Cruise Tips - Luxury Cruising

Marella Discovery Cabins To Avoid

November 13, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Marella

Whenever you book a cruise, you want it to be the best experience possible. That doesn’t mean you’ll always book the very best cabin on a ship, because you have to balance your budget too.

But some cabins are better than others, even without spending more. There are also certain cabins you should try to avoid, whether due to their location on the ship or just a particular quirk. That’s as true on Marella Discovery as it is on any ship.

In this guide, I’ll help you understand all of the cabin options available to you on Marella Discovery. I’ll also tell you which cabin numbers you should avoid booking where possible. You can check out the Marella Discovery deck plans if you want to see specific cabin locations.

Some of this advice is subjective, and will depend on your personal tastes. Be sure to read everything then make your decision carefully, based on the type of cruise you want.

Cabin Types on Marella Discovery

There are broadly four main types of cabins available on Marella Discovery.

Inside – including Inside Plus and Single Inside
Outside – including Deluxe and Single Outside
Balcony – including Deluxe Balcony
Suites – Junior Suites, Family Junior Suites, Family Suites, Grand Suites, Executive Suites and Royal Suites

Let’s delve a little deeper into each cabin type, so you can understand more about the options available.

Inside Cabins

Marella Discovery has multiple different types of Inside Cabin that you can book:

Cabin	Size	Sleeps up to
Decks 2 & 3 Inside Cabin	12 square metres	2-4
Decks 6, 7 and 8 Inside Cabin	12-13 square metres	2
Inside Plus Cabin	15 square metres	2-4
Single Inside Cabin	12 square metres	1

Inside Cabins are always the cheapest accommodation on any cruise ship (unless there are special upgrade offers). They’re windowless, but it’s always a short walk to an open deck if you want to enjoy a view, especially on a smaller ship like Marella Discovery.

Inside Cabins are a great choice if you’re on a tight budget, and don’t plan on spending much time in your cabin apart from sleeping and getting ready. They’re the smallest rooms, but you can save money for your next cruise if you’re comfortable in one of these. They typically come with twin beds, that can be converted into a queen-sized bed if you prefer.

Marella Discovery breaks down its Inside Cabins by decks.

A few important things to note:

Some of the cabins on Decks 2 and 3 sleep two guests, while others sleep up to four.
Inside Cabins on Decks 7 and 8 have been recently refurbished, but those on Deck 6 in the same category have not.
Inside Plus Cabins either sleep two guests or up to four. Those that sleep up to four were refurbished in November 2022.
Single Inside Cabins come with a queen-sized bed, which is pretty nifty. Most single cabins on other ships have a single twin bed.

The cabins that sleep more than two guests have fold-down beds.

Fold-down beds inside the cabin on Marella Discovery — Decks 2/3 Inside Cabin

These are Pullman beds which are hidden in the ceiling during the day, so that they don’t take up valuable space. They’re also better because you’re less likely to hit your head on them when you’re in a lower bed.

Outside Cabins

There are three main types of Outside Cabin on Marella Discovery:

Cabin	Size	Sleeps up to
Outside Cabin	14 square metres	2-4
Deluxe Cabin	20 square metres	4
Single Outside Cabin	14 square metres	1*

Outside Cabins are a good choice if you want to keep costs low, but don’t like the idea of being completely enclosed with no natural light. They’re also a better choice if you tend to get seasick, since focusing on the horizon can help.

The standard Outside Cabins on Marella Discovery are all on Decks 2 and 3, and have either a porthole or a picture window. Unfortunately, the categories aren’t split. I’ll cover that in a little more detail in the section below on cabins to avoid if you don’t want a porthole.

Deluxe Cabins are higher up on the ship, on Decks 7 and 8, and they’ve all been newly refurbished. They have a floor-to-ceiling window that offers a much better view, but that comes with a higher price for your booking.

Finally, Single Outside Cabins are available to book on Deck 3. Again, these have either a picture window or a porthole, and really they’re just a standard Outside Cabin sold at a special rate.

The Marella Cruises website even says they come with ‘twin beds that convert into a queen-sized double bed’. Why would you want twin beds if travelling alone?

Balcony Cabins

There are two different options for Balcony Cabins on Marella Discovery:

Cabin	Size	Sleeps up to
Balcony Cabin	13-14 square metres	2
Deluxe Balcony Cabin	15-16 square metres	4

A Balcony Cabin is a further step up from an Outside Cabin. It gives you your own private balcony space, where you can sit and soak up the view with the fresh sea air. On most cruise ships, a Balcony Cabin will also be larger than an Outside Cabin, but that’s not really the case with Marella Discovery.

Deluxe Balcony Cabins are larger though, so feel a little more luxurious. They also sleep up to four guests. Not with Pullman beds this time but with a double sofa bed, which is better for smaller children.

Suites

There are six different suite options on Marella Discovery:

Suite	Size	Sleeps up to
Junior Suites	21 square metres	2
Family Junior Suites	39 square metres	6
Family Suites	40 square metres	7
Grand Suites	32 square metres	4
Executive Suites	47 square metres	4
Royal Suites	92 square metres	4

On any cruise ship, suites are considered the best accommodation, but there are usually a few different choices. That’s true of Marella Discovery, where there are six suite types available.

Junior Suites

Junior Suites are the entry-level suite option on Marella Discovery, designed for two people. They’re essentially a larger Balcony Cabin, with twin beds that convert into a queen-sized bed and a private balcony to enjoy.

Junior suite on Marella Discovery — Junior Suite

Family Junior Suites

Family Junior Suites are much larger, and designed for up to six guests. There’s a bedroom that has twin beds. In the living area are two more twin beds, which can convert into a queen-sized bed, and finally a double sofa bed. Like all suites, there is a balcony too.

Family Suites

There are very few cabins at sea that can sleep seven guests, so if you’re travelling with a large family these could be ideal. There are two bedrooms with twin beds/queen beds in each, one of which has a single fold-down bed. The sofa in the living area also converts into a double bed.

Grand Suites

Grand Suites have been newly refurbished with a modern style, and are aimed at two to four guests. They have one bedroom, with a double sofa bed in the living area. Although the Family Suites may be larger, a Marella Discovery Grand Suite is more about offering spacious, mid-level suites for couples or smaller families.

Executive Suites

A Marella Discovery Executive Suite is the second-best accommodation option on ship. These revamped suites are really spacious and very light, with massive doors to the balcony that really help make the room feel open. They have a bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the living area.

Executive Suite on Marella Discovery — Executive Suite

Royal Suite

The best suite on the ship, the Royal Suite, is almost twice as large as an Executive Suite and almost eight times the size of an Inside Cabin. They’re huge! The master bedroom has a king-sized bed, while the living area has a large sofa bed, so the suite sleeps four guests. It also has a whirlpool bath and a baby grand piano.

Premier Service

All of the suites on Marella Discovery – from Junior Suites up to the Royal Suite – come with Premier Service. This is what you’d call the ‘suite perks’ on some other ships. The list of benefits isn’t huge though:

Free pressing service for up to three items of clothing per passenger in the first 24 hours onboard.
Free continental breakfast in bed per guest, once per week.

Adapted Cabins on Marella Discovery

There are Marella Discovery adapted cabins you can book, even though they are not mentioned on the cruise line’s own website where the cabins are listed.

This means I can’t give you exact room sizes, since they’ve not been measured separately. They are larger though, since they are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

There are 17 adapted cabins available to book on Marella Discovery, including:

Six Inside Cabins (3 on Deck 2, 3 on Deck 7)
Six Outside Cabins (3 on Deck 2, 3 on Deck 3)
Three Balcony Cabins (Deck 6)
Three Junior Suites (Deck 8)

How to Choose the Best Cabin

There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing your cabin on Marella Discovery. Even with this guide, you’ll need help to go through the steps when making your selection. You need to know where to avoid, what to do if your first choice is available and so on.

To make things easier, I’ve created a checklist that you can use for Marella Discovery or indeed any ship. Just pop your email address and name into this form, and I’ll send it right to you. You can keep it to hand when you book your Marella Discovery cruise.

Cabins To Avoid on Marella Discovery

Here are the cabins to avoid when booking a cruise on Marella Discovery.

Remember that these depend on what kind of cruise passenger you are, so some might actually be better suited to you.

1. Cabins with a porthole

2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2500, 2502, 2504, 2506, 2600, 2602

When you book an Outside Cabin, you’re paying a little more than for an Inside. You can enjoy some natural light during daytime hours, and hopefully a bit of a view.

Although most Outside Cabins have a picture window, there are a handful towards the front and aft of the ship on Deck 2 that only have a porthole, and the difference is significant. The portholes don’t really offer any kind of view at all, and they let very little light through.

Cabin with a porthole on Marella Discovery

I’d recommend getting a picture window room instead. Otherwise you might as well save some money and just go for an Inside Cabin.

2. Rooms that are not ideal if you get seasick

8000 to 8016, 8060 to 8086, 8500 to 8516, 8566 to 8590
Inside Cabins on Deck 8

Marella Discovery is not a huge ship, which has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to seasickness. Larger, more modern ships tend to have the latest stabilising technology, but they need it more because guests stay on higher decks.

The higher you are, and the closer to the front or aft, the more you’ll feel the motion of the ship. This is what can trigger seasickness. Marella Discovery only has cabins on Deck 8 and below, so you’re never too high. But avoid anything on Deck 8 near the front or aft of the ship if you’re concerned you might feel sick.

