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How Much Do Cruise Ship Waiters Make? https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bhRkoH0T-mMF2hkB1MRDdncqucl9KqEJm5PmrKf2-7Y/edit?tab=t.0

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsWork On A Ship

Cruise ship waiters are among the most visible crew members on any cruise.

They’re the friendly faces who greet you at breakfast, remember your coffee order at lunch, and guide you through multi-course dinners each evening. And because they seem to be everywhere at once, many guests are curious about how much they actually earn.

Cruise waiters

If you’re thinking about working at sea yourself, or simply want to understand where your gratuities go, it helps to know what affects a cruise ship waiter’s pay and what life is really like behind the scenes.

How Much Waiters Make

Rather than guessing at how much cruise waiters make, I’ve been able to pull together some research from the website Shiplife.

This is a site that covers all kinds of information about working on cruise ships – and it allows cruise staff to anonymously share details of their salary, to help others find out how much they could earn in a similar career.

waiter entertaining baby

From that data, I’ve been able to work out some averages for you.

  • Junior/Assistant Waiters: $1,210 per month
  • Senior Waiters: $1,435 per month
  • Head Waiters/Team Leaders: $1,965 per month
  • Room Service Waiters/Bell Person: $850 per month

These are base salary only – they don’t include tips, gratuities or commissions. Which is important, as you’ll see…

And of course, it varies quite a lot by cruise line. So read on for more info about which cruise lines pay the most, and the least.

Junior/Assistant Waiters

Junior or assistant waiters support the main dining team by carrying trays, resetting tables, serving drinks and helping with orders. It’s an entry-level position that involves long hours but offers a clear path to promotion.

The lowest reported monthly salary for a junior waiter was $550 for Celestyal Cruises.

The highest reported salaries for these positions are on Virgin Voyages, at $1,800.

Cruise LineAssistant Waiter Salary (USD)
Celestyal Cruises550
Costa Cruises717
Carnival Cruise Line770
Adora Cruises850
Marella850
MSC Cruises850
Crystal Cruises998
Norwegian Cruise Line1,000
Hapag-Lloyd1,100
Disney Cruise Line1,160
Holland America1,180
P&O Cruises1,200
Royal Caribbean1,200
SAGA1,200
Silversea1,350
Regent Seven Seas1,400
Celebrity Cruises1,500
Hurtigruten1,500
Oceania Cruises1,525
Princess Cruises1,600
Seabourn1,650
Viking Cruises1,650
Virgin Voyages1,800

Senior Waiters

Senior waiters are responsible for their own station, taking orders, managing guest relationships and ensuring meals run smoothly from start to finish. They typically earn more because they handle greater responsibility and receive a larger share of gratuities.

A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting.

There’s less data for these roles – some cruise lines may only use assistants and heads. Of those that have salary information available, Aroya Cruises pays least but Princess Cruises pays quite generously.

Cruise LineSenior Waiter Salary (USD)
Aroya Cruises971
MSC Cruises978
Norwegian Cruise Line1,100
Carnival Cruise Line1,200
Cunard Line1,400
Hurtigruten1,500
P&O Cruises1,550
Seabourn1,700
Crystal Cruises1,800
Princess Cruises1,950

Head Waiters/Team Leads

Head waiters oversee sections of the dining room, support the wider service team and handle any guest issues or special requests. Their role is more supervisory, and they often earn higher gratuities thanks to their leadership position.

Costa Cruises pays $760 for this senior role, while Virgin Voyages offers over 4x that amount, at $3,225.

Cruise LineHead Waiter Salary (USD)
Costa Cruises760
Fred Olsen900
Celestyal Cruises1,300
Carnival Cruise Line1,400
Cunard Line1,500
TUI Cruises1,520
Disney Cruise Line1,540
Silversea1,600
Celebrity Cruises1,615
MSC Cruises1,700
Phoenix Reisen1,775
Royal Caribbean1,780
Holland America1,925
Princess Cruises2,000
P&O Cruises2,025
Norwegian Cruise Line2,025
Azamara2,400
Regent Seven Seas2,500
Seabourn2,700
Oceania Cruises2,900
Viking Ocean2,970
Crystal Cruises3,150
Virgin Voyages3,225

Room Service Waiters

Room service waiters deliver meals directly to guests’ cabins, often working across a 24-hour schedule depending on the ship.

Scenic Eclipse Owners Penthouse Suite Bedroom - Room Service

Earnings can vary widely as tipping behaviour differs for in-cabin service compared to the dining room.

Cruise LineRoom Service Waiter Salary (USD)
Costa Cruises625
MSC Cruises625
Celestyal Cruises780
Royal Caribbean829
Disney Cruise Line850
Viking Ocean850
Norwegian Cruise Line878
AIDA930
Carnival Cruise Line958
Celebrity Cruises1,200

Factors That Impact Wages For Cruise Waiters

Cruise ship waiters don’t all earn the same amount. Their income varies considerably depending on the cruise line, the region where the ship sails, their level of experience and the type of dining venue they work in.

One of the biggest influences is the cruise line itself.

A well-dressed butler helping to serve a meal on a cruise ship terrace with a beautiful sea view

Luxury brands such as Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn tend to offer higher basic wages and more generous tipping environments.

Mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC generally sit somewhere in the middle, although earnings can still be excellent when gratuities are strong.

Smaller or budget-focused cruise lines can offer lower starting pay, though this may be balanced out by an attractive itinerary or faster career progression.

Where the ship is sailing also matters more than people realise. North American passengers typically tip more readily, and that can have a noticeable effect on a waiter’s total monthly income.

An empty teacup with a small amount of tea remaining, placed on a saucer with a spoon, and two one-dollar bills underneath the saucer, symbolizing a gratuity left for service.

Cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska or Mexico are often the most lucrative.

By contrast, cruises departing from Australia or parts of Europe can result in lower take-home pay simply because tipping culture differs from region to region.

Experience plays an important role too. Junior waiters usually assist more senior team members, and so their share of the gratuity pool is smaller.

Once promoted to a full waiter, earnings increase significantly. Head waiters, who oversee larger sections of the dining room, can earn more again thanks to additional responsibility and a larger share of service charges.

A professional butler on a Cunard cruise ship attentively inspects a wine glass for cleanliness. He is impeccably dressed in a vest and tie with white gloves, holding a tray with one hand, embodying the high standards of service and attention to detail that are hallmarks of luxury cruise hospitality.

It’s also worth noting that not all restaurant roles are equal.

Those working in speciality dining venues often earn more because guests are more inclined to tip after a fine-dining meal.

Main Dining Room waiters, on the other hand, rely heavily on the standard gratuity system. Buffet roles tend to be the least well paid because tipping is much less common in a self-service environment.

Tips For Cruise Waiters

Tips form a major part of a cruise ship waiter’s earnings. Most cruise lines add an automatic daily gratuity to every guest’s account, and a large portion of this goes directly to the dining team, including waiters, assistant waiters and head waiters.

On lines such as Royal Caribbean, this service charge is around US $18.50 to US $21.00 per person, per day, depending on the cabin category.

A waiter in a formal vest and tie presents a silver tray with a rolled banknote, symbolizing the discreet and appreciated gesture of tipping for excellent service.

This is pooled and shared among hundreds of front-of-house crew. When guests remove this charge – which cruise lines strongly discourage – it reduces the entire pot, not just the income of the waiter who happened to serve that table.

Suggested read: Can You Refuse Cruise Gratuities?

Many guests do still choose to give additional cash tips, particularly at the end of longer cruises when they’ve built a rapport with their waiter.

For some crew members these extra envelopes can make a measurable difference, especially during peak holiday seasons or on voyages with a large number of returning cruisers.

Disney gratuity envelopes

Speciality dining restaurants are another source of additional income. While a service charge is usually included, diners often add something extra for particularly attentive service, and those working in these venues can see a meaningful boost in their monthly pay.

Working Hours for Cruise Ship Waiters

To understand a waiter’s salary, you also have to consider their working hours. A typical day can stretch from early morning until late evening, with only short breaks in between. Most waiters work every day for the duration of their contract, which normally lasts between six and nine months.

Main dining room Rotterdam

The day usually begins with breakfast service, followed by a short rest before lunch.

After another brief gap they return to prepare the dining room ahead of dinner, which is the busiest and most time-consuming shift. Even once the final course has been served there are still tables to reset, side stations to organise and cleaning tasks to complete.

All in all, many waiters work between ten and sixteen hours each day. It’s physically demanding work involving heavy trays, thousands of steps and constant interaction with guests.

But for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy providing good service, it can also be an incredibly rewarding career.

Benefits That Add to the “Real” Salary

When comparing cruise ship salaries to land-based hospitality jobs, it’s important to factor in the difference in living costs.

Cruise ship employees have very few expenses while working at sea, which means they’re often able to save a far greater proportion of their earnings.

A Disney cruise crew member is serving a family at a beautifully set dining table on the ship. The waiter is placing a bread basket on the table as the family, including a young girl, looks on with smiles. The elegant dining room features other guests enjoying their meals, with polished decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Accommodation, food and laundry are provided at no cost. Medical care on board is free, uniforms are supplied, and crew are offered discounted drinks in the crew bar.

Part of the reason that medical care is covered is because waiters – and all crew – undergo very strict medicals before they begin a contract. So any illness or medical issue onboard isn’t going to be as a result of something pre-existing – meaning cruise lines are more inclined to pay.

Read more: Cruise Ship Waiter Reveals The Intense Medical Exams They Have To Pass

Many cruise lines also pay for flights to and from the ship at the start and end of each contract, which is a huge saving for anyone travelling from overseas.

Because they aren’t paying rent, utility bills, transport costs or groceries, many waiters are able to save far more than they could working in a land-based restaurant – especially if they receive strong gratuities during their contract.

Some waiters report that they are able to only spend their tips and send all of their salary home to their families.

