Cruise News

Have you ever wished you could sell everything you own and sail into the sunset? Single father Gary Payne is doing just that.

As his children grow up and prepare to fly the nest, Gary is swapping his traditional life for a permanent world cruise aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey.

In this exclusive interview, he explains his motivations, how he will deal with the practicalities of life on the waves and what he’s most excited about on his solo voyage…

What led you to purchase a cabin on the Villa Vie Odyssey?

I’m a single dad, and my kids are now living more with their mum. They are also getting to university age, so they will be fleeing the nest.

I’ve gone without, saved, and invested my whole life. My health has gone downhill a bit since splitting from my ex, and I want to spend time on myself and do what I’ve always strived to do… Travel more. 

Have you cruised much in the past? 

Not really a proper cruise. Nothing more than a night or 2 days. I know, I’m crazy!

Why did you choose Villa Vie Odyssey over any of the other ships that offer full-time living at sea?

Currently, there are not many options to reside on a ship as opposed to buying back-to-back trips.

“The World” won’t entertain you unless you’re worth millions. A couple of other start-ups tried to start a cruise, but never even got a ship.

Villa Vie Residences has a ship, has a dry dock booked, has ports booked, and looks like the first “affordable” option. 

Also, it goes around the world slowly. It takes 3½ years to go around once, stopping at over 140 countries and staying at each place longer, meaning residents can explore each place a lot better, and immerse in the local area. There are even plans to help out in some communities with voluntary roles if you like. 

I also like the fact it’s a smaller ship, so can get to places other ships can’t reach (such as up the Amazon). 

The ship has a rich history, sailing for Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line and Fred. Olsen previously. Did that influence your decision to choose this particular vessel?

Not at all. I signed up just before the ship was announced. The funds went into an Escrow account, so I would be protected if things went wrong. 

What type of cabin have you chosen?

I’ve purchased an outside room. I’m looking forward to seeing all the different ports each week through the window.

A lot of people wonder “How can you live in such a small space?” But I see it as – my cabin is my bedroom. The ship is my house.

My house has a gym, bars, restaurants, games room, and ever-changing views. I never need to do laundry or cook or clean ever again (there is a teaching kitchen for residents to use if you want to).

There is also a large business centre for those digital nomads to work from.

The way the pricing works, the costs are good for solo travellers. Inside cabins are at a reasonable price, but selling out fast.

The monthly fees for all-inclusive living are low comparable to living in the UK if you consider no bills, car tax and insurance, all food, drinks, housekeeping, laundry etc. 

What features on board the ship are you most excited about?

It’s great to have a gym, spa and games room, but I’m particularly excited that the top deck has gyroscopic telescopes. Imagine the sky at night with no light pollution at all!

I like the fact we can buy our own drinks and bring them on board, and even store them behind the bars. I also like the fact we stop in most ports for between two and five days. 

I also plan to take the opportunity to volunteer with people from the local communities to learn more about the places we go.

How do you anticipate integrating into the onboard community?

As far as I know, I’m currently the only UK resident (I’d love for more to sign up). I know there are several from other countries, but the vast majority are from the US.

I’m looking forward to learning new sports (they all seem to love pickleball, so we are getting a court on board), and I like expanding my cultural acquaintances. 

I have a little trepidation about being such a minority, but I’m looking forward to cheering on England and Team GB in major events like the Olympics. 

I think I’ll avoid playing scrabble. It could lead to spelling arguments!

Pre-cruise, we currently have a social app where we can chat and get to know each other. I know lots of names and faces already.

We are invited to help make decisions regarding the ship (i.e. naming the ship “Odyssey”). Several of our requests are already being acted on. 

We also have lots of interest groups set up so we know who shares what interests for onboard activities and to find like-minded souls. 

There are also a few webinars and Zoom meetings each week explaining both trip progress and advancing social aspects.

How will you manage the practical aspects of living at sea?

We will have both Starlink and ViaSat 3 wifi, so can make wifi calls and Facetime with family and friends. We will also be able to have mail sent to us on board via a central land-based address.

Healthcare is a concern as a UK citizen who is used to the NHS. There is a medical centre, pharmacy, doctors and dentists on board. However, any procedures over and above the included health checks would be charged.

