Diplomacy

If you want a good burger at sea, it’s hard to beat Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line.  In fact, I’ve heard many cruisers get more excited about eating at Guy’s than about the itinerary of the ship itself.

But one cruiser recently asked about eating a good burger on other cruise lines and if other ships have their own “equivalent” to Guy’s Burger Joint.

This place has a cult-like following, and after eating there many times myself, I can see why.   The smash burgers are made fast, are packed with flavor, and most importantly, are included in the cost of the cruise.

But what happens if you love those Guy’s burgers and decide to try a different cruise line, maybe Royal Caribbean or MSC?

That’s exactly the question one cruiser recently asked on Reddit, and it hit a nerve, prompting some great feedback from the cruise-loving community. The original post put it this way:

“I’m starting to get addicted to cruising LOL but I’ve only ever been on Carnival and the one thing that keeps me coming back….that juicy, delicious Guy’s Burgers… what’s other cruise line’s Guy’s Burgers’ equivalent? The food place that everyone keeps coming back to because it’s just sooooo undeniably delicious?”

Beyond the main dining rooms and fancy restaurants, what’s the easy, delicious, go-to spot that everyone loves? And does anyone do it as well as Carnival’s Guy’s Burgers?

Why Guy’s is a Big Deal: It’s Good AND It’s Free

The short answer from many cruisers in the post online? Finding something exactly like Guy’s elsewhere is tough.

“There isn’t one. Carnival has this pretty locked up,” one person wrote. Another agreed, “Guy’s really is the best one I’ve yet found at sea.”

So, why the hype? People love the taste – a solid, juicy burger often compared to really good fast food, served hot off the grill with plenty of toppings. But a huge part of it is that it costs you nothing extra.

It’s right there by the pool, super easy to grab, and you never have to worry about cost. You can eat there every day if you want to.

One commenter remembered their first Guy’s burger from ten years ago as “unforgettable,” saying it was the “Best burger I’ve ever eaten.” For some regulars, it’s even “the only thing we look forward to when we book a carnival cruise.”

See, I wasn’t kidding when I said this burger joint has a cult-like following.

Beyond burgers, Carnival also got positive mentions in the thread for other free casual spots like Shaq’s Big Chicken.

Looking Around: What Other Cruise Lines Offer

If Guy’s is the one to beat, how are the burgers on other big cruise lines? The answer is a bit different depending on where you sail and whether you’re okay paying a little extra.  It’s also a highly subjective topic.

Royal Caribbean: For burger fans on Royal Caribbean, it seems the free options are often just okay. Burgers you find at the regular buffet were usually described as basic or “nothing impressive” in the comment section.

You can find better burgers, but often you have to pay. Places like Johnny Rockets serve burgers, but some felt the quality wasn’t as high as Guy’s, especially considering the added cost. Playmakers Sports Bar also has burgers, but commenters pointed out this is a “premium dining choice for a cost.”

Even a great burger in the Chops Grille steakhouse, which some people would grab to eat elsewhere, comes with a specialty dining fee.

Royal Caribbean does have popular free casual spots that aren’t burgers, though. The roast beef sandwich at places like Park Cafe was mentioned as having a lot of fans, and the taco bars by the pool were also seen as great free options for a quick meal.

MSC Cruises: When people talked about food on MSC, the conversation quickly turned away from burgers and focused almost entirely on pizza. While MSC has burgers, they didn’t get much love. But their free pizza? That’s a different story.

MSC’s pizza was called “S-tier,” “superb,” and “really really good.” Even people who had criticisms about other things on MSC ships often agreed that the pizza was excellent.

Holland America Line: Holland America’s Dive In burger spot by the pool got good reviews. Cruisers thought their burgers were solid, with some even putting them in second place after Guy’s. The hot dogs there were also popular, making Dive In a reliable free spot for good poolside food.

Cruise Critic ranks Holland America’s Pinnacle Burger as the 3^rd best at sea.

Other Lines Mentioned: The discussion covered a few other lines too. Princess Cruises has a burger at their Promenade Grill that was highly rated, and their Salty Dog Grill burgers were liked, but often cost extra. Oceania Cruises surprised some with talk of an included “Wagyu truffle burger” at their Waves grill – which definitely sounds pretty amazing.

Burgers on Celebrity and Disney were mentioned, but didn’t seem to have the same buzz or standout quality as Guy’s or HAL’s Dive In.

