A slew of new and refreshed dining venues, bars, and shopping and entertainment spaces have emerged onboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess following a two-week dry dock at a shipyard in Sicily.
The announcement came just days after Princess Cruises cancelled the ship’s entire 2026-27 winter season from Galveston, Texas, a fleet deployment change that took the industry and booked guests by surprise.
But now, just in time to launch her Mediterranean season, the 3,560-guest ship is welcoming guests to some of the cruise line’s most successful venues, such as O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, and Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, to name a few.
To make room for these and other popular venues, several eateries and lounges were removed.
“Majestic Princess has undergone a remarkable transformation that will introduce beloved venues and experiences from across our fleet as it sails,” said Lorna Warren, vice president of hotel operations and guest experience at Princess Cruises.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for the upcoming Mediterranean season as we celebrate our 40th anniversary of cruising in this stunning, sought-after region,” Warren added.
The ship has already set sail on her first voyage in the region, a 20-night “Best of the Mediterranean” cruise that could be booked in two, 10-day segments. The ship, sailing roundtrip from Rome, departed on April 1, 2025.
Major culinary changes onboard the Royal-class ship, which launched in 2017, include the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub in the space formerly occupied by Vines Wine Bar. The pub, often featuring live music, dishes up burgers, fish and chips, and other comfort foods.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria took over the space where Harmony Restaurant had been. The Italian eatery serves a variety of pasta and meat entrees from Tuscany and other regions of Italy.
Sushi lovers can check out Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, which formerly was a lounge called Ocean Terrace, to dine on sushi and maki rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties while enjoying a view of the ship’s Piazza.
Several changes were made to convenient poolside venues. Alfredo’s Slice, serving custom-made pizza, takes the space formerly occupied by the Chopsticks Noodle & Dim Sum Bar, while the Salty Dog Grill, offering hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and other fare, now operates where the Lobster Bar & Grill used to be.
When it comes time for dessert, guests with a sweet tooth will want to indulge at the ship’s Confectionary, a Victorian-style sweet shop located in the former Calypso Cove.
New lounges are debuting, too, aboard Majestic Princess. Bellini’s Cocktail Bar features Italian-inspired drinks and a curated wine list, while Good Spirits at Sea entertains guests as mixologists demonstrate their talents. Good Spirits is located in the space that used to house the Piazza Bar.
Ship Now Features Expanded Retail Jewelry Section
For many cruisers, shopping is a big part of the vacation at sea experience, and with that in mind, Princess Cruises, one of Carnival Corporation’s brands, has expanded the ship’s jewelry sales area operated by EFFY Jewelry. The bigger space, formerly Cartier, will allow for jewelry-focused seminars to be held.
Other alterations include the name change from Churchill’s Video Arcade to the new Captains Arcade, where guests can play interactive video games.
Majestic Princess will sail in the Mediterranean until mid-July 2025 and then operate a transatlantic voyage to Boston, where she will be based for a series of 7- and 10-night Canada/New England voyages between Boston and Quebec City.
Port calls on the 7-night cruise will feature Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The 10-night option adds Saguenay, Quebec, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
In October 2025, the ship will sail to Fort Lauderdale, her winter homeport. Majestic Princess will sail 6-, 8-, and 14-night Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean voyages.
Margaritaville at Sea, the Jimmy Buffett-inspired cruise brand known for short, getaway sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, rolled out a set of longer itineraries that will debut in 2027, including the first to feature an overnight stay in port, in this case, New Orleans.
The new cruises will be aboard the Florida-based line’s 2,650-guest Margaritaville at Sea Islander, based at the Port of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. Five new itineraries were announced on April 2, 2025, and are open for booking.
As an added incentive, new reservations made by April 30, 2025 will reflect a 50% fare discount, and free fares for children.
The Big Easy itinerary is likely to be a big hit, since the 8-night cruise will operate from February 7 to 15, 2027, and call at the Port of New Orleans on February 9 — opening day of Mardi Gras. The ship will arrive at 8 a.m. that day and remain overnight, giving guests plenty of time to join the festivities ashore.
Islander will depart the destination in the afternoon of February 10, 2027, continuing on to other port calls featured on the “Mardi Gras Overnight & Mexico” cruise, including Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.
Aside from Mardi Gras activities, New Orleans is a hot spot for cruise tourists, offering lots of sightseeing options. Some are Mardi Gras-focused, such as Mardi Gras World, where visitors can see where the parade floats are designed and built, and learn about the history of Carnival in the Big Easy.
Other top sites to visit are the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, situated on the Mississippi River, and the Riverwalk, a spacious, riverside retail and dining area next to the port’s cruise terminals.