You definitely want to avoid the Inside Cabins on that deck too. Not only are you more likely to feel the movement of the waves, but you can’t look out to the horizon, which tends to work well in easing seasickness.

If you think you might feel seasick, then aim for a lower room, ideally in a mid-ship location and with a view. The Marella Discovery best cabins on Deck 3 – the Outside Cabins with a picture window – are a great choice.

3. Junior Suites

Some of the suite options on Marella Discovery are worth the extra money. They’re a lot more spacious, and are in some of the best locations on the ship.

But it’s harder to justify the jump in cost from a Deluxe Balcony Cabin to a Marella Discovery Junior Suite.

That’s not to say you should never book a Junior Suite. It might be that you want that extra five square metres of space over a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, and you’re happy to pay the additional money. But if you won’t spend a huge amount of time in your cabin, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

Either stick with a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, or aim a little higher and look at a Grand Suite. Then you’re getting twice the space, which really feels worth it.

The Premier Service perks and the extra five square metres of space aren’t enough to give a Junior Suite my full recommendation. I’d rather downgrade to something like a Marella Discovery Balcony Cabin on Deck 6, save the money and put it towards another cruise instead.

4. Connecting cabins (if you aren’t booking both)

Various on every deck

Connecting cabins are rooms that are side-by-side and have a door between them. Normally this door is locked, but if your travelling party books both rooms, you can have the door unlocked. This essentially open up both rooms to create a larger space.

If you are not booking both connecting cabins, I recommend you avoid booking one of them. That’s because the door that links these two rooms is thinner than the wall, so you’ll hear more of what your neighbours are getting up to. If they like to wake up early or watch TV late, you might hear them and it could be distracting.

Connecting cabins do have their uses though…

5. Family Suites if you’re on a budget

I love that there are Family Suites sleeping up to seven guests on Marella Discovery, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you are travelling as part of a group.

The view of a family suite when you're inside

The difference in cost for booking a Family Suite is not just based on the extra space you’ll get. It will often be cheaper to book two separate connecting cabins than to book one Family Suite.

As a rough guide, I checked a typical seven-day itinerary that included flights. Booking two connecting cabins, with two adults and one child in each, would cost approximately £7,700. The cost for booking a single Family Suite for the same cruise, with four adults and two children, was over £11,000.

With a Family Suite you are getting more space, a better ship location and the Premier Service benefits. Family Suites are not a bad choice. But if you are on a tight budget, I’d consider booking connecting rooms instead.

6. Cabins adjacent to lifts

3055, 6061, 6561

There are plenty of cabins near the lifts on Marella Discovery, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s good because you don’t have to travel far to get to and from your cabin. But it can be annoying because a lot of people walk past your room in the morning or at night, which can be noisy.

But there are three Inside Cabins in particular that are directly adjacent to the lifts. So you might also hear the lift mechanism itself.

To be clear, they aren’t super loud, but if you’re sleeping right next to them then you’ll either find the noise soothing or annoying. It might not be worth the risk if you’re a light sleeper.

7 Cabins directly under the pool deck

8012 to 8072, 8512 to 8572

A common complaint from cruise ships is where the cabin is situated directly below the pool deck. There’s still a competitive element when it comes to securing a pool lounger, and guests often rise extra-early to grab one. Then they drag these across the deck, causing quite a racket in the cabins directly below.

When researching this guide, it was a complaint that cropped up a couple of times for the Marella Discovery cabins on Deck 8. This was specifically for the rooms underneath the indoor pool area, from around 8040 to 8064 and 8546 to 8572 on the starboard side. But it might be an issue under the outdoor pool area as well.

If you’re also awake early, it’s not going to bother you. But if you like a lie-in, consider a room away from the pool deck.

8. Cabins a long trek from the kids’ club

Any cabin where the second digit is 1 or 6, such as 7134 or 2600.

The Marella Discovery has a kids’ club area for families, situated towards the front of the ship on Deck 10. It has various facilities including a Baby Centre, a gaming zone, and clubs for younger kids and teenagers.

This isn’t an issue for teens, but if you have young children or babies staying in these areas, avoid having a cabin right at the aft of the ship. These have either 1 as the second digit (port side) or 6 as the second digit (starboard side). It’s worse if you’re on a lower deck too.

That’s purely from a practicality point of view – the farther you are from the kids’ club, the farther you have to travel. It’s not so bad during the day but if you’ve enjoyed dinner, and gone to pick up a child who is now napping, it can be a long walk carrying a heavy lump in your arms!

9. Inside Cabins if travelling with older kids/other adults

It’s great that there are lots of Inside Cabin options for sleeping three or four guests, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re staying with adults or older kids.

The Inside Cabins are not very big, so you could easily get under each other’s feet. The Pullman Beds aren’t great for grown-ups either, and can be a bit uncomfortable.

I think they’re a good choice for younger kids, though preferably not so young they could fall out. For adults or teens though, I’d look at something more spacious.

10. Rooms above the Squid & Anchor if you like an early night

6000 to 6016, 6500 to 6516

There are some rooms towards the front of Deck 6 that are directly above the Squid & Anchor lounge. If you like an early night on your cruise, I wouldn’t recommend booking these.

The speakers for the Squid & Anchor’s musical performances are on the roof, so the sound can reverberate through to your cabin. It’s not super-loud, and tends to end earlier than on other cruise lines, usually 11pm at the latest.

But still, if you’re a lighter sleeper or like to be asleep by 9pm or so, you might prefer to choose a quieter spot on the ship.

11. Tired cabins that haven’t been renovated

Various across the ship

A lot of Marella Discovery’s new cabins were fully refurbished in late 2022, but not all of them, so it’s worth asking the question when you book.

The older cabins are not bad, but some people think they look a little tired. They’re still recommended as very comfortable, but the refurbished rooms look a lot nicer.

It might not matter to you, but if it does, check whether or not your cabin has been refurbished.

The Best Cabins on Marella Discovery

Most of the cabins on Marella Discovery are great, but a handful really stand out as worth booking, depending on your travelling party and budget.

1. Aft-view Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites

6122, 6124, 6126, 6128, 6130, 6626, 6628, 6630, 6632, 7134, 7136, 7138, 7140, 7634, 7636, 7638, 7640, 7642, 8080, 8082, 8084, 8086, 8586, 8588, 8590

A lot of the most sought-after rooms on a cruise ship are those with an aft view. They tend to be the most popular because you’re sheltered from the wind, with a fantastic view of the ocean and the wake of the ship.

There are a selection of Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites on Decks 6, 7 and 8. These tend to book up quickly, so be sure to act fast if you want to enjoy an aft view.

In particular, try to book either 6130, 7642 or 8086. These three rooms are dead-centre in the ship, so not only is the view incredible but you actually get a slightly larger balcony. You can see from the deck plans that they’re angled, so the more central you are, the bigger the balcony is.

Aft-view balcony cabins and junior suites

2. Royal Suite (if you can afford it)

Of course, it’s easy to pick the biggest suite on the ship as one of the best, but it really is something special – provided you have the budget for it.

The whirlpool bath is a fantastic addition, but not too uncommon on cruise ships. It’s still a great feature on warmer cruises, where you can properly relax with an amazing view.

However, there are very few cruise ship suites I can think of where you also get a baby grand piano. Even if you can’t play, it’s a very classy addition.

It’s not something I’m likely to book. I’m typically the person who would save my money to enjoy multiple cruises instead. But I can’t argue that it’s not a fantastic suite.

3. Single Cabins (Inside or Outside)

On a lot of cruise ships, single rooms are crammed into smaller spaces. They’ll usually be the smallest room on a ship, with just a single bed and a limited amount of storage.

Not so with Marella Discovery – you’re essentially getting a full Inside or Outside Cabin, with a queen-sized bed. It’s a lot more comfortable for solo travellers, and I love that Marella has thought about single passengers enough to give them this comfort.

After all, you probably aren’t sleeping in a single bed at home, so why would you downgrade for an actual holiday?

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a complete guide to all the cabins on Marella Discovery, plus tips for cabins that you should consider avoiding when you book.

I know the decision isn’t always simple. You might have your heart set on a certain itinerary that’s nearly sold out, or your budget might mean you can’t book the perfect cabin for you.

But with everything in this guide, you can at least make some informed decisions and travel prepared. For example, a set of earplugs might be all you need to make a louder room bearable.

For a closer look at all of the cabins on Marella Discovery, I highly recommend that you check out this video by Paul and Carole. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting…

In putting this guide together, I scoured the official Marella Discovery deck plans but also looked at Facebook groups. I recommend you check them out too, because people often post photos of specific cabins, and you might find yours on there before you sail.

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

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Silversea Announces Popular Expedition Souvenir To Be Discontinued

November 13, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips News

Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea has announced to guests that it will no longer be providing commemorative USB drives to guests at the end of any expedition cruises.

The USB drives were filled with photos and videos taken on the cruise, and were typically seen as a fun way of capturing the memories of that particular sailing.

With the expedition ships hosting fewer than 300 guests on each sailing, guests could reasonably expect to be featured in a selection of the media on the USB drives.

And one popular feature was the drone video footage that offered a unique perspective on the destinations visited, since guests aren’t permitted to bring their own drone onboard.

