Bright cruise stateroom with a wide ocean window, showing what to weigh when choosing Celebrity Edge cabins to avoid

Celebrity Edge Cabins To Avoid (2026-27 Guide)

The main Celebrity Edge cabins to avoid are aft deck 7 rooms sitting on top of Eden, deck 12 rooms below the deck 14 pool and buffet, the low ocean views on deck 3 under the casino and dining rooms, and deck 6 verandas overlooking lifeboats. Because Edge now spends her winters sailing out of Sydney and her summers in Alaska, the safest bet for most cruisers is a midship Infinite Veranda on decks 8 to 10. Prefer real outdoor air? Pick an aft Sunset Veranda higher up.

Celebrity Edge launched in December 2018 as the first ship of her class, introducing the Infinite Veranda, the Magic Carpet and the Retreat layout that later sisters copied. She shares her deck layout with her younger sisters, so most of the trouble spots are the same. Her itineraries are not, and that changes which rooms make sense.

Where Celebrity Edge sails in 2026 and 2027

In September 2026, Edge repositioned from Vancouver via Hawaii and French Polynesia to Sydney for her fourth Australia and New Zealand season, which runs until late April 2027. That season includes 12-night New Zealand cruises, Great Barrier Reef sailings, a Tasmania and South Australia trip, South Pacific voyages and open-jaw Sydney to Auckland runs. She then heads back to North America for another Alaska summer from Vancouver before returning to Australia for 2027-28.

That mix means two very different cabin priorities:

  • Tasman Sea and South Pacific crossings can be lively. Motion and cabin position matter more than on a calm Caribbean week.
  • Alaska is cool, scenic and glacier-focused. Window quality and an unobstructed view matter more than a hot-tub-style outdoor balcony.

Celebrity Edge rooms to avoid for noise

  1. Aft deck 7. Eden fills the stern of decks 4 to 6 and hosts evening entertainment, so the wake-view Sunset Verandas and aft Sky Suites on deck 7 sit directly above a busy venue. The same layouts one to three decks higher are quieter.
  2. Deck 12 midship and aft. The ship skips deck 13, so deck 12 is directly beneath the pool deck, the Oceanview Cafe and the deck 14 Magic Carpet position. Owner-group posts from 2026 flag buffet noise around cabin 12240. Expect early chair stacking and cart movement, especially on sunny sea days on the reef and South Pacific runs.
  3. Deck 3 ocean views. The only guest cabins this low share a deck with restaurants and the base of the theatre, with the main dining rooms, shops and the casino on deck 4 above. Cruise Critic’s editors specifically warn about the dining, shops and casino overhead.
  4. Next to lift lobbies and crew access points. These spots are handy for mobility, but late-night returners and housekeeping trolleys can disturb you.

Whichever room you pick, check the current deck plan before booking to see exactly what sits above, below and beside it.

Icy glacier and mountains seen from the sea, the scenery an Alaska cruise cabin window should frame
On scenic Alaska cruising days, an unobstructed window matters most. Photo: David McBee on Pexels

Edge Infinite Veranda: worth it or one to avoid?

The Infinite Veranda was designed for this ship. Instead of a separate balcony, the space by the window is part of the room, and the top half of the glass lowers at the touch of a button. Standard Edge Staterooms with Infinite Veranda come to about 244 sq ft including that window area. Cruise Critic counts 918 of them across the 1,467 cabins on board, including most Concierge and AquaClass rooms, which share the design.

Itinerary Infinite Veranda verdict Why
Alaska from Vancouver Good choice You can keep warm indoors behind the glass and still watch glaciers from the window seat
Australia and New Zealand Fine for most Mild climate; the extra floor space helps on 10 to 14 night trips
South Pacific and Hawaii crossings Think twice With the window open and the doors folded back, the air conditioning stops and tropical heat comes in fast

There are other things to know. The window closes automatically when it rains, and the power shade darkens the whole room, which can be awkward if one of you sleeps late. If you want a genuine outdoor balcony, your options are Sunset Verandas at the stern (around 89 sq ft outside), the porthole-framed Deluxe verandas up front, and Sky Suites and above.

