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Are There Celebrities on Celebrity Cruises?

by Celebrity CruisesCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise Tips

There are people who think that the name ‘Celebrity Cruises’ is literal.

Have you ever wondered if there’s more to the name Celebrity Cruises than just a name? Is it a cruise line that attracts celebrity guests? Do they even hire celebrities to make your cruise feel more special?

Celebrity Solstice sails down the Pacific Coast

Or is it just a name?

Don’t Expect Celebrities on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises does have a selection of themed sailings that include celebrities, but they don’t have celebrities on them at all times of the year. Celebrity Cruises are known more for the premium cruise experience, rather than for hosting a lot of celebrity special events.

But there are a handful of carefully curated themed cruises where you can enjoy meeting some major names. Otherwise, you may just have to hope that you spot a celebrity enjoying their own cruise vacation.

There aren’t many tales of celebrities being spotted randomly on Celebrity Cruises or indeed on many cruise ships at all, and yet that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a cruise. 

And you could argue that Celebrity Cruises is probably one of the more likely cruise lines for celebrities to choose when enjoying their own vacation. The ships are contemporary and premium, offering a quality experience above the mass-market ships of Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

Suggested read: Royal Caribbean Vs Celebrity Cruises

If a celebrity were to cruise with Celebrity then they would likely book a suite, so that they could enjoy quieter parts of the ship. So even if the ships did have celebrities on board, it would all be very discreet and the chances of you spotting them would be very low indeed.

Celebrity Beyond’s Iconic Suite with ocean view
Celebrity Beyond’s Iconic Suite

Celebrities That Have Sailed With Celebrity Cruises

Celebrities that you’ve been able to sail with on Celebrity Cruises in the past include Gwyneth Paltrow, as part of a special partnership with her company, goop, and various musicians on themed cruises such as Kool & The Gang, The Hollies, and Billy Ocean.

Celebrity Cruises doesn’t tend to pack out their sailings with celebrity entertainers beyond specially-chosen music cruises.

But the cruise line does sometimes partner with elite names in various fields to offer a range of experiences that are suited to the premium customer that sails with Celebrity.

The ‘goop at Sea’ cruise was a great example, where you were able to cruise with CEO and Hollywood actor Gwyneth Paltrow as she held Q&A sessions around her wellness advice, while there were special culinary events held on the ship.

Sometimes there is the opportunity to sail with a renowned chef and enjoy their own tailored menu. These don’t tend to be TV chefs as they often are with some other cruise lines, but instead, they are names more known in the world of fine dining. Daniel Boulud is one such example.

Celebrity Cruises, AVP Food and Beverage Operations, with Chef Daniel Boulud at Daniel
Celebrity Chef Daniel Boulud with Cornelius Gallagher, Celebrity Cruises AVP Food & Beverage Operations

Of course, one of the most famous celebrities in all the world is Santa Claus himself, and there are holiday cruises where you can enjoy a visit from the man himself, with younger guests receiving a gift from him too.

And one recurring cruise that you could argue was a celebrity one – depending on your definition – is the ‘Celebrate with the CEO’ cruise that sees you sail with Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. If you’re a cruise aficionado and you love Celebrity Cruises then you may consider Lutoff-Perlo a celebrity.

Similarly, Captain Kate McCue is something of a ‘Celebrity’ with over 400k followers on Instagram and a whopping 3 million on TikTok. She’s the former captain of Celebrity Beyond but has since left the cruise line to join Four Seasons Yachts.

Captain Kate McCue
Captain Kate McCue during her time with Celebrity Cruises

Celebrities on Cruises

It’s hard to say whether celebrities go on cruises for their own vacations. The most famous celebrities will often go to great lengths to hide their plans for their holiday, so that they can relax. Some celebrities have definitely been spotted on cruise ships in the past.

If a celebrity was to cruise, they wouldn’t spend most of their time on the main pool deck surrounded by every other guest. Even on a ship with just 3,000 people, that’s still a lot of others who could pester them for photos or conversation.

Celebrities, whether you like them or not, deserve to have some form of private time on their holiday. A cruise can offer that, especially in suite accommodation where there are many more private spaces to relax.

But then often celebrities will take advantage of their status to enjoy perks such as free cruises, in exchange for some publicity.

List of Cruises with Celebrities Aboard

It’s impossible to give a list of every cruise with a celebrity because they change so often – people may take part in one-off cruises, and plans can change at short notice with celebrities who often have many different bookings.

Of course, the easiest way to guarantee seeing a celebrity is to book one of the special chartered music cruises or other themed cruises where celebrities will appear, perform and attend various events.

These could be Star Trek actors appearing on a special themed cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, or AEW wrestlers performing live on NCL’s Norwegian Pearl, or legendary San Francisco 49ers players on a Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas sailing.

These are some of the best cruise lines if you want themed sailings with celebrities on cruises alongside you.

Then there are more regular appearances. P&O Cruises often have Olly Smith or Eric Lanlard on board for special events, as well as dancing cruises that feature Craig Revel Horwood. These are a good bet if you want to cruise with celebrities on a British cruise line.

Olly Smith onboard P&O Cruises
Olly Smith

Mark Ronson doesn’t appear on cruise ships, but he does host some gigs at the private beach club in the Bahamas that is exclusive to Virgin Voyages cruisers.

And Princess Cruises often invites guest speakers and singers onto their European sailings, with past guests including British actress Nina Wadia and singer Gareth Gates.

Singer perfroming on stage

To Conclude

Despite the name, Celebrity Cruises is not the best choice of cruise line for celebrity spotting. They don’t have a massive range of themed cruises featuring celebrity guests, and any celebrities that enjoy their own holiday on board will be sticking to the suite areas away from the crowds.

There are plenty of other options if you want to spot someone famous, but the only way to guarantee it is to choose a special cruise where the celebrity is appearing at a named event. Don’t just hope that you’ll see celebrities randomly, otherwise you may be disappointed.

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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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The 7 Things Cruisers Hate Most About Carnival’s Loyalty Program Changes

by CarnivalCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise Tips

Sometimes cruise lines announce a new feature or change to their policies and the reaction is more mixed than they hoped. But to call the reaction of Carnival’s new loyalty program, Carnival Rewards, “mixed” would be extremely generous.

“Overwhelmingly negative” feels a bit more accurate.

Guest unhappy at Carnival Loyalty Changes

And there are plenty of reasons people are expressing that anger across social media – let me tell you why.

1. Long-Time Loyalty Is Being Wiped Out

One of the biggest issues people have with Carnival Rewards is how it will, eventually, wipe out many years of loyalty that people have built up with the cruise line.

Many people commented on how they’d been sailing with the cruise line for 20+ years, and had reached Platinum or Diamond status, but now wouldn’t be able to maintain it.

Carnival cruise diamond vifp card

You can read my explainer on Carnival Rewards if you want to get all the detail of how it works, but in summary – you no longer maintain your status level for life.

Under the new program, you earn your status every two years – and then it resets.

"I'm curious; once you get demoted, will Carnival put a stripe of your previous color status on your new red card?

Tiers are being grandfathered into the system, but for Gold and Platinum that’s only for 2 years. Diamond members get more, with 6 years of status protection.

But that means, if you’re a Platinum VIFP member, you’ll enjoy Platinum status from June 2026 to May 2028, while starting at zero to earn your status for the June 2028 to May 2030 period.

A lot of long-time fans aren’t happy about this because they don’t have the money to spend to maintain their status (and more on that later in the list). So they feel like the ‘work’ they’ve put in to remain loyal to Carnival is being wiped out.

And it is, essentially.

VIFP platinum card

There are two very different mindsets here of course. The people who are upset believe that their loyalty deserves rewards and status.

And there are those who believe that they’re just paying for a cruise holiday, and any loyalty benefits are a nice bonus to have.

The former group are the ones who are upset, even though the actual cruise experience isn’t changing – minus a few extra perks that those guests will lose.

2. Cruisers Will Need To Spend More

Another key complaint with the new Carnival Rewards system is that it clearly incentivises spending more money – not just cruising more often.

Previously, under the old VIFP program, you earned loyalty status based on cruise nights – so the more time you spent on a Carnival ship, the better your status. It didn’t matter how much you spent onboard or how much your cruise fare cost.

