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The Best & Worst Cabins For Families On Royal Caribbean Ships

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKidsRoyal Caribbean

Booking the right cabin can make or break a family cruise – and when you’re sailing with kids, comfort and layout matter just as much as price.

Central Park View Accommodations

But with Royal Caribbean, choosing the right room isn’t always straightforward. Some of the best family cabins sell out fast, others are oddly overpriced, and occasionally the “fancy” option turns out to be less practical than two humble interiors. So where should you start?

I’ve teamed up with a Cruise Family, a specialist in family cruise bookings, to bring you the lowdown on the best (and worst) Royal Caribbean cabins for families of 5 or 6 – plus a few booking tips that might save you a small fortune.

If you’re booking for a smaller family then there are plenty more options across the fleet that you can find, with most cabins accepting up to 4 guests. It’s finding options for 5 or 6 that can be trickier…

The Best Ship Classes For Families

Let’s start with the ships themselves. Not all Royal Caribbean ships are created equal when it comes to family-friendly cabins – some have a wider choice, better layouts, or are simply more budget-friendly.

These are some of the best and most popular options:

1. Freedom Class

  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Liberty of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas

The sweet spot for UK-based families. Freedom Class ships sail in Europe regularly and have some of the best value six-person cabins in the fleet.

FlowRider on Independence of the Seas

And while they’re nowhere near as big as the Oasis-class and Icon-class ships, they are still packed with fun features for the whole family, including the H2O Zone waterpark with slides, the FlowRider, an ice skating rink, mini golf and more.

If you’re looking for affordable space, this class should be at the top of your list.

2. Oasis Class

  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Allure of the Seas
  • Harmony of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Wonder of the Seas
  • Utopia of the Seas

These mega ships have tons of family-friendly features and a good range of cabins – though not as many six-berth options as Freedom Class.

They do offer a few excellent layouts for families of five, and because they’re so massive, you’ll never have trouble finding something to do onboard for every member of your clan.

Allure of the Seas Kids Pool

There’s always at least one Oasis-class ship sailing in Europe during the summer, though never from the UK.

Read more about the Oasis-Class ships

3. Icon Class

  • Icon of the Seas
  • Star of the Seas
  • Legend of the Seas (2026)

Royal Caribbean’s newest and most hyped class – including Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas and in 2026 in Europe, Legend of the Seas – looks incredible for families in terms of activities and entertainment.

Vibrant and colorful view of the Surfside neighborhood on Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas.' This bustling area showcases a playful design with multicolored floors, bright beach umbrellas, and various recreational activities. Overlooking this lively scene are multiple levels of staterooms with pastel-colored balconies, while towering water slides curl down into the area, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

But when it comes to cabins? It’s not quite so simple. The family cabins are eye-wateringly expensive, and often it works out cheaper to book two connecting rooms.

Still – if you want the best ships from a features perspective, you can’t beat the Icon-class. So it’s worth checking out the available options for families when you want to book.

Read more about the Icon Class

The Best Cabins For Families

Here’s a breakdown of the cabin types that work best for families – from budget-friendly interiors to more luxurious suites that won’t necessarily break the bank.

1. Spacious Interior

These are gold dust for families – especially the ones that sleep six.

They tend to be much cheaper than balcony cabins and offer a surprising amount of space for an interior room. Don’t worry about the lack of a window – you’ll spend so little time in the cabin itself that you won’t care.

It’s still best advised to book these cruises when your kids are younger. If you want to sail with two parents and four teens, you’ll be getting under each other’s feet.

That said, these cabins do sell out very fast, so you’ll need to book early.

2. Spacious Promenade View Interior

These quirky cabins overlook the bustling Royal Promenade – think of it like having a window onto a lively, indoor street.

The Royal Promenade

They sleep up to six, and because they’re still technically interior cabins, they’re usually more affordable than ocean view or balcony options.

You get the benefit of natural light and people-watching without the price tag of an outside-facing room.

Just bear in mind, some families love the Promenade view, while others find it noisy – especially during evening entertainment. If you’ve got light sleepers or a baby with an early bedtime, this might not be the best pick. But for families with curious kids who’ll enjoy the action, these cabins can be a real treat.

3. Ultra Spacious Ocean View

These were clearly designed with families in mind. They offer significantly more space than a standard ocean view, often including extra beds and sometimes even a small seating area.

They sleep up to six and are perfect if you want daylight without the cost of a balcony.

Ideal for families who plan to spend a bit more time in the cabin – maybe for naps, quiet playtime, or early nights – without feeling on top of each other.

Do keep in mind that these aren’t available on every ship, and some are awkwardly located right at the front or back. That can mean a bit more motion in rough seas – so if you’re prone to seasickness, check the deck plans before booking.

Suggested read: Why Oceanview Is My Favourite Cabin Type

4. Ocean View Panoramic Suite

This is one of the best-kept secrets in Royal Caribbean’s suite offerings. These suites are large, beautifully bright, and often far more affordable than the high-end suite categories.

They don’t have a balcony, but they more than make up for it with huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean views – a great alternative if you want to enjoy the view but don’t care about stepping outside.

Sleeping up to six, they’re a good option for multigenerational families or those who simply want extra breathing room.

You’ll also get some suite perks (though not the full range you’d get in Star Class), so it’s worth weighing up the value compared to two regular cabins – especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a little extra luxury.

5. Junior Suite

Junior Suites are often overlooked – but they can be a smart move for families of five.

Harmony of the Seas Junior Suite

They offer a bit more space than a standard balcony cabin, with extra room for a sofa bed and sometimes even a walk-in wardrobe or larger bathroom.

While you don’t get all the full suite perks, you do get a more comfortable, less cramped stay – which can make all the difference if you’ve got younger kids with toys or buggies in tow.

These are particularly handy on longer cruises, when cabin comfort becomes more noticeable. And if you’re not quite ready to splurge on a full suite, this is a solid middle ground.

Suggested read: The Pros and Cons of Upgrading to a Royal Caribbean Junior Suite

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

Let them find your perfect trip…

The Worst Cabins For Families

Even with Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly reputation, a few cabins are surprisingly underwhelming – especially when you look at what you’re paying for.

These aren’t bad cabins – but considering how they are marketed to families, I definitely think better options exist.

Family Oceanview Balcony / Family Infinite Oceanview Balcony

They sound ideal, right? But these high-capacity family cabins fall into the premium pricing tier, and are often more expensive than booking two regular cabins.

The rooms are great – relatively spacious, and you can enjoy the amazing views from your balcony space. Even if you opt for the Family Infinite option, you still get that fantastic fresh-air view.

It’s just that they cost a lot for what you do get. On a recent booking, our cruise expert chose two connecting interiors over a family balcony and saved a chunk of money – and had more flexibility, too.

Ultimate Family Suite / Ultimate Family Townhouse

These are the jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy rooms you’ll find in Royal Caribbean’s marketing – slides in the suite, kids’ rooms with game consoles, etc.

Ultimate Family Suite

No rooms on any cruise ships are better for families. They come with a ton of suite perks too, so you really are spoiled.

But unless you’ve got a lottery win in the bag, they’re more fantasy than reality. Prices are sky-high, and they’re often booked by celebrities or large multigenerational groups. Which means they end up on the ‘worst’ side of this list.

Still, if you have £60,000 to burn (the average cost for a week), then why not?

Read more: Look Inside This 3-Storey Cruise Ship Suite That Costs $80K Per Week!

Tips For Getting The Best Family Cabin

These tips will help you get the best cabin for your family, every time.

1. Booking bigger captains is usually cheaper than connecting rooms

In many cases, one cabin that sleeps five or six will be cheaper than two smaller connecting cabins. While you might think that two interior rooms is the cheaper option, often it’s better to book one bigger one.

Connecting Cabin Adventure of the Seas

But not always – especially if the only big cabin left is a pricey balcony and you’re happy in inside rooms. Always compare, because you could miss out on a deal.

2. Prices fluctuate so always check

There’s no set rule for which cabin type is cheapest. On some sailings, you’ll even find balcony rooms cheaper than those with an ocean view, or even suites cheaper than two connecting interiors.

It all comes down to supply and demand, and so if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to keep checking the price options before you commit.

3. Consider location

Cabin layout is only half the story – location matters too.

Midship means less motion, which is helpful for younger kids prone to seasickness. Avoid rooms directly under noisy venues or near nightclubs unless you want a toddler rave at 2am.

Ovation of the Seas Deck Plan

And think about the kids’ club in relation to your room as well – especially if you’ve got kids that are prone to falling asleep before pick-up time in the evenings!

Many a time I’ve had to carry a sleeping child half-way across the ship at night. Made even worse if it was formal night and I’m wearing heels!

Always check the deck plan for your ship to make sure you get the best location of cabin.

4. Book early!

This can’t be stressed enough – the best value family cabins, especially those rare 5-6 person interiors, go fast.

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular ship or sailing, don’t wait around. Otherwise you will miss out.

Cruises tend to go on sale 18-24 months before the sailing date, so be sure to check often once you’re within that date range.

Final word

Royal Caribbean has some brilliant options for families – but navigating the cabin choices takes a bit of strategy. The key is knowing your options, booking early, and not assuming the “family” label always means the best deal.

And if you’d rather not do the cabin detective work yourself, make sure you check out your options with Cruise Family if you’re UK-based. They’re absolutely the experts, and can help you find the best option for your family every time!

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

Let them find your perfect trip…

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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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56 Amazing Examples of Royal Caribbean Customer Service ()

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsRoyal Caribbean

One thing that Royal Caribbean is known for is its outstanding customer service. Many cruisers claim to be ‘loyal to Royal’, choosing Royal Caribbean above other cruise lines for this very reason.

When we cruised on Mariner of the Seas, Leonie asked for Nutella or chocolate spread for breakfast in the main dining room. Our waiter apologised that they didn’t have any, but said that he would go and check. Five minutes later, he returned with a bowl of melted chocolate which he had made especially for her!

Leonie with chocolate spread in the mai9n dining room on Mariner of the Seas

We were so blown away by this lovely gesture, that I decided to gather some more examples of times that Royal Caribbean staff have gone above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service.

