Villa Vie Residences has revealed significant changes to the itinerary of its three-year world cruise aboard the Odyssey, which recently began service.
Originally planned to explore North America and the Caribbean in October, the cruise will now commence its journey in Europe.
This comes after a launch that was notably delayed by several months, with many false starts before the itinerary could begin.
The Odyssey, a ship originally built in 1993, will now start its European tour, visiting destinations such as France, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, and Morocco.
A notable highlight includes sailing up the Guadalquivir River for a two-day visit to Seville, Spain.
Following this, the ship will proceed to the Canary Islands, stopping in Funchal, Madeira, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, before heading to Africa with scheduled visits to Dakar, Senegal, and two ports in Cape Verde: Porto Grande and Praia.
After completing its African segment, the Odyssey will embark on an eight-day transatlantic journey, resuming its original itinerary in Bridgetown, Barbados, by mid-November.
In December, before transiting the Panama Canal, the ship will visit Caribbean destinations such as St. Maarten, Fort-de-France, and St. John’s.
In early 2025, the Odyssey will explore South America, with plans to navigate the Amazon River and offer scenic cruising in Antarctica.
The ship will make its North American debut in April, focusing on the U.S. West Coast, followed by summer exploration of Alaska and Canada.
The itinerary was up in the air following the delayed launch, but now those guests who’ve bought residential cabins can start to look forward to exploring the world with this new itinerary.
Cabins are also available for anyone who wishes to join the ship for part of the journey – segments are on sale now through the Villa Vie Residences website.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A young woman, reportedly in her 20s, tragically fell overboard from MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa near the Channel Islands in the English Channel on 12th October 2024. The incident occurred…
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A young woman, reportedly in her 20s, tragically fell overboard from MSC Cruises’ MSC Virtuosa near the Channel Islands in the English Channel on 12th October 2024.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight as the ship was travelling from the Channel Islands to Southampton, England. A distress call was made at 2 a.m., which led to immediate rescue operations.
The crew used spotlights to search the waters, and within half an hour the French navy had recovered the passenger and taken her to a hospital in Tourlaville, Normandy, where she was pronounced dead.
MSC Virtuosa was on a 14-night Northern Europe voyage. The ship had recently visited Lisbon, Portugal, and was nearing the end of its journey in Southampton.
“A guest on board MSC Virtuosa went overboard on 12 October, while the ship was sailing to Southampton. The body was later recovered with the involvement of the authorities.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Out of respect for their privacy, we will not be providing further details.”
MSC Cruises statement
The circumstances surrounding the fall are currently under investigation. Officials are examining surveillance footage and interviewing potential witnesses to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
Overboard incidents with MSC
In the past year, MSC Cruises has faced several unfortunate incidents of passengers and crew members going overboard.
In June 2024, a crew member from the MSC Musica went overboard while the ship was sailing through the Mediterranean.
And just prior to that, a passenger aboard the MSC Euribia fell overboard in Norway. Fortunately, the individual was rescued by helicopter and transported to a hospital for medical attention.
This marked the second such incident for the MSC Euribia within a span of three months. In March 2024, a 23-year-old Scottish passenger went missing after falling overboard during the ship’s voyage to Hamburg, Germany.
Additionally, in February 2024, an American passenger fell overboard from MSC World Europa while the ship was docked in Malta.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Villa Vie Residences has revealed significant changes to the itinerary of its three-year world cruise aboard the Odyssey, which recently began service. Originally planned to explore North America and the…
A Carnival cruise passenger has complained that she felt discriminated against during a comedy performance, after being unable to see the comedian from her seat. John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador,…
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My name is Leonie Fielding and I am 9 years old. This is my review of ‘Captain Hudson: A Suprise From The Sea’, a book by Emma Le Teace (Emma Cruises) and Jerome Vincent.
This is an amazing book where Emma finds a talking kitten on the beach named Hudson who dreams of being the captain of his own ship one day.
My mum bought me this book because she knows that I love cruises and cats so she thought I would like it, which I did!
Main Characters
The main characters are Emma and Hudson. Hudson is a resilient cat who always thinks positively and Emma is a nine-year-old girl who loves animals and going to sea. (Just like me!)
