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.
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.
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cruising is all about socialising, and that can be a challenge for introverts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts. Since 1999 it has been a leading destination for cruise travelers and self professed Cruise Addicts looking for the latest news, ship reviews and travel tips.
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…”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luggage tag holders will protect the tags and make sure they get to their final destination – your cruise cabin.
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.
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.
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.
Related Posts
If you found this interesting, please share!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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…
Here’s what we wore on a recent Sun Princess cruise for 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Fancy yourself as the next captain of the cruise ships of the future? Sailing the high seas, commanding a magnificent ship, and raking in the fantastic salary that comes with it?
Although, what’s that salary actually like? Maybe cruise lines don’t pay as much as you’d expect, because of the travel experience a captain enjoys…
Captain Chris Kennedy
Nah – of course they’re well paid. But is it enough, considering the responsibility they bear?
Typical Captain’s Salary
Cruise ship captains make on average around $108,000 per year. Depending on the experience of the captain and other factors, a new captain may make around $50,000 per year while the most experienced captains for the biggest cruise lines can make up to $400,000 per year once you factor in bonuses.
There’s no denying that being a cruise ship captain is a good-paying job, but it’s not spectacular, especially when you consider the responsibility on their shoulders. They are in charge of the safety of thousands of lives, and they don’t get days off from that responsibility while on board.
$50,000 per year is a good salary but there are plenty of jobs where you can earn more. $400,000 is an excellent salary, but the amount of work needed to get to that level means that you won’t enjoy that salary for 30+ years.
As Captain Mickael Degerlund explained when I went to see his talk onboard Bolette, it takes a very long time to become a cruise ship captain. His seafaring career started as a deck boy at the age of 16, yet despite continuous education, he didn’t earn his Master’s licence (captain’s qualification) until the age of 30.
Captain Mikael Degerlund
The average cruise ship captain’s salary depends on your source, but it’s always in the region of around $92,000 to $96,000 per year.
Interestingly, Indeed seems to think that the average has shrunk a little. Perhaps because there are more and more new ships, and therefore more and more captains on entry-level captain salaries?
Here’s a breakdown of those salaries in more detail.
Cruise ship captain’s salary
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
New starter
$137
$962
$4,167
$50,000
Average
$295
$2,076
$9,000
$108,000
Experienced captain
$521
$3,654
$15,833
$190,000
Factors Affecting The Salary of a Cruise Ship Captain
Here’s a look at the factors that can impact the salary of a cruise ship captain:
Experience
The most important factor in determining a cruise ship captain’s salary is his or her experience in the role, and their experience in other related roles as they climbed the ladder.
Cruise ship captains are under a lot of pressure to handle their ship safely – if they’ve been doing it for years already, then the cruise line knows they won’t be phased and can act calm under pressure, increasing their value.
Less experienced captains are still a safe pair of hands – you can’t be promoted to a captain role if you’re not ready for it – but the longer you’re in the job, the higher a salary you justify. And of course, with more and more cruise ships being built, the best captains need to be retained by cruise lines to prevent them ‘jumping ship’ (sorry).
Prestige of the Ship
The prestige of a cruise ship will determine the salary for a cruise captain. Some ships have a reputation which makes them special, and therefore the captain (and the other officers onboard) can demand a higher salary for taking good care of the ship and the lives onboard.
A ship like Icon of the Seas – the biggest in the world – is a famous ship and therefore worthy of having a captain onboard who doesn’t feel the pressure of looking after something so valuable to the cruise line. Hence, a bigger salary.
Icon of the Seas
Size of the Ship
The bigger the ship, the more responsibility a captain has. It means they are looking after more lives, and they have a much larger team of crew to manage.
While they have officers and crew to help man the ship, the captain is ultimately responsible for making sure this giant, floating piece of metal gets from port to port safely. And the bigger the ship, the more challenges that presents.
This of course is tied into the experience of the captain as well. No brand-new captain is going to be trusted with the very biggest ships in the world unless they have many years of experience in related roles. But because the experienced captains are the ones given the biggest ships, that means they are paid more.
Size of the Company
It’s not just the size of the cruise ship that determines a salary for a captain, but also the size (and success) of a cruise ship company. The biggest companies will pay more because they can – and because they want the best captains to work for them.
The only way for a large cruise company like Royal Caribbean or Carnival to successfully look after the millions of passengers they whisk away each year is to make sure they have the finest people at the top of the ships’ hierarchies, looking after everything onboard. And so they pay well, to make sure they’re attracting the top talent.
Cruise ship captains are sourced from all over the world, but the home base of the captain may determine their salary, even if they live on the ship for months on end. Captains from Europe and North America will be paid more, typically, because they have a higher cost of living.
This is just based on the job market, and it’s why cruise lines cast a wide net to find crew for their ships, including those who only demand a lower salary to work.
But when it comes to captains, there aren’t a huge number of qualified people around the globe, and so those from the US, Canada or Europe can get the work and be paid handsomely for it.
Captain Mikael Degerlund
Gender
You may be surprised to learn that cruise ship captains may be paid differently depending on whether they identify as male or female.
I received an email from the captain of a well-known luxury cruise ship, who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons. He said that women sometimes make more than men for ‘PR reasons’.
Here is his email…
Captain Inger Olsen
Highest Paid Roles on Cruise Ships
In most cases the cruise ship’s captain will be the highest paid person on the ship, but not always.
A cruise will have a number of senior officers, including a Chief Engineer and a Hotel Director, and if they’re more experienced than the captain, their salaries may be higher. Cruise ship doctors often have very high salaries as well.
There’s even a chance that some members of the crew, who are paid on commission (such as the art auctioneer), could have a higher salary.
Obviously, it depends on the ship, but auctioneers working on a luxury cruise and selling high-value art could make huge figures, and dwarf even the captain’s salary.
Generally though, once a captain has a number of years’ experience under their belt, they will be the highest-paid crew member on a ship.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Cruise Ship Captain
The exact qualifications needed to become a cruise ship captain vary depending on where you are from, but as a guide, you should expect to need at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Nautical Science or Maritime Science, plus several years of training and relevant licenses for working as a ship’s officer.