These reviews, submitted by Royal Caribbean cruisers, have melted my heart…

Royal Caribbean Staff Are Great With Kids

We had the most amazing servers on the Harmony this past September! They remembered the kids names after the first night and would have their favorite appetizers waiting when we arrived. They cut my sons steak and my daughters chicken. They even taught them to fold animals with their napkins. They truly went above and beyond!

Kelly Clancy Williams

kids with waiters on Harmony of the Seas
Photo Credit: Kelly Clancy Williams

We had a waiter Leonardo, and met him in the MDR on a cruise. 9 months later, we cruised again. We turned the corner to get on the ship from the gangway and THERE HE WAS!!! OMG. He dropped his clipboard and my kids dropped their backpacks so fast. They all ran to each other and cue hugest hug in the history of hugs. I cried. He got us at his table for my time that week. All the love, dances with the kids and best memories!

Sarah Samantha Goodman

We took our daughter on her first cruise in October at 14 months old. One of the waiters (who wasn’t even our assigned waiter), chose to be her personal assistant. He got her food, cut her food, fed it to her, made her napkin hats, danced with her, got her buckled in her high chair, etc.

He was our hero!! Dinners are usually stressful for us with a toddler, especially one who likes to scream in the middle of restaurants and throw her food. But he made it so much more enjoyable for all of us!

Jennifer McLachlan

Royal Caribbean waiter entertaining baby
Photo Credit: Jennifer McLachlan

Our waiter cut her meat for her. This was the last evening and we teased her that she would have to cut her own meat now. He posed for this silly picture with her. She is so spoiled by Royal that we don’t even book specialty dining because she forms such a bond with our servers in the MDR.

Christine DelRossi

girl with Royal Caribbean waiter
Photo Credit: Christine DelRossi

We cruised Mariner last weekend, our 3 boys first cruise. The assistant waiter formed a bond and kept them entertained throughout dinner with riddles. They went well over and above with our youngest. He has a brain injury and eats a special diet. Every evening they always delivered what he was wishing for.

Tiffany Tatro

Our server was beyond amazing! He cared so much for our entire group but paid special attention to my little sister! She struggles with some behavioral needs along with having some other special needs but Jeffrey made sure Piper had everything she needed at all our meals!

He also gave her an opportunity, that most servers don’t, and let her order for herself. She took some time to get her words out but he was so patient and made sure she had what she needed! The last night they had a celebration for all the guests and servers and Jeffrey danced with my sister during this time! Truly helped make the experience AMAZING!

Kaitlyn Wanamaker

My son loved our head waiter so much that he became his “best friend”.

Sarah Bradshaw

boy with Royal Caribbean waiter
Photo Credit: Sarah Bradshaw

Aboard Harmony of the Seas last month, My Grandsons (8 & 3) were bored with the long wait at the Main dining room dinners. Our head waiter preformed tricks and told jokes to them to keep them entertained.

The 2 final nights we had 3 head waiters trying to outdo each other to entertain the boys. We were eternally grateful to the Wait staff for keeping the boys from fussing and not disturbing the other cruise diners. The last night, our head waiter bought the boys a nice mylar balloon and brought it out to them. That is above and beyond service in my estimation.

Deborah Elrod

My baby girl who was disappointed that she wasn’t old enough to do bumper cars received a personal, solo ride.

Tiffany Spooner-Banks

girl being pushed in bumper cars
Photo Credit: Tiffany Spooner-Banks

When my daughter was 8 years old (she’s now in her 20s) we were on the Grandeur and she was rushing through dinner so she could return to Adventure Ocean. The waiter asked her what she wanted for dessert and she said “Nothing”. He insisted she have dessert, asked her what she wanted and once again she replied “Nothing”.

When the waiter returned to the table with the desserts everyone else had ordered he stopped in front my daughter and placed a covered plate in front of her, telling her it was her dessert. He lifted the lid on the plate to reveal the word ‘NOTHING’ written in fancy blue letters with gel icing. Many years later it is still one of her favorite memories of her first cruise.

Sharon Sosa

A Royal Caribbean Cruise Is The Perfect Place To Celebrate Your Birthday

My daughter’s 7th birthday was the last day of our last cruise on Oasis. Our wait staff had been phenomenal all week anyway, but we arrived to our table to find a gorgeous balloon flower for her to celebrate. Then at the end of dinner they brought out a piece of cake for her, and serenaded her while our waiter PLAYED THE VIOLIN! It was so over and above, we were blown away.

Jana Solomon Hennessy

birthday girl with balloon on Oasis of the Seas
Photo Credit: Jana Solomon Hennessy

We were on Anthem last month and is was my son’s Birthday on day 2. Well every night we were in the MDR he got a piece of cake and they sang to him. Oh he loved it!!

Pattyanne Langston

birthday boy with singing waiters
Photo Credit: Pattyanne Langston

Earlier this year I developed issues with gluten. No longer can consume. Went on Freedom first week in Nov. Hubby secretly ordered a birthday cake. It was chocolate and in our room when we arrived. I was excited for 2 min. Then realized I could not eat.

When we hit the Windjammer on our first night I asked the head baker if I could bring it back. He asked why, I mentioned the allergy. He told me to bring it to my dinner table and let others eat it. Was a great idea. Next day, BAM, totally unexpected, there was a gluten free, much larger, chocolate cake and it was super moist.

Jeaninne Roy Singleton

The person who cleans your room – for my son’s birthday she decorated our room for him. And no we didn’t pay for that package or anything. So sweet.

Esperanza Dodge

Or Any Other Special Occasion

My husband and I were celebrating our 25th anniversary. A cake was brought out to us at dinner & room steward set out room up for a romantic night. He even put our wine on ice.

Tina Watson-Green

Royal Caribbean made a gender reveal cake for us! The cruise had already been booked when my husband and I found out, “suprise”, we’re adding to our family again! My fingers were crossed when the doctor revealed our due date, because I knew it was going to be close to the 6 month cut off date. I turned 6 months pregnant a day AFTER the cruise. Talk about cutting it close. As soon as we found out that I would still be able to travel, we knew right away we wanted to do the gender reveal on the ship as all of our immediate family was going as well.

On the second night on the Liberty of the Seas, we spoke to our head waiter, Banzil. He was a little baffled as to what we were asking. He explained, in India, it is illegal to find out a babies gender before they are born but he would see what he could do. The next night at dinner he said he “googled it” and now knew what we were talking about. He had a cake prepared and even videotaped the gender reveal! We were so thankful to have such an amazing head waiter.

Ashley Garcia

Royal Caribbean gender reveal cake
Photo Credit: Ashley Garcia

Fussy Eaters Are No Problem At All For The Royal Caribbean Team

Dining with an 8yo picky eater, I mentioned to the head waiter that she was a picky eater and joked that she would always eat French fries and cheese. Every night there were cheese platers on the table and a side of fries with her meal, even if she ordered pizza.

Ian Willis

When my son was little he was super picky about what he would eat. He ordered off the kids meal but decided he only wanted the grapes from the fruit salad. When they asked what was wrong why he wouldn’t eat we just told him that he was picky and it was fine. After that they would have this waiting for him every night when we got in.

Jessica Chambers

boy with grapes in main dining room on Royal Caribbean cruise
Photo Credit: Jessica Chambers

My husband is a very picky eater and ate the same thing for dinner every night- Caesar salad, steak and French fries. By the third night our waiter knew what he wanted and just brought it right out. He also remembered what we were drinking and had our drinks waiting for us every night when we got to dinner. Not that exciting compared to some other stories but still excellent service and very impressive!

Sam Markiewicz

My 8 year old couldn’t decide on a dessert, so was served all of them!

Melina Mims Anderson

Boy with three desserts on cruise ship
Photo Credit: Melina Mims Anderson

When we went our kids always ordered fruit cocktail at dinner but only ever ate the strawberries and grapes out of them. Our waiter must have taken notice because everyday went they ordered it he would bring out just strawberries and grapes for them!

Tiffany Bosley

Our waiter always remembered my son, had our drinks as soon as we sat down and brought my son new things to try the chef even came out to see what he thought. This was on Mariner and my picky kid rarely tries anything new but if our waiter gave it to him he tried it.

Jennifer Vukicevic

boy with waiter and chef on Mariner of the Seas
Photo Credit: Jennifer Vukicevic

I have one very picky eater and my sons first cruise he was almost 4 and wasn’t the greatest eater either, but required yogurt every evening to take medications. That cruise on Freedom the staff went out of their way to make sure we had yogurt on the table when we sat down in order to give my son his meds with dinner and hunted down pizzeria style (from Sorrentos) parm cheese for my oldest to put on her pasta (very picky eater). They’ve always gone above and beyond. We’re going on cruise #7 in a couple months on RCCL.

Marina Morritt

In Fact, Royal Caribbean Chefs Will Make Whatever You Fancy

My friend complained one night that there was no Caribbean food. Next night our waiter said ‘Jerk chicken for four is ready for you’. Our first cruise on Navigator of the Seas and an unforgettable moment.

Sue Greaves

We were having drinks in Boleros, and my wife wanted a drink she had enjoyed in the Schooner bar. Our bartender friend at Boleros didn’t know this drink, and when he called Schooner bar he didn’t get an answer. So he ran across the ship to the Schooner bar to get the recipe and needed ingredients. That was truly amazing service.

Nicholas Puila

Wife and I were in San Francisco, on Explorer of the Seas. Our head waiter asked us how our day went and we said we went to Boudin and had chocolate raisin sourdough bread, which was amazing. The next night and every night after when we arrived for dinner, we had warm chocolate raisin sourdough rolls waiting for us

Duke Spiker

sourdough bread on Explorer of the Seas
Photo Credit: Duke Spiker

An offhand comment about M&M’s, and there was a bowl of them waiting for us in the MDR each night. Thoughtful and very much appreciated. Love RCL!

Nancy Rideout

I had a 3-day dining plan and became addicted to the brownie with vanilla ice cream. Fast forward to my last day in the Windjammer and I was craving it… I saw the manager and said how I wished they had that there. He stopped what he was doing and called up to Chops to order one for me. Then was about to send the assistant manager to go get it for me.