Partial views, porthole verandas and the Magic Carpet

Deck plan listings mark partially obstructed verandas on deck 7, including 7158, 7165, 7190, 7192, 7206, 7210, 7222, 7225, 7244 and 7247, and warn that deck 6 balconies all overlook the lifeboats or the deck 5 promenade below. Forward Deluxe Porthole View rooms are framed by a large porthole-style opening in the hull. A 2021 Cruise Critic member review of one such cabin complained that the opening felt nothing like the balcony they expected, so view the cabin photos first.

The Magic Carpet, Edge’s signature moving platform on the starboard side, stops at deck 2 for tenders, deck 5 for Raw on 5 and deck 14 on the pool deck. Suites nearest its track are sold as a separate Magic Carpet Sky Suite category. What they see to the side varies with the platform’s position, which is worth confirming for Alaska scenic cruising days.

Cruise ship berthed in a sunny harbour city with the skyline behind, reflecting a Sydney-based cruise season
Edge spends her southern summers sailing from Sydney. Photo: Daniel Shepherd on Pexels

Small rooms, family connectors and motion

  • Insides measure roughly 180 sq ft (deluxe versions a little more), which is comfortable for two but cramped for four on a 12-night New Zealand loop. Edge Single rooms with Infinite Veranda are about 131 sq ft.
  • Connecting cabins number around 178. Families should seek them out, while light sleepers should be wary of sound through the shared door.
  • Seasickness is the bigger issue on this ship’s routes than on her Caribbean-based sisters. Book midship on decks 6 to 8, and avoid high forward cabins for Tasman Sea crossings and the long Hawaii repositioning legs.

Best cabins on Celebrity Edge

Concierge Class

Found mostly on decks 9 to 12, Concierge brings faster boarding, an embarkation-day lunch, priority restaurant times and a concierge team. On sailings departing after 21 September 2026, which covers Edge’s entire 2026-27 Australia season, the old afternoon canapés are gone. In their place is complimentary room service with the delivery fee waived, plus two waters on embarkation day. A 20% gratuity may still apply. Skip the C5 partial-view rooms if views are why you are upgrading, and avoid aft deck 12.

AquaClass

Spa-focused AquaClass staterooms, found on decks 9 and 10, bundle in Blu restaurant plus spa relaxation access. They are good value for spa regulars; for anyone else, a Concierge or standard veranda gives more for less.

The Retreat

Sky Suites and above unlock The Retreat lounge and sundeck and the private Luminae restaurant. For Alaska, an aft Sky Suite on decks 8 to 11 gives a real balcony with a wake view. The two Iconic Suites sit above the bridge on deck 12 with vast forward-facing verandas, while the six duplex Edge Villas, spread over decks 15 and 16, each come with a private plunge pool beside the Retreat sundeck. Those villas are beautiful, but they get more passers-by than you might expect at that price.

Best all-rounder

Booking an Infinite Veranda amidships between decks 8 and 10 gives a calm ride, cabins above and below, and a window wall that suits Alaska. Check prices on our cruise deals for 2027 page.

Edge vs her sisters

As the original, Edge has the same core layout as her sisters. Celebrity’s later tweaks were mostly to shows, menus and the spa rather than stateroom design. If your dates are flexible, compare our guides to Celebrity Apex cabins to avoid, for Florida and Southampton sailings, and Celebrity Xcel cabins to avoid, for the newest ship in the class.

For a wider look at whether a balcony is worth it on a cruise, compare the pros and cons of balcony and inside cabins before you book.

For a smaller, more port-intensive Celebrity ship, see our cabin guide for Celebrity Millennium, which flags the cabins under the pool deck and the best Concierge picks.

Still choosing a cruise line? See how Celebrity compares with Royal Caribbean.

FAQs

Where does Celebrity Edge sail in 2026-27?

From Sydney between late 2026 and late April 2027, covering New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and the South Pacific. She then sails an Alaska summer from Vancouver before returning to Australia for 2027-28.

What are the worst cabins on Celebrity Edge?

