An Instagram reel from a cruise guest apparently shows a flock of birds that have taken over a cruise ship cabin.
The reel, from Instagram user chanellbethley, shows the chaos as several birds are flying around the cabin.
She hasn’t provided additional information in the comments of the reel unfortunately, but others have chipped in with details.
Apparently it happened on Carnival Freedom, as the birds sought shelter from the bad weather.
Whether this is true or not is uncertain, but several commenters have said that it is authentic.
You should never leave your balcony door propped open when leaving your cabin for a number of reasons, and this is apparently one of them!
Cruise lines do tell guests to make sure the balcony doors are closed when leaving the room. Hopefully, if this video is genuine, the guests learn from their error.
Royal Caribbean is increasing gratuity prices from 1st November, adding $0.50 per guest per day to each category.
This means that guests in a regular stateroom will pay $18.50 per person, per day, up from $18.
And anyone staying in a Suite will now pay $21 per person, per day, up from $20.50.
While this may seem like a small increase, it comes just a year after the last increase of $2 across all categories, which followed another $1.50 increase in 2022.
This means that guests are now paying around 25% more than they were two years ago for gratuities.
However, anyone who books their cruise before 1st November 2024 and pre-pays their gratuities before the end of 31st October 2024 will secure them at the current rates, not the increased prices, regardless of the sailing date.
Automatic gratuities – right or wrong?
Automatic gratuities remain a controversial topic. Some guests understand that they help to reward the hard-working crew, including those behind the scenes who might not normally receive tips from guests.
Other guests prefer to give tips manually, where they feel they have received good service. And of course, tipping culture varies around the world too.
Automatic gratuities, including these with Royal Caribbean, are not mandatory. They are added to guests’ accounts, but guests can remove them if they really want to.
It’s not recommended, because unfortunately a lot of crew rely on the tips for their pay. Even if a guest receives bad service, it’s not fair to punish the rest of the crew.
The increased charges don’t impact the gratuity automatically added to drinks purchases (18%) and spa and salon treatments (20%).
The US Coast Guard made a back-to-back rescue from Princess Cruises ship Crown Princess, when two passengers suffered medical emergencies.
The ship was located 50 miles off Cape Kumukahi, Hawaii, when the rescues took place.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu was alerted to the medical emergencies on 4th October at around 6 p.m.
The ship’s crew reported that two passengers, a 70-year-old man showing symptoms of a heart attack and an 86-year-old man suffering from internal bleeding, needed immediate evacuation.
Responding promptly, a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point arrived the next morning.
The 70-year-old passenger was airlifted first and taken to Hilo Medical Center. Shortly after, a second helicopter was dispatched to evacuate the 86-year-old man, who was also transported to Hilo. Both men are reported to be in stable condition.
The Crown Princess had departed Kahului, Maui, on 3rd October 2024, as it repositioned for a 114-night world cruise from Sydney, Australia.
The medical emergency required the ship to briefly turn back towards Hawaii before resuming its course to its next destination, Moorea, French Polynesia.
After the rescues, the vessel continued its journey as planned, with future stops in New Zealand and a final arrival in Sydney on 26th October 2024.
Medical emergencies do happen
While two back-to-back rescues from the same ship are rare, the U.S. Coast Guard regularly responds to emergencies at sea, particularly in remote areas where access to advanced medical care is limited.
In a similar incident on 23rd September 2024, an 8-year-old boy on board the Royal Princess required emergency assistance for acute appendicitis while the ship sailed 20 miles off the coast of Eureka, California.
Despite challenging conditions with thick fog, the Coast Guard successfully evacuated the boy, who underwent surgery upon reaching a hospital.
Medical evacuations from cruise ships are a frequent necessity, as was seen earlier this year on 22nd August when a 56-year-old woman was airlifted from Carnival Venezia shortly after departing New York for Bermuda. She was transported to a medical facility in New Jersey for urgent care.
Similarly, on 27th April 2024, a 35-year-old crew member aboard Carnival Sunshine had to be airlifted 160 miles off the Florida coast due to a life-threatening condition.
The Princess Medallion is your gateway to a faster check-in process, drinks served to you anywhere on the ship without you having to lift a finger and a whole host of other benefits.
But they’re quite small, so keeping them to hand without losing them is a bit of a balancing act. You do get a lanyard included, but you may prefer to use something else.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to buy to hold your Princess Medallion safely while you focus on relaxing. Let’s take a look at some of the best.
You’ll get your Princess Medallion when you’re due to check in for your cruise. Make sure you’ve already filled out your details on the MedallionClass app to make the process even smoother. US-based passengers can get the medallion shipped to their homes.
The lanyard is usually available for collection at the port as well, although it may be shipped alongside the Medallion for American passengers. If you don’t get it with the Medallion in the mail, just ask for your lanyard as you check-in.
This is the lanyard you’ll be given to hold your Medallion. It’s decent, but as it’s white, you may find that it starts to look grubby a few days into your cruise.
The Medallion itself is free!
The Princess Medallion is completely free – you’ll be given it alongside a free lanyard when you are about to board the ship. You can also get it replaced at no extra cost if you lose it during your cruise.
The other accessories that Princess sells for the Medallion do have an additional cost, and if you lose those then you’ll need to buy them again – you can’t get them replaced for free.
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It’s worth buying a Medallion holder
Like I say, you get given a lanyard for your Princess Medallion for free when you sail, which comes with a holder that will keep your Medallion nice and secure. But some people may prefer not to wear a lanyard.
They may chaff your neck over time, or you might find that they just get in the way of your outfit, or when you’re trying to swim. And you don’t want to take it off ideally, because then you could lose it.
Buying an alternative holder is a way to keep it nice and safe, but also discreet too – so you can enjoy all the benefits of having it on your person, without it hanging across your chest if you don’t want it to.
The Best Princess Medallion accessories
Here’s a look at some of the best Princess Medallion accessories you can buy.
1. Retractable Cruise Lanyard
So you already get a Princess Medallion lanyard, but why not swap it out for one that is a bit more unique, but also retractable? That way if you ever need to swipe your Medallion close to a touch screen, you don’t have to lean in an awkward position to do so.
This one comes in a variety of beachy colours to match all your cruise outfits. And it also has a regular cruise card holder too, so you can use it with every cruise, not just Princess.
2. Luke3DP Watch Adapter
A lot of people agree that the most convenient place to wear your Medallion is on your wrist, but if you already have a watch then you might not want to add a second strap to your arm – things might get a little crowded.
This watch strap adapter is therefore ideal – it’ll attach to an existing watch strap and perfectly fits the Princess Medallion. It’s also available in a wide range of colours, so you can find the perfect one to match your existing strap.
3. Sport Band
If you don’t already wear a watch, or you don’t mind a second strap on your wrist, then a sports band is often the perfect holder for your Princess Medallion. It keeps it out of the way, it looks quite modern, but it will always stay secure no matter what you’re getting up to.
