Posts in category: Cruise Lines

The Port of Galveston will be welcoming another cruise ship in 2025, according to a statement released by MSC Cruises.

Starting in November of 2025, MSC Seascape will be offering 7-night sailings out of Galveston Texas. The 5,877 max-capacity cruise ship– 4,540 at double-capacity — is the second Seaside EVO-class ship to be built by the cruise line.

The newest Seaside-class vessel is currently sailing out of PortMiami and will transition to Galveston for its first sailing on November 9th, 2025.

Itineraries on the 169,400 gross ton MSC Seascape will include visits to Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel.

Check out sailings on Seascape out of Galveston on MSC’s website here.

In the statement, CEO of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato, emphasized the cruise lines desire to expand its operations in the U.S. saying,

“This announcement is the latest step in our strategy to continue to grow our U.S footprint. Earlier this year we began operations from our third U.S. home port, New York City, where we now sail year-round, and we are proud to add Galveston to that growing line-up alongside PortMiami and Port Canaveral.”

“We are committed to bringing our newest, largest, most innovative ships to the U.S. and are pleased that MSC Seascape will be more easily accessible to guests in central and western parts of the U.S through Galveston, as well as to our guests internationally via the well-connected international airport hub of Houston.”

Due to the distances between ports, reaching these Caribbean ports of call requires 3 sea days within most itineraries. Longer  7- and 10-day cruises are typical for sailings out of Galveston.

Galveston has been growing in popularity as a homeport for other cruise lines as well, with Princess Cruises recently sailing Regal Princess from the port until March of 2024.

Ships scheduled to sail out of Galveston throughout 2024 include the following:

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Miracle
Disney Cruises: Disney Magic
Royal Caribbean International: Harmony of the Seas Jewel of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas
Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Prima
Princess Cruises: Regal Princess

Read more: Best cruises out of Galveston through 2025

Looking for things to do in Cozumel during your cruise vacation?  Don’t waste your time with boring “to do lists” when you can just focus on the very best this island has to offer!

After reading through this cruise port guide you will know EXACTLY what you should be doing during your visit to Cozumel, Mexico.  Some of the things on this list are just going to jump off the page at you.  So, enjoy this port of call!

Over 3 million people cruise to Mexico’s most populated island every year and all of the mainstream cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises.  There’s a reason it’s one of the most visited cruise ports in the world.

As many as 8 cruise ships could be in port at one time.

Personally, I love visiting Cozumel.  I love the weather, people, environment, beaches, and overall vibe.  Every time I visit I find something new, so this post will detail some unique and fun experiences you can have at this fantastic stop along your cruise.

Planning what to do in Cozumel ahead of time can be a bit daunting.  There is a lot to do and see in this beautiful and exotic location.

From the pristine coral reefs and endless beaches to the plentiful shopping in town, Cozumel has something for everyone.  Oh, and there is even something for the Indiana Jones in you if you want to explore some archeological sites.

The weather in Cozumel is about as good as it gets throughout the year.  Average temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit).

In this post we will give you some of the best things to do in Cozumel along with some helpful information on how to get around the island, what to expect, where to go, etc.

A little information on Cozumel

There are over 100,000 people living at this municipality which is just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.  The largest city is San Miguel which is right near the cruise ports on the west end of the island.

The economy of Cozumel relies heavily on tourism, so the people there will be very glad to help you and make sure you have a pleasant experience.

Many times I’ve had locals on the island help me out or point me in the right direction all while asking for nothing in return.

There are even special vehicles that drive around the island in order to help any tourists that have broken down and need help.  A service that is offered for free.

Cozumel is mostly flat with the highest point being just 50 feet above sea level.  As you travel out of town you will notice the mangrove forests that dominates the landscape inland while both rocky and sandy beaches surround the exterior.

Do you need to know Spanish?  Most people living in Cozumel speak English  and can understand you perfectly fine.  But trying to learn a few Spanish words and phrases is very much appreciated.

Cruise ports in Cozumel: How far are they from downtown?

This is a little confusing to cruise ship passengers who have never been to Cozumel before.   Even if you have been to Cozumel before you might get off the ship and not recognize your surroundings because you could be at a completely different terminal than before.

Sponsored Links

There are 3 different cruise ship piers in Cozumel.  One is close to downtown and the other two are a few miles out.    So, let’s look at each terminal and its location.

• Punta Langosta. This pier is the closest to the downtown area, only about a 5-minute walk.  You can join a walking tour of San Miguel or just explore on your own without having to walk very far at all.
• International Pier.  This is where some of the larger cruise ships will dock: ships like Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships and larger Norwegian Cruise Line ships.  This is the oldest cruise pier in Cozumel and is about 3 miles from downtown.
• Puerta Maya. This pier was built by Carnival Cruise Line and is only used for Carnival owned ships.  It’s right next to International Pier.  It’s been nicknamed “Little Cozumel” as many shops, restaurants, and modern amenities are offered right within the terminal area.

Both International Pier and Puerta Maya are about 3 miles from San Miguel, but it is a safe and scenic walk to the downtown area which I have done a few times.   Taxis are cheap, but if you have extra time the walk is doable.

Sometimes, ships will have to anchor just offshore if it’s a very busy day with 7 or 8 cruise ships coming in.  In these cases the ships will tender passengers to some of the smaller piers near Puerta Maya.

How to travel around Cozumel

Cozumel does have a decent size airport if you are thinking of flying straight there.  One thing I love about cruising is that it gives you a sampling of different places that you can then revisit once you find what you like.

If you want to check out mainland Mexico, Playa Del Carmen is only a short boat ride away from the island.  It is located south of Cancún and north of Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo. Playa del Carmen is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lively nightlife.

Renting a vehicle

There is a plethora of options for renting a vehicle and driving around Cozumel as well.  The island is easy to navigate in a matter of a couple hours if you don’t make too many stops.

The best way to tour Cozumel in your rental is to start by heading south and drive along the shoreline.  If you’re driving a scooter or bike you will have your own road to travel on, making the journey stress-free.  The further you get away from the city the more open and serene the landscape becomes.

How big is Cozumel? The whole island is 28 miles long and about 10 miles wide.  I have rented both cars and scooters to drive around Cozumel.  (See map at bottom of article)

One thing that should be noted about renting a car, though.  If you do happen to damage the vehicle in any way you may be required to pay for the repairs before you leave the island.   I’ve never had any mishaps, but I have heard that this can be an issue.

You can rent anything from a dune buggy to a VW Beetle to a scooter or even motorcycle if you want.  There are even Harley tours you can take.

Sponsored Links

As soon as you get off the ship you will find vendors who are able to find you just about any type of vehicle to rent if you want to explore on your own.

Renting Bikes and Scooters

Some of the downtown area can get crowded with cars and people, but if you want to venture out on your own renting a bike might be a good option.  There are many shops that will rent scooters and bikes.  If you don’t want to have to work too much electric scooters area available too.  And if you want to go beach hopping on your bike you can get one with fatter tires.

Taxis in Cozumel

If you want to take a taxis in Cozumel it is easy and affordable.  The prices are set, and you don’t need to negotiate.  There is a slightly higher price if you have more than 4 people and a bit more if you have 6-8 people in your group.

I recommend grabbing a local taxi right at the cruise port to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

You can pay with US dollars, but it will be cheaper if you exchange for pesos first and use them.  Credit cards are not accepted by taxi drivers so you will need to pay in cash.  Also, a 10-15% tip is appreciated.

