Guests booked on upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises will no longer be calling at the line’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti, as the suspension of visits has now been extended until at least April 2026.
Travel agents and booked passengers are being notified of the changes, which impact itineraries across eight different ships.
The cancellations mean it will be a further six months before the cruise line may reconsider reopening the port.
Itinerary Adjustments Across the Fleet
Royal Caribbean is substituting a range of alternative destinations depending on ship and sailing date.
For example, the 1st November 2025 departure of Freedom of the Seas from Miami was originally set to visit Labadee and Nassau.
Instead, the ship will now call at Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos.
The 15th November sailing of the same vessel will visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, while the 22nd December cruise will divert to Falmouth, Jamaica.
Other ships with revised itineraries include:
Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Alternative ports now scheduled across the fleet include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Nassau, Puerto Plata, Falmouth, and Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Any pre-paid Labadee shore excursions booked through the cruise line are being cancelled automatically, with full refunds issued.
Where possible, excursions will be substituted to match the new itineraries. If no replacement port is available, some cruises may instead feature an extra day at sea.
Safety Concerns Behind the Cancellations
Royal Caribbean has described the decision as being made “out of an abundance of caution”, given the worsening violence across Haiti.
Although Labadee itself is more than 80 miles north of the capital Port-au-Prince – a six-hour drive away through mountainous terrain – the wider situation remains volatile, with concerns about crime such as robbery, assault, and kidnapping.
Haiti has been under a state of emergency since March 2024, and the US Department of State continues to maintain a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
The cruise line had previously cancelled all Labadee visits through October 2025.
This latest extension is the longest yet and reflects both the instability ashore and the need to secure alternative port plans well in advance of the busy Caribbean winter season.
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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.
On the morning of 5th September, the cruise ship MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, struck the pier while attempting to dock at the port of Piraeus, Greece. Preliminary checks…
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On the morning of 5th September, the cruise ship MV Gemini, operated by Miray Cruises, struck the pier while attempting to dock at the port of Piraeus, Greece.
Preliminary checks suggest the vessel sustained damage to its hull above the waterline.
A crew member, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the ship made contact with the pier during the manoeuvre, leaving a sizeable hole in the side of the hull.
“MV Gemini, while docking in Piraeus, accidentally hit the dock, causing a big hole in its hull. Apparently, the problems are getting worse for this old lady,” the source told CrewCenter.
Port authorities, together with the ship’s technical team, are now evaluating the extent of the damage. Repairs will need to be carried out before the vessel is permitted to return to service.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of setbacks for the 1992-built cruise ship.
Back in March, MV Gemini suffered an engine room fire shortly after leaving Piraeus. Smoke was visible on the upper decks, and passengers, along with crew members, were directed to muster stations as a precaution.
Although the blaze was extinguished, the ship was forced to limp back to port at reduced speed due to ongoing engine issues.
Following the collision at Piraeus, it is expected that both the Greek port authorities and the vessel’s classification society will require a full inspection before the ship can sail again.
Collisions of This Nature Are Rare
Incidents where large cruise ships strike piers or other vessels are rare, though not unheard of.
In July 2023, Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess collided with Pier 27 in San Francisco while docking at the end of a 10-night Alaskan cruise.
Both the pier and the ship suffered damage above the waterline, but thankfully no injuries were reported. Passengers recalled a heavy jolt at the time of impact.
Around 16 months after the incident, a report was published that declared the likely cause was the “master not carrying out the approach to the dock as planned to account for the anticipated current.”
The previous year, in May 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas made contact with a dock extension in Jamaica, again causing only material damage.
Not all incidents involve piers.
On 11 December 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas was berthed in Nassau, Bahamas, when a yacht reportedly lost power and drifted into the ship’s stern. Witnesses shared videos online showing the smaller vessel’s mast breaking on impact.
The cruise ship itself escaped largely unscathed, and passengers reported only a short delay to departure. Maritime officials classify such an event as an allision (a moving vessel striking a stationary object) rather than a collision between two moving ships.
Other examples include:
In 2022, Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas was hit by a cargo ship while docked in Freeport, Bahamas.
In December 2019, Carnival’s Glory and Legend collided in Cozumel, Mexico, while both were moored. Carnival Glory sustained significant stern damage, narrowly missing Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
While these accidents attract considerable attention, the reality is that modern cruise ships complete thousands of port calls each year without incident.
When allisions or collisions do occur, they are typically the result of difficult manoeuvres in busy harbours, adverse weather, or smaller craft losing control nearby.
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Princess Cruises has announced a new appearance policy that will require all crew members to cover visible tattoos while on duty, starting 10th September 2025.
The change applies to roughly 30,000 staff across the line’s 17 ships and marks a significant shift from previous guidelines, which allowed visible tattoos provided they were not offensive or inappropriate.
According to the updated rules, tattoos on arms and legs may be covered with neutral or skin-tone sleeves, while makeup or bandages may be used for smaller areas.