Aft deck 7 rooms above Eden, rooms on deck 12 beneath the pool and Oceanview Cafe, deck 3 ocean views under the casino and dining rooms, and the partial-view verandas on decks 6 and 7.

Is an Infinite Veranda good for an Alaska cruise on Edge?

Yes, it is one of the better uses of the design. You can watch glaciers from a warm room, though you do not get the open-air feel of a traditional balcony.

What is the best deck on Celebrity Edge?

Decks 8 to 10 midship for most guests, since they have cabins above and below and steadier motion. Higher aft decks are best if you want a Sunset Veranda.

Are Magic Carpet cabins on Celebrity Edge worth avoiding?

Not always, but the Magic Carpet Sky Suites near the platform can have changing side views. Check the exact cabin position before booking, especially for scenic Alaska sailings.

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Carnival Cruisers Still Frustrated Despite Rewards Program Changes

Carnival’s recent adjustments to its upcoming Carnival Rewards program have done little to calm the waters among loyal passengers.

Carnival Rewards

Despite last week’s announcement aimed at addressing concerns, many cruisers continue to voice frustration and disappointment across social media and travel forums.

The new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the long-running Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club in June 2026, has been a flashpoint since it was revealed earlier this year.

While Carnival has confirmed that Diamond status will now be permanently locked in for those who reach it by 31st May 2026, many feel that the cruise line is still undervaluing years of loyalty – particularly from Platinum guests.

Diamond Safe, Platinum Left Behind

The permanent protection of Diamond benefits was hailed as a win for Carnival’s most seasoned cruisers.

However, Platinum members were left with a more limited concession: a 10,000 “star” bonus every two years, which translates to an automatic Gold status and a small head start towards requalifying.

For many, this simply isn’t enough. One long-time cruiser wrote:

“Shame on you Carnival, penalizing those of us who stayed loyal to you to obtain platinum status… Keep diamond and platinum grandfathered in and let your new loyalty program prove it’s the right move.”

Another passenger echoed the sentiment, saying:

“So disappointed in Carnival. We have worked so hard to get to Platinum working towards Diamond. We are at 151 [days] and there is no way we can get to 200 by May. However, if they would give us till 2028… that would be doable.”

Frustration Over Deadlines and Access

Several guests are also upset with the timing of the transition, pointing out that their milestone sailings fall just days after the May 2026 cut-off.

“My husband would’ve made it to Platinum on our June 2026 cruise, but the cut-off date is just 7 days before our cruise starts,” one traveller complained. “An extension would be extremely helpful!”

Canadian and Australian guests remain especially disheartened, as the program is still limited to U.S. residents. One Platinum member from Canada noted:

“Since we can’t get the Mastercard, we are unable to collect points for dollars spent. All this time we have been loyal – even when Covid hit we sailed with masks. One would hope Carnival will do something for us Canadians.”

Value of Loyalty in Question

Beyond technical details, many guests say the new structure undermines the spirit of Carnival’s loyalty program.

Carnival Rewards Points Earning

Several pointed out that the new money-spent model shifts focus away from days at sea.

“As silly as it sounds, we loved just working toward the different colors,” wrote one cruiser. “With the change, it is all about money spent and the days at sea seem to mean very little… With the loyalty program going away, so is our loyalty.”

Others expressed scepticism about Carnival’s reasoning, particularly regarding the number of Platinum members onboard.

“If operational challenges were truly a thing then Faster to the Fun wouldn’t be offered – for $210 mind you – on a 7-day cruise…Platinum should be extended lifetime as well.”

Looking Ahead

Carnival president Christine Duffy recently acknowledged the “passion and loyalty” of Carnival’s guests, insisting the line is listening.

But with the new program still nearly nine months away from launch, it’s clear that many long-time cruisers remain unconvinced.

One loyal guest summed up the prevailing mood:

“I have chosen Carnival each time and would love to continue, but also appreciate being recognized for my loyalty. There are other lines that status match and I may give them a try.”

As the competitive cruise market heats up, Carnival faces the challenge of balancing its desire to reward high-spending guests with the loyalty of long-time cruisers who feel left behind.

