Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, will arrive in the U.S. for the first time this week. The vessel is the largest cruise ship ever built and is scheduled to arrive in Miami on Wednesday, a few weeks ahead of its inaugural cruise.
Royal Caribbean will be hosting an Icon arrival party at 7 a.m. on Wednesday at PortMiami. There will be games, breakfast bites, live music and giveaways every 15 minutes. The event will take place at the Perez Art Museum Miami.
Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built and the first ever to be over 250,000 gross tons in size. The ship has more than 40 dining and beverage venues and the cruise line is calling it the ultimate vacation.
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Icon of the Seas will sail its inaugural cruise from Miami on January 27, a week long cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. The ship will first host a couple three night preview sailings for media and travel agents so they can get a first hand look at the world’s largest cruise ship.
Icon of the Seas will be christened in Miami on January 23 by soccer legend Lionel Messi.
The cruise ship is divided up into eight neighborhoods including a new one that is just for families.
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Icon of the Seas has everything from record breaking waterslides to the largest swimming pool at sea. There are more than 28 cabin types to choose from, something for everyone.
One of the most unique features on the cruise ship will be the AquaDome, located on the top front. The AquaDome will feature incredible diving shows in the AquaTheater that will have everything from robots to skateboarders. It also contains the cruise line’s first food hall.
Entertainment is promising to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. Icon of the Seas will be the first to feature The Wizard of Oz that will be one of four signature stage shows.
The ship’s next level AquaDome will feature 75 world class performers. There’s also an ice skating rink and 50 live musicians will perform around the ship.
Royal Caribbean took the best of all their cruise ships and put them into Icon of the Seas.
The cruise line took delivery of the ship in late November and has spent the past month and half preparing the vessel for its inaugural sailings.
Icon of the Seas will homeport in Miami for at least the next two years. The ship will rotate between week long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All of the ship’s cruises from Miami will visit CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s insanely popular private island in The Bahamas. View Cruises Offered on Icon of the Seas
Icon of the Seas Utopia of the Seas, Brilliant Lady, and Disney Treasure.
Caribbean & Bahamas
Icon of the Seas
While Icon of the Seas was just delivered to Royal Caribbean International at the end of last year, it will officially enter service for the cruise line on January 27th of this year.
It is the largest cruise ship in the world, beating out the previous title holder, Wonder of the Seas. The 250,000+ gross ton ship will homeport at PortMiami, offering 7-night sailings to the Caribbean, including Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Utopia of the Seas
The last of the Oasis-class vessels with Royal Caribbean, Utopia of the Seas will enjoy its inaugural cruise on July 22nd of 2024.
With the addition of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas in 2024, Royal Caribbean will increase their passenger capacity by 11,278 (at double capacity).
Utopia of the Seas will sail out of Port Canaveral, offering 3- and 4-night sailings to the Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Disney Treasure
Sister ship to Disney Wish, Disney Treasure is set to enter service on December 21st, 2024. The ship will offer 7-night sailings out of Port Canaveral. Disney Treasure’s maiden voyage will be in St. Thomas on Christmas Day.
Brilliant Lady
After being delayed on its delivery in 2023, Virgin Voyage’s Brilliant Lady has still postponed bookings for 2024. Itineraries that were set for sailings out of San Juan have been removed from the cruise line’s website, and it’s unclear if and when they will open again. Read more on this here.
Silver Ray, Ilma, Explora II,Viking Vela, and Sun Princess — All ships starting their maiden season in the Mediterranean in 2024.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean will have the most new ships added to its waters with the new class of 2024, with 5 ships being sent to the popular destination.
Sun Princess
The largest ship Princess Cruises has ever built, the 175,000 gross ton Sun Princess, is set to debut on February 8th, 2024.
The vessel will sail from Barcelona to Rome on a 10-night inaugural cruise and will offer various itineraries throughout the Mediterranean Sea that are 10 – 31 nights in duration.
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In the Fall of 2024, Sun Princess will then reposition to Port Everglades with cruises to the Caribbean.
We recently had the chance to visit Sun Princess in the shipyard as it was being built. You can check out some pictures we took while on the tour here.
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Silver Ray
Debuting on June 3rd, 2024, Silversea’s eco-conscious Silver Ray, sister to the 2023 Silver Nova, sets sail with one of the industry’s greenest profiles. Its inaugural season unfolds in the Mediterranean, offering 728 guests all-suite luxury and immersive exploration, powered by clean LNG.
