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Where To Stay In Miami Before Or After Your Cruise

by Cruise Tips

Vibrant Miami offers a wide range of hotels. Known for its beautiful beaches and lively environment, this city is always buzzing. This city is perfect for both post-voyage relaxation and pre-cruise enthusiasm. Every traveller will find a suitable shelter. Choices vary from reasonably priced hotels providing real comfort to luxury resorts with stunning ocean views. Families can locate roomy hotels built with child-friendly features. Boutique hotels that strongly reflect the city’s profound cultural legacy and artistic drive may appeal to those seeking a unique experience. Miami’s different hotel scene, which fits different tastes and budgets, helps every guest create enduring memories.

Budget-Friendly Options in Miami

Where to Stay in MiamiWhere to Stay in Miami
Photo by Rubén Darío Arena on Pexels.com

Hostels, motels, and value-oriented hotels, especially in South Beach and Downtown Miami, provide tidy, inviting rooms at fair prices. Reputable websites like B&B HOTELS (https://www.hotel-bb.com/en/city/hotels-miami) let you investigate your possibilities. Many cheap hotels around Miami offer comfort and convenience for budget-conscious tourists. Many provide simple access to public transportation. Often forgoing car rental, this connection lets one investigate city attractions affordably. Some businesses provide free breakfast or kitchen amenities to provide value and assist in controlling meal expenses while enjoying Miami.

Luxury Accommodations in Miami

Miami’s best luxury hotels satisfy sophisticated standards for pleasurable experiences. Renowned for their architectural grandeur, oceanfront hotels provide ocean vistas, opulent amenities, and great cuisine. Guests may use concierge services, infinity pools, and world-class spas. Popular pre- and post-cruise getaways, these opulent hotels are close to Miami’s culture and vibrancy.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Miami

Families travelling to Miami before a cruise may find hotels accommodating parents and children pleasantly. Many hotels have roomy suites; some even have useful kitchenettes for simple meal preparation, a genuine blessing. Kid-centric features like nice pools, play spaces, and occasionally planned children’s events help to enhance the attraction. Being close to family-friendly sites like marine parks or zoos makes trips easier. Some hotels simplify travel arrangements by providing shuttles to well-known locations. These considerate details create a friendly atmosphere and guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Unique and Boutique Stays in Miami

Boutique hotels uniquely appeal to those wanting to experience Miami’s vibrant culture in a more personal environment. Often with unique, art-forward designs highlighting local talent, these unusual hotels stand out and create a warm, interesting environment unlike larger corporations. Many are deliberately located in trendy areas such as Wynwood or Coconut Grove. This location gives visitors easy access to local restaurants, interesting galleries, independent stores, and other attractions. Many guests value distinctive details, a free social hour, tailored local tours, or staff insider knowledge, all of which help to create a memorable experience that reflects Miami’s particular artistic character.

Final Thoughts

The city fits your preferences and budget, whether you are in Miami before a cruise or after. Accommodations are available for luxury seekers, families, budget-conscious visitors, and boutique travellers. Among the several hotels, every Miami visitor finds a suitable home base. The hotels are perfect for sightseeing, beach relaxation, and cultural immersion. From opulent hotels with breathtaking views to simple motels with local character, every choice offers a unique experience that proves Miami’s best position.

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Yacht Hire In Dubai Vs. Traditional Cruises: What’s The Better Experience?

by Cruise Tips

Today’s traveler wants more than just movement — they want moments. While traditional cruise ships still hold strong appeal for many, the rising popularity of yacht hire in Dubai signals a shift in what people now expect from luxury travel. Instead of shuffleboard and buffet lines, it’s now about curated routes, personalized service, and skyline views that don’t come with a crowd. So, how does chartering a private yacht in Dubai really stack up against the classic cruise experience?

Let’s dive in.

Experience: Personalization and Privacy

Traditional Cruises: Predictable but Packed

Cruise ships are the Swiss army knives of vacationing — they pack in pools, casinos, theaters, kids’ zones, and more, sailing from port to port with thousands of passengers. The upside? Convenience and structure. You know exactly where you’ll be and when.

The downside? You’re one of many. The pool is shared, the dinner table is assigned, and personal space is often a luxury in itself.

Yacht Hire in Dubai: Your Own Floating Retreat

Hiring a yacht in Dubai gives you the kind of control you don’t even get in five-star hotels. Want to set sail just before sunset? Go for it. Prefer to cruise past the Burj Al Arab with chilled drinks and your favorite playlist in the background? Done.

Everything is tailored to your pace — no crowds, no noise, just you and your chosen company on a sleek, modern vessel.

In contrast to the one-size-fits-all experience of big liners, yacht hire Dubai offers freedom — from selecting your guest list to curating your ideal route.

And if you’re celebrating something special — birthdays, anniversaries, proposals — a private yacht turns it into a cinematic memory.

Destinations and Flexibility

Cruise Routes: Fixed and Far-Reaching

Large cruises have pre-scheduled routes, often across multiple countries or coastal regions. While this is great for seeing many places in a single trip, it’s also rigid. You get a few hours at each port, following a tight itinerary, sometimes shared with three other cruise ships docking the same day.

There’s limited spontaneity and zero chance to pivot your route if you discover a place you love.

Dubai Yacht Routes: Flexibility That Follows You

Chartering a yacht in Dubai opens up a different kind of map. Instead of covering thousands of nautical miles, you experience Dubai from the sea — where iconic landmarks meet tranquil seascapes, all within your control.

You can:

  • Drift by the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab
  • Cruise around the entire Palm Jumeirah
  • Drop anchor near Atlantis for a swim
  • Sail toward Bluewaters Island and the Dubai Eye
  • Watch the sun set behind the Marina skyline

If a location feels right, you stay longer. If not, you sail onward.

This freedom to adapt is a game changer — especially for couples or small groups seeking both luxury and adventure.

Value for Money and Amenities

Cruise Ships: All-Inclusive, but Not Always Luxurious

On paper, cruises offer great value. You get food, accommodations, transport, and entertainment — all in one price. But once you’re onboard, the upselling begins: premium dining, shore excursions, drinks packages, spa access, internet — they all come extra.

And while suites exist, the average cruise cabin is a tight squeeze with limited privacy.

Yacht Hire in Dubai: Clear Pricing, Pure Luxury

At first glance, renting a yacht may seem more expensive. But consider this: you’re not one of 3,000 passengers. You have the entire vessel, crew, refreshments, and route to yourself or your group. The yacht is your private space — no lines, no loudspeakers, no kids’ disco down the hall.

Better still, pricing tends to be straightforward.

To see exactly what’s included and compare prices, explore options for yacht hire in Dubai with clear, no-surprise listings.

Whether it’s a one-hour tour or a full-day journey, you can book based on group size, occasion, and personal preferences.

Pro tip: Booking early and avoiding peak weekends (like major UAE holidays) can significantly reduce rates.

Practical Advice: How to Choose Between the Two

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose a cruise if:

  • You want to visit multiple countries in one trip
  • You enjoy structured group activities and entertainment
  • You’re traveling with a large family or need kid-focused amenities
  • You prefer all-inclusive packages with minimal planning

Choose a yacht hire in Dubai if:

  • You value privacy and personalized service
  • You’re looking for a unique luxury experience
  • You want full control over timing, stops, and onboard atmosphere
  • You’re celebrating a milestone and want a special setting

This isn’t an “either/or” situation — both have their place. But for those seeking something intimate, flexible, and visually stunning, Dubai’s yacht rental scene delivers in ways traditional cruises simply can’t.

Conclusion: A New Way to Sail

Cruises are familiar, predictable, and still enjoyable — especially for travelers who love social settings, all-inclusive deals, and long journeys across multiple coasts.

But if you’re after a modern maritime experience that’s high-end, customizable, and rich in once-in-a-lifetime views, then yacht hire in Dubai isn’t just an option — it’s the better one.

It’s not about how far you sail. It’s about how freely you can go.