How Cruise Waiter Pay Compares to Other Cruise Ship Jobs

Waiters generally sit somewhere in the middle of the cruise-ship pay scale.

Their earnings can be very good when tips are strong, meaning they often earn more than youth staff, room stewards, buffet attendants and some bar staff.

Ambassador Crew Service

However, they typically earn less than casino staff, spa employees, chefs, dancers, nurses, engineers and the ship’s senior officers.

It’s a role with a wide earning range and excellent potential, but it isn’t one of the very highest-paid positions on board.

Here are some average salaries, as a comparison:

JobApproximate monthly earnings
Doctor$9,750
Chief engineer$9,000
Captain$8,200
Guest entertainer$6,000
Firefighter$5,300
Nurse$5,100
Cruise director$4,900
Chef$3,650
Massage therapist$3,650
Casino dealer$3,300
Waiter$3,300
Beauty therapist$3,300
Nail technician$3,300
Hairdresser$3,300
Dancer$3,100
Gift shop assistant$2,400
Photographer$2,300
Musician$2,150
Plumber$2,150
Bartender$2,000
Youth staff$2,000
Room steward$2,000
Security guard$1,600
Source: CruiseShipJob.com

Read more: How Much Do Cruise Ship Workers Make?

How to Become a Waiter on a Cruise Ship

Most cruise lines require previous experience in a hotel or restaurant, together with strong English-language skills and a proven ability to deliver friendly, professional service. Working on a ship also requires a good level of physical fitness, as the long hours and constant movement can be demanding.

Applicants must hold a valid passport and will need to pass medical checks before joining the ship. They also need to be comfortable living in close quarters, sharing a cabin and working away from home for months at a time.

crew member medical form

Recruitment is usually done either through a cruise line’s own careers website or via approved hiring partners in different regions. Some positions are filled internally too, with buffet staff or assistant waiters being promoted into more senior roles.

Pros and Cons of Being a Cruise Ship Waiter

Being a waiter on a cruise ship can offer excellent earning potential, especially when gratuities are high.

Crew also enjoy very low living costs and the opportunity to travel to destinations they may never otherwise visit.

royal caribbean waiters and kids

Many waiters progress quickly into more senior roles, and for those who enjoy hospitality it can be an exciting international career.

However, the job is not without its challenges. The hours are long, days off are rare, and living conditions can be tight.

Income can vary from one contract to the next depending on the itinerary and passenger mix, and time away from family can be difficult, particularly on longer contracts.

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Final Word

Cruise ship waiters work incredibly hard, but the rewards can be substantial – especially once gratuities and the lack of living expenses are taken into account.

It’s a role that offers the chance to save well, gain valuable experience and see the world at the same time.

For anyone considering a career at sea, it’s worth weighing up the long hours and lifestyle alongside the financial benefits. For many, the opportunity to travel while earning a strong income makes it a compelling choice.

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Injured While Working On A Cruise Ship? Here’s What Every Crew Member Needs To Know.

by with No Comment Cruise Tips

Working aboard a cruise ship is demanding, rewarding, and, like any job that involves heavy machinery, confined spaces, physical labor, and the open sea, inherently risky. Crew members work long hours in dynamic environments, and injuries happen. When they do, the legal landscape that governs your rights is fundamentally different from what applies to passengers, and it is far more complex than most crew members realize.

Understanding your rights before something goes wrong, or immediately after, can make an enormous difference in the outcome of your situation. The maritime jurisdictional landscape presents unique procedural hurdles and practical challenges, and their impact on recovery is significant. Consequently, a clear objective analysis of the applicable legal frameworks and immediate post-injury protocols is essential for the preservation of a crew member’s rights and long-term security.

Why Crew Member Claims Are Different

Passengers who are injured on a cruise ship operate under one body of law. Crew members operate under another. The distinction matters enormously, and it is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter when crew members first reach out to us.

Crew member claims are primarily governed by maritime law, a specialized, federal body of law with its own rules, standards, and procedures. Most of these claims fall into one or more of three categories, and knowing how each works is foundational to understanding your options.

The Jones Act

The Jones Act is the cornerstone of crew member injury law. It allows qualified seamen to bring negligence claims against their employers when unsafe working conditions or employer conduct played a role in causing an injury. To qualify as a seaman, you generally need to spend at least 30% of your work time contributing to the operation of a vessel in navigation. This is a standard that most cruise ship crew members meet.

Under a Jones Act claim, you can seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. The negligence standard is relatively low: you do not need to show that employer negligence was the only cause of your injury, only that it contributed in some way. Claims generally must be filed within three years of the injury, though your employment contract may impose a shorter timeframe.

Unseaworthiness

Separate from the Jones Act, general maritime law imposes a duty on vessel owners to ensure their ship is reasonably fit for its intended purpose. This includes the vessel itself, its equipment, and its crew. When any of these falls short of that standard, such as defective machinery, improperly maintained surfaces, inadequate tools, etc., the owner can be held strictly liable, meaning fault does not need to be proven. Unseaworthiness and Jones Act claims frequently arise from the same incident and are often pursued together.

Maintenance and Cure

This is maritime law’s equivalent of workers’ compensation, and it applies regardless of fault. When a crew member is injured or becomes ill in the service of the ship, the employer is obligated to provide two things: “maintenance,” a daily living allowance to cover basic expenses during recovery, and “cure,” meaning payment for necessary medical treatment until the crew member reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

MMI is the point at which a physician determines that no further meaningful medical recovery is expected. At that point, the obligation to pay for ongoing medical care ends. Disputes over when MMI has truly been reached are common, and if an employer wrongfully withholds maintenance and cure benefits, they may be exposed to punitive damages in addition to the withheld amounts.

The Reality of Shipboard Medical Care

One of the most significant challenges crew members face after an injury is that their initial medical care is provided by the ship’s own physician. When at sea, the ship’s physician is the only option in the immediate term. You cannot seek a second opinion from an outside specialist, and getting to shore-side medical facilities takes time.

This structure creates real risks. Shipboard medical care, while adequate in many day-to-day situations, is not always equipped for complex or emergency cases. Ship physicians are generalists working with limited resources, often without immediate access to specialists or the diagnostic tools available in a shore-side hospital. When a condition is misread or a treatment is administered incorrectly, the consequences can escalate quickly and the window to intervene is narrow.

We have seen this dynamic produce serious, preventable outcomes in our own cases. In one matter that went to arbitration, a crew member named Ilija Loncar sought treatment for nausea from the ship’s physician. The doctor ordered an intravenous injection of Promethazine. This medication carries an FDA black box warning specifically cautioning healthcare providers about the severe risks of incorrect administration. The drug is highly caustic to tissue when not administered correctly.

The medication was administered too rapidly, contrary to protocol. Ilija immediately experienced severe pain. His condition deteriorated over the following hours as his arm began showing signs of tissue damage. Despite the progression of symptoms, it was seventeen hours before the ship docked, and Ilija could receive emergency care ashore. By then, the damage was irreversible, and his arm was ultimately amputated.

Tom Scolaro represented Ilija through arbitration. After a week of live hearings, during which the cruise line’s own chief medical director testified that the ship’s doctor had committed malpractice. The arbitrator awarded Ilija $3,337,500. The case received national media coverage and remains one of the most significant crew member medical malpractice recoveries in maritime litigation.

Read the full details of Ilija Loncar’s case here.

The takeaway is not simply that a substantial recovery was achieved. It is that in situations involving shipboard medical care, time matters enormously. The earlier you can secure independent legal guidance and outside medical attention, the better positioned you are, both medically and legally.

Arbitration, Foreign Jurisdiction, and What It Means for Your Claim

Most crew member employment contracts include mandatory arbitration clauses that require disputes to be resolved outside of U.S. federal courts, often in foreign jurisdictions such as the Bahamas, Panama, or the Philippines, and under the laws of those countries. Courts in the United States have consistently upheld these agreements.

This has real consequences for the value and complexity of a claim. Damages measured under foreign law are often calculated differently than they would be under U.S. standards, and the overall value of a claim can be significantly lower as a result. Arbitration proceedings have their own procedural rules, their own standards of evidence, and their own dynamics. They are not a faster version of a lawsuit.

None of this means that a crew member cannot achieve a fair outcome through arbitration. The Loncar case is proof that meaningful recovery is possible. But it does mean that navigating these proceedings requires specialized knowledge and actual experience with the process. An attorney who is unfamiliar with maritime arbitration, the applicable foreign legal standards, and the specific rules governing crew member claims will be at a serious disadvantage from the start.

It is also worth noting that most cruise line employment contracts require any litigation to be filed in a specific jurisdiction, most commonly the Southern District of Florida. This is another reason why hiring a local attorney who handles general personal injury cases but lacks maritime experience can be a significant challenge.

The Hesitation Many Crew Members Feel and Why It’s Understandable

It would be incomplete to discuss crew member injuries without acknowledging something that comes up consistently: many crew members are reluctant to pursue legal action, even when they have been seriously hurt.

This hesitation is understandable. Crew members, particularly those from countries where legal systems work very differently from those in the United States, may feel uncertain about what their rights actually are or whether those rights are practically enforceable. There is also, realistically, concern about how pursuing a claim might affect future employment in an industry where professional reputation among employers carries significant weight.

These are legitimate concerns. But it is worth understanding that maritime law exists precisely to provide injured maritime workers with a legal framework for seeking redress and that framework includes protections against retaliation. Consulting with an attorney is confidential. It carries no obligation. And the rights described in this blog are not theoretical; they are enforceable, and they are exercised successfully by crew members every year, including in arbitration forums that cruise lines have long treated as their home turf.

The decision of whether and how to act belongs entirely to the injured crew member. What matters is that the decision be an informed one, not one made in the absence of information, or in the presence of fear.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Rights After an Injury

Regardless of whether you ultimately pursue a legal claim, these steps will protect your position:

Report the injury and seek medical attention immediately. Visit the ship’s infirmary and ensure every detail of the incident and your symptoms is documented accurately. An injury that isn’t officially documented creates significant complications later.