Here are some prices you can use as a sample for taxi ride rates. (These prices will more than likely be different when you travel and are just for reference.)  Prices are in US Dollars and are from the starting point of Puerta Maya:

• Downtown: $8.00
• Discover Mexico: $8.00
• Chankanaab: $12.00
• Chocolate Factory: $11.00
• Playa Corona: $13.00
• Punta Sur: $35.00
• Airport: $16.00
• Full Island Tour: $100.00

Take a ferry

Cozumel is just 12 miles from the mainland of Mexico. Many cruisers love to take the 45-minute ferry from Cozumel to Play Del Carmen to check out some great resorts and beaches.

If you’re going to see some Mayan ruins on the mainland you will end up on a ferry to the mainland.  But if you want to pay for it yourself to check out Playa Del Carmen it will cost around $10.

The ferry port is not far from downtown, so hopping on the ferry to see some more sights in Mexico might make sense if you have time during your cruise.  Some excursions also require a ferry ride to the mainland to see Mayan Ruins or explore scenic caves.

Where to eat in Cozumel?

The non-adventurous will be glad to know there are a few American staples in Cozumel.   There is a Subway, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks right near the Punta Langosta terminal and even a Burger King further inland.

But for those who want a truly authentic experience Cozumel does not disappoint.  There is a myriad of restaurants.  You can get a casual, relaxing dining experience at one of the many eateries along the beach or try something more upscale.

I’ve had some incredibly delicious tacos just by stopping at one of the local vendors along the shoreline.  And don’t forget to get some local churros.

Cozumel is an island that is known for exquisite seafood combined with common Mexican foods as tortillas, beans, and salsa.   You can find affordable lobster dishes and plenty of options especially in the main city of San Miguel.

Of course Cozumel has the iconic Senor Frogs and Bubba Gump Shrimp if you want an old standby.

Here are a few places we recommend for eating in Cozumel:

• Costa Brava.  Love eating here. Authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price. Friendly staff.
• Casa Mission.  For truly local Mexican food and seafood.  Located near the center of San Miguel
• La Mission Restaurant. Traditional Mexican food right near the shore.  Really great décor and great food.
• Guido’s Restaurant. Swiss-Italian restaurant with a beautiful patio and daily specials.  Right on the main street of San Miguel with great views of the ocean.
• Pepe’s Grill. Upscale dining with amazing seafood.  Owned by one of the oldest family’s on Cozumel.

Have you eaten in Cozumel and want to let us know a great place to check out?  Let us know in the comment section so the rest of our readers can benefit as well.

23 Best Things to do in Cozumel

So now let’s take a look at some things to do in Cozumel.   We’ll cover some of the best things to do on this island to give you some ideas for your upcoming excursions and adventures.

1.  Check out the amazing reefs

Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world, and it is a paradise for those who like to dive and snorkel.

Because most of the island is surrounded by some of the most amazing coral reefs in the Western Caribbean, Cozumel has become a main attraction for thousands of expert divers every year.

Even if you just want to rent or bring along some snorkeling gear you will want to check out these pristine waters at one of the many coral reef locations.

Best places for snorkeling or diving:

• Villa Blanca Reef. Located between 2 cruise ship piers.  Wall after wall of beautiful reefs.
• Chankanaab Reef. Part of Chankanaab Park.  Reef is 300 yards from shore.  More on Chankanaab later.
• Paradise Reef. Near the marine park.  Lots of coral and sea life to see like nurse sharks and stingrays.  3 reefs 600 feet from the shore.
• Palancar Reef. Better for diving.   Stunning caves and drop-offs.
• El Cielo Reef. Great for beginner snorkelers.  Shallow water. Lots of starfish.
• Coral at Dzul Ha. 10 to 15 foot depth with plenty of lobster, crab, and all kinds of fish.   Near beach club and restaurant.
• Colombia Reef. Great for diving with 80 foot drop-off.  Find huge towers of coral, caves, caverns and marine creatures.

There are many more places you can dive and snorkel in Cozumel, so don’t look at this list as exhaustive. In fact, if you have a great reef to check out please let us know in the comment section below this post.  We will add it to the list if it looks good so everyone else can benefit.

The first time I went to Cozumel I brought my own snorkel gear and just pulled over at random places to check out the water.  It’s really hard NOT to see some amazing things in the water around Cozumel.

RELATED: Best Places in the Caribbean for Snorkeling

2.  Go on a Boat Tour

Since the water around Cozumel is so remarkable why not take a boat ride around it so you can see the whole thing on a shore excursion?

Sponsored Links

You can do this on a catamaran, glass-bottom boat, or even a private charter.   The nice thing about booking a snorkeling or diving excursion is that some of them will involve a boat ride to the reef and you will get to have a scenic boat ride at the same time.

3.  Take a Submarine Tour

Want to see the reefs without getting wet?  Then a submarine tour is just for you.   The submarine will descend 100 feet below the surface and will look through portholes to see amazing marine life, a sunken shipwreck, and even a 400 foot drop-off known as The Wall.

4.  Enjoy a Beautiful Beach Day (best beaches in Cozumel)

Cozumel has some of the most amazing beaches in all of Mexico and there are a variety to choose from.   You can choose a beach for it’s snorkeling opportunities, it’s relaxing atmosphere, or for its culinary delights that are nearby.

If you rent a vehicle you can just drive around to see the different beaches to see which is best for what you want your beach day to be like.  The eastern side of the island is rocky and exposed to the open ocean, but there are still some hidden away spots that are perfect for a beach day.

Here is a short list of some of our favorite beaches in Cozumel:

• Playa Chen Rio. On the eastern side but large rocks break up the surf. This is where some locals go and it’s not usually very crowded.  Some thick vegetation with sand and rocks.
• Playa Bonita. Romantic beach with white sands and gentle waves.  On the east.  Mayan ruins nearby.
• Playa Corona. Known for its great diving and underwater scenery.   Beach huts for shade.  On the west coast.
• Playa Uvas. If you want a Miami Beach kind of vibe with upscale loungers and shade spots this is your beach.
• Playa San Francisco. A lot of activities available at this popular 3 mile stretch of sand.
• Palancar Beach. 13 miles south of San Miguel.  Away from the hustle and bustle.  Lovely white sandy beach.

Are any beaches near the cruise ports in Cozumel?  While there are some beaches close to Puerta Maya and International pier they will require a fee.  Park Royal Beach is just a 5-minute walk from these two terminals and will require $40 per person to access since it’s part of a hotel.  But the amenities and views from there are fantastic.

Have your own beach to add to this list?  Let us know in the comments below.

5.  Swim with stingrays

It’s an incredible experience to swim with the rays at Stingray Beach.  Don’t worry, the dangerous barbs have been removed.  You can both swim and snorkel with these amazing creatures.  It’s just a couple minutes from downtown.

6.  Visit Chankanaab National Park

It amazes me how many people have been to Cozumel and have never been to Chankanaab.  It’s one of my go-to places on the island.   It does cost $21 for adults and $14 for children to have access to the park, but once inside you will find enough things for everyone to do for the entire day.

There are great beaches, plenty of shaded loungers and hammocks, a pristine lagoon, alligators, a seal and sea lion show, dolphins, manatees, and so much more.  Want to just relax in a hammock tied to a couple palm trees while the kids go have fun?  This is your place in Cozumel.

