribbean ships are some of my favorite places to relax and find some quiet.  But if you want non-stop action and fun, Carnival might be more your flavor.  The adult-only Serenity area on a Carnival ship is typically a good place for some quiet too.

2. Cost

A Royal Caribbean cruise will typically have a higher price point than Carnival.  On average Royal Caribbean will be anywhere from 15%-20% more expensive for a 7 day cruise with this percentage being lower for shorter cruises.

The charts below are for the parent companies of Carnival and Royal Caribbean.  We broke down these costs in another article on the cost of a cruise.

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The figures for Carnival represent all the cruise lines under Carnival Corporation & plc which includes Princess, Costa, Holland America and others, with Carnival being the largest.

Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise lines include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

While these charts include all the cruise lines under that brand (not JUST Royal Caribbean and Carnival), it still provides a decent idea of costs across the board, including onboard spending.

Average amount passengers paid with a Carnival Corp

Average amount passengers paid with Royal Caribbean Group

In reality, when you cruise with either Carnival or Royal Caribbean you can expect to pay a little less.  You can pay as little as $30-$35/day with Carnival and $40-$50/day with Royal Caribbean if you choose an older ship and an interior cabin.  But that’s just the base price without taxes and fees, and again, a lot of variables go into the cost of a cruise.

Newer ships like Icon of the Seas can set you back almost $4,000 for an interior cabin for two on a 7-night sailing.  Prices on new ships go down over time, but expect to pay a premium for a newly debuted ship with any cruise line.

3. Dining options

You will find dozens of dining options on either line, but Carnival does tend to have more restaurants that are complimentary.  Places like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Pig & Anchor Bar-B Que, Shaq’s Big Chicken, and even the popular Chibang are all included in the cruise fair.  And that’s not to mention some of the restaurants that are free for lunch but have a surcharge for dinner.

With Royal Caribbean some of the free dining options include Sorrento’s Pizza, Cafe Promenade, Wipe Out Cafe, Park Cafe, and El Loco Fresh.  A Johnny Rockets burger is really good but will cost you extra.

Icon of the Seas has some new dining venues that are free too.  These include: AquaDome Market, Surfside Eatery, and a few choices at Basecamp.

Restaurants that have a surcharge with Carnival include Fahrenheit 555, Seafood Shack, Jiji Asian Kitchen, Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Emeril’s Bistro. Prices range from $18 to $48, and the Chef’s Table can be $80 or $99 depending on the ship.

Royal Caribbean specialty restaurants include Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Sushi, Hooked Seafood, Jamie’s Italian, Wonderland, 150 Central Park, and Playmakers with prices that range from $25 to $65.  Some venues have a la carte pricing.

Royal Caribbean has some of the most creative and innovative restaurants on it’s ships with Wonderland being an entire experience that blew me away when I was on Oasis-class ships.

You won’t go hungry with either cruise line, and while Royal Caribbean has more innovation in its restaurants, Carnival has more complimentary options.

Drink packages with each line is different as well.  These packages allow passengers to drink as much as they want without having to worry about the cost for each drink.

Carnival’s CHEER drink package starts at $59.95 per day and allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.  If one person in a stateroom has the drink package everyone else in the same stateroom over 21-years-old needs to buy it as well.

With Royal Caribbean the drink packages come in different forms.  You can buy a water package to have 24 packs of water delivered to your stateroom, a soda package for only bubbly drinks, a refreshment package for almost all drinks that are non-alcoholic, or the deluxe package that includes everything both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Royal Caribbean also has dynamic pricing for some things, so the Deluxe Beverage package will cost anywhere from $56 to $105 per day, depending on the ship and dates of the cruise.

The soda package currently costs $12.99 per day per person.

4. Ships

Royal Caribbean currently has the same number of ships as Carnival: 27.   Royal also has the largest cruise ships in the world.  The Oasis-class vessels, of which there will be six, have a gross tonnage of around 225,000 GT.  These ships can carry 5,400 passengers at double capacity (6,800 at max capacity) and are 1,181 feet long and as wide as 198 feet.

