Last September, Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero’s sublte mention of “ships in the oven” sparked rumors about a possible order from Carnival. But now an Italian maritime publication is fanning the flames with recent revelations.
According to sources, Carnival is poised to commission the construction of the largest cruise ships ever built in Italy, with each vessel boasting a gross tonnage of 208,000 tons and accommodating nearly 7,000 passengers.
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These new ships are expected to eclipse the size and capacity of the current largest Italian-built ship, the Sun Princess, which has a gross tonnage of 175,500 tons and can accommodate 4,300 cruise passengers.
The new ship class, inspired by the prototype units under construction for Princess Cruises, will reportedly cost at least $1.6 billion each, making the total contract worth almost $7 billion.
The size of these ships would be 12% larger than the Excel-class vessels.
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Sun Princess at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
When would these ships be delivered?
The first delivery of these four rumored ships is slated for late 2028 or early 2029. Initially, the agreement includes four new vessels, with the first few likely destined for the Carnival Cruise Line, while the latter could potentially be allocated to Costa Cruises.
These rumors follow recent visits by top Carnival Corporation executives to Fincantieri in Italy, fueling speculation about the impending deal.
However, neither Carnival Corporation nor Fincantieri has confirmed these reports.
If true, this significant investment by Carnival could signal a robust recovery and future growth strategy.
But until confirmed, these reports remain speculative and their potential impact on Carnival’s business and the broader cruise industry is uncertain.
Costa ship coming to Carnival
In June of 2022, Carnival announced that Costa Firenze would be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line and have a new ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style” paint job.
Following its initial season with Costa Cruises, the Carnival Firenze is scheduled to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2024. The ship will undergo rebranding and renovations before welcoming its new passengers.
Carnival’s newest ships
Carnival Jubilee was the latest Carnival ship to be launched by the cruise line after the success of Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. It was the third of the 180,000 GT Excel-class lineup of ships, the largest in Carnival’s fleet.
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To put these reports into perspective, the massive Excel-class ships are capable of accommodating 6,500 guests at maximum capacity and over 5,200 at double-capacity.
We will keep our readers updated as we hear more on this story and as Carnival announces details about upcoming ships and projects.
A cruise line is offering $1 deposits on cruises for one day that also includes free balcony upgrades, kids cruise free, and up to 40% off sailings.
Holland America Line is offering a one day special where you can reserve your next cruise on one of their ships for just $1 per person. The best part is that you can combine this offer with their current promotion that offers big savings on their cruises that sail all around the world. This offer includes the following:
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This offer can be combined with Holland America Line’s “Have It All” program that includes drink packages, WiFi, and specialty dining.
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The $1 deposit offer is only available on January 16, 2024.
For complete terms and details of this one day offer from Holland America Line, visit HollandAmerica.com or contact your preferred travel professional.
I recently came across a concerning comment from a first-time cruiser.
“Everything just seems incredibly overwhelming,” the person stated after prefacing the comment with how excited they were about a first-time cruise out of Miami.
“Between here [Reddit], the obligatory Facebook groups for the sailing, the bloggers and influencers is making the idea of the experience anxiety inducing.”
This really made me pause to think about what it really is like for someone who has never gone on a cruise before. It’s been well over a decade since my first cruise and things have changed dramatically since then.
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The hours scouring the internet and social media feeds for cruise tips and advice is at first exciting, and then it can easily become stressful when hearing about all the things that you “absolutely MUST do—or else”.
The person went on to mention the different things that caused stress in the planning process, saying,
“It’s almost Disney-like with those devoted to RC saying in almost every avenue how to have a vacation, and if you don’t do something, it’ll make your trip worse. The stress of booking excursions, drink packages, shows, getting the right check in time… everything has become so stressful for us as a first time, multi-generational family.”
Allure of the Seas. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Reading all of this led me to reflect on what’s really necessary for a first-time cruiser to focus on, and what things they can just forget about.
I can’t help but feel partially responsible after attempting to give cruise advice on Cruise Fever these last 13 years. But we don’t try to sensationalize here. We like to give practical, actionable advice, that is designed to be easy to understand and follow.
So, for those first-time cruisers stressing about the planning process, I wrote down a few things to help ease the stress and only focus on a few things that matter most. Not everything is as important as we regular cruises make them out to be.
The point is to take care of the basics and just make sure the pre-cruise stress doesn’t ruin a great vacation. After all, that’s what we’re all really after.
Tips for Making it Easier
Don’t try to plan out every minute of every day
I’ve made extensive plans on some cruises, only to throw them right out the window once I was actually on board. Having a plan is fine, but the best part of cruising is not having a rigid schedule. Plus, you will find certain things about your ship that totally change how you want to enjoy your week at sea — a certain show, lounge or dining venue that you just want to try again and again. Embrace the moment and be flexible.
Realize that even with zero planning you can have an amazing time
This goes along with the point above, but I can’t stress it enough – ok, maybe I shouldn’t use the word “stress” there. I’ve gone on cruises where I planned like crazy and others where I didn’t plan at all. You know what the outcome was of each? There was basically no difference at all, except for one set of cruises I did a whole lot of work ahead of time.