I was so excited I said thank you SOOOOOO much I will get it myself. I went up there and they had TWO of them waiting for me. I took them to my cabin and ate them both on my balcony. Best memory. Maybe a little glutinous, but when a girl craves chocolate and someone indulges it… it’s magic.

Lorraine Weil

One night I was so stuffed I declined dessert! My husband said to me you are going to wish you had some later! After a late night of dancing and casino we returned to our stateroom to a plate of delicious desserts!

Diane Murray Flores

My daughter asked for watermelon and chocolate milk with a straw the first night and we got it every night after without asking.

Sue Moriarty Caro

girl with watermelon on cruise ship
Photo Credit: Sue Moriarty Caro

We went on the Freedom of the Seas on October 2019. I ask for the strawberry cold soup. They told me that they take out from the menu. But the next day they prepared us the soup, had two for my husband and two for me. On Saturday, the day before we finish the cruise, they prepared us the soup again. I’m in love with Royal Caribbean.

Julissa Martinez

On Majesty, I really wanted orange sherbet and they only had lemon on 3rd Floor MDR. Our waiter Lambok went all the way to Windjammer to get me orange.

Amy Schmidt

We were on a New England cruise with friends and we asked if they had French onion soup. We were told that they did not have it on this particular itinerary. The next night our waiter brought us the best French onion soup we have ever had.

We requested to see the chef and thanked him personally for his efforts. Our waiter said he had to make it on his own time because the regular menu was already set. We ordered the soup every night until there wasn’t any left. He probably had to make a pot big enough to feed an army.

Bonnie VanGorder Parks

My daughter asked for a fruit plate as her appetizer the first night. She had one waiting for her every night after that. They also remembered her doll’s name and would ask about her if we didn’t bring her to dinner!

Keri Evans Marlar

girl with doll and plate of fruit
Photo Credit: Keri Evans Marlar

In the MDR of Majesty 2 yrs ago, I asked my waiter for a glass of milk and told him that I like milk with my meals. Everytime I sat down at the table even when I did lunch. I always had my milk there without even having to ask. I love that kind of remembrance

Pete Riva

On my last cruise they made me a special dish that I had on one of my very first cruises but have not been able to find it again. I described it and the chef made it special just for me

Nancy White

On the second night, the MDR was out of chocolate milk, so the waiter made some for my daughter – and put extra chocolate syrup to decorate the glass. She told him she liked his much better! Each night he had one waiting for her more and more chocolate. The head waiter also saw her struggle to cut her steak, so each night she ordered it he would stay and cut it for her! She also lost an earring during one of the parades during dinner on our last night and she was heartbroken because she bought them during one of our port stops. The waiter searched the entire dining room while we were looking too and he found it! 

Teresa Bargman Bothell

girl with waiter and chocolate milk in main dining room
Photo Credit: Teresa Bargman Bothell

Our head waiter made toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every night at dinner in the MDR for our three granddaughters last year on Anthem. He really made their nights special.

Kathy Smith Buckles

When we went on a cruise 2 years ago, my daughter wanted orange jello for dessert with dinner. They didn’t have any. But later that night we received a (unexpected) room service delivery with a tray (I think it was 6 cups) of orange jello. We are going on our next cruise soon and my daughter is still talking about the jello.

Joy Silverman Gralnick

Royal Caribbean Staff Will Even Get Off The Ship To Get Things For You!

On our 2nd cruise one of the people at our table really wanted a Diet Mountain Dew, they didn’t have any on the ship. Unknown to us our assistant waiter bought some at the next port and had it on the table waiting for her the next evening. That was awesome!

Mike Colaizzi

One year out kids wanted crayons to color in Mdr and our waiter got off on port day and got them crayons and had them on our table along with coloring books he had purchased!

Cortni Peterson

My husband loves oxtail and mentioned it to the server. She tried to find him some that night but they didn’t have any one the ship! The next day they brought him ox tail for dinner! Like where did that even come from we are on a boat in the middle of the ocean… Our minds were blown.

Ashley McIlrath

I will never forget our steward, Edwin from Honduras, who treated us royally when we were on the Freedom of the Seas. On Day 2, my previously injured knee began to hurt out of the blue, and it sidelined me immediately because I could barely walk. When I woke up on Day 3, I was basically immobile and had to stay in my cabin since walking was so painful.

My indomethacin, which seems to be the only medication that works for me, was back home in Connecticut. When Edwin came to clean my room, he asked me why I wasn’t enjoying the island, and I explained to him my predicament. Four hours later, he returned with indomethacin that he himself had purchased – he left the ship during his break and ran to the nearest drugstore. By the next morning, I could move again and enjoy the rest of my trip. Edwin was a lifesaver!

Peter Gouveia

Royal Caribbean Staff Will Take Care Of You If You’re Unwell

On our cruise to Alaska I got sick one day. In our religion we do healing blessings with a drop of oil on the top of your head but we didn’t bring any with us. We mentioned it to the waiter when he asked how I was doing, he left and came back with a little bowl of olive oil from the kitchen. It was so sweet and I felt better after the blessing.

Ashlee Heron Malloch

My friend wasn’t feeling well and missed dinner. The server noticed she was absent, asked where she was. When I mentioned she was sick, at the end of dinner, she brought over a small bowl of chicken soup. “This is usually for babies, but it’s good for when people are sick, too. Take this to your friend.” Our MDR server was so sweet.

Alex Wallace

Once my hubby went to dinner in MDR without me as I had a sore throat. Our waiter asked where I was and when my hubby told him about my throat he went and got and made my hubby bring me back some ice cream.

Hayley Nash

One of our cruises I had some sinus issues, our cabin stewardess brought me some essential oils to use! Helped tremendously! On our last cruise on Symphony, my youngest was ill and when he felt better near dinner time, all he wanted to eat was fruit loops… Someone in the windjammer went in the back and brought him out two little boxes and some milk! I’ve always been impressed with RCCL service!

Jennifer Brothers

Last week I had an accident while on an excursion… The medical staff on Liberty was top notch… Never once did they hurry me through, they were tentative and truly concerned. Honestly, they were better than most doctors and staff we go see while at home. Checking on me each day… Guest services brought ice, checked on me each day and gave me a wheel chair so I would not be stuck in my room. I will be back soon… I hope.

Any Lynne Adams

I was pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, so when I didn’t touch my lamb shank one night they were worried something was wrong. When I explained they asked me what I wanted. One night crackers and cheese and another night omelette and chips. It’s the exemplary service that makes us come back year after year.

Helen Townsend

Suggested read: Cruising while pregnant – Everything you need to know

On our last cruise the sea was really rough and my 10 year old had pretty bad motion sickness. He ended up throwing up right before dinner so he wasn’t looking so hot when we arrived at the dining room. As soon as our waiter found out that he wasn’t feeling well he said he would be right back with something to help. He brought ginger ale, a plate of jello cups, sliced green apples, and a plate of dinner rolls (peanut free since my son is allergic). He also packed up a tray of all those things to take back to our cabin and keep in the fridge in case the motion sickness came back.

He also made sure that my son didn’t miss out on anything because of his peanut allergy. One night he tried to order the chocolate cake but he couldn’t have it because they couldn’t guarantee that it was safe. The next night he had a huge slice of chocolate cake ready for him and said it was even better than the one he couldn’t eat. They are so great at making sure everyone is taken care of 

Julia Penman

They’ll Be There For You Through The Toughest Times

My husband and I loved to cruise. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was given a few years at best. We made a pact with each other that we would spend as much time doing what we loved as we could. Due to his compromised immune system we had to have things very clean for him.

We did 8 cruises before he passed away. On everyone of them the housekeeping and food staff met with us to ensure they were doing everything they could. Our room was disinfected at least twice a day and his food was always brought to him very hot. This always made him feel safe. After he passed RC helped me to do an amazing burial at sea for him.

Gail Yantis

Royal Caribbean’s Staff Are Pretty Handy At Fixing Things

On the Ovation, we were packing our last night and the wheel was about to fall off our suitcase, I found our room attendant about to leave for the evening and asked for any kind of tool for my husband to fix. He brought a small pack and got down on his knees with my husband and they fixed it! 

Cynthia Moss

My daughter’s glasses broke. They sent someone up from engineering to try and fix them.

Karen Downs

We traveled on the Independence of the Seas in 2017. I’d brought two pairs of flip flops with me. One windy day, one pair went flying off the side of the ship! We laughed about it – I had my other pair. The next day I tripped and the toe part of the shoe broke. I’d left them in my cabin in the evening and when we arrived back our cabin steward had fixed them and left a note saying “I hope you don’t mind me fixing your shoes!” I was speechless!

Helen Lawlor

If Ever A Mistake Is Made, They Certainly Make Up For It

We take our employees every March. Last March, Royal goofed (very rare!) and did not seat all 8 of us together upon entering the first night in the MDR. They seated hubby and I across the room. I nicely, yet firmly dealt with the guy at check-in at MDR. They gathered us up, walked us up to the next level. Sat us all together. The waiters were throwing Champagne bottles at us like it was nothing due to the mistake. They did this the next final two nights also! It was amazing! Of course, my husband tipped them well due to how they were treating us.

Autumn McClellan-Matthews

Royal Caribbean Bosses Take Care Of Their Staff Too

I’m a guest entertainer and got approval to bring my family with me on a Christmas cruise one year. I was just gonna have them stay with me in my entertainer’s stateroom. The hotel director gave us a stateroom upgrade. This was my families first time ever being on any ship. They cried as we sailed away from port.

Angel Machado

Have You Cruised With Royal Caribbean Yet?

Have you experienced the customer service Royal Caribbean is famous for, that made you say ‘wow’? Please share your experiences and leave a review in the comment section below!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this article including the many members of the Facebook group Royal Caribbean Moms at Sea.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

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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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Why OCEANVIEW Is My Favourite Cabin Type (Better Than A Balcony!)

by with No Comment Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise Tips

When it comes to choosing the perfect cruise cabin, many people jump straight to balconies. But after dozens of cruises in every type of room, I’ve discovered that Oceanview cabins are seriously underrated.