Icon of the Seas is even larger at 250,000 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 7,600.

This kind of size allows for lots of space for all kinds of amenities that we will talk about in a later point.

In 2020 Carnival Cruise Line built its own mega-ship.  The Excel-class ship, Mardi Gras, is a 181,000 gross ton vessel and the sister ship to the latest Carnival Jubilee.

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These ships can carry 5,374 passengers at double capacity and are 1,130 feet long with a beam of 137 feet.

Both lines have older and smaller ships still in service as well.  These ships have a much different feel than the newer ships so when comparing two cruise lines you really need to compare old with old and new with new.

Carnival Elation is 25-years-old and just recently came out of dry dock.  The 71,909 gross ton ship has a capacity of around 2,000 and is the oldest in the fleet.

Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship is 27 years old.  Grandeur of the Seas is a Vision-class cruise ship, has a gross tonnage of 73,817, and can carry 1,996 passengers at double-capacity.

So, both cruise lines offer large and smaller ships.  Still, Royal Caribbean dominates in the size category which also allows for more amenities than almost any other line.

See list of every Carnival ship here.
See list of every Royal Caribbean ship here.

What about cabins?

In addition to the standard cabin options, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer specialty cabins that cater to different preferences.

For instance, Carnival provides Cloud 9 Spa rooms, which offer exclusive access to various spa-related amenities, and the newer Havana cabins that come with a private Havana-class pool and deck, offering a unique and luxurious experience.

Royal Caribbean offers a range of specialty cabins on their ships, including suites with exclusive amenities and separate living areas, Boardwalk and Central Park view cabins that provide unique views of the ship’s attractions, virtual balcony cabins that give the illusion of having a balcony, family-connected cabins for added space and privacy, and accessible cabins that cater to guests with disabilities. The specific cabin options and features vary depending on the ship.

Related: How to choose the best cruise cabin

5. Departure ports

One of the most important categories when cruising is the port of embarkation.

Carnival offers more departure ports from the United States, especially when sailing from smaller ports like Mobile, AL or New Orleans, LA.

But if sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, FL or Bayonne, NJ Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line of the two that offers cruises.

I looked at every Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise departing from the U.S. from the past year of 2023 through the spring of 2025 to break down which ports are used most often by these two cruise lines.

The table below shows the number of cruises departing from that cruise port with that particular cruise line over the next 2 years.  If left blank it means that cruise line does not offer cruises departing from that port city.

6. Ports of call

If the destination of your cruise is the most important element to you then picking the right cruise line makes all the difference.

If you’re wanting to cruise to Asia or Europe, Royal Caribbean is your best option and has more sailings available.  If you want to cruise to the Mexican Riviera or Australia, Carnival has more cruises to choose from.

Both cruise lines offer many sailings to popular destinations like the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Once again, I looked at every cruise offered for the next two years and made a table so you can see how often each cruise line visits these destinations.

Each number represents how many cruises that cruise line has made available to that region of the world from 2023 to April of 2025.

7. Activities and amenities on board

Both cruise lines can keep you busy on a sea day.  But each offers slightly different kinds of things to do on board.

Carnival ships typically have a mini-golf course, water park, basketball court, and jogging track.  The newer ships even have a first for cruise ships, an incredible roller-coaster at sea.   Vista-class ships have a SkyRide track (think flying bicycle) and a ropes course.   A couple ships even have an IMAX theater on board.

Royal Caribbean Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships offer more activities and amenities than I can even list there.   Add in the new features on Icon of the Seas and the list seems unending. Here are just a few things you can do on some Royal Caribbean ships: zip lining, surfing on FlowRider, rock-climbing walls, bungee trampoline, sky-diving simulator, bumper cars, ice-skating, laser tag and more.

Quantum-class ships also have a glass-enclosed capsule that will take you 300 feet above the sea and provide epic 360-degree views.

There’s definitely more tech and innovation when it comes to Royal Caribbean ships, while Carnival’s “fun ships” emphasize some of the events and activities that the cruise director will operate.

