Posts in category: Diplomacy

A cruise ship has returned to service after receiving a renovation in dry dock, and the vessel now sports a new poolside experience with relaxed poolside dining.

Silversea’s Silver Spirit now features an enhanced onboard experience with refreshed public spaces and new culinary offerings.

One of the biggest additions to Silver Spirit is Riviera, an all-new poolside concept that’s inspired by the Mediterranean’s iconic coastal locales.

Riviera is designed as an all-day destination that flows from relaxed mornings to vibrant evenings. This helps creates an inviting setting for guests to unwind, connect, and enjoy unhurried moments throughout the day.

In the mornings, this space is for wellness rituals, energizing drinks, and quiet moments by the pool. As the day goes on, the atmosphere changes to more social and lively with curated music and casual dining. In the evenings, it’s a social space under the stars. It’s now a natural gathering space from breakfast through dinner.

Dining is an all-day assortment of light fare and casual favorites. This includes fresh salads, wraps, burgers, plant‑based options, and seafood dishes such as ceviche and fish of the day.

The beverage menu at Riviera features refreshing spritzes and poolside cocktails. A range of low‑ and non‑alcoholic options are also available for wellness‑minded guests.

The pool deck on the cruise ship now features upgraded outdoor furniture, sun loungers, daybeds, and umbrellas. There’s a putting green and “Off the Deck” golf simulator and hitting bay.

The cruise line also added their S.A.L.T. program, a culinary immersion experience, to the ship for the first time.

New venues on board include S.A.L.T. Kitchen, offering destination-inspired menus, S.A.L.T. Bar, which serves regional spirits and custom cocktails, and S.A.L.T. Lab, where guests can deepen their appreciation of the destination through intimate, hands‑on cooking classes focused on regional tastes and traditions.

Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea, gave the following statement:

“The completion of Silver Spirit’s revitalization marks an important milestone for our fleet. As the ship returns to service, we’re giving our guests a renewed onboard experience – one that blends relaxed sophistication, immersive dining, and destination‑driven discovery.

“From refreshed spaces to refined culinary experiences, every update was thoughtfully designed to elevate how our guests spend their time on board, as Silver Spirit embarks on immersive voyages through Northern Europe.”

After spending a night on the ship in its embarkation port, guests on Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel received a disappointing announcement on May 8: the voyage was officially canceled.

For families who had settled into their staterooms in Singapore, the 4-day cruise on the 6,700-passenger Disney Adventure was over after about 26 hours due to a mechanical issue on board. 

What made the news even more surprising is that this is a new ship—well, new to Disney—, just delivered to Disney in December 2025.  Originally ordered by Genting Hong Kong for the Dream Cruises brand, the vessel was purchased by Disney in 2022 and is almost 50% larger than the Wish-class ships with the cruise line.

“Everyone Off the Ship”

The news broke on Friday afternoon after a long delay in the ship’s departure from the Asian cruise port.

In a letter sent to guests Disney stated the following:

“We are truly sorry to let you know that we are unable to proceed with your Disney Adventure experience from May 7-11, 2026 as planned. We fully understand how upsetting and disappointing this news is, and we realize this is not the experience you were looking forward to.”

According to passengers posting in the r/dcl subreddit, the situation went from a technical delay to a full cancelation.

“Everyone off the ship,” one passenger reported, sharing a few details of the quick and sudden end to the cruise.

While many guests were frustrated, some stated that the vibe onboard remained very calm, with one cruiser stating, “currently it doesn’t seem like most people want to get off the boat and want to stay on the ship as long as possible since the vibe is still nice.”

Disney Offers Generous Compensation

Disney Cruise Line is providing what many online are calling an incredibly generous compensation package:

• A 100% refund of the cruise fare.
• 50% off a future cruise.
• A $500 per stateroom credit for incidental expenses.
• Complimentary hotel stays (including high-end spots like the JW Marriott and Hilton).
• Coverage for flight change fees and transportation.

One passenger said that despite the disappointing cancelation, Disney is “doing everything right,” including providing shuttle buses and meals at Pixar Market for those awaiting hotel assignments.

Disney Adventure’s History

The cancelation has also started a discussion about the ship’s complicated history. Disney Adventure is the largest in the fleet, but it wasn’t built from scratch by the cruise line.  As stated above, the company purchased the unfinished ship and customized it to their liking.

“For a new ship, this is surprising,” wrote one user. Another added some context in saying, “Remember this ship needed so much work Disney delayed its inaugural for 6 months.”