In fact, an oceanview cabin with a window is my top choice – and here’s exactly why…

Cruise Mummy in Ocean View cabin

1. Way Cheaper – Without Feeling Budget

Oceanview cabins give you natural light and a view of the sea, at a fraction of the cost of a balcony room.

That price difference can be hundreds of pounds, or more! This is evfen more apparent if you cruise on an older ship. Cruise ships that were built in the 1990s don’t have many balcony rooms at all, but they do have a lot of seaview cabins (with windows). On those ships, the balcony rooms are always a LOT more pricey.

When you compare the price to an inside cabin, it’s usually not that much different, making an ocean view well worth the upgrade in most cases.

Tip: Use the money you save to splurge on drinks packages, speciality dining or unforgettable excursions. You’ll get more cruise for your cash.

2. Having A Balcony Feels Like A Chore To Me

This many sound silly. But on the rare occasions I have a balcony room, I always remember how much extra I paid for the balcony, and I feel under pressure to get my money’s worth.

Cruise Mummy and her husband are seated on a cruise ship balcony, wrapped in blankets and wearing hooded jackets to stay warm. They are smiling and enjoying a cozy moment together, with the ocean visible in the background as the sun sets, casting a warm glow on their faces.

Let’s say I paid an extra £500 for the balcony. So each day I’ll think to myself: “I need to get 70 quids worth of balcony time in today, I’d better sit out there!”.

Even if I sit on the balcony for an hour per day (which I usually don’t manage), I’m annoyed that it just cost me £70.

If you cruise during colder weather, you might find that you never sit out on the balcony at all. In hot weather, it may be too hot to sit in the sun, or even to have the balcony doors open as that stops your air-conditioning from working.

Cruise Mummy on a windy balcony

3. Oceanview Cabins Are The Most Spacious

When you upgrade from an inside to an oceanview, you don’t just get a window, you usually get a lot of extra space too.

On some ships, like P&O Cruises Arvia and Iona, the oceanview rooms are BIGGER than the balcony rooms. That’s because the space that you would have for a balcony is actually inside the room, where you can make better use of it.

Sea view cabin on Iona

4. Oceanview Rooms Are The Best For Seasickness

I often like to book a ‘Guarantee’ cabin to save money. This means that you choose what type you would like e.g. inside/oceanview/balcony and you the cruise line choose your cabin number, based what’s left a few weeks before you depart.

Choose Royal Caribbean Room

This can be a gamble. Savvy cruisers will choose the best cabin numbers, leaving those who opted for the ‘Guarantee’ fare with some dodgy options.

However, because of the design of ships and not being able to have balconies close to the water, almost all oceanview cabins are on the lowest decks.

The Celebrity Apex cruise ship docked, with a red arrow pointing to Deck 3, set against a dramatic skyline and calm waters at dawn or dusk.

If you suffer from seasickness, a cabin on a low deck means that you’ll feel the motion of the ocean much less than you would if you were up at the top where the ship sways more. Since my daughter started suffering from seasickness, I like the reassurance of a cabin on a lower deck.

Suggested read: The Best Deck on a Cruise Ship (For Every Type of Cruiser)

Having a window to look out of can also help when you’re feeling queasy.

5. There’ Less Disturbance From Your Neighbours

If you and your neighbours both have your balcony doors open, you’ll likely be able to hear every word of their conversations. This isn’t a worry with an oceanview room as the windows don’t open.

Also, some people find that if their neighbour leaves their balcony light on, it can shine in through the curtains and disturb their sleep. Again, not a problem if nobody has a light.

Note asking neighbour to turn off the light.

6. Oceanview Rooms Have More Privacy

Cruise ship balconies aren’t private at all. And it’s not just the sound, in most cases people will be able to see you too – so nude sunbathing isn’t recommended!

On most ships, you can look up from a promenade deck or down from the sun deck on to people’s balconies. And in some cases, there’s even a walkway between the edge of the balcony and the sea!

My daughter looking at a balcony cabin on Iona

This isn’t a problem with an oceanview room. As long as your window looks out to sea, nobody will be able to see in. So you can relax with as little clothing as you like!

7. Balconies Aren’t Safe For Kids

Whatever the age of your kids, you should think twice before booking a balcony room.

You may think that it’s the toddlers that you need to watch, and yes, they are a concern. A toddler could climb on a chair or table and fall overboard in just a few seconds if you take your eyes off them.

However, the kids that sadly end up going over the railings most often are actually teenagers. No matter how often you tell your children about the dangers of balconies, there’s always the chance that they might not heed your advice and decide to do something silly like sitting on the rail or climbing across to another cabin.

Kids climbing on balconies on Carnival Mardi Gras

Suggested read: What Happens If You Jump Off A Cruise Ship?

Balconies do have locks, but they’re not always high enough to stop kids from opening them. So if you’re in the shower, you’ll always need another adult present to keep an eye on the kids.

My kids opening balcony door on a cruise

8. The Bed Configuration Is Often Better In An Oceanview

When you have three or four guests in a cabin, you’ll want to think about where the extra beds are – this can make a real difference to how comfortable you’ll feel in the room.

As inside cabins are the smallest, the third and fourth beds will be Pullman beds that come down from the ceiling. These will likely be above the main beds. And because you’ll need to use ladders, you may find that mum and dad have to sleep in single beds.

Inside cabin with single beds

Having a room that’s set up like two sets of bunk beds is okay, but it’s certainly not my favourite configuration.

As oceanview rooms are larger, other bed configurations me be possible. You may be able to have a double bed for the adults and then a seperate bunk bed for the kids – much better!

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Of course, cabins configurations do vary, so this isn’t always the case. Be sure to study the deck plan of your ship when choosing a cabin to see what details you can find about the beds. A good travel agent will also be able to help with this.

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

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8. I like To Check The Weather Before Getting Dressed

Sometimes, I’ll see people wearing shorts and vests on a cold day and I’ll think “You have an inside cabin, don’t you!” I’ve made that mistake planty of times myself!

In an inside cabin, you can check your cabin TV and your daily schedule to get an idea of the weather, but without windows, it can be tricky to know what to wear. I find that opening the curtains and seeing if its sunny or cloudy helps with the decision a lot!

Cruise Mummy getting dressed with ocean view cabin

So, now you know why oceanview rooms are so good. But, before you go ahead and book one, there are two things you should know…

What You Must Know Before Booking An Oceanview Room

The Windows Vary From Tiny To Huge

Oceanview, or seaview is a catchall name for cabins with a window. The window in question may be the size of a dinner plate, or you may have a whole wall of glass giving you panoramic views. You’ll need to study the deck plan to find out which you have.

Elegant Oceanview stateroom on the Norwegian Star, showcasing a comfortable bed with a blue bedspread, with porthole window providing natural light, and striking marine-inspired artwork on the walls.

Small windows are usually described as portholes, whereas larger ones are known as ‘picture windows‘. If your room is described as ‘Panoramic Ocean View’, you can expect floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Royal Caribbean Panoramic Suite

Not All Ships Have Oceanview Rooms

Most cruise ships have rooms with windows, but not all. P&O Cruises’ Britannia is one such example, featuring only interior and balcony cabins, with no traditional oceanview staterooms.

I am about to embark on a cruise on Britannia. Last time we sailed on this ship we opted for an inside cabin. But this time, we have treated ourselves to the next grade up which is an ‘obstructed view balcony’. There will be a lifeboat blocking the view, but it will still be nice to have a bigger cabin and some light into the room.

Not All Windows Have A View Of The Ocean!

Just because you have a window, don’t assume you’ll be able to see the sea!

On some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, there are oceanview rooms that look over the Boardwalk area in the centre of the ship. So rather than admiring the ocean, you may just find yourself watching people sitting outside of the pub – and they might be watching you too!

Interior window room on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Other ships, like some Disney ships, have ‘virtual portholes’. This isn’t a real window, but instead just a round TV screen. It’s hooked up to a camera outside, so you can see what the weather is like in real time. You may also see characters pop up at the window from time to time to say hello!

I’ve booked a cruise in one of these virtual porthole cabins this summer and I’m excited to show you what it’s like!

And finally, even if you do have a real window and it does point outwards, you might not see the sea! If you’ve booked an obstructed view cabin, you may have a lifeboat in front of the window that blocks your view completely.

A cozy stateroom on the Norwegian Dawn with an obstructed ocean view, featuring a large bed with colorful striped linens, maritime-themed pillows, and a porthole window partially obscured by lifeboat equipment.

You Can’t Open The Window

A common question from first-time cruisers is whether you can open the window in your cabin. The answer is always no.

If your room has a window rather than a balcony, that’s because it’s in a location that’s vulnerable to high waves or the wind. You may be on a low deck or right at the front of the ship. So for this reason, opening a window wouln’t be safe, and so they are all sealed shut.

Two children are seated on a window seat inside P&O Iona cabin, gazing out at the ocean through a large sea view window. The boy is dressed in a vest and trousers, while the girl wears a colorful dress and holds a stuffed animal. The cozy seating area is adorned with plush cushions, providing a comfortable spot to enjoy the scenic view.

How To Avoid Bad Cabins On Your Cruise

Choosing the wrong cabin can seriously affect your cruise – from sleepless nights to endless noise or no view at all.

That’s why I’ve put together this simple checklist to help you avoid the worst cabins on any ship.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, use this before you book to make sure you get a cabin you’ll love, not one you’ll regret!

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Cruise Mummy

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

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How To Get Cheap Cruises: An Insider Guide! (2024)

by with No Comment Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsMoney saving tips

Before I became a full-time blogger, I worked in the marketing department of a well-known specialist cruise travel agency for five years.

In that time, I sat at my desk and watched the price of cruises go up and down, and up again.

I’ve seen cruises priced at £13 per night and cruises that cost over £4,000 per night. I’ve spotted some incredible deals (and booked them), and I’ve also scratched my head at why some cruises are priced so much higher than others.

I like to cruise as often as I can, and to do that, I usually cruise as cheaply as possible.