Becoming a cruise ship captain is not something you can do in a few short years. Most captains undergo at least four years of university education before progressing onto specific training courses for maritime work, eventually qualifying to work as an officer on a ship.
They’ll then work their way up the ranks, often having to take more qualifications, as they move into senior roles on ships, working under a captain. Expect it to take an average of 15-20 years to become a cruise ship captain from the start of working in the industry – and even then that will likely be at the lower end of the pay scale.
Captain Robert Camby
Expect Long Hours!
The working hours of a cruise ship captain vary, but they would normally be expected to work for around 12 to 16 hours per day. They do this every day for between 10 and 12 weeks, before having a break of a similar period to avoid burnout.
There’s no getting around it – the hours on a cruise ship are long for a captain. They’re long for everyone on a ship too, but a captain is the one who has the most responsibility. And even when they aren’t working, they’re on call – if there’s an emergency, you can bet that the captain is being woken up so that they can attend to it.
And there aren’t any days off during their time on the ship – they’ll work for up to three months in a solid stint. They’ll then be taken off the ship for a three-month break, as captains rotate on ships. It’d be impossible to work those hours year-round, after all!
Captain Derek Gray
Cruise Captain Perks
As well as the salaries, there are some other perks that cruise ship captains enjoy.
The Best Crew Accommodation
Cruise ship captains enjoy good quality accommodation close to the bridge – often directly adjoining. They won’t rival the best suites for passengers, but they’re far superior to crew dorms – multiple rooms, big-screen TVs, a kitchen area to prepare food, and high quality furnishings.
Cruise ship captains are usually welcome to have their partner or family stay on the ship with them for no additional fee.
Of course, the captain will be working at all hours, so families don’t usually stay on the ship for the duration of the contract, but they can come and go for a few days at a time when the opportunity suits, meaning the captain doesn’t have to miss their family for too long.
Meals
Just like the rest of the crew, captains will get all of their food included. However, they’ll usually get their pick of the restaurant menus, and can even dine in the restaurants themselves if they wish, instead of eating at a crew mess hall.
Laundry services and housekeeping are included for captains, taking off some of the pressure of everyday chores while they’re working.
Final Word
Cruise ship captains are paid well, although there’s a lot of work to reach that level of salary.
Remember though that their room and board are included, so they may have much lower expenses too – depending on whether they’re married and have a family on land relying on them. If a captain is single, they’ll be able to put most of their salary into savings.
Plus, depending on the tax laws in their country, they may be exempt from paying some tax as they are out of the country for half the year.
So suddenly those good salaries start to look even better, right? But if you want to become a cruise ship captain, you need to get started on your training and education right away – you’ve a long road ahead.
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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.
When she debuted in 2014, Quantum of the Seas was a real step forward for Royal Caribbean. She was entirely themed around innovation, introducing new features and tech that have become mainstays of the cruise line. And some of those innovations included new cabin types.
But you know what you can innovate? A ship where every cabin is perfect for every guest. And so even with such amazing new ideas, there are still some cabins on the ship that (some of) you are going to want to avoid.
And trust me – you don’t want to make a mistake with this. The wrong cabin can really put a dent in your Quantum of the Seas experience…
How to Choose the Best Cruise Cabin
While I’ve written this guide specifically about Quantum of the Seas, I also have a handy checklist you can keep with you that applies to any ship.
Just drop your email in this form and I’ll send it straight to you.
The Different Rooms on Quantum of the Seas
You’re hardly short of options when choosing which stateroom or suite you want to book on Quantum of the Seas. There are over 2,090 of them, after all, including over 170 suites. Around 75% of the accommodation options have a balcony too – perfect for making the most of the view.
With 24 individual cabin types, working out which is the best can be tricky, though most of them can be grouped and some have special purposes, too.
Here’s a look at all of the cabin options on Quantum of the Seas:
Room
Type
Max. guests
Decks
Average Size (sq ft)
Average Balcony Size (sq ft)
Interior with Virtual Balcony
Inside
4
3, 7-14
166
N/A
Interior with Virtual Balcony Accessible
Inside
4
8-11
256
N/A
Connecting Interior
Inside
2
8-11, 13
166
N/A
Studio Interior
Inside
1
6-13
101
N/A
Ocean View
Outside View
4
3, 8, 9
182
N/A
Ocean View Accessible
Outside View
4
3
182
N/A
Spacious Ocean View
Outside View
4
8-11
214
N/A
Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
4
6-13
198
55
Ocean View Balcony Accessible
Balcony
4
7, 9
298
81
Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
2
8-12
198
55
Ocean View with Large Balcony
Balcony
4
6-13
198
82
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
4
6-8, 13
198
55
Studio Ocean View Balcony
Balcony
1
6, 7
119
55
Junior Suite
Suite
5
6-13
267
81
Junior Suite Accessible
Suite
4
8
354
107
Junior Suite with Large Balcony
Suite
4
6-13
276
161
Grand Suite – 1 Bedroom
Suite
4
8-12
351
109
Grand Suite with Large Balcony – 1 Bedroom
Suite
4
6-8, 13
351
259
Grand Suite – 2 Bedroom
Suite
8
9, 10
543
259
Owner’s Suite
Suite
4
11, 12
541
259
Sky Loft Suite
Suite
4
8-9, 10-11
673
183
Grand Loft Suite
Suite
4
8-9, 10-11
696
216
Owner’s Loft Suite
Suite
4
8-9
975
501
Royal Loft Suite
Suite
6
8-9
1,640
553
Quantum of the Seas Room Sizes
One quick but important note – the room sizes listed in the table are averages. Some might be slightly smaller, but some might even be slightly bigger.
The best thing you can do is check the Quantum of the Seas deck plans when you’re booking a room. They’re accurately drawn to scale, so you can see which rooms look to be slightly bigger or smaller, or have a slightly extended balcony.
