Embarking on a Princess Cruise is an exciting adventure, and of course, you’ll want to make sure that you pack appropriately.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, understanding the Princess Cruises dress code and packing efficiently will ensure you’re prepared for every moment of your getaway.
Let’s dive into the must-know details to help you dress to impress and pack like a pro for yourupcoming cruise.
Understanding The Princess Cruises Dress Code
Princess Cruises offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but it’s important to be aware of the recommended dress options while you’re onboard.
The cruise line doesn’t actually have a strict dress code, and hasn’t done for a while. But instead it has suggestions on what you might want to wear.
This reviewer gives a good overview that I agree with…
Daytime attire
During the day, the vibe on a Princess Cruise is casual and laid-back. You can feel free to wear:
Shorts
T-shirts
Sundresses
Casual skirts
Tank tops
These items are perfectly acceptable, even in the dining room for breakfast and lunch. The key is to keep it tasteful and comfortable as you enjoy onboard activities or explore ports of call.
Also avoid leaning too far into casual. When you’re in an indoor space, including the buffet restaurant, you need to make sure you’ve got something on your feet and that you’re not just in your swimwear.
If you are planning to spend the day by the pool, and just nip away for food, then make sure you dry off and that you throw on a t-shirt and shorts or a skirt before you go grab a bite.
Evening dress codes
The recommendations for your Princess cruise in the evenings will depend on the night. Most nights are just smart casual:
For women: Skirts, dresses, trousers and cardigans
For men: Trousers and open-neck shirts
But, there’ll also be formal nights, where the suggestion is that, if you want to, you can dress a little more sophisticated:
For women: Evening gowns and cocktail dresses
For men: Tuxedos, dinner jackets, or suits with an optional tie
Note that it’s recommended only. If you follow the smart casual dress code, you’ll still be able to dine in any of the restaurants on formal night. You won’t get turned away.
Even if you turn up in jeans on formal night, you’ll be fine – though there’s a slim chance you could get some of the older crowd (who still value that traditional experience) making subtle comments or looking unimpressed.
And if you’d rather dine in shorts then there are always casual venues where you can eat without anyone giving you a glare.
Formal night frequency
The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise:
1-4 night cruises: No formal nights
5-6 night cruises: 1 formal night
7-13 night cruises: 2 formal nights
14-20 night cruises: 3 formal nights
21-28 night cruises: 4 formal nights
29+ night cruises: 5 formal nights
Knowing this breakdown will help you pack the right clothes for your voyage.
Essential Packing List for Princess Cruises
Now that you understand the ‘dress code’, as it were, let’s look at what you should pack for your Princess cruise holiday…
Accessories can elevate your outfits and add functionality to your cruise wardrobe, so consider packing:
Jewellery to complement your evening wear
Sunglasses and sun hats for sun protection
A small clutch or evening bag for formal nights
A day bag for shore excursions, such as a backpack/rucksack
Packing smart: beyond clothing
While your wardrobe is crucial, there are other essentials you’ll need for a comfortable cruise experience.
You won’t want to forget any of these – some of them will be sold in the onboard shops but hardly at the same price you’d get them at home!
Toiletries and personal care
Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent (especially for tropical destinations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
Hair styling tools and products
Basic makeup and skincare products
Electronics and entertainment
Smartphone for snapping pics and staying in touch – though I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this one!
Chargers (including plug adapters) and portable power banks
E-readers or tablets for entertainment
Small games or cards for leisure time
Princess ships all have US-style outlets so if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, you’ll definitely need some adapters. There will be some USB ports too for direct charging for your phone.
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Health and safety essentials
Travel insurance documentation
Medications in their original containers
Copy of prescriptions and medical information
Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers
Tips for Efficient Packing
Packing light and smart can enhance your vacation experience. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:
Space-saving techniques
Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles
Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save luggage space
Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits
Weather considerations
So many people don’t bother to check the weather forecast before they cruise – assuming that a cruise to the Mediterranean will be warm, or that the Fjords will be cold.
But weather’s fickle and you never know – so check before you travel as you might want to pack more layers, or make sure you’ve got some nice t-shirts when there’s an unexpected heatwave.
Make sure you pack:
Light rain jacket or umbrella for unexpected showers
Warm layers for cooler climates or air-conditioned spaces on the ship
Breathable fabrics for hot and humid locations
Even if you take a tropical cruise in summer, you may find that the ship’s air conditioning can sometimes be turned up higher than you like. So always pack a cardigan or shawl to wear in the evenings if its chilly on board.
Prohibited items like weapons, illegal drugs, or flammable materials
That’s a quick summary, but it covers the most common things that people either think of bringing aboard or that they might not have thought about checking.
If you’re planning on bringing something ‘unusual’ then it’s worth checking the full Princess Cruises FAQ all about prohibited items as that has a comprehensive list. However, they could still confiscate something that’s not on the list if they feel it’d be dangerous or used inappropriately.
Packing for a Princess Cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There’s not a strict dress code, so as long as you know the sort of outfits that people tend to wear, and by following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a stylish and comfortable voyage.
Remember to pack light, choose versatile pieces, and don’t forget the essentials for your health and enjoyment. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment on your Princess Cruise, from casual pool days to elegant formal nights.
So get ready to set sail in style and comfort on your next Princess cruise adventure!
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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.
Celestyal Cruises isn’t the most well-known of cruise lines, but could it be just what you’re looking for?
This Cypriot-owned cruise line is still a relative newcomer to the cruise market, being established in 2014. That’s not long at all, especially when compared to world-famous cruise lines like P&O Cruises which has been cruising for over 180 years!
Celestyal Cruises is a small cruise line by most standards, with only two ships, a handful of embarkation ports and a smaller range of destinations. But, if you like the idea of a port-intensive Greek Island cruise or a specialist itinerary around the Arabian Gulf, then Celestyal Cruises could be just the ticket.
1. Celestyal Cruises are all about the destinations
Me in Santorini
On a Celestyal cruise, exploring new places is the highlight of your holiday. Yes, the ships are beautiful, but spending time at sea isn’t the main reason to take a cruise with this cruise line.
Each Celestyal cruise focuses on showing you the most exciting, historic and romantic port cities and islands of the eastern Mediterranean or the Middle East. If you want to see a lot of this part of the world in a week or less, a cruise ship is certainly the best way to travel.
Celestyal Cruises visits a relatively small number of countries:
Greece
Turkey
Cyprus
Croatia
Italy
Montenegro
Bahrain
Oman
Qatar
UAE
Concentrating on just these destinations, rather than the whole world, means that Celestyal Cruises can be a specialist in this area. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase the most awe-inspiring scenery, architecture and natural wonders as you cruise between volcanic islands to explore vibrant cities and admire beautiful beaches.
Celestyal Cruises offers a choice of three-night, four-night or seven-night itineraries. If you want a longer cruise, you can take two different seven-night cruises back to back to create a 14-night itinerary.
It used to be that each cruise departed from Athens – an easy city to fly to from anywhere in the world. But you do now have more options, including Abu Dhabi and Doha in the Middle East.
As well as popular tourist destinations like Santorini, Mykonos and Istanbul, you can expect to visit lesser-known hidden gems like the Greek islands of Syros and Patmos.
2. Celestyal Cruises call at multiple ports per day
Mykonos
On a three-night cruise, you can expect to visit as many as seven ports of call. This means that on some days, you’ll get off the ship in the early morning, back on-board for lunch and then get off again to explore somewhere new in the afternoon and evening.
To make the most of your cruise, you’ll need to be ready to disembark as early as 7 am. If your annual leave is running out and you want to pack as much adventure as possible into a short cruise, then a Celestyal cruise is ideal.
Most cruise lines would take at least ten days to visit seven ports, so the fact that Celestyal Cruises can do this in four is amazing. There’s certainly no time to be bored.
You might think that visiting so many ports would make your cruise feel rushed. However, in some ports like Santorini and Istanbul, your ship will dock overnight and popular ports like Mykonos have 24-hour stays on some itineraries.
To make the most of your time on-board, you can board the ship as early as 9 am on embarkation day, for a sailaway before lunch.
3. Excursions deals are available with Celestyal Cruises
Ephesus
Each Celestyal cruise offers a huge range of excursion options that you can book. You can choose what you’d like to see – whether that be to experience new cultures, learn about ancient history or just find somewhere scenic to relax.
Specialist local expert guides will take you to attractions like Ephesus and the Palace of Knossos – all without you having to pay a penny more!
And to sweeten the deal, you can save on excursion bundles – up to 20% off depending on how many you book!
4. Celestyal Cruise ships are spacious and relaxing
Each of the Celestyal Cruises ships is medium-sized, with lots of space to relax. Many cruisers feel that this is the ideal size for a cruise ship – small enough to reach the ports that bigger cruise ships can’t access, yet big enough to offer a choice of dining and entertainment options.
Celestyal Cruises ships can accommodate the following guests:
Celestyal Discovery – 1,266 guests
Celestyal Journey – 1,258 guests
5. There are no set dining times on Celestyal Cruises
The Amalthea restaurant
There’s no need to rush to arrive for dinner at your allocated time, as Celestyal Cruises have a much more relaxed approach to dining.
Food is servedat the following times:
Breakfast – 6 am until 9 am
Lunch – 12 pm until 2 pm
Afternoon tea: 4 pm until 5 pm
Dinner – 7.30 pm until 10.30 pm
Outside of these times, you’ll find that plenty of snacks are available.
6. Celestyal Cruises offer several different formal nights
Live music in the Main Dining Room
If you like a formal night then you’ll love the different evening events that take place on Celestyal ships:
Gala nights – Formal dress
Captain’s Cocktail nights – Formal dress
Greek nights – Dress in blue and white (the colours of the Greek flag)
If formal nights aren’t your thing, you’ll be relieved to know that there’s no pressure to dress up. On most evenings, the dress code is smart-casual.
