All cruises are NOT made equal. In fact, here are some key differences between the most popular cruise lines that we just don’t talk about enough. While no cruise line is bad, in this video I share important differences between contemporary & premium cruise lines, & why this matters to you!
Whether you’re a first time cruiser or avid cruise traveler, this video is a must-watch! I share how contemporary cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC & Norwegian Cruise Line compare to premium, more upscale cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, Celebrity & more.
We look at passenger to crew ratio, food & dining, entertainment, service & more – plus I share real tips & experiences I’ve had on recent cruises. This video is a great cruise conversation, that will also help with cruise tips as well!
This will help you decide which cruise line is right for you, which is best & which is worst.
ABOUT ME Hi! I’m Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
Some of the B-Roll used in this video: Courtesy of RCCL, Celebrity Cruises and NCLHC
Travel content creation has evolved dramatically over recent years. While browsing entertainment options like online casino platforms or enjoying bingo on Slotozilla, many content creators notice how personal storytelling consistently outperforms traditional travel writing. This shift reflects changing audience preferences and social media algorithms that favour authentic, relatable content over formal travel guides.
The landscape of digital travel content has transformed from static destination lists to dynamic personal narratives. Creators worldwide are discovering that vulnerability and authenticity generate significantly higher engagement than polished, professional travel writing. This phenomenon isn’t coincidental – it’s rooted in human psychology and reinforced by social media algorithms that reward genuine interactions.
The Psychology Behind Shareable Content
Day in the life posts resonate because they tap into fundamental human psychology that traditional destination guides simply cannot access. Readers don’t just want information—they crave connection, authenticity, and emotional engagement. When someone shares their morning coffee ritual in a Balinese café, describes getting lost in Tokyo’s subway system, or reveals their anxiety about language barriers, it creates an emotional bond that dry destination facts cannot match.
Personal narratives trigger mirror neurons in our brains, making us feel like we’re experiencing the journey ourselves. This neurological response creates empathy and connection, naturally leading to higher sharing rates across social platforms. People share content that makes them feel something, not content that simply informs them.
The emotional investment readers develop through personal stories transforms passive consumption into active engagement. When travel bloggers share genuine moments of confusion, joy, disappointment, or discovery, they invite readers into their world in ways that factual destination guides never achieve.
What Makes Personal Stories More Engaging Than Traditional Guides
Traditional destination guides often read like encyclopedias, listing facts about attractions, opening hours, ticket prices, and logistics. While informative and practically useful, they lack the human element that drives social sharing and meaningful engagement. The contrast in destination guides vs day in the life becomes immediately apparent when examining reader behaviour and engagement patterns.
Personal travel stories succeed because they address the emotional and experiential aspects of travel that destination guides typically ignore. They answer questions like: “What does it feel like to navigate this place as a foreigner?” “What unexpected challenges might I encounter?” “How do locals actually behave in daily situations?” These insights prove far more valuable for trip planning than basic logistical information.
The Social Media Algorithm Factor
Social media platforms prioritize content that generates meaningful interactions, and travel blogging shareability depends heavily on content that encourages comments, discussions, and personal responses. When readers relate to authentic experiences, they’re significantly more likely to engage with content in ways that algorithms interpret as high-quality signals.
Why day in the life posts get more shares becomes clear when examining platform mechanics. Social media algorithms reward content that keeps users engaged and encourages interaction. Personal travel stories naturally generate:
Higher comment volumes as readers share similar experiences
Increased sharing as people tag friends with relevant travel interests
More saves as content provides both entertainment and inspiration
Longer viewing times as readers become emotionally invested
Cross-platform sharing as stories resonate across different networks
Algorithms interpret these interactions as indicators of valuable content, boosting reach and visibility. Traditional destination guides, while informative, rarely generate the emotional responses that drive algorithmic success.
Creating Authentic Day-in-the-Life Content That Performs
Successful personal travel content requires careful balance between entertainment and information. The most effective content creators master several key techniques:
Share genuine moments – Include challenges, mistakes, and cultural misunderstandings alongside positive experiences
Add sensory details – Describe sounds, smells, and feelings that transport readers into experiences Show vulnerability – Admit moments of doubt, confusion, or travel anxiety
Weave practical info naturally – Include logistics within entertaining narratives rather than separate sections
Authenticity cannot be manufactured – readers immediately detect inauthentic content. This balanced approach creates credibility that destination guides cannot achieve.