This option comes in a variety of colours. It’s slightly more pricey than the sports bands you could pick up on the ship, but you’re getting two in the pack, so it works out cheaper overall. Plus you can have them bought and delivered to you well in advance of your cruise so you know you have it ready to go.
4. Medallion Clip
This small clip is the most discrete way to wear a Medallion. You can clip it onto your shirt, pocket, waistband, hat or bag so that you know it’s safe.
Because this clip is so small, it’s also one of the cheapest Medallion accessories. It comes in a range of colours.
5. Kids’ Character Bracelets
If you’re taking a Princess cruise with children, then these fun Medallion bracelets are a must! The lanyard that comes with the Medallion isn’t great for kids – it’s far too long and I’d be worried about them getting it caught while playing and hurting themselves.
Most children would definitely prefer a soft silicone Princess Medallion bracelet that keeps the Medallion safe inside. They come in a pack of four, so your children can choose their favourite characters like Hello Kitty and Monsters Inc as well as cute animals like pandas, unicorns and dinosaurs.
6. Aluminum Alloy Carabiner
Another option for keeping your Medallion secure and out of the way is to attach it to a clip. You can then clip this to any part of you that’s most comfortable – a shirt pocket, a belt loop or a bag.
Available in a range of colours and designed to be the perfect size for the Medallion, this option is durable and secure, so you don’t need to worry about your Medallion coming loose during a brisk walk and you accidentally losing it. Plus you get four, ideal for a family cruise.
7. AirTag Leather Keyring
The Princess Medallion is almost the exact same size as an Apple AirTag, so you can use AirTag accessories to keep your Medallion safe. This clip has a tight ring that you can either attach to your belt or pocket, or secure to a bag, and it won’t slip loose at any stage.
It is made from premium leather, so if you’re comfortable owning that material then it’ll have a premium look and feel. You can also get a multi-pack so that you can pass one out to each of your travelling party.
8. Dingfeiyu AirTag Wristband
Another wristband option, this is better suited to anyone who either doesn’t like the sensation of plastic on their wrist or that gets irritated skin from plastic materials. It works the same as the sport bands, but it’s made from a gentle and breathable nylon.
It’s not the softest material, but it’s durable and washable, and it will allow your wrist to avoid some of the sweaty build-ups when you’re in hotter locations. Just be aware that it has a Velcro fastener, so keep an eye on it if you’re doing any vigorous excursions.
9. Four-Pack Silicone AirTag Holder
A great budget option, this pack includes four different clips that can hold a Princess Medallion, with three options of how to affix them to yourself. You’ve got keyring clips, a D-ring clip and a longer plastic loop option that you could tie around your wrist or around an item of clothing.
The versatility is great if you aren’t sure how you’d prefer to wear your Princess Medallion yet, or if you’re buying for your travelling group and just want a convenient pack that has four of you covered.
10. Official Princess Medallion Accessories
If you like the idea of sticking to something official, then you can buy official Princess cruise Medallion accessories, including plastic wrist bands, a plastic clip, and metal jewellery including bracelets and necklaces. You can also get replacement paper inserts for the lanyard, which can celebrate a special occasion.
Prices range from $3 (paper insert) to $65 (gold bracelet) so there’s a wide variety of options. You can’t order them online through the Princess Cruises website, but once you’ve booked your cruise and downloaded the MedallionCruise app you can order through there, or just head to the store on-board your ship to browse the accessories in person.
Remember, while Princess will happily replace a Medallion and a lanyard free of charge, any other accessories are your responsibility once you’ve bought them.
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To Conclude
Picking up a new holder for your Princess Medallion is important if you don’t think the lanyard will suit you. You’re going to be carrying the Medallion around with you a lot – it’s your stateroom key, your payment device and a lot more. So you need to be happy with how you’re wearing it.
There are a lot of options available for the neck, the wrist or to clip onto your clothes, so consider what would be the least intrusive for how you intend to dress and what you want to do while on your cruise, and you should be able to find an accessory that suits you.
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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.
Majestic Princess is a ship that truly lives up to her name – she really is majestic in every way, with some fantastic restaurants, places to relax and accommodation. But not all rooms are created equally.
So, before you make a snap decision and book a cabin that isn’t right for you, it’s important that you learn about the options available.
That’s why I’ve created this guide to all of the stateroom options onboard Majestic Princess. I’ve scoured the deck plans, read up on the cruise forums and Majestic Princess reviews, and I’ve spent time in various social media groups dedicated to the ship to learn everything I can. It’s been a hectic task!
In this guide to accommodation on Majestic Princess, I’ll give you the most comprehensive information on the internet to help you make the right choice for your stateroom. I’ve included everything on the best and worst cabins on Majestic Princess.
It’s worth reading through the whole guide. Even if you’re someone who only wants the cheapest room available, or you’re set on a Suite, it’s good to learn about the various options.
But most importantly, make sure you don’t skip the ‘cabins to avoid’ section – that’s got some great tips that the cruise line won’t necessarily tell you.
Majestic Princess Cabin Types
There are five main cabin types available on Majestic Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
166 to 175 sq. ft.
Balcony
2 to 4
222 to 232 sq. ft.
Deluxe Balcony
2 to 4
242 to 312 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
299 to 329 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
440 to 682 sq. ft.
The Majestic Princess was the last of the Royal-Class ships built without Ocean View staterooms – these were introduced on the Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess.
So, on Majestic Princess, you’ve either got the choice of having a private balcony, or no view at all from an Interior room.
There’s more to booking your cruise accommodation than deciding on whether you want a view though. You need to think about your budget (and where you want to prioritise spending it), and the location of the room on the ship.
Don’t worry though, I’ve made it simple with my own checklist of things you need to think about when you’re deciding which cabin to book. Get your copy of the checklist here:
Majestic Princess Inside Cabins
The cheapest accommodation you’ll find on Majestic Princess is the interior cabins. As the name suggests, they’re on the inside of the ship, which means no windows and therefore no natural light.
They’re also the smallest rooms, but many of them can still accommodate up to four guests, even if they’re better suited for two people. If you aren’t too fussed about spending a lot of time in your room and your priority is to get the cheapest cruise, then an interior room is a good option.
Remember that you’re never too far away from an open deck or a lounge with windows for when you do want to watch the sunset. Choosing an interior frees up more of your budget to spend on speciality dining, or on excursions.
Interior cabins all come with twin beds that can be zipped together to create a queen-sized one for couples who want to share. Grades IA to IE, which can all sleep up to four people, have Pullman beds too.
Pullman beds are fold-down beds that will either be stored attached to the wall, or hidden in the ceiling. They’re better for children than they are for adults, but grown-ups can use them at a push.
Just be aware that the interior cabins on Majestic Princess are the fold-down type, which means it’s annoyingly easy for guests in the main beds to bash their heads on them when sitting up.
Take a look at this video to see more of an inside cabin on Majestic Princess:
Princess Cruises assigns every stateroom a grade. These grades are made up of two characters – the first is always a letter, and for most cabin types the second will be too, though sometimes it is a number.
The first letter tells you what kind of cabin it is, with Interior cabins all beginning with “I”. So far, so simple.
