Guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line in 2026 will face higher costs if they want to stay connected at sea, after the cruise line raised prices across its onboard internet packages without prior notice.
The increases, which apply from January 2026 sailings, were discovered by guests with existing bookings who noticed higher prices when reviewing onboard offerings. No advance communication was issued, and passengers were not given the chance to lock in the previous rates before the changes took effect.
Under the new pricing structure, the Standard Internet 24-Hour Access plan has risen from $26 to $30 per day, while the Premium Surfing And Streaming package has increased from $42 to $49 per day. That represents price rises of approximately 15 percent and 17 percent respectively.
Both packages apply to a single device only.
Disney Cruise Line does not currently offer discounted rates for multiple devices linked to the same guest or stateroom. While it is possible to log in and out of different devices using one plan, only one device can be connected at a time, making this impractical for families or groups travelling together.
Although the daily increase amounts to only a few dollars, the overall cost can escalate quickly over the course of a cruise, particularly when several guests in the same party wish to connect their own phones, tablets or laptops for social media, work commitments or streaming.
Prices Higher Than Other Cruise Lines
Following the increase, Disney Cruise Line’s internet pricing now sits above that charged by many of its competitors.
Onboard WiFi on ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line typically costs between $20 and $35 per device, per day, depending on the selected speed tier and whether the package is purchased before sailing or after embarkation.
Across the wider cruise industry, daily internet prices generally fall within a range of $19 to $40 per device. While pricing can vary by ship, itinerary and satellite coverage, Disney’s premium streaming plan now exceeds the upper end of that range.
With several cruise lines continuing to invest in faster satellite technology, it remains to be seen whether Disney’s price increase will prompt similar moves elsewhere, or whether competitors will continue to offer lower-cost connectivity at sea.
Do Guests Need Internet On A Disney Cruise?
Despite the higher pricing, internet access is not essential for most onboard functions. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app operates without a WiFi package and allows guests to view daily schedules, browse menus, receive activity reminders and communicate onboard.
Many passengers also choose to disconnect entirely during their cruise, viewing the lack of constant connectivity as part of the holiday experience. For others, limited access is still important for checking emails or staying in touch with friends and family at home.
Disney’s basic plan supports popular social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, along with short-form video apps including TikTok and Snapchat. It also allows for light web browsing and audio or video calls.
Guests who wish to stream full-length films, television programmes or music services will need to purchase the higher-priced Premium Surfing And Streaming package to access the additional bandwidth required.
However, every stateroom is equipped with complimentary on-demand access to a large library of Disney films and television shows.
For many guests, that included entertainment removes the need for a streaming internet package altogether.
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Legendary DJ and broadcaster Pete Tong is set to bring his trademark Ibiza sound to sea later this year, hosting a live DJ experience aboard P&O Cruises newest ship, Arvia, during a call to the Balearic party island.
The 90-minute DJ set will take place on Saturday 19th September 2026 in Arvia’s SkyDome while the ship is docked at Botafoc Pier in Ibiza.
The performance forms part of a 14-night Western Mediterranean sailing which includes a late-night departure from the island, allowing guests to fully embrace Ibiza’s nightlife before returning onboard.
The event is being billed as a celebration of dance music’s past and present, with Tong blending classic house tracks with his signature sound in one of the most unusual settings of his career.
Ibiza Comes Aboard Arvia
Pete Tong has been a defining force in electronic music for more than three decades, widely regarded as one of the genre’s most influential figures. As a DJ, producer, broadcaster and long-time voice of BBC Radio 1’s dance output, he has played a central role in shaping global club culture and championing new talent.
“Ibiza has always been my spiritual home – it’s where the sound and culture of dance music truly came alive. To bring that energy aboard the Arvia cruise and connect with people in such a unique setting feels really special. It’s going to be one of those nights where everything – the place, the people, the music – just clicks.
“Every time I play in Ibiza, it get reminded of why I fell in love with dance music in the first place. Taking that sound beyond the island, across the water on the Arvia, is about carrying those memories into something new – the same spirit, just a different horizon.”
Pete Tong
After spending the day exploring Ibiza’s beaches, boutiques and renowned Balearic atmosphere, guests will be able to continue the party onboard long after sailaway, with the SkyDome transformed into a late-night music venue.
“Pete Tong is a true trailblazer whose influence on dance music is simply unmatched. Welcoming him on board Arvia whilst docked in Ibiza will be an extraordinary moment for us and perfectly reflects the ambition of our entertainment programme. We’re committed to bringing guests world-class talent and unforgettable experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. This collaboration captures what P&O Cruises stands for today – innovative, high quality entertainment that continues to raise the bar for holidays at sea.”
Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises
A Major Sailing For P&O Cruises
Arvia’s SkyDome has become one of the ship’s standout venues, offering a glass-enclosed poolside space that seamlessly shifts from daytime relaxation to evening entertainment. The venue has previously hosted live performances from Arvia’s godmother Nicole Scherzinger and Take That singer Gary Barlow.