However, the cruise line has announced it is no longer offering the item, claiming that some guests had fed back about quality issues.

At Silversea, our commitment is always to provide an unparalleled luxury experience. We have listened to your feedback regarding the photos and videos our guests receive at the end of their expedition, and we acknowledge that the current offering does not meet the exceptional standards that we strive to uphold.

“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to discontinue the current program. We understand that this change may be disappointing to some of our valued guests, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please rest assured that we are actively exploring innovative new ways to enhance your experience and capture the special moments of your voyage.”

Conrad Combrink, the Senior Vice President of Expeditions for Silversea

No replacement souvenir item has been announced in the interim, which has left some guests disappointed, with some arguing that the removal of the USB could’ve been delayed until a replacement was available.

However, some experienced Silversea guests have concurred that the quality could be an issue on some cruises, particularly when it comes to video. Apparently, some guests felt like important moments were often missed in the video.

Guests are, of course, able to capture their own memories on cruises – check out these expert tips from a photographer on how to get the best cruise photos!

With Silversea’s expedition cruises starting from £4,500 per person even for the smallest suites onboard, it’s no doubt that guests expect a high level of luxury, including small touches which make the cruise feel more special.

So it’s likely that Silversea will try to move quickly in finding some form of replacement option as a small souvenir for guests to take home on these cruises.

The best way to book a Silversea cruise

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Is Virgin Voyages All-Inclusive? Here’s What’s Included & What Costs Extra

November 11, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers some fantastic cruises for adults, with a lot of extras included in the fare that you pay. But is it an all-inclusive cruise line, or are there some things you’ll still need to pay for?

In this guide I’ll take you through everything that’s included, and what’s not included, when you book a Virgin Voyages cruise.

Everything that’s included with Virgin Voyages

On a cruise with Virgin Voyages, you’ll get your accommodation, your food, soft drinks and simple hot drinks, entertainment and WiFi included, and tips are covered by your fare as well. There are very few extras that you need to pay for on a Virgin Voyages cruise.

It’s not quite all-inclusive though, and while some food and drink is covered, not everything is.

1. Food

Almost all of the food on a Virgin Voyages cruise is included when you pay your cruise fare. This includes all of the speciality restaurants on board – there’s no cover charge no matter where you choose to dine. However, some items may have an extra cost.

On most standard and even premium cruise lines, you’ll have a selection of restaurants that are free, and then speciality restaurants where you’ll pay a set cover charge for dining at the venue. But that’s not the case with Virgin Voyages.

Instead, all of the dining options are included, and then each menu will have some premium items that you can choose or add to your meal if you want to. But you absolutely don’t have to.

So for example, when dining at Extra Virgin you can choose your starter, main course and dessert from almost anything on the menu, but if you want to make your meal a little more special, you can add some fresh truffles to your dish for $15.

All of the ships have over 20 dining options so you’ve plenty of choices without paying extra, just make sure you book in advance to secure a table. And the late-night snack bar is open 24/7 for pizza and noodles and that’s included too.

Room service has a small charge

On a Virgin Voyages cruise, there’s a $5 delivery fee for room service, but then items are either included as normal or cost the same as they would elsewhere on the ship. This means all foods are free, as are soft drinks, water and basic tea or coffee. You just need to pay the $5 delivery every time you order.

Having breakfast in bed is, therefore, a great choice on a Virgin Voyages cruise because you’re only paying a small fee, the food is completely included.

The room service menu isn’t as extensive as you’d get in a restaurant but there are still lots of choices, and a lot of options for lighter bites during the rest of the day too.

2. Drinks

Soft drinks are included on a Virgin Voyages cruise – but alcoholic drinks and many speciality drinks are not. There is no option for a drinks package either, although you can save money by pre-loading a bar tab before you cruise.

The prices of drinks on a Virgin Voyages cruise are similar to many of the American cruise lines – you’ll pay around $5 to $8 for a beer, between $12 and $17 for a cocktail, and anywhere from $7 up to $22 for a glass of wine.

Speciality coffees aren’t too bad though – usually between $3 and $5. Hot chocolate is $4 which is a little more expensive than you’d maybe pay on other cruise lines.

Instead of a drinks package, Virgin Voyages lets you prepay for a bar tab, and will then give you bonus money. For every $300 that you pre-load onto your bar tab, you get a free $50.

It’s not as good as having your drinks included, but it’s still better than being forced to pay full price without any kind of special offer.

Other free drinks

A selection of ‘basic bevvies’ are included for free, including filtered still and sparkling water, soft drinks, fruit juices and simple teas and drip coffees. Any other drinks on the ship need to be paid for, although these basic bevvies are free when you order room service (and pay the delivery charge).

This is great value, compared to other cruise lines. While most cruise lines will offer free water, and maybe tea, coffee and juices during breakfast or from the buffet, you’ll normally have to pay for them. And soft drinks are definitely not included as standard.

At best you might usually get a soda drinks package for around $8-12 per day, so if you’re someone who doesn’t drink alcohol and you’re happy sticking to sodas and the basic teas and coffees that are included, Virgin Voyages’ cruise fares are great value.

3. Entertainment

A Virgin Voyages cruise includes almost all of your entertainment at no extra cost, including live shows, parties and DJ sets. The only experiences that have an additional cost are the Another Rose acrobatics spectacular on Resilient Lady, and some eating and drinking classes held at different times across the fleet.

All of the shows on Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, and those planned for Brilliant Lady, will be free. Another Rose is a special attraction on Resilient Lady and so there is an entry fee, though it hasn’t been disclosed how much that’ll be yet.

On pretty much any cruise line, the live shows are included so the fact that most are included with Virgin Voyages isn’t anything particularly noteworthy.

However, Virgin Voyages does work with more renowned DJs for party nights, and so the live events tend to be a little more premium and spectacular. As such, you are still getting more value for your fare.

4. Gratuities

Barista making a coffee on Virgin Voyages Grounds Club

Unlike on most cruise lines, tips are included in your fare when you book a Virgin Voyages cruise. There’s no expectation to pay additional daily gratuities or even to tip crew members individually for good service.

Crew members working for Virgin Voyages are paid a higher salary than on other cruise lines and so don’t need to be tipped. They’re really well looked after – they get more perks than crew on other cruise lines as well, and work hard to offer a high level of service.

Sometimes they’ll even turn down a tip!

5. WiFi

WiFi is included as standard on a Virgin Voyages cruise, which is a nice advantage over many other cruise lines. There is the option to upgrade to Premium WiFi if you want to do more intensive tasks such as streaming movies and music during your cruise.

Basic WiFi is free to all guests and is designed for simple web browsing, or checking emails and messages. It’s not very fast and you’re likely to be frustrated if you were expecting cable-type speeds, but that’s a common problem with cruise ship WiFi.

The upgrade to Premium internet varies in cost – a one-day pass is often $15 but you can usually get a Premium Voyage pass for your entire cruise for a lower price, sometimes with a discounted rate.

That’s still really affordable compared to many other cruise lines.

6. Bimini Beach Club

Access to the Bimini Beach Club is included with Virgin Voyages, but if you want a cabana then you’ll need to pay extra. The Bimini Beach Club operates as a sort of private destination for all guests on the cruise ship, but you’ll have to pay for drinks while you’re there.

Bimini is a popular cruise port for all cruise lines, but the Bimini Beach Club is only open to Virgin Voyages guests while a Virgin ship is in port. It’s an upmarket resort with six bars and direct access to the beach, as well as a pool if you’d prefer a freshwater dip.

The food is free while you’re at Bimini Beach Club but drinks have to be paid for and cabanas cost $350 per day to hire.

What’s not included

As we’ve established, there are a lot of things included with Virgin Voyages, but it’s not a completely all-inclusive cruise line.

Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to pay extra for (if you want it):

Premium menu items in all restaurants
Alcoholic drinks, speciality teas and coffees and pressed juices
Premium WiFi access
Select entertainment shows and classes
Shore excursions
Spa treatments

Apart from the drinks that you buy, the highest costs on the ship are the shore excursions and the spa treatments. Excursion costs vary by port and what the activity is, and spa treatments start at around $175 for a facial and go up to around $400 for a 125-minute full-body treatment.

None of these are essential though – if you’re happy drinking soft drinks, you don’t mind exploring ports on your own without an arranged excursion and you don’t need shore excursions then you can cruise without paying a penny extra.

Overall, is it good value? Yes and no…

I’ve established that a Virgin Voyages cruise includes a lot more than many other cruise lines do, but is it good value? That depends on what you want from a cruise and how much you’re paying in order to get everything included.

There aren’t too many cruise lines that offer the same style of cruising as Virgin Voyages, but let’s take a look at how they compare against Celebrity Cruises – another premium, contemporary cruise line.

	Virgin Voyages	Celebrity Cruises
7-night Caribbean cruise, Balcony Cabin	Approximately $3,000 total	Approximately $2,600 total
Speciality restaurants included?	Yes, except premium items	$45-75 per person, per meal
Soft drinks	Included	$30 per person, per day for non-alcoholic drinks package
Tips	Included	$17.50 per person, per day
Basic WiFi Cost	Included	$15 per device, per day

While a Celebrity Cruise appears to be cheaper upfront, if you pay for 2 speciality dining visits and buy a soft drinks package and the basic WiFi, your total cost would actually be closer to $3,600 – more than what you’d pay with Virgin Voyages.