"Think about this:Carnival’s new rewards structure is nothing short of insulting to loyal cruisers. For a couple to maintain Diamond Status, they’ll now have to shell out $66,000 every two years — that’s $264,000 over eight years just to hold onto a status many have already sacrificed and invested years to earn.Let me say it plainly: It’s not a rewards program anymore; it’s a financial stronghold disguised as a benefit."

Now, your status is based on how much money you spend – whether that’s cruise fare, shore excursions, drinks, spa treatments, or other onboard purchases. Even a casino flutter counts (and earns you both points and stars).

So, if you’re a budget cruiser who loves the Carnival experience but doesn’t splash out on extras, you’ll find yourself falling behind. Meanwhile, someone who cruises less frequently but spends big when they do will climb the tiers faster.

Carnival casino

To many, that feels less like a loyalty program and more like a spending competition.

3. The Credit Card is Now More Important

Then there’s the credit card angle.

"John I will politely add my disgust to the new changes. Not so much the new ways of earning points, but seriously why take away the status folks already earned? It took us two decades to reach platinum. And now we will need to spend almost 17k in two years to keep it. I don't need another credit card. Please let the beards know this is beyond wrong. Thanks."

Under the new Carnival Rewards system, the Carnival Mastercard has become a much more important tool for earning points – although it doesn’t help you earn stars for status.

Still, it means that cardholders can build up points to spend on rewards like drinks or excursions, even without cruising regularly.

Carnival Mastercard

On the surface, that might seem like a good thing. But to many guests, it feels like a shift towards rewarding financial products over actual cruising loyalty.

Worse still, this benefit isn’t even available to everyone…

4. The New System Favours US Guests

One of the most frustrating aspects for international cruisers is that the Carnival Mastercard is only available to US residents.

So while American guests can rack up points with everyday spending – even between cruises – guests from Canada, the UK, Australia and beyond are at a clear disadvantage.

That means fewer points to spend on rewards, and less flexibility to build value within the program.

Carnival might be a US-based cruise line, but they have a huge international following – and this change makes those guests feel like second-class citizens.

"I don't think they have considered Australian cruises. We have less ships over here, therefore less opportunity to sail on other cruise lines. Australians can't use the American cruise card, so how are we supposed to spend using that bank card. We have already lost P&O and Carnival didn't carry over the nights spent on those ships, even though Carnival took over Australian P&O. I enjoy cruising with Carnival and have only just reached Platinum. We only get priority boarding, priority boarding on tenders and free laundry. We get a pin and last time a free cap. I don't really care about the freebies, just recognising for my loyalty."

Again, it’s important to clarify that the credit card can only be used on Rewards Points, not on Status Qualifying Stars.

And it’s not new – the Carnival World Mastercard already exists, and lets people earn FunPoints. Not a huge amount is really changing here.

But, because it’s all being bundled together under this new umbrella of Carnival Rewards, it does make some people from non-US countries feel like they’re not being considered.

5. The Spend Numbers Needed for Higher Tiers Are Big

Let’s talk about the cost of loyalty under the new system.

To reach Platinum status, you’ll need to earn 50,000 stars in a two-year period. That’s the equivalent of spending $16,667 on eligible purchases with Carnival.

"My wife and I don’t drink and we don’t gamble. We don’t take excursions. But I won’t cruise without a balcony. We usually buy photos, but we spend modestly. Once in a while, we’ll go to a special restaurant. We just made platinum in January and I’m not sure what’s gonna happen next. I don’t care about the freebies. I just liked having the status of my card. More than a few times because of my card, I was able to give advice on what was going to happen next or where to find, what newer cruisers were looking for."

Diamond status? You’ll need to spend over $33,000 within two years.

For frequent cruisers, those numbers might be just about achievable. Especially if you’re a casino player. But for many loyal Carnival fans, especially those on a budget or retired guests cruising more modestly, that level of spend is completely out of reach.

women having drinks at Carnival Cruises

And because your stars reset every two years, this isn’t a one-time hurdle – you have to hit that same spending target again and again to maintain your tier.

6. Perks Are Being Removed

It’s not just that the program is changing – in some cases, guests are outright losing perks they previously enjoyed.

Many of the benefits that came with higher VIFP tiers are now harder to earn, or gated behind a higher spending threshold.

"I agree that we don't cruise for the perks, but we have avoided trying out any other cruise lines because of our platinum perks. We greatly appreciate the free laundry, being able to put our luggage in our room as we get on the ship, and having a dedicated guest services line. These are important enough for us that we have convinced others to cruise with us on Carnival so we could get those perks. Without them, there's nothing to encourage us to cruise only with Carnival. Now, we may or may not return to Carnival, but we will be trying out others. I hope you relay to the beards how disappointed a lot of Carnival-loyalists are."

For example, complimentary laundry services – you still get it at Platinum level, but not as much. And Diamond isn’t completely unlimited either.

The Platinum and Diamond party? Gone.

VIFP Party

The pin badge for reaching Gold status? Also gone.

The loyalty gifts are gone too, as is the Chocolate Delight treat that Platinum guests would get to try once for free.

These may sound small but they all add it, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow – especially for those who felt their past loyalty had “earned” them a level of treatment that now vanishes overnight.

7. People Feel They Aren’t Being Listened To

Finally, one of the biggest sources of frustration is the perception that Carnival isn’t really listening to its guests.

Yes, Brand Ambassador John Heald has acknowledged the backlash. And yes, there have been vague suggestions that Carnival might tweak the program based on feedback. But for many guests, that simply isn’t enough.

"Not that I am expecting this program to get reworked, but I do wonder what type of group was used to create this? In general, it is without concern for the loyal passengers that have built Carnival into what it is today. When you consider the revenue, you are basically telling your most loyal Platinum and Diamond guests that thank you for your past loyalty, but you will need to prove that loyalty every 2 years or go to the back of the line. I may not want to purchase a suite every time or a balcony cabin. If I get a free interior room offer from the casino, it won’t be enough to keep my Platinum status, so I’ll have to spend more and more money, which is what this is about. I think this was done by a team that looked only at the cost analysis, and not the bigger picture, which is your most valuable guests, and how to keep them loyal under this new program. The new motto should read, “spend more, get more, spend less, get less.”"

The announcement went ahead despite clear and immediate criticism. And even though there’s nearly a year until the new system takes effect, there’s no concrete indication that any changes will be made in response.

Carnival’s reasoning – that the old system couldn’t keep up with the number of guests reaching higher tiers – might make sense from a business point of view.

But for many cruisers, the new program feels like a betrayal of the loyalty they’ve shown over years, even decades.

Final Word

There are always growing pains when a major loyalty program changes, but Carnival’s rollout of Carnival Rewards has struck a nerve with many guests.

"Carnival didn’t need a new “rewards” program. They need new management! "

While some may adjust and adapt to the new system, others are left wondering if their loyalty was ever truly valued – or just a number on a spreadsheet.

The coming year will be crucial for Carnival. Whether they listen, adjust, and respond to the criticism, or stay the course, could make a real difference in how loyal their most dedicated fans choose to remain.

What do you think about these changes? Please do share your view in the comments below.

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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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The 9 Cruise Traditions That Need To Walk The Plank!

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsOther

There are a surprising number of cruise traditions that have already been abolished as cruise lines have modernised over the years.

Midnight buffets, skeet shooting off the back of the ship, the Baked Alaska parade… In most (but not all) cases, a lot of these traditions have been consigned to the cruise history books.

Cruise Traditions

But what else should be thrown into the sea (not literally) when it comes to cruising tradition?

I asked my Facebook audience about the cruise traditions they hate and it kickstarted some feisty discussions…

1. Paying for WiFi

In a world where even the most average café offers free WiFi with your overpriced flat white, why are we still shelling out for patchy-at-best internet access at sea?

P&O WiFi

Yes, I know satellites aren’t cheap and we’re literally floating in the middle of the ocean, but come on – it’s 2025.

Many cruisers, especially first-timers, are shocked to find that staying connected can cost as much as an excursion.

Cruise lines – please just include it in the price or at least throw in basic access!

I’m not trying to livestream my life, I just want to check WhatsApp, or make sure I can still help my email subscribers get the best cruise deals…

In all seriousness, I do know that WiFi at sea requires a more expensive satellite connection and so there is justification for a charge. But the price you end up paying can be sky-high, which is why I’m not surprised it was the most common ‘tradition’ people want binned.

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2. Formal or Elegant Nights

Ah, formal nights – the Marmite of cruising. Some people live for the chance to dress up, sip bubbly, and take a hundred photos on a staircase.

