Last week, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, arrived in Miami for the first time. The ship is scheduled to sail its inaugural cruise next weekend after being christened by soccer great Lionel Messi.
Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship to ever cross the 250,000 gross ton mark. Cruise ships are measured in size by gross tonnage, not the actually weight of the vessel. It’s about 7% larger than the previous largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas.
Icon of the Seas is the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship to be powered by LNG. The cruise line stated that it’s expected to reduce sulfur emissions by almost 100% and carbon emissions by around 30%. It’s the cruise line’s greenest and most environmentally friendly ship to date.
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Here is a look at energy management, water management, and waste management on Icon of the Seas and the different things that Royal Caribbean is doing to make it their most environmentally friendly cruise ship.
Energy Management
Icon of the Seas is powered by six duel-fuel engines with the ability to use liquified natural gas (LNG). When a port is equipped with shore power, the ship will plug into the grid and will be able to operate without using the engines.
Royal Caribbean is using AI based technologies to optimize the ship’s routes for maximum efficiency.
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An air lubrication system will send microscopic air bubbles under the hull that will reduce friction and allow the ship to use less fuel when sailing from port to port. This helps reduce CO2 emissions by 5-10%.
Excess heat produced by the ship’s six engines will be captured, harnessed, and repurposed instead of being wasted.
Water Management
Icon of the Seas is equipped with a wastewater management system that treats every drop of water above regulatory standards.
The ship has its own environmental officer who tests the water daily and overseas all initiatives and training.
More than 93% of the ship’s freshwater is produced on board using a reverse osmosis/desalination plant.
The cruise ship also has ballast water treatment that prevents non-native species from being transported from port to port.
Waste Management
Icon of the Seas has a waste-to-energy system that uses Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis technology that turns trash into energy that the ship can use.
The ship has a strict recycling program to ensure that 90% of trash on board never reaches a landfill. It has a state-of-the-art waste management room that is fully equipped to manage a single-stream recycling process.
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Royal Caribbean has a dedicated team on board that will use a custom-built app to reduce food waste.
Icon of the Seas will sail week long cruises from Terminal A in PortMiami to the Caribbean each week. Every cruise will visit the cruise line’s popular private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The ship is the first of three Icon class ships from Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line.
Some activities and traditions on cruise ships are just – well, weird to some people. But there’s no judgement here. Everyone has a different style of cruising.
We at Cruise Fever, feel that’s one of the best parts of taking a cruise. People with all kinds of tastes and ideas of the perfect vacation can have an amazing time on the same ship.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Still, we thought it would be fun to look at some “cruise things” that just don’t make sense to everyone. This ideas were inspired by a topic posted on Reddit this week.
You might identify with some of these, but the point is to take a lighthearted look at the cruise industry that we all love and know.
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Love or hate them, any regular cruiser can identify with most of these.
You can find art galleries and art auctions on any mainstream cruise line. And while some art connoisseurs love to admire and even buy various paintings on board, not everyone has the same appreciation.
In fact, — and let’s be real here – some show up just for the free beverages that are often served at art auctions. But if you’re an art lover, you can enjoy pieces of some the latest and greatest, and the cruise line will ship the painting to your home. After all, who wants to explain that huge box to customs.
2. Buying gold by the inch
Purchasing a 14k gold-plated chain by the inch is a tradition for some. Any regular cruiser has walked by the promenade or shops and has seen these rolls of gold necklaces that come in various thicknesses. While its quality has been called into question, buying it by the inch is certainly an interesting concept.
3. Overly competitive trivia players
As a cruise trivia lover myself, I’ve seen some aggressive trivia players on cruise ships. You can often find trivia topics that run the gamut when you look at the daily planner, but some passengers take it to another level. You know the ones. They are combative about every answer and debate its accuracy while attempting to cheat for the grand prize of a cruise line branded foam cup sleeve.
4. Just lounging on deck
The feeling of just doing nothing while soaking in the sun in a deck chair or lounger is a favorite pastime for many cruise-goers. But not everyone gets it. “Why lay in the hot sun and get sun -burned so you can be miserable for the rest of the trip?” is a common thought. And while using sunscreen could prevent this kind of problem, some prefer to either be more active on a ship, or at least find a shady spot to enjoy a good book. The main conflict for some is often that they want to relax but the pool deck is on the noisy side.
Not everyone feels the intense need to decorate their cabin door. But those that do will typically go all out. Decking out the stateroom door with a personal, festive touch is a great way for passengers to find their own cabin on those days they’re not in complete control of their faculties. It’s also just a fun way to let every passerby know a little about you. Still, it’s a strange concept for some cruisers and definitely not something you see so often on land.
6. Spending all day in the casino
What I often call “the donation center” on a cruise ship, the casino is almost always full of passengers – as soon as the ship leaves port and the area can open, that is. Some passengers will spend most of a sea day here. They will sit at the slots until they need physical therapy from the onboard fitness specialist for repeated wrist or elbow movements. And while it’s baffling to me, you can always find someone hoping to strike it rich while on vacation. For those who don’t want a casino on board there’s always a Viking ship, which has no casino at all.
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7. The overcrowded main pool
On a busy sea day the main pool on a cruise ship can get a little crowded. Ok, it can get completely packed, depending on the cruise line and how the cruise ship is designed. For some reason, some passengers don’t seem to mind this. It reminds me of the old Yogi Berra axiom, “No one goes there anymore because it’s too crowded.”
By the way, pools aren’t always jam packed on a cruise ship, and much of it depends on the time of day, demographic on board, and how many other pools are available elsewhere.
In a day when everyone has an amazing camera in their pockets, it’s hard for some to fathom paying so much money for pictures on a cruise. I totally get this. But every few cruises I will buy on board photos when I want something a little more professional. And the cruise photographers I have worked with have done such an amazing job. It’s a high stress-job for sure, and something I would not want to do myself. But I do wonder if the trend of the photo paparazzi on mainstream lines will morph into something else down the road.