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Large white cruise ship moored at a busy harbour, illustrating Symphony of the Seas cabins to avoid

Symphony of the Seas Cabins to Avoid (and the Best Rooms to Book) in 2026

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

The Symphony of the Seas cabins to avoid are mostly the ones placed next to the ship’s busiest spaces: rooms directly below the pool and sports decks (decks 15 and 16), forward cabins sitting over the Royal Theater, Boardwalk-facing balconies near the AquaTheater, and low-deck rooms beneath the nightclubs on deck 4. Most other problems, such as connecting-door noise or seasickness, come down to choosing a cabin midship on a middle deck, away from venues that run late.

Symphony of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class giants, so its layout is very similar to its sisters. If you are still choosing between them, our guide to the Oasis class ships compared explains how Symphony differs from Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Wonder and Utopia. This guide focuses only on Symphony’s own deck plan.

Symphony of the Seas at a glance in 2026

Symphony entered service in 2018. At around 228,000 gross tons, it carries about 5,500 guests at double occupancy and up to roughly 6,300 when every berth is full. It has around 2,745 staterooms spread over 10 cabin decks. Its last widely reported dry dock was a maintenance-focused stay at Navantia in Spain in spring 2023. At the time of writing, Royal Caribbean has not announced an Oasis-class “Amplified” refit for Symphony, so the layout below still applies.

For 2026 the ship is based year-round in Galveston, Texas. It sails six- and eight-night Western Caribbean and Bahamas cruises, including Perfect Day at CocoCay, and seven-night Western Caribbean trips from late October. Royal Caribbean plans to move Symphony to Fort Lauderdale in early August 2027, with Icon of the Seas taking over in Galveston. Check the cruise line’s site when you book, because deployments do change.

Symphony of the Seas cabin types and sizes

Before deciding what to avoid, it helps to know what you are choosing from. Sizes below are approximate and vary slightly by deck and position.

Cabin type Approx. size (cabin + balcony) Where you find it
Studio interior (solo) 95-105 sq ft Deck 4
Interior with Virtual Balcony 150-170 sq ft Deck 3 and decks 6-14
Promenade, Central Park or Boardwalk view interior 190-195 sq ft Decks 7 and 9
Oceanview 180 sq ft Deck 3 and decks 7-11
Central Park or Boardwalk balcony 180 + 50 sq ft Decks 8-12 and 14
Ocean-facing balcony 180 + 55 sq ft Decks 6-12 and 14
Junior Suite 290 + 80 sq ft Decks 6-12 and 14
Grand and Owner’s Suites 370-560 sq ft + large balcony Midship, decks 6-14
AquaTheater Suites (1 and 2 bedroom) 555-820 sq ft + wraparound balcony Aft, decks 8-14
Crown, Star and Royal Lofts; Ultimate Family Suite 550-1,600 sq ft, two levels Decks 17-18

Ocean-facing balconies make up the largest single group on board, while there are close to 500 Virtual Balcony interiors and around 480 balconies facing inward over Central Park or the Boardwalk. That inward-facing group is the main thing that sets an Oasis-class ship apart.

Symphony of the Seas cabins to avoid

Noise and motion cause the most complaints on Symphony. Here are the spots to check on the deck plan before you pay a deposit.

1. Rooms directly below the pool and sports decks

Deck 15 holds the pools, the sports zone and the waterslides, and deck 16 has the FlowRiders and the top of the Ultimate Abyss slide. Cabins on deck 14 sit right below, so you may hear loungers being dragged across the deck early in the morning, set-up crews and thumping from activities. The highest balcony deck is not the quietest. If you like a high deck, pick a cabin on deck 14 that has more cabins above it rather than pool deck.

2. Forward cabins above the Royal Theater

The Royal Theater sits forward on the lowest public decks, and some forward rooms on deck 6 sit over it. Rehearsals and two evening shows mean some sound can come through. Studio B, the ice rink, sits on decks 3 and 4 midship, below the Royal Promenade, with no cabins directly above it. The low forward oceanview rooms on deck 3 sit below lounges on deck 4 that stay open late, so late-night bass is the bigger risk down there.

3. Boardwalk balconies close to the AquaTheater

Boardwalk-view balconies look down over the carousel, the arcade, restaurants and, at the far end, the AquaTheater. Families love the bustle. If you go to bed early, the lowest decks in this area can be loud: evening shows, rehearsals, music and people. The Ultimate Abyss also finishes on the Boardwalk, and the zip line runs high above it, so screams are part of the daytime soundtrack. Higher Boardwalk balconies on decks 11, 12 and 14 are calmer.

4. Central Park and Boardwalk balconies if you want privacy

These rooms are a good deal and give you fresh air, but you look across at other balconies, not at the sea. Rooms on the opposite side can see your balcony, the sun only reaches you for part of the day, and you will not see ports or sail-aways from your room. If an ocean view is the reason you are booking a balcony, choose an ocean-facing room instead.

5. Forward and aft rooms if you get seasick

Ships this large are very stable, but motion is still felt most at the bow and on high decks. If you are prone to seasickness, low to middle decks (around 6 to 9) and midship rooms are the safest choice. Western Caribbean routes from Galveston can bring choppy water in the Gulf in winter, so this matters more than many people expect.

6. Connecting cabins when you are not travelling together

Connecting doors let more sound through than a solid wall, so you may hear conversations or TV from next door. They are worth booking only if your own group will use both rooms. Ask your travel agent or check the deck plan symbols to see if a room has a connecting door.

7. Rooms near crew doors, elevators and laundry rooms

Cabins right next to elevator lobbies, crew service doors or self-service areas get more foot traffic and door noise at all hours. Moving a few doors down the corridor usually solves the problem.

8. Expensive suites that don’t match how you cruise

The Royal Loft and Ultimate Family Suite are memorable, but they cost a lot. If you spend most of your days ashore or around the pools, a Junior Suite or a well-placed balcony may give you better value. AquaTheater Suites are spectacular, but the shows below are loud and the aft position can mean more motion. Check sightlines too, because some views are partly blocked by structure.

Room with large windows looking out to the ocean, the kind of view an outside cabin gives you
An ocean-facing room is usually the safer bet for sea views and privacy. Photo: Burak Argun on Pexels

Symphony of the Seas best cabins

Avoiding the problem areas is half the job. Here are the cabins that consistently give good value on Symphony.

  • Midship ocean-facing balconies, decks 8-11: they have the least motion, are close to elevators, and sit away from the theater and pool noise. This is the safest all-round choice. If you are weighing balcony options across the wider fleet, see our pick of the best balcony cabins at sea.
  • Virtual Balcony interiors: an 80-inch screen shows a live view from outside the ship. You get a balcony-style view, no light leaking in, and an interior price.
  • Higher Central Park balconies: the park is the quietest neighborhood on board, so these are good for couples who want fresh air on a budget.
  • Junior Suites: more space and a bathtub for not much more money, which is useful on longer six- and eight-night trips.
  • Ultimate Family Suite: a two-level suite on decks 17-18 with an in-suite slide, a game area and a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool. It sleeps up to eight and is aimed at families with children.
  • AquaTheater Suites: huge balconies with views over the wake and the show. These suit night owls who love the shows.

Families with young children often like deck 14 because Adventure Ocean, the kids club, is on that deck. Just steer clear of rooms right below the busiest parts of deck 15.

What is the best deck on Symphony of the Seas?

For most people, decks 8 to 11 are the sweet spot. They sit above the noisy public decks, well below the pools, and they give you an easy walk to Central Park, the Royal Promenade and the dining rooms. If you get seasick, go lower, to around deck 6 to 8 midship. Deck 12 is also a good option, as it is mostly cabins and suites.

Crowd dancing at a lively nightclub, a reminder of the late-night noise some cabins sit near
Picking your exact stateroom lets you avoid cabins above or below late-night venues. Photo: Maor Attias on Pexels

Guarantee cabin or choose your own?

A guarantee (GTY) fare locks in a category, such as balcony, while Royal Caribbean picks the room number nearer departure. It is often cheaper and can occasionally lead to an upgrade. The risk on Symphony is that you could end up in one of the spots above: under the pool deck, at the far forward end, or over a noisy venue. If sleep or seasickness matter to you, the small extra cost of choosing your own cabin is usually worth paying.