The second character refers to where the cabin is on the ship. The higher the letter or lower the number, the more prime the location. So an IA cabin is a better choice than an IF. However, you will pay more too.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
4
175
IB
4
166 – 175
IC
4
166 – 175
ID
4
166
IE
4
166
IF
2
166
Majestic Princess Balcony Cabins
If you’re someone who needs natural light in their stateroom to avoid feeling a little claustrophobic, or you like the idea of sitting outside in your own private space with a view, then a Balcony cabin is what you need. You’ll have a small balcony of your own, accessed via sliding doors from your main cabin.
The balconies are usually quite small unless you buy one of the more premium grade cabins. You’ll be able to sit, but most only have space for two chairs at most.
And remember that a balcony doesn’t guarantee a great view. You might think you’ll be able to enjoy the sights of the port, but you might be unlucky enough to be on the wrong side of the ship.
Here’s a video of a Balcony Stateroom on Majestic Princess:
Majestic Princess has five different types of balcony cabins:
Balcony
Balcony with Obstructed View
Deluxe Balcony
Deluxe Balcony with Obstructed View
Premium Deluxe Balcony
An obstructed view balcony cabin means that your view is partially blocked. These rooms are all on Deck 8 and the cause is the lifeboats – they hang on the sides of the ship just outside these cabins.
If you’re clever you can book an ‘obstructed’ room that has its balcony between two lifeboats, which means they only hang slightly into your view. You still save money too. More on that later.
Majestic Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
D4
Premium Deluxe Balcony
4
242 – 312
DA
Deluxe Balcony
3
233
DB
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DC
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DD
Deluxe Balcony
3
233
DE
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
DF
Deluxe Balcony
4
233
BA
Balcony
2
222
BB
Balcony
4
222
BC
Balcony
4
222
BD
Balcony
4
222
BE
Balcony
4
222
BF
Balcony
4
222
DW
Deluxe Balcony (Obstructed)
4
233
BW
Balcony (Obstructed)
4
222
Standard Vs. Deluxe Vs. Premium Deluxe Balcony
As you can see from the table of grades, the main difference between a Standard Balcony cabin and a Deluxe or Premium Deluxe option is the space available.
You get around 5% more floor space in total when you upgrade from Standard to Deluxe and 18% more when you opt for a Premium Deluxe room. This extra floor space just makes things a little more comfortable, but the furniture included is still mainly the same.
Here’s a video of the Premium Deluxe Stateroom for you to compare with the Standard Balcony video you saw earlier…
The only furniture difference is in the bed configurations – you get a sofa bed with both a Deluxe and Premium Deluxe room. These are designed to sleep one person, which means that the 3-berth rooms have no Pullman beds at all, and the 4-berth rooms have just one Pullman bed.
If you’ve got a child that’s younger that you don’t want to risk in a higher bunk, choosing a Deluxe or Premium Deluxe Balcony is therefore ideal since you can put them in the sofa bed instead. It’s a more comfortable choice for three adults travelling together too.
Majestic Princess Mini Suites
Looking for something a little more luxurious than a Balcony stateroom but don’t quite have the budget for a full-blown Suite? Mini Suites offer a good middle ground.
You get some extra perks, although nowhere near as many as a Suite offers. But you don’t pay Suite prices either, so it’s a balance.
Majestic Princess Mini Suite Perks:
A dedicated sitting area for the sofa bed, with a coffee table and an extra TV
A curtain to separate the sofa bed area from the bed, creating two ‘bedrooms’
A better bathroom with a bathtub and a massage shower
An improved bed with an extra luxurious mattress topper and more premium pillows
More chairs on the balcony (up to 4)
A free glass of sparkling wine when you board the ship
Majestic Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
4
314
M6
Club Class Mini Suite
3
314
MA
Mini Suite
4
314
MB
Mini Suite
4
299 – 329
MC
Mini Suite
4
299
ME
Mini Suite
4
299
MF
Mini Suite
3
299
Club Class Mini Suites
An extra step up from your standard Mini Suites, the premium Club Class Mini Suites are even more spacious and they have a few extra perks to offer too. It’s up to you whether you think these are worth the extra cruise fare.
Majestic Princess Club Class Mini Suite Perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and end of your cruise
An enhanced bed designed to be more comfortable
A half bottle of red and half bottle of white wine provided in your cabin on embarkation day
Bathrobes for every guest in the room
Evening canapes served in your Mini Suite (though you have to ask for them)
Exclusive seating in the Main Dining Room with a few extra menu options too
So, take a look at this list – do you like the idea of shorter queue times and a nicer bed? Or would it be better to save the money? The decision on whether to upgrade to Club Class purely depends on your own preferences.
Check out this video of a Club Class Mini Suite on Majestic Princess…
Majestic Princess Suites
If you want the best of the best for your cruise holiday, you’re going to want to book one of the Majestic Princess Suites. These are much bigger rooms with a properly distinct bedroom and sitting area and the largest balconies too.
As well as all the benefits of a Club Class Mini Suite, there’s quite the list of extra perks you get too.
Majestic Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for excursions, as well as for embarkation and disembarkation
Priority queues at the guest services and shore excursion desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Exclusive Club Class dining with extra menu options
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An enhanced room service menu
A welcome glass of Champagne when you board the ship, and a free mimosa with every breakfast
A complimentary mini-bar in your room along with fresh orchids and a fruit bowl (topped up on request)
Twice-daily ice service
In-suite tea service
A cruise card wallet
Free laundry and dry cleaning, and a shoe-shining service
Free use of umbrellas if needed
A free private portrait sitting with the ship’s photographer
Majestic Princess Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
879
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
587 – 682
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
440
S5
Premium Suite
4
554
Premium Suites Vs. Penthouse Suites Vs. Owner’s Suites
Within the Suite class, there are three different options: Premium, Penthouse and Owner’s.
Owner’s Suites are the crème de la crème of accommodation options, and they’re the most expensive. Penthouse Suites aren’t far behind and are just a little smaller. They only sleep 3 people though, so if you’re a group of 4 then you’ll want to look at Premium Suites instead.
The Premium Suites are situated towards the front of the ship, but they aren’t forward-facing. They’re closer to the elevators and have balconies facing the port or starboard side.
The Owner’s and Penthouse Suites are at the aft (back) of the ship with amazing views over the wake. The balconies are much larger than any other accommodation class on the ship and wrap around the aft.
The Owner’s Suites are situated on Deck 8 and are the biggest rooms on the ship. If you want the absolute best room on Majestic Princess, these are the ones to go for. The Penthouse Suites with the biggest balconies are higher up the ship on Decks 14 and 15.
If you’re trying to decide between the different suites, then here are some links to videos of each, which is the best way to have a look around before you book:
Special Cabin Types
Here are some special room types that may be perfect for you, depending on your situation…
Majestic Princess Aft Rooms
Some of the most popular staterooms on any ship are those located at the aft (back of the ship). The view over the wake of a ship is pretty stunning, and because you’re facing away from the direction of travel, you don’t have the wind smacking you in the face either – bonus. Often aft rooms are larger too.