The Pete Tong performance takes place during Arvia’s 14-night roundtrip Western Mediterranean itinerary, departing Southampton on 13th September 2026. Ports of call include La Coruña, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Marseille, Barcelona and Cadiz, with prices currently starting from £1,129 per person based on two sharing an inside cabin.
Guests sailing on this itinerary can also opt for P&O Cruises all-inclusive packages, which bundle drinks, WiFi and speciality dining credit. The Classic Package is priced at £49 per person per day and is advertised as offering savings of up to 32 per cent compared with purchasing each element individually onboard.
In addition, a number of offers are currently available on selected sailings. These include up to £400 in onboard spending money for bookings made by 3rd March 2026 on applicable Select Price holidays, low deposits of £100 per person on cruises of 14 nights or more booked by 2nd February 2026, and additional guests sailing from £49 per person on selected cruises booked by 3rd March 2026.
Throughout his career, Tong has continued to push electronic music forward while honouring its roots, earning the Music Industry Trusts Award in 2021 for his contribution to music and broadcasting.
His catalogue includes the UK Number 1 album Classic House and collaborations with artists such as Ultra Naté and Tale of Us, cementing his reputation as a driving force in dance music culture.
For guests aboard Arvia this September, the Ibiza experience looks set to continue long after leaving the island behind.
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Royal Caribbean Group has officially announced a major overhaul of its loyalty offering, confirming that a new points-based system spanning all three of its cruise brands will launch early next year.
The new programme, called Points Choice, will apply to sailings departing on or after 30th January 2026 and will allow guests to earn loyalty points across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, then choose where those points are applied. The announcement follows weeks of speculation after details of the programme began circulating on social media.
The parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, first hinted that loyalty changes were on the way in October 2025, prompting widespread discussion among frequent cruisers about how the new system might work.
How Points Choice Will Work Across Brands
Under Points Choice, members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club and Silversea’s Venetian Society will continue to earn points based on the number of nights they sail, with cabin category determining the points earned per night. However, guests will now have the flexibility to decide which brand’s loyalty programme receives those points.
After each sailing, guests will have 14 days to allocate their points using a Points Choice Request form available through the Royal Caribbean app or the company’s website. If no action is taken, points will automatically be credited to the guest’s existing loyalty programme.
The structure builds on the Status Match initiative introduced in 2024, which allowed guests to carry their loyalty tier across brands. Points Choice goes further by letting guests strategically direct their points to maximise benefits with their preferred brand.
In a statement released on 15th January 2026, Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO Jason Liberty said: “Points Choice is designed with our guests at the center.”
“Our guests are exploring more of our brands than ever before, and we believe our loyalty experience should grow with them. Points Choice gives every guest the power to direct their loyalty points within our family of brands where they will have the biggest impact for them,” Liberty added.
Points Earning Rates And Cabin Categories
There are now charts for each cruise line, showing the exchange rates depending on your chosen stateroom or suite.
According to those charts, suite categories such as Sunset, Owner, Aqua-Theater or Oceanview Panoramic suites would earn two points per night with Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, eight points per night with Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club, or one point per night with Silversea’s Venetian Society.
The Celebrity Cruises comparison chart isn’t too dissimilar to that of Royal Caribbean in terms of the value of nights.
The Silversea chart shows that even staying in an entry level suite can help you climb the rankings for Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean faster. However if you’re planning on cruising with Silversea once to boost your Crown & Anchor level, it’s worth noting that all suites, regardless of category, count for the same number of points.
How It Compares With Rival Cruise Lines
The announcement stands in contrast to recent loyalty changes unveiled by Carnival Cruise Line, which confirmed it will replace its long-running VIFP programme with Carnival Rewards. That new scheme will factor in onboard spending as well as sailing frequency, a move that sparked significant backlash among loyal guests.
Carnival Rewards is scheduled to launch on 1st September 2026, and early reaction suggests many cruisers prefer Royal Caribbean Group’s approach, which continues to reward nights sailed rather than expenditure.
Royal Caribbean Group owns Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises outright and also holds a 50 per cent stake in TUI Cruises, operator of Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Neither Status Match nor Points Choice will apply to those brands.
With Points Choice now confirmed, Royal Caribbean Group appears to be betting that flexibility and transparency will strengthen loyalty across its portfolio as more guests sail with multiple brands under the same corporate umbrella.
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Norwegian Cruise Line has officially announced the name of the next ship in its Prima Plus class, confirming Norwegian Aura as the newest and largest vessel ever to join the fleet.
The reveal comes just weeks before the inaugural sailing of Norwegian Luna, underscoring the cruise line’s rapid expansion at the upper end of its fleet.
Bookings are now open for Norwegian Aura’s debut seasons, with the ship scheduled to enter service in 2027 and operate a mix of Mediterranean, transatlantic and Caribbean itineraries.
Debut Voyages And Early Itineraries
Norwegian Aura will begin her service with a single seven-night Mediterranean voyage, sailing from Trieste to Barcelona on 21st May 2027. The inaugural itinerary includes calls at Malta, Salerno and Rome, offering guests a blend of historic cities and classic Mediterranean cruising.
