What was to have been a fun girls’ getaway for three young women quickly turned terrifying when a small fire broke out on their cruise ship balcony.
The fear continued after the fire was safely contained with how the women were allegedly treated by crew members investigating the incident.
The fire occurred aboard Carnival Glory on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The ship had set sail from Port Canaveral the day before for a 3-night Bahamas cruise, and had visited Nassau earlier that day.
According to ClickOrlando, the fire was on the young women’s balcony on Deck 6, where a towel was draped over a chair when both began to smolder and became “engulfed” in flames.
Photos of the chair show much of the seat and back destroyed and melted, and video of the incident shows a great deal of smoke in the impacted stateroom and the adjacent hallway.
The ship’s crew responded to the incident immediately and the small fire was quickly extinguished. At no time were any of the ship’s operational systems impacted, nor were there any general emergency alerts for all passengers. There were no injuries reported.
Every Carnival ship maintains a highly trained fire response team onboard, and regular training and drills are practiced to ensure fast, efficient reactions to any type of fire situation.
The cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively determined, but a full investigation is sure to be underway to discover just how it began and whether or not all safety measures were functioning properly.
Women Upset at Crew Treatment
The young women involved in the fire, Tatianna Chuitian and two of her friends, who have not been identified, are upset not only at the overall situation, but with how they were treated in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
While Chuitian acknowledges that she and her friends were “cleared of any blame” by the ship’s crew, they were unhappy with how they were treated when taken to the ship’s medical center as an emergency precaution.
“They just kept telling me, like, you need to calm down,”Chuitian said.“‘You’re making this worse for yourself. Like calm down and tell us what happened. And then, you know, like if you ladies start lying to us like we’re getting the FBI involved, we’re getting Coast Guard’ like they’re just bullying us.”
Carnival Glory Cabin Fire (Photo Credit: Tatianna Chuitian)
In social media posts, the young women described being required to take pregnancy tests, with a suspicion that it may actually have been a drug test.
Other medical professionals have noted, however, that a quick urine-based pregnancy test is standard procedure when emergency treatment may be needed on any woman of potentially child-bearing age, as some drugs can be harmful to an unborn baby.
Other allegations include the idea that the women were not permitted to photograph their written statements, they were pressured to sign waivers, and all their belongings were damaged.
Further evidence of these allegations have not yet been forthcoming, but may be part of the overall investigation.
Carnival Cruise Line has not released any details of the incident, which is also standard procedure when an investigation is ongoing. The cruise line did release a brief statement to news media.
“We have a very robust fire management system, including alarms, detectors, sprinklers and training. This matter was quickly handled and there were no injuries,”the cruise line stated.
The 110,000-gross-ton, Conquest-class Carnival Glory can host 2,980 guests at double occupancy, and is also home to approximately 1,150 international crew members.
Following the small fire, there was no change to the ship’s itinerary and Carnival Glory has already departed Port Canaveral on her next sailing, a 4-night Bahamas cruise.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, often gets comments through social media comparing Carnival to other cruise lines, with guests insinuating that the other line has some superior process, product, or performance.
Rather than simply deleting such comments or ignoring any reference to another cruise line, Heald uses each opportunity to reach out to his nearly 600,000 followers for their input.
“We have been on 4 cruises and we as a family [believe] Carnival does it all wrong. You should instruct passengers in the same way [another cruise line] does,”the guest explained.“You should get a table first and then go to the buffet line not the other way round. This is the correct appropriate etiquette.”
First of all, there is actually no “correct appropriate etiquette” for whether it should be table first or food first at a buffet. Different all-you-can-eat restaurants have different procedures that work best for their business practices.
“Passengers should get a table first, reserve that table and THEN go to the buffet line. Why is this not done on Carnival ships John? It is not acceptable the way Carnival does this,”the guest continues.
“Thank you, fascinating indeed, I never thought of this to be honest,”Heald noted.