Often they’ll be the same price as a regular-sized room in the same category, so you can nab a bargain.
The Cabins to Avoid
A lot of thought was put into the stateroom options on Quantum of the Seas, and there are some spectacular choices available. Still, not every cabin is right for every cruise passenger. It’s not that there are bad cabins, just some that maybe you would like but someone else wouldn’t, and vice versa.
While it’s true that the Quantum-class ships aren’t the biggest in the Royal Caribbean fleet, they’re still pretty massive, and so it’s worth planning which parts of the ship you’ll spend the most time in, and using that info to work out a good stateroom.
You don’t want to have to trek up loads of floors and across the length of the ship a couple of times a day if you don’t have to.
So, here are some of the cabin types and cabin locations to consider avoiding:
1. Obstructed View Rooms
6160 to 6232, 6560 to 6632
It’s not unusual for cruise ships to have obstructed view rooms. They’ll be balcony or ocean-view rooms where your view is compromised, usually by lifeboats but sometimes by other ship structures.
Quantum of the Seas is no different. The obstruction isn’t awful – the rooms are above the lifeboats, so it’s only when you look over the railing that it’s obstructed – but definitely one to be careful of if you choose one of the balcony cabins or suites in this part of the ship.
That said, these rooms are cheaper than standard balcony rooms. And, if you’re savvy, you can book a room with a balcony that’s between the lifeboats, rather than right behind one, so your view won’t be that bad at all.
Take a look at this video to see what the view looks like from an obstructed balcony on Quantum of the Seas that’s between two of the lifeboats…
2. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Royal Theatre
3146, 3149, 3546, 3549
There are a few places on a ship where you might suffer from some noise disruption. Common locations on a ship include above the loudest bars, or below the pool deck, and that advice would apply on Quantum of the Seas too.
But there are four rooms in particular worth steering clear of from a noise perspective. They share a wall with the Royal Theatre, which is where nightly live performances will take place. While they don’t run super late, it’s best to steer clear if you want a good early night ahead of the next day’s adventures.
3. Rooms a Very Long Walk from Elevators
Because of the size of Quantum of the Seas, she has some slightly awkward elevator placement. She’s not big enough to fit three sets, so instead there are elevators near the front of the ship and then in a mid-ship location, slightly towards the aft.
It means that any of the aft-facing rooms from Deck 8 upwards, and a handful of inside cabins on Deck 7, are quite a long walk from the elevator.
It’s not an issue for most people – especially if you want to get those steps in to burn off the buffet food each day – but if you’re carrying younger children back from the kids’ clubs (right at the front of Deck 11) when they’re tired and napping at the end of the day, you’ll definitely notice the distance!
4. Deck 11 Forward Rooms Without Kids
11118 to 11160, 11518 to 11560
The staterooms and suites by the forward elevators on Deck 11 are adjacent to the Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs. There are Balcony Staterooms, Junior Suites and Inside Staterooms there, and regardless of which one you choose, you’re going to experience a higher level of traffic outside the room – and a lot more noise.
If you aren’t sailing with kids, then this is probably one of the worst places you can book, unless you plan on being out of your room nice and early and staying out until late.
Otherwise, the excited kiddos on their way to the kids’ club or the many parents picking the kids up could easily disturb you.
If you are cruising with kids, however, then this is a really handy place to be.
5. Expensive Suites
Quantum of the Seas has several options for loft suites, ranging from the Sky Loft Suite up to the best suite on the ship, the Royal Loft Suite.
These two-storey accommodation options are beautiful and very spacious… But they also don’t come cheap. And it’s definitely something to think very carefully about when deciding whether they’re worth the money.
The Royal Loft Suite on Quantum of the Seas
It’s not just about whether you can afford the high prices (up to £20,000 per person, per week for the Royal Loft Suite). It’s whether you’d be better booking that, or choosing a Grand Suite for a week and then having the budget spare for another 1-2 cruises in a Grand Suite again.
You need to check out the Royal Caribbean Suite perks to see what’s included as well as having the extra space, but for a lot of people, it’d make more sense to choose a cheaper option (including some of the smaller suites) and book several cruises instead.
6. Rooms That Can Cause Seasickness
The worst places on any ship for seasickness are right at the forward or aft parts of the ship, on the highest decks. That’s where you’ll feel the most motion.
With Quantum of the Seas, height isn’t a huge issue – there are no decks above Deck 13 with accommodation options. However, I’d still steer clear of Deck 12 and Deck 13 rooms at the very front and very back if you know you suffer badly from motion sickness.
The best rooms to avoid seasickness would instead be something mid-ship and lower down, preferably with a balcony so you can focus on the horizon and get some fresh air while lying in bed. In fact, the obstructed balcony staterooms could be ideal if seasickness is your concern.
7. Connecting Cabins If You’re Not Booking Both
A common problem with cruise ship staterooms is when you book a connecting room without needing it. The shared doorway between connecting rooms is not great at isolating noise, so while it’ll stay locked if there are strangers on the other side, you might hear more from their room than you would in a regular stateroom. And equally, they might hear more from you.
All kinds of noises can come from an adjacent stateroom. Loud snoring, arguments, other things… If you’d rather avoid the risk of hearing those, don’t book a connecting stateroom. Leave those for when you’re travelling with a group and want to book both together.
8. Deck 13 Rooms
I mean, it’s Deck 13 – why tempt fate?
I’m joking, of course, but it does seem odd that the Quantum-class ships are the only ones in the Royal Caribbean fleet that have a Deck 13. Most skip it, going from Deck 12 straight to Deck 14, and that is because of superstition.
It’s not like the Quantum Class set the tone for Royal ditching superstition – the newer Icon-class ships also avoid a Deck 13.
Even if you’re not superstitious, it’s still wise to avoid deck 13 on this ship. The swimming pools are all on deck 14, which means that you’ll likely be able to hear sunloungers being dragged around through your ceiling in the early hours of the morning.