Princess Cruises formal night

Others would rather not be judged for wearing smart-casual and enjoying dinner without packing half the contents of their wardrobe.

This one definitely splits opinion, and did so when I asked my Facebook fans. Almost as many people jumped to the defence of formal nights and don’t want it to go anywhere.

Formal nights, if I want to wear jeans and a Polo shirt so be it. It should be your choice. If you want to dress up that's your choice I believe in do whatever makes you happy. Like don't wear shorts and a tank top, but jeans or cargo pants and a shirt or Polo shirt is just find.

I get the appeal, and I’ll admit it can feel special, but maybe make it optional or have a designated ‘come as you are’ dining room for those of us who value comfort over cufflinks. Sometimes you don’t want to have to go hide in the buffet just because you’ve not packed your suits or dresses.

If I’m on a two-week cruise, I definitely don’t need four formal nights. Two is my absolute maximum.

3. Compulsory Gratuities

Here’s a spicy one.

Most of us want to tip fairly, but being automatically charged a daily fee with no real explanation of where it goes doesn’t always sit right. Many people believe in rewarding good service – but would rather do it directly.

Stateroom attendant

Cruise lines argue that pooling tips supports all staff, not just front-of-house, which makes sense. There are a lot of people who work behind the scenes.

It’s why I don’t advocate for removing gratuities when you have the option, especially if it’s just because someone guest-facing has upset you.

Still, giving passengers more transparent choices and control over it might reduce the grumbling and increase actual generosity.

4. Shared Tables

For the extroverts, shared tables are a treat – new faces, interesting chats, possibly even holiday friendships.

For the introverts (or just those who fancy a quiet meal without small talk), they can be a nightmare.

Large shared table on Silversea

While some love meeting fellow cruisers over dinner, plenty of us would rather not have to pretend we care about Colin’s stamp collection.

Let’s keep the option but make solo or couple tables more accessible without jumping through hoops. A lot of cruise lines have made this move already, but it should be easy to choose your dining preference in advance or by booking a table.

Being at a table with a bunch of people you never met that you have nothing in common with

You shouldn’t need to go out of your way to pull the maître d’ aside to ask for a small table as a favour.

5. Set Dining Times

We don’t eat dinner at exactly 5.45pm at home, so why must we on a cruise?

Cruise Mummy seated at a table in the Palo restaurant aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship. The restaurant's interior features large arched windows offering a panoramic ocean view, contributing to a bright and airy atmosphere. The table is elegantly set with multiple wine glasses and a floral centerpiece, reflecting the upscale dining experience Palo is known for. Cruise Mummy is dressed casually with a floral top, complementing the relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance of the venue.

The rigidity of set dining times often clashes with, you know, the whole holiday vibe. Freedom dining or ‘dine when you fancy’ options are increasingly popular for a reason – they fit better with excursions, poolside naps, or just the whim of the moment.

I’m not anti-structure, but I am anti- being rushed out of the hot tub for my dinner just because the clock says that I need to.

6. Art Auctions

No shade if you’ve picked up a painting or two, but many of us are quietly wondering: who actually enjoys cruise ship art auctions?

Art auction on a cruise

They often feel like a high-pressure sales pitch dressed up as a cultural event, and most of the art seems… well, it would look a bit weird on your wall.

I’d rather spend that hour sipping wine on deck than bidding on an overpriced seascape I’ll regret hanging next to the telly.

7. Photos With Officers

You’re enjoying your evening, maybe slightly sunburnt, cocktail in hand – and suddenly you’re lined up next to a stranger in epaulettes for a forced photo op.

Zenith Member of the Captain’s Club flashing a vibrant smile all together during a photo op

It’s awkward, often unflattering, and let’s be honest, nobody really wants it. I’m sure the officers are lovely, but can we let them get on with running the ship instead of posing with tipsy guests and answering the same questions over and over?

8. Smoking Areas

This one’s divisive and I think a little unfair on those who do smoke, but more cruisers are calling for smoke-free ships – or at least fewer smoking zones.

Smoking area on Anthem of the Seas

It’s not just about health; it’s about walking through a haze of cigarette smoke to get to the buffet. There are designated areas, but the smoke doesn’t respect the signs.

I know smokers have rights too, but at the very least it might be time to rethink the locations, at least on some ships – and possibly add better ventilation while we’re at it?

Suggested read: Princess Cruises Prioritises Smokers Over Children With Play Area Closure

9. Comparing Cruises With ‘The Good Old Days’

Every cruise has that one person (or twenty) lamenting the golden age of cruising – when men wore tuxedos nightly, children were seen and not heard, and there wasn’t a burger bar in sight.

Carnival slides

Nostalgia is fine, but times change. Modern cruises are more inclusive, flexible, and – dare I say it – fun for a wider variety of people.

Let’s stop moaning about what’s gone and embrace what’s next. The sea’s big enough for us all.

Final Word

Cruising has come a long way from lobster thermidor in the main dining room, shooting guns off the back of the ship and conga lines around the midnight buffet.

And while some traditions still hold charm for certain passengers, others are frankly overdue for retirement. The beauty of modern cruising is that it’s evolving to suit all sorts – from first-timers in hoodies to seasoned sailors in bow ties.

We won’t all agree on what belongs in the cruise history books (and that’s half the fun), but it’s clear that cruise lines are listening and adapting. That said, there’s still room for improvement – WiFi that doesn’t cost the moon, dining that fits real-life schedules, and less being hustled for a glossy photo you didn’t ask for.

Which tradition would you toss overboard?

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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 To Launch New Loyalty Program In 2026 Dubbed ‘Carnival Rewards’™

by Cruise LinesCruise Tips

Carnival Cruise Line announced today it will launch its new loyalty program with a cruise industry first, adding new features, new ways to earn status, new reward categories and a new name: Carnival Rewards™. The new program will take effect in June 2026, providing guests plenty of time to learn about the changes while they continue to earn status in the current Very Important Fun Person (VIFP)™ program that will be their entry point into the new program. 

New Loyalty Program

Carnival Rewards is introducing a dual-earning structure where guests accumulate both Carnival Rewards points that can be redeemed on Carnival purchases and status qualifying stars that will determine a guest’s tier status. Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights guests sail, which is the model Carnival currently follows under its VIFP program, Carnival Rewards will offer more opportunities to earn rewards and achieve higher status levels based on spend, including cruise fare and onboard activities. The new program will be closely tied to everyday spending on the co-branded credit card with Barclays – the Carnival Rewards Mastercard – giving cardmembers the opportunity to earn points and status even faster. More details on the credit card will be announced later. 

“The evolution of our loyalty program to Carnival Rewards represents our commitment to creating more meaningful recognition for our valued guests. Our current VIFP program has served us well for many years and while we’ve enjoyed truly extraordinary growth in our loyal customer base, it has become challenging to deliver the exceptional experience our Diamond and Platinum members deserve,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “By introducing a points-based system, we’re enabling greater flexibility so guests can personalize their rewards in ways that matter most to them. This transition honors our past while building a future where loyalty is recognized through both cruising frequency and overall engagement with the Carnival experience, bringing Carnival Rewards into the top tier of travel loyalty programs that provide our guests with ways to earn status and points through their everyday spending on the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.”

Guests will earn Carnival Reward points as well as status qualifying stars on every eligible Carnival purchase, including cruise fares and onboard purchases. The dual structure gives guests more control over their rewards and status. 

  • Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining and even toward a future cruise. 
  • Stars introduce a new way to unlock higher status among four tiers: Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Status is earned over a two-year period and retained for the following two years. 

 As part of the transition to Carnival Rewards’ launch on June 1, 2026, members’ existing status will carry over and serve as a new entry point into the program for a two-year period through May 31, 2028. Diamond members will retain their status for a six-year period through May 31, 2032. This ensures that all current loyalty status is honored while giving members time to familiarize themselves with the enhanced rewards. Guests will continue earning VIFP status as usual until the new program launches. In addition, upon launch of the Carnival Rewards program, current cardmembers, as well as any new cardmembers between now and the launch of the updates, will have the balance of their Fun Points converted to Carnival Rewards points in their Carnival Rewards account.  

To learn more about Carnival Rewards and explore what’s to come, guests can visit carnivalrewards.com and current Carnival loyalty members will receive emails throughout the transition process ahead of the June 2026 conversion with the latest updates. Carnival will provide detailed information, tools to track status, point balances and tips to maximize rewards under the new system.  