Following this first sailing, the ship will reposition to North America on a 14-night transatlantic crossing. That voyage will include port calls at Motril, Cadiz and Gibraltar before Norwegian Aura continues across the Atlantic to Florida.
Once based in Miami, the newbuild will operate a series of seven-night Caribbean cruises. These itineraries will rotate between Eastern and Western Caribbean routes, with destinations including Puerto Plata, St Thomas, Tortola, Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel.
Eastern Caribbean sailings will feature visits to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, where guests will have access to new enhancements such as the Great Tides Waterpark. Western Caribbean itineraries will include a call at Harvest Caye, the line’s private destination in Belize.
Largest Ship In The Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Currently under construction at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Norwegian Aura will measure close to 1,130 feet in length and weigh approximately 169,000 gross tons.
That makes her around 10 percent larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, and slightly bigger than the Breakaway Plus class ships that currently hold the size record within the fleet.
“We are proud to introduce the newest, and largest, addition to our fleet, Norwegian Aura,”
Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
The ship will feature 1,976 staterooms, including 159 located within The Haven, Norwegian Cruise Line’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. Overall, Norwegian Aura will offer around 30 percent more suites than earlier Prima class ships, giving her the highest suite count of any vessel in the company’s history.
Norwegian Aura will also debut a new hull design created by international artist Rosie Woods. The artwork uses a palette of purple, pink, blue and teal, drawing inspiration from aurora lights, ocean bioluminescence and the way light interacts with water.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Norwegian Cruise Line, who has been known for showcasing beautiful, cutting-edge hull art designs. I’m so excited to see my large-scale piece of artwork come to life, sail across the seas and illuminate day and night,” said Woods.
What To Expect On Board
Norwegian Cruise Line says Norwegian Aura has been designed with multi-generational cruising in mind, with a strong focus on shared experiences and large-scale outdoor spaces.
“Norwegian Aura represents the evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and the celebration of bringing together families, friends and travelers from around the world,” Sommer said. “With brilliance and connection at her core, the ship was created to give all guests the freedom to vacation their very own way – offering the chance to exhale, connect and effortlessly escape into the moment.”
One of the ship’s headline features will be the Ocean Heights complex, spanning Decks 18 to 21. This expansive area will include five waterslides, such as the duelling Eclipse Racers and the Aura Free Fall, a 250-foot drop slide. The Wave will allow up to four guests to ride together.
Other outdoor attractions will include The Drop, a dry slide extending down 10 decks, a top-deck ropes course, a rock climbing wall, midway-style games, and a nine-hole miniature golf course.
Lower down, guests will be able to stroll along Ocean Boulevard on Deck 8, passing Infinity Beach, water loungers, wading pools and family play areas such as Adventure Alley and Little Explorer’s Cove.
Adults seeking a quieter atmosphere will have access to the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only retreat that will be around 15 percent larger than on Norwegian Aura’s sister ships. The area will feature expanded seating, additional sun loungers, a private bar and a waterfall element.
Further details on dining venues, entertainment offerings and additional onboard features are expected to be released closer to the ship’s debut, as anticipation continues to build for Norwegian Cruise Line’s next flagship.
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TUI Cruises has appointed Kira Schikorr as the first female captain in the Mein Schiff fleet, marking a landmark moment for the German cruise line. Schikorr has assumed command of Mein Schiff 6, becoming the first woman to take overall command of any ship in the fleet.
Kira Schikorr as Staff Captain (left) prior to her promotion. Credit: Mein Schiff Crew
Her promotion comes while Mein Schiff 6 is operating in Asia and represents a significant step forward in an industry where senior bridge roles have historically been dominated by men. For TUI Cruises, it is both an individual career milestone and a visible signal of changing leadership dynamics within one of Europe’s largest cruise brands.
Career Progression Through The Mein Schiff Fleet
Schikorr joined the Mein Schiff fleet in 2018, beginning her career with TUI Cruises as a Second Officer. Over the following years, she progressed steadily through the deck ranks, gaining experience across multiple vessels.
In 2022, she was promoted to Staff Captain and served in that senior role on ships including Mein Schiff 7. Her latest appointment places her in full command of Mein Schiff 6, with responsibility for navigation, safety, crew management and the onboard experience of thousands of guests.
Beyond her formal qualifications, Schikorr has developed a strong onboard reputation. Passengers have described her as approachable and easy to engage with during interactions at sea, a leadership style that is increasingly valued on modern cruise ships, where visibility and communication are key aspects of command.
Her appointment has been widely reported across German cruise media as a first for the brand and as evidence of a new generation moving into senior maritime roles.
A Long Road For Women On The Bridge
Schikorr’s promotion sits within a much broader historical context for women in the cruise and maritime industries. During the 19th century, women were often considered bad luck at sea, a belief rooted in superstition and reinforced by myths such as mermaids and sirens.
For decades, these attitudes translated into formal barriers, with many maritime academies in countries such as Greece, Italy, England and Norway refusing to admit women.