On Majestic Princess there are three choices for aft-facing staterooms:
Premium Deluxe Balcony Rooms
Penthouse Suites
Owner’s Suite
Every deck from 9 to 15 has two Penthouse Suites in the respective aft corners, and then four Premium Deluxe Balcony rooms between them. The biggest rooms are the Owner’s Suites, which are both situated on Deck 8.
Majestic Princess Connecting Rooms
If you’re travelling with more than four people, or you just don’t want to rely on Pullman and sofa beds, you’ll want to consider connecting rooms. These are staterooms that have a connecting door between them. These doors stay locked unless you’ve requested for them to be unlocked to link the rooms together.
It’s best to try to avoid a connecting room if you are only booking one stateroom. No one can get through the locked door, but they’re not as soundproof, and sometimes there’s a draught under the door too.
On Majestic Princess you’ve got the following options for connecting staterooms:
Two Interior cabins
Two Standard Balcony cabins
An Obstructed Balcony and a Standard Balcony
An Obstructed Balcony and a Deluxe Balcony
Two Obstructed Deluxe Balcony rooms
Two Deluxe Balcony Rooms
Two Mini Suites
Two Club Class Mini Suites
Majestic Princess Accessible Rooms
There is a selection of accessible rooms available on Majestic Princess – these are specially designed for users of wheelchairs or scooters. They’re slightly larger and have widened doors to make it easier to get in and out. The bathroom is also a full wet room rather than having a separate shower cubicle.
Understandably, given how popular cruising is with less able-bodied people, these rooms are really popular. So, if you need one then try to book as far in advance as possible.
Majestic Princess’ accessible staterooms are as follows:
Interior – Decks 8 and 9
Balcony – Decks 9-12, Deck 15
Mini Suites – Decks 10, 11 and 12
Club Class Mini Suites – Decks 11 and 12
Penthouse Suites – Deck 14
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Majestic Princess Cabins to Avoid
OK, now you know the different options for cabin grades and all the factual information, let’s delve a little deeper into the specific cabins you’ll want to avoid.
This is the stuff the cruise line might hold back on telling you, or may not make completely obvious when you book. So, let’s take a look at the cabins you shouldn’t book for your Majestic Princess cruise holiday.
1. Cabins That May Make Seasickness Worse
L101 to L229, M101 to M229, R101 to R229
If you’re one of the poor few to suffer from seasickness, the last thing you want is a stateroom that can amplify the motion of the ocean and make you feel queasy. This is a general tip for any cruise ship rather than a specific Majestic Princess once, which is why I’m getting it out of the way early.
The rule is that the closer you are to the middle of the ship, the less you’ll feel the movement. So, avoid higher decks, and avoid the front or aft of the ship. The worst staterooms are those on high decks in a forward or aft position. If you know you’re likely to get seasick, ask for a lower mid-ship room instead.
2. Interconnecting Rooms That You Don’t Need
Various
Another tip that applies to any cruise ship rather than specifically Majestic Princess. If you don’t plan on booking two interconnecting rooms together and opening the door between them, you’ll want to avoid booking one of them altogether.
It’s not like you’ll get strangers wandering into your room – the door stays locked. But, that door is a lot less solid than an actual cabin wall, so don’t be surprised if you hear next door’s TV, a baby crying, or any other noises they might be making.
Interconnecting rooms are great for people who want to share two cabins, but otherwise, definitely one to avoid.
3. Obstructed View Rooms
Most of Deck 8 – cabins beginning with E
The lifeboats on Majestic Princess hang in front of the balconies on Deck 8, which means you’ll have an obstructed view. The whole point of paying for a Balcony stateroom is so that you can enjoy the ocean sights in comfort – not see the bottom of a lifeboat in front of your face.
However, there are some rooms that are between lifeboats, which only have a partially-blocked view. So if you don’t mind only seeing between two boats, or you don’t care about the view at all and just want to enjoy the fresh sea air, then you can save money by choosing one of these options instead.
When you check the Majestic Princess Deck plan, you can see the shapes of the lifeboats on Deck 8. The gaps between, such as where E310 is, are where you’ll want to aim for with your obstructed view cabin. This way, you’ll be able to see right through the gap.
The good thing about obstructed views on Majestic Princess is that the lifeboats are a little lower than on some other ships, so you can see over them. Check out this video to see what to expect from this cabin type…
4. Front-Facing Rooms With Limited Balcony Access
L101 to L108, M101 to M108
On the higher decks on Majestic Princess, there is a selection of forward-facing staterooms that have good-sized balconies. The catch is that you’re only allowed to use them in port, and they aren’t made of glass, so you only get a really good view when you’re stood up.
This is because the wind speed caused by the ship’s movement is pretty fast. It’s not safe to open the cabin doors while the ship is moving and it wouldn’t be particularly comfortable for you either.
If you want to use your balcony while the ship is sailing, don’t choose one of these cabins.
5. Rooms Underneath the Lido Deck or Sun Deck
M302 to M436, L101 to L301
These are the staterooms that you’ll want to avoid if you don’t want to hear sounds during the daytime. And that daytime could be very early hours, as other guests rush to secure themselves a deck chair on these decks.
While they’re dragging chairs around, it might not sound too loud to them, but the sound will definitely amplify through your ceiling. If you prefer a lie-in in the morning, try to avoid a room that’s directly underneath an area where guests might be moving furniture around.
6. Rooms Above the Entertainment at Night
E125, E130, E201 to E225, E445 to E612, E630 to E733
While the rooms on higher decks are at risk of noise above, it’s the rooms on Deck 8 situated above some of the entertainment venues that can cause problems in the evening. Some of the live music and shows can go onto the later hours, and the sound will carry through your floor.
If you are a light sleeper and you enjoy getting an early night ahead of another day of cruise adventures, then maybe book a room a little higher up the ship, away from the theatre and lounges.
M722, M723, M724, M725, M726, M727 (Overlooked by the Wake View Bar Terrace)
D145 to D277, D701 to D725(Overlooked by cabins above)
There are three areas on the ship where you’re at risk of being overlooked when you’re sitting on your balcony.
The first is in the staterooms below the SeaWalk – the glass-bottomed walkway that comes out from the side of the ship. Bear in mind too that not only can people see down into your balcony, but you can see them. Maybe don’t wear a skirt when you walk the SeaWalk yourself!
The other location is at the aft of the ship, where the design means that each balcony juts out a little further as you progress down the decks. It’s not usually an issue for any rooms below Deck 15 since you’d have to stand at the edge of your balcony looking down.
But on Deck 16 near the Wake View Bar, that’s exactly what some cruise guests do – stand at the railing to look out to sea. If they look down, they’ll see right into your balcony. Maybe opt for a lower deck or a mid-ship location if you value your privacy.