Summary of the Plot
Emma and Hudson became best friends as soon as she took him home from the beach. They then went on a pet friendly cruise, but later on their journey Emma has to decide whether to let Hudson follow his dreams and be the captain of a ship in another dimension or to keep him with her.
Themes and Messages
Emma was brave and let Hudson follow his dreams. This means that you can’t always keep someone with you and you have to let them go at one point, and maybe you will meet them again. I think this message is very inspirational.
My Opinion
I liked how Emma and Hudson work so well together. The ending is a bit sad but I will not give it away to you.
The illustrations are excellent and really manage to show how the characters are feeling.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to kids interested in boats and cruises because if you want to know about them this book can give you some information.
It is also really handy for Americans because it has all the Britishisms. For people who don’t know, a Britishism is when you explain the American meaning of a British word.
Rating
I rate this book four out of five stars!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
A Carnival cruise passenger has complained that she felt discriminated against during a comedy performance, after being unable to see the comedian from her seat.
John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, posted the passenger’s complaint (anonymised) which detailed how, at 5 ft 6, she was unable to enjoy the comedy show in full.
She claimed that anyone over 6 feet tall should be forced to sit in the back row of all Carnival shows, and that “these guys get enough privileges in life” as it is.
She also says that she asked for reserved seating while onboard so that she could sit in the front row, but was told this wasn’t possible, which is her grounds for claiming discrimination.
Heald responded to the complaint publicly, saying that while he understood the inconvenience, it wouldn’t be fair to allow all adults of 5 ft 6 to reserve seating.
Heald also rightly asked whether that was considered short – according to the most recent data, the average height for men in the UK and US is 5 ft 9 while the average height for women is 5 ft 3.5 inches.
He also added a dollop of his trademark humour:
Is this discrimination? I really don’t want her to be upset and protest in the atrium screaming:
What do we want? Rights for small people When do we want them? Shortly
John Heald’s Facebook page
As he also stated, the solution for anyone concerned about being able to see the show was to get there early, to make sure you have the best seat.
While I don’t agree with the guest here, I do think that adults on a Disney cruise wearing Mickey ears during a show are being selfish and are causing unnecessary problems.
If you’re wearing something on your head which could restrict the view of those behind you, take it off for the show.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Oceania Cruises is introducing a new dining venue called the Crêperie on its forthcoming ship, Allura.
This ship is scheduled to set sail in July 2025. The Crêperie will provide guests with a selection of sweet delights, making it a special spot for dessert enthusiasts.
The Crêperie is part of Oceania Cruises’ commitment to delivering “The Finest Cuisine at Sea.”
It will feature a menu brimming with French crêpes and other delectable options. Guests can enjoy classic crêpes like crêpe Suzette or customise their own with various toppings.
“Allura, our eighth elegant small ship, represents the next step in Oceania Cruises’ evolution and a new way of exploring the world. Food is at the heart of everything we do at Oceania Cruises; The Finest Cuisine at Sea is not just a tagline, it’s a philosophy which drives our whole business
“However, finest does not always mean the fanciest – and our more relaxed, yet still refined, culinary venues, such as the beautiful new Crêperie aboard Allura, is a perfect example of this. With this addition on board Allura, our guests have never had more choice in what to eat and when – and of course all our dining venues on board are included for all guests free of charge.“
Frank Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises
Situated next to Baristas, the cruise line’s coffee bar, the Crêperie will be a cosy and welcoming place. Guests can enjoy their treats in a setting reminiscent of a small café.
The menu at the Crêperie is crafted by Executive Culinary Directors and Master Chefs of France, Alex Quaretti and Eric Barale. There will be over 20 options to choose from, including both classic and innovative creations.
All dining venues, including the Crêperie, are included at no extra cost, offering great value. This means guests can enjoy a variety of foods without worrying about additional charges, enhancing their cruise experience.
More to explore on Allura
In addition to the Crêperie, Allura will offer a range of other exciting features and experiences for guests.
As the newest addition to Oceania Cruises’ fleet, Allura will continue the line’s tradition of intimate, luxurious cruising with a guest capacity of 1,200.
