The best cruise magazines in the UK in 2026 are Cruise & Travel (formerly Cruise International), World of Cruising and the independent Sail Away for holiday inspiration, plus Ships Monthly and Shipping Today & Yesterday if you love the ships themselves. Most come out every two months or monthly, in print and digital editions, and several can be read for free or very cheaply if you know where to look.
A lot has changed since the last round-up of cruise magazines UK readers could rely on. Some titles have been renamed, some have merged and a few have quietly disappeared. This guide covers what is actually still being published, how often it comes out, how to read it, and which magazine suits which kind of cruiser.
Cruise magazines in the UK at a glance
Details below were checked in October 2026. Publishers change schedules and prices often, so check before you subscribe.
Magazine
Focus
Frequency
Format
Cruise & Travel
Cruise holidays, ship reviews, destinations
6 issues a year plus specials
Print and digital
World of Cruising
Ship reviews, destination guides, planning tips
Around 6 issues a year (check current schedule)
Digital (print availability varies)
Sail Away
Independent UK cruise news, reviews and opinion
6 issues a year
Print, plus website and video
Ships Monthly
Ship news for enthusiasts: cruise, ferries, merchant
Monthly
Print and digital
Shipping Today & Yesterday
Maritime history and modern shipping (now includes Sea Breezes)
If you only buy one cruise magazine, this is the obvious starting point. It describes itself as the UK’s highest-selling cruise magazine and is published by The Chelsea Magazine Company. The title was long known as Cruise International, and you will still see that name on its app and on some digital newsstand listings, so don’t be confused if you search for one and find the other.
Each issue mixes ship reviews, destination features, news on new ships and itineraries, and practical advice for planning a cruise. It comes out six times a year, with occasional special editions such as an annual cruise planner. At the time of writing, single digital issues on Pocketmags were around £5.99 and the publisher’s own app offered a digital subscription of about £19.99 a year, though prices can change. Print copies are sold in larger newsagents and supermarkets, or by subscription.
2. World of Cruising
World of Cruising is a long-running UK title built around ship reviews, destination guides and planning tips. Its own website now offers the magazine as a digital edition, and its publisher lists six issues a year plus an annual cruise directory. It has often been distributed through cruise agents as well as by subscription, so you may already have been sent a copy if you have booked through a travel agent. Check the World of Cruising website for the current subscription options, as these have changed over time.
3. Sail Away
Sail Away is the newest name on this list. It launched in October 2023 as an independent UK cruise brand and has grown into a print magazine backed by a website, YouTube channel and podcasts. Because it is not owned by a large publishing group, it tends to have a chattier, more opinionated tone, including reader polls and an opinion supplement.
The print magazine comes out six times a year with a cover price of around £6.95. Subscription agent isubscribe listed a 12-month (six-issue) print subscription at £39.99 including delivery at the time of writing.
4. Your Holiday & Cruise Magazine
Published by Kent-based Atlantic Print Media, this is now an online magazine with a twice-yearly digital issue and regular email updates. It covers wider holidays as well as cruises, so it suits readers who split their time between land-based trips and sailings. It is a lighter read than the newsstand titles but a handy free source of ideas.
Ship enthusiast titles cover the vessels themselves as well as the holidays. Photo: Joe Ambrogio on Pexels
Magazines for ship lovers and maritime enthusiasts
Holiday magazines tell you where to go. These titles are for people who care about the ships: who built them, which ones are being renamed or sold, and how today’s fleets compare with the liners of the past.
5. Ships Monthly
Published by Kelsey Media, Ships Monthly calls itself Britain’s best-selling monthly magazine for ship lovers. It covers cruise ships alongside ferries, merchant ships and naval vessels, with plenty of photography and fleet news. It is a good choice if you like knowing what is happening behind the brochures, such as new ship deliveries, ships moving between brands and older vessels heading for scrap. Print and digital editions are available.
6. Shipping Today & Yesterday
This monthly magazine has been owned by Sundial Magazines since 2023, and from the January 2026 issue it incorporated the long-running Sea Breezes. That makes it the main home for maritime history readers, with features on classic liners, ferries and cargo ships alongside modern shipping news. If you used to buy Sea Breezes, this is now where its content lives.
Trade and international cruise magazines
These are written mainly for people who work in cruise, but curious passengers often enjoy them for an early look at new ships and industry trends.
7. Cruise & Ferry Review
Formerly known as International Cruise & Ferry Review, this UK-produced trade title publishes two issues a year (Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter in 2026), with a sister title on ship interiors. Articles are largely written by or with senior executives from cruise lines, ports and shipyards. Much of it can be read online through the Cruise & Ferry website.
8. Cruise Industry News Quarterly
A US trade magazine published four times a year, focused on shipbuilding, operations and the business side of cruising. A one-year international subscription was listed at $110 at the time of writing, and print subscribers also get the digital edition. Some of it is heavy going for a holidaymaker, but it is very good on future ship orders.
9. Porthole Cruise and Travel
Porthole is a long-established American consumer cruise magazine with a glossy, lifestyle-led style. New issues appear roughly every two months on digital newsstands such as PressReader. Its prices, deals and ship coverage lean towards the North American market, so treat it as inspiration rather than a UK booking guide.
Free cruise line magazines worth knowing about
Some of the best cruise reading is free if you have sailed before. Cruise lines use magazines to keep past guests interested, and these often preview new itineraries before they reach the newsstand titles.
P&O Cruises: the Peninsular Club magazine is a benefit for members from the Pacific tier upwards. If you are weighing up which ship to sail on next, our guide to P&O Cruises ships compared is a useful companion.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: the line has published a lifestyle magazine for members of its Oceans loyalty scheme, with copies also left in cabins on board.
Other lines: most major cruise lines with UK offices send brochures, newsletters or loyalty magazines to past guests. Make sure your marketing preferences allow post if you want to receive them.
Remember that cruise line magazines are marketing material. They are great for itinerary ideas, but they will not compare one line fairly against another.
Digital editions and library apps make it easy to read cruise magazines on the go. Photo: Helena Lopes on Pexels
Where to buy or read cruise magazines in the UK
Newsagents and supermarkets: larger WHSmith branches, especially at railway stations and airports, are the most reliable place to find Cruise & Travel, Ships Monthly and other niche titles on the shelf.
Direct subscription: buying from the publisher or a subscription agent usually works out cheaper per issue than the cover price, and the magazine arrives before it reaches the shops.
Single digital issues: Pocketmags, Zinio and publisher apps let you buy one issue at a time, which is handy if you only want the issue covering your next destination.
All-you-can-read apps: Readly and PressReader offer large libraries of magazines for a monthly fee. Titles come and go, so check the cruise titles you want are included before you sign up.
Your local library: this is the tip most guides miss. Many UK library services give members free access to digital magazines through apps such as Libby or PressReader. Ships Monthly, for example, is distributed on the OverDrive and Libby platform, so it is worth checking what your council’s library offers before paying for anything.
Which cruise magazines have closed or changed name?
If you remember titles from older lists of cruise magazines UK readers used to buy, here is what we found when checking in 2026:
Cruise International now trades as Cruise & Travel.
International Cruise & Ferry Review is now Cruise & Ferry Review.
Sea Breezes has been folded into Shipping Today & Yesterday from January 2026.
Your Holiday & Cruise Magazine continues, but as an online magazine with a twice-yearly digital issue.
Into The Blue, Blue Horizons, YourCruise and Cruise Ahoy: we could not find current 2026 issues of these titles, so we have left them out. Some were agency or loyalty newsletters rather than newsstand magazines.
How to choose the right cruise magazine
Think about what you want from it. If you are planning your next holiday, Cruise & Travel or Sail Away will give you the most ideas per page, and pairing them with our guide to cruise deals for 2027 and when to book will help you turn inspiration into a well-priced booking. If you prefer to sail from home, look out for features on no-fly cruises, such as our guide to Norwegian fjords cruises from the UK. If you love the ships themselves, Ships Monthly is the one to pick. And if you only read occasionally, a library app or a single digital issue is better value than a full subscription.
What is the best-selling cruise magazine in the UK?
Cruise & Travel, the title formerly known as Cruise International, describes itself as the UK’s highest-selling cruise magazine. It is published six times a year in print and digital.
Can I get cruise magazines for free?
Often, yes. Cruise lines send loyalty magazines to past guests (P&O Cruises’ Peninsular Club magazine is a perk of the Pacific tier, for example), and many UK library services let members read digital magazines free through apps such as Libby or PressReader.
Is Cruise International magazine still published?
Not under that name. The magazine now trades as Cruise & Travel, and its app and Pocketmags listings still carry the old Cruise International name in places.
Where can I buy cruise magazines in the UK?
Larger WHSmith branches and supermarkets stock the newsstand titles. You can also subscribe direct from the publisher, buy digital issues on Pocketmags, Zinio or the publisher’s app, or read them as part of an all-you-can-read service such as Readly or PressReader.
Which magazine is best for ship enthusiasts rather than holidaymakers?
Ships Monthly and Shipping Today & Yesterday are aimed at people who love ships themselves: fleet news, maritime history, ferries and photography. They both come out monthly.
The Enchanted Princess cabins to avoid are mostly ones with a specific location problem rather than a bad category: midship balconies on Deck 8 (Emerald) where lifeboats block the downward view, rooms directly beneath the pool deck, buffet or gym on Decks 15 and 16, and cabins right above the Princess Theater or beside busy lift lobbies and laundry rooms. The best cabins are usually midship on Decks 9 to 12 or 14, with passenger cabins above and below you.