Yes, there might be some FOMO if you miss out on an excursion or great place to eat, but if all the planning stresses you out, either keep it to a minimum or let someone else do it. Even if you know nothing about cruising, there will be tons of passengers and crew to help you out.
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Take care of check-in
This one is easy and only takes a few minutes. Different cruise lines open check-in at a certain number of days before your cruise. Just mark your phone’s calendar for when you can check in and forget about it. Checking in on the day it opens will help you get a good boarding time, select your dining time, and help lock in a stateroom if you picked a guaranteed fare.
Book any packages ahead of time
Whether it’s a drink package, specialty dining package, or Wi-Fi package it’s almost always cheaper if you book it ahead of time on the cruise line’s website.
Book excursions through the cruise line
You don’t have to go crazy here. You can spend more on excursions than the cruise itself if you wanted to. And you can totally ignore this tip if you just want to walk around a port of call and experience it yourself. I actually love to do this myself. But if you must, book your excursion through the cruise line. As a first-time cruiser this will ease your mind in knowing the ship will not leave without you, and if you have any issues you can work directly with the cruise line.
Download the cruise line’s app and follow the daily planner
Cruise lines are very structured in the daily routine. This is why you can just show up. Download the cruise line’s app and you will have everything you need. The daily planner will tell you what’s going on each day and you can often use it to keep in touch with other member of your group.
Know what your priorities are and focus on that
Are you all about seeing a show? Are you a foodie above all things? Do you just want to relax the entire time? Whatever aspect of a cruise puts a smile on your face, make that your priority and don’t worry about the other stuff. For shows or restaurants see if a reservation is needed and if you can do that ahead of time or must wait until you’re on the ship.
Realize that cruising is one of the easiest vacations you can take
Sure, I’m biased. But my brother and I started Cruise Fever for a reason. We just love cruising. Unpacking once, seeing the world, eating amazing food – what’s not to love! And with so many things included, just show up with your luggage and you can have a great cruise.
Realize what you don’t have to do for the duration of the cruise
You don’t have to cook, make your bed, drive anywhere, or worry about where to go next. Whew, just writing that kinda makes me want to book another cruise right now.
Let a travel agent take care of everything
A good cruise travel agent will not only make all of these arrangements for you, but they will also be able to answer any questions you have in the process. Asking a question on social media or on a cruise forum will just overwhelm you with every side of an argument. Simplify things by just having one or two sources for information. Hey, even if reading this cruise blog is overwhelming, by all means take a break. I’d rather have someone enjoy a cruise vacation than be the source of their stress.
Let’s be real for a moment. Not everything will go according to plan. There will be a few disappointments along the way. But a cruise is exactly what you make of it. Staying positive and making the most of any situation is going to have a huge impact in how you feel at the end of the week.
Bottom Line
There’s no wrong way to cruise. And everyone has a different style of cruising they enjoy, even on the same ship.
That’s been one of my favorite things about cruising. Thousands of people can be on one ship and have a great time while enjoying different aspects of the ship.
Just ignore the advice-givers who think their way of cruising is best and there’s no alternative.
If the pre-cruise stress is becoming too much and you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
With Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas now in PortMiami and the inaugural right around the corner, a lot of questions are being asked about the world’s largest cruise ship.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
We took the most commonly asked questions about the ship, organized them by category and answered them below.
Consider this an FAQ just for Icon of the Seas. And if you have one to add, be sure to leave a comment below.
Ship Comparison:
One of the most commonly asked questions about Icon is in relation to how big it is. To try to imagine the size many are asking how it compares to other ships or landmarks.
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Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Wonder of the Seas?
Yes, it is slightly larger by gross tonnage. Gross tonnage (GT) is a measurement of volume — not weight. The GT of Wonder of the Seas is 236,857 while Icon of the Seas comes in at 248,663 GT.
Passenger capacities are similar between the ships, with around 5,610 double capacity on Icon and 5,734 on Wonder. Wonder of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world until Icon of the Seas was built.
Is Icon of the Seas bigger than Titanic?
The comparison to the Titanic is often made with new cruise ships, but it’s not really a fair comparison in the era of modern cruise ships. Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage more than 5 times greater than the ill-fated vessel.
Icon is 1,197 feet long, while the Titanic was 882 feet in length. Icon also has 20 decks with the Titanic having only 10.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
Onboard Amenities:
Does Icon of the Seas have a casino?
Yes, there is actually an escalator that will take passengers to the Casino Royale from the Royal Promenade. Passengers can pay in cash or with the Sea Pass cards or even with WOWbands. Smoking is allowed in Casino Royale but there is also a non-smoking section.
Does Icon of the Seas have bumper cars?
No, there are no bumper cars on the ship. Bumper cars can be found on Quantum-class ships with Royal Caribbean.
Does Icon of the Seas have solo cabins?
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There will not be any designated solo cabins on Icon. There is a possibility that on some cruises cabins will be made available without a single-supplement fee, but so far nothing has been announced.