Celestyal Cruises did used to offer some all-inclusive fares, but they’ve moved away from that now. Instead, they have a simple fare that includes unlimited free pour sodas with your meals, along with tea, coffee and juice.
Then if you want any alcoholic drinks, you’ll just pay for them individually, or you can prepay a drinks tab and get bonus credit included as a special deal.
8. There are no gratuities to pay on Celestyal Cruises
Enjoying drinks on-board
While we all want to recognise the great service that cruise ship staff provide, nobody likes getting a big bill at the end of their cruise.
Celestyal cruise line includes all staff tips in the price of your cruise ticket, which means that you can relax knowing that’s all taken care of. If you wanted to tip any extra in cash to certain staff members you can do, but this is in no way expected.
9. Celestyal Cruises are very affordable
Cruising around the Greek Islands
The ticket price for a Celestyal cruise includes all your food, soft drinks, tips, and two shore excursions, so it represents amazing value for money. If you were to stay in hotels, eat out on land and take guided excursions this would undoubtedly cost you a lot more. A Celestyal cruise is one of the most affordable ways to travel in the eastern Mediterranean.
As most people will need flights to get to Athens, these can be packaged up, along with transfers and a pre-cruise hotel stay to create a great-value package holiday.
One highlight of a Celestyal cruise is the delicious locally-sourced food. Guests can enjoy pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven, Greek gyros and an outdoor barbecue.
Celestyal cruise ships each have an authentic Greek feel. You can eat al-fresco on white wooden chairs whilst enjoying the wonderful sea views. Some of the bars have Greek names and are decorated with Greek flags. You’ll definitely know you’re in Greece!
At breakfast, you can expect international dishes with a Greek twist, including freshly baked muffins and Danish pastries, healthy Greek yoghurts and fresh fruit, as well as a full hot buffet.
At lunch and dinner, you can enjoy starters, salads, soups, a choice of main courses and the most incredible desserts, all paired with locally-sourced wines.
If you have a special diet such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or halal, you’ll be well-catered for on board. You’ll just need to communicate your request in good time before you travel. You can see photos of the vegan food I enjoyed on board in my Celestyal Cruises review.
11. Each Celestyal Cruise has a jam-packed program of activities
Music and dancing in the evenings
The whole time your ship is at sea there’ll be something to do. On a Celestyal cruise, the activities start early and continue all day long and well into the evening.
Examples of on-board activities include:
Dancing lessons
Exercise classes
Handicraft
Lectures
Sports tournaments
Language lessons
Live shows
Traditional Greek music
Karaoke nights
Circus shows
That’s not to say that you need to take part in everything, of course. If you’d rather sit and watch the ocean scenery with a quiet drink then there’ll be lots of time for that too.
12. Celestyal Cruises attract all kinds of guests
Me with Celestyal Olympia, a ship that used to sail for the cruise line
Celestyal is a cruise line that attracts guests of all ages. Many are over 50, but there are lots of younger people on board too, and in the school holidays there will be plenty of families.
You can expect an international crowd, as Celestyal cruises are popular with guests from over 140 different countries.
Although Celestyal Cruises is a Cypriot-owned cruise line that’s based in Greece, you don’t need to worry about understanding the language at all. There are usually about eight different languages spoken at any given time, so you’ll be able to communicate in whichever you’re fluent in.
13. Celestyal Cruises offers reasonable prices for solo travellers
With Celestyal, single supplements are just 30% of the cruise fare for inside, outside and balcony cabins. This means that, unlike most other cruise lines which would charge you double, you’ll only pay for yourself plus 30%. If you want a suite to yourself, the supplement is 70%.
These solo-friendly fares have earned Celestyal Cruises an award as the best ocean cruise line for solo travellers in the Solo Travel Awards.
14. Celestyal Cruises are great for kids
Kids club
You’ll find lots of children onboard Celestyal Cruises’ ships during the summer season. Kids can enjoy organised activities on a daily basis during the hours when the ship is at sea. As long as you don’t expect waterslides and zip lines, your kids are sure to have a great time.
A Celestyal cruise can be an educational experience for children of all ages and they’ll learn a lot while visiting destinations like the palace of Knossos in Crete and the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.
On Celestyal cruises, babies can cruise from three months of age. Most other cruise lines require them to be at least six months old. So if you can’t wait to see the world with your newest addition to the family, then this would be a great option.
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Conclusion
Celestyal Cruises seems like a great option for anyone looking to experience the best bits of Greece and Turkey on a cruise. The itineraries are short and action-packed.
This cruise line offers outstanding value for money, including things like soft drinks, tips and WiFi, which most other cruise companies would charge extra for.
If you’re wondering whether a Celestyal cruise would be good for families, I think that this seems like a holiday that most kids would enjoy. This cruise line is certainly on my list of cruises that I’d love to take with my kids once we’re able to.
To learn more about Celestyal Cruises, visit Celestyal.com.
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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.
While you can’t buy shares in P&O Cruises directly, you can become a shareholder in the cruise line’s parent company, Carnival Corporation. Carnival Corporation owns a number of cruise lines around the world, including P&O Cruises both in the UK and in Australia.
If you own enough shares in Carnival, then you are entitled to claim P&O shareholder benefits every time you sail – and not just on your P&O cruise, but on any cruise you take with any of the lines owned by the Carnival group.
I cruise with P&O Cruises a lot, so for me, buying enough shares in Carnival Corporation to get free onboard credit was well worth it! Now, every time I cruise, I get free money to spend, which is a great feeling!
Let’s take a look at the benefits of owning stock in Carnival, and how you make sure you can claim them when you cruise with P&O Cruises.
Benefit of owning shares – free money!
The Carnival shareholder benefits are available to anyone sailing on a cruise line owned by the Carnival group, as long as you own 100 shares or more. You can’t buy specific P&O shares – only Carnival Group shares. If you do, then you can claim the following on your P&O UK cruise:
£150 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
£60 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
£40 of onboard credit to spend per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer
It’s important to note that the benefit can only be claimed once per stateroom. If you and your partner were to invest in Carnival separately, and both own 100 shares each, then you couldn’t double up on the onboard credit.
Also, there are a few other caveats. If you’re employed by the cruise line, or one of your immediate relatives is, then you won’t be able to claim it. You can’t claim it if you’re also claiming another offer that gives you onboard credit for your cruise.
And there are certain things you aren’t able to spend this free amount on – like the casino. Giving away free gambling credit to shareholders would open up some sketchy legal issues.
That’s the downsides out of the way. The good news is that this isn’t a one-time offer. As long as you remain a shareholder of Carnival, you can claim this benefit every single time you book a P&O cruise, or any cruise with another sister cruise line.
So if you were to book a British cruise with Cunard or Princess Cruises, you’d get the same onboard credit added to your account.
If you book with one of the other cruise lines, the values change slightly depending on the currency on board.
For US-based cruises on Carnival, Holland America Line, Costa, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, you’ll get $250, $100 or $50 depending on how long the sailing is.
Cruises in Australia have the same value, just in Australian Dollars – AUS$250, $100 or $50.
And cruises on Costa or AIDA that use Euros get you €200, €75 or €40.
Cruise Line
14+ Days
7-13 Days
Up to 6 Days
US-owned
$250
$100
$50
UK-owned
£150
£60
£30
Australian-owned
$250
$100
$50
European-owned
€200
€75
€40
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…
“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”
Robert and Veronica Dennehy
Buying your shares
To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.
I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.
I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.
(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)
Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?
Claiming benefits is easy
It’s important to know that the P&O shareholder benefits you receive for owning stocks in Carnival aren’t applied automatically. You need to claim them by contacting Carnival.
You need to make your claim at least four weeks before you are due to sail, but the sooner the better. And you’ll need to provide:
Your legal name
Your booking number
Your ship and sailing date
Proof of your stock ownership
You won’t be able to claim if you miss your deadline, so try to be organised to provide this information as early as possible. And you have to go through this process every time you book a cruise with P&O or any other cruise line in the group – so don’t forget on each new sailing.
Important – Whereas P&O Cruises used to let you claim the credit via fax and then later email, now it’s all handled via an app called Stockperks.
You’ll need to download the app to your smartphone, then verify the stock you own by taking a photo of the key details.
Here’s a video showing you how the Stockperks app works:
You can get all the details you need from the shareholder platform you use – so eToro for me.
I received my On Board Account Statement at the end of the sailing and I could see that the credit had been applied. It was seven nights, so I received £60 of onboard credit.
Here’s what that looked like…
To conclude
Making the decision to become a stockholder in a cruise line is not something to take lightly. Any kind of stocks and shares investment is risky, and the value of your investment could drop. Just look at what happened to cruise line share prices during the shutdown to see an example.
However, if you do invest and buy 100 shares, you will enhance every subsequent cruise you sail on. You might want to spend your credit on shore excursions, or speciality dining on-board, or put it towards a drink package.
Just make sure you claim your credit – it’d be a shame to miss out on that free money you’re entitled to just because you didn’t get your details to the cruise line on time.
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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.
I just disembarked a Canary Islands cruise on Marella Explorer. In this review I’ll share my honest opinions about what I liked and didn’t like about this cruise, and how it compares to others.
Thinking of cruising with Marella? Read on to find out what this cruise line has to offer…
Note: I was invited onboard by Marella. As always, the brand has no control over my reviews and all opinions are entirely my own.
Starting The Cruise
Our cruise departed from Tenerife. Marella Cruises don’t sail from the UK, but they do come packaged with flights from a choice of 25 airports across the UK.