If you want to swim with dolphins this is a great place to do it as well.

See a video of what Chankanaab is like below:

7.  Explore Mayan Ruins

Cozumel is not known for some of the most elaborate Mayan ruins in Mexico, but there are still some worth checking out if you are interested.

The largest Mayan ruins in Cozumel are at San Gervasio, located in the central part of the island.  This was a holy site dedicated to the goddess of fertility.

If you want truly spectacular Mayan ruins you can still see them during your cruise to Cozumel, but since they are on the main land of Mexico it will be an all-day event which will require a ferry ride.  Chichen Itza (recently named one of the 7 wonders of the world) and Tulum are the main Mayan sites you can see.  If you can only see one, check out Chichen Itza.  It’s truly spectacular.

8.  Tour the Chocolate Factory

I did the chocolate factory tour a few years ago and found it to be a really interesting experience.  It’s not a huge factory, but you get to see how the chocolate is locally made and then you get to make some yourself.  And of course the best part is sampling the chocolate after you are done.

It’s called Kaokao Chocolate Factory and is just a $15 or so cab ride away.  I recommend getting reservations ahead of time because time slots can fill up quickly.

9.  Zipline over Cozumel

There are a few different places for zipline thrill seekers.  Chankanaab does have a zipline course or you can take a zipline course that soars over some of the mangrove forest in Cozumel.  You will be 60 feet above the jungle floor and start off from 6 different canopy towers.    Most of the course can be done in about an hour so you will still have time for other activities.

10.  Go on a Cave Tour

Some of the most incredible caves are found on the mainland at Rio Secreto, where adventurers can explore a picturesque underwater river.  This place could easily be a wonder of the world.  Other cave tours start out with an ATV ride through the wild back roads of Cozumel.

11.  Go Horseback Riding

You’ve seen the pictures: a scenic beach background with someone riding a horse along the shoreline.  This is on my to-do list actually, and Cozumel is a great place to check it off.  You can ride horseback through the jungle and then along the beach, and then you can stop to get something to eat at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club.

12.  Play a Round of Golf in Paradise

Cozumel Country Club is right near the shore and offers 18 holes of scenic beauty.  The fairways and greens may not be as lush as what you’re used to, but the wildlife and surroundings make up for it.  It’s about a 30 minute cab ride from the cruise port.

13.  Go Parasailing

The joy of parasailing is in the aerial views you get to soak in.  So, it’s even more enjoyable when those views are of some of the most pristine water along Mexico.    There’s just something about being hundreds of feet in the air, being pulled by a speed boat.   The only thing to keep in mind here is that you may be with a group.  This means you will have to wait your turn and may spend more time in the boat waiting than actually up in the air enjoying your parasailing experience.

14.  Join the Manatees for a Swim Encounter

This is also part of Chankanaab Park which is open from 9am to 5pm.  These slow-moving creatures are rarely seen in the wild so this excursion offers you the ability to get up close and personal with these “Mermaids of the Sea”.

15.  Join a Pirate Dinner Cruise

If you want to feel like a pirate for the day and get some great food along with some unique entertainment this is the activity for you.  I’ve read some rave reviews about the Jean Laffite Pirate Dinner Cruise but have not checked it out myself.   But for most cruises this option will take place too late in the day, so it’s really only doable if you are staying in Cozumel for a few nights.  It goes from 6pm to 9pm, but I still wanted to put it in this list.

16.  Hit the Shops

You don’t’ even have to leave the cruise terminal to find places to shop, but do yourself and the Cozumel locals a favor by venturing out and shopping from local vendors.  T-shirts and trinkets are incredible affordable and I haven’t found shop owners to be too pushy compared to other ports.

The Royal Village Shopping Center has some really interesting places to shop, including one place that sells all kinds of medieval type armor and décor.

Everyone needs at least 1 or 2 Mexican blankets at home and you will find them everywhere in Cozumel.

You can pay in pesos or US dollars.  In fact, you will see a lot of signs with prices in US dollars.

Important note: Just be careful on using local ATM machines.  Last time I used an ATM machine in Cozumel I had my card information hacked.  Stick to indoor bank ATM’s if you can and always cover your hand as you type in your pin.

17.  Discover Mexico

You can’t see all of Mexico during your cruise, but this little stop will allow you to at least feel like you did.  The tour at Discover Mexico Park will allow you to experience the taste, culture, history, heritage, art, and music of Mexico.  There are miniature scale models of famous sites from around Mexico and a tour guide will talk you through some of this country’s most important landmarks.

18.  See the Cozumel Pearl Farm

Not many cruisers venture up to the northern part of the islands to see this family-run pearl farm, but you should.  After seeing how the pearls are grown and harvested you can snorkel out to see the pearl hatchery.  While snorkeling you can see an underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.  Tours can last about 6 hours.

19.  Take a Mini-Sub Dive Tour

If you love the idea of scuba diving but you want something a bit simpler, this might be the Cozumel activity for you.  No previous diving experience is required.  You simply “wear” a sort of “sub suit” that allows you to go 20 feet below the water and have unobstructed views of the marine life.  And with Cozumel’s reputation for great reefs and pristine coral, this is a great thing to do while cruising to this beautiful island.

20.  Join the Amazing Cozumel Race

Just like you’ve seen on TV, you can explore Cozumel while cracking clues, solving mysteries, and playing adventurous games with fellow travelers.   This competitive journey will take about 4.5 hours and there is a post-race award ceremony that follows.   People seem to really enjoy this excursion.  Even if the it ends up raining you won’t be able to dampen the fun vibe on this activity.

21.  Swim with Whale Sharks

Sure you can swim with dophins and stingrays on Cozumel, but if you really want to kick things up a notch and take some impressive photos for your friends back home, swimming with whale sharks is the ticket.  Every summer the whale sharks come in to the Yucatan Peninsula, so you can snorkel along with them during their annual migration (June – September).  The feeling of being so close to these immense creatures is unforgettable.

22.  Visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Nature lovers can indulge in the island’s largest ecological reserve at Punta Sur.   Whether you want to enjoy the white sandy beaches, climb the stairs to the historic Celarain Lighthouse, or catch up with the local crocodiles, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a gem on Cozumel.   You can find a variety of flora, fauna, flowers, birds, and even sea turtles.  Visitors can also enjoy the Navigation Museum which is the old lighthouse keeper’s home.  There they will learn about the island’s rich history of Mayans and pirates that sailed the Caribbean waters.

23.  Tantalize Your Taste Buds with Cozumel Chef Food Tours

Are you a foodie?  Taste the full flavors of Mexico with a food tour that lets you sample the best the islands has to offer.  Cozumel Chef Food Tours is all-inclusive and takes you to a Yucatecan restaurant, a traditional Mexican market, a bakery, and a few other stops along the way on this 3 hour tour.  Want to taste a truly authentic quesadilla?  This is a food tour you will brag about when you get home.  The cost is $80 per person, and the tours typically start at 11am, perfect for cruise passengers.