9. Cruise ducks
With more cruise lines talking about banning rubber ducks, this fad may have its days numbered. The trend of hiding rubber ducks on a ship and letting other people find them to either keep or hide again began in 2018 or earlier. Now the colorful duckies can be found on ships across the world. While a fun thing for kids –and kids at heart who want to hoard them–, these ducks are often used for marketing personal and business social media accounts as well. Whatever the fate of these rubber bath toys may be, I’m sure you will be able to find people on both sides of the issue.
10. Having to be back on the ship by a certain time
Cruise ships offer a fantastic way to see many places in the world, all while sleeping in the same bed each night. But it’s difficult to have a truly immersive experience when you only get 6-7 hours to see the city around a cruise port and have to be back before supper. When you are really enjoying a destination and want to stay a little longer, the pull of having to get back on the ship is one filled with mixed emotions.
Veranda cabin on Celebrity Edge. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
11. Only being in the cabin to sleep and shower
Not everyone has this viewpoint. But some cruisers will say they don’t care what kind of cabin they book because they will only be in it to sleep and freshen up. These must be some very active cruisers, because personally, I like to take a nap, read a book, or enjoy a private balcony in my stateroom now and then as well. While it can save a lot of money by booking an interior cabin you will only use for sleep, it’s hard for others to comprehend how this can be enjoyable.
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There are plenty of places to enjoy the day on a cruise ship if you’re a shopaholic. And there’s always a sale going on at one of the shops on board. But after spending a good deal of money to book a cruise it’s strange to some that a cruise-goer would want to hit the shops like their at the mall. Sure, there’s the duty-free aspect of it, but the onboard spending can get out of hand very quickly.
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13. Dressing up for formal nights
This is a topic that often divides cruisers. And some cruise lines have done away with formal nights altogether. But for those who love to dress their best and experience the tradition of maritime formality at dinner, there are still many cruise ships that will gladly oblige on certain nights.
Whether you dress up or not, just be sure to be respectful of other passengers. If you dress up, don’t look down on those who don’t. And if you wear a hoodie to the MDR, let the guy in the fancy tuxedo feel like James Bond for the night.
14. Overly zealous cruise loyalists
We’ve all seen the posts on social media. People love to brag about their favorite cruise line. And why not? I love it when a cruiser finds just the right cruise line for them. But some take it to a level that is a tad overzealous. I prefer to let the cruise lines be competitive with each other while the cruisers themselves all get along and book wherever works best for them. A Carnival cruiser can still be friends with a Royal Caribbean loyalist, right?
Cruise lines have cut down on towel animals in the last few years, but it’s still a cruise tradition that’s hard to let go. On my last MSC cruise I was surprised to see so many towel animals in my stateroom. I admire the time, patience, and expertise it takes to fold a piece of cotton into hundreds of different creatures. But with cruise lines wanting to streamline their costs, the days of towel animals may be fading as well.
16. Planning a day around food
Some find it odd that a person would book a 7-day cruise and then be completely consumed by what they want to consume. But a cruise has a funny way of turning even the average person into a foodie. It’s the best time to try new foods, broaden the horizons of your taste buds, and indulge in amazing foods you might never even think about on land.
Especially for those Caribbean cruises in the summer, the idea of sitting in a hot tub when it’s 99 degrees Fahrenheit on the pool deck seems a little crazy. Maybe it is, but cruisers still love to do it.
18. Bellyflop competitions
This competition, among many others, has been a cruise tradition for many years as well. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have phased out the bellyflop competition and the hairy chest competition for more family-friendly activities on the pool deck. Still, the bellyflop poolside pastime is always one of those things you love to watch but would hate to take part in. Like a car accident or bad karaoke it’s just hard to look away.
19. Elevator rush hour
You don’t need to rush into an elevator on a cruise ship, especially before those inside had a chance to get out first. Cruise ship elevators get a bad wrap for being small and sometimes full of inconsiderate passengers, this is definitely not always the case. But feel free to read our cruise ship elevator survival guide if you’re interested.
20. Eating with strangers
You don’t have to eat with strangers if you don’t want to on most cruise ships. But the idea of going to the main dining room and eating with a total stranger boggles the minds of those who have never been on a cruise before. And while many regular cruisers still prefer to eat by themselves or with their own group, first-time cruisers often benefit from the experience of veteran cruisers at the table. But yes, it’s a little strange, since most of the time when you go to a restaurant on land you only get a table for your party.
21. Lounge chair hogs
I’d like to wave a magic wand and ban all aspects of lounge chair hogging on cruise ships. Many passengers are disappointed to find a row of 20 deck chairs “saved” with towels clipping them in place. I can understand wanting to have a lounger when you get out of the pool, but there’s really no good reason to hog a lounger for hours on end. It’s a practice many cruise lines have tried to tackle, but I’m not sure this is a battle that’s being won just yet.
You’re on vacation. So why on earth would you hit the gym and beat yourself up? Well, for many cruisers, fitness is something that makes them happy. And since they know they will be making regular trips to the buffet it helps to stay on track by burning off those calories. Again, it’s another case of different aspects of cruising appealing to different passengers.
23. Paying for Wi-Fi
If you’re on a cruise to get away from work and the hassles of technology, then paying for Wi-Fi probably seems crazy. But in a world that is so connected, some find it almost impossible to not be in touch back home or to their social media accounts to share their vacation with family and friends.
I went to a couple of these when I was a complete newbie to cruising. For some reason I thought, “How will I know what to buy in this foreign port if no one is going to guide me?”. Now, you may be someone who loves these shopping seminars, but they are not for everyone. After being to enough Diamonds International and Del Sol store fronts, I pass on these myself. But I know some who love to get the coupon books and free trinkets and gifts.