New Orleans is a growing cruise port, and in 2024 had a record-breaking year with more than 1.2 million cruise arrivals. Its two cruise terminals are located within walking distance of the city’s famous French Quarter.
Besides the new Mardi Gras cruise, another 8-night itinerary, “Jamaica & Western Caribbean,” was announced. It departs on January 30, 2027, and will bring guests to Cozumel; Belize City, Belize; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
One 7-night itinerary will make its debut: The “Key West & Mexico” sailing calls at Florida’s popular Key West plus Cozumel and Progreso.
The cruise line will also operate two 5-night cruises, both featuring the Bahamas. The “Bahamas Duo” sailing is slated to call at Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, and at Nassau. With just the two port visits, guests will have plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities.
Ditto for the 5-night “Key West & Grand Bahama” sailing, which offers calls at Freeport and Key West.
Guests Can Immerse in Cruise Brand’s Caribbean Vibe
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has multiple opportunities for guests to experience sun and fun with a Caribbean vibe, including the ship’s three pools plus the Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club, the Bubbles Up Lounge, and the Champagne Bar.
Entertainment features musical stage shows, and there are six dining venues, including the LandShark Bar at Sea, Far Side of the World Sushi Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Island Eats, The Flip Flop Atrium, JWB Prime Steakhouse, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Islander underwent a major renovation in 2024, just prior to entering service for the Margaritaville at Sea brand. The ship formerly sailed as Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises until she was sold to Margaritaville in 2023.
The cruise brand also operates the 1,680-guest Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Based out of Palm Beach, Florida, the ship sails 2- to 4-night Bahamas and Key West cruises. Paradise, which also formerly sailed under the Costa Cruises brand, as Costa Classica, began sailing for Margaritaville at Sea in 2022.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular cruise directors, Alex Siegler, is diving once again into fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a challenge to guests onboard Carnival Spirit.
The ship is now sailing a 15-night, one-way repositioning cruise from Miami to Seattle in preparation for the Alaska sailing season. Carnival Spirit left Florida on Sunday, March 30 and has visits scheduled to Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cabo San Lucas before she will arrive in Washington on Monday, April 14.
Of course, the bucket-list sailing includes a full transit through the Panama Canal, a very coveted experience for many cruisers.
Passing through the Panama Canal may not be the most memorable moment aboard this Carnival Journeys cruise, however, thanks to the challenge the ship’s cruise director has issued.
Frequent Carnival cruisers know that the very best CDs go above and beyond to be engaging, enthusiastic, and energetic – and Siegler is all three.
Most importantly, he is passionate about fundraising for St. Jude, and once again has accepted an unexpected challenge for a top tier fundraising goal.
“Just after the sailaway party on Sunday I was approached by a gentleman with a challenge. He asked what it would take for me to wax my chest like the great Joey Boyes had done on the Firenze,”Siegler explained.“After careful consideration, I’ve decided on a number.”
I’m not entirely sure there’s a number that would convince me to wax any body part in front of a crowd of cruise passengers, no matter how high the fundraising might reach, but Siegler set a lofty – albeit not impossible – goal.
“If we can raise $10,000 by the end of Groove for St Jude on this Journeys cruise, I’m going to have it done live on stage in the Pharaoh’s Palace Theater during my Q&A on the last day of the cruise,”he confirmed.“So the gauntlet has been laid down! $10,000 for St Jude this cruise, and I’m getting waxed!”
The Pharaoh’s Palace Theater is Carnival Spirit‘s 3-story main show lounge, located forward on Decks 2, 3, and 4. This ensures that quite a crowd can gather to celebrate the fundraising goal!
While the Groove for St. Jude lido dance party will be the biggest opportunity for guests to donate to the cause, Siegler notes that there is no need for anyone to wait until the last day to help reach the $10,000 goal. Donations can be accepted at the Cherry on Top sweet shop, midship on Deck 3 (Atlantic Deck), at any time.
Strange Fundraisers Are the Most Popular!
This is not the first time Siegler has challenged guests to extraordinary fundraising goals to support Carnival Cruise Line’s long-time charitable partner.
On a January 2024 12-night Carnival Journeys southern Caribbean itinerary, he challenged everyone aboard to raise $5,000. It that goal was met, he pledged to go completely clean-shaven for the first time in more than a decade.
Carnival Cruise Director Charity (Photo Credits: NAN728 & Alex Siegler)
“We may have been just a hair short (pun fully intended) of our goal, but this is still no small feat and we did so much good for the kids today!”he said of the fundraiser.“I may not be 100% clean shaven, but I could not tell you the last time I saw this much of my face.”