Silver Ray will offer 7, 12, and 23 night sailings throughout the Mediterranean. Sailings will start in ports that include Southampton, Lisbon, Rome, Venice and Athens.
Explora II
The luxury line owned by MSC Group will be debuting a second ship with Explora Journeys in 2024. Explora II will offer its first cruise on August 11, 2024, starting in Barcelona and finalizing in Rome (Civitavecchia).
The 922-capacity luxury cruise ship will offer 6- to 30-night sailings in 2024, with a 39-night sailing in February of 2025 that starts and ends at PortMiami.
Ilma
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will christen Ilma in 2024. The 224-suite superyacht, boasting the highest guest-to-space ratio at sea, embarks on its inaugural Mediterranean season in September.
Ilma, which means “water” in Maltese, begins offering sailings in the Mediterranean. It will then sail on a Transatlantic from Lisbon to San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 1st, 2024, offering sailings in the Caribbean.
Viking Vela
Viking Vela will be the 10th ocean ship to debut with Viking, when it enters service on December 12th, 2024. The 988-guest capacity ship will sail from Rome to Barcelona on a 7-night journey.
Shortly after, in January of 2025, Viking Vela will begin offering sailings to Northern Europe, with ports of call in Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, and Iceland.
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Mein Schiff 7 – Photo Credit: Meyer Turku
Northern Europe
Mein Schiff 7
TUI Cruises, a cruise line based in Germany, will be adding a 7th cruise ship to their fleet with Mein Schiff 7 in June of 2024.
The 2,900-guest capacity 110-gross-ton vessel will sail its maiden season in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea before being repositioned to the Canary Islands for the winter cruise season.
Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines
United States
American Liberty
Built for sailing rivers and waterways, the 109-guest capacity American Liberty built for American Cruise Lines will be offering sailings to New England starting on June 27th, 2024. The ship will homeport in Boston, Massachusetts, providing 7-night cruises to Plymouth, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport.
In August, American Liberty will sail out of Providence, where it will offer 7-night sailings before repositioning to Charleston where the ship will offer sailings along the coastlines of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
American Legend
The American Legend, a new 109-guest cruise ship built in the US for American Cruise Lines, sets sail in 2024 on its inaugural cruise. Following its sister ship, the American Glory, it will offer intimate cruises along the Florida Gulf Coast & Keys and Chesapeake Bay.
Multiple Destinations
Queen Anne
Cunard Line will be debuting a brand new ship for the first time in 10 years with the introduction of Queen Anne.
The 113,000 gross ton cruise ship will offer sailings starting on January 11th of 2024. Homeporting in Southampton, the 3,000-guest vessel will visit the Canary Islands, and also offer Mediterranean cruises, transatlantic crossings, and even Caribbean ports of call.
Queen Anne is the cruise line’s 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag.
Carnival Cruise Line is currently offering a “No One Does Bonus Savings Like Carnival” promotion that adds in a bonus perk to go along with 35% off cruises and other special savings.
Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises from more homeports in the U.S. than any other line. To kick of 2024, Carnival is offering a combination of four deals in one that includes a bonus 4-category upgrade when sailing on one of their ships. This “No One Does Bonus Savings Like Carnival” includes the following:
Up to 35% off cruises Deposits reduced to as low as $50 per person Up to $150 in onboard credit Bonus: Up to a 4-category upgrade Good on Carnival cruises through April 2026 Sale ends on January 6, 2024 View Best Prices on Carnival Cruises
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Onboard Credit offer is provided as a credit to your Sail & Sign account of $12.50 per person up to $25 per stateroom on 2-5 day sailings, $25 per person up to $50 per stateroom on 6+ day sailings, and up to $75 per person up to $150 per stateroom on select sailings.
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$50 per person deposit is applicable to 2-9 day cruises (Excluding all Alaska, Europe, Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee sailings).
Cabin upgrades are automatically assigned at the time of booking. They are based on availability in like-to-like categories only (interior to interior, ocean-view to ocean-view, and balcony to balcony).
Offer is applicable on Carnival cruises through April 2026, where Early Saver is available. Request rate code OJS.
For complete terms and details of this latest sale from Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com or contact your preferred travel professional.
Cruise ships are often compared to small cities and the newest vessels are so large, there is often too much to uncover in just a week’s time.