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Royal Caribbean Offers Generous Deals After Radiance of the Seas Overbooked

Another case of overbooking has surfaced for Royal Caribbean, this time affecting Radiance of the Seas’ 16-night Panama Canal sailing from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, scheduled to depart on 4th October 2025.

Radiance of the Seas in Alaska

To ease the situation, the cruise line has rolled out a series of tempting offers for affected guests.

The Cruise in Question

The popular itinerary includes visits to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán in Mexico, Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala, Puntarenas in Costa Rica, Colón in Panama, Cartagena in Colombia, and George Town in Grand Cayman.

With the voyage oversold, Royal Caribbean notified booked passengers of four possible alternatives – three allowing them to still cruise (albeit with adjustments), and one designed for those willing to give up their booking entirely.

Full Refund Plus Double Future Credit

The most eye-catching offer was a full refund combined with a future cruise credit worth 200% of the fare paid.

Radiance of the Seas cruising the ocean

In addition, the line pledged to reimburse non-refundable flights or hotel stays already purchased for the trip.

That’s way more than Royal Caribbean would usually offer for oversold cruises. Typically they would offer guests who cancelled a full refund as well as a 100% Future Cruise Credit – meaning they could cruise again in the future for free.

But a 200% credit, essentially meaning two free cruises? Sign me up!

Alternative Sailings

Guests were also given the option to transfer to a 13-night Panama Canal sailing aboard Serenade of the Seas.

That cruise departed San Diego on 19th September 2025 and concludes in Miami.

Though shorter and with fewer ports – Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Puntarenas, and Cartagena – the cruise comes with a full refund of the original fare, plus $300 in onboard credit and reimbursement of any non-refundable travel expenses.

Downgrades With Perks

For those still eager to sail on Radiance of the Seas, two downgrade options were offered.

Guests in balcony cabins could move to an ocean view stateroom while receiving a 100% refund of their original fare, essentially granting them a free cruise.

Alternatively, balcony guests could accept an inside cabin, still with a full refund and an additional $300 onboard credit.

Keeping the Original Booking

Passengers who preferred not to make any changes were able to keep their original balcony reservations.

The cruise line gave guests until 12th September 2025 to respond, with any unaltered bookings remaining in place after 16th September.

Not the First Time

Royal Caribbean has faced several overbooking issues in recent months, with similar offers made to travellers on Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles in June 2025 and Allure of the Seas from Rome in May 2025.

While the causes of overbooking are not always clear, the line appears determined to make amends with compensation packages that many cruisers might find hard to refuse.

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Cruise Guest Dies in Fall From Hiking Trail in Juneau

A cruise passenger has sadly lost his life following a fall from the popular Mount Roberts trail overlooking Juneau, Alaska.

Juneau in Alaska

The accident happened on Tuesday, 16th September 2025.

Tragic Incident in Juneau

Authorities were alerted after 8 pm, when Alaska State Troopers received word that two hikers were in distress.

The men had been trekking along the steep Mount Roberts trail, a challenging route known for its sweeping views of the city and cruise port below.

Both men reportedly slipped from the trail and slid down the rugged mountainside.

Rescue crews from Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to reach one man, who sustained only minor injuries.

The second hiker, identified as 36-year-old Britain Pool of Texas, had fallen further.

Despite extensive efforts involving drones and specialist search equipment, he was found deceased from his injuries. His next of kin have been informed.

While both men were confirmed to be cruise passengers, the ship they were sailing on has not been identified.

Four vessels were in port that day – Viking Venus, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Caribbean Princess.

Previous Hiking Fatality This Summer

This is the second fatal accident involving cruise guests hiking near Juneau this year.

In early July, 62-year-old Marites Buenafe from Kentucky fell while on a trail in the same area.

Port of Juneau in Alaska

A large search-and-rescue operation was launched, and her body was later located 1,700 feet below the route she had set out to hike.

The Mount Roberts trail, which climbs more than 3,800 feet in elevation over 4.5 miles, is considered demanding even for experienced hikers.

Conditions such as slick mud, uneven terrain, and steep drop-offs can make the route especially hazardous, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Hiking Safety in Alaska

Alaska’s scenic trails are a major draw for cruise visitors, offering once-in-a-lifetime views and encounters with local wildlife. However, safety should always be the top priority.

