Diplomacy

Naps are one of those things you can’t stand when you’re a kid and you can’t stop thinking about when you’re a worn-out adult.

But one parent of small children was recently looking for some advice on how to handle that all-important naptime while also sailing on a cruise ship.  After all, those normal schedules get thrown all out of wack when on “cruise ship time”.

So, how do you manage naptime and early bedtimes in a tiny cruise cabin without losing your mind—or your vacation? One parent posed this exact question on Reddit, and the community’s responses offered some practical and potentially vacation-saving insight.

The parent was planning a cruise with a 2.5-year-old and an almost 5-year-old and was struggling with the logistics of naptime and bedtime in a small space.

They were debating two ideas: using a travel crib with a blackout tent or creating a room divider with magnetic hooks. The post resonated with several other cruise parents who had faced the same issue.

Here’s a look at the best advice to help those kiddos squeeze in a nap time and not turn into worn-out little monsters.

The “Divide and Conquer” Method

The most popular and practical suggestion was to use a “divide and conquer” approach. If you’re traveling with another adult, this strategy is a game-changer.

As one user shared, “We used to use the divide and conquer approach—the napper sleeps and the other child goes with the other adult to get ice cream or do something else special or just hang out.”

This method ensures the napping child gets their rest while the older child gets some coveted one-on-one time.  Some others agreed, suggesting one parent handle the younger one’s nap while the other takes the older child out for “some one-on-one time.”

It’s a win-win that keeps everyone happy and rested.

The Cabin Balcony: Your Personal Sanctuary

For those lucky enough to have a balcony cabin, the solution might be just a few feet away. One person described their daily routine: “I put my child in the crib (provided by the cruise line) and as he napped, I enjoyed relaxing book time on my balcony. The older one had some Dad time at the pool.”

The balcony becomes your own private escape—a quiet, sunny spot to read, listen to music, or simply enjoy the sea breeze while the little one sleeps soundly inside.

Leveraging the Kids’ Camp and Stroller Power

The ship’s “Kids’ Camp” (Camp Ocean, Adventure Ocean, Oceaner Club etc) isn’t just for evening fun; it’s a perfect solution for naptime, too.

“Why not let the 5yr old go to Kids Camp while the little one is napping?” suggested one person. This frees up the cabin, allowing the younger child to nap undisturbed while the older one is having a blast in a supervised environment.

Another cruiser suggested a creative alternative for younger toddlers: “Will your 2.5 year old fall asleep in a stroller? I wheeled my 2 year old around and the background noise of the ship put her right to sleep (afternoon) after a long morning of playing.”

A peaceful nap in a moving stroller allows you to keep exploring the ship or find a quiet spot on a deck chair.

DIY Hacks for Cabin Comfort

The original poster’s ideas were given all kinds of upgrades by others. The blackout tent for the travel crib was recommended by several.

Other parents offered clever, low-cost ideas. One person said, “What about buying some Sun lounger travel pegs, and ask for an extra sheet, then you could drape the sheet over the crib bars and clip in place with the pegs.”

What About Adults?

Since we’re on the topic, many adults who cruise love taking naps on the ship as well, whether it’s in the cabin or in a shady lounger somewhere on the lido deck.

Especially on a busy itinerary where the ship is in port almost every day, it’s important to have a little down time and have a little nap of your own to recharge.  After all, your phone is not the only thing that’s out of battery at the end of some days.

But if you do want to being some kids along on a cruise, making sure they are fed up and rested up goes a long way to helping make the vacation fun and stress-free for everyone.

Seeing your cruise ship sail away without you has to be one of the worst, gut-wrenching feelings you can have, especially when you’re desperate for a vacation.

After a cruise guest recently experienced this very thing, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador took the opportunity to recommend one of the most overlooked expenses when booking a cruise.

The cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald—the only one with such a title, by the way—recently shared a letter from a guest who, despite the ship still being in port, was denied boarding.

The letter sent to Heald detailed what must have been a stressful journey from Senoia, Georgia, to the Port of New Orleans (Port Nola), where Carnival Glory departs from. The drive is a long one, covering over 450 miles and typically taking more than seven hours.

Unfortunately, the family’s trip was interrupted by a major traffic accident on I-75.

Stranded at the Terminal

According to the guest’s account, they arrived at the terminal with only 50 minutes to spare before the ship’s scheduled departure. While they could see Carnival Glory still docked, the doors to the terminal were closed.

The guest wrote that they felt “left stranded” and were seeking a full refund, as their cousin had advised them to “write to you to complain and for our full refund.”

This is another reminder that just because you can see your cruise ship still docked at the port or pier, doesn’t mean you can actually get on it if you’re too late.

Heald’s Answer

Heald began his response by expressing empathy for the family’s difficult situation. “That’s awful that really is and I know the stress that you must have been under driving and there being a wreck a car accident… and delaying the traffic.”

However, he then provided an explanation of cruise line policy. Heald clarified that while guests are given assigned check-in times, a strict departure deadline is enforced.