We chose to fly from Bristol, which meant that getting to the airport was super easy. We had a 20kg per person checked baggage allowance plus 10kg per person hand luggage which was way more than we needed.
The flight was over pretty quickly and from there we hopped straight onto a TUI coach and were taken to the ship.
We were able to leave our bags on the coach and the next time we saw them was at our room an hour later.
Check-in was a breeze! As TUI’s flights arrive all through the day, there was barely anyone there when we arrived.
We quickly showed our passports and then walked on to the ship.
Usually, when you fly to start your cruise you’ll have to fly out the day before and stay in a hotel – that’s a bit of a faff. And if you live more than a couple of hours from Southampton, you’ll probably need to do that too!
Leaving home at 8am and being on the ship in time for dinner is an excellent way to start the cruise. Because TUI owns the planes and the ships, you don’t have to worry about missing your cruise due to delayed flights, as they simply don’t let that happen.
First Impressions
I knew that Marella Explorer was around 30 years old – Marella’s ships used to belong to Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
But I wasn’t prepared from how modern and luxurious this ship was. Marella Explorer is in excellent condition and most of the public areas looked brand-new. She just didn’t have that older-ship feel that you get on other ships that were built in the 90s.
As we wandered around the ship, had a bite to eat in the buffet and enjoyed a drink, I fell in love.
With space for around 2000 guests, this ship is the perfect size, in my opinion. Small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in a few minutes, but large enough to be spacious and with plenty of activities.
While on board, I made a walkaround ship tour video. So if you’d like to watch as I explore each deck then be sure to check that out. It also has some handy tips to help you make the most of your cruise…
Accommodation
We booked an Ocean View cabin. Usually, we go for an inside cabin, but it was hardly any more money to upgrade to the Ocean View, so we went for that.
Older ships don’t have as many balcony rooms as newer ones, and on Marella Explorer, only four of the ten passenger decks have balcony rooms. That means that the step-up in price from an Ocean View to a Balcony is significant.
So even if your default option is a balcony, then don’t rule out the window cabins, as they can offer fantastic value for money.
Our room slept four, so it had Pullman beds that come down from the ceiling.
The room wasn’t our favourite configuration, as the ladders meant that we had to have two single beds for my husband and I. We generally prefer a double bed and separate bunk beds for the kids if possible.
I noticed that the room attendants didn’t put the kids beds away each morning as they usually do. But that wasn’t an issue, as it’s not like they were converting them back into a sofa that we could use.
They did however, make the most fantastic towel animals every day, which was a much better use of their time in my opinion! They came twice per day to clean and always left us chocolates on the pillows.
The room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable.
But as we unpacked our bags, we noticed that the air con wasn’t working properly. It was set to cold, but the room was still very warm. I called guest services and within a few minutes an engineer arrived and fixed the problem.
This was a stark contrast to our previous cruise with Celestyal Cruises where we had the exact same problem and the engineer came every day resulting in us having alternate nights of being very hot, then very cold, until a new control panel was fitted on the last day of our cruise!
I love that Marella Cruises gives you a kettle with tea and coffee in the room. There was an empty cupboard where the mini bar used to be, which was a little odd. However, they do give you a glass carafe and there was a water fountain right outside our room, which was fantastic!
I recommend looking for the raindrop symbols on the Marella deck plans and try to get a room near to the water machines if you can.
Dining
We thoroughly enjoyed the food on our cruise and I was very impressed with how many included dining venues there were. In addition to the main dining room and buffet, guests can enjoy Italian cuisine, a seperate pizza and pasta cafe, a tapas bar and a poolside snack shack offering burgers and grab-and-go sandwiches.
The buffet was fantastic, with a different theme each day and live cooking stations.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the ‘vindaloo’ curry which was more like a vegetable stew without a hint of spice. The server said that was because “not everyone likes spicy food”. Surely they don’t order the vindaloo then? Haha.
For those looking for something extra special, specialty restaurants serve dishes like steak, sushi or Asian cuisine at an additional cost. But with so much included, we didn’t feel the need to try these.
For those with dietary restrictions, Marella excels at food labeling, making it easy to identify vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly options. Vegan choices are readily available in both the main dining room and buffet, making dining hassle-free.
The kids menu was extensive, with several vegetarian options. There’s also a kids’ section in the buffet, so favourites like chips are always available.
Drinks
Marella Cruises stand out by including a drinks package for all passengers. The standard package covers a selection of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and mocktails.
There are at least five different cocktails available in each bar, and I loved trying them all. One day, when I couldn’t decide which to order, the waiter surprised me with three!
I thought that the service might be slow, given that with everyone having a package, there would be little incentive to serve people quickly. But in fact the opposite was true. There was never a queue at the bar, and waiters would appear almost immediately as we sat down to take our orders.
Waiters would also walk around the pool with drinks trolleys or trays of pre-made cocktails, handing them out to anyone who wanted one.
And as you walked into busier venues like the theatre, pub, or poolside at the sailaway party there would be tables with glasses of Prosecco and cocktails, ready-poured!
Those wanting more premium options can upgrade to an enhanced package, but the standard drinks are already generous. If you just fancy the occasional premium drink, you can just pay for those individually, and the prices are very reasonable.
Activities & Entertainment
We certainly weren’t short of things to do on our cruise. The daily schedule was packed with activities like bingo, dance classes, deck games, arts and crafts, movies in the cinema and live music.
Every evening, there was a West-End style show in the theatre, repeated at 8.30pm and 10.30pm. The theatre was really big, so there’s no need to book and it’s easy to get a seat.
We also enjoyed the gameshows at 9.30pm in the Squid and Anchor. After the theatre, everyone rushes to the Squid and Anchor, so if you want to do both, you have to be fast!
After a week, we found the entertainment to be a little repetitive. It would have been nice to have some other options like a magician, comedian, acrobat or ventriloquist. Singers and dancers are great, but not every night.
Family Facilities
Marella has a kids club for ages 3 to 11. The kids went a few times and said that it was average as far as cruise kids clubs go.
I wasn’t a fan of how the age groups were organised. Sometimes, all ages would be together, and the activities tended to be more suitable for the younger ones.
On other occasions, the groups would be split between 3 to 7 and 8 to 11. However, the clubs were then open at different times. This wasn’t very practical for us with one child in each group.
You also need to give at least 24 hours notice of which session you’re going to attend by writing your child’s name on a piece of paper outside the room. Sometimes, it’s hard to plan that far in advance. When other cruise lines require you to pre-book the kids club, it’s usually done via an app.
The kids did, however, love the activities outside of the kids club. The football pitch was always full of kids playing endless games of football. There was table tennis and mini golf. And we all loved the Gamer Zone which had six Xboxes that are available for anyone to use.
12- to 17-year-olds can access The Hideout. Here they can enjoy unlimited air hockey and table tennis as well as attend organised activities at certain times.
Itinerary
We loved the Canary Islands itinerary. Although it was February, the weather was 20-25 degrees, which was certainly suitable for sunbathing.
The Canaries is the perfect spot for winter sun if you only have a week so don’t want too long of a flight.
Marella Cruises are usually very port-intensive, and we had only one sea day. If you cruise to the Canary Islands from Southampton, the round-trip takes two weeks, yet we were able to squeeze more ports into just one week, which was great.
The weather forecast showed some rough seas at Madeira, so the captain made the decision to cancel that port and replace it with another, as well as switching round the order that we visited the other islands.
This wasn’t an issue at all. As we have booked our excursions with Marella, we were simply issues new tickets for the correct date.
The excursions that we booked were excellent value for money – even more so since we didn’t have to do anything when the dates were changed!
Value For Money
At first glance, Marella cruises can look pricey. But, once you factor in everything that’s included, they actually work out to be excellent value for money!
Even if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t let the all-inclusive nature put you off. You can still get your money’s worth with mocktails, juices, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
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The Bottom Line
Marella Cruises has a huge fanbase of loyal cruisers and I can see why. The cruises are so convenient and hassle-free – all you have to do is relax and enjoy.
It’s clear that this cruise line is tailored to the British market, with home comforts like crisps in the pub and Yorkshire puddings in the buffet. And the people we met on board all seemed to appreciate these touches.
If you have kids, then Marella cruises is a good option. Sure, you won’t get quite as many facilities as some of the American mega-ships, but children are very well catered for, and there’s lots for them to do.
If you want to know how Marella compares to other cruise lines, then be sure to take a look at this video…
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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.
Marella Explorer 2 is unique amongst the Marella Cruises fleet, as she is the only ship to offer adults-only cruising year-round. If you’re looking to escape for a quiet cruise without kids onboard, then this could be the perfect ship.
She has some great features too, including comfortable accommodation, fantastic dining venues and plenty to keep you entertained while you’re sailing between ports.
In this guide, I’ll give you all the info about the ship so that you can enjoy your Marella Explorer 2 cruise to the maximum.
Facts & Stats
Marella Explorer 2, despite her name, is not a twin sister of Marella Explorer. She’s smaller, though not the smallest ship in the fleet – that’s an honour shared by Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2.
However, she does have the smallest passenger capacity in the fleet, since she has no family rooms – making for a very relaxed ambience onboard.
Marella Explorer 2 is not considered a big cruise ship. She has a gross tonnage well below 100,000 and a passenger capacity of around 1,800 – that’s around a quarter of the size of the biggest cruise ship in the world. She is still spacious, but never crowded.