Passengers Reactions

For those who flew across the world for the experience, the financial compensation is a huge step forward, but it doesn’t make it any easier to explain to the children.

“My kids are absolutely gutted,” one parent shared. “I hope to make the most of the next few days in Singapore so they can come away with some happy memories.”

Some passengers on the ship said that some of the technical issues required the ship to be “emptied” because the entire electrical system needed to be shut down for repairs. While this has not been verified, it’s clear the repairs are more serious than first thought.

The cancelation also affected guests on “back-to-back” bookings, who are now staying in hotels while they wait to see if the next leg of their journey will go on or not.

What Happens Next?

Disney officials are reportedly optimistic that the ship will be back in service by Monday, May 11.

“Higher-ups” on the ship reportedly told guests that repairs are “going very well,” though the immediate focus was on guest safety and comfort.

For now, thousands of travelers are trading their ocean views for a few extra days in Singapore, holding out hope for another Disney cruise in the future.  At least that full refund and extra funds for a future cruise will soften the blow at least a little.

Disney Adventure is currently scheduled for another cruise that departs Singapore on May 11, for a 3-day sailing to nowhere.

Oceania Cruises has announced two new 180-day cruises that will sail all around the world in 2028 and 2029 on Oceania Aurelia.

The new world cruises will open for bookings on May 13, 2026, and it will also mark the first time the premium cruise line has released two world cruises at the same time.

Among the many highlights of the two Around the World cruises is a series of overnight port stays that allow for more time ashore for deeper exploration in destinations that include:

• Papeete
• Bora Bora
• Sydney
• Bali
• Tokyo
• Singapore
• Mumbai
• Seville
• Bordeaux

2028 World Cruise

The 2028 world cruise will depart from Miami on January 18, 2028 and return to New York six months later. The ship will be christened in Miami before it departs and heads through the Panama Canal.

After a visit to Hawaii, the ship will spend two weeks exploring the islands of the South Pacific.

Next up is an Australian exploration, including an overnight stay in Sydney. The cruise continues along the shores of Southeast Asia, exploring Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, and nearly two weeks tracing the coastline of Japan.

The ship will then head to India and the Arabian Peninsula before spending three weeks in the Mediterranean.

Countries the cruise will visit in Europe include Italy, Greece, France, Spain and Portugal.

2029 World Cruise

The 2029 world cruise will trace the Pacific coast of the North, Central and South America after departing from Los Angeles on January 6, 2029.

The journey continues to the South Pacific with two weeks exploring French Polynesia. After three weeks in Australia and New Zealand, the ship heads to Asia, India and the Arabian Peninsula.

The ship will visit the Mediterranean from Greece and Croatia to Italy, Spain and France, culminating with calls in the storied British Isles and a classic Atlantic crossing into New York.

Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises, said the following about these two new 180-day cruises:

“We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Aurelia, The Ultimate Explorer, to the fleet next year. She will be perfectly designed for extended global travel, so to be able to launch two Around the World voyages plus spectacular Grand Voyages at the same time is a true milestone for us.

“These incredible itineraries will pique the interests of curious travelers who want to explore the world in elegant comfort with the chance to enjoy more time ashore and experience well-loved and new favorite destinations in depth. 

Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, broke ground on a new global headquarters that’s being built in Miami, Florida.

Carnival’s new headquarters is being built in Miami’s Waterford Business District, just south of Miami International Airport.

The groundbreaking event marks the beginning of construction on the new campus, celebrating over 50 years of the company’s heritage in South Florida and its ongoing long-term investment in Miami-Dade County.

The new headquarters is expected to be completed in 2028, and the campus will house more than 2,000 team members. It will have an estimated 700,000 square feet of workspace that includes rehearsal facilities for cruise ship entertainment.

Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, gave the following statement:

“Breaking ground at 887 Carnival Place feels less like a beginning and more like a natural next step in proudly carrying forward our 50+-year South Florida legacy as we create the foundation for our next chapter here.

This campus embodies the intersection of our commitment to the team members who propel us and the guests who inspire us. We are especially honored by Miami-Dade’s ‘Carnival Place Day’ proclamation and are grateful to the county that championed us from the start as we continue to grow in the place we call home.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, added:

“Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Miami-Dade County and for Carnival Corporation’s enduring presence in our community. For more than 50 years, Carnival has been part of the fabric of our local economy, and this new global headquarters represents a bold investment in our future.

