Cruise ship docked at a port far from the city, like Civitavecchia for Rome

Cruise Ports Far From the City: Civitavecchia to Rome, Le Havre to Paris and More

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinations

Several famous cruise stops are sold under the name of a city that is actually an hour or more away. Getting from Civitavecchia to Rome takes about 60 to 90 minutes each way, Le Havre to Paris is a two-hour train ride, and Warnemünde to Berlin is closer to three. None of these ports is a trick, but knowing the real distance before you book lets you choose between a ship excursion, a train or a quieter day closer to the pier.

Cruise lines usually show the port in brackets, for example “Rome (Civitavecchia)” or “Paris (Le Havre)”, and the city is the reason most people book. Below is a straightforward guide to which ports are far from the city they are sold as, how long the journey really takes, and how to plan the day so you are back on board with time to spare.

Cruise ports far from the city: the quick comparison

Distances are approximate road distances to the city centre. Travel times are typical each way in normal conditions and do not include getting from the ship to the station or coach park, queues, or traffic at peak times.

Port Sold as Approx. distance Typical time each way Easiest option
Civitavecchia Rome 70-80 km (45-50 miles) 1 hr by train, 1-1.5 hrs by road Regional train to San Pietro or Termini
Le Havre Paris About 200 km (125 miles) About 2-2.5 hrs by train, 3 hrs or more by coach Ship excursion or early train to Saint-Lazare
Livorno Florence / Pisa About 100 km to Florence, 25 km to Pisa About 1.25-1.75 hrs to Florence, 20-30 mins to Pisa Train via Livorno Centrale
La Spezia Florence / Pisa About 150 km to Florence, 80 km to Pisa About 1.75-2.5 hrs to Florence by train Cinque Terre or Portovenere instead
Cádiz Seville About 120 km (75 miles) About 1.5-2 hrs by train or road Regional train from Cádiz station
Warnemünde Berlin About 240 km (150 miles) About 2.5-3 hrs by train or coach Ship excursion (often 12+ hrs long)
Tianjin Beijing About 180 km (110 miles) About 1.5-2 hrs via taxi plus bullet train, 2.5-3 hrs by road Pre-booked transfer or ship tour
Laem Chabang Bangkok About 120 km (75 miles) About 2-2.5 hrs by road, more in traffic Ship excursion or private car
Southampton London About 130 km (80 miles) From about 1.25 hrs by train to Waterloo Train or coach transfer
Dover London About 125 km (75 miles) Around 1 hr by high-speed train to St Pancras Train from Dover Priory
Piraeus (for contrast) Athens About 12 km (7.5 miles) 25-30 mins by metro Metro Line 1 to Monastiraki

Civitavecchia to Rome: the classic example

Civitavecchia is Rome’s cruise port, sitting on the coast roughly 70 to 80 km north-west of the city centre. Most ships dock at piers a fair way from the port gate, so you will normally take the free port shuttle bus to the exit first.

From there, Civitavecchia station is a short walk along the seafront. Regional trains on the FL5 line run to Rome roughly every 30 minutes on many days, stopping at Roma San Pietro (handy for the Vatican), Trastevere, Ostiense and Termini. The fastest trains take a little over 40 minutes, but an hour is a fair planning figure. Fares are low, typically under €10 each way. Check the timetable for the day of your call, because Sunday and holiday services can be thinner.

Other options for Civitavecchia to Rome include the SIT shuttle coach from the port to the Vatican area and Termini (around 75 minutes), private transfers, and the cruise line’s own coach tours. A taxi or private car usually takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and costs well over €100 for the vehicle. Realistically, you get five or six hours in Rome on a typical port day, so pick one area, such as the Vatican or the Colosseum and Forum, rather than trying to see everything.

Le Havre to Paris: a long day for a short visit

Le Havre is on the Normandy coast and Paris is about 200 km inland. Direct trains from Le Havre to Paris Saint-Lazare take about 2 hours 5 minutes at their fastest, with many taking closer to 2 hours 20 minutes. Add the taxi or shuttle from the cruise terminal to Le Havre station, and you are looking at five hours or more of travel in a day, leaving perhaps four or five hours in Paris.

Ship excursions to Paris go by coach and can take three hours or longer each way, especially if there is traffic around the Paris ring road. If you have visited Paris before, the closer alternatives are well worth considering: the harbour town of Honfleur is around 30 minutes away, Étretat’s chalk cliffs are under an hour, and Rouen, with its cathedral and old town, is about an hour by train. Le Havre’s own rebuilt centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Livorno and La Spezia for Florence and Pisa

Ships sold as “Florence” or “Pisa” usually call at Livorno or La Spezia, and the difference matters.

Livorno to Florence

Livorno is the closer of the two. Trains from Livorno Centrale to Florence take roughly 70 to 100 minutes, with direct and connecting services through the day. The catch is reaching the station: the cruise line shuttle often drops passengers in the town centre, not at the railway station, so you may need a city bus or a taxi of about 10 minutes. Allow around two hours door to door. Pisa is much easier, at about 20 to 30 minutes by train or road, which makes a Pisa-and-Lucca day a relaxed option.

La Spezia to Florence

From La Spezia, Florence is a bigger stretch. A regional train with a change at Pisa takes around 2.5 hours, and faster direct trains are about 1 hour 45 minutes when they run. The station is a 20 to 30 minute walk from the port. Many passengers find the Cinque Terre villages or Portovenere, both reachable by local train or boat, a better use of a La Spezia day. Our guide to the best shore excursions for Mediterranean cruises has more ideas for these Italian stops.

Passengers waiting on a European train station platform for a day trip from a cruise port
Trains are often the fastest way from a distant port into the city. Photo: Nico Kusuma Jaya on Pexels

Cádiz, Warnemünde, Tianjin and Laem Chabang

Cádiz for Seville

Cádiz is one of the easier long-distance ports. The ship docks right next to the old town, and the railway station is close to the harbour. Regional trains reach Seville in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Seville in summer is extremely hot, though, and Cádiz itself, with its cathedral, beaches and old quarter, is a pleasant day out on foot.

Warnemünde for Berlin

Warnemünde is a seaside resort on the Baltic coast, roughly 240 km from Berlin. Ship excursions to Berlin typically run around 12 hours in total, with 2.5 to 3 hours each way by train or coach and five or six hours in the city. Going independently by train is possible, but the timings are tight and delays on German rail are not unusual, so most passengers choose the ship’s tour for this one. Rostock and Warnemünde are an easy alternative if you would rather not spend six hours travelling.

Tianjin for Beijing

Tianjin’s cruise terminal is in the port district, about 180 km from Beijing. The bullet train between Tianjin and Beijing is quick, but you first need a taxi to the station, which can be 40 to 70 minutes depending on which one you use. Overall, expect around 1.5 to 2 hours each way in good conditions, or longer by road. Tianjin is normally a turnaround port, so many passengers spend a night or two in Beijing before or after the cruise rather than visiting as a day trip.

Laem Chabang for Bangkok

Laem Chabang is Thailand’s main container and cruise port, about 120 km south-east of Bangkok. The drive is around two hours on a clear road, but Bangkok traffic can easily add an hour on the way back. Ship tours and pre-booked private cars are the usual choices. If your ship stays overnight, that is the best chance to see Bangkok properly. Pattaya is much closer if you only have one short day.

Southampton and Dover for London

UK departure ports are often labelled “London”, which confuses some overseas passengers. Southampton is about 80 miles from central London, and the fastest trains to Waterloo take around 1 hour 15 minutes, though many services take longer. Dover is a similar distance, but Southeastern high-speed trains reach St Pancras in around an hour. For a London stay before or after a cruise, factor in luggage and the transfer to the terminal. If you are driving instead, see our guide to Southampton hotels with cruise parking.

Ship docked in a busy harbour, a reminder to check how far the dock is from the city
Check how far the dock is from the city before you plan the day. Photo: Katja B on Pexels

How to avoid getting caught out on port day

  • Read the brackets. On any itinerary, the name in brackets is where the ship actually docks. Look it up on a map before you book.
  • Check your hours ashore. All-aboard time is usually 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Subtract travel both ways and the time to get off the ship to see what is really left.
  • Know who waits for whom. Ships generally wait for their own excursions if a coach is delayed. They are not obliged to wait for independent travellers, and missing the ship means paying to catch up at the next port.
  • Build in a buffer. Aim to be back at the port at least an hour before all-aboard, and more in cities with heavy traffic such as Bangkok, Rome and Paris.
  • Check strikes and timetables. Rail strikes happen in Italy and France, and weekend timetables differ. Look at official rail sites a few days before.
  • Carry the essentials. Take the ship’s agent phone number, your cruise card and photo ID, and some local currency for buses or taxis.

What to do instead of the long trip

A long transfer is not always the best value. If you have already seen the big city, or the time ashore is short, the port town itself or a nearby attraction can make for a more relaxed day. Good examples include Honfleur from Le Havre, Lucca or Pisa from Livorno, the Cinque Terre from La Spezia, Tarquinia’s Etruscan tombs from Civitavecchia, and the old town of Cádiz. Ports such as Piraeus, Barcelona, Lisbon and Kotor are the opposite case: the city is on the doorstep, so you can explore freely without long transport.

Is an overnight call worth it?

The best way to see a distant city is a cruise with an overnight stop or a turnaround there. Some itineraries stay overnight at Laem Chabang, Tianjin or Le Havre, and a few river-style or smaller-ship voyages sail up to Rouen or into central Bangkok. Another option is to begin or end your trip with a hotel stay in Rome, Paris or London. When comparing itineraries, check the hours in port as well as the price. Our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 is a good place to start.

Alaska has a few outlying docks too, such as Ketchikan Ward Cove, which our Alaska cruise ports guide covers port by port.

Long transfers are only part of the story, so see how to handle Europe's most frustrating cruise ports before you choose your excursions.

FAQs

How far is Rome from Civitavecchia port?

Rome’s city centre is roughly 70 to 80 km from Civitavecchia. By train it takes about an hour, and by road usually 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.

How much does a train ticket from Civitavecchia to Rome cost?

Regional trains are inexpensive, usually under €10 each way. Prices can change, so check Trenitalia for the current fare on your travel date.