However, even the world’s most seasoned cruisers may not be aware of some hidden features onboard these ships.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
There are numerous secrets cruise lines won’t tell you, so no matter how many times you set sail on the high seas, you may never uncover them. There are, however, hidden places onboard you never knew existed, cruise lines aren’t advertising, but aren’t exactly keeping secret either.
To really be in the know, we’ve complied a thoughtful list of the 9 places on a cruise ship you never knew existed. Think jail cells, and morgues (yes, you read that correctly!), to private areas for crew members no passenger would ever enter, and more.
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Here are the places no passenger would ever embark upon, and until now, would probably never have thought existed.
That’s right – you have the ability to be arrested and jailed at sea. Though, it isn’t as commonplace as you might think, so don’t panic yet.
Certainly, most people don’t go on vacation with the thought or even the intention of getting arrested, but unfortunately, it happens, and cruise ships need to be prepared. These cells, or ‘the brig’ as it’s referred to in nautical terms, are located on one of the most bottom decks of the vessel near the security office.
Passengers can find themselves in the brig if they commit a serious offense, such as being belligerent, or violent – minor offenses will not land you here. Should you find yourself in the brig, you can expect to be forcibly removed at the next port of call where you’ll deal with local authorities. Finding your way back home will be up to you.
2. A Morgue
It may come as a (disturbing) surprise to learn that all oceangoing cruise ships are legally required to have a morgue and to carry body bags on board. Most morgues are small with rooms for three to six bodies, depending on the overall size of the vessel.
Cruise lines are in the business of being proactive and this is one of the many ways they go about exercising that protocol. While nobody has a desire to discuss death, especially while on vacation, it is a necessary reality to be prepared for under all circumstances.
Due to the mean demographics of cruise passengers being the elderly, the possibility of death during a cruise is a real potential. Therefore, it is imperative that cruise lines be prepared under these considerations.
The pool decks are grossly advertised by the cruising industry, as this is where most passengers spend a majority of their cruise vacation. However, there are hidden pools in areas where guests will never experience, as they were never intended to.
Crew members are forbidden from mingling in areas where passengers dwell, so cruise lines had to get creative when carving out spaces just for them. Crew members are often onboard for months at a time, and enjoy similar pleasures like swimming as guests do, which is where hidden swimming pools entered the picture.
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Surprisingly, there are actually several decks on the lowest levels of the vessel designated just for crew members that guests would never have access to.
Speaking of these hidden decks, you’ll find a lot more than rows of interior cabins for crew members. As stated, the crew is typically working onboard for months on end and therefore, cruise lines had to provide accommodations.
You’ll often find (online that is, as passengers aren’t permitted in these areas) bars, restaurants, recreation and lounge areas in addition to the aforementioned hidden pools. The crew members refe5r to their bar as the “OB” meaning, “Officer’s Bar”. Rumor is drinks are a lot cheaper below deck.
Next time you’re onboard and see a “Crew Only” sign displayed, you may have a faint idea of what’s behind it.
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5. Ultra-Luxe Suites
Disney Wish Tower Suite. Renderings courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Have you ever wondered where the rich and famous stay when they cruise? Most cruise lines don’t exactly advertise these rooms to the general public, but they’re definitely on board and often in plain sight.
For example, on Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel the Wish, there is a Wish Tower suite. You won’t find this room available on the Disney Cruise Line reservations website, but it’s available to make your cruise more magical – and more luxurious.
This mega suite is a nearly 2,000 square foot (so, basically the size of a single-family home) two floor, four bedroom accommodation with Moana theming throughout. If you want to access this room, you’ll have to take the private elevator on the 10th and 11th floors, which are purposely hidden.
On most vessels, accessing the bow will be a no-go, as it’s a restricted area for guests, however, this isn’t always the case. Though hidden, some ships do have entrances to the bow for passengers to safely access and utilize throughout the duration of their cruise.
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Princess Cruises is a mainstream cruise line that allows guests to freely roam the bow and enjoy the breathtaking views while the ship is sailing. The best times to do so are when sailing away from different ports, and during sunrise, or sunset.
For ships that do not allow bow access, the TV in your cabin will most likely come equipped with a bow cam. This will give you real time views of the ocean from the comfort of your stateroom.
