Diplomacy

Norwegian Cruise Line is building a waterpark on their private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

The Great Tides Waterpark is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026 and will not only have 19 waterslides, but also an area just for families.

The Great Tides Waterpark will have a, 800 foot-long lazy river, high-speed waterslides, glowing grotto bar, cliff jumps and more.

The centerpiece of the waterpark will be 170 foot tall The Tidal Tower that is loaded with thrilling waterslides. The area will also have the Caribbean’s only family slide where four guests can slide down at the same time.

The lazy river will have an immersive water experience complete with an accelerated current, a wadding pool, an illuminated grotto tunnel and swim-up bar.

Cliffside Cove will have two different cliff jumps, one 10 feet and the other 15. 

Great Tides Waterpark will have an area for families called the Family Splash Zone.

The new Splash Harbour will be separate from the waterpark and a complimentary splash pad for kids that is surrounded by water activities. It will be located just steps from the pool and have a refreshment lounge with drinks for kids and adults.

These new features are in addition to the pier and Great Life Lagoon (28,000 sq. ft. oceanfront pool) that are currently under construction. Both are scheduled to open later this year.

David Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line, gave the following statement about enhancements coming to Great Stirrup Cay:

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations. At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us.

“This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut. With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL.

“Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool – complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship. I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean!”

We often talk about the issue of lounge chair hogs on a cruise ship.  But those aren’t the only seats that can be ‘saved’ on these massive floating resorts.

A recent Facebook post was shared on Reddit, and it ushered in hundreds of comments on the topic of seat saving. 

Whether it’s in the main theater or in a busy lounge right before a comedian takes the stage, there are some unwritten rules.  A couple of hundred cruisers chimed in to offer up their advice on whether or not seats should be saved and how you should handle it.

“The Rudest Guest”

The Reddit thread that started the lively discussion about the pros and cons of reserving seats all began with an image of the Facebook post which read as follows:

“Just met The Rudest Guest. We were saving a seat for some friends at the [trivia] game area and this man and his wife picked up our jackets and moved them even after being told we’re holding those seats for our friends. Some people have no class or home training.”

This post was later deleted after receiving negative feedback, after it was revealed just how strongly people felt about this kind of comment.

The “First Come, First Served” Camp: No Saving Allowed

Many cruisers firmly believe that if you want a seat, you need to be there to claim it. This sentiment was echoed repeatedly throughout the thread.

One user, responding directly to the post, stated: “I consider those saving seats to be rude. If you want to be at an event, or the casino, be there. Don’t have someone saving you a seat. That keeps others from being able to participate or actually sit where they like.”

Another user, put it like this: “If you’re not there, you’re not there. What’s this saving thing?” Still another said, “Agree with the hating saving seats. Be there or be square!” A regular sentiment in the comment section was to “show up on time like everyone else“.

The original poster of the Reddit thread also shared a personal experience at a comedy club where they refused to move from seats a group was trying to save for family. The host informed the group that “he couldn’t make me move.” They summed it up, “Show up when doors open like the rest of us or get stuck sitting in the back.”

Putting Your Seat Saving on Someone Else

And then there’s the issue of making someone else the “bad guy”.  By asking someone else to save a seat for you, you’re putting them in an often very uncomfortable position.

One Reddit comment stated, “I hate saving seats in venues more than I hate people saving loungers on the lido deck. There are other places you can go to catch some sun that aren’t right next to the pool. For a comedy show or a production show you have to be in that specific venue.”

This user even recounted an instance on a Norwegian ship where an usher told a woman “too bad” when she tried to save seats for her family, then seated other guests there.

Beyond the etiquette debate, some users highlighted the personal stress involved in being the designated seat saver. One person admitted, “It’s extremely stressful for me to save seats for other people.”

Another confessed, “I travel with my mom and she always tries to save seats for 6+ people and it’s a bit embarrassing lol.”

The No-Shows

“The seat savers annoy me because half the time their missing party never shows. Wait outside and get seated when your party shows up like adults,” one person said.

After all, if the group can’t be relied on to show up on time before the show, there’s a good chance they don’t show up at all, or maybe half-way through the show.  And no one wants those glaring eyes from the couple behind them that were told they “can’t sit there” because someone used their hoodie and flip flops to save an entire row.

Short-Term Saves and Small Groups

While many comments opposed seat saving altogether, some cruisers acknowledge that there are acceptable circumstances for it, typically for short durations or a small number of seats.

One offered a nuanced view: “As for shows, I think it’s ok within reason. Saving 2 seats is fine. Saving 6? That’s pretty excessive..you certainly shouldn’t be taking the better seating if you party isn’t ready.” They also noted, “The people who drive me nuts are the people in my party who are never ready and always need their seats saved.”

Some users said there should be a clear time limit: “Like, ten minutes or less? Fine. More than that and no.”

Many were ok with very short-term seat saving.  For instance, “They could have had to use the restroom, went for a drink, etc.” one Reditor stated, adding, “anything beyond that is inconsiderate.”

Some were fine with limited seat saving, but with more major caveat.  “Saving one or two seats at an event for your travel companions who are five minutes behind you, I feel is fine UNLESS the event has started. Once an event starts, saved seats should be surrendered,” one user stated.

Unnecessary Conflict

That heading might seem redundant.  I mean, this your cruise vacation after all, and just about any conflict should be seen as unnecessary.

But seat saving often escalates to direct confrontations, and cruise lines are taking note. One user recalled a past Carnival policy: “the screens outside the Punchliner Comedy Club saying something like ‘seat saving is not allowed.‘” Signs are often posted to say that after 40 minutes, items left in seats unattended will be removed.”

