Diplomacy

Royal Caribbean, the world’s largest cruise line, has officially started construction on their first Royal Beach Club that will be located in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is scheduled to open in 2025 and will be located in Nassau on Paradise Island between the iconic lighthouse and Atlantis Resort.

Royal Caribbean cruisers visiting Nassau will be able to take a short ferry ride from the cruise port right to the Royal Beach Club. When cruisers return, they will be dropped off near the Straw Market in downtown Nassau.

It is expected to have an average of 2,000 guests a day visit the club.

The beach club will be 17 acres in size and offer a new beach experience at one of the world’s most visited cruise ports.

The club will have three swimming pools, two beaches, swim-up bars, private cabanas, and places to get food and drinks.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, gave the following statement about breaking ground for the cruise line’s first Royal Beach Club:

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community. We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:

“As we break ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, together with the government and the people of The Bahamas, we are celebrating what partnership and innovation can achieve. This will be yet one more reason, in Nassau’s bright future, to experience a destination we have visited since the very beginning of Royal Caribbean more than 50 years ago.”

“The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined.”

Royal Caribbean is also building a Royal Beach Club in Cozumel that is expected to open in 2026.

Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas will be skipping calls to Astoria and Victoria on its North American West Coast voyage due to propulsion issues.

According to a statement from the cruise line, a technical issue with one of the ship’s propulsion systems has reduced its maximum speed.

While this issue forced a change in the itinerary, a statement from the company assured that the ship can still travel safely to Vancouver.

“The Radiance of the Seas is experiencing a technical issue with one of its propulsion systems, resulting in a slower maximum speed,” the statement reads. “Unfortunately, this means we’re no longer able to make our scheduled calls. We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused by this unexpected situation.“

The 2,500-passenger ship is currently on a 4-day repositioning cruise, a one-way sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

The Radiance-class vessel is expected to arrive in Vancouver on April 25th, a day earlier than originally scheduled. This earlier arrival will allow the maintenance team more time to make repairs before the next sailing.

“Our teams are hard at work to correct this issue and our current progress is meeting our timeline. However, we’ll need to be docked to complete the required repairs,“ the cruise line said. “At this time, we intend to sail as planned on April 26, 2024, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.“

Passengers currently sailing on Radiance of the Seas will receive a 50% refund of their cruise fare in the form of onboard credit.

Additionally, any shore excursions booked through the cruise line at Astoria and Victoria will also be refunded as onboard credit.

The next cruise on the ship is still scheduled to depart from the Port of Vancouver on April 26th.

This will be a 7-day round-trip sailing from the Canadian cruise port, visiting Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, Icy Strait Point, and Ketchikan before returning to Vancouver on May 3rd.

After 50 cruises, I’ve been in some less-than-ideal cabin locations. 

Most of the time, cabins with excessive noise and weirdly positioned balconies could have been avoided if I just checked the deck plans.

After I learned that deck plans give way more insight into what I could expect from my home away from home on a ship, I now check them before ever selecting my stateroom.

Picking out your cruise cabin location is the fun part of the booking process.  At least it’s more fun than seeing how much taxes and fees will set you back.

Some cruisers will simply pick a cabin category that’s forward, aft, or mid-ship and be fine without checking anything else.

Before I sign off on that exact cabin, I like to look up the deck plans for the ship.  And there are several things I will look for that I will mention in this post.

Overlooking some key details in the deck plans caused some rather annoying situations in cruises past.

By the way, if you pick a guaranteed fare where the cruise line chooses the stateroom for you in exchange for a few dollars in savings, none of this will apply to you.

1. To avoid interconnecting cabins

Some cruise cabins have a door between them. This is great if you’re traveling with family and want access to another stateroom without going into the hallway.

However, the space around these interconnecting doors can allow sound to travel through. Cruise lines do a decent job of trying to minimize this, but I’ve noticed on more than one sailing just how much of a difference it makes.