Can you get a taxi from Civitavecchia to Rome?

Yes. Taxis and pre-booked private cars are available at the port. Expect 60 to 90 minutes each way and a fare well above €100 for the vehicle, so they make most sense for a small group.

How long does it take to get from Le Havre to Paris?

Direct trains to Paris Saint-Lazare take about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes. Coach excursions often take three hours or more each way.

Will the ship wait if I am late back from the city?

Ships usually wait for their own delayed excursions, but not for passengers travelling independently. Leave a generous buffer before all-aboard time.

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7 Things Asian Cruise Ships Have That Others Don’t

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsOther

Step onboard a cruise ship that’s designed for Asia guests and you’ll notice something feels different almost immediately – and it’s not just the language on the daily programme.

From the way meals stretch late into the evening to the kinds of social spaces that stay busy long after sunset, these ships are designed around habits many western cruise lines barely consider.

Princess Cruises ships in Asia

Most people assume cruise ships are built to one global template, with only minor tweaks for itinerary. In reality, ships designed for the Asian market often make very deliberate design and programming choices – some obvious, others quietly tucked into deck plans and cabin details.

Some of these features are instantly appealing, others take a bit of adjustment, and a few might genuinely change how you feel about a ship once you’re onboard. And there’s one small detail in particular that tells you more about a ship’s intended audience than almost anything else…

Ships Designed For the Asian Market

Not all cruise ships serving Asia are designed in the same way, and it’s definitely worth knowing which market a ship was originally built for.

Disney Adventure Render

The most Asia-focused ships belong to the Dream Cruises brand, but main mainsteam American and European-owned cruise lines also have ships that are marketed almost exclusively for Asian guests.

Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas was purpose-built for the Asian market from the outset, while Princess Cruises has taken a more tailored approach: Diamond Princess leans more heavily towards Japanese preferences, whereas Majestic Princess incorporates stronger Chinese influences.

Norwegian Joy is a good reminder that these design choices aren’t fixed – it was originally launched as Norwegian Cruise Line’s Asia-focused ship before being extensively renovated for an American audience.

Cruise lines are still evolving in this space too, with Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure set to become its first ship designed specifically for the Asian market, bringing Disney’s own take on regional cruising preferences.

Cruise Ship Features For The Asian Market

1. Special Dining That Genuinely Reflects Asian Tastes

Cruise ships designed for the Asian market usually treat food as a headline feature, not an afterthought. Rather than adding one token Asian restaurant, these ships build whole dining ecosystems around regional cuisines and eating habits.

Noodle Bar on Spectrum of the Seas

Spectrum of the Seas, for example, was designed specifically for Asia and includes venues such as Sichuan Red and a dedicated Noodle Bar, alongside a buffet that places far more emphasis on Chinese dishes than Royal Caribbean’s Western-deployed ships – though still with a lean into world cuisine.

On Genting Dream, dining is similarly central to the onboard experience, with hot pot, Asian specialities and late-night options designed for group dining. These ships recognise that meals are social events, often shared by extended families or groups of friends, and they’re built to accommodate longer, more leisurely dining styles.

Disney adventure dining

For western cruisers, the key difference is that Asian food isn’t “alternative” dining on these ships – it’s mainstream, plentiful and woven into the rhythm of the day.

2. Larger, More Prominent Casinos

While most cruise ships have casinos, Asia-market ships often treat them as a core attraction – and they tend to have more of a focus on table games than slots. Casinos on these ships are noticeably larger and more central than you might expect, with layouts designed to handle high footfall and long playing sessions.

There is also a clear emphasis on VIP gambling areas, reflecting the importance of premium gaming to the Asian cruise market.

VIP Casino Table on Majestic Princess

Similarly, ships such as Genting Dream position their casinos as flagship venues, closely integrated with nearby bars and late-night dining. The result is an onboard flow that supports social gambling as an evening activity, rather than something you dip into briefly before a show.

Many American cruise ships are now doing similar things with casinos, particularly with a market of cruisers who gamble in order to get perks through casino loyalty programmes.

But there are still differences, especially with the slot-to-table game ratio on the ships.

3. Karaoke Rooms, Often in Private KTV Style

Karaoke is a huge cultural touchstone across much of Asia, and ships designed for this market take it seriously. Ships designed for the Asian market will often host a dedicated karaoke venue where guests can sing throughout the cruise, rather than just on one themed night. The experience is designed to be accessible and social, with constant turnover and a relaxed attitude to participation.

On Majestic Princess, karaoke goes a step further with private karaoke suites that can be booked by small groups.

Majestic Princess Karaoke

This mirrors the KTV model popular across East and Southeast Asia, where friends and families sing together in their own space rather than performing in front of strangers.

It’s a subtle but important design difference and can feel surprisingly liberating: no stage fright, no waiting list, just a room, a microphone and a group of people egging each other on. It’s one of the clearest signs that a ship has been designed with Asian social habits in mind.

4. Tea Rooms and a Stronger Tea Culture Onboard

On ships designed for the Asian market, tea is treated as a cultural pillar rather than a background beverage. Instead of tea simply being folded into cafés or afternoon tea service, these ships often feature dedicated tea rooms or lounges focused on high-quality loose-leaf teas and calm socialising.

Tea Cafe on Spectrum of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Asia-deployed ships, including Spectrum of the Seas, tea venues are positioned as daytime gathering spaces, appealing to multi-generational groups who may not gravitate towards bars or pool decks. The emphasis is on authenticity, ritual and choice, with menus that go well beyond basic black or green tea.

Disney Adventure, which sails on short cruises out of Singapore, features ‘Bewitching Boba and Brews’, a cafe focusing on fashionable bubble teas.

This approach reflects how tea is consumed across much of Asia: slowly, socially and with intention. It also broadens the onboard social landscape, offering a relaxed alternative to louder venues. For travellers more familiar with coffee-led cruise culture, these tea spaces can feel like a subtle but meaningful shift in how ships accommodate different rhythms of daily life.

5. Smaller Pool Areas and Less Emphasis on Sunbathing

Another noticeable difference on ships designed for Asian markets is the reduced emphasis on large, resort-style pool decks. While pools are still present, they are often smaller relative to the ship’s size, with less space devoted to all-day sunbathing and more allocated to indoor venues.

"The main downside to it having been originally designed for the Asian market is the very small swimming pool and oddly designed pool deck. Apparently the Asian market doesn't value swimming like Americans or Europeans from what I have read. Other than it's just like the others in that class, a very nice ship."

Some cruisers of Norwegian Joy, a ship originally built for the Asian market but renovated for US guests, have noticed it has a (slightly) smaller pool compared to sister ships.

NCL Joy Main Pool

This reflects different travel habits and itinerary patterns. Many Asian cruises operate on shorter sailings, port-intensive routes, or during seasons when sunbathing isn’t the primary focus.

The weather in Asia is often too hot and humid to be outdoors for long and many people prefer to stay out of direct sunlight. As a result, designers prioritise indoor entertainment, dining and retail venues that remain busy regardless of weather.

Ships like Genting Dream illustrate this balance well, offering pools and outdoor areas without making them the defining feature of the ship. The trade-off is often a livelier indoor atmosphere, particularly in the evenings, with more places for groups to gather, eat and socialise long after sunset.

6. Mahjong Rooms and Dedicated Card Spaces

Mahjong is more than a casual pastime across much of Asia; it’s a deeply social activity that can anchor entire afternoons or evenings. Cruise ships built for this market often reflect that by including dedicated mahjong or card rooms, rather than relying on generic libraries or multi-purpose lounges.

Mah-jong table

These spaces are designed with long sessions in mind: comfortable seating, appropriate table layouts and a tolerance for noise and animated conversation. On ships such as Genting Dream, mahjong rooms are clearly defined venues, signalling that this is an expected and valued part of the onboard experience.

The inclusion of a mahjong room is a strong indicator of who the ship is really built for. It acknowledges group travel, extended family cruising and social activities that don’t revolve around scheduled entertainment. Even for guests who don’t play, these rooms contribute to the ship’s overall character and sense of cultural specificity.

7. Bidets and Washlets in Cabins and Public Bathrooms

One of the most quietly telling features of Asia-focused deployment is the inclusion of bidets or washlets. On ships operating extensively in Japan and surrounding markets, these are often installed not only in higher-category cabins but also in public restrooms. Diamond Princess is a well-known example, having incorporated bidets as part of its Japan-facing design and refurbishment strategy.

In regions where washlets are standard at home, their absence would be noticeable, so their presence onboard signals a clear understanding of guest expectations. For cruise lines, this is less about luxury and more about normality.

For travellers from regions where bidets are less common, it can feel like an unexpected upgrade. More importantly, it highlights how ships designed for specific markets adapt at a very practical level, right down to the bathroom fixtures, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all global template.

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Final Word

Cruise ships designed for the Asian market aren’t better or worse – they’re just built around different assumptions about how people actually spend their time onboard.

Food is social and central, evenings run late, group activities matter, and quiet comforts are designed in rather than added as upgrades. And maybe that sounds like how you cruise anyway? If so, maybe you’d love an Asian cruise ship even more!

For some travellers, these ships will feel instantly intuitive. For others, they can be a fascinating culture shift, where karaoke rooms replace piano bars and tea lounges rival cocktail venues for popularity. Even details like pool layouts or bathroom fittings start to make sense once you view the ship through that lens.

The key takeaway is that cruise ships aren’t as universal as they look in marketing photos. If you know what a ship was designed for – and who it was designed for – you’re far more likely to enjoy it. And you might even discover a few features you didn’t know you’d been missing.

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Jenni with Disney Cruise ship at Castaway Cay

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I Took a Transatlantic Cruise With 9 Sea Days… Here’s What I Learned

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsHolland America Line

A transatlantic cruise sounds wonderfully romantic. Endless ocean views, peaceful sea days and time to properly switch off.

But when I booked one with nine sea days and two kids in tow, I started to wonder if it would actually be everything we hoped for.

Cruise Mummy on transatlantic cruise

Would the sea be rough? Would we get bored? And what do you even do on a cruise with almost no ports?

After crossing the Atlantic on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, I can honestly say the experience surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.