Platform Performance: Where Personal Content Thrives
Video product demonstrations and personal content receive 2.3x more interactions than static informational images, while user-generated personal content campaigns generate 29% higher engagement than brand-created informational posts. This data clearly demonstrates how personal storytelling consistently outperforms traditional informational content across all major social platforms.
Platform
Average Engagement Rate
Best Type
Personal vs Informational
Instagram
1.16% overall
Carousel posts (higher engagement)
Personal stories generate significantly more interaction than static informational posts
TikTok
4.86%
Video with authentic, personal elements
Personal experiences outperform generic travel tips
LinkedIn
6.50%
Videos and photo combinations perform best at 3.0-3.4%
Professional personal stories drive higher engagement
This performance data clearly demonstrates the superior engagement potential of personal travel story. The emotional connection factor drives significantly higher engagement across all meaningful metrics, creating more valuable relationships between creators and audiences.
Balancing Personal and Practical Content Effectively
The most successful travel content seamlessly combines personal storytelling with practical information without sacrificing either element. Readers want emotional connection, but they also need actionable advice for their own travel planning. The key lies in weaving practical details naturally into personal narratives rather than separating them into distinct sections.
For example, instead of creating separate sections for restaurant recommendations and personal experiences, successful creators describe discovering hidden local eateries within their daily narratives, naturally mentioning costs, timing, and logistics within story contexts. This approach provides identical practical value while maintaining reader engagement and emotional investment.
The Future of Travel Guide Creation
Understanding why day in the life posts get more shares than destination guides ultimately comes down to human psychology and platform algorithms that reward authentic engagement. Personal stories create emotional connections that inspire sharing, while traditional guides primarily serve as reference materials that readers consume but rarely share enthusiastically.
Even on cruise lines that are marketed as being all-inclusive, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to be separated from your money while you’re sailing.
Some of the things you can buy on a cruise ship are absolutely worth it. And hey, it’s your money – you do what you want with it even if something doesn’t represent good value.
But there are plenty of things that aren’t good value, and that I’d never buy onboard a cruise…
1. Art From the Auctions
Cruise ship art auctions often present themselves as glamorous affairs, complete with Champagne and persuasive auctioneers encouraging quick decisions.
However, the art pieces themselves are frequently overpriced, and valuations might be less trustworthy than they appear. Art bought onboard can also be tricky to authenticate or resell later.
If you’re keen on purchasing art, take some notes and research the artists once you’re back home – you’re likely to find better deals and more reliable information through reputable galleries or online.
If you want to splurge because you’ve seen something you love, and there’s a competitive bid for it, then by all means go for it.
I did once get a great deal on a gorgeous piece of art on a ship. It only cost $30! However, when I went to pay for it, I was offered framing and shipping which would have cost around $500 on top!
I delclined the framing and took it to a local framing ship where it cost around £40 for a lovely frame. However, I did still have to pay $60 for postage. All in all, I still feel I got a good deal, even though it cost a lot more overall than the initial price.
2. Designer Jewellery and Watches
It can be tempting to splurge on designer jewellery and watches during a cruise, especially when you’re relaxed and enjoying your holiday.
But beware: onboard boutiques often have significant markups despite promises of duty-free prices.
Also, if you buy an item worth more than £390 and bring it into the UK, you’ll have to declare it at customs and pay 20% VAT on the value over £390. If you live in the USA, the allowance is 3% on anything over $800, so less, but still worth considering.
While a watch or necklace might seem like the perfect souvenir, you’ll usually find more competitive pricing – and better guarantees – through established jewellers back home or reputable online retailers. If you have a problem with an item you bought, it can be really tricky to return.
Enjoy browsing, but consider buying later. A souvenir that’s inspired by your cruise, even if you didn’t buy it onboard, is still worth having. And if you aren’t that fussed about genuine designer items, you’ll often find cheaper options in port anyway.
3. Drinks Packages
If you enjoy wine, cocktails, or other drinks regularly, buying individual beverages onboard can quickly become a budget-buster. However, onboard drinks packages themselves are often more expensive if bought during your trip.
Cruise lines almost always offer discounted rates if you pre-book online, saving you potentially hundreds of pounds.
Plan ahead, think realistically about your drinking habits, and snap up those early-bird deals to ensure your bar tab stays manageable. If you’re buying your package onboard, you’re almost certainly overpaying.
4. Individual Cocktails
If you’re someone who loves sipping cocktails or enjoying several glasses of wine daily, paying individually can rack up a hefty bill.