He said that it is “very clearly written in many different places including on your booking and cruise manager” that guests must arrive on time.

Heald explained that the doors to the terminal legally have to close a set amount of time before the ship departs, a policy he believes is a federal law.

He used an analogy familiar to many travelers: just like the doors to an airplane close before departure, the terminal doors close for the ship. Even if the vessel is still at the pier, it may be waiting for the last of the luggage or provisions to be loaded, or for a pilot’s permission to leave.

Once the embarkation staff have left, it’s too late to board.

The Crux of the Matter: Travel Insurance

Heald told viewers that he would be personally writing back to the guests, but he was “pretty certain there’s nothing we can do to give them the full refund.” This led to his most important message, one he hoped influencers would spread: “Cruise insurance is not necessary… until it is.“

Heald’s message highlights the fact that unexpected situations like traffic accidents are the exact reason travel insurance exists. While a policy cannot turn back time, it can protect guests from losing the full cost of their trip in circumstances just like this one.

He concluded his remarks by reiterating the bottom line: “I’m so sorry this happened to you I truly truly am but remember you must be on time.”

Everyone who has ever been on a cruise has probably imagined that iconic “King of the World” moment, standing at the bow with arms outstretched. But for safety reasons, that part of the ship is usually off-limits to passengers.

However, a recent post online reveals a new type of photo-op on some Royal Caribbean ships that allow passengers to not only access the bow but grab some incredible pictures of the moment as well.

I love getting pictures taken on a cruise ship. The photographers are usually really engaging and fun, you can get creative with poses, and the backdrop (whether real or otherwise) can be stunning.

But a new photo op on a Royal Caribbean ship has caught the eye of many cruisers online. A user on Reddit posted a screenshot of an offer they found in their cruise planner: “Exclusive Access to Ship Bow With Photo.”

The post quickly got some cruisers talking.  The offer promises a unique photo opportunity right on the front of the ship, along with a 50% discount if you book an appointment. But the big question for everyone was about the cost.

So, How Much Does it Cost?

While the official price isn’t listed in the screen shot the user provided, one user shared their experience with a similar offer, giving everyone a glimpse into the cost of this kind of photo op.  

I should note that Royal Caribbean often uses dynamic pricing based on demand.

One user commented:

“When we did it, the shoot was free and then you pay for the photos. I believe it was about $1200 for all 175 pictures they took, but if you buy any prints the price is half. We could have got 25 digital photos for $800, but we bought a $300 print to get all the photos for another $600.”

The a la carte pricing model means cruisers can expect to spend a good deal for a full photo package, with some potential savings if they purchase a print.

These types of on-location photo sessions usually cost more than a simple backdrop photo shoot on a cruise ship, and one user suggested that the price for a “bow shoot” would be the same as any other type of on-location photo session.

Is It Worth It?

This kind of offering shows how cruise lines are constantly creating new experiences for cruise passengers.  And I’m guessing that for a photo session like this, others aren’t allowed out onto the bow during that time.

For some, the idea of getting a “Titanic-style” photo on the bow of the ship is a dream come true. For others, the cost might make them think twice.

The offer that was posted was scheduled for Day 4 of the cruise and is listed as a three-hour event with limited availability, so it’s on a first-come first-serve basis.

Not All Ships Offer It

If you’re scrambling to find this in your own Royal App, you might be out of luck. This type of photo op is often limited to specific ships or sailings.

In fact, it’s not a standard offering across the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. This means that while one cruiser might see it available for their vacation, another on a different ship might not have the same option.

Several comments in the social media posts referenced a few ships that have offered this recently.

The original poster saw this specific offer on Spectrum of the Seas. However, several commenters pointed out that on other ships, like those in the Voyager and Freedom classes (including Independence and Radiance), access to the bow is available to all passengers for free.

Although it’s not yet been confirmed in a statement or press release by MSC Cruises, a growing number of guests are sharing a detailed email that MSC Meraviglia will be sailing out of PortMiami and not New York in the distant future.

The 5,600-passenger ship, a go-to vessel for New Yorkers since its 2023 debut in Brooklyn, might be packing its bags for Miami, Florida, come Winter 2026/2027.

On August 4, 2025, a Reddit user got the discussion going on a subreddit by posting a snippet of an email they claimed to have received from the cruise line. The email, which has since been corroborated by other passengers who received similar emails, directly addresses a cruise departing from New York on November 8, 2026.

The text reads in part:

“MSC Meraviglia will now sail from Miami, Florida during the Winter 2026/2027 season, offering 6- and 8-night cruises to the Caribbean and The Bahamas.  Due to this change, we regret to inform you that your sailing from New York has been cancelled.”

The email goes on to clarify, “With the ship’s move to Miami, we will no longer offer sailings from New York,” during that period.