“This state-of-the-art campus will bring thousands of employees together in one place, driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and strengthening our position as the Cruise Capital of the World. Miami-Dade continues to be a destination where global companies choose to grow, invest and lead—and we are proud that Carnival Corporation is building its future right here at home.”

With over 6 million cruise passengers visiting in 2025 alone, Nassau remains one of the busiest and most popular ports in the Caribbean. The revitalized Nassau Cruise Port (completed with major upgrades around 2023) now features modern terminals, expanded shopping, dining, and new attractions right at the pier, making it easier and more enjoyable than ever for cruisers.

Looking for things to do in Nassau, Bahamas? There are plenty of activities to give you great reasons to get off the ship. Whether you want a relaxing beach day, thrilling water park fun, historical sites, shopping, or unique wildlife encounters, Nassau has something for every group.

Even if you’ve visited Nassau before, the upgraded port and new experiences make it worth exploring again. There’s more to this port than meets the eye, so look beyond the ship and discover what New Providence Island offers.

New Providence Island is only 21 miles long and 11 miles wide and packed with activities.

Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas on your next cruise.

Disclosure notice: This post contains affiliate links which will provide us with a small commission if you purchase through them, all at no cost to you.

Navigating the New Nassau Cruise Port

The 2023-2025 revitalizations have changed how you exit the ship. You will now walk through a dedicated arrivals terminal and a vibrant Port Plaza filled with local vendors.

Walking Directions: To reach downtown, the Straw Market, or Junkanoo Beach, follow the signs through the ground transportation area toward the main exit. It is a more organized, pedestrian-friendly experience than in years past. Taxis and water taxis are now clearly staged in a central hub to reduce confusion.

1. Visit the Best Beaches of Nassau

Some of the clearest, most beautiful waters in the world are found right here in Nassau. White sandy beaches abound for both relaxing and active days.

Many of the top beaches are on nearby Paradise Island, a short water taxi or bridge ride from the cruise port.

Here are some of the best beaches to visit:

• Cable Beach – One of the most popular stretches with luxury resorts, over 2 miles of soft sand, and clear waters. Restaurants and shops are nearby.
• Cabbage Beach – Often called one of the most beautiful on Paradise Island. Palm-fringed with resorts nearby. It’s great for walking and sunbathing, although it can get crowded on the western end.
• Love Beach – A quieter option about 20 minutes west of downtown. Excellent for snorkeling near protected coral reefs and escaping the crowds.
• Cove Beach – Tranquil spot on Paradise Island near The Cove Atlantis. Perfect for a relaxing day with white sands and palm trees.
• Junkanoo Beach – Super convenient, just a 10-15 minute walk from the port. Casual vibe with clear water, beach games, bars, and great ship photos. Ideal for a quick beach stop combined with shopping.

Want more beaches? Check out our post on the best beaches in Nassau here.

2. Enjoy Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis

There are tons of things to do at Atlantis on Paradise Island. One of the biggest draws is Aquaventure, a massive 141-acre waterpark that’s a blast for all ages.

As one of the largest in the Caribbean, it features high-speed slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, a mile-long Rapids River ride, and thrill slides like the near-vertical drops at the Power Tower and Mayan Temple (with views through a shark lagoon).

3. Walk Around Atlantis on Your Own

Want a taste of Atlantis without the full waterpark price? Take a water taxi from the cruise port to Paradise Island. Once there, stroll the stunning public areas, lobby aquarium views, lagoons, waterfalls, shops, and the casino.

4. Shop at the Straw Market & New Port Shops

The iconic Nassau Straw Market on Bay Street (steps from the port) is still a must for hand-woven hats, bags, souvenirs, and wood carvings. Bargain for the best deals using USD or Bahamian dollars.

The revitalized cruise port now offers expanded shopping with more “Authentically Bahamian” certified local vendors right at the terminal which makes it easier to shop without venturing far.

5. Climb the Queen’s Staircase & Visit Fort Fincastle

It’s the iconic thing to do in Nassau. Carved from limestone in the late 1700s, the 66-step Queen’s Staircase leads to Fort Fincastle. Named after Queen Victoria, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into history. Many tours include this stop, or it’s a doable (though warm) walk from the port.

6. Visit Blue Lagoon Island

A short boat ride takes you to this private island (also known as Salt Cay) for beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and marine encounters. Dolphin Encounters, sea lions, and relaxing hammocks make it a favorite. Safety measures have been enhanced since reopening.