Below is a practical guide to every stateroom type on this Royal-class ship, what each one is like, and how to spot the rooms worth skipping before you pay a deposit.
Enchanted Princess Cabins at a Glance
Enchanted Princess is a balcony-heavy ship. Most of its staterooms have a private veranda, and there are no standard oceanview (window) cabins at all, so your realistic choices are inside, balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite or a full suite. Cabins sit on Decks 8 to 12 and 14 to 16, with the two Sky Suites up on Deck 18. Decks 5 to 7 are public spaces, and there is no Deck 13.
Cabin type
Approx. size (cabin / balcony)
Good for
Watch out for
Inside
165 to 175 sq ft / none
Budget, port-heavy itineraries
No natural light; lifts and laundry neighbours
Balcony
about 180 sq ft / about 40 sq ft
Most couples
No sofa; obstructed (BW) rooms on Deck 8
Deluxe balcony
195 to 250 sq ft / about 40 sq ft
A little more space and a small sofa
Some obstructed-view variants
Mini-suite
245 to 335 sq ft / about 40 sq ft
Families, longer cruises
Balcony is no bigger than a standard one
Suites (Penthouse, Premium, Owner’s)
about 330 to 470 sq ft / 70 to 210 sq ft
Space, perks, priority service
Price; check the location as carefully as any other cabin
Sky Suite
about 1,500 sq ft / about 700 sq ft
Groups and big celebrations
Only two on board; book very early
Sizes are approximate and vary by exact location, so confirm the figures for the specific stateroom on the Princess Cruises website before booking.
Enchanted Princess Cabins to Avoid (and Why)
No cabin on the ship is genuinely bad, but some locations come with trade-offs that many guests would rather avoid. These are the ones to check for on the deck plan.
1. Obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8 (Emerald)
Many midship balconies on Deck 8 look out over the lifeboats. In most of them you can still see the horizon, but the view straight down to the water is blocked, and some feel less private. These rooms are sold as obstructed categories (such as BW) and are usually cheaper. If you mainly want fresh air and a sea view while sitting down, they can be decent value. If watching the water or arriving into port from your balcony matters to you, choose a higher deck.
2. Cabins under the pool deck, buffet or gym
The upper cabin decks (15 and 16) sit beneath the busiest outdoor areas. Rooms directly under the pools and the Horizon Court buffet can hear sun loungers being dragged and carts rolling early in the morning, and those below the fitness centre may hear weights being dropped. Late-night events on the open decks can also carry down.
3. Cabins above the theatre and entertainment venues
Forward cabins on Deck 8 sit above the Princess Theater, and some midship rooms on the same deck are above bars and lounges. Bass from shows and live music can travel upward, especially in the evening.
4. Rooms beside lift lobbies, laundries and crew doors
Staterooms right next to a lift bank or stairwell see a lot of foot traffic and conversation. Self-service launderettes are found on the cabin decks, and rooms beside them may hear dryers and doors. A blank wall at the end of a corridor on the deck plan sometimes hides a crew service door, which can be busy at odd hours.
5. Far forward and far aft cabins if you are prone to seasickness
Motion is felt most at the bow, and the stern can pick up more vibration from the engines and propulsion. Forward cabins can also hear the bow thrusters when the ship docks or leaves port. If you get seasick, a low-to-mid deck midship is the steadiest choice.
6. Connecting cabins (if you are not travelling as a group)
Connecting staterooms share a locked internal door, which tends to let more sound through than a solid wall. They are perfect for families, but couples who value quiet may prefer a non-connecting room. Deck plans mark them with a symbol.
An unobstructed balcony view is the main thing to check when choosing a veranda cabin. Photo: HOWARD HERDI on Pexels
Enchanted Princess Best Cabins by Type
Inside cabins
Inside staterooms are among the more generous on a mainstream ship, at roughly 165 to 175 square feet, and they come with the Princess Luxury Bed, a fridge and a wardrobe. They suit guests who spend little time in their room. Pick one midship on Decks 9 to 12 or 14, away from lifts and launderettes.
Enchanted Princess balcony cabins
Standard balconies make up the largest group of rooms on the ship. The main thing to know is that there is no sofa or armchair inside, so seating is limited to the vanity chair and the bed. The veranda itself is fairly compact. For the best experience, avoid the obstructed categories on Deck 8 and aim for a midship room on Decks 9 to 12 or 14.
Deluxe and premium deluxe balconies
Deluxe balconies add a little more floor space and a small sofa, which makes a real difference on a cruise of a week or more. Aft-facing premium balconies offer more room inside and out, plus wake views, though they can feel more vibration and occasionally catch funnel soot on the upper decks.
Mini-suites and Reserve Collection mini-suites
Mini-suites are noticeably larger, with a sitting area, a sofa bed and a curtain dividing the bedroom area, making them a popular choice for families of three or four. The balcony is the same size as a standard one, though. Princess’s former Club Class mini-suites are now sold as Reserve Collection mini-suites. According to Princess, they add Reserve Dining in a dedicated area of the main dining room, priority embarkation and disembarkation, upgraded bathrobes and amenities, and a welcome bottle of wine.
Suites and Sky Suites
The ship’s full suites (Penthouse, Premium and Owner’s) offer separate living and sleeping areas, larger balconies and Princess’s suite perks such as priority boarding and an upgraded minibar setup. At the top are the two Sky Suites on Deck 18: around 1,500 square feet of interior space with two bedrooms and a huge wraparound terrace looking over the main pool and the outdoor movie screen. They are among the most requested rooms in the fleet, so expect to book well ahead.
How to Check a Cabin Before You Book
This is the part many guides skip. A few minutes with the deck plan will tell you more than any category name.
Look up and down, not just sideways. Open the deck plan for the decks above and below your cabin. The safest result is passenger cabins on both sides, often called a cabin sandwich.
Find the lifeboats. On Deck 8, check whether your room sits over the lifeboat line. If the category name includes “obstructed”, it does.
Count the doors to the lifts. Two or three cabins away from a lift lobby is usually close enough to be convenient without the foot traffic.
Spot the service areas. Laundries, crew doors and pantries are shown as blank or labelled spaces. Avoid rooms directly beside them.
Think about guarantees and upgrade bids. A guarantee fare lets Princess pick your room. You save money but give up control, so only take one in a category that is mostly midship on mid-level decks. If you win an upgrade bid, check the new room against this list before accepting.
Check accessibility needs early. The ship has a limited number of wheelchair-accessible cabins, split between inside and balcony categories, and they sell out early.
A quiet, midship stateroom is usually the safest pick for light sleepers. Photo: AHMED AQEELY on Pexels
Which Cabin Should You Choose?
If you want value, a midship inside cabin on Decks 9 to 12 is hard to beat. If you want sea air on a budget, an obstructed Deck 8 balcony can work as long as you accept the lifeboat view. Most couples will be happiest in a standard or deluxe balcony away from the pool and buffet decks, while families should look at mini-suites or a pair of connecting balconies. Guests who want the full experience should consider a Reserve Collection mini-suite or a suite.
Sailing on Enchanted Princess’s near-identical sister instead? Our guide to Sky Princess cabins to avoid covers the same Royal-class layout from that ship’s perspective.
Booking one of Enchanted Princess’s sisters instead? Our guide to Discovery Princess cabins to avoid covers the same Royal-class layout ship by ship.
FAQs
Which decks should you avoid on Enchanted Princess?
Deck 8 has many midship balconies with lifeboat-obstructed views, and the upper cabin decks (15 and 16) can hear noise from the pools, buffet and gym above. Check the deck plan rather than ruling out a whole deck.
Which deck is best on Enchanted Princess?
Decks 9 to 12 and 14 are usually the best, especially midship, because they have passenger cabins above and below and sit away from the busiest public areas.
Do Enchanted Princess balcony cabins have a sofa?
Standard balcony cabins do not have a sofa or armchair. If you want one, book a deluxe balcony or a mini-suite.
Does Enchanted Princess have oceanview cabins?
No. The ship has inside cabins, balconies, mini-suites and suites, but no standard window-only oceanview rooms.
Do these Enchanted Princess tips work on Majestic, Sky and Discovery Princess?
Largely, yes. Enchanted Princess is a Royal-class ship, and its sisters Majestic, Sky and Discovery Princess share the same basic layout, including the Deck 8 balconies above the lifeboats and the cabins under the pool and buffet decks. Venue names and some cabin numbers differ, so check your own ship’s deck plan. See our Sky Princess cabins to avoid guide for that ship.
What is the best room location on a cruise ship?
For most people, a midship cabin on a mid-level deck, with cabins above and below, offers the least motion and the least noise.
I’ve cruised on Anthem of the Seas before and had a fantastic time. In this guide, I’ll give you all of the useful information that you need to know to have the best time on your cruise.
Find out what’s included in your cruise and what costs extra, stats about the guest capacity and recent refurbishments, and details of all of the activities you can enjoy on board.
This photo was taken by Lasse Michelsen in Bergen, during my most recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas to Norway
Facts & stats about Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class cruise ships. Launched in 2015, she spent almost 10 years as the only Royal Caribbean ship that sailed from the UK, making her a very popular choice with British cruisers during the summer cruise season. This will change in 2025 when she will relocate, and Independence of the Seas will return to the UK instead.
Anthem of the Seas is a groundbreaking ship with next-generation features that had never been seen before. Alongside Anthem of the Seas, the almost-identical Quantum-class ships are Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.