“In a hotel you do get shown to your table and then as you sit down you think ‘oh FFS’ it’s a buffet and then you have to get out of your chair and then head to the buffet. But hold on, here comes the waiter with coffee so, um, you have to sit down again and then when the coffee is poured up you get again to head to the food.”
I’ve been to a fair few buffet restaurants – they’re a favorite for our family’s diverse tastes – and a local Chinese buffet does indeed seat guests first. A popular all-American buffet chain, however, has guests pay as they enter and they choose their own route – food first or table first.
“On a ship it is different because you do not get shown to your table on Lido. As for what to do, food or table first?”Heald asked.“I guess if you have others in your family or friends who can save the table while everyone else gets their food you can do this but if you’re a solo cruiser then that’s not possible.”
Whether to get food or find a table first can be a concern, especially at very busy times. During the breakfast buffet, for example, many cruisers are eager to get their food as quickly as possible so they can be ready to go ashore or get started on the day’s activities.
At that time, however, seating can be at a premium and it might be prudent to seek out a suitable table first, then either “reserve” it with a book or bag or leave 1-2 members of one’s party to save the space.
Carnival Buffet Guests Share Tips
But how do Carnival cruise guests choose which option to take when they visit the buffet?
“I think it is safe to say that most of you get food first, right?”Heald asked.
That question quickly generated nearly two thousand responses, with experienced Carnival guests sharing their approach to buffet meals.
“Getting the table first can help in that everyone knows where to go after getting food instead of wandering around looking for each other, especially when it is busy and everyone wants something different to eat,”one guest responded.
Lido Dining on Carnival Cruise Line (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
“Table first. Then we take turns getting food. Better than wandering around for ten minutes with a plate of food that is getting cold while you try to find a table,”another guest noted.
Different commenters do note that food or table first can vary depending on the group size, how busy the buffet may be, and whether anyone in their party might need assistance, such as young children who can’t serve themselves or older family members who might use walkers or mobility scooters.
Another guest notes that they’ve had difficulty finding a table due to other travelers playing cards, doing crafts, or otherwise using table space but not actually eating.
During very busy dining periods, Carnival crew members may ask individuals to relocate if they aren’t eating but space is at a premium. Such activities are not banned, but guests should be considerate of their fellow diners.
Another embarkation option in the Dominican Republic will soon be added to a Costa Cruises’ ship that plies the Caribbean on a seasonal basis.
Beginning in December 2025, guests can board the 3,800-guest Costa Fascinosa at Santo Domingo and sail roundtrip from the port. The cruise line, a Carnival Corporation brand, held a celebratory event at the nearby La Romana port to mark the announcement on February 24, 2025.
“We are excited to introduce the beautiful port of Santo Domingo as an embarkation option in the Caribbean with Costa Fascinosa, which will deliver a new, memorable experience for our guests,” said Dario Rustico, general manager of North and South America for Costa Cruises.
“Thanks to this new opportunity to join a cruise from the port of their choice adds flexibility for Costa guests who will have more Caribbean options than ever,” added Rustico.
La Romana, located about 75 miles east of Santo Domingo, also is an embarkation port for Costa Fascinosa, along with ports in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Cruise ships calling at, or embarking guests in Santo Domingo, use the Sansouci Port, which is the main seaport in the island nation that welcomes cargo, container, and other types of vessels. Santo Domingo is the capital city of the Dominican Republic.
Marking the occasion with Rustico were several high-level officials, including Rudy Pimental, executive director of the Sansouci Port; Ana Vilchez, maritime segment director of Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism; Stefano Queirolo Palmas, Italy’s ambassador to Santo Domingo; and Andres Fernandez, commercial director of the La Romana cruise and airport.
Costa Fascinosa, a Concordia-class ship that launched in 2011, operates seasonal voyages in the Caribbean through March, repositioning to the Mediterranean for spring and summer cruises.
In the 2025-26 winter season, starting in December 2025, Costa Fascinosa will offer 8-day cruises that call at destinations such as Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Lucia, and the cruise line’s private island, Catalina Island. Guests will have a choice of four embarkation ports — Santo Domingo, La Romana, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.