Here’s how Marella Explorer 2 compares with the other ships in the Marella Cruises fleet:
Ship
Year Built
Year Joined Marella
Size (gross tons)
Passenger capacity
Length
Beam/width
Total Decks
Marella Discovery 2
1995
2017
69,130
1,836
264m / 866ft
32m / 105ft
11
Marella Discovery
1996
2016
69,130
1,830
264m / 866ft
32m / 105ft
11
Marella Explorer
1996
2018
76,522
1,924
260m / 852ft
32m / 106ft
13
Marella Explorer 2
1995
2019
71,545
1,814
248m / 814ft
32m / 105ft
14
Marella Voyager
1997
2023
77,303
1,912
264m / 866ft
32m / 106ft
13
Marella Explorer 2’s History
None of the ships sailing for Marella Cruises began life for the fleet – they are all ships that have been purchased from other cruise lines or transferred from sister brands, but they only enter service with Marella following a thorough and caring refurbishment.
Marella Explorer 2 debuted for Celebrity Cruises in 1995, originally sailing as the MV Century before the cruise line rechristened all ships in 2007, and she became the Celebrity Century.
She served Celebrity Cruises for 20 years in total, before she was transferred to SkySea Cruises, a joint venture between parent company Royal Caribbean Group and Ctrip. From 2015 to 2019 she sailed as the SkySea Golden Era.
Then, in 2018 the announcement was made that SkySea would close the following year, and negotiations began which saw the ship sold to Marella Cruises, becoming the Marella Explorer 2 from 2019 onwards.
And with her full refurbishment, she feels like a brand new ship again, perfect for welcoming guests to explore the world on an all-inclusive cruise.
Cabins
There are 907 cabins on Marella Explorer 2, including the normal range of Inside, Outside and Balcony Cabins and some larger suites which have a few additional perks as well. All cabin choices have been well maintained and are furnished in a modern style.
All cabins and suites include the ‘basics’, which includes a flatscreen TV, air conditioning, a safe and a hairdryer. And because Marella Cruises is aimed at the British market, you also get tea and coffee making facilities in the room. A lot of cruise lines don’t offer that!
Here is the full list of cabins available on Marella Explorer 2:
Cabin
Sleeps
Deck Locations
Size (square feet)
Inside Cabin
2-4
4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12
172
Single Inside Cabin
1
4, 5
172
Outside Cabin
2-4
4, 5, 8, 9, 12
172
Single Outside Cabin
1
4, 5
172
Balcony Cabin
2-3
8, 9, 10, 12
172 (not including balcony)
Deluxe Cabin With Balcony
2
9, 10
205(not including balcony)
Balcony Junior Suite
3
10, 12
248 (not including balcony)
Executive Suite
4
10
527 (not including balcony)
Royal Suite
4
10
1,012 (not including balcony)
Suite Service with Marella Cruises
If you choose to stay in one of the suites on Marella Explorer 2, you’ll enjoy Marella’s Suite Service. This is a selection of additional perks to make your stay more enjoyable, and it includes:
A free pressing service – up to 3 items pressed in your first 24 hours on the ship
You’ve got plenty of places onboard the ship to grab a drink, a snack or a meal during your Marella Explorer 2 cruise. You have 9 dining options and 10 bars to pick from – you can try somewhere new every day!
Latitude 53 is the main dining room on the ship, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, with something for every palette.
The Dining Club
The Dining Club is a fine dining restaurant that serves special, high-end cuisine. Reservations are recommended and there is an extra charge to dine here.
This is also where you can enjoy The Great Musical Afternoon Tea, with dishes inspired by classical West End shows.
The Market Place
The Market Place is the ship’s buffet, with a variety of food stalls serving all kinds of delightful casual options. Enjoy a fresh pizza, a panini made to order, or design your own stir-fry.
Kora La
A favourite of the fleet, Kora La is a pan-Asian speciality restaurant serving an extensive selection of dishes from across the continent. An extra charge applies.
Snack Shack
Open throughout the day, the Snack Shack offers various snack dishes. It’s situated poolside so you don’t have to give up your lounger to get a bite to eat.
Surf & Turf Steakhouse
Surf & Turf is the ship’s main steak and seafood restaurant, also serving a selection of chicken and lamb dishes. Reservations are recommended, and an additional charge applies.
Nonna’s
Nonna’s is a relaxed pizza and pasta venue that’s open for lunch and dinner. It has a homely feel, ideal for a smaller bite or for loading up on your favourites. This is an included venue.
Vista
Vista is the second Italian restaurant onboard, though it’s actually part of the main Latitude 53 restaurant. For dinner, it transforms into a more contemporary and upmarket Italian. It is still included in your fare.
Beach Cove
Beach Cove is a popular BBQ-style venue that offers casual eats with big flavour. Large sliding doors give it that al fresco feel, too. It’s included for lunch, but a charge applies for dinner and reservations are recommended.
On Board Activities
A typical cruise on Marella Explorer 2 doesn’t include many sea days, since you’ll fly out to meet the ship in its destination and your itinerary will be focussed on exploring as many ports as possible.
But still, there is plenty to keep you busy on the ship during quieter moments. During the day, you can look forward to:
An outdoor pool with whirlpools
Mini golf on the top deck
Shopping, including jewellery, fashion and souvenirs
Jogging track
Spa and beauty salon treatments
A fully-equipped gym
A golf simulator
And then at night, you’ll be able to enjoy all these facilities:
The Broadway Show Lounge, with two performances every evening
Interactive games, quizzes and music performances at the Squid and Anchor British pub
The Casino, with fruit machines and card tables
An outdoor cinema, showing Hollywood classics and the latest releases
Relaxing bars to enjoy a quiet drink
Itineraries
Marella Explorer 2 offers some amazing cruise itineraries worthy of an adults-only ship, whether you want to unwind in peace or explore some of the wonderful culture and history of the world.
She sails across the Mediterranean, including several options on the Adriatic Sea. She also cruises to the Canary Islands for some winter sun.
But she also crosses the Atlantic for winter cruises around the Caribbean, if you want a true tropical beach holiday away from the cold and wet weather we’ll be having at home.
To Conclude
Marella Explorer 2 is a great choice for a cruise if you want to enjoy the serenity of a child-free ship, but she’s so much more than that too. She has some fantastic bars and restaurants, some great leisure facilities, and exciting itineraries packed with adventure.
Plus you get all the benefits of sailing with Marella, with your drinks, tips and flights included, plus the wonderfully attentive service of the crew – what more could you want?
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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.
People cruise for all kinds of different reasons. Some people love the adventure of visiting different ports, some love to just relax and sunbathe, and some people want to enjoy a lot of fun activities onboard.
But everyone – everyone – cruises for the food, or at least part of them does.
It’s great being able to enjoy quality food every night of your cruise, and during the day too of course, in a variety of restaurants that are all just a few minutes’ walk from your cabin.
And in this guide, I’m going to break down all of the Marella Cruises dining options for anyone considering a cruise with this all-inclusive British cruise line.
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Marella Cruises Are All Inclusive – Here’s What That Means…
Marella Cruises advertises its sailings as being all-inclusive, because you don’t have to pay anything extra onboard. You get a range of dining options included along with some alcoholic drinks and your tips. However there are optional extras you can pay for, including some speciality restaurants.
This is common across all cruise lines – you have some venues that you can eat in for free, and others where there’s a small charge to pay, either as a set fee or a la carte, depending on what you order.
You don’t have to visit these venues if you don’t want – and there’s plenty of great food to enjoy in the included venues – but if you like variety, then it’s worth checking out the options available, especially since you won’t be paying super-high prices for the privilege.
The Different Types of Dining On Marella:
Main Dining Room – Classic and contemporary dishes served in an elegant yet relaxed setting, with full table service
Buffet Restaurant – A casual, help-yourself option with a wide variety of international cuisine, perfect for quick dining
Other Included Dining Options – Depending on the ship, you’ll find extra spots like poolside snack bars, tapas cafés or Italian restaurants serving tasty meals and snacks at no extra charge
Speciality Restaurants – For a special treat, these venues offer gourmet dishes with a more intimate atmosphere, for a small extra fee.
Room Service – Enjoy breakfast in bed or simple meals delivered straight to your cabin for ultimate convenience.
Marella Cruise Restaurants
Here’s a full look at all 21 dining venues available across the Marella Cruises fleet, including which ship they are featured on:
Restaurant
Cuisine
Cost
Marella Discovery
Marella Discovery 2
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Voyager
47°
Main Dining Room
Included
YES
YES
Abuelas
Mexican
Included
YES
Beach Cove
BBQ
Lunch included, Dinner charge
YES
Gallery 47°
Italian
Included
YES
YES
Islands
Buffet
Included
YES
YES
Italian @ The Mediterranean
Pizza & Pasta
Included
YES
Kora La
Pan-Asian
Charge
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Latitude 53
Main Dining Room
Included
YES
YES
YES
Nonna’s
Pizza & Pasta
Included
YES
YES
Platter
Charcuterie
Charge
YES
Silver Fork
Fine British
Charge
YES
Snack Shack
Snacks
Included
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Surf & Turf
Steakhouse
Charge
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Sushi Bar
Sushi
Charge
YES
YES
Tapas @ The Mediterranean
Tapas
Included
YES
The Dining Club
Fine Dining
Charge
YES
YES
The Glass House
Tapas & Light Bites
Included
YES
YES
The Kitchens
Food Hall
Included
YES
The Market Place
Buffet
Included
YES
YES
Umi Sushi
Sushi & Seafood
Charge
YES
Vista
Italian
Included
YES
YES
YES
There are three dining venues that appear on every ship in the Marella Cruises fleet – these are Snack Shack, Surf & Turf Steakhouse, and Kora La.
Every cruise ship has a main dining room too, and a casual venue that’s either a buffet or a food hall, so you can grab a plate and help yourself to a range of different dishes.