Best Rooms on Quantum of the Seas
While most rooms are great, here are some of the standout rooms on Quantum of the Seas:
1. Studio Rooms
The Quantum-class ships for Royal Caribbean introduced more options for studio rooms. On other ships, it can sometimes be rare to get a room designed for single passengers, and when you do it’ll be an inside room, 99% of the time, with maybe a chance of a window, unless you’re willing to pay double the fare to book a regular room as a solo passenger.
While many of the studio rooms on Quantum of the Seas are Interior, there are also Balcony options too, which is fantastic for single travellers who don’t want to miss out on waking up to a wonderful view.
Superior Studio Ocean View with Balcony
Solo travel is becoming more and more popular, so it’s great for guests to have this option on the ship.
2. Family Connected Staterooms
Some of the Studio Interior staterooms on Quantum of the Seas are connecting cabins, linked with a standard Balcony stateroom and a Junior Suite, so you can fit up to 10 people in ‘one’ room.
You’ll find these midship on decks six to thirteen (shown in pink on the deckplan below).
If you’re travelling as a group, booking these rooms together can be a great idea, since you can share the balcony space but enjoy a separate bedroom area.
They aren’t like regular connecting rooms. They have their own main door, but with a secondary door protecting the vestibule that they share. If booked individually, it’s just three rooms with their own main door which also share the secondary door. But book them together and you can leave the doors open, and just use the vestibule door as your entrance.
The Studio room has to be registered with an adult, but you could take a teenager with you and then let them have that room as their own, even if the Studio officially belongs to the parent. Then they get their own space, without needing an expensive two-bedroom suite.
3. Corner Spacious Oceanview Staterooms
From Decks 8 to 11, the staterooms right at the front of the ship are Spacious Oceanview rooms. They can’t be balconies, because the wind would force the balcony door to remain shut most of the time, so instead they offer a bigger Oceanview room with a fantastic view.
If you can book one of the corner rooms, you’ll get even more space – they’re considerably bigger again! Just check the deck plans and you’ll see what I mean…
4. Virtual Balcony Staterooms
First introduced on Quantum of the Seas, the Virtual Balcony staterooms are a great alternative to a regular Interior stateroom.
You still get a view – albeit on a digital screen. While it won’t help with the lack of natural light, it is good if you want to see what time of day it is (the virtual balcony is a livestream from outside the ship) and it’s better than just having four plain walls.
5. Deck 11 Rooms with Kids
See every reason I gave for not booking a Deck 11 Forward stateroom if you didn’t have kids? Reverse those if you do. It’s great being so close to the kids’ clubs, and having the pool deck and buffet restaurants only a couple of decks away too.
This is super-convenient, especially when it comes to collection time and the younger kids are refusing to walk and have to be carried in your arms.
The Best Deck on Quantum of the Seas
There’s no single best deck on Quantum of the Seas, but it’s recommended to have staterooms above and below you if you want the least noise – so Decks 7 to 12 would be the better options.
Avoid rooms on Deck 11 near the front of the ship if you don’t have kids, but anything mid-ship towards the aft would be fine since that’s away from the kids’ clubs.
The Best Room on Quantum of the Seas
The biggest room on Quantum of the Seas is the Royal Loft Suite, and it is a stunning option, though it’s very expensive. The Interior Staterooms with Virtual Balcony are a great option if you’re on a budget and want to enjoy some form of view, even if it is digital.
Choose Your Own Room or Go for the ‘Guarantee’ Option
When booking your Quantum of the Seas room, you’ll be able to pick a category and then have the option of paying extra to choose your specific cabin number, or opting for a cheaper ‘Guarantee’ room where the cruise line will pick your room for you.
It’s risky, because you can only select whether you want Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, or a specific Suite type. You can’t pick a deck, so you could end up with one of the rooms I’ve told you to avoid.
Benefits of choosing your cabin number:
Choose your preferred location on the ship
Book two cabins next to each other
Avoid undesirable cabins
Still, if you’re laid back and don’t intend to spend much time in your cabin anyway, the saving might be worth it to you.
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Find More Information About Quantum of the Seas Cabins
To put this guide together, I spent a lot of time reading Quantum of the Seas reviews and browsing some social media groups and forums. I recommend you check them out, too. You might find specific information on a stateroom you have your eye on.
Coral Princess is one of the older ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, and one of the smallest too. She was built to the older Panamax dimensions, meaning she is capable of sailing the original Panama Canals (larger canals have since been built).
The Coral Princess cruise ship also has a few quirks, including some related to her accommodations.
This means you need to be a little bit careful when selecting your stateroom for your cruise. It’s not that these rooms are bad, just that some may be better than others.
I’ve spent several hours studying the Coral Princess Deck Plan in detail – and trust me, there are some cabins that some people will definitely want to steer clear of…
Coral Princess Cabin Types
There are eight main types of cabins on Coral Princess. I’ve listed these in a handy table so that you can compare the sizes…
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Coral Princess does. In fact, it’s also one of the few ships to have Premium Oceanview rooms, and Mini Suites without a balcony too.
Of all the Princess ships, this one (along with sister ship Island Princess) has the widest choice of base category.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type.
There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Coral Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Coral Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Inside cabins tend to be the smallest on a ship, and that’s generally correct with Coral Princess, although there are some that are very slightly bigger than some of the Oceanview cabins.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better night’s sleep without any windows. Or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Coral Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults so long as you’re not too heavy.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Coral Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
I took this photo of a Pullman bed in an inside cabin on Ventura, but it’s the same thing on Coral Princess…
Coral Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Coral Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
156
IB
4
156
IC
2
156 – 166
ID
2
156
IE
2
156 – 166
IF
4
156
Coral Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Coral Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or other obstructions at the aft of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
There are also Premium Oceanview cabins available on Coral Princess, which are larger rooms situated towards the front of the ship. There are only a handful of these available, but if you want a better view (being higher) and more space, they’re a good option without having to upgrade to a Balcony.