You can also eat at some local restaurants yourself.  Here are some places to eat in Cozumel that some of our readers have recommended:

• Los Tacotales –  A great affordable option for street tacos and pozole in an open-air restaurant.
• Casa Cuzamil – For seafood lovers on a budget, get your fix of shrimp tacos, grilled fish, and ceviche.  There’s also a sports bar here.
• La Cocay – This Mediterranean and Italian steakhouse has a lovely garden setting and serves everything from small plates and tapas to steaks and pizza.
• La Candela – A popular place among the locals of Cozumel, this restaurant serves Mexican and Caribbean entrees for mid-range prices.  I really enjoyed my experience here.  Great portions for hot meals in the heart of town.
• Ix Kool Mayan – If you want true, authentic Mayan dishes, this is the place for you.  A higher-end restaurant, this establishment serves pork panucho, cochinita and other delicacies you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
• Guido’s – A combination of seafood and Italian dishes, Guido’s offers a fine dining experience with open-air seating.  Both the service and food are typically very good.
• Buccanos At Night – Situated right on the coast, this restaurant is known for elegant dining and exquisite dishes.  You can order seafood or local dishes at Buccanos at Night, which is considered by many to be one of the best places to eat on the island.

We Want to Hear from You

What are some things to do in Cozumel that you would add to the list?  Let us know in the comments below so everyone can benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Cozumel Cruise Port

Q: How do cruise ships dock in Cozumel?

A: There are three main cruise ship piers in Cozumel: Punta Langosta, the International Pier, and Puerta Maya. All three piers are located on the west side of the island.

• Punta Langosta is the closest pier to the town of San Miguel de Cozumel, the largest town on the island. It is also the smallest of the three piers, and can only accommodate smaller cruise ships.
• The International Pier is located about 3 miles south of San Miguel. It is the largest of the three piers, and can accommodate the largest cruise ships.
• Puerta Maya is located about 5 miles south of San Miguel. It is the second-largest of the three piers, and can accommodate a variety of cruise ship sizes.

Q: How can I get to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel Cruise Port?

A: Playa del Carmen is a popular destination located on the mainland, just a short 45-minute ferry ride away from Cozumel. You can easily take a ferry from the ferry terminal in Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and beaches.

Q: Where can I find a taxi at Cozumel Cruise Port?

A: Taxis are readily available at the Cozumel Cruise Port. You can find taxi stands near the cruise terminal where you can easily hail a taxi to take you to your desired destination on the island.

Q: What is Puerta Maya?

A: Puerta Maya is a popular cruise ship port in Cozumel. It is one of the main cruise ship terminals in Cozumel and is known for its convenient location near many tourist attractions and activities.

Q: What is the best way to explore Cozumel during a cruise?

A: Personally, I prefer to explore Cozumel on my own.  If you’re new to the island you can just hire a tax to take you to all the best spots and get an overview of the island.  But for those worried about getting back to the ship on time, it’s best to just take book a shore excursion.  I’ve booked excursions, hired taxis, rented scooters, and rented cars in Cozumel, and it’s a very easy place to navigate.

Q: Can I visit Cozumel independently without a shore excursion?

A: Yes, you can certainly explore Cozumel independently without a shore excursion. The port area is well-connected to the rest of the island, and you can easily hire a taxi or rent a car to explore the island at your own pace.

Q: What are some popular cruise itineraries that include Cozumel?

A: Cozumel is a popular destination on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Major cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line include Cozumel as a port of call in many of their itineraries.

Cruise ships have often been famously referred to as floating buffets at sea – and for good reason. With all-you-can-eat pizza, cake, steak, and lobster, the options truly are endless.

But we often see the same mistakes made when it comes to dining on a cruise ship.  A little cruise buffet etiquette can go a long way to ensure everyone on the ship has a pleasant vacation.

Almost all major cruise ships have at least one buffet on board, which is included in your cruise fare. What’s also included is the 10 pounds you’re sure to gain from sampling all these culinary delights.

Although cruise dining has an overall laid back vibe, there are some unwritten rules you should know before you belly up to the bar – or the buffet that is. Read on to learn about these 10 golden rules every cruiser should follow.

1. Don’t Cut the Unofficial Line (You Know It’s There)

While the buffets on cruise ships are known for being more fun and easy-going compared to its counterparts (looking at you, Main Dining Room), it goes without saying that there is some form of structure and order. A prime example of this would be the lines of hungry people snaked throughout the room.

Cutting people off at the store wouldn’t fly on land, and it isn’t permissible (nor polite) onboard. Instead, exercising your patience and waiting your turn is not only encouraged, but required here.

In the instance you approach a selection of food you’d rather skip all together, you can either wait patiently, or ask the passenger ahead of you in line if you may kindly pass them by. The key here is to ask, as they did arrive before you.

Read more: 12 biggest cruise dining mistakes to avoid

2. Always Wash Your Hands First

The saying may go that your eyes eat before your stomach, but your hands get washed before you do any anything else.

Cruise ships have an overabundance of restrooms, hand-washing stations, and now, hand sanitizer pumps dispersed throughout the vessel. These sanitizer pumps are typically stationed at the entrance of all dining rooms to encourage all guests to wash up before eating.

Even though you will not be touching the food directly (right?), you will be handling those serving utensils that everyone else also touched. You wouldn’t want the person in line ahead of you to have dirty hands, so wash yours too.

3. Use the Tongs (Not Your Hands)

This one isn’t just for the kids (though they are the biggest offenders) – adults are just as guilty.

While it can be tempting to grab that last slice of cheese, sitting all alone with your fingers, just don’t do it. There are food handling utensils for a good reason, and the cruise line expects that everyone uses them.

Related: 10 reasons to eat dinner at the buffet on a cruise

4. Watch Your Children

Speaking of children – watch and accompany your children at all times in the buffet and seating area. Period.

Sponsored Links

The buffet area commonly stores hot plates, foods, glassware and other items that can pose harm to children and others if not handled properly. As a parent, it is your responsibility to watch, and escort them to and throughout the buffet.

Children also need gentle reminders on buffet etiquette such as not cutting others in line, not grabbing food with tiny fingers, or running around in inappropriate areas.

5. Always Use a New Plate

One of the unwritten golden rules of buffet dining is that there will be more than one plate of food consumed per person. It goes without saying.

With that in mind, it should be noted that when you go back for seconds (or thirds, nobody is judging on a cruise), leave your used plate on your table and grab a new, clean one.

Buffet dining halls have plenty of staff members rounding the tables to take away dirty plates, silver wear, cups and napkins. This is to avoid the serving spoons and tongs coming into contact with your personal dishes, so please be respectful.

6. Do Not Move the Serving Utensils

Each buffet station has its own set of tongs, spoons, forks, or knifes for a reason – to avoid cross-contamination of different food products. This is primarily for allergy, or dietary reasons but is also to avoid mixing unwanted flavors (because nobody wants French fries in their chocolate cake).

Should you transfer the utensils from one station to another, you are risking serious consequences for other passengers. Some are allergic to shellfish, or peanuts, while some may be following a vegetarian, kosher, or gluten free diet. Keeping the utensils in their proper places allows all guests to dine comfortably.

If you are dining on a cruise ship and have dietary concerns, all cruise lines encourage you to speak directly to the maître d. They can modify dishes, or even prepare special dishes for you without risk.

Read more: 25 cruise cabin hacks to make your stateroom more livable

7. Don’t Take All of the Cookies

Make sure to pack your courteous pants with you when you board because you’ll certainly need them in line at the buffet.

Sponsored Links

You’ll encounter many a station where you’re presented with the last couple items, and as respect to the hungry passengers in line behind you: don’t take all of them. Even if you have a table of 4 waiting for you across the room. That’s right – just don’t do it.