On Deck 9, some of the Deluxe Balcony staterooms have large balconies that jut out further than the rest. These are overlooked from above as you can see in this photo:
The Best Cabins on Majestic Princess
We’ve been through the cabins to avoid, but which are the best rooms on Majestic Princess? Well, there are a few that stand out as offering great value for money or special touches that might be worth splashing out on. These are…
1. Interior Stateroom
The cheapest and smallest accommodation on the ship – and one of the best? Well yes, if you don’t care about your room too much and you want to save money.
Majestic Princess is packed with places where you can relax and hang out, whether that’s a lounge or the theatre or just a deck chair beside the pool. You may only need your stateroom for a quick shower, a change of clothes and sleep. Why overspend if you don’t really care about relaxing in your own private space?
Mini Suites and above can sometimes be twice the price of an Interior room, if not more. Would you rather have one cruise in a Mini Suite, or two cruises in an Interior? One to think about.
If you’re a real budget cruiser like me, you can get some great deals by having four adults in an inside stateroom and taking advantage of discounts for third and fourth passengers. Sometimes, they can cruise for just a nominal extra fee – making your cruise virtually half price!
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2. Owner’s Suite
From one end of the scale to the other – Owner’s Suites are definitely amazing and if you have the money for them – they do make your holiday feel so much more special.
As well as having all the space you could want to unwind in peace, you get a lot of extra perks both within your room and as part of your overall cruise experience.
But, you can’t ignore the price, which makes it a personal decision as to whether they are right for you or not. If you want all those extras then go for it, but consider whether two cruises in a Balcony stateroom would be a better use of your hard-earned money.
3. Rooms With Larger Balconies
Not every balcony on Majestic Princess is the same. Some of the mid-ship balconies have angle balconies, which makes them larger. Look at this section of the deck plan to see what I mean:
You can find these balconies in some Mini Suites, including Club Class Mini Suites. They’re also an option on Decks 8 and 9 for Balcony and Deluxe Balcony staterooms too, although the ones on Deck 8 are those with an obstructed view because of the lifeboats.
If a larger balcony appeals, then make sure you try to secure one of these options with an angled veranda.
4. ‘White Noise’ Rooms
If you’re the kind of person who likes to fall asleep to the gentle sound of white noise, then this little hint might be right up your street. There are some interior cabins on Deck 10 from C316 to C335 that are next to an air vent from the funnels. It generates a low background humming noise.
The cruisers that have commented on this have said that it’s not annoying at all because it’s so quiet, but it is audible when the ship is peaceful, and it’s apparently quite relaxing. If you like the sound of a gentle hum sending you to sleep at night then consider one of these rooms – no white noise app required!
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Majestic Princess Accommodation FAQs
Do you still have questions about Majestic Princess staterooms and suites? Here are some of the top ones I’ve been asked…
Does Majestic Princess have single cabins?
There are no dedicated single cabins on Majestic Princess. Solo travellers will need to book a two-berth room and may need to pay the full amount for two people, but you may avoid that if you book early enough and secure a deal.
How many suites are on the Majestic Princess?
There are 36 Suites available on Majestic Princess. There are 12 aft-facing Penthouse Suites, 14 mid-ship Penthouse Suites, 8 Premium Suites and 2 Owner’s Suites.
What deck is the SeaWalk on Majestic Princess?
The SeaWalk on Majestic Princess is situated on Deck 16, the Lido Deck. If you choose a Balcony Stateroom on Decks 15 (M403 to M431) or 14 (R403 to R437), you should be aware that people on the SeaWalk can see onto the balconies.
How old is the Majestic Princess cruise ship?
Majestic Princess is one of the Royal-class ships in the Princess Cruises fleet and she launched in 2017. Originally designed for the Chinese market, she has since started offering itineraries in Oceania and on the west coast of America too.
Has Majestic Princess been refurbished?
Majestic Princess has not been refurbished. She was launched in 2017 and so hasn’t needed to be updated yet. Sister ship Royal Princess, which launched the Royal-class of ships in 2013, was refurbished in 2018, so Majestic Princess may be refurbished in the near future.
The Bottom Line
Majestic Princess is a wonderful cruise ship, but as with any ship, there are some rooms that are better than others. It usually doesn’t cost any extra to choose your room on a Princess Cruise, so it’s worth spending a little time to make sure that you choose a great one, rather than having any room assigned to you.
After all, the rooms that are assigned will, by default, be the rooms that nobody else has chosen!
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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.
While it’s not been confirmed which cruise line or ship was involved, social media images and the ship schedules for the time suggest it was Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas or Enchantment of the Seas.
No information has been released about the passenger’s well-being or how they fell overboard.
Usually, rescues involving cruise ships either involve the cruise ship crew rescuing stranded people on a boat, or the coast guard rescuing people from a ship if they suffer a medical emergency.
People do occasionally go overboard from ships, but a lot of those cases end tragically with no body found.
Rescues of this nature – with a passenger being the hero – are certainly rare and he deserves all the credit he is getting!
Have you already booked a cruise but are worried that you’ve chosen a poor cabin location? Or perhaps you’re just wondering if there’s an option to upgrade your accommodation to something a bit more indulgent? Whatever your reasons, a cabin upgrade is always a nice perk to add to your cruise.
If you want to upgrade your cruise cabin after you’ve booked, this guide will tell you exactly how to do it…
Can You Change Your Cabin on a Cruise?
You should have no problems changing your cruise cabin after booking, although you will have to pay extra. It’s very easy to upgrade by contacting the cruise line or your travel agent. Some cruise lines also offer programs to allow you to bid for upgrades closer to the departure date.
The rules are a little different for each cruise line though, so read on for all the details…
But first, you’ll want to make sure that your new cabin doesn’t have any issues like noise or being far from the main amenities. Grab a copy of my free checklist to know what to look out for to avoid picking a bad stateroom:
Is It Worth Paying Extra for a Balcony on a Cruise?
On some cruises, it’s definitely worth paying extra for a balcony, but on others, you may barely use it.If you’re sailing to a scenic destination such as the Norwegian Fjords, the extra cost of a balcony is a small price to pay for the enjoyment you would get in return. However, on a cold, windy, transatlantic cruise you’re unlikely to spend much time on your balcony.
I don’t usually get a balcony, but I did on this cruise
Balcony cabins are the next option to upgrade to after Inside and Ocean View cabins. They provide additional outdoor space, which is entirely your own, and often come with furniture such as a table and chairs to relax on while outside.
Sailing to hot destinations is a great time to opt for a balcony as you can enjoy the warm weather all to yourself without hunting for a sun lounger on the pool deck. For families, it also offers more space to spread out without leaving your room. This is great for when you’re getting ready in the morning or if you want somewhere to sit and relax once the little ones go to bed.
If you suffer from claustrophobia, you may not enjoy the feeling of staying in a small, windowless room, so a balcony can be an essential upgrade for some.
When deciding whether to upgrade to a balcony room on your cruise, be sure to consider how much extra it costs. Balcony staterooms can be pricey, sometimes even double the cost of an inside cabin!