Siegler will remain as cruise director aboard Carnival Spirit at least through early September as the ship sails the Last Frontier with 7-night Inside Passage itineraries.
After her time in Alaska, the ship will offer a 15-night Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Seattle before repositioning to Mobile, Alabama to offer 6- and 8-night Bahamas cruises through the winter. Carnival Spirit will return to Alaska for the 2026 season as well.
It may be just past April Fool’s Day, but the waves cruise travelers can experience in the famous (or infamous!) Drake Passage are no laughing matter.
Travel blogger Lesley Anne Murphy has shared phenomenal video of the “Drake shake” – ridiculously tumultuous waves she experienced on the most recent sailing of Quark Expedition’s Ocean Explorer.
The voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime exploration to Antarctica, which necessitates crossing the Drake Passage twice. While some cruisers are fortunate to experience the “Drake lake” with smooth sailing, rough waters are more common than not.
But just how rough is rough? Murphy’s video is not for the faint of heart – or the easily seasick. Cruise passengers are shown bracing themselves, staggering across corridors, and even sliding across the deck as the ship pitched and rolled.
Murphy colorfully describes the experience as a “48-hour rollercoaster.”
Even better visuals are the waves themselves – crashing violently into the ship, cresting well over the reinforced bow, and even swamping a balcony. I don’t get seasick, and wow, this looks… Intense doesn’t even begin to describe it!
“Yes, we were safe and it was insane…and at times, even fun?”Murphy wrote.“1000% worth it for this trip of a lifetime!”
Murphy estimates that the waves were approximately 35 feet, which is not uncommon in the Drake Passage. In that strait, just 100 miles wide at its narrowest point, the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans collide without any resistance from a landmass.
She notes that guests were asked to stay in their cabins for an entire afternoon while the ship traversed the frequently treacherous passage. From the look of one moment of the video, however, that wasn’t any calmer – as a flatscreen television is swinging freely back and forth.
Murphy’s now-viral video has garnered more than 454,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments.
Comments range from incredulity to anxiety to excitement to questions about life jackets and seasickness bags.
“I think I need a dramamine just watching this video,”one commenter noted, while another person added,“Make mine a double!”
It should be noted that not EVERY Drake Passage crossing is necessarily a rough one. In the cruise line’s FAQ, the possibility of smooth water is also mentioned.
“Please do not be disappointed should you experience a smooth crossing. Not all Drake Passage crossings are rough,”the website says.
But Is the Ship Really Safe?
To be clear, Ocean Explorer is purpose-built to withstand the rough waters of polar exploration, both Arctic and Antarctic. The 8,228-gross ton ship has an ice-strengthened hull and a unique “inverted bow” that theoretically “ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience.”
Smooth? Probably not the word I’d use to describe the experience – one I hope to have myself one day.
The ship can welcome just 138 guests aboard for the voyage of a lifetime. While it doesn’t offer the sometimes over-the-top features of mega cruise ships, strict attention has been paid to luxurious detail for the types of voyages the ship offers.
Guests can enjoy the two-story library (right at the bow where those monster waves are putting on a show), spectacular outdoor observation decks, elegant interior design, spacious cabins, a sauna, and a fitness center.
Also onboard are 15 zodiac boats for the ultimate in exploration and firsthand experiences in the unique destinations Ocean Explorer visits.
Do you want to try a trip to Antarctica aboard Ocean Explorer? While the current sailing season is drawing to a close, the vessel’s next trip is an 11-night sailing that will depart on November 4, 2025 from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Pricing starts at $14,531 per person for a veranda stateroom, while studio single solo cabins and junior suites begin at $18,084 per person. Early booking discounts are available, and fares include expert expedition leaders as well as a complimentary Quark Expeditions Parka.
A very busy cruise port with seven cruise terminals, Port Canaveral is a top spot to embark on a vacation if you’re taking a Caribbean cruise with a major cruise line. The port itself is rather large, with cruise terminals somewhat spread out.
Luckily, parking at each terminal is easy and, even if you don’t park at one of the official lots, there are other parking options in the nearby vicinity, with shuttle services. Here’s what you need to know about Port Canaveral cruise parking.
Unlike some cruise ports that just have one or a few large garages or lots for all cruisers to park at, and then make their way to their individual cruise terminals, Port Canaveral offers parking at each and every one of its seven terminals.
Each parking facility can accommodate buses and RVs, if you have an oversized vehicle.