Conflicts are common.  One person in the thread shared a dramatic incident where seat savers “started fights with people over it and started threatening people. They were removed and almost kicked off the ship. Over SEATS.”

Maybe it’s just me but, that’s just not worth all the fuss.

Some Solutions and Considerations

Beyond the debate, some users offered potential solutions. One suggested a simple check at the door: “All it would take is one person at the door asking if your party is all here. If yes, go on in and take your seats, if no, step aside until everyone is there.”

Some cruisers also asked for better venue design for those with mobility issues.

Despite strong feelings about seat saving, there was a general agreement in the comments that physically moving someone’s belongings, as happened in the original post, crosses a line.

Bottom Line

While a strict “first come, first served” approach is recommended by many, some flexibility for short seat vacancies is generally seen as OK. The key takeaway from the discussion: communication and consideration can go a really long way.

And if you really want your seat saved the best way to do so is to—well, actually sit on it.

Royal Caribbean’s newest and the largest cruise ship ever built, Star of the Seas, will debut in three weeks in Port Canaveral.

Star of the Seas departed from Cadiz, Spain earlier today and is on its way to Ponce, Puerto Rico. The ship stopped in Cadiz for a few days for provisions and so crew members could board the ship.

The cruise ship is scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico on August 4, 2025. After two days in Puerto Rico, the ship will depart for Port Canaveral, Florida on August 6 and arrive three days later.

Star of the Seas will sail its maiden voyage on August 16, 2025, a four-night cruise to The Bahamas that will stop at CocoCay.

The cruise ship will be officially christened and named after the maiden voyage on August 20 by global music icon Diana Ross.

After a handful of short cruises, the ship will begin sailing seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral. (View Best Prices on Star of the Seas)

Here is a look at some of the incredible features that guests will enjoy on Star of the Seas.

Thrill Island

Adrenaline lovers can find thrills of all kinds at Category 6. Not only is it the largest waterpark at sea with six record-breaking waterslides, it will have the following:

• Family raft slides
• A drop slide and dueling mat racers
• Crown’s Edge, the part skywalk, part thrill ride 154 feet above the ocean
• FlowRider surf simulator
• Rock-climbing wall

Chill Island

The three-deck slice of paradise is the ultimate spot for guests to kick back at four pools, including Royal Bay, the largest swimming pool at sea.

Cruises can enjoy live bands and DJs while they party poolside and sip on tropical drinks from the Swim & Tonic swim-up bar or at The Lime & Coconut that located just steps away.

Surfside

Designed for young families, Surfside is the place to stay and play all day together.

Kids and toddlers have more ways to splash at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while adults relax at the nearby Water’s Edge. Families won’t have to leave this area when they are hungry since Surfside Eatery and Pier 7 have menu options for all ages.

AquaDome

With wraparound ocean views, the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night features deck-defying shows at the marquee AquaTheater with high divers, aerialists, robots and more.

AquaDome is also home to a variety of food and drink spots including the AquaDome Market food hall, the Rye & Bean bar, Hooked Seafood and The Overlook bar for unparalleled views.

The Hideaway

Tucked away at 135 feet above the ocean, the adults-only spot features a suspended infinity pool – the only other pool of its kind having been first introduced on Icon – a DJ, bar, a terrace with whirlpools and vast ocean views.

Cruise Fever will board Star of the Seas on August 6 in Puerto Rico. Stay tuned as we bring you everything you need to know about this incredible new ship from Royal Caribbean.

Star of the Seas is the second of four Icon class ships from the world’s largest cruise line. 

One week ago today, Carnival Cruise Line opened up their new private port on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key.

Even though the port is now open, Carnival has far bigger plans for this port than what they’ve already built. Now that Phase 1 is complete and cruisers are now enjoining this slice of paradise, what’s next?

Carnival Cruise Line has only developed 68 out of 379 acres. Since 110 acres are set aside for a wetlands preserve, that leaves another 154 acres for future expansion.

Phase 2

When I was at Celebration Key for the grand opening, a Carnival executive told me that Phase 2 will be built east of Phase 1.  In the photo above, you can see the red arrow pointing to the area where Phase 2 will be built.

The land has already been cleared but where will Carnival build here?

While exact details and a timeline for Phase 2 are unknown at this time, Carnival has previously said they have plans to build a waterpark at the port. It would be one of the phases after the first one is complete.

Expanded Pier

Right now, the pier at Celebration Key can accommodate up to two ships at the same time. An extension, as you can see above, is currently under construction and being added to the main pier.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said that once it is complete, it will be able to accommodate four ships a day. This includes the new 230,000 gross ton ships Carnival has on order. No Carnival ship will be too big to dock at Celebration Key.

Although Carnival has not given a timeline for the opening of the pier extension, September 12, 2025 is the first day where three Carnival cruise ships are scheduled to visit Celebration Key on the same day.

Carnival only has a handful of days from September 2025 through February 2026 where three ships will be in port on the same time.

Pearl Cove Beach Club

As more ships and passengers visit Celebration Key, the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club may need to be expanded.

Carnival told me that they can expand the beach club if necessary. As you can see in the photo above, area to the west of the beach club is clear and will allow the cruise line to expand it as the port grows.

The above photos came from a photo that Carnival Cruise Line sent out this week when the first Excel class ship, Mardi Gras, visited Celebration Key. You can see the entire photo taken from a drone below.

In the first year that Celebration Key is open, Carnival expects two million guests to visit the port. That number is expected to grow to four million by 2028 when future phases of the port are open.

Cruise Fever will have all information on future phases and expansion of Celebration Key when they are announced by Carnival.