This is a quick summary of each ship and the dining options available:
Ship
Included Venues
Chargeable Venues
Total Dining Venues
Marella Discovery
5
3
8
Marella Discovery 2
5
3
8
Marella Explorer
6
4
10
Marella Explorer 2
5
4 (including one which is free at Lunch)
9
Marella Voyager
6
4
10
Now let’s look at each restaurant, so you can see exactly what you get:
47°
Available on: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 Cost: Included
A contemporary main dining room that serves a mix of international dishes, named after its unique location at the ship’s 47-degree latitude.
Abuelas
Available on: Marella Voyager Cost: Included
A homely eatery that offers traditional, comfort dishes reminiscent of grandmother’s cooking, with a focus on hearty and familiar flavours.
Beach Cove
Available on: Marella Explorer 2 Cost: Included for Lunch
A relaxed, beach-themed eatery that serves light meals and snacks, ideal for a casual bite in a laid-back atmosphere.
Gallery 47°
Available on: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 Cost: Included
An upscale, art-themed dining venue located above 47°, serving a range of inventive dishes in an elegant and artistic setting.
Islands
Available on: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 Cost: Included
An informal, buffet-style restaurant with an emphasis on international cuisine, offering a relaxed dining experience with a wide range of choices.
Italian @ The Mediterranean
Available on: Marella Explorer Cost: Included
A restaurant dedicated to Italian cuisine, featuring classic dishes from various regions of Italy, in a Mediterranean-themed setting.
Kora La
Available on: All Ships Cost: £27 per person
An Asian-inspired restaurant featuring a range of dishes from various Eastern cuisines, known for its exotic flavours and spices.
Latitude 53
Available on: Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Voyager Cost: Included
A traditional main dining room offering a variety of international dishes, known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu.
Nonna’s
Available on: Marella Explorer 2, Marella Voyager Cost: Included
A cosy Italian eatery that serves homestyle pasta dishes, pizzas, and other Italian favourites in a warm, family-friendly setting.
Platter
Available on: Marella Voyager Cost: £5.95 to £13.95
This venue specializes in assorted platter servings, offering a variety of cold cuts, cheeses, and other finger foods perfect for casual dining.
Silver Fork
Available on: Marella Voyager Cost: £37 per person, or £47 per person for the tasting menu
A fine dining venue with a sophisticated ambience, offering an exquisite menu with an emphasis on silver service.
Snack Shack
Available on: All Ships Cost: Included
A casual spot on the ship for quick bites, offering a range of snacks like sandwiches, fries, and other easy-to-eat treats.
Surf & Turf
Available on: All Ships Cost: £32 per person
A high-end steakhouse with a menu focusing on premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood, perfect for a special dining experience.
Sushi Bar
Available on: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 Cost: Included
A dedicated bar for sushi lovers, offering a wide range of sushi rolls, nigiri, and sashimi in a sleek and modern setting.
Tapas @ The Mediterranean
Available on: Marella Explorer Cost: Included
A vibrant venue serving a selection of Mediterranean-style tapas, ideal for sharing and trying different small plates.
The Dining Club
Available on: Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 Cost: £35 per person (regular menu), £45 per person (food and wine pairing menu)
An exclusive, reservation-only venue offering a gourmet dining experience with a focus on avant-garde cuisine and exceptional service.
The Glass House
Available on: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2 Cost: Included
A light and airy venue offering a menu focused on fresh, healthy options, along with a wide selection of wines and cocktails.
The Kitchens
Available on: Marella Voyager Cost: Included
A dynamic and interactive dining experience where guests can watch their meals being prepared in open kitchens featuring a variety of cuisines.
The Market Place
Available on: Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 Cost: Included
A buffet-style restaurant with a variety of stations offering international dishes, perfect for guests who enjoy sampling a little bit of everything.
Umi Sushi
Available on: Marella Explorer Cost: £12
A speciality sushi restaurant offering a range of traditional and innovative sushi and sashimi options prepared fresh to order.
Vista
Available on: Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Voyager Cost: Included
An elegant Italian-style restaurant with a panoramic view, serving a menu that combines classic dishes with modern culinary techniques.
Final Word
As you can see – everyone is well catered to on a Marella cruise, no matter which ship you choose. There are always plenty of options when it comes to venues and also to the choices within each restaurant too – you’ll never get bored.
Are you someone who prefers the sit-down formal dining experience, or do you tend to stick to the buffets when you 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.
Cruises often appeal to the young and young-at-heart with fun activities and entertainment that will keep most under 30s happy while on board.
Despite attracting an average age of 47 years old across the cruise industry, a cruise holiday isn’t limited to those 40 and over. Under 30s can have a lot of fun on a cruise – if you choose the right cruise line, that is.
The last thing you want is to be stuck with a load of pensioners, couples and kids!
Read on to find out more about the best cruise lines to choose if you’re a solo traveller under 30. And what to expect from your fellow guests on board.
Cruises for singles under 30 – you’re not short of options!
There are lots of cruises for singles under 30. These include group cruises where single people aged 18 to 30 can take part in organised activities and excursions together. Or you can book a regular cruise and know that there will probably be lots of other like-minded people on board.
Organised group cruises specifically for singles don’t usually charter whole ships. Instead, between 50 and 500 single travellers will book the same cruise and attend organised meet-ups on board. These are great for anyone looking to make new friends and enjoy the company of other solo travellers.
But you don’t need to book a singles-only cruise – just travelling on certain cruise lines will boost your chances of meeting others who are single. Some of the best young singles cruise options are those where you’re just on a normal itinerary, but one where you know there will be other people under 30.
Every cruise is a great place to relax and mingle with fellow singles. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll enjoy food and drink available at numerous spots around the ship, daily activities and evening entertainment to keep you busy, and a cosy room to rest your head after a long day.
Bars, lounges and restaurants also offer many opportunities to strike up conversations with fellow passengers and bond over your shared cruise experiences.
So, here are the best cruise lines for singles under 30 looking to set sail and feel at ease while travelling alone.
The 7 best cruise lines for singles under 30
1. Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line is all about fun, fun, fun. While the bright (and possibly even garish) ships do attract a lot of families, they’re also great for single people in their twenties. Look out for weekend cruises when you’re sure to find lots of college students, single-sex groups and solo travellers.
Carnival cruises offer singles mixers as well as LGBT meet-ups, so be sure to attend those to connect with fellow solo travellers. Carnival does a great drink package, and there are some really fun parties that continue well into the night.
There are plenty of organised singles cruises on Carnival ships. Check out my guide to Carnival singles cruises for more information about those.
2. Virgin Voyages
One of the newest cruise lines to make a splash is Virgin Voyages, born of the infamous Virgin brand from entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson. Continuing the cheeky vibe that the brand is already known for, Virgin Voyages is an adult-only ship for those seeking something different.
On board, guests can expect group fitness classes to meet gym buddies, interactive evening entertainment and experiential foodie venues to bump into new-found friends (including a science lab-themed kitchen).
The best part is that all of this is included in your cruise fare, alongside WiFi to take your best pictures for posting online, basic drinks to keep you hydrated and tips – so you can enjoy the cruise without spending an extra penny!
You can also add in alcoholic drinks package pre-cruise with their pre-paid Bar Tab or pay for your drinks at the end.
You don’t need to worry about dedicated Virgin singles cruises either because the typical age is already quite young, and a lot of people who sail with the cruise line are single and looking to have a lot of fun.
3. Royal Caribbean
While Royal Caribbean might strike up images of family fun, travelling with the cruise line off-peak means there are fewer children on board so guests can let their inner child run wild!
With so many activities to enjoy on a Royal Caribbean ship, particularly on the Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, there are plenty of opportunities for under 30s to make friends while sailing.
Try out surfing on the FlowRider simulator or challenge yourself and your teammates in an Escape Room. Get competitive on the dodgems or hold hands and keep your balance while ice skating.
There are lots of things to get up to on a Royal Caribbean ship and many chances to bond with fellow passengers over cocktails at the robotic Bionic Bar or even sushi making at speciality restaurant, Izumi.
For active singles looking to mingle, the nightlife is best on the Oasis- and Quantum-class ships, with nightclubs and late-night bars as well as a pop-up Miami Beach-style venue hosted in the adults-only Solarium once per cruise.
The Icon-class ships are bigger and do have great nightlife options too, but bear in mind these are even more family-oriented.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line
For a more relaxing option, Norwegian Cruise Line prides itself on being a freestyle cruise line. This means that the relaxed dress code, flexible dining options and carefree vibes allow for a less restrictive experience – it’s much more chilled.
The cruise line is also one of the best for solo cruises, winning awards for its studio staterooms. In fact, NCL was the first cruise line to offer accommodations solely for those travelling alone. Plus, on many cruises there’s no single supplement!
Most of the ships in the NCL fleet attract a fun and young-at-heart crowd, with exciting features such as the Vibe Beach Club for those aged 18+, a three-storey high Sports Complex and the SVEDKA Ice Bar.
There’s also Tony Award-winning evening entertainment including Rock of Ages and dining options to suit all.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the more modern luxury cruise lines with new ships in the Edge Class which are aimed at a younger audience.
Shared spaces such as the Martini Bars, unique Magic Carpet and the immersive Eden offer Instagrammable spots to mingle and make new friends, while attractive suites and staterooms match their trendy décor and sophisticated design.
Life onboard offers cocktail making and masterclasses, a Sun Deck with real grass, and a suite space where you can relax with butler service and exclusive lounge areas. This cruise line is a great choice for those seeking more indulgence while at sea but also looking to mix with a younger demographic.
While not included automatically anymore, you can book cruise fares that include drinks, WiFi and tips, so you can work your way through the cocktail menu and message the guy you met last night, without worrying about how much you’re spending.