Booking several cabins for a group

If you are travelling as a group, book early so you can get rooms side by side, or across the corridor from each other. Connecting balconies with a divider that opens are useful for families. Interior and balcony rooms that face each other can split a group across budgets while keeping everyone close. Families of five or six should look at the Family Oceanview and Ultra-Spacious Family Balcony rooms on deck 11 forward, as there are only a handful of them.

Comparing ship sisters? Harmony has a near-identical layout. Our guide to Harmony of the Seas cabins to avoid covers how its recent refit has changed things.

If you would rather upgrade than risk a poorly placed cabin, our guide to Symphony of the Seas suites compares every category by size and perks.

FAQs

What are the worst cabins on Symphony of the Seas?

The worst-rated cabins are usually on deck 14 under the pool deck, low Boardwalk balconies near the AquaTheater, forward rooms above the theater and the deck 3 rooms below the late-night lounges. Rooms with connecting doors you won’t use also get complaints.

Are Central Park balconies on Symphony of the Seas worth it?

Yes, if you want fresh air and a lower price, and you don’t mind having no sea view. Central Park is the calmest neighborhood on board. If privacy or ocean views matter most, book an ocean-facing balcony instead.

Which deck is best on Symphony of the Seas for seasickness?

Choose a midship cabin on a low to middle deck, around decks 6 to 9. Movement is felt most forward and on the highest decks.

Where does Symphony of the Seas sail from in 2026?

Symphony is based in Galveston, Texas, throughout 2026 for Western Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. It is scheduled to move to Fort Lauderdale in August 2027.

Is it worth paying to choose your cabin on Symphony of the Seas?

On a ship this size, usually yes. A guarantee fare saves money, but you can’t control whether you end up under the pool deck or above a noisy venue.

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Who It Affects And Why

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFirst time cruisers

Worried you’ll spend your cruise feeling queasy instead of sipping cocktails by the pool? You’re not alone.

Seasickness is one of the biggest concerns for first-time cruisers, especially when you’re spending serious money on your holiday. The good news? Most people feel absolutely fine… even in rough seas.

people going on a cruise vacation

But for a small group, even gentle waves can cause problems. So, how likely is it really you’ll get seasick? Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Seasickness And Cruise Ships

Whilst it is possible to get seasick on a cruise ship, the truth is that most people don’t. It’s also becoming less of an issue with the size of modern ships and the technology involved. Technically, seasickness is just another name for motion sickness.

That means you can usually predict if you’ll suffer from seasickness if you’ve ever suffered from motion sickness in the past, which you would normally notice if you were frequently car sick. Ocean waves do move a ship differently from the movements of a car, so it is possible to get seasick even if you don’t get car sick, but it’s really rare.

Consider how many people book a cruise, and then book a second, third, fourth, and so on…would people be doing that if a lot of them were getting seasick?

The fact that people tend to cruise multiple times once they’ve tried it once is enough of a statistic to tell you how little seasickness is a problem!

Couples on a Cruise Ship

Feeling The Waves On A Cruise Ship

Whilst you can feel the waves on a cruise ship at times, normally you’ll forget you’re even on a ship when you’re indoors. Modern cruise ships are so large that it’s hard to feel the movement; they have stabilisers to help reduce the feeling of motion throughout the ship.

They also have wave detection technology, which makes it a lot easier for the ship’s officers to steer her away from any turbulent seas. During storms, you might notice some movement, or if you’re standing on a high deck close to the front or rear of the ship.

But for the most part, you’ll barely even notice you’re moving unless you’re standing looking out of the window or on an outside deck.

Can you get sea sick on a cruise ship even when the waves are calm, though? Sadly, yes, if you’re sensitive to motion. You might not even realise that it’s the motion you’re feeling.

Read more: Do big cruise ships rock less?

How Many People Get Seasick On Cruises

It’s impossible to say how many people get seasick on a cruise. Around 1 in 3 people get motion sickness, but how much you’ll feel it on a cruise ship varies hugely.

Studies that have been carried out are focused on too small a group (less than 200 participants) or on small ships only, where the movement of the boat is much more noticeable. So, they aren’t useful when trying to measure how likely it is to affect you.

According to medical studies, motion sickness affects a lot of people but only in certain conditions (source). 

There’s no easy way to predict how many people on any given cruise ship will get seasick, unfortunately, but if you’re concerned, then just spend any amount of time speaking to past cruise travellers on cruise forums. You’ll soon see how few people have suffered, which should put your mind at ease.

cruise ship view

Why Seasickness Affects Some More Than Others

There’s no clear answer to why some people get seasick and others don’t. It’s generally attributed to people who have a disconnect between their senses that respond to motion. If the eyes, inner ear, and skin nerves aren’t in harmony, it can cause confusion and queasiness.

While we can’t yet explain what causes certain individuals to be immune and others to be highly susceptible, we do know some information from that medical study above:

  • Women are more susceptible to motion sickness than men
  • The older you are, the less likely you are to feel any queasiness during motion, likely because the sensory receptors aren’t as powerful. Motion sickness actually peaks at age 9
  • People who are aerobically fitter tend to suffer more than those who are less fit because their autonomic system is more reactive
  • Patients with certain existing medical conditions, such as vertigo, migraines, vestibular pathology and Meniere’s disease, are more likely to get seasick
  • Elevated hormone levels, caused by the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can also increase the risk

So, if you’re a young, fit woman who has a history of carsickness and suffers from migraines, you might want to stock up on some anti-sickness medication before you travel, just in case. But that doesn’t mean you will be affected. Just that you’re more likely.

Woman Relaxing on Cruise Ship Enjoying Ocean View from Balcony

How To Know If You Will Get Seasick On A Cruise

Here are a few tips on how to know if you will get seasick on a cruise.

1. Consider Your History Of Motion Sickness

If you’ve ever experienced motion sickness before, either on a roller coaster or a boat ride, it’s likely you could experience it again in the open ocean. If you’ve experienced motion sickness in the past, you’re much more likely to feel seasick on a cruise.

2. Know Your Ship

If you’re cruising to an area that’s known for rough seas on board a smaller, older ship and you have a cabin right at the top, then there’s a good chance that you may feel a little queasy at some point. Choose your cruise carefully to minimise the risk.

3. Talk To Your Doctor

If you have any medical conditions or take any medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor before booking a cruise. Some medications can increase the risk of motion sickness, and your doctor can help you with this.

healthcare workers

How Long Seasickness Lasts On A Cruise

Most people who do feel seasick will recover in a day. In very rare cases, it can last longer if left untreated, and cause the traveller to suffer for the duration of their cruise (and sometimes beyond, up to a couple of weeks).

In most cases, once you get used to the motion of the ship or you get through whatever stormy waters are causing you to feel nauseous, you’ll feel right as rain and be ready to fully enjoy the rest of your holiday.

If seasickness persists, it’s recommended that you speak to the cruise ship’s doctor to see if there are any causes that they can help to eliminate and any treatments that they can offer.

You won’t be able to claim a refund on your cruise because you were seasick, so the onus is on you to find a way past it and enjoy the holiday that you’ve paid for.

Sea sickness medication is always available from the medical centre on board. You may have to pay for it, but it’s often free of charge, depending on the ship.

sea sickness medicine

If seasickness tablets don’t work, then you can also ask for an anti-nausea injection. This will stop any vomiting, but it will make you feel sleepy and dehydrated, so it should be used as a last resort.

How To Prevent Seasickness On A Cruise

There are a lot of ways to prevent seasickness on a cruise. Avoid booking a cabin on a high deck near the bow or aft of the ship, and choose as large a ship as possible for your first cruise. Avoid itineraries travelling to known choppy waters and consider over-the-counter medication.

There are plenty of ways to avoid getting sea sick on cruise holidays, and it’s always much better to prevent it rather than try to cure it. Once it’s hit you, you tend to need to ride it out. So, travel prepared if you think there’s a chance that you might get seasick.