Also, Royal Caribbean ships have Broadway style shows like Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Grease, and Cats on their Oasis-class vessels.  The shows in the Aqua Theater and on the ice skating rink are some of the best you can witness at sea.

I was recently blown away by the Wizard of Oz show on Icon of the Seas, and the new AquaDome shows were a blast to watch.

Royal Caribbean should definitely be your pick if you want to see great shows.  Although Carnival’s comedy shows are very popular as well and there’s usually a family-friendly option.

Both cruise lines offer fun things to do on board.  It’s just a matter of what you and your group care about most.

8. Thermal suites

This is a category I had to mention.  In my experience, thermal suites on Carnival ships are a bigger priority with the cruise line, and have better views than on Royal Caribbean ships.  On Oasis-class and even Icon-class ships with Royal there are no ocean views.

Even some of the older Carnival ships offer a free dry sauna near the locker rooms, and some of the thermal suites on Vista-class and newer ships have multiple thermal rooms.

I’ve been in the thermal suites for Oasis-class ships and while they do have heated loungers and thermal areas, it’s on the interior of the ship so you don’t have any views of the open ocean.

Thermal suite access has an extra surcharge for both cruise lines (unless you book a spa cabin), and this might not even be an area of interest for you.  It’s just something to keep in mind for those wanting to spend a lot of time in the spa.

9. Laundry Options

If you’re on a 7-day or longer cruise laundry will start to become an issue.  Carnival ships usually have a self-service laundry room on several decks.

These “launderettes” will have a few washers and dryers that cost about $3.50 per load.  There’s also an iron and ironing board.  I recommend not trying to use the iron right before dinner as it will hardly ever be available.  Iron during late or early hours if you can.

Royal Caribbean ships do not have self-service laundry, unless you count washing your shirt in the stateroom sink and hanging it over the shower clothes-line.  The line states that it does not offer self-service laundry due to safety concerns but it will wash and fold your laundry for a fee.

Both cruise lines offer valet laundry that can be paid by the item or by the bag.

If you need the cruise line to press an article of clothing for you both of these lines are about the same price.  It will cost $4 for a pair of pants or skirt and another $4 for a long sleeve shirt.

A two-piece suit will cost about $15 to have dry-cleaned and pressed, and a dress will cost about $9.

Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Firenze are the only Carnival vessels that don’t have irons or self-service laundry, while there are no Royal Caribbean ships that have irons available for passengers.

10. Private Islands

Royal Caribbean really turned heads when it turned it’s private island at CocoCay into an action-packed water park with some of the tallest water slides in North America.  The company spent more than $250 million on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

There are 13 water slides at Thrill Waterpark, and the island also hosts a helium balloon ride that takes you up to 450 feet into the air.  And the new adult-only Hideaway Beach is already a very popular area on the island.

It’s free to explore and enjoy several beaches and the large fresh water pool ,but the water park does come with a charge.  The amount Royal Caribbean charges can change depending on the season and ship in port.  It can range from $80 to $139 for full access to the water park.

Carnival is working on their own private island to compete with CocoCay.

Half Moon Cay, on the other hand, is a much more subdued private island, belonging to Carnival.  There are no water slides and zip lines, but you will find an incredibly beautiful beach, cabanas, and water sports equipment.

The island is very popular with Carnival passengers and has been voted best private island by many outlets for years.

Final Thoughts

Which cruise line do you prefer?  Or do you sail both depending on what works best with your schedule?

We all cruise for various reasons, and sometimes a cruise line just suits our needs a little better than another.

I’ve heard some say that Carnival is like Walmart and Royal Caribbean is like Target.  I wouldn’t necessarily say this is true or fair, especially since I’d rather be on a cruise ship with either line than any retail store.

If you’re cruising on a budget and like a more lively, care-free atmosphere on your cruise, choose Carnival. If you want a more upscale feel to your cruise with a combination of relaxation and adventure, choose Royal Caribbean.