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The Loopholes And Laws Behind Online Casinos On Cruise Liners

by Cruise Tips

Online casinos have literally been everywhere. From websites to mobile apps, they definitely offer a variety of casino games with a simple tap. Accordingly, online casinos are also offered in cruise liners providing entertainment options for travellers looking to indulge with some of the games. 

As part of every cruise liners’ extensive array of entertainment options, many of them have now embraced the digital revolution and introduced online casinos aboard their ships. This approach to entertainment is well within its reputation of luxury and adventure providing a twist to the cruising experience on a classic pastime. 

However, legal concerns arise and many are curious as to what laws may apply to these online casinos. Below, let us get to know various casino games offered in these online casinos in cruise liners and let us explore and find out how Australian laws regulate gambling onboard these cruise liners. 

Online Casinos at Sea 

a person holding a tray of casino chipsa person holding a tray of casino chips
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Gambling has always been a socially accepted behavior in Australia. Aussie social circles encourage gambling as it has become the symbolic gesture of friendship. Accordingly, this is the reason why there is an estimated 6.8 million Australians considered to be regular gamblers that participate mainly with lotteries and playing the pokies. 

With this penchant for gambling among the population, it is not surprising that even their cruise liners also offer it as an entertainment option. For most cruise ships, they have long offered physical casinos as part of their entertainment such as online pokies and table games such as poker and blackjack. This integration of online casinos may also signal their response to the increasing popularity of digital gaming and the increasing demand for diverse entertainment options. 

Cruise ship patrons may be able to access select online casino platforms via onboard Wi-Fi or ship intranet systems. Depending on how it is offered in various cruise lines, some of them offer it by allowing their patrons to create gaming accounts tied to their cruise or cabin identification information. 

For example, a cruise ship may offer access to an online pokies real money app to patrons who are pokies enthusiasts looking to enjoy their favorite games while at sea. Some may even offer progressive web apps where their patrons do not need to download the app and can access the games directly through their mobile browsers. 

When it comes to deposits and withdrawals, cruise ships may arrange this with their patrons through room charge accounts or ship currency cards. In doing so, cruise ship patrons can easily deposit money through their account or easily withdraw their winnings. 

Applicable Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners 

close up of person with cards in casinoclose up of person with cards in casino
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

This set up of online gambling at sea may probably be the most convenient thing to have ever been offered to gambling enthusiasts aboard cruise ships. However, such convenience and accessibility has a significant downside particularly when it comes to laws governing it. 

International laws provide that within twelve nautical miles from land, ships are generally governed by the laws of the country or state. Outside the limit, they generally come under the laws of the nation in which the ship is registered. 

This means that if a ship offering gambling entertainment to its patrons is within 12 nautical miles from Australia, they will be governed by its laws. As such, we have to keep in mind that current Australian laws typically prohibit overseas-based operators not holding relevant state or territory licenses to provide online gambling service or even advertise it to Australian residents.  

Therefore, when the ship sets sail, they are technically free from the local gambling laws that may bind them. This freedom has then become the huge selling point for cruise ships since gambling commissions only apply when the ship is docked on the territory. As such, when the ship is docked for example in Australia, they restrict such entertainment options to bypass any Australian law that may apply.  

For other cruise ships, they often fly flags of convenience whereby the owners of the ship register it to another country other than that of the ship’s owners. This practice has become as prevalent as it allows ship owners to take advantage of minimal regulation and even low or no taxes especially when it involves gambling.  

Final Thoughts

Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners | 18Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners | 18
Gambling at Sea: The Loopholes and Laws Behind Online Casinos on Cruise Liners 4

Online casinos in cruise liners represent dynamic and exciting development in the world of maritime entertainment. By combining the thrill of gambling with the exciting allure of ocean travel, cruise lines offer passengers a more unique and modern gaming experience. 

However, Aussie casino gamers should always bear in mind the regulatory laws that may be applicable on them. For some cruise ships, they even offer self-exclusion programs to help players manage their gambling activities responsibly. Yet, critics exclaim that relying on a gambler to self-exclude is not so effective as they envision it to be. 

Accordingly, nations should really come together and strengthen their regulations over gambling activities not only on land but also in high waters. 

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Carnival’s Newest Ships Are The Worst-Reviewed Yet

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

The latest ships to join the Carnival fleet have seemingly underwhelmed guests so far, with average customer review scores that are the lowest in the whole fleet.

The new Carnival Encounter cruise ship sailing on the sea

Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter were previously part of the P&O Australia cruise brand before it was disbanded in early 2025, with those two ships transferring to the Carnival fleet. P&O Australia had been a brand owned by the Carnival Corporation.

However after almost six months of sailing under the new branding, the ships are not going down too well with cruisers, which is reflecting in the worst average customer review scores for Carnival.

In my guide to Carnival ship reviews I’ve ranked every ship in the fleet based on the average review scores from three separate sources – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor.

Using multiple sources helps to make sure of a balanced opinion, and I’ve picked three of the biggest websites.

Previously the lowest average score had been for Carnival Luminosa, with a 3.2 out of 5 average – still quite respectable.

However Carnival Encounter’s reviews average out at 2.9 out of 5 across the three review websites, while Carnival Adventure fares even worse with an average score of 2.16 out of 5.

An important caveat to add is that there aren’t a huge number of reviews yet for either ship since the rebrand, but there are enough on all three websites to draw an opinion.

On Cruise Critic, Carnival Adventure has 10 reviews and an average score on that website alone of just 1.5 out of 5 – it relies on higher scores on Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor to drag the average up.

Poor Value and Maintenance Issues

So why are these ships performing so poorly in guest reviews? After reading through dozens of recent passenger comments, a few common themes come up again and again.

One of the biggest complaints is the general condition of the ships. While both the Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter have received some updates to reflect their new branding, they haven’t gone through major overhauls.

These are older vessels – both more than 20 years old – and that age is starting to show. Multiple reviews mention maintenance issues including broken doors, malfunctioning air conditioning, power outages, and elevators being out of service for days at a time.

"It should have been sunk not sold"

Then there’s the food – or rather, the lack of quality. Many guests said they were disappointed with the limited variety, with several describing the meals as “average at best.”

Others went further, calling the food “shocking,” “full of MSG,” and even “worse than pre-COVID standards.” Some passengers noted that restaurants were difficult to book at normal dinner times, and that the included buffet had long queues and few appealing options.

Staffing levels have also come under fire. Several reviewers mentioned that service was painfully slow and that the ships seemed “way understaffed.”

Trying to get a drink or any help at guest services often meant long waits, and one guest described trying to get maintenance help as “an ordeal.”

It also seems like the ships are simply overcrowded. A few reviews suggest that Carnival may be sailing with more passengers than the ships were originally designed to handle.

One review mentioned “500 more than published” as an estimate for how full the ship felt, and many guests echoed complaints of overcrowded venues, long lines, and limited seating for entertainment.

On top of that, many passengers feel that the onboard experience just doesn’t offer good value. Entertainment is limited – with some of the best shows requiring an extra fee – and there’s a general sense that too many things onboard now come with an added cost.

From basic coffees to spa tips to activities for kids, a lot of what used to be included with the cruise fare now requires paying extra. One review summed it up bluntly: “Don’t do it, no matter how good the deal is.”

While some passengers did find positives – like smooth embarkation or friendly individual staff members – the overwhelming majority of reviews paint a picture of ships that feel tired, under-resourced, and not worth the money.

Carnival has said that more work is coming to these ships in the future, and it’s possible that further refurbishments will help bring the experience more in line with the rest of the fleet. Carnival Encounter is set for some renovation work in early 2026, with Carnival Adventure to follow in 2027.

But for now, based on the early wave of reviews, Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter are struggling – and dragging down Carnival’s overall ratings in the process.

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The Dark Side Of Living On A Cruise Ship

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsLive On A Ship

Living on a cruise ship is the dream, right? Picture yourself swapping a daily grind for sunrises at sea, a new exotic destination every few days, and a life free from the usual responsibilities. Nothing would be better, right? Well it turns out – that’s not always the case.

Dark side of cruising

Lynnelle is a solo traveller who sold her belongings to embrace life at sea, reveals in her YouTube video Exposing the Dark Side of Living on a Cruise Ship that the reality isn’t as dreamy as it seems.