6. Hurtigruten
Adventurers and explorers need to look no further than Hurtigruten. Bringing off-the-beaten-path itineraries and exciting excursions, this expedition cruise line is ideal for discovering the world and potentially a new-found friend, or even a travelling partner!
With 14 ships in the fleet to choose from, each one offers places to socialise and discuss that day’s adventures that have taken you along the Norwegian coastline.
Get to know fellow passengers easily with shared stories of searching for wildlife or catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Hike together amongst Icelandic volcanoes or ski down a glacier – you could even warm up together after a chilly snorkel in Antarctica!
Hurtigruten is a great option for those who believe their backpacking days are over but are still searching for a new destination and even new friends.
7. MSC Cruises
Partying at sea can happen on any cruise line but one of the best for nightlife is MSC Cruises. With each ship offering numerous places to enjoy an evening tipple into the early hours of the morning, the cruise line is perfect for night owls who love a boogie.
The latest ships in the fleet, MSC Euribia and MSC World Europa, each offer huge promenades which are packed with clubs and bars. There’s also a party at midnight where you can dance below the enormous LED dome which changes pictures and takes on another life when the sun sets.
Every cruise also features a White Hot Party which is situated on the Pool Deck and runs until the early hours. As for the daytime, enjoy games, group fitness classes and hairy chest contests that are ideal conversation starters for singles looking to meet new people.
MSC Cruises are pretty cheap, so if you’re on a budget, this could be the one for you.
To conclude
Many cruise lines are already well placed to welcome singles under 30 with your accommodation, dining, drinks and social venues all readily available to you as soon as you step onboard. Depending on your travelling style and preferences, some cruise lines will be better suited to you than others.
If sleeping all day and partying all night is your thing, then don’t miss this list of The Best Party Cruises.
For keen travellers looking to see the world while meeting someone new, Hurtigruten might be your best option, while those looking for parties, luxurious staterooms and the perfect spot for social media posts would be better suited to Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
If you’re just keen to experience a cruise and all that comes with it, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line provide plenty of entertainment, activities and socialising opportunities which are excellent to meet new friends and strike up a new bond.
Tips for travelling solo would be to ensure you remain safe and vigilant while cruising and don’t do anything you wouldn’t usually do on land. If you’re unsure on which cruise line to choose, try a short cruise on one of these ships that cater for solo cruisers and go from there.
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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.
If you’ve ever been abroad with a toddler, you’ll know that holidays with small children are NOTHING like holidays used to be in your pre-parenthood days.
But, in case you didn’t know, there IS an ideal way that you can enjoy the freedom and relaxation that you used to love on holiday, whilst your children have a great time too. You can sunbathe, you can read a whole book, you can enjoy a romantic meal for two, you can go to the casino, and more…
With a cruise holiday, you can enjoy a holiday that’s not just great for your kids, it’s great for the adults too.
Don’t wait to enjoy a cruise…
A cruise holiday is the best holiday that parents of toddlers or two-year-olds can take. Here are a few reasons why:
Free childcare in the world’s best kids’ clubs
A huge range of food included
Swimming pools, splash areas and water slides
Never cruised before and wondering if a cruise is right for you? Or are you a cruise regular who wants to know which is the best cruise line for a two-year-old?
I’ve cruised with two-year-olds on different cruise lines and I’m here to share my top five tips for cruising with a toddler.
1. Take advantage of free childcare
This has got to be my number one reason why cruising with toddlers is great for parents.
“Two things I love the most:
1. Being with my kids.
2. Not being with my kids”
On one of our past cruises with P&O Cruises, our son, Adam, loved spending time in the kids’ club. It was open from 10am-12pm, 2pm-5pm and 6pm-10pm, and we were free to drop him off at any point during those hours.
Adam loved spending time playing with his new friends in the soft play area, doing arts and crafts, and falling asleep to a film after tea.
P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships also have a night nursery, which was open from 6 pm until 2 am. When he fell asleep in the kids’ club, we’d gently move him to a cot in the quiet, dark nursery, where he’d sleep for a few more hours while we enjoyed our evening.
Check the age limits for your cruise lines’ kids’ clubs…
On most cruises, children must be aged three or older to attend the kids’ club. So, if you’re planning a cruise with a two-year-old, I’d highly recommend choosing one of the cruise lines that allows two-year-olds in the kids’ club.
When our daughter, Leonie, was two, we sailed with MSC Cruises where children have to be three to attend the main sessions at the kids’ club.
Two-year-olds were only allowed to be left for one hour around midday and one hour in the early evening. And wow, did we relish those hours! Even the opportunity to have a shower and get ready for our evening in peace was so relaxing!
Cruise lines that allow two-year-olds in the kids’ club
The cruise lines to consider if you’d like a little time to yourselves are:
P&O Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Cunard
MSC Cruises
Many other cruise lines have activities that two-year-olds can attend with their parents. On Disney cruises, there are even special toddler events. You can read more about what it’s like to take a Disney cruise with a toddler here.
Evening babysitting options
On P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships, The Reef kids’ closes at 10 pm, but the Night Nursery is open until 2 am for under-fives to sleep under the watch of qualified babysitters.
The Night Nursery is free of charge, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We never had a problem getting a space there. In the school holidays, it might be busier, so if you’re travelling then you should bear that in mind.
On Cunard cruises, the Play Zone is open until 11 pm. There is also a complimentary Night Nursery, but this is only available for children under two years old.
Carnival’s Camp Ocean kids’ club is open until 10 pm. After that, babysitting is available in the kids’ club until 1 am at a cost of $6.75 per hour.
MSC offers babysitting even for babies, with a cost of $6 per child for one hour or $10 for the whole evening. MSC offers the latest hours, with group babysitting available until 2 am for those party animal parents among you!
2. Make the most of the dining options
The second reason why cruises are perfect for toddlers (and everyone else in the family) is the food. If you have a toddler, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the phrase “Me no like it”.
This is often used in response to food that they have asked specifically for, food they liked yesterday, or even food that they have already eaten half of!
I don’t know if it’s just my children, but I find that fussy
eaters get SUPER fussy on holiday. My daughter once ate only grapes for three
days. I had to Google how long a child can survive on just grapes as it was a
week-long holiday.
The beauty of cruise-ship dining is that no matter whether
you choose to dine in the buffet, in the main dining room or in a speciality
restaurant, there will be lots of food for children to enjoy.
On one cruise when he was younger, two-year-old Adam ate only Weetabix for breakfast and chips for lunch and dinner. Now that makes me sound like a terrible parent, I know.
But, also on his plate were a variety of fruits, vegetables and other healthy things that he would normally eat. Due to holiday super-fussiness, he didn’t eat any of it, but at least I didn’t have to pay for it all!
Don’t feel like you have to restrict yourselves to the buffet if you’re dining with children. On a cruise ship, even in the most formal of restaurants, nobody cares if your kids make a mess.
You can all be dressed up in ball gowns and dinner suits, and if your toddler throws rice on the floor or smears ice cream on the tablecloth, I promise that nobody will care. Children are made to feel so welcome on board.
3. Choose a ship where your child can enjoy swimming pools or splash areas
Splashing around in the water is one of my kids’ favourite things to do on holiday. And ships have some amazing swimming pools, splash areas and water slides that are perfect when you’re on a cruise with a 2 year old.
It’s important to note, that children who are not yet toilet
trained are not allowed in the swimming pools on most cruise ships. The only
cruise line, as far as I know, which allows children in swimming nappies in designated
pools is P&O Cruises.
However, many cruise ships will have splash areas which have just a few inches of water where swimming nappies or swim diapers are permitted. Here you might find spray jets, tipping buckets, water guns and small slides.
It’s definitely worth doing your research about where your child will be allowed to swim or splash before you book if your child is still in nappies. I have heard of people who had no idea about this rule and have booked a cruise, only to find that there is nowhere for their toddler to cool down on a hot day.
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4. Choose your accommodation carefully
Cruise ships have many different types of cabins – inside cabins, outside cabins, balcony cabins and suites. There’s something for every family.
Within those cabins, there are different bed configurations, with beds for children usually taking the form of sofa beds or bunk beds which come down from the ceiling (also known as Pullmans). You can also request a travel cot.
Which type of bed is best for your child depends entirely on them. When Adam was two, he would still sleep in a cot at home. He never attempted to climb out and he was happy there.
So, on a cruise when he was that age, he stayed in a travel cot provided by the cruise line in our cabin. On the other hand, our daughter stayed in the top bunk above our bed when she was two and was quite happy up there.
Some cruise lines don’t permit children under a certain age to sleep in the top bunk, whilst some are happy for two-year-olds to sleep up there, so be sure to check this when you book.
A sofa bed is generally a good option for most two-year-olds. Whatever type of bed you choose, you can request a bed guard to ensure that nobody can fall out in the night.
Another option which I have heard that some parents choose is to pack an inflatable ‘ready bed’ for your child. This doesn’t take up much space and you may feel that it’s the safest place for your child to sleep at floor level. If you choose this option, you’ll still need to book a cabin with enough beds for your family in addition to the blow-up bed.
There are a few items that I would definitely recommend when taking a toddler on a cruise…
Here are some of the essentials that I packed:
Pushchair – an umbrella-style folding one is best so that it can be stored under the bed
Tablet computer – not everyone’s cup of tea, but personally, I really value a few minutes’ peace to have a shower
Toys – you won’t need many, but a few toy cars or dolls are ideal
Magnets – most cruise ship cabins have metal walls and these can keep kids entertained for ages
Water shoes – cruise ship decks can get hot in the sun, so waterproof sandals are ideal for going in and out of the water
Medicines – pack Calpol, Sudocrem, plasters and anything you generally use at home. You can get it on-board but it will be expensive
Concentrated cordial – those tiny bottles are great to add a small squirt into water to keep your kids hydrated in the sun
Non-spill cups – take your own cups or sports bottles for drinks either at the table or on the go
Washing up liquid and sponge – this isn’t provided but if you’re bringing your own cups you’ll need it
My free printable packing list for cruising with a baby also has lots of ideas for things that you should bring on your cruise with a toddler.