Costa Santo Domingo Dario Rustico
Costa Fascinosa is currently deployed to the Caribbean, through March 2025, when she will return to Europe for the spring and summer seasons.
Another Costa Cruises’ ship, the 3,470-guest Costa Fortuna, also is based in the Caribbean for winter 2025, sailing similar cruises with embarkation options in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
The deployments of the ships were confirmed in 2023, with the cruise line offering its fly-cruise packages for all itineraries.
Costa Pacifica Will Deploy to the Caribbean For Winter 2025-26
In winter 2025-26, Costa Fascinosa will be joined by the 3,780-guest Costa Pacifica, which will sail a series of Caribbean cruises with embarkation offered from La Romana and Guadeloupe. Eight- to 16-day itineraries will be featured.
The Dominican Republic has seen a surge in cruise ship arrivals in recent years and is expecting a robust 2025. The destination’s post-pandemic recovery got into full swing in 2023, when more than 1.5 million cruise guests called at the island’s ports.
In fact, the Dominican Republic has the most cruise ports of any Caribbean nation. In addition to Santo Domingo and La Romana, the island operates cruise ports in Puerto Plata (Amber Cove); Punta Cana; Samana; and Cabo Rojo.
Amber Cove and Puerto Plata are the busiest cruise ports, both located on the island’s north shore, while La Romana and Santo Domingo are on the southeast coast. Cabo Rojo is on the southwest coast, closer to the Haiti border.
Just two weeks after Carnival Sunshine made her debut at her new Virginia homeport, Carnival Cruise Line has rolled out facial recognition technology to expedite the debarkation process in Norfolk.
This will be a welcome change for the more than 3,000 guests who sail on the recently refreshed vessel for every cruise, as this update dramatically speeds up the debarkation process.
The new technology was first used at the conclusion of the ship’s February 16, 2025 departure, an 8-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that visited Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Princess Cays. When the ship returned to Norfolk on Monday, February 24, 2025, the facial recognition technology was ready and waiting.
“Yesterday (February 24th) we added facial technology debarkation for guests cruising on the Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk, Virginia,” confirmed John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.
Facial recognition technology dramatically speeds up customs and immigration processing as cruise travelers return from their vacation.
Without the new upgrade, every debarking guest would need to speak with a customs and border protection agent to have their documentation examined and identification verified before they can leave the cruise terminal.
Now, travelers who use US passports only have to pause for a few seconds as the camera records their image and compares it to the established database, confirming their identity. The photos used to do this are deleted shortly thereafter, ensuring security.
In-person identity verification can take 2-3 minutes per passenger, while facial recognition processing takes less than 30 seconds. When working with thousands of guests, this can make a massive difference in how quickly cruise passengers debark the ship.
This better efficiency then has a knock-on effect of permitting embarkation for the next cruise to begin more quickly and the ship can even set sail sooner, getting the fun started on the next vacation.
To be clear, if guests do not have a US passport, they must still speak with an in-person agent for debarkation processing. With the implementation of facial recognition technology, however, even those in-person lines will be shorter.
Reaction to the facial technology is generally positive and enthusiastic, though some guests feel as though Carnival Cruise Line is forcing travelers to get passports.
Heald followed up the announcement with a daily poll question about if travelers use a passport to cruise.
One commenter noted,“Facial technology again Heald! Why is Carnival Cruise Line pushing all of us to have to buy a passport. 50% of Americans will never get one.”
To be clear, no cruise line is requiring that all travelers have passports. Whether or not cruisers need one depends on their chosen itinerary. With very few exceptions, closed-loop cruises from US homeports do not require passports and other forms of identification are perfectly valid for sailing on those voyages.
Only two percent of the more than 23,500 votes in Heald’s poll agreed with the original commenter about the cruise line “pushing” for passports.
On the other hand, 36% of respondents (more than 8,300 votes) do already have passports they use for cruising.
New Technology In Use at 11 Carnival Homeports
Norfolk is the eleventh cruise homeport Carnival Cruise Line has upgraded with this improvement.