On one particular cruise, I had booked a cabin with a connecting door and could hear even light conversation going on next door in the wee hours of the morning.

Deck plans make it very easy to spot cabins with doorways between them. These are usually marked by a dot or symbol to help group travelers stay together.

I use them to find which cabins to avoid.

Read more: What to know when cruising with a 3rd or 4th person

2. To see what is directly above or below my cabin

If you’ve ever had a cabin directly below a live music venue that operates until 1am, you realize the importance of this point. 

If you don’t go to bed until 2am or later then maybe this won’t matter as much.  But it could matter in the morning when you’re trying to sleep in.

With a stateroom right below the pool deck you might hear the scraping of deck chairs being placed into position.  I’ve had this happen on multiple occasions.

When examining deck plans I will look one deck up and one deck below to see if there is a possible venue that could be extra noisy. 

Often, I will try to book a cabin on a deck that has a passenger deck both above and below to help minimize this.   And then of course, you just hope you don’t have noisy neighbors.

I should mention that some modern cruise ships have better sound proofing than others.  This has been a problem cruisers have mentioned for years, and the sound dampening technology has gotten better.

3. To check proximity to elevators

This one can go either way.  On some cruises I want to be as close as possible to elevators.  On other cruises where peace and quiet is more important, I will try to avoid bustling areas on the ship.

If you have a disability or you’re using a motorized scooter on board, you might want easy and quick access to the elevators.

Some cruise ships have three main elevator areas, and some only have two – one forward and one aft.  I’ve found that the mid-ship elevator can be the most active on the ship, so if you’re concerned about excessive foot traffic outside your door you might want to avoid this location.

If the cruise ship you’re booking is going to have a more laid-back atmosphere (opposite of a spring break kind of ordeal), having an elevator and stairwell right near your cabin door can certainly make travel around the ship simpler.

And, if you’re the type of cruiser that wants to spend every waking minute doing something around the ship, then find a cabin on those deck plans right near the elevators.

Read more: Cruise elevator guide: 16 rules to avoid the madness

4. To see what kind of obstruction may be outside my balcony

Cabins with obstructed views are clearly labeled and categorized as such on a cruise line’s website.  So, it shouldn’t be a surprise if you end up with one.  But not every obstructed view is created equal. 

I’ve had entire lifeboats blocking my ocean view before, and other times the “obstruction” to my view was barely noticeable at all. 

Sometimes the deck plans of a cruise ship can give you more insight as to what kind of obstruction you can expect when you walk into your stateroom.  Then you can see if it’s worth the extra savings, since obstructed view cabins are slightly cheaper.

It also helps to see pictures of the outside of the ship too, so you can see a certain area of the ship and what obstructions some cabins can expect.

Read more: Oops, I booked a cabin right above a public pool

5. To be closer to the amenities I care about

Everyone has a different style of cruising.  Want to go to the spa every day?  Is being close to the buffet or aft pool important to you?  Is there a certain lounge or venue you know you will want to check out on a regular basis throughout your cruise?

Cruise ship hallways are long — really long.  Having a cabin close to a place you will frequent can make a big difference. 

I’ve booked cabins before where I had to walk the entire length of the ship to visit the thermal suite on board and that just wasn’t ideal at all.    After all, when I was done I had to walk the entire length of the ship back to my cabin. 

And with modern cruise ships being over 1,000 feet long, that’s a lot of steps. 

The counterpoint is that it can help you keep the weight off during a cruise if you have to walk half a mile any time you leave the cabin. 

Read more: 19 things you should do on embarkation day of your cruise

Bottom Line

It might seem like a nerdy thing to do.  But cruise ship deck plans are a must-view before I ever pick out a cabin.  You don’t have to get too in depth.  Just know what you’re getting into. 

 Read more:  8 steps to picking the perfect cruise cabin for you

Princess Cruises held the christening/naming ceremony for the newest ship to enter their fleet, Sun Princess.