Don’t worry – she still loves her unique lifestyle. But there are some important challenges that come with it, and if you were ever considering this as an option then you’ll definitely want to heed her advice…

The Noise Nightmare

One of the most interesting revelations from Lynnelle’s experience is around the noise level in cruise ship cabins.

Noise on a cruise

The walls, she warns, are incredibly thin. From the sounds of chairs scraping across the pool deck to rowdy late-night entertainment or noisy neighbours, finding peace and quiet can be tough. If you’ve cruised before then you might already be aware of this.

On a week-long cruise it’s something you can usually deal with, but living on a ship? That lack of peace could be much more impactful – something you might not realise until you live it every day.

Cabins close to high-traffic areas, such as theatres or the pool, are especially prone to noise. If you’re hoping for serene quiet in your cabin, Lynnelle suggests doing thorough research to choose a quieter location.

Suggested read: 12 Things You Must ALWAYS Check On The Deck Plan Before Booking A Cruise

And don’t forget earplugs, a white noise machine, or even noise-cancelling headphones to help drown out the unwanted sounds. Still, complete silence is a rarity.

Cramped Living Spaces

Living in a cruise ship cabin can be a major adjustment, especially when it comes to space.

Inside Cabin

Imagine taking your bedroom, halving it, and then squeezing in a queen-sized bed, nightstands, and everything else you need. That’s how Lynnelle describes life in a cruise cabin.

For those who enjoy wide-open spaces or need room to spread out, cruise cabins can feel cramped. Bathrooms are even smaller, so organization is key.

Lynnelle recommends minimalist packing and creative storage solutions, but even then, expect to feel the squeeze if you’re living in a cabin long-term.

Of course, you could always book a suite, but that’ll cost you…

Repetitive Meal Options

While the food on cruise ships is generally good, Lynnelle acknowledges that it can get repetitive after a while.

Meal on a cruise

Menus tend to cycle every week, and for picky eaters, options may be limited. However, the variety offered across specialty restaurants and themed dining nights can still be exciting for food lovers.

Cruisers often break up the monotony by dining onshore during port stops, sampling local cuisine, and giving themselves a break from the onboard offerings.

Unreliable WiFi

For digital nomads or those who rely on constant internet access, Lynnelle has some frustrating news: WiFi on cruise ships can be spotty.

P&O WiFi

The satellite connections can be slow or unavailable in remote areas or poor weather conditions. Streaming, uploading large files, or even casual browsing can become a challenge.

Lynnelle suggests downloading content in advance and using offline tools when possible. If you need to get work done, try to time it when the ship is docked, as the WiFi tends to be more reliable in port.

Some cruise lines are getting better, with more advanced forms of Starlink WiFi being installed, but reliability can still be an issue.

Suggested read: How to Stay Connected At Sea For Less

The Introvert’s Dilemma

Cruising is all about socialising, and that can be a challenge for introverts.

This image captures a lively scene at a cruise ship pool, with a large crowd of people gathered around and inside the pool. Many are sitting along the edge, dipping their feet in the water, while others are actively splashing and enjoying the sun. The atmosphere is festive and social, with people of all ages participating in the fun. The upper deck, visible in the background, is lined with additional passengers watching the action below, all under a bright, clear sky.

Lynnelle, who values her alone time, explains that it’s tough to get true solitude on a cruise ship. The same faces appear everywhere – at meals, in the elevators, and on deck.

If you’re someone who recharges through isolation, this lifestyle might be draining.

While some quiet zones like adults-only areas or libraries are available, they’re not always as peaceful as they seem. Social activities are abundant, from group dinners to spontaneous chats, and introverts may find it hard to escape the constant interaction.

To make it work, some introverted cruisers wake up early to take quiet walks on deck or schedule solo exploration during port days. But be prepared for social encounters wherever you go.

Extroverted? You’ll have no problem.

Seasickness Struggles

The “motion of the ocean” is something even the most seasoned travellers have to contend with. Although Lynnelle has never been seasick, she admits that rough weather or the ship’s location can make the experience more intense.

A girl feeling terribly sick onboard

For newcomers to the cruise life, Lynnelle advises choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck to minimize the effects of waves.

If seasickness is a concern, remedies like acupressure wristbands, ginger supplements, or prescription drugs can help. And don’t forget about staying hydrated and enjoying the fresh air on deck to ease the discomfort.

Suggested read: My Top Tips To Prevent Seasickness When Cruising

Healthcare on the High Seas

While having access to onboard medical services is a major perk, Lynnelle points out that the ship’s medical centre isn’t equipped to handle serious health issues.

The image shows an inside view of a hospital room, viewed from the doorway. It features a modern Hill-Rom hospital bed centered in the room, with medical curtains partially drawn around it. To the right of the door, there's a sign reading "GREEN ZONE". The environment appears sterile and well-equipped for patient care.

Routine doctor visits or treatments for minor conditions might set you back a few hundred dollars, but more serious health issues could require an expensive evacuation to a land-based hospital.

If you’re someone with ongoing health concerns or need regular check-ups, living on a cruise ship can present challenges.

It’s crucial to have emergency healthcare insurance, plan for land-based check-ups (including dentist visits – don’t forget those!), and keep a well-stocked medical kit onboard.

The Price Tag

Guess what? Turns out living on a cruise ship isn’t exactly super-cheap.

Paying money

Lynnelle explains that the annual cost of an inside cabin can run around $88,000, and if you opt for a balcony, the cost can easily exceed $100,000.

And that’s just for the cabin. Speciality dining, excursions, onboard activities, and souvenirs add up quickly.

For example, specialty meals can cost $50 or more, and excursions range from $100 to $300.

When you add in extras like spa treatments or photography packages, the cost of living on a cruise can become a significant financial commitment.

You’ll earn a number of bonus perks with most cruise lines, as you rise through the loyalty program rankings, but there’ll still be things you’ll need to budget for.

Suggested read: How Much It Costs To Cruise Full-Time – Revealed!

Things Can Get Emotional…

While life on a cruise ship offers adventure and new experiences, Lynnelle shares one of the more poignant aspects of the lifestyle: the fleeting nature of relationships.

Group of friends on a cruise

Fellow travellers are typically on board for a short time, meaning friendships can feel temporary. Though she makes connections with crew members, the professional boundaries often limit deeper friendships.

Despite this, Lynnelle embraces the opportunity to meet new people from around the world and has maintained connections with a few passengers through social media.

While it can be isolating at times, she finds joy in the ever-changing community of fellow cruisers.

I love that she’s given this perspective as it’s not something you’d normally think about when planning a life on a cruise ship – and yet it is something that can be overcome.

Lynelle’s Love for Cruise

Despite all the challenges, Lynnelle wouldn’t trade her cruise life for anything. For her, the freedom from daily chores, constant travel, and ever-changing destinations make the drawbacks worth it.

She describes her lifestyle as a “soft life” and appreciates the simplicity it offers.

Every week brings new cultures, experiences, and adventures – without the hassle of packing and unpacking. And while the occasional struggle may arise, the rewards of the journey outweigh the discomforts.

If you’re considering this lifestyle, it’s wise to take a few short cruises first to see if it’s a good fit for you. If you can handle the noise, the small spaces, and the costs, you might just find your own version of paradise at sea.

Make sure you check our Lynelle’s video on the dark side of cruising, and the rest of her YouTube channel.

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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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The Worst Airlines For Losing Luggage – Is Yours On The List?

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPacking

Does anyone else still just have that slight pang of anxiety when you see your suitcase disappear on the conveyor belt at an airport? That moment where you think, “I do hope I see it again on the other side…”

Barcelona Airport

I don’t think it’s just me. You’ve planned for this holiday, and the last thing you want when you’re about to board a cruise ship is to arrive in your embarkation city and find that your suitcase won’t be joining you when you get on the ship.

Airlines don’t release stats on lost luggage – why would they, if they don’t have to? But a clever website has managed to rank airlines to find the worst offenders for losing luggage – with some surprising names in the top 20.

The Worst Airlines for Lost Luggage

Before I list the names, let me clarify. As I said, airlines don’t publish information on lost suitcases.

So instead, the website Luggage Losers has put together a very clever algorithm which scrapes mentions of lost luggage across various websites and social media platforms, in over 100 languages.

Me at the airport with luggage

It then cross references that with the data that is available on lost luggage to provide a very clever estimate of the airlines and airports that are the worst offenders.