“This means we have successfully rolled out this technology in Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Galveston, Long Beach, New York, Baltimore and Mobile,”Heald said.“It really does help get guests who have a passport to be able to proceed quickly through the debarkation process.”
Carnival Sunshine in Norfolk (Photo Credit: Carnival)
At many of the homeports where this technology is in use, Carnival Cruise Line has been able to move up ship departures by 30 minutes – starting the sailing fun even faster for thousands of guests every week.
This upgrade is in addition to $12 million worth of cruise terminal renovations and improvements already underway in Norfolk, including additional seating for guests, a sloped walkway for better accessibility, and canopies over pedestrian areas.
The two-phase upgrade project to upgrade the Half Moone Cruise Terminal is planned to be completed by May 1, 2026.
Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny) is now homeported from the Old Dominion year-round, offering 6- and 8-night Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean, and Bermuda itineraries.
While Carnival Sunshine is the only major cruise ship homeported from Norfolk, several river cruise ships from American Cruise Lines also use the port.
Furthermore, several ships are scheduled for port visits to Norfolk in the coming months, including Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 1, and Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess.
There are many advantages to traveling solo, such as taking the opportunity to find oneself, developing independence, or simply decompressing from the stressors of daily life.
However, for cruisers hoping for special cabins specifically for single passengers, Carnival Cruise Line may not be the brand for them.
However, Carnival’s plans for expansion between now and 2033 made one cruise fan hope that there might be better, and more affordable, opportunities for solo travelers in the fleet’s near future.
“Will any new ships to the fleet have ‘single cabins’ for us solo cruisers?”the Carnival fan inquired on Heald’s public Facebook page.
“I am a young retired veteran that often has to travel solo because family and friends cannot always go with me as often as I would like to cruise and for the length of time, and paying double is getting quite cumbersome for the non gambler,” she continued.
Unfortunately, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald quickly (and kindly) crushed that dream – making it clear on no uncertain terms that single cabins aren’t coming anytime soon.
“Thank you for your service, I mean that most sincerely. At the moment, there are no plans to have solo cabins,”Heald responded.
“If anything changes with that, I will of course let you know. Thank you, let’s see what the future holds and I do hope it holds us seeing you having fun with us again and if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know,” the cruise-world celebrity added.
With the Miami-based brand expanding its fleet fairly significantly over the next several years, which includes the introduction of a new class of mega-ships, the cruiser had hoped that cabins for single guests might be added to the new builds.
In addition to the three next generation, 230,000-gross ton ships, the cruise line will also be building two more Excel-class vessels – which will join Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Why is Cruising Solo More Expensive?
While sailing solo isn’t prohibited, the cruise Lines typically sell cabinson a “double occupancy” rate, which allows them to maximize their profits by assuming a stateroom will be shared by two people.
Most cruise lines – Carnival included – charge a “single supplement fee” to make up for the loss of revenue when guests choose to sail solo.
To prove this point, I checked what it would cost to sail in an interior cabin onboard Carnival Jubilee – the current newest ship in the fleet – on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing that embarks from Galveston, Texas, on August 30, 2025.
Carnival Cruise Cabin Booking
When I tried to book as a solo cruiser, basic interior cabins started at $1,179 (USD) for just me.
But when I tried to book a cabin for two guests, the price started at $1,228 – or $614 per person. This means cruising solo would lead to a 92% increase in my cruise fare for this particular voyage.
Among Heald’s followers, the general consensus was that this solo cruiser should pivot to other brands that are more accommodating for individuals sailing alone, such as Norwegian Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Cabin Booking
Norwegian does offer more than 1,000single cabins across the fleet, and is known for charging more reasonable prices for those cruisers.
“Please go on NCL! Carnival won’t miss you,”one cruise fan begged.
“NCL is the best choice for solo cabins,” another echoed.
But despite being told Carnival’s accommodations for solo cruisers wouldn’t be changing, the veteran wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her favorite brand.