It is only within the last 25 years that these institutions have opened their doors more widely. In England, women were barred from maritime academies as recently as the 1980s. Today, they account for around 25 percent of cruise ship captains trained in the country, illustrating just how rapidly the landscape has changed.
The first woman to captain a major cruise ship was Karin Stahre-Janson, who took command of Monarch of the Seas for Royal Caribbean in 2007. Her appointment is widely regarded as the starting point for a gradual but meaningful shift across the industry.
Since then, a small but growing number of women have followed.
Kate McCue made history in 2015 as America’s first female cruise ship captain and later became the first woman to command a mega ship.
She went on to take charge of Celebrity Edge, a vessel designed by women and launched under the leadership of Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the first female CEO of a major cruise line.
Other milestones include Belinda Bennett, who became the world’s first Black female cruise captain with Windstar, and Serena Melani, who became the first woman to captain a newly launched cruise ship when she oversaw the debut of Seven Seas Splendor after extensive involvement at the shipyard.
Cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages have also taken a more proactive approach, actively encouraging female recruitment for bridge and leadership roles through initiatives such as the Scarlet Squad during the launch of Scarlet Lady.
While men still occupy the majority of senior, higher-paid roles at sea, the industry has begun to more visibly recognise the commitment and sacrifices made by female officers. Promotions such as Schikorr’s demonstrate that long-standing stereotypes are continuing to erode, albeit gradually.
As Kira Schikorr begins her first command with Mein Schiff 6, her appointment stands not only as a personal achievement, but as part of a wider transformation in cruising, where the bridge is slowly becoming a more representative place of the passengers and crews it serves.
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Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class cruise ship has moved into a significant new stage of construction, with the first passenger cabins now installed at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
Credit: Meyer Turku
The vessel, currently known as Icon 4, is under construction for a planned late 2027 entry into service. On 9th January 2026, the shipyard lifted the first modular cabins into place, marking a key transition from structural assembly to interior outfitting.
Meyer Turku confirmed the milestone in a social media update issued on 13th January 2026, noting that the delivery represented the first of 2,800 staterooms that will eventually be fitted on board.
“Icon 4’s assembly phase is progressing, and the vessel’s first cabins were lifted into the ship last Friday, January 9,” the shipbuilder said.
How Modular Cabins Speed Up Construction
The cabins being installed are fully prebuilt units, a method increasingly used in modern cruise ship construction to improve efficiency and quality control.
According to Meyer Turku, the staterooms are manufactured by its subsidiary Piikkio Works at a factory in Piikkio, Finland, before being transported to the shipyard for installation.
“The modular cabins are fully prebuilt by our daughter company Piikkio Works. They are then delivered to the shipyard, where they are lifted into the ship,” Meyer Turku explained.
Because the cabins are completed in advance, including bathroom units and fixtures, they can be installed rapidly once the ship’s structure is ready. This approach helps streamline the build schedule for vessels of this immense scale.
Icon 4 will eventually join three sister ships within Royal Caribbean’s Icon class.
Icon of the Seas entered service in January 2024, Star of the Seas followed in August 2025, and Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut in July 2026. Legend of the Seas is also being built at Meyer Turku and is currently under construction alongside Icon 4.
The Icon-class ships are the largest cruise vessels ever built, each measuring approximately 248,663 gross tonnes. In double occupancy they accommodate 5,610 guests, with maximum capacity rising to around 7,600 passengers when all berths are in use.
Construction Timeline And What Comes Next
Construction of Icon 4 formally began in September 2025 with a keel-laying ceremony, a maritime tradition that involves placing commemorative coins beneath the first section of the ship’s hull for good fortune.
Like her sister ships, Icon 4 will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will incorporate alternative energy technologies, including fuel cells designed to generate electrical power while alongside in port.
The next major milestone in the build process will be the ship’s float-out, when the vessel leaves the construction dock and enters the water for the first time. This stage typically takes place around a year before delivery and launch.
Royal Caribbean placed the order for the fourth Icon-class ship in August 2024, with the contract also including options for a fifth and sixth vessel in the series.
While the future homeport for Icon 4 has not yet been announced, the ship is expected to play a prominent role in the cruise line’s deployment plans once she enters service in 2027, continuing Royal Caribbean’s focus on deploying its largest ships to high-demand itineraries.
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A Royal Caribbean guest missed their cruise departure after travelling to the wrong Florida port.
The guest has also been denied permission to join the ship at a later stop.
The incident involved a passenger booked to sail aboard Utopia of the Seas, which departed from Port Canaveral on Monday, 12th January 2026.
Instead of arriving at the correct homeport, the guest mistakenly went to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, realising the error only after the ship had already sailed.
The guest later shared the experience on Reddit, confirming that the mistake was entirely their own.
“We pulled a major travel fail today. … We’ve obviously missed the ship’s departure,” they wrote.
How The Mix-Up Occurred
The passenger explained that the confusion stemmed from a previous Royal Caribbean cruise that had departed from Fort Lauderdale.