Why I Booked A Transatlantic Cruise

I’d wanted to cruise with Holland America Line again for a while, but as it’s a premium cruise line, I needed to find something that worked with our budget.

That’s when I noticed something interesting. The transatlantic sailing was significantly cheaper than many of their other cruises.

The timing also lined up perfectly with the kids’ school holidays. Then I spotted a Kids Sail Free offer too, which made the deal even more tempting. Holland America Line kindly offered me an extra discount in exchange for posting content during the cruise and that sealed it.

We opted for Holland America’s Have It All package, which includes drinks, WiFi, speciality dining and shore excursions. This made the trip even better value for money.

HAL have it all package

Still, I couldn’t help wondering if this bargain cruise was too good to be true.

The Big Question: Would Nine Sea Days Be Too Much?

Most cruises stop somewhere almost every day. This one didn’t.

Aside from a single port stop in Bermuda, the itinerary was essentially nine straight days at sea while crossing the Atlantic.

The kids naturally had questions about sailing through the Bermuda Triangle. They imagined a mysterious triangle-shaped hole in the ocean where ships disappear forever.

We watched a few YouTube videos together about what the Bermuda Triangle actually is and how cruises pass through it safely all the time. That quickly put their minds at ease.

My daughter in bermuda triangle survivor tshirt

Mine took a little longer.

Would the Atlantic be rough? Would the weather be miserable? Would we run out of things to do? Would the kids get cabin fever?

Nine sea days felt very different from our usual port-heavy cruises.

First Impressions

Stepping onto Nieuw Statendam felt like coming home.

I had such fond memories from my solo cruise to Iceland on this ship last year and I was genuinely excited to be back onboard.

The atmosphere immediately felt warm and welcoming. I quickly remembered how much I loved the food, the friendly crew and all the little touches that make Holland America cruises feel so special.

The Weather Wasn’t Exactly On Our Side

The first couple of days were exactly what I dreamed of. Bright sunshine. Calm seas. Plenty of time spent out on deck enjoying the ocean views while sipping cocktails.

Then the weather changed.

Not dramatically. It just became a bit grey.

For much of the crossing it hovered around 15 to 20°C, with cloudy skies and occasional rain. It felt more like British spring weather than a tropical cruise.

rainy day in Bermuda

What surprised me most, though, was how calm the Atlantic actually was.

I’d imagined huge waves and dramatic storms, but most of the time the ship simply had a gentle sway. The crossing felt far more peaceful than I expected.

Cruising With Kids On Holland America

One thing I was particularly curious about was how this cruise would work with children.

Holland America isn’t typically known as a family-focused cruise line, and on this sailing there were very few children onboard.

In the kids club there were just five children, including my two. We also saw a couple of toddlers and a couple of teens, and that was it for kids on the whole ship!

Because there were so few children, the kids club operated slightly differently. You needed to book a slot the day before to secure a place. But once they were in there, my kids absolutely loved it.

Holland America Line kids club

Another funny thing about sailing west across time zones is that the days become 23 hours long. Every other day, the clocks go forward an hour.

That meant the kids found it harder and harder to wake up in the morning, and some days they slept much later than usual. But once they were awake, there was always something to do..

What Do You Actually Do On Nine Sea Days?

This was the question everyone asked before the cruise. And the surprising thing is that the days somehow went incredibly fast.

The daily schedule wasn’t packed with activities like on some cruise lines, but there was always enough to fill the day.

looking out to sea

We spent our time:

  • Swimming in the indoor pool
  • Going to the gym
  • Playing board games
  • Playing deck games like suffboard and cornhole
  • Watching movies in the cabin or by the pool
  • Reading books from the library

The kids also loved High Score, the ship’s free arcade. It’s technically the teen club, but during certain hours it opens to all ages. We spent quite a bit of time there playing pinball, air hockey, table football and video games.

HAL High Score Arcade

I also relaxed the rules on screen time slightly during this cruise.

Normally the kids barely touch their iPads onboard, but with WiFi included they occasionally watched videos or played games in the cabin. And honestly, after so many sea days, I didn’t feel too guilty about it.

The Atmosphere Onboard

The atmosphere on this cruise was incredibly relaxed.

Most passengers were American or Dutch and many were retired. Everyone seemed friendly and in no rush to be anywhere.

When you spend that many consecutive days at sea, something interesting happens.

You start recognising people around the ship.

You see the same faces at breakfast. You bump into the same people at trivia quizzes and in the lifts. It creates a calm, sociable atmosphere that feels very different from busy cruises where everyone disappears into ports each day.

Food, Drinks And Life Onboard

I’d been slightly worried about how fresh everything would stay after so many days without restocking supplies, but somehow the salads stayed perfectly crisp the entire time. They must have some kind of magical cruise ship refrigeration system.

fresh salad

The Have It All package also made a huge difference to the overall experience.

Having drinks included means you can order cocktails, wine or speciality coffees without constantly thinking about the cost. Over nine sea days, that definitely adds up.

We also loved the speciality dining restaurants, especially Tamarind, which serves incredible Asian fusion food.

Did We Get Cabin Fever?

Before the cruise, this was my biggest concern. But surprisingly… It never happened.

Between the gym, kids club, restaurants, games, movies and simply wandering around the ship, the days always felt comfortably full without feeling exhausting.

playing cornhole

And before we knew it, we were already approaching the UK.

Who Would Enjoy A Transatlantic Cruise?

A transatlantic cruise isn’t for everyone, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s perfect for people who genuinely enjoy sea days, slow mornings and simply watching the ocean drift by. If you love reading, relaxing and having nowhere particular to be, it can feel wonderfully peaceful.

However, if you mainly cruise for the ports or prefer constant high-energy entertainment, this style of sailing may feel a little too quiet.

I also think choosing the right ship makes a huge difference. Features like the indoor pool, gym and family spaces helped keep the experience enjoyable for all of us.

Nieuw Statendam pool

My Final Verdict

So was the transatlantic cruise a mistake?

Not at all. In fact, we absolutely loved it.

The slower pace, calm atmosphere and feeling of completely disconnecting from normal life made this cruise feel very different from any other itinerary we’ve done.

And while nine sea days sounded daunting at first…

It ended up being one of the most relaxing cruises I’ve ever taken.

I also have a video of this cruise, take a look here…

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Royal Caribbean Opens First Royal Beach Club In Europe On Santorini

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsNews

Royal Caribbean International has opened its first Royal Beach Club in Europe, giving cruise passengers visiting Santorini a new way to experience the Greek island.

Royal Beach Club Santorini

The Royal Beach Club Santorini welcomed its first guests when passengers sailing on Odyssey of the Seas visited the new venue as part of a full-day shore excursion called Ultimate Santorini Day.

The experience combines visits to some of the island’s most famous towns with time at the new beach club on the volcanic black sand shores of Vlychada.

The launch marks the first time Royal Caribbean has introduced its beach club concept in Europe, expanding a model that has previously been used in the Caribbean.

Royal Beach Club Santorini Map

Exploring Santorini’s Most Famous Towns

The full-day excursion begins with a scenic ferry journey along Santorini’s dramatic coastline before guests head across the island to explore two of its best known locations.

One of the stops is Oia, the postcard-perfect village famous for its whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches overlooking the caldera. Visitors can wander through narrow lanes filled with boutiques and viewpoints that offer some of the most recognisable views in Greece.

Sunset of Oia, Santorini
Oia, Santorini

The tour then continues to Fira, the island’s capital. Here guests have time to explore cafés, small shops and galleries while enjoying views across the cliffs above the Aegean Sea. The town has a livelier atmosphere and offers plenty of places to relax before the final part of the excursion.

What To Expect From The Beach Club Experience On Santorini’s Black Sand Coast

The day concludes at the Royal Beach Club Santorini, located on the black sand beach of Vlychada.

Guests visiting the club have access to a private beachfront setting with sun loungers, umbrellas, towels and Wi-Fi included. Food and drinks are also part of the experience, with options ranging from Greek dishes and buffets to snacks and frozen yoghurt. Visitors also receive a welcome drink, along with wine and draft beer.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said Santorini continues to be one of the cruise line’s most popular destinations and that the new beach club allows the company to offer a more complete experience for visitors to the island.

Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, added that the concept is designed to combine Santorini’s well known landmarks with time to enjoy the island’s beach culture.

Royal Caribbean’s Expanding Beach Club Concept

Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of Royal Caribbean Group’s wider strategy to develop destination experiences linked to its cruises, giving guests exclusive places to relax ashore.

Royal Caribbean private destinations

The concept began with the launch of Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas in 2019. Royal Caribbean completely redeveloped the private island to include a large waterpark, beach areas, pools and exclusive cabanas, creating a destination designed specifically for cruise guests.

Following the success of CocoCay, the cruise line began expanding the idea with new private destinations and beach clubs in different regions.

The company also opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, which began welcomig guests in December 2025. The project will combine a private beach club experience with Bahamian food, music and culture, offering cruise passengers a day resort-style experience close to the busy cruise port.

More destinations currently under development are Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu.

With the opening of Royal Beach Club Santorini, Royal Caribbean is now bringing the concept to Europe for the first time. Unlike the Caribbean destinations, which are purpose-built private resorts, the Santorini location combines sightseeing with a beach club visit as part of a guided excursion.

The expansion shows how the cruise line is increasingly investing in its own shore experiences, giving passengers curated destinations that can reduce crowding, offer guaranteed amenities and create a more structured day in port.

Why Santorini?

Santorini is one of the most famous cruise destinations in the Mediterranean, known for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, whitewashed villages and iconic blue-domed churches. Millions of visitors travel to the Greek island each year, with many arriving by cruise ship for a single day in port.

However, the popularity of the destination can also create challenges for cruise passengers. On busy summer days, several ships may anchor off the island at the same time, bringing thousands of visitors ashore within a few hours.

During peak periods, as many as 17,000 cruise passengers can disembark in a single day, often heading to the same two locations: Fira and Oia.

These towns are famous for their narrow pedestrian streets and cliffside viewpoints. While the scenery is spectacular, the limited space means large crowds can quickly build up once tour groups and cruise excursions arrive. Oia’s small paths in particular can become heavily congested during the tourist season as visitors gather to take photos or watch the sunset.