So yes – for the style of cruising and everything that’s included, I think it’s fair to say it’s good value.

Final word

It’s not easy to compare cruise lines since they all include different things – some you’ll pay for tips, some you won’t, some offer drinks packages and so on.

That’s why it’s always worth looking into what a cruise line gives you, and working out whether it’s good value.

Virgin Voyages may not be all-inclusive but it’s certainly ‘more inclusive’ compared to other cruise lines, and well worth considering if you want a lively adults-only all-inclusive cruise.

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What To Do With Luggage After A Cruise In Miami

November 11, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise News Cruise Tips Packing

When your cruise finishes in Miami, and you’ve got a later flight to get home, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore some of the sights of this amazing city.

There’s lots to see and do around Miami – but you hardly want to be dragging your luggage around with you all day. So, what can you do with it?

Cruise ship passengers with their luggage

There are a lot of places you can store your luggage, and in this guide, I’ll take you through them all.

There’s no luggage storage at the port!

There isn’t any luggage storage at Miami cruise port – the port’s website says that this is for security reasons. However, there are lots of options for Port of Miami luggage storage just a short distance away, as well as storage at the airport if that’s preferred.

The Port of Miami is on its own island. Unfortunately, there is no Miami cruise port luggage storage on that island.

But just a short hop away either to the east to Miami Beach, or to the west to the mainland, there are a lot of options for storing your luggage in the city.

So once you’ve worked out where you plan on spending your day, and how long you’ll take to get off your ship, you can book your luggage storage in advance and enjoy a stress-free day.

And because you can book all of the options through Stasher, you don’t need to spend ages doing price comparisons. They’re all very similar, with just a few cents difference at most. Instead, you can focus on picking the most convenient location. You can also try Bounce for a choice of even more locations.

It’s also worth checking whether your cruise line offers a luggage service after a cruise in Miami. Some cruises where you’ve booked your flight as a package will actually take your luggage to the airport for you. You’ll put it outside your room on the last night of your cruise, and then see it again when you land at your destination airport.

If you have this option and it doesn’t cost extra then definitely go for it – but if not, there are plenty of options for temporary storage.

Luggage storage near Miami Beach

Squareat is a quirky company that sells meal packs consisting of square meals (literally). While they do most of their business online, they do have a cafe location in Miami just a short walk from South Beach, and it’s here where you can leave your luggage – and try a fun dining experience while you’re at it.

Address: 749 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening Times: 9am to 7pm, 7 days a week

Price: $6.85 per bag

2. South Florida Trikke

South Florida Trikke is a company that specialises in segway tours, although they also offer bike rental too. If you want to explore Miami Beach on a guided segway excursion, or pedal up the coastline at your own pace, then this is a great option. The friendly hosts will also offer tips on attractions, if you’ve not yet made up your mind.

Address: 1401 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening Times: 9am to 8pm Mon to Sat, 9am to 7pm Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

3. Cybr Caffe

Cybr Caffe is a classic internet cafe that’s just a quick walk from the beach area in Miami. If you haven’t paid for cruise internet and you don’t want to be hammered by mobile charges, it’s a good place to store your bag and catch up on a few quick emails with a coffee before you set out to explore the city for the rest of your day.

Address: 1574 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening Times: 9am to 7pm Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

4. Bikes and Segway

Bikes and Segway is a little further north on Miami Beach. As the name implies, this is another place where you can hire bikes or segways to go and explore. But the company also arranges a host of other tours to enjoy too, including Everglades Airboats.

Address: 1655 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Opening Times: 9am to 7pm, 7 days a week

Price: $6.90 per bag

5. The UPS Store

If you want to get away from the busier South Beach area, but still have the freedom to head down there, this UPS Store is a good idea. It’s one of the few options in the Mid Beach area for luggage storage.

Address: 3921 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Opening Times: 9am to 7pm Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm Sat, Closed Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

6. Norman’s Hotel & Bar

Norman’s Hotel is a popular spot in the quieter North Beach area of Miami, away from a lot of the busy tourist spots. If you want to just relax on a quieter beach then this is a good place to go, and it has long opening hours should you have a very late flight, and plenty of time to kill.

Address: 6770 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33141

Opening Times: 8am to midnight, 7 days a week

Price: $6.90 per bag

Luggage storage in Downtown Miami

7. Fortune House Hotel

The Fortune House Hotel is one of the closest options for luggage storage near Miami port, if you want to head to Downtown Miami and see the sights of the city. The hotel’s in a great spot for taking walking tours, and since it is open 24/7 you’ll have no problems dropping your bags off and picking them up whenever is convenient.

Address: 185 SE 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33131

Opening Times: 24/7

Price: $6.90 per bag

8. Mindwarehouse

Mindwarehouse is an office space in Downtown Miami with private and virtual offices available. It also offers luggage storage for cruise passengers but only for limited hours during the work week – so it may not be suitable for everyone. The location is very central, though, so it’s still worth considering.

Address: 111 NE 1st St FL 8, Miami, FL 33132

Opening Times: 10am to 2pm Mon to Thurs, 10am to 12pm Fri, Closed weekends

Price: $6.90 per bag

9. Office Logic

Office Logic is another office company, this time situated to the northern side of Downtown Miami. If you wanted to take a boat tour of the Venetian Islands then this is a great choice, and you’re close to lots of the parks in the city as well.

Address: 1501 Biscayne Blvd #501, Miami, FL 33132

Opening Times: 9am to 10pm Mon to Sat, Closed Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

10. Simple Mobile

Simple Mobile is a phone store just a short drive from the Port of Miami, but they’re happy to offer bag storage for the day too. The hours are a little more limited than some other choices but they should still be open for most cruise passengers flying in the evening, unless your cruise ends on a Sunday.

Address: 742 SW 8th St suite b, Miami, FL 33130

Opening Times: 10am to 7pm Mon to Fri, 11am to 6pm Sat, Closed Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

11. Phone Flash

Phone Flash is another phone store in Miami where you can store your bags. This has longer opening hours, and it’s closer to the airport should you be in a bit of a hurry at the end of the day. It’s a good choice if you want to explore the Cuban district of the city, being situated at the heart of East Little Havana.

Address: 1199 W Flagler St #17, Miami, FL 33130

Opening Times: 8am to 9pm Mon to Fri, 9am to 9pm Sat, 9am to 7pm Sun

Price: $6.90 per bag

12. The Spot Wynwood

The Spot Wynwood is a creative hub in Wynwood that operates as a vendors market and live entertainment hub. It’s also a great base for exploring the Wynwood district including the famous street art of the area. It’s a friendly place where you can leave your bags safely for as long as you need.

Address: 685 NW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33127

Opening Times: 24/7

Price: $6.90 per bag

Luggage storage near Miami Airport

13. EB Hotel Miami

While there is the option of storing your luggage within the airport itself, you might not want to get caught in all the traffic driving in.

If you want your bags to be near the airport but in easy reach of attractions, the EB Hotel is a great choice. You can drop your luggage, get back out into Miami for the day, and then return in time for your flight. This is also a convenient option if your flight doesn’t leave until the next day.

Address: 4299 NW 36th St, Miami, FL 33166

Opening Times: 24/7

Price: $6.90 per bag

14. Worldwide Commerce

Worldwide Commerce is a logistics group situated on the far side of Miami International Airport from the cruise port, but it’s easy enough to get to if your options are limited for other locations (they can book up).

Just bear in mind that you’re not right next to the passenger terminals here, so leave a little extra time for picking up your bags and then heading to check in for your flight.

Address: 2355 NW 70th Ave unit d 06, Miami, FL 33122

Opening Times: 9am to 7pm Mon to Fri, Closed weekends

Price: $6.90 per bag

Other luggage storage options

There are a few alternatives to storing your luggage in one of these locations near the port or close to the city’s attractions – here’s what else you could do.

Take an excursion

Some cruise lines and independent tour companies offer excursions even on the last day of your cruise. These are really convenient because they take care of everything for you – including storing your luggage.

You’ll typically be picked up at the port by a bus with luggage storage. You’ll be whisked to your destination in Miami – the Everglades is one of the more popular options, or it might be a sightseeing tour of the Art Deco architecture – before the coach then takes you to the airport once the excursion is complete.

So you get to enjoy your day, and have your luggage taken care of, without then working out how to get back to the airport. It’s your complete package for the last day of your holiday.

Store your bags at Miami Airport

Another simple option would be to store your bags at the airport. Miami International Airport is in a great location that’s easy to get to, so a cab straight there to drop off your luggage will leave you with plenty of time to then head back out into the city and explore.

Then, when you’re finished for the day, just head back to the airport, retrieve your luggage and you’re ready to check-in for your flight home. It does mean going out of your way at the start of the day but, when you have plenty of time to kill, it is a convenient option.

Rent a car

Rather than getting a cab to the airport, another option would be to rent a car for the day. You can then put your luggage in the boot/trunk, and drive yourself to the sights for the day. Then just drive straight to the airport to drop the car off.

It may work out more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but you’ll have complete freedom to go wherever you want to in Miami, and you aren’t left waiting for a taxi or Uber when it’s time for your flight – you’re in control of your time throughout the day.

Just make sure that you choose a big enough car! On our honeymoon in Miami we thought that a convertible Mustang would be a romantic choice. And it was great, but our two suitcases wouldn’t fit in the trunk so we had to have them in the back seat.