The right thing to do here is to take one, leave some behind and alert the chef who’s probably standing behind the station, that the supply is running low and needs to be replenished. They’ll know what to do from there.

And if you really, really (like really) need to take that last cookie, definitely make sure to let a chef know so that everyone else can have one, too.

8. Do Not Eat in Line

With endless, mouthwatering options, eating while standing in line (that seems to move at a snail’s pace) can be painfully tempting, but don’t do it.

The food on your plate, nor at the buffet, isn’t going anywhere and this may be a good opportunity to practice patience (and to teach little ones about this virtue as well).

Eating in line is unsanitary and defeats the purpose of rule number 2 – washing your hands first. As in, before you eat and touch the utensils you’re using as a vehicle to put the food on your plate. It’s just rude and sends the wrong message to other guests.

Related: 15 most popular dining venues on cruise ships

9. Don’t Overload Your Plate

Again – cruise food makes you salivate, so loading up your plate can happen before you even realize it. Why should you have to choose between nachos, and French fries? Here’s the thing though: you don’t.

There are tactics to avoid overloading one plate and appearing gluttonous to other passengers. You can eat in shifts by taking one plate at a time. Start with a salad, then your entrée, and then move onto dessert(s).

Or, if you’d rather make one trip, you can take a little bit of everything instead of normal-sized portions of each item. Think: Thanksgiving-style, cruise ship edition.

10. Be Kind to All Staff Members

Above all, expressing your kindness, sincerity and appreciation to staff members throughout the buffet dining hall, and within the dining room should go without saying, but is certainly worth mentioning.

While all cruise staff members are there to serve you (and certainly go above and beyond to make your experience memorable and exceptionable), passengers need keep in mind that they are deserving of respect.

Make sure to always say please, thank you, or no thank you, to smile and wave and let them know when they have made a difference in your dining experience!

Read more: 10 biggest things that can ruin your cruise

Final Thoughts

Cruises are the best vacation you can take if you’re looking to sample the flavors of the world in a single sitting. This truly all-you-can-eat experience coupled with a casual environment is not to be missed.

Before you embark on your next cruise buffet dining experience, please keep in mind the unwritten rules of the dining hall to ensure the best experience for both you and everyone else on board.

Remembering to practice best etiquette such as:

• Ensuring your hands are washed.
• Not handling food with your hands
• Don’t cut the line!
• And being respectful of staff members

These key points will help maintain the laid back, comfortable dining experience that every passenger comes for, and ultimately is why they stay around.

Read more: Cruise dining regrets: 10 foods these travelers say they avoid on every cruise

The most important day of your cruise is about to begin: Embarkation day!  Here are some things that you should do to make the most out of your cruise.

The embarkation day experience on a cruise has changed over the last several years. Various requirements and policy changes have made boarding day slightly different than what you might be expecting.

With all the excitement and anticipation that leads up to this very first day of your cruise vacation it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the all-important embarkation process.

Related: How to find the best cruise cabins

If you’ve ever had a bad embarkation day experience you know how important the information below is going to be to new cruisers. This is essentially the very beginning of your cruise, so making sure it’s as smooth as possible is key.

In this article we are going to cover the 19 things smart travelers always do on the embarkation day of their cruise.

Whether it’s a short 3-nighter or a longer 14-day cruise, the things you do on day one can either enhance or diminish your cruise vacation. Here at Cruise Fever we’re all about helping travelers make the MOST out of their cruise. So, let’s dig into some tips to keep your boarding day painless and stress-free.

The first part of this article will cover things you should do before you arrive at the port.

Actually, the first two items on our list involve things you need to do even before embarkation day.  But this had to be mentioned as it will make your boarding day a lot easier.

Complete online check-in as early as possible

You don’t get on the ship early by showing up at the port early.  In fact, if you show up well before your check-in time you will probably be told to come back later.

Get an early check-in time by doing the online check-in as soon as possible at home. Some cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean) allow you to do this 45 days before your cruise and for others it’s 14 days before, so check with your cruise line so you know how soon you can do this.

More check-in time slots will be available when check-in opens, and those early time slots fill up very fast. The easiest way to do this is through the app, and even if you don’t complete the entire check-in process you can at least lock in the check-in time right away. Often the earliest times are around 10:30am or 11:00am.

Related: Cheapest weeks of the year to cruise

Sponsored Links

Arrive the day before

Here’s another important tip that involves planning before boarding day, but it’s one of my main recommendations when cruising from a port far from home.

Booking a pre-cruise hotel near your cruise port takes all the stress and hassle out of a day that will be rather busy.

I always recommend flying into the city you will be sailing out of 1 or 2 days ahead of time.  This way even if there is bad weather and your flight has to be delayed you won’t have to sweat missing your ship.

Additionally, if you book a hotel that is near the cruise port you can often get free or very inexpensive transportation to the port as part of your stay.  Even if you drive to the port some hotels will allow you to keep your car there during your vacation.

Just make this extra day or two another part of your vacation.

Related: Tips for booking shore excursions

Download the cruise line’s app

You can and should do this step early on as well.  The app makes the check-in process very simple and quick, and it allows you to book all kinds of other amenities you may want on your cruise.

You should pre-book everything you know you will want to do or have on your cruise. Things like drink packages, Wi-Fi, spa services, specialty dining, shore excursions etc. are all things you can book through the app or website.  Additionally, you can often save money by booking in advanced.

Another perk of booking services ahead of time is having more time-slots to choose from, since certain popular restaurants or excursions could fill up quickly.

The more information you fill out in the app the more time you will save in the terminal.  I will mention that a few times in this article, since after all this is all about making that embarkation day as easy as possible

Sponsored Links

Fill out the health questionnaire

This will have to get done anyway, so you might as well get it done early.  You can usually do this through the cruise line’s app, but fill out that questionnaire and save time at the terminal.

Most all U.S. cruise ports have done away with COVID testing protocols and extra requirements, so the questionnaire is pretty much like it was before the shutdowns.  If you need to fill out the paper version of the health questionnaire with your cruise line just fill it out as soon as you can.

Have documentation ready in digital and physical format

Double-check all documents and have both digital and physical copies of each.  Even if you don’t have a physical printout of your documentation at least save the files on your phone offline.  You don’t want to have to rely on your signal strength and delay the process.

Phone signal or Wi-Fi signal in terminal may not be strong, although many newer terminals have Wi-Fi throughout. You can use the folder on your phone or other apps to have copies of your documents that are accessible off-line even if you don’t have a signal.

I always like to make a copy of my passport as well, and I will keep it in my stateroom safe.  So if something happens to my actual passport I at least have a fallback plan to make the next steps a little easier.

And then have all those documents ready to go.  You can keep them in a special case or folder, but you don’t want to be shuffling through your bags when you’re being called up.

Reinforce your luggage tag with a plastic holder

The only thing telling the crew where your suitcase belongs is that luggage tag.  You know, the one you printed off at home and is made out of paper.  And no matter how many times you staple it and try to wrap it in tape, it can still easily fall off.

Save yourself a trip to guest services by picking up a luggage tag holder so you can secure your tag to your bag.  You can pick them up on Amazon pretty cheaply (Affiliate Link).

Put the essentials in your carry-on

Since you will probably and should probably have a porter take your large pieces of luggage for you (more on this later), make sure you always keep the essentials on-hand.