7. Larger Staterooms in the Same Category (And the Same Price)
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
All the seasoned cruisers will know the best ways to go about securing a larger stateroom within the same category to avoid paying an upcharge. So, how could two rooms within the same category be different sizes? We’ll give you all the details cruise lines never wanted you to know.
When booking your next cruise, the best way to secure a larger balcony stateroom without digging deeper into your pockets is to look for a ‘hump room.’ These rooms are located in the middle of the ship where the vessel curves and the hull jets out. This means you will secure a larger balcony with panoramic views and therefore, a larger cabin.
Keeping in mind that these rooms sell out quickly, this tip will most likely only come in handy if you’re booking early.
If you’re onboard and know you’re going to be cruising again, cruise experts recommend booking your next one before disembarking. Why? For the discounts you can only secure onboard.
Cruise ships often have a sales desk located on the main hub level where all the action is. Making a stop here can make all the difference between what you’ll pay for your next cruise by purchasing onboard in advance. The sales offered here are stated to be top-tier and not available anywhere else, to anyone else.
Plus, what a better way to get over the post-cruise blues than by booking another cruise?
With so many passengers on board (think: thousands) it is imperative that the laundry facilities be paramount to keep up with the influx of dirty linens.
On the lowest decks, there are industrial-sized folding machines that work automatically day and night to press and fold sheets, towels, tablecloths and more!
While it’s not surprising to learn of the efficiency of the laundry system on board, as cruise ships are known to be organized and efficient, it is cool to think of how these operations work behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
Next time you take a cruise vacation, you’ll likely be overwhelmed at all of the seemingly endless array of things to see, do, eat and experience. When considering all of your options, it’s impossible to consider what’s going on behind the scenes, or below deck.
Now that you’re aware of some of the places on a cruise ship you never knew existed, you can surprise some of your fellow passengers while on board!
Viking, one of the world’s leading river and ocean cruise lines, is offering a special “Discover More” sale this month on all of their cruises.
From now through January 31, 2024, Viking is offering discounted cruise fares, up to free airfare, and $25 deposits on all itineraries. This sale includes river, ocean, and expedition cruises.
Viking offers cruises to all seven continents and each year they visit more than 500 ports in 85 countries. Their ships spend more time in port than most cruise lines. This allows you to explore new destinations without being rushed. They also include one free shore excursion in every port of call.
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Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, gave the following statement: “For more than 26 years, we have invited curious travelers to explore the world in comfort. We focus on the destination, and we design travel experiences for the thinking person. This approach has always allowed our guests to discover more history, science and culture when they travel with us. As this new year begins, we look forward to welcoming returning guests back on board, as well as introducing new travelers to the Viking way of exploration.”
Viking’s Discover More sale is available to North American residents to both new and returning guests.
A Taylor Swift fan cruise will depart on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship this summer for a five night cruise to the Western Caribbean.
The Summer Era Cruise will take place on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas and will depart from Galveston, Texas on June 15, 2024. The cruise is being hosted by Quality Travel and there are limited cabins left on this unique sailing.
Prices start at $863 per person for an interior cabin and go up to $1,426 per person for a balcony stateroom (based on double occupancy). The cruise will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico and will also have two sea days.
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The Summer Era Cruise is a fan sponsored event and since it’s not affiliated with Taylor Swift, she will not be on the cruise.
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The group has reserved event space on the ship for specialty activities. Those booked with the group will enjoy Swiftie Surprises; Swiftie Sips, goody bags, trivia, bingo, theme nights, tours, karaoke, bracelet exchanges, dance parties, PJ party, prizes, door decorating contests etc.
Parker Landry, a co-host for the cruise, gave the following statement: “I’ve always adored Taylor. I mean how could you not? My goal is to spread her name and music by creating genuine, enjoyable activities that represent all her music stands for and the things she has done like the Eras tour. We won’t just have a dance party; each activity will be based on a piece of her work or music, like Mirrorball, Lover, or bracelet making. I will incorporate activities that genuinely represent Taylor’s kindness and heart. I’m extremely thankful that girls like me have a role model like Taylor to look up to, and I will carry on her culture and vibes throughout the cruise.”
For more information on this Taylor Swift fan cruise, you can visit their website here.
Over the course of my 40+ cruises in the past I’m still amazed at the food quality and selection on almost every cruise I take. Some of the best food I’ve ever had in my life was on a cruise ship!
But not every food item on a cruise ship was held with the same regard when we took this question to our audience.