Store your cags at an attraction

Some Miami attractions will be able to accommodate your luggage for you. It depends on where you’re planning to go, and which company you use.

Say you wanted to try an Everglades airboat tour – you can call the different tour operators and see which ones would be able to store your luggage during your boat trip.

Once you’ve found someone, just take a taxi to get there, drop your bags off for the duration of your excursion, and then grab a cab to the airport in time to check in. Easy.

Final word

There are loads of options for storing your luggage in Miami – whether you’re looking to store it near the port, close to the major attractions, or at the airport ready for the end of your day.

It’s probably a good idea to decide which of the Miami attractions you want to visit during your day in the city – and then work out the best choice for storing your luggage from there, so that you aren’t driving i

But you definitely don’t need to lug it around with you all day.

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How To Play Online While Cruising

November 10, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Tips

Picture this: you’re cruising along the stunning coastlines, the sound of waves lapping against the ship, and you enjoy the thrill of playing roulette online. As you relax by the pool or sip a cocktail with an ocean view, you can dive into the excitement of the roulette table right from your mobile device.

For Canadians, online gaming has evolved, offering the freedom to enjoy casino classics like roulette anywhere—even at sea. Whether you’re spinning the wheel while basking in the sun or under the stars, the convenience of playing online while cruising adds a new level of adventure to your getaway.

Online Roulette Casinos in Canada: A Growing Trend

Casino sites have become increasingly popular, with roulette being a favorite among gamblers. Canadian players can explore a range of online roulette casinos that offer safe and legal gambling services. Whether you’re playing from home or while on a vacation, there’s plenty to choose from.

All of the best online roulette casinos in Canada provide hundreds of titles that players can enjoy while traveling. These platforms are fully compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to play even while cruising, ensuring that your roulette experience is just a tap away wherever you are, as long as you have a strong internet connection.

Staying Connected: How to Access Online Roulette on a Cruise

Most modern cruise ships are equipped with reliable Wi-Fi, allowing players to enjoy the best roulette casino sites even while sailing in the middle of the ocean. Whether lounging by the pool or relaxing in your cabin, you can stay connected and keep the excitement going.

Canadian players have a few options for staying connected. Many cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages designed for different needs, from basic browsing to high-speed options ideal for gaming. Mobile data may also be an option if the ship sails near certain regions. For the best experience, choose a package that ensures fast internet speed to avoid interruptions during your online roulette sessions.

Best Practices for Playing Online Roulette While at Sea

To optimize your online roulette gameplay while cruising, ensure a stable internet connection. Try to time your gameplay for when the ship is in calmer waters to help you stay focused. Setting a budget before you start is essential for responsible gaming, and using strategies like the Martingale or Fibonacci systems can add structure to your sessions. Remember, balance is key—take breaks to explore and enjoy the many activities available onboard.

If the weather turns bad or the internet connection is interrupted, don’t worry! Many cruise ships have onboard casinos that open while at sea. They are a great alternative, allowing you to continue the fun and play roulette or other casino games in a more traditional setting.

Benefits of Playing Roulette While Cruising

Combining the excitement of cruising with the thrill of online roulette creates uniqueness. Whether sailing through scenic waters or lounging in luxury, playing roulette adds an extra layer of fun to your adventure. The freedom to enjoy the game anywhere on the ship, whether by the pool, in your cabin, or while sipping a drink at the bar, gives you flexibility.

All the top roulette sites in Canada also offer live dealer roulette, allowing you to interact with the dealer and other players in real-time. This social element recreates the atmosphere of a land-based casino, making your online gaming feel even more immersive while at sea.

Keeping Your Data Safe: Security Tips for Online Gaming While Traveling

When playing online roulette while cruising, keeping your data secure is essential. Players should consider using a VPN to protect their connection and ensure privacy. Always choose a secure internet connection, and use strong, unique passwords for your casino accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks, as they are more vulnerable to security risks. Instead, rely on the ship’s encrypted Wi-Fi for safer gaming. For an extra layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your casino accounts, adding security steps and ensuring your gaming account remains safe while travelling.

A Few Legal Notes: Are Canadians Allowed to Gamble Online While Abroad?

According to Canadian gambling laws, citizens are allowed to gamble online while traveling abroad or in international waters as long as they play through licensed online casinos. This means that while on a cruise, you can continue enjoying your favourite online roulette games without legal concerns, provided you’re using a trusted platform.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the specific regulations of the countries where your cruise ship may dock. Some nations have different laws regarding online gambling, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local rules before accessing online casinos in those areas. Staying informed ensures smooth and legal casino gaming.

Conclusion

Playing online roulette while cruising offers an unbeatable combination of convenience and excitement. Whether enjoying the view from your balcony or relaxing by the poolside, the ability to spin the wheel at your leisure adds a thrilling dimension to your vacation. With easy access to secure online casinos, you can dive into the action no matter where your cruise takes you.

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The Best Adult-Only Cruises

November 6, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Choosing a cruise Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips

Cruising is best enjoyed surrounded by like-minded people, and an atmosphere that allows you to relax and unwind. After all, that’s what being on holiday is all about, isn’t it?

For some, this means ruling out any chance of children taking over pools or charging around buffets while you’re trying to enjoy your holiday.

Thankfully, there are adult-only options to cater to this kind of getaway. They range from fully adult-only (which only allow those over a certain age aboard), to sailings that allow young cruisers but are aimed at a more mature clientele.

The Best Adult-only Cruise Lines

There are currently only four cruise lines which are truly adult-only. These offer a fully adult-exclusive experience while you sail, with no kids’ clubs or children’s entertainment.

Here are the cruise lines to choose from when you’re seeking a fully adult-only cruise, whether you’re a single cruiser or seeking a romantic honeymoon cruise.

1. Saga

Me with Saga cruise ship — I’m too young for this ship!

Strictly 50+ | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends

British cruise line Saga is renowned for limiting access to their cruises to those 50 years and older. (But you can travel if you’re 40 or older, as long as you have a 50+ companion!)

Offering a boutique cruise experience, Saga’s sailings are all-inclusive with all-balcony ships.

Saga's Spirit of Adventure Standard Cabin

Saga has two ocean ships in the fleet: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure. Both are small ships with no-fly itineraries, departing from Portsmouth, Dover and London Tilbury.

The ships offer an all-inclusive experience. Complimentary chauffeur service, wines, premium spirits, all dining, tips, Wi-Fi and even travel insurance are all included in the price. There are no more than 987 guests on board at the same time, so you can enjoy some peace as you sail with friends or a couple.

This is not one for young adults looking for a fun cruise, but can be a great peaceful escape for the experienced cruiser.

2. Viking

Strictly 18+ | All-inclusive luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends

Viking has always been a fully adult-only cruise line, limiting its cruises to those aged 18 and above from the moment it debuted in 2015.

The cruise line has eight ships in the ocean fleet, with each ship boasting a destination-focused luxury experience. Features range from onboard lectures and enrichment classes, to tours ashore that focus on authentic learning encounters and culturally enlightening experiences.

Classed as the world’s leading small ship cruise line, Viking prides itself on being the ‘thinking person’s cruise’. It offers thoughtfully curated itineraries designed to enhance your travel experience. Think of visits to renowned museums and notable landmarks, alongside a ship-wide library to delve into during your days at sea.

Viking Sea and Viking Star meet in Santorini

Ships in the Viking fleet are designed with Scandinavian influences. Social spaces are sophisticated and relaxing, while dining venues offer destination-focused dishes and award-winning service. The accommodations all boast verandas too, meaning you always have a private outdoor space to unwind.

Viking Ocean Ship Explorer Suite Veranda

Suggested read: Who Owns Viking Cruises?

3. Virgin Voyages

Strictly 18+ | Luxury cruising | Great for friends

A more recent contender for the adult-only category is Virgin Voyages, which launched in late 2021. This cruise line was born out of the desire to create a cruise line which redefines adult-only cruising.

From the décor of the ship and its style of stateroom design to the dining offerings and entertainment, Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line for adults seeking a getaway of their own.

There are currently three ships in the fleet, with a fourth joining in 2025. All the ships are the same, but focus on different destinations throughout the year. These include the Caribbean where you can sail to the cruise line’s private island, as well as Europe and the Mediterranean.

Onboard, Virgin Voyages offers the Always Included Luxury package, which is part of your cruise fare from the get-go.

This features dining in all 20+ eateries, entertainment, gratuities, Wi-Fi, unlimited fitness classes, soft drinks and water. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased as and when you need on board, or via the line’s Bar Tab which is a pre-paid account you can manage through the cruise line’s app.

Suggested read: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Review

Cruise Lines with Adult-only Ships

Some cruise lines have a selection of family-friendly ships, plus some ships which are exclusively for adults. If you choose one of these adult-only ships, you can be sure that there won’t be a child in sight.

4. P&O Cruises

Two adult-only ships | British-style cruising | Great for couples

There are only two ships in the P&O Cruises fleet which are fully adult-only: Aurora and Arcadia. Both of these are about to undergo thorough refurbishments.

These ships offer the British market an option for sailing child-free, while still enjoying the signature P&O Cruises experience.

Look forward to afternoon teas, gastro-pub settings, and chef-inspired menus from renowned UK chefs such as Marco Pierre White. All while you set sail to destinations across the globe, typically from the UK port of Southampton.