25. The newly wed gameshow
Another right of passage on a cruise ship is to at least attend the newly wed game show that most cruise ships offer. Sometimes the questions get repetitive if you’ve been to enough of these, but a good cruise director knows how to liven things up.
Final Thoughts
A cruise vacation is a unique experience. There are things you will see on a cruise ship that just don’t happen in any other setting. This post captures just a few of them, but the list could extend to 100 things if we wanted to keep going. The main point is that you don’t have to enjoy every single thing on the ship. Just find what you do like and run with it. Once you have Cruise Fever, you never want to get over it.
Celebrity Cruises has launched their biggest offer of the year that is part of their Semi-Annual Sale that will run through April 7, 2024.
Celebrity Cruises’ latest Semi-Annual Sale is good on sailings to all seven continents to nearly 300 destinations. For the first time in 2024, the cruise line will have an Edge class ship positioned in all of the top cruise destinations around the world.
The cruise line’s Semi-Annual Sale offers 75% off the second guest in a cabin on non-refundable rates and 50% off the second guest on refundable rates. Select cruises also offer up to $200 in onboard credit to spend on the ship. View Best Prices on Celebrity
Celebrity Cruises will offer their biggest Caribbean season yet with cruises ranging from three to 12 nights in length. Some cruises will also visit CocoCay for the first time. CocoCay is an award winning private island in The Bahamas that is operated by sister cruise line Royal Caribbean.
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On top of Caribbean cruises, this year Celebrity Cruises’ guests can explore Alaska like never before, soak up the history and romance of Europe’s cultural hotspots or take in the views of the Norwegian Fjords, and all from the comfort of an Edge Series ship.
Celebrity Cruises will have Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, and Celebrity Summit all sailing three and four night itineraries. The four night cruises will depart on Mondays with the three night weekend cruises leaving every Friday.
The cruise line will also sail new itineraries in Japan on Celebrity Millennium.
Celebrity Cruises’ Semi-Annual Sale runs through April 7, 2024 and applies to select three night and longer cruises that depart through April 2026.
The $200 in onboard credit is divided up as follows: $100 for inside and ocean view, $200 for balcony cabins and above.
Cruises to the Galapagos and Alaska Cruise Tours are not included in this sale.
Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line from Royal Caribbean Group with 13 cruise ships in service. A 14th ship, Celebrity Xcel, will debut in November 2025.
The trip from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Port Canaveral is about 45 miles and usually takes 45 to 60 minutes by road via State Road 528. The cheapest options are shared shuttles at roughly $20 to $30 per person each way. Cruise line transfers cost around $38 to $45 per person, and an Uber or Lyft typically runs about $70 to $110 per car. A rental car or private car service makes the most sense for families and groups who want to travel on their own schedule.
Below is a practical, up-to-date look at every realistic way to get from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral as of late 2026, with approximate prices, where to find each service at MCO, and the timing rules that catch many cruisers out.
Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral: Quick Comparison
Prices below are approximate, one-way, and were correct at the time of writing. Rates change, so always confirm when you book.
Option
Approx. cost (one way)
Pros
Cons
Shared shuttle (e.g. Happy Limo, Go Port)
$20–$30 per person
Cheapest for solo travelers and couples; set departures
Fixed morning time slots; may wait for the van to fill
Cruise line transfer
About $38–$45 per person
Line knows your ship; reps meet you at MCO
Flight time cut-offs; slower with big groups; adds up for families
Uber / Lyft
About $70–$110 per car
Leave whenever you like; door to terminal
Surge pricing on busy embarkation days; car seats not guaranteed
Private car / SUV (e.g. Mears, Go Port, Blacklane)
Often $150+ per vehicle
Flight tracking, meet and greet, room for luggage
Most expensive option for small parties
Rental car + port parking
Rental rate + $20/day parking (round trip)
Freedom for a grocery or beach stop; good for 4+ people
Parking for a 7-night cruise is around $160 plus tax; tolls
Shared Shuttles From Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral
For one or two travelers, a shared shuttle from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral is usually the best value. These companies run on a fixed morning schedule geared to cruise embarkation times, so they work best if you land early or fly in the day before.
Happy Limo
Happy Limo lists shared shuttle fares from $19.99 per person each way when booked online (a little more by phone). Departures from MCO were listed at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., and you are asked to be ready 30 minutes before. Pickup is on Level 1 of Terminal B, so if you land at Terminal A or C you will need to make your way there. The company also runs private limo and SUV transfers and return trips from the port to the airport in the morning after you disembark. Note that its shared shuttles cannot carry wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Go Port
Go Port is one of the best-known operators on this route. Its shared shuttle was listed at $29.99 per traveler each way, with airport-to-cruise departures between about 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Check-in is at the Go Port counter on Level 1 of Terminal A, near the car rental desks. Shuttles leave first come, first served once full, and flights landing after noon need another option. Go Port also offers private black car transfers (up to around six passengers), which must be booked a couple of days ahead. It does not supply car seats.
Airport Canaveral
Airport Canaveral advertises shared shuttles from around $25 per person, plus private car service, between MCO and the Port Canaveral cruise terminals. Its published details are thinner than the others, so call to confirm departure times and pickup instructions before relying on it.
Tip: Whichever company you choose, book in advance, give the exact cruise terminal for your ship, and allow a buffer between your flight landing and the shuttle departure for baggage claim.
Cruise Line Transfers From MCO
Most major lines sailing from Port Canaveral sell airport transfers, usually through the cruise planner or online check-in. They are convenient because the line expects you, but they come with strict flight windows.