A suite is the top level of accommodation on a cruise, and if you ever have the opportunity to upgrade, it’s more than worth it. Suites come with all the benefits of the cabins before them as well as additional extras, though the exact perks depend on the cruise line and the type of suite you book.
Suites have enough space to entertain friends
Typical perks you would find in a suite include butler service and delicious canapes and snacks delivered to your room daily. You’ll enjoy luxurious amenities from top brands such as Le Labo bathroom toiletries or Venchi goodnight chocolates. Suites also come with exclusive access to a range of dining venues, lounges and even VIP pools on some ships.
If you decide that you want to go for a suite, be sure to have a look at the different suite options that are available. Entry-level suites are called Mini Suites and these don’t always come with the perks of a suite – on some cruise ships, they’re not that different to balcony rooms.
The suite perks vary depending on the cruise line, but here are a few guides that may help you to decide whether to upgrade to a suite or stick with the balcony room…
How to Upgrade Your Cruise to the Cabin Number You Want
To upgrade your cruise accommodation to the cabin number you want, you should speak with the cruise line directly, or via your travel agent if you’ve booked with one. This allows them to advise you on the latest availability as well as any necessary charges such as admin fees or upgrade prices.
Some cruise lines offer a choice of different fares when booking such as P&O Cruises which offers an Early Saver Fare, a Saver Fare and Select Fare.
If you initially booked an Early Saver or Saver Fare you would have received a great price but wouldn’t have had the option to choose your cabin number as this is assigned by P&O Cruises. In this instance, to upgrade you would need to switch to Select Fare where you can enjoy alternative benefits including being able to choose your cabin location and being amongst the first to be offered upgrades where available.
The best time to upgrade your cruise to the cabin number you want is as soon as possible, especially if you have a specific location on the ship in mind. The longer you leave this option open, the more likely it is that the cabin you want will be booked by someone else and no longer be available.
How to Get a Cruise Upgrade for Cheap
If you’re not fussy about cabin location, you may be able to opt for a cruise line program that allows you to upgrade for cheaper. If you’re eligible for one of these, you should receive an email from the cruise line to invite you to bid a few weeks before your cruise departs.
Only selected cruise lines offer upgrade bidding and it’s only available on cruises that haven’t sold out.
Cruise lines that offer the bidding process for cheap upgrades:
Here’s what the upgrade emails I’ve received look like…
The bidding process is similar to a blind auction. You enter your maximum bid for each cabin type and whichever guests bid the most will win and be upgraded. Sometimes, the gains are incredible with people snapping up fantastic deals on their cabin upgrades for much cheaper than they would have originally cost.
You have to be careful though. Oftentimes, the system will allow you to bid more than the room originally cost, so be careful not to get carried away and bid too much!
The bidding process isn’t always open to everyone. If limited rooms are available it may be offered to those who are loyal passengers to the cruise line and sometimes also based on how much you paid for your cruise in the first instance. Other factors in the process include how many cabins are remaining on the ship and the category of accommodation you have originally booked.
Invites to make a bid are shared via email, so make sure you have opted into the cruise line’s marketing emails. If you haven’t received one, you may be able to log into the cruise planner section on their website to check.
It’s key to know that the bid process doesn’t guarantee an upgrade, nor does it guarantee a specific room location or attributes. In most cases, if your bid wins and is accepted, you will be charged immediately, and the upgrade amount is non-refundable.
How to Get a Cruise Upgrade for Free
One of the best ways to get a cabin upgrade for free is with a cruise line promotion. Quite often, cruise lines will offer upgrades on staterooms, such as from an Ocean View to a Balcony, for free if you book during the promotional period.
Free upgrades are most commonly offered on winter cruises where most people will opt for an inside cabin. You may find that the balcony cabins are the same price as the insides, so there’s no reason for most people not to book one.
Another way to be upgraded for free is with a guaranteed cabin. This is an option when you book with certain cruise lines and simply means that can’t choose your cabin number. Instead, you are guaranteed a room at the grade you’ve chosen, or higher. The cabin number will be assigned to you before you board.
As the cruise lines always try to ensure that their ships are full to capacity, if they find that a specific grade is sold out, they might offer upgrades to those in that grade in order to continue offering a cheap rate.
This is something Cruise.co.uk mention as working time and time again. For example, you could book a guaranteed inside cabin and after a while, all the inside staterooms sell out. The cruise line could offer you an ocean view or balcony cabin to make room for more of the cheaper insides that they can then sell.
Free upgrades are more likely to happen if you book a cruise on a ship with fewer inside rooms. Once they sell out, you’re more likely to be upgraded.
Alternatively, if you book a cruise on a ship like P&O Cruises’ Britannia that has no sea view rooms, if you get upgraded from an inside room you’ll skip straight to the balcony tier!
Cruising off-peak is another great tip as the ships are usually quieter. This offers more options for the cruise lines to offer upgrades. If you’ve booked with a travel agent, get them to check if any free upgrades are available in the last few weeks before your embarkation. Some people on Cruise Critic’s message boards have said they have been able to upgrade this way on their last two cruises.
Another tip to bag a free upgrade is to join the cruise line’s loyalty programmes. Each cruise line has one and while it might not offer a completely free upgrade, there are perks including discounts on balcony rooms and suites.
Cabin Upgrade FAQs
On a Royal Caribbean cruise can I upgrade room after final payment?
If you’ve passed the final payment deadline for your cruise, you can still upgrade your cabin if another is available. Just be aware that you’ll need to pay the difference in full, immediately when calling to upgrade. You won’t get an extra deadline to pay off the difference.
How does the MSC Upgrade Program work?
The MSC Upgrade option works similar to other cruise lines – you can place a bid on an upgraded stateroom and, if your bid is highest, you automatically win and will be charged the difference. You can wait for the MSC Upgrade email to be sent to let you know when bidding is open, or keep checking your online account.
Can I change my cabin on a P&O cruise?
P&O cabin upgrades are possible, provided you’ve booked a Select Fare. If you booked a Saver Fare then you’ll need to switch to a Select Fare and pay the difference in order to choose a new room.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways you can upgrade your cabin after purchase, even if it’s within the same stateroom category or just moving to another deck. These small changes can sometimes make or break your cruise.
It’s worth researching the grades and stateroom categories for the ship you’re booking beforehand, to check you would be happy upgrading to anything and everything, or if you have a specific stateroom in mind. After all, once you upgrade it can be difficult to move back to your original cabin selection.
If you’re booking through a travel agent, let them know you want to upgrade if any become available and they can be on the lookout for a good deal too.
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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.
Many of the world’s biggest cruise lines are making changes to cruises this week, due to the impact of Hurricane Milton.
The hurricane, hitting Florida on Wednesday 9th October, is causing major problems for cruise ships that are due to dock in the ports of the state, including Tampa, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Several cruises have seen their itineraries altered even before the hurricane reached land, including the world’s biggest cruise ship Icon of the Seas, which had to cancel a planned visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Grandeur of the Seas was another Royal Caribbean ship heavily impacted, sailing to the Bahamas instead of two scheduled port visits to Mexico.