The ship will debut new spacious stateroom designs, including lavish Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively by the Ralph Lauren Home collection.
Guests onboard Allura can also expect an enhanced wellness offering, with the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center providing state-of-the-art treatments and fitness programs, including plant-based culinary options at the Aquamar Kitchen.
The ship will feature the new Broadway-calibre entertainment venue, offering a series of vibrant performances, as well as a reimagined casino for those looking to enjoy some gaming.
For art lovers, Allura will also introduce new enrichment programs, including immersive art classes and guest lectures from experts in various fields.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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MSC Cruises has expanded its partnership with Guinness World Records to encompass its entire fleet over the next year.
This decision follows the achievement of 30 world record titles in just 18 months since the partnership began in March 2023 on MSC Seascape and MSC World Europa.
The programme allows guests to attempt breaking official Guinness World Records through various onboard activities.
It’s currently available on 12 MSC ships, including MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Euribia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC World Europa.
“The program has been hugely popular among guests, both adults and children alike. MSC Cruises guests and crew to date have broken 30 Guinness world record titles…
“We’re excited to be able to offer it on more of our ships for guests of all ages to enjoy. The extended partnership is part of MSC Cruises’ broader strategy to further elevate their onboard immersive entertainment programs and provide carefully crafted entertainment for guests of all tastes.
Steve Leatham, vice president of entertainment, MSC Cruises
The activities are popular with guests of all ages, featuring challenges such as pulling 100 metres of rope the fastest, completing 20 chair rotations in under 21 seconds, and putting on the most pairs of socks on one foot in under 30 seconds.
Participants who break a record are verified by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator and receive a certificate.
Since the programme began, MSC Cruises guests and crew have broken 30 Guinness World Record titles. These achievements are celebrated onboard, with participants receiving recognition for their efforts.
Variety is key for MSC
Beyond the thrill of breaking records, MSC Cruises offers a diverse range of activities to keep guests entertained throughout their journey.
From exhilarating waterslides and VR experiences in the MSC Virtual World to relaxing spa treatments and yoga sessions with panoramic sea views, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can also enjoy impressive theatre shows, culinary workshops, and themed parties.
For the more adventurous, the thrilling zip line or Formula 1 simulators offer unforgettable experiences, ensuring a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement at sea.
Activities and facilities vary by ship, so always check before you book.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Royal Caribbean International has unveiled plans for Perfect Day Mexico, a new private destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast near Mahahual, scheduled to open in 2027.
This is part of the cruise line’s strategy to expand its exclusive holiday spots, following the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Perfect Day Mexico will offer a blend of thrilling activities and relaxation, leveraging the natural beauty and culture of Mexico.
The destination will feature water parks, pools, restaurants, and bars, providing a comprehensive holiday experience for families and adventurers alike.
Royal Caribbean is collaborating with the state of Quintana Roo to prioritise sustainable tourism, which includes being environmentally responsible and engaging with the community. The project is expected to boost the local economy and enhance tourism in southern Quintana Roo.
The destination will incorporate eco-friendly initiatives to minimise its environmental impact, such as waste reduction and energy efficiency programmes. Perfect Day Mexico will be a model for sustainable tourism, demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s commitment to environmental care and responsible travel.
Mahahual was selected for its stunning beaches and marine life. This new destination is anticipated to attract numerous travellers, bolstering Royal Caribbean’s position in the holiday industry.
Royal Caribbean has a strong reputation for delivering memorable holidays, with over 50 years of experience and a presence in more than 300 destinations across 80 countries.
Royal Caribbean’s private resort collection
Perfect Day Mexico joins Royal Caribbean’s expanding portfolio of private destinations, which already includes the highly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti.
These exclusive locations are designed to offer guests curated, unique experiences, blending adventure and relaxation in stunning natural settings.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is famous for its Thrill Waterpark and pristine beaches, while Labadee offers a mix of water sports, zip lines, and cultural excursions.
There’s also the new Royal Beach Club destinations that the cruise line is building at existing ports.