Anthem of the Seas is considered to be a large cruise ship with a length of 1,141 feet and an internal volume of 168,666 gross tonnes. The ship has 16 passenger decks and the Anthem of the Seas capacity is 4,180 guests at double occupancy plus 1,470 crew members. [Source]
As of mid-2024, Anthem of the Seas is the 28th largest cruise ship in the world and the 10th largest of the Royal Caribbean cruise ships. The biggest cruise ship in the world is Icon of the Seas, which is 40% larger than Anthem of the Seas. [Source]
Anthem of the Seas is 1,141 feet long. This is equivalent to 348 metres. It takes five to ten minutes to walk from one end of the ship to the other, depending on how fast you walk.
On the top deck of Anthem of the Seas, there’s a running track. One lap of the track is 553 metres, so it takes just over 3 laps of the ships to complete a mile.
Anthem of the Seas has 16 decks, of which 14 are accessible to guests. That’s quite a lot, but not as many as some ships like MSC Cruises’ new ship, MSC World Europa, which will have 22 decks.
Anthem of the Seas is able to fit under low bridges in Norway. Taller ships with more decks are not able to.
She can carry a lot of passengers!
Anthem of the Seas has a passenger capacity of 4,180 based on double occupancy and a maximum passenger capacity of 4,905. The maximum occupancy is how many passengers the ship could hold if every extra bed in every cabin was in use.
In reality, the number of passengers on board will depend on how many children are on board. On my most recent cruise in the school holidays in May 2022, there were 3862 guests on board. The ship had the potential to sail at full capacity, but there were some last-minute cancellations.
Anthem’s captains and senior crew
The current captains of Anthem of the Seas are Captain Iv Vidos and Captain Srecko Ban who work in rotation with approximately 10 weeks on and 10 weeks off.
The current cruise director on Anthem of the Seas is Joff Eaton. Originally from Chichester, UK, Joff has worked for Royal Caribbean since 2008 and before that was a cruise director for P&O Cruises.
Hotel Director Angel Dimitriv, Captain Iv Vidos and Cruise Director Joff Eaton
She’s never had a refurbishment (yet)
Anthem of the Seas was due to undergo her first dry dock refurbishment from 24th April to 15th May 2020 but this was cancelled due to the pandemic. Anthem of the Seas has still never had a full refurbishment, but you couldn’t tell that from being on board. The ship appears to be in perfect condition.
The lifeboat situation
Anthem of the Seas has 16 lifeboats. This is enough to accommodate all guests on board, but not enough for all crew members. In the event of a full evacuation, crew members would be required to slide down chutes into life rafts. [Source].
A cruise on Anthem of the Seas includes your accommodation, meals in selected dining venues, selected soft drinks, activities and entertainment. Available for an extra charge are dining in speciality restaurants, drinks, spa services, gambling in the casino, selected activities and purchases in the onboard shops.
If you’re wondering whether a drink package is worth it on Anthem of the Seas, then the quickest and easiest way to find out is to use my free drink package calculator…
Included food
On Anthem of the Seas, you can eat for free in these venues:
Main Dining Rooms
Windjammer Marketplace Buffet
Cafe @ Two70
Cafe Promenade
SeaPlex Doghouse
Sorrento’s Pizza
Solarium Bistro
Soft Serve Ice Cream Stand
Coastal Kitchen (Suite guests only)
Room Service (Continental breakfast is free, at other times there is a $7.95 delivery fee)
You’ll enjoy a wide range of included food from around the world as well as lots of snacks and ice creams.
Our favourite place to eat was the outdoor area at the back of the Windjammer
For an extra charge, you can eat at:
Chef’s Table
Chops Grille
Izumi Sushi
Jamie’s Italian
Johnny Rockets Express
La Patisserie
Vintages Wine Bar
Wonderland
Izumi Sushi
Activity costs
Most of the activities on Anthem of the Seas are included in your cruise fare. The Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator and the North Star observation pod are free on port days, with longer sessions available on sea days for a fee. The bionic bar is free if you have a drinks package, otherwise, you’ll be charged for the drink.
Bionic Bar
On Anthem of the Seas, the North Star is free on port days. This is a short ride that just goes up and back down, not out to the side of the ship. You can book your place from 8 pm the night before and can do it once during your cruise.
North Star
The Ripcord by iFly skydiving is free on port days, once per person on each cruise. This is a short, one-minute long ride. You can book your place from 8 pm the night before.
Longer two-minute rides are available on seas days for $29.99-$49.99 per person, the price can vary.
iFly
WiFi (and costs)
All Royal Caribbean ships, including Anthem of the Seas, have WiFi, which is available all over the ship. The internet service is called VOOM and it’s the fastest at sea.
Royal Caribbean offers one WiFi package. The cost varies depending on a number of factors, but expect to pay between $20 and $26 per day for the package.
An Anthem of the Seas, daily gratuities are $18.00 per person, per day. For guests staying in Grand Suites and above, gratuities are $20.50 per person, per day. An 18% gratuity is already included in the menu price of drinks, salon and spa services.
Gratuities are automatically charged to your onboard account. If you want to remove them you can speak to someone at guest services, but this isn’t recommended as crew members rely on these tips as part of their wage.
If you want to tip extra to bartenders, you can write the amount of extra gratuity when you sign the receipt for each drink or you can tip with dollar bills. At the end of your cruise, you’ll receive an envelope where you can leave extra cash tips if you wish.
If you have any more questions about tipping on Anthem of the Seas, check out my guide to Royal Caribbean Gratuities.
The currency
The currency on Anthem of the Seas is US dollars. Everything is priced in US dollars, even on cruises that depart from the United Kingdom. Unlike other cruise lines like MSC Cruises which use different currencies in different parts of the world, Royal Caribbean ships all use dollars on board.
I promise it’s impossible to be bored on Anthem of the Seas. Some activities include:
Skydive in the ‘Ripcord by iFly’ skydiving simulator
Ride the bumper cars
Admire the views from 300 feet up in the North Star observation pod
See ‘We Will Rock You’ in the theatre
Get a drink from the robot bartender
Dance at the silent disco in Club two70
Try surfing or bodyboarding on the FlowRider
Climb the rock climbing wall
Enter a basketball tournament
Take a dip in one of the swimming pools or jacuzzis
Relax in the adults-only solarium
Rock climbing wall
Don’t miss these!
On Anthem of the Seas, many of the activities are only available once or twice during each cruise, so it’s important to check your daily planner on the Royal Caribbean app to make sure you don’t miss them. Check the app throughout the cruise, as some events and activities are only added the day before.
Examples of some things that you won’t want to miss are:
We Will Rock You in the theatre
The Bellyflop and World’s Sexiest Man competitions
The art auction
The silent disco
The interview with the captain
The towel folding demonstration
Gameshows like Perfect Couple or Love & Marriage
Sports tournaments like Pickleball or Shuffleboard
The towel folding demo was very popular
Plenty of pool space
Anthem of the Seas has two main swimming pools – one large indoor pool with a retractable roof and one large outdoor pool. There’s also an outdoor splash area with ankle-deep water where swimming nappies are permitted, a small lazy river, a shallow indoor pool and a large adults-only plunge pool in the solarium.
There are two large indoor hot tubs, two large outdoor hot tubs and a further four hot tubs in the adults-only solarium.
The Solarium is only for guests aged 16 and over
And they’re heated too!
All of the pools are heated on Anthem of the Seas, making it enjoyable to swim indoors or outdoors even on cold weather cruises. The coldest pool is the plunge pool in the solarium, but this is still pleasant. The jacuzzis are warm enough to enjoy even in the snow and rain.
The lazy river is warm, just not when you’re standing in the queue for it!
The retractable roof also helps
The indoor pool area on Anthem of the Seas has a retractable glass roof that can be opened in warm weather. On cold weather cruises such as from the UK to Norway or transatlantic voyages, the roof will remain closed for the duration of the cruise.
Indoor pool with retractable roof
Unlike some other Royal Caribbean ships, Anthem of the Seas doesn’t have any water slides. However, the lazy river is a fun place for kids to enjoy spinning round and round.
FlowRider surf simulator
Anthem of the Seas has a FlowRider surfing simulator on the back. Here, you can enjoy boogie boarding and stand up surfing. Private lessons are also available for an extra charge.
Anthem of the Seas has one shuffleboard court on Deck 15. You can use it whenever you like or join an organised shuffleboard tournament during selected times.
And there’s bumper cars…
Anthem of the Seas has bumper cars with sessions lasting around two hours each day. On port days you can just turn up and join the queue, but on sea days you must book your place via the Royal Caribbean app. There are also dedicated hours only for teenagers.
She doesn’t have everything though…
Anthem of the Seas does not have an ice rink so it’s not possible to go ice skating during your cruise. You can, however, ice skate on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships.
And unlike some other Royal Caribbean ships, Anthem of the Seas doesn’t have mini golf.
What about Central Park?
Central Park is an onboard neighbourhood with walkways which wind through over 10,000 live plants. It’s just like a real park with benches, sculptures, cafes, bars and even the sound of birds and frogs croaking via speakers hidden in the plants.
Like all Royal Caribbean ships, Anthem of the Seas has a casino on board. Here you’ll find lots of games like roulette, blackjack, three-card poker and slot machines.
Other missing features
Anthem of the Seas used to have a basic pop-up escape room called Puzzle Break which was located in the Living Room teen club at certain times. However, the escape room isn’t available on all cruises and it isn’t currently offered.
Royal Caribbean’s Boardwalk is only found on Oasis-class cruise ships, so you won’t find a carousel or any of the boardwalk attractions on Anthem of the Seas. However, there is a promenade on Deck 4 lined with shops, bars and cafes.