Cruise Terminal 1 (9050 Discovery Road), which serves Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises ships, offers 3,000 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 2 (180 Christopher Columbus Drive), which only homeports one small cruise ship operated by Victory Cruise Line, offers 300 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 3 (220 Christopher Columbus Drive), which serves Carnival Cruise Line ships, offers 2,200 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 5 (9245 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 1,200 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 6 (9241 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 2,800 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 8 (9155 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Disney Cruise Line ships, offers 1,500 parking spaces.
Finally, Cruise Terminal 10 (9005 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 2,500 parking spaces.
Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral
No matter your cruise line, no matter where you park, you’ll pay a parking fee of $17 per day, plus tax, for both vehicles and RVs. Parking is pay-on-arrival and you’ll pay for both the day you arrive at the cruise port and the day that you leave.
Cash is not accepted, so be prepared to pay with a major credit card. You can use EPASS and SunPass to pay if you’re parking at Cruise Terminal 3, and this feature is being rolled out to the other terminals as well.
If you need disabled parking, spaces are available and parking waivers may be in effect if your vehicle is outfitted with certain special equipment related to a disability, or if you have a Florida Toll Exemption Permit or Florida Disabled Veteran license plate.
You do not need any reservations for parking within the official parking garages and lots at Port Canaveral. Parking facilities open at 10 a.m. on embarkation day.
Off-Site Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Georges_Creations)
While parking at Port Canaveral is very convenient, if you want to shop around and see if you can get a better price, you might find the off-site secure parking options near the port to be an attractive option.
Park Port Canaveral
Park Port Canaveral (500 Thurman Boulevard) offers cruise parking for as low as about $11 per day. The secure surface parking lot is about two miles away from the cruise terminals, but a free shuttle service is provided. The shuttle ride is about five minutes long and the shuttle will drop you off right at the terminal curb. Shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Do note that the $11 per day rate is only available for cruises that are at least seven nights long.
You can book your parking online or via phone, with the friendly staff, and show up at the lot on embarkation day, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Port Canaveral Parking
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
Port Canaveral Parking’s (3050 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island) rates start at around $13 per day. Choose between covered and uncovered parking, at a lot just a few minutes away from the Port Canaveral cruise terminals.
Quick shuttle service is provided, with about a five-minute ride to the port. The parking lot prides itself on its high level of security, with 24-hour video surveillance, stadium lighting and perimeter fencing.
Do note that the free shuttle service only applies to parties of five or fewer people. If you have more than five people in your party, you’ll pay $10 for each additional passenger.
If you have an oversized vehicle, you will need to book two spots at the lot.
Port Parking Space
Cruise Terminal 1 (Credit: Port Canaveral)
Port Parking Space (8945 Columbia Road) offers covered and uncovered parking starting at just under $13 per day, with stress-free shuttle service provided and no extra fees for additional guests.
The lot touts that it’s the closest off-site parking option to the port. It also offers free EV charging stations and oversized vehicle parking. There are 425 parking spots on the premises.
Are you a frequent cruiser? If so, you may want to join the Port Parking Space loyalty program, which gives you a point for every day you park with the business. After 20 points accrued, you get a free day of parking.
Cruisetime Parking & Shuttle
Cruisetime Parking & Shuttle (350 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island) may offer the cheapest great rates overall, with parking available for as low as $3 per day. However, if you choose the cheapest rate with this parking provider, you won’t get any shuttle service to the port.
Instead, you’ll need to take an Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral. If you want to use the complimentary shuttles, you’ll need to upgrade to a $10 per day parking rate. RV parking is available.
Park N Cruise Port Canaveral
Cruise Ships Docked at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
Park N Cruise Port Canaveral (1700 Sea Ray Drive, Merritt Island) is situated about two miles away from the port, with rates starting at around $13 per day. Discounts are offered to U.S. military and first responders and their families.
Shuttle service is available, with the free shuttles leaving every half-hour. Parking check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving at 1 p.m.
Go Port
Go Port (3345 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island) offers parking packages for eight-day cruises that work out to about $8 per day. The package costs $63.60, and it includes parking for the length of your cruise and round-trip cruise transfers for up to six travelers.
Hotel Cruise Parking in Cape Canaveral
Disney Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)
Another option that I would recommend that cruisers consider is parking at a hotel that offers some sort of stay-and-park package. These packages generally include a night’s stay before or after your cruise, and then free parking at the hotel for the length of your cruise.
While you will need to take a ride share service to the cruise port from the hotel, these packages are attractive because they ensure you’ll be in the port city a day before embarkation.
I always tell new cruisers to not assume they can arrive on embarkation day and make the ship, especially if they’re flying in. You never know when a flight delay will pop up and cause you to miss your ship! Even if you’re driving in, similar delays can occur and it’s just not worth the stress, in my opinion.