“We flew into Fort Lauderdale yesterday, the night before the cruise,” they said. “I had been on one Royal cruise previously that left from the port here in Fort Lauderdale.”
Port Everglades is currently home to several Royal Caribbean ships, including Liberty of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas. The guest assumed Port Canaveral was the same port they had used in the past.
“For whatever reason I was sure Port Canaveral was the one in Fort Lauderdale that I left from last time,” they added. “Only at noon today did we figure out that the port here in FLL is Port Everglades. Obviously a very dumb mistake in hindsight.”
By the time the error was discovered, it was already too late to attempt to reach Port Canaveral. Even in ideal traffic conditions, the drive from Port Everglades to Port Canaveral takes at least three hours, not including time needed for terminal check-in and security.
Utopia of the Seas departed at 4 pm, making it impossible to arrive and board before the all-aboard deadline.
Request To Join The Ship In Nassau Rejected
Utopia of the Seas was scheduled to call at Nassau the following day, prompting the guest to immediately contact Royal Caribbean International to ask whether they could join the sailing at the Bahamian port.
The passenger also booked refundable flights from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau for early Tuesday morning while awaiting a decision.
Other travellers commenting on the post noted that Nassau is typically an easy destination to reach by air and shared advice on getting from Lynden Pindling International Airport to the cruise port, which is around 10 miles away.
However, several users also pointed out that permission to embark at a port of call does not rest with the cruise line alone and requires approval from local authorities.
One commenter even issued a light-hearted but practical warning: “Be sure you actually go to Nassau, Bahamas and not Nassau, New York.”
Despite the swift action, the request was ultimately denied.
“We regret to inform you that your request to embark in Nassau, Bahamas has been denied by port authorities,” Royal Caribbean stated in its response. “The reason provided does not meet the established criteria for authorization to embark at an alternate port of call.”
No further explanation was provided, and the decision could not be appealed.
With Utopia of the Seas operating a four-night itinerary featuring only Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay before returning to Port Canaveral, there was little opportunity for the guest to pursue alternative options in time to join the voyage.
Why Joining A Cruise Late Is Rarely Approved
While stories occasionally circulate of passengers successfully joining ships at later ports, such cases are relatively uncommon and depend heavily on immigration laws, security requirements and itinerary length.
Cruise lines submit detailed passenger manifests in advance, and changes after departure require clearance from port and border authorities. On short sailings such as Utopia of the Seas’ four-night cruises, there is often insufficient time to process approvals before the ship returns to its homeport.
It is also unclear whether the guest held travel insurance, and many policies do not cover missed embarkation when the cause is passenger error rather than flight delays or cancellations.
Despite the outcome, the guest said they hoped their experience would help others avoid making a similar mistake.
“Good to know that Royal won’t just green light you to join at a different port,” they said.
The situation serves as a reminder that verifying embarkation ports and cities is just as important as confirming flight details, particularly in regions like Florida where multiple cruise ports operate within a few hours of one another.
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Planning a cruise is one of those things that makes you feel like a kid before Christmas. You’ve got that shiny new itinerary, you’re daydreaming about turquoise water and soft-serve machines that almost never close – and then the credit card statement hits.
Cruises can absolutely be brilliant value, but once you add drinks, excursions, tips and “just one more spa treatment”, the costs build up faster than a buffet queue on embarkation day.
So, from one sea-obsessed traveller to another, here are fifteen tried-and-tested cruise hacks to keep your budget shipshape without missing out on any of the fun.
1. Book early… or ridiculously late
The biggest savings usually sit at either end of the calendar.
Cruise lines love rewarding the super-organised – book as soon as new itineraries drop (sometimes a year and a half in advance) and you’ll often lock in lower fares, plus the pick of cabins. If you’ve got your heart set on a certain ship or sailing, this is the way to go.
And I would always recommend bigger families booking ASAP, because you’ll typically get the best price by booking a family cabin instead of two connecting cabins – and those family staterooms are always the first to sell out.
At the other end of the scale, the “I’ll-pack-when-I-get-there” crowd can win big too. When a ship’s about to sail and still has empty rooms, lines will often drop prices dramatically rather than leave them unsold.
If you’re flexible with dates and can jet off at short notice, you can nab a luxury sailing for the price of an inside cabin. It’s not for planners, because we’re talking about booking a cruise with just a few days’ notice, but it’s a thrill when it works.
It sounds almost too simple, but this trick genuinely saves hundreds.
Search Facebook for your chosen ship and you will usually find a list of groups you can join, some of which are just fan pages for the ship, while others might be tailored towards a specific sailing.
Inside these groups, travel agents often share group rates or exclusive packages you won’t find on the cruise line’s website.
These aren’t dodgy deals; agents get bulk pricing from cruise lines and sometimes throw in extras from their own commission – onboard credit, wine, priority boarding.
Just make sure the agent’s legit: ask the group for recommendations, or check reviews before booking.
Don’t book with someone you can’t get good information on, because scams or even just over-priced bookings as possible.