While these won’t be the same as the private islands, they will offer exclusive experiences in popular destinations such as Nassau and Cozumel.
Port Canaveral is one of the main cruise ports in Florida, and is a popular choice for anyone looking to combine a cruise and stay vacation with a trip to Orlando for all the theme parks.
However, what if you don’t quite have the time to travel all that way? What if you’ve just got a few hours to kill at the start or end of your cruise, or even in between cruises if you’re on a back-to-back itinerary?
Well, the good news is there’s plenty to enjoy even closer to Port Canaveral, so I’ve pulled together a list of the best.
It’s important to note that some of these are ‘bigger’ experiences than others, and may take up more time or need to be booked in advance – which is totally fine if you’re planning ahead. Others are more casual.
And because there are multiple terminals, the distances may vary by up to a mile from where your ship is docked, but driving times are going to be similar as the major roads lead right into the terminals.
1. Rocket Launch Viewpoint
Distance: 1.5 miles Walking Time: 25 minutes Pre-bookingNeeded: No
You’ll need to be lucky to make the most of this, but the Rocket Launch Viewpoint is within walking distance of the cruise terminals if you happen to be in port on the same day as a launch. It’s definitely an amazing experience, and something more unique than anything else on this list.
So check your dates to see if your visit to Port Canaveral does coincide with a launch and if it does, make sure you follow the crowds to get yourself a good seat.
Distance: 2.2 miles Driving Time: 9 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
While not the most famous museum in the region that tells you all about space travel (more on that further down this list), this is a great little spot to visit if you only have an hour or two to kill.
There’s a lot to see and plenty to educate you, and entry is free too, which is a nice bonus. The gift shop is packed with various space-related souvenirs as well, including those related to NASA, the Air Force and Space X.
Distance: 2.4 miles Driving Time: 6 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
The Exploration Tower looks a lot like the super-posh 7-star hotel you’d find in Dubai, although it’s a little smaller.
It’s also not a hotel, but it is a museum, which is dedicated to the history of the Cape Canaveral area. And that’s not just space travel – although it does play a part. You’ll also learn about how the area became such a popular cruise port as well, which is really interesting. Plus, you’ll enjoy some amazing views across the region from the top floor.
Distance: 2.4 miles Driving Time: 4 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
There are hundreds of interesting wildlife species that call Cape Canaveral home, including manatees, alligators, bald eagles and more. So why not book yourself onto a tour in an executive (air-conditioned, of course) coach to see as many of them as possible, all led by a local expert?
The tours last 4-6 hours so you’ll need to set aside plenty of time, but it’s a nice way to round off your holiday if your flight home is a late one.
Distance: 2.6 miles Driving Time: 7 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was built in 1848 and is a very impressive structure, painted in striking black and white stripes and standing over 150 feet tall.
You can take an official tour to learn about the history of the lighthouse and of local efforts to preserve the region too, while at the very top you’ll get amazing views across the port and the nearby Cocoa Beach.
Distance: 2.6 miles Driving Time: 7 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
You know what offers an even better view than climbing a 7-storey tower or a 5-storey lighthouse? Hopping into a helicopter for an epic skyride across the whole of the Cape.
These tours don’t last too long, but they’re able to showcase many of the highlights of the region in their packed flights. And they start from super low prices too – sometimes just $20 per person, which is incredible for a flight.
Distance: 3 miles Driving Time: 8 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
There are several breweries around the Port Canaveral area, but the closest to the cruise terminals is the Florida Beer Company. Sample some of the fine ales, lagers and ciders that are brewed here, and enjoy a tour of the facilities while you’re at it.
They aren’t always available, so check and book in advance to secure your place.
Distance: 3.2 miles Driving Time: 8 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
One of the most popular attractions in the whole Port Canaveral area is the Manatee Sanctuary Park. Set amongst 10 acres, it’s home to a variety of wildlife including a large number of manatees that will often be basking on the banks, giving visitors a great view of these majestic locals.
You may also spot dolphins in the area too, so it’s well worth a visit, and if you have kids with you, there’s a playground to burn off some energy.