As such, arriving the day before embarkation allows you to settle in and start your cruise adventure off with peace of mind and on a relaxing foot the next day.
Travel advisories can serve as guides for cautious travelers, helping ensure that everyone knows what steps are best to stay safe when visiting different countries.
Now, the US Department of State has updated its travel advisory for The Bahamas, the most popular island cruise port in the Caribbean.
While the advisory remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, additional information about the types of safety hazards impacting the nation has been added and clarified.
Previously, the notice discussed crime and water safety issues. Now, further details about jet skis and boating, beach safety, and traveling with weapons and ammunition have been added.
For example, it noted that “boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.”
On March 22, 2025, a Holland America Line guest was involved in a jet ski accident on Half Moon Cay and passed away. In December 2024, a Royal Caribbean guest was injured while on a jet ski excursion while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Both private islands are part of The Bahamas, which includes more than 3,000 islands, cays, and smaller islets.
Many other private islands, including MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, are also in The Bahamas. This advisory, therefore, is not restricted to one cruise line, but should be of interest to all cruise travelers.
The beach safety discussion of the advisory also notes that guests should be aware of their swimming abilities and overall fitness, particularly if they are new to snorkeling – a popular excursion from all cruise lines.
“Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health,”the advisory states.
Weather and water conditions can also impact swimming safety. Furthermore, it is possible that other crimes can occur both on and near public beaches, including in Nassau, the nation’s capital.
The weapons and ammunition section of the advisory is similarly stern about the fact that all visitors are subject to local laws.
“Firearms and ammunition are illegal – including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws,”the advisory reads.“Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.”
Several cases against cruise guests carrying weapons or ammunition in different Caribbean nations have come to light in recent months. In Grand Turk, a Royal Caribbean guest who mistakenly left two bullets – definitely a “small quantity” – in a backpack was arrested and jailed for three weeks.
Visiting The Bahamas on a Cruise
It should be noted that both urban ports and private islands in The Bahamas may have elevated safety and crime risks, but at this time, no cruise lines are adjusting itineraries to avoid any part of the island nation.
The advisory does note that Nassau and Freeport are the destinations most likely to have elevated crimes, including armed robberies, sexual assaults, and more. Both are very active cruise ports.
In April 2025, nearly 150 ship calls are planned for Nassau, which just experienced a record-breaking daily visit with more than 30,500 guests in a single day on March 11. Nassau Cruise Port is expecting as many as 6.5 million passengers to visit in 2025, a 15% increase over 2024 visitor numbers.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Luciavonu)
An additional 20 ship calls are planned for Freeport in April. Bimini is another popular Bahamas port, with more than 30 calls this month.
The most dangerous region of Nassau is the “Over the Hill” region south of Shirley Street. In this area, gang activity is particularly prevalent.
Shirley Street is just one block south of Bay Street, the tourist district of Nassau, where many recommended shops, as well as the famous Straw Market, are located. The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle are likewise located south of Shirley Street.
Cruise guests who visit destinations in The Bahamas should take all appropriate precautions for their own safety, such as staying with a group or an organized shore tour rather than exploring on their own.
Remaining alert to nearby surroundings and leaving valuables onboard the ship are other sensible steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to any port in The Bahamas.
That’s the worry for one couple as they plan a much-needed getaway, spotlighting an unusual yet not uncommon concern among potential cruisers.
Reaching out to others via Reddit, a man planning a cruise with his wife said they are looking for a child-free getaway and want advice.
“Trying to plan a cruise with my wife, been working too much, and we need a break. I really want to go on something child-free,” he wrote.
His fear, however, is that “adults-only cruises are going to be primarily couples looking to swing.”
Asking for firsthand experience with adults-only sailings, plenty of passengers who have enjoyed kid-free voyages weighed in.
“Adults-only means no kids,” replied one passenger, adding that they have never been approached to swing when cruising.
Most responses homed in on two adult-only cruise lines: Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises, with many suggesting the vastly different cruise lines would be perfect and wouldn’t involve any swinging – unless they wanted to.
“Viking and Virgin will be your two best bets for adults-only cruises. That’s exactly what they are, adults only. Not a kid in sight,” said one guest.
“Virgin’s atmosphere tends to be a bit more risqué, and Viking is more traditional,” he added.
Viking Cruises vs. Virgin Voyages
As passengers suggested, the two biggest names in kid-free cruising are Viking Cruises and Virgin Voyages, and each offers a unique take on the concept.
Viking Cruises, “the thinking person’s cruise,” focuses heavily on cultural enrichment and educational experiences.
Founded by Torstein Hagen of Norway and providing river and ocean vessels, the cruise line’s demographic tends to skew older, with passengers often between 55 and 75 years old.