Drinks onboard are notoriously expensive when purchased separately. Instead, spend a few minutes doing the maths before your cruise.
If you’re likely to indulge regularly, a pre-booked drinks package is almost certainly the smarter move financially.
For some people it will be, especially for cocktails and glasses of wine. But if you stick to beer, or if you don’t plan on drinking a lot while you sail, then you’re probably overpaying.
My drinks package calculator can help you work out what the best tactic is for you.
5. WiFi Packages
Onboard WiFi can be surprisingly costly and frustratingly slow. Things are getting better in terms of speed, thanks to Starlink satellite WiFi being added across fleets, but it’s still often nothing close to what you’ll get at home.
And yet, cruise ships often charge premium rates when you buy internet access, especially if you’re paying after setting sail. To dodge this, book your WiFi package before you leave home to get significantly better prices, if you absolutely need the WiFi onboard.
Alternatively, if your itinerary has plenty of ports, you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants onshore offering free, reliable WiFi – perfect for uploading holiday snaps or catching up on emails without draining your wallet.
Or consider an alternative such as an eSIM, which could save you a lot compared to the cruise line’s own WiFi prices.
Get 10% OFF GigSky eSIMs
Enter code CRUISEMUMMY10 at checkout to get this discount
6. Spa Treatments at Regular Price
The onboard spa is a luxurious temptation, promising relaxation and indulgence – but it often comes at eye-watering prices, especially on sea days.
We’re talking treatments that can cost well past the $200 mark, so if you wanted several? Expect a hefty bill.
Instead, wait for port-day specials, when spa treatments can see good discounts. Or at least keep an eye out for promotions onboard to bring the cost down. A lot of spas will offer discounts based on the number of treatments you book – bulk booking means cheaper.
Even better, why not book a spa day ashore at a local resort, which often offers far better value and a memorable local experience? Your wallet (and your holiday selfies) will thank you.
And if you do visit the spa on a ship, beware of the upsells. That moisturiser they want to sell you after your facial? You can probably get the exact same thing for a fraction of the price at home.
Cruise ship photographers are everywhere, snapping photos that you might be tempted to buy later. However, these pictures often come with surprisingly high price tags, making them a poor value for money.
Instead, take your own photos with your phone or camera – ask fellow passengers or friendly crew members to snap a few shots for you.
All you’re going to miss out on is the fancy green-screen backdrops, and are they really necessary?
Opt for the DIY photos and you’ll capture the same great memories without breaking your holiday budget.
However, some cruise lines will include photos depending on your fare – Princess Premier guests get three prints included plus unlimited digital pics! So then it can be worth it.
Onboard shops sell basic toiletries and medicines at a premium, capitalising on the desperation factor if you’ve forgotten essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen or painkillers.
Avoid these inflated prices by double-checking your packing list before sailing. Easier said than done though, right?
If something slips your mind, and you aren’t utterly desperate, wait until you dock at the next port, where supermarkets and pharmacies offer far better prices and more variety.
You usually don’t have to wander too far into port to find a good option.
9. Casino Games
Cruise ship casinos promise excitement, glitz, and glamour, but the house advantage can be even steeper than usual.
Unless you’re genuinely keen on gambling as entertainment and have set a strict budget, it’s wise to steer clear, especially if you’ve been making the most of that drinks package you shouldn’t have bought onboard.
Consider it a bit of fun if you choose to participate, but don’t expect to strike it rich onboard – you’re often better off saving your cash for enjoyable activities ashore.
Cruise lines will always have plenty of options for keeping fit onboard. There’s usually a running track and a gym that you can make use of, but they’ll also offer fitness classes at premium prices, leveraging your desire to stay active during your holiday.
While a sunrise yoga session or high-energy spin class might sound appealing, remember there are plenty of free alternatives onboard.
While the offer of unlimited classes for $99 might sound good on day one, after getting up at 6 am for the first couple, you might get bored of them.
Enjoy the gym facilities, join free group activities offered by cruise staff, or simply walk and jog the outdoor decks for equally good exercise and lovely sea views – without the extra charge.
Even if you just skip the elevator and use the stairs, you’ll probably burn off that dessert you’re half-regretting.
Buying bottled water onboard quickly becomes an expensive habit, not to mention environmentally unfriendly.
Instead, bring your own refillable water bottle and top it up at the ship’s numerous water stations, which provide clean, safe drinking water.
Most ships have several places where you can refill your water bottle. You’ll always find one in the gym.