Review anything before you sign it. If you are asked to provide a written statement about the incident, read it carefully. You are not required to sign something that misrepresents what happened. If there are inaccuracies, correct them before signing.

Request your medical records. You are entitled to copies of your shipboard medical records. Ask for them and keep them in a safe place.

Do not accept a settlement offer without legal advice. A settlement offer made early, before you know the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact, is rarely the best outcome available to you. Once you sign a release, that claim is resolved permanently.

Consult a maritime attorney as soon as possible. The Jones Act provides a three-year statute of limitations, but your contract may impose a shorter deadline. Evidence also becomes harder to gather as time passes. Consulting an attorney early preserves your options.

Scolaro Law, P.A. – A Note on Legal Representation

Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle crew member maritime claims. These cases involve specialized law, foreign arbitration procedures, and jurisdiction-specific filing requirements, most commonly in the Southern District of Florida. If you are looking for legal counsel, make sure you are speaking with an attorney who has specific, demonstrated experience in maritime law and crew member claims.

Scolaro Law has represented injured crew members in maritime cases for over 27 years, and we have accumulated over 100 years of experience. If you would like to learn more or discuss your situation, you can reach out here.

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Royal Caribbean To Remove Coca-Cola Freestyle Cups From Key Drink Packages

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Royal Caribbean International will remove its Coca-Cola souvenir cups from selected onboard drink packages from 15th March 2026, restricting guest access to the popular Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across most of the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Freestyle Cup

The change, which has not been formally announced by the cruise line, was first noticed by guests logging into their upcoming sailings to review beverage package pricing and inclusions. Discussions quickly emerged online after passengers spotted that the cups were no longer listed as part of the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package.

Under the revised terms, guests purchasing either package will no longer receive the Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup as standard. Without the cup, passengers cannot access the self-service Freestyle machines, which allow users to create more than 100 drink combinations using touchscreen dispensers.

The adjustment also applies to guests adding a Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass to their package, with the cup similarly excluded.

Souvenir Cup Still Available At Extra Cost

While the cup is being removed as a complimentary inclusion, it has not disappeared entirely. Guests can still purchase the Coca-Cola Freestyle cup as an add-on for a one-off charge of $4.99. The fee is a single payment rather than a daily supplement.

It remains unclear how the change will affect guests who have already prepaid for beverage packages for sailings departing after 15th March 2026. However, it appears likely that sailings departing on or after that date will no longer include the cup as part of the standard package offering.

Importantly, canned and fountain sodas remain included within the applicable drink packages. The only exclusion relates specifically to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Guests without the souvenir cup will need to order soft drinks directly from a bar or through onboard servers rather than helping themselves at the machines.

Freestyle Coke Machines Independence of the Seas

The Classic Soda Package continues to include one Coca-Cola Freestyle cup per package. Should the cup be lost during the voyage, a replacement can be purchased for the same charge.

Mixed Reactions From Guests

Although Royal Caribbean has not publicly outlined the reasoning behind the decision, some regular cruisers believe misuse of the cups may have played a role.

One guest commented online: “Too many people handed the cup to their kid to use. Just another hack people used that ruined it for others.”

The cruise line has previously tightened drink package policies. In mid-2025, Royal Caribbean introduced stricter enforcement measures aimed at preventing guests from sharing alcoholic beverages covered under package deals.

However, other passengers questioned whether the move would significantly curb misuse, noting that those determined to share access could still pay the $4.99 for the cup and continue similar behaviour.

Some guests suggested the change could also reduce waste, as not all passengers made use of the souvenir cups even when they were included.

“I rarely used it. My kid and I had the soda package and 99.9% of the time we just went to the bar to get a soda. My wife and son had an alcohol package. They never used it,” one guest shared.

“At the end of the cruise we left them in the room because I don’t need another souvenir cup at home and they couldn’t be used on a future cruise.”

Others simply prefer canned soft drinks or find it more convenient to order from a nearby bar rather than seek out a Freestyle machine.

Freestyle Machines Available On Most Ships

Coca-Cola Freestyle machines are installed across the majority of the Royal Caribbean fleet, typically located in high-traffic areas such as the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, near Sorrento’s Pizza outlets, and sometimes along the Royal Promenade.

There are currently four ships without the machines: Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.

In August 2025, the cruise line added Freestyle machines to Liberty of the Seas, signalling continued investment in the self-serve beverage concept. It remains possible that the remaining vessels could receive the machines in future refits.

The Freestyle dispensers offer a wide variety of Coca-Cola branded beverages, including flavoured sodas, iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch and still water. Availability can vary by ship and sailing depending on supply and demand.

For now, however, guests booking Deluxe and Refreshment packages for sailings departing from mid-March 2026 onwards will need to decide whether access to those expanded options is worth the additional $4.99 fee.

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Carnival Ends Third Party Gift Surprises After Champagne Mix Up In Children’s Cabin

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Carnival Cruise Line has halted all third-party gift requests after an administrative error resulted in a bottle of champagne being delivered to a cabin occupied by children.

Carnival Cruise Director John Heald

The decision follows an incident involving the line’s long-standing brand ambassador, John Heald, who regularly arranges small celebratory gestures for guests marking special occasions at sea.

The mistake, which stemmed from an incorrect cabin number supplied by the person making the request, prompted an angry complaint and has led to a firm change in policy.

Heald, who receives hundreds of messages each week from passengers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and other milestones, shared details of the incident with his followers on Facebook.

“One of the fun parts of my job is to be able to help people celebrate. People write to me and say it’s my birthday, it’s an anniversary or a honeymoon or whatever, divorce, I’m celebrating and I always do my best to send a little something,” he explained.

While he works within a set budget on each ship and cannot fulfil every request, Heald has traditionally tried to accommodate as many as possible. Gifts have ranged from cookies and medallions to bottles of champagne and, on rare occasions, the much sought-after ship-on-a-stick trophy.

How The Mix Up Happened

The issue arose when a frequent Carnival guest contacted Heald to arrange a surprise for close friends who were retiring from the police force. The individual making the request was not sailing but wanted to treat their friends onboard.

champagne

“I sent a bottle of champagne and a medallion,” Heald confirmed.

However, the cabin number provided in the request was incorrect. Instead of reaching the newly retired officer, the champagne and medallion were delivered to a stateroom occupied by two grandchildren.

“I had sent a bottle of champagne to two children,” Heald said. “They had no idea who I was, they just went to Guest Services.”

After spending several days in Miami attending corporate meetings and ship visits, Heald returned home to find an angry email from the intended recipient. According to Heald, the guest accused him of various failings and expressed strong frustration over the delivery.

Heald said he immediately apologised and acknowledged the seriousness of the error, noting that he would have been equally upset had it involved his own daughter.

Policy Change Follows Error

In response, Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a blanket ban on third-party gift requests arranged through Heald and his colleague Jacinta.

“I’m not going to put myself or my colleague Jacinta into that particular nest of vipers,” he said.

He later reiterated the position when responding to further requests. “We are very happy and glad to be able to send something to people actually cruising on the ship but third-party requests are not something that we are permitted to do anymore,” he responded to a more recent request. “Thank you for your understanding.”

The new approach means celebratory gifts can still be arranged for guests who contact Heald directly while sailing, subject to availability and budget, but surprises organised by friends or family not travelling will no longer be facilitated.

Cruise lines maintain strict controls over alcohol service onboard, particularly where minors are concerned, and any misdirected delivery involving alcohol is treated seriously. While the error was caused by incorrect information rather than a systems failure, the incident highlights the logistical challenges of coordinating personalised gestures across large vessels carrying thousands of passengers.

For many loyal Carnival guests, Heald’s small surprises have long been a cherished part of the onboard experience. However, this latest incident demonstrates how even well-intentioned efforts can carry unintended consequences, prompting the line to tighten procedures to avoid a repeat situation.

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Royal Caribbean Revises Liberty Of The Seas Itinerary To Secure Prime Viewing For 12th August 2026 Solar Eclipse

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

Royal Caribbean has altered the itinerary of Liberty of the Seas to ensure guests enjoy optimal viewing of the total solar eclipse on 12th August 2026, removing a scheduled call to Lisbon in favour of a revised route through northern Spain and France.

Liberty of the Seas

The 9-night sailing, departing Southampton on 7th August 2026, will now position the 155,900-gross-ton ship directly within the path of totality, maximising the chances for the ship’s 4,960 guests to witness the full celestial spectacle at sea.

In a message sent to booked passengers, the cruise line confirmed the change. “To give everyone the best possible total solar eclipse viewing experience during our sailing, we’ll adjust our route after our visit to Gijon, Spain,”.

Itinerary Adjusted To Maximise Totality

Under the revised schedule, Liberty of the Seas will no longer visit Lisbon, Portugal. Instead, after calling at Gijon, the ship will sail directly to Vigo, ensuring it is positioned squarely in the eclipse’s path of totality on 12th August.

Originally, the ship was expected to remain within the 94 to 98 per cent totality zone. While that would have provided a dramatic partial eclipse, it falls short of the complete darkness and full corona visibility that only 100 per cent totality can deliver.

The updated itinerary is now as follows:

  • Friday 7th August – Depart Southampton at 5 pm
  • Saturday 8th August – Day at sea
  • Sunday 9th August – Bilbao, Spain from 8 am to 6 pm
  • Monday 10th August – Gijon, Spain from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Tuesday 11th August – Vigo, Spain from 10 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday 12th August – Solar eclipse day at sea
  • Thursday 13th August – La Coruna, Spain from 7 am to 6 pm
  • Friday 14th August – Day at sea
  • Saturday 15th August – Le Havre, France from 8 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday 16th August – Arrive Southampton at 5:30 am

Le Havre will serve as the gateway to Paris, replacing what was previously scheduled as a day at sea. La Coruna moves to 13th August, while Vigo shifts forward to 11th August to accommodate the new routing.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed that shore excursions booked for Lisbon will be automatically cancelled, with refunds issued to the original form of payment. Excursions in Vigo and La Coruna will be adjusted to reflect the new dates and times.