I am struggling a bit to find an insurer who will cover anything over 90 days away from home but I think I’ve found one.

Villa Vie is in discussions with an insurance provider about this to get a discounted cover for any residents who sign up. It’s a relatively new concept. I’m waiting to see what my options are. If anyone has any ideas, let me know.

How long do you intend to live on the ship?

I foresee myself being on board permanently, other than for any major personal or logistical events. 

It takes 3½ years to circle the globe once, but then it just carries on and does it again. Residents will be consulted about future itineraries.

I’m most excited to visit Antarctica and Micronesia. Plus, we will be in Rio for a week during the carnival.

Do you have any apprehensions or concerns about spending such a long time at sea?

I have several concerns, naturally. It’s a big change. I’m concerned about not seeing family members. They can visit very cheaply, but not everyone is able to travel. 

What if you don’t get on with some residents? You can’t avoid them on a ship. Then again, it’s the same on land I guess!

Then there’s the (as of now, unknown) cost of medical items and insurance. And what if I get really seasick?

But on the whole, I’m super excited to set sail and begin my new life at sea.

Note from Jenni:

I would like to thank Gary for taking the time to do this interview. I’d love to follow in his footsteps and explore the world by cruise ship one day! It’s a fascinating journey and I wish him all the best.

If reading this has given you the urge to do the same, take a look at my guide to living on a cruise ship to see how Villa Vie Odyssey compares to the other options that are available to you.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

There are a lot of small extra costs that you need to bear in mind when budgeting for a cruise, and a lot that you need to plan as well. An example for both is your transport to the ship and for your return journey home – if you’re planning on driving, what do you need to do, and can you park for free?

Well, I’ve got some bad news if you were hoping to enjoy free parking for your Carnival cruise – but don’t worry, with this guide, I’ll take you through all the options available and help you find the ideal solution.

Carnival Doesn’t Have Free Parking

There is no free parking option at the cruise terminals when sailing with Carnival. Every terminal has on-site parking, but there’s a daily charge for leaving your car there – starting from $16.50 per day for the ports most regularly used by the cruise line.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to park for free when cruising with Carnival, but the terminal car parks are the most convenient option. You drive into the secure garage, and then you can just walk to the terminal. You’ll often find luggage valet services close to the parking terminals too so you don’t even need to wheel your suitcases around for long.

That convenience comes with a price though. Here’s a breakdown of the main Carnival departure terminals and the costs involved:

Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal Parking

Parking at Port Canaveral costs $17 per day, plus tax – so it’s actually just over $18 per day. This includes arrival and departure days, so for a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay for 8 days of parking at a total cost of $144.16. 

Reservations are not required, so you can just turn up and leave your car. You’ll pay when you leave. Cash isn’t accepted. You’re asked to drive to the cruise terminal to drop off your bags before you park your car.

Cheaper parking is also available if you choose one of the off-site car parks, many of which have free shuttles to the cruise terminal.

Miami Cruise Terminal Parking

Parking at Miami costs $22 per day, which works out at $176 for an average 7-night cruise (again, you need to pay for both your arrival and departure days, even if the total time ends up being less than one day).

You don’t need to reserve parking in advance, and Carnival guests should park in Garage D as it’s opposite the terminal.

An interesting note – Miami’s parking costs more for Royal Caribbean than it does for Carnival and other cruise lines. So you’re saving more on parking as well as on the cruise fare, on average anyway.

New Orleans Cruise Terminal Parking

Parking at the Erato Street cruise terminal in New Orleans costs $25 per day, so for a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay $200 including your arrival and departure days. 

There’s a dedicated offloading area on the first floor of the parking garage where you can drop off your checked bags before you go and park. You need to have your boarding information to hand to be able to enter the parking garage, and you can pay for your parking via cash or card.

Alternatively, you can park from $14 per day at nearby car parks that have free shuttles.

Galveston Cruise Terminal Parking

There are several parking options available at Galveston cruise terminal, for Carnival guests. Rates vary depending on demand and on whether you choose the garage of an open lot. Prices vary between $16.50 and $22 per day. A shuttle is provided for anyone using the Economy Lot. You do need to reserve your spaces in advance for this port.