“Trying to stay loyal for a bit longer. I love Carnival, but I am also looking for more European cruises as well soon,” she replied to those who implored her to switch cruise lines.
It’s also possible that she can save money in other ways, such as by booking during the sales that are offered throughout the year or using a reputable travel agent who may have access to special discounts.
Fans of Captain Kate McCue are shocked to learn today that the iconic and groundbreaking officer, the first American woman to serve as a large ship captain, is leaving Celebrity Cruises.
McCue made the announcement through her popular social media channels, but does hint that her sailing days have not ended.
McCue has an exceedingly popular Instagram account with nearly one million followers, which is where she first made her surprising announcement.
“Today, I say farewell to Celebrity,”she posted.“I’ve spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain. I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring and wonderful people, and had opportunities to live my 12 year-old dream out loud!”
Her post included a video showcasing some of the most memorable moments of her career with Celebrity Cruises, including time spent with many amazing crew members, joining special onboard events, promoting crew members, christening ships, and seeing some of the most amazing vistas all over the world.
“It is memories of those who made an impact on this journey and who will live forever in my heart,”McCue commented.
McCue’s famous cat, Bug Naked, is also seen throughout the video. The much-adored female elf-eared Sphynx cat passed away in December 2024.
Celebrity Cruises commented on the video, sharing their best wishes for the vivacious and personable captain.
“The journey we have shared together has been absolutely amazing. You brought passion and heart to everything you did, inspiring so many along the way, and leaving a lasting mark on our industry,”Celebrity Cruises posted. “We wish you fair winds and following seas, always.”
Many other guests and fans of the celebrated captain chimed in with their own good wishes and thanks for her hard work, being a role model, and sharing so much of her experiences so openly.
The famous cruise ship captain does not announce what her next plans are, but she does give a simple but emotional explanation of her departure from Celebrity Cruises.
“You might be wondering why am I leaving. Simply put, life has an incredible way of reminding us what’s important and changing up priorities,”she said.“I’ve recently had some big life changes, and this just happens to be one of those.”
She does confirm, however, that she isn’t leaving the sailing life entirely.
Captain Kate Celebrity Cruises
“Are my sailing days over? Absolutely not!”she said.“I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind.”
Before joining Celebrity Cruises, McCue first began her seafaring life as a third mate with Disney Cruise Line, then joined Royal Caribbean in 2003 as a second officer aboard Nordic Empress (Empress of the Seas). In July 2015, she officially joined Celebrity Cruises.
Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are part of the Royal Caribbean Group family.
McCue’s most recent ship has been Celebrity Beyond, which she launched when the vessel debuted in 2022. Many of her most memorable moments and viral videos have been from the Edge-class ship, including refugee rescues, sharing parties, and – infamously – baking a fish-flavored birthday cake for her cat.
McCue hints that she will continue to post on social media about the next chapter in her life, so her devoted fans can stay tuned to see what the American cruise ship captain has on her horizon.
Beaming up to a cruise port near you – Star Trek: The Cruise IX will set sail where no one has gone before as the voyage celebrates all things Trek from February 20-27, 2026.
The themed sailing will be especially festive as it will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic show that spawned a galaxy of fans. The original series Star Trek debuted in September 1966, followed by Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987), Deep Space Nine (1993), and Voyager (1995).
Newer spinoffs, reboots, and series include Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, and more – all of which will be part of the festivities onboard Star Trek: The Cruise IX.
“We’ve planned a week of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to honor the 60th anniversary of Star Trek,”said Christ Hearing, Partner and Executive Director of Theme Cruises at Entertainment Cruise Productions.
“We’re creating events and activities that revel in the shows and films spanning the six decades that followed The Original Series. We are grateful to Paramount Consumer Products for giving us the opportunity to mark the anniversary year with the biggest fans in the universe.”
The iconic cruise will set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and both cruise fans and Star Trek fans are in for an adventure indeed.
The 7-night itinerary will visit Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving guests fantastic destinations to enjoy but still having plenty of time to immerse themselves in a galaxy’s worth of fun onboard.