Carnival: Carnival’s MCO-to-pier transfer was listed from $37.99 per person, run by Sunward Tours. Flights must land at MCO by 12:00 p.m. on sailing day, and the meeting point is Level 1 Ground Transportation in Terminal B, beside the Hertz counter. It can be bought up to two days before you sail.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney runs its own ground transportation coaches between Orlando and Port Canaveral, bookable through your reservation or travel advisor. Recent published rates have been around $45 per person each way, but check your booking for the current price.
Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and others: These lines generally offer transfers too, priced per person and tied to arrival time cut-offs. Look in your cruise planner or booking account for the current rate and rules for your sailing.
For a family of four, a cruise line transfer can cost more than a single Uber, so do the maths before you book. If you are still choosing a line, our Royal Caribbean vs Carnival comparison covers what else differs between the two big Port Canaveral players.
Rideshare pickups at MCO depend on which terminal you land in. Photo: Yazid N on Pexels
Uber and Lyft From Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral
Rideshare is the most flexible way to get from MCO to Port Canaveral. Uber’s own route page puts the trip at about 47 miles with an average fare around $78, and travelers commonly report paying roughly $70 to $110 depending on vehicle size and demand. Prices can jump on busy Saturday and Sunday mornings when several ships embark at once, so compare Uber and Lyft before you request, or schedule a ride in advance.
Where to Find Uber and Lyft at MCO
Terminals A and B: Head to baggage claim on Level 2 and follow the Ground Transportation and Ride App signs to the curb.
Terminal C: Pickups are on Level 6 (Arrivals), outside the baggage claim doors. Uber’s guidance points riders to doors C48 and C50.
Always check the in-app directions after you request, because pickup spots at MCO are adjusted from time to time. If you need a car seat, rideshare is a gamble; a private car service that supplies seats is safer.
Private Car Service and Luxury Transfers
If you want someone waiting for you when you land, a private car is the most comfortable option. Mears Transportation offers chauffeured sedans, SUVs and private shuttle vans from MCO to Port Canaveral, bookable online in advance, with car seats available on request and stretch limousines by phone. Blacklane and Go Port also sell private transfers on this route. Expect pricing per vehicle rather than per person, which can make an SUV good value for a group of four to six with plenty of luggage.
Port Canaveral parking costs $20 per day plus tax. Photo: www.EPiC VIDEO.es🎥 on Pexels
Rental Car and Port Canaveral Parking
Renting a car at MCO suits travelers who want a pre-cruise stop at Cocoa Beach or a grocery store, or who are flying in a day early. Rental desks are on-site at the airport, though one-way drop-off fees apply if you return the car near the port instead of at MCO.
If you keep the car and park at the port, Port Canaveral charges $20 per day plus tax for cars and RVs, counting both the day you arrive and the day you return. Payment is by card only. The daily rate rose from $17 in October 2025. The port’s own directions are simple: leave MCO by the North Exit onto S.R. 528 East (a toll road) and follow it to the port, taking Exit 54A for the A terminals (CT-5, CT-6, CT-8, CT-10) or Exit 54B for the B terminals (CT-1, CT-3). The port estimates the drive at about 45 minutes in normal traffic.
Is There a Train or Bus to Port Canaveral?
Not directly. Brightline runs high-speed trains from Orlando airport to South Florida, but it does not stop near Port Canaveral today. A planned Brightline station in Cocoa, on the mainland west of the port, received $57.5 million in federal funding in October 2026, but Brightline has indicated an opening around 2030. Brightline also went through a debt restructuring in late 2026. For now, the train is not a realistic way to reach your ship. There is no straightforward public bus from MCO to the cruise terminals either, so a shuttle, transfer, rideshare or car is the practical choice.
How to Pick the Best Option
Check your flight time first. Most shuttles and cruise transfers stop running from MCO around midday. If you land later, plan on rideshare, a private car, or flying in the day before (the safest choice for any cruise).
Count your party. Per-person shuttles win for one or two people; per-car options usually win for four or more.
Know your terminal. Port Canaveral has several cruise terminals on two sides of the harbor. Give your exact terminal number to any driver.
Think about the return. Return shuttles usually leave the port between about 8 and 10 a.m., so book an afternoon flight home.
Sailing from South Florida instead? Our guide to hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port compares shuttles, park-and-cruise deals and distances to Port Everglades.
Not sure where to sail from? Our guide to the cruise ports in Florida compares passenger numbers, airports, parking and cruise lines at each port.
FAQs
How long is the shuttle from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?
The drive itself takes about 45 to 60 minutes, but shuttle operators often quote 60 to 75 minutes once loading and drop-offs at different terminals are included.
How far is Port Canaveral from Orlando airport by car?
About 45 miles, almost entirely on S.R. 528 East, which is a toll road.
What is the cheapest way to get from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?
For one or two people, a shared shuttle at roughly $20 to $30 per person each way is usually cheapest. For groups of four or more, a single Uber or Lyft can cost less overall.
Is there a free shuttle from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?
Not as a rule. Cruise line and independent shuttles charge a fare. Some cruise fares or promotions may bundle transfers, so check your booking.
How much is an Uber from Orlando airport to Port Canaveral?
Uber lists an average of around $78, and fares commonly range from about $70 to $110 depending on vehicle type and demand.
The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, is already set to sail out of PortMiami this year, but it’s not the only new ship to call the Sunshine State home in 2024.
Royal Caribbean’s sixth and last Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, will also debut in July, offering sailings out of Port Canaveral.
Over the next couple months at least 75 different cruise ships will be departing from ports in Florida.
Fast forward to the last two months in 2024 and that number jumps to 94 cruise ships.
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As cruise demand continues to thrive, Florida cruise ports will be homeporting more cruise ships than ever before.
In addition to new ships debuting in Miami, Port Canaveral, and Port Everglades, other ships are being repositioned to Florida, giving passengers even more vacation options heading into the new year.