Quantum-class ships like Anthem of the Seas do not have ziplines as these are only found on Oasis-class ships. However, you do instead have the Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, which is probably better for most people.
But there is more…
Anthem of the Seas has several table tennis tables located above the Seaplex on Deck 16. These are free of charge. Here, you’ll also find air hockey (for $2 per game) and table football (for free) along with several Xboxes.
The ship also offers roller skating, but not on every cruise. If it’s on, then skates are provided or you can bring your own. There was no rollerskating on offer on my cruise on Anthem of the Seas which was a shame as that’s one thing that we were really looking forward to.
Anthem of the Seas has a trapeze school where guests can enjoy trapeze lessons. However, this isn’t available on every cruise. On our cruise, there was no trapeze school and also no aerial performances in the Two70 lounge.
The kids’ club spaces
Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth programme which includes complimentary kids’ clubs for children aged three to eleven. It is typically open from 9 am until 12 pm, 2 pm until 5 pm and 7 pm until 10 pm on sea days. On port days, it doesn’t close when the ship is in port.
The Living Room is a dedicated teen-only space on Anthem of the Seas. Here, teens aged 13 to 17 can hang out with their friends or enjoy dedicated activities like scavenger hunts or pizza parties.
Live shows
The headliner show on Anthem of the Seas is We Will Rock You. This West End hit was written by Ben Elton and features 24 songs from the rock band, Queen. There’s also a show called The Gift which is a mystical journey of fantasy and illusion using high-tech special effects and props.
You’ll also find other shows like the Welcome Aboard Show, the Farewell Variety Show and shows with music from the Four Seasons tribute band and the Anthem of the Seas orchestra.
The shows on Anthem of the Seas are usually on twice each evening at around 7 pm and around 9 pm. This is to allow early diners to eat before a show and late diners to eat after a show. There’s also a matinee performance of We Will Rock You at 2 pm.
You cannot book seats for the shows, so it’s advisable to get there at least 20 to 30 minutes early, as many people are turned away once the venue reaches capacity.
You can smoke in certain areas
On Anthem of the Seas, you can smoke in the poolside smoking area on Deck 14 Port Side and also on the outdoor Promenade on Deck 5 Starboard Side.
Food & drink onboard the ship
Anthem of the Seas has four main dining rooms, a buffet restaurant and five casual cafe-style eateries. For an extra charge, there are four speciality restaurants, plus the Chef’s Table fine dining experience.
My Time Dining explained
My Time Dining offers guests the choice to eat in the Main Dining Room at whatever time they like in the evening, rather than being assigned a set dining time as with traditional dining. You can make a reservation for a time of your choosing, or just turn up when you’re ready to eat.
Anthem of the Seas offers several complimentary dining options:
The Main Dining Room – Serving multi-course menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner across four venues – Silk, Chic, Grande and American Icon Grill
Windjammer Café – Royal Caribbean’s buffet restaurant is open around the clock
Solarium Bistro – Serving hearty but healthy options for breakfast and lunch in the adult-only area
Two70 Café – Here you can enjoy toasted sandwiches, soups and salads
Café Promenade – Open 24 hours a day serving snacks, pastries, sandwiches and coffee
Sorrento’s – Grab a slice from the authentic New York-style pizzeria
Dog House – Choose from a selection of poolside hot dogs with toppings
Room service – Complimentary room service is available, you just pay the delivery fee and gratuity
Coastal Kitchen – A fusion restaurant reserved exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle members
In addition to the complimentary dining options above, Anthem of the Seas also features the following speciality restaurants which are available for a supplement:
Chef’s Table – Enjoy a five-course wine pairing dinner at a 14-seat table hosted by an Executive Chef and Sommelier
Wonderland – This fantasy Alice in Wonderland-themed gourmet restaurant offers surprising dishes you’ve never seen before
Jamie’s Italian – Enjoy a menu of rustic Italian favourites designed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver
Chops Grille – Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse offers steaks, seafood and sumptuous desserts
Izumi – Enjoy traditional Asian cuisine including sushi, sashimi and ishi-yaki
Vintages Wine Bar – Relax with a glass of wine paired with a satisfying yet light snack
Johnny Rockets – This 1950s-themed diner offers all-American favourites like burgers, fries and shakes
La Patisserie – A café-style eatery offering pastries and speciality coffees
Chef’s Table
What about Starbucks?
Anthem of the Seas doesn’t have a Starbucks on board. However, the ship has a cafe called La Patisserie which serves espresso-based speciality coffees made with Starbucks beans.
Dress Code
The dress code on Anthem of the Seas is casual in the daytime and smart casual in the evening. You can also dress up on selected formal nights during your cruise, but you don’t have to.
When I’ve cruised on Royal Caribbean ships from the US, nobody seemed to dress up very much at all, even on the formal nights, or ‘Dress to Impress’ nights as they’re known. But on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, the Brits did dress up more. Lots of men wore suits and many women wore sparkly cocktail dresses or long evening gowns.
The number of formal nights varies depending on the length of the cruise:
5 nights and under – One formal night
6 to 10 nights – Two formal nights
11 to 14 nights – Three formal nights
15+ nights – Three or four formal nights
The formal nights are usually on day 2 and day 5 or 6 of the cruise. Check the Royal Caribbean app on board for the exact dates.
So what should you wear?
On a cruise it’s important to dress for the weather, so pack shorts, vests and sundresses for warm-weather cruises and coats, boots, hats and scarfs for cold weather cruises. In the evening the air conditioning can be strong, so you may wish to wear a cardigan or jacket, even in summer.
You’ll need a coat for Norway, even in the summer!
On Anthem of the Seas, you can wear whatever you want but a few exceptions. Swimwear is only to be worn on the pool deck and shorts and vests aren’t recommended for dinner in the main dining room or speciality restaurants.
This video explains what to wear on formal nights and in the
different dining venues on-board
Accommodation
Anthem of the Seas has 2,090 staterooms. These are the various types you can choose from:
I usually choose an inside cabin, but as we didn’t want to miss any of the stunning scenery of the Norwegian Fjords, we opted for a balcony room for our cruise.
It had a huge king size bed and a sofa that converted into a double bed for the kids.
Our balcony room on Anthem of the Seas
Family rooms are available (but book early)
Most staterooms on Anthem of the Seas sleep up to four guests and some of them have connecting doors to accommodate families of up to eight. Family Junior Suites sleep up to five, the Royal Loft Suite sleeps up to six and the Family Royal Suite and the 2-Bedroom Grand Suite can each accommodate eight guests.
Virtual Balcony cabins explained
Anthem of the Seas has a special category of inside
staterooms called ‘virtual balcony staterooms’. These cabins have an 80-inch
floor-to-ceiling high-definition screen which offers real-time views of the
outside. A camera outside the ship is linked to the screen to display the view
and there are options to turn sound effects on and off or to close a curtain
across it.
Virtual Balcony Room
No interior balconies
Anthem of the Seas does not have any interior balconies – all balconies look out over the ocean. On other Royal Caribbean ships, some balconies look over indoor areas such as Central Park, the Boardwalk or the Royal Promenade.
Are Junior Suites any good?
A Junior Suite is the smallest and cheapest of all of the suites on Anthem of the Seas. It’s best thought of as a type of accommodation that’s in between a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom and a Grand Suite.
Family Junior Suites can be a good option for families of five as this will usually work out to be cheaper than booking two balcony staterooms.
As well as the extra space, Junior Suites come with some extra perks, but not as many perks as you get with a full suite. You can see exactly what’s included here: Junior Suite Perks.
The pictures below show Junior Suite 11638 on Anthem of the Seas. They were taken by Jason Morris in March 2020.
There are perks too
When you book a suite on Anthem of the Seas you’ll get a number of perks like priority boarding, luxury bathroom amenities, a Royal Caribbean bathrobe (for onboard use only) and an espresso coffee machine.
The exact perks you get depend on whether your suite is Sea Class, Sky Class or Star Class. You can read a full explanation of this here: Royal Caribbean Suite Perks.
Itineraries
Anthem of the Seas sails from Southampton, UK in the summer between May and October and Cape Liberty, New Jersey, USA in the winter between October and May.
That’ll change in 2025 though, with her summer spent in Alaska.
Boarding time
You will be assigned a boarding time for your cruise that’s usually between 10 am and 4 pm. It’s important to stick to your boarding time, as if you arrive too early and the port is busy, you may be turned away.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
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.
The best Discovery Princess cabins are midship balconies and mini-suites on Decks 9 to 12, where you are cushioned from noise and feel the least motion. The main Discovery Princess cabins to avoid are the obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8, the forward Deck 8 balconies with steel railings, the very forward-facing cabins high up at the bow, and rooms directly under the Lido pool deck. Here is how to choose well for your budget and itinerary.
Discovery Princess entered service in 2022 as the last of the six Royal-class ships, so if you have sailed on Sky Princess or Enchanted Princess, the layout will feel very familiar. That also means the same rules apply: passenger cabins start on Deck 8, the busy public rooms sit below them on Decks 5 to 7, and the Lido deck with its pools and buffet sits on top. Pick your spot with that sandwich in mind and you will rarely go wrong.
Where Discovery Princess Sails in 2026 and 2027
Your itinerary should shape your cabin choice, so it helps to know where the ship goes. Based on Princess’s current schedule, Discovery Princess spends the cooler months sailing round trips from Los Angeles, mostly week-long Mexican Riviera cruises calling at ports such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. In spring she repositions north for the Alaska season, which in 2027 is based around Vancouver, with Inside Passage round trips and one-way Gulf of Alaska sailings to and from Whittier (for Anchorage), before heading back to Los Angeles in late September.