Experts recommend hikers bring essential safety gear even for short walks, including beacon lights or emergency signalling equipment, to aid rescuers in case of an accident.

Guests are also advised to assess their fitness and hiking experience before attempting challenging routes.

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Royal Caribbean Brings Forward Debut of Legend of the Seas

Guests keen to experience Royal Caribbean’s forthcoming Legend of the Seas will now have the chance to step aboard earlier than expected.

Legend of the Seas

The cruise line has confirmed that construction is ahead of schedule, allowing three additional inaugural sailings to be added for July 2026.

Three New Showcase Cruises Announced

“The ship is progressing ahead of schedule,” Royal Caribbean said. “As a result of this early completion, we’ve added three new sailings to our inaugural season showcase departing on 11th, 18th & 25th July 2026.”

The vessel will begin her inaugural season in the Mediterranean, with the first official sailing now departing on 11th July 2026 from Civitavecchia (Rome).

This 7-night cruise will visit Naples, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and Marseille.

Guests already booked on the previously planned inaugural voyage of 2nd August 2026 have been given first choice of whether to transfer to one of the earlier sailings, add an extra sailing, or remain on their current booking.

Royal Caribbean noted that inaugural sailings are often special occasions featuring commemorative events and souvenirs, so this flexibility ensures loyal guests are not disadvantaged.

Price Protection for Suite Guests

For suite passengers who wish to move to the 11th July sailing, full price protection is being offered if they make the change before 24th September 2025.

Transfers to the 18th or 25th July departures will be at the prevailing rate and subject to availability.

Guests in other cabin categories – interior, oceanview, or balcony – may also transfer, though again at the prevailing fare.

Shipyard Progress

Legend of the Seas is currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the same yard responsible for Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas.

Legend of the Seas float out

The vessel was floated out on 29th August 2025, a key milestone marking the completion of the hull and the start of interior outfitting.

The 248,000-gross-ton ship will be the third in the Icon class and will introduce fresh features alongside Royal Caribbean favourites.

Earlier Debuts Not Unusual

While cruise lines aim to set accurate timelines for new ships, schedules are not fixed in stone.

When Star of the Seas was completed more quickly than anticipated, Royal Caribbean added four earlier showcase sailings, with her first official cruise departing on 16th August 2025.

It is possible further preview sailings could still be added for Legend of the Seas before her full debut.

Guests are encouraged to keep an eye on updates, as new sailings are expected to sell out quickly given the excitement surrounding the ship’s launch.

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The Life of a Cruise Director

Most people step on board a cruise ship ready to relax with cocktails and sunsets.

Riviera Travel Cruise Director

For the crew, though, it’s a very different story. Life at sea is a mix of long hours, new adventures, and the occasional surreal moment that you simply couldn’t make up.

Few people know this better than Anette Taylor, Cruise Director at Riviera Travel, who has spent decades helping guests see the world while calling a ship her workplace.

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A Career That Started by Chance

Anette didn’t set out to work on cruise ships. In fact, the whole thing began by accident.

“After my husband and I married, he suggested we try working together,

“Within a week, we were offered roles as Cruise Director and Social Director on a Mediterranean ship.”

That one decision turned into 13 years sailing together on ocean liners.

Eventually, the couple returned to England, but for Anette the pull of life on the water was too strong to ignore.

Anette Taylor, Riviera Travel Cruise Director with husband

She joined Riviera Travel and, 26 years later, is still leading river and ocean cruises with the same enthusiasm.

What a Cruise Director Really Does

To guests, the Cruise Director might look like the friendly face who introduces entertainment or joins the odd excursion. In reality, the role is a constant juggling act.

“Port time is crucial…I use it to plan programmes, confirm excursions, check flight delays, and coordinate with the Captain and Hotel Manager on special celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

“It’s also my time to catch up on emails and research the next destination.”

In other words, while many passengers are out exploring, Anette is working behind the scenes to make sure every detail is in place.

She also accompanies travellers on trickier tours, ensuring they’re safe, smooth, and fun.