Seattle Cruise Terminal Parking

Parking at Seattle Cruise Terminal costs $27 per day, making it one of the most expensive ports to park at. For a 7-night cruise, you’ll pay $216 in total.

There is a free shuttle to make it easy to get to the terminal once you’ve parked your car. You don’t need to make a reservation unless you’re arriving in an RV, which has higher costs of $40 per day.

3 Ways to Get Free or Cheap Parking

There are some ways you can get free car parking for your Carnival cruise, and failing that, you can definitely pay less than the cruise terminals charge. Here are the best options for keeping parking costs to a minimum:

1. Hotels with Parking

If you’re driving a longer distance to get to the port, it’s often best to book a hotel stay for the night before you sail. That way, you won’t miss the cruise if there are any delays on your journey.

Many hotels in the busiest cruise ports will offer park-and-cruise packages, including free or discounted parking for the length of your cruise if you only stay for one night. You’ll often get a free shuttle service to the port too, although even if you don’t, paying for a taxi is still likely to be cheaper than having to park at the port.

Search for “*city* hotels with cruise parking” online and you should find some good options. Make sure you’re clear when you book that you want that package though.

2. Off-Site Car Parking

There are always car parking options near the terminal you can book if you want something cheaper. They won’t be free, but you should be able to find deals that are often half the price of parking at the terminal itself.

However, some of these might be open lots, so be careful. It’s always best to book a parking garage, ideally one where you’ll be on a higher level. Some Carnival guests in South Carolina once returned to flooded cars after storms – and these were the official car parks at the terminal! So whenever you use any parking, try to get a garage space.

3. Free Parking for Disabled Guests

Many of the cruise terminal car parks will offer free parking to guests with disabilities, but typically you’ll either need to be a disabled veteran of the state in which you’re parking, or you’ll need to be using a vehicle that’s adapted for your needs, such as with a ramp. 

Guests with hidden disabilities or with limited physical disabilities that don’t require adapted vehicles will still have to pay full price for their parking. And typically you’ll need to book a disabled space too, even at the car parks where reservations aren’t needed.

Pros and Cons of Terminal Parking

Parking at the terminal for your Carnival cruise has pros and cons. While it’s not free, it might be worth paying the extra.

Pros of Terminal Parking

• It’s more convenient – once you’re parked you can walk to the terminal, or board a quick shuttle
• Most cruise terminals have sheltered parking
• You can drop your luggage off before you park at most terminals
• Once you disembark, you don’t have to travel far to get to your car

Cons of Terminal Parking

• It’s more expensive
• You can’t always guarantee a space, if reservations aren’t accepted
• It’s busy, especially on disembarkation day, and it can be slow to get out of the parking lot/garage

Final Word

Parking at the cruise terminal for your Carnival cruise is never free, and there aren’t really any free options unless you’re disabled. Hotels might offer free parking nearby but only if you pay to stay with them.

There’s no clear best option for Carnival cruise parking – it depends on whether you’re happier to spend more to be as close to the terminal as possible. It’s also worth considering public transport since you’ll often get shuttle services from the airport or train stations, while taxis can be cheap otherwise.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the inaugural cruise for Star of the Seas, the second Icon-class ship for the cruise line, has been cancelled.

Guests who were booked onto the 7-night cruise sailing around the Eastern Caribbean received notification on Tuesday, 27th February that their cruise would no longer be sailing.

The email from the cruise line stated that “after a review of the work that remains to be done, we’re unfortunately forced to delay the ship’s delivery date. As a result, we must cancel our inaugural 7-Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day August 17th, 2025 sailing.”

Now, the new inaugural cruise will take place on 31st August 2025 – two weeks after the original scheduled date.

Guests originally booked on the 17th August 2025 sailing have been presented with several options:

• They can transfer to the new inaugural sailing on 31st August 2025. This is the default option, and if guests don’t choose one of the others then they will automatically be moved onto this sailing
• They can transfer to a cruise on Wonder of the Seas, which will depart on 17th August 2025 – meaning the date remains the same
• They can transfer to a cruise on Icon of the Seas, sister ship of Star of the Seas, on 16th August 2025
• They can ask for a full refund

If guests choose any of these rebooking options, then their original stateroom price will be protected, or reduced to the fare for the new cruise – whichever is lowest. This excludes extra fees such as taxes and gratuities.