Refilling your bottle from the water dispensers in the buffet isn’t allowed for hygiene reasons as these machines are designed to fill glasses. To get around that, all you’ll need to do is fill a clean glass with water and decant it into your bottle.
The tap water in your cabin is typically perfectly safe to drink, too. It might not be the freshest water but it’s fine for a midnight sip if the air-con has given you a dry throat.
Doing this helps your budget, keeps you hydrated, and reduces plastic waste – an easy win all around.
12. Health supplements
On your cruise programme you’ll often see free heath seminars advertised. These have names like ‘Eat More to Weigh Less’ or ‘How To Remove Your Aches And Pains’.
While these seminars may give you some useful information, you should be aware that the main point of them is to sell you extras. The ‘secret cure’ is often several hundreds dollars worth of supplements that you just don’t need.
The same goes for the ‘footprint analysis’. If you genuinely do need insoles for your shoes, you can get them from the NHS for free, or online for about £20.
Controversial One – Shore Excursions
I’ve not put this in the numbered list because I know how much it splits opinion. However, I’m pretty confident that I would never buy a shore excursion onboard a cruise anymore.
A lot of people prefer to book via the cruise line for security reasons. They want to be absolutely sure that they won’t miss the ship, because they know that with an unofficial excursion provider, they’d be left behind.
But I recommend using third-party excursion providers like Shore Excursion Group because they can save you so much money.
And that fear about missing the ship? They guarantee that won’t happen. And if it does, they’ll pay for your transport to meet the ship at the next port, and they’ll compensate you with $1,000 for the inconvenience.
Almost makes me want it to happen!
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Final Word
Like I said at the start, your money is your money. You spend it however you want to. If you want to pay for premium fitness classes, or expensive souvenirs, then you do you.
But I know that a lot of people can’t afford to be completely frivolous when cruising, and would rather scrimp and save just a little bit – even if that’s only to put more money towards another cruise.
Hopefully these tips help those people out – but don’t stress if you open up the purse strings a little. Have fun, but don’t be getting that post-cruise regret once you settle your bill.
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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.
Whether you’re about to set sail on your first cruise or you’re a seasoned traveller brushing up on cruise lingo, some terms can sound a little mysterious. Take “Lido Deck” for example, it might sound like insider jargon, but it’s actually one of the most exciting spots on the ship.
The Lido Deck is typically home to at least one outdoor pool, a sun deck, and plenty of places to eat and drink – often including the ship’s buffet. It’s the hub of activity, where you can soak up the sun, join in games or fitness classes, or simply relax with a cocktail in hand.
Depending on the ship, you might also find jacuzzis, giant movie screens for evening films, kids’ play areas, snack stands serving ice cream and cold drinks, or even a spa and gym – all within steps of your deck chair.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the Lido Deck is all about and how to make the most of it on your cruise.
What the Term ‘Lido Deck’ Actually Means
The word “lido” comes from a place in Italy named “Lido di Venezia”. In the early 20th century, it was a beach resort where people swam and relaxed. The term then made its way to cruise ships to refer to the deck on a ship with an outdoor swimming pool, similar to a beach resort.
This phrase makes people think about holidays, having fun, and feeling relaxed.
You Say Lee-Doh, I Say Lie-Doh…
In UK English, Lido is typically pronounced “lie-doh”. However, the Oxford English and Cambridge Dictionary both state that phonetically, lido is pronounced “liː.dəʊ” or “lee-doe”, from the Italian pronunciation. It is a topic that brings debate, as is often the case with words borrowed from other languages.
In short, it’s up to you whether you call it lie-doh or lee-doe. Whatever you prefer!
Where You’ll Find the Lido Deck
The Lido Deck is usually on the top floor of the cruise ship. However, this can vary depending on the design of the cruise ship. On many ships, it can be around the 9th to 11th floor, whereas newer, larger ships are as high as deck 16.
If you’re on a cruise soon, it’s always best to refer to the deck plan provided by the cruise line.
Cabins on the Lido Deck
Whether a Lido Deck cabin is a bad place to stay on a cruise ship depends on your preferences. Cruise customers often like the convenience of being close to facilities such as the swimming pool, bars and buffet. However, cabins on the Lido Deck can sometimes be noisier than other cabins, as they are close to busy areas of the ship.
Many of the reviews I’ve read from passengers staying on the Lido Deck report it to be their favourite place to stay on the ship due to the convenience. Also, some customer reviews have noted that the noise hasn’t been a problem, which they were surprised about.
Often, it’s the rooms directly below the Lido Deck that have the most noise.