That matters because a balcony view counts for far more in Alaska, where you are scenic cruising past glaciers, than on a Mexican Riviera week where most of the day is spent ashore or by the pool. Itineraries change, so always confirm your exact dates on the Princess website.
Discovery Princess Cabin Types at a Glance
Roughly 80% of cabins on Discovery Princess have a balcony, and the ship has no traditional porthole oceanview rooms in the main cabin blocks. Sizes below are approximate and vary slightly by location.
Cabin type
Approx. size
Best for
Watch out for
Inside
165 to 175 sq ft
Budget cruisers, deep sleepers who want a dark room
Cabins under the Lido deck or near crew doors
Balcony
About 180 sq ft plus a small balcony
Fresh air and views at a sensible price
Obstructed balconies on Deck 8 are sold as balconies
Deluxe Balcony
About 195 to 250 sq ft plus balcony
A little extra room and a sofa for the same balcony size
Deck 8 forward cabins with solid steel railings
Mini-Suite
About 245 to 335 sq ft
Couples and families who want a separate sitting area
The balcony itself is no bigger than a standard balcony
Reserve Collection Mini-Suite
As mini-suite
Guests who value a reserved dining area and priority boarding
Price premium over a standard mini-suite
Suites (Premium, Penthouse, Owner’s)
About 330 to 470 sq ft plus larger balconies
Space, lounge access and big balconies
Some aft and forward suites have exposed or overlooked balconies
Sky Suite
About 1,500 sq ft including the huge balcony
The ultimate splurge
Only two exist, so they sell out early
Discovery Princess Cabins to Avoid
There are no truly bad cabins on this ship, but these locations are the ones most often mentioned by passengers and cruise reviewers. Whether they are a deal-breaker depends on how you like to cruise.
1. Obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8
Deck 8 (Emerald) sits just above the lifeboats, so a long run of balcony cabins on both sides has davits and boats partly blocking the view, especially when you are sitting down. These cabins are clearly marked as obstructed in Princess’s categories and are cheaper, which makes them a smart pick for a Mexican Riviera cruise when you mostly want fresh air. On a glacier-heavy Alaska cruise, most people would rather pay a little more for a clear view one or two decks higher.
2. Forward Deck 8 balconies with steel railings
The handful of deluxe balcony cabins at the very front of Deck 8 (around E101 to E110) have solid steel railings rather than glass because of their position on the bow. The railing blocks much of the view when seated, and because the hull tapers here, the cabins closest to the bow have noticeably smaller balconies.
3. Forward-facing cabins high on the bow
The forward-facing balconies at the front of the upper cabin decks (cabin numbers in the M101 and L101 ranges) look straight ahead over the bow. The view is dramatic in port, but when the ship is moving the wind can make the balcony almost unusable, particularly in Alaska. They are also high and far forward, so you feel more motion in a swell.
4. Cabins under the Lido deck
Midship and aft cabins on Deck 15 sit directly under the Lido deck pools, loungers and buffet. Early-morning lounger set-up and late-night foot traffic can be audible. Light sleepers should book a deck lower.
5. Lower aft balconies that are overlooked
The aft of the ship is stepped, which gives some cabins extended balconies but also means passengers on higher decks or public aft terraces can look down onto them. On Deck 9 in particular, some extended aft balconies have limited privacy.
6. Cabins near noise sources
Wherever you are, check what is next to, above and below your cabin. Rooms beside crew doors, laundry rooms, lift lobbies and stairwells can be busy. Deck 8 cabins sit above the lower public decks, and cabins at the very front or back on lower decks can pick up anchor, thruster and docking noise in port.
A clear balcony view is worth paying for on scenic itineraries. Photo: Francesco Ungaro on Pexels
The Best Cabins on Discovery Princess
If you want a simple rule for picking Discovery Princess best cabins, aim midship, choose a deck with cabins above and below you, and match the cabin type to your itinerary.
Best deck on Discovery Princess for most people
Decks 9 to 12 (Dolphin, Caribe, Baja and Aloha) are the most popular. They are insulated from the theater, casino and bars below and the Lido deck above, and midship cabins here are the most stable if you are prone to seasickness. Deck 14 and the lower parts of Deck 15 are good alternatives if the lower decks are full.
Best value: a standard or deluxe balcony
Because the ship is built around balconies, standard balcony prices are often close to inside cabins on some sailings. A deluxe balcony adds a bit more floor space and a sofa while keeping the same small balcony, so compare the price gap before you upgrade.
Best for families: mini-suites and connecting cabins
Mini-suites have a separate sitting area with a sofa bed and two TVs, which gives families more breathing room. Premium mini-suites are larger still. Discovery Princess also has a good number of connecting balcony cabins, which can work out better than one bigger room for a family of four or five.
Best small upgrade: the Reserve Collection
Formerly known as Club Class, Reserve Collection mini-suites add a reserved section of the main dining room with no-wait seating and dedicated waiters, priority boarding and disembarkation, a welcome bottle of wine and upgraded robes. If you value relaxed dinners, the perks can justify the modest premium.
Best splurge: aft suites and the Sky Suites
Aft corner suites with wraparound balconies and wake views are some of the most sought-after rooms on the ship. At the very top, the two Sky Suites on Deck 18 are the largest suites in the Princess fleet at around 1,500 square feet, with enormous balconies overlooking the pool deck. They are booked far in advance.
Best for accessibility
Discovery Princess has a selection of wheelchair-accessible inside and balcony cabins with wider doorways and roll-in bathrooms. Book these early and speak to Princess’s accessibility team, as numbers are limited.
Checking the deck plan above and below your cabin avoids most noise surprises. Photo: Lara Jameson on Pexels
How to Check a Discovery Princess Cabin Before You Book
Most of the best rooms on a cruise ship are found by reading the deck plan carefully rather than by paying more. Use this quick checklist with the official Discovery Princess deck plan:
Look up and down. Make sure there are cabins, not a pool deck, buffet, theater or nightclub, directly above and below.
Look sideways. Avoid rooms right beside lifts, stairwells, crew doors or service areas.
Read the category name. Obstructed-view balconies are labelled as such. If the price looks too good, check.
Think about motion. Midship and lower decks move least. Far forward and high up move most.
Match the itinerary. Pay for a clear, starboard or port-side balcony on a scenic Alaska sailing. Save money on a Mexican Riviera week.
Use a guarantee fare wisely. A guarantee cabin can be cheaper, but you give up control over location, which can land you in one of the spots above.
Comparing Discovery Princess With Her Sister Ships
Because the Royal-class ships share the same basic design, many of the same tips apply across the class. If you are weighing up a different ship, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Enchanted Princess and our rundown of Sky Princess cabins to avoid. Sky Princess introduced the Sky Suites concept, and Discovery Princess refined it. If you would rather sail on the line’s latest Sphere-class ships, our look at the newest Princess Cruises ships explains what is different.
FAQs
Which deck is best on Discovery Princess?
For most passengers, a midship cabin on Decks 9 to 12 is the sweet spot. These decks are sandwiched between other cabin decks, so you avoid noise from public rooms and the pool deck, and midship feels the least motion.
What are the worst cabins on Discovery Princess?
The cabins most often flagged are the obstructed-view balconies on Deck 8 (lifeboats below the railing), the forward Deck 8 balconies with solid steel railings, the very forward-facing balconies high up at the bow that get hit by wind, and cabins on Deck 15 below the Lido pool and buffet.
Is the Discovery Princess a good ship?
Yes. Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-class ship, launched in 2022, and it is one of the newer Princess ships. Around four in five cabins have a balcony, which makes it popular for scenic itineraries like Alaska.
Are aft cabins on Discovery Princess worth it?
Aft-facing balconies give wake views and often larger outdoor space, which many cruisers love. The trade-offs are more vibration when docking and, on some lower aft balconies, upper decks can look down on you. Check the deck plan before you book.
What is the Reserve Collection on Discovery Princess?
Reserve Collection (formerly called Club Class) is a group of mini-suites with extra perks: a reserved area of the main dining room with no-wait seating, priority embarkation and disembarkation, a bottle of wine on arrival and upgraded robes.
More and more people are searching for family cruises, according to data from travel agency Iglu Cruise.
The specialist agency has revealed that searches for the term ‘Family Cruise’ were up 45% in July 2024 compared to July 2023, showing just how much the demand has risen for families looking for a cruise getaway.
This demand is being met by more, bigger cruise ships, such as Icon of the Seas which launched in early 2024.
Dave Mills, the CEO of Iglu Cruise, gave five top tips for any families who are looking to book their first cruise:
1. Book early to avoid disappointment
While there may be a temptation to wait for last-minute deals, typically that’s not the case for family cruises. The best family rooms book up quickly, so the sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting a good deal on a family room.
“Some cruise lines also offer lower deposits when you book early, meaning you’ll be able to secure your cabins at a lower rate. This is also sometimes refundable, meaning that if for any reason your plans change, you’ll be able to get it back.“
2. Check the daily cruise schedule
Modern ships are packed with different family-friendly features to enjoy, but there’ll also be a ton of activities going on during your cruise – so make sure you check the daily schedule onboard each day. Be aware that spaces for shows and activities can be limited, so be prompt in booking if you need to.