Cruises aren’t expensive if you know how to find the cheap deals.

Jenni Fielding - cruise expert
Don’t be fooled, my sunglasses are from Primark

How I Afford to Cruise So Often…

I’ll be honest with you. I don’t spend a lot of money on cruises. In fact, the total I spend on multiple cruises for our family of four each year is less than most people spend on leasing a car.

You could also raise the money for up to five family cruises per year by quitting smoking, making a packed lunch each day for work or getting a better deal on your household bills. As long as you know how to find good value cruises, that is!

So, read on to find out how to go on a cruise for cheap, including where to find discount cruises…

Cheap Caribbean cruise

Cruising Is Such Good Value!

Cruises offer the best value for money of all holidays. Why? Because so much is included!

When booking any kind of holiday, it’s important not to think about the ticket price, but to think about the total price, after you’ve paid for absolutely everything.

Trust me, I went to Center Parcs last year to see how it compared to a cruise and a cruise is so much cheaper when you factor everything in! You can read about experiment here.

All cruises include:

  • Accommodation on the ship
  • Food in the main dining room, buffet and snack bars
  • Drinks – water, tea, coffee, milk, squash
  • Entertainment
  • Activities
  • Gym, pools and hot tubs

You usually have to pay extra for:

  • Drinks (drinks packages are available)
  • Dining in speciality restaurants
  • Spa services
  • Casino
  • Tips/gratuities (these are included by some cruise lines)

Of course, any extras are optional. I usually don’t bother dining in speciality restaurants and I like to take my own drinks on board when I can.

Don’t Forget to Factor in Gratuities

Tips for cruise staff members (also known as gratuities) are an important cost that you’ll need to factor in.

Gratuities are charged per person, per day and added on to your bill for you to pay at the end of your cruise. The fees vary depending on the cruise line but are often around $16-18 per person, per day. When you add those on, a seven-night cruise for a family of four can cost an extra $450, or more.

However, not all cruise lines charge extra for gratuities. Some include gratuities in the ticket price of your cruise.

Cruise lines which don’t charge extra for gratuities (for UK guests) are:

  • Marella Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises buffet staff

How To Find Cheap Cruises

The first step to finding a cheap cruise is to choose your cruise line wisely.

Some cruise lines offer much cheaper cruises than others. Whilst there may be some differences in the level of service on-board or the quality of the food and entertainment, there are no bad cruise ships in the way that there are bad hotels and resorts.

Whichever cruise ship you choose, it will be spotlessly clean, the staff will look after you and you’ll have a great choice of quality food and entertainment.

The Best Cheap Cruise Lines

Costa cruise with Peppa Pig

Here are the cheapest cruise lines in price order (low to high):

  • MSC Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • P&O Cruises

Are you surprised by that list? I wouldn’t expect so – MSC and Costa are well known as being good cruise lines for cheap sailings, and P&O Cruises offers great value too.

However, it’s important to note that this is based on the lead-in price. Once you add on taxes, fees and gratuities, the actual cost of your cruise could be twice as much with some cruise lines. So it’s important to consider exactly what’s included in your cruise.

You also need to consider transport. MSC may offer some cheap Caribbean cruises but a lot of their cheapest cruises will be one-way Europe cruises, so you’d need flights. Same with Costa – it’s not just about how to get a cheap cruise but also how to get cheap flights too, sometimes.

Read more: The 7 Cheapest Cruise Lines (In Order)

The Best Cheap Cruise Ships

MSC Cruises
MSC Preziosa

You’ll find some large price differences between different ships in each fleet. Cruising on a newer cruise ship will cost more than a cruise on an older ship.

Why? Well, newer cruise ships are larger with more facilities on-board. People get excited about new ships and don’t mind paying more, especially for the maiden voyages.

Are new cruise ships better? Not always. Cruise ships are thoroughly refurbished every three years, so even on the oldest ships you’ll never find peeling paint or shabby furnishings.

Royal Caribbean charges around $1 more per drink on the newest ships, which doesn’t sound a lot but it can add up. Royal Caribbean drinks packages cost more on the newer ships too.

Rather than looking for the biggest, newest ships, don’t rule out some older ships which will be as good as new once you get on board.

The Best Cheap Cruise Cabins

cheap inside cabin on a cruise
An inside cabin on P&O Britannia

The cheapest cabins are inside cabins with no windows. I almost always choose an inside cabin when I cruise. The only reason I would choose a cabin with a balcony is if I were cruising to a scenic destination like the Norwegian Fjords or Alaska.

Or, if the balcony price wasn’t too dissimilar to the price of the inside cabin.

Other reasons why people pay extra for a balcony include claustrophobia or having a baby who will only take naps in a bed.

Sometimes, you’ll find cruise promotions offering free or cheap upgrades to balcony cabins. However, these are usually only on cold-weather cruises where you wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time on your balcony anyway.

The cheapest inside cabins are called ‘guarantee cabins’. This means that the cruise line chooses your stateroom number for you, and you’re guaranteed a cabin of that type, or better. If you want to, you can pay extra to choose your own cabin number, but in my opinion, this is rarely worth it.

The Best Cheap Cruise Destinations

fly cruise
Avoid flying if you can

The cheapest cruise destination for you will usually be not too far from home. If you can drive to the cruise port rather than flying, you’ll save hundreds straight away as you won’t need to pay for a flight or pre-cruise hotel.

If you live in the UK, choose a cruise that departs from a UK port. Southampton is the most popular cruise port in the UK and it handles over 90% of UK departures.

If you live in the US, you’ll find that most cruises depart from the various cruise ports in Florida, although you can also embark in Texas, New York, Louisiana, Alaska, Washington, California and Massachusetts, amongst others.

Be sure to look up your nearest port and see which ships sail from there to see if you can save on airfare.

The Cheapest Time Of Year To Cruise

cheapest time of year to cruise
On a ship in the UK in February

Certain months are much cheaper than others and this depends very much on the destination and the weather that you can expect at that time of year.

The cheapest time to cruise in Europe and the Mediterranean is December and January (but not Christmas and New Year). This is mainly because the weather is cold.

The cheapest time to cruise in the Caribbean is August, September and October. This is because of hurricane season and the risk that cruises may miss ports or be cancelled altogether due to bad weather.

If your cruise is cancelled due to a hurricane you’ll get about two days’ notice, so hopefully, you won’t have taken your flight, but you’ll probably have packed your bags!

The most expensive time to cruise is always Christmas and New Year when prices will skyrocket to double or triple the normal price. The UK school summer holidays can be pretty expensive too.

Read more: What Is The Cheapest Month To Go On A Cruise?

The Best Cheap Family Cruises

cheap family cruise
This cruise cost us £35 per person, per night

When you’re cruising as a family, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the child prices.

Sometimes, kids cruise free and sometimes you’ll be charged the full adult fare for each child. Choosing a cruise where kids go free for a family of four will save you up to 50% on your total cruise price straight away.

Here’s how much each cruise line charges for kids:

  • Carnival – Full adult price
  • Celebrity Cruises – Full adult price
  • Costa Cruises – Children under 18 pay only port fees and service fees (approx £150 per week)
  • Cunard – Full adult price
  • Disney Cruise Line – Full adult price
  • MSC Cruises – Children under 18 cruise FREE when booking in the USA and from £119 when booking in the UK
  • Norwegian Cruise Line – Full adult price except when the Free At Sea promotion is on when kids cruise free
  • P&O Cruises – Full adult price in the school holidays and £99 per week in term-time
  • Princess Cruises – Full adult price but look out for £99 kids offers
  • Royal Caribbean – Full adult price except when the Kids Sail Free promotion is on

Cruise prices for babies vary hugely, depending on the cruise line.

MSC Cruises and Cunard do not charge for children under two years of age. Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises and Disney Cruise Line charge a reduced fare for babies. Most other cruise lines charge the full adult price unless there’s a special promotion on at the time of booking.

Suggested read: How to Find Bargain School Holidays Cruises with P&O Cruises

Where To Find Cheap Cruise Deals

Now you know which cruise lines offer the cheapest cruises (Costa, MSC, P&O) as well as which ships to choose (older ones), cabins (inside), destinations (no-fly) and the cheapest time of year to cruise (term-time when it’s not sunny).

The next step is to know where to look for the cheapest deals. My one secret to finding cheap cruise deals is…

Don’t go looking for deals, let the deals come to you!

Why? Well, let’s imagine you own a cruise line for a moment… Most of the time you’ll want to sell cruises with as much profit margin as possible, right?

Most of the time, you can rely on a steady income of high-profit sales. People search for your website, find what they want and book it.

However, that strategy doesn’t work when:

a) It’s getting closer to the sailing date but your ships are still half-empty

b) You’ve just released six months’ worths of new itineraries so your ships are completely empty

In these cases, cruise lines will reduce prices and add on free extras to encourage people to BOOK NOW. When they do this, they’re no longer going for a high-profit margin – they’re going for volume of sales.

Now, imagine you work in the marketing department of the cruise line. The prices have dropped and it’s your job to sell as many cruises are possible. How do you get the biggest volume of sales?

You could reach out to contact as many potential customers as possible and tell them about the great deals. Or, even better, you get travel agents to do it for you.

The cheapest ways for travel agents to get cruise deals in front of the biggest audiences possible are email marketing, SMS (text messages) and social media. And this is exactly where they head when they have cheap cruise deals to push.

How do customers find these cheapest cruise deals?

  1. Follow cruise travel agents on Facebook and Twitter (and turn on notifications)
  2. Sign up to receive email marketing from cruise travel agents (do this on their website)
  3. Opt in to receive deals by text message

Every Thursday, I send an email with the best cruise deals I’ve found that week.

You can sign up here, and I’ll send it to you too.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

I’m ALWAYS looking for cruise bargains! These are the best deals I found this week…

Then, you’ve got to be patient. You must accept that you might not book your cruise today, or next week. But, when that perfect cheap cruise deal comes up, you’ll be ready to pounce.

And you do need to act fast! Wait longer than 24 hours and there’s a good chance that the cheapest cabins will sell out and you’ll be left paying an extra £300 for a cabin with a window (eye roll).

how to book a cheap cruise

Are Cruises Cheaper Through a Travel Agent?