Strong Guest Reaction To The Change

While itinerary alterations can often prompt frustration, reaction from booked guests on social media has been largely positive, particularly among those who selected the sailing specifically for the eclipse.

Solar Eclipse

Total solar eclipses are rare events that are highly location dependent. According to TimeandDate, the next total solar eclipse after 12th August 2026 will occur on 2nd August 2027, with the path of totality largely crossing northern Africa.

That trajectory is expected to limit opportunities for cruise ships to position themselves for optimal at-sea viewing compared with the 2026 event.

Despite careful planning and route adjustments, eclipse viewing remains weather dependent. Cloud cover or poor visibility could still impact the experience, regardless of the ship’s precise position within the totality path.

For now, however, Royal Caribbean’s proactive schedule change appears to have reassured guests that the cruise line is committed to delivering what many are billing as a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical experience at sea.

There is still availability for this cruise (book here if you’re interested) although cabins are limited.

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Former Norwegian Cruise Line Executive Arrested In Argentina Over $2 Million Fraud Case

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsNews

A former senior executive at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been arrested in Argentina in connection with an alleged fraud scheme said to have cost the cruise giant more than $2 million.

NCL Senior Exec Fraud

Thomas “Tom” Markwell, 54, was taken into custody in Buenos Aires on Monday 23rd February 2026. According to local media outlet Infobae, Interpol agents arrested him in the Palermo neighbourhood in the northern part of the Argentine capital. He is now awaiting extradition to the United States to face multiple criminal charges.

The case was first opened in October 2023, when prosecutors alleged that Markwell and two accomplices orchestrated a long-running scheme involving fraudulent invoices submitted to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The total amount in question exceeds $2 million.

Alleged Invoice Scheme Spanned Years

Markwell most recently served as Senior Director of Events for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a role he held from July 2019 until September 2023. While the cruise company has not detailed his precise responsibilities, the position would typically involve organising corporate events, liaising with shareholders and partners, and coordinating corporate gifting and sponsorship activities.

Prosecutors allege that Markwell exploited his authority to approve payments by working with two external accomplices who were not employed by the cruise line or any related company. The pair allegedly issued invoices through a fraudulent supply business known as “The Gifting Company”.

The invoices were reportedly structured to fall below internal financial thresholds that would have triggered additional scrutiny or audit alerts. Authorities claim the documents did not fully disclose the services or products supposedly provided, yet remained within Markwell’s authorised approval limits.

Once the invoices were processed and paid by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, investigators allege that Markwell and his accomplices diverted and shared the funds.

Norwegian Jewel

Court documents state that dozens of transactions were used to carry out the scheme. Among them were at least two payments totalling $165,000, as well as an $82,000 transfer allegedly made directly into his girlfriend’s bank account.

In addition to fraud-related offences, Markwell is facing identity fraud and theft charges. Prosecutors allege he used his girlfriend’s account as part of the operation. There has been no indication that she was aware of or involved in the alleged criminal activity, and she has not been named.

At least seven charges of wire fraud and identity theft have been filed against Markwell. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison under US law.

Markwell, who was born in Illinois, has spent decades working in the travel industry. He was educated at Eastern Illinois University and Robert Morris University, also in Illinois.

Cruise Fraud Cases Continue To Surface

While this case is one of the most significant to directly involve a senior cruise line executive, it is not the only example of alleged fraud connected to the cruise sector in recent years.

There was a recent story of a New York woman accused of operating a fraudulent travel agency that failed to book clients’ holidays, as well as incidents involving fake cruise gift cards, onboard theft and credit card fraud targeting passengers.

In other cases, cruise guests have been arrested in ports such as Miami and in Brazil over financial crimes linked to sailings.

However, allegations involving an executive at a major cruise corporation are comparatively rare, making this one of the largest cases of its kind to surface within the industry.

As extradition proceedings move forward, further details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the alleged scheme and the status of Markwell’s two unnamed accomplices, whose whereabouts have not been disclosed.

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17 Things You Must Do Immediately After Boarding a Cruise Ship

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFirst time cruisers

Don’t get your cruise holiday off on the wrong foot from the moment you step onboard!

Boarding a cruise at Southampton

There’s something wonderful about that first step onto a cruise ship. That sudden switch from dragging luggage around outside amongst a crowd of eager passengers, to then being surrounded by soaring atriums, smiling crew and the hum of thousands of excited holidaymakers… I can’t get enough!

But to make the very best start to your voyage, these are the things you absolutely must do once you first step onboard.

1. Do Your E-Muster or Muster Drill Check-In Immediately

muster drill

The muster drill is the only non-negotiable task of embarkation day, and fortunately it’s now usually far quicker than the old mass gathering on deck.

Most lines simply require you to watch a short safety video and then pop by your muster station for a quick check-in. Many even let you watch the video on the morning of the cruise – perfect over that hotel breakfast if you’ve stayed near the port the night before.

The image shows a muster station sign on a cruise ship, labeled with the letter "H" and featuring a green background with safety icons. Below it is an emergency actions guide, which includes instructions and diagrams for passengers on how to proceed in case of an emergency, as well as maps of the ship's decks and muster points.

If you go to your station the moment you board, you’ll have got it out of the way and you’ll be free to enjoy your day without interruption.

2. Consider Upgrading Your Room

If you walk into your cabin and you hate it, now’s the time to see if you can switch it for another one.

I once booked an inside cabin on Arvia for two weeks over Christmas because that’s all my budget would allow. The cabin was in a bad location, right at the very front of the ship, and when I walked in I was shocked at how small it was for four people.

Arvia inside cabin

So, I went straight to guest services and asked what else they had. Someone in a balcony cabin had cancelled at the last minute, and so there was a room free.

The balcony cabin was so much bigger, and in an excellent mid-ship spot too.

Arvia balcony cabin

The price to upgrade was an absolute bargain, and so much cheaper than if I had booked the balcony in the first place! We had a lovely Christmas in this room.

3. Explore The Ship and Get Your Bearings

Cruise ships are floating resorts, and wandering around on day one is the perfect way to get your bearings before things get busy.

Explore! I love to just wander around the ship, peeking into lounges and bars, and looking for fun spots that I’ll want to return to during the cruise.

Royal Caribbean Ship Map

If you’re travelling with others, choose a central meeting spot too – not for emergencies (that’s your muster station, remember), but simply as a convenient place to regroup if you’re ever separated or staying in different parts of the ship.

4. Look Around The Spa

On embarkation day, the spa will be open so that you can wander around it and take a look at the thermal suite and all of the treatment rooms.

This is the only day that you’ll be able to do it, so even if you don’t think that the spa is for you, it’s definitely worth having a nosy around!

Ambassador Cruise Line spa on Ambition

Embarkation day is also when the spa typically offers discounted packages, which can be surprisingly good value. Services on sea days can get booked up quite quickly, so if you’re sure that you want something, it’s worth booking that in on day one.

5. Check Dinner Arrangements or Speak to the Maitre D’

If you’re not thrilled with your allocated dining time or wish to switch from traditional seating to anytime dining, the maitre d’ is the person to speak to – and embarkation day is the best time to catch them.

A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting. A smiling waiter in a vest and tie taking an order from guests at a well-appointed dining table, with a focus on customer interaction in a sophisticated restaurant setting.

Also if you’ve any dietary requirements and you are worried about the menus, go have a chat – you’d be surprised what some cruise lines can do for you.

Read more: Early vs Late Dining on a Cruise (Pros and Cons)

For a lot of cruise lines, this is also the time where you can book speciality restaurants. Popular venues like steakhouses and teppanyaki restaurants can book up quickly, so securing your spot early avoids missing out.

If your cruise line accepts bookings before the cruise, and you missed out, go there on embarkation day – you might be able to snag a cancellation slot, or sometimes they hold some spaces back for those guests.

6. Make Entertainment and Show Reservations

Big headline shows, comedy clubs and immersive experiences often require reservations nowadays, especially on the larger ships.

Celebrity Cruises theatre

While you may be able to booking things before you get onboard, more slots often open up once you’re on the ship.

It only takes a few taps in the cruise app to lock in a great time slot, and doing it early means you can plan your evenings around performances you’re genuinely excited about rather than whatever happens to be left.

7. Register at the Kids’ Club

If you’re sailing with little ones, register them at the kids’ club as soon as possible.

A delightful scene inside a kids' club on a Disney cruise ship, designed with a vibrant, Toy Story-themed play area. Two young children, a girl and a boy, are interacting with a life-sized figure of Woody, the beloved cowboy character from the Toy Story series. Woody stands with open arms, welcoming the kids who are excitedly approaching him. The play area is colorful and inviting, featuring large building blocks, a Slinky Dog slide, and other Toy Story decorations, creating an immersive environment for children to play and meet their favorite characters.

The first-day open house is a great time to meet the counsellors, check the timetable and help your children feel comfortable before activities begin.

Many clubs also give the kids their muster bracelets on this day, so you’ll tick off two tasks at once.

It’s a good idea to register even if your child isn’t sure about using them. You aren’t forced to bring them, although some will ask you to pre-book slots. Don’t book those if you aren’t sure, but having them registered in the club is still good, just in case your kid asks you to book them in later.

Read more: Cruise Ship Kids Clubs Explained

8. Freshen Up or Change into Cruise Clothes or Swimwear

A travel morning can leave you feeling a bit crumpled, especially if you’ve flown in from a different climate.

Freshening up and slipping into lighter clothes or swimwear immediately helps you feel like your holiday has truly begun.

Cruise Mummy in swim cover up

If you’re clever, board with your swimsuit already on underneath your outfit – you’ll save even more time and can head straight to the pool as soon as you’ve had lunch.