Before booking your next cruise, it’s usually a good idea to look at the deck plan and read reviews from past passengers before choosing which room to stay in and whether the Lido Deck will suit you.
Go early for the best loungers – By mid-morning, prime spots by the pool are snapped up. Head out early if you want front-row sunbathing.
Don’t forget your cover-up – Many cruise lines require a shirt or cover-up when moving between the buffet and pool area.
Watch for slippery floors – Between splashes and spilt cocktails, it’s easy to forget the deck can get a little slippery.
Don’t miss the Sailaway party – A lively send-off when the ship first sets sail. The sail away party often includes music, dancing and entertainment from the crew.
Final Word
The Lido Deck is so much more than just ‘the pool deck’ – it’s the beating heart of the ship. Whether you’re there for early-morning laps, a lazy lunch in the sun, or late-night movies under the stars, it’s where some of the best cruise memories are made. Yes, it can be lively (and sometimes a little noisy), but that’s all part of the charm.
If you’re booking a cabin here, weigh up the unbeatable convenience against the chance of extra foot traffic. And next time someone mentions the Lido Deck, you can smile, because now you know exactly what it is, where it is, and why it’s worth a visit on your next cruise.
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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.
The Caribbean may be a dream cruise destination, but it’s also home to some of the world’s fiercest hurricanes.
So what if your cruise is set to sail right where a storm is brewing? Can cruise ships handle hurricanes? And what happens if your trip gets cancelled altogether?
I learned the hard way when my Royal Caribbean cruise on Navigator of the Seas was called off because of Hurricane Dorian. Since then, I’ve followed cruise line policies, government advice, and expert weather updates to create this guide – so you’ll know exactly what to expect if a hurricane threatens your cruise.
Cruise Ships Avoid Hurricanes at All Costs
The most important thing for anyone to consider during a hurricane is, undoubtedly, safety. Many people wonder if a cruise ship can withstand being hit by a hurricane. But honestly, it is extremely unlikely that that would ever happen.
The tactic taken by cruise ships during a hurricane is to avoid the hurricane by sailing out of its path.
In fact, a cruise ship is one of the safest places to be during a hurricane, as it can easily sail into safety. According to Unidata, the average forward speed of a hurricane is 15-20mph.
The average speed of a cruise ship is 23 mph, with maximum speeds reaching 34 mph. Weather forecasters have knowledge of where a hurricane is heading up to a week before it gets there. This gives cruise ships ample time to move out of the path and into calmer waters.
So, if you’re wondering what cruise ships do in hurricanes, the answer is pretty straightforward – they get out of the way!
If your cruise holiday is affected by a hurricane, your cruise line will give you information about what to do and will send you details of their hurricane policy.
If you’re already on board when the news comes in of a hurricane, the captain will advise passengers over the public address system, via written correspondence in your stateroom and via your stateroom television. If you have any questions, you should head to the guest services desk and ask.
If you haven’t yet sailed when a hurricane is announced, you will be advised by email if your cruise is affected, although you may also be able to gather information from other sources to help you with your planning.
Here’s an example of an email that I received from Royal Caribbean before my cancelled cruise…
Twitter is an excellent resource for getting the latest information about hurricanes from trusted sources.
As well as following what your cruise line is advising, you can also follow meteorologists, such as Craig Setzer, who is the chief meteorologist for Royal Caribbean, as well as accounts such as the National Hurricane Center.
Flights and other modes of transport are also affected by hurricanes. However, where a cruise itinerary may be rescheduled days in advance, the time frame for cancelling flights is often much shorter.
Hurricanes can be unpredictable, and flights may show as scheduled until it is absolutely certain that they need to be cancelled.
Your Cruise Itinerary May Be Changed
Cruises are very rarely cancelled due to hurricanes, but they can have itinerary changes and could be made shorter or longer in duration. Hurricane season for cruises can involve a lot of changes to planned itineraries.
In most cases, if a cruise is set to sail near a hurricane, it will simply be diverted to visit different ports of call, or you may skip a port altogether and have an extra sea day.
If the hurricane is due to hit a departure port, the port will close, and cruise ships will stay away from the port until it is safe to dock. This means that passengers on the ship will stay on board for longer, usually having an extra one, two or three nights on board.
However, this means that the cruise is then delayed for the next passengers, meaning that their cruise will be shortened by the same length of time.
If cruises are delayed or extended before departure, passengers should be given the option to cancel their cruise.