Website Shows Change Underway

While a formal press release from MSC Cruises has yet to be issued, a look at the cruise line’s website shows the change is perhaps already in motion. The booking calendar for the MSC Meraviglia now shows several months from late 2026 into 2027 are unavailable for booking.

Some passengers stated that their early 2026 cruises on the ship have not been cancelled but sailings later in the year have been nixed.

“I have a cruise out of Brooklyn on Meraviglia planned for late March 2026 that is still on as scheduled. My one for Nov 2026 is cancelled though,” one MSC guest stated on the social media site.

Passenger Reactions to the News

One user vented their frustration after seeing the email, writing, “Got this email too for my Feb 2027 cruise. It’s a bummer for sure. I can only cruise during school breaks which are too expensive on most other cruise lines. Plus the ease of leaving out of NYC. Will have to decide if it’s worth it to switch our cruise and try Miami (20 hour drive vs price of flights and hotel the night before, uuugh).”

Another user noted the disappointment of losing the convenience of a nearby port. The email seems to have reached people with Winter 2026/2027 bookings, but it’s not clear how many have been affected.

Options for Affected Passengers

The email provides five choices for certain passengers with canceled bookings, emphasizing the cruise line’s attempt to offer flexibility:

• Options 1 & 2: Rebook on a new Miami sailing on MSC Meraviglia for a 6- or 8-night itinerary in the same month. Incentives include “one extra night for free” for the 8-night option and non-refundable onboard credit of $50 or $100 per person.
• Option 3: Rebook on any other 7-night MSC sailing from a U.S. port (Miami, Port Canaveral, or Galveston) with no change fees.
• Option 4: Receive a Future Cruise Credit for the amount paid.
• Option 5: A full refund for those who wish to cancel their booking outright.

The Strategic Move 

While the email is bad news for some who live in New York, this potential repositioning aligns with MSC Cruises’ broader goal for the North American market. The company has been expanding its presence in the U.S., particularly in Florida, which is a key market for Caribbean cruising.

By repositioning the popular—and one of my favorite MSC ships– MSC Meraviglia to PortMiami, the cruise line can strengthen its offerings from the “Cruise Capital of the World,” providing more variety alongside new ships like MSC World America.

This would give MSC more options in the region, capable of competing with other major cruise lines for the high-demand Florida market.

Still Unconfirmed by MSC

Despite the detailed email, MSC Cruises has not yet issued a public press release or statement confirming the change.

The email does provide a potential timeline for a public update, stating that the new Miami itineraries will be available for sale starting Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

This could be when the official website and booking systems are updated to reflect the change. Until then, cruisers with existing bookings from New York for the Winter 2026/2027 season should be checking their inboxes for similar notifications just in case this rumor ends up having some legs.

Royal Caribbean has announced a new giveaway campaign in Singapore in a first-of-its-kind partnership with electric vehicle company BYD Auto.   BYD, which adopted the slogan “Build Your Dreams”, is the largest electric vehicle maker in China.

The company is going to make someone’s dreams come true with a car giveaway. One lucky cruise guest with Royal Caribbean will win an all-electric BYD Sealion 7 SUV.

The promotion, which is open only to residents of Singapore, runs from August 1 to October 1, 2025.   One person per stateroom can enter the sweepstakes and the form is currently live on Royal Caribbean’s website.

A New Partnership

BYD’s reach in the electric vehicle market has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years.  The same can be said of Royal Caribbean in the cruise industry. 

To kick off this new partnership, a special event was held at BYD’s flagship showroom in Singapore, where executives from both companies spoke about the shared spirit of innovation that led to the collaboration.

According to Seatrade Cruise News, Chad Grospe, Royal Caribbean’s Vice President of APAC, said that the partnership was a natural fit.

“When we thought about putting this partnership together, we thought about innovation. We thought about luxury, and we immediately thought about BYD. So we wanted to bring something unique from the world’s largest cruise line to the world’s largest EV car manufacturer,” Grospe

The campaign is part of a broader trend in the cruise industry to become more eco-friendly, a common point of focus during the last Seatrade Cruise Global event.

How to Participate

To enter the contest, Singapore residents must book a Royal Caribbean cruise during the campaign period. The entry process is straightforward:

1. Book a Cruise: Make a Royal Caribbean cruise booking between August 1 and October 1, 2025.
2. Full Payment: The booking must be paid in full to qualify.
3. Submit Entry Form: Participants must complete and submit a digital entry form to be entered into the drawing.

Every booking made counts as one entry. According to the contest rules, only one person per stateroom/bookingID is permitted to enter the sweepstakes. The winner of the Grand Prize will be announced in October 2025.

Singapore has a growing cruise population that has seen an uptrend over recent years. 

According to data from the Singapore Tourism Board, 2 million cruise passengers sailed out of Singapore in 2023, marking a new record for the city-state. This is an increase from the 1.8 million passengers who sailed in 2019, which was the previous record year before the pandemic.

Royal Caribbean offers more cruises out of Singapore than any other cruise line with 76 sailings currently available to book out of the local port.