The appropriately chosen Voyager-class Adventure of the Seas is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast and can welcome more than 3,000 guests aboard. Also onboard are 1,185 international crew members to ensure everyone has a phenomenal sailing.
An Unprecedented Lineup of Stars
While Star Trek: The Cruise always brings together an impressive list of the show’s actors, writers, makeup artists, and more, this special anniversary sailing has perhaps the most iconic roster ever.
Already confirmed to be aboard are William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov), Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), John de Lancie (Q), Armin Shimerman (Quark), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Connor Trinneer (Charles “Trip” Tucker), and many more.
“Celebrating this milestone with both William Shatner and Walter Koenig is a dream come true for fans,”said Hearing.
Additional celebrity appearances will be announced in the coming months as more “crew members” sign on to what is sure to be a memorable voyage.
Image Credit: Entertainment Cruise Productions
Along with the shows’ stars, other key figures will also be onboard, including writers, authors, makeup artists, astrophysicists, and other experts and consultants who have helped create the phenomenal universe of Star Trek.
Guests will have plenty of opportunities to make unique Star Trek cruise memories through interactive discussion panels and Q&A sessions, themed parties, meet-and-mingles, cosplay events, nightly shows, game shows, themed trivia sessions, comedy improv, and much more.
Furthermore, Adventure of the Seas will enter in to the spirit of the sailing with a transformation into her themed appearance, complete with new signage, themed bars, and other special surprises on this one-of-a-kind cruise. Watch out for watermelons carved with the Star Trek logo!
Pricing for Star Trek: The Cruise IX starts at $2,480 per guest for an interior stateroom and is as high as $12,290 for the ship’s Royal Suite. Balcony staterooms range from $4,520 to $4,770 per person.
The cruise price includes not only the typical cruise amenities – meals, activities, and entertainment – but also the themed events including interviews, parties, and more. Some “Artist Hosted” events may require an additional sign up and extra fees.
It should be noted that this themed cruise is a complete charter sailing and unavailable to book except through the exclusive website.
Further details about the unique voyage will be released in the months to come as the launch date approaches. For fans, the time is sure to pass faster than warp speed!
Iconic, classic, decadent, delicious, a must-have – many different words can describe Carnival Cruise Line’s warm chocolate melting cake.
The rich dessert is a mainstay treat on every dinner menu on every ship in the Carnival fleet, offered only in the Main Dining Rooms. For many guests, it’s their go-to treat (I certainly have more than one on every Carnival cruise!), but it is also proving quite controversial.
Brand Ambassador John Heald recently posted a luscious video of a warm chocolate melting cake, showing how many cruisers love to eat the dessert – with a dollop of vanilla ice cream dipped into the melting cake as the perfect accompaniment.
“This remains the king of Carnival desserts,”Heald said.“Chocolate melting cake, vanilla ice cream.”
“If you were here, would you have one of these?”he asked.
The seemingly innocent (albeit tempting to chocoholics everywhere) video has generated hundreds of comments, which have in turn shows a dramatic split of opinions on the iconic dessert.
“The one in your video is nowhere near done enough,”one guest commented.
The cake Heald showed was indeed on the “runnier” side of melting cake, with a greater ratio of melting, gooey chocolate compared to a thicker, more fully cooked cake-like consistency.
Many guests have noted that the cakes seem to be inconsistent onboard. Some cakes are served so runny as to be nothing more than a dish of thick chocolate syrup, while others are so firm that there appears to be no “melting” at all to the dessert.
“That used to be my go to dessert and I would get it every night at dinner. Sadly when you get it now it’s either way overdone and a solid cake or under cooked and a runny mess,”one guest explained.
Guests who have a significant preference for how firm or liquid a melting cake could be can ask their dining room server to ensure their dessert is the best texture.
This divisiveness on the chocolate melting cake comes just days after Heald shared a dinner onboard his FFS cruise that generated a great deal of criticism on its appearance.