Speaking of lunch…

9. Have Lunch Somewhere Other Than the Buffet

The buffet is the default dining option for new arrivals, which is precisely why it can feel like organised chaos on embarkation day.

Marella pizza

Instead, check whether the main dining room, a poolside grill or a small café is open.

These quieter venues let you ease into cruise life at a calmer pace, and you’ll often enjoy far nicer food without juggling plates and weaving through crowds.

10. Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode

Once you’ve sent your final messages and posted your obligatory “I’m onboard!” photo, switch your phone to airplane mode.

Airplane mode

Maritime roaming charges are notoriously expensive and can take effect before you even feel the ship move.

You can still connect to the ship’s WiFi for the app without buying an internet package, but airplane mode ensures you stay in control of your costs.

Read more: Simple Ways to Avoid a Huge Phone Bill on your Cruise

11. Take Seasickness Medication If You’re Prone

If you know you’re sensitive to motion, take your chosen remedy before the ship even casts off.

Tablets and latched tend to work best when given time to take effect, and taking them early can prevent feeling woozy during sailaway when excitement (and sometimes wind) are at their peak.

A hand holding a box of seasickness patches labeled "SHIP-EEZ" for sea sickness relief. The box indicates that the patches are fast-acting, non-drowsy, safe and effective, and suitable for ages 3 and up. The packaging design features a maritime theme with a blue sky, clouds, and ocean waves.

It’s an easy precaution that keeps the first evening blissfully comfortable.

Read more: Tips to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

12. Check Your Cabin for Issues

Once your cabin is ready, take a few minutes to check that everything is working as it should.

Test the lights, outlets, toilet flush, air-con and shower pressure, and make sure the room is clean and well stocked.

cruise bathroom

Any problems are usually resolved quickly if reported early, and it’s much easier than trying to chase fixes later in the cruise when maintenance might be busier.

Read more: 13 (Weird) Things You Didn’t Know About Your Cruise Cabin

13. Meet Your Cabin Steward

Your cabin steward is the person who will quietly keep your space spotless throughout your voyage.

Cabin steward

A quick hello helps build a friendly relationship, and it’s the perfect moment to request any preferences – extra pillows, more hangers, ice each evening, or specific bed arrangements. There are so many things you can get from your cabin steward for free, you just have to ask.

They genuinely want to make your stay comfortable, and being clear from day one helps them help you.

Read more: 13 Things Your Cabin Steward Secretly LOVES You Doing

14. Put Valuables in the Safe

It’s surprisingly easy to misplace things amidst the excitement of exploring the ship, so place passports, wallets, jewellery and other essentials straight into the cabin safe once you have access to your room.

A SentrySafe electronic safe is securely mounted in a wooden compartment inside a cruise ship stateroom. The safe features a keypad for entering a security code and an instructional label on the front. A small decorative box is placed on the shelf above the safe.

Once they’re secure, you won’t spend the rest of the afternoon patting your pockets or rummaging in bags to check they’re still there.

15. Unpack Once Your Luggage Arrives

When your suitcases finally appear, it’s worth unpacking – and sooner rather than later. Having clothes neatly arranged in drawers and wardrobes instantly makes your cabin feel calmer and more spacious.

Several pieces of luggage, including black and red suitcases, are lined up against the wall in a cruise ship hallway. The corridor is decorated with patterned carpet and handrails, with green emergency exit lights visible in the distance.

Hide empty suitcases under the bed, organise your toiletries and make the space your own – you’ll thank yourself when the week starts flowing smoothly. Especially if you’re in a smaller cabin.

16. Grab a Celebratory First Drink

There’s nothing like that first cocktail or cold beer to mark the beginning of your cruise.

Whether you order a classic piña colada, a glass of fizz or your favourite mocktail, take a moment to savour it.

A young girl enjoying a fruity drink with a striped straw, dressed in a striped top and pink hoodie, seated in a casual dining setting with patrons in the background.

Find a sunny spot, breathe in the sea air and let the stress of travel melt away. It’s your holiday now – officially.

Suggested read: The 22 Best Cruise Drinks You Must Try

17. Enjoy the Sailaway Party

Sailaway is pure cruise magic – music, dancing, drinks flowing and the coastline drifting away as your holiday truly begins.

Sailaway party disney cruise

It doesn’t matter if you join the energy on the top deck or find a quieter railing to watch the world recede, don’t miss it. It’s one of the highlights of every cruise and sets the perfect tone for the days ahead.

Things You SHOULDN’T Do Immediately After Boarding

1. Don’t Go Straight to the Buffet

The buffet is usually packed on day one, with everyone arriving hungry at once. Tables fill up quickly and navigating the crowds can feel stressful rather than celebratory.

Buffet grumpy man

Give it a little time and opt for an alternative lunch spot so your first onboard meal feels relaxed and enjoyable. There’s usually some good spots, like the poolside snack bar or a casual pizza outlet.

Or, eat well before you board – and then you’ll be good all the way until dinner.

2. Don’t Assume Your Cabin Is Ready Straight Away

Cabins take time to turn over after thousands of guests disembark that morning.

sign on door saying staterooms not ready

You need to wait until the announcement that cabins are ready. Unless you’ve booked a special package giving you early access, then leave the stewards in peace to do their job.

Go enjoy lunch or explore instead. Relax. It’ll be ready soon.

I’ve heard stories of people who have gone to their stateroom early, left some belingings and then the cabin steward has disposed of them because they assumed they belonged to the previous guest.

3. Don’t Skip Muster

It may not be the most glamorous part of the day, but the muster is something you just can’t get out of.

While the exact tasks vary (watching a video or a presentation in person), one thing’s for sure, you absolutely have to visit your muster station so they can tick you off the list.

This is why it’s number one on the list above – get it done and then you can relax.

4. Don’t Overdo Your First Drinks

It’s tempting to go full party mode the minute you step on board, but it’s wise to pace yourself.

Two men, appearing to be intoxicated, are engaged in a physical altercation in a cruise ship's bar or lounge area. One man is holding a drink while the other grabs his arm, and both have distressed expressions. The setting is dimly lit with other passengers visible in the background, some of whom seem to be observing the commotion.

Between travel fatigue, warm weather and the gentle motion of the ship, overindulging early can make you feel rather worse for wear before the evening even starts.

Give it a chance before you hit the bar too hard.

5. Don’t Panic If Your Luggage Doesn’t Arrive Quickly

Suitcases are delivered in batches over several hours, and it’s completely normal for different family members’ bags to show up at different times.

As long as you packed your essentials in your carry-on, you’re all set to relax until they appear.

If the ship has sailed away and your bag hasn’t arrived, don’t worry. Just call guest services. They always have some bags there where the tags have fallen off.

You can prevent your paper tags from coming off by using luggage tag holders. I swear by them!

6. Don’t Stress!

Most of the time, cruises go smoothly. But every now and then there might be a minor issue or two – something wrong with your cabin, or a hiccup with boarding, or maybe another passenger was rude to you or something.

Marella Relaxation

And on those blue moon occasions, sometimes a few things might go wrong at once, and it feels like everything’s snowballing. When that happens, just take a breath.

You’re on a cruise.

Things WILL get better. Even if you aren’t a fan of your cabin or you’ve forgotten to pack something you wanted to bring. It’s fine. Relax, let the stress go, and I bet you’ll start having fun.

Things You Should Have Done Before You Board

I get that there’s a lot to do on embarkation day. But many of the things can be done in the weeks leading up to your cruise.

I advise doing as much as possible in advance, so that you can start your cruise in the most relaxing way possible, rather than in a queue on the ship.

Here’s what you should make sure you tick off before you get anywhere neat the ship.

1. Download The Cruise Line App

Most cruise lines have an app these days, and downloading it in advance makes life easier.

Cruise Planner app

It’s where you’ll check in for muster, view your daily planner, make reservations and keep track of your onboard account.

Doing it ahead of time means you won’t be wrestling with connection settings on embarkation day.

2. Book Shore Excursions

Many of the most popular tours sell out well before departure, and onboard prices are usually higher.

Shore excursion Princess Cruises

Booking in advance guarantees your spot and helps you plan your days ashore with excitement rather than stress.

It’s also often better to book with a third party, despite the concerns you might have…

Save up to 40% on Cruise Excursions!

Choose from over 4,000 excursions with a return-to-ship guarantee

Read more: Shore Excursions Group Review

3. Buy a WiFi Package or eSIM

If you need WiFi during your cruise, pre-purchasing nearly always saves money. Packages bought onboard are often more expensive, and buying early means all you have to do is connect when you board.

And if you want to save even more money, then consider buying an eSIM instead. It’s a lot cheaper.

Get 10% OFF GigSky eSIMs

Enter code CRUISEMUMMY10 at checkout to get this discount

Read more: This Is Why Cruisers Are Switching to eSIMs

4. Buy a drinks, soda or coffee package

Much like internet packages, drink packages can cost noticeably more once you’re onboard.

Even if the offer on the ship says ‘Buy One Get One Half Price’, this will be on an imflated price, and it will almost certainly cost you more overall.

Costa drinks packages

Sorting them before your cruise means better value and one less decision to make on embarkation day. And it means you can enjoy that first drink without even thinking about your budget.

Read more: Everything You Must Know About Cruise Drinks Packages Before You Book

Drinks packages are not for everyone. I’m not saying everyone should book one before they sail. But, if you think you might want one, then do get it before the cruise. Don’t leave it until the morning of.

Final Word

Embarkation day sets the tone for your entire cruise, and with just a little know-how, you can swap stress and crowds for calm, cocktails and pure ocean-going bliss.

Tackle the must-dos early, skip the rookie mistakes, and let the ship work its magic as you ease into holiday mode.

Remember, even if something goes a bit sideways at the start, you’re still on a cruise – sunshine, sea breezes and unforgettable moments are waiting. Take a breath, smile, and enjoy it!