Does Icon of the Seas have a solarium?
No. Instead of a solarium, Royal Caribbean has decided to make other adult-only areas available on the ship, including the Hideaway. The Overlook which is part of the AquaDome might remind you of a solarium with all the front-facing glass, but instead of hot tubs and loungers there are comfy seats and chill vibes.
Does Icon of the Seas have a zipline?
Yes and no. There is no traditional zip line on the ship like you will find on Oasis-class ships, but there is a rope’s course that includes a skywalk, obstacle course, and overhead track from which guests will fly out over the side of the ship, called the Crown’s Edge. So it part of the rope’s course is similar to a zip line.
Does Icon of the Seas have an AquaTheater?
Yes, the signature AquaTheater will be in the 82-ft tall AquaDome that has 673 glass panels and is located now at the front of the ship, as opposed to the aft location on Oasis-class ships.
Does Icon of the Seas have a Central Park?
Yes, Central Park will be one of the 8 neighborhoods on Icon of the Seas. It has more than 33,000 plants and has a more colorful, vibrant feel than Central Parks found on other Royal Caribbean ships. There are a few shops along Central Park and also some food options. Izumi is found at Central Park in addition to Park Cafe and Chops Grille (with an all new menu).
Does Icon of the Seas have an ice skating rink?
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Yes, absolutely. Absolute Zero is the name of the ice-skating rink area on Icon. It will be a venue for ice-skating shows and will be made available for passengers to free skate throughout the cruise as well.
Does Icon of the Seas have a bowling alley? No, there is no bowling alley mentioned among the announced activities.
Is there an adult-only area?
The Hideaway neighborhood will be the adult-only area as opposed to the Solarium, which has been the adult-only space on Oasis-class ships with Royal Caribbean. Previously, Cloud 17 was going to be the adult-only space on the ship, but those plans have changed, according to reports from Cruise Critic.
Does Icon of the Seas have Johnny Rockets?
No, Johnny Rockets is not among the confirmed restaurants on the ship.
Does Icon of the Seas have an escape room?
Yes, the Royal Escape Room can be found on deck 6. Reservations are required and there is an additional cost.
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Does Icon of the Seas have WOWbands?
Is is expected that Royal Caribbean’s wearable technology, the WOWbands, will be available on Icon of the Seas.
Does Icon of the Seas have Wonderland?
No, the dining venue that is popular on Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships will not be on Icon.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is promising to be the ultimate family vacation when the ship debuts in January 2024.
Technical Specs:
How long is Icon of the Seas?
1,197 feet (365 meters). To put it into perspective the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall, not counting the antenna.
How much did it cost to build?
The estimated building cost of Icon of the Seas is $2 billion. Before Icon, the most expensive cruise ship built by the Royal Caribbean International was Allure of the Seas which cost $1.43 billion.
How many passengers can Icon of the Seas hold?
Approximately 5,600 guests at double occupancy. The listed maximum capacity is 7,600. 2,350 crew also work on Icon.
Dining:
What restaurants are on Icon of the Seas?
20 unique restaurants and dining options are available, including specialty venues, casual buffets, and room service.
Complimentary Dining Options:
Main Dining Room
Windjammer Café
Aquadome Market
Park Café
Basecamp
Café Promenade
Sorrento’s
Surfside Eatery
El Loco Fresh
Room Service
Specialty Restaurants:
Empire Supper Club (Central Park)
Celebration Table (AquaDome)
Chops Grille (Central Park)
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Izumi Hibachi and Sushi
Hooked Seafood
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Izumi in the Park
Pier 7
Starbucks
Unique Features:
What is The Pearl on Icon of the Seas?
The Pearl is a 3-deck high dazzling LED sculpture that is one of the first things cruisers will see when they enter the Royal Promenade. Great for photo ops, the Pearl has a staircase that goes through the middle, and there is a coffee shop called Pearl Cafe right behind it.
Which port will Icon of the Seas sail from?
Icon of the Seas is sailing out of PortMiami, Florida. It will begin offering cruises from Miami on January 27th, 2024 and will homeport there through at least April 2026, offering 7-night cruises to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Origin and Class:
Which country made Icon of the Seas?
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It was built in Turku, Finland at the Meyer Turku shipyard and took 900 days to complete.
What class is Icon of the Seas?
It belongs to Royal Caribbean’s “Icon Class” of cruise ships. It is the first Icon-class cruise ship with at least two more Icon ships already beginning contruction.
Crew and VIPs:
Who is captain of Icon of the Seas?
Captain Henrik Loy is the captain of the new ship. Raised in Bergen, Norway Henrik has been with Royal Caribbean for 25 years
Who is the godmother of Icon of the Seas?
Rather than a godmother, Royal Caribbean has announced that Icon of the Seas will be named by another kind of icon. Soccer sensation Lionel Messi will be the “Icon” of Icon of the Seas at the upcoming naming ceremony.
Current/Future Plans:
Is Icon of the Seas coming to Australia?