Onboard activities eschew the typical cruise fare of casinos and late-night parties in favor of more subdued and enriching activities, such as TED Talks and guest lectures.
The ocean liners, smaller in size to accommodate around 900 passengers, can access ports that larger ships cannot, making its itineraries a significant draw.
Destinations feature culturally enriching excursions that might include cooking lessons with local chefs, historical tours, and other immersive activities.
Onboard, the theme is refined, with spacious staterooms of subdued décor and a bit more opulence in common areas. Guests might find themselves in the Winter Lounge under a retractable roof by the pool or enjoying the Nordic-themed spa with cold plunge and hot tubs.
In the evenings, guests gather in lounges for board games, puzzles, and trivia accompanied by live piano music. In the nightclub, one will find lounge singers and jazz bands.
Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages, which offers a stark contrast with a lively atmosphere on its three ships, each carrying 2,700 passengers. (A fourth ship will debut in September 2025.)
Embracing the rock and roll spirit of its founder, Sir Richard Branson, passengers, often in their 30s to 60s, are embraced by a vibrant environment, bathed in Virgin’s signature scarlet red.
Instead of strolling on deck to the sounds of jazz, Virgin Voyages are filled with DJs ready to get the party started, culminating in an exciting Scarlet Night around the open-air pool where many of the guests dive in, fully clothed.
The energy aboard is obvious, starting with morning fitness classes like spin and aerial workouts. These ships feature unique amenities like an onboard tattoo parlor, a barber shop and makeup tutorials, and late-night drag shows.
They also have casinos and feature entertainmentlike comedy nights, acrobatic performances, and concerts.
However, there are similarities between Viking and Virgin.
Each offers exclusive chef-driven tasting experiences, with Viking’s The Chef Table and Virgin Voyage’s The Test Kitchen providing intimate, gourmet options. There are also cocktail, liquor, and wine tastings, as well as restaurant or quick buffet-style dining.
Guests are welcome to be as casual or dressy as they’d like on either cruise line’s vessels, with nary a formal night in sight. There are no main dining rooms or assigned seating, either, but passengers quickly become friends on the intimate sailings.
Additionally, both lines prioritize exceptional service, with crew members catering to every whim with a huge smile.
And, most importantly, both lines maintain a strict adults-only policy, with no one under the age of 18 allowed to sail.
Rumors can be persistent on the internet, especially through viral videos, social media, and message boards where everyone seems to be a cruise expert. But when you want the truth, go to the source!
As one of the world’s largest cruise lines with one of the world’s largest cruise ship fleets, it isn’t surprising that Carnival Cruise Line is subject to a wide range of rumors.
From food to travel documents to prohibited items and more, there isn’t an accusation that hasn’t been leveled at Carnival Cruise Line at some point.
These top 10 most recent rumors are just a few of the issues that have been debunked just so far in 2025 – what may the rest of the year bring?
#10 – Carnival Not Expanding Menu Offering at Popular Venue
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)
Guy’s Burger Joint is one of the most popular casual eateries onboard Carnival cruise ships (I’ll take a Plain Jane any day!). The biggest complaint about the venue is often its limited hours, but eager burger buffs were excited at the prospect of the menu expanding to include breakfast sandwiches.
Unfortunately, this option is only available aboard Carnival Sunrise and there are no plans to introduce a Guy’s Burger Joint breakfast menu across the fleet. Instead, the grill space is used in the mornings to fry up extra pancakes and other foods for the wildly popular Lido Marketplace buffet.
Cell phones at sea can be a controversial topic, with some cruisers preferring to completely unplug while others love to use cruise line apps, messaging, and more even onboard.
Despite some cruisers making the unreasonable demand that phones should be banned in the Main Dining Room restaurants to promote more of a “fine dining” experience, Carnival will not be doing so.
What is most surprising is that anyone would think this could be a possibility, considering the cruise line has invested a great deal in the Carnival Hub app and has QR codes on dining room tables for guests to access the nightly menus. Of course, paper menus remain available on request for those who want to unplug, but phones will not be banned.
#8 – Travel Documents Do Not Require Guests’ Middle Names
Carnival Horizon in PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
All cruise guests must have the appropriate documents so they can check in and board their cruise. While a valid passport is the easiest and most convenient option, other documents can also be used, depending on the sailing and port destinations.
Anxious guests, however, might worry that if every letter of their full name isn’t present on their paperwork, they might be denied boarding. Carnival Cruise Line has carefully noted that a guest’s middle name is not necessary.