Distance: 3.2 miles Driving Time: 7 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
What’s the best way to start or end a cruise holiday? Taking another cruise. These aren’t quite what you imagine, though – these are essentially floating casinos that will take you out to sea for a 4-5 hour journey where you can gamble away to your heart’s content.
If you do like to visit the casino on your cruise, this could be a good warm-up, but just make sure not to blow your holiday budget before your proper cruise even begins.
Distance: 3.9 miles Driving Time: 11 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
While much of the area around Port Canaveral has been used for ship terminals, you can still find a nice beach area to relax at Jetty Park. It’s not the most stunning beach but there is plenty of space for the kids to run around, or you can just sit back on the sands and relax as you watch the ships of all sizes sailing in and out of port.
Distance: 4 miles Driving Time: 8 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
Cherie Down Park is one of the lesser-known spots in the region, but it is picturesque and relaxed. It has some great views of the water, as well as a boardwalk over the sand dunes if you want a walk to kill some time. You can also take a quick shower if you want one, or just set up at one of the BBQ and picnic spots for a bite to eat.
Distance: 4.2 miles Driving Time: 10 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
This modern museum only opened in 2021, and it is packed with memorability and interactive displays related to the movie and book.
The museum is home to a number of puppets used in the original theatre performances in the 1950s and 1960s too, and if you book in advance, you can have a guided tour with the museum’s owner. Enjoy a stroll around Munchkin Land, visit the Emerald City, and walk the Yellow Brick Road.
Distance: 4.2 miles Driving Time: 7 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Recommended
If you like your pre- or post-cruise experiences to be a little more thrilling than sedate, why not check out the high-ropes courses available at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures?
There are seven different courses to choose from, ranging from those aimed at beginners to ‘extreme’ courses. You’ll enjoy amazing views amongst the trees, hopping across suspension bridges and zooming along zip lines. A great family experience.
Distance: 4.6 miles Driving Time: 11 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
Karting is something you can do anywhere, but if you’ve never tried it then it’s another option for you while you have a wait in Port Canaveral. The large outdoor track has plenty of twists and turns but is certainly aimed more at families than serious kart enthusiasts, so everyone can have a go, even if you aren’t too much of a speed demon.
It also has its own mini golf course, but there are better choices if that’s what you’re into…
Distance: 4.7 miles Driving Time: 11 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
Mini golf is huge in Florida, but one of the best courses can be found just a short drive from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. This unique center not only has two 18-hole courses, but it also lets you feed actual alligators while you’re there. Challenging obstacles include water features and bridges, while there are wildlife shows with other reptiles, too, once you’ve finished your round.
Distance: 5 miles Driving Time: 12 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
A great way to have some fun for an hour in between cruises is to try an escape room, and the Escape Cocoa Beach venue has four different ones that you can choose from.
Don’t worry if you don’t solve the mysteries in time – you’ll be let out so that you can make it to the terminal before your ship sails!
Distance: 5.8 miles Driving Time: 13 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
A quick and easy drive from the cruise ports, the Dinosaur Store offers a good contrast against the modern space-age theming of many of Port Canaveral’s attractions. Step back in time as you learn about different dinosaur species, see actual reconstructed skeletons, and learn a lot more about various ancient civilizations that have existed since the times of the dinosaurs as well. Oh, and this is another chance to feed live alligators too.
Distance: 5.8 miles Driving Time: 13 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
Another option if you want a beach, Alan Shepard Park is a little further afield but this will guarantee you a much quieter time. The sands are lovely and white, and there are plenty of restaurants and stores close by so you can enjoy a relaxing day without having to come prepared with a picnic.
Distance: 6 miles Driving Time: 14 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
While manatees are the more unique attraction for Port Canaveral and Florida in general, dolphins also call the region home, and there are various tour providers who are able to get you up close to swimming schools. If you’re lucky, some of the friendlier dolphins might even start to follow your boat for a magical experience.
Distance: 7.3 miles Driving Time: 17 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Yes
Another option for the thrillseekers in your travelling party, why not sign up to have an experienced driver whizz you around a racetrack at high speeds while you’re sat in a modern supercar?