The ceremony took place in Barcelona, Spain earlier today with award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham serving as the ship’s godmother.

After she gave a traditional blessing (“I name this ship Sun Princess. May God bless her and all who sail on her.”), a giant bottle of champagne crashed against the hull of the ship officially christening the vessel.

Congratulations @PrincessCruises on the christening of your newest ship, Sun Princess. pic.twitter.com/gxPtpPxoMt

— Cruise Fever (@CruiseFever) April 23, 2024

Actor and magician Michael Carbonaro was the ceremony’s emcee with “Love Boat” cast members Jill Whelan (Vicki Stubing), Ted Lange (Isaac) and Bernie Kopell (Doc) in attendance.

“As much as theatre has always rippled through my bloodstream so too has a strong, historic familial connection with the Royal Navy and all things nautical,” said Waddingham. “I have of course seen over the years the iconic godmothers who have been asked to represent these magnificent ships and looked on in awe. It is therefore such a great privilege to have been asked to act as Godmother to the Sun Princess, first of her class. I can’t quite believe it.”

John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, gave the following statement about having Waddington serve as the ship’s godmother.

“Hannah is globally admired and adored for her immense talent and determination. Those qualities coupled with her family’s deep connection and love for the sea make her the perfect godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess. We are honored that she has joined us for this pinnacle moment, and that she will remain a treasured part of the ship’s legacy forever.”

Sun Princess is the 16th ship in Princess’ fleet and their largest yet at over 177,000 gross tons.  She is the first in a new Sphere class for Princess and has been in service for a little less than two months.

Sun Princess will cruise in the Mediterranean until October and then the ship moves to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for cruises to the Caribbean for the winter season.

The latest cruise ship to join Carnival’s growing fleet has arrived at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal on Tuesday.

The 135,156 gross ton Carnival Firenze is the second “Costa as Carnival” ship to be transferred from Costa Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line.

After sailing from Europe to Long Beach, California, the 5,200-passenger capacity “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship has found its new home.

Actor Jonathan Bennett has been named the godfather of the ship and he will be present at the naming ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 24. 

This event will be live streams on the cruise line’s Facebook page.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald took to his social media page to talk about the arrival of the ship.

Heald reported the Carnival Firenze’s arrival in Long Beach yesterday following a 30-day trip. The crew faced a busy day with immigration checks, a full US Coast Guard exam including drills, and possible health inspections. New crew members even joined the ship, all before tomorrow’s ceremony.

Carnival Firenze will be offering year-round sailings out of the California port, with various cruises that range in length from 3 days to 7 days in duration. 

The Florence inspired ship will visit destinations in the Mexican Riviera like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, and Esenada.   The first cruise out of Long Beach on Carnival Firenze is scheduled to sail on Thursday. 

This will be the third Carnival ship to sail out of Long Beach this season, with Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance also calling the California port home. 

The 1,061-foot vessel was built in 2020 and delivered to Costa Cruises in December of that same year.  In the summer of 2022 Carnival announced that the ship would be joining Carnival Venezia as part of the “Costa by Carnival” program which provides an Italian flare to the Carnival cruise experience.

Carnival Venezia is currently homeporting in New York City out of the Manhattan cruise port.

Lifeboats on cruise ships have come a long way in the last 20 years.  In fact, modern safety features across the board have made huge strides that most people don’t even know about.

After all, when on a cruise ship, enjoying an amazing vacation at sea, who really thinks about worst case scenarios?

Most passengers are more concerned about a potential view being blocked by a lifeboat hanging off the side of the ship rather than what those bright orange boats do in the first place.

And yes, the internet is chalk full of fear-mongering articles about lifeboats.  Some will say there aren’t enough for everyone.  Others will use “clickbait” on YouTube thumbnails that will make would-be first-time cruisers more hesitant to hop on a ship.