Santorini

Another challenge for cruise passengers is simply getting to and from the island’s main town. Cruise ships cannot dock directly in Santorini, so guests are tendered to the old port below Fira and must then take a cable car, walk roughly 600 steps, or ride a mule to reach the town above. At busy times, queues for the cable car can become very long, especially when multiple ships are in port at once.

Because of these issues, many cruise visitors spend much of their limited time navigating crowds or waiting in lines rather than relaxing and enjoying the island. That is one reason cruise lines have increasingly looked for alternative experiences that spread visitors out across Santorini.

By including a private beach stop and organised touring, Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club excursion aims to give guests a more balanced day on the island, combining the famous cliffside towns with time to relax away from the busiest areas.

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The 12 Most Beautiful Cruise Ports in the World

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinations

Some ports are just somewhere to stretch your legs. Others make you seriously question whether you should get back on the ship at all.

I’ve trawled articles from travel experts, forums, social media and more and put together a list of the most beautiful cruise ports from genuine travellers.

1. Skagway, Alaska

Skagway feels like one of those places that quietly shows off without trying too hard. You step off the ship and suddenly you are surrounded by mountains that look a bit ridiculous – but in the best way.

Skagway, Alaska

A lot of people say it feels more like stepping into a Western film set than a real town, but with glaciers casually hanging out in the background. The buildings are colourful and old-fashioned, and you can walk pretty much everywhere without needing a plan.

Some think the best part isn’t even the time in port, but the sail away, when the water turns glassy and the mountains just keep going. It has that rare mix of being dramatic and cosy at the same time.

Suggested reas: The 17 Must-Do Excursions In Alaska

2. Naples, Italy

Naples isn’t pretty in a tidy, polished way, and honestly that is half the appeal. Some people think it’s a bit scruffy, but a lot of seasoned cruisers say it feels more alive than most places.

Coastal Cruises Naples with CroisiEurope

If you judge it by what’s right outside the cruise terminal, it can feel loud, gritty and a bit overwhelming, especially compared to the postcard-perfect ports cruisers usually picture.

But Naples also happens to be one of the best “gateway” ports in Europe. It’s the jumping-off point for Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, which is where many cruisers have their most memorable day of the whole sailing.

Me and my daughter in Naples

So if you do visit Naples on your cruise, don’t just get off the ship and walk around. Instead, book yourself onto an excursion to one of the nearby towns and it will probably be the highlight of your cruise.

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3. Mo’orea, French Polynesia

Mo’orea is the kind of place that makes you forget what day it is.

A lot of people say it feels unreal, like you’ve walked into a screensaver that never ends. The water is that clear, bright turquoise that doesn’t even look natural, and the mountains behind the beaches are sharp and jungle green.

Snorkelling here is a big deal, because you don’t have to go far before you are floating above coral and tropical fish.

Some think the best thing about Mo’orea isn’t just how it looks, but how quiet and slow everything feels. It’s peaceful without being boring, and beautiful without feeling staged.

4. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan is beautiful in a way that feels warm and welcoming rather than flashy.

San Juan Old and New

People love the streets because every building seems to be painted a different colour, and it somehow all works together. A lot of cruisers say they end up just wandering, stopping for coffee or a cold drink, and not really worrying about ticking off landmarks.

Me and my family in San Juan

The old fort by the sea is a favourite spot because it gives you that mix of history and sea breeze at the same time.

A lot of people think this port feels more like being dropped into a proper working city rather than somewhere built just for visitors, which sort of makes it feel more special.

5. Olden, Norway

Olden looks calm, but in a quietly dramatic way. A lot of people are surprised by how small it is, especially once they notice how huge everything around it feels.

Olden, Norway

Mountains rise straight up from fields, and waterfalls seem to appear out of nowhere and tumble down the cliffs. The air feels cleaner somehow, which sounds ridiculous until you get there.

Me in Olden

Many people go up the Loen Skylift and say it’s one of those views that makes you feel tiny in a good way. It’s not loud or busy, and that’s kind of the magic. You don’t have to do much here for it to be memorable.

6. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of those places that looks good from every angle, but especially from the ship.

Ovation of the Seas at night

People love the sail in because you glide past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge like you’re part of a film. It feels exciting and relaxed at the same time, with water, beaches and city life all mixed together.

Suggested read: 8 Famous Bridges You Can Sail Under on a Cruise

On shore, people enjoy just wandering, grabbing food outside, or sitting near the harbour watching ferries go by. Some think what makes Sydney so beautiful is that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. It’s confident, sunny and very easy to enjoy.

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7. Labadee, Haiti

Labadee is one of those places that catches people off guard. Instead of flat beaches, you get proper green mountains creeping down towards secret little coves.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas docked near a beautiful island

A lot of people love how the water changes colour from pale blue to deep turquoise depending on where you stand. Some say it feels more natural and less manicured than other private cruise stops.

The views from the zip line get talked about a lot, because you are essentially flying over the sea and trees at the same time. It’s a great mix of lazy beach day and “wow, I didn’t expect this to be so pretty”. Even people who visit once tend to remember it.

Of course, there’s a big caveat with Labadee – Royal Caribbean keeps cancelling visits due to unrest on Haiti.

Still, when it’s available as a destination, people love it.

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik feels like it was built to be photographed, but still manages to feel real.

Dubrovnik

A lot of people say the moment you see the old walls from the ship, you get why everyone talks about it. The stone buildings, red roofs and bright blue sea just work together perfectly.

Walking inside the city feels like stepping back in time, or into a certain fantasy TV show (since it was filmed there), with smooth limestone under your feet and tiny side streets everywhere.

The best bits are just standing still and looking down at the water from the walls. It can get busy, but even crowded, it still feels beautiful in a calm, old-world way.

9. Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor feels like a secret that too many people have started to find. The sail in is a big part of the magic, because you glide through a still bay with mountains closing in around you.

Kotor Montenegro

A lot of people say it feels more like sailing into a lake than the sea. The old town is small and maze-like, perfect for aimless wandering.

I think it’s the contrast is what makes it beautiful, with very old stone buildings sitting quietly under huge, dramatic cliffs. It’s the kind of place where you sit down for a coffee, look up, and just think, “How is this real?”

10. Valletta, Malta

Valletta manages to feel grand without being overwhelming. Many cruisers say the best part is arriving by ship, when you see these thick honey-coloured walls rising straight out of the water – and I have to agree.

The scenic view of Valletta, the capital city of Malta, as seen from the sea. The city's skyline is characterized by timeless architecture, including sandstone buildings and historical landmarks that rise steeply from the waterfront. Prominent fortifications and walls line the harbor, reflecting Malta's rich history in maritime defense. The serene Mediterranean Sea complements the bustling cityscape under a partly cloudy sky, enhancing the picturesque and inviting atmosphere of Valletta.

The city feels heavy with history, but in a good way, like it’s proud of it rather than stuck in it. Walking around, you notice balconies, churches and tiny staircases everywhere.

What helps Valletta look so beautiful is the light – the way the sun hits the pale stone and makes the whole city glow. It feels solid, timeless and quietly impressive, rather than flashy.

It also has one of the prettiest cruise terminals I’ve ever seen, it’s built into the side of a cliff!

11. Barbados (Bridgetown)

Barbados has a way of making you slow down without even trying. The beaches near the port are soft underfoot, the water is warm and clear, and everything just feels easy.

Bridgetown Barbados

You can spend the day swimming, strolling or just sitting with your feet in the sand and a cold drink in hand. What makes it special isn’t just the scenery, but the feeling, that vibe.

It’s friendly, relaxed and quietly joyful, with music drifting through the air and the smell of street food nearby. It’s the sort of place where doing very little somehow feels like the perfect plan.

12. Flåm, Norway

Flåm feels like the volume has been turned down on the world. It’s small, really quiet and wrapped tightly in mountains that rise straight out of the water.

Flam cruise

The fjord sits so still at times that the reflections look painted on. Waterfalls slide down the rock faces, and the air feels crisp and fresh in a way you can’t fake.

The famous railway climbs slowly into the mountains, giving you one beautiful view after another. There’s no rush here, no chaos, no mad scramble of tourists – just the kind of calm that makes you breathe a little deeper without realising it.

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Final Word

The funny thing about beautiful cruise ports is that they’re all so different.

Some wow you with huge landscapes, some charm you with tiny streets and faded paint, and some just make you feel ridiculously calm for a few hours.

You don’t need to see them all in one lifetime, but if even a couple of these make your cruise itinerary, you’re already doing something right. And let’s be honest, the real danger is stepping off the ship and half-seriously thinking, “I could live here.”

Which I might have done before. Who knows what the future holds?!

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The Secret Cruise Bargain Most People Don’t Know About

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsMoney saving tips

If you’ve ever chatted to someone who cruises often, you’ll notice their eyes light up when the conversation turns to bargains.

And often they’ll tell you that the best-kept secret for a great deal is repositioning cruises.

These often-overlooked sailings are one of the cruising world’s great delights: part adventure, part relaxation, part incredible-value getaway.

Royal Caribbean wifi

For some people though, the term still sounds like something obscure or even industrial, as though you’re hitching a ride on a technical sailing the public was never meant to see.

I’ve done several repositing cruises, and I’ve paid as little as £99 per cruise for the priviledge. In fact, I may even go as far as to say that these are my favourite itineraries.

Repositioning Cruises Explained

Despite the slightly clunky name, a repositioning cruise is simply a journey where a ship moves from one area to another to begin a new season, or to prep for another cruise.

Repositining Itineraries I’ve sailed include:

  • Bristol to Liverpool
  • Liverpool to Southampton
  • Southampton to Hamburg
  • Barcelona to Rome
  • Southampton to Fort Lauderdale

One of the most common repositioning cruises you’ll see is the transatlantic. In summer the Mediterranean is full of cruise ships, but come autumn, most of them sail across to the Caribbean for winter sun.

Alaska is a popular region in the summer, but you won’t find any cruise ships there in the winter. Instead, they follow the sun for warm-weather adventures in Asia or Mexico.

Seven Seas Grandeur exterior

Even within the UK, there are cruise lines like Ambassador Cruise Line with ships that sail from regional ports. These may sail from Liverpool for a couple of months, then move to sailing from Bristol for a few more, then sailing from Tilbury.