But there are plenty of good, honest travel agents populating these groups who have a mission to sell cabins, and who could help you get a great value deal.
3. Use cruise comparison tools
If you’re more of a “DIY holiday researcher”, cruise search engines are your best mate. Websites like Cruise Critic, and (for UK readers) World of Cruising let you filter by destination, date, ship, cabin type, and more.
The best part? You’ll spot flash sales that last only a day or two – sometimes even before the official site updates.
Or better yet, if you sign up to my email newsletter, I can save you the work. Every week I send out the best deals that I’ve found when I’m checking all the cruise comparison websites.
So you’re getting the best prices, but I’m the one doing all the searching for you.
4. Pick the right cabin for you
If you’re new to cruising, you need to make sure you understand the different cabin options, as booking the wrong one could be a costly mistake:
Inside cabins: No windows, no natural light, cheapest option. Great if you love a good nap and don’t care about views. They’re also the smallest rooms on the ship though, so don’t book them if you like a lot of space.
Oceanview cabins: Same as inside but with a window. Perfect compromise if you like to see daylight but don’t need outdoor space. Are often similar in size to an Inside cabin, but sometimes they’re a bit bigger too.
Balcony cabins: The sweet spot for most cruisers – private outdoor space, sea breeze, and morning coffee with a view. Typically the inside part of the stateroom is similar in size to an Inside or Ocean View, and the balcony counts as your additional space.
Suites: The dream. Think butlers, priority embarkation, and fancy bathrobes. Lovely, yes, but often double or triple the price of a balcony cabin.
That’s a really broad overview, but it works as a starting point. Depending on the ship you might have all kids of sub-categories, like studio rooms with smaller beds for single travellers, or “Spacious” versions of rooms that are much bigger, with a higher price tag.
And even within suites there can be loads of different options. A Junior Suite is going to cost a fraction of the price of an Owner’s Suite, but will also come with a much smaller list of perks.
My advice? Spend your money where it matters most to you. If you’ll barely be in your room, go inside. If your idea of heaven is sunrise on your own balcony, splash a bit.
I always say I would prefer to book two cruises in an Inside cabin instead of one in a lower-end suite.
But if you think you’d hate an Inside cabin, then paying extra to get an upgraded room is going to be more valuable to you.
5. Try your luck with upgrade bidding
Upgrade programmes are one of cruising’s best-kept secrets, unless you’re someone who regularly sails and who often takes advantage of these.
After you’ve booked, keep an eye on your emails – many lines invite you to bid for a better cabin. You name your price (say, £300 extra for a balcony), and if the offer’s accepted, you get the room.
Of course, it is far from guaranteed, and you might not get all the perks of that higher category, but it’s an affordable way to level up your trip.
Sometimes you can bid the minimum and win an upgrade for a tiny fraction of what it would’ve cost you to book it outright. But other times even a high bid can fail, especially when it’s peak season and ships are selling out.
6. Watch for price drops after booking
Here’s the sneaky one: if the fare drops after you’ve booked but before your final payment date, most cruise lines will match the lower rate or offer you the difference in onboard credit.
That’s because, if it’s before your final payment date, you can cancel – and they don’t want the hassle of re-selling the cabin to someone else. It’s better value for them to retain you as a guest, and hopefully give you that small financial win that makes you more likely to book again in future.
Check your fare regularly (once a week is plenty) and if you spot a drop, call them straight away.
Cruising with little ones? These promotions can make a massive difference. Lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC and P&O Cruises often run “kids sail free” events where you’ll only pay port fees and taxes for your children.
That’s hundreds saved per child.
If the deal’s not live when you book, no panic – just note your final payment date and keep checking. You might be able to call and have the discount applied later.
I adore shoulder-season cruising. You get calmer crowds, cooler weather (no baking alive on deck), and much better prices.
Caribbean in September, Mediterranean in November, Alaska in April – all great value.
Yes, you might have the odd rain shower or slightly chillier evening, but you’ll also have space to breathe on deck and fewer queues at the buffet. I’ll take that trade any day.
The only thing to bear in mind is that you need to be a bit flexible with your itinerary. If you’re cruising when the weather is more likely to be rough, that’s when you’re at a higher risk of port visits being cancelled, if the ship can’t safely dock.
If you aren’t too fussed about every port on your itinerary, then go for it. And just make sure you’ve got cruise insurance with missed port cover anyway, so you get a bit of a refund if you do miss a port.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
9. Think about bundled packages
If you need flights and hotels, some cruise lines or especially travel agents offer packages that combine everything – often cheaper than booking separately.
You’ll sacrifice a bit of flexibility, as the cruise line picks your flight times and hotels, but it can simplify things massively, especially for long-haul trips.
There are pros and cons here and you might get an even better deal if you put the work in and book your own extras.
But it’s always worth checking and comparing. Maybe you can save money booking a 3* hotel for the night before your cruise yourself, but for a very small extra charge a travel agent can get you a deal on a 4* one – and perhaps that’s worth it to you.