Guests can also move their booking to any other cruise with Royal Caribbean on any ship in the fleet, but if they do, then they’ll be responsible for any differences in cruise fare.

There is a deadline – guests have until 12th March 2024 to make their decision, otherwise they will be moved to the new inaugural cruise.

There are always risks that cruise lines have to cancel inaugural cruises – Princess Cruises has twice cancelled the inaugural cruise of their latest ship, Sun Princess.

While it’s disappointing for guests to have their plans change, the small positive is that this was announced almost 18 months before the cruise was due to depart, giving guests plenty of notice.

Related Posts

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.

Read more about me

The Carnival Serenity Adult-only Retreat is the perfect place to unwind when you need to escape from the crowds on a busy Carnival ship.

After all, Carnival’s reputation is for fun, fun and more fun – and that doesn’t always lend itself to a peaceful and calm experience.

When you need a break from the crowds (and the kids), then the Serenity Deck is the place to go – and in this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about it.

1. The Serenity Deck is Free of Charge

The Serenity deck on a Carnival cruise ship is free of charge – unlike some other exclusive sun deck areas on cruise ships, you don’t need to pay for a day pass or a pass that lasts the length of the cruise.

You can just head to the Serenity Deck area whenever you feel like you want to relax, and walk right onto it. Because of this, there are no limits to capacity beyond the actual available space, so it can feel a little busy at times, though the atmosphere is at least usually calmer than it would be around the main pools on the rest of the ship.

The area has a range of hammocks, loungers, day beds and clamshells that guests can use. None of these require an additional charge, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. The Serenity Deck is Only For Adults

One of the best things about the Serenity Deck is that it is for adults only – children aren’t allowed, and if you try to take your children onto the deck then the crew members will ask you to leave.

To be clear, you need to be 21 years or older, since Carnival is an American cruise line. So if you’re a British family travelling and you have 18- to 20-year-olds in your group, they unfortunately won’t be able to make use of the space with you, as Carnival classes them as minors.

The age limit of the area is typically reflected in a more mature decor style too, using browns and teals instead of the bright colours elsewhere on the ship.

3. Every Carnival Ship Has a Serenity Deck

Every Carnival ship in the fleet has a Serenity Deck – no matter which ship you book, you’ll find a relaxing adults-only space away from the main crowds. The Serenity Deck debuted on former ship Carnival Inspiration, but was retroactively added to the ship in 2007 rather than appearing when she first set sail.

It’s since been added to all other ships that sail for Carnival and were built prior to 2007, and it has been included on all ships built since, after it proved to be very popular among guests who wanted a place to escape from the bustling atmosphere of the rest of the ship.

4. Some Ships Have a Split-Level Serenity Deck

On most Carnival ships, the Serenity Deck is situated on one level, but there are a handful of ships that have an extended Serenity area which fits across multiple decks.

Carnival Dream was the first to debut this with a two-level Serenity Retreat, and both Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance are similar. You do have to note that it’s positioned near the slide entrance, so some noise does carry.

A lot of people believe Carnival Sunshine has the best Serenity Deck since it is split across three levels, and offers the most space.

However, parts of that Serenity Deck may be closed off if it is windy due to the position of the area at the front of the ship. And on that note…

5. Aft Serenity Decks Are Better

Most people prefer the ships that have the Serenity Deck at the aft (rear) of the ship, because it’s more sheltered – not just from the wind, but from the noise as well. Even in an adults-only area, the sound of the busy crowds can carry, but the ships that have a Serenity Deck towards the aft tend to offer a quieter experience.

You also get to enjoy views over the wake of the ship as you unwind, which many people believe are the most relaxing.

6. Serenity Decks Don’t Have Formal Opening Times

There aren’t set opening and closing times for the Serenity Deck, so you’ll be able to enjoy relaxing there for as long as you want. The bar tends to close around 10 pm which is the same time that any whirlpools will be switched off, likely to be turned on again around 8 am, though that can vary.

If you want to head there early to grab one of the best spots, the early risers tend to start grabbing the day beds and clamshells from around 7 am. The mornings tend to be busier in the Serenity area, but then as the day drifts on people get bored and go exploring the rest of the ship. If you want to enjoy the Serenity when it is quiet, aim to head there mid-afternoon.