Coral Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
This table shows the different grades of Oceanview rooms on Coral Princess:
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
O5
Premium Oceanview
2
212
O6
Premium Oceanview
2
212
OB
Oceanview
2
162
OC
Oceanview
2
162
OD
Oceanview
2
162
OE
Oceanview
2
162
OV
Oceanview Obstructed
4
162
OW
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162
OY
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162
OZ
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162
Note that families only have the option of the obstructed view with this room type. Interestingly, the larger, Premium OceanView rooms are just for couples. I suppose that’s because if you are a couple, you wouldn’t want to pay extra and then have to contend with the awkward Pullman beds that you would likely bash your head on in the night.
Coral Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, although Coral Princess does have regular Balcony cabins that have aft views too.
There are also obstructed-view Balcony cabins on Coral Princess, so if you don’t mind the lack of view and just want a private space to enjoy the sea air, these are the cheapest Balcony cabins on the ship.
Coral Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B1
Premium Balcony
4
248
B2
Premium Balcony
4
248
BA
Balcony
4
248
BB
Balcony
4
210 – 234
BC
Balcony
4
210
BD
Balcony
3
210 – 234
BE
Balcony
2
210 – 234
BF
Balcony
2
210
BY
Balcony Obstructed
2
210
BZ
Balcony Obstructed
2
210
Coral Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Coral Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite.
This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as you would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Coral Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
There are some Mini Suites on Coral Princess that don’t have a balcony, but instead are oceanview only. Obviously, these don’t come with any balcony chairs.
Take a look at this video to see what the unusual cabin type of Mini Suite with No Balcony looks like…
Coral Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
280 – 302
MB
Mini Suite
4
280 – 302
MD
Mini Suite
4
302
ME
Mini Suite
4
302
MY
Mini Suite No Balcony
4
300
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house. They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Coral Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Coral Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Coral Princess has some pleasant Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
However, Coral Princess does only have two classes of suite – the least of any ship in the Princess fleet.
Coral Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in your room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Coral Princess Suite Grades
Here are the different suites you can choose on Coral Princess…
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S5
Premium Suite
3
470
S6
Vista Suite
3
470
So, which is the best? Read on to find out…
Premium vs Vista
There are just two types of Suite on the Coral Princess, which is a more limited range than there are on other Princess Cruises ships – even more so than sister ship Island Princess, which had a third class (Penthouse).
Not only that, but both the Premium and Vista class of suites on Coral Princess are the same size, and they come with the same perks. So which is better?
Honestly, the only difference is location. The Vista Suites are situated towards the aft of the ship, but they don’t have aft views. The Premium Suites are therefore slightly better since they’re in the middle of the ship.
If there’s a major price difference between them, I’d suggest you book the Vista since you essentially get a very similar suite and only a marginally worse location.
Special Cabin Types
Coral Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
But Coral Princess is not designed for aft views – the rear of the ship doesn’t have any balconies at all. Because of that, you’re very limited in your choices if you want an aft view. And if you’re looking for a balcony, you’ll need to look elsewhere on the ship.
On the Coral Princess, the aft-facing rooms are:
OD Oceanview cabins on Deck 11
OE Oceanview cabins on Deck 8
Coral Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Coral Princess are:
Interior Cabins – Decks 5
Oceanview Obstructed Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 and 11
Coral Princess Connecting Rooms – There Aren’t Any!
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space.
They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them. This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
And yet, Coral Princess is a very rare ship in that she doesn’t have any connecting cabins at all! So if you wanted to share two cabins as a group, you can’t open a door between them.
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Coral Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Coral Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
Obviously, I haven’t stayed in every room on Coral Princess. I mean, who has? But, what I have done is spent many hours scouring cruise forums and Facebook groups as well as the deck plans.
I’ve found the rooms on Coral Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them for you here.
But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you. None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Coral Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
A311 to A623 (Deck 12)
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Coral Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies, it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
The good news is that, on Coral Princess, there are only a few of these rooms. The ones on deck 12 (Aloha) are certainly the worst because other balconies near the front of the ship on lower decks are sheltered by either Oceanview rooms or Mini-Suites with ocean views.
3. Cabins That Can Make Seasickness Worse
A209 to A321 and A618 to A722, B201 to B310 and B618 to B737
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
Aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundry
B711, C710, D720, E717
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Coral Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for B711 and E717 as while they are next door to the laundromat, they run perpendicular and so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the rooms – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Obstructed View Rooms if a View Is Important to You
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ Oceanview cabin or any BY or BZ Balcony cabin
There are a number of Oceanview cabins and Balcony cabins that have an obstructed view. Most of the obstructions are caused by the lifeboats but others are just due to the layout of the ship.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
In this video, my friends Richard and Helen from Visit With Us discuss whether booking an obstructed view on a Princess cruise ship is a good idea or not.
6. Overlooked Balconies
C311 to C415, C505 to C633, D311 to D415, D505 to D623
Decks 9, 10 and 11 of Coral Princess have a tiered design. This means that if you book certain cabins on Deck 9 (Dolphin Deck) or Deck 10 (Caribe Deck), then your balcony will be overlooked from above.
This isn’t a problem for everyone. But, if you book one of these rooms then be sure that you’re fully dressed before heading out onto the veranda!
These overlooked balconies do have their advantages though, as they tend to be much larger than those on higher decks. So you may decide that the compromise in terms of privacy is worth it for the extra space.
Larger balcony on Coral Princess
Coral Princess has ‘bump outs’ in the design – wider points where the cabins stick out more. This location doesn’t have the same issues as the recessed areas – but you also won’t get the extra balcony space.
7. Cabins With Late-Night Noise
Plaza Deck (Deck 5)
If you’re someone who likes to get an early night, you may wish to avoid the staterooms on Deck 5 of Coral Princess.
They are all situated underneath the casino and nightclub, which are two popular venues for people to while away the hours in the evening. The noise can carry down into your room, and if you prefer silence then you might struggle to shut it out.
It’s not an issue if you’ll be joining people in the casino or nightclub – in fact, you might prefer the proximity at the end of the night – but for ‘early-to-bed, early-to-rise’ folks, you may prefer to look elsewhere on the ship.