If you don’t, then no harm done – you can just relax and enjoy the holiday in full.

Guests having fun on a cruise ship

Read more: 16 Tricks Guaranteed To Prevent Seasickness On A Cruise

The Bottom Line

It’s understandable to be concerned about seasickness if you’ve never travelled on a cruise ship before. It doesn’t help that it was often a joke used for a cheap laugh whenever you saw someone on a boat in a movie or TV show.

In reality, it’s really not common – some people might feel a little bit funny on the first day, but not so much that they can’t enjoy all the food and drink that they were looking forward to.

And if you think you’re likely to get seasick, don’t forget to take steps to prevent it first. Don’t wait and see, as it’s a lot harder to get past it once it’s kicked in.

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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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27 Hilarious Cruise Jokes To Make You Laugh

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsOther

We cruisers love sunshine, buffets… and a good dad joke at sea. Whether you’re counting down to embarkation or just dreaming of the Lido deck, these clean and clever cruise jokes are guaranteed to make you smile.

From ship puns to passenger punchlines, here are the funniest cruise-themed jokes that won’t make you walk the plank – but might just leave you giggling like you’ve had one too many cocktails.

cruise mummy and her children similing with cocktails

1. Spring Break

A group of college kids went on a booze cruise for spring break. The ship sank and the young men escaped in a small lifeboat. They floated for several days, but nobody came to rescue them.

Eventually, delirious from a lack of fluid, one of the men noticed a bottle floating in the water. He reached over and picked it out. Suddenly, a genie emerged from the bottle with a loud whoosh.

“I am a genie and I can grant you one wish!” said the genie.

“That’s a no-brainer!” The frat boy said. “I wish the ocean were made of beer!”

The genie immediately granted the wish and then vanished,

“You idiot!” said the second kid. “Now we have to pee in the boat!”

2. Playing Cards

Q: Why couldn’t the cruisers play cards?

A: Because they were standing on the deck!

Cruise joke

3. Castaway

A cruise ship passenger is looking out to sea when he sees a small island. On the island, he spots a thin, suntanned man with wild hair. He can see the man jumping up and down and waving.

The passenger turns around and sees the Captain, so he draws his attention to the man.

“Captain, what’s up with that guy?”

The Captain shrugs his shoulders.

“No idea. He’s always that happy when we sail past.”

4. Two Oceans

Q: What did one ocean say to the other ocean?

A: Nothing, it just waved.

Cruise joke

5. The Nervous Cruiser

A very nervous first-time cruiser met the captain at the welcome reception.

“Do ships like this sink very often?” he asked.

“No,” said the captain. “Usually it’s just the once.”

6. Sunbathing And Reading

Two cruise passengers are lounging on sun beds, reading books. One notices that the other is reading a Che Guevara book.

The other passenger turns to him and asks

“Have you read Marx?”

“Yes”, he replied. “I think it’s from sitting on these deck chairs so long.”

7. The Booze Cruise

On the last night of the cruise, it’s discovered that there’s been a miscalculation with the food. Just before dinner, the captain announces over the loudspeaker…

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. I’m sorry to inform you that there are 2,000 passengers on board, but only enough food for 1,000 people. However, we do have plenty of drinks, so anyone who is willing to give up their meal will receive free drinks for the rest of the cruise.”

A few hours later, the captain makes another announcement…

“I apologise, but it appears that we have run out of alcohol. However, if anyone is hungry, we do still have 1,000 meals available.”

joke about drinks on cruise

8. The Magician And The Parrot

A magician worked on a cruise ship, performing the same tricks each week for new passengers.

The captain’s pet parrot came to all the shows and figured out how the tricks worked. He began to shout out during the shows. “It’s up his sleeve”, and suchlike, spoiling the illusions.

The magician was annoyed but couldn’t do anything as the parrot belonged to the captain.

One night, the ship sank. The magician found himself stranded on a desert island, along with the parrot. They stared at each other with hatred for days, neither uttering a word.

Finally, after three days, the parrot couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Okay, I give up”, he said. “What did you do with the ship?”

9. The Cabin Steward

My cabin steward is amazing! I went to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and my bed has been made!

Cruise joke

10. Scotch And Water

A lady goes to the bar on a cruise ship and asks for a Scotch with two drops of water.

She says: “I’m on this cruise to celebrate my 80th birthday and it’s today!”

“Congratulations!” says the bartender. “This one’s on me.”

As she finishes her drink, the woman to her right says, “I’d like to buy you a drink too”

“Thank you, ” says the lady. “I’ll have another Scotch with two drops of water”.

The man to her left says, “I’d like to buy you a birthday drink too”.

So the old lady orders yet another Scotch with two drops of water.

As the bartender gave her the drink, he asked the lady, “I’m so curious. Why the Scotch with only two drops of water?

The old woman replies, “Sonny, when you’re my age, you’ve learned how to hold your liquor. Holding your water, however, is a whole other issue!”

11. The New Hat

An old lady was standing on the top deck of a cruise ship, holding tightly onto her hat so that it wouldn’t blow off in the wind.

A gentleman approached her and said: “Excuse me. I don’t mean to be rude, but your dress is blowing up in the wind!”

“Yes, I know,” said the lady, “I need both hands to hold onto my hat.”

“But, madam, you’re also not wearing underwear and people can see everything!” said the gentleman.

The woman looked down, then back up at the man and replied, “Sir anything you see down there is 85 years old. I just bought this hat yesterday!”

12. The Language Class

I once took a Spanish class on a cruise ship. But I got lost at sí.

Cruise joke

13. The Castaways

David was something of a ladies’ man, so when his cruise ship sank, and he found himself stranded on a desert island with six women, he couldn’t believe his luck!

The group agreed that each woman would have one night a week with the only man.

David threw himself into the arrangement with gusto. But, as the weeks stretched into months, he found himself looking forward to his day of rest more and more eagerly.

One afternoon, he was sitting on the beach, wishing for some more men to share his duties. Suddenly, he caught sight of a man waving from a life raft. David swam out, pulled the raft to shore, and did a little jig of happiness.

“You can’t believe how happy I am to see you,” he cried.

The new fellow eyed him up and down and said, “You’re a sight for sore eyes, too, you gorgeous thing!”

“Crap,” sighed David, “there go my Sundays.”

(Probably the safest of the dirty cruise ship jokes I could include!)

14. Which Sailors?

Q: Which sailors blow their noses most often?

A: The anchor chiefs.

Cruise joke

15. Trapped In The Cabin

A couple boarded a cruise ship and went up to their cabin. Later, they called guest services and asked for someone to help them get out of their room.

“What seems to be the problem?” asked the man at the desk.

“We only have two doors,” said the lady in the cabin. “One is the bathroom and the other says ‘do not disturb.”

16. The Two Priests

Two priests take a cruise. They don’t want to stand out, so they decide to buy casual clothes. They’ve just hit the lido deck in t-shirts, shorts and sandals when they spot an attractive woman in a tiny bikini walking their way. As she walks past them, she politely says, “Good afternoon, fathers.”

The men are amazed because they can’t understand how the woman knew they were priests.

They decide to go to the onboard shops and buy even more casual clothes. They buy Hawaiian shirts, surfer shorts and dark sunglasses.

The next day, they hit the lido deck again in their wild new clothes and the same woman passes them in a string bikini. As she passes, she says, “How do you do, fathers?”

Well, the two priests are really confused, so one of them asks the woman, “Excuse me, we’re not ashamed of being priests, but how in the world did you know who we were?”

The woman replies, “Why, father, don’t you recognise me? I’m Sister Catherine from the convent!”

17. Fastest Cruise Ship

Do you have time for a joke about the world’s fastest cruise ship? Don’t worry, it’s a quick one-liner.

Cruise joke

18. Rolex Below Decks

A rich guy took a cruise to a tropical island and decided to sunbathe on the beach. Wanting an even tan, he took off his luxury watch and slipped it into his pocket.

Back on board at the end of the day, he realised that his watch was gone. It must have fallen out of his pocket. Too embarrassed to admit he’d lost such an expensive item, he decided not to tell anyone.