7. You Can’t Reserve Loungers or Day Beds

One important point is that you’re not supposed to reserve loungers or day beds on the Serenity Deck, or indeed anywhere else on a Carnival ship. That doesn’t mean that people won’t try it though – often people will get up early and try to reserve one with a towel before disappearing for a while.

Most crew will take action to remove towels after around 40 minutes but don’t be afraid to prompt them – if you see a clamshell or day bed with a towel on it and nobody returns for a while, let the crew know and they’ll remove it for you.

8. Most Serenity Decks Have a Whirlpool But Only Some Have a Pool

Pretty much every Serenity Deck has at least a whirlpool for adults only, but not many have an actual pool (and the ones that do have a pool only have a small pool area).

9. The Serenity Has a Bar

A prominent feature of the Serenity Retreat area is the bar – no need to leave if you want to cool off with a refreshing drink. 

The Carnival Serenity Bar Menu includes a range of Signature Sangrias, various wine options, beers (available as solo beers or a bucket of 4) and a selection of Signature Cocktails, including frozen and low-calorie options.

10. On Some Ships You Can Order Salad At The Serenity Deck

Some of the Carnival cruise ships with a Serenity Deck have a salad bar called Fresh Creations, so you can enjoy a refreshing bite to eat. These are:

You can choose from a pre-made salad, or customize your own. Here’s a look at the Fresh Creations menu:

Some guests have said that crew on other ships may box up lunch options from the buffet for Serenity guests to enjoy as a quick grab-and-go lunch, but this is rare and you shouldn’t expect it.

11. You Don’t Need To Take a Towel With You

Unless you’re visiting the Serenity Deck at super-early or super-late hours, don’t worry about taking a towel with you. There’ll be a towel attendant on duty who can hand out towels and then collect them from you as you leave.

If you want to head there super early then you might want to grab one from the pool deck, but it’s fine to go to the Serenity Deck, grab a lounger and then, once the attendant starts their shift, ask them for a towel.

12. Serenity Is Not Clothing Optional

There’s no dress code you need to worry about for the Serenity Retreat on a Carnival cruise ship, except that you are expected to be clothed. Some people believe that, because it’s an adults-only area, it’s OK to go topless or even nude to sunbathe.

Officially that is not the case. Carnival’s policy is that guests must always be covered up when they’re on the ship. In reality, you might be fine if you did want to sunbathe topless, especially on a European cruise, though be aware that you might be asked to cover up.

Final Word

If you’re cruising with Carnival and the noise of all the parties and screaming kids gets a bit overwhelming, there’s always an adults-only quiet area you can visit, though depending on its location and the time of day, it’s not always an absolute haven of tranquillity.

It’s still a good option, especially on the ships with a pool area or where you can grab a salad for lunch if you enjoy a lighter bite, but with it being free you shouldn’t expect it to feel super-exclusive or to have any extra freebies for you.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

This is a guest post by Kate Holroyd.

When you book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’ll have the option of some Free at Sea packages. One of those packages is for speciality dining.

But what do you actually get? And how does it work? I’ll explain all…

How Many Meals Are Included in NCL Free at Sea?

If you choose NCL’s Free at Sea, you get 1-3 speciality dining options included, depending on the length of your cruise and your cabin choice. You can choose any of the speciality restaurants onboard your ship – there are no restrictions on which you can dine at. 

One of the many reasons we love to use NCL as a family is the flexible dining; there are many options included in your cruise fare. And with the Free at Sea you get extra speciality options included for the first two guests in the cabin.

When we sailed on Norwegian Getaway this summer, we opted for the Brazilian restaurant Moderno. We gorged on the amazing small plates and wonderful sizzling meats as they’re brought round to you on a skewer.

Dining with fussy children isn’t a problem, as there is a kids’ menu available too. We dined as a couple though, to make the most of the experience – thank goodness for the kids club, Splash Academy!

For our second choice, we opted for the Italian, La Cucina. We simply paid for the meals the kids ate as they joined us this time. It’s an a la carte option, there’s not a flat surcharge.