The Best Cabins on Coral Princess
1. Premium Suites
The best accommodations on Coral Princess are the Premium Suites, and if you want the most spacious room and the full list of suite perks, these are the ones to go for – unless the Vista Suites are significantly cheaper (they shouldn’t be).
Coral Princess doesn’t have suites in the typically ‘best’ locations since there are no aft-facing suites on this ship. But the mid-ship location means its easy to reach every different feature of the ship without walking end-to-end, and the suites themselves are comfortable and attractive.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Coral Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
Take a look at this video for a tour of an Inside Cabin…
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Aloha Deck Rooms if You Enjoy the Pool or Have Kids
There are a handful of cabins situated at the rear of the Aloha deck towards the aft, all of which are Balcony cabins. And they’re perfect if you have kids, as they’re situated close to the kids clubs – meaning those walks at the start and end of the day can be very short.
The Sanctuary Pool is also close at hand, so you can drop the kids at the clubs and then go relax for a while. Or, just one flight of stairs up, you can enjoy the Spa and the pools, so you never have far to travel to get changed.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Coral Princess, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, and by reading Coral Princess reviews, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too. You can even ask about a specific room – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences, and people love to share their own Coral Princess cabin photos too.
Remember to check out the Coral Princess deck plans if you want to do your own research too – it’s always worth checking where your room is before you confirm.
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Coral Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was Coral Princess last refurbished?
Coral Princess may be an older ship but she was refurbished as recently as January 2019. The refurb updated the decor in many areas of the ship, including some of the bars and restaurants, and crew areas too.
How many cabins does Coral Princess have?
Coral Princess has 1,000 cabins in total including 6 suites. She has a maximum guest capacity of 2,000 making her one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet, due to the Panamax spec she was built to.
What class is Coral Princess?
Coral Princess is part of the Coral Class, the smallest class of ship for Princess Cruises. The only other ship in the class is the Island Princess, which was built one year later.
Is Coral Princess a MedallionClass ship?
Yes, Coral Princess is a MedallionClass ship. All Princess Cruises ships have received the MedallionClass upgrades, which allows guests to use their medallion as their room key, or to add purchases to their account, or track their travelling party around the ship.
What is the best deck on Coral Princess?
There’s no single answer – the best deck depends on your preferences. Decks 9 to 11 have only cabins above and below them, which tends to make for less noise. Higher decks will have a better view, but are also worse if you tend to get seasick.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
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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.
It’s crazy to think that it was only maybe 25 years ago or so that cruising was still seen as the kind of holiday that you took when you reached retirement age. Things have changed dramatically.
Cruising is now hugely popular as an option for families. Obviously, I have kids (or ‘Cruise Mummy’ would’ve been a weird name to choose) and we have a great time on our cruise holidays. And there are some amazing ships designed with younger guests in mind too, whether it’s the food, the live shows, the kids clubs or the facilities.
But what are the best? Here’s my take. I’m sure it’ll be controversial to some.
The Best Ship For Kids
There is no single best cruise ship for kids, as it depends on their interests. If they love Disney then Disney Treasure is likely the best, while Carnival Celebration has a roller coaster and Dr Seuss at Sea. Icon of the Seas is the biggest and is packed with so many things to do.
You can’t single out one ship and say “that is the best ship for kids”. You can’t even single out a single cruise line. But, I’ve looked at all the cruise lines in the world and chosen some that are great for kids, picking the best ship from each.
The 11 Best Cruise Ships For Kids
1. Disney Treasure
Many kids dream of going to Disneyland/Disney World, so why not let them enjoy the equivalent experience, but on a cruise ship? Sure there’s no Space Mountain to ride, but you get all the Disney magic on a floating resort that moves.
Enjoy the theatrical dining experiences themed around Coco and the Avengers, all taking place around you while you eat. There’s AquaMouse, a ‘Disney attraction’ at sea that combines a water ride with interactive elements.
Live shows that you can enjoy in the theatre include Beauty and the Beast, Disney Seas the Adventure, and The Tale of Moana. There’s a Hero Zone with a sports court and a movie theatre. A Toy Story-inspired splash park. And some of the best kids’ clubs at sea including Star Wars: Cargo Bay and Marvel Super Hero Academy. Kids can even become an Imagineer for a day, and design their very own roller coaster.
This just scratches the surface of what Disney Treasure has to offer for families, and she’s definitely a contender for best kids cruise ship. She sails around the Caribbean from Port Canaveral, with itineraries including calls at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.
Disney Wish is very similar, if you want an alternative. I just picked Treasure as she’s newer.
Shoutout to Wonder of the Seas – she used to be on this list, but if I’m limiting myself to one ship per cruise line then I can’t not include the biggest ship in the fleet which is Icon of the Seas.
What really makes Icon of the Seas so special for families is that she isn’t just ‘bigger’, she’s been designed to offer the best cruises for kids possible. That means more family accommodation options (she has fewer cabins than Wonder of the Seas overall, but space for 600 more guests overall), and some exciting new features that kids young and old will love.
That includes the water slides – six brand new ones, breaking many of the record for slides at sea. If your young ones (or you) love thrills then you can’t go wrong here.
Then there’s Surfside – a whole neighbourhood on the ship that’s aimed at younger families, including fun activities and dedicated eateries with a real focus on kid-friendly fare.
If you’re sailing with slightly older kids, check out Star of the Seas – the sister ship to Icon. The Surfside neighbourhood on that ship has a slightly different vibe, more for kids up to 10 years old rather than six.
This is only a tiny part of what the ship has to offer. The Adventure Ocean kids club offers a wide range of fun activities, and there are dedicated teen spaces too. There’s the surfing simulator, climbing wall, mini golf, ropes course, carousel and so, so much more.
3. Carnival Celebration
Carnival ships are always packed with fun features, and the incredible Carnival Celebration is no different. One of the main highlights is Bolt, an actual roller coaster at sea which weaves around the top decks – the perfect thrill for your older children.