New Ships Coming to Florida Ports
Icon of the Seas – PortMiami, January 27th, 2024
Utopia of the Seas – Port Canaveral, July 22nd, 2024
Disney Treasure – Port Canaveral, December of 2024
A couple revitalized cruise ships that are being or have been transferred to new cruise lines will be offering sailings out of the state as well.
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Carnival Venezia, original sailing for another Carnival Corp. brand, Costa Cruises, is now part of the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship will move from New York to Port Canaveral in December of 2024.
Additionally, Margaritaville at Sea is adding a newly acquired ship to Port Tampa Bay. The cruise line’s second ship, Margaritaville at Sea Islander, is set to debut in June of 2024 and offer 4- and 5-night sailings to the Caribbean.
Other Ships Debuting in Florida Cruise Ports
Port Canaveral will also be welcoming cruise ships from other ports, two being the first from their respective cruise lines.
Celebrity Equinox, which will offer sailings out of the Space Coast port beginning on December 3rd, 2024, will be Celebrity Cruises’ first ship to homeport there.
Princess Cruises will also send their first ship to homeport from the busiest cruise port in the world, when Caribbean Princess sets sail in November of 2024.
Change of plans
Ongoing geopolitical conflicts have caused some cruise lines to rearrange ships and homeports for the season as well. Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas was originally planning to offer itineraries in the Middle East and in Haifa. Instead, the oldest ship in Royal Caribbean’s fleet will continue to offer cruises to the Caribbean and will reposition from Miami to Tampa in April of this year.
Additionally, Norwegian Epic will remain in Port Canaveral instead of following the previous plan of offering sailings in Europe for the winter.
Viking has announced three new cruise itineraries that will provide exclusive access to China later this year and will range from 10 to 20 days in length.
Not only will these new cruises visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, but they will visit ports in China that only Viking has access to. The sailings will take place on Chinese flagged Viking Yi Dun, the cruise ship formerly known as Viking Sun. It’s the first ship to offer domestic cruises in China to foreign travelers.
“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers. Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their mind—and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall, to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation. We introduced the real China to our guests, and visiting local school children was always a particular highlight. Now, we are delighted to offer such encounters once again with new voyages to a destination that never ceases to capture the imagination.”
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Wonders of China is a 20 day roundtrip cruisetour from Beijing. Guests will be able to walk on the Great Wall of China, visit a Tibetan family in their home, and explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 15 day Classic China & the Coast will start in Beijing and end in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). Guests will be able to visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. The cruise portion is a 10 day China Discovery itinerary along China’s coastline.
For those who only want to visit China by sea, the 10 Day China Discovery cruise starts in Shanghai and ends in Hong Kong (Shenzhen). It will offer guests to experience the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.
Viking Yi Dun is specifically dedicated to explore China and is a sister ship to Viking’s award winning fleet of ocean cruise ships.
For the rest of the month, the cruise line is offering free international airfare, $25 deposits, and special cruise fares and all voyages. While space is limited for 2024, this cruise deal includes the new coastal China itineraries.
Own at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation (CCL), Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) or Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) and you can claim free onboard credit on their cruise brands. The Carnival shareholder benefit and its two rivals all pay $50 to $250 per cabin depending on cruise length, and Royal Caribbean adds $1,000 on a world cruise. All three were still running in October 2026, but each one has its own claim method, deadline and rules.
This guide compares cruise shareholder benefits side by side, using each company’s own investor pages as checked in October 2026. It covers how many shares you need, what each line pays, how to claim and the small print that catches people out. These perks can be changed or withdrawn at any time, so always check the official terms before you rely on them.
Here is how the three programmes compare for US-dollar sailings:
Feature
Carnival Corporation (CCL)
Royal Caribbean Group (RCL)
NCLH
Minimum holding
100 shares
100 shares
100 shares
Short cruises
$50 (6 days or less)
$50 (5 nights or fewer)
$50 (6 days or less)
Mid-length cruises
$100 (7 to 13 days)
$100 (6 to 13 nights)
$100 (7 to 14 days)
Long cruises
$250 (14 days or longer)
$250 (14+ nights)
$250 (15+ days)
World cruise
Long-cruise rate
$1,000
Long-cruise rate
How to claim
Stockperks app
Online request form
Online request form
Deadline
3 weeks before sailing
About 3 weeks before sailing
15 days before sailing
Stated end date
Sailings through 31 Dec 2026
None stated
None stated
Note the slightly different length bands. A 6-night Royal Caribbean cruise earns $100, while a 6-day Carnival or Norwegian cruise earns $50. A 14-day Norwegian sailing gets $100, not $250, because NCLH’s top tier starts at 15 days.
Carnival shareholder benefit: what you get in 2026
The Carnival shareholder benefit is the widest-reaching of the three because it covers more brands. According to Carnival Corporation’s investor page, holders of at least 100 shares get onboard credit per stateroom of $50 (6 days or less), $100 (7 to 13 days) or $250 (14 days or longer). Local equivalents apply elsewhere: €40/€75/€200 in continental Europe, £30/£60/£150 in the UK and A$50/A$100/A$250 in Australia. On Carnival Cruise Line, Princess and Cunard the amount follows the ship’s onboard currency.
Which brands qualify
North America: Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Cunard
UK: P&O Cruises, Cunard and Princess Cruises
Continental Europe: Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises
Australia: Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises
AIDA has had its own fare rules. From 1 June 2025 only its premium fares qualified on new bookings, and from 15 July 2025 both comfort and premium fares were eligible again.
The 2026 end date and the 2027 question
The current Carnival offer is published for sailings through 31 December 2026. Carnival has renewed the benefit year by year in the past, but as of late October 2026 we could not find a published 2027 version on its investor page. If you are booking a 2027 cruise partly for the shareholder credit, check the page again before you sail. Carnival says it can change or end the benefit at any time.