As you can see on the receipt, it would have been a meal over $140 if not for the Free at Sea.

We loved the food and the service was epic, a fantastic option for the final night of the cruise – family dining at its best. 

You have the flexibility of choice with the Free at Sea; as long as there’s availability, you can eat in any of the speciality restaurants with this add-on. It really is exceptional value to be able to add your drinks and some extra special meals. 

How Does Free at Sea Speciality Dining Work?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free At Sea dining packages apply to the first two guests on the cabin booking. You reserve your dining choices online using the cruise personaliser, up to two meals in any restaurant, and they’ll show up on your onboard account at $0.

You can reserve any of the restaurants, and there are no restrictions on the time you can have your table. It’s not like an early-bird special.

The guests using the speciality dining offer on NCL’s Free At Sea must dine together, and if someone fails to attend or declines to use it, it’s non-transferrable, non-refundable and has no monetary value. 

However, when we sailed on the Norwegian Getaway this summer, they were exceptionally accommodating when we missed our reservation! You know when you’re away, you don’t wear a watch, or even know what day it is – that’s what happened. Guest Relations were wonderful and allowed us to book an alternative for no extra charge. We can’t guarantee they would do this every time, but they showed us wonderful customer service by doing this – no fuss.

How to Reserve Speciality Dining on a Norwegian Cruise

You pre-book your speciality dining reservations on the Manage My Booking part of the NCL website when you are able to check in, which is 21 days pre-departure.

Free at Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board. 

I suggest you book as soon as you can. As experienced cruisers will know, availability is limited, and you want to make sure you get the restaurants you want. We booked as soon as we could to get Teppanyaki, which is extremely popular with NCL guests.

Unfortunately, we missed one of our reservations (it’s really easy to lose track of the days on a cruise!), and NCL were really good about it, even allowing us to re-book the meal at another time with no cost penalty. 

Final Word

Choosing Free at Sea with NCL is a great way to enjoy the varied speciality dining restaurants on your ship. While you get plenty of fantastic food in the restaurants already covered by your cruise fare, the chance to enjoy something fun and different shouldn’t be passed up.

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

A number of guests who were due to disembark NCL’s cruise ship Norwegian Dawn on Sunday 25th February are being kept onboard in quarantine.

The ship is currently docked in Mauritius, where it was due to complete a 12-night cruise from Cape Town. However, an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness has resulted in some guests being refused permission to leave the ship.

While symptoms have been described as “mild” by Norwegian Cruise Line, the authorities in Mauritius are being extra cautious as cholera shares some symptoms with norovirus, and it’s important that it’s confirmed not to be the more serious disease causing the illness.

This has also resulted in a delay to the subsequent cruise – with the two-day quarantine period in place, guests expecting to set sail on 25th February are now being told the ship will depart on 27th February instead.

All guests kept onboard are being provided free telephone access and WiFi packages to make changes to their ongoing travel arrangements and to contact family members.

Anyone who had booked their flights through NCL will automatically have their return travel rescheduled, but guests who booked flights independently are being asked to speak to their travel agents or airlines, relying on their travel insurance to cover costs. NCL is providing guests with up to $300 for travel change costs as well.

Guests onboard are also being given a 15% Future Cruise Credit to apply as a discount to any future booking before 31st December 2025. Meanwhile guests waiting to embark have been put up in hotels close to the port until the ship can sail.

Related Posts

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.

Read more about me

Imagine setting sail on your long-awaited cruise, ready for days of relaxation. But nestled in your luggage is a potential stowaway of misfortune – a humble banana.

This might sound silly, but a long-standing maritime superstition paints this yellow fruit as the ultimate jinx for seafaring journeys.

The Origins of the Banana Curse

The banana’s bad reputation at sea stretches back to the 1700s. Historical records show a peculiar pattern: ships transporting bananas from the Caribbean and South America had a worrying tendency to disappear or meet disastrous ends.

Sailors, desperate for an explanation, latched onto the one common factor – the presence of bananas.

Since then, bananas have been known as a bad omen on ships. And think about it, when was the last time you saw a banana at a cruise ship buffet?

Apples? Yes. Oranges? Yes. Kiwis? Yes. But you’ll very rarely see a banana.