“Sometimes a schedule can be found on the cruise line app before you embark, and you may be able to book seats for an event or show on your cruise. It’s therefore a good idea to download the app ahead of your voyage.“
3. Do some cabin research
Plan ahead when deciding which cabin you want to book. Don’t just think about the type of cabin, but think about the location too. You might want to be closer to the kids’ clubs or the pools, or you might prefer to be a little further away from the action for some peace and quiet.
“Have a browse for the type of cabin you’d like and if you aren’t sure which cabin is right for you, an expert cruise agent will be able to help you choose the best cabin at the best value.”
4. Plan onshore activities
You can book shore excursions before you set sail, so you’ll be able to plan in advance to know what you’re going to do when you’re in port. There are always child-friendly shore excursions, including exciting activities like kayaking or snorkelling depending on the ports you’re visiting, or maybe museums that are interactive.
“On the other hand, you may wish to not partake in many excursions at all. The ships are usually quieter when docked in a port, and some families enjoy using this time to make full use of the ship’s fantastic facilities such as the pool or games room. Either way, make sure you plan ahead.”
5. Pack appropriately
You’ll want to think carefully about what you take with you on your cruise. Make sure you plan for the itinerary and the time of year – take layers if it’s colder destinations, or pack lighter items for warmer ports. Flexible outfit options are always good if you’re not sure what to expect, weather-wise!
“Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking during shore excursions, especially if you have older children…(and) don’t forget to pack any essential toiletries, including a high-factor SPF sun cream.”
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
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.
The Windstar all inclusive package (officially the All-Inclusive Package, still often called the “All-In”) costs from around $99 per guest per day when bought at least five days before sailing, or about $109 per day onboard. It bundles unlimited select beer, wine and cocktails, unlimited WiFi and your gratuities. For most couples it pays off at roughly four to six alcoholic drinks per person per day, and it is clearly better value than the drinks-only package.
Below we break down what a standard Windstar fare already covers, exactly what the package adds, the rules that catch people out, and the maths for three realistic types of traveler, so you can decide before you book. Prices are as published at the time of writing (October 2026) and do change, so always confirm on windstarcruises.com or with your travel advisor.
Are Windstar Cruises All Inclusive?
Not by default. Windstar is often described as “nearly inclusive” because the base fare is more generous than on big-ship lines, but alcohol, WiFi and gratuities are extra unless you buy the package or your fare includes it as a promotion.
What the base fare already includes
Your suite or stateroom, with daily housekeeping and evening turndown
All dining, including the specialty restaurants Candles and Basil + Bamboo, with no cover charge
24-hour room service
Coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices and water
Watersports from the marina platform on most ships, weather permitting
The fitness center, classes, lectures, port talks and onboard entertainment
Signature extras such as the on-deck barbecue and, on some sailings, Destination Discovery Events ashore
What costs extra on a standard fare
Alcohol: bought by the drink, plus an 18% beverage service charge
WiFi: around $35 per day for an unlimited plan, billed for the length of the cruise
Hotel service charge (Windstar’s gratuities): $16 per guest per day, added automatically to your onboard account
Shore excursions, spa and salon treatments, laundry and specialty items such as premium bottles of wine
The package rolls the three biggest onboard extras into one daily price:
Unlimited select drinks: domestic and imported beers, more than 30 wines and sparkling wines by the glass, cocktails made with house and select premium spirits, cordials, aperitifs and mini-bar drinks. Current descriptions name brands such as Grey Goose, Hendrick’s, Johnnie Walker Black and Hennessy among the select spirits.
Unlimited WiFi for the whole voyage.
Gratuities: the daily hotel service charge plus the 18% beverage service charge on drinks covered by the package.
Package guests also typically get 30% off bottles of wine priced at $100 or less. What is not included: very top-shelf spirits, rare wines, many specialty or signature cocktails, spa treatments, excursions and laundry. Early versions of the All-In bundle (launched in 2019) included unlimited laundry, but current package descriptions do not list it, so budget for laundry separately.
Drinks are the biggest part of the package value, so be honest about how much you will order. Photo: gürkan midyat on Pexels
Windstar Package Prices and Terms for 2026 and 2027
Option
Price per guest per day
Drinks
WiFi
Gratuities
All-Inclusive Package (pre-purchase)
About $99
Yes, unlimited select
Yes
Yes, hotel and beverage
All-Inclusive Package (onboard)
About $109
Yes, unlimited select
Yes
Yes, hotel and beverage
Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package
About $79 pre-purchase, $89 onboard, plus 18% (about $93 total pre-purchased)
Yes, unlimited select
No
No
Pay as you go
$16 hotel service charge plus whatever you use
About $6 to $13 per drink plus 18%
About $35 per day
Hotel charge only
The terms that matter most, based on Windstar’s current package information and recent independent guides:
Book at least five days before sailing to get the lower price. You can usually still buy onboard during the first couple of days, but at the higher rate.
Whole cruise only: it is priced for every day of the voyage, not individual days.
Age 21 and over for the alcoholic element.
Bought per guest: recent guides report that each guest in a suite can decide individually, but check the current terms for your sailing before assuming a non-drinking partner can opt out.
Specialty voyages such as Grand Prix, eclipse or mystery cruises are often excluded from promotional all-inclusive offers.
Watch for the free all-inclusive promotion
Windstar regularly gives the package away. Its 2026 offers have included a complimentary All-Inclusive upgrade (worth more than $1,300 for two guests on a seven-night voyage) on select sailings through mid-2027, sometimes combined with onboard credit or a pre-cruise hotel night. If the fare with the package included is only slightly higher than a cruise-only fare, the decision is usually easy. Our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 and when to book explains how these offers tend to cycle through the year.
Is the Windstar All Inclusive Package Worth It? The Maths
Start by stripping out the parts you would pay anyway. Assume an average drink costs about $10.50 before the 18% charge, which makes it roughly $12.40 once the service charge is added.
What you would otherwise pay per guest per day
Amount
Left of the $99 for drinks
Break-even drinks per day
Hotel service charge + your own WiFi plan
$16 + $35 = $51
$48
About 4
Hotel service charge + half a shared WiFi plan
$16 + $17.50 = $33.50
$65.50
About 5 to 6
Hotel service charge only (no WiFi needed)
$16
$83
About 7
The key question, then, is not just how much you drink but whether you would buy WiFi anyway. If you want to stay connected, the bar for value drops to about four drinks a day.
Three example seven-night cruises for two
Each example compares paying as you go with buying the package in advance for both guests at about $1,386 ($99 x 2 guests x 7 days). Gratuities are $224 for two, and a seven-day WiFi plan is about $245.
Traveler type
Drinks and WiFi
Pay as you go
Package
Verdict
Light: a glass of wine at dinner plus one other drink each
2 drinks each per day, one shared WiFi plan
About $816
$1,386
Skip it, save about $570
Moderate: a pre-dinner cocktail, wine with dinner, a nightcap
4 drinks each per day, two WiFi plans
About $1,408
$1,386
Roughly even, buy it for convenience
Social: beers by the pool, wine with lunch and dinner, cocktails
6 drinks each per day, one shared WiFi plan
About $1,510
$1,386
Buy it, save about $120 or more
Two things these numbers do not capture. First, the package removes the mental arithmetic of signing for every glass, which many guests value. Second, port-heavy itineraries cut the number of hours you are onboard; on a Greek Isles or Caribbean sailing with a port almost every day and long days ashore, you may drink less than you expect.
If you would buy a WiFi plan anyway, the package pays off with far fewer drinks. Photo: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels
Windstar Beverage Package: All Inclusive vs Captain’s Exclusive
This is where the decision becomes simple. Pre-purchased, the drinks-only Captain’s Exclusive package costs about $79 plus the 18% service charge, or roughly $93 per day. The All-Inclusive Package costs about $99 and has no service charge added on top. For around $6 more per day you also get WiFi (about $35 value) and the $16 hotel service charge.
In other words, if you are going to buy a drinks package at all, the all inclusive option is almost always the better buy. The drinks-only package only makes sense in the rare case where your fare already includes gratuities and WiFi through another promotion.
Comparing lines? Our breakdown of Holland America drink packages uses the same break-even approach, which is handy if you are weighing a Windstar yacht against a mid-size ship.
Who Should Skip the Package
Light or occasional drinkers who are happy to buy a bottle of wine for dinner and finish it over two nights. You lose the 30% bottle discount without a package, but a few bottles plus gratuities still often costs less than the package for low drinkers.
Guests who bring their own wine: Windstar’s carry-on wine policy has historically allowed a couple of bottles per sailing, with a corkage fee if you open them in a restaurant.
People who want a digital detox: without WiFi, you need about seven drinks a day to break even.
Guests on very port-intensive or overnight-in-port itineraries, where much of the day is spent ashore.
Tips to Get the Best Value
Price your cruise both ways. When the free all-inclusive promotion is running, compare the promotional fare with any cruise-only fare that comes with extra onboard credit instead.
Pre-purchase at least five days before departure to save about $10 per guest per day, or $140 per couple on a week-long cruise.
Ask about loyalty perks. Windstar’s Yacht Club past-guest program has offered package discounts, so check what applies to you.
Confirm what is excluded on your ship, especially premium spirits and specialty cocktails, before you order.
FAQs
Are Windstar cruises all inclusive?
No. Windstar fares include all dining, including specialty restaurants, room service, soft drinks, coffee and watersports, but alcohol, WiFi and the $16 per day hotel service charge are extra unless you buy the All-Inclusive Package or book a promotion that includes it.
How much is the Windstar all inclusive package?
At the time of writing it is about $99 per guest per day if bought at least five days before sailing and about $109 per day onboard. It must cover the whole cruise, and prices can change.