This is a little more pricey, so it’s definitely not something you’ll just want to casually try with a spare moment, but if you have a speed demon sailing with you, then this could be a special treat to book in advance.
Distance: 9.5 miles Driving Time: 22 minutes Pre-booking Needed: No
You’re able to rent paddleboards at Cocoa Beach, and even sign up to some beginner lessons if you’ve no idea what you’re doing. Paddleboarding can be one of the more relaxed watersports to try (once you learn the basics and stop falling in), and a serene hour on the water could be the ideal way to bookend your cruise.
Distance: 17.6 miles Driving Time: 28 minutes Pre-booking Needed: Recommended
It’s impossible to talk about attractions in the Port Canaveral area without namechecking the most famous of all. It’s a little further afield but still within a 30-minute drive, although you’ll want a full day here to really experience everything, especially as half of the centre can only be seen on a tour that lasts around 3-4 hours itself. But as the last thing you do before flying home, this really is a fascinating place to explore.
So there you have a list of the most fun things to do near Port Canaveral cruise terminal. Whether you’re flying into Flordia a day before your cruise, or you have some time in the afternoon before your flight, I hope that this guide helps you to plan a fun day out.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
If you’ve never taken a cruise before, the whole culture around tipping can be a little confusing. Especially if you’re from the UK where tipping regularly is not a part of our culture.
There are two different types of tips on a cruise ship – that which you’re expected to pay, which are referred to as the gratuities, and then extra tips that you may want to give to the people helping you to enjoy your cruise.
If you’re a novice with tipping, don’t worry. I’ve spent hours browsing the best cruise forums to find out what other experienced cruisers tip above and beyond the standard gratuities.
I’ve collected a ton of data that will help you to compare yourself to others and find a level that feels right for you. Because at the end of the day, it’s totally up to you how much extra to tip, and whether to tip at all.
So, let’s take a look at how much to tip cruise staff, as a guide.
About Cruise Gratuities
Cruise gratuities are the tips that you are expected to pay during your cruise. They apply to all guests and are divided up between different members of the crew, including housekeeping, your room attendant, and those that work behind the scenes that you otherwise wouldn’t see, and therefore wouldn’t have the chance to tip.
Note that I say you are ‘expected’ to pay these. They’ll be added to your cruise account automatically, and you’ll need to pay them to clear your account, although on most cruise lines you can ask for them to be removed.
But you should be aware that for many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, NCL and Carnival, the crewmembers rely on the tips that passengers are expected to pay. People only tend to remove them if they’ve had terrible service, and even on those rare occasions, most passengers still pay them.
Sometimes, your gratuities are already included in your fare. That’s the case with:
MSC Cruises (when booked in the UK)
P&O Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Marella Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Silversea
Many other cruise lines let you prepay your gratuities, too. It’s still a separate charge, but this means you can get it paid for upfront, and then you don’t have to worry about it later.
There may be some times when you’re asked to pay them upfront. One example is Royal Caribbean’s MyTime Dining plan – if you want the flexibility to eat dinner at a time that suits you, you have to prepay your gratuities.
Otherwise, you’ll have the gratuities added to your account, and you’ll be expected to pay them off at the end, along with any other charges that you’ve accrued during your cruise.
As a rough guide, most cruise lines tend to charge around $15 per person per day for gratuities. It may be slightly more or slightly less. If you book a suite, expect the cost to be closer to $20 per person per day.
Drinks Gratuities
While your normal gratuities cover most staff on the ship, there may be times when you are asked to pay additional gratuities.
One of these is when you order a drinks package, which usually gives you unlimited drinks during the cruise.
While you’ll see an advertised price for your drinks package, some cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises – will add on a fixed gratuity fee when you pay, which is usually 18%.
Sometimes, a gratuity is added on to every drink, whether you have a package or not. This really depends on the cruise line and which country your ship departs from. The rules vary a lot, so you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your booking to be sure.
Spa Gratuities
It’s similar with spa treatments. You’ll see an advertised price for your spa treatment, but many cruise lines will add on an additional gratuity to the price you pay – somewhere between 15% and 20%.
With your regular gratuities, and these additional gratuities for drinks packages and spa treatments, you aren’t expected to tip any extra.