I will say that the burgers at the Pool Grill on a Viking Ocean ship are excellent and deserve a top spot in the best burger at sea as well.  But it’s also fair to point out that we’re comparing a mainstream cruise line with more premium cruise lines.

The Main Difference: Paying vs. Included

A big reason Guy’s stands out is simple: it’s included. While other lines offer tasty burgers or casual food, often the ones that get the best reviews cost extra money.

One commenter highlighted this when someone praised a paid option, simply replying: “And the bill awaits you.” The ease of getting a great burger whenever you want it, right there by the pool, without seeing an extra charge on your account, is a major reason Guy’s is so popular.

The Takeaway: Guy’s Is Still King of the Free Burger

So, what’s the “truth” about cruise burgers based on what these veteran cruise travelers shared? It seems finding a free, widely loved burger place exactly like Carnival’s Guy’s Burger Joint on other big cruise lines is not that easy.

Other cruise lines definitely have great casual food, and some have good burgers (though often you pay extra for the really good ones). But Guy’s seems to be in a category of its own for that specific combination of being delicious, super easy to get, and completely free.

And after writing this article, my craving for one of these Guy Fieri burgers is off the charts.

The last day of a cruise always comes too fast.  But eventually, you do have to get off the ship, and before that happens you have to decide what to do with your luggage.

Do you leave it outside your stateroom for the crew to take off for you, or do you opt for the “self-assist” route and carry it off yourself?   A recent post on Reddit dug into this discussion, with veteran cruisers giving their take on the best option for them and why either route has its faults.

The original post highly recommended self-assist, with a cruise passenger describing a recent experience:

“If you can, carry your own luggage off the ship at the end of your cruise… We were able to do self serve and were off the ship by 8am. Getting through immigration and the cruise terminal was soooo smooth! No long lines, no big crowds to work through. It was marvelous. 10/10 experience…”

Personally, I almost always use self-assist when getting off the ship.  I like how it’s easy and fast, and I don’t have to hunt down my luggage in the “Where’s Waldo” of suitcases in the terminal.

But self-assist isn’t without its downsides. Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks shared by the cruising community in the Reddit thread:

Read more: 8 mistakes cruisers make on disembarkation day

The Upside: Speed and Freedom

The most obvious reason to choose self-assist disembarkation is the ability to get off the ship as fast as possible.  This is especially key if you have an early flight you don’t want to miss.

By keeping your bags with you, you can usually leave the ship as soon as it’s cleared, bypassing the waiting periods for each luggage tag color.

Another frequently mentioned benefit in the thread was the convenience of having access to all your bags right up until you leave your cabin. Unlike the standard process where bags are placed in the hallway the night before, self-assist allows you to pack and use items on the final morning.

One user noted the advantage of “Not having to put your bags out the night before so you have them for getting ready in the morning.”

With self-assist you also have less to worry about with your luggage getting misplaced or lost.  While it doesn’t happen very often, the most common issue is when a passenger grabs the wrong bag, causing a domino effect of problems.

And of course, self-assist is a lot easier when you pack light and don’t have a lot of large bags.

The Downside: The Lugging and the Lines

Self-assist is not for everyone.  Sure, you can be among the first to get off the ship and back to reality, but you also have to lug around your suitcases on what can be a very hectic day.

And depending on how much you packed, those suitcases can require quite the physical effort, making disembarkation day an unplanned workout.

One commenter stated, “Unless you are very young and strong- I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Navigating crowded elevators on disembarkation morning is another frequently mentioned challenge. With many passengers trying to move to the disembarkation decks, getting elevator space with luggage can be a struggle.

As one user put it, “Self-Disembark can be a nightmare when ALL the elevators are FULL of people and you have to wait & wait & wait“.

Taking the stairs with heavy bags is not ideal.  I’ve done it before, but if you’re carrying an extra large suitcase, it’s probably going to bump on each step you take and require a lot of energy if you’re having to move several decks at once.

No Guarantees

While self-assist can speed up the process of getting off the ship, it doesn’t always guarantee a perfect experience. Depending on the port and the efficiency of customs and immigration, you might still encounter lines.

Ultimately, the choice between self-assist and standard disembarkation comes down to personal preference, physical capability, and how quickly you need or want to be off the ship.

What’s right for someone else might not be right for you.  The key to a good experience, in my opinion, is to have another cruise booked right away!