10. Bring your own drinks
Most ships let you bring limited drinks onboard – usually one bottle of wine per adult and a small pack of soft drinks or water.
Doesn’t sound like much, but considering wine can cost £30 a bottle onboard, that’s an easy £60–£80 saved.
Just double-check your cruise line’s policy before packing – they vary. And yes, a sneaky bottle of your favourite rosé on the balcony at sunset tastes far better when you didn’t pay ship prices for it.
Just ask your cabin steward or room service for some wine glasses, and ice if you like.
The automatic gratuities that most cruise lines charge will often increase year-on-year, so paying them in advance locks in the current rate. It also means you won’t get that “surprise” bill at the end of your trip.
A few people grumble about tipping, but here’s the truth: those crew members work insanely hard, seven days a week, often months at sea. Prepaying means everyone gets looked after properly, and you can relax knowing it’s already handled.
Look out for deals offering onboard credit when you book. It’s basically cruise cash that can be used anywhere onboard – cocktails, spa treatments, gift shops, you name it.
Some travel agents also offer it as an incentive for booking through them. Even if it only seems like a small amount, it’s a nice bonus to get.
Treat it like found money – but remember, it doesn’t carry over. Use it before disembarking or you lose it.
13. Be smart about excursions
Booking excursions through the cruise line is easy, but you’ll pay for the privilege. Independent tours can be half the price – and often much better.
Smaller groups, more flexible timings, and fewer selfie sticks in the background of your photos.
Just plan wisely and leave plenty of time to get back to the port. I always aim to be back an hour before the all-aboard time, just in case.
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14. Pack like a pro
You really don’t need half your wardrobe. Most people overpack massively for cruises. Remember, there’s laundry service onboard (or self-service on some lines), and the airline baggage fee for an extra case is often higher than the cost of getting your clothes washed mid-cruise.
Think mix-and-match, lightweight layers, and leave space for souvenirs. And if you’re a snorkelling lover, bring your own kit – better quality, more hygienic, and saves money long-term.
15. Avoid onboard spending traps
This is the big one. Cruise ships are designed to tempt you – art auctions, spa deals, casinos, “souvenir” photos. Before you go, set a budget for onboard spending and stick to it.
Work out what genuinely makes your cruise better and skip the rest. Or if you want to try a bit of everything, make sure you budget for it all – don’t just turn up and hope it all works out by the time you get your final bill. You’ll enjoy yourself more when you’re not dreading it towards the end of your cruise.
Cruising doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning and a few insider tricks, you can stretch your budget and still have an unforgettable trip.
At the end of the day, the best parts of cruising – the ocean views, the sunsets, the laughter – don’t cost a thing. So grab that glass of wine (preferably the one you brought onboard), find a deck chair, and toast to smart sailing.
Cruise ships run like floating cities, with strict rules designed to keep everything safe, professional and picture-perfect.
But behind the smiles and uniforms, crew life is a world of long hours, cramped cabins, and the occasional bit of quiet rebellion.
How do we know this? Well, Lucy Southerton is a popular YouTuber who shares stories of life at sea on her channel ‘Cruising as Crew’, and she was interviewed by Dan and Jay of Sail Away Magazine on some of the rules that crew members break.
From secret romances to sneaky phone breaks, here are seven of the most common rules crew members break when they think no one’s looking – and why you might find them strangely understandable.
It’s strictly forbidden, and for good reason: cruise lines have to protect both their staff and their guests from awkward situations or worse.
And by worse, imagine those guests who regret their consensual encounters and decide to sue the cruise line big for sexual assault or worse. That’s why it’s so serious – it has happened.
Still, the rule doesn’t stop everyone. Crew/guest encounters happen – sometimes ending in tears, sometimes in trouble, and occasionally in serious accusations when things go wrong.
It’s risky territory, but when people work long hours far from home, emotions can blur. Crew and passengers share small spaces, the same social events, and a constant sense of adventure – which makes it tempting.
For those caught, the best-case scenario is being sent home. The worst-case scenario can involve police and legal trouble. It’s one rule that’s broken often enough that everyone onboard knows it goes on – even if no one admits it out loud.
However, and let me be absolutely clear on this, that doesn’t mean it’s happening with every crew member. Far from it. It might be well-known, but it is still only a small minority that are involved.
So do not, under any circumstances, assume that the crew are up for a bit of fun at sea if you’re single and cruising. Be respectful and don’t chase them.
2. Crew–Crew Hookups
You’d think crew members would at least be allowed to date each other freely – and it’s sort of true, but not quite.
Officially, romantic relationships between crew are discouraged, especially between staff from different departments or ranks. It’s meant to keep things professional and avoid drama in tight quarters.
After all, you might be cooped up on the ship with the same people for six months or more. Do you want to get into a relationship with someone only for it to end badly after a month, with another five months to go?
Still, in reality, shipboard romances are common.
One particularly memorable tale from Lucy involves a crewmate being found handcuffed to her bunk after a “game” gone wrong – proof that even at sea, love (or lust) finds a way.