On the rare occurrence that your luggage gets lost or does not show up in your stateroom right away you need to be able to have access to any medications, documents, and devices you will need in the meantime.  I always like to have an extra change of clothing in my carry-on as well in the event this happens.

Having a bathing suit in your carry-on is always a good ideas as well.  The pools, watersides and hot tubs will be open when you board the ship, and many like to enjoy these areas while their staterooms are being prepared.  Another perk of jumping in the pool right away on embarkation day is that they aren’t usually that busy.

Know what items are not allowed

Packing an item that is not allowed on your cruise ship will just bog down your embarkation process.  Know what you should leave at home.  Items like irons and steamers, knives, candles, and even certain types of decorations aren’t allowed on board.

Some of the most common items people put in their luggage are extension cords (including surge-protector power strips) and too much alcohol, as cruise lines only allow for a certain amount to be brought on board.

Also know that weapons and any illegal substances in your bags will just slow down your boarding day process (which could be the least of your worries), so know what is allowed and what isn’t.

Arrive at the check-time time

You can arrive a few minutes before your check-in time as you allow for the time it takes to park and grab your luggage, but don’t get there too early.  As mentioned earlier, you will more than likely be turned away and told to come back later if you arrive well ahead of your check-in time.  This can depend on the port or terminal on how they enforce this.

Let the porter take your bags

You might want to save a few dollars by carrying all your luggage onto the ship yourself, but don’t.   Not only will it be a major pain to walk through the ship with all those bags, it will only make elevators more cramped and be a nuisance to other travelers.  You only need to tip a few dollars to the porter and the bags will magically appear in your stateroom.  Again, you will want to keep your essential items with you, so keep that carry-on and let the rest go.

Once on board you should do the following things on embarkation day

Note: Once you’re on the ship you may notice how crowded the atrium area can be.  The mid-ship elevators can get quite crowded as well, so I will usually walk forward or aft to find an easier way to navigate the ship.  You will find elevators and stairwells much more accessible away from the bottleneck of the ship’s entry point.

Make your specialty restaurant reservations

While sometimes you can make these reservations ahead of time through the app, most of the time you have to go to a restaurant on board the ship and make them in person.  If there is a particular restaurant you really want to try and you have a certain time in mind you should do this right after you get on the ship.  Usually you can make reservations at any other restaurants from any single dining venue, so go ahead and get it all done then.

If you have a dining package you should definitely do this right away.  Come prepared with the list of restaurants at which you want to eat, including preferred days and times to enjoy your specialty dining experience.

Some of the best times fill up fast, and there is a greater interest in specialty dining on some of the major lines these days.

One quick tip to note is that typically specialty dining restaurants are not as busy on embarkation day so you can try one of those venues on the first night to see how you like it.

Sponsored Links

Complete the digital e-muster drill

The days of standing in a very crowded line on the lifeboat deck for 30 minutes while a list of names is read aloud are over, for the most part.

In the post-shutdown era some cruise lines are still fine-tuning how they carry out these “digital muster drills”.  But it’s easier now than ever to comply with the requirements of the “lifeboat drill” using an app on your phone or your stateroom’s TV.

With many lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, guests simply need to watch a presentation on their phones and find their way to their muster station where a crew member will record their attendance.  This can be done at different times as long as it’s completed in a timely manner before the ship needs to set sail.

A problem some lines have run into though is that some passengers still fail to report to their muster stations.  And according to International Maritime Law passengers needs to complete the safety briefing before the ship leaves port.   This has lead to the frustration of captain and crew as ships have tight schedules to keep.

So don’t be “that guy” that holds up everyone else’s vacation.  Get the muster drill completed and enjoy that cruise.

Make reservations for shows and activities on the app

Even for some of the free shows on cruise ships it’s recommended that you make a reservation to make sure you have a seat.   This will vary by cruise line, but I recommend you get on the app and see what activities or shows you want to try out that require a reservation.  Some of these can only be booked once you’re on the ship’s Wi-Fi and can’t be done ahead of time.

Check your table assignment in the main dining room

If you have a fixed dining time for your cruise you can head over to the main dining room and see where your table is.  This will help you know its exact location and also if the location needs to be changed for one reason or another.  This is especially important if you’re traveling in a group and would like a table to seat everyone, or even if you’re traveling as a couple and would like a table for two.

Check out the kid’s area

If you’re traveling without children you can skip this one, but if you did happen to bring those precious little angels with you, you should definitely check out the kid’s club.

These areas are like an open-house on embarkation day so you can get a tour of the facilities, meet the staff that will be working with the children, and check out the hours of operation.

This is also when you will get your kids signed-up and, you can go over any allergies or limitations with the crew.  It will take a few minutes to fill out a few forms, but doing this on day one makes it easier later on when it’s time to drop your kids off and scurry away to watch a show.

Your kids will get a wristband and be all set for drop-off later on that night.  I also find that it’s good for the kids to get to meet the staff and see all the cool toys and games so they are more familiar with the area and will even be excited about it (hopefully).

Enjoy some lunch

Most passengers head straight for the buffet area, so that will be the most crowded place to eat.  But many ships have other places you can grab a bite to eat on embarkation day as well.

Many don’t realize that even main dining rooms are often open for lunch and it’s a much quieter way to get some sustenance after a long day of handling logistics.  Wherever you decide to eat make sure you do take the time to start enjoying some of the hard-earned money you spent on the cruise.

Explore the ship

This is my favorite part.  It’s something I do after all the other “business” areas are taken care of.  I might check out a few deck plans ahead of time, but mostly I just peruse the ship and get familiar with my home-away-from-home for the week.

It’s important to do this on day one so you know what the cruise ship actually offers.  I’ve come across many cruisers who found their favorite venue on day 4 or 5 of a cruise and wish they knew about it sooner.

Sure, you can do some of this ahead of time by watching Youtube videos on your cruise ship, but by walking around and exploring in person you will get a better feel for the layout of the ship and spend less time backtracking later on.

Make mental notes along the way of places you want to check out later and just soak it all in.  There’s nothing like that excitement of being on a cruise ship for the first time.

Meet your stateroom attendant

In all the hustle and bustle it’s important not to forget the person who will be cleaning up after you all week.  Meeting your stateroom attendant is not only a nice gesture for the crew, but it also helps to iron out any issues you might have.  If you need the room setup a certain way, need extra pillows, or have any other kinds of needs you can let them know on day one.

And it’s always nice to put a face with a name for a more personal experience.  I always try to make sure my first encounter with my cabin steward is a positive one, not one where I have this huge problem and need it fixed right away.

Related:  Ships with best crew to passenger ratio compared

Check out some embarkation day deals

The cruise ship is always abuzz on embarkation day, and it won’t take long to come across some day 1 deals.  This is especially true in the spa area.  On most cruise ships there is some kind of raffle in the spa on boarding day, and you simply need to enter your name and show up for the drawing.

There are also sales on retail items throughout the ship and many limited time offerings.  So, you might as well take advantage of them.

Put your phone in airplane mode

You don’t have to do this one right away, but sometime before the ship leaves port you will want to enter airplane mode on your devices.  I’ve known many to rack up huge phone bills because their phone connected to the cruise ship’s towers and ran up some serious charges.

And even if your phone does not connect to the ship automatically it will just drain the battery by looking for a signal.  Just go into airplane mode, turn on Wi-Fi to connect to the ship, and enjoy your vacation.  Remember, you don’t actually need to sign up for a Wi-Fi plan to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi.  It’s just a great way to see what’s going on around the ship and stay on top of your account.