Also, the rankings are updated regularly, so this table is accurate at the time of writing but may shift. Check the website to see how things are changing!

Here’s the latest top 20 worst performing airlines, followed by some other notable entries in the list…

Rank Airline Probability of loss/delay of case % Probability Estimated no. of lost cases in the last 30 days
1 Frontier Airlines (US) 1 in 22 4.53% 55,656
2 Air India (IN) 1 in 39 2.56% 55,816
3 IndiGo (IN) 1 in 41 2.45% 72,201
4 Kenya Airways (KE) 1 in 75 1.34% 8,243
5 Iberia (ES) 1 in 76 1.31% 16,356
6 Aer Lingus (IE) 1 in 111 0.90% 7,734
7 SpiceJet (IN) 1 in 114 0.88% 8,205
8 Virgin Atlantic (GB) 1 in 127 0.79% 5,793
9 Aeromexico (MX) 1 in 132 0.76% 8,241
10 Spirit Airlines (US) 1 in 150 0.67% 12,536
11 British Airways (GB) 1 in 189 0.53% 21,810
12 Wizz Air (HU) 1 in 191 0.52% 5,310
13 Qatar Airways (QA) 1 in 211 0.47% 15,984
14 Royal Air Maroc (MA) 1 in 218 0.46% 3,884
15 Emirates (AE) 1 in 241 0.41% 15,529
16 Vueling (ES) 1 in 243 0.41% 7,215
17 Air Canada (CA) 1 in 269 0.37% 10,636
18 easyJet (GB) 1 in 274 0.37% 13,070
19 EgyptAir (EG) 1 in 287 0.35% 2,886
20 KLM (NL) 1 in 288 0.35% 6,251
…23 Delta Air Lines (US) 1 in 325 0.31% 40,228
…26 Jet2 (GB) 1 in 337 0.30% 3,878
…29 American Airlines (US) 1 in 350 0.29% 41,733
…31 United Airlines (US) 1 in 374 0.27% 30,597
…35 Ryanair (IE) 1 in 468 0.21% 13,571
…44 Southwest Airlines (US) 1 in 555 0.18% 19,287
…52 JetBlue (US) 1 in 664 0.15% 5,782
…65 Qantas (AU) 1 in 1,341 0.07% 1,455

Is your regular airline on this list? If not, click through to Luggage Losers to see the full table of 83 airlines.

A variety of colorful suitcases on a luggage conveyor belt in an airport setting, conveying the concept of travel and the handling of personal belongings during transit.

I’m pretty shocked by some of the stats though. Imagine an airline having issues with almost 5% of passengers! Those are some crazy odds.

Here’s the worst performing airports too:

Rank Airport City Probability of loss/delay of case % Probability Estimated no. of lost cases in the last 30 days
1 Liberty Newark, NJ 1 in 49 2.04% 73847
2 London City London 1 in 62 1.62% 4617
3 Gandhi Delhi 1 in 68 1.48% 78493
4 Shivaji Mumbai 1 in 85 1.17% 46171
5 Heathrow London 1 in 128 0.78% 50777
6 Juárez Mexico City 1 in 135 0.74% 27704
7 Gatwick London 1 in 206 0.49% 18462
8 Hongqiao Shanghai 1 in 253 0.40% 13851
9 Stansted London 1 in 293 0.34% 4617
10 Denver Denver, CO 1 in 370 0.27% 13849
11 Brussels Brussels 1 in 398 0.25% 4616
12 Orlando Orlando, FL 1 in 403 0.25% 9231
13 Pearson Toronto 1 in 426 0.23% 9232
14 McCarran Las Vegas 1 in 439 0.23% 9231
15 O’Hare Chicago 1 in 481 0.21% 13848
16 Luton London 1 in 488 0.20% 4616
17 Zurich Zurich 1 in 523 0.19% 4616
18 KLIA Kuala Lumpur 1 in 530 0.19% 9234
19 Dubai Dubai 1 in 532 0.19% 13850
20 Frankfurt Frankfurt 1 in 583 0.17% 9231
21 Dallas/Fort Worth Dallas 1 in 607 0.16% 9234
22 Schiphol Amsterdam 1 in 620 0.16% 9232
23 Charles de Gaulle Paris 1 in 628 0.16% 9232
24 LAX Los Angeles 1 in 765 0.13% 9232
25 Miami Miami 1 in 797 0.13% 4617
26 Charlotte Douglas Charlotte, NC 1 in 831 0.12% 4615
27 Sea-Tac Seattle 1 in 849 0.12% 4617
28 El Prat Barcelona 1 in 855 0.12% 4616
29 SFO San Francisco 1 in 1,010 0.10% 4616
30 Changi Singapore 1 in 1,125 0.09% 4617
31 Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta 1 in 1,879 0.05% 4616

Lost Luggage at the Port

While most luggage issues happen during air travel, it’s not impossible to run into problems at the cruise terminal itself.

Suitcases by a cruise ship

Your suitcase is typically handed over to a porter, tagged with your stateroom number, and loaded onto the ship – without you seeing it again until later that day.

Rare scenarios where things can go wrong:

  • Incorrect stateroom number on the tag
  • Luggage delayed or missed during port loading
  • Unlabelled bags causing confusion

Cruise lines are very experienced at handling luggage logistics, and mishaps at this stage are rare – but they do happen.

Suggested read: Cruise Line Loses Passenger’s Luggage In The Sea

Luggage Tips for Cruise Travel

A little bit of prep can save you a lot of potential pain – here are some helpful tips for luggage when you’re preparing for a cruise.

1. Use Trackers (AirTag or Tile)

Place an Apple AirTag, Tile, or similar GPS tracker in your suitcase. If your bag gets lost in transit, you’ll often know where it is before the airline does.

Packing a suitcase

It won’t stop your case from getting lost, but at least you’ll know it definitely is (and hasn’t been accidentally taken by someone else).

2. Split Packing

If you’re traveling with a partner or family, mix outfits across bags. That way, if one bag is delayed, everyone still has essentials.

It’s a classic tip but one I think that makes a lot of sense. It might be a little more fiddly if one of you is more organised and the other is a last-minute packer, but you won’t regret it if one case does go missing.

Several pieces of luggage, including black and red suitcases, are lined up against the wall in a cruise ship hallway. The corridor is decorated with patterned carpet and handrails, with green emergency exit lights visible in the distance.

3. Essentials in Carry-Ons

Another golden rule of any kind of travel is to make sure you keep anything essential in your carry-on bags.

This includes the obvious stuff like your travel documents and your medication, but also think about what you might want in the first few hours of your cruise – even if your suitcase doesn’t go missing, you might not get it until the evening of embarkation day.

me with carry on bag

Pack swimwear in your carry-on and you can kill some time by the pool while you wait for your cabin to be ready.

4. Label Inside & Out

External tags can fall off. Always include a card inside your bag with your name, ship, sailing date, and phone/email.

Then if something does happen to the external tag, there’s still a way your bag can be identified and you can be contacted.

5. Take Photos of Packed Bags

Photograph your luggage inside and out before flying. It’s proof for insurance and helps when describing your suitcase to the airline.

6. Use Luggage Tag Holders

The luggage tags you get from your cruise line can be damaged in transit, which can cause problems for it reaching your cabin.

A collection of luggage with cruise tags is arranged in a corner of a room. The luggage includes a leopard print suitcase, a pink suitcase, and a large black suitcase, all with visible tags displaying cabin numbers and other identification details. Nearby is a fabric laundry basket, indicating a well-organized packing setup for a cruise trip.

Luggage tag holders will protect the tags and make sure they get to their final destination – your cruise cabin.

Read more: Cruise Luggage Tags – Every Question Answered!

Your Suitcase Disappears: What Now?