Is a cruise ship the worst-case scenario for an introvert? A social media post—along with a slew of comments–reminded me how cruising in general is still so misunderstood by those who haven’t tried it or those who have only tried one cruise line.

I recently saw a picture of a jam-packed pool deck on a cruise ship that someone posted online. While some cruisers enjoy a party vibe on a crowded lido deck, many of the comments on the post expressed anxiety at just looking at the picture.

Comments like, “I’d rather be thrown into a tub of snakes” filled the page as self-proclaimed introverts stated that the scene looked like their worst nightmare.

So, it begs the question: can introverts really enjoy a cruise vacation?  I will give that question an emphatic yes but there are a few tips for making sure any awkward moments are kept to a minimum.

So, how do you enjoy the adventure of a cruise vacation without feeling constantly overwhelmed as an introverted person? It’s about making some intentional choices.

1. Choosing the Right Cruise Line

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to atmosphere. If the thought of water slides, go-kart tracks, and standing room only on the lido deck sends shivers down your spine, spending a little time researching different cruise lines is a great first step.

Some, like Viking or Holland America, are known for a more relaxed, classic cruising experience with a focus on enrichment and quieter spaces rather than thrill-seeking amenities. Picking a cruise ship from a company that naturally aligns with a calmer pace can make a world of difference right from the start.

But this doesn’t mean you have to avoid some of the mainstream cruise lines and pay a hefty premium.

Read more: 12 Tips to Avoid Crowds on a Cruise Ship

2. The Itinerary Can Make a Big Difference

Beyond choosing the right cruise line, even a cruise line known for a more energetic atmosphere is a lot more subdued on certain itineraries.  Shorter cruises are known for having more of a party atmosphere, since they are cheap getaways that don’t require a lot of planning. 

A longer itinerary is typically less rowdy, and an itinerary that is not the typical Caribbean/Bahamas sailing is probably a better way to go.  On top of this, sailing in the shoulder seasons can be beneficial too.  Ideally, take a cruise when the kids are in school.

3. Your Cabin: The Ultimate Sanctuary

Don’t plan on spending all of your time in your cabin.  Even as an introvert, it’s good to explore the ship and enjoy everything it has to offer.  But when you do need to get away from it all and find some solace, make sure your cabin is worth calling home.

I would recommend at least getting a balcony stateroom so you can enjoy your own ocean views without having to worry about deck chair hogs or crowds.

While we’re talking about your personal space, make sure you pack for downtime. Bring those books you’ve been meaning to read, your favorite headphones, a journal, or whatever helps you unwind.

4. Go Off-Peak Whenever Possible

Cruising as an introvert is all about avoiding crowds whenever possible, and this means doing things when no one else is doing them.

The lido deck is packed at peak sunbathing hours. The buffet is a frenzy before excursions leave. The disembarkation line when the ship is in port is longest in the late morning hours. It all comes down to picking the least-opportune time.

Want to hit the gym or take a dip in the pool? Go in the early morning or late afternoon. Explore the ship during dinner hours or when a big show is happening. You’ll find popular spots are much more enjoyable with fewer people around.

Actively seek out those quiet zones. Thermal suites in the spa are built for relaxation (often worth the fee in my opinion). Find those less-trafficked observation decks or lounges tucked away from the main action. These are your go-to places when you need a break from the buzz.

Another tip: take the stairs whenever you can. Avoiding crowded elevators is also a way to avoid awkward situations that introverts fear the most, and hey, it’s a bit of exercise too.

5. Navigating the Dining Scene

Let’s be honest, the thought of being seated for dinner with complete strangers can trigger anxiety for many, not just introverts. While some people genuinely enjoy meeting new tablemates (and yes, many cruisers form lifelong friendships this way) many others strongly prefer to dine alone or just with their own travel group.

The good news is, you have control over this. Many cruise lines offer flexible “Anytime” or “My Time” dining where you can usually request a table size.  Just keep in mind that even if you’re at your own table, sometimes these tables are so close to the next table it feels like you’re sitting with strangers anyway.

Specialty restaurants are also good options for a more intimate setting with personalized service, away from the main dining room hustle.

And don’t forget casual dining spots like cafes or grab-and-go venues – perfect for a quick, low-pressure meal. And of course, room service in your cabin is always an option.

If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the buffet for breakfast, don’t forget that most ships offer a more relaxed breakfast in the main dining room as well.