Cruises should always be cheaper through a travel agent. If they’re not, then you need to find yourself a new travel agent!

Most cruise travel agents make money in two ways:

  1. They receive a % commission on every cruise they sell
  2. If they reach monthly, quarterly or yearly sales targets, they get bonuses

The bonuses that travel agents receive for hitting their targets can be huge. So when a sales target deadline is coming up, travel agents may be willing to sell cruises at cost price or even at a loss to earn their big bonus payment.

What’s more, some cruise travel agents use a specific business model whereby they buy up thousands of cabins in bulk for a cheap rate. Once the travel agent owns those cabins, they have to sell them. Even if they make a small loss on some of the cabins, it’s better than the loss that would be made if the cabins remained unsold.

As well as getting the best price on your cruise, there are other advantages to booking your cruise with a travel agent rather than directly with the cruise line. If you’re booking flights and hotels too, a travel agent can get you the best package price, sort everything out for you and take charge if anything goes wrong.

These are the travel agents I have used myself and recommend.

When To Book Your Cruise For The Best Price

The best time to book a cruise is either:

  • When the sailing is first available to book – 18 to 24 months before departure
  • Last minute – around 6 to 12 weeks before departure

These are the times when cruise lines will be aiming for a large volume of sales with a lower profit margin.

Read more: These Are The Best Times Of Year For Cruise Discounts

Do Cruises Get Cheaper Closer to the Sailing Date?

It’s a myth that cruises get cheaper closer to the sailing date. In fact, cruise prices are cheapest when they first go on sale, which is 18 to 24 months before the departure date.

Only if the cruise doesn’t sell out will there be a price drop. This will happen 6 to 12 weeks before departure.

The following graph demonstrates what often happens to cruise prices over time. The red circles are the cheap prices that you want to book!

Graph of cruise prices over time

Should You Hold out for a Last-Minute Cruise Deal?

If you want a cabin for two people and aren’t fussy about where you go, when you go or on which ship, then you can definitely save money by booking your cruise 6 to 12 weeks before departure. Prices are likely to drop at this time because balance payments are due and some passengers drop out.

You can book right up until a few days before the departure date, but I wouldn’t recommend waiting that long on purpose!

If you want a family cabin for three or four passengers, then the sad truth is that you are very unlikely to find a cheap last-minute deal.

Cabins with extra beds are always in short supply. I once went to book a cruise the day after it went on sale (almost two years before departure) and all the inside four-berth cabins were already gone!

Read more: 5 reasons families on a budget should book their cruise ASAP

Are Cruises Cheaper in ‘Wave Season’?

In the cruise industry, the period from right after Christmas, through to February is known as ‘wave season’ because cruise lines see a big ‘wave’ of bookings around January.

The reason for this wave is that Christmas is out of the way and people start to think about what they want to do in the coming year. Thoughts naturally turn to travel and marketers cash in on this by offering incentives to get people to book cruises.

Is January a good time to book a cruise? Possibly. There are some good deals. But there are also some mediocre deals that are disguised as good deals. Just keep your wits about you and don’t jump to book just because you saw a ‘January Sale’ banner.

How To Book A Cheap Cruise

If you’ve read this far, you should now know some of the tips about how to cruise for cheap. Let’s have a quick recap…

  1. Choose a cheap cruise line – the cheapest ones are Costa, MSC, P&O Cruises and Carnival
  2. Choose a cheaper ship – an older, smaller one
  3. Opt for a guaranteed inside cabin
  4. Depart from your nearest port
  5. Go in term-time or when the weather isn’t perfect
  6. Don’t pay full price for kids – Choose Costa and MSC Cruises at any time or NCL, P&O and Royal Caribbean if there’s a kids sail free offer on
  7. Look out for emails and Facebook offers from cruise travel agents
  8. Book early (or late for only two people if you’re flexible)

Now, if you haven’t already, make sure you get my weekly email where I send you the best cruise deals, including those I’m booking myself!

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

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

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Surge in Young Cruise Passengers Drives Demand for Quieter Voyages

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

As the cruise industry sets sail toward its busiest year yet, a surprising trend is emerging from the social media waves: more travellers are now seeking serenity over socialising, and peace over parties.

Cranival singles cruise

Cruise travel insurance provider Avanti has responded to this growing appetite for tranquillity with the launch of its new “Quiet Cruise Guide”, backed by 25-year maritime veteran and cruise expert Mark Barton.

The guide aims to help holidaymakers avoid the rowdiest crowds and discover alternative routes for a more relaxing cruise experience.

With major cruise lines reporting record-breaking passenger volumes – Royal Caribbean alone welcomed 8.6 million passengers in 2024 – the trend is clear.

But while young travellers fuel much of the boom, not everyone is onboard with the onboard energy.

Younger crowds, louder cruises?

According to Avanti’s social media analysis, over 16% of Instagram posts from popular cruise-related hashtags now highlight the desire for calmer, alternative experiences.

Meanwhile, posts showcasing mainstream or party cruises can average more than 8,000 likes each.

“As cruise holidays attract more young people, videos of wild pool parties and packed bars are going viral,

“It’s no surprise that many seasoned travellers are looking for a quieter way to sail.”

Mark Barton

That’s where the Quiet Cruise Guide comes in, offering expert-backed advice for booking a peaceful voyage, plus a range of alternative destinations dubbed “quiet cruise dupes” that offer the beauty and charm of popular ports – without the chaos.

Alternative destinations for quieter getaways

Sea of Cortez & Baja Peninsula instead of the Caribbean
Teeming with marine life and framed by desert landscapes, this Mexican gem is ideal for cruisers seeking natural beauty without the Caribbean bustle.

Barton recommends the region for its vibrant markets, national parks, and mouth-watering local cuisine like ceviche and fish tacos.

Vietnam & the Philippines instead of Japan & China
For cultural richness and scenic tranquillity, Southeast Asia offers an escape from the tourist-heavy ports of East Asia.

Spring is perfect for exploring temples, snorkelling in turquoise bays, and enjoying warm sunshine in peaceful destinations like Ko Samui.

French Polynesia instead of Hawaii
With its turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows, French Polynesia offers everything Hawaii does – minus the crowds. Barton notes destinations like Bora Bora and Tahiti are rising stars in quiet-themed cruise content, making them ideal for a serene island-hopping holiday.

Alongside destination advice, Barton shares two golden rules for booking a calmer cruise experience:

Choose river cruises for a more intimate experience

“River cruises tend to attract fewer families and avoid the massive crowds of sea cruises,” says Barton. Top picks include the Nile, Danube, Rhône, and Mekong, offering rich cultural experiences and scenic journeys through ancient cities and lush landscapes.

Avoid inaugural seasons

    Brand-new ships draw huge crowds eager to see the latest in cruise innovation. Barton suggests steering clear of maiden voyages:

    “People love the smell of fresh paint – but that also means packed decks and sold-out experiences. Older ships offer a more relaxed pace without sacrificing quality.”

      As cruise holidays evolve, the desire for peaceful escapes is growing louder.

      Whether you’re exploring the secluded coves of Baja, floating past temples on the Mekong, or sipping cocktails under the stars in French Polynesia, quiet cruising is the next big wave – and thanks to Avanti’s Quiet Cruise Guide, it’s never been easier to set sail in peace.

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      Cruise Mummy

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

      Read more about me

      New ships Norwegian Aqua, MSC World America, Disney Destiny, Seven Seas Prestige

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Excitement Builds As 4 New Cruise Ships Reach Important Milestones

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

The world of cruises is abuzz in this past week as four major new cruise ships all reached significant milestones in their journey.

New ships Norwegian Aqua, MSC World America, Disney Destiny, Seven Seas Prestige

Each of the ships is sailing for a completely different cruise line and offering a wholly different experience, and they’re all at different stages of their construction journey.

One is set to launch imminently, one has hit water for the first time, and one has just had the keel laid – but excitement is almost equal for all three!

Norwegian Aqua welcomes invited guests ahead of inaugural season

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, has been offering exclusive previews to over 2,000 invited guests ahead of her christening ceremony.

Norwegian Aqua

Following the official handover on 13th March 2025, the 156,300 gross-ton ship has been cruising through the Mediterranean before making stops in Lisbon, Portugal, on 21st March 2025, to welcome travel partners, media, and industry insiders.

Set to debut officially on 16th April 2025, Norwegian Aqua will embark on her first official voyage, a 7-night Caribbean cruise from PortMiami.

The ship boasts several industry-first attractions, including the Glow Court digital sports complex and the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster combination.

Additionally, Norwegian Aqua offers 17 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, including the first Thai specialty restaurant for the cruise line, Sukhothai.

After her inaugural season, Norwegian Aqua will sail to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda from various ports, including Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York.

With her innovative design and exciting features, Norwegian Aqua is poised to offer a new level of cruising excitement.

MSC Cruises celebrates the delivery of MSC World America

On 27th March 2025, MSC Cruises marked a major milestone with the handover of its largest vessel yet, the MSC World America, from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France.

MSC World America

This 215,863-gross-ton ship will soon embark on her maiden voyage, offering passengers a host of new dining, entertainment, and activity options.

During the handover ceremony, key figures from MSC Cruises, including Captain Gianluigi Aponte and Pierfrancesco Vago, joined Laurent Castaing, General Manager of the shipyard, in celebrating this achievement.

MSC World America stands out not only for her size but also for her eco-friendly features, such as advanced shore power connectivity and an efficient wastewater treatment system.

Designed with sustainability in mind, she holds one of the best energy efficiency ratings according to the International Maritime Organization.

The ship’s first official journey will be a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, departing from PortMiami on 12th April 2025, following a glamorous christening ceremony with her godmother, Drew Barrymore.

MSC World America will offer alternating 7-night sailings in the Caribbean, with a focus on destinations like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.

Disney Destiny reaches key milestone as she touches water for the first time

Over in Germany, Disney Cruise Line is preparing for the debut of the Disney Destiny, with the ship now one step closer to completion.