Related: Tips for using Wi-Fi on cruise ships

Conclusion

Embarkation day is an exciting part of the cruise experience. It’s important to take the time to enjoy the process and make the most of the day. Make sure you are prepared with all necessary documents, have a plan for getting to your departure port on time, and come with a positive attitude.

While embarkation day can be stressful, it is also a great opportunity to get acquainted with fellow passengers and explore the ship before setting off on your journey.

And yes, there are actually 20 items on our list.  Consider it a bonus ;).

After a $300 million cruise port renovation at Prince George Wharf, Nassau has shattered its previous records for the most passengers in one year.

The cruise port, which can now accommodate up to six cruise ships at once, welcomed 4,490,802 passengers in 2023, according to a press release.

The 1,2010 cruise ships that brought these passengers into port, helped usher in a 14% increase in passengers compared to 2019.

This surge coincides with the completion of the first phase of the port’s ambitious redevelopment.  The recent changes boasts a new arrivals plaza, a vibrant Junkanoo museum, an amphitheater, and a slew of Bahamian-owned shops and restaurants.

“This monumental achievement wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the cruise industry, our dedicated team, and the entire Nassau community,” stated Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. “We’re thrilled to share our newly revitalized waterfront, bursting with Bahamian culture, exciting entertainment, and culinary delights. And remember, even more surprises are in store for 2024!”

The revitalized port wasn’t just about aesthetics; it proved its operational might throughout the year. In March, it shattered its single-day passenger record with 28,554 visitors, only to surpass it again on December 27th with a staggering 29,316. This surge not only surpassed the projected annual target of 4.2 million guests but also etched a new record of 4,490,802 for the year.

This record-breaking year paints a promising picture for Nassau’s future. With a world-class waterfront experience, coupled with the ongoing second phase of development, Nassau Cruise Port is attempting to become a premier destination in the Caribbean, attracting even more visitors and further boosting the local economy that was crushed in 2020.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, I. Chester Cooper estimated that the surge in cruise traffic generated more than $6 billion in visitor spending, making a tremendous impact on the Bahamian economy.

Encouraged by a successful 2023, the port team is even more ambitious for 2024, anticipating at least 5.6 million passengers.

I compared 141 cruise ships from 8 major cruise lines to see which offered the most space based on passenger capacity and ship volume.

*This post has been updated from its original writing and reflects the latest cruise ships to enter the market, including cruise ships that will debut in the next year.

While many factors can have an impact on how crowded a ship may feel, there is a simple formula for figuring out the passenger space ratio.  Additionally, this allows us to compare different ships by the same metric and see how it compares with out experience on the ship.

Related: What is the best cruise line for you?

How the passenger space ratio was calculated on our chart

The formula for the passenger space ratio is simply the gross tonnage (GT) of a cruise ship divided by the passenger capacity of that vessel  (Gross Tonnage ÷ passenger capacity).  In our list we used the standard double-capacity for each ship.  

It’s important to understand that some lines may more commonly exceed the double-capacity figures especially if it’s more usual for families to travel with that line.  Likewise, since the exact number of passengers on a cruise at any given time will be different it’s important to note that this part of the equation should be somewhat flexible.

Related: Cruise ships with the best passenger to cruise ratio (mainstream lines)

What is gross tonnage anyway?

A common misconception is that the gross tonnage of a cruise ship is a measurement of weight.  However, it has nothing to do with weight at all.  In fact, gross tonnage is a unitless measurement of the volume or space of a cruise ship and includes all of the enclosed spaces of the vessel.  This is an important factor, as some areas of a ship’s open-air decks will not be included in the figure.

How else is gross tonnage used?

Ever wonder why some ship’s have bigger fees than others?  Well, the gross tonnage plays a factor.  The overall GT of a ship determines things like registration fees, regulations, safety rules and port dues, depending on each individual port.

Some of the largest cruise ships in the world belong to Royal Caribbean Cruises and have a gross tonnage of over 200,000. In fact, Utopia of the Seas will have a massive GT of 236,860.

Read more: The true cost difference between a balcony cabin and interior stateroom

Other important factors

While using the passenger space ratio can be a simple way to compare ships and how crowded they may feel, it’s not a perfect measurement.  Factors like the overall flow of a ship’s design, how the programs are spaced out, the times in which various events take place, and the demographic of a ship all play a greater role in the feeling of being crowded on a cruise ship.

Additionally, depending on what you like to do on a cruise you might have a vastly different experience than someone else on the very same cruise simply based on what times you took part in different programs, shows, and meals.

So, this list is just a fun way to compare ships based on space and capacity.

I have sorted each cruise line separately so you can compare ships within a specific line, which I think personally is a more accurate way to compare how crowded a cruise ship may or may not feel.  This is simply because each cruise line handles passenger flow differently. 

Sponsored Links

At the end of the page I have also listed all 141 cruise ships in a chart so you can compare all of them at the same time.  The lists below include the following cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Holland America Cruises.

The larger the number in the right hand column the more spacious a ship may feel. At least that’s the idea. A number in the 20’s would feel crowded and cramped while a number in the high 40’s and above may feel spacious.

 The cruise ships below are sorted by the space/passenger ratio. The higher the number the more space per passenger is available on the ship.

Carnival Cruise Line: ships by passenger space ratio

See our list of every Carnival cruise ship currently in service in order of newest to oldest here.

Royal Caribbean Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

Royal Caribbean cruise ships in order from newest to oldest.

Norwegian Cruise Line: ships by passenger space ratio

See every Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship in service from newest to oldest here.

MSC Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

See all MSC Cruises cruise ships in order from newest to oldest.

Disney Cruise Line ships by passenger space ratio

Note: There are two different numbers for capacity on Disney. The first number is for double capacity and the second is for maximum capacity. I thought it was important to have both since many Disney cruises have families with more than 2 occupants in a cabin.

Princess Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

See all Princess Cruises ships from newest to oldest.

Celebrity Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

Sponsored Links

Holland America Cruises: ships by passenger space ratio

The below section is a list of all the above ships in one table. These are again listed in order from least spacious to most spacious based on our passenger space ratio formula.

All 141 Cruise ships by passenger space ratio: sorted least to greatest

Read more: How to avoid crowds on a cruise ship (best tips)

There’s almost a 0% chance you’ll be “bumped” from your cruise.    And even if a cruise line does overbook your cruise, leaving you behind, the likely compensation should definitely ease the pain.

Many people didn’t think this was even possible before news reports out of Brisbane, Australia started circulating last November.

Headlines were made when Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas set sail from Brisbane, leaving behind several passengers with confirmed bookings.  At least 11 cabins that had been booked by potential passengers were given to other cruisers.

The affected customers received a letter from the cruise line outlining their options due to the oversold ship. One option was to wait on standby for a possible stateroom assignment. A couple of waiting families or groups were ultimately allowed to board, but when the ship reached capacity, these 11 remaining parties were left to make other arrangements.

The impacted guests were ultimately offered a full refund, in addition to future cruise credit equivalent to their original cruise fare.  They even received an included beverage package – not a bad consolation prize.

How is a cruise ship overbooked?

Because of the high demand the cruise industry has seen in 2023 and well into 2024, cruise lines allow for a few extra bookings on a ship, knowing that some last-minute cancellations will open up staterooms.