This is a great relief to travelers whose middle name (or even their first name) might not fit completely on the cruise line’s check-in forms, as well as for travelers who have two middle names or just a middle initial.
To be clear, however, nicknames are not appropriate (“Livvy” instead of “Elizabeth”), and documents should match check-in information as closely as possible to avoid any difficulties at embarkation.
#7 – Snacks Are Not Banned
Donuts at Mardi Gras’ Java Blue (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
While Carnival cruises are filled with food – from the main restaurants and specialty dining to pizza, ice cream, deli sandwiches, salad bars, room service, and more – some guests crave their favorite snacks during their vacation.
But what about that specific brand of chips, snack cakes, or candy? For me, that would be Doritos and Little Debbies.
While a limited number of additional treats are available through the Fun Shops and the Cherry on Top sweet shop, guests can still bring their own favorites aboard. The only restriction is that snacks should be in their original, sealed packaging. No opened or homemade treats can be brought onboard.
#6 – Crew Members Cannot Accept All Gifts
Photo Copyright: Cruise HIve
It is the hard-working crew members that truly make a Carnival cruise something special, and many travelers want to bring gifts as a special thank you for crew members who go above and beyond even the typical excellent service.
While such gifts are truly appreciated, the same rule applies as to snack foods – no homemade cookies, brownies, or other foods can be brought onboard, as crew members are not permitted to accept them. Likewise, crew members cannot accept any bottles of wine or champagne, even if they are left in a stateroom at the end of a cruise.
Small gifts such as keychains or ballcaps are fun options many crew members appreciate, and a sincere thank-you note can be a very memorable and heartfelt gift as well.
#5 – Unique Denominations Make Great Tips
Cash Tipping on Carnival Cruise Line
Of course, the best (and most useful!) gift of all is an extra gratuity, which all crew members appreciate. While such a tip can be given in creative ways – though that is occasionally controversial – what about unique denominations?
Two dollar bills can be confusing to some people who aren’t familiar with them, but these special bills are indeed legal tender and can be offered as tips. In fact, the bills are considered lucky by many cultures, making them an even more unique and appreciated gesture of appreciation. And yes, they’re perfectly great for tipping!
There can be a LOT of noise on a cruise ship. Not only can the nightclub, production shows, and deck parties pump up the volume, but operational noises – the engines, fitness equipment in the gym, accidentally slamming doors – can also be quite loud.
Cruisers have several ways they might deal with such noises to get a good night’s sleep, including deliberately choosing a stateroom in a quieter area or bringing along earplugs to block out most sounds.
While Carnival Cruise Line has recently banned bluetooth speakers, other sound-producing sleep aids are not banned. Guests can still pack along small portable fans as well as white noise sound machines, so long as they are not Bluetooth speakers.
Using a white noise app on a smartphone or even keeping the stateroom television on low are other options some travelers use to create the best sleep atmosphere in their cabins.
#3 – Guests Can Still Get Coffee To-Go
(Photo Credit: Kite_rin)
In an effort to be more environmentally-friendly, many cruise lines have eliminated single-use products in recent years. Plastic straws were among the first to go, along with any plastic cutlery, plastic coffee stirrers, and similar items.
One rumor quickly caught the attention of coffee-lovers, however, and that is the idea that Carnival Cruise Line was eliminating to-go coffee cups at its popular JavaBlue Cafés. Instead, guests would be required to sit to enjoy their morning beverage and the ceramic mugs could then be reused.
Nonsense! Never mind the fact that guests routinely walk all around Carnival ships carrying all types of different drink glasses, but this rumor is unfounded and untrue. Coffee is still offered to-go, and can be the perfect way to wake up before heading out for a day of shore excursion fun or trying out onboard activities.
#2 – Exemptions Are Not Available for the Drink Package
One of the most persistent, ever-present rumors that Carnival Cruise Line has debunked over and over is the idea that there are exemptions granted for the Cheers! beverage package policy.
While cruisers might really wish this rumor was true, the firm policy is that all adults age 21 and older must purchase the all-inclusive drink package if one traveler in the stateroom purchases it.
Some other cruise lines do offer medical exemptions to their drink package policies if proper documentation is presented, but Carnival Cruise Line does not. John Heald, the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, has addressed this issue many times, always maintaining that the strict policy is necessary to keep the package fair for everyone.
#1 – Carnival Cruise Line is Not Returning to Traditional Muster Drills
The rumor that shoots to the top of many guests’ worry list is the possibility of returning to the traditional, in-person safety drill at the beginning of each sailing. These drills required everyone to gather at their muster stations for the safety briefing, which can last 20-30 minutes.