Indeed, some cruise lines are very clear that tipping is not expected – especially P&O Cruises, since it’s a British cruise line where tipping culture is not the norm.
Some even discourage it. MSC’s official line from their UK website is: “MSC Cruises does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.”
But on most cruise lines, many passengers do – especially American passengers where tipping is part of the culture. And so if you want to do the same, let’s take a look at average tipping amounts for different crew members…
There is no set amount for how much to tip on a cruise, and once you have paid your gratuities, there’s no need to tip more if you don’t want to. Average extra tips vary, with most cruisers averaging $1-2 for drinks or room service, and $10-20 per day for cabin stewards.
It’s up to you if you decide to tip extra, but your automatic gratuity charge covers all the essentials. Anything extra is just to say thank you to crewmembers for looking after you, or a way to get a slight ‘edge’ in the service they provide.
They can’t go too far above and beyond but if you tip well then crewmembers might be able to offer a few small touches to make your cruise more special, such as serving you quicker at the bar or spending a little more time to create you a special towel animal in your room.
How Much to Tip Your Room Steward
The typical amounts tipped to room stewards varies between around $2 and $20 per day, although it will depend on the length of the cruise. Many people prefer to tip extra at the start of their cruise, to ensure they get the best service for the duration of their sailing.
One of the lower amounts I’ve seen, for those who want to tip extra, is $20 extra at the start of the cruise and then maybe a little more each night. CruisingNewb on the Royal Caribbean Blog forum suggests this was plenty to ensure proactive service.
Many people tip cabin attendants $10 per day, or $50 to 100 as a lump sum either at the start or end of the cruise.
Of course, some people choose not to tip any extra, and are still happy with the service they receive.
How Much to Tip Your Waiter
Main Dining Room waiting staff tend to be covered in daily gratuities, but for people who like to tip extra, an average is usually $100 per week. Some people prefer to tip on a per-meal basis, and tend to weight the tips more for dinner – $20 per dinner, $10 for lunch and $5 for breakfast.
Depending on your cruise line and your choice of dining plan, you might get the same waiter every night. You’ll then really notice just how good their service is – they will usually remember you and your preferences, and be able to make dinner feel like a really special occasion each night. That may be something you want to reward.
But then, there are plenty of others who view the Main Dining Room staff as already having been tipped as part of the gratuities, and, therefore, won’t tip any more than they need to.
Nowadays, more and more cruises offer flexible dining, so you will have a different team of waiters every night. When this is the case, people are less likely to tip waiters in cash as they probably won’t see them again during the cruise.
How Much to Tip Your Bartender
Many cruise passengers will tip their bartender on a per-drink basis, usually $1-2 per drink ordered. Some passengers prefer to tip their bartender a larger one-off amount if they intend to stay at a bar for a little while – up to $20 is seen as normal.
Some cruise ships like Disney and Royal Caribbean will give you a receipt to sign for every drink. Here, you have the option to write on an additional tip amount, which will be charged to your onboard account. This way, you can use any onboard credit that you have accrued to pay for tips.
Alternatively, you can tip in cash with $1 or $2 bills if you prefer. Of course, pounds sterling, Euros or any other currency will also be welcomed by crew members as they often travel the world and can always change it ashore if needed. Just try not to tip with coins.
Some passengers believe that tipping bartenders extra is a nice thank-you for the busy staff who may be making you complex cocktails. Others see tipping as a way of ensuring they get served first, where possible – hence tipping a $20 bill upfront.
If you’ve paid for a drinks package, you’ll already likely have paid an additional gratuity, and so many people don’t then like to tip again.
Passengers tend to tip cruise butlers more than other crewmembers because they tend to offer more services and are more hands-on in making your cruise special. $200 to 300 per cruise is average, although some may prefer to tip more.
Butlers tend to be offered on luxury cruise lines, and many of those – including Regent Seven Seas and Silversea – have tips already included, which are designed to cover the butler. But that doesn’t stop people from tipping extra.
