Diplomacy

Norwegian Cruise Line is giving two of their cruise ships extensive renovations in 2025 that include the first movie and dining experience at sea.

Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Bliss will receive new guest experiences in the next few months that include Silver Screen Bistro, expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, new outdoor venues (Horizon Park), and expanded accommodations in The Haven.

Norwegian Breakaway Enhancements

Norwegian Breakaway will go into dry dock on February 19, 2025 and will emerge with new features on March 14, 2025.

The Silver Screen Bistro will be an immersive movie and dining venue that will replace the Spiegel Tent. It will be the cruise industry’s first movie and dining experience.

It will feature oversized recliners and retractable tables to revel in shareable handheld menu items including select dishes from the global fusion specialty restaurant, Food Republic.

Horizon Park, which is found on Norwegian Bliss, will be added to Breakaway and offer 360 degree views of the ocean. This al-fresco venue will boast an additional feature, an expansive stage for live music and entertainment.

The Stadium, which is found on Prima-class ships, will also be added as it features family-friendly games.

Moderno Churrascaria is going away to make room for an expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse. Ocean Blue will become Palomar and the Vibe Beach Club and The Haven Sundeck will be expanded.

Norwegian Breakaway will offer cruises in the Mediterranean once the enhancements are completed.

Norwegian Bliss Enhancements

Norwegian Bliss will enter dry dock on January 17, 2025 and emerge on February 2, 2025.

The cruise ship will also receive a Horizon Park with lawn-style games that include cornhole to giant Jenga. There will also be loungers for sunbathing on the top deck.

The Haven will receive updated accommodations that include the cruise line’s popular three bedroom suites (Premiere Owner’s Suites with Large Balconies).

Part of the ship’s Observation Lounge will be converted to 24 balcony staterooms and two club balcony cabins.

Los Lobos is going away to make room for an expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse. An expanded Teppanyaki will replace Coco’s and Palomar will replace Ocean Blue.

After the ship’s dry dock, the vessel will sail a 13-day cruise from Southampton to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean. After a short season in Miami, the ship will head to Seattle for sailings to Alaska.

David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement:

“At Norwegian Cruise Line, our guests and what they value most is critical in order for us to develop experiences. Our goal is to provide them their very own best vacation.

“From creating new concepts that offer more outdoor gathering spaces for making memories with friends and family, to expanding dining options that consistently bring joy to our guests across our fleet, we’re providing more to do and more to enjoy for all types of travelers.”

I’m a tad biased when it comes to cruising. I think it’s just about the best vacation you can take, both in terms of value and experience.

But that doesn’t mean that everyone will have an incredible vacation. The truth of the matter is that unexpected things will happen on any vacation, and some of these are out of your control.

While I like to focus on the best aspects of cruising, I wanted to highlight some of the issues and situations that can ruin a cruise to help future cruisers avoid frustration.

Some of these things are avoidable, and some are things that just happen, but you should still know how to make the best of these situations.

By the way, most of these things below show the importance of having cruise travel insurance.  So, if you’re still on the fence this should help.

1. Seasickness

Most of the time a cruise ship is so stable you will forget you’re even out at sea. But once in a while the weather gets rough and the seas a little choppy. And if you don’t have your sea legs, seasickness can be a problem.

On the dozens of cruises I’ve been on seasickness has never once been an issue, but I’ve traveled with some that struggled with it. If you don’t have the necessary medication getting motion sickness on a cruise can really ruin your vacation.

If you think motion sickness will be an issue for you here are somethings that can help:

• Choose a larger cruise ship and a midship cabin
• Pack some Dramamine or Benadryl after talking to your doctor
• Pack some ginger as it’s known to help with nausea
• Stay hydrated and get some fresh air
• Take part in fun activities to keep your mind off the motion and you will acclimate to it

2. Sunburn

If you’re going on a cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas you might not realize just how intense the sun can get. And with all that sun exposure while hanging out on the lido deck of your ship, you could be baking before you know it.

I’ve fallen asleep in the shade on a cruise lounger only to wake up with my leg in the sun which had no sunblock on it. Needless to say I felt that burn from that the rest of the trip.

I’ve seen cruisers get burnt so bad on a cruise that they could barely walk normally and it was pretty debilitating for any other fun activities for the rest of the cruise.

Not only should you apply sunblock before being out in the sun for prolonged periods of time, but make sure you limit your exposure if you’re prone to burning or have fair skin.

3. Failing to Make Reservations

If you’re a last-minute kind of person you might miss out on some great cruise experiences. On some of the larger cruise ships reservations are a must. If you want to see a Broadway style show, comedy show, or other popular event it may require reserving your spot in advance. You can often do this through the cruise line’s app.