While bananas may not be in the buffet, there probably are some on your ship. Just like grapes and strawberries, they’re saved to make desserts or to put in the fruit bowls of suite guests. These fruits are too expensive to give them out willy-nilly!

There were a few practical reasons behind the fear of bananas at sea:

The Ripening Agent

Bananas release ethylene gas, a natural hormone that triggers ripening in nearby fruits. This is handy if you want your avocados to soften faster in the fruit bowl, but not so good if you have a long voyage with limited supplies of fresh food.

With limited refrigeration on ships in the past, the presence of bananas could lead to entire food supplies spoiling prematurely and sailors going hungry.

Dangerous Stowaways

The warm, humid environment of banana shipments provided a perfect haven for venomous spiders and snakes.

Crew members unfortunate enough to be bitten faced limited treatment options far out at sea. So to keep the killer bugs off the ship, bananas weren’t allowed on board either.

Modern Times: Superstition vs. Science

Today, with advanced food storage and pest control, the banana’s curse seems a quaint relic of the past. Yet, the superstition lingers.

Why? Because a good story, even a superstitious one, has remarkable staying power. There’s a certain thrill in upholding a tradition steeped in seafaring history.

Bananas on Your Cruise: The Real Risks

While your cruise ship is unlikely to sink due to a banana-induced curse, there are still minor inconveniences to consider:

• Cruise Line Rules: Most cruise lines only let you bring pre-packed food on board. So dried banana chips would be fine, but fresh bananas will likely be confiscated.
• The Fruity Fly Magnet: Overripe bananas are notorious for attracting fruit flies, potentially turning your cabin into an unwelcome insect haven.
• Respecting the Tradition: Some cruise lines or long-time crew members may still uphold the superstition.

To Banana or Not to Banana?

The decision is yours. The risk is minimal, but being aware of the superstition adds a layer of cultural understanding to your cruise experience. If you have any doubts, there are plenty of other delicious and ship-friendly snacks.

Conclusion

The banana superstition is a fascinating mix of history, practicality, and a sprinkle of the unexplainable.

So, next time you pack for your cruise adventure, you might want to double-check your fruit bowl. And hey, if a bit of unexpected turbulence or a misplaced beach towel occurs during your trip, don’t be afraid to playfully blame it on the bananas!

Related Posts:

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.

Read more about me

Cruiseline.com, one of the biggest cruise websites in the world for deals and cruise reviews, has announced the winners of its 2024 Member Choice Awards, with Royal Caribbean taking the prize of best mainline cruise line along with nine other awards.

The awards are given to the top-ranked cruise lines each year, all decided by the review scores of guests who sailed on the ships within the last calendar year.

There are four overall awards, with Royal Caribbean just edging out Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line to win the Best Mainstream Cruise Line Award.

Best Premium Cruise Line went to Windstar Cruises, while Seabourn won the award for Best Luxury Cruise Line. The final overall category was Best River Cruise Line, which was given to Viking River Cruises.

There are several onboard experience awards too, given to the cruise lines that score highest in each category.

Celebrity Cruises won Best Cruise Line for Food and Dining, and for Staterooms. Royal Caribbean won the Best Cruise Line for Onboard Activities and Entertainment, and for Service and Staff.

There are several individual awards for ships too:

New for 2024, the site also announced awards for the Best Cruise Port and the Best Cruise Line Private Destination.

Here’s the full top 10 of cruise ports:

1. Skagway, Alaska
2. Willemstad, Curacao
3. Barcelona, Spain
4. Juneau, Alaska
5. Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras
6. Philipsburg, St. Maarten
7. Oranjestad, Aruba
8. Ketchikan, Alaska
9. Key West, Florida
10. Bar Harbor, Maine

And the full list of 9 private destinations:

1. Castaway Cay, Bahamas (Disney Cruise Line)
2. Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas (Royal Caribbean)
3. The Beach Club at Bimini, Bahamas (Virgin Voyages)
4. Labadee, Haiti (Royal Caribbean)
5. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Carnival)
6. Ocean Cay, Bahamas (MSC Cruises)
7. Harvest Caye, Belize (NCL)
8. Princess Cays, Bahamas (Carnival)
9. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (NCL)

Related Posts

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.

Read more about me