7. Experience the Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo

You don’t even have to leave the port area to experience Bahamian culture. The Bahamas Museum of Junkanoo is located right at the Prince George Wharf. It features 5 exhibit spaces showing off the incredible costumes and music of the national festival. It’s an easy, disabled-friendly stop for anyone interested in local heritage.

8. See the Pirates of Nassau Museum

This interactive museum brings pirate history to life with a replica ship, exhibits on Blackbeard, and artifacts. Still open and popular. It’s great for families and located near the port. Admission is around $14 for adults.

9. Enjoy a Dolphin Excursion (Several Locations)

Dolphin swims and encounters remain highly rated in Nassau. Options include Atlantis Dolphin Cay, Blue Lagoon Island, and others like Balmoral. 

10. Dive with Sharks at Stuart Cove’s

For thrill-seekers, Stuart Cove’s offers shark dives (certification required for some programs). Get close to Caribbean reef sharks in a guided experience.

11. Visit Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Center

Famous for marching flamingos, this 4-acre tropical garden and zoo lets you feed parrots, see lemurs, and more. Still operating with daily show. Just check current hours as it’s popular on weekends.

12. Explore Clifton Heritage National Park

On the west side near Jaws Beach, this park offers hiking, snorkeling (including a coral sculpture garden), beaches, and Lucayan history. Great for nature lovers seeking a break from crowds.

13. Go Swimming with Pigs in the Exumas

A popular full-day boat excursion to the Exumas for swimming with friendly pigs on a beautiful beach. The clear cays alone are worth the ride.

14. Play with Stingrays

Stingray encounters at various locations let you feed and swim with these gentle creatures in shallow waters. Safe and fun for all ages.

15. Try the Fish Fry (Arawak Cay)

Head to Arawak Cay for authentic Bahamian food at spots like Twin Brothers or Goldie’s. Conch, lobster, fresh seafood is just a short walk or taxi from the port.

16. Take a Culinary or Foodie Walking Tour

Combine history with tastings on guided walks that visit local spots, churches, and markets. Newer options often include rum cake, conch, or chocolate.

17. Experience Nassau’s Chocolate Factory at Graycliff

Tour the historic Graycliff estate, watch chocolate making, and taste (or create) unique flavors. Easy to combine with other downtown stops.

18. Tour Parliament Square

Admire the pink colonial buildings from 1815 and soak in British-influenced architecture and history.

19. Visit Fort Charlotte

The largest of Nassau’s forts, with moats, dungeons, and cannons. Occasional living history events make it engaging.

20. Ride a Jet Boat or Take a Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

Adrenaline-pumping jet boat tours or relaxing catamaran sails with snorkeling are cruiser favorites for seeing the coastline and reefs.

21. New: Relax at Bahama Bay Pool Club (Port Area)

Steps from the new cruise terminal, this recent addition offers pools, cabanas, food, and drinks and it’s perfect for a low-effort, high-relaxation port day.

22. New: Day Pass at Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar

A modern alternative (or addition) to Aquaventure with slides, pools, and beach access. Popular with families and you can book day passes in advance.

23. Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas

Housed in a historic villa, it showcases Bahamian artists and independence themes. A cultural gem for art lovers.

24. Take a James Bond or History Adventure Tour

Explore filming locations or join interactive history tours that bring Nassau’s past (and movie lore) to life.

Fabled Voyages, a new residential cruise line that is targeting a 2028 launch, unveiled new details on what the cruise line will offer on board.

Fabled Voyages is the newest proposed residential cruise line that will have a ship you can live on. There are currently a few cruise lines that offer this, and you can see a complete list of them here.

Fabled Voyages will offer an all-inclusive, long-term living experience as you cruise to the most iconic destinations around the world. Residents will also be allowed to bring up to two cats and dogs with them.

Their first ship will carry approximately 1,200-1,600 guests while emphasizing stability, comfort, affordability and community.

Residents on board the ship can expect the following amenities:

• Contemporary, residential style accommodations
• Reliable high-speed internet for remote work
• Diverse, high quality dining options
• Enrichment programs, entertainment, and cultural experiences
• A strong onboard community built for long term connection

The ship’s itineraries will include extended stays in Europe, Asia, South America and Asia. This will allow residents on board to fully experience each destination instead of rushing through it.

The cruise line will prioritize accessible healthcare and offer plans for subsidized medical, dental, and mental wellness services, an uncommon offering in the cruise industry.

Fabled Voyages recently announced that residents will be allowed to bring their cats and dogs with them on the ship.