If your suitcase doesn’t make it to the destination airport, here’s what you need to do:

  • Report it to the airline: There’ll be a baggage desk at the airport. Go and tell them everything and fill out a claim form.
  • Check your tracker: If you have a tracker in the case, use it and show it to the baggage desk. This will help them identify what’s gone wrong, and what can be done to resolve it.
  • Contact your travel insurance: Let them know about the issue and start a case.
  • Carry on to your cruise port and board: Unless the airline tells you differently, you’re very unlikely to get the case before you sail and so you’ll need to continue with your travel plans. Assume that you’ll get the suitcase returned to you at home at a later date, if it can be found.
Luggage at port
  • Visit Guest Services onboard ASAP: It’s going to be busy on the first day, but speaking to Guest Services is a must. They’ve seen this before and can help you – they might even have a few freebie essentials like toiletries that they can offer
  • Visit the onboard store and buy missing essentials: Pick up what you need – and make sure to keep receipts! You’ll need them to claim back on your insurance later.
  • Shop in port for anything else: If you’re missing outfits for the cruise, you’ll get better prices if you shop in port rather than onboard (where you might only find cruise line branded merch, anyway).
  • Use the laundry services onboard: Don’t buy tons of new clothes you don’t want. Buy a couple of outfits and get them cleaned – and then make sure to add the laundry charges to your travel insurance claim.

The Importance of Travel Insurance

If there’s one safety net that can really help when your suitcase goes walkabout, it’s travel insurance.

cruise-travel-insurance-claim-form

No, it won’t magically summon your missing case from the luggage void – but it can save you hundreds of £s/$s in emergency costs, and make the whole process a lot less stressful.

Most decent travel insurance policies will include cover for two key things related to luggage – Baggage Delay Cover and Baggage Loss Cover.

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.

1. Baggage Delay Cover

This kicks in if your luggage is delayed for a certain amount of time (usually 12–24 hours). You’ll typically be able to claim for emergency purchases—think toiletries, a few clean clothes, or even a swimsuit so you don’t miss out on pool time.

Some policies will give you a set amount per day, others work on reimbursement with receipts. Always keep those receipts and check the details before you travel so you know what you’re covered for.

2. Baggage Loss Cover

If your luggage is officially lost – usually after 21 days – it can be classed as missing permanently. That’s when baggage loss cover kicks in, and you may be reimbursed for the value of your suitcase and its contents (up to a maximum amount, depending on your policy).

You’ll likely need:

  • Proof of ownership or value of contents
  • A copy of your baggage claim form from the airline
  • A full list of what was lost

Don’t Leave Insurance to the Last Minute

It’s a common mistake, but travel insurance should ideally be booked when you book your trip, not just the week before departure. Early purchase means you’re covered for more scenarios in the run-up to travel – like trip cancellation or needing to rebook flights if something goes wrong.

Final Word

Lost luggage is frustrating – but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With smart packing, the right tech, and a bit of insurance, you can cruise with confidence.

And remember, these mishaps are rare – most passengers and their suitcases make it to the ship just fine.

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.

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If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me


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Is the All-Inclusive Package Worth It?

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPrincess Cruises

Thinking about going all-inclusive on your next Princess cruise? The Princess Premier package promises to cover pretty much everything – but is it really worth the cost?

I tested it out on a week-long cruise aboard Sun Princess and dug into the details, so you don’t have to. Here’s everything you need to know before deciding if Princess Premier is right for you…

For transparency, I want to tell you that I was invited aboard as a guest of Princess Cruises, but as always, the cruise line has no control over my content and all of my opinions are my own.

What Is Princess Premier?

Princess Premier is the top-tier package that Princess Cruises offers, designed to turn your cruise into an all-inclusive experience. It includes nearly every extra you’d typically pay for onboard.

For £75 per person per day (or $90 USD), here’s what you get:

  • OceanNow delivery and room service delivery with no fees
  • Unlimited drinks (up to $20 each)
  • Wi-Fi for up to four devices per guest
  • Crew gratuities (usually $17 to $19 per day)
  • Unlimited premium desserts
  • Unlimited fitness classes
  • Unlimited casual dining meals
  • Unlimited specialty dining
  • Unlimited digital photo downloads + 3 printed photos
  • Reserved theatre seating for main shows
  • Princess Prizes entries whenever you enter your cabin

In short, it’s a bundle of all the little things that can add up to hundreds during your cruise.

Princess Cruises also offers a Plus Package, which is a bit cheaper, but doesn’t include as much. You can read my comparison of Plus and Premier here.

Don’t Overpay for the Package

Before we get into things, I have one important tip for you…

If you want the Premier pages, buy it before your cruise! It costs $5 per day more if you wait until you’re on the ship. You can still add it within the first two days onboard, but it’s more expensive that way.

Sign with the last chance to upgrade to Princess Premier

Also, if you’re cruising with children, you don’t need to buy the Premier package for them. And you probably shouldn’t, because they can’t use a lot of it like the alcoholic drinks, fitness classes and Princess Prizes.

Your kids can either:

  • Get the lower-tier Princess Plus package
  • Stick to the standard cruise fare

Some perks like Wi-Fi, photos and desserts can be shared with kids. Drinks, however, are strictly non-shareable.

About The Inclusions…

Now let’s take a closer look at everything you get with the package…

Unlimited Drinks Is A Huge Money Saver

Princess Premier cocktail

If you enjoy a few cocktails by the pool or like wine with dinner, this package pays for itself quickly.

The included drink package covers any drink up to $20 — that includes:

  • Fancy cocktails
  • Top-shelf spirits
  • Craft beers
  • Wine by the glass
  • Barista-made coffees

By the time you’ve ordered your fourth drink of the day, the package could have already paid for itself!

But what if you drink cheaper drinks like soft drinks and bottled water? Well, I have a calculator that will work out your expected bar bill, based on the 2025 drinks prices on Princess ships. Just pop your email in below and I’ll send that to you…

One thing to watch out for: canned soft drinks are NOT included in the package. (Weird, I know). Fountain sodas are covered, but if you ask for a can of Coke Zero, expect a charge.

Tip: some bartenders will pour the can into a glass for you so it counts as a fountain drink!

Also note: bottles of wine aren’t included, but you do get 25% off. If you’re someone who splashes out on premium bottles, you can save a lot.

Unlimited Cruise Photos Will Make Your Holiday SO Memorable

photo session on Princess cruise ship

Cruise ship photographers are everywhere — formal night, outside the ship at ports, they even green screen backgrounds at embarkation. Usually, the photos are pricey (like, “$83 for a five pics” pricey).

But with Princess Premier, you can:

  • Get all your digital photos free (download them straight to your phone via the app)
  • Choose three prints at no extra cost (via the Photo Studio onboard)

We normally skip the photo ops, but this time we went all out! The photographers are genuinely brilliant, and you get memories you’d never capture with a selfie.

All the Specialty Dining You Want

Teppanyaki

Specialty restaurants can cost $20 to $60+ per person, per meal. But with Premier, you can try as many as you like.

We dined at:

  • Umai Teppanyaki – The kids loved this one
  • Love By Britto – The most romantic restaurant ever
  • Sabatinis – The most exquisite Italian
  • Alfredo’s – The pizza is incredible
  • Umai Hot Pot – An interactive cooking experience

There are plenty more as well, including steakhouses, fish restaurants and pub food. Take a look at this six-course meal at Love By Britto before you tell me that you’d prefer to dine in the main dining room..!

Even with dietary restrictions (vegan, vegetarian, and picky kids), the staff were brilliant. Once you note your requirements, each restaurant is informed in advance and prepares something off-menu if needed.

Princess Prizes Is A Fun Little Extra

Princess Prizes screen on the cabin door

Each time you enter your stateroom while the ship is at sea, you’re automatically entered into a prize draw via the screen by your door. You might win spa treatments, jewellery, wine tastings, speciality dining meals and so much more!

We didn’t win, but it added a bit of fun every time we returned to the cabin.

Reserved Seats in the Theatre

Interior view of the Princess Theatre on a Princess cruise ship, showcasing a sea of purple seats facing a large stage with a red curtain and a screen displaying 'Princess Theatre'. The ceiling is dotted with lights, enhancing the venue's vibrant atmosphere.

Trying to get a good seat at a production show can be chaotic. But with Princess Premier, you get a reserved section, so you can stroll in 5 minutes before curtain up and still get a great view.

Note that this only applies to the big production shows, not smaller acts.

Room Service and Ship-Wide Deliveries

Princess Cruises room service

Room service delivery is included, with no extra fees. We made good use of it for lazy brunches on the balcony, late-night bottled water, glasses of wine while getting ready and kids snacks!

And with OceanNow delivery, you don’t just have to order it to your room. You can order food and drinks to be delivered anywhere on the ship! And if you move, the crew members can track you using your medallion so they will bring it right to you!

Getting a mojito delivered to my hammock on the top deck was a highlight of my cruise!