6. Port Days: Explore Solo or Enjoy the Ship

Port days give you a choice: join the masses going on excursions and exploring the port of call or enjoy a mostly quiet ship with a mostly empty main pool deck.

If you head into port, you don’t have to stick to large, crowded group tours.  If it’s the first time I’m in a certain port, I like to walk around on my own, use public transportation and get a feel for the surrounding area.  I realize that in some ports it might not be safe to travel like that on your own, so use your judgement here.

On the other side of that coin, consider making a port day your “ship day.” When everyone else disembarks, the ship becomes a very different place.

The pools are less crowded, the lounges are quiet, and you can enjoy the amenities in peace. It’s a great strategy for introverts to avoid awkward moments but still enjoy everything a ship has to offer.

Bottom Line

So, yes, you can cruise as an introvert and have an amazing voyage.  The biggest factor is in choosing the right cruise line that fits you and won’t be too overwhelming.  The next biggest factor is just knowing the ship and the schedule.  While a cruise ship does offer plenty of obstacles for a very introverted person, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to push your own boundaries a little. 

One of the best aspects of cruising is that everyone on the ship can have a totally different experience.  You really can cruise your way, even if you’d rather not have too many interactions with other cruisers.

In 100 days, the largest cruise ship ever built, Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, will make its debut at Port Canaveral.

Star of the Seas will be a sister ship to Icon of the Seas, the largest class of cruise ships that have ever been built.

Star of the Seas will have a massive waterpark with six waterslides, seven swimming pools that include an infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean, 10 whirlpools, and an entire area dedicated to families with small children.

Star of the Seas will sail its inaugural cruise on August 20, 2025. The ship will homeport at Port Canaveral and sail seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. A highlight of each cruise will be a visit to the cruise line’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. (View Prices on Star of the Seas)

However, before the week-long cruises kick-off, the ship will offer a couple short preview cruises that range from three- to four-nights in length.

You can view a drone video below of Star of the Seas that was recently taken at the shipyard while the ship is under construction.

@loyal.to.royal We got Star of the Seas before GTA 6 😎 🏝️ Star of the Seas, the upcoming world’s largest cruise ship, is making its grand debut in Port Canaveral this August! 🎥: kuffadrone @Royal Caribbean #StaroftheSeas #cruise #cruiseship #travel #finland #portcanaveral #royalcaribbean ♬ original sound – Loyal to Royal

The cruise ship will be divided into eight neighborhoods, offering something for everyone.

Star of the Seas will have 26 dining options, with half of them being complimentary. It will have 18 bars and lounges across the 18 passenger decks.

Incredible amenities on the ship include:

• 17,000 sq. ft. waterpark with six waterslides
• Seven pools
• Ice skating rink (Absolute Zero)
• Carousel
• Flowrider
• Laser tag
• Mini golf
• Rock climbing wall
• Escape room
• Sports court
• And more

Royal Caribbean is adding jammed-packed entertainment to Star of the Seas that is highlighted by Back to the Future, The Musical.

On top of the ship will be the AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and a vibrant hot spot by night. The transformational neighborhood is where guests can enjoy wraparound ocean views, a 55-foot-tall water curtain, restaurants, bars and Royal Caribbean’s marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater.

Star of the Seas Fast Facts

• 2,805 cabins
• 5,610 guests at double occupancy
• 1,196 feet long
• 219 feet wide
• 2,305 crew members
• 248,663 gross tons

Royal Caribbean currently has plans for two more Icon class ships after Star of the Seas. Legend of the Seas will debut in 2026 with an unnamed ship coming out in 2027.

Not every change a cruise line makes is announced through official channels.  Sometimes, it’s the savvy cruise passengers that first notice something missing, and they can often be quick to post their concerns online.

At the end of last month, several guests with Princess Cruises noticed that canned sodas were no longer included in the cruise line’s Plus and Premier drink packages.  Instead, these beverage packages offer a 25% discount on cans of soda, in addition to large bottles of water.

It might seem like a small thing, but this update has really caught many cruisers off guard. People who often get canned drinks like the convenience and how they taste, and not all of them are thrilled with the apparent new change.

So, What Exactly Happened?

This change started rolling out across the Princess fleet around the end of April 2025. Some passengers on ships like Enchanted Princess noticed it by April 20th. While the official date might vary a little by ship, it seems the new rule is spreading.