Younger kids will also love Space Cruisers, which debuted on Carnival Celebration. This unique experience is part of the Camp Ocean kids club and is a partnership with the Kennedy Space Center – kids ages 2 to 11 will love learning all about space using NASA-inspired activities.
The WaterWorks area has larger slides for the big kids and plenty of smaller ones for the youngest water babies too, including loads of interactive elements suited to smaller children.
With Carnival’s ongoing partnership with Dr. Seuss, there are character meet and greets and special breakfasts the kids can attend too – yes, with actual green eggs and ham.
Carnival Celebration sails around the Caribbean from Miami. Sister ships Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras offer a similar experience too, so there isn’t really one clear best Carnival ship for kids. Even the smaller ones are packed with fun experiences!
4. MSC World Europa
MSC World Europa is one of the most futuristic-looking cruise ships in the world, both inside and out. And there are some seriously cool features which the family will love as part of that, including interactive games in the kids’ clubs, and a stunning futuristic dry slide inside the ship for the thrill-seeking teens.
In summer 2024, the teens club started offering extended hours too and is open from 3pm until midnight every day, with a morning session also available on sea days.
But with MSC, a lot of the focus isn’t on just the shiny attractions, but on how they approach family cruising – the extra touches of care. The cruise line partners with the renowned brand Chicco, so that the junior kids’ clubs have the best selections of interactive toys.
And the baby club ensures that even the youngest passengers will be taken care of. Unlike most cruise lines where the kids’ clubs only start from age 3, there are facilities on MSC World Europa for those that haven’t even turned 1 yet. You can leave a six-month-old with the staff for a nap, if you want to go an explore the ship!
They even have a special baby laundry service, where baby clothes are washed separately from other clothes on a more sanitising and gentle cycle. That’s thoughtful.
MSC World Europa offers Middle East itineraries in winter, and Mediterranean cruises from various departure ports during the summer. MSC World America is a sister ship sailing the Caribbean, if you’d prefer that.
Some of the best cruise ships in the world for kids are those which have special unique features. And with NCL there were a couple of options.
I could’ve gone with the newer Norwegian Aqua with the Aqua Slidecoaster, but I think Prima’s feature is more unique. NCL introduced the first go-kart track at sea with Norwegian Joy in 2017, but Norwegian Prima takes it to a whole other level with a three-storey karting track that is absolutely epic.
Prima also takes the standard mini golf that you’ll find on some cruise ships and gives it a complete tech makeover, for a much more exciting course that is highly immersive. There’s also a virtual reality arcade!
NCL was one of the first cruise lines to introduce the idea of Freestyle Cruising, with no set dining times and the freedom to eat dinner when you want, which obviously helps when travelling with kids. Other ships have caught up to the concept, but Norwegian Prima does have a huge wealth of dining venues so it is still a top option for family eating.
And it of course has a fun-packed water park and kids clubs too. But really, Prima’s standout features are the karting and mini golf – if your kids love these activities then they’ll love this ship.
Norwegian Prima offers Caribbean cruises in winter and European cruises in summer, including some Northern Europe itineraries from Southampton.
6. P&O Arvia
Most cruise lines pitch themselves at a single market – families, or adults. P&O Cruises is slightly different in that they have some ships that are adults-only, and some that are family-friendly. Arvia is one of the latter.
She is also the newest ship in the fleet, meaning you get one of the most contemporary and up-to-date ships for your holiday that looks stunning inside and out.
The kids club on the ship is suitable for 2 to 17-year-olds and is split into four age groups, with a wide range of activities available for all ages. P&O also has a partnership with Aardman, so there are live shows featuring Wallace, Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, along with the chance for the kids to meet the characters.
Arvia is offering Caribbean sailings during the winter, and Mediterranean cruises from Southampton in the summer. However, parents of younger children should note that children in swim-nappies
7. A-ROSA Sena
I said at the start of this guide that cruising was, up until recently, seen as a holiday for older guests. With river cruising, that’s still very much the case, and it is only in the last couple of years that family-friendly river cruises are starting to be offered.
A-ROSA is without a doubt the pioneer for this market, and their modern ship Sena is beautifully appointed, packed with great tech and fantastic for kids. It has spacious family cabins that can sleep up to 5, and a kids club with dedicated spaces on-board – something you won’t find on most river cruises.
It even has a separate kids’ pool from the main pool, and a variety of different games that the kids can play.
River cruising is a good choice for kids since the ships take you right into the heart of every destination – you don’t spend as much time transferring from the port to the city, so they’ll love the variety in what you can do while ashore too.
Check out this video of our cruise:
A-ROSA Sena offers cruises on the Rhine from Cologne.
8. Costa Toscana
Costa tends to be one of the cheaper cruise lines, which can be useful for families who are on a budget. It’s a fun-packed cruise line with Italian heritage, but the ships are very international – so your children will mingle with kids from a lot of other countries, which can be really interesting for them.
While P&O have Wallace & Gromit, and Carnival have Dr Seuss, Costa has partnered with one of the biggest names for younger kids – Peppa Pig. If your kids are obsessed with Peppa and George, they’ll love the chance to meet them aboard Costa Toscana.
Toscana is the newest ship in the Costa fleet and it is packed with other great features too, including an expansive waterpark with racing slides. But while there is a lot of variety, this is still a better ship for families with younger children – teens will probably find that other cruise lines are better suited.
Costa Toscana offers various Mediterranean and Middle East sailings from a number of departure ports.
9. Sun Princess
The newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, Sun Princess has fantastic live entertainment, great food, and plenty of places to relax. But for the kids, they’ll care more about what is laid on specifically for them.
The kids’ clubs are split into three age groups, with Camp Discovery offering some fun activities for kids 3-7 and 8-12 – the older group even get arcade games such as skeeball and air hockey. Teens can instead relax in The Beach House, a much more contemporary space with late-night movies and video game tournaments.
There are also a number of hosted events during the evenings for younger guests. Teens can relax at their own Rock the Boat party, while there are themed nights for younger kids too that incorporate things like talent shows.