Carnival plc no longer exists as a separate listing
Older guides talk about holding shares in “Carnival Corporation or Carnival plc”. That changed in 2026. Carnival finished unifying its dual-listed structure in May 2026. The single parent company is now Carnival Corporation Ltd, which trades on the NYSE as CCL. Carnival plc shares were exchanged one-for-one for the new common shares, and the plc’s London listing was cancelled. If you held plc shares, your holding should now appear as CCL shares, and that is what you validate for the benefit.
Carnival claims now go through the Stockperks app. Photo: Thirdman on Pexels
How to claim cruise shareholder benefits
Carnival Corporation: the Stockperks app
Download the Stockperks app and create a profile.
Search for Carnival and choose the brand you are sailing with.
Select “Validate your portfolio” and enter your CCL ownership details.
Once your holding is confirmed, submit a claim for each eligible booking.
Claims must be in at least three weeks before departure, and Carnival says the credit cannot be added once you are on board. App questions go to Stockperks, and booking questions go to the cruise brand’s shareholder contact.
Royal Caribbean Group: online forms
Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises requests go through an online form linked from the RCL investor site, and Silversea has its own separate form. You give your name, address, booking number, ship, sail date and proof that you own the shares, usually a recent brokerage statement. Royal Caribbean’s terms ask for this at least three weeks before sailing, and its FAQ suggests two to three weeks. Send it early to be safe. The investor email address is for questions only and does not process requests.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: request form plus proof
NCLH uses a Shareholder Benefit Request form on its investor site for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Attach a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing at least 100 NCLH shares, with the account number blacked out. NCLH needs the request at least 15 days before sailing, which is the shortest deadline of the three.
Tips that save a rejected claim
Make sure the name on the brokerage statement matches a guest in the cabin.
Claim separately for every booking. The credit is not added automatically.
Keep the shares until after you sail. All three require you to own the stock at the time of sailing.
If you booked through a travel agent, tell them you are claiming so they can check it is on the booking.
Royal Caribbean shareholder benefit and NCLH rules in detail
Royal Caribbean Group
The Royal Caribbean shareholder benefit covers Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. It applies to bookings made on or after 1 June 2023 and has no published end date. Charter, complimentary, Celebrity River Cruises and Galapagos sailings are excluded. The $1,000 world cruise credit is unusual. It can be used for shore excursions, and if any is left over you can ask for it to be refunded to your original payment method. Unused credit on ordinary cruises is lost after the last night.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
The Norwegian Cruise Line shareholder benefit applies to new reservations made on or after 7 January 2019 on Norwegian, Oceania and Regent. Charters and incentive group bookings are excluded, along with reduced-rate and travel-agent fares. NCLH says plainly that the benefit “is not combinable with any other offer”, so you may have to choose between it and another promotion. We found no published changes to the NCLH programme in 2024, 2025 or 2026. Its investor page still shows the same amounts and rules.
What shareholder onboard credit can (and can’t) be used for
In practice, shareholder credit works like any other non-refundable onboard credit. It goes on your cabin account at the start of the cruise and comes off eligible spending, such as:
Speciality restaurants and drinks bought on board
Spa treatments and fitness classes
Shore excursions booked on board (depending on the line’s rules)
Shop purchases, photos and Wi-Fi bought on the ship
Common exclusions:
Gratuities and service charges. All three exclude service charges billed to your account.
Casino. Carnival specifically excludes casino credits and charges.
Pre-purchased extras. Royal Caribbean and NCLH exclude activities you prepaid before the cruise.
Cash. Unused credit is not refunded, apart from Royal Caribbean’s world cruise exception.
The rules are also similar across the three companies. You get one credit per stateroom per sailing, based on double occupancy. Solo travellers paying a 200% fare get the full amount with RCL and NCLH. Jointly held shares need 100 shares for each cabin you claim for, and the benefit is not transferable to friends or relatives sailing without you.
Shareholder credit only pays off if you already cruise regularly. Photo: Neil Smith on Pexels
Is buying cruise stock for the perk worth it?
For a frequent cruiser who already owns, or wants to own, one of these companies, the credit is a pleasant bonus. Five cruises of 7 to 13 days in a year on Carnival brands would bring in $500 of credit. For someone who sails once a year, $100 or $250 is a small return on the cost of 100 shares, which at recent prices runs well into four figures for each company.
Some practical points that most comparisons miss:
It does not stack well. NCLH rules out combining the benefit with other offers, and fare promotions or agent bonuses may limit what you get on other lines. Compare the shareholder credit with the promotions running for your cruise. Our guide to cruise deals for 2027 and the offers worth watching explains how onboard-credit promotions usually work.
Choose the company that owns the lines you actually sail. One CCL holding covers nine brands. If you mostly sail Norwegian or Royal Caribbean, our Norwegian vs Royal Caribbean comparison may help you decide where you will spend the credit.
Perks can disappear. Disney ended its investor perks years ago, and Viking, which is now listed, offers none. Treat any shareholder benefit as a bonus that could go, much like the free cruise perks that might not stay free for long.
Important: This article is general travel information, not financial advice. Share prices go up and down, cruise stocks can be volatile, and you could get back less than you invest. The value of the onboard credit should never be the main reason to buy a share. If you are unsure, talk to a regulated financial adviser.
How many shares do you need for the Carnival shareholder benefit?
You need at least 100 shares of Carnival Corporation Ltd (NYSE: CCL), held at the time of sailing. Former Carnival plc shares were converted into CCL shares in May 2026.
Does Royal Caribbean still offer a shareholder benefit?
Yes. As of October 2026, Royal Caribbean Group still offers 100-share holders $50 to $250 onboard credit per stateroom, or $1,000 on a world cruise, on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea. No end date is published.
Where can I find the shareholder benefit request form?
Carnival now uses the Stockperks app instead of a paper form. Royal Caribbean Group and NCLH link their online request forms from their investor websites (rclinvestor.com and nclhltd.com).