Here’s the good news: cruise ships are built with safety as the top priority. Instead of dwelling on worst-case scenarios, let’s dive into the fascinating world of cruise ship lifeboats.

One of the first things you should do when you first board your cruise ship is to find your muster station so you can complete the e-muster drill that is required before the ship can leave port.

Hopefully, these fun facts will help enlighten that entire muster drill experience.

Here are 10 surprising facts you might not know, from hidden features to rigorous testing procedures.

1. Some lifeboats are used as tenders

A tender is a boat that takes cruise passengers back and forth from ship to land.   These boats are used in ports of call where the ship cannot dock and must drop anchor offshore.

I’ve had the chance to take a ride in a lifeboat tender many times.  In fact, on a recent cruise with Celebrity Ascent, the co-captains (the Kafetzis brothers) actually had a little race along side the ship as Celebrity debuted its brand-new vessel. 

And yes, those boats can move faster than you think.

Now, that’s something the average cruiser won’t get to experience, but it did give me a lot of insight into what these little life-savers are capable of.

Lifeboats that you see hanging off the side of the ship that have no windows along the full length are not usually the ones used as tenders.  Tender lifeboats are much more spacious and will often have padded seating (with some cruise lines).

Of course, in the case of an emergency, these vessels will be much more cramped as they will be filled close to maximum capacity. 

2. The capacity of lifeboats has changed

How many people can fit in a lifeboat?  That number has changed over the years. 

The 150-person capacity for lifeboats was originally set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) code 4.4.2.1. 

Many lifeboats on today’s modern cruise ships will hold 300 people.

And now with larger cruise ships with passenger capacity’s pushing over 7,000, exceptions have been made for these behemoth vessels like Oasis-class ships from Royal Caribbean.

The 370-capacity Schat-Harding CRW55 was introduced on Oasis of the Seas, which allowed the ship to carry 18 lifeboats.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas carries lifeboats with an even greater capacity of 450 people.

3. There are enough lifeboats and life rafts for EVERYONE

This really shouldn’t be a “surprise” but if you read certain headlines on social media you might be surprised to know this.

It’s a topic that clickbait articles like to use, saying that “there aren’t enough lifeboats for everyone” on a cruise ship.

And if you’re doing the math yourself you might come to the same conclusion. 

But this fear tactic overlooks some very important facts. 

First, cruise ships do not usually ever sail at true maximum capacity.  This would mean every bed (including lower berths) is filled.

Most cruise ships sail closer to just above double-capacity numbers, which includes two people per cabin.

Also, while almost every passenger will typically have space in a lifeboat even near maximum capacity, there are also life rafts on board. 

These inflatable life rafts are mainly used for the crew in case of emergency, but they also offer more than enough space for extra passengers as well.

A SOLAS law requires enough lifeboats for 75% of passengers (37.5% on each side of the ship).  But there must be enough lifeboats and life rafts for 100% of passengers, which means the remaining 25% can be inflatable life rafts.

These life rafts are kept in circular drums on the side of the ship.  They use a hydrostatic release system that automatically inflates when they hit the water.

Note: Even though life rafts are mainly for the crew, each lifeboat will also have crew members in them to help cruise passengers with supplies, food, and overall organization.

The number of crew in each lifeboat will vary.  There could be anywhere from 10 – 18 crew members depending on the capacity of the lifeboat.

Read more: Top 5 cruise lines with the most capacity (total berths)

4. The color of some lifeboats has changed

Historically, lifeboats have been bright orange.  This bold color would allow the boats to be more easily spotted in a vast ocean.

International maritime safety regulations emphasize the importance of lifeboats being as visible as possible.

But Disney Cruise Line wasn’t a fan of this color, as it contrasted with their brand’s color scheme. 

Thanks to approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, Disney was allowed to paint its lifeboats bright yellow, affectionately known as Pantone 99. 

Since then, Royal Caribbean has adopted yellow as its lifeboat color of choice for ships in the fleet (except for Vision and Sovereign-class ships).  Costa Cruises also has yellow lifeboats.