Disney Destiny

The latest milestone occurred on 24th March 2025, when the 144,000-gross-ton ship underwent a “float up” process at Meyer Werft shipyard.

Unlike the typical “float out,” where ships are moved into open water, the “float up” involved filling the dry dock with water to lift the ship, preparing her for further construction and testing.

As construction continues, the focus will shift to the ship’s interior, which promises to be just as magical as Disney’s other vessels.

The staterooms will feature designs inspired by Disney heroes like Hercules, Mulan, and The Incredibles.

Disney Destiny is expected to embark on her maiden voyage on 24th November 2025, offering a 4-night Bahamas sailing from Port Everglades, Florida, and calling at Disney’s private islands.

Seven Seas Prestige begins her journey with a keel laying ceremony

Lastly, Regent Seven Seas Cruises celebrated the keel laying of its upcoming ultra-luxury vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, on 27th March 2025.

Seven Seas Prestige Keel Ceremony

This significant event was marked by the placement of three coins in the ship’s keel, a traditional maritime gesture for good luck.

The Seven Seas Prestige will be the first of two new ships in the Prestige-class and will accommodate just 850 guests, offering one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry.

Set to debut in 2026, the ship will introduce new suite categories and enhanced dining venues, setting a new standard for luxury cruising. Seven Seas Prestige will be followed by her sister ship in 2029.

As these four ships near their respective debuts, the cruise industry is eagerly anticipating the experiences they will offer.

Whether it’s Norwegian Aqua’s thrilling new features, MSC World America’s green innovations, Disney Destiny’s whimsical interiors, or Seven Seas Prestige’s ultra-luxury amenities, these vessels are poised to shape the future of cruising.

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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.

Read more about me

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Entire Season Of Cruises Cancelled For Popular Ship As Cruise Line Abandons Port

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Many cruise guests who thought they had secured a great advance deal on their upcoming getaways have been disappointed after one of the world’s bigger cruise lines announced sweeping cancellations.

Majestic Princess

Princess Cruises has announced 15 cancelled cruises for its Royal-class ship Majestic Princess between November 2026 and March 2027.

“Princess Cruises has made the difficult decision to cancel all sailings aboard Majestic Princess from Galveston scheduled between November 2026 and March 2027,

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our guests and appreciate their understanding as we work to enhance our global offerings.”

Princess Cruises statement

Guests affected by the cancellations will receive full refunds, and the line is assisting with alternative cruise options.

However, some passengers expressed concern that rebooking may come at a higher cost than their original reservations.

Texas off the map for Princess – for now

The cancellation marks a shift from Princess Cruises’ recent efforts to strengthen its partnership with the Port of Galveston.

In November 2023, the line made headlines by homeporting the 3,560-guest Regal Princess in Texas and praised the region’s strong cruise market.

At the time, Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer for Princess Cruises, had noted, “Princess loves Texas, and we know Texas enjoys the convenience of having the Love Boat so close by.”

Despite this enthusiasm, the cruise line’s decision now means no Princess ship is scheduled to sail from Texas beyond March 2026, when Regal Princess concludes her currently planned voyages.

The withdrawal of Majestic Princess from Galveston appears to be part of a larger realignment of the cruise line’s global deployment, with unconfirmed reports from passengers suggesting other long-haul voyages are being cancelled.

One guest shared that their 32-day Island Princess cruise from Los Angeles to the South Pacific and Hawaii in September 2026 was also scrapped. Another noted the cancellation of a Southeast Asia cruise scheduled for the same period.

These changes suggest Princess Cruises may be repositioning multiple ships to accommodate a new strategy, although no official replacements or new itineraries have yet been announced.

While the loss of Majestic Princess may sting for fans of the line, the Port of Galveston remains one of the busiest cruise hubs in the U.S., and passengers still have plenty of options.

In 2024, the port welcomed over 380 cruise ship calls and 3.4 million passengers, setting new records for cruise traffic.

It serves as a homeport for several major lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

What’s next for Princess?

Princess Cruises has hinted that a new deployment announcement is on the horizon, which could reveal where Majestic Princess and potentially other vessels are heading next.

For now, affected guests are encouraged to contact Princess Cruises for assistance with rebooking and refunds.

Travellers eyeing future voyages should also keep a close watch for upcoming deployment news, as more reshuffles may be on the way.

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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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Study Settles The Debate On The Most Cultured Cruise Destination In Europe

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Cruise passengers seeking a dose of culture with their ocean views now have a definitive list of where to go, thanks to a new study by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

Cultured cruise destinations Europe Fred Olsen

The cruise operator analysed 46 of Europe’s most popular ports to identify the continent’s most culturally rich cruise destinations — and Rome (via Civitavecchia) has topped the list.

The rankings were based on a wide range of cultural indicators, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, Michelin-recognised restaurants, TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awards, and the presence of historic landmarks and museums.

The result is a comprehensive guide to Europe’s must-visit cultural cruise ports.

Top 5 most cultured destinations in Europe

  1. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
  2. Barcelona, Spain
  3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
  4. Lisbon, Portugal
  5. Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Dubbed The Eternal City, Rome was rated the number one destination for cultural cruising thanks to its centuries of history, iconic architecture, and world-class museums.

While the city itself only counts as one UNESCO World Heritage Site, it covers an expansive area and includes landmark sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City.

Cruisers calling at Civitavecchia – the gateway port to Rome – often benefit from overnight stays, giving ample time to explore the Italian capital’s cultural riches.

Not only did Rome take the top spot, but Italy emerged as the country with the most cultured cruise ports. Ten Italian ports were featured in the rankings, including Naples, Venice, Genoa, and Cagliari – underscoring the country’s rich cultural offering for cruise guests.

Spain followed closely with nine destinations in the rankings, including Las Palmas and Valencia. Portugal, the Netherlands, and Greece rounded out the top five most culturally rich cruise countries.

In terms of the ports, second on the list is Barcelona, famed for its nine UNESCO sites – more than any other destination in the study – including seven designed by Antoni Gaudí.

The Spanish city also boasts a top-tier culinary scene, with one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred and recognised restaurants across Europe.

In third place, Amsterdam leads the way for both attractions and food.

The Dutch capital has the highest number of TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ awards and an impressive 83 Michelin-recognised restaurants, including 31 with stars.

Visitors can dive into cultural landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum – home to the world’s largest Van Gogh collection.

How the study was put together

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines used a normalised scoring system to assess 46 of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations. Each port was ranked based on:

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • European Capital of Culture designations
  • TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice and Best of the Best awards
  • Number of highly rated attractions
  • Michelin-starred and Michelin-recognised restaurants

The study offers valuable insights for cruise guests who seek more than sun and sea, helping them choose ports that offer immersive cultural experiences – whether they’re exploring ancient ruins, indulging in fine dining, or discovering art and architecture.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Fred. Olsen offers…

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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.

Read more about me

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New Study Highlights Rise In Solo Travel

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

The number of people choosing to see the world on their own terms is soaring, with searches for “solo travel tips” increasing by a staggering 5,043% over the past year.

A woman in a bright pink polka dot dress stands at the railing of a Carnival Cruise ship, gazing out at the expansive ocean under a clear blue sky. Her long blonde hair is held back by red sunglasses, and the serene scene captures the tranquility of a solo cruise experience.

And with more than 6,000 articles published on the trend in the same period, it’s clear that solo adventures have become more than just a travel niche – they’re a global movement.

A recent survey by Solo Traveler World found that 66% of solo travellers say they simply didn’t want to wait for others to explore the world.

Another 57% cited the freedom to do what they want, when they want, as the main driver for hitting the road solo.

With over a third prioritising destinations offering adventure activities and 41% choosing places for their landmarks or natural wonders, solo travellers are a varied and curious bunch.

But while the benefits are many, travelling alone also comes with unique challenges – especially when things go wrong.

So Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert at Confused.com, has shared some top tips for solo travellers and how to make sure they get the best insurance possible:

1. Medical coverage

Falling ill abroad is never ideal, but doing so while alone can be daunting. Alvaro explains:

“Having access to quality medical care is essential when you’re travelling solo. A comprehensive travel insurance plan should cover emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor consultations, prescription medication, and even medical evacuation if required.

“This means you’ll get the necessary treatment without the financial burden of unexpected healthcare costs abroad.”

2. Trip cancellations or interruptions

Plans change – and for solo travellers, disruptions can feel even more overwhelming.

“If illness, a family emergency or even a weather event means you have to cancel or cut your trip short, insurance can help you reclaim non-refundable costs like flights, hotels, and tours.

“That extra layer of reassurance is especially valuable when you’re managing everything solo,”

3. Theft and loss protection

Visiting bustling markets or iconic sites is a major part of the solo experience, but these places are also hotspots for pickpocketing.

“Solo travellers are solely responsible for their belongings, making them easy targets,

“Good travel insurance will cover loss or theft of passports, electronics, and luggage, and even offer emergency cash if you lose access to your funds.”

4. Adventure activity cover

Whether it’s surfing, diving, or hiking volcanoes, many solo travellers plan their trips around adrenaline-pumping activities. But not all standard policies cover them.

“If your trip includes skiing, bungee jumping, or scuba diving, make sure your insurance includes adventure activity coverage. Some policies include these as standard, but it’s always worth checking so you’re not left unprotected,”

Solo cruising – the best way to travel alone?

Solo cruising is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to explore the world on their own terms.

With more cruise lines offering solo cabin options and dedicated spaces for solo travellers, it’s easier than ever to enjoy a cruise without the hassle of high supplement fees.

In fact, many cruise lines are recognising the demand for solo travel and are introducing features specifically designed for solo cruisers, such as solo lounges, single-occupancy cabins, and activities tailored for those travelling alone.

Solo cruises can be incredibly safe, thanks to the numerous amenities and onboard security measures cruise lines implement.

Many solo cruisers feel more comfortable on ships, knowing they’re surrounded by a supportive crew and fellow passengers, offering a sense of community.

Additionally, cruise ships provide a structured environment that can make solo travellers feel secure while still offering freedom and flexibility to explore destinations independently.

However, it’s important to watch out for certain pitfalls.