Both adult-only ships offer a classic cruise experience. Your accommodation, dining, gym access, theatre shows, live music and comedy acts are all included in your fare.

Enjoy dining and bars tailored to British tastes as well as multi-tier theatres, spa treatments and entertainment for everyone. There are sailings to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, Caribbean and Scandinavia.

5. Marella Cruises

One adult-only ship | All-inclusive British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends

Marella Cruises is another cruise line which offers an adult-only ship within its fleet. Marella Explora 2 can carry 1,814 guests, and has been sailing for the cruise line since 2019.

It’s one of the newest ships in the fleet, and has a huge offering for enjoying life onboard. With nine bars, nine restaurants, a pool and plenty more exciting facilities, it’s ideal for those looking for an adult-only option.

The ship is exclusively reserved for those aged 18 or over. Your cruise fare is also all-inclusive from the start, with flights, transfers, luggage, food, drinks, tips and service charges all included as standard.

It’s not cheap, but the value you get for your fare makes it one of the lower-priced options when everything is taken into account.

Daily entertainment varies from early morning exercises to West End-style shows. There’s also a wide range of dining venues, from buffet-style to waiter service restaurants.

The Best Cruise Lines Not Aimed at Families

As well as cruise lines that are fully or partially adult-only, there are also options if you’re looking for something more specific. Luxury cruisers or retirees may opt for one of these cruise lines, which aren’t marketed as adult-only but don’t tend to attract families or young children.

Multi-generational cruisers might also seek getaways with their older children, while avoiding more family-oriented cruise lines and ships.

Luxury Cruises Aimed At Adults

6. Azamara

Aimed at adults | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends

Azamara is a great option for those who are looking for a little indulgence. It’s a premium-luxury cruise line which boasts small-ship, destination-focused itineraries.

While the cruise line doesn’t ban children entirely, the onboard lifestyle is focused on adults, with no facilities planned for entertaining kids.

There are four ships in the Azamara fleet, each carrying around 700 passengers and meeting a semi-all-inclusive standard.

All tips, main dining, non-alcoholic drinks, selected spirits, beers and house wines are included in your fare, as well as self-service laundry and the signature AzAmazing Celebrations. Additional charges come with excursions, transfers, premium spirits and alcohol, Wi-Fi and speciality dining venues.

7. Oceania Cruises

Aimed at adults | Premium-luxury cruising | Great for couples and friends

Another premium-luxury cruise line that focuses on the adult experience is Oceania Cruises. Couples and friends can enjoy life on board each of their seven ships. Wi-Fi, dining and non-alcoholic drinks are all included as standard.

The cruise line is also renowned for having the best food at sea, with gourmet dining experiences crafted by celebrated chefs across the globe.

Enjoy unique culinary dishes at every dining venue, from internationally inspired poke bowls to authentic Italian pasta and classic steakhouse fare.

8. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Aimed at adults | All-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruising | Great for couples

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most inclusive cruise line offering luxury sailings. All tips, drinks, dining, shore excursion options, Wi-Fi, flights and transfers are included in your fare on any of the line’s six ships.

The fleet ranges in capacity size from 490 to 750 passengers, while offering one of the best staff-to-guest ratios at sea, so you can be assured of plenty of space to relax and enjoy the all-inclusive experience.

The cruise line allows children on board, with a Club Mariner programme designed for age groups between 5 and 17. However, these are only on selected sailings. Families tend to favour sailings to Alaska and Europe in the summer. So opt for cruises outside of these time frames and destinations if you want something suited to just adults.

9. Silversea

Aimed at adults | Ultra-luxury cruising and expeditions | Great for friends and couples

Silversea is another luxury cruise line aimed at adults, while not being exclusively adult-only. The line offers luxury cruising across all ten of its ships, four of which are part of the Expedition Class.

Capacity is up to 608 passengers, and you can experience small-ship cruising to destinations including South America, the Mediterranean, the Polar Regions and Alaska.

Silversea guest drinking white wine in Mykonos

Children are allowed on sailings, though itineraries operating outside the summer are typically child-free. Even more so if you opt for longer duration sailings, such as world cruise sectors of 50+ nights.

Your cruise fare includes most things, though speciality dining and premium drinks are charged extra during your sailing.

10. Cunard

Aimed at adults | Traditional luxury cruising | Great for older families and couples

Cunard isn’t strictly adult-only, but does target couples and friends over families and children.

Life on board varies from Champagne toasts and daily afternoon teas to gala dinners and ballroom dancing, so there’s little room for kids’ activities and entertainment.

Décor on the ships is traditional, with dark woods and art deco features. Entertainment ranges from daily quizzes and line dancing to evening cabaret and ballroom dancing.

Guests enjoy accommodation, fine dining, daily activities and entertainment, and great service as standard in their fare.

Additional extras include tips, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions. There are kids’ clubs on the ships that offer activities to suit a range of ages, but the cruise line doesn’t provide any other facilities outside of these to cater to children.

Cunard has a history stretching back to 1847 when the first ship began sailing, but now has three ships in the fleet with a fourth on the way. It’s a great choice for cruisers looking for an alternative to adult-only ships, while still enjoying an almost child-free holiday.

Cheap Cruises Aimed At Adults

If you’re looking for a budget cruise which probably has no kids on board, then these are a great choice.

In the school holidays, you’re likely to see some multi-generational groups with grandparents bringing the whole family along. But during term-time, you can expect an adults-only experience.

11. Ambassador Cruise Line

Aimed at 18+ | British-style cruising | Great for couples and friends

Ambassador has only recently come onto the scene with an authentically British feel and two ships in the fleet, the first of which only launched in 2023. The cruise line offers a premium no-fly cruise experience for the 50-plus audience.

The cruise line operates as primarily adult-only sailings for those aged 18 years and over, but they do offer a few multi-generational cruises during peak school holidays. There aren’t any children’s facilities on the ships, but you can avoid these sailings if you’re seeking an adult-only option.

Cruising with Ambassador includes all your dining, cocktail parties and gala dinners, as well as entertainment and daily activities and even spa access. There are drink packages available to add on too, so you can make your sailing all-inclusive as well as child-free!

Ambassador is good for singles too. Every cruise has some cabins set aside for solo passengers with no single supplement to pay.

Suggested read: Who Owns Ambassador Cruise Line?

12. Fred. Olsen Cruise Line

Aimed at adults | Traditionally British-style cruising | Great for older families and couples

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is an option for those seeking an adult-focused cruise on an intimate scale, with small ships catered to traditional cruising.

There are only three ships in the fleet. Each features spacious lounges and enriching entertainment, as well as multi-course dining venues and daily activities with adults in mind.

Fares include your accommodation, dining, self-service tea and coffee, afternoon tea, in-cabin dining and snacks, evening entertainment, use of leisure facilities, onboard activities, luggage porterage and flights for fly-cruise options. Drink packages are also available.

Fred. Olsen does operate a kids’ club on selected sailings during peak-time holidays. The Little Skippers Club is for children aged between 5 and 11 years. If you’re sailing with children over 11, they are welcomed aboard but not into the kids’ club.

The Bottom Line

Adult-only cruising has various options for cruisers looking for a kid-free holiday. But you don’t always have to opt for the 18+ cruise lines, as there are many which don’t attract children whatsoever.

If bumping into a toddler at breakfast or listening to a mopey teenager is the stuff of holiday nightmares for you, the fully adult-only cruise lines would be ideal. All-inclusive options for these include Viking and Saga, while Ambassador is great for retirees and Virgin Voyages brings the party atmosphere for a younger audience (but only to 18 years)!

There are cruise lines too which feature kids’ clubs, but without all the bells and whistles you see on a typical family-friendly ship. These offer children their own space to make friends and holiday memories, while you enjoy a quieter afternoon by the pool or a peaceful meal for just the two of you.

Cruise lines including Cunard and Fred. Olsen are ideal for these types of sailings. They cater to the multi-generational market too, so grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy cruising together.

The more luxurious cruise lines aren’t typically strict on ages, and some even have their own kids’ programmes too. However, these feature little to no children’s facilities outside of their programmes, so don’t cater too well to younger families.

Cruise lines including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Azamara and Oceania Cruises are all aimed at adult cruisers seeking adventure, fine dining and inclusive itineraries for enriching holidays.

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Fred. Olsen Launches Freedom Fare Price Promise Alongside Summer 2026 Season

November 5, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips News

Popular British cruise line Fred. Olsen has announced its Summer 2026 collection is now on sale, with a new Freedom Fare Price Promise to tempt guests to book early.

Cruise mummy with Fred. Olsen Borealis Cruise

The new price promise applies to anyone who makes a booking for summer 2026 within the first four weeks of a cruise going on sale.

Any guests who book a cruise during that period, who then find that their cruise drops in price before the sail date, will either be given a cabin upgrade or onboard credit to match the value of the price drop.

“Our Freedom Fare Price Promise has been created with our guests in mind, following feedback that they weren’t sure when the best time to book was to get the best value for their cruise.

“Our new Price Promise means that if guests book a Freedom Fare within the first four weeks of a cruise going on sale, they will not get better value for money.”

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

The Freedom Fare allows guests to select their cabin grade and number, as well as choose their table size and dining time, so it’s not a restrictive fare – meaning guests can book now and know that they’ll get excellent value even if the price were to drop.