The reality is it’s a high priority for these cruise lines to sail at full capacity, getting the most out of every sailing.

Often a cruise ship will sail at 105% or greater capacity.  This simply means that all of the cabins are occupied, and some have more than two guests in a stateroom, since double-capacity figures are used to reach that 100% figure.

While not common, incidents like the one on Quantum of the Seas are not exclusive to Royal Caribbean. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk of being affected by overbooking:

Read more: 7 biggest cruise cabin booking mistakes

How to avoid getting bumped on an overbooked cruise?

The Royal Caribbean customers who were bumped from their ship in November of 2023 had something in common.  They had booked staterooms with a “guaranteed fare”.

Cruise lines will offer these guaranteed prices at a lower rate if you allow them to assign you a cabin at a later time.  You get to choose a cabin category at a lower price, and you’re “guaranteed” that category.

Keep in mind that these are the “leftover” cabins after all the other passengers have chosen their own staterooms.

Most know the risk is getting a location that’s less than ideal, but very few know it could also mean they could get bumped off an oversold ship because of it.    Although again, this is a very rare occurrence.

Sponsored Links

Avoid guaranteed fares

Choosing your own stateroom can keep this from happening to you.  It really shouldn’t happen in the first place, and some cruise lines are trying to address the issue as demand for cruising continues to heat up.

But if you have picked out and paid for your specific stateroom rather than a guaranteed cabin category, you won’t have to worry about being bumped off the list.

Check in early

If you do decide to book a cruise with a guaranteed fare, you should take care of check-in as early as possible.  I always set a reminder on my calendar on the exact date that I can check in online.

The exact number of days before a sailing that you can check in varies by different cruise lines.

With Royal Caribbean you can check in 45 days before a cruise and with Carnival it’s 14 days.  But double-check with your particular cruise line.

The check-in process will expedite the cabin selection process and you will be less likely to get the dreaded cruise bump.

Related: 19 things you should do on cruise embarkation day

Get some travel insurance

And thirdly, always pay the extra money for travel insurance.   It might seem like a waste of money or excess spending at the time, but one incident like this will make it all worth it.

Even though those bumped cruise travelers were given a refund and future cruise credit, they still incurred other travel costs that they were not anticipating.

In addition to trip interruption coverage, cruise travel insurance can give you peace of mind if something comes up at the last minute and you need to cancel your cruise.

Sponsored Links

Read more:  Cruise travel insurance and why you need it

What to do if you do get bumped

It’s unlikely this will ever happen to you, but if it does here are a few pointers.

• Stay calm, be polite and talk it out – While it’s no fun to miss your cruise, keeping your cool and having a friendly conversation with the cruise line can really help. Just tell them clearly what you’d like (maybe a refund, or sailing on another day) and see what they can do. You might be surprised.
• Understand your options – Whether it’s a full refund, future cruise credit, or a rebooking, make sure you know all of your options first.
• Negotiate – While the cruise line will present initial options, you have the right to discuss additional possibilities. Politely present alternative sailings you find suitable or inquire about compensation for non-refundable travel arrangements impacted by the overbooking.

Related:  5 reasons you don’t need a travel agent for your cruise and one big reason you do

Final Thoughts

While overbooking is rare it can happen.  Embracing early booking, strategic cabin selection, and awareness of cruise line policies.  This way you can minimize the risk and maximize your chances of a worry-free cruise.

If these kinds of incidences happened more regularly, it would only incentivize trying to get bumped in order to enjoy some of the make-goods that are often offered by cruise lines.   But with cruise lines trying to take advantage of the strong demand for cruising, it’s likely this could happen again in 2024.

Read more: Skipping ports: 8 reasons your cruise ship might not visit your planned ports of call

A cruise line has added visits to ports that aren’t seldomly visited by cruise ships on new itineraries in 2024 and 2025.

Oceania Cruises, a premium cruise line from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has announced new cruise itineraries that will visit seldom visited ports in Africa and Asia over the next two years.

These new cruises include a 59 day voyage that visits off-the-beaten path ports. The cruise will take place on Riviera departing from Barcelona, Spain. After a visit to the Canary Islands, the cruise ship will head down the coast of Western Africa visiting ports in Senegal, Gambia, Ghana and Namibia.

After an overnight stay in Cape Town, the ship will head to Madagascar, Tanzania, the Maldives, Thailand, and Malaysia before arriving in Singapore.

These new cruises will range from 27 to 59 nights in length visiting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

All guests sailing on these new cruises benefit from Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE offering. It includes:

• Shore excursion credit of up to $2,600 per stateroom
• Free roundtrip airfare
• Free airport transfers
• free Champagne, wine and more during lunch and dinner
• Free soft drinks and specialty teas and coffees
• Free gourmet specialty dining
• Free unlimited WiFi

Frank A Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, gave the following statement about the new cruises: “These longer, destination-immersive voyages offer curious, well-traveled guests the chance to explore some of the most off-the-beaten-path ports in the world, all from the elegant surroundings of Riviera. Sailing from Europe to Asia, via both coasts of Africa, is a true bucket list journey, combining iconic cities and unknown gems, with our incredible onboard service and the best value in luxury cruising, these voyages are hard to resist”.

All cabins on Riviera have been reimagined and standard staterooms measure 291 square feet.

Oceania Cruises is one of the world’s leading destination and culinary focused cruise lines.

The cruise line has eight ships in their fleet, with the largest carrying just 1,250 guests.

Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, will arrive in the U.S. for the first time this week. The vessel is the largest cruise ship ever built and is scheduled to arrive in Miami on Wednesday, a few weeks ahead of its inaugural cruise.

Royal Caribbean will be hosting an Icon arrival party at 7 a.m. on Wednesday at PortMiami. There will be games, breakfast bites, live music and giveaways every 15 minutes. The event will take place at the Perez Art Museum Miami.

Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship ever built and the first ever to be over 250,000 gross tons in size. The ship has more than 40 dining and beverage venues and the cruise line is calling it the ultimate vacation.

Icon of the Seas will sail its inaugural cruise from Miami on January 27, a week long cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. The ship will first host a couple three night preview sailings for media and travel agents so they can get a first hand look at the world’s largest cruise ship.

Icon of the Seas will be christened in Miami on January 23 by soccer legend Lionel Messi.

The cruise ship is divided up into eight neighborhoods including a new one that is just for families.

Icon of the Seas has everything from record breaking waterslides to the largest swimming pool at sea. There are more than 28 cabin types to choose from, something for everyone.

One of the most unique features on the cruise ship will be the AquaDome, located on the top front. The AquaDome will feature incredible diving shows in the AquaTheater that will have everything from robots to skateboarders. It also contains the cruise line’s first food hall.

Entertainment is promising to be unlike anything we’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. Icon of the Seas will be the first to feature The Wizard of Oz that will be one of four signature stage shows.

The ship’s next level AquaDome will feature 75 world class performers. There’s also an ice skating rink and 50 live musicians will perform around the ship.

Royal Caribbean took the best of all their cruise ships and put them into Icon of the Seas.

The cruise line took delivery of the ship in late November and has spent the past month and half preparing the vessel for its inaugural sailings.

Icon of the Seas will homeport in Miami for at least the next two years. The ship will rotate between week long cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. All of the ship’s cruises from Miami will visit CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s insanely popular private island in The Bahamas. View Cruises Offered on Icon of the Seas