A moment later, the Captain’s voice came on the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is an announcement to the passenger who lost the Rolex Pearlmaster on the beach…the time is now 6:54 PM.”

19. Latest Cruise Ship Trend

Did you hear the latest trend is installing trampolines on cruise ships? Now everyone is jumping on board.

Cruise joke

20. Sinking Cruise Ship

A cruise ship sinks in the middle of the sea and the cruise passengers manage to escape on lifeboats. A woman then asks the Captain, “How far is the closest land?”

“3 miles,” he answers.

“That’s not too bad, in which direction?” she asks.

The Captain replied, “Down.”

21. Dock Above The Water

Q: What keeps a dock floating above water?

A: Pier pressure.

Cruise joke

22. Bankers Aweigh

Two bankers were the only survivors when their cruise ship sank. They were both clinging to a single life preserver. One banker, knowing that his colleague couldn’t swim, says, “I think I can make it to shore to get help. Can you float alone?”

The other banker replies, “How can you talk business at a time like this?”

23. Vegetables

Q: What vegetable isn’t allowed on cruise ships?

A: Leeks

Cruise joke

My son loves this joke, he told it to Captain Robert Camby on our cruise on Arvia. The captain laughed!

24. Shower Trouble

The showers in the cruise cabins are so small. I just soap the walls and spin around a few times!

Cruise joke

25. Emotional Baggage

I told my suitcase I wouldn’t be taking a cruise this year. Now I’m dealing with emotional baggage!

Cruise joke

26. Cruise News

Breaking news: Passengers trapped on a cruise ship on the ocean for 4 days.

On the bright side, it’s kind of what they paid for.

Cruise joke

27. Colour Clash

Q: Did you hear about the blue cruise ship that crashed into the red cruise ship?

A: The passengers were all marooned.

Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best cruise jokes. So many of the jokes about cruise ships seem to involve ships sinking. I suppose that a cruise is the start of many desert island jokes. I do like the cruise ship puns and jokes that aren’t accident-related, though!

If you love cruise ship humour, you’ll find that most cruise ships have comedy shows on board. There might be earlier shows that the whole family can enjoy and adult comedy shows after 10 pm.

For more cruise ship jokes, take a look at these funny cruise memes and this list of cruise puns.

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The Pros & Cons Of Ultra-Luxury Cruising With Silversea

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsSilversea

Let’s be honest right from the start – if you’re looking at cruises from Silversea, you either don’t know much about the brand, or you have the money to treat yourself to a really special kind of vacation – that, or you like to dream.

Silversea Cruises is not a cruise line for the mainstream. It is very much a luxury cruise brand, reflected in its incredible food, beautiful ships, stellar service, and price.

Silver Shadow at sea

But even beyond the price, there are some downsides to such a fantastic cruise line… First, though, the reasons that justify the cost.

Silversea Cruises Advantages

Here’s a list of the main ‘pros’ of Silversea, and why you should consider them for your next cruise.

1. All-Inclusive Cruising (Almost)

With Silversea, almost everything is included in your fare – more so than almost every other cruise line sailing (the only major cruise line that is similar would be Regent Seven Seas, another ultra-luxury option).

However, there are different fare options. Door-to-Door includes your flights and chauffeur transfers (more on that below), while Port-to-Port is just for the cruise element. And then the newest fare option is Essential, which removes the shore excursions for added flexibility, but only on some cruises.

When you book a cruise with Silversea, you really don’t have to pay anything extra:

  • Flights – Your flights are all included in your fare, with Business-class upgrades where possible, if you choose a Door-to-Door fare
  • Hotel – If your flights get you into your embarkation port a day early, or if you can’t fly out on disembarkation day, your pre- or post-cruise hotel stays are included
  • Gratuities – All of your tips and gratuities are covered in your fare
  • Excursions – You get at least one free shore excursion in every port you visit, unless you’ve chosen the Essential cruise fare
  • Food – Your dining in the main dining room is included
  • Drinks – All drinks are free onboard, including alcoholic beverages. You’ll even enjoy free Champagne!
  • WiFi – Internet access is included

There are a few things you may want to pay for, but they’re always completely optional.

Woman in suite veranda on Silversea cruise ship

2. Private Transfers Included

Your luxury cruise with Silversea doesn’t begin when you get to the ship. It starts much earlier – from the second you step out of your home.

That’s because another included feature on the Door-to-Door fares is executive private transfers. You don’t need to arrange your own taxi to take you to the airport, it’ll all be done for you – in a stylish luxury car too.

It’s one less thing to worry about, and it means you can start to enjoy that VIP treatment the second that your holiday starts.

3. Stunning Service

Silversea ships are all-suite, and as part of that, it means every single room has a butler offering white-glove service. They are available round-the-clock for anything you need, whether that’s unpacking your suitcases for you, shining your shoes, or just making sure your minibar is stocked with all your favourites.

Silversea butler

It’s not just the butlers that are a beacon of excellent service, though – every crew member that you meet is trained to the very highest standards. Everywhere you go on the ship, you’ll be greeted warmly by the most dedicated and helpful staff you could hope to meet. Nothing is ever too much trouble.

4. Gourmet-Quality Dining

Every restaurant on Silversea offers truly stunning gourmet-quality dining. The Restaurant is the main dining room, with a vibrant and ever-changing menu that will often reflect the local dishes of the destinations you visit.

But the ships have other restaurants on board too, including specialist Italian fare, Japanese and Indochine cuisines, fine French options and succulent steak and seafood fare.

No matter how adventurous (or not) your palate, you will delight in sumptuous food throughout your entire cruise.

Guests having dinner at The Restaurant on Silver Cloud
Dining on Silver Cloud

5. Absolute Enrichment Onboard and Ashore

It’s worth reiterating that you get one included shore excursion in every port that you visit, meaning you get the chance to sample the local culture and major attractions without having to pay a penny extra.

But these are not excursions that are just thrown together. Each one is tailored to truly highlight the best features of every port, where possible.

It doesn’t mean you’ll see everything, because there’s often so much to do that it wouldn’t be possible. But you will get a fantastic insight into each destination.

This insight is only strengthened by the expert lecturers on the ship, offering extensive talks on every destination you’re sailing to. These free lectures are the perfect way to brush up on your next port of call before you visit, and broaden your horizons.

Silversea guests hiking in Antarctica
Silversea guests hiking in Antarctica

6. Smaller Ships

Silversea’s fleet of cruise ships does not include the gigantic behemoths of the more mainstream cruise lines.

Indeed, the largest ships in the fleet are Silver Nova and Silver Ray, both of which have a gross tonnage of 50,051 – that’s around a fifth of the size of the biggest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

And that’s absolutely by design. Smaller ships mean more intimate service from the crew and a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. It also means that the ships are capable of exploring ports that larger ships simply can’t get to.

And that’s before you consider the specialist Expedition ships, which are smaller again and are built for the most hard-to-reach places in the world, such as the Antarctic.

Read more: Silversea Cruise Ships Compared

Silver Muse at sea
Silver Muse

7. Choice of Destinations

It’s not just about being able to reach destinations off the beaten track – Silversea also excels in sailing to destinations all over the globe.

While some other cruise lines will primarily stick to sailings in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, Silversea offers a huge amount of choice across Europe, all of North America and South America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and both polar regions.

There are also some truly stunning Grand Voyages and World Cruises, if you’re lucky enough to have time to see more of the world in one holiday.

Silver Explorer cruising the Misty Fjords, Alaska, USA
Silver Explorer cruising the Misty Fjords, Alaska, USA

Silversea Cruises Disadvantages

Now let’s look at some of the ‘cons’ of Silversea that may put you off.

1. High Cruise Fares

You knew this was coming.

Understandably, when you’re sailing with an ultra-luxury cruise line that is almost all-inclusive, the cruise fares for Silversea are pretty high in comparison to other cruise lines.

Whereas a 9-night cruise around Europe with Royal Caribbean will likely start at around £1,300 ($1,500) per person, expect Silversea Cruises prices per person to start at around £6,000 ($6,900).