I think Sun Princess might be one of the best ships for multi-generational cruises:
10. Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that tends to be associated more with the adult market, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great choice for kids – and with their newest ship Celebrity Ascent, families will find a fantastic range of modern, luxury features.
But it is definitely not the same kind of cruise ship as you’d get with Royal Caribbean, Carnival or other family-first lines. There are no waterparks, or slides, or kids’ pools.
The kid’s clubs are tucked away in the lower parts of the ship, with Camp at Sea aimed at tweens and The Basement for teenagers. Celebrity Ascent is definitely a better ship for kids that can entertain themselves, more than enjoying a tonne of thrilling features.
Where Celebrity Ascent does excel is in its autism-friendly initiatives. There are film showings with lower lighting and lower volumes, and a toy-lending program for sensory toys. Kids club age groupings are flexible for autistic children too, if they want to stay with their older or younger siblings, and priority boarding is available too.
Celebrity Ascent sails from Rome, Barcelona and Athens in the summer around the Med, including the Eastern Med with Turkey. In winter she sails the Caribbean.
11. MS Rotterdam
MS Rotterdam is the newest ship in the Holland America fleet, and similar to Celebrity Beyond, she is a ship that is slightly more premium and definitely targeted more at adults, but one that has some good initiatives for kids.
This includes special provisions for children with special needs. While other cruise lines will also likely accommodate children with special needs in their kids’ clubs, Holland America clearly states that they are able to support them and can provide suitable activities in their Club HAL kids clubs.
Club HAL is also open on port days, to allow parents to go exploring in destinations that might not interest the kids as much. And there are a good selection of activities available at the clubs, including treasure hunts for kids, themed parties for tweens, and poker nights for teenagers.
Rotterdam accommodates families of five with Ocean View Staterooms that sleep five guests.
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More Great Cruise Ships For Families…
So far, I’ve showed you the newest and best cruise ships from each of the most family-friendly cruise lines.
Of course, you aren’t just limited to these! Cruise lines like Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL are all perfect for kids, and several great cruise ships to choose from. Each ship in the fleet will have a range of facilities to entertain all ages, and great dining choices too.
I’ve taken my children on lots of cruises, on older as well as newer ships. Here are some more of the ships that my kids particularly loved…
Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas is packed with facilities that kids love such as bumper cars, roller skating, rock climbing. It even has surfing and sky-diving simulators on board.
In fact, there’s so much to see and do onboard this mega-ship that a isn’t long enough to experience everything.
The kids’ club, for ages three to eleven, has activities on offer from right after breakfast until 10 pm. Babies and toddlers can attend play sessions accompanied by their parents. And teens have their own cool hangout space which includes a teens-only nightclub.
You can sail on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton to a variety of destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean. We loved our cruise to Norway. The rest of the year she sails out of New York to the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Once on board, almost all the activities and entertainment are included, but you will have to budget for money to buy drinks, and also for gratuities (tips), which are added to your bill.
Those looking for a more chilled-out cruise on a smaller ship may feel more at home on board P&O Cruises’ Ventura.
This ship, which is very popular with British families, features six swimming pools, including one with a retractable roof, two children’s pools and an adults-only pool. Children can dine with their parents, or enjoy a special children’s tea at 5 pm.
The kid’s club is open from 9 am to 11 pm, offering a huge range of activities for children aged two to 17. There’s also a night nursery, which offers complimentary childcare for under-fives from 6 pm until 2 am.
P&O Ventura sails from Southampton all year round. Whether you want to dip your toe in the water, so to speak, with a two-night taster cruise, or take your toddler on a 35-night adventure, there’s something for everyone.
You can choose from a great range of destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Norwegian Fjords or even enjoy a round-trip from the UK to the Caribbean!
P&O Cruises are very reasonably priced, with some great deals to be had. I have managed to book cruises onboard P&O Ventura for less than £40 per person, per night, based on four people sharing an inside cabin.
What’s more, P&O Cruises do not charge for gratuities (tips) as most other cruise lines do. And drinks on-board are fairly priced too – expect to pay a similar amount to what you’d pay in a pub at home.
MSC Cruises is an Italian family-owned cruise line with a real glamourous atmosphere on-board.
Kids will love the Vertigo water slide, which is one of the longest water slides at sea and extends over the side of the ship. There’s also a great splash area for younger tots and a pool with a retractable roof which is perfect to enjoy in cooler weather.
The kids’ clubs, for those aged 3-17, have great facilities, including lots of Lego for the younger ones and Wii, Xbox and PS3 tournaments for older children.
During the summer, MSC Preziosa departs from Southampton as well as ports such as Barcelona and Genoa. In the winter, you’ll find her in the Caribbean.
MSC Cruises are reasonably priced. If you want to upgrade to all-inclusive, you’ll find the drinks packages to be cheaper than most other cruise lines. Some activities such as the Formula One simulator and the 4D cinema have an extra charge.
Disney Magic
Disney fans of all ages will love everything about Disney Cruise Line, from the Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool to bumping into Daisy Duck in the lift.
The entertainment onboard Disney Magic is fantastic and adults will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a little alone time with adult-only dining, an adult-exclusive pool and a great nightclub.
For the most relaxing experience, during the summer holidays, you can sail from Dover to Northern Europe. Or for something a little more exotic, explore the Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona or the Caribbean sailing from New York.
Disney cruises are certainly more expensive than other cruise lines. Just like visiting a Disney theme park, a Disney cruise is a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience which comes with a price tag to match.
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Which Is Your Favourite Family Cruise Ship?
The ships I’ve listed here should give you an example of some of the best cruise ships for British families looking to book their first cruise – there are lots more ships (and cruise lines) which may be ideal for your family.
It’s impossible to pick a best cruise for kids or even the best cruise line for kids, because all families are different. You might only want to try Disney, or you might hate the loud atmosphere of a Carnival cruise.
But this guide should’ve at least given you an idea of the options for the best cruise lines for kids, and now you’re able to find the one that best fits you.
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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.