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The 14 Most Commonly Confiscated Items at Cruise Ports (and What to Pack Instead)

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsPacking

If you’ve ever stood in the cruise terminal wondering why security is rooting through someone’s suitcase while the rest of us are melting in the queue, odds are they’ve packed something from this list.

From sneaky booze to suspicious “romantic accessories,” these are the items most likely to get confiscated before you’ve even seen your cabin.

It’s not about being naughty – it’s about knowing what makes cruise security twitchy, and what you can bring instead to keep your holiday running smoother than a piña colada at sailaway.

1. Sneaky Booze

Every week, cruise security catches dozens of hopeful guests trying to sneak alcohol onboard.

People get creative: gin disguised in water bottles, rum hidden in fake shampoo containers, wine bladders stuffed into socks. The goal? Avoiding those bar prices or pricey drinks packages.

Here are the most common methods people use.

Bringing alcohol on a cruise ship

Unfortunately, most cruise lines only permit a small alcohol allowance – typically one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or Champagne per adult. Anything beyond that, especially hard liquor or beer, is confiscated. Some lines will return it at the end of your cruise; others pour it away there and then.

Security has seen every trick in the book, so even the most convincing “conditioner bottle” will get flagged on the scanner. Don’t risk wasting good rum – or worse, holding up the queue.

Read more: What Alcohol You Can and Can’t Bring Onboard

What to pack instead:

Check your cruise line’s policy in advance – they’re all different. If you want to enjoy a tipple in your cabin, stick to the permitted wine or Champagne.

Otherwise, budget for onboard drinks or look out for happy-hour specials. You’re on holiday – let the bartender do the heavy lifting.

2. Large Bottles of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Bringing a case of bottled water or two-litre bottles of cola might sound sensible, but large containers are one of the most frequently seized items.

Bottle of water on a cruise

The official reason is safety (glass bottles can break, plastic bottles can leak). The unofficial reason is suspicion – alcohol disguised as cola is one of the oldest tricks in the cruising book.

Lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean now specify “sealed cans or cartons only” for soft drinks. Unsealed or oversized bottles are simply thrown away at security.

Read more: Can You Bring Bottled Water On A Cruise?

What to pack instead:

Bring a reusable bottle instead.

Fill it up at water dispensers once you’re onboard – the ship’s water is purified and perfectly safe. If your caffeine addiction runs deep, bring small sealed cans of fizzy drinks if your cruise line allows. You’ll save money and space in your luggage.

3. Unsealed or Fresh Food

You’d be surprised how many people pack entire picnics for embarkation – or worse, leftover sandwiches from the hotel breakfast buffet.

fruit in a container

Sadly, all fresh or unsealed food gets confiscated. It’s a health-and-safety thing: perishables can attract pests, spoil in your suitcase, or violate import laws at different ports.

Customs takes this seriously. That “innocent” banana from the buffet can land you a fine if you forget it in your bag when disembarking somewhere like Australia or New Zealand.

What to pack instead:

Stick to pre-packaged snacks like crisps, cereal bars or biscuits. They’re safe, hygienic and ideal for excursions. And remember – you’re about to board a floating buffet. You won’t go hungry.

4. Extension Cords and Power Strips

Cabin plug sockets are precious real estate, so people often bring power strips or multi-plug adaptors to charge phones, tablets and straighteners all at once.

Unfortunately, anything with a surge protector or multiple outlets is a major fire hazard at sea. Cruise ships run on different voltage systems, and one dodgy extension can take out an entire circuit.

Even travel power strips that claim to be “cruise-safe” can be confiscated if the officer on duty decides they’re questionable.

Read more: Royal Caribbean Adds Multi-Plug Outlets To Banned Items List

What to pack instead:

Bring a simple non-surge adaptor and a small USB charging hub.

Many newer ships have USB and USB-C ports built into the bedside lamps. Ask your cabin steward for help if you’re short on sockets – they’ve seen it all before.

5. Clothes Irons, Steamers and Hot Plates

Nothing says “formal night panic” like discovering your evening dress looks like it’s been balled up since 2019.

clothes iron

Still, personal irons, travel steamers and anything with an exposed heating element are banned. Fire is the biggest fear at sea, and irons are an obvious culprit.

Even hair straighteners sometimes raise eyebrows if they look industrial. Security staff are trained to err on the side of caution.

Read more: How To Iron Clothes On A Cruise

What to pack instead:

Hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower – the steam works wonders.

Many ships also offer self-service laundrettes or pressing rooms for a small fee. A travel-size wrinkle-release spray is a cruiser’s best friend.

6. Candles and Incense

We all love a nice scent or the cosy feel of a flickering candle but cruise ships are basically floating hotels made of highly flammable materials.

Candle

One forgotten candle or stick of incense could spell disaster. Even the tiniest tealight is banned.

You might think a quick whiff of lavender won’t hurt, but your cabin steward will notice the smell immediately – and confiscate the evidence before you can say “namaste.”

Read more: 43 Essential Cruise Packing Tips Every Traveller Should Know

What to pack instead:

Use battery-operated candles or a plug-in diffuser (if allowed). A few reed sticks or a fabric-safe room spray can keep things fresh without risking a fire drill.

7. Sharp Objects and Weapons

This category covers everything from kitchen knives to martial arts gear and replica swords. Even decorative blades from a souvenir shop might not make it past security. The rule is simple: if it can stab, slice or bludgeon, it’s staying on shore.

Knife

You don’t need to worry about razors, nail clippers or small grooming scissors – those are fine – but anything larger than four inches is a no.

What to pack instead:

Pack travel-safe grooming tools and leave the serious steel at home. If you’re a diver or fisherman bringing specialist gear, declare it at check-in and let the crew store it safely for you.

8. Drones, Hoverboards and Starlink Devices

Drones are the bane of ship security. They’re cool, sure, but launch one off your balcony and you could hit another passenger, damage equipment, or lose it forever to the deep blue sea.

A person controls a drone with a remote, flying it over the beach at sunset. The drone captures the scenic view of the ocean waves and the colorful sky, creating a perfect moment for aerial photography.

Hoverboards, e-scooters and large lithium batteries are equally banned for fire and safety reasons.

And in case you were wondering – no, you can’t bring your personal Starlink or satellite router. Cruise lines are very protective of their Wi-Fi revenue streams.

Read more: Carnival Guest’s Starlink Mini Confiscated As Banned Items List Updated

What to pack instead:

If you want aerial footage, take your drone ashore where it’s allowed, or use a GoPro for onboard shots. For internet, buy a WiFi package or wait for port stops – consider it enforced relaxation.

9. CBD Products and Other “Legal but Not Allowed” Substances

CBD might be the latest wellness craze for some, and genuinely essential medication for others, but even legal cannabis-derived products are banned on most ships.

The issue is international law: what’s legal in Southampton might be illegal in the Bahamas. Ships don’t take the risk, so they confiscate anything remotely hemp-related.

Even vapes or gummies labelled “THC-free” can cause problems if security isn’t sure what’s inside.

Read more: This Carnival Cruise Passenger Is BANNED For Life For Her Prohibited Item

What to pack instead:

Stick to standard painkillers or doctor-prescribed medication, always in the original packaging. If you use CBD for anxiety or sleep, ask your GP for an approved alternative before you travel.

10. Fans and Small Appliances

Cruise cabins can get warm, especially in tropical climates, so plenty of passengers pack portable fans.

Fan in a cruise cabin

The problem is that some use open blades or draw more power than the ship’s system can handle. Likewise, kettles, coffee makers and toasters are all banned for obvious reasons – fire again.

Security often allows small USB-powered fans, but it’s a grey area.

What to pack instead:

Bring a compact USB fan if your cruise line allows it, or ask your cabin steward for extra airflow options.

And before you pack a kettle, remember that 24-hour room service and a buffet full of tea bags exist for a reason.

11. Portable Speakers

It’s always “just one song” until someone’s blasting drum and bass on the balcony at midnight.

Bluetooth speaker

Carnival has officially banned personal speakers altogether, and other lines are following suit to keep the peace. Ships are social spaces, not nightclubs – unless the cruise director says so.

Read more: Carnival Quietly Bans Bluetooth Speakers Across The Fleet

What to pack instead:

Bring headphones or a tiny, quiet speaker if it’s explicitly allowed. Otherwise, enjoy the onboard entertainment – live bands, deck DJs and karaoke are already included in your fare.

12. Handcuffs and “Bedroom Accessories”

Yes, this really happens. Security routinely confiscates handcuffs, restraints and certain adult toys – not because they’re prudish, but because they fall under the same category as “weapons” or “restricted items.”

Pink fur handcuffs

Plus, nothing says awkward like explaining the pink fluffy cuffs to a stone-faced security officer.

Or worse, greeting a cabin steward who wanders in to see you tied to the bed…

Read more: The Things You Can & Can’t Take On A Cruise Ship

What to pack instead:

If you’re bringing romantic accessories, keep them discreet, battery-powered and non-metallic. Remember, luggage is scanned – and the staff have seen everything.

13. Firearms and Ammunition

This should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating: firearms, ammunition and replica weapons are strictly forbidden.

Gun in suitcase

Even licensed gun owners can’t bring them onboard. Security takes this extremely seriously – if a weapon is found, you’ll likely be denied boarding and possibly face legal trouble.

Read more: American Cruise Passenger Deported From Italy After Gun Found in Backpack

What to pack instead:

Absolutely nothing resembling a gun, even as a souvenir or costume prop.

If you’re travelling internationally, double-check your luggage before flying – even an empty bullet casing can cause chaos at security.

14. Decorations, Curtains and Door Stickers

Decorating your cabin door has become a cruise tradition – birthdays, anniversaries, or just for fun.

upside down pineapple

But anything that blocks corridors, damages doors or breaches fire codes will be removed. Some decorations, like string lights or curtains, are banned altogether because of the materials used.