A Floating Community

One of the biggest differences between river and ocean cruises is what life is like for the crew. On smaller river ships, there’s less space, and staff often share cabins.

Riviera Travel Drinks

Ocean liners, on the other hand, usually offer gyms, bars, and even crew-only restaurants.

“Crew life is about more than work…

“People pursue passions, from studying for degrees to training for marathons, and socialising is a big part of life on board. Many friendships last a lifetime; I’m still in touch with colleagues from 35 years ago.”

Those bonds are forged partly because the crew live in such close quarters. I

t’s an environment that can be intense, but it also means there’s always someone around to share a coffee, celebrate a birthday, or swap stories from the day.

Packing for the Job

Contracts typically last between one and three weeks, with breaks in between. While uniforms are provided, crew still need to pack carefully.

“Crew members need to pack for varying climates and destinations, bringing essentials like medications, toiletries, and seasonal clothing,”

With the constant change in weather and locations, it’s about being ready for anything, whether that’s rain in Amsterdam or blazing sunshine in Budapest.

Budapest

And while technology makes it easier to keep in touch with loved ones back home, life on board has its own social scene.

“Staying connected with family and friends is easier than ever, but life at sea can also spark romances, some that last, some that end when contracts do.”

Tales You Wouldn’t Believe

If there is one thing that defines a life at sea, it is unpredictability. No matter how carefully a cruise is planned, surprises can and do happen.

Jane Austen Riviera Travel

Over the years, Anette has collected a catalogue of memories that prove working on a ship is anything but ordinary.

“Once, 300 school students on a short cruise got completely out of hand… Nothing worked until the captain disengaged the stabilisers. Calm returned almost instantly.”

For anyone who has worked with large groups, the image is instantly relatable: teenagers full of energy, excitement and little interest in rules. But on a ship, normal crowd-control tactics don’t always apply.

The solution in this case was as unusual as it was effective. Switching off the stabilisers would cause the ship to rock more noticeably, immediately distracting the students and cutting through the chaos.

It is a reminder that at sea, even the ship itself can be used as a tool to restore calm.

On another occasion, the drama was less about disruption and perhaps a little funnier.

“A gust of wind blew a passenger’s toupee into the Danube, and we all watched it float gently downstream,”

It’s the kind of moment that no amount of training can prepare a crew member for. While the passenger may not have seen the funny side at the time, it became one of those stories that lives on in crew folklore.

For Anette, it illustrates how the smallest, most unexpected events often stick in the memory long after the grand destinations fade into the background.

Together, these tales capture the variety of life on board. One moment you’re finding creative ways to calm 300 teenagers, the next you’re watching a toupee sail off into Europe’s second-longest river.

They are the kind of memories that make a cruise career so unique, and the kind of stories that keep crew members swapping anecdotes years later.

Advice for Newcomers

For anyone tempted to trade an office desk for the open sea, Anette doesn’t sugarcoat it. The job is rewarding, but it’s demanding too.

Riviera Excursion

“Gratuities are welcome year-round, and while downtime is limited, the rewards are plenty; new destinations, lifelong friendships, and the thrill of seeing the world from a truly unique perspective.”

A Life Less Ordinary

Anette’s journey shows that working on a cruise ship is about far more than ticking off ports on a map. It’s about being part of a community, creating special moments for guests, and collecting a few unforgettable stories of your own along the way.

From toupees floating down the Danube to lifelong friendships forged at sea, it’s a career that proves work can sometimes feel a lot like adventure.

Today, Anette continues to share her expertise and passion for travel as a Cruise Director with Riviera Travel, the UK’s leading river cruise and tour operator.

For 40 years Riviera has been curating holidays with care, bringing to life the world’s most fascinating destinations.

Their focus is on quality rather than quantity, ensuring every itinerary is thoughtfully balanced so travellers can explore at a relaxed pace while enjoying the best each destination has to offer.

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Carnival Faces Opposite Guest Complaints About Onboard Activities

Cruise lines receive thousands of comments from guests every year, but Carnival Cruise Line has recently been fielding two complaints that could not be more different.