5. Lifeboats can be launched even with 20-degree listing

It’s important for a lifeboat to be launched in all kinds of conditions.   20-degrees is a significant tilt for such a large vessel. 

But even in this circumstance most cruise ships can still launch their life saving vessels.  

Special launch systems like adjustable davits and self-balancing winches allow lifeboats to be lowered safely. Lifeboats themselves are designed to bob upright upon water entry.

Some davits may also have counterbalancing mechanisms to help manage the weight of the lifeboat during launch on an incline.

Video tour of cruise ship lifeboat

6. All aspects of these boats are tested regularly

Before a lifeboat is even installed on a cruise ship it goes through rigorous testing.  This includes filling the boat with water weights to mimic the weight of passengers and making sure the lifeboat can handle various loads and weight distribution, among other things.

If you’ve taken many cruises you’ve probably noticed the crew take a lifeboat or two for a spin while your ship was in port. 

This isn’t just a joy ride.  It’s to make sure the engines are still operational and the vessels as still seaworthy.

Lifeboats go through weekly and monthly inspections.  The crew check for damage or improper equipment function when running through these regular tests.

Life rafts are not tested by the crew but are periodically sent to facilities for inspection as they are sealed in drums on the ship and not easily accessible.

Even the equipment on board the lifeboats are inspected.  Food rations, batteries, signal equipment, and first-aid kits are inspected for quality to make sure everything is operational in the event of an emergency.

7. Each boat has an assigned commander who drives

Not everyone on a cruise ship can drive a lifeboat. It takes a special certification that involves classes, written exams, and practical tests on the water.

The person in charge of driving a particular lifeboat (the boat commander) is often determined by their position on the ship, rather than who currently holds that job title.

There is also a second in command who will drive if the boat commander is not available. 

Also, launch teams are assigned to each boat who are in charge of operating the hooks and pulleys and will lower the boats into the water.

All of this training goes on behind the scenes with most passengers completely unaware of the safety protocols in place.

8. There’s enough food and water for at least a week

In any emergency situation in which a lifeboat is used the goal is to be rescued as quickly as possible.   But if the rescue takes longer than expected there is enough fresh water and food on board to ensure survival for at least a week.

Many cruise ships have enough water for about half a liter of water per person per day and also a box of high-calorie dry biscuits (about 270 calories per bar).  These ration biscuits have an extremely long shelf-life and can be eaten without any preparation, making them the perfect survival food that is jam packed with calories.

No, it’s not the kind of gourmet food you may find in the main dining room, but again, the point here is survival.

Read more: 10 biggest things that can ruin your cruise if you let them

9. Seasickness medication is available on lifeboats

Large cruise ships are very stable and barely move at all in relatively calm weather.  The same cannot be said of lifeboats. 

These smaller vessels do their fair share of bobbing up and down and back and forth in even minimal waves.  

This is why every lifeboat also comes equipped with motion sickness medication for every person on board.  In fact, upon entering a lifeboat every person will be given motion sickness tablets along with a bag in case anyone gets sick from all of the rocking.

What other kinds of equipment and essentials can be found in a lifeboat?

• Fishing tackle
• Sea anchor (to slow the boat or stay in one position)
• Thermal protective blankets and aids
• First-aid kit
• Can opener
• Rope and rope ladder
• Smoke floats
• Rockets and hand flares to for better visibility
• Compass
• Fire extinguishers
• Flashlight and batteries

Read more: 35 genius cruise items on Amazon for under $15 (mostly)

10. Some lifeboats have bathrooms

People often ask if cruise ship lifeboats have toilets.   And while historically the answer has been no, some modern lifeboats do have a bathroom.

It should be noted that the primary purpose of a lifeboat is to keep you alive.  These aren’t cushy and comfortable pleasure vessels.  They are used in emergencies to help ensure your safety.