Of course, that Royal Caribbean fare won’t include the same features as the Silversea one, and that is for the lowest price stateroom in each – which with Silversea will be a suite. A Royal Caribbean suite would of course be much more expensive than £1,300 per person.

It comes down to your own personal budget, but for many people, the high Silversea prices are not unjustifiable – they are actually great ‘value’ for the quality of service you get, and for everything that is included.

2. Some Restaurants Aren’t Included

Unfortunately, not everything is included in your Silversea cruise, despite the marketing which describes them as being ‘all-inclusive’.

One of the main things you’ll need to pay extra for is dining in some of the speciality restaurants, which can cost around $60 per person.

That’s not extremely expensive for a gourmet-quality meal, but you might just prefer to stick to the main dining room, since it’s included in your fare and the food is still exceptional. It’s your choice again, but if you do want more variety and more specialist cuisines then be prepared to pay extra.

La Dame on Silver Nova
La Dame on Silver Nova

3. Not Well Suited to Families

Is this really a disadvantage? It depends on your own travelling party. But Silversea cruises are not really suited to families. They are not ‘adults-only’ but they don’t have any features on the ships really tailored to younger guests.

This might be something you see as an actual benefit, if you want a quieter cruise. There’s a very low chance that there will be any children or teenagers on board your cruise. But if you do have a family, be prepared for the fact that your kids may not enjoy the time spent at sea.

If you want a cruise that’s more upmarket but is accommodating to children too, consider premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises instead. Or a family-friendly cruise line such as MSC, with a premium area like the Yacht Club.

Suggested read: The Best Cruise Lines For Families

Is Silversea Worth It?

Whether Silversea is worth it depends on the type of cruise you want to experience, your budget, and how much you appreciate exemplary service.

It’s a stunning cruise line, making every guest feel like they really are a VIP, so if you like the idea of butler service, fine dining and expert guides to your destinations, it’s safe to say that Silversea is absolutely worth your money.

But if you need a little more convincing, there are plenty of Silversea reviews out there from past guests, which can tell you a lot about the typical experience onboard.

The best way to book a Silversea cruise

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Carnival Starts Issuing Bans To Alcohol Smugglers

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Carnival, one of the biggest cruise lines in the world, has started cracking down on guests who smuggle alcohol onboard ships by issuing lifetime bans.

Carnival drinks ban

Copies of letters sent to guests have started to circulate social media, which explain to guests that they are being banned after sneaking alcohol onboard and then sharing their stories on social media.

The move comes after the cruise line’s brand ambassador, John Heald, shared an update in April 2025 stating that the cruise line did monitor social media and would ban guests who flouted the rules.

One noted name is TikToker Courtney Murley, who shared videos of her cruise in March where she had snuck alcohol onto the ship.

However she’s now shared a follow-up TikTok with her ban letter.

Language warning:

@courtneynicolemurley Thank goodness we love MSC & Royal better 🛳️ 🌴 I’m still laughing about this since it was all for the views and not real at all 😂 oh well def was great for my engagement so hey whatever, still love ya carnival 💁🏼‍♀️ @carnival @Royal Caribbean @MSC Cruises US #greenscreen #carnival #carnivalcruise #carnivalconquest #msccruises #royalcaribbean #royalcarribeancruise #bahamas #smuggler #pirate ♬ Hit Me – Megan Hilty & Christopher Sieber & Jennifer Simard

It’s clear that Carnival doesn’t want guests to promote the option to smuggle drinks onboard, since it could reduce the number of people willing to sign up to a drinks package.

In the comments of her original video, and a follow up letter, Courtney now claims that she never actually took alcohol onto her cruise, and that her original video was satirical.

She even suggests she may seek advice from a lawyer, despite claiming she doesn’t care that she is banned.

@courtneynicolemurley Replying to @Ashley yall please tag an attorney that can help me. Internet do your thing! Thank you 💕🫶🏻✨🛳️ #cruisegate #fyp #cruise #attorney #falseallegations #carnival #cruisetok ♬ NO SOUND – Sok Baraby

I doubt that anyone who sneaks alcohol onto a cruise but is caught at embarkation would be banned for life. Usually cruise lines will confiscate it, give the cruisers a mild ticking off at worst, and send them on their way.

It seems like Carnival really has a problem with guests who flout the rules and post on social media about their smuggling successes.

“This letter is to inform you that you will not be able to sail onboard any Carnival Cruise Line vessel in the future due to the smuggling of alcohol onboard the Carnival Conquest on March 31st, 2025, and subsequently posting about it on social media platforms.”

Letter sent by Carnival to Courtney Murley in May 2025

Of course, it’s not just boasting that they’ve beat the rules, but also potentially showing other guests how they could do the same – and that’s likely what Carnival is unhappy over.

Still, who knows? Maybe this is part of a serious crackdown and anyone using rum runners or other methods to sneak booze onto the ship might find themselves facing a ban.

Carnival already permits guests to bring one bottle of wine onboard their cruise, along with 12 x 330ml cans or cartons of soft drinks.

That’s not too dissimilar to other cruise lines:

Cruise Line Alcohol allowance per passenger Non-alcoholic drinks allowance per passenger
Carnival One bottle of wine 12 x 330ml cans or cartons
Celebrity Two bottles of wine No limit
Costa Not allowed Water only permitted for medical needs
Cunard One bottle of wine No limit
Disney Two bottles of wine or six beers No limit
MSC Cruises Not allowed Water only permitted for medical needs
NCL Unlimited wine – $15 fee per bottle Water only permitted for medical needs
P&O Cruises One litre of wine or Champagne No limit
Princess Cruises One bottle of wine for free.
$15 per additional bottle		 No limit
Royal Caribbean One bottle of wine 12 x 500ml bottles, cans or cartons (per stateroom)

With the cruise line now starting to issue bans to guests who break the rules, you’ll definitely want to think twice about any plans to sneak your own alcohol onboard above the limit.

And if you do, definitely don’t post about it on social media – they are watching!

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5 Things That P&O Cruises Does Better Than Any Other Cruise Line

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsP&O Cruises

I’ve cruised on all five of P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships. So, why do I keep coming back to this cruise line?

P&O Cruises Sign

There are a few reasons – some of them just things that P&O do quite well, but others that I think puts them completely above other cruise lines.

These aren’t for everyone but if you’re a cruising family, you might find that some of these put P&O at the top of your list too.

1. The Night Nursery

Child asleep in a tuxedo

For anyone cruising with children under five, P&O Cruises’ night nursery is an absolute godsend!

Open from 6 pm until 2 am each evening, parents can drop off their kids in a dark, quiet room, leaving two qualified members of staff to watch them while they sleep.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of skipping away from your happy children, with a glass of wine in your hand, knowing that you’re free to do whatever you like! Leisurely five-course meal? Theatre? Casino? Late-night comedy? Yes to everything!

Sitting around the dinner table, sipping wine with our new-found friends each evening, the conversation would usually turn to our children. “Where are they?”, our fellow diners would enquire.

“Oh, they’re asleep”, We’d reply.

“I bet that’s quite expensive, isn’t it?”, They’d ask.

“Nope! It’s free!”

Cue smug looks from us as we pour more wine.  

The night nursery opens at 6 pm, and children must be silent in there so as not to wake the others. Unless they’re old enough to understand that they must NOT wake the babies, they need to be either asleep or very sleepy when you settle them in to bed.

We’d usually leave our two in the kids’ club next door until around 9 or 10 pm (it’s open until 11), where they’d drift off watching a film, before moving them over to the night nursery.

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2. Children’s Tea

Kids tea on P&O

P&O Cruises offer a special children’s tea at 5 pm each evening. An area of the buffet is open just for families, with a whole host of daily-changing children’s favourites such as pizza, spaghetti, fish fingers, potato letters, fruit and vegetables.

Of course, children are welcome to eat at any other time, and in any of the restaurants, but we found the kids’ tea to be so convenient. We’d make sure the children enjoyed a decent meal around 5 pm, before sending them off to the kids’ club at 6 pm so that we could enjoy our evening in peace.