Carnival Cruise dining

One guest said there was not enough happening on board while the ship was in port, while another complained that evening activities go on too late.

Both comments highlight the difficulty of balancing entertainment schedules for such a diverse range of passengers.

Not Enough to Do on Port Days

A Carnival guest recently contacted brand ambassador John Heald after sailing on Mardi Gras, claiming the ship did not offer enough activities while docked at ports of call.

“Why are there are never enough activities on the boat when the ship is at one of the islands? At least half the ship stayed on board all three of the islands. Boredom!!” the guest complained, asking for more shows, trivia, and competitions.

It is true that activity schedules are usually lighter on port days, as many guests are ashore enjoying excursions.

The image shows a lively scene of a trivia game taking place on a Carnival cruise ship. A host stands on stage, engaging with an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom have their hands raised. The atmosphere is energetic and fun, with the game taking place under bright indoor lighting.

Crew members also use these hours for breaks or shore leave, which reduces staff available to host activities.

That said, Carnival typically provides puzzles, trivia, games, and workshops even while in port.

Heald promised to share the concern with Carnival teams, though he also polled his followers about whether they disembark at ports.

Most respondents said they usually do go ashore, though some noted exceptions such as poor weather, repeat destinations, or health limitations.

In this particular case, another guest pointed out that the week in question was plagued by storms and rain, which may explain why more travellers than usual stayed onboard and expected extra entertainment.

Too Much Happening at Night

In contrast, another Carnival passenger took issue with evening activities, arguing that shows and events begin too late for those who prefer an early bedtime.

“We are in our early 40s. These days people of our age group think they’re going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting a good night. At 10 pm bedtime is perfect. Everything, dinner, shows, and all the events need to start at least two or three hours earlier,” the guest wrote.

While Carnival’s daily schedules do include late-night comedy, deck parties, and nightclub events, many shows already have both early and late performances to suit different routines.

This image captures a lively nighttime party on the Lido Deck of the Carnival Vista cruise ship. A large crowd of people is gathered, many of them dancing in unison, while a huge LED screen displays colorful visuals above them. The deck is brightly lit, creating a vibrant atmosphere with people enjoying the festivities around the pool area. The scene is full of energy and excitement, typical of cruise ship deck parties.

Dining options also vary, with some passengers eating as early as 5 pm.

Heald shared the comment in one of his daily polls, which drew more than 11,000 responses.

About 2,000 agreed that events should begin earlier, but over four times that number said they were rarely in bed before 10 pm on a cruise.

Other guests pointed out that flexibility is part of the fun, with some nights ending early and others stretching past midnight.

Balancing Entertainment for Everyone

Carnival’s contrasting complaints show the challenge of catering to every guest’s idea of a perfect cruise.

Some passengers want more activities during quieter daytime hours in port, while others want earlier evening options to match their sleep routines.

With thousands of guests on each sailing, Carnival already offers a wide variety of activities at different times, but it is unlikely any single schedule will please everyone.

Still, both types of feedback help the line refine how it delivers “fun for all” across its fleet.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Villa Vie Residences Launches Flexible Month-to-Month Rent-to-Own Option

Villa Vie Residences has unveiled a new way for travellers to live at sea, offering a flexible month-to-month rental programme aboard Villa Vie Odyssey with the added bonus of a rent-to-own pathway.

Announced on 16th September 2025, the scheme allows guests to rent staterooms starting at $2,999 (£2,420) per person, per month, based on double occupancy.

Villa Vie Odyssey

Oceanview cabins are available from $3,499 (£2,825). For every month sailed, $500 is credited towards the eventual purchase of a permanent villa.

The cruise line is marketing the new plan, called Month-to-Month at Sea, to digital nomads, semi-retired travellers, and those seeking a flexible balance between life ashore and life onboard.

“Flexible rentals with a built-in rent-to-own pathway—so we can meet you where you are in life. It’s your time, your terms, your next chapter at sea,” said Kathy Villalba, CEO of Villa Vie Residences.

Pathway to Ownership

The month-to-month model bridges the gap between short trial stays and longer commitments.