The company has said the move is intended to create a more polished, consistent look across the fleet and support a “respectful and inclusive environment” for its wide-ranging guest base.
Supervisors and managers will be tasked with monitoring compliance, though Princess has not yet confirmed what disciplinary action might be taken for violations.
Crew members with concerns have been advised to contact Human Resources.
A Shift in Policy
Until now, Princess Cruises permitted tattoos that were considered “reasonable self-expression”, with restrictions only on neck and face tattoos or those featuring profanity, nudity or political and cultural references.
Smaller tattoos could be covered with makeup or bandages, but large wraps were discouraged.
The cruise line states that the stricter approach brings Princess more in line with Carnival Corporation, its parent company since 2003.
Ironically, Carnival Cruise Line reaffirmed just last year that its own crew members are still allowed to display tattoos onboard, highlighting a difference in corporate style.
Facial piercings remain banned for Princess crew, while jewellery is limited to discreet pieces that do not detract from the uniform.
The company maintains that all dress code rules are designed to ensure a polished image, with clean, pressed uniforms and visible name tags.
Exceptions may be made where tattoos hold religious or cultural significance, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Princess Cruises’ Shoreside Head of Entertainment.
Opposite Move to NCL
The move is in direct contrast to one made by rival Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, which previously had tougher rules on tattoos, facial hair and jewellery for crew members.
But in July of that year, the cruise line announced that rules were being relaxed and that visible tattoos were accepted, provided they weren’t on the face, head or the front of the neck (and, of course, that they weren’t offensive).
Those rules also saw crew members permitted to wear more jewellery, as long as it didn’t interfere with their duties, and strict rules on facial hair were also relaxed to allow crew members to have a moustache, beard or goatee, provided they were well maintained.
Of course, those changes are now a couple of years old -perhaps NCL will reverse them if that’s the direction the cruise industry is going in.
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Carnival Cruise Line has expanded its drinks offering with the launch of a brand-new package tailored for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
The CHEERS! Zero Proof package provides a wider range of non-alcoholic choices than the existing soda plan and is designed as a more affordable alternative to the line’s all-inclusive alcoholic package.
The package is designed as a mid-range alternative between the Bottomless Bubbles soda package and the all-inclusive alcoholic CHEERS! programme.
It will be available on all Carnival ships from 15th September 2025 onwards.
Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president, explained that the package was created in direct response to guest demand for a more comprehensive non-alcoholic option.
What the Package Includes
The Zero Proof package is priced at $29.99 (USD) per person, per day if booked before sailing, or $34.99 onboard, with an automatic 18% gratuity added.
So the actual price you should expect to pay is $35.39 per day if bought pre-cruise, and $41.29 if bought onboard.
Prices for Australian cruises are $39.99 (AUD) pre-cruise or $44.99 onboard.
Included in the package are:
Soft drinks (now Coca-Cola products)
Juices
Still and sparkling bottled water
Coconut water
Premium coffees and teas
Mocktails (zero-proof cocktails)
Alcohol-free beer
Alcohol-free sparkling wine
Frozen non-alcoholic drinks
Smoothies and milkshakes
Bottled protein shakes
Energy drinks
Exclusions include drinks sold in souvenir glasses, beverages at the gangway, room service items, mini-bars, and drinks served at private events.
One unusual restriction is that guests must still be 21 or older to order zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free beer, and alcohol-free sparkling wine, despite these drinks containing no alcohol.
Rules and Restrictions
Unlike the full CHEERS! alcoholic package, not every guest in a stateroom has to purchase Zero Proof.
It is available as an individual choice, making it more flexible for families or groups with different preferences.
As with all Carnival packages, drinks cannot be shared between passengers. The package also does not extend to ports of call, including private destinations such as Celebration Key.
It’s important to note that the flexibility doesn’t extend to any cruisers also buying an alcohol-inclusive package for someone in their cabin.
If someone wants the full CHEERS! package that includes alcohol, then everyone in the cabin must purchase the same one. You can’t have someone on CHEERS! and someone on Zero-Proof CHEERS!
A Long-Requested Option
Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald, highlighted how often he is asked about an upgraded non-alcoholic package, calling this new option a direct response to guest requests.
The package is unlimited, with no cap on the number of drinks that can be ordered each day.
It also complements rather than replaces the long-standing Bottomless Bubbles soda plan, giving passengers more choice depending on their drinking habits.
Guests are being encouraged to book quickly, as Carnival has already suggested that prices may increase in the future if the package proves highly popular.
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The Celebrity Apex cabins to avoid are mainly the deck 3 ocean views tucked under the dining rooms and casino, wake-facing rooms on deck 7 directly above Eden, deck 12 rooms beneath the Oceanview Cafe and pool on deck 14, and the partial-view rooms on deck 6 that look onto lifeboats. The best-value picks are midship Infinite Verandas on decks 8 to 10, which have cabins above and below them. If you want a real step-out balcony, look at aft Sunset Verandas on decks 8 to 11.