No, current itineraries are focused on the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but as we hear more news from Royal Caribbean we will make our readers aware.
Will Icon of the Seas come to Europe?
There are no current plans for Icon of the Seas to operate in Europe. It will sail its inaugural season from Miami, Florida, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Royal Caribbean has not officially announced European deployments for 2026 and beyond.
[VIDEO] First look at Icon of the Seas
Matt from Royal Caribbean blog got a sneak peek at Icon of the Seas. Here is his video of a first look at the ship:
The cruise ship that helped Oceania Cruises break its own single-day booking record in 2022 has finally set sail on its 180-day world cruise.
On Sunday, the 684-guest Insignia departed from San Francisco on her way to Hawaii for the first leg of the worldwide voyage.
The itinerary
From the Hawaiian Islands the ship will sail further west to French Polynesia and the Samoan Islands before arriving in New Zealand and Australia.
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The 30,000 gross ton vessel will then sail to Asia where passengers will visit destinations like Bali, Taipei, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The Suez Canal and a visit to the Great Pyramids of Egypt are on the current itinerary for the ship, but with continued unrest in the Red Sea, the cruise line will be monitoring the situation. Right now the ship is planning to enter the Suze Canal on May 26th of 2024.
Insignia is then scheduled to sail along the Mediterranean Sea, visiting ports in Greece and Italy before sailing around Spain as the vessel heads to Northern Europe on its way to Iceland.
From Reykjavik, the ship will voyage westward to Greenland where passengers will experience the small village of Paamiut – which also happens to be the 10th largest town in Greenland.
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The 180-Day world cruise will culminate in New York City and is scheduled to arrive on July 12, 2024.
18% of passengers opted to continue the journey for a total of 196 days on the ship, as Insignia sails on westward.
Overnight stays will allow passengers to spend more time in port with less worry about rushing back to the ship.
The following ports of call will welcome Insignia over night: Auckland, Shanghai, Singapore, Phuket, Mumbai, Dubai, Barcelona, Seville, Bordeaux, and Reykjavik.
How much did it cost?
Prices on Oceania Cruises’ world cruise started at $48,499 per person. Veranda staterooms started at $69,499 per person and a luxurious penthouse suite went for around $101,000 per person.
The cruise sold out in 30 minutes, and the cruise line stated that nearly half of the bookings came from guests who were new to the brand.
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42% of the guests that booked the 180-day world cruise with Oceania Cruises also had booked the 2022 world cruise with the cruise line.
Effective February 1st, 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line will make a major change regarding onboard currency.
Norwegian Escape in port in Bermuda. Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Foreign currency exchange services will no longer be available on the cruise line’s ships, making USD the sole form of payment accepted for settling onboard accounts.
Norwegian Cruise Line shared the changes in an email to guests and travel partners on Friday. This change impacts all upcoming cruises scheduled to depart on or after the specified date.
What this means for cruise travelers
Cruise passengers sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line will need to plan ahead if they want to use local currencies in foreign ports of call.
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While USD will still be accepted for onboard account settlements, exchanging US dollars for other currencies will only be possible off the ship.
While exchanging currencies at a local bank or credit union is generally recommended, some travelers have gotten used to the convenience of onboard services.
However, be aware that cruise ship exchange rates are often unfavorable and only suitable as a last-minute option. Additionally, settling onboard accounts in Euros or Pounds will no longer be possible.
Cash on a cruise
While traveling abroad and not using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees, I will sometimes use a local ATM for local currencies. It’s convenient and the fees are not usually that exorbitant. The only issue is making sure the ATM machine has not been compromised.
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A cruise ship is a cashless society, but since you will be getting off at various ports of call, having cash on hand for both tipping and buying goods from vendors is a good idea.
Keep in mind that many ports of call in the Bahamas and Caribbean will gladly accept U.S. dollars, but always do your research first. Even if you pay in USD you might receive Bahamian dollars back as change.
Read the full statement from Norwegian Cruise Line here:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE SERVICE DISCONTINUATION
Dear Valued Guests and Travel Partners,
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Thank you for choosing to sail with us for your upcoming cruise vacation. We have important information to share, and travel partners are asked to share this information with impacted guests.
Effective February 1, 2024, we will no longer provide foreign currency exchange services on board, and USD will be the only form of currency accepted for the settling of your onboard account. If you are in need of US currency for your upcoming cruise, we encourage you to obtain it prior to embarkation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
As always, we are at your service and look forward to providing you with a truly memorable onboard experience!
People love to cruise. Unpacking once, seeing the world, and eating as much as you want is a vacation style growing in popularity.
But there’s always room for improvement.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
We recently asked a question on social media to see what tweaks cruise passengers wanted to see from various cruise lines. This post is a result of the replies that poured in.
“[Cruise Line] would be awesome if they just _______________.”
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Better service
This will vary by cruise line and by expectations. While I’ve almost always been impressed with the service on a cruise ship, some expressed the need for more attention to detail on the part of the crew.