While it is true that Carnival does the full in-person drill approximately once every six months aboard each ship in the fleet as part of ongoing training, there are no plans to return to the traditional safety briefing for every sailing.
When a particular cruise will be holding the full drill, guests are notified approximately one week before embarkation to remind them of the overall procedure and the need for safety compliance. While it may take a few extra minutes at the beginning of their sailing, this is not an indication that the e-muster is going away.
Have you fallen for any of these Carnival Cruise Line rumors this year? Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for the correct information whenever rumors are debunked!
The global cruise industry has once again joined the fun on April Fools’ Day, unleashing “news” composed of pranks, hoaxes, and eye-popping headlines — all good-natured and designed to entertain. Here are some of our favorites:
You Can Learn Multiple Languages on a 5-Year Voyage
Duolingo World Cruise
Talk about cultural immersion! An educational outfit called Duolingo revealed a partnership with Carnival Cruise Line that will create a five-year around-the-world cruise, during which guests will learn to speak multiple languages.
Carnival Cruise Line is providing a new ship for the voyage — Carnival Gufo, where cruisers can indulge in the onboard activities the line is known for, like its top entertainment, great dining, themed nights and more, while the ship sails from port to port.
A special booking page is already set up, and guests can pre-order Duolingo World Cruise merchandise featuring a Captain Duo beach towel and bucket hat matching set.
“The Duolingo World Cruise isn’t just a trip; it’s an immersive adventure where guests can expand their horizons, both literally and linguistically,” said Amy Martin Ziegenfuss, chief marketing officer at Carnival Cruise Line.
“As the cruise line known for our signature fun experience, we’re excited to bring this one-of-a-kind journey to life with a brand that makes learning fun and knows how to turn education into entertainment,” Ziegenfuss added.
And for those who can’t commit to a full five years at sea, prospective cruisers can take advantage of a shorter Carnival cruise and get one free month of Super Duolingo instruction.
Royal Caribbean Unveils a Cruise Ship on Wheels!
Voyager of the Land
Royal Caribbean surprised the industry with big plans to broaden its vacation product with a massive expansion on land. The cruise line rolled out Voyager of the Land — a mega-ship on wheels that looks a lot like Voyager of the Seas.
Now cruisers can explore Australia’s east coast aboard the land-roving ship, which will have all of the bells and whistles Royal Caribbean guests have come to love, such as the Flowrider, the exciting surf simulator, and a skating rink.
No word yet on pricing, but stay tuned.
New ‘Jam at Sea’ to Delight Virgin Voyages Guests
BransonBerry
Who knew Sir Richard Branson was such a big fan of jam? The billionaire founder of Virgin Voyages and Virgin Records brought the two brands together to unveil “Jam at Sea,” celebrating not only tasty jams and preserves but also the record company’s newly signed deal with musician Nicky Jam.
“Jam at Sea” is a high-end line of fruit preserves to be found only aboard Virgin Voyages’ ships. The initiative will launch with BransonBerrry, a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries with a splash of Champagne. Cruisers will be glad to know the jams were personally approved by Sir Richard.
“As a proud Englishman, I know my way around proper jam and scones,” declared Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.
Guests will enjoy the tasty jams on breakfast tables and during afternoon tea service, and they’ll be for sale onboard, too.
Disco Days Come Back to Life on Saga Cruises
Spirit of Disco
The UK-based Saga Cruises, catering to the 50-plus market, confirmed it will take guests back in time onboard Spirit of Disco, a ship formerly known as Spirit of Discovery.
That’s right — in a nod to the older demographic who embraced — or at least can recall — the disco sounds of the 1970s, Saga Cruises announced the ship’s sun deck will be reserved for roller skating, and crew uniforms are being redesigned as three-piece white suits with medallions.
Guests can chill out in the BeeGees Bar, formerly the Britannia Lounge, and dine at two new themed venues: Funky Town, and Boogie Wonderland.
UK Line Expanding With Its Own Aircraft?
Another UK cruise company, Fred. Olsen Cruises had to pull back the so-called “leaked” footage of a branded aircraft sporting the Fred. Olsen livery, suggesting the cruise line was getting into the airline business.
It isn’t, however, the cruise line is set to resume its first fly-cruise season in the Mediterranean since the pre-pandemic era.
“We are really excited to be offering fly-cruise again from this year. We are so well-established in the Ex-UK market, and thought April Fool’s Day was the perfect opportunity for us to have some fun and get conversations flowing around our new fly-cruise programme,” said Sonia Holman, director of e-commerce and marketing at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
The fly-cruise vacations are offered onboard the line’s 1,325-guest Balmoral, bringing guests to both Eastern and Western Mediterranean ports.