Cabins are tiny, privacy is non-existent, and emotions can run high. Crew work, eat, socialise and often live within arm’s reach of one another for months. It’s a pressure cooker environment where friendships and flirtations naturally cross the line.
While the rules say no, the sea has a funny way of ignoring them – especially after a few drinks in the crew bar.
3. Breaking the Alcohol Limit
Crew members are allowed to drink, but only a little.
The legal onboard limit is usually 0.05% – roughly one beer – and it’s enforced because staff must always be ready for an emergency. If something happens, passengers rely on the crew to stay sober and in control.
Still, it’s an open secret that many push their luck.
Drinks in the crew bar are cheap, stress levels are high, and off-duty socialising almost always involves alcohol.
As Lucy said, the real problem isn’t having a drink – it’s getting caught. Random breath tests can happen, and if you’re over the limit, you’ll likely be disembarked at the next port.
Some captains are known to schedule tests late in the day so crew have a fair chance to sober up, while others prefer to “catch them out” early in the morning.
Either way, most crew quickly learn how much they can get away with – and when it’s safe to have “just one more.”
4. Petty Theft at Sea
Just like on land, not everyone can resist temptation.
Lucy revealed stories of crew quietly helping themselves to goods from the onboard shops – anything from expensive face cream to chairs and even a painting from the ship’s art gallery.
Most cruise staff are hardworking and honest, but small acts of theft do happen. It’s easy to see why: they work surrounded by luxury items that passengers can buy, but that they themselves can’t afford.
Sometimes it’s boredom, sometimes greed, and sometimes it’s just the thrill of seeing if they can get away with it.
Security teams usually handle these cases quietly to avoid scandal, but when someone is caught, the consequences are immediate – dismissal and repatriation.
Still, stories like the one Lucy tells (of a crew member caught with three chairs and a painting) show that a few people at sea are every bit as daring as the ocean itself.
5. Happy Endings In The Spa
It’s not something cruise lines ever want to acknowledge, but it does happen.
Lucy admitted that during her years working in the onboard spa, some therapists offered “extras” for a cash tip.
As with everything on this list, it’s not common, and certainly not every therapist would dream of it, but it’s a well-known secret in the industry.
The mix of privacy, tips, and lonely passengers can lead to blurred lines.
For some crew, it’s a way to make fast money – a “side hustle” that can earn more than their regular wage. For others, it’s purely rumour. Either way, the rule is clear: any kind of sexual service, paid or not, is grounds for instant dismissal.
It’s one of those uncomfortable realities of ship life – a reminder that when people live and work in such intense, isolated conditions, the normal rules of behaviour can start to drift.
6. Using Mobile Phones on Duty
Most cruise lines have strict policies banning phone use during work hours. Crew are meant to stay professional, focused, and available to guests.
But just like anywhere else, temptation wins.
Phones are lifelines for crew far from home. They’re a way to message family, scroll through social media, or simply escape for a moment of normality.
It’s possible you might see cleaners or maintenance staff “taking a break” somewhere quiet, pretending to scrub a surface while really checking their messages.
One of the most amusing sights is a cleaner standing in a toilet cubicle with a mop in hand, apparently polishing the same spot for ten minutes – when in reality, they’re catching up on WhatsApp.
It’s against the rules, yes, but when you’re working twelve-hour shifts with little downtime, it’s hard to blame them for wanting a few minutes of connection.
7. Cabin Rules and Crew Misbehaviour
Crew cabins are private spaces, but they’re also strictly controlled. Crew are only allowed in their own or authorised cabins, and visitors are usually banned.
Still, it can happen that crew members can either enter a cabin that they shouldn’t be in, or they may linger unnecessarily when they have the authority to be there.
If that sounds ominous, don’t worry. I’ve my own story to share here and it’s really not too bad.
I once walked into my cabin to find two of the cabin attendants in there playing a little game of football using my son’s ball!
Some of you might be mortified but I honestly found it really funny, and didn’t mind at all. Even the most professional workers need a bit of fun sometimes.
Of course, many crew enter cabins as part of their cleaning or maintenance duties – that’s completely normal.
What’s not allowed is lingering, socialising, or playing games inside. Still, moments like that show that at sea, even the staff can feel like mischievous kids now and then.
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Final Word
Life at sea isn’t as polished as the brochures make it look. Behind the uniforms and rehearsed smiles are real people trying to balance discipline with a sense of normality.
Cruise crew work incredibly long hours, live in cramped conditions, and spend months away from home – so it’s hardly surprising that some rules get quietly bent along the way.
From sneaky phone breaks to secret romances, these stories aren’t about bad behaviour as much as they are about being human. For most crew, the small rule-breaking moments are what keep them sane in a world where work and life blur together.
So next time you’re on a cruise, spare a thought for the crew who make your holiday effortless. They’re not just part of the ship – they’re the heartbeat of it, doing their best to follow the rules… and sometimes breaking them a little.
Here’s Lucy’s interview with Dan and Jay in full, if you want to see more:
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