Is the Carnival shareholder benefit available for 2027 cruises?
The published offer covers sailings through 31 December 2026. Carnival has renewed it in previous years, but as of late October 2026 no 2027 terms were posted, so check the investor page before you sail.
Can I combine shareholder credit with other onboard credit?
Not always. NCLH says its benefit cannot be combined with any other offer. With Carnival and Royal Caribbean, whether it combines depends on your fare and promotion, so ask the cruise line or your travel agent when you book.
“You only have what are called edible straws. These straws are for — and greens,” read the comment from a Carnival passenger, writing in to object to the cruise line’s policy on the beverage utensil.
Most cruise lines have completely removed plastic straws from their fleet of ships.
With the goal of reducing waste and harmful impacts on the environment, some have replaced the plastic tubes with paper or biodegradable straws.
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Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line have each eliminated them and instead have also encouraged cruisers to bring their own reusable straws.
The idea of edible straws in frozen drinks has also recently been introduced to cruises ships, and it has received a mix of reactions.
Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald took to his Facebook page to react to the complaint from a passenger on Carnival Jubilee who stated,
“Do not tell me to buy or bring a reusable straw. I’m not washing out a straw on my cruise. I use plastic straws at home. I will not be guilted. Explain why I had no problems getting as many plastic straws with every drink on —– Cruise Lines Company. Do better Carnival.”
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In his own inimitable way, Heald expressed the cruise line’s desire to protect the ocean while admitting that he is not an environmentalist.
“I cannot say that while my car has a V8 engine, I fly multiple times a day and that my underpants are not made from kale,” Heald replied.
With over 300 comments in the Facebook post, cruisers were mostly positive on the introduction of edible straws to cruise ships.
“Those edible straws were a game changer for me! I did not know they existed until we cruised on the Mardi Gras. My husband would bring me a drink without a straw and I had to get him to go back and get me one of those tasty straws,” one Facebook user wrote.
Some commenters stated they were happy to bring their own reusable straws or biodegradable straws on their cruises. Heald just asked that passengers not bring plastic straws on board, even though it’s not technical a banned item that’s not allowed.
“I know the edible straws are not a favourite of everyone but you can bring your own straw, a stainless steel or reusable straw but please, not plastic. We do not have a rule on bringing plastic straws on board but please try not to if you can. The beards , myself and most of all Willy the Whale and his mates thank you,” Heald stated.
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Other alternatives for cruise passengers can include straws made from bamboo, paper, stainless steel, and other materials. You can often buy these reusable straws at gift shops and bars on board as well.
On cruise embarkation day, deal with your muster drill first, then spend ten minutes checking your cabin before you unpack. Test the safe, fridge, air conditioning, bathroom and balcony door now, because problems are far easier to fix while your clothes are still in the suitcase and the ship is still in port.
Timing helps. Cabins often aren’t ready until early afternoon, and checked bags may not reach your door until mid-afternoon or later, so you will probably have a natural gap to work through this list. Keep medications, documents, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on so you aren’t stuck waiting.
Cruise embarkation day safety checks
These two come first because they are the ones that matter if something goes wrong.
1. Complete your cruise muster drill
The cruise muster drill is mandatory on every line, but the format now varies. Most big ships use e-muster: you view the safety briefing on an app or cabin TV in your own time, then check in with crew at your assigned station. A few lines and ships still gather everyone at once. Procedures can change by ship and sailing, so treat this table as a guide and follow the instructions in your app and cruise documents.
Cruise line
Typical muster format
Worth knowing
Royal Caribbean
E-muster, app or cabin TV, then station check-in
Must be finished before the ship departs; no set group time
Celebrity
E-muster, app, then station check-in
Works much like Royal Caribbean’s system
Carnival
Safety information in the HUB app, then check in with crew at your station
Select sailings have reverted to a full traditional drill, so check yours
Norwegian
Check before you sail
Norwegian brought back synchronized drills in 2023; some 2026 guides describe video plus station check-in
Princess
Video, then station check-in using your Medallion
Video available through the app or cabin TV
MSC
In-person or video-assisted assembly
Check-in may be at a set time, so listen for announcements
Disney
Traditional in-person drill
Usually held in the afternoon, shortly before sailing
Whichever format you get, do it early. On e-muster ships, doing the station check-in soon after boarding lets you skip the late rush. Crew track who has completed it, and stragglers can expect reminders and announcements.
2. Find your life jackets and walk your route
Life jackets are usually stored in the cabin closet, although some ships keep them at the muster station instead. Look for them now, and check your assigned station on your keycard, app or the notice inside your cabin door. Then walk from your cabin to the station using the stairs, since elevators are not for use in an emergency. It takes a few minutes and is useful for finding your way around the ship.
Check the room over before your clothes go in the drawers. Photo: ClickerHappy on Pexels
Cruise cabin tips: test everything before you unpack
Crew turn cabins around in a few hours between sailings, so the occasional fault slips through. Work through these six checks in one pass.
3. Look over the room and take photos
Check the carpet, furniture, walls, TV, lights and bedding. If you spot a stain, crack or broken fitting, take a dated photo on your phone and mention it to your stateroom attendant, which gives you a record if a damage question comes up later. Confirm the bed layout is what you booked too, whether that is a king or two twins. Traveling with a baby? Check that any crib you requested has arrived, and use our baby and toddler cruise packing list to see what else you may need to bring from home.
4. Try the door lock and balcony door
Make sure your keycard or Medallion opens the door every time and that the door closes and latches properly. If you have a balcony, check the sliding door opens, closes and locks, and that the divider to the neighboring balcony is secure. On many ships, the air conditioning cuts out while the balcony door is open, so keep it closed when you want the cabin cool.