The founders of Fabled Voyages said the following about the new cruise line:

“Our goal is simple. We want to create a place where people don’t just travel, they belong. Where your home moves with you, friendships prosper, and the world becomes your neighborhood.”

Cabins will start at just $100,000 for a five-year ownership, $120,000 for 10 years, and $140,000 for 15 years. Staterooms on the ship include inside, ocean view, balcony and suites.

The cruise line’s debut is currently targeted for 2028, with routes designed to follow favorable seasonal weather patterns. They also want to maximize cultural and scenic opportunities at different destinations around the world.

For more information on Fabled Voyages, you can visit their website.

How do cruise ships compare to land-based resorts when it comes to cleanliness and sanitation?  How often are each actually tested? And more importantly, which industry has strict requirements for reporting outbreaks, and which doesn’t?

Some of the hardest working people on the planet are cruise ship crew members who keep their vessels clean and sanitized. The pressure and stress they face is hard to imagine.

Livelihoods often ride on a surprise CDC health inspection score that can happen at any moment.

Cruise ship outbreaks make the news because that news is ‘big money.’ Outlets know that calling a ship a ‘floating petri dish’ gets clicks, and the ‘anti-cruise’ crowd pounces on every story as proof for their conviction.

But while these stories go viral, a virus on a cruise ship often does not. The big difference?  How and why these cases are reported.

If you look at the federal data and the latest 2026 regulations, the reality is very different than what most news articles will have you believe.

A cruise ship is arguably the most scrutinized piece of real estate on earth, facing a centralized federal machine that requires total transparency.

The headlines tell one story, but the inspection logs tell another. Here is how the two vacation styles actually stack up, comparing them in eight different categories.

1. Outbreak Reporting: Required or Not

• Cruise Ships: Mandatory reporting. The CDC must be notified if just 2% to 3% of people on board report symptoms. This data is required to be made publicly available immediately.
• Resort Hotels: Zero federal reporting. There is no requirement to disclose outbreaks or illness rates to the public or federal government.

A Closer Look

This is why cruises get a bad reputation. They are the only vacation sector required to be 100% honest. If 50 people get a stomach bug at a 1,000-room hotel, there’s not so much as a whisper.

If 50 people get sick on a cruise ship, it’s a “CDC Outbreak” that ends up on the evening news. This transparency creates a false perception of a “floating petri dish”, when in reality, the ship is simply the only one being audited in real-time.

You might think norovirus is a “cruise ship thing”, but only 1% of all norovirus cases happen on cruise ships.  And even though a huge majority of cases happen on land, the reporting requirements are practically non-existent.

2. Water Systems: Managed vs. Municipal

• Cruise Ships: Use high-tech desalination and reverse osmosis to create water. It’s monitored 24/7 for chlorine and pH levels.
• Resort Hotels: They depend on city utility lines. A hotel’s responsibility ends at the property line with no federal mandate for room-level pathogen testing.

A Closer Look

On a cruise ship, much of the water is “manufactured” and the ship knows exactly what’s in it.  I’ve been on behind the scenes tours on cruise ships to see these water filtration systems in action.  It’s very impressive, and 90% of water used on the ship is ‘created’ on board.

Under the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) updates, ships must conduct mandatory microbiological sampling for Legionella every six months and not just in pools, but in guest cabin showers as well.

At a resort, you are at the mercy of the city or town’s infrastructure. Unless there is a city-wide boil notice, a resort doesn’t really have a legal requirement to test the chemical balance or bacterial safety of the water coming out of your bathroom sink.

3. Food Safety: Federal Standards vs. State Codes

• Cruise Ships: Inspected under the strict U.S. FDA Food Code with a focus on “food flow” and cross-contamination.
• Resort Hotels: Subject to state or county health codes, which can carry different levels of strictness in their requirements.

A Closer Look

If you’ve ever read a CDC health inspection report (more on this in the next point) from a cruise ship you will know just how thorough and strict these inspections are.  Just having a bottle of unopened whipped topping in a time-control refrigerator without a 4-hour discard label can get you a violation.

Cruise ship galleys are built with cleanliness in mind, have special flooring, and specific “zones” that prevent raw and cooked foods from ever crossing paths.

Federal inspectors audit the timing of crew hand-washing and the exact calibration of every refrigerator. While a resort health inspection often begins and ends in the kitchen, a cruise ship inspection covers the entire “food pathway” from the moment a pallet is loaded onto the ship until the plate hits your table.