And yes, pineapple stickers and “code” décor that might be misinterpreted as an invitation for extracurricular activities have been known to cause problems too.

Read more: Upside Down Pineapples BANNED (And Then Unbanned?) From Carnival Cruise Ships

What to pack instead:

Stick to magnetic decorations or removable paper signs if your cruise line allows them. Keep it clean, lighthearted and family-friendly. You can still make your door stand out – just not to security.

confiscated items on Disney cruise

Final Thoughts

Most of these rules come down to three things: safety, security and revenue. If something could cause a fire, hurt someone, break a law in port, or undercut the cruise line’s profits, it’s likely to be confiscated.

Before you pack, take five minutes to check your cruise line’s “Prohibited Items” list – it’s always available online. Pack smart, stay honest, and don’t be that passenger watching your fake shampoo bottle of vodka disappear into the bin.

After all, the fewer items you lose at security, the quicker you’ll be sipping something cold on deck, smugly aware that this time, you beat the system by simply following the rules.

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Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay




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Marella Cruises vs MSC Cruises

by with No Comment Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsMarellaMSC Cruises

If you’ve been browsing cruise deals and dreaming of sailing somewhere sunny without spending a fortune, you’ve almost certainly come across Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises.

They’re both popular in the Med and the Caribbean and both often have very tempting prices. But below the surface, they offer two very different styles of holiday.

Marella vs MSC

Marella is very much an all-inclusive, British-style package where you book once and most things are covered. MSC, meanwhile, is a global cruise brand with big, modern ships and low cruise-only fares, but more to think about when it comes to add-ons.

Here’s a detailed, side-by-side look at what separates the two – from what’s included to the ships, destinations, cabins, dining, entertainment and price – so you can work out which cruise line fits the way you like to travel.

The Biggest Difference – All Inclusive vs Pay-As-You-Go

Marella’s All-Inclusive Approach

Marella keeps things wonderfully simple. Every cruise is all-inclusive as standard, and that includes your flights, airport transfers, tips, meals in the included restaurants and a generous selection of alcoholic and soft drinks.

The drinks list isn’t a slim pickings sort of menu either. You’ll find draught lager and cider, bottled beers, house wines, a good choice of spirits and liqueurs… plenty to keep you happy!

Enjoying a drink on Marella

Because so much is bundled into the fare, you never really have to second-guess what’s included. Whether you’re ordering a cappuccino mid-afternoon or a gin and tonic before dinner, it’s all part of the package.

For those who want more branded spirits or a broader choice of wine and cocktails, the Premium All Inclusive upgrade is a modest daily supplement.

Marella’s biggest appeal is the ease of budgeting. Once you’ve paid your holiday balance, there’s very little left to think about until you get home.

Read more: What’s Included with Marella Cruises?

MSC’s Pick-and-Mix Extras

MSC takes a more modular approach. The standard cruise fare includes your cabin, meals in the main dining room and buffet, and most entertainment, but drinks outside the buffet usually come at an extra cost unless you buy a package.

This is where the price can creep up. The Easy drinks package covers basic beers, wines and simple spirits, while Premium opens up a much wider choice of cocktails, branded spirits, premium coffees and even energy drinks. Prices vary by sailing, but they’re a significant addition to the holiday cost.

Cruise Mummy raises a glass of amber-colored beverage in the Main Dining Room on an MSC cruise ship, with elegant décor and attentive staff in the background, capturing a moment of joy and fine dining on a luxury voyage.

It’s a little less clear on the gratuities front because it depends where you’re sailing from – for European cruises they’re included, but sailing the Caribbean from a US port you’ll need to pay them extra. Flights are also not automatically included unless you book a package, so that may be something you arrange yourself.

MSC can still work out excellent value, especially if you’re happy with basic drinks or don’t drink very much at all. But it does require a little more maths and decision-making upfront.

Read more: MSC Cruises: What’s Included (and What Costs Extra)

How to Choose

If you love the idea of paying once and forgetting about it, Marella’s all-inclusive model is unbeatable.

But if you prefer to build your holiday your own way – especially if you’re a light drinker or enjoy shopping for flights separately – MSC may suit you just as well.

Ships

One of the biggest differences between Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises is within their fleet of ships.

Marella Cruises Ships

Marella’s five ships are all mid-sized by modern standards. They carry roughly 1,800–2,000 guests, which creates a lovely balance between having plenty to do and still feeling intimate enough that you can learn the layout quickly and bump into familiar faces.

The Marella Discovery cruise ship, adorned with festive flags, sails through the ocean at sunset, its decks bustling with passengers enjoying the journey.

The ships began life with other lines (including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity), so they follow a traditional cruise ship design: a welcoming atrium, a theatre, a main dining room, a lively buffet, a couple of speciality restaurants and a main pool deck with quieter corners.

Read more: Marella Cruise Ships Compared By Size, Age & Facilities

The décor has been updated fleetwide with a contemporary, laid-back feel aimed squarely at UK holidaymakers. You’ll find a mix of bars and lounges, some great casual dining spots, and often a separate adult area or quieter pool. They’re easy to navigate and never feel overwhelmingly large.

ShipGross TonnageDecksLength (Metres)Guests
Marella Voyager77,302132641,912
Marella Explorer76,98814262.51,924
Marella Explorer 271,545132461,814
Marella Discovery70,000112641,830
Marella Discovery 269,472112641,836

MSC Cruises Ships

MSC has one of the most varied fleets in the world, ranging from older, leaner ships to modern floating resorts carrying more than 6,000 guests.

The latest ships – including MSC World Europa, MSC Seashore and MSC World America – are vast, high-tech and packed with features. Expect long indoor promenades with LED ceilings, multi-deck atriums, sprawling pool decks, big water slides, entertainment zones, large spas and a huge choice of restaurants and bars.

MSC World Europa Venom Drop Slide

Even the mid-sized ships in the Meraviglia and Seaside classes feel like modern resorts rather than traditional cruise ships. They’re full of energy and offer more facilities than many land-based hotels.

Read more: MSC Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class

At the other end of the spectrum, the older Lirica and Musica class ships are quieter and simpler. They feel closer to Marella in scale, though still with MSC’s distinctly European styling.

ShipGross TonnageDecksLength (Metres)Guests
MSC World America216,638223336,764
MSC World Europa215,863213336,762
MSC Euribia184,011193316,334
MSC Virtuosa181,541193316,334
MSC Grandiosa181,541193316,334
MSC Bellissima171,598193165,686
MSC Meraviglia171,598193165,655
MSC Seascape170,412193125,877
MSC Seashore169,400193395,632
MSC Seaside153,516193235,336
MSC Seaview153,516193235,119
MSC Preziosa139,072183334,345
MSC Divina139,072183334,345
MSC Splendida137,936183334,363
MSC Fantasia137,936183334,363
MSC Magnifica95,128162943,013
MSC Poesia92,627162943,013
MSC Orchestra92,409162943,013
MSC Musica92,409162943,013
MSC Opera65,591132752,579
MSC Lirica65,591132752,548
MSC Sinfonia65,542132482,546
MSC Armonia65,542132752,520

How to Choose

If you want something friendly and easy to get around, Marella’s mid-sized ships hit the sweet spot.

For those who like their ships to have all the bells and whistles – those who love the idea of a floating city with endless entertainment and places to explore – MSC’s newer ships will feel like an adventure in themselves.

Destinations

One of the cruise lines is a little more limited with its choice of destinations, but it has an ethos that may really appeal to you…

Marella Cruises Destinations

Marella focuses on fly-cruises aimed at UK travellers wanting a straightforward sunshine escape. Ships spend the year in the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Caribbean, and the itineraries tend to be port-heavy with very few sea days – by flying you into the heart of each region, you get more time to explore ashore.

Cruise Mummy Marella Ship

With flights from up to 16 UK airports available, it’s an extremely convenient way to reach warmer weather without a long transit.

A big bonus is Marella’s Cruise & Stay programme, where you can add a TUI hotel stay before or after your sailing.

Options include Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Majorca, Corfu and more – ideal if you want to extend your holiday without arranging everything separately.

MSC Cruises Destinations

MSC is truly global, with ships sailing everywhere from the Med and Northern Europe to the Middle East, South America, South Africa and the Caribbean. They also offer repositioning voyages and the occasional Asian itinerary.

Doha Qatar

Many Mediterranean routes operate with rolling embarkation, meaning guests join and leave the cruise at different ports along a longer route. It’s flexible and efficient, though the atmosphere can change a little from day to day.

Flights aren’t automatically included for UK travellers, so you’ll often need to book them separately or choose an MSC fly-cruise package.

MSC does also sail from the UK, so if you want to avoid flying altogether then it will be the better option.

How to Choose

If you want the simplest route to the sun directly from your nearest UK airport, Marella keeps everything nicely streamlined.

However, if you’d like more unusual or longer itineraries – or enjoy exploring beyond Europe and the Caribbean – MSC offers far more variety. And it’s the better of the two for anyone who just doesn’t want to fly, with a selection of cruises from Southampton available.

Staterooms and Suites

The kind of cabin you book for a cruise can really make the difference. Marella keeps things simple and easy-to-understand, but MSC may sway those with a bigger budget…

Marella Cabins

Marella’s cabins feel homely and practical rather than flashy. They come in the familiar categories, from insides to suites, and many have sofa beds or fold-down beds ideal for families. Their larger family cabins can sleep up to seven guests, depending on the ship.

Marella Explorer bunk beds

Suites add some thoughtful perks under the “Suite Service” umbrella, including one breakfast in bed per week, a coffee machine, upgraded toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a pillow menu.

It feels like a comfortable upgrade without separating you from the overall ship experience. It’s not the long list of perks that some cruise lines might offer for suites, but those touches are nice to have.

Read more: The Best Cabins on Marella Cruises Ships

MSC Cabins and the Yacht Club

MSC’s cabins vary more noticeably depending on the ship and the fare you choose.