5. Test the safe while it is empty
The safe is usually in the closet, though it is sometimes in a drawer. Set a code with the door open, close it, then reopen it to confirm it works before anything goes inside. Only then load passports, spare cash, jewelry and car keys. A cabin safe is unlikely to fit a large laptop, so check the size before you plan around it.
6. Check what is in the fridge
Many cabin fridges are closer to coolers than true refrigerators. They are fine for keeping drinks cool but not for storing food for days. Royal Caribbean stopped stocking minibars years ago, but on ships where drinks and snacks are stocked, look for a price list and find out whether items are charged on a sensor before you move anything to make room. If you need reliable refrigeration for medication, raise it with guest services straight away.
7. Set the air conditioning
Thermostats are often reset to a middle setting between guests, and cabins with sun on the window or balcony can run warm. Turn it down now and check after 20 minutes that air is actually flowing and the room is cooling. If it is not, you want to report it long before bedtime.
8. Run the bathroom
Flush the toilet, run the shower until it is hot, and make sure the water drains. Check for towels, toiletries and a hair dryer, which may be stored in a desk drawer rather than the bathroom. Don’t count on the bathroom outlet for charging, as it is usually a low-power shaver socket.
Once the checks are done, the rest of the day is yours. Photo: Renata B. on Pexels
What to do on embarkation day before you unpack
The final three checks make your week run more smoothly, and each of them is easier before your belongings are spread across every surface.
9. Map your storage and outlets
Open every drawer and cupboard so you can decide where things go. Look behind mirrors and under the sofa, and check whether your empty suitcase fits under the bed, which most do. Cabins tend to have few outlets, often one or two usable ones, so work out where each device will charge. Modern phones and laptops accept both US 110V and European 220V sockets, so a plug adapter is usually all you need.
Surge protectors aren’t permitted on major cruise lines and can be taken at security. Royal Caribbean’s rules are stricter still and extend to power strips, so check your line’s prohibited items list before you pack one. If a bag hasn’t arrived by evening, ask guest services, as bags are sometimes held for a banned item.
10. Confirm your perks and prepaid packages
Open your onboard account in the app or on the cabin TV and check that drinks, Wi-Fi, dining and excursion purchases are showing correctly. Do the same for loyalty and suite benefits, such as free laundry, internet or drinks allowances, which vary by tier and line. An error found on day one is a quick fix at guest services, whereas one found on the last night means queuing with everyone else.
11. Read the daily planner and set up the app
Connect to the ship’s network, log in to your line’s app and read tomorrow’s schedule as well as today’s. Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Compass, for example, is the daily program for its ships, and Carnival’s HUB app is where you will find plans and safety details. Book shows and specialty dinners early, note the all-aboard time for your first port, and check your excursion times. Your cabin mail can also include invitations or changes worth reading.
If something in your cabin is wrong
Tell your stateroom attendant about small problems, such as a missing towel or a loose fitting. For anything larger, including a failed air conditioner, a leak or a noise issue, go to guest services promptly and keep your photos handy. A cabin move depends on availability, and the first day is when staff have the clearest view of what is free, so don’t wait until the third night. If you are still choosing a room for a future sailing, ship-specific guides can help you dodge the usual noise traps before you book. See our advice on which Norwegian Escape cabins to avoid and Celebrity Solstice cabins to avoid.
If you are shopping for hard-shell cases that fit under a cabin bed, our Level8 luggage review compares sizes and weights.
FAQs
What should you do first on a cruise ship?
Find out how your ship handles the muster drill and get it done, because it is mandatory. After that, drop your carry-on in the cabin once it is open, check the room over, and book anything that fills quickly, such as shows or dinner reservations.
Do you still have to go to a muster station in person?
On most major lines, yes, but only briefly. E-muster moves the safety briefing to an app or cabin TV, then you check in with crew at your assigned station. Disney still runs a full in-person drill, and Carnival has used traditional drills on select sailings.
What happens if you miss the muster drill?
It is not optional. Expect reminders on your phone, announcements, and possibly a visit or a call from crew until you have completed it. If you truly cannot get to your station, speak to guest services straight away.
When can you get into your cruise cabin on embarkation day?
Usually early afternoon, and the time varies by line and ship. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival cabins are typically ready at around 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., while some Norwegian cabins may not open until nearer 3:00 p.m. Watch for the announcement on board.
Is a cruise cabin fridge cold enough for medication?
Often not. Many cabin fridges work more like coolers. If you carry insulin or another temperature-sensitive medication, contact your cruise line before sailing and confirm the arrangement with guest services when you board.
After a transatlantic crossing that began last week, Carnival Vista is now positioned at the Navantia shipyard in Spain.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
The 133,596 GT ship, which was the first Vista-class vessel built in 2016, will be receiving a new hull livery, some regular maintenance, and a few technical enhancements.
With sister ship Carnival Firenze less than a mile away at the Bay of Cádiz, Carnival Vista is scheduled to be in dry dock for the next two weeks. Firenze is receiving its “Carnival Fun Italian Style” livery and other enhancements before it becomes the second Vista-class ship to sail from Long Beach, California.
Carnival Vista made headlines in December of 2022 when it was announced that Vista and Sunrise would need to enter dry dock and several cruises which were set for early 2024 had to be cancelled.
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While dry docks are usually set far in advance, sometimes cruise lines have to make changes due to shipyard availability and other factors that make long-term planning difficult.
After dry dock enhancements are complete, Carnival Vista will sail back across the Atlantic toward Port Canaveral to begin offering cruises again on February 15th.
After its initial 3-night sailing to the Bahamas, the Carnival Cruise Line ship will then offer 6- and 8-night cruises out of the Florida cruise port to the Caribbean.
Vista will be sailing out of Port Canaveral at least through April of 2026.
Carnival Vista was once the largest ship in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet, until her sister ship Carnival Horizon came along in 2018.
She has 15 decks and can accommodate over 3,934 passengers at double-capacity.