What to Do if You’re Affected
Before doing anything, you should wait for an email from your cruise line advising you of how your cruise is affected, what they are offering and what they recommend you do.
I was advised that my cruise on Navigator of the Seas would be delayed and shortened from a four-night sailing to a two-night sailing. I was given the option of continuing with the cruise or cancelling.
If you have booked your cruise directly with the cruise line, you should contact them to let them know how you wish to proceed. You don’t need to rush to do this. If you don’t respond and don’t arrive at the port, you will likely be marked as a no-show and treated the same as a cancellation.
If you have booked your cruise with a travel agent, call them and they will sort everything out for you.
I’m really glad that I booked my cruise with a travel agent. The travel agent cancelled my cruise, my flights and my hotel booking on my behalf. Because I booked it as a package holiday, the ATOL scheme in the UK meant that I would not lose any money on the flights or hotel that I had booked.
If you book your cruise, flights and hotel independently, you would not necessarily be entitled to a refund on all three elements and would have to call each company yourself.
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You Can Claim Compensation
Each cruise line has a hurricane policy, and they will advise passengers about any compensation due.
In my case, the cancellation of my cruise meant that Royal Caribbean gave me a credit to use towards a future cruise in the next 12 months. They also refunded my drinks package, wifi and shore excursions.
For cruises that are shortened, passengers are refunded pro rata for the days that they miss. They may also be given future cruise credit as a gesture of goodwill.
For Royal Caribbean cruises which are extended, no charge is made, and extras such as drinks packages, dining packages or WiFi packages will also be extended free of charge. This policy may vary by the cruise line.
For itinerary changes such as alternative ports or missed ports, no compensation is normally offered, as the cruise line reserves the right to change itineraries as needed.
Refunds
The refund policy for hurricanes is down to each cruise line. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival usually offer refunds in the form of future cruise credit only. This can take around three weeks to be processed, but it is valid for up to a year after the issue.
You can’t look up the Royal Caribbean hurricane policy or the Carnival cruise hurricane policy online, as they aren’t published anywhere. Instead, you must wait for an email from the cruise line with details of your refund.
My Advice for Cruising in Hurricane Season
Firstly, it’s important to know when hurricane season is for cruises. Hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from 1st June to 30th November, with the most hurricanes happening in August and September. Even though I had to cancel my cruise due to Hurricane Dorian, it would not put me off choosing to cruise in hurricane season again.
There are some great deals to be had on cruises at this time of year, and, as it coincides with school summer holidays in the UK, it is generally a convenient time for families to cruise in the Caribbean.
Although there is certainly the possibility for disruption, the vast majority of cruises during hurricane season won’t be affected by any more than a few short showers.
1. Be Flexible
If you’re considering cruising in hurricane season, it’s important to be flexible. If you’re planning a cruise for a special occasion such as a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or you have your heart set on visiting a certain port, then you should probably consider sailing at a different time of year.
However, if you’re happy to accept itinerary changes and want great value for money, then a cruise in hurricane season is certainly worth considering.
2. Get Good Travel Insurance
It’s always advisable to take out travel insurance for any cruise, but if you plan to cruise during hurricane season, it’s very important that you check your policy carefully.
Some travel insurance doesn’t cover cruises at all, so the first thing to check is that your policy includes ‘cruise cover’. Then you’ll want to check that hurricanes and other natural disasters are not excluded.
Next, take a look at how much you’re covered for and what the excess is. Cruises can be expensive, and some cheaper travel insurance policies have a relatively low limit on how much will be covered.
Some travel insurance policies offer cover for missed ports, but check this carefully. If you’re only offered £25 per missed port, but your excess is £100, then this isn’t actually worth anything.
Finally, you must get your travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise (or a year before you sail, whichever is sooner). If you wait until the last minute to buy your insurance and a hurricane is named before you buy it, you won’t be covered.
My Recommendation
My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.
These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.
3. Book With a Travel Agent
I am so glad that I booked my cruise with a good travel agent. They sorted everything out for me and gave me a full refund on my hotel and flights as well as my cruise. If I had booked everything myself and my cruise was cancelled but flights weren’t, I would have had to pay for the flights or try to claim on travel insurance.
Final Word
I hope this article has helped anyone whose cruise has been affected by a hurricane or who is concerned about cruising in hurricane season. This is just my experience of having a cruise booked with Royal Caribbean during Hurricane Dorian. Other cruise lines and other hurricanes may be slightly different.