Leave us a comment below to tell us which cruise line is better for you.

Utopia of the Seas is the next new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean and the cruise line just released new details about the ship that will debut this summer in Florida.

Utopia of the Seas is the sixth and likely final Oasis class ship. The Oasis class debuted more than 15 years ago, ushering in the era of mega ships. The ship will be 236,860 gross tons in size, carry 5,668 guests at double occupancy, and have 16 passenger decks.

Utopia of the Seas Dining

There will be over 20 dining experiences on Utopia of the Seas including Royal Railway – Utopia Station.

Royal Railway will be a immersive train dining experience that will take you all around the world. From past to present, from America’s Wild West to exotic flavors around the world, every course is promising to be a unique journey. It starts with pre-dinner drinks at the train station before you board your train car at the sound of the whistle.

Another new dining concept from Royal Caribbean that will be on Utopia of the Seas is The Spare Tire. The Spare Tire is a pool side food truck that will have everything from pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger flatbread, daily rotating desserts, and the Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

The ship will have the cruise line’s second Izumi in the Park which features a convenient pickup window for sushi and Japanese street food. Izumi will have more teppanyaki tables and al fresco dining.

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen will span two stories with a new menu of Italian dishes. It will have an outside terrace that overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Main dining room
• 150 Central Park*
• Chops Grille*
• Chef’s Table*
• The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant*
• Hooked Seafood*

Causal Dining

• Windjammer (buffet)
• Coastal Kitchen*
• Solarium Bistro
• Johnny Rockets*
• Playmakers Sports Bar*

Quick Bites

• Sorrento’s
• Boardwalk Dog House
• El Loco Fresh
• Cafe Promenade
• Park Cafe
• Starbucks*
• Sugar Beach*

Dining options marked with an asterisk will come with an additional charge.

Utopia of the Seas Amenities

The cruise ship will have five swimming pools and eight whirlpools.

There will be over 20 bars and lounges with five venues playing live music. Pesky Parrot is a new Caribbean bar that will makes its debut on the ship.

Over 370 slot machines will be on board in the ship’s two casinos.

Playmakers will have 68 TVs making it the ultimate spot to watch a game.

Even though the ship will sail shorter cruises, four jaw-dropping shows will wow guests.

Here are more features that will be found on Utopia of the Seas:

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• Eight neighborhoods
• AquaTheater
• Carousel
• Flowrider
• Laser Tag
• Mini Golf
• Music Hall
• Outdoor move screen
• Rock climbing walls
• Royal Escape Room
• Solarium
• Sports Court
• Studio B (ice skating rink)
• Ultimate Family Suite
• Spa and fitness center
• WiFi powered by Starlink
• Zip line

Utopia of the Seas will be the second largest cruise ship in the world when it debuts in July. The ship will homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida offering cruises to The Bahamas.

The cruise ship will sail three and four night cruises to The Bahamas, itineraries unheard of for a brand new ship. The three night cruises will depart every Friday with the four night cruises leaving each Monday. View Prices on Cruises on Utopia of the Seas

The ship’s maiden voyage will take place on July 22, 2024. This four night cruise will visit Nassau and the cruise line’s award winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The three night cruises will visit the same ports, just without a sea day.

Cruise Fever will have all details on this new cruise ship from Royal Caribbean as the vessel gets closer to its maiden voyage.

It may not seem fair, but solo cruisers have to pay extra for the person they are not bringing on the cruise.

With a charge known as the single supplement fee, cruise lines charge the same rate as if the cabin has two people staying in it.  This means that per-person-charge should be doubled to get the actual price.

It makes financial sense for the cruise lines but makes it harder for single travelers to justify going on a cruise alone when they have to foot the bill for someone who is not even there.

Cruise lines have always operated on a double-occupancy business model and staterooms are typically configured for two guests.

I get asked all the time, “Which cruise ships have solo cabins?”

Thankfully, there are now many cruise ships with cabins made just for solo cruisers, with more newer ships adding this feature.