Celebrity Apex is the second ship in Celebrity’s Edge class. She entered service in 2020 (her first passenger sailings were in 2021) and her layout closely matches her sisters. What makes the choice different on Apex is where she sails: Caribbean and Bahamas weeks from Port Canaveral in winter, and Norway, Arctic Circle and Northern Europe sailings from Southampton in summer. Here is how that changes which room you should book.
Celebrity Apex cabins to avoid at a glance
Location
Why it can be a problem
Who should skip it
Deck 3 ocean views
Sit on the dining deck below the Cosmopolitan, Cyprus and casino level on deck 4; close to the gangway and tender area on deck 2
Light sleepers, anyone who naps by day
Deck 7 aft (wake-facing)
Directly above Eden, which runs late-evening entertainment
Early sleepers
Deck 12 midship and aft
Below the deck 14 pool, Oceanview Cafe and Magic Carpet (there is no deck 13)
Anyone who hates early chair-dragging noise
Deck 6 balconies and forward porthole verandas
Views down onto lifeboats or framed by a large porthole opening
Scenery lovers on fjord cruises
Forward cabins on low decks
Most motion in rough seas; near the theatre at the front of decks 3 to 5
Seasickness-prone guests
Rooms by elevator lobbies and crew doors
Foot traffic and late-night chatter
Light sleepers
Always check the current deck plan before booking, since the cruise line can reassign venues or reconfigure spaces during dry docks.
Noisy Celebrity Apex rooms to avoid
Deck 3: the lowest guest cabins
Deck 3 holds a small run of ocean-view staterooms on the same deck as the Tuscan Grille and Normandie restaurants and the base of the three-level theatre. Directly above, deck 4 holds the Cosmopolitan and Cyprus dining rooms, shops and the casino. You get a window at a lower price, but also service traffic and the clatter of a busy dining deck. Deck 2 below is the Destination Gateway, where you board the ship and catch tenders, so port mornings can start early. If you will mostly be ashore, these rooms are fine. If you value quiet afternoons, move up to deck 6 or higher.
Deck 7 aft above Eden
Eden spans the back of decks 4 to 6 and stays busy late into the evening with performances and music. The wake-view rooms on deck 7 sit right on top of it. Some blog guides name specific aft balcony and Sky Suite numbers in the 7110 to 7115 and 7300 ranges. Treat those lists as a starting point, not a rule. The same aft layouts on decks 8, 9 and 10 have cabins above and below them, which is the simple fix.
Deck 12 under the pool deck
Because Apex has no deck 13, the cabins on deck 12 sit directly under the pool deck on deck 14, including the Oceanview Cafe buffet. Crews set up the buffet and arrange loungers early, and guests on owner groups regularly report scraping noise in the aft 12200s. This matters most on Caribbean sea days out of Port Canaveral, when the pool deck is full from breakfast onward. Forward deck 12 is a different story, since that is where most of the Retreat suites sit.
Lifts, stairs and service doors
A cabin two or three doors from the elevator lobby is convenient but busier. Watch for unmarked crew doors and pantries on the deck plan, which can bring trolley noise at odd hours.
Window placement makes or breaks a cruise cabin view. Photo: Ahmet ÇÖTÜR on Pexels
Infinite Veranda vs a true veranda on Celebrity Apex
Most Apex rooms are Edge Staterooms with Infinite Veranda. Instead of a separate balcony, the outdoor space is part of the room: bifold doors close off the sitting area, and you press a button to lower the top half of the floor-to-ceiling window. Celebrity’s sizing for the standard version is roughly 200 sq ft of living space plus about 40 sq ft of veranda area. Most Concierge Class and AquaClass rooms on this ship use the same design.
The good: you get more usable floor space, and the window seat feels comfortable on cool days. On a Norwegian fjords or Arctic Circle sailing from Southampton, you can sit and watch the scenery in shirt sleeves.
The catch: if you open the window with the bifold doors open, the air conditioning switches off. On a humid Caribbean week, the room warms up quickly, and you cannot step outside into fresh air the way you can on a traditional balcony.
If outdoor time matters to you, the alternatives with a true step-out balcony are the aft Sunset Verandas (about 89 sq ft of outdoor space), the forward Deluxe Porthole View with Veranda rooms (check the view, as the porthole frame can block part of it), and Sky Suites and above. Cruisers who have switched from Infinite Verandas to Sunset Verandas mostly say the aft position, not the price, is the bigger trade-off. That is why it pays to avoid deck 7 aft and choose decks 8 to 11 instead.