Full ownership of an inside villa starts at $129,999 per person, with monthly fees from $1,999. Balcony villas cost from $329,000, with monthly fees beginning at $3,999.

Ownership includes meals, entertainment, housekeeping, internet, medical services, and access to fitness facilities.

A Growing Menu of Options

Since entering the market in 2023, Villa Vie Residences has rolled out a wide variety of programmes for long-term cruising. These include:

  • 7-day trial sailings for newcomers
  • Tour La Vie rentals lasting 1–4 years, starting at $49,999 per person
  • Endless Horizons for retirees, with no monthly fees
  • Golden Passport, introduced in August 2025, with age-based pricing and the lowest rates for those over 90

The new monthly rental option is positioned as a middle ground between a short trial that may not give the full experience and a multi-year lease that could be too great a commitment.

The Ship and Itinerary

Villa Vie Odyssey, a 32-year-old vessel with a history across several cruise lines including Cunard, Norwegian, and Fred. Olsen, has been extensively renovated for her new residential role.

Villa Vie Residences Culinary Center

She carries around 650 residents and is sailing continuous world voyages lasting roughly three and a half years each.

Her first voyage began in October 2024, with the ship set to visit more than 140 countries over the course of her journey.

The cruise line continues to add new innovative features to the ship even as she is sailing.

The latest is a new floating platform that has been developed exclusively for the cruise line, offering guests the chance to relax in the sea while cruising the South Pacific.

Villa Vie Odyssey Floating Oasis 2

This floating oasis is due to be added to the ship in late 2025.

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Wonder of the Seas Returns To Miami After Onboard ‘Altercation’ Sends Two To Hospital

Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas made an unscheduled return to PortMiami on Monday, 15th September, following an onboard incident that left two passengers in need of hospital care.

Emergency crews, including multiple police cars and ambulances, were waiting at the cruise terminal when the ship docked.

The guests were transported to hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean confirmed that “adult guests were involved in an altercation onboard” and that the line’s medical team provided care before handing them over to local authorities.

The company added that it is working closely with investigators but declined to share further details as the case remains under investigation.

Conflicting Reports From Passengers

While the cruise line described the situation as an altercation, passenger accounts have varied widely.

Some guests reported seeing a section of the pool area roped off, while others said the captain announced the return to Miami was due to a medical emergency.

Miami Cruise Port

Several social media users suggested that a passenger slipped in the pool and suffered a severe ankle injury.

Others claimed there had been a serious fight in public areas, with one rumour describing a violent attack.

The large police and medical presence at the port added to the confusion, fuelling speculation about what had happened.

What We Know So Far

At this stage, only limited facts have been confirmed:

  • Two adult guests were injured and required hospital care.
  • The ship returned to Miami earlier than scheduled on Monday evening.
  • Royal Caribbean is cooperating with local authorities as they investigate.

The exact nature of the incident, and whether it was an accident, a fight, or something else, has not been officially clarified.

Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas is currently the world’s largest cruise ship and sails regular Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Cruise Ship Fights Are On the Rise

While the exact details of what happened on Wonder of the Seas remain unclear, incidents of cruise ship brawls have become more common in recent years, often fuelled by alcohol and overcrowding in busy public areas.

Videos of fights on ships frequently appear on social media, showing groups of passengers involved in violent confrontations, sometimes even throwing furniture.

Travel experts note that certain factors can increase the likelihood of such trouble.

Shorter weekend cruises and all-inclusive drink packages tend to encourage heavier drinking, while sailings during peak times like spring break or holidays can attract a rowdier crowd.

Older or smaller ships with lower fares can also draw passengers more prone to disruptive behaviour.

There are ways to reduce the risk of being caught up in such situations. Choosing longer or off-peak cruises, sailing on newer and larger vessels, and sticking to quieter areas of the ship during late-night hours can all help.

Cruise lines, meanwhile, are under pressure to step up their response with stronger alcohol policies, increased security presence, and stricter penalties such as lifetime bans for serious offenders.

For now, most passengers will never encounter such problems, but the rise in reports is a reminder that cruise lines need to balance fun with firm rules to maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at sea.

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