Is the Windstar all inclusive package worth it?
It is worth it if you would buy WiFi and drink around four or more alcoholic drinks a day, or about seven if you do not need WiFi. It is also better value than the drinks-only Captain’s Exclusive package for almost everyone who wants unlimited drinks.
Does Windstar have free drinks?
Yes, non-alcoholic basics are free: coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices and water are included in every fare. Beer, wine and cocktails are charged unless you have a package.
Does the Windstar package include gratuities?
Yes. The All-Inclusive Package covers the daily hotel service charge and the 18% beverage service charge on included drinks. Spa gratuities and tips for tour guides ashore are not covered.
What is the Windstar beverage package?
Windstar’s drinks-only beverage package is called the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package. It costs about $79 per guest per day pre-purchased, plus an 18% service charge, so roughly $93 a day. For about $6 more, the All-Inclusive Package adds WiFi and the daily hotel service charge, which is why it is the better buy for most guests who want a beverage package.
Students who want to relax, discover new places, and have unforgettable experiences enjoy cruise holidays. Cruising offers young people a unique blend of entertainment, comfort, and social opportunities. This article will provide several ideas for creating an unforgettable cruise vacation for students.
1. Selecting the Route and Cruise Line
First, you need to decide on the cruise line and route. Consider cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Northern countries. Each of these destinations has its unique attractions and experiences.
Mediterranean Sea Greece is one of the many countries you can visit during a Mediterranean Cruise. Students can visit beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and delicious local food.
Caribbean Sea White sand beaches, turquoise water, and rich cultures await students on Caribbean cruises. Some routes include stops in islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba.
Northern Countries Cruising through the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea, or Iceland offers breathtaking landscapes and unique natural phenomena, such as the Northern Lights.
2. Budget Savings Tips
The cost of the trip can be a significant factor for students. You can save money on a cruise without compromising quality.
Book Early: Booking early allows you to save money and select the best cabins.
Group Discounts Organise your trip with friends. Many cruise lines offer group discounts.
Watch for Sales and Promotions: Be on the lookout for sales and promotions often held during the off-season. If you need help crafting a professional admission essay to apply to university, check out these admission writing services.
Compare Cruise Prices: Use websites that aggregate cruise prices to compare the rates of different companies.
3. Onboard Entertainment
Students can enjoy various activities on cruise ships to make the most of their vacation.
Pools & Water Parks Swim in the pool or water park and enjoy the sun.
Sports Facilities Basketball, volleyball, rock climbing, mini-golf, and more are all available on cruise ships.
Bars and Nightclubs: Relax with friends or dance the night in the bars. And if you suddenly don’t have time to write some university work. You can check out this review of a service that can help you out.
Themed parties: Attend pirate parties, white nights, and other events often organized onboard.
4. Excursions, Active Leisure and Active Leisure
Students can enjoy a cruise to discover new places while engaging in leisure.
History Tours: Visit museums, ancient castles, and historical landmarks to learn more about the cultures and histories of the countries included on the cruise route.
National Parks and Nature Reserves: Walking in nature parks and reserves allows you to take beautiful photographs and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Water Sports: Take up diving, snorkeling, or kayaking in coastal waters.
Hiking or Biking: You can arrange hiking or cycling tours along scenic routes in specific ports.
5. Make New Friends and Learn Useful Skills
Students can learn new skills and make valuable connections on a cruise holiday.
International Communications: Cruise ships bring together people worldwide, allowing them to learn foreign languages and make new friends.
Creative Workshops Many cruise ships offer a variety of workshops, from cooking to dancing and painting.
Lectures and Seminars: Onboard seminars and lectures on different topics can be useful and exciting for students.
The conclusion of the article is:
Students can enjoy a cruise holiday that combines entertainment, cultural enrichment, and active leisure. Cruises are an excellent option for young travelers because they offer a wide range of entertainment on board and budget-saving tips. They also provide exciting excursions in port. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a voyage and discover new experiences!
One of the most popular theme cruises will be embarking for one last voyage in March 2025, as guests get the last chance to enjoy a Golden Girls sailing.
Image credit: Golden Fans at Sea
Themed for the extremely popular US TV show, the ‘Golden Fans at Sea’ cruise is a loving tribute to everyone involved in the show. While the original actors have all passed away, there will be other guests onboard including the show’s original writer.
Guests will be able to take part in panel discussions, dancing competitions, trivia games and more, as well as the popular costume competitions where many fans love to dress up as their favourite characters.
The cruise is the sixth Golden Girls-themed cruise and will be taking place on the Celebrity Reflection, on 9th March 2025.
It will depart from Port Everglades and will visit Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Bimini. Fares start at $1,694 per person for the cruise and include drinks, WiFi and tips.
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.
Even loyal cruise fans know that not every sailing goes to plan.
In fact, the most loyal cruise guests have often cruises so many times with a cruise line that they’re bound to have had the occasional bad experience.
So it’s no surprise that a group of Carnival cruise fans who are members of the VIFP loyalty program have some crazy stories to tell about their worst cruises.
Remember though that these are the loyal Carnival fans – so the cruise line must be doing enough right that these stories don’t put them off!
1. Racism from other passengers
One passenger explained how they’d experienced racism on their Carnival cruise – and that’s no doubt one of the worst experiences anyone could have onboard.
They clarified that it was racism from other passengers that spoiled their cruise, not from the crew or anything like that – which is still bad enough. To have other cruise passengers mistreating you because of your race must be horrendous.
Just to make it even worse, the person who claimed to be a victim of racism then had to argue with someone on Facebook who claimed it wasn’t racism after all – and that claims of racism are thrown around too often!
Carnival is a diverse cruise line that welcomes passengers from a lot of backgrounds and I believe that most have a great time without being the victim of racism, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen for this passenger.
2. Being exposed by automatic toilet doors!
Something completely different now, and a recurring complaint related to the public bathrooms on the newest ships in the fleet (Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee).
The problem with the public bathrooms on these ships is that the doors use automatic locks… and not everyone can figure out exactly how they work!
The result is a number of people who’ve ended up getting ‘exposed’ as someone else opens the door, leading to some embarrassing situations!
A lot of people who’ve been caught have now decided they’d rather trek all the way back to their cabin even when they’re enjoying the entertainment, just to avoid the risk of having the door open on them.
Surely bathroom doors shouldn’t be this complicated?
3. Injuries
Some of the worst stories are related to injuries suffered onboard.
There are lots of different stories that people have shared, including being injured by a waiter dropping a tray onto their hand, or falling down the stairs when wearing high heels (even when not drunk).
Accidents do happen on cruises, especially when you’re around a lot of guests who might be enjoying a drink or two. Make sure you’re careful, because the medical costs onboard can be quite high!
4. Hookups gone wrong!
A couple of passengers have talked about how their cruise took a wrong turn when ‘interacting’ with other guests.
This passenger spoke about how they thought they were having a successful cruise romance until they discovered that the guy was married and that they were not swingers – the wife was less than pleased to discover what had been going on!
Carnival is a great cruise line for singles who want to meet new people either for short-term fun or long-term romance, but try to make sure you’re flirting with someone who is definitely unattached!
5. Passenger complaints about a disabled child
Carnival has a great reputation for welcoming all guests and accommodating those who have particular needs or disabilities.
It’s a shame that not all Carnival guests are quite as welcoming…
Imagine feeling so offended by a child being overwhelmed that you moan to other passengers and try to say they shouldn’t be allowed onboard!
Are cruises only for those without disabilities now? An awful experience for this passenger and I’m glad they stood up to the person complaining.
6. Hitting the drink package limit too early
If you buy the drinks package on a Carnival cruise, you can enjoy as many drinks as you like without paying for them individually.
Well, maybe not as many as you like…
There’s a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day, which for most people is not going to cause them any problems. 15 is quite a lot! But this passenger claimed that it spoiled their cruise because they were getting cut off by 7 pm on every day of their cruise.
It’s over 10 years since the Carnival Triumph’s famed ‘Poop cruise‘ and yet it’s still one of the most talked about topics when someone asks about the worst cruise ever.
It’s understandable though – it was hardly a pleasant experience.
If you don’t know about the poop cruise, what happened was the Carnival Triumph suffered an engine room fire in 2013 which took out the power, including the air conditioning. It also affected the plumbing.
This meant that the ship was stranded without propulsion, and with no working toilet system. As you can imagine, the conditions soon became unsanitary for everyone onboard.
Carnival made good by refunding everyone, paying $500 in compensation as well as offering another free cruise, but those who were onboard describe it as hell. Still, many people knew it was a one-off and have since sailed with Carnival again!
8. Hurricanes and storms
Lots of people blame hurricanes and storms for their worse cruises.
It’s understandable – you can’t control the weather, but it can completely spoil all the plans you had for a nice relaxing sailing.
Even if you don’t get rough waters, it can mean that your itinerary is completely changed at the last minute, and you might not even get to visit any ports – it could be a cruise that just has to dodge storms at sea.
One of the best bits of advice I always give when choosing a cabin is to make sure you’ve got other cabins directly above and below you, and on either side.
That’s because normally that will mean less noise – but not always…
There are noisy parts of the ship such as crew work areas, the pool deck or the bars, and that sound can carry through the walls or floor. But you really shouldn’t be dealing with neighbouring passengers causing a disturbance too.
If you’re having to call security every night, then security aren’t doing their job properly. Thankfully these types of story are rare!
A few people have mentioned their worst cruise experiences being when ship stabilizers failed – and it’s happened more than once.