One reader put it this way, “CCL would be awesome if they would put “Service” back into the cruising experience. There are far too many lines for everything in order to do anything. The workers are overwhelmed because CCL wants to put more workers in areas to make us spend money instead of using the workers in much needed ares like Cabin service, MDR, buffet line, or the pizza line.“
No more deck chair hogs
We saw this comment numerous times in the replies. Deck chair hogs are one of the greatest annoyances on a ship.
If you’re going to use a lounger, use it. And if you decide to leave your belongings on the deck chair for hours on end, don’t expect other passengers to respect your “claim” and not use it for themselves.
While some cruise lines have tried to come up better ways of regulating how long a towel can actually reserve a lounger near the main pool, it’s still the bane late-rising sun-bathers.
A desire for cruise lines to offer more restaurants and amenities that are included in the cruise fare was clearly stated by several respondents.
However, this also means the cruise fare price would go up for everyone. Offering more inclusions and raising prices is something Celebrity Cruises just tried recently, and it was met with some dissatisfaction from loyal passengers.
On the flip side, being charged extra for every little thing on a ship gets cumbersome by the end of a cruise. But it does allow for passengers to only pay for things they will actually use.
All-inclusive cruises are great for people that don’t mind paying the premium. Paying once and enjoying all aspects of the cruise for the rest of the trip is a great way to enjoy a vacation.
Fewer kids (more adult only areas)
This was also a recurring theme in the comments. There are adult-only cruise lines available. The issue is that most of the more affordable cruise lines tend to also be family-focused.
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Some mentioned at least wanting more areas on the ship that are off-limits to children, such as more adult-only pools and lounges.
Photo credit: Cruise Fever
Offer a few cruises that are adult only
Along the same idea as above, some wanted to see cruise lines offer a few cruises throughout the year that are adult only. For instance, a cruise line that is not normally adult only could offer a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean that is only for passengers 18 and above. It would be more like a chartered cruise but carried out by the cruise line.
Stop making new ships and improve the ones they have
I don’t see this one happening any time soon, but I do understand the guests who expressed this sentiment. The difference between new cruise ships and ships that have been in the fleet for 15+ years is stark.
The truth of the matter is that cruise lines can charge a premium for a brand new ship, and there isn’t as much revenue available to justify spritzing up that ship from 2002. But I’d love to see this happen as well.
Some expressed dissatisfaction with some of the food quality lately. Again, this will vary by cruise line and individual taste, and while some cruise lines have been cutting down on those extra entrees and lobster, the quality of food should always be above par.
Bigger showers
I think we can all agree on this one. Cruise showers in standard staterooms are tiny at best. But at least it seems like we’re moving away from the shower curtains that cling to your body every time you try to turn around in the shower, at least for the most part. If you want a bigger shower you may have to upgrade to a suite.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Better perks in loyalty programs
I’ve written several articles on cruise line loyalty perks, and the reality is that not many of them are very good. Royal Caribbean does offer more benefits to their cruisers than Carnival in my opinion, but there’s still so much more that can be done to encourage loyalty for cruise lines across the board.
I never really thought about this one. As I’m an avid coffee drinker but prefer to drink it black, I can’t recall seeing many creamer options besides the standard milk and cream. I wonder how many other cruisers would like to see more flavored creamer on ships.
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Being allowed to bring pets
This topic was brought up while I was on Celebrity Ascent a few weeks ago. A member of the audience asked one of the company’s representatives about allowing guests to bring pets onto the ship. There was a resounding groan that came across the crowd as it was clear most people were not fond of the idea.
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There are also a lot of logistics when it comes to going into a port of call and who would watch the dog or cat while a passenger is off the ship.
I don’t expect to see this happen any time soon, although Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has its own Chief Dog Officer now.
More trivia
I’m all about trivia on a cruise ship, but I was surprised people wanted more of it. Perhaps it depends what cruise line those people have been sailing on. On my last Carnival cruise with Celebration there were 5 or 6 trivia games going on every single day, and the topics ran the gamut.
More comedians
This also depends on the cruise line. Carnival Cruise Line has been known to have some top-notch comedians, offering both family friendly and adult-only comedy. Sometimes this will depend on the demographic a cruise line caters to most. Norwegian Cruise Line has some great comedy options and Disney Cruise Line has some family friendly comedy as well.
Better smoke control in the casino
Some newer cruise ships have done a good job of controlling smoke from the casino, but it’s still an issue cruise lines are trying to fix. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, will only allow smoking in the casino if someone is seated and playing. Still, cruise lines like Norwegian have built clear barricades to try to keep the smoke from traveling to other areas of the ship.
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Get rid of the single supplement fee
I’ll be one of the first to sign this petition. I’ve seen pricing for a single person in a cabin that is more than twice the cost of two people in the same cabin category.
Solo cruising is only getting more popular, and cruise lines that are quicker to adapt to this trend and allow for more solo cabins without a single supplement fee or at least a reduced fee will win.
Not enforcing the rules is worse than not having the rule at all. Some cruisers were exasperated by the lack of enforcement with some unruly passengers. This can probably be extended to the whole lounger-hog debate we mentioned above as well.