Have you ever taken a cruise that was affected by a hurricane? Let me know, in the comments below, what your experiences were. And if you have any questions, please ask, and if I don’t know, I’ll do my best to find the answers.
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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.
The most reliable way to deal with seasickness on a cruise is to combine a low, midship cabin on a larger ship with a calmer itinerary and, if you are prone to it, a suitable motion sickness medicine taken before the ship starts moving. Fresh air, a view of the horizon and light meals help too. Wristbands, ginger and most other popular remedies have much weaker evidence, so treat them as extras rather than a plan.
This guide explains how to prevent seasickness on a cruise using advice from health bodies such as the NHS, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mayo Clinic. It is general information, not medical advice. For anything involving medicines, follow the pack label and ask a pharmacist or doctor, especially for children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take other medicines.
Why seasickness on a cruise happens
Motion sickness is usually explained as a mismatch: your inner ear senses movement while your eyes, fixed on a cabin wall or a screen, report that nothing is moving. The result can be nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, headache and tiredness.
The CDC notes that some people are simply more susceptible. Children, women, and people with migraine or vestibular conditions tend to be affected more, and genetics explains much of the difference between individuals. Poor sleep, alcohol and smoking can all make symptoms worse.
The good news is that the body usually adapts. Many passengers feel better within a few days, and habituation is the most effective countermeasure the CDC identifies, although it takes time.
Best cabin for seasickness: low and midship
A ship tends to pivot around a point roughly in its middle and near the waterline, so the further you are from that point, the more movement you notice. That makes cabin choice one of the few decisions you can make well before you sail.
Choose midship rather than the very front or back of the ship.
Choose a lower passenger deck. High decks exaggerate side-to-side motion.
Weigh up a window or balcony. It will not reduce movement, but being able to see the horizon and get fresh air can help. An inside cabin can suit people who sleep well in the dark, but offers no visual reference if you feel unwell.
Check what is overhead and underneath on the deck plan. A midship cabin is less restful if it sits under a busy pool deck or above a late-night venue, and poor sleep can worsen symptoms.
If you start to feel unwell on board, go to a low, central public area or an open deck rather than returning to a high cabin at the front or back of the ship.
Does ship size matter?
Yes, as a general rule. Large, heavy ships respond less to short waves than small ones, and most modern cruise ships have stabilisers that reduce rolling. Stabilisers are not a complete fix, though. They do much less for pitching, the up-and-down motion of bow and stern, which is common in long ocean swell.
That matters for luxury and expedition cruising, where the most appealing ships are often the smallest. A small ship can be perfectly comfortable in sheltered waters, but if you know you are prone to motion sickness, look carefully at open-water crossings before booking.
Looking at the horizon gives your eyes a stable point of reference. Photo: Alexander Popadin on Pexels
Pick an itinerary and season that suit you
Where and when you sail can matter as much as the ship. No route is guaranteed to be calm, but some have a clear reputation:
Generally calmer
More likely to be lively
Inside Passage in Alaska
Open Gulf of Alaska crossings
Mediterranean in summer
Bay of Biscay and North Atlantic, especially in winter
Eastern and southern Caribbean outside storm season
Atlantic and Caribbean during hurricane season, which runs June to November
Rivers and sheltered coastal routes
Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica
Port-heavy itineraries also give you regular time on land, while transatlantic crossings and long runs of sea days do not. If you are new to cruising, a short sailing with plenty of port calls is a low-risk way to find out how you cope. Our first-time cruise tips from past guests cover other things worth deciding before you book.
Motion sickness medicine for a cruise: the main types
Medicines are generally more effective at preventing symptoms than stopping them once they have started, partly because nausea slows absorption from the stomach. The pack or your pharmacist will tell you how long before sailing to take a product and how much to take. This guide deliberately does not give doses.
Drowsiness is common. The NHS advises avoiding alcohol with cinnarizine because it can make you much sleepier.
Hyoscine tablets
Hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells)
Pharmacy medicine in the UK. Can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. The NHS lists people aged 60 or over among those it may not suit, along with people who have glaucoma, epilepsy or some heart conditions.
Scopolamine (hyoscine) patches
Transderm Scop in the US
Prescription in the US, and availability varies elsewhere. Mayo Clinic highlights an FDA warning about overheating. Never cut a patch, and do not use one on a child unless a doctor has advised it.
Three points are easy to miss:
Newer “non-drowsy” antihistamines are not a substitute. The CDC says minimally sedating antihistamines, and anti-sickness medicines such as ondansetron, are not effective for motion sickness.