Obstructed views and the Magic Carpet
Deck plan specialists list every outward-facing balcony on deck 6 as looking down on either deck 5 or the lifeboats. They also flag partially obstructed verandas on deck 6 (6128, 6129, 6180, 6182, 6196, 6198) and on deck 11 (including 11122, 11125, 11156, 11158, 11176 and 11182). Celebrity prices some of these as partial-view categories, such as E5 Infinite Verandas and C5 Concierge rooms. They can be good value if you mainly use your cabin to sleep. They are a poor choice for a fjords cruise, where the view is the whole point.
The Magic Carpet is the tennis-court-sized platform that moves up and down the starboard side, serving as a tender gateway on deck 2, a dining extension at Raw on 5, and part of the pool deck on 14. Celebrity has a separate Magic Carpet Sky Suite category for the suites nearest its track. Their side views can be affected depending on where the platform is parked, so ask your agent about the exact sightline before paying suite prices.
Small cabins, connecting rooms and seasickness
Inside cabins: standard and deluxe insides run from roughly 180 to 200 sq ft. That is decent by industry standards, but tight for three or four people with luggage. Single Infinite Veranda rooms are much smaller, at around 130 to 140 sq ft.
Connecting rooms: the class has about 178 connecting cabins. They are ideal for families, but the connecting door carries sound more than a solid wall, so couples may want to filter them out.
Seasickness: choose midship on decks 6 to 8, where most Infinite Verandas sit. Avoid high forward rooms if you are crossing the Bay of Biscay or the North Sea, or taking the spring and autumn transatlantics between Florida and Southampton.
Suite guests get extra space and a private Retreat area. Photo: cottonbro studio on Pexels
Best cabins on Celebrity Apex by budget
Concierge Class
Concierge rooms are mostly on decks 9 to 12 and add priority embarkation, a welcome lunch, preferred dining times and a concierge desk. From sailings departing after 21 September 2026, Celebrity replaced Concierge Class canapés with free room service. The usual delivery fee is waived, though a 20% gratuity may still apply, and two welcome waters arrive on embarkation day. Avoid Concierge rooms in the aft part of deck 12 if you want quiet mornings, and check whether a cheap fare is actually a C5 partial view.
AquaClass
About 100 AquaClass rooms sit on decks 9 and 10 and include dining at Blu plus spa relaxation access. They are worth it if you will use both; otherwise the premium goes on perks you skip.
The Retreat suites
From Sky Suites upward, guests get The Retreat lounge and sundeck plus Luminae restaurant. The 146 Sky Suites are spread over decks 6 to 12. Aft Sunset Sky Suites have the best wake views, but again, skip the ones on deck 7. Forward on deck 12 sit the Celebrity, Royal and Penthouse Suites and the two Iconic Suites above the bridge, at about 1,890 sq ft with a huge veranda. The six two-level Edge Villas (decks 15 and 16) have plunge pools and open straight onto the Retreat sundeck. They are lovely, but they are not the place for guests who want total seclusion.
Best value overall
A midship Infinite Veranda on decks 8, 9 or 10 is hard to beat: steady motion, cabins above and below, and an easy walk to the lifts. Compare current fares on our 2027 cruise deals roundup before you lock in a category.
How Apex compares with her sisters
Apex shares her hardware with the first ship of the class, so most of the same rules apply on board. Celebrity’s own changes for Apex focused on entertainment, dining and the spa rather than the staterooms. If you are weighing ships, our guides to Celebrity Edge cabins to avoid and Celebrity Xcel cabins to avoid cover the differences that do exist, and the very different itineraries each ship sails.
Which cabin on Celebrity Apex is considered the best?
For most couples, a midship Infinite Veranda on decks 8 to 10 is the best balance of price, quiet and stability. For a real balcony, choose an aft Sunset Veranda or Sky Suite on decks 8 to 11. At the top end, the Iconic Suites and Edge Villas are the standouts.
What are the Celebrity Apex rooms to avoid for noise?
Deck 3 ocean views below the dining and casino level, deck 7 aft rooms above Eden, and deck 12 midship and aft rooms under the pool deck and buffet on deck 14.
Are Infinite Verandas a bad choice on Apex?
Not necessarily. They work well on cooler Northern Europe sailings from Southampton. On Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, the air conditioning cutting out when the window is open can make the room humid.
What is the best deck on Celebrity Apex for seasickness?
Low to middle decks midship, roughly decks 6 to 8, where motion is gentlest. Avoid forward and high cabins on rougher routes such as transatlantic crossings.
Is Concierge Class worth it on Celebrity Apex?
It can be if you value priority boarding and the extra service. Since September 2026, free room service delivery replaced the old daily canapés, which many guests see as a better perk.
Cruise ship rooms, usually called cabins or staterooms, are compact hotel-style rooms with a bed, a private bathroom with a shower, storage, a TV, a safe and climate control. A standard cabin on a mainstream ship is typically around 160 to 200 square feet, smaller than most hotel rooms, and comes in four main types: inside, oceanview, balcony and suite. Housekeeping is included, and a cabin steward looks after your room once or twice a day.