The Freedom Fare is even being extended across solo passenger fares, with a guarantee that single cabin prices will match the equivalent per-person twin fares with no single supplement, provided they’re booked in that initial four-week period.

And those single cabins are still given the same price promise benefits as guests in a twin cabin.

Two more big announcements came as part of the summer 2026 launch, with the first that from that season onwards, tips will now always be included in the fare that guests pay.

The other change is that Borealis will become a purely adults-only ship, perfect for guests who want to enjoy a cruise knowing that there won’t be children onboard.

While Fred. Olsen doesn’t tend to attract many young families, multi-generational cruises are still popular – so for guests who wish to avoid those, Borealis will be the ideal option from summer 2026.

The season is on sale now, so guests can book immediately if they wish to take advantage of this new promotion.

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Carnival Adds New Mascot To Cruises, Themed Around Popular Onboard Hobby

November 4, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips News

Carnival Cruise Line, via Brand Ambassador John Heald, has announced that a new mascot will soon be joining the fleet – Ducky.

Ducky is a duck mascot that is based on the popular hobby of hiding rubber/plastic ducks on cruise ships, an activity that many guests enjoy.

John Heald posted the news along with the photo of Ducky (above) alongside Pierre, the Carnival Jubilee Hotel Director, and Greg who is the Director of Guest Operations.

He announced that Ducky would be coming soon to all Carnival ships as a “continuation of the duck phenomenon”.

Most Carnival fans responded very positively to the news, posting comments about how they were excited to meet Ducky onboard their next Carnival cruise and get a photo with him.

However the feedback was not unanimously positive, and one comment had to be deleted by John Heald due to being “hateful”. It appears that the commenter had threatened to remove gratuities on their next cruise because of Ducky.

A very hateful comment, Amy. I understand not everybody is going to like this, but to say those words and to chastise the crew in such a way, sorry that’s why I deleted your commentThis duck is not going to be chasing you around the ship, it’s not going to be in your cabin. It’s not going to affect your cruise at all. So to threaten removal of gratuities because of this is quite honestly nonsense.My advice is enjoy your cruise and if you don’t want to have anything to do with the duck, don’t and instead going to do something that brings you fun and happiness.Cheers

It’s not clear when Ducky will join the Carnival fleet, but it’s a feature that can obviously be rolled out very quickly.

Jumping on the duck bandwagon

The fact that Carnival has decided to create a duck-themed mascot for their cruise fleet shows their position on the popular duck-hiding hobby onboard.

Many guests like to hide small ducks on their cruises for other guests to find, often with a tag attached encouraging photos to be shared on different social media groups.

Some people have even, in the past, added their Venmo or other payment details asking for tips – don’t worry, this is rare and most people just take part for fun!

There has often been misinformation spread about ducks on Carnival cruises, with some guests hearing that ducks would be removed by crew.

Some cruise lines do remove ducks, but Carnival allows guests to take part.

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How To Cancel Your Wyndham Timeshare And Embrace New Travel Adventures

November 2, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Tips

A Wyndham timeshare may have seemed like the perfect solution to your vacation needs when you bought it, but over time, things change. Perhaps we crave more freedom or want to see something other than the same resort walls. The uncertainty can make canceling a timeshare seem even more daunting.

Fortunately, that process doesn’t have to be scary. The proper information can move us from a timeshare burden to experiencing a new world of adventures. We are here to help you get the essential information on contracts and how to proceed legally from where one finds conflicts in this liberating way of travel. So let’s dive in here and learn what it takes to free yourself from timeshare bindings & cruise into new, more exciting places. When you’re ready for your next adventure, peruse this week’s top travel deals to see more offers on trips in the future.

Reading a Wyndham Timeshare Contract

Exiting Wyndham Timeshare Contracts can seem overwhelming, but the contract essentially lists essential ground rules that set expectations.

Key Terms and Conditions

Rescission periods can range from 3 to 10 days, with a few states allowing up to just under two weeks. Payments for the program, including fees and mortgages, must be current.

Common Cancellation Policies

Most policies offer a short window during which you can cancel without penalty. However, it becomes increasingly difficult to cancel over time, making expert advice or alternative solutions essential.

Reasons to Cancel a Wyndham Timeshare

Several reasons can lead to canceling a Wyndham timeshare. Understanding these reasons helps current or prospective timeshare owners understand what cancellation might entail. For those looking for detailed guidance on the cancellation process, it’s important to explore options such as how to cancel timeshare. This knowledge can empower owners to make informed decisions regarding their timeshare commitments.

Financial Considerations

Annual maintenance fees can become burdensome as financial situations change over the years. Individuals often find themselves concerned about mortgages or rental loans. Deficiency judgments can affect financial health long after foreclosure, tipping the scales in favor of cancellation.

Personal Lifestyle Changes

Life events can lead to rethinking timeshare ownership. Changes such as family dynamics, career pivots, or shifting travel priorities contribute to canceling a timeshare.

Looking for New Vacation Ideas

It makes traveling to new destinations on one’s terms more appealing. The need to be more flexible and enjoy other life experiences might prompt one to cancel his or her timeshare.

The Most Effective Way to Cancel Your Wyndham Timeshare

Canceling your Wyndham timeshare is not something you can do without being very careful about what you set up and agreed to in the first place. However, if done slowly and methodically, it can smoothly transition into other new travel experiences.

Call Wyndham to Cancel

Make sure to contact Wyndham directly to discuss your options and the process for canceling. Their customer service may help you with the process.

Key Documentation in Place

Be prepared to provide all supporting documentation: contracts, agreements, and any correspondence you have had with Wyndham.

What is the Rescission Period

Know how much time you have to exercise your right of rescission. Depending on your agreement, this period could be anywhere from 3 to 10 days, which means you are not locked in and can cancel without any fuss.

Seeking Professional Help

Canceling a Wyndham timeshare can be tricky, which is why it could be advisable to get some professional help. Lawyers and accountants can help sort out the legal and financial ramifications for a much smoother exit.

Joining a Timeshare Exit Company

Unlike laypeople, timeshare exit companies have particular expertise in dealing with Wyndham contracts. They work as middlemen to broker exits, representing some of the better-known and proven firms in our experience.

Timeshare Cancellation Legal Assistance

Alternatively, you may also consider seeking help from seasoned timeshare attorneys. When negotiating, they can help you with the semantics of your contract and identify loopholes or protect your interests.

Other Types of Vacations

Once you are free from the bonds of a timeshare, worlds open up for more vacation experiences. In the Airbnb marketplace, thousands of homestays are available for your consideration, just as many international hotel chains offer multiple travel destinations.

The Pros of Traveling With Loose Plans

Travel flexibility opens up so many opportunities. There isn’t much sharper than on-demand travel nailing your plan and often enjoying last-minute offers at a money-saving rate.

Conclusion

Wyndham timeshare elimination may sound impossible, but there is a way out. Understanding your contract and seeking help when necessary will enable you to navigate this process confidently. This newly unburdened you will make all your maddening trips on your terms and at the time desired by only you. Relax and embark on a fresh travel journey!

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How To Pay For Extras On A Cruise

October 31, 2024

by gary@glmarketing.co.za with No Comment Cruise Lines Cruise News Cruise Tips First time cruisers Money saving tips

A lot of things on a cruise are already included in the price, including your room, your food (in certain restaurants) and the live entertainment.

But there are also some things that cost extra. These may include speciality restaurants, purchases at the stores, and your drinks (unless you’ve booked an all-inclusive cruise or one with a drinks package).

If you’re a cruise novice, you might be wondering how you pay for everything. And that’s what this guide will clear up.

How do you pay for onboard cruise purchases?

Everything you pay for on a cruise is added to a cruise account, usually using your cruise card. This card is your room key, but also serves as your payment card aboard the ship. Everything is added to an account, which you then pay off on the last morning of your cruise.

However, to be able to do that, most cruise lines will ask you to either a) prepay an amount in cash to fund your spending, or b) link a debit or credit card to your cruise account. When you do, the cruise line may put a hold on your account until you’ve paid off the bill that you rack up during your cruise.

The policy varies by cruise line, so let’s take a look at the major cruise lines and how their cruise accounts work.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean will ask you whether you want your SeaPass account to be linked to a debit or credit card, or if you want to use it as a cash account.

If you choose to use it with a card, you’ll add the card when you check in, then daily holds will be placed on the card. The money will automatically be taken from your card shortly after you disembark.

If you choose cash, you don’t have to prepay, but you will be asked to settle your account on the ship before you disembark.

Read Royal Caribbean’s policy here.

Carnival

Carnival’s Sail & Sign Onboard Account works in a similar way to Royal Caribbean’s, but with a few differences. Again, you can choose whether you want the account to be linked to a card or to cash, but there’s also the option of using traveller’s cheques.

If you use a card, an initial hold will be placed on the card even before you’ve spent anything. The hold is $100 for cruises up to six nights, and $200 for longer cruises. Then as you spend on the ship, more holds will be added to your card. (See below for more about holds placed on your debit or credit card.)

The main difference with Carnival is that if you choose cash (or traveller’s cheque), you need to prepay. You have to visit Guest Services on the first day of your cruise to add your money, otherwise you can’t use the account.

If you have any money left at the end of the cruise, it will be refunded to you as a cheque within seven days. That’s unless it is lower than $10, in which case it will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity the cruise line works with. You can also ask for your refund in cash at the Guest Services desk if you prefer.