These solo cabins — sometimes called studio cabins — do not have the single supplement charge, giving lone cruise enthusiasts a level playing field.

If you want to cruise solo, this list is for you.

*This article has been updated since its original publish date.  It will stay updated as new ships with solo cabins are added to cruise lines.

Related: 10 things you should never do in your cabin

Cruise ships with solo cabins

We have compiled a list of every mainstream cruise ship that has solo cabins.

Keep in mind that some cruise lines do not have cabins for single travelers.  For instance, Carnival, Princess, and Disney do not currently operate any ships with solo cabins.

Also, in most cases solo cabins are interior staterooms, with some occasional ocean view cabins available.

Royal Caribbean ships with studio cabins

Royal Caribbean has solo cabins on 12 cruise ships.  Their accommodation options include an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony staterooms, and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. These rooms vary in size from 101 to 199 square feet.

Harmony of the Seas is the only Oasis-class vessel with studio cabins, and all of the Quantum-class ships with the line have cabins for solo travelers.  Virtual views in some interior cabins have vertical TV screens that simulate a view outside the ship.  The new Icon of the Seas does not have solo cabins.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Solo Cabins

Norwegian was one of the first mainstream cruise lines to introduce solo cabins to their ships. The studio cabins on these ships are about 100 sq. feet and come with a double bed.

The idea with Norwegian Epic was such a hit that the line kept integrating solo cabins into its Breakaway-class vessels.

Studios on Norwegian ships also come with access to a special lounge for single cruisers, and these solo cabins sell out pretty fast when bookings open.

Porthole Magazine has crowned Norwegian as the “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers” for 6 years in a row.

*Norwegian Epic has more solo cabins that any other cruise ship at sea.

Related: 10 things you should never do in your cabin

MSC Cruises ships with solo cabins

A select few MSC ships have studio cabins.  While the typical size bed in these cabins is a twin-size, many of these staterooms offer 130 square feet of space.    The couch doubles as a bed, maximizing the space in the already fairly spacious stateroom by industry standards.

Celebrity Cruises ships with solo cabins

The solo cabins on some Celebrity Edge-class vessels are a whopping 140 square feet.   Some of these single cabins can also be booked as twins as they have sofa beds for a second person.

The solos cabins on Edge-class ships with Celebrity are located on forward deck 6. They are the same size as the other Infinite Verandah cabins except without the couch.

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*Celebrity Silhouette is a Solstice-class vessel that was recently retrofit with the solo cabins.

Related: 15 things people always forget to pack on their cruise

Holland America Line ships with solo cabins

Holland America offers solo cabins on just a handful of ships. The square footage available to solo cruisers ranges from 127 to 172.  They are about identical to regular ocean view cabins and are generally located forward on the Main Deck.

Cunard cruise ships with solo cabins

There are currently three ships in Cunard’s fleet with a fourth being added in 2024. Queen Mary 2 had 15 single cabins added to the vessel during a recent dry dock. The area now used for solo cabins was formerly part of the casino and photo gallery on board.

Virgin Voyages’ solo cabins

Virgin has built their recent ships with solo cruisers in mind.    The solo cabins are over 100 sq. feet and are mostly interior, with a few that have forward-facing sea views.

Related: 12 things you can still get for free on a cruise ship

Costa cruise ships with solo cabins

P&O cruise ships with solo cabins

Fred Olsen cruise ships with solo cabins

Saga Cruises

There are two ocean cruise ships in Saga’s fleet and both have plenty of solo cabins for cruise passengers to choose from.   The UK-based cruise line caters to passengers 50 and older on its 1,000-passenger vessels.

There are four different types of solo cabins available:

• Standard single cabin with balcony
• Superior single cabin with balcony
• Deluxe single with balcony
• Single suite with balcony

Oceania solo cabins

Luxury line, Oceania, has also embraced solo cruise travel, now with four ships in the fleet that cater to cruisers traveling alone.    Oceania’s new ship, Vista, debuted in 2023 and also has solo cabins.