If you have never sailed before, it is hard to picture what you are actually booking. This guide walks through what cruise ship rooms are really like inside, from the size and the beds to the bathroom, the plugs and the storage, plus what the cruise line provides and what is worth packing yourself.
How Big Are Cruise Ship Rooms?
Space is the first surprise for many first-time cruisers. Ships are designed so that you spend most of your day out on deck, in restaurants and at shows, so the cabin is built to be efficient rather than spacious.
As a rough guide for big mainstream lines, an inside cabin is often around 150 to 180 square feet, an oceanview cabin slightly larger, and a standard balcony cabin roughly 180 to 200 square feet including the balcony. There is a lot of variation, though. Some solo studios are closer to 100 square feet, while top suites on the largest ships run to well over 1,000 square feet. Royal Caribbean, for example, lists certain family-oriented cabins at more than 300 square feet and its biggest suites at over 2,700 square feet.
The practical takeaway: always check the square footage of the exact category you are booking on the cruise line’s website or deck plan, rather than assuming two “balcony” cabins on different ships are the same size.
Cruise Ship Cabin Types Compared
Almost every ship sorts its cabins into the same four broad groups. Within each group there can be a dozen or more price categories based on deck height and location, but the room itself is usually very similar.
Cabin type
Typical size
Natural light
Best for
Inside (interior)
About 150 to 180 sq ft
None (some ships add a virtual window screen)
Budget cruisers who sleep well in total darkness and spend little time in the room
Oceanview (outside)
About 160 to 200 sq ft
Porthole or fixed picture window
Anyone who wants daylight and a view without paying for a balcony
Balcony (verandah)
About 180 to 220 sq ft including balcony
Glass door to a private outdoor space
Scenic itineraries such as Alaska, Norway or the Mediterranean
Suite
From around 250 sq ft to several thousand
Large windows and bigger balconies
Families, long voyages and travelers who want extra perks
Suites often come with extras on top of the bigger room, such as priority boarding, a concierge or butler, a separate lounge or restaurant, and upgraded bathrooms with a tub. If you are torn between the two most popular options, our guide to the pros and cons of a balcony vs an inside cabin goes into more detail.
Most cruise ship rooms have a bed that can be set up as a queen or king, or split into two twins. Photo: Donald Tong on Pexels
What’s Inside a Cruise Ship Cabin?
Layouts differ by line and by ship, but most standard cruise ship staterooms include the same core features.
The bed
In most standard cabins the main bed is two twin beds pushed together and made up as a queen or king. Your steward can separate them into two singles if you prefer, so mention it on embarkation day if you are sharing with a friend. Cabins that sleep three or four people usually add a sofa bed or a Pullman bed, which folds down from the ceiling or wall.
The bathroom
Expect a compact en-suite with a toilet, sink and shower. Showers in standard cabins are often small, sometimes with a curtain rather than a glass door, and bathtubs are generally reserved for suites. Toilets are vacuum flush, which is noisy but normal. Most lines provide towels, soap and basic shampoo and body wash, and many supply a hair dryer, though it may be fixed to the wall or kept in a drawer.
Storage
Cruise cabins tend to have more storage than you would expect, it is just spread around. Look for a wardrobe with hanging space and shelves, drawers in the desk or vanity, shelves behind mirrors and cupboards built into the sofa or bedside units. Suitcases usually slide under the bed once unpacked, which frees up a surprising amount of floor space.
Tech and comforts
A TV, an in-room safe, a telephone, a desk or vanity area with a mirror and individual climate control are standard on most ships. Many cabins also have a small refrigerator, although on some lines it is a mini-bar stocked with items you pay for. The TV usually shows ship information, your onboard account and live channels, and on newer ships it may double as a route map and room service menu.
Lighting and key cards
On many ships the main lights only work when your key card is placed in a slot by the door. This saves energy, but it also means the room goes dark when you take the card out to leave. Your key card is typically also your boarding pass and onboard charge card, so keep it safe.
Power Outlets in Cruise Ship Rooms
Outlets are one of the most common questions about cruise ship rooms, and the honest answer is that it depends on the ship. Many ships that sail from North America have a mix of US-style 110-volt sockets and European-style 220-volt sockets at the desk. Disney Cruise Line, for example, lists both on most of its ships, while its newest ship is fitted with 230-volt sockets plus USB-A and USB-C ports. Newer ships increasingly add USB charging points, sometimes by the bed.
The bathroom normally has a low-wattage socket marked for shavers only, which will not run a hair dryer or straighteners. Older cabins can have as few as one or two usable sockets near the mirror, so it is worth checking your ship’s details and packing a cruise-approved, non-surge-protected USB charging cube or adapter. Most lines prohibit surge-protected power strips and extension leads for fire-safety reasons.