On the newer vessels, cabins tend to look bright and contemporary with sleek lines, glossy finishes, large wardrobes and modern bathrooms, giving them more of a stylish European-hotel feel compared with Marella’s cosier décor.

MSC Virtuosa Balcony Cabin

Older ships still feel comfortable, but the design is simpler and the bathrooms smaller.

A key difference with MSC is its tiered fare structure. When you book, you’ll choose between Bella, Fantastica or Aurea, and this choice affects not just your perks but also the exact cabin you’ll be allocated.

Bella is the entry-level option and often limits you to less desirable locations. Fantastica gives you more freedom to choose your cabin and offers a few handy perks such as room service breakfast.

Aurea steps things up with welcome extras like priority embarkation, access to private sundecks on some ships and more premium cabin positions.

Read more: MSC Bella Vs Fantastica Vs Aurea: Which To Choose?

And then there’s the MSC Yacht Club, which is in a league of its own and very much a “ship within a ship”.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite

Yacht Club guests stay in a private enclave with its own lounge, restaurant and sun deck, along with butler service, a dedicated concierge, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and inclusive drinks within the Yacht Club spaces. It creates a quiet, luxurious bubble while still giving you access to the full range of facilities on the larger ship.

MSC also offers a handful of single cabins on selected ships, though some use sofa beds rather than a standard mattress, so it’s worth checking the details.

Families are well catered for too, with interconnecting rooms and larger family cabins that can accommodate up to six guests.

Read more: MSC Cruises Cabins to Avoid (Some Don’t Even Have Real Beds!)

How to Choose

If you mainly want a comfortable, traditional cabin to relax in – with predictable layouts and no surprises – Marella keeps things simple.

If you’re drawn to modern décor, like having more control over cabin type and perks, or you’re tempted by the quiet exclusivity of the Yacht Club, MSC provides more flexibility.

Just make sure to pay attention to the fare type you book with MSC, as it can make a meaningful difference to where your cabin ends up and what little extras you receive.

Dining

For a lot of people, the quality of the food onboard is what really makes or breaks a cruise. And there are plenty of differences between these two cruise lines.

Marella Cruises Dining

Marella’s dining experience leans towards British tastes, although it’s a lot more than just a mix of roasts and grills. Expect a wide range of curries, fish dishes and international favourites (along with good vegetarian options) in the main dining rooms.

Marella Cruises The Dining Club

The buffet feels familiar and comforting, often adding destination-inspired dishes depending on the itinerary. Because drinks are included, dinners feel relaxed and straightforward – you can order what you fancy without doing mental maths.

Speciality dining is available for a small supplement on each ship. Venues such as Surf & Turf, Kora La or The Dining Club offer something a little fancier, but the overall style remains unpretentious and easy-going.

Read more: Marella Cruises Dining Options Explained

MSC Cruises Dining

MSC’s food has a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Expect plenty of pasta and risotto, fresh breads, salads, grilled meats and flavours drawn from around Europe.

The buffet can get busy at peak times, but it usually offers a very wide range of options, including the line’s famously good pizza.

MSC Fantasia restaurant

Where MSC really shines is in its speciality restaurants. Depending on the ship, you’ll find American-style steakhouses, teppanyaki and sushi counters, seafood venues and sometimes branded concepts like Eataly.

These restaurants have a standalone feel and can be a highlight of the cruise, though they all come at an additional cost.

Reviews of the general dining can vary a little, particularly on very cheap or very crowded sailings, but that’s often a reflection of the price point rather than the ambition of the food.

How to Choose

For those who like familiar food but with a good range of new options to try – and the joy of not paying extra for wine or cocktails – Marella will feel spot on. If you want something completely different every day in a wider range of venues, and don’t mind paying extra for the best meals on board, MSC offers more variety overall.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest MSC Cruises offers…

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

The entertainment options and general vibe of Marella’s and MSC’s ships is very different.

Marella Cruises Entertainment

Days onboard Marella ships tend to be laid-back, with a mix of quizzes, craft sessions, fitness classes, dance lessons, spa treatments and the odd bit of poolside fun.

Marella Explorer show

Evenings focus on theatre productions performed by the in-house entertainment team, visiting singers or comedians, and live music in various lounges. Deck parties, silent discos and themed nights pop up now and again depending on the sailing.

The smaller size of the ships makes it easy to move between venues without feeling overwhelmed, and the whole atmosphere tends to be friendly and sociable.

MSC Cruises Entertainment

MSC brings a much livelier, more visual style of entertainment, especially on the newer ships. You’ll find large-scale shows with acrobatics and elaborate staging, late-night pool parties, and amusement zones offering VR rides, F1 simulators and arcades.

A vibrant stage performance on a cruise ship features a group of performers dressed in futuristic costumes under dynamic lighting. The background is illuminated with striking red and orange patterns, creating an energetic atmosphere. The audience is seated, watching the engaging and lively show.

Many ships also have water parks, multi-deck slides and big open-air spaces for parties and family fun.

Because MSC attracts guests from all over the world, the entertainment is designed to be understood without a lot of spoken language – lots of music, showmanship and spectacle rather than dialogue-heavy comedy.

How to Choose

People who prefer a more traditional style of cruise ship entertainment with a warm, cosy feel will likely find that Marella has everything they need.

But for those who need something a little more contemporary, with that late-night energy and resort-style fun, MSC’s bigger ships deliver plenty of “wow”.

Kids’ Facilities

Both cruise lines are welcoming to families, although Marella Cruises does have some ships that are for adults only. Here’s how they compare.

Marella Cruises for Families

Marella’s family offering feels very much like an extension of a TUI family holiday. The kids’ clubs are friendly and familiar, with games, crafts, treasure hunts, movie nights and character visits from the M Crew mascots.

My kids are 8 and 11 and honestly, they didn’t love the kids’ club. That’s because kids of all different ages are together, and the activities were more geared towards the younger ones. After a couple of sessions they didn’t go back and instead spent their time playing football on the sports courts, playing in thr Xbox room or swimming.

Marella hideout kids club

Under-3s have their own stay-and-play sessions, and teens get a separate hangout space where they can socialise, play games or watch films.

Because the ships aren’t huge, it’s easy for families to get around and for kids to join in activities without feeling lost in the crowd.

Read more: 15 Reasons Marella Cruises Are Great For Kids

MSC Cruises for Families

MSC offers a much more branded, high-energy experience thanks to its partnerships with LEGO and Chicco.

Two children pose happily with certificates in front of a large LEGO sailor statue at an MSC Cruise Kids' Club. The boy on the left holds colorful streamers and a "Congratulations" certificate, while the girl on the right, wearing a Minnie Mouse hoodie and a face mask, holds a similar certificate and streamers. The background features bright colors and playful decorations, enhancing the fun atmosphere.

The kids’ clubs are split into tight age groups and offer themed play areas, building challenges, family game shows, parades and plenty of late-night fun for teens. On the newest ships, features like The Harbour outdoor family area and expanded splash zones add even more excitement.

The international atmosphere can be a plus or a minus depending on your children. Some absolutely love the mix of languages and the buzz; others prefer something more familiar.

Read more: MSC Changes Popular Infant Policy At Short Notice & Cancels Impacted Guests’ Bookings

How to Choose

If you want a simple, comforting holiday that feels very familiar to British families, Marella is the safer bet. If your kids thrive in a busy, high-energy environment – especially if they adore LEGO (and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?)  – MSC has more to offer.

Price

I’ve said there are several areas where Marella Cruises and MSC differ, but ultimately I think it’s in the pricing – or at least how cruise line packages are put together – where you might see the biggest variance between the two.

Marella Pricing

Marella Cruises’ fares look higher at first glance because you’re seeing something close to the true cost of your holiday.

Marella cocktails

Flights, transfers, drinks, meals, tips and entertainment are all wrapped in. You might add WiFi or a speciality meal, but you could easily spend the entire cruise without taking your wallet out again.

So while a Marella Cruise might look a little higher than you want to spend, that’s only if you haven’t actually thought about everything included. Value-wise, they’re excellent.

MSC Pricing

MSC often advertises incredibly low fares, especially in Europe outside school holidays.

But those prices rarely include flights or drinks packages, and WiFi and speciality dining are extra. Once you start adding the things you consider essential, the overall cost can rise quickly.

Me with MSC Euribia

Some of the very cheapest MSC sailings can feel a bit more “budget” onboard – perhaps repeated menus or longer queues at busy times – but that’s understandable given how low the base fare can be.

You can definitely book cheaper MSC cruises than you can Marella, if you pick the right sailings and dates (especially if sailing from the UK and flights aren’t needed). However you might need to compromise on your experience, in terms of quality and the drinks you have, if you want to keep that fare down.

How to Choose

The fairest comparison is to build the trip you actually want on both lines and compare those totals.

For Marella, that’s the cruise fare, WiFi (if needed) and excursions.

For MSC, it’s the cruise, flights, transfers, your chosen drinks package, WiFi and any speciality dining you plan to try.

Once you do that, the price gap often shrinks dramatically – and sometimes Marella comes out the better-value choice.

Final Word

Both cruise lines offer brilliant ways to see the world without spending a fortune, but they cater to different holiday styles.

Marella excels if you want an easy, all-inclusive package with British-style food and entertainment, mid-sized ships and lots of port days.

MSC suits travellers who enjoy big, modern ships, a more international atmosphere, a wider choice of itineraries and the option to splash out on the Yacht Club.

Whichever way you lean, you’ll find a cruise line capable of giving you a fantastic holiday – it’s just a case of matching the experience to your personality.

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Don’t miss the latest Marella Cruises offers…

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by with No Comment Cruise Tips

John Shallohttp://www.cruiseaddicts.com

John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, one of the web’s longest-running cruise travel communities. Since 1999, Cruise Addicts has been a trusted destination for cruise travelers seeking the latest industry news, in-depth ship reviews, expert travel tips, and a passionate community of self-proclaimed cruise enthusiasts.

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