Making a spa reservation is better taken care of ahead of the cruise, especially if you want to get a massage or nail treatment on a seaday or busy time. The most convenient times fill up the fastest.

For other reservations you may have to wait until embarkation day. As soon as you get on the ship you should take care of restaurant reservations or any popular shows that you don’t want to miss.

You can check out our list of everything you should do on embarkation day here.

Don’t let a failure to plan on your cruise keep you from having the most amazing vacation ever.

4. Major Storms

One of my favorite aspects of cruising is that your cruise ship can simply sail around or out of the way of an incoming storm. So, a storm doesn’t necessarily mean that your cruise will be canceled. But depending on the storm’s size this isn’t always as easy or practical.

If you sail during hurricane season you may encounter some changes to your itinerary.  You can read more on this with our article on what happens if there is a hurricane during my cruise.

If you had reserved an excursion at one of the ports along your cruise it may have to be canceled if your cruise ship ends up taking a different itinerary or skipping a certain port. Any excursions booked through your cruise line will be refunded if a destination will have to be skipped. If you’re looking at 3^rd party excursion companies you will always want to look at the refund policies first.

A storm does not have to ruin your cruise, but it may mean you have to be a little more flexible with your plans.

5. Being Late

Whether it’s arriving to the cruise port on embarkation day or getting back to the ship after a fun excursion in port, you always need to be aware of the time.

It’s not the end of the world if you miss your ship, but it sure adds a lot of stress and extra planning into the process.

If you book a shore excursion through the cruise line the ship will not leave without you if something delays the activity. But if you’re late just because you lost track of time, the ship will most definitely head to the next destination without you.

Set your watch to the ship’s time, give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship, and don’t plan any activities too far from the port. Every cruise sees its “pier runners” trying to get back on board at the last minute. While it’s fun to watch, it’s no fun to be a part of.

When it comes to flights, give yourself plenty of time both arriving and departing. You don’t want a baggage delay or flight delay cutting it too close to the sail time.

6. Picking the Wrong Cruise Line for You

I’m convinced there is a cruise line for just about everyone, even for people who swear they will never take a cruise. Each of these cruise lines caters to a specific kind of audience.

Some cruise lines are great for families, some don’t allow kids at all, some cater to people who want to be very active, and some are great for those who only want to relax at sea.

We have a blog post on the best cruise line for each kind of traveler in which we talk about over 25 cruise lines and what each one does best. If you’re not sure what cruise line is best for you, I suggest you take a look.

Choosing cruise line that doesn’t fit what you’re looking for on a vacation can ruin what could have been a great experience. Consider things like destination, ship size, style of cruise, itinerary, and price when trying to figure out which cruise line is best for you.

7. Selecting the Wrong Cabin

There are dozens of cabin types on any given cruise ship. And since you will spend every morning and night in this cozy stateroom you will want to make sure it’s actually what you’re looking for.

If you get claustrophobic you may want to steer clear from interior cabins, even though they are cheaper. Want an ocean view at any given time? Go for that balcony, but bump it up to a suite if you want a little more room and some extra amenities to go with it.

Cabin location is critical as well. Try to avoid potentially noisy areas but also make sure you’re close enough to the things you will use the most on a cruise ship. There are some cabins on a cruise ship that I think most people should avoid.

If you are cruising with a 3^rd or 4^th person be sure to check out our post on things to know when cruising with a 3^rd person.

8. Overdoing it

Food and beverages can be found in abundance on a cruise ship. And since you’re in vacation mode it can be easy to overindulge on some things, making you feel not so great after a few days.

Be sure to pace yourself and show a little moderation so you can enjoy all the things a cruise has to offer. I tend to overeat on a cruise and will get a little sluggish by day 3 or 4.  A trip to the gym and a little more self-control help me get back on track.

9. Being too Connected Back Home

Now that Wi-Fi is available on cruise ships, it can be harder to really disconnect and enjoy your getaway. And while it’s good to keep up with a few things back home, it can also add to your stress levels when things out of your control are going on.

Remember, just because you can have Wi-Fi on all your devices doesn’t mean you need to be checking your work email and other messages throughout the day. Give yourself a break.

Part of me misses the old days of cruising when you left your phone in your cruise cabin safe until the last day of the cruise.

Many find that getting out to sea on a cruise and disconnecting for a while can be the most therapeutic and enjoyable aspect of a cruise. Even if it’s just for a day or two, disconnect for a bit and reconnect with the people you’re traveling with.

10. Not Realizing Some of the Extra Costs

First-time cruisers always face a little sticker shock when they find out all the extra costs they overlooked. Especially if you’re cruising on a mainstream cruise line or with a lower cost line, you will soon find out that all the nickel-and-diming adds up.