To fly or not to fly?
It probably goes without saying that flying with a young child can be a nightmare. Once children reach two years old they get their own seat on the plane (yay!) However, the downside to this is that you have to pay full adult price for them.
I took lots of flights with my kids when they were babies and toddlers just to save on airfare! We took lots of toys and snacks on the plane and never flew for more than four hours which was fine. Now that they’re two and over, we like to cruise from the UK.
If you’re lucky enough to live within a few hours’ drive of a major cruise port, then cruising from there should definitely be something you consider. It’s going to work out cheaper than paying for your two-year-old to fly and you also won’t have to worry about any luggage restrictions.
Are cruises safe for toddlers?
Finally, a word about safety. On the whole, cruise ships are very safe places, but sadly, accidents do and have happened. It’s vital that parents supervise their children at all times, except when they are in the care of youth team staff.
Balconies
Barriers on the deck of cruise ships are generally very high, made of glass, and/or have a double handrail, so they would be difficult to climb, but not always impossible.
If you have a balcony cabin, keep furniture away from the rail and never leave a child unattended. The locks on balcony doors are usually high up to make it very difficult for younger children to open, so keep the balcony door locked when you’re not sitting on it.
Swimming pools are another potential hazard. On our cruise, Adam was walking along the edge of the pool when he fell in, without wearing armbands.
Luckily, I was standing right next to him and I quickly scooped him out. Until that moment, I had no idea how fast children sink. He was in the water for no more than a second or two but was already upside-down under the water.
We were lucky, Adam didn’t even cry at his ordeal. But the experience really brought home how important it is to keep a very close eye on children when they’re anywhere near water.
Hygiene
Personal hygiene is also something to take great care of on a cruise. Toddlers are at greater risk of gastrointestinal disease than adults as they can tend to put their hands in their mouths. Infections like norovirus can be avoided by regular hand-washing.
I hope that you’ve found this guide to cruising with two-year-olds helpful.
Are cruises good for toddlers? I definitely think so – yes, there will be more that they can get involved in when they’re a little older, but there is plenty they can enjoy when they’re two as well.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. Do you have any more tips? You can add them below, too.
Related posts:
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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.
Choose the right cruise ship and you will never be bored! Today’s modern cruise ships have so much to enjoy!
Picking a cruise ship with lots of activities is particularly important if you’re cruising out of season when the weather is colder. Or if you have an itinerary with lots of sea days, such as a transatlantic cruise.
So, here’s a list of the best things you can do on a cruise ship…
1. Eat all the food
The average cruiser puts on half a stone per week on a cruise, which requires eating an extra 3,500 calories per day on top of what you’d usually eat. Sounds a lot? Well, it’s easily done with endless snack options like pizza slices, chips and ice cream as well as endless buffets and three-course meals every night.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland restaurant
2. Spa day
Have a massage, float in the pool, and nap on a heated water bed. You could even get your teeth whitened on board. These are some of the most relaxing cruise ship activities by far.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Cloud 9 Spa
3. Indoor swimming pool
What do you do on a cruise when the weather’s not great? Relax by the pool anyway, of course! Choosing a cruise ship with an indoor pool is a good idea for anyone with kids. Even better, head to the adults-only solarium while they’re in the kids’ club for a much more relaxing time.
Indoor pool on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas
4. Watch a movie
Most cruise ships have either a cinema indoors, or a large screen on the pool deck showing movies. P&O ship Iona has four cinema screens on board, so there’s always something good to watch.
P&O Iona – Ocean Studios
5. Bingo
Eyes down! Cruise ship bingo can be adults only with big money at stake, or there may also be family versions where kids can join in to win sweets and toys.
Family bingo on P&O Britannia
6. Casino
There’s loads of fun to be had in the casino, whether at the tables or machines, it’s easy to forget what time it is. One of the more popular things to do on a cruise ship in the evening – although there are still plenty of other options, too.
Majestic Princess – Casino
7. Gym
I always tell myself I’m going to go to the gym on a cruise but I’ve still never done it. I’m sure it would make me feel less guilty about all the desserts if I could manage it!
Gym on P&O Britanna
8. Fitness Classes
Zumba, pilates, HIIT, there’s something for everyone, just check your daily planner (the cruise ship activities list either posted in your room or on the app) for the times.
Zumba Fitness Class on Caribbean Princess
9. Get drunk
A rainy day is a great excuse to work your way down the cocktail menu. Particularly if you have a drinks package.
Drinking cocktails at sea
10. Hot tub
Here’s one outdoor activity that can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Just make sure you have a towel nearby for when it’s time to get out!
Hot tub on P&O Britannia
11. Play cards
Most ships have card rooms where you can find others to play games like bridge or whist with.
Card Room on Royal Caribbean
12. Admire the views
Head up to the top deck, look out the window or, if you’re on a Royal Caribbean Quantum Class ship, take a ride in the North Star observation pod which rises 300 feet above the sea.
The North Star observation pod on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas
13. Ice skating
Get your skates on and fall over in style. Then watch the professional ice show and wow at how easy they make it look.
Ice Rink on Royal Caribbean
14. Bumper Cars
Another feature on Quantum-class ships is bumper cars, also known as dodgems.
Bumper cars in Royal Caribbean’s SeaPlex
15. Social media
Make the most of your WiFi package by making your friends jealous with photos of your food.
16. Go to the hairdresser
Relax with a new style, color, or a fancy updo, ready for a formal night.
Carnival Sunrise Cloud 9 Spa Beauty Salon
17. Watch a show
Singers, comedians, dancers, musicals, and even synchronized swimming, you’ll find all kinds of entertainment shows on board.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
18. Learn floristry
Did you know that cruise ships have florists on board? Learn how to arrange flowers or make your own corsage to wear in the evening.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
19. Ice bar
Norwegian Breakaway, Getaway and Epic each have an ice bar where you can don a winter coat and enjoy ice cold vodka cocktails whilst sitting on furniture made of ice.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ice Bar
20. Stay in bed
Order room service, watch movies in bed and take naps. Sounds like heaven to me!
Carnival Vista Stateroom
21. Escape room
Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises each have escape room games where you have to piece together clues to make your way out of a room before the time is up.
Royal Caribbean’s Escape Room – Planetary Puzzler
22. Try a tasty (and potentially boozy) milkshake
Lots of ships have a special area to get custom milkshakes. On Icon-class ships with Royal Caribbean you can even get adults-only options with a boozy kick!
23. Galley tour
Ever wondered how cruise ship kitchens can serve up enough food to feed thousands of people at the same time? Find out with a tour of the ship’s kitchen, also known as the galley.
Princess Cruises’ Galley Tour
24. Rock climbing
Heading up the rock climbing wall is a surefire way to warm up in cooler weather. The small kids make it look so easy. It’s not!
The climbing wall on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic
25. Arcade
From retro games to air hockey and dance games, there’s lots of fun to be had in the arcades.
Carnival Panorama’s The Warehouse Arcade
26. Board games
We love to hunt out board games to borrow. Even if we’re not playing them, young kids they like to make up their own games with the pieces.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
27. Mini golf
Crazy golf is fun for all the family. Just don’t hit it into the sea! Fore!
Golf course on new ship, Arvia
28. Archery
A great way for families to spend time together, you can enjoy an expert-led archery class on your cruise.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
29. Fencing
Where else but posh cruise line Cunard would offer fencing as an activity? I’d love to give it a go. On guard!
Fencing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
30. See behind the scenes
Ever fancied a look in the engine room? Book a behind-the-scenes tour and see all that and more.
Allure of the Seas’ Engine Room
31. Trapeze school
After you’ve watched the circus show, on Anthem of the Seas you can actually have a go yourself with a lesson in trapeze artistry.
Royal Caribbean’s Circus School in the SeaPlex
32. Laser tag
Once an 80s craze, laser tag is back and better than ever on selected Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ships.
Royal Caribbean’s Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z
33. Sports
Basketball, tennis, volleyball, football… there’s no end of sports to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
34. Watch a game show
I really like cruise ship gameshows. It’s great fun cheering on your fellow cruisers as they try to win prizes. The Mr and Mrs type ones are my favourites – so funny!
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
35. Table tennis
A great way to spend an hour, table tennis, or as the Americans call it ping-pong is a fun game for two or four people to enjoy together.
Table tennis on P&O Britannia
36. Ride a carousel
Hop aboard a horsey (or zebra) and ride the carousel in the Boardwalk of selected Royal Caribbean ships.
Carousel onboard Symphony of the Seas
37. Hall of mirrors
Watch out for the funny mirrors by the carousel, especially the one that shows what you’ll look like if you spend too long in the buffet.
38. Go karting
Yes, that’s right, newer Norwegian Cruise Line ships even have go kart tracks on board! Unbelievable!
Go Kart Track on Norwegian Bliss
39. Art classes
Learn to draw or paint in a class led by an expert artist.
Carnival Cruise – Educational Art Seminar and Lectures
40. Silent disco
On Celebrity Cruises, you can set your headphones to your favorite channel and dance like nobody’s watching.
Silent Disco on the Disney Wish
41. Ride a roller coaster
The world’s first roller coasters at sea can be found on Carnival Cruise Line’s newer ships Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee.