Notable incidents have occured on several ships including Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Liberty, with the video above apparently on Carnival Legend.
It can be scary – so I can totally understand why some people would rank this as their worst experience. But it’s not like a ship is suddenly going to tip over.
I do love that the people in the restaurant thought that moving from one side of the ship to the other would help. Trust me, the weight of the people onboard a cruise ship is pretty negligible compared to the weight of the ship itself!
11. Sickness!
There’s nothing worse than getting so excited for a cruise (or indeed any type of holiday) only to lose some of it to sickness.
Lots of people have blamed the issues in 2020 for their worst cruises, but there are plenty of people who get sick on cruises at regular times too.
It’s not helped by unhygienic passengers who can’t even be bothered to wash their hands properly, or sneeze into their elbow. Basic rules!
Again, you might be able to get some money back if you’re sick on a cruise and quarantined in your cabin. Hopefully, it never happens for you but there’s always the possibility.
A breakup on holiday is awful. But it’s even worse on a cruise because you’ve no way of easily escaping each other!
Cruise breakups can happen, and there were a few people in the Carnival group who told similar stories.
Whether that’s because arguments can become fueled by booze, or just the nature of being on a ship and feeling like you can’t escape each other. Or maybe someone had a wandering eye, seeing all the people by the pool…
If you’re lucky, you might be able to pay for an additional cabin if you’re already onboard and explain your situation, but many cruises will sail sold out so if you do break up, you might be stuck together. Try to stay on each other’s good side!
13. Random food sharer
Whether or not this is worthy of being the “worst cruise ever”, I don’t know. But it’s definitely weird and a bit gross.
Having random people steal food from your plate is NOT common on cruises, don’t worry!
It’s not clear whether it was a child stealing food, or a grown woman, but either way it’s something that you should nip in the bud. Tell them no, and then feel free to go grab a new plate.
Chalk it up to a weird random experience, and try not to let it spoil your mood!
14. Accidentally flashing the crew
Are you the kind of person who lets embarrassing moments live on long in your memory?
The fact that this cruise passenger still tells the story as their worst cruise experience ever shows that it’s stuck with them – and maybe it has stuck with the crew member too!
Embarrassing moments can happen anywhere but don’t worry – you won’t typically find the crew in your cabin doing cleaning so the chances of you experiencing something like this are slim to none.
15. When EVERYTHING goes wrong!
This poor passenger!
When something goes wrong on any type of holiday, it can then feel like everything is going wrong. But I think for this passenger it really was. This isn’t a negative attitude – that’s a seriously long list of unfortunate occurrences.
It seems like they still were able to enjoy their honeymoon cruise thanks to their friends, but trust me – most cruises aren’t the catalogue of horrors that this person experienced!
16. When the cruise ends
The most common comment on that Facebook group about the worst cruise experience was that the cruise ended – and I think that shows that even bad moments can’t put off loyal cruise fans.
Plenty of people joked about how they were forced to get off the ship at the end of their itinerary and how it was unfair that they were surprised by this ‘debarkation day’ that crew were talking about.
But the fact that so many people made similar comments show that people really do enjoy being loyal to Carnival because of the great times they have onboard.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
Final word
Carnival is not a cruise line for everyone. It has a lively party atmosphere, it’s very bold and loud at times (especially during deck parties), and it’s very much aimed at the American market.
But if you’re the kind of person who would fit in on a Carnival ship, there’s a good chance you may want to stay loyal – even though it’s clear that bad things do sometimes happen.
That’s the same on any cruise line though. In fact, I know there are some cruise lines where bad experiences might be more common!
Just know that most people on a Carnival cruise – or any cruise – have an amazing time, and roll with the punches if something does go wrong. It shouldn’t spoil your cruise, and if it does, there’s always the next one!
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Carnival cruise offers…
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.
One of the best features of a cruise ship’s pool deck can often be one of the more controversial – the hot tubs!
Cruise ship jacuzzis offer a great spot to relax and unwind as you soak up the view, but of course, there aren’t enough hot tubs for everyone to enjoy at once. While some new cruise ships like Arvia and Iona have 16 hot tubs, many ships have just one or two.
And so one of the more divisive subjects around hot tubs, especially with how cruise holidays have changed, is whether kids should be banned from using them.
I asked my Facebook audience this exact question – Let’s delve into the results!
It’s a fairly strong “yes, ban them”…
There’s a clear majority of cruise guests who feel that kids shouldn’t be allowed to use the hot tubs on cruise ships.
66% of people I asked said that kids should be banned, and they gave lots of reasons to back that up…
1. “It’s not safe”
Some people are concerned from a safety perspective, especially with younger children. Some hot tubs may not be safe for younger kids to use. One cruiser argued that “their bodies are not mature enough to regulate heat”.
This will depend on the ship and the hot tub – some might have rules about certain ages being banned already for this reason. However, in my experience, I’ve never known a cruise ship hot tub to be actually ‘hot’. Most are just warm whirlpools.
According to the Institue of Health Visiting, a baby’s bath should be 37°C to 38°C, which is actually a lot warmer than a cruise ship jacuzzi.
When we’ve stayed in holiday cottages that have hot jacuzzis that go as high as 40°C, the kids will sit on the side with their feet in. They just don’t like to go in water that’s too hot for them.
2. “Kids don’t know how to behave”
Behaviour is another biggie. One cruiser said “It’s the behaviour of some kids that is the problem”
Another pointed out that they avoid the main pool deck because there are “way too many kids playing in the hot tubs, jumping and splashing – not what hot tubs are for”.
Of course, nobody should ever be splashing anyone with water without their consent, it’s just rude.
And then there’s the issue of overcrowding, with one person saying “I have been on many cruises in school holidays and can’t get near a hot tub because there are 25 kids in there almost constantly!”
I sympathise with this. I’ve also been on adult-only cruises and not been able to go in the hot tub because it’s constantly full to capacity. So perhaps this isn’t to do with the age of the hot tub users? Just a problem with supply and demand?
4. “Kids spread germs”
One person spoke about how kids made the hot tubs unhealthy for other guests, and also put themselves at risk due to the germs from other people, especially as they had seen “lots of kids put their faces underwater” in the hot tubs.
5. “Kids should be supervised”
You should always be careful with kids around the pool area because, while most cruise guests are fine, you can’t trust everyone. As one cruiser pointed out,” “there was once a guy caught on a Carnival ship around the pool area with no bathing suit on – just a towel.”
He didn’t get into the hot tub (as the cruiser originally thought) but he was hanging around near kids. So just make sure you’re always supervising and looking out for creepy folk! You never know when there might be one.
Not everyone feels the same…
There were still plenty of cruisers who felt that kids shouldn’t be automatically banned from hot tubs – while a minority, it wasn’t just a handful of voices.
“Kids are people too and should be able to have fun and be respectful at the same time” was the response of one cruiser, who felt that banning kids from hot tubs wouldn’t be fair, as long as they were using them appropriately.
Another said, “My daughter is not childish when in public, she behaves and chats with other cruisers and I don’t believe she should miss out just because of her age”.
Adult supervision was mentioned often – “don’t ban them but they should have an adult with them” being just one example.
While several cruisers felt kids should be allowed to enjoy the hot tubs, it was unsupervised children that caused the most concern.
There were some unique cases too, such as one person who said “My daughter has a disability and can’t tolerate the child water in the main pool, she usually uses hydrotherapy pools so the hot tub is lovely for her.”
Adults-only limits must be enforced
It’s clear from the responses that one of the biggest problems with hot tubs is when kids are allowed to use those that are designated for adults only.
Cruise lines set aside some areas of a ship for adults to enjoy away from the kids and they should be enforcing those rules, but it seems like they aren’t, with entitled parents ignoring any signs or warnings.
One person even said “It’s why I won’t cruise again. Awful experience – brats all of them. P&O fault for not enforcing the rules.”
Best of the rest of the comments…
There were several other responses that maybe didn’t directly answer the question but I didn’t want you to miss out!
Several said that the problem with hot tubs wasn’t anything to do with kids but was instead all about the adults.
Some of the comments were things like “adults, please don’t have sex in the hot tub” or how irritating the “hogs that mark the hot tubs all day” are.
A few people also touched on people who drink in the hot tubs, risking spillages or perhaps even worse, as one person put it – “I watched a guy drink a bucket of beers once and not once did he get out of the tub. Iron bladder or…”
One cruiser commented on watching a woman have an actual bath in a hot tub, full-on washing herself!
And some people said that hot tubs should just be banned outright due to being an absolute germ-fest, with one person describing them as “vile and often like a human soup”. A nice thought to end on!
Here’s what I think!
My own view (as a ‘cruise mummy’!) is that kids should be allowed in the hot tubs, as long as they’re behaving properly and are supervised by adults. However, there should also be an option for adults to enjoy the hot tubs without kids, when they want to.
These could be the hot tubs in the adults-only areas of the ship (which could then be hotter, since there isn’t the concern about the safety of the temperature for kids) or it might just be certain times of the day that hot tubs are reserved for adults, maybe before 9 am and after 7 pm?
Of course, this would rely on cruise lines enforcing it, which they aren’t always the most reliable at. They set the rules but then will sometimes let things slide to avoid confronting guests, if they feel like nobody else is concerned and it’s not a safety risk
So, if you see someone breaking the rules and having kids in an adults-only hot tub, don’t be ashamed of having a quiet word with the crew and ask them to resolve it. If you are polite then they’ll definitely handle it for you.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss these hot cruise offers…
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.