Try a medicine at home first if you can. Finding out that a product leaves you groggy is better done on an ordinary day than on the first day of your holiday. Check with your pharmacist that this is appropriate for you.
Get specific advice for vulnerable groups. The NHS says cinnarizine and hyoscine are not usually recommended in pregnancy, and age limits differ between products. The CDC warns that over-sedating young children can be dangerous, so always ask a pharmacist or doctor before giving a child any of these medicines.
Pack your chosen medicine in your hand luggage so you have it before your cases arrive. Our cruise packing tips cover what else to keep with you on embarkation day.
Fresh air and a clear view can ease mild queasiness. Photo: Rachel Claire on Pexels
Motion sickness cruise remedies: what the evidence says
Plenty of remedies are recommended with confidence in cruise forums. Here is how they compare with what health sources report.
Remedy
Evidence
Verdict
Horizon gazing, fresh air, keeping your head still
Partly effective, per the CDC
Free and worth doing
Slow, controlled breathing
About half as effective as anti-sickness drugs in lab trials, per the CDC
Underrated, with no side effects
Acupressure wristbands
No better than placebo in lab trials, per the CDC
Harmless to try, but do not rely on them
Ginger
Weak and contradictory; small studies give mixed results
May help some people, but unproven
Vitamins, supplements and special diets
Weak and contradictory, per the CDC
Not worth relying on
Green apples and crackers
Traditional advice with little research behind it; plain snacks are simply easy on the stomach
Fine as food, not as treatment
Acupressure bands
Bands such as Sea-Band press on a point on the inner wrist. The NHS notes that they don’t work for everyone. Placebo effects can be strong, though, and the CDC accepts that someone who finds them helpful may still choose to use them. They are cheap and drug-free, which makes them a reasonable addition but a poor sole strategy for a rough crossing.
Ginger
Mayo Clinic and NHS self-care guidance both list ginger as something to try, while the CDC describes its evidence as weak. One review of seven studies found mixed results and called for better trials. Check with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements if you are pregnant or use blood thinners.
Food, alcohol and habits on board
Eat lightly and regularly. Avoid large, spicy or greasy meals. Plain food such as crackers with cold water is a sensible choice if you feel queasy.
Limit alcohol. It can worsen motion sickness and adds to the drowsiness caused by many medicines. Keep that in mind if your fare includes drinks.
Stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Lost sleep is a known trigger.
Put the screen down. Reading or watching a phone focuses your eyes on something that appears still while your body moves.
Keep away from strong smells and smoky areas.
Look ahead. When you feel unwell, find the horizon or lie down, close your eyes and breathe slowly.
Getting help from the ship’s medical centre
If symptoms become severe, or you cannot keep fluids down, contact the ship’s medical centre. Treatment options can include an injection, which the CDC notes may be needed when tablets are no longer practical. Some ships also offer basic tablets at guest services, but this varies and should not be assumed.
Shipboard medical care is usually private and charged to your onboard account. One cruise guide puts a standard consultation at around US$100 to $200 before medicines, with after-hours visits costing more. Ask about the fee first if you are not in urgent need.
UK travellers should note that the NHS Business Services Authority says a GHIC or EHIC does not cover treatment received on board a cruise. US health plans may also offer limited or no cover at sea. It is worth reading our cruise insurance buyer’s guide and keeping receipts for any treatment you need.
Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe headache, confusion, or vomiting that will not stop, as these may not be seasickness at all.
FAQs
Is seasickness on a cruise common?
Mild queasiness is fairly common in rough weather, but many passengers on large ships in calm seas feel nothing at all. Susceptibility varies widely and is partly inherited, and most people adapt within a few days at sea.
Where is the worst place on a cruise ship for motion sickness?
Generally high decks at the very front or back of the ship, where movement is most noticeable. A low, midship location usually moves least, so head there if you start to feel unwell.
Are you more likely to get seasick on a small ship?
Usually, yes. Smaller vessels respond more to waves and swell, so a small expedition ship on an open-water crossing will normally move more than a large ship on the same sea, although stabilisers and weather make a big difference.
Is meclizine (Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) better for a cruise?
Both are antihistamines used for motion sickness, and both can make you drowsy. Which suits you depends on your health and other medicines, so ask a pharmacist or doctor and follow the label.
How can I tell if I will get seasick on a cruise?
You can’t know for certain, but a history of car or travel sickness, migraine or vestibular problems raises the odds. If you are unsure, start with a large ship, a midship cabin and a calmer itinerary.
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