Carnival has been carefully monitoring five ships which have been in the path of the hurricane, with Carnival Paradise due to return to Tampa on 10th October, and Carnival Elation set to return to Jacksonville on the same day.
Carnival Sunrise is also scheduled to return to her port of Miami on Thursday. Carnival Dream and Carnival Pride are set to have their itineraries adjusted to avoid the storm while at sea.
Celebrity Cruises ship Celebrity Reflection was due to call at Key West on Tuesday 8th October, but instead sailed to Nassau in the Bahamas to avoid the oncoming storm.
Virgin Voyages, at the time of writing, hasn’t yet altered plans for Valiant Lady but the cruise line has said that last-minute itinerary changes may be needed.
And another notable change is for Princess Cruises and their newest ship Sun Princess, which was due to complete its inaugural transatlantic cruise on Wednesday 9th October but will now remain out at sea, likely until Friday 11th October.
Obviously, the safety of passengers and crew is paramount. And while the changes to itineraries will be disappointing for many, it’s important to remember that cruise lines must make changes to avoid storms where necessary.
It seems that most people expect to gain weight when they cruise. Around 68% of people who responded to the question on Facebook said they normally gained weight.
Around 12.5% said that they actually lost weight when they cruised. This was either because they were so active when walking around the ship or the ports they visited, or because they used the onboard gyms and tried to be reasonable with their dining and drinking.
The rest of the people who responded said that they would usually stay around the same weight, balancing out activity with eating and drinking on the ship.
Still, that’s the majority of people who will gain weight. And not an insignificant amount either, with an average of around 6 lb (2.7 kg) put on during a typical cruise.
Some people even said that they worked hard before their cruise to lose weight so that, by the end, it all balanced out:
I also think that some people might be in denial…
Not everyone gains weight on a cruise…
There were still plenty of people who said that they didn’t gain weight on a cruise, and either stayed roughly the same or even lost weight.
A lot of people explained how they try to keep similar routines to what they do at home, or they just didn’t go overboard (pun not intended) when they cruised. But for some, it’s just a metabolism thing. Lucky people!
If you’ve never cruised before, then based on the vast majority of responses you should probably expect to gain some weight, and maybe as much as 6 to 7 lb.
The main reasons people gain weight on a cruise
If you want to try and cruise without putting on any extra timber, then some responses highlighted the main reasons people put on weight:
1. Free ice cream
A lot of cruise lines will offer free ice cream by the pool deck, and there’s no limit on how many cones you enjoy. It can be very tempting to just grab another one every hour or so, especially when you’re cruising in a hot destination.
However, while each cone might feel small, they soon add up in terms of calories, sugars and fats. So they can be a key reason why people put on weight.
2. All those amazing desserts
The food on cruises is amazing, and it’s not just the starters/appetisers and the main courses/entrees. Desserts are often spectacular, and the waiters are always happy to get you more than one…
If you don’t tend to eat many sweet things at home, you’ll soon find that the dessert menu will expand that waistline for you.
3. Just all that food and alcohol!
Ultimately, the reason people tend to gain weight on a cruise is because food and drink is freely available, especially if you’ve booked a drinks package.
It’s often booze that’s the problem. People don’t think as much about the calories they’re drinking compared to those they’re eating.
A couple of beers, wines or cocktails can go down so easily, and yet you’re consuming a lot more energy than you need, meaning you’re going to gain weight.
4. Water retention
The other consideration with drinks on a ship is water retention. If you’re drinking more than you normally would (whether alcohol or soft drinks such as coffees), then you’re more likely to retain water, especially in hotter weather.
The good news about this type of weight gain is that it usually corrects itself within a week or two of getting home, with minimal effort.
Top tips to stay in shape on a cruise
Here are some tips from the cruise guests who managed to either maintain their weight or even lose some while on a ship.
1. Use the stairs
One of the top tips from so many people – and something I try to do as well – is to take the stairs when you’re moving between floors on a cruise ship.
It’s not always possible. You might have mobility issues, or you’re right at the bottom of the ship and just don’t want to be flustered when heading for the top deck.
But if you’re able to, and you’re only moving between a few floors, then the stairs can be your ticket to keeping the weight under control as you sail.
As a family, we usually pick a number for how many floors we will do without using the list and then stick to that. So if we decide that four floors or fewer is walkable, then we’ll only use the lift for five or more.
2. Eat when you’re hungry
Food is pretty much available 24/7 on most cruise ships, typically in vast quantities and without anything extra to pay. It’s generally very good quality too, which means it can be tempting to go back for more again, and again, and again…
Remember that you have plenty of days on your cruise to try everything, so don’t overindulge too early. Try to limit your eating to when you’re actually hungry. Make sure your eyes aren’t bigger than your belly, as the saying goes.
Eat what you like, but don’t go so far that you end up feeling bloated and uncomfortable when you should be relaxing.
3. Don’t overdo the booze
Alcohol can be the sneaky issue for anyone who doesn’t want to put on weight during a cruise. It won’t necessarily make you feel full in the same way food will, but the calories will add up.
Cocktails can be particularly bad as they usually have a lot of sugary fruit juice and some even have milk, cream or chocolate sauce in them.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ve got a serious advantage. Try to stick to water or sugar-free drinks if you can, and limit the mocktails, coffees and sugar-rich drinks.
But if you like alcoholic drinks, and you’re conscious of weight gain, try to stick to spirits with zero-sugar mixers.
4. Get your exercise in
Cruise ships offer plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy during your cruise if you want to. There’s almost always a gym that’s free for guests to use. There may be exercise classes too, although these may come with an additional charge.
Personally, I just enjoy using the running/walking track around the ship. You get to enjoy amazing views and the fresh sea air as you complete your laps, making it a much more enjoyable experience.
Of course, on port-heavy itineraries you might do a lot of walking ashore too, so bear that in mind. The more sea days, and the more time spent relaxing by the pool, the more you might want to force yourself to get up and walk, jog or swim onboard.
Do what makes you happy!
Assuming you have no health issues, it doesn’t matter if you gain or lose weight on a cruise. There’s a lot of great food and drink to enjoy, so if you want to, then go for it.
The important thing is that you enjoy yourself, and that you’re happy by the end of it. If that means moderation so that you stay in shape, that’s fine. If it means completely letting go and not caring what the scales say, then that’s fine too!
Your cruise holiday is yours to enjoy as you see fit and as long as you’re respectful of other people, and how they choose to cruise, then that’s all that matters.
Don’t be like this, whatever you do:
Oh, and one more key bit of advice from me and other cruisers: pack some stretchy or bigger clothes to wear on the second half of your cruise, especially if it’s a longer one!
A humorous look at how Royal Caribbean’s colossal cruise ship Icon of the Seas manages to stay afloat!
There are still some great discussions on Twitter/X every once in a while. Some are super-useful and informative, but occasionally there’s a thread that is packed with great and funny replies.
In response to a video about Icon of the Seas, user @edmsillygoose made a request:
— 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫 (@edmsillygoose) August 19, 2024
A couple of people took the assignment a little too literally:
Simple really!