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We recently asked our readers on Facebook, “What is one food you will not eat when on a cruise?”.
After reading through and sorting over 600 comments, these are the most mentioned answers to that question.
It was clear from the start of this poll that seafood and fish would be among the most disliked foods. But even some foods that are staples of cruise food and loved by many veteran cruisers were mentioned on the list as well. Even that beloved cruise ship pizza and soft serve ice cream were not so popular with some of these cruisers.
Before we dive into the top 10 list here is a summary of some of the replies:
22% of all replies to this question mentioned escargot as the one food they would not eat on a cruise. While some consider snail a delicacy, others preferred to avoid the edible mollusk entirely. For many people, their first taste of escargot will happen on a cruise. After all, most of the time it’s already been included in the cost so why not try the slimy little treat, right? Well, it’s not for everyone, apparently.
2. Sushi
Sushi was mentioned almost as many times as escargot. I was surprised to see this, as many cruise ships have sushi restaurants that are very popular and with reservations that fill up quickly. But again, it’s one of those foods that carries a stigma, and the quality of sushi can vary depending on the cruise line and restaurant.
3. Frog legs
Frog legs were the 3rd most mentioned food that our audience says they avoid on a cruise ship. The texture and taste of frog legs is not for everyone. Some will eat it as a dare and others just because it’s something new to try. In fact, in Carnival Cruise Line’s main dining room menu you will often find frog legs under “Rare Finds: food you always wanted to try but haven’t yet dared…”
4. Eggs
I wasn’t surprised to see scrambled eggs mentioned so many times in the comments. Often the scrambled eggs at the buffet are runny and more of a powdered egg texture. One commenter stated, “Scrambled eggs! That is some powder mixed mess. Only order over easy or boiled”.
For this reason many prefer the omelet station as well, where you can order a fresh made-to-order egg breakfast.
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5. Buffet food
Buffet food in general was not the dining option of choice for many who replied to this question. Freshness and cleanliness were some of the biggest reasons given for this answer. And there was also the hustle and bustle of standing in lines or bumping into other cruisers at the “trough”. I will mention that many new ships have transformed the buffet area and how food is served, and the industry has seen vast improvements over the years.
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6. Lobster
Lobster is often an extra charge on some mainstream cruise lines these days, and some cruisers would avoid it anyway. Some mentioned being able to get better lobster back home and others said that sometimes it’s overcooked. For me, Surf and Turf is one of my favorite meals to get on a cruise ship.
7. Pizza
As popular as the pizza stations on cruise ships can be, there are some who prefer to avoid them. This comes down to preference as well. While you can order different types of pizza, the crust, thickness, and texture of the pizza will be the same, which is usually thin crust. I’ve had some fantastic pizza on cruise ships and still prefer the pizza from Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises. I just don’t enjoy the lines typically associated with the pizza stations when they are just coming out of the oven.
8. Oysters
Another seafood item made the top 10 with oysters. This is one of those foods that can make people wary. After all, you don’t want to risk any kind of stomach issues when on vacation at sea.
9. Salad
The reasons given for listing “salad” as a food to avoid cracked me up. It wasn’t so much that people didn’t like salad. It was more the mentality of, “I’m on a cruise. Why would I eat a salad when I can fill my belly with prime rib and chocolate melting cake?” The same was said for avoiding bread on a cruise.
10. Anything I can get at home
This was my favorite answer by far and it was mentioned by several cruisers. A cruise vacation is the best time to try new foods that you either can’t get or can rarely get back home. You’ve already paid for the food in most cases so why not splurge and let your adventurous side meet your hungry side?
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Some other foods that made the list
Other foods that cruisers avoided on a cruise ship included vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprout, and spinach. The inclusion of these responses could be based on a general dislike for veggies or some lack luster experiences with these food items on ships though.
Soft serve ice cream was mentioned mostly because of the numerous children who line up to use the machines and can cause a bit of a mess.
Guy’s Burger Joint was also brought up, which was a surprise to me as it was voted the most popular eating venue on a cruise ship when we asked about it on social media. Apparently, not everyone is a fan of this free dining venue on Carnival.
Another response I found of note was “anything healthy”. After all, when on a cruise you’re taking a break. And some like to use that time to let their eating inhibitions let loose a little.
This is a very subjective topic, so take this list with a grain of salt — or a whole saltshaker if you have to.