What the Cruise Line Provides vs What to Bring
Knowing what is already in the room saves suitcase space. This varies by line and cabin grade, so check your cruise line’s FAQs, but the split below is typical for mainstream ships.
Usually provided
Worth packing yourself
Bed linen, pillows and bath towels
A non-surge USB charging hub
Soap, shampoo and body wash
Your preferred conditioner and skincare
Hair dryer (often basic)
Magnetic hooks for hanging hats and lanyards
In-room safe and TV
A small night light for dark inside cabins
Beach or pool towels (often collected on deck)
A reusable water bottle
Robes and slippers in some cabins and suites
A few extra hangers if you bring lots of clothes
A handy detail many first-timers miss: cabin walls on most ships are steel, so magnets will often stick to them. That makes magnetic hooks and clips a cheap way to add storage, though some areas are paneled and won’t hold a magnet. For more packing ideas, see our cruise packing tips from experienced cruisers.
A balcony cabin adds outdoor space and natural light to a standard stateroom. Photo: Mykhailo Petrenko on Pexels
Is the Water in Your Cabin Safe to Drink?
On most large ocean ships, yes. Ships produce most of their fresh water by desalinating seawater, then treat it before it reaches cabins. Ships calling at US ports are inspected under the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program, and lines generally say cabin tap water is safe to drink unless the crew tells you otherwise. Some people find the taste a little flat or chlorinated, which is why a refillable bottle and the drinks stations on the buffet are popular. River ships and smaller vessels can differ, so check with your line if you are unsure.
Where Your Room Is on the Ship Matters
Two cabins in the same category can feel quite different depending on where they sit. A few general rules help when choosing:
Midship and lower decks tend to move least in rough seas, which helps if you are prone to seasickness.
Forward and aft cabins can feel more motion, and aft cabins may notice some vibration, but aft balconies often have great wake views.
Under the pool deck, buffet or theater, you may hear furniture scraping or late-night noise. Check what is directly above and below on the deck plan.
Near elevators and stairs is convenient but can bring more corridor traffic.
Obstructed-view cabins are cheaper because a lifeboat or structure blocks part of the window, which is fine if you mainly want daylight.
If you book a guarantee fare, the line chooses your exact cabin for you, so you lose control of location. Our article on why you might not want a guarantee cabin explains the trade-off.
Balcony Doors, Air Conditioning and Other Quirks
A few features of cruise ship rooms can catch new cruisers out:
The balcony door and air conditioning: on many ships the air conditioning reduces or switches off while the balcony door is open, so close it if you want the room cool.
Drafts and whistling: with the balcony door open and the cabin door opened at the same time, wind can rush through the room. Close one before opening the other.
Bathroom ventilation: the extractor fan usually runs constantly and can’t be switched off, which helps keep the small bathroom dry.
Furniture moves: sofas, chairs and the coffee table are often not fixed, so you can rearrange them, and your steward can split or join beds.
Your Cabin Steward
Daily housekeeping is included in your fare. On most lines a dedicated steward or stateroom attendant tidies the room in the morning and often again in the evening, refreshes towels, empties bins and can bring extra pillows, blankets, ice or a different bed setup. It helps to introduce yourself early and let them know your routine. Gratuities for the steward are usually covered by the daily service charge that most mainstream lines add to your onboard account, although policies differ.
They are usually called cabins or staterooms. Larger rooms with separate living areas and extra perks are called suites.
Do cruise ship rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes. On ocean cruise ships virtually every cabin has its own en-suite bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. Bathtubs are usually limited to suites.
Do cruise ship rooms have room service?
Most ships offer room service. Some lines include a basic menu, while others charge a delivery fee or charge for certain items and late-night orders, so check your line’s current policy.
Which cruise ship rooms are best for avoiding seasickness?
Cabins on lower decks near the middle of the ship generally feel the least motion, because that area moves less when the ship rolls and pitches.
Royal Caribbean is introducing a new policy aimed at reducing frustration around its popular speciality dining venues.
Soon, guests who book a table but fail to turn up will face a no-show fee.
The cruise line confirmed the change in a notice to travel agents, explaining that the charge is designed to ensure more guests have the opportunity to enjoy these limited-capacity restaurants.
Reservations for venues such as Izumi or the new Lincoln Park Supper Club on Star of the Seas often sell out well in advance, particularly on formal nights or during holiday sailings.
The fee is intended to discourage passengers from making reservations they do not intend to keep, which can leave other diners disappointed.
By encouraging guests to honour their bookings, Royal Caribbean hopes to improve the overall experience and keep its most in-demand venues accessible.
How the Fee Will Work
Details of the exact charge have not yet been released. It could take the form of a set penalty in addition to the standard dining price, or it may be a percentage of the restaurant’s cover charge, with a 50% fee a likely possibility.
At present, Royal Caribbean allows free cancellations for speciality restaurants up to four days before embarkation, or anytime onboard if cancelled more than 24 hours in advance.