Ah, the age-old question of how something as gargantuan as a cruise ship doesn’t just go “glub glub” and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Here’s the lowdown:
1. **Archimedes’ Principle**: This is the real MVP. It states that any object placed in a fluid (like…
But there were some fantastic funny replies too, which definitely made the thread worth reading!
Here’s a look at some of the best ‘definitely real’ reasons why Icon of the Seas stays afloat:
1. Thoughts and prayers
‘Thoughts and prayers’ are apparently all that you need to keep a cruise ship floating on the water.
But does everyone onboard need to think about the ship floating, or pray for it to stay up? What happens if someone gets distracted?
Or is it just the thoughts and prayers of the captain? Maybe that’s why they’re paid so well – to always stay focused on using their brains to keep the ship afloat!
2. Iconic legs
Turns out, the real secret behind the ship’s buoyancy is its impressive set of iconic legs. Forget complicated engineering or displacement – the ship just gracefully wades through the ocean on its oversized limbs, like some sort of stylish aquatic flamingo.
It raises the question: do the legs get tired after a long journey? Maybe there’s a secret team of masseuses onboard, dedicated solely to giving the ship’s legs a well-deserved break after hours of elegant striding across the waves.
3. Magic
It’s as simple as that – magic. While the engineers might try to convince you with their fancy jargon and science, we all know it’s really just a sprinkle of pixie dust and a flick of the wand.
No need for hulls, stabilisers, or propellers when you’ve got good old-fashioned sorcery keeping the ship afloat.
4. Floating devices
It’s a well-kept secret that the real buoyancy magic happens at the stern, where dozens of brightly coloured helium balloons keep the ship bobbing along.
It’s so obvious once you think about it. Why else would cruise ships need to stay so far from shore? They can’t risk anyone seeing the balloon setup!
And next time you’re on board, try and sneak a peek over the back. If the wind’s just right, you might catch a glimpse of a rogue balloon trying to float away.
5. Clouds
Clouds aren’t just for dramatic sunsets and holiday snaps – they’re the real reason cruise ships stay afloat. Like a giant waterbed in the sky, the ship just lounges comfortably on a soft, fluffy cloud as it glides across the ocean.
It explains why cruises are so relaxing. The passengers are basically on a floating pillow! The tricky part is making sure the clouds don’t drift away.
That’s why the crew always keeps an eye on the weather forecast – it’s all about cloud management.
6. Neanderthal poetry
In perhaps the most ancient and poetic explanation, our Neanderthal ancestors have cracked the code. With wisdom passed down from the dawn of time, they remind us that it’s all about the big air pockets. Water stays wet, air stays dry, and the boat just… floats.
Simple, right? Who needs modern science when you’ve got the primal power of Neanderthal logic? We can only assume they were also responsible for the earliest cruise designs – probably with fewer decks and a lot more mammoths.
7. Help from another Icon
When you’re the Icon of the Seas, who better to keep you afloat than another icon? That’s right – the ship doesn’t rely on engineering or physics, but on the sheer power of Beyoncé’s presence. Her energy alone is enough to keep the cruise ship gliding smoothly over the waves.
Forget lifeboats! All you need is a playlist of Queen Bey’s greatest hits, and you’ll stay above water indefinitely. Maybe that’s why the ship has such amazing sound systems – they’re secretly part of the flotation plan!
8. I’m not sure this is right…
Buoyancy? Who needs it when the ship is actually airborne? That’s right – Icon of the Seas isn’t floating on the water at all, it’s just hovering slightly above the surface, like a giant luxurious hovercraft.
The smooth ride? That’s because you’re technically flying the whole time. So next time someone asks how a cruise ship stays afloat, you can confidently tell them it doesn’t. It’s secretly just levitating in style.
9. The animal kingdom pulls its weight
Why rely on man-made propulsion when nature’s finest are happy to help? Beneath the waves, a dedicated team of dolphins is hard at work, pushing the ship along with graceful flips and synchronised swimming.
They don’t just make for great photo ops – they’re the true power behind the ship’s movement! So the next time you spot dolphins frolicking near the bow, just know they’re not playing. They’re clocking in for another shift keeping the Icon of the Seas afloat and moving.
10. Crouching giant
Forget engines and displacement – the real reason the ship floats is thanks to a helpful giant, wading through the ocean like it’s a paddling pool.
With the ship perched delicately on his head, he carefully strolls along the seabed, making sure to keep everything balanced. You can only hope he doesn’t sneeze!
Maybe he’s on the cruise payroll, or maybe he’s just a friendly sea giant who enjoys the steady pace of ocean travel.
Either way, it explains why the ship never seems to struggle, since it’s just along for a ride on a giant’s shoulders.
11. Mythical creatures
That’s right, hundreds of mermaids working tirelessly beneath the surface, holding up the ship like a mythical support crew. They don’t just save sailors from storms – they’ve upgraded to luxury cruise ships now.
Their siren songs might explain why everyone’s so relaxed on board. While passengers sip cocktails and sunbathe, a hidden mermaid workforce is keeping everything in balance. I wonder if they’re included in the daily gratuities you’ve got to pay.
12. Human-generated propulsion
Well, I know that some people do worry about the emissions of a cruise ship…
The next time you’re enjoying the smooth ride on the Icon of the Seas, just remember that somewhere below deck, there’s a hidden team of passengers contributing their share to keep the ship gliding effortlessly over the waves.
13. That’s why you always find them onboard…
The true secret to keeping the ship afloat lies in a vast, hidden army of rubber ducks!
They’re discreetly tucked away under the deck, or all around the ship, creating a buoyant force that ensures the ship stays high and dry. Who knew those little quacking companions were actually the unsung heroes of marine engineering?
Next time you spot a rubber ducky hidden on a ship, remember: it’s not just a toy. It’s a key component in the high-tech floating system of the Icon of the Seas.
14. Ah, the Finns made it so
When in doubt, trust the Finns! Apparently, the real magic behind the Icon of the Seas is that it’s Finnish-made, and the key to its buoyancy lies in the simple command: “Float.”
In true Finnish fashion, they’ve infused the ship with a special blend of craftsmanship and polite, no-nonsense efficiency. It’s a bit like asking a well-trained husky to pull you along – you just tell it what you need, and it delivers.
15. Of course, it’s so simple…
It turns out the secret to floating is as straightforward as it gets: just make the ship’s bottom really big, and voilà, it goes ‘floaty float’. Who knew?
Science is the answer, and you don’t need to understand it to believe. Just say “Science!” and you have solved the problem!
Final word
There you have it – lots of reasons why a cruise ship as big as Icon of the Seas can stay afloat. Don’t trust anyone who tells you it’s displacement. It’s clearly a combination of magic, mermaids, rubber ducks and some human-powered emissions.
Feel free to add your own suggestions too!
Or if you’re interested in the actual answer, I spoke to my friend John who is a cruise ship pilot and he explained everything here: How Cruise Ships Float And Not Tip Over.