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Being on a cruise is all about trying new things, and that includes new foods. You may find you actually like frog legs, escargot, or sushi.
Don’t let someone else’s food phobia steal your opportunity to give your pallet an enjoyable experience.
You don’t have to like everything, right? You can always find some incredibly tasty food on a cruise ship, and there’s more than enough to keep you full and happy.
Princess Cruises will have seven ships sailing to Alaska this year as the cruise line celebrates 55 years of offering cruises to the 49th state.
Princess Cruises will offer more options to Alaska than any other cruise line in 2024. They not only have seven cruise ships sailing to the state, but also offer five Wilderness Lodges that cover every part of Alaska.
Princess will offer 158 cruises to Alaska in 2024 across 14 different itineraries. They will visit 17 destinations in Alaska that include five glacier viewing experiences. The cruise line will visit Glacier Bay 91 times this year, more than any other line.
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New Princess options to Alaska in 2024 include week-long Inside Passage cruises on Ruby Princess from Vancouver.
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“Alaska’s statehood marked a historic moment in American history, opening doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities, and we salute this very important anniversary,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess. “Princess Cruises has been a proud partner in Alaska’s growth and prosperity, providing unforgettable experiences, contributing to its economy and fostering a deep appreciation for its unique heritage. We look back with pride on the incredible memories we’ve shared with millions of guests who have explored its pristine wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities with us.”
Princess Cruises also offers 20 cruisetours (cruise and land tour) to Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula, Copper River, Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Two new cruisetours that are launching this year, the 15 night “National Parks Tour” and the nine night “Katmai National Park Tour”.
Prices for cruises to Alaska on Princess start at $399 per person, based on double occupancy. Four guests can share a cabin for as low as $249 per person.
In 2023, Princess Cruises achieved their highest-ever guest satisfaction rates. The cruise experience fully immerses guests in Alaska’s rich culture, making it an ideal choice for families of all sizes.
MSC Cruises, the world’s fastest growing cruise line, is offering deals on cruises that start at just $279 per person and come with a bunch of freebies.
From now through January 15, 2024, MSC Cruises is offering a Wave Season deal that not only has discounted prices on their ships, but also free perks. They are:
This Wave Season deal from MSC Cruises is good on sailings to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Southern Caribbean through Winter 2025.
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Suzanne Salas, SVP, Marketing & E-Commerce, MSC Cruises USA, gave the following statement about this sale:
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“With demand continuing to rise for cruising and travelers actively planning their 2024 vacations, Wave Season is the perfect time to get a great deal on a cruise before prices increase. This year, MSC Cruises has more ships and itineraries sailing from ports in the U.S. than ever before. This Wave Season deal is our way of inviting travelers to try our amazing, innovative ships and enjoy the unique and memorable experience MSC Cruises has to offer, while giving loyal guests a fantastic way to save on their next cruise. Cruising is already a huge value compared to land-based vacations and with value-adds like an all-inclusive drink package, Wi-Fi, kids sailing free and a credit to use on board, the savings are even greater.”
MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line and the third largest in the world.
The cruise line is committed to environmental stewardship, with a long-term goal to achieve net zero emissions for its operations by 2050.
They are also currently building the largest cruise terminal in North America at PortMiami.
MSC Cruises currently offers cruises from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Brooklyn, as well as ports in Europe and Asia.
The most important things to do before a cruise are to check your travel documents, buy travel insurance, complete online check-in, and get yourself to the port city a day early. Work through this cruise checklist in stages, starting about three months out, and the week before you sail becomes packing rather than panicking.
Below you will find a quick timeline, then the 10 things worth doing before you set sail, in roughly the order you should tackle them. It applies whether you are cruising solo, as a couple, or with a big family or friends group, and there is a short section on group cruises at the end.
Pre-cruise checklist timeline
Use this table as your at-a-glance cruise checklist. Exact deadlines vary by cruise line, so check your booking confirmation and the line’s app for your sailing.
When
What to do
3 months or more before
Check passport validity or closed-loop documents, buy travel insurance, book flights, book a pre-cruise hotel
1 to 2 months before
Pre-book specialty dining, shore excursions and drink or Wi-Fi packages; arrange pet and house care
2 to 4 weeks before
Complete online check-in, choose a terminal arrival time, download the cruise line app, sort your phone plan
1 week before
Print or download boarding passes and luggage tags, refill prescriptions, get some small bills, confirm transfers
Day before
Travel to the port city, pack a carry-on day bag with documents and medication, share your itinerary with family
1. Check your passport or closed-loop documents
This is the first item on any cruise checklist because it is the one that can stop you boarding. Do it as soon as you book, since passport processing can take weeks.