Cruise lines walk a careful balance beam of trying to make sure a paying customer is happy with the product, while also making sure no one else has a bad vacation because of their actions.
Totally free room service
You don’t have to go back very far in time to remember when almost all cruise lines offered free room service. But in the post-pandemic cruising world, cruise lines just want to climb back into profitable territory. You can still get free room service on some cruise lines, but the menu may be limited. And don’t forget to tip the delivery person.
But having access to a launderette means I can pack less and have an affordable way to get my linens clean and fresh. You can always get a bag of laundry done by the cruise line, of course.
Offer some good sweet tea
It appears we have some southerners in our Cruise Fever audience. Sweet tea was mentioned several times in the comments. This drink is a staple of the southern part of the U.S., but it has to be made right. I wonder if some cruisers can tell me which cruise line had the best sweet tea.
A more user-friendly website
This comment was made in relation to the MSC Cruises website, which I will admit has come a long way in its user friendliness. I remember booking an MSC cruise back in 2012, and it was almost impossible to use. MSC and other cruise lines have made great strides in making their websites easy for the average person to find a book a cruise.
Make it less crowded
This requires a careful balance by cruise lines as well. They need to be profitable to keep offering cruises, but most people don’t want it to feel cramped on their cruise vacation. I recently posted an update to an article on the space/passenger ratios of 141 cruise ships.
But the flow and design of a cruise ship is what makes it feel crowded or spacious. More cruise ships are being designed with this particular thing in mind.
The topic of gratuities and tips on a cruise ship is always a dicey one. Some want them removed so they can pay crew members individually, and others want gratuities listed in the total fare price of a cruise.
Perceptions of gratuities are different based on different places in the world as well. Cruisers from non-western countries can’t comprehend how we tip for almost everything in the U.S.
Some cruisers were simply tired of the same cruise ports in the Bahamas and Caribbean. Nassau was mentioned as a port that many were tired of seeing on their itineraries. But as the Bahamian cruise port just broke passenger records last year, it doesn’t look like cruise traffic to Nassau is slowing down any time soon.
For those cruisers it may be time to branch out to other destinations in the world and try a cruise along Norway or Iceland, or even a Mediterranean cruise to spice things up.
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No complaints
A large majority of cruisers were simply happy to be cruising! After all, there’s always some minor detail we can focus on and complain about. But just being at sea, on a cruise ship that offers everything we could possibly want, is a magical experience.
My favorite reply to the question:
Tara A. “Royal Carribbean and Carnival would be awesome if they just let me stay on the ship for as long as I want. I’m tired of putting my bags outside the door lol.”
Ok good, I’m not the only one that feels this way!
Why take a cruise on an older ship? You’re missing out if you overlook cruise ships that were built 15 or 20 years ago.
Here are the best reasons to book a cruise on an older ship and why it can offer an even better vacation for some people.
Grandeur of the Seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
The term “old” is quite relative in terms of cruise ships. Out of the mainstream cruise lines, the oldest cruise ship is Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas which was built in 1996. But it only seems old because of the drastic innovations made by cruise ships in recent years.
Once a new cruise ship is built by a cruise line every other ship in the fleet suddenly feels just a little bit older. Don’t let the glamour and glitter of brand-new ships blind you to the perks of sailing on older vessels.
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When I was booking my very first cruise almost 14 years ago, I just HAD to book the newest and greatest ship.
As a total newbie to cruising I had the same misconception that many rookie cruisers deal with: assuming that only new ships offer a great cruise experience.
But older cruise ships offer a few things newer ships can’t. Here are the best reasons to book a cruise on an older cruise ship:
1. They are much more affordable
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
We’ll start with the most obvious reason, which is also the biggest reason for some travelers. A cruise on an older ship can cost 30% – 50% less than a newer ship with a similar itinerary.
Because there is so much hype and demand for cruise ships that are fresh out of the shipyard there is a premium cost to go with it. But if you want to cruise more often and are on a limited budget, older cruise ships are the way to go.
You can also find last-minute deals on older cruise ships more easily than on newer ships, so if you can be flexible with your schedule even better.
2. Fewer people means smaller crowds
Top deck of Celebrity Infinity just above the pool deck. Infinity is the 2nd oldest ship in Celebrity’s fleet, built in 2001. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Most cruise ships built around the year 2000 and earlier hold about 2,000 passengers at double capacity. Compare that with the 4,000 and 5,000 passenger capacity on some cruise ships built in the past few years.
Whether it’s crowds during embarkation, debarkation, tendering, or simply at the buffet, a newer and larger cruise ship can feel crowded in certain spaces.
A smaller number of passengers an on older vessel can make for a more relaxed cruise with more personalized service.
Much of the feeling of “crowdedness” comes down to the design and space on the ship as well.
Cruise ships in the 65,000 to 90,000 gross tonnage range are beloved by regular cruises. And older ships are commonly found in this small to medium size range. The spaces are smaller and more intimate.
This also means less walking forward and aft. Sure, elevators help with going up and down a few decks, but so far there are no people-movers on cruise ships for walking the length of these floating resorts.