BOLT roller coaster on Carnival Mardi Gras
42. Bowling
Knock down the pins and try for a strike in the bowling alley
43. Planetarium
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has a full-size planetarium where you can learn about everything in the night sky for a fun and educational experience.
Cunard’s planetarium
44. Cookery classes
Learn to make sushi, cupcakes, pizzas or almost anything else at an expert-led class
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
45. Art gallery
Admire the pieces in the onboard art gallery. You could even attend an art auction and bid on a piece to take home with you.
Gallery on board Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
46. Order a drink from a robot
Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises both have bionic bartenders that will mix your cocktails while you look on in awe. So clever!
MSC Cruises Starship Club
47. Dance classes
Led by expert dancers, a sea day is a perfect opportunity to spend an hour learning to tango, waltz or samba.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
48. Sky bike
Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon have pedal-powered bikes on a track 150 feet above the sea.
Carnival Cruise Line’s SkyRide
49. Learn a language
Brush up on your skills or learn something entirely new with a language class.
50. Sky diving
Royal Caribbean’s RipCord by iFLY attraction is a skydiving simulator that can be found on Quantum Class ships such as Anthem of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean’s Skydiving Simulator
51. Karaoke
Cruise ship karaoke is great. But does anyone else prefer the bad singers to the good ones?
Majestic Princess Karaoke Room
52. Seawalk
Walk along a glass pathway 128 feet above the sea on Princess Cruises’ ships Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess.
Princess Cruises’ Seawalk
53. 4D movies
More than just a 3D movie, with a 4D experience your chair moves, you’re squirted with water and there might even be pumped-in smells to add to the sensory experience of watching a film. 4D cinemas can be found on selected MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line ships.
MSC Meraviglia 4D Cinema
54. Formula One simulator
Get behind the wheel of a Formula One car replica and go for a spin on the virtual reality track.
MSC Fantasia’s Formula One simulator
55. Roller skating
You’ll be reminded of your childhood as you whizz round on skates, trying not to take anyone out as you go.
Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
56. Slides
Whilst you might not want to brave a water slide in the cold weather, selected Royal Caribbean ships feature the Ultimate Abyss – a dry slide which starts at deck 16 and ends at deck 6.
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss slide
57. Quizzes
Who doesn’t love a good pub quiz? I’m terrible at them but it’s still good fun.
Playing Trivia on Carnival Breeze
58. High ropes course
Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape have ropes courses with 99 elements, including a plank which extends eight feet over the edge of the ship. You have to stretch to ring the bell. Not much scares me but I found this terrifying! You can also find high ropes courses on Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships.
High ropes course on Norwegian Escape
59. Guest lectures
Lectures can be about anything from health and fitness to the history of the ports you’ll visit. Take a look at the daily planner to see which ones look interesting.
Sarong Tying, Hawaii Regional Activities on Princess Cruises
60. Computer games tournaments
Teenagers can challenge their new friends to a whole host of games on the Xbox, Switch or Playstation.
Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
61. Towel art
Want to know how the housekeepers manage to make your towel look like a swan? Learn the tricks at a towel art class so you can make your own towel animals at home.
Towel Animal Theater on Carnival Cruise Line
62. Build a model cruise ship
Team up with fellow cruisers and staff to see who can build the best model cruise ship on P&O Cruises holidays. You’ll even get to float them in the pool and see how they fare against stormy seas.
63. Ziplining
Nine decks high and 82 feet across, Royal Caribbean’s ziplines zoom above Central Park in the hollow centre of the ship.
Zip line onboard Symphony of the Seas
64. Play pool
You may not be up for swimming in the cold, so why not try a different kind of pool and have a game on a pool table? This popular pub game is best accompanied with a pint of beer. The ships’ tables even have stabilisers so the balls don’t roll around in the waves (unless it gets a bit stormy)!
Navigator of the Seas Ship’s FlowRider Surf Simulator
66. Watch an outdoor movie
Snuggle up under blankets, grab some popcorn and relax and watch a film on the big screen by the pool.
Princess Cruises’ Outdoor Movie Theater
67. Croquet
Selected Celebrity Cruises ships have real grass on the top deck which is ideal for enjoying a quiet game of croquet. Possibly followed by Pimms and cucumber sandwiches, I’d imagine.
Croquet on Celebrity Equinox
68. Read a book
I only ever read books on holiday. I just don’t get time at home. So when I’m away I love to curl up in a cosy spot and get stuck in to a good book.
Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
69. Deck games
Old fashioned games like quoits and shuffleboard have been popular since the olden days and still provide a good hour of fun, once you understand the rules.
Shuffleboard on Princess Cruises
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What do you like to do on a sea day?
What’s your favourite activity that you’ve enjoyed on a sea day? Let me know in the comments below. With so much to enjoy on today’s exciting modern cruise ships, I’d be happy if every day was a sea day. A transatlantic crossing is definitely on my bucket list.
Related posts:
If you found this interesting, please share!
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Launching in 2004 alongside her sister ship the Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess was the first ship to be launched for Princess that was part of the Grand Class whilst also being part of a sub-class, the Gem Class.
She is generally positioned either off the west coast of the US, or around Japan, giving her some exciting and unique itineraries that guests love to explore. But the first step in booking your own Japanese cruise adventure is choosing a cabin type – and that’s where this guide can help.
I’ve spent a while looking at the Diamond Princess deck plans, and checking out forum threads and customer reviews from past guests, to learn all about the cabins onboard.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the best and worst cabins, so that you make the most of your Diamond Princess cruise adventure.
Diamond Princess cabin types
There are seven main types of cabin on Diamond Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
168 to 182 sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
183 sq. ft
Premium Oceanview
2
200 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
354 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
525 to 1,329 sq. ft.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Diamond Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Diamond Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Diamond Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Diamond Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for on-board activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Diamond Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Diamond Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Diamond Princess Inside Cabin grades
Every cabin on Diamond Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
168
IB
4
168 – 182
IC
2
168 – 182
ID
2
168
IE
2
168
IF
4
168
Diamond Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Diamond Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
And if you want a little more floor space, you can choose a Premium Oceanview cabin – they’re around 10% bigger.
Diamond Princess Oceanview Cabin grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
O5
Premium Oceanview
2
200
OC
Oceanview
2
183
OF
Oceanview
2
183
OV
Oceanview (Obstructed)
4
183
OW
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OY
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OZ
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
Diamond Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Diamond Princess Balcony Cabin grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
277
B4
Premium Balcony
4
237 – 277
BA
Balcony
4
237
BB
Balcony
4
237
BC
Balcony
4
237
BD
Balcony
3
237 – 277
BE
Balcony
2
237 – 277
BF
Balcony
2
237
Diamond Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Diamond Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Diamond Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Diamond Princess Mini Suite grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
354
MB
Mini Suite
4
354
MD
Mini Suite
4
354
ME
Mini Suite
4
354
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Diamond Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Diamond Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Diamond Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Diamond Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in the room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Diamond Princess Suite grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S1
Grand Suite
4
1,329
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
692
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
525 – 572
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
555
S5
Premium Suite
3
705
S6
Vista Suite
3
525 – 548
S8
Family Suite
6
618
Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Premium Vs. Vista
There are six different types of Suite on the Diamond Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
But when comparing the suites, the best is the Grand Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corner of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view. It also has multiple seating areas, and is great for hosting.
The Owner’s Suite is situated on the same deck as the Grand Suite, but in the opposite corner. It is still exceptionally spacious and is maybe a better choice if you aren’t likely to have people visiting your room.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.
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Special cabin types
Diamond Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Diamond Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
If you use the deck plans you can check the box to see all the connected rooms highlighted.
On Diamond Princess, there are a few choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Obstructed Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Diamond Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Diamond Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Diamond Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 8, 10, 12 and 14
Obstructed Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10-12
Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 and 12
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Diamond Princess cabins to avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Diamond Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Diamond Princess that people haven’t been too happy with and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Diamond Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins that are under the Lido Deck
A310 to 751
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and their deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins near the front of the ship
L200 and 201, A104 and 201, B104 and 107, C104 and 107, D104 and 105,
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Diamond Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins that can be worse for seasickness
L200 to 311, A104 to 301 and 628 to 751, B100 to 301 and 628 to 757, C100 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Diamond Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Diamond Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins directly adjacent to the laundromat
D226 and D229, C610 and C611, B708 and B711
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Diamond Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
P200 to 201, E100 to 103, C101 to 102, D102 to 105
There are three main staircases on the Diamond Princess that go from Deck 5 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a view is important to you
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), C100 to 103, 105 to 106 and 109 (Deck 10), B100 to 103, 105 (Deck 11)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Decks 10 and 11, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if you don’t need them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if you don’t want to risk soot
A744, 746, 749 and 751, B750, 751 and 753
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The best cabins on Diamond Princess
1. Family Suites
The two Family Suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Diamond Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The cheapest cabins
The cheapest cabins on Diamond Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically the Interior rooms A740 and R745, the Balcony cabins A752 and 747, and the Premium Balcony cabins A746 and A751 (which have slightly extended balconies too).
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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Other useful info on Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess was last refurbished in February 2019 as part of a large overhaul of the Grand Class ships in the fleet. She received various updates as well as a general refresh of the décor and furnishings. She did go into drydock in 2024 but only for minor work.
There are four main swimming pools on the Diamond Princess, including one which is indoors. Of the eight hot tubs on the ship (not counting those in the Izumi Bath), two are also indoors.
To conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Diamond Princess, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, and from reading Diamond Princess cabin reviews, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too.
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences. Many also take their own Diamond Princess cabins photos, so you might get to see what it looks like before you sail.
And always have one last look at the Diamond Princess deck plan before you confirm a booking – just to make sure you’re happy with your cabin’s location.
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Related posts:
More Princess Cruises cabin guides
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