Within 24 hours, a minimum $10 charge applies. The new policy will tighten these rules further.
There will, however, be two exemptions.
Guests who have already purchased a Dining Package, as well as those booked in Star Class suites, will not face the no-show fee.
It remains unclear whether newly purchased dining packages will also qualify for exemption.
Why No-Shows Matter
Although it may seem harmless for a few tables to go unused, speciality restaurants operate with very limited seating and precise timings.
Venues featuring entertainment alongside the meal, such as live music or theatrical hibachi cooking, cannot easily replace missing diners once service has begun.
Unclaimed reservations disrupt staff preparation and prevent other guests from enjoying the experience.
With thousands of passengers onboard, even a small number of no-shows can mean dozens of disappointed diners.
Ultimately, the new policy is designed not as a punishment but as an incentive for guests to cancel in good time if their plans change.
Doing so keeps the system fairer for everyone and helps ensure Royal Caribbean’s most sought-after dining options remain accessible.
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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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Carnival Cruise Line, traditionally one of the most family-friendly cruise lines in the world, is offering a series of adults-only cruises on a handful of its ships.
The sailings are called SEA sailings, which stands for Sailings Exclusively for Adults, and there are a limited number of itineraries available for guests aged 21 and over.
Making the Most of Unexpected Availability
The SEA sailings were announced as a result of two ships in the fleet needing to reschedule their planned dry dock renovations, after schedule clashes.
With both Carnival Magic and Carnival Conquest now having unexpected downtime, the cruise line announced that it intended to use those windows to try out something different – with itineraries also announced for a couple of other ships.
“The adults-only cruises are a result of scheduling conflicts with planned dry docks for some ships, and Carnival decided to fill those slots with casino-themed events,”
Carnival statement
Rather than offer them as regular cruises, they have instead been marketed more to members of the Carnival Players Club, the cruise line’s casino loyalty programme.
This makes sense, since the cruise line can hope to bring as many of these guests onto the cruise, who have a habit of being some of the highest-spending Carnival guests, maximising the revenue for these unusual sailings.
To support this, the cruise line has made some changes to the casino rules onboard for these sailings, extending the hours of opening, increasing the number of tournaments, and hosting themed casino parties.
More crew will be employed on the bars as well, so that guests can be served drinks faster, and wait staff will be able to deliver drinks to casino players to ensure they make the most of their time at the machines or tables.
The cruise line has confirmed that they will not be transitioning to an adults-only cruise line in the future, something which brand ambassador John Heald has reiterated.
There will also be some additional perks offered to guests during these cruises, depending on their VIFP loyalty status, which may include up to $150 in onboard credit, free WiFi packages, or gifts in their stateroom.
Itinerary Options Explored
There are only a limited number of SEA cruises available with Carnival, since they are replacing the previously-scheduled dry dock windows.
Carnival Conquest is offering the following SEA cruises, all from Miami:
22nd August 2025 – 9-night Southern Caribbean cruise
31st August 2025 – 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise
12th September 2025 – 9-night Eastern Caribbean cruise
21st September 2025 – 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise
5th January 2026 – 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise
17th January 2026 – 13-night Southern Caribbean cruise
Carnival Magic’s SEA cruises from Miami are:
18th October 2025 – 7-night Bahamas cruise including Celebration Key and Half Moon Cay
25th October 2025 – 7-night Bahamas cruise including Celebration Key
1st November 2026 – 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise including Half Moon Cay
Carnival Glory will also offer two SEA cruises:
2nd March 2026 – 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral
10th March 2026 – 15-night Transatlantic cruise from Port Canaveral to Barcelona
And Carnival Dream will offer two SEA cruises from Galveston, Texas:
7th February 2026 – 8-night Western Caribbean cruise
16th February 2026 – 15-night Transatlantic cruise to Barcelona
Booking Your Place
While Carnival has been reaching out to Carnival Players Club members to offer them places on the SEA cruises, you don’t need to wait for an invite if you’re interested.
Carnival cruisers can visit the Carnival website, register for an account (or login if they already have one) and then there’s a section on deals for “Exclusive Adults-Only Cruises” where they can find more information and book a cabin onboard.
While Carnival continues to create new ships packed with family-friendly features, and is offering reassurances that it will never become an adults-only cruise line, it’ll be interesting to see how popular these cruises are.
If they make a lot of money for the cruise line, then occasional SEA sailings could become a regular part of the schedule.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Royal Caribbean has celebrated a major construction milestone with the float-out of its newest Icon Class ship, Legend of the Seas, at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland.
The ceremony took place on Friday 29th August 2025, marking the moment the 248,000-tonne vessel touched water for the first time.
The float-out signifies that the exterior is largely complete and attention now turns to the interiors, technical systems and final outfitting.
Work will soon focus on the ship’s 2,805 staterooms, as well as its wide array of restaurants, entertainment venues and guest amenities.