If you’re not booking a dedicated solo cabin, you could end up paying hefty solo supplements, which are extra fees charged to solo travellers staying in a cabin designed for two. These charges can significantly increase the overall cost of the trip.

Additionally, it’s crucial to secure cruise-specific insurance when travelling solo. Regular travel insurance may not cover all the unique aspects of cruising, such as trip interruption due to ship-specific delays or medical coverage on board.

Make sure to choose a policy that covers both the cruise itself and the activities you plan to do on your voyage.

In short, solo cruising offers a fantastic way to experience the world, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people, relax, and enjoy your own company, all while cruising in safety and comfort.

Just make sure to plan ahead and book the right accommodations and insurance to make your solo adventure as smooth as possible.

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Cruise Mummy

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

Read more about me

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15 Reasons Marella Cruises Are Great For Kids

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsMarella

Cruising with kids can be a dream or a disaster — but with Marella Cruises, it’s definitely the first one!

From splash pools to kids’ clubs, rock climbing walls to family discos, they’ve got everything to keep little cruisers happy while giving parents a well-earned break.

Marella cruises with kids

Whether you’re sailing with toddlers, tweens or teens, Marella makes family holidays stress-free and seriously fun.

Here are what my kids and I love about Marella’s family offering…

1. M Club

The M Club is a place where you can drop off your 3- to 11-year-olds and they’ll enjoy fun activities in the care of qualified childcare professionals.

There are a few things that set Marella’s kids club apart from some of the others.

Firstly, let’s talk about the age groupings. Usually, cruise ships are super strict about which kids can go in each group, based on their age. This means that my 7-year-old and my 10-year-old are used to being split up. But of course, most kids will want to stay with their siblings, right?

M Club

On a Marella cruise, there are sessions where all ages can play together.

Some sessions are split by age (3-7 and 8-11). But they said that if our older child wants to join the younger group to be with her brother, then that’s not a problem.

Unlike on other cruises we’ve been on, the kids club doesn’t just stay in the one room. They go to other venues like the theatre or the nightclub (before it opens for adults) to enjoy certain activities.

Marella Funfair

The fun continues until 9.30pm. While our kids were expecting to just watch a movie in the evening, they were pleased to discover the fun and games continued all evening on most days.

2. The Hideout

12- to 17-year-olds have access to their own venue – The Hideout. Located well away from the kids’ club, teens can pop in here whenever they like.

Mar

There are organised activities at certain times, like arts and crafts or sports tournaments. Outside of these times, they can just chill out and use the facilities.

On Marella Explorer (the ship we sailed on), those included air hockey and table football tables. They’re free to play, so won’t have to worry about running up a bill for credits!

3. Mini M Club

Under-threes can attend Mini M Club with their parents. This is a dedicated room for babies with toys for them. At certain times of the day there will be activities, like Bubble Play Time.

cruise with a baby

Yes, this is listed as being for the babies, but really, it’s the perfect spot for mums and dads to meet and have a chat too.

4. Kids Pools

Of course, kids are welcome in the main pools, but some ships also have dedicated kids pools which are perfect for those who can’t swim yet or who want to splash around without worrying about splashing the adults.

On Marella Explorer, the kids pool even has a small slide. It’s under cover too, to keep little ones out of the hot sun.

Marella Explorer splash pool

5. Rock Climbing Walls

If you cruise on Marella Discovery or Marella Discovery 2, then your family can enjoy the rock climbing walls. Kids need to be six or over to take part.

Marella Discovery 2 climbing wall

These ships used to belong to Royal Caribbean, and when they were launched, rock climbing walls were the big new things. I love that Marella has kept them since acquiring the ships.

6. Mini Golf

Each Marella ship comes with its own mini golf course, which is the perfect family activity for kids of all ages. There’s no need to book or sign out the equipment, you can just turn up and play whenever the mood takes you.

Playhing golf on Marella cruise

7. Gamer Zone

The Gamer Zone is a special room on the ship with Xboxes that are available for use. You just borrow a controller from guest services and you can spend as long as you like playing all kinds of games.

Marella Gamer Zone

Unlike on other ships where the games consoles are inside the kids club or teen club, on Marella cruises, families can all play together. This is great for families with younger kids too.

The Gamer Zone is particularly popular with teenagers, where it’s the go-to area to hang out after dinner. Because they can just turn up with a controller, they can play alone or with new friends on any machine.

Marella Cruises gamer zone

Because, like all of these activities, the Gamer Zone is free of charge, it will save you a fortune compared to ships that have a pay-to-play arcade!

8. Cinema

Each Marella cruise ship has a cinema onboard. On some ships this is inside and on others it’s outside. There’s a variety of movies each day, many of which are suitable for families and you should have no problem getting a seat.

Marella cinema

9. Sports Court

If you cruise on Marella Explorer, your kids can enjoy the sports court which is suitable for football and basketball.

football pitch on Marella cruise ship

On our most recent cruise, the sports court was constantly busy with children playing football. My son played football for five hours one day because he enjoyed the fun atmosphere with his new friends so much!

There’s also a table tennis table that you can use – just borrow the bats and balls from guest services.

Marella table tennis

10. Children’s Menus

Marella Cruises does a fantastic job of catering for children when it comes to mealtimes. In each restaurant there’s a kids menu with a variety of options to choose from, including plenty for vegetarians. If children would like a smaller portion of anything on the adult’s menu, that can be arranged too.

Marella Cruises kids menu

The buffet is also excellent with so many choices. Picky eaters will love the ‘Kids’ Corner’ which always has favourites like burgers, chips and pasta.

Adam eating pizza on a Marella cruise

At the snack shack, kids can enjoy quick service options like hot dogs, fries, sandwiches and fruit pots.

Most ships also have an included Italian restaurant which is perfect for pizza and pasta lovers.

Read more: Marella Cruises Dining Options Explained

Adam eating ice cream by the pool on a Marella cruise

11. All-Inclusive Drinks

Who says that all-inclusive drinks are just for adults? On a Marella cruise, everyone gets drinks included, kids too. This means that parents don’t have to consider the cost when thirsty kids are constantly wanting refreshments.

Adam drinking a drink from a red plastic cup on a Marella cruise

There are so many drinks to choose from with fruit juices, fizzy drinks and mocktails. It was on a Marella cruise that my daughter developed her obsession with Shirley Temple mocktails!

Kids drinks are always served in red plastic cups so there’s no chance that they could pick up an adults drink by mistake thinking that it’s theirs. I love this idea and wish that more cruise lines would consider doing it.

Read more: Marella Drinks Package Guide

12. Reasonable Wifi Costs

Cruise ship wifi can sometimes be ridiculously expensive. But on Marella Cruises, the wifi packages are a fraction of the price, which is very helpful for parents traveling with teenagers who might want to stay connected.

Marella wifi prices

With affordable internet access, teens can message their friends, stream content, or check social media without racking up huge costs. This means fewer complaints about boredom and more time for parents to relax, knowing their kids are happy.

Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Marella Cruises’ WiFi

13. Accommodation Options

Family accommodation options with Marella offer comfortable, spacious cabins so that you aren’t always getting under each other’s feet, particularly in those mornings when everyone wants to get ready.

Marella Explorer cabin

Several cabin types have space for three or four people, with either a double or twin bed configuration and then a sofa bed or fold-down bed.

But bigger families needn’t worry – there are Family Cabins that can accommodate up to five guests, including a regular double bed separated by a partition, a double sofa bed and a fold down bed as well.

Marella Cruises Family Cabin

You can even opt for a Family Balcony Cabin with Suite Service if you want to splash out a little and treat yourselves. Not only do you get a spacious cabin with balcony, but you get all the perks of the Suite Service, including extra amenities in the room and a free continental breakfast in bed to enjoy on one day of your cruise (or more if you cruise for over a week).

14. Destinations & Excursions

Your cruise isn’t just about the time you’ll spend on the ship, but also the destinations you’ll visit – and many are absolutely perfect for families.

If your kids love the beach, then a Caribbean getaway could be ideal. You’ll have ample time to have fun on the sand, not just relaxing and building sandcastles with your youngest, but taking part in different sports or activities too. There are even some islands that offer white-water rafting for those thrill-seeking kids!

Or, if you are travelling with an adventurous group, why not head to the Mediterranean for a cruise packed with exciting destinations, including the chance to visit the incredible Portaventura Theme Parks from Tarragona.

kids beach marella

In fact, in every destination Marella cruises to – be it the Canary Islands, Caribbean, Asia or Mediterranean – there are always plenty of excursion options to suit everyone in the family and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Read more: 12 Of The Best Destinations To Visit On A Marella Cruise

15. A Hassle-Free Holiday

The whole Marella cruise experience is perfectly suited to families – because less stress for mum and dad means happier kids too, right?

For a start, your flights are always packaged in with the cruise, with departures from airports all over the UK – no need to drive for hours upon hours just to start your journey.

Boarding the plane to Tenerife

And because the flights are managed by TUI, who owns Marella, the trip is seamless. No need to stress about whether the flights will land on time because, even in the very rare instances they don’t, the ship will wait for you. You won’t get that with other cruise lines.

Drinks and tips are already included too, including plenty of soft drink options for your kids.

And of course, Marella’s crew offer amazing service to every guest and will have each member of your family feeling truly spoiled. That’s perfect when you’ve had an adventure-filled day and you just want to spend the next morning having a lazy family start.

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The Bottom Line

In my opinion, Marella Cruises are excellent for families with children of all ages. Some families feel that they need to cruise on the big American megaships with children, but really, I don’t think that’s the case.

Sometimes it’s just as fun to spend time as a family playing Uno or Cluedo as it is to go ice skating or go-karting!

kids playing cluedo board game on Marella cruise

Marella Cruises’ mid-size ships have plenty of activities to keep kids entertained for a week, and their smaller size means that it’s easier to get around without getting lost.

The facilities do vary between the different ships. I have a guide to Marella ships that has a table showing exactly what each one has to do on board, so be sure to take a look at that before you book.

Whether you have babies, teenagers, or any age in between, Marella is definitely an option to consider for your next family holiday.

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Cruise Mummy

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

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