Read Carnival’s policy here.

Princess Cruises

The Princess Cruises’ onboard spend policy is very close to Carnival’s, which is unsurprising since they’re part of the same parent company.

You can choose to pay by card, cash or traveller’s cheque, but for the latter two you will need to prepay. There is one key difference: you have to deposit a minimum of $300 at the start of your cruise if you want to use those options with Princess.

It’s also worth noting that the policy doesn’t mention charity donations for small amounts left in the account – that’s specific to Carnival.

With Princess, you don’t have to use a card. You instead get a Medallion, which you can wear in a lanyard or a bracelet. That works in the same way for paying for items and opening your stateroom. You can buy this lanyard with the medallion holder here.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises has a different policy. You have to register a debit or credit card to your account, otherwise you won’t be allowed to board the ship.

However, you don’t have to then use that card to pay for your account. If you prefer, you can visit Guest Services and use cash to clear the account on the last day.

But the card is a guarantee so that, if you don’t pay it off yourself, it will be charged automatically. At the start of your cruise, £50 is authorised as a hold on your account.

One thing that’s important to note: if you book a long cruise with P&O Cruises (over 28 days), your account is settled at the midpoint of the cruise and again at the end. For world cruises, it is settled every two weeks.

Read P&O Cruises policy here.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises are a lot more laid back than other cruise lines when it comes to your onboard spend account, although that doesn’t mean you can get away without paying.

It does mean that you can board the ship without registering a card, and you don’t need to rush to Guest Services to prepay in cash.

In fact, you have until 11pm on the second day of your cruise to register a card or deposit cash. Until then, you’ll be able to spend a small amount until your cruise card is declined.

The cruise line has kiosks where you can automatically register a debit or credit card, making it quicker than queuing for Guest Services. You’ll need a PIN if using a debit card.

Read MSC’s policy here.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has a similar policy to P&O Cruises, so you have to pre-register a card before you can board the ship.

Once you have, you can choose how you want to clear your account. You can let the card be charged automatically, or you can visit Guest Services to pay it off in cash. You can also use traveller’s cheques in US dollars, and you can even use Disney Dollars.

Read Disney’s policy here.

Can you use a debit card on a cruise?

You cannot use a debit card on a ship to pay for items – everything has to be paid onto your onboard account. But you can use a debit card instead of a credit card to link to your onboard account. The money will be taken from your debit account at the end of the cruise.

All cruise line purchases on a ship are done using the account. It keeps things simple for the cruise line, and helps them track what guests are spending money on. You can view your account at any time using the cruise line’s app or by visiting Guest Services. Many also let you check your balance through the TV in your stateroom.

Holds on your credit or debit card during a cruise

This is a really important point for new cruisers, something I’ve mentioned above but needs a little more explaining.

During your cruise, you won’t always be charged for exactly how much you’re spending on the ship. Instead, the cruise line will often charge hold amounts to cover your spending.

This is just to make sure that there’s enough in your account to cover your bill when it’s time to settle your account. The money isn’t officially taken from you, but it’s set aside by your bank or card provider.

If you don’t have enough money in your bank account, your cruise card will stop working. You’ll be required to head to the Guest Services desk to link a different bank card to your onboard account.

Then when your cruise bill is settled, these holds are released. However, they can take time for the holds to be released, sometimes up to 28 days. So you’ll pay off your account, but you’ll still have a reduced available balance on your card until those holds clear.

Cruise lines don’t have the power to cancel a hold. If you’re concerned about the length of time a hold is on your account, try speaking to your card provider. They may be able to remove the hold once the cruise is done.

Do you need cash on a cruise ship?

Strictly speaking, you don’t need cash on a cruise ship. All purchases are made using your onboard account then cleared at the end of the cruise, which you can do with your card.

Some people choose to take cash for tips, or to spend while visiting ports. It’s up to you whether you take cash with you. Most people use a debit or credit card for their spending account, so cash isn’t essential.

When it comes to spending in port, you might want to take some local currency with you. But you can also get it on the ship to save any effort beforehand, although the exchange rates may be better if you get your cash before you sail.

When it comes to tips, cruise lines will now charge you gratuities as a set price. And while you can have those removed, using cash to tip the crew is not a good idea, because there are crew members behind the scenes who also rely on gratuities.

Some people like to take small amounts of cash onto a ship, for ‘extra’ tips to reward drinks servers or crew delivering room service. This isn’t essential, but it can sometimes help you to get (slightly) preferential service.

Read more: Where To Get $2 Bills

What currency should I take on a cruise?

The currency you take on your cruise depends on whether you’re using the cash to clear your onboard account, and where you’re sailing. For onboard accounts, use the main currency for the cruise line (usually US dollars). Otherwise, try to take the currency for the ports you’re visiting.

Most cruise lines use US dollars as the onboard currency. While they may accept other currencies, it’s easiest to take the right one with you.

P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Ambassador Cruise Line and Marella Cruises all use pound sterling. So take that with you if you want to use cash on those ships to clear your account.

Costa Cruises use Euros, and MSC Cruises will use Euros on Mediterranean cruises, but will typically accept US dollars.

For almost all other cruise lines, it’s best to take US dollars. The only exception would be select ships sailing from Australia, where Australian dollars are used.

Do you pay per person or per room on a cruise?

Every person on a cruise has their own onboard account for spending. You can choose to register a different card per person, or just assign one card to the whole room. But to monitor your account, you will need to check each person’s account and add up the total as you cruise.

Most of the time, people will link one card to all party members in their cabin. But you don’t have to – you can link different cards if you wish. Everyone has their own account, which is obviously really handy if you’re cruising with friends instead of family.

Be aware that kids can use their card to pay for things, which gives them some independence. But make sure they know not to take too many liberties!

Don’t worry about kids buying things they legally can’t. If a child tries to buy an alcoholic drink, for example, it will be flagged and the crew will refuse to serve them. No need for ID checks at bars, since the cruise card flags it automatically.

What is the best way to pay on a cruise ship?

Since everything on a cruise ship is charged to your account, the best way to pay ultimately depends on your own preference.

Some people prefer the convenience of paying with their card, since it means not having to take cash onboard. But remember that you may end up having holds on your account for up to four weeks after you’ve sailed, which can be frustrating.

If you use cash to preload your account, you have to either wait in line to get a refund, or wait for a cheque to turn up at your door. So there are pros and cons to both approaches.

FAQs

Do you use cash or card on cruise?

When you’re on a cruise, you’ll use neither. You pay for everything using your room card, and then clear the account at the end of the sailing. You can choose whether to use a debit/credit card or cash to pay that balance. Some cruise lines insist on having a card registered before you sail.

How much cash to bring on a cruise?

The amount of cash to bring on a cruise varies. If you’ve prepaid gratuities and are paying for purchases onboard, you’ll only need cash for your port visits. Otherwise, check how much you think you’ll spend on drinks and speciality dining before you sail.

Final word

It’s important to keep tabs on how much you’re spending on your cruise. Since you’re not using your debit/credit card or cash, while you sail it can be easy to rack up quite a bill.

Although paying with your cruise card is really convenient, it does make it simple to spend a lot too. So check your account regularly. It’s a good idea to look at drinks packages and other offers, so you can pay off as much as possible in advance.

If you like to use a credit card for purchases, and also cruise at least once per year, I suggest you look into the Carnival Mastercard. When you use it, you’ll get points that you can use to buy perks for your cruise.

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Cabin Types on Marella Discovery

Inside Cabins

Outside Cabins

Balcony Cabins

Suites

Junior Suites

Family Junior Suites

Family Suites

Grand Suites

Executive Suites

Royal Suite

Premier Service

Adapted Cabins on Marella Discovery

How to Choose the Best Cabin

Cabins To Avoid on Marella Discovery

1. Cabins with a porthole

2. Rooms that are not ideal if you get seasick

3. Junior Suites

4. Connecting cabins (if you aren’t booking both)

5. Family Suites if you’re on a budget

6. Cabins adjacent to lifts

7 Cabins directly under the pool deck

8. Cabins a long trek from the kids’ club

9. Inside Cabins if travelling with older kids/other adults

10. Rooms above the Squid & Anchor if you like an early night

11. Tired cabins that haven’t been renovated

The Best Cabins on Marella Discovery

1. Aft-view Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites

2. Royal Suite (if you can afford it)

3. Single Cabins (Inside or Outside)

Final Thoughts

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The best way to book a Silversea cruise

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Everything that’s included with Virgin Voyages

1. Food

Room service has a small charge

2. Drinks

Other free drinks

3. Entertainment

4. Gratuities

5. WiFi

6. Bimini Beach Club

What’s not included

Overall, is it good value? Yes and no…

Final word

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There’s no luggage storage at the port!

Luggage storage near Miami Beach

2. South Florida Trikke

3. Cybr Caffe

4. Bikes and Segway

5. The UPS Store

6. Norman’s Hotel & Bar

Luggage storage in Downtown Miami

7. Fortune House Hotel

8. Mindwarehouse

9. Office Logic

10. Simple Mobile

11. Phone Flash

12. The Spot Wynwood

Luggage storage near Miami Airport

13. EB Hotel Miami

14. Worldwide Commerce

Other luggage storage options

Take an excursion

Store your bags at Miami Airport

Rent a car

Store your cags at an attraction

Final word

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