From lounges and pool decks to dining rooms and atriums, a cruise ship built decades ago can often provide a cozy atmosphere that seasoned travelers who don’t care for the bells and whistles of modern ships just really enjoy.
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4. Unique spaces and features
Aft pool on Caribbean Princess. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
There are features on some older ships that simply can’t be found on recent ship builds. When sailing on the 20-year-old Caribbean Princess I was enamored by the aft part of the ship.
High above the aft pool is a very unique lounge that gives the ship its distinctive look. Skywalker’s Nightclub lounge on deck 19 offers fantastic views and is a quiet place to relax during the day. It also offers some shade over the aft pool, creating an inviting space.
Another iconic space is the Viking Crown Lounge on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, which have been a staple of the cruise line since the 70’s.
This top deck lounge shaped like a saucer offers wonderful panoramic views and is one of my favorite places from which to watch sailaway.
The lounge has been done away with on newer ships, however, so you will need to book a cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship at least 15 years old to enjoy it.
5. A nod to nostalgia and tradition
Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Older cruise ships embrace nostalgia and tradition, and this is quickly seen in the design of some of these timeless vessels. They are a perfect choice for those passengers seeking a connection to the golden age of maritime travel.
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These vessels often feature classic designs reminiscent of ocean liners from the past, with elegant lines, prominent funnels, and a distinct profile.
The interior decor showcases art collections, ornate detailing, and grand staircases.
6. More flexibility with destinations
The truth of the matter is that the mega ships of today cannot visit certain locations because of their size. Older, smaller ships can navigate some destinations that are inaccessible to large ships.
They fit under bridges that others cannot and can sail narrower waterways. Some older ships can even use piers that larger ships cannot. These larger ships must use tenders to transport passengers which can be a time-consuming process.
There’s also a factor that newer ships need to generate lots of revenue and will tend to sail to more common itineraries instead of going off the beaten path.
You can often find more exotic and rare itineraries on an older ship.
7. It could be your last chance to sail on that older ship
Majesty of the Seas when it was still owned ad operated by Royal Caribbean International. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Once a cruise ship hits a certain age, its days are numbered.
I had a chance to sail on Carnival Imagination (a Fantasy-class ship) right before it retired and also on Royal Caribbean’s beloved Majesty of the Seas shortly before it was removed from service.
These ships have loyal fans that love the more intimate atmosphere and unique spaces. Sailing on these older ships gives you one last chance to enjoy an iconic cruise ship before it is removed from service and sent to the scrapyard.
8. Rank up your loyalty rewards faster
This goes back to the first point about saving money on each cruise. The more money you save on a cruise the more often you can afford to take a cruise.
Taking shorter cruises on older ships is the most economical way of getting your loyalty points up to the next level. And this means more rewards and benefits for each cruise you take thereafter.
Booking a cruise on an older ship holds a lot of advantages. These ships offer a unique charm and nostalgia that newer vessels may lack. From the timeless elegance to personalized service, there’s something special about these ships.
Exploring lesser-known destinations, enjoying a taste of classic luxury, and immersing yourself in the rich history are just a few reasons to consider sailing on an older ship. So why not embrace the chance to step back in time and create lasting memories that will make your cruise experience something to remember.
More cruise lines are making adjustments due to tensions in the Red Sea.
A cruise through the Red Sea offers access to exotic locations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. And ports of call at Aqaba, Jordan provide access to the UNESCO city of Petra.
But tensions in the Red Sea over the last several weeks have caused shipping vessels and cruise ships alike to alter course, avoiding the region altogether.
Recent Houthi militant attacks on shipping vessels near Yemen have cast a shadow over the popular cruising route.
This has led to cruise ships taking a much longer voyage around Africa, as companies and operators prioritize safety.
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Cruise Travel Through the Red Sea
While a Red Sea cruise is a dream for many travelers, its peak season with cruise lines typically begins in spring. This has allowed some companies to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding itinerary adjustments as tensions in the region unfold.
The Suez Canal, a critical shortcut for world cruises, has also felt the impact.
Even before the current escalation, MSC Cruises made the decision to reroute their MSC Poesia mid-way through her 121-day World Cruise in early January, bypassing the Red Sea altogether.
Instead of sailing past ancient pyramids and vibrant reefs, Poesia charted a new course that went by Cape Verde and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic.
Due to the Red Sea conflict, MSC Cruises rerouted MSC Poesia while the vessel was on a World Cruise.
Cruise Lines Adjusting Itineraries
Silversea’s Silver Moon cut its Red Sea trip short, stopping early in Aqaba, Jordan, because of increased security concerns in the region. The ship, which was originally sailing from Aqaba to Muscat, Oman, with stops in Saudi Arabia, will now disembark passengers in Aqaba. The cruise line will be making further travel arrangements for the passengers.
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This development adds to the growing tension surrounding Red Sea cruises amid recent maritime attacks near Yemen. While Silversea quickly altered its itinerary for passenger safety, there’s still some uncertainty over future sailings in the region, including those scheduled for February.