It should be noted that the gourmet chocolate melting cake can be delicate to make. Just an extra minute or two in the oven might create a firmer-than-expected cake, while trimming the cooking time by a couple of minutes will result in a much more liquid dessert.
When chefs servicing the Main Dining Rooms are preparing hundreds of desserts for guests every evening, it’s certainly understandable that the timing of the melting cakes might vary.
Just How Popular Is the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake?
Heald followed up his video with a poll about Carnival’s most popular desserts. So how exactly does the warm chocolate melting cake rank?
“You can choose just one dessert to enjoy on your cruise. It would be…?”Heald asked.
Without a doubt, the melting cake took the top score. With more than 16,600 votes cast, 33% of respondents (more than 5,500 votes) chose chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream.
An additional 13% of voters (another 2,200 votes) chose chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter – a well-known hack guests can request for extra decadence.
This makes the melting cake by far the most popular dessert, though many guests have noted that it may be too rich, have too much sugar, or simply be too much chocolate for their individual tastes.
The classic baked Alaska, bitter and blanc, and Grand Marnier souffle were also part of the voting, as was the cheese plate that is a savory option many travelers enjoy.
Fresh fruit, sugar-free options, and of course, ice cream are always available as well. This great variety ensures that everyone can have the best dessert to suit their tastes at every meal.
If you’re looking for the cheapest cruise lines to enjoy a budget-friendly getaway, Carnival Cruise Line tends to be the most affordable option, with fares as low as $100 per person for a short three-night cruise.
With that said, cruise prices always depend on a number of factors, including the itinerary, season, cabin type, the specifics of your package, and the type of ship you are traveling on, but if you plan right, there are plenty of ways to find a fantastic cruise vacation without breaking the bank.
I’m going to explain the factors that impact the cost of a cruise vacation, as well as a few tips you can use to save a few bucks when you’re booking, but let’s start by going over some of the best budget-friendly cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: denbaim)
While prices can vary, I like to think of Carnival as the go-to cruise line for cheap cruise deals. Don’t get me wrong, there are some expensive cruise packages you can book through Carnival that offer a luxurious travel experience, but they also offer some of the lowest prices in the industry, especially for short-duration trips.
Beyond their competitive pricing and frequent discounts, the ships in Carnival’s fleet are also known for their fun atmosphere, wide range of family-friendly activities, and flexible booking options.
An average 3-to-4-night cruise with Carnival will cost about $100 to $200 per person per night, but it’s also possible to book a 7-night Carnival cruise for as little as $400.
So, why is Carnival so cheap? It all comes down to the massive size of their fleet. With 27 cruise ships running non-stop throughout the year, they have huge availability, which helps them keep fares low.
Plus, Carnival has a focus on shorter-duration voyages. This helps them reduce operating costs, which are savings that they can then pass on to customers.
Deck on the Carnival Glory (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
The company also embraces its budget-friendly reputation, offering low-cost, basic cabins and other no-frills travel options that lower the average cruise fare costs.
If you’re looking for the best prices, book your vacation for the shoulder season each year, which is almost always between late September and early November. Since Carnival has so many short-duration voyages in the 2-to-4-day range, you can also score some really good last-minute cruise deals.
While you can always upgrade, a low-cost base fare usually includes basic meals, entertainment, and pool access. However, extras, such as specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and drink packages, will cost extra.
Carnival also charges extra for some amenities, which is another way It helps keep basic costs low for most of its guests. It has a reputation for nickel-and-diming passengers with extra fees, like charging for shuttle services; however, this is also part of the reason why costs are so low.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise Ship
Another one of the cheapest cruise lines out there, Margaritaville at Seas, offers quite a few low-cost cruise packages that are perfect for those wanting a quick escape from Florida. Once owned by Carnival Corporation, it’s now an independent cruise line that offers cruises from Florida to the Bahamas and select Caribbean destinations.
The average cost for a basic two-night cruise is just over $120 per night, but you can book for as low as $99 per person per night. So, for those looking for a low-cost, short-duration getaway, it can be one of the cheapest options available.