The one-way sailings are very rarely empty. If the ship needs to move, the cruise line will usually sell that voyage to passengers.

Because these sailings don’t fit the traditional mould, the prices often fall in the “surely that can’t be right?” category.

That’s the joy of repositionings: they’re logistical necessities for the cruise line, but unexpected bargains for those of us who love an adventure at sea.

Not All Repositioning Cruises Are Trans-Oceanic

Many people automatically imagine two weeks at sea, crossing an ocean for days on end.

And yes, repositioning cruises can absolutely be epic voyages full of sea days and starry skies. But they can also be tiny little hops that last barely long enough for you to unpack your slippers.

I’ve done both ends of the spectrum. One of my favourites was a genuinely unbelievable £99 cruise on Cunard’s Queen Anne from Hamburg to Southampton. It was only a couple of nights long, but it felt like a little slice of luxury, like sneaking into the world of classic cruising without the classic price tag.

All I needed was a cheap flight to Hamburg. By the time I stepped aboard the Queen Anne, admiring her glossy style and that unmistakable Cunard elegance, I couldn’t believe this bargain had been hiding in plain sight.

Read more: How Much My £99 Cunard Cruise Actually Cost Me

I’ve taken similarly short repositionings around the UK too. Sailing from Liverpool to Southampton on Borealis was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line’s three-month-long world cruise gave guests the option to start in Liverpool, or in Southampton two days later. As many of the guests opted for Southampton, that meant that there were spaces for the first two days of the epic journey – so I snapped one up for a bargain price.

Then there was the Bristol to Liverpool run with Ambassador, a friendly little jaunt that cost astonishingly little and yet felt like a full mini-holiday. Just book a cheap coach transfer to get you home and you’re sorted – so easy, so cheap, and a great break and a great price!

And of course, there are the longer repositionings, the ones that feel like stories in themselves.

Costa Smeralda – a huge, sunlit Italian resort of a ship – cost me around £30 per night on a repositioning itinerary for 5 nights. And that was for a balcony cabin as a solo traveller – both of which would normally mean paying significantly higher costs!

Read more: I Took A £30 Per Day Solo Cruise! Costa Cruises Review

And then there was my Disney transatlantic crossing, which remains one of my favourites.

Disney cruises are notoriously expensive. But given that repositioning cruises are so cheap, booking the transatlantic meant that we could enjoy a two-week cruise for less than the price of a one-week round trip!

Some of the best cruise deals I find are for repositioning cruises – make sure you’re signed up to get my emails if you want to get the best offers sent to you.

Consider How Much You Enjoy Sea Days

One of the defining aspects of many repositioning cruises is the sea-day rhythm.

Without a port every morning, you have time – proper, indulgent, do-whatever-you-like time. It’s a lovely feeling to wake up, open the curtains, and realise that your only real appointment is with the horizon.

If you’re someone who always feels a little torn on port-heavy itineraries – as if you should be doing something, seeing something, squeezing every minute dry – then a repositioning cruise can feel like bliss.

sunset hot tub

There’s no guilt, no sense of missing out, just the ship itself becoming your destination. You finally get to enjoy that leisurely breakfast you usually rush.

You discover corners of the ship you’ve never had time for before: a quiet reading nook, a suntrap on the promenade deck, a little café that becomes your personal sanctuary.

Cruise lines often lean into this unhurried pace with extra activities. There might be wine tastings, guest lectures, craft workshops, cookery demonstrations, dance classes, film screenings, or stargazing sessions.

Or you might simply sink into a deck chair with a book you’ve been meaning to read for three months and lose yourself for an afternoon.

Cruise Mummy on Princess cruise in Sanctuary

Of course, some people find too many sea days a challenge, and that’s important to acknowledge.

If you’re happiest hopping from city to city, exploring somewhere new every day, a long repositioning might not match your travel style. But if the idea of a slow, serene crossing speaks to you, then you’re probably the target audience.

The Lesser-Visited Ports You Might Enjoy

Because repositioning itineraries are designed around geography rather than holiday-brochure patterns, the ports can be wonderfully unusual.

Ships tend to call wherever makes sense as they travel between regions, which means you often get destinations you’d rarely see on a standard weekly cruise.

Cable car Madeira

It might be a day in Madeira, all sweeping viewpoints and cake shops. It could be the Azores, shrouded in mist and beautifully green. You might end up somewhere like Charleston or Halifax on a coastal repositioning, or sail through Hawaii on a huge Pacific arc.

Even within Europe, you can end up with charming one-off stops in places that don’t normally appear on mainstream itineraries. These ports feel like little treats, the kind you remember long after disembarking.

Quieter Ships, Calmer Atmospheres

Repositioning cruises usually sail outside the peak holiday rush, and they often attract travellers who choose them deliberately for the slower pace. The result is a ship that feels roomier, friendlier and often more personal.

Our transatlantic Disney cruise had barely any kids onboard. Most of the guests were retired couples, which was great because the ship was much quieter and there was never a queue for the waterslides!

Quiet Cove

You’ll find it easier to get a table in the buffet and a lounger by the pool. Crew members have time to chat. The entertainment feels more relaxed. You start recognising people as you wander, and the ship begins to feel like a floating neighbourhood rather than a busy hotel.

That slightly quieter atmosphere also gives the whole trip a sense of stepping away from the real world. It feels more like a retreat than a holiday.

Read more: How To Avoid The Crowds On A Cruise: My Quiet Sea Day Itinerary

The Real Value Of Repositioning

The main reason repositioning cruises are such astonishing bargains is simple: they’re harder to sell.

They don’t repeat every week, they’re one-way, they require a bit more planning, and they often have more sea days than the average cruiser expects. But that’s exactly what makes them such good value.

Cruise mummy taking a selfie with Ambassador Cruise ship

Because the cruise lines want to fill the cabins, the nightly cost can be dramatically lower than anything you’d normally find. Sometimes it’s much less than you’d pay for a half-decent hotel at home. Sometimes it’s less than you’d pay for your weekly food shop.

And because you’re still getting the full ship experience – all the amenities, entertainment, dining, pools, lounges and sunset views – the value becomes even more astonishing.

The only thing to plan carefully is travel. You’ll usually need to arrange your own flight to the starting point or back from the final port (or both), and prices can vary depending on where you go.

A view from an airplane window shows the wing of the aircraft against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and the sun shining brightly. Below, a landscape of fields and rivers is partially covered in snow, with clouds scattered across the horizon, creating a serene and picturesque aerial scene.

But with a bit of flexibility, or a well-timed check of flight deals, it’s easy to make the whole trip affordable. I’ve often found that even when flights are factored in, the entire adventure still comes out far cheaper than a standard cruise would have been.

Lots of Cruisers Love Them…

These voyages tend to attract a certain sort of traveller. If you love the ship as much as the destinations, you’ll probably be in heaven.

Retirees often adore them because there’s no rush, no crowds and plenty of time to unwind. Digital nomads appreciate the long stretches of peaceful days, especially now that many ships have much better WiFi than a few years ago.

And then there are the bargain hunters who simply can’t resist the idea of sailing on a premium line for the cost of a budget hotel. Hi!

Cruise deals

They’re also wonderful for anyone who wants to ease into a new region. Imagine crossing to Europe, arriving refreshed, and starting a longer trip already adjusted to the new time zone. Or sailing from Alaska towards Japan and feeling the climate shift gently over days rather than hours.

That said, they’re not perfect for everyone. Some travellers get restless without regular port days. Others find the idea of organising flights a bit too fiddly. But cruising is wonderfully varied, and there’s a place for every travel style – repositionings included.

Some Practical Considerations

Like any trip, repositionings work best when you know what to expect. Because routes can stretch across different climates, packing layers is always sensible – a warm hoodie for breezy deck days, something summery for your ports, and perhaps a waterproof for good measure.

Windy on deck

If you’re prone to seasickness, choosing a mid-ship cabin lower down tends to provide the smoothest ride, though modern ships are remarkably stable.

It’s also wise to keep an eye on visas, even if you’re only calling at a port for a day. And although cruise lines work hard to provide smooth sailing, captains may occasionally alter routes for weather, especially on autumn Atlantic crossings.

Think of it as part of the adventure: the sea makes the rules.

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Final Word

A repositioning cruise feels less like a holiday and more like a journey – a chance to slow down, breathe a little deeper and watch the world unfurl at a gentler pace. You feel the distances. You feel the shift from one region to another. You wake to new horizons, not new alarms.

It’s that rare combination of tranquillity, value and adventure that keeps me coming back.

Whether it’s a £99 taste of Cunard luxury, a cheerful weekend hop up the UK coast, a sun-soaked Italian mega-ship for the price of a takeaway, or a mega-ship-fuelled Atlantic crossing filled with tons of activities, these are voyages that linger in the memory.

Repositioning cruises are the best-kept secret – and I will continue to hunt the best deals I can to enjoy these super-cheap cruises!

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12 Things You Need To Know About Harvest Caye (Belize)

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsNorwegian Cruise Line

You might think all cruise private islands are basically the same. Harvest Caye proves they’re not.

At first glance, this Belizean port ticks all the usual boxes. White sand. Clear water. Loungers, bars and organised excursions just steps from the ship.

But Harvest Caye doesn’t quite behave like a typical private island.

Aerial view of NCL Harvest Caye

It’s mainly used by Norwegian Cruise Line and sits in southern Belize, which gives it a very different feel from the Caribbean cays most cruisers are used to. And while it looks polished and easy, there are a few quirks that catch people out.

Some are small. Others can completely change how your port day feels.

And there’s one detail in particular that surprises first-time visitors every single time…

1. It’s a Private Island

Harvest Caye is a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. This means that the only way to visit the island is if you book a cruise on an NCL ship, or one of the two luxury cruise lines owned by the same company – Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Because it’s a private island, this means you won’t be sharing the space with other tourists – the only people on the island will be your other cruise ship guests, and the staff employed by Norwegian Cruise Line, either from the ship or those who work on the island itself.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy a little more of a tranquil space, with only your fellow ship guests taking up loungers on the beach. It’s a fun-packed location too, though, so you’ll still want to book any excursions early to avoid disappointment.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

2. A Lot of People Mispronounce the Island’s Name

The word ‘Caye’ is used throughout Central America, and it is pronounced “key”. Harvest is pronounced normally, as you’d expect. A lot of guests still refer to the island as “Harvest Kay” without realising the correct pronunciation.