But when Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009, she also debuted a new concept in her 370-passenger lifeboats: a toilet.   While the idea of sharing a bathroom with several hundred people isn’t a brochure-worthy concept, it’s presumably better than nothing.

Final Thoughts

While we hope that no one reading this ever has to use a lifeboat in an emergency situation, at least now you have some useless knowledge to throw around at the dinner table in the main dining room.

And you can rest at ease knowing not only are there enough lifeboats and life rafts for everyone on board, but that the crew is vigilant in making sure this equipment is kept in working order.

Read more: 15 DUMB things people still believe about cruise ships

If you’re going on a cruise with a third or even fourth person in the cabin, there are a few things you need to know.  Don’t worry.  We’re going to cover all of it in this article.

*This article has been updated since its original publishing date.

More often than not, you will see many couples or families traveling together. The trend of traveling solo has gained in popularity throughout the years as well.

Traditionally, standard cabins are sized for two people. Family cabins and suites are another matter altogether.

So, what happens if you decide to cruise with a total of three or four in a cabin? How will this affect your stay and experience?

First of all, not all cabins can accommodate third and fourth persons. Be sure to choose the proper cabin when booking. Once we get past this standard rule, there are a few other things to remember.

1. Space Will Be Tight

Be prepared to maximize space when cruising with a third person!  If you can get some in the group to limit their luggage it would be a good idea too.

You may need to keep some of your clothing neatly folded in your suitcase, if you find that there is not enough room in the drawers and closet for everyone’s cruise attire.

Utilizing space saving bags or packing cubes can be a good idea.

Cruise ship bathrooms are naturally small. This is one space in your cabin that you will need to be extra diligent with your space saving hacks.

Try using hanging toiletry bags for each person. They can be hung in your closet and taken into the bathroom when needed. This keeps everyone’s toiletries tidy, separated and organized.

On most ships cruise ship cabins tend to run on the small side. An interior cabin is usually the smallest option on the vessel.

If a third person is in your room, be aware that space will be scarce, unless you booked a larger suite or more swanky cabin category.

I recommend an ocean view cabin at the very least. The space may not differ much, but having a window or porthole can give the room a more open feel.

You can often cram four people into an interior cabin to maximize savings, but maximizing the cruise experience is no guarantee.

A balcony cabin is an even better option. When space is feeling a bit cramped, there is an outside area to relax in that usually has a table and chairs. Even if the room isn’t larger itself, the balcony area creates a feeling of a larger space, with more options for everyone.

Read more: 25 Cabin Hacks to Make Your Stateroom More Livable

2. Drink Package Rules

Many cruisers opt to purchase the all-inclusive drink packages after boarding the ship. These packages are usually priced per day and include a large selection of beverages that you can enjoy, without the fear of a surprise bill.

The golden standard across cruise lines requires all persons in the room to purchase the package. If one purchases it, everyone in the cabin must as well.

Keep this in mind when traveling with a third. Many times, their cruise rates will be cheaper, but they must participate in the drink package if the other two decide to opt-in.

It is up to you and your cabin mates to decide if the drink packages are beneficial to you. Some people find that they come out cheaper in the long-run when buying the packages and others prefer to pay a la carte.

Of course, this rule doesn’t apply to minors.

3. Bedding Options

We already know that space will be very limited when cruising with a third person. What options are available for sleeping and bedding?

Most cruise ships will have two twin size beds that can be converted to a king. Before your trip, you can usually customize the bed configuration for the first two passengers.

Third and fourth passengers’ beds are handled differently. Some rooms will have upper berths that are “hidden” in the wall or ceiling, until the room steward prepares the cabin in the evenings.

These beds are opened and appear almost identical to a bunk bed. The person sleeping here will have a ladder to access the bed. This option is very popular with families and kids tend to love it.

Some cabins have a sofa or couch located along one wall. Sometimes, these sofas can be converted to a bed in the evenings.