4. Publicity: The “Green Sheet” Accountability

• Cruise Ships: Scores are published on the CDC “Green Sheet” website, allowing cruisers to see a ship’s full inspection history.
• Resort Hotels: Scores are local, often hard to find, or only posted in small print at the physical facility.

A Closer Look

Cruise lines know that a score below an 85 is a public relations disaster.  And I’ve personally seen the pressure crew members face when a ship is about to pull into a U.S. port and the possibility of an inspection is coming.

This creates a state of “perpetual readiness” where the crew is always prepared to get that white-glove inspection. Resorts don’t have a central searchable database, and they face far less public pressure to maintain that same level of daily perfection.

5. Air Quality: Hospital Grade vs. Standard Air

• Cruise Ships: Use UV-C light and HEPA/MERV-13 filters to neutralize pathogens in the air supply.
• Resort Hotels: Most rely on standard commercial HVAC filters designed for dust, not germ neutralization.

A Closer Look

Modern cruise ships have transitioned to systems that prioritize 100% fresh air intake or use high-intensity UV-C light to “scrub” the air before it ever reaches your cabin. This effort was really ramped up after the 2020 pandemic.

Royal Caribbean states that their air is filtered in public spaces about 15x to 20x every hour and their MERV 13 filters capture 90% of aerosols 1 to 3 microns in size.

While standard HVAC filters are fine for allergens, some land-based systems lack the medical-grade tech designed to stop the spread of viruses in their tracks.

6. Medical Infrastructure: Clinical vs. Basic

• Cruise Ships: Required 24/7 medical centers with doctors, nurses, and isolation protocols.
• Resort Hotels: Usually only provide a first-aid station or an on-call doctor with little to no dedicated quarantine protocols.

A Closer Look

A cruise ship is the only vacation style where an onsite doctor can legally “order” a sick guest to isolate to protect the rest of the population.

While these vessels don’t have every piece of equipment a hospital will have, these medical centers are equipped with diagnostic tools like cardiac monitors, X-ray machines, ventilators, and defibrillators.

Resorts don’t typically have that kind of infrastructure.  If an illness spreads at a hotel, there is no centralized system to track it, treat it, or stop it from moving through the lobby.

Of course, on a cruise ship you don’t have the option of just walking or driving to a medical clinic to get the help you need, so I will concede that the need for this equipment on a cruise ship is more important than at a resort hotel.

7. Surface Hygiene: Disinfection vs. Routine Cleaning

• Cruise Ships: Use electrostatic sprayers and hospital-grade disinfectants on high-touch surfaces (elevator buttons, railings) multiple times a day as a standard baseline. Stay up late on a cruise ship and you will see the “cleaning machine” in motion.
• Resort Hotels: Cleaning is often focused on guest rooms and lobbies. Secondary surfaces like gym equipment or stairwell railings often see much less frequent disinfection.

A Closer Look

In a cruise environment, “clean” is a constant state, not a morning task. Because ships are audited on the cleanliness of even the most obscure surfaces, crew members use electrostatic technology to get full coverage.

At a resort, while the lobby floor might be mopped daily, the “high-touch” spots like the TV remote in the gym or the buttons on a vending machine are often only cleaned during a deep-clean cycle rather than as a part of a daily, high-frequency protocol.

8. Hand Hygiene: Persistent but Effective

• Cruise Ships: Active Intervention. Physical hand-washing stations and staff “monitors” at dining entrances to make sure those hungry cruisers have clean hands before raiding the buffet.
• Resort Hotels: Passive Option. Hand sanitizer may be provided in a lobby, but its use is entirely voluntary, unmonitored, and never turned into a song (if you know you know).

A Closer Look

This is the most visible difference between the two vacations. On a ship, the “Washy Washy” culture is a strategy to kill those germs at the most important area: the buffet entrance.

By placing hand-washing stations directly in the cruise passenger’s way (often with a crew member there to greet and remind them) ships are able to get almost everyone to comply.

 A resort hotel usually leaves your hygiene entirely up to you. While a sanitizing station may be in place, its use isn’t encouraged nearly as vigorously as on a cruise ship.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest reasons cruise ships get a bad rap is based on some of the tighter quarters and sheer number of people on board some of today’s mega ships.  While it’s true that getting some extra personal space can be challenging, cruise lines are very serious about sanitation and have some of the most state-of-the-art systems in place to keep things clean and passengers healthy.

They aren’t perfect, but don’t believe the over-hyped headlines that sensationalize a story just to get clicks. Most of the time, the only thing going viral on a cruise ship is fun and relaxation.