That’s likely because it can be pronounced as “kay” in parts of the Bahamas, so you end up with the same word being said differently in regions which are relatively close to each other. Don’t worry about it too much, though, because no locals are going to be offended if you say it wrong.

It does cause confusion, though – so if you’re looking for Harvest Key Belize, you actually want Harvest Caye.

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3. There’s a Pier – No Need to Tender!

There is a pier terminal at Harvest Caye where your ship will dock – you don’t have to worry about taking a tender boat from the ship to shore. The pier is quite long, but it is covered to provide shade during the hotter, sunnier days – of which there are many.

Because the ship docks at the pier, you don’t need to worry about queuing to get back onto the ship. You can go back and forth between the ship and the island as many times as you want before the final departure time, which is usually around 3 pm.

Aerial view of Harvest Caye private island

4. It’s Safe – So Relax!

While Belize itself has had some issues with high crime rates, the island of Harvest Caye is comparatively very safe, since it is a private destination where there is always a presence of staff employed by the cruise line.

There are some locals from Belize who work on the island. They aren’t employed by the cruise line, but they are given permission to work there in partnership with the government. They are generally friendly and shouldn’t try to scam you – the people who work here understand that their repeat business depends on offering good service.

5. Only Cruise Guests Can Visit

Permanent residents of Belize are not permitted to visit Harvest Caye of their own volition. They would have to book a cruise just like any other guests. There will be some Belizeans on the island who are employed by the cruise line.

There are around 400 people who work on the island that are not part of the ship’s crew, but some members of the crew will also likely have work to do on the island during port days as well.

6. Food Isn’t Included – Unlike Other Private Destinations

Unlike most other private islands owned by cruise lines, food is not included on Harvest Caye – you will need to either buy your own from one of the local businesses or return to the ship, where you can enjoy the restaurants as normal.

Usually, with a private island, the cruise line will bring food ashore and set up a buffet restaurant, but that’s not the case on Harvest Caye.

Part of the agreement that NCL has with Belize is to run the island in a way that benefits local businesses, and so guests will need to pay to eat at one of the restaurants on the island.

There are various restaurants to choose from to suit different budgets, and you can pay with a credit card or in US dollars. Bear in mind that a lot of people may return to the ship to eat in order to save money, so the restaurants might not be as busy as you would expect them to be on a regular port day.

7. Drinks Also Aren’t Free

Drinks are not included when you travel to Harvest Caye – you’ll need to pay for them. Unlike some other private islands, the bars aren’t owned by the cruise line, so you’ll need to pay by cash or credit card, instead of being able to use your cruise card.

The drinks prices are similar to those on the ship, so if you’re paying for your drinks anyway then you may as well enjoy them on the island.

Couple having a drink and enjoying at Harvest Caye Pool Bar

8. Your Drink Package Won’t Work Here

The NCL drinks package won’t work on Harvest Caye, because the bars are not owned by the cruise line. If you have a drinks package, then you can save money by returning to the ship to grab a drink, but it’s quite a walk if you’re just feeling thirsty.

You won’t be able to bring drinks ashore with you, so you’ll either need to decide whether to take some cash or your credit card with you for drinks, or if you’ll cut short your visit to come back aboard in order to make use of your drinks package.

Woman enjoying her drink at Harvest Caye beach

9. There’s So Much to Do!

There is a huge amount that you can see and do during your trip to Harvest Caye – including a selection of things that are free. Many of the most exciting activities are paid excursions, but you don’t need to spend extra if you don’t want to.

You might just want to head straight to the beach – there are some really nice ones on the island after all, overlooking the beautiful azure waters. There’s no cost for a lounger, but the beaches can get a little busier, so you might want to get there early if you want to nab a shaded spot.

Otherwise, you may want to head to the swimming pool. Not many private islands have a pool, since guests are comfortable swimming in the ocean, but there’s a huge pool with loungers and cabanas for hire if you want a freshwater dip instead.

Couple realaxing at the pool cabana area in Harvest Caye

And just a little further away from the pier, there’s a splash pad that is great for kids. If you have younger children with you, they’ll have a great time splashing each other, tipping out water buckets and more.

One of the famous attractions of Harvest Caye is the Blue Morpho Butterfly Sanctuary. You can explore this area for free, along with the wider wildlife sanctuary, which is home to toucans, macaws, snakes, and other animals, with lots of educational material to support your tour. The butterfly sanctuary has large glass spaces where you can get very close to the creatures flying around.

Mother and daughter looking at a blue butterfly

Shopping is another option as well – there’s a market area populated with stalls and stores owned by local business owners and selling a wide selection of gifts, handmade crafts, perfumes, rum and more. Just be wary of what you buy and what you take back onto the ship – rum bottles will be taken from you and returned at the end of your cruise.

If you want to try a paid-for excursion, why not explore the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit? A guided tour will get you close to these fascinating ruins, with your expert guide explaining more of the history during your ride.

Looking for something a little more action-oriented? The island has a zip line running across the bay, or you can try one of the many water sports offered on the island, including paddleboarding and snorkelling. You don’t have to be an expert – there are plenty of excursions aimed at novices or children, too.

Kid enjoying the zip line at Harvest Caye

There are also WaveRunner tours – essentially jetskis where a tour guide will train you on riding one before leading you around the island to some unique sights of interest.

And because the island is not far from the coast of Belize, there is a selection of excursions that take you off the island to explore some of the nearby sights. Journeys are short, so you can still explore the island itself, too, when you return.

Staying on the island, you’ll be able to try river rafting or take things a little easier with a fishing excursion – master fishermen will help you learn how to bait for the local fish on a catch-and-release trip.

The cost of these paid-for excursions varies, but expect to pay in the region of $80-100 for most of them, per person, with some minor discounts for children. If you don’t want to pay this extra amount, then stick to the wildlife sanctuary, the swimming pool, the beach or the splash pad as these are all free.

10. Cabana Rental is Available (But Not Cheap)

And if you really want to enjoy a quieter day, book a cabana either on the beach or by the pool. These private spaces are the ideal place to unwind with a cold drink and some shade.

Family relaxing at the beach front cabana in Harvest Caye

You should expect to pay $450 to $500 for a cabana for the day for up to 6 people. The cabanas do have a lot of extras to make your island visit more comfortable, including air conditioning, a TV, a mini fridge, a private bathroom and a golf cart that you can use for the day to get around the island.

11. Snorkelling is an Option

Snorkelling is an excursion option at Harvest Caye. Belize is home to the world’s largest living barrier reef, so snorkelling excursions offer plenty of incredible sights to enjoy. The excursions last for around 2.5 hours in total, so you’ll still have time to explore the rest of the island.

The water entry is shallow, which means these snorkelling excursions are suitable for beginners and veterans alike. Some of the common creatures you’ll encounter include larger fish schools, eagle rays, large starfish and queen conchs.

12. You Can Take a Ferry to Placencia

The boats that take you from Harvest Caye to Placencia take around 15-20 minutes. Excursions to the lagoon give guests the chance to see the mangroves and the wildlife that inhabits them, including manatees.

These tours are fully guided, meaning guests will be able to learn about the wildlife from an expert. A complimentary drink is also served during excursions to Placencia – either a rum punch or water.

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Final Word

There are loads of things to do in Harvest Caye, Belize, so you’ll want to head to the island as early as possible – and because you don’t need to tender, you should be able to walk straight off the ship.

Excited family entering Harvest Caye front gate

Just be prepared for the day, and how you’ll need to pay for your food and drink – it might save you money if you plan to return to the ship for lunch and then head back ashore for a couple of hours, if it doesn’t cost you too much time out of your day.

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Cruise ship anchored in turquoise water off a Caribbean island, showing when to cruise the Caribbean

The Worst Months to Cruise the Caribbean (and the Best Times to Go)

by CaribbeanCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsDestinations

The worst months to cruise the Caribbean are late August through October, with September the riskiest. That’s the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, when itinerary changes, missed ports and rough seas are most likely. June, July and November carry a smaller risk. Spring break and the Christmas holidays have great weather but the biggest crowds and highest fares.

Knowing the worst months to cruise the Caribbean doesn’t mean you should rule out half the year. Most sailings in hurricane season go ahead with only minor changes, and fares are often at their lowest. Here’s what each month really looks like, which region to pick in each, and how to protect your trip.

Atlantic hurricane season: the key dates

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The climatological peak is September 10, and most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October. Over 1991–2020 an average season produced 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.

Timing isn’t a guarantee either way. Hurricane Beryl became a record early Category 5 in July 2024 and hit Grenada’s islands. In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica, and many lines skipped Jamaican ports for weeks afterwards. Peak season is the most likely time for disruption, not the only time.

Month-by-month: the best and worst time to cruise the Caribbean

Month Weather Hurricane risk Crowds Prices
January Dry, warm, low humidity None Busy at New Year, quieter after High early, then moderate
February Dry, sunny None Busy (Presidents’ Day, winter breaks) High
March Dry, warm None Very busy (spring break) High
April Dry, getting hotter None Busy around Easter, then easing High to moderate
May Hot, mostly dry Very low Quiet Moderate, good deals
June Hot, humid, more showers Low Families arrive Moderate to high
July Hot, humid, showers Low to moderate Busy (school holidays) High
August Very hot, humid, storms Rising, high late in month Busy early, quieter late Moderate to low
September Hot, wet Highest Quietest Lowest
October Warm, wet High (secondary peak mid-month) Quiet Low
November Drying out, pleasant Low to moderate, falling Quiet except Thanksgiving Low to moderate
December Dry, warm None Quiet early, packed at holidays Low early, highest at Christmas

The worst months to cruise the Caribbean, one by one

June: early season, low risk

Storms in June are usually weaker and form closer to the Gulf of Mexico or western Caribbean. It’s hot and humid with short afternoon showers. The main downside is that US school holidays begin, so prices and crowds go up.

July: hot, busy and slowly rising risk

Hurricane risk is still fairly low, but July has peak family crowds and summer prices. Heat in port can be tiring, with temperatures often around 90°F and high humidity. Book shore excursions early in the day.