Butlers are also used in suites on some other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises and P&O Cruises. Royal Caribbean has ‘Royal Genies’ instead of butlers, and there is specific advice given that they are not included in typical cruise gratuities, so any tipping needs to be offered separately.
Most people tend to tip $1-2 per item ordered from the room service menu, or a $5 total for a meal or a larger order. Many people only order small items for room service, and so don’t tend to tip large sums because the cost of what they are ordering is already low.
Again though, this is a personal decision and can vary. You might feel that room service is more effort for the crew, since they aren’t just pouring you a drink at a bar where they’re working, but they’re delivering it all the way to your stateroom.
Or you might take the view that you’ve paid your daily gratuities, and this service is included as part of that.
How Much to Tip Your Porter at the Cruise Terminal
Most people offer a small tip to the baggage handlers at the cruise terminal, to ensure their bags are looked after as they are taken onto the ship. It normally varies between $2 and $5 per bag, although a total tip of $10 for a family’s luggage would be sufficient.
Again, there’s no need to tip your porter, but bear in mind how much luggage they are carrying onto the ship. It’s a nice way to thank them for not having to drag your suitcases around with you all day.
When on a cruise excursion, it’s normal to tip the guide to thank them for their efforts in showing you around – this can vary from $5 per person up to $30 per person for longer tours. If your excursion has a coach or taxi, a tip of $1 per person is more in line with the average.
Tipping your guide or driver won’t tend to get you better service, and so it’s normally done at the end of the day more as a thank-you.
Shore excursion in Monaco
What Currency To Use for Tips
Most people tend to tip in the same currency used on the ship, but generally, it doesn’t matter. You can tip in your own currency if you prefer – crew tend to be grateful for all their tips, and they can bank them all regardless.
The only difference would be on an excursion, where it’s best to either tip in the local currency, or in US dollars, which are accepted more widely.
The Bottom Line
If you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll know that tipping isn’t always something that we’re used to. And you might feel awkward tipping on a cruise when you’ve already paid your gratuities. That’s absolutely fine – there is no obligation at all, and you’ll still get great service.
But you might feel equally awkward travelling on a cruise where you know that tipping a little extra is the done thing, and so you might want to take some extra money with you for tips. Don’t tip more than you’re comfortable doing though – you don’t want to stress yourself out budgeting for tips when you have covered the gratuities already.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Seabourn Cruise Line has been forced to modify the itinerary of its upcoming “Wild Guianas to the Amazon Basin” voyage, as extreme drought conditions in the Amazon River have affected sailing routes.
The cruise, on the ship Seabourn Venture, will no longer end in Manaus, Brazil, as originally planned, but will now disembark in Belem, Brazil, due to insufficient water levels in the river.
In a communication sent to guests just three days before departure, the luxury cruise line explained that the decision followed an assessment of the river’s navigational conditions.
The unprecedented drought has made it impossible for the ship to safely reach Manaus, a key point in the original itinerary.
Guests who arranged their flights and post-cruise accommodation through Seabourn will have their bookings adjusted to reflect the new disembarkation point in Belem.
Those who made independent travel arrangements will need to revise their plans but will be reimbursed for any reasonable additional costs.
The 14-day cruise departed from Bridgetown, Barbados, on 7th October 2024. It will include stops in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and Devil’s Island, French Guiana, before arriving at Macapa, Brazil, on 14th October. The voyage will then continue along the Amazon River, with stops in Santarem and Parintins.
The revised itinerary still offers four full days of Amazon exploration between 16th and 19th October 2024.
Activities, including Zodiac and kayak excursions, will be led by the ship’s expedition team, offering passengers opportunities to explore the river’s wildlife, communities, and remote landscapes.
The original plan allowed for two Amazon exploration days, followed by a visit to Parintins and disembarkation in Manaus.
Seabourn Venture, which entered service in 2022, is designed specifically for expedition cruises, and its onboard programmes include guided tours into the heart of the Amazon.
Despite the changes, Seabourn has reassured passengers that the voyage will still offer a deep exploration of the river and its tributaries. Depending on conditions, there may even be a nighttime expedition by Zodiac.
As compensation for the disruption, the company is providing guests with a $1,000 onboard credit per suite.