The details about the drink packages on the Princess website now reflect this. They list “fountain sodas” as included but don’t mention cans anymore in the free list.

Some are feeling that the change was done a little too quietly. As one user put it simply on the Cruise Critic forums, “Princess just snuck this in, in my opinion.”

Why the Change?

There wasn’t an official press release or announcement from Princess about this move. So, most reasons for the change being talked about online are based on guesses and speculation.

One likely reason being discussed is saving money. Things like buying, storing, and handling canned drinks can be expensive for a large cruise line, especially compared to fountain soda systems.

Making drink service a bit simpler for the crew might also be a factor. Some passengers also think that maybe Princess is just starting to enforce a rule that was technically in the fine print all along, even though they used to provide soda cans in the two top tier drink packages.

How Are Cruisers Reacting?

Well, if you look at online forums and social media, you’ll see a lot of unhappy people. Many paid extra for the Plus or Premier packages because they expected everything to be covered. A frustrated passenger on Reddit summed it up as “Kind of insane.”

The difference in cost is hard for some to swallow. As a user on Cruise Critic pointed out, “I can order more expensive cocktails than I can possibly drink each day with Premiere, but a can of soda is a step too far.” Another user on the same forum agreed, calling it “a very odd/cheap/unreasonable place to draw the line in the sand.”

Taste is a big deal, too. Many people prefer the consistent flavor and bubbles in a can compared to fountain drinks, which can sometimes taste different or watered down. Plus, certain diet or caffeine-free options might only come in cans. As one Reddit user noted, “They don’t have fountain soda for Sprite Zero and at least one other.”

The general feeling from many is that this is another example of the cruise line trying to “nickel and dime” guests. Terms like “hilariously petty of Princess” and “Cheap penny-pinching” have popped up in discussions. Some feel like the overall value of their cruise vacation keeps going down.

A Reddit commenter expressed a common sentiment, saying, “Literally everything that used to be included with your fare is becoming an upcharge now.”

What Are Your Options Now?

If you really want a canned soda, you can still buy them onboard. They’ll cost you around $3.00 plus an 18% tip. If you have the Plus or Premier package, you do get a 25% discount on that price. The policy wording confirms this, stating the package includes a “25% discount on … cans of soda.”

Good news for soda fans: the Classic Soda Package and the Zero-Alcohol Package are still listed as including canned sodas.

Also, don’t forget you’re allowed to bring up to 12 sealed cans (12 ounces or less each) per person with you when you board the ship. This is a handy way to have your favorite drinks in your cabin. And if you’re an Elite member, your mini-bar might still stock cans.

So, if you’re planning a Princess cruise and think you’ll want canned sodas, it’s a good idea to check the latest drink package details on their website before you book.

A cruise line has announced that they are selling their oldest cruise ship and wrapping a massive transformation of their other vessels.

Costa Cruises, one of eight cruise lines from Carnival Corporation, is selling Costa Fortuna, the oldest ship in their fleet. The vessel will remain in the Costa fleet for another 16 months and then get transferred over to a new owner in September 2026.

In addition to the selling of Costa Fortuna, the cruise line announced that they are wrapping up $225 million project that added significant improvements to their ships.

The last ship scheduled to receive improvements is Costa Serena. The ship will go into an extensive dry dock in November 2025 and will emerge as a completely different vessel.

It will feature a vibrant new food court with innovative restaurants and bars, such as the Archipelago starred-chef restaurant, Pizzeria Pummid’Oro and Sushino@Costa.

The suites will be completely renovated and the ship’s pools will be designed.

Between October and December 2026, Costa Serena will embark on extraordinary itineraries, including a World Cruise from Tokyo, Japan, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, before positioning to South America for regular rotations in winter 2027.

Starting in spring 2027, Costa Serena will offer Mediterranean-focused cruises.

Mario Zanetti, president of Costa Cruises, gave the following statement:

“Our goal is to provide unmatched experiences for our guests while embracing innovation, sustainability, and exceptional value for money. We continuously focus on product innovation, such as the Sea and Land itineraries, an exclusive by Costa, that combines new Sea Destinations and Land Destinations.

We are also investing in our fleet to enhance onboard experience and introducing new itineraries, including Costa Serena new deployment for 2026-2027. The strategy path that we started a few years ago is strengthening our offer in our key markets with a portfolio of unique vacations.”