Sea trials will follow once the fitting-out process is complete, before the ship is formally handed over to Royal Caribbean in 2026.
Next Steps in Construction
At the same time as Legend of the Seas moves into her outfitting phase, Meyer Turku is laying the keel for the fourth Icon Class ship, which is expected to enter service in 2027.
Legend of the Seas is the third ship in the record-breaking Icon Class.
Sister ship Icon of the Seas made history in 2024 as the world’s largest cruise ship, a title shared with Star of the Seas, which entered service earlier in 2025.
The float-out of Legend of the Seas follows the installation of her AquaDome in July, a striking glass-topped structure that is one of the Icon Class’ signature features.
Inaugural Itineraries
Legend of the Seas is scheduled to debut on 2nd August 2026 with a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona.
The roundtrip sailing will visit Palma de Mallorca, La Spezia, Civitavecchia and Naples before returning to Spain.
The ship will continue to operate Mediterranean voyages until late October. This is particularly exciting for Brits and European cruise guests who wish to experience the Icon Class for themselves, but are unwilling or unable to fly to the US to sail on the other ships in the class.
Following her European late summer season, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for her first US season.
Winter itineraries will include a mix of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, with highlights such as a short preview cruise to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Sister’s Launch Troubles
Royal Caribbean will be hoping that, when August 2026 rolls around, the Legend of the Seas debut goes smoother than that of sister ship Star of the Seas.
Star of the Seas suffered an eventful first couple of weeks, with planned godmother Diana Ross pulling out just a few days before the naming ceremony, followed by a man overboard alert on one of the trial sailings before the official inaugural.
Thankfully that incident ended well, as a guest had fallen from the pier next to the ship while photographing it on their phone, and they were able to be rescued.
Star of the Seas did have one water slide closed for her debut, though, as the Frightening Bolt slide on sister ship Icon of the Seas had broken and injured a guest, again just a couple of weeks before Star of the Seas’ launch.
The cruise line will be hoping that the debut of Legend of the Seas is eventful, but for better reasons than that of Star.
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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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British travellers heading to some of Europe’s most famous cruise destinations are being urged to remain on high alert, as concerns about theft and pickpocketing continue to shadow popular ports.
Gary Bembridge, a London-based cruise expert, said that even in well-loved regions such as the Mediterranean, some of the busiest cities carry significant risks for tourists stepping ashore.
Speaking after a series of recent trips, he reminded passengers that “not every port is safe,” despite the steady flow of cruise ships docking in these areas.
In one of his widely watched travel videos, he warned: “Even in the most popular cruising regions – the Caribbean and the Mediterranean – many of the most visited ports are among the riskiest anywhere in the world.”
Five Ports to Watch Out For
Bembridge highlighted several European cities where cruise passengers should be extra cautious:
Barcelona, Spain – Despite an 8.8% drop in recorded crimes in the first half of 2025, the bustling Las Ramblas district remains a hotspot for pickpocketing. “It’s an absolute pickpocketer’s dream,” Bembridge said.
Rome, Italy – The Italian capital ranks second nationally for reported crime, with theft accounting for more than half of cases. Tourists around landmarks such as the Colosseum are frequent targets.
Venice, Italy – Crowds around St Mark’s Square and the city’s narrow alleyways create prime conditions for opportunistic thieves.
Venice
Athens, Greece – Incidents on public transport, including the theft of passports, have left some travellers unable to rejoin their cruise. Greek police logged more than 62,000 thefts nationwide in 2023.
Livorno, Italy – A gateway to Pisa and Florence, the Tuscan port connects visitors to two cities known for high levels of pickpocketing. Florence is the country’s third most crime-affected city, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry.
Staying Safe Ashore
Bembridge advises travellers to check the latest government travel guidance before leaving their ship, and to remain vigilant when visiting busy tourist areas.
He also suggested taking contact details for the port representative in case of emergencies.
His safety tips include:
Avoid wearing or carrying valuables.
Stay in busy, tourist-populated areas.
Keep passports and important documents stored safely, with copies kept separately.
Be cautious of distraction techniques often used by thieves.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office echoes these warnings, particularly around theft in city centres and on public transport in Spain, Italy, and Greece.
For some, Bembridge suggests the safest option may be to stay close to the port or even remain onboard. “Even in ports considered safer, there are still risks,” he concluded.
More Port Warnings
I’ve also conducted my own survey on the ports that cruisers regret visiting, although these were less due to crime.
Naples was the port most commonly mentioned, described as being extremely dangerous from a traffic perspective, and very dirty. One person did mention being robbed in the city, too.
Martinique in the Caribbean was another that was described as being less than idyllic, with one person even saying it was “the pits” around the harbour area.
Jamaica, Belize and Alexandria were the other ports that guests said they felt were dangerous, dirty or just downright disappointing.
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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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