“You’re not allowed in kids’ club until you’ve finished your vegetables” always seemed to work well to get them to eat the green things too!

Suggested read: P&O Cruises Menus

3. The Breakfast Buffet

Buffet breakfast with P&O

Another highlight of our cruise was the breakfast buffet! I particularly liked that it was open from 6 am until 12 pm. That’s six full hours of breakfast time! I even had two breakfasts some days!

As I get up at the crack of dawn with the kids almost every day of the year, I hate the thought of them wanting to sleep in on holiday (which they often did, thanks to the evening fun of the kids’ club) only for me to have to set an alarm to not miss breakfast. No such worries with P&O Cruises!

Breakfast was also served in the main dining room for those who fancy a more formal affair. Or you can also have room service free of charge, delivered at a time to suit. Just hang a card on your door when you go to bed saying what you want and when.

4. The In-Room Television

TV in Britannia cabin

Now I’m never one for watching TV on holiday, but the in-cabin televisions on board P&O are worth a mention.

For starters, on the newer ships they’re really big! And you’ll find so much on there – cartoons, news channels, all kinds of movies, sports, weather, lots of radio stations and even a map showing where the ship is.

I also liked the bridge cam channel. If, like us, you’re in an inside cabin, switch the TV to the bridge cam to create a virtual window and to help you decide how to dress for the weather!

5. The Price!

Family with cruise ship in Barcelona

I work in the cruise industry, so spend a lot of time looking at cruises, and P&O Cruises seem to always come out cheaper than other cruise lines offering similar itineraries.

Whilst you won’t find water slides, rock-climbing walls and ice-rinks on board P&O cruise ships, the quality of service, food, entertainment and accommodation is just as good.

So, if you’re conscious of your budget or have been saving for a while for your cruise, I’d definitely recommend this cruise line as one to try.

Read more: How To To Find Family Cruises With Free Child Places

What’s more, P&O Cruises don’t add on a charge for tips (also known as gratuities) as most other cruise lines do.

Tips can cost anything up to £20 per person, per day – so with P&O Cruises you’re saving up to £560 on a two-week cruise for two people just on the cost of tips! Of course, if you still want to tip any members of staff they won’t refuse it, but this is in no way expected.

Alcohol Policy Changes

Bottle of Kopparberg Gin

P&O Cruises is one of the few cruise lines to let you bring your own alcohol on board. But the policy is nowhere near as good as it used to be, so I’ve removed this from the main list above!

Guests are permitted up to 1 litre of wine and Champagne onboard per person, to be consumed in your cabin. But you used to be allowed to bring a litre of spirits too – and me and my husband would often bring a bottle each with us, along with soft drinks for mixers.

Each evening, we’d call room service and ask for some ice (free of charge) and enjoy a couple of drinks whilst getting ready to head out for the evening.

Had we ordered all these drinks individually, based on 40 single measures in each litre bottle, it would have cost us £364!

So it’s a real shame that P&O changed the policy in May 2024.

If you’re a long-time P&O fan, you’ll know that there have been some serious cutbacks over the past 5 years or so.

Check out this post: 20 Things That P&O Cruises Used To Offer That They No Longer Do to see what’s not included any more.

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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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Cruise Guest Loses Nearly $20,000 in Sophisticated Phone Scam

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

A guest sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has fallen victim to a costly scam that saw nearly $20,000 stolen, after being duped by a caller posing as an NCL air department representative.

NCL Airfare Scam

Now, an actual NCL employee who heard the guest’s story is sounding the alarm to prevent others from making the same mistake.

The fraudulent call came from a 301 area code, which the guest mistakenly assumed was associated with NCL’s Miami-based operations.

The scammer claimed to be helping arrange flights for a large group travelling together – a service that seemed perfectly in line with cruise line offerings.

According to the NCL guest services representative, who shared the incident on Reddit, the victim split the airfare charge across two credit cards.

Days later, both cards were compromised.

How the Scam Unfolded – Twice

After the guest initially lost money to the scam, the fraudster struck again.

About a month later, the same individual contacted the guest with seemingly good news: the airfare price had dropped, and the difference would be refunded – if the guest could provide new card information.

Tragically, the victim complied, unknowingly handing over her new card details to the same scammer.

“This poor guest is now out close to twenty grand,” the NCL staffer said. “There’s nothing I can do except give her advice and help her contact her bank.”

Because the scam occurred entirely outside official NCL channels, the cruise line is unable to directly reimburse the guest – who must now rely on her bank’s fraud protections.

Warning Signs and Red Flags

NCL’s actual employees never call from a 301 area code (which covers parts of Maryland). Instead, they use the 305 area code (Miami) or occasionally 954 (Broward County, Florida), according to the employee who posted the warning.

UK calls will typically come from a number beginning 0333, which is non-regional, and could still be used by scammers, meaning UK customers should be extra vigilant.

These small but crucial details could help guests quickly identify a scam.

Whether you’re booked on a luxury cruise or a quick island getaway, the rise in sophisticated fraud schemes means you need to stay vigilant.

Here are tips shared by the NCL employee to help keep your identity and finances safe:

Question unexpected calls: If someone claiming to work for the cruise line calls you out of the blue, don’t hesitate to challenge them with basic questions they should know – such as your current balance due or final payment date.

Verify through official channels: If something feels off, hang up and call the cruise line directly using the number listed on their official website or your booking confirmation.

Never give out card details over the phone unless you initiated the call to a verified number.

Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your credit card and bank statements for unfamiliar charges, especially after speaking to anyone about your travel plans.

Use the official app: Many cruise lines, including NCL, provide notifications through their official app once onboard – and never by outside or unverified phone numbers.

As this unfortunate guest discovered, scammers are becoming more savvy and believable, especially when dealing with high-value bookings like group flights or shore excursions.

While this story ended in financial loss, the silver lining is that the warning may help others steer clear of the same trap.

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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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Outdoor hotel pool with palm trees and loungers, typical of hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port

13 Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port and Airport (2026 Guide)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsDestinationsMoney saving tipsUSA

The hotels nearest Fort Lauderdale cruise port cluster along SE 17th Street, within about a mile of the Port Everglades terminals, and around Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), roughly 3 to 6 miles away. The 17th Street hotels (Omni, Hilton Marina, Renaissance, Embassy Suites, Hyatt Place) are the closest, while the airport hotels are usually cheaper and more likely to offer free airport shuttles and park-and-cruise deals.

Below you will find 13 hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port and the airport, grouped by location, with a comparison table covering distance, shuttles and price tier, plus practical details on taxis, Uber and cruise parking at Port Everglades.

Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port: Quick Comparison

Shuttle details change often, and many hotels that once ran free cruise shuttles now charge per person or use a third-party company. Information below comes from hotel websites where available and from recent cruise-port guides where not (“reported”). Price tiers are a rough guide only: $ is usually budget, $$ mid-range and $$$ upscale, and rates swing widely in peak winter cruise season.

Hotel To Port Everglades Cruise shuttle Airport shuttle Parking / packages Price
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Adjacent Complimentary for eligible cruise guests and select packages No hotel shuttle (about 3.5 miles) Valet only; no park-and-cruise listed $$$
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina 0.5 miles Yes, about $15 per person Yes, about $15 per person On-site parking at a daily rate $$$
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel About 0.5 miles Reported, fee applies Check with hotel Ask about packages $$-$$$
Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street About 1 mile Reported, fee applies Reported, fee applies Ask about packages $$
Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center About 1 mile Reported, fee applies Reported, fee applies Ask about packages $$
Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise About 1-2 miles Reported (third-party, fee) Reported free Ask about packages $-$$
Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port About 1.5 miles Reported, fee applies Reported free Park and cruise package reported $-$$
Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port About 3 miles Reported, fee applies Free (6am-11pm) Park, Stay & Go: up to 7 nights $-$$
Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port About 5-6 miles Check with hotel Free Self-parking about $10/day $-$$
Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port About 5 miles Daily port transportation listed Reported free Ask about Cruise & Play package $-$$
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise About 3 miles Reported (third-party, fee) Reported free Parking for a daily fee reported $
Wyndham Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port About 3 miles Reported, fee applies Reported free Ask about packages $
Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach Short drive (check map) Included in Snooze then Cruise package No Long-term cruise parking offered $$-$$$

Always confirm shuttle fees, times and whether you need to sign up in advance, especially on busy Saturdays and Sundays when several ships turn around at once.