If you have a passport, check the expiry date. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, say your passport should be valid for six months after the day your cruise ends, and the name on it should match the name on your reservation.
If you are a US citizen on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends at the same US port), you can usually sail without a passport. US Customs and Border Protection accepts an original or certified birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, for adults. Children aged 16 and under generally need only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Photocopies and hospital certificates are not enough, and some lines have tightened rules on copies, so bring the official document.
A common worry is REAL ID. You do not need a REAL ID to board a closed-loop cruise; a birth certificate is not a REAL ID document anyway, which is why you pair it with a photo ID. Where REAL ID matters is the flight: since May 2025 the TSA has required a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport or another accepted ID to clear airport security on domestic flights.
Even on a closed-loop sailing, cruise lines strongly recommend a passport. If you miss the ship in a foreign port or need to fly home early for a medical emergency, getting back to the US without one is far harder.
2. Buy travel insurance soon after booking
Travel insurance is easy to put off, but buying it early usually gives you the most protection. Many policies only offer extras, such as a pre-existing condition waiver or the option to upgrade to cancel-for-any-reason cover, if you buy within a short window after your first trip payment, often around two to three weeks. Read your policy for the exact terms.
Check that the policy covers medical treatment at sea and in foreign ports, emergency evacuation, missed connections and trip interruption. US health insurance and Medicare often provide little or no cover outside the US. Compare an independent policy with the cruise line’s own protection plan, which tends to focus on cancellation and may offer limited medical cover.
3. Pre-book dining, shore excursions and packages
Popular specialty restaurants, show times, spa appointments and small-group shore excursions can sell out, especially on sea days and in busy ports. Most cruise lines let you book these in the online planner once your cruise is paid in full, and pre-cruise prices are sometimes lower than onboard prices.
Think carefully before adding a drink package. It only pays off if you drink enough each day, and most lines require every adult in the cabin to buy one. Our guide to the drink package traps that catch people out walks through the small print. Wi-Fi packages are similar: buying before you sail is often cheaper than buying onboard.
Keep an eye on prices after booking, too. If your fare or a package price drops before final payment, some lines will reprice it, and our list of cruise booking tips worth questioning covers which common advice is actually worth following.
Online check-in in the cruise line app is one of the key tasks a few weeks before you sail. Photo: Thirdman on Pexels
4. Complete online check-in and download the app
Online check-in is mandatory on most big-ship cruise lines. You enter passport or ID details, upload a photo, add a payment card for your onboard account, and choose a terminal arrival time. Check-in windows vary by line, so do it as soon as it opens, because the earliest arrival slots tend to go first.
Royal Caribbean, for example, gives you a scheduled terminal arrival time in its app, and requires every guest to be checked in at least 90 minutes before sailing. Its check-in FAQ also asks guests to complete a health questionnaire and the safety briefing in the app.
Download your cruise line’s app at home, log in, and link everyone in your cabin. Many apps let you see daily schedules, make reservations and message fellow passengers onboard using the ship’s network, even without buying Wi-Fi.
5. Download your boarding pass and print luggage tags
After check-in, most lines issue a boarding pass, often called a SetSail Pass on Royal Caribbean or simply an e-document on other lines. Save it to your phone and keep a printed copy in case your phone dies at the terminal.
Luggage tags are usually available to print a few weeks before sailing. Print them, fold them into luggage tag holders or attach them with sturdy straps or tape, and put them on your bags before you leave home. Porters at the terminal use the deck and cabin number on the tag to deliver bags to your stateroom, so a missing tag can mean a long wait.
6. Sort out your phone plan and Wi-Fi
At sea, your phone may connect to the ship’s maritime cellular network, which is charged at roaming rates that can be very expensive. Before you go, call your carrier or check its app to see what your plan covers in each port, and whether it offers a cruise or international day pass.
The simplest way to avoid surprise bills is to switch your phone to airplane mode as soon as you board, turn off mobile data, and use the ship’s Wi-Fi if you buy a package. Download maps, playlists, books and boarding documents before you leave home.