August: when risk really climbs

The first half of August is often fine. The second half marks the start of the peak window, when storms forming off Africa can track across the eastern Caribbean. Fares start to fall after US schools return.

September: the riskiest month

September includes the season’s statistical peak. It’s the month most likely to bring swapped itineraries, an extra sea day or a shortened sailing. It’s also the quietest and cheapest time to cruise, and some lines move ships to Europe, Alaska or New England for part of it.

October: a second peak

Activity often bounces back around mid-October, and storms can form in the western Caribbean and Gulf. Melissa in 2025 was a reminder that late-October storms can be severe. By the end of the month, risk is clearly falling.

November: a good shoulder month

Hurricane season officially lasts until November 30, but late-season storms are uncommon. After the first week or two, November is one of the best-value times to cruise: weather is improving, ships are quieter, and fares are low outside Thanksgiving week.

Dark storm clouds gathering over a tropical sea in hurricane season
Late August to mid-October is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Photo: Artem Makarov on Pexels

Hurricane season Caribbean cruise: what actually happens if a storm hits

Cruise ships are fast, and lines track storms closely with professional meteorologists. In practice, a hurricane usually means a change of plan rather than danger. The most common outcomes are:

  1. Port swaps: an Eastern Caribbean sailing may switch to Western Caribbean ports, or the reverse.
  2. Skipped ports or extra sea days to keep clear of the storm.
  3. Changed embarkation days: the ship leaves early, returns late, or a Florida homeport closes for a short time.
  4. Rougher seas on the edges of a system, even when the ship avoids the storm itself.
  5. Cancellation in rare cases.

What about refunds? Standard cruise ticket contracts (Carnival’s section 8(d) is a typical example) let lines change ports or routes for weather without compensation. You’ll normally get back the port-specific taxes and fees for any stop you miss. Some lines also give goodwill onboard credit, but that’s at their discretion. A full refund or future cruise credit normally applies only if the cruise line itself cancels the sailing. If you choose not to sail because a storm is forecast, the line’s normal cancellation penalties usually apply.

If you miss the ship because flights are cancelled, the cruise line won’t usually cover you. That is the job of travel insurance.

Travel insurance: buy early, before a storm has a name

Most policies treat a storm as a “foreseeable event” once it has been named, and won’t cover disruption from it if you buy the policy after that point. Buy cover as soon as you’ve paid your deposit, and check that it includes trip interruption, missed connections and hurricane or weather cancellation. Some policies also offer optional “cancel for any reason” cover. Our cruise insurance buyer’s guide explains what to look for. Flying in a day early also helps a great deal in hurricane season.

Calm turquoise water and palm trees on a southern Caribbean beach
The ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao sit south of the main hurricane track. Photo: Chuck Henjes on Pexels

Which Caribbean region to choose each month

The Caribbean isn’t one weather zone. Choosing the right region for your dates can matter as much as choosing the month.

When Best region Why
December–April Anywhere, especially Eastern and Southern Caribbean Dry season everywhere. Long Southern itineraries are at their best.
May–early June Western Caribbean and Bahamas Before the season gets going, with short, good-value Florida sailings.
July–early August Southern Caribbean (ABC islands), Bahamas The south sits below most storm tracks. The Bahamas have quick escape routes.
Mid-August–mid-October Southern Caribbean, or Alaska and Europe instead Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are rarely hit. Eastern routes face the most storms forming off Africa.
Late October–November Eastern Caribbean, then anywhere after mid-November Late-season storms tend to favor the western Caribbean and Gulf.

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao sit off the coast of Venezuela, south of the main hurricane belt. Direct hits are rare, although they can still see swells or storm bands. For port ideas, see our best Caribbean cruise ports.

Crowds: the other “worst” times

If crowds bother you more than weather, the worst times to cruise the Caribbean are different:

  • Spring break (roughly early March to mid-April): lots of students and families, especially on short sailings from Florida.
  • Christmas to New Year: the most expensive weeks of the year, with ships full.
  • Thanksgiving and Presidents’ Day weeks, plus US summer holidays.

Big shared ports such as Nassau, Cozumel and St. Thomas can host several ships on the same day in peak season. If you’re flexible, the first two weeks of December, late January and May are some of the quietest good-weather windows.

Advantages of off-peak Caribbean cruising

  • Lower fares: late August to early November usually has the year’s cheapest prices. Compare value lines in our breakdown of the cheapest 7-day cruises out of Florida.
  • Quieter ships and ports, with easier access to pools, restaurants and shore excursions.
  • Warm seas for snorkeling and swimming.
  • Last-minute bargains for travelers who can drive to a homeport.

Who should avoid peak hurricane season

  • First-time cruisers who’d be disappointed by a changed itinerary.
  • Anyone cruising for a particular port, such as a wedding, a family visit or a bucket-list island.
  • Travelers prone to seasickness.
  • Passengers with tight flight connections or no flexibility on dates.
  • Anyone who will spend the trip worrying about forecasts.

Tips for cruising the Caribbean in hurricane season

  1. Choose a Southern Caribbean or ABC itinerary in August–October.
  2. Fly in at least one day early and book flexible flights.
  3. Buy travel insurance at deposit, before any storm is named.
  4. Book shore excursions through the cruise line, so they’re refunded automatically if a port is skipped.
  5. Watch the National Hurricane Center’s outlooks for 5–7 days before sailing, and keep your cruise line’s app notifications turned on.
  6. Pack seasickness remedies and light rain gear.

FAQs

What is the worst month to cruise the Caribbean?

September. It contains the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season (around September 10), and itinerary changes are most likely then. Late August and early October come close behind.

Is November a good time to cruise the Caribbean?

Usually, yes, especially after mid-November. Hurricane season officially runs to November 30, but storm activity drops sharply after October. Weather is improving, and fares stay reasonable outside Thanksgiving week.

When is the best time to cruise the Caribbean?

Mid-December to April has the most reliable weather: dry, sunny and less humid. For the best balance of weather and price, aim for late January to early March (avoiding Presidents’ Day week) or late April to May.

Will I get a refund if a hurricane changes my cruise?

Generally not for itinerary changes. Cruise contracts let lines swap or skip ports for weather. You’ll usually get back the port-specific taxes and fees for a missed stop. A full refund or credit normally applies only if the cruise line cancels the sailing.

Which part of the Caribbean is safest during hurricane season?

The southern Caribbean, especially Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, which sit south of the main hurricane track. They’re rarely hit directly, though no island is completely risk-free.

Barcelona-1.jpg

The 7 Most Festive Cruise Ports to Visit at Christmas

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDestinations

As the festive season draws near, ports around the world sparkle with lights, music, and cheer – each one offering its own magical twist on Christmas at sea.

From the festive markets of Copenhagen to the dazzling displays of New York City and the joyful traditions of Barcelona, these ports capture the spirit of the season in unforgettable ways.

Barcelona with La Sagrada Familia during christmas season

So, grab your passport and a cup of hot cocoa – it’s time to explore the world’s most festive cruise ports to visit at Christmas.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona at Christmas

Barcelona shines as a unique and vibrant destination for festive cruises in December. This Catalonian capital, steeped in rich traditions and cultural festivities, transforms into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season.

One of the city’s most beloved customs is the Caga Tió, a whimsical Christmas log that children ‘feed’ in the days leading up to Christmas, eagerly anticipating the gifts it will ‘produce’ on Christmas Eve.

Barcelona is renowned for its elaborate Nativity scenes, known as “Pessebres,” which are intricately designed and displayed throughout the city, reflecting the deep religious heritage and artistic flair of the region. 

A centrepiece of Barcelona’s Christmas celebration is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, a bustling outdoor market dating back to 1786. Located in front of the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, this market is a hub of festive activity, offering everything from handcrafted gifts and decorations to typical Catalonian holiday treats. 

In December, several cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, include Barcelona in their itineraries. As this is a major departure port, you may wish to spend a few days staying in a Barcelona hotel and exploring the city either before or after your cruise.

2. New York City, USA

NYC Christmas

New York City is an iconic destination for festive cruises in December. Known worldwide for its extravagant holiday displays and celebrations, NYC transforms into a dazzling winter spectacle during the Christmas season. The city’s festive spirit is infectious, with its streets and landmarks adorned with spectacular lights and decorations.

A central feature of New York’s Christmas celebration is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, an iconic symbol of the holiday season in the city. This towering tree, brilliantly lit and decorated, draws visitors from around the world, serving as a backdrop for countless holiday memories. 

The window displays of stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue are a visual delight, each telling a unique holiday story through intricate designs and animations. The city also hosts a variety of festive shows, including the renowned Radio City Christmas Spectacular, adding to the rich cultural experience of the holiday season in New York.

Several cruise lines, such as Cunard, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, feature New York City in their December itineraries. 

3. Vienna, Austria

Vienna Christmas

Vienna, known for its imperial architecture, gets a festive makeover during the Christmas season. The city hosts several Christmas markets, with the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz being particularly magical.

Vienna comes alive with the sound of classic Christmas music, adding to the city’s enchanting charm. Visitors can enjoy traditional Austrian Christmas treats and crafts.

Many river cruise lines like Uniworld, Riviera Travel and Avalon Waterways offer Danube river cruises that stop in Vienna during December.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen captures the essence of ‘hygge’, the Danish concept of cosiness, especially during Christmas.

The Tivoli Gardens are transformed into a dazzling Christmas fair, adorned with festive lights, decorations, and markets. This blend of cosy Danish traditions and a festive atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination. December visitors can enjoy the quintessential Scandinavian Christmas experience.

Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines often include Copenhagen in their winter itineraries.

5. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg, Germany Christmas

Nuremberg is renowned for its Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. During December, this German city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, filled with festive cheer.

The market is celebrated for its unique handmade ornaments, traditional gingerbread, and the presence of the Christkind, a symbolic figure of Christmas. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, sampling traditional foods and browsing through a plethora of Christmas crafts.

Major river cruise lines that visit Nuremberg in December include Viking River Cruises and AmaWaterways, offering itineraries that focus on Christmas markets along the Danube.

6. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges at Christmas

Bruges in December is a fairy-tale-like setting, perfect for those seeking a traditional European Christmas experience. The city’s medieval architecture, including its belfry and cobbled streets, provides a picturesque backdrop for its Christmas market. Located in the main square, the market offers a range of festive goods, from Belgian chocolates to handcrafted gifts.

The scent of Belgian waffles and hot chocolate permeates the air, adding to the market’s cosy atmosphere. Ice-skating rinks add to the festive fun, offering a delightful activity for visitors of all ages. The city’s canals and historical buildings are also lit up with Christmas lights, enhancing the magical ambience.

Bruges is a popular stop on cruises during the Christmas season. Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises, Cunard and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines include Bruges in their itineraries.

7. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, France Christmas

Strasbourg, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, hosts Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in France. This market is a focal point of the city’s festive celebrations, blending French and German Christmas traditions in a unique way. The city’s half-timbered houses and historic buildings are beautifully decorated, creating a storybook Christmas setting.

The market features an array of stalls selling traditional Alsatian Christmas items, including handmade decorations, local crafts, and seasonal treats like bredele cookies and vin chaud (mulled wine). The city’s streets are adorned with festive lights and decorations, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Beyond the markets, Strasbourg is rich in culture, with museums, galleries, and live performances. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Alsatian cuisine in the city’s many restaurants and bistros.

River cruises are a popular way to visit Strasbourg during the Christmas season. Cruise lines like Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways offer itineraries that include Strasbourg, giving travellers the opportunity to experience its renowned Christmas market and festive atmosphere.

My Recommendation

A Christmas cruise is a fantastic holiday. We took a cruise last Christmas and had a wonderful time. Check out my Guide To Cruising At Christmas for more info about the experience.

Cruising over Christmas can be expensive though. So if your budget doesn’t stretch to it, then cruising earlier in December is a great way to experience the festive atmosphere at sea without blowing your holiday budget for the whole year.

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What Really Happens If a Hurricane Hits During Your Cruise

by CaribbeanCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsDestinations

The Caribbean may be a dream cruise destination, but it’s also home to some of the world’s fiercest hurricanes.

So what if your cruise is set to sail right where a storm is brewing? Can cruise ships handle hurricanes? And what happens if your trip gets cancelled altogether?

Caribbean hurricane

I learned the hard way when my Royal Caribbean cruise on Navigator of the Seas was called off because of Hurricane Dorian. Since then, I’ve followed cruise line policies, government advice, and expert weather updates to create this guide – so you’ll know exactly what to expect if a hurricane threatens your cruise.

Cruise Ships Avoid Hurricanes at All Costs

The most important thing for anyone to consider during a hurricane is, undoubtedly, safety. Many people wonder if a cruise ship can withstand being hit by a hurricane. But honestly, it is extremely unlikely that that would ever happen.

The tactic taken by cruise ships during a hurricane is to avoid the hurricane by sailing out of its path.

Caribbean beach before hurricane

In fact, a cruise ship is one of the safest places to be during a hurricane, as it can easily sail into safety. According to Unidata, the average forward speed of a hurricane is 15-20mph.

The average speed of a cruise ship is 23 mph, with maximum speeds reaching 34 mph. Weather forecasters have knowledge of where a hurricane is heading up to a week before it gets there. This gives cruise ships ample time to move out of the path and into calmer waters.

So, if you’re wondering what cruise ships do in hurricanes, the answer is pretty straightforward – they get out of the way!

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid a storm completely. Here are some stories from cruise ship guests during the worst storms at sea. So you can understand what to expect if the worst happens and your ship is battered by large waves.

Where to Find the Latest Updates

If your cruise holiday is affected by a hurricane, your cruise line will give you information about what to do and will send you details of their hurricane policy.

If you’re already on board when the news comes in of a hurricane, the captain will advise passengers over the public address system, via written correspondence in your stateroom and via your stateroom television. If you have any questions, you should head to the guest services desk and ask.

If you haven’t yet sailed when a hurricane is announced, you will be advised by email if your cruise is affected, although you may also be able to gather information from other sources to help you with your planning.

Here’s an example of an email that I received from Royal Caribbean before my cancelled cruise…

Email from Royal Caribbean about Hurricane Dorian

Twitter is an excellent resource for getting the latest information about hurricanes from trusted sources.

As well as following what your cruise line is advising, you can also follow meteorologists, such as Craig Setzer, who is the chief meteorologist for Royal Caribbean, as well as accounts such as the National Hurricane Center.

Flights and other modes of transport are also affected by hurricanes. However, where a cruise itinerary may be rescheduled days in advance, the time frame for cancelling flights is often much shorter.

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, and flights may show as scheduled until it is absolutely certain that they need to be cancelled.

Your Cruise Itinerary May Be Changed

Cruises are very rarely cancelled due to hurricanes, but they can have itinerary changes and could be made shorter or longer in duration. Hurricane season for cruises can involve a lot of changes to planned itineraries.

In most cases, if a cruise is set to sail near a hurricane, it will simply be diverted to visit different ports of call, or you may skip a port altogether and have an extra sea day.

cruise ships in port

If the hurricane is due to hit a departure port, the port will close, and cruise ships will stay away from the port until it is safe to dock. This means that passengers on the ship will stay on board for longer, usually having an extra one, two or three nights on board.

However, this means that the cruise is then delayed for the next passengers, meaning that their cruise will be shortened by the same length of time.

If cruises are delayed or extended before departure, passengers should be given the option to cancel their cruise.

What to Do if You’re Affected

Before doing anything, you should wait for an email from your cruise line advising you of how your cruise is affected, what they are offering and what they recommend you do.

I was advised that my cruise on Navigator of the Seas would be delayed and shortened from a four-night sailing to a two-night sailing. I was given the option of continuing with the cruise or cancelling.

If you have booked your cruise directly with the cruise line, you should contact them to let them know how you wish to proceed. You don’t need to rush to do this. If you don’t respond and don’t arrive at the port, you will likely be marked as a no-show and treated the same as a cancellation.

If you have booked your cruise with a travel agent, call them and they will sort everything out for you.

call your travel agent

I’m really glad that I booked my cruise with a travel agent. The travel agent cancelled my cruise, my flights and my hotel booking on my behalf. Because I booked it as a package holiday, the ATOL scheme in the UK meant that I would not lose any money on the flights or hotel that I had booked.

If you book your cruise, flights and hotel independently, you would not necessarily be entitled to a refund on all three elements and would have to call each company yourself.

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You Can Claim Compensation

Each cruise line has a hurricane policy, and they will advise passengers about any compensation due.

In my case, the cancellation of my cruise meant that Royal Caribbean gave me a credit to use towards a future cruise in the next 12 months. They also refunded my drinks package, wifi and shore excursions.

For cruises that are shortened, passengers are refunded pro rata for the days that they miss. They may also be given future cruise credit as a gesture of goodwill.

Suggested read: 15 Ways To Use Your Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit Like A Pro

For Royal Caribbean cruises which are extended, no charge is made, and extras such as drinks packages, dining packages or WiFi packages will also be extended free of charge. This policy may vary by the cruise line.

extended drinks package

For itinerary changes such as alternative ports or missed ports, no compensation is normally offered, as the cruise line reserves the right to change itineraries as needed.

Refunds

The refund policy for hurricanes is down to each cruise line. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival usually offer refunds in the form of future cruise credit only. This can take around three weeks to be processed, but it is valid for up to a year after the issue.

You can’t look up the Royal Caribbean hurricane policy or the Carnival cruise hurricane policy online, as they aren’t published anywhere. Instead, you must wait for an email from the cruise line with details of your refund.

My Advice for Cruising in Hurricane Season

Firstly, it’s important to know when hurricane season is for cruises. Hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from 1st June to 30th November, with the most hurricanes happening in August and September. Even though I had to cancel my cruise due to Hurricane Dorian, it would not put me off choosing to cruise in hurricane season again.

There are some great deals to be had on cruises at this time of year, and, as it coincides with school summer holidays in the UK, it is generally a convenient time for families to cruise in the Caribbean.

Although there is certainly the possibility for disruption, the vast majority of cruises during hurricane season won’t be affected by any more than a few short showers.

Hurricane in Key West

1. Be Flexible

If you’re considering cruising in hurricane season, it’s important to be flexible. If you’re planning a cruise for a special occasion such as a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or you have your heart set on visiting a certain port, then you should probably consider sailing at a different time of year.

However, if you’re happy to accept itinerary changes and want great value for money, then a cruise in hurricane season is certainly worth considering.

2. Get Good Travel Insurance

It’s always advisable to take out travel insurance for any cruise, but if you plan to cruise during hurricane season, it’s very important that you check your policy carefully.

Some travel insurance doesn’t cover cruises at all, so the first thing to check is that your policy includes ‘cruise cover’. Then you’ll want to check that hurricanes and other natural disasters are not excluded.

Next, take a look at how much you’re covered for and what the excess is. Cruises can be expensive, and some cheaper travel insurance policies have a relatively low limit on how much will be covered.

Some travel insurance policies offer cover for missed ports, but check this carefully. If you’re only offered £25 per missed port, but your excess is £100, then this isn’t actually worth anything.

Finally, you must get your travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise (or a year before you sail, whichever is sooner). If you wait until the last minute to buy your insurance and a hurricane is named before you buy it, you won’t be covered.

My Recommendation

My recommendation for cruise insurance depends on where you live.

These are trusted price comparison sites that will quickly get you lots of quotes to match your exact needs.

3. Book With a Travel Agent

I am so glad that I booked my cruise with a good travel agent. They sorted everything out for me and gave me a full refund on my hotel and flights as well as my cruise. If I had booked everything myself and my cruise was cancelled but flights weren’t, I would have had to pay for the flights or try to claim on travel insurance.

travel agent booking a cruise

Final Word

I hope this article has helped anyone whose cruise has been affected by a hurricane or who is concerned about cruising in hurricane season. This is just my experience of having a cruise booked with Royal Caribbean during Hurricane Dorian. Other cruise lines and other hurricanes may be slightly different.

Have you ever taken a cruise that was affected by a hurricane? Let me know, in the comments below, what your experiences were. And if you have any questions, please ask, and if I don’t know, I’ll do my best to find the answers.

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Cruise Mummy

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

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