Final thoughts

Even if you go on a cruise by yourself in a standard cabin, you will not have to pay port fees and gratuities for the second person.

And with the high demand for studio cabins, you should always at least compare the price of a standard room with the solo cabin to see if you’re actually saving a substantial sum.

Read more: 10 things you CAN pack on your cruise but shouldn’t

Am I crazy for taking cash on a cruise ship?  Do people even use the green stuff anymore?

Well, here are a few reasons why I still pack a few dollars before my voyage, and why you might want to consider it too for your cruises.

A common question from first-time cruisers is, “How much cash should I bring on my cruise?”.  But for others, taking cash on a cruise isn’t even something they consider.

I mean, come on, it’s 2024.  No one even carries cash on land, so why bring it with you to use at sea, right?

Strictly speaking, you can go cashless on your cruise and have a wonderful time.  But I’ve regretted not having cash on me for a few reasons I’ve listed below.

A cruise ship is a cashless society

One of the wonderful things about going on a cruise is a little thing called an onboard account.  All the extra specialty dining venues, spa treatments, and excursions get charged to your account.

And you can put these charges out of your mind until after the cruise is over.

Almost anything you can imagine that costs extra is charged to that onboard account.  Things like drinks, items in the gift shops, and even haircuts are all charged to your room.

No cash needed there.

Even most gratuities are payed with that onboard account.

So, it’s true you don’t need cash to pay for things around the ship.  You just whip out your cruise card and move on with your vacation.

Then why bring cash?

A few uses for cash on a cruise

Here is why I still include cash on my packing list before a cruise vacation.  The first few are about tipping, but don’t ignore the rest of the list.  A lot of this gets overlooked or forgotten by new cruisers.

1. Tipping the porters

The very beginning of your cruise starts by carrying your luggage to the terminal.  Porters will be waiting to help you with your luggage, and I always recommend letting them take your large bags for you, while you keep your carry-on.

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Not only will this make it easier for you to navigate the ship before your cabin is ready, but it also keeps elevators from getting too cramped with those behemoth bags.

I usually recommend tipping the porters $2 to $3 per bag but you can tip as much as you would like.   Just make sure you do.  This is where having some small bills on hand can be useful as well.

Cash is the only currency a porter will take, and they will be very glad for it.

2. Tipping for room service

While some cruise lines still offer free room service — not many do these days — you still should tip the person bringing you that delicious breakfast.

(Incidentally, breakfast is my favorite thing to have delivered to the cabin because mornings are hard enough.  Also, there’s nothing like eating breakfast from the balcony of a cruise ship and watching the sun rise over the ocean.)

So how much should you tip?  Again, this is somewhat subjective, but here’s a good rule of thumb I like to follow.  If it’s a small order, $2 is fine.  If it’s a large order, somewhere around $4 or $5 should be enough.

Either way, handing over cash to your room service attendant is always appreciated.

3. Tipping room steward or waitstaff

$15-$20 per person per day is typically what is added to your bill for gratuities on a cruise.  This gets divided up among room stewards and dining staff.

While most of the major cruise lines already include gratuities in your final bill, you can always go the extra mile for exceptional service.

Keep in mind this is not required, but if you were really happy with a certain crew member it’s a good idea to let them know with a good old-fashioned cash tip.

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This is especially true if you visited the main dining room every night of the cruise and had a fixed dining time.

I often like to leave a cash tip in the cabin as well, along with a note of appreciation.  Some cruisers like to buy gifts for their cabin steward, but it’s really all up to you.

Related: Biggest tipping mistakes made by cruisers

4. To avoid fees and fraud in port

Most of the ports to which cruise ships travel are very safe; otherwise they stop going.  But any high tourism area can face issues with credit card theft and other petty crimes.

I like to carry and use cash for those smaller items I’m buying when in port.  Areas like the Caribbean and Bahamas almost always accept U.S. dollars, so this makes it easy for small transactions as well.

Some credit cards now have perks with no foreign transaction fees.  If you don’t have one of these cards it will be better to use cash when off the ship in port as well.