7. Plan your money: gratuities, onboard account and cash
Most mainstream cruise lines add automatic daily gratuities to your onboard account for each guest. At the time of writing, rates on lines such as Carnival, Princess and Holland America are roughly $17 to $18 per person per day for standard cabins and slightly more for suites, and several lines raised them in 2026. Rates change, so check your line’s current figure and factor it into your budget. Some lines let you prepay gratuities before you sail.
Other money tasks for your checklist:
Add a credit card to your onboard account during online check-in, and use one without foreign transaction fees if you will spend in ports.
Bring some small US bills for porters at the terminal, room service tips and taxis in port.
Check whether your bank wants to know about overseas travel. Many no longer require travel notices, but a quick look in your banking app can prevent a blocked card.
Set a daily spending limit in your head or in the app so the final bill is not a shock.
8. Pack medication and a carry-on day bag
Your checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin until late afternoon or early evening on embarkation day. Pack a small carry-on with everything you need until then: travel documents, medication, a phone charger, sunscreen, swimwear and a change of clothes.
Refill prescriptions so you have enough for the whole cruise plus a few spare days, keep them in their original labeled containers, and bring a copy of your prescriptions. Ship medical centers carry common medicines, but not everything, and visits can be costly.
Before you finish packing, check your line’s prohibited items list. Clothes irons, surge protectors, candles and some types of extension cords are routinely taken away at security. Our list of the items most commonly confiscated at cruise ports includes ship-safe alternatives.
Arriving in the port city a day early takes the stress out of embarkation day. Photo: Magic K on Pexels
9. Arrive in the port city the day before
If you are flying to your cruise, aim to arrive the day before you sail. Flight delays and cancellations are common, and the ship will not wait for passengers who book independent travel. A night in a hotel near the port costs far less than chasing the ship to its next port of call.
If you are driving, check port parking prices and whether you need to reserve a space, and give yourself plenty of time for traffic around the terminal. Either way, plan your transfer from the hotel to arrive in line with the terminal arrival time you chose at check-in.
10. Prepare your home and share your itinerary
The last of the things to do before a cruise happen at home. In the final few days:
Share your itinerary, ship name and emergency contact details with a family member or friend. Cruise lines publish a number relatives can call to reach the ship in an emergency.
Arrange pet care, plant watering and mail collection.
Pause or reschedule deliveries and subscriptions.
Check the weather for your ports and pack for it, plus something smarter if your ship has formal or dressy nights.
Photograph your passport or ID and save the image securely, separate from the original.
Extra steps if you are planning a group cruise
Cruising with a big family or group of friends adds a few items to the cruise checklist. Book early so everyone can get cabins close together, and ask the cruise line or a travel advisor about group rates, which may include perks once you reach a set number of cabins.
Choose one organizer to keep track of payment deadlines, which are often earlier for group bookings.
Agree a meeting point and time onboard, since not everyone will buy Wi-Fi. A cruise line app with onboard messaging helps.
Make a shared plan for key dinners and one or two group excursions, and leave free time for everyone else.
Make sure every member of the group has checked their documents. One expired passport can derail a group trip.
FAQs
What should I do before going on a cruise?
Check your passport or closed-loop documents, buy travel insurance, complete online check-in in the cruise line’s app, pre-book anything you care about, sort your phone plan, and plan to arrive at the port city the day before. Pack medication and documents in your carry-on.
Do I need a passport for a cruise from the US?
Not always. On a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends at the same US port, adult US citizens can usually sail with an original or certified birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID, and children aged 16 and under generally need only proof of citizenship. Cruise lines still strongly recommend a passport, and some itineraries require one.
Do I need a REAL ID to go on a cruise?
No. REAL ID is not a cruise boarding requirement, and a closed-loop cruise can be done with a birth certificate and a standard photo ID. You will need a REAL ID-compliant ID (or a passport) if you fly to the port on a domestic flight.
How early should I arrive for my cruise?
Arrive in the port city the day before if you are flying, and show up at the terminal at the arrival time you chose during online check-in. Royal Caribbean, for example, requires all guests to be checked in at least 90 minutes before sailing.
Why do people bring zip-top bags on a cruise?
They are handy for keeping phones and documents dry at the beach, holding wet swimwear, organizing chargers and toiletries, and storing snacks for shore days. They take almost no space, so a few are worth packing.