If your third person is an infant, cribs can usually be provided by each cruise line. Just be sure to speak with your cabin steward for more information and availability.

4. Savings Possibilities

Luckily, most cruise lines offer some amazing deals for third and fourth passengers in a cabin. Cruise vacations tend to be a wonderful way to maximize your vacation budget and that holds true even further for additional passengers in your cabin.

It’s not unheard of for the cost of a cruise to be half-price for a third or fourth person.

Some cruise lines even offer FREE fare for third and fourth passengers. You can’t beat cruising for free!

This is a wonderful option to cut down on costs for your trip. The total cost can be divided by three rather than two, for incredible savings.

Remember: Even though the third or fourth person may cruise for free, they will still have to pay taxes and port costs. 

Read more: How to avoid spending an extra penny on your cruise

5. Gratuities Still Apply

If taking advantage of a lower cost or free fare for the third person, remember that some standard rules still apply.

The third person will still have to pay gratuities. Keep in mind that the extra person will still be eating and using the amenities of the dining room. Gratuities still need to be paid for the service that they receive. Your cabin stewards will be cleaning up after three, rather than two.

Just remember to keep this extra amount for gratuities budgeted into the total cost of your cruise vacation.

Cruising with a third person can be an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Being fully prepared before your trip can cut down on any surprises that you may have once boarding.

Make a budget beforehand, pack as light as possible and have lots of fun making memories together.

We hope our insight will prepare you for your next cruise with an additional person in your cabin. What would you suggest for others cruising with a third person? Let us know in the comments!

Read more: Cruise cabin check: 11 things to do before you empty your suitcase

There are certain things you’re not allowed to bring onto a cruise ship.  Some are pretty obvious, and others are in a sort of grey area.

And while many regular cruisers know that things like candles, irons, and weapons of any kind should not be stuffed into a suitcase bound for a cruise ship, some still try to push the limits.

No, you’re not allowed to bring a portable washing machine onto a cruise ship.

While doing laundry on a cruise is often an essential part of packing light and sailing on a longer voyage, these vessels have their own washing machines and dryers. 

Carnival Cruise Line is still one of the few cruise lines that also have self-service laundry rooms on many of its ships.

You can see a list of which cruise ships have launderettes (self-service laundry rooms) here.

Today, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald responded to a message he received from a passenger who got in trouble trying to sneak a portable washing machine on board.

On his Facebook page, Heald posted this message from a previous guest:

“Mom and me were on the Valor back in March. We were called to the naughty room because we had a Kuppet portable washing machine in our big bag. We were treated like criminals and degraded. I hope Carnival will be more sympathetic to people and do away with this humiliating experience.”

Heald acknowledged the passenger’s frustration and assured them the intention was not humiliation. He also revealed portable washing machines will be added to the list of prohibited items.

Kuppet portable washing machines come in a variety of sizes and styles.  The cheapest mini versions sell for around $60 and larger twin-tub washing machines from the company sell for $120 online, although it’s debatable how “portable” this 26lb machine really is.

A small mini Kuppet washing machine weighs about 8lbs, and is more than likely the kind the passenger tried to take on the cruise.

These washing machines can wash up to 5 shirts at a time and are often used by people who own RVs or go camping.

The wash time can be up to 15 minutes with these machines and they use 170w of power.

Heald admitted that he didn’t even know these kinds of machine existed, adding a bit of humor over the passengers use of the term “naughty room”.

“I do have to say I always smile when I hear the place on deck 0 where these inspections are carried out referred to as “ the naughty room.” Where did this ever start? Was it my late Mum who came up with this?”, Heald stated in his post.

He then opened the comment section to those who also had been called to the “naughty room” over something they packed in their suitcase that they should have left at home.

Most commenters were adverse to the idea of doing laundry while on a cruise ship in the first place, with one person saying,

“I don’t want to do laundry at home, not gonna pack a portable machine and do it on vacation.”