Future Uncertainty for Cruise Lines
Major cruise players like Carnival Corp. have remained somewhat silent about their contingency plans in the face of this geopolitical unrest.
During a recent earnings call, CEO Josh Weinstein stressed that passenger safety remains most important, with strategies in place should the situation escalate. However, specific decisions regarding the Red Sea and Suez Canal routes remain unconfirmed.
Other cruise lines that have plans to sail through the Red Sea over the next few months include Cunard, Seabourn, Fred Olsen, Holland America Line, Regent, Azamara, P&O Cruises and Princess.
Several cruise lines have made statements about the rising tensions in the Red Sea.
P&O Cruises: A spokesperson confirmed the cruise line is monitoring the situation on a daily basis, stating, “We will advise guests should any changes to the itinerary be necessary. The safety, security and wellbeing of guests and crew is our absolute priority.”
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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: Fred Olsen has a world cruise currently scheduled to sail through the Red Sea and Suez Canal in April but so far has not yet made any changes. The company stated, “We continue to have regular communication with the relevant authorities and evaluate all risks. In the event of an increased risk, we will of course implement our contingency itinerary.”
Cunard and Holland America: Both cruise lines noted they are closely monitoring the situation, with HAL adding they will inform guests of any updates “at the earliest opportunity.”
Bottom Line
Geopolitical tension is one of several reasons a cruise line may choose to skip certain ports or completely alter the destination of a particular cruise.
The United States has increased naval presence in the region, conducting patrols and escorting commercial vessels to ensure safe passage. Despite these efforts, the uncertainty and risk associated with the Red Sea region remain high.
A recent Carnival Cruise Line passenger is making waves online after sharing a pricey post-cruise phone bill. But the real spark in the debate came from the comment which blamed Carnival for not warning about potential phone charges.
The passenger, whose question appeared on Carnival Ambassador John Heald’s Facebook page, claims they received a $470 bill after the phone was used to play games during the cruise.
“$470 worth of charges from my cruise”
The passenger stated, “Just got my monthly cell phone charges through and there are $470 worth of charges from my cruise on Carnival cruises Freedom.”
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Apparently, the passenger never put their phone into airplane mode. Later someone told them to center the blame on the cruise line.
“Someone told me that the cruise line should be responsible because nobody told us that we should have the phone in airplane mode or off. All he did was play games on the phone”, they stated.
The upset passenger went on to criticize the cruise line for “being covert” about the pricing structure and not providing clear warnings about the potential for such high charges claiming,
“Nowhere on the ship does Carnival highlight that there will be extremely high prices for using data at sea and EXACTLY what that cost is. The reason for this is that no one will use the service.”
While Heald confirmed that Carnival does not receive any portion of the roaming charges, he acknowledged the possibility of improved communication.
“I do want to ask those reading this if you think we can do a better job in letting people know about this kind of thing or is it something you are mostly aware of?” he wrote, sparking a heated debate in the comments section.
Cell phone charges can add up quickly on a cruise if you’re not in airplane mode.
Comments from the crowd
The vast majority of the 5,600 comments sided with the cruise line, placing the responsibility on passengers to be aware of roaming charges and take precautions. Several mentioned downloading the official Carnival Hub app beforehand or purchasing onboard Wi-Fi packages.
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One user commented, “Our cruise director said airplane mode throughout our WHOLE cruise. Even the hub app tells you to put it on airplane mode. Even in some of my cruise documents it said something about airplane mode.”
Another Facebook user sympathized with passengers new to cruising, stating, “For a first time cruiser, this can be quite a shock! Perhaps some sort of note in the room would be helpful. I agree with others that you don’t always hear announcements. However, it still comes down to the responsibility of each person to understand their own cell phone. Carnival is not making any money from the cell phone companies and of course is not going to reimburse this person. Sometimes you have to learn things the hard way!”
It’s important to remember that using your phone at on a cruise is very different from using it on land, as cruise ships often rely on satellite networks for connectivity.
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These satellite connections can lead to significantly higher roaming charges, so it’s always a good idea to check your carrier’s plan and consider alternative options like onboard Wi-Fi packages before cruising.
While most major carriers do offer some form of international coverage, these plans aren’t as cheap as cruise ship Wi-Fi in most cases. Additionally, some carriers, like T-Mobile, provide proactive warnings when entering areas with high roaming costs.
Ultimately, passengers are responsible for managing their phone usage and any related charges while cruising.
How you can avoid a massive phone bill from your cruise
So, what can travelers do to avoid a similar post-cruise shock? Here are some tips:
Check your carrier’s roaming policies and rates before setting sail. Some carriers offer special packages or deals for international travel.
Download content beforehand for offline entertainment. Movies, music, and ebooks can keep you occupied without racking up data charges.
Purchase onboard Wi-Fi packages, especially if you need to stay connected for work or social media.
Enable airplane mode on your phone when not actively using Wi-Fi. This will prevent your phone from inadvertently connecting to expensive satellite networks.