Me with a mojito in a hammock

Other extras include unlimited fitness classes, a juice bar and huge ice-creams that come in big beer mugs.

Gratuities Taken Care Of

Tips for the crew are usually charged at $17 per person, per day (or $19 if you’re in a suite). These are included in the package, so straight away you can consider it as costing $73 per day instead of $90.

Suggested read: Can You Refuse To Pay Gratuities On A Cruise?

The Wi-Fi Is Fast

Laptop logged into Princess Premier MedallionNet wifi

Cruise ship wi-fi is usually hit and miss. And I’ve found that the more people are using it, the slower it can be. However, despite Sun Princess being a huge ship, and lots of people having the wi-fi packages, the onboard wi-fi was always super fast. That’s because Princess reserves the fastest wi-fi for Plus and Premier Package guests, while everyone else gets the standard wi-fi.

Having four devices is handy too because you don’t need to log in and out. I used one login for my phone, one for my laptop (because I often work while at sea) and I have one to each of the kids so they could watch their iPads while I got ready to go out.

Who Is Princess Premier Good For?

We loved the Premier Package. Last year, we got the Plus Package, but next time we will get Premier again. Even though my husband doesn’t drink alcohol it’s still worth it for us.

Princess Premier is perfect if you:

  • Enjoy premium drinks
  • Want to dine in multiple specialty restaurants
  • Like having your photos taken
  • Use Wi-Fi a lot
  • Don’t want to think about extra charges onboard

It’s not for you if you:

  • Don’t drink at all
  • Are happy with main dining and the buffet
  • Never use onboard photographers
  • Aren’t fussed about little extras
Sun Princess with family

Final Thoughts

For us, Princess Premier was 100% worth it. We drank cocktails guilt-free, tried new restaurants every night, got loads of fab photos, and avoided a nasty bill at the end.

Even if you don’t use every single perk, the value quickly adds up. And best of all? It makes the cruise feel truly carefree.

Thinking about it? Do the maths. Check out my full breakdown of Princess Plus vs Princess Premier to see which suits you best.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

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Cruise Mummy

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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Luggage-storage.jpg

What You Need to Know

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPackingPrincess Cruises

I hate that feeling when I’m packing for a holiday where there’s a flight involved, and I have to make sacrifices on what makes it into the suitcase.

It’s a fine art, and I’ve refined it over the years – but I still resent it just a little bit.

Luggage storage

With a Princess cruise, things a little different.

But you haven’t got complete freedom…

Luggage Limits on a Princess Cruise

Princess Cruises does not have a limit on the amount of luggage you take on board. There are no weight or size limits for the number of suitcases, and you can take as many cases as you want onto the ship.

However, it’s not quite as simple as that. It’s great that the Princess cruise luggage policy doesn’t have a cap, but you need to think about the practicalities. How much luggage can you take on a cruise before it becomes difficult for you, and what about flights?

Departure Port Location

While it’s great that Princess lets you pack as many suitcases as you want, without a care in the world about weight, how are you going to get your luggage to the departure port?

If you’re sailing from a port in another country, you’re going to have to fly there, and if you do that then you need to abide by the airline’s luggage restrictions. You can’t turn up and tell them you’re on a Princess cruise and therefore it’s fine if your bag is 5kg too heavy.

So for cruises departing from other countries, you’re limited by the airline. What about cruises from your home country?

There’s no need to worry about the Princess Cruises luggage allowance from Southampton, since there’s no limit. You do have the chance to take as many cases as you want onto the ship. But think about how you’re actually going to get them to the port.

Are you driving? If so, and your car has space, then that’s fine. A taxi might also be OK but they may have limited boot space, and the driver may not be comfortable with you holding suitcases on your lap.

Taking the train? You’re taking a risk by carrying lots of bags since there might not be space in the luggage racks. Plus you don’t want to have to spend a long time loading and unloading cases at your station.

Coaches are normally a little easier, but they won’t get you all the way to the port still, so you need to bear in mind how you’ll get from Southampton coach station to the ship with all those bags.

National Express coach at Southampton coach station

Storage Space in Your Stateroom

Once you’ve got all your luggage to the port, you can wave goodbye to it as it is loaded onto the ship. Later that day, it’ll be waiting for you outside your room, and you can get to unpacking.

But then, if you’ve taken a load of extra bags, where do you put them once they’re unloaded?

Typically, a stateroom can hold two large suitcases, either under the bed or in the back of the wardrobe. But that’s about it. Any more, and they’re going to have to be placed on the floor somewhere.

Wardrobe space on Enchanted Princess
Wardrobe space on Enchanted Princess

This isn’t so much of an issue if you’ve booked a suite, although it will spoil the look of the room. But if you’ve booked an Interior Stateroom, your space is already at a premium.

Do you really want to have to climb over the case or the bed each day, just because you wanted a few spare outfits? It’s less a case of how many suitcases can you take on a cruise, and instead how many do you want to have to find space for in your room?

Leaving the Ship

You also need to consider your journey home. If it’s a round-trip from a port in your home country, then again you don’t need to worry about airline restrictions. But you do need to think about actually getting off the ship.

Princess Cruises disembarkation luggage tags

When you’re leaving a ship, you’ve got two options. You can either check your luggage, which means putting new tags on it and leaving it outside your room the night before, or you can carry it off with you.

If you’ve brought too much that you can’t carry it in one trip, then you’ll need to check it. It’s not the end of the world but it will slow you down a lot, since you’ll then need to go find your bag at the port.

When everyone is trying to leave at once, either driving off the car park or snapping up all the cabs, then delays like this can become a little frustrating. So it’s something else to bear in mind.

Princess Cruises Packing Tips

Here are some tips for packing your luggage for your Princess cruise.

1. Know the Dress Codes

Princess has two dress codes – one for regular dining and one for formal nights. 

Regular dining is smart casual, so avoid pool and beach clothing, shorts, fraying/holed jeans and sandals, though feel free to bring these to wear during the day. 

Formal nights include tuxedos, dark suites, elegant pantsuits, cocktail dresses or ball gowns.

Here’s an example of a casual dress that I wore on a Princess cruise in the summer…

Cruise Mummy wearing a casual dress on Princess cruise ship

If you’d like to see some examples of dresses for formal nights, then you can take a look at pictures here.

Here’s what we wore on a recent Sun Princess cruise for formal night:

Princess Cruises formal night

2. Use the Laundry Facilities

You don’t need to pack an outfit for every day of your cruise. Each Princess cruise ship has a self-service launderette that’s equipped with washing machines, dryers and ironing equipment.

Self-service laundrette on a cruise ship

If you don’t like the idea of spending time doing laundry on your cruise, there’s also a laundry service that allows you to send your clothes off to be washed or dry cleaned and pressed.

You can see the latest prices for the self-service and professional laundry service in my Cruise Laundry Guide.

3. Know What To Pack

There are also some items, like pool and beach towels, that are provided so you don’t need to waste space in your case by bringing your own.

While many cruise ships only provide bath robes for suite guests, Princess Cruises make them available for everyone, for free. If there isn’t one already hanging in your closet, just ask your stateroom attendant and they will bring you one.

Princess Cruises bathrobe

Princess Cruises has a number of prohibited items you shouldn’t bring on board. They’ll be confiscated if you try to bring them onto the ship – all luggage is scanned. Familiarise yourself with the list of Princess cruise prohibited items before you pack.

4. Bringing Your Own Drinks

Every passenger of drinking age is allowed to bring one 750ml or smaller bottle of wine or Champagne onto the ship, but no beers or spirits. This can be drunk in the cabin or brought to a restaurant, but in the restaurant, there will be a corkage fee.

You’ll want to consider this when deciding whether the Princess Cruises drink package is worth it.

5. Valuables and Medicines

The cruise line asks you to always pack your essential medicines or any valuables into your hand luggage, rather than your suitcase. That way, if something happens to your case, you have the important things with you.

Enchanted Princess embarkation

Final Word

It’s exciting to be able to take as much luggage as you want on your cruise, but in reality, most people stick to a suitcase or two at most. Otherwise, it can still be a bit of a logistical nightmare.

The good news is that if you are sailing from a port in your home country, you don’t have to break out the scales to check the weight of your cases – just make sure you can close them, ideally without sitting on them, and you’ll be good.

Check out my list of The Best Cruise Packing Tips & Hacks to learn how to pack like a pro for your Princess cruise.

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me


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