Hotels Near Port Everglades on 17th Street

If you want the shortest possible trip to the ship, look at hotels near Port Everglades on or just off SE 17th Street. They put you close to the Convention Center, restaurants and the Intracoastal Waterway, and some are within a few minutes’ drive of the terminals.

1. Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel

The newest big hotel in the area, the Omni sits beside the Broward County Convention Center, right next to the port. Its website says it offers a complimentary shuttle to the Port Everglades cruise terminals for eligible cruise guests and select packages, plus free luggage storage before check-in and after check-out. There is no hotel airport shuttle, but FLL is about 3.5 miles away. Parking is valet only and expensive, so it suits fly-in cruisers rather than drivers.

2. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina

On the Intracoastal Waterway about half a mile from the port, the Hilton Marina is a long-time pre-cruise favorite and a Disney Cruise Line partner hotel. Hilton lists shuttles to both Port Everglades and FLL at around $15 per person each way. On-site parking is charged daily, so it is better for a one-night stay than for leaving a car for a week.

3. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel

Formerly marketed as the Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel, this Marriott property sits on 17th Street close to the port entrance, with a marina-view pool. A paid cruise shuttle has been reported; check current terms when you book.

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

A good pick for families, since every room is a suite and Embassy Suites hotels typically include breakfast. It is about a mile from the port, and cruise-port guides report paid shuttles to both the port and the airport.

5. Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center

A mid-range option about a mile from the terminals, with the usual Hyatt Place breakfast. Recent guides report paid shuttles to the port and the airport.

Yachts moored at a sunny marina along a waterway lined with palm trees
Several hotels near Port Everglades sit on the Intracoastal Waterway. Photo: gang liang on Pexels

Fort Lauderdale Hotels With Cruise Shuttle Near the Airport

The airport hotels are typically 3 to 6 miles from the port, which is still only a 10- to 15-minute drive. In return, rates are often lower, most run a free airport shuttle, and several offer parking deals.

6. Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise

Located between the airport and the port, this upscale-casual IHG hotel is one of the closest of the airport group. Guides report a free airport shuttle and a third-party cruise shuttle for a fee.

7. Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port

About 1.5 miles from the port near US-1. A park-and-cruise package has been reported, along with a paid cruise shuttle and a free airport shuttle.

8. Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port

Hilton lists a free FLL shuttle (6am to 11pm), self-parking at about $10 per day and free breakfast. It also takes part in Hilton’s Park, Stay & Go offer, which includes up to seven nights of parking with a one-night stay; Hilton notes that cruise port service varies by hotel, so check before booking.

9. Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port

Hilton lists this hotel as about a mile from FLL, with a complimentary airport shuttle and self-parking for around $10 per day. The website does not mention a cruise shuttle, so plan on a taxi or rideshare to the port.

10. Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port

Set beside lagoons in the Dania Beach area, this Courtyard says it provides daily transportation to the port, without stating a fee. Ask about its Cruise & Play package when booking.

11. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise

A budget-friendly option with breakfast included as standard for the brand. Guides report a free airport shuttle and a third-party cruise shuttle for a fee.

12. Wyndham Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port

Another value pick near the airport with a pool and on-site dining. Guides report a paid cruise shuttle and a free airport shuttle.

13. Courtyard Oceanside Fort Lauderdale Beach

If you would rather wake up by the ocean, this Courtyard sits on Seabreeze Boulevard near Fort Lauderdale Beach. Marriott’s Snooze then Cruise package includes port transfers for two and luggage holding, and the hotel advertises long-term cruise parking. It is farther from the port than the 17th Street hotels, so allow extra time on embarkation day.

Fort Lauderdale Park and Cruise Hotels vs Port Parking

If you are driving, compare a park-and-cruise hotel package with parking at the port itself.

  • Port Everglades parking: the port runs the Heron Garage (serving Terminals 2 and 4) and the Palm Garage (serving Terminals 19, 21, 25, 26 and 29), plus several surface lots. At the time of writing, the maximum daily rate is $25. Reservations and pre-payment are not accepted, and garage clearance is 7 feet, so taller vans may need a lot. A seven-night cruise works out at roughly $175 to $200 in parking.
  • Park-and-cruise hotel packages: these bundle one night’s stay with several days of parking, sometimes with a shuttle. They can save money, but read the small print: some packages cap the number of nights, charge per day beyond that, or exclude the shuttle.
  • Off-site lots: independent parking companies near the airport offer cheaper daily rates with shuttles, but check reviews and shuttle frequency.
Traveler pulling a suitcase through a bright airport terminal
Fort Lauderdale airport is only a short drive from the cruise terminals. Photo: Bingqian Li on Pexels

Getting From FLL to Port Everglades

FLL is right next to Port Everglades, roughly 3 miles by road, so the transfer is short and simple.

  • Taxi: taxis to and from the port are metered. Port Everglades estimates about $18 to $21 between the port and FLL, regardless of passenger numbers.
  • Uber and Lyft: usually similar to a taxi, but expect surge pricing at peak disembarkation times. Use the designated rideshare pick-up areas at your terminal.
  • Van on Demand: the port lists a shared van service at about $11 per person to FLL for groups of three or more, though it does not operate on every sailing day.
  • Cruise line transfers: convenient but usually more expensive than a taxi for two or more people.

If you are comparing Florida departure ports, our guide to the cruise lines with the cheapest 7-day cruises out of Florida shows average prices by line.

Which Cruise Lines Sail From Port Everglades?

Port Everglades is one of the world’s busiest cruise ports. Its official list currently includes Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard, Viking, Crystal, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Orient Express, plus the Balearia ferry to the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas is among the ships scheduled from Port Everglades in winter 2026-27; if you are booked on her, read our guide to Brilliance of the Seas cabins to avoid.

Tips for Choosing a Pre-Cruise Hotel

  • Arrive the day before. Flight delays are common, and a hotel night is cheap insurance against missing the ship.
  • Check the shuttle time against your boarding window. Hotel shuttles may run on a fixed schedule that does not match your check-in time.
  • Know your terminal. Port Everglades has several terminals, and your cruise line’s documents will say which one to use.
  • Keep essentials in your carry-on. Our embarkation day mistakes to avoid and ultimate cruise checklist cover what to pack for the first day on board.

If you would rather drive yourself to the port but only carry a debit card, read our guide on how to rent a car without a credit card before you book.

Not sure where to sail from? Our guide to the cruise ports in Florida compares passenger numbers, airports, parking and cruise lines at each port.

If you end up sailing from Miami instead, it is worth comparing the garages and lots at PortMiami before you decide where to leave the car.

FAQs

How far is Fort Lauderdale airport from the cruise port?

Very close. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) sits right next to Port Everglades, roughly 3 miles by road, and the drive usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and your terminal.

Do hotels near Fort Lauderdale cruise port offer free shuttles?

Some do, but many now charge a per-person fee for the cruise shuttle, while the airport shuttle is more often free. Packages such as park-and-cruise or sail-and-stay deals sometimes include the port transfer. Always confirm the fee and timetable directly with the hotel.

How much does it cost to park at Port Everglades?

Port Everglades lists a maximum daily rate of $25 for its garages and lots at the time of writing. The port does not take reservations or pre-payment for parking, so it is first come, first served.

How much is a taxi from FLL to Port Everglades?

Port Everglades estimates a metered taxi fare of roughly $18 to $21 from FLL, regardless of the number of passengers. Uber and Lyft are often in a similar range, but prices surge at busy times.

Which cruise lines sail from Port Everglades?

The port lists Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard, Viking, Crystal and several yacht-style lines among its cruise lines. Line-ups change by season, so check your cruise documents for your terminal.