Sure, the listed cruise price may have looked too good to be true, but every soft drink, Wi-Fi package, spa treatment, excursion, professional photo and gratuity can add up to frustration in the end.

There are many extra costs that I think are definitely worth every penny, but being aware of these costs ahead of time will avoid ruining a cruise because you didn’t expect to spend that much.

Bottom Line

As you can see, many of these things are preventable. And even if you plan your cruise two years in advance, having the right travel insurance and flexibility can go a long way in making sure your cruise is not really “ruined”.

Do as much prep-work and research as you can ahead of time, and it will save you a lot of frustration. Bring all the medication you need (including motion sickness meds), pack some sunblock, make all your reservations as early as possible, and get your travel arrangements taken care of, and you are off to a great start.

Note: This article was updated in December 2024.

A recent Reddit post shared a heartbreaking story of a passenger whose appendix ruptured on just the second day of the honeymoon getaway.

After seeing the medical bill, the couple realized a valuable lesson that was shared on the social media platform.

No one plans to have a medical emergency while on a cruise.  After all, it’s a time of rest and relaxation.  The medical facility on a cruise ship is the last place a person expects to be.

But a Reddit user found themselves in this exact situation after severe stomach pain flared up just two days into the sailing.

“Currently sailing to the Bahamas when I got severe and sudden stomach pain. The medical center was closed and they had an “emergencies only” line. I waited 4 hours before calling it because I couldn’t tell if it was an emergency,” Redditor jellocore posted.

“Not only did I have appendicitis, my appendix ruptured. This is very serious and I will be in the hospital for at least a week. The ship doctors and nurses are phenomenal, and I feel very cared for.”

The couple ended up having to get off the ship in order to get the care that was needed, and the cruise passenger had surgery right away.

“I learned a very valuable lesson this trip: always buy travel insurance,” the user stated.  “Not only are we out our entire honeymoon budget, our savings have been wiped clean as the doctors bill was over $10k.”

Comments flooded into the post as well wishes were sent to the couple. 

The poster replied to one of the comments stating they were glad to be alive and hoped to build the savings back up over time.

Other advice was given in the aftermath of the medical bills with one comment stating, “Did you check with your private insurance if they cover you while traveling? Some don’t and some do so it’s worth a look to see if you have coverage.”

One user recommended checking credit card coverage as well, stating “If you used a premium or travel credit card to pay for the cruise, check to see whether they offer complementary travel medical insurance or at least some related coverage.”

To this comment the OP replied that a debit card was used to pay for the cruise but that they would definitely pay with a credit for the next trip.

I always recommend getting cruise travel insurance.  Even if you can find a great deal online, it’s the medical emergency situations that can really break the bank.

Some don’t buy insurance if they buy a cruise for under $500, thinking that if they can’t make the cruise it’s not a huge loss.  But if a medical situation arises and you have to be airlifted from a cruise ship, you’re looking at a bill of $50,000 and up to $100,000 just for that service alone.

Since a vacation is all about getting some peace and quiet away from home, trip insurance makes sure the financial side can give you some peace of mind.

This travel insurance is the kind of thing you hope you never have to use, but if you do, you sure are glad you have it.

Read more: Biggest reasons to have cruise travel insurance that most overlook

Late next year, Royal Caribbean will open their first Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas. It will have the world’s largest swim-up bar and fun for the entire family.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will open in December 2025 and is promising to be the ultimate beach day.

It is currently under construction on 17 acres on Paradise Island and cruisers on Royal Caribbean cruise ships will be able to purchase a day pass to visit the beach club. Passes will open for bookings in the spring of 2025.

Day passes will included everything from the water taxi to the club to food and drinks.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be divided up in three sections, Family Beach, Chill Beach and Party Cove.

Family Beach

The Family Beach will be steps away from The Shallow End zero-entry pool.

Royal Caribbean cruisers can kick back to a whole new level with the Ultimate Family Cabana – a one-of-its-kind exclusive retreat with two stories of amenities, including a thrilling slide, dedicated whirlpool, frozen drink machine and more.

Chill Beach

Chill Beach will be the spot for all day relaxation that is lined with powdery white sand. This area will also have shopping at local artisan huts or sampling different island flavors, from grilled shrimp skewers to fire engine fritters.

Party Cove

The Party Cove will have the world’s largest swim-up bar, The Floating Flamingo. This area will have poolside service with a DJ spinning beats for a day of fun.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, gave the following statement:

“The Royal Beach Club Collection is designed for every type of family and vacationer to get everything they want out of their ideal beach day – no matter the vibe they’re looking for.

“With the first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we continue to super-serve our guests with a tailored experience at one of our most highly visited destinations, building on nearly five decades of collaboration with the community and government of The Bahamas.”

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of three new port projects planned for Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line.  Following the beach club in Nassau is the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027.