1% – 3% in foreign transaction fees might not sound like a lot, but if you do a lot of shopping in port it can add up fast.

Read more: 10 biggest mistakes cruisers make on port days

5. Buying local souvenirs

Along with the last point, cash can come in very handy when shopping at those straw markets or local downtown markets in foreign countries.  Not only is it great for bargaining but it also might be the only form of currency the seller will take.  Most vendors at these markets will not have credit card machines, although occasionally some will accept payments through Square or another service.

6. Using local taxis

A lot of taxis will prefer cash as well, even if technically they can accept other forms of payment.  Some of the bigger taxi services that you can book at the cruise port will accept credit cards, but that can come with a small risk.  I have a friend who booked one of these and had some credit card issues afterward, so do your homework ahead of time.

Either way, it’s nice to be able to both pay and tip your driver in cash if you have it.

7. Using other forms of public transportation

I enjoy taking various types of public transportation when in port, whether it be bus or light rail.  It’s an affordable way to experience a city and meet with locals to really engage in the culture.

In many cases, especially if you are traveling by bus, you will have to pay the driver in cash, so it’s always good to keep some of those small bills handy.

8. Eating at local restaurants

One of my favorite things about cruising is trying the local food.  Sure, the food on the ship is paid for, but I’ve been to some amazing restaurants in port.  And one thing I always did was pay in cash.

Some of these local cafes and restaurants didn’t even have credit card processors, so having some cash on hand is a great idea if you want to try some local cuisine.

Related: 10 ways rookies waste money on a cruise

9. Booking local excursions

Again, once you get off the ship it can be useful to have cash on hand.

There are many wonderful tours and excursions that will not be available on the ship.  And if you book a local tour guide or attraction off the ship you will want some cash to pay for it.

What about tours booked through the ship, since you already payed for them with your onboard account?

If you booked a tour of some kind it’s recommended you do tip the tour guide or driver a few dollars.  It might be anywhere from $2 to $10 and it’s not mandatory, but it’s a good way of thanking the local workers for their expertise.

10. Taking a restroom break in Europe

It comes as a surprise to many first-time visitors to Europe that many of the restrooms are not free to use.

Have some local currency to pay for a restroom break just in case.   You will only need a few coins or small bills in most cases.

Most restrooms in Europe that charge for use of the facilities will be around €0.50 to €1, but this can be higher in larger cities.

11. Making donations to the casino

If you want to show the cruise line a little appreciation by gambling in the casino, cash can be a nice thing to have as well.  Yes, you can have it charged to your onboard account in most cases, but at least with cash you have a finite amount you are working with.

Related: When are the cheapest weeks to take a cruise?

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So where should you get cash if you didn’t bring any?

Most cruise ships do have ATM machines in various places around the ship.  Usually there is one right near the guest services desk.

Whether you use the ATM on the cruise ship or the one in port there will be fees associated with it.  If you are worried about security you can use the cruise ship ATM instead.

On one occasion in Cozumel, Mexico I used my ATM card and my account was hacked shortly after, so be careful with ATM machines in high tourism areas.

Note: If you use an ATM in a foreign port you will usually get the local currency.

I still find using a local ATM is cheaper than using a currency exchange office if you want local currency, as their fees can be ridiculously high.

How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

This largely depends on you, but let’s look at a basic breakdown of potential cash uses and see what we come up with.

• Porters – $6 for 3 bags
• Room Service – $10 for a few deliveries
• Extra tips for staff – $20, but depends on you
• Souvenirs – $30 – $50
• Taxis – $50
• Restaurants – $40
• Excursions – $100
• Gambling – The sky is the limit (but please do have a limit)

This is very subjective and depends on what you will actually do on your cruise.

So, how much cash should you bring on a cruise?

On average you should bring anywhere from $150 to $250 of cash on a cruise.  But you might just bring $50 and be totally fine as well.

One thing I do recommend is bringing small bills so you don’t have the awkward moment of asking for change for a $20 when tipping the porter $2.