Costs are kept low because they offer short-duration itineraries with fewer inclusions than you typically get. There’s also a focus on party-style cruising, which won’t surprise anyone who has ever visited a Margaritaville Restaurant.
Rather than outfitting their ships with an abundance of complimentary entertainment amenities, you’ll notice the focus is on paid bars and restaurants.
Pool Deck of Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
I’ve also found that they really try to push passengers to pay for upgrades, like the “License to Chill Package,” which is a $399 bracelet that gives you 10 alcoholic drinks, dinner at a specialty restaurant, a spa credit, and a bathrobe. Even little upgrades, like access to the “Faster Chill” priority check-in counter, will run you $99.
You’re not getting a lot for your money, and the pushiness for these upgrades can be annoying, but this is how they keep fare costs to a minimum. Beyond upgrades, even mandatory fees for all guests, like gratuity charges, seem to climb year after year.
Still, if you’re looking for the cheapest deals, I recommend booking midweek voyages, especially during the off-peak months, like September. As for what’s included, you get basic dining, entertainment, and pool access, but the fees for anything extra can certainly add up.
MSC Cruises
MSC Magnifica in Cozumel (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
MSC Cruises is not strictly a budget-friendly cruise line, but it does offer some really great packages at affordable prices, especially for those heading to Europe or the Caribbean during the shoulder months. MSC also offers many promotional events, which can help you save money on otherwise pricey voyages.
Prices for a 3- to 4-night cruise range from $200 to $300 per person, with 7-night cruises starting at around $500. Again, this is not the cheapest option, but it is still a good value, especially if you can score some discounted package deals they offer during Wave Season and other sale events.
MSC Cruise Deck in Miami (Photo Credit: venuswix)
With six tiers available through their MSC Voyages Club, one of the best ways to save money with MSC Cruises is to stay loyal to them. For repeat customers and families, they offer all kinds of free room upgrade promotions and onboard discounts on things like drinks packages and excursions. With that said, the top way to find lower fares is to book your trip during the shoulder season, which is pretty standard for most cruise lines.
With MSC, basic meals, select beverages, and access to most entertainment venues and amenities are included, but additional costs for gratuities and specialty dining establishments should be factored into your budget. If you really want to keep prices low, just stick to the basics.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships in Miami 9Photo Credit: Just dance)
Like MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) isn’t exactly known for being the most affordable cruise line, but it does offer some really appealing promotional events throughout the year that can really bring down costs.
While average costs for a basic 3-to-4-night cruise package tend to run between $250 and $400, 7-night cruises can be booked for as little as $500, so it’s possible to secure a lower per-night rate.
Again, the reason why NCL lands on my list of the most budget-friendly cruise lines is all of their promotions. One of the best is their free 3rd and 4th guests promotion, which allows two additional guests to sail free or for just $99 if they stay in the same stateroom.
Not only does this make travel more affordable for families, but friend groups can split the cost of two tickets four ways. If you regularly check their website, you’ll see they also have promotions, including gratuities, along with five free meals at specialty dining establishments.
Norwegian Joy to Sail Crime Cruise (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)
For active and retired teachers, they also offer a really competitive discount through their Giving Joy Campaign.
NCL also tends to offer some outstanding deals during their Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales. While joining their Latitudes Rewards Program can also help you score some huge discounts on future voyages, as well as shipboard credits and steep reductions on their Unlimited Open Bar Package.
Another thing I really like about cruising with Norwegian is the fact that a lot is included with even the most basic fare. From snack restaurants to a nice variety of entertainment venues and amenities, you don’t have to splurge to get a lot out of an NCL voyage.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Ships Docked in CocoCay (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Dyskin)
Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular cruise lines. While most people associate them with their record-breaking mega-ships and incredible family-friendly amenities, you can still find cheap cruises through Royal Caribbean if you know how and when to book.
Still, even without timing when you buy and apply discounts, average costs for 3-to-4-night cruises start at around $270, while 7-night cruises average out between $500 and $700, so they certainly aren’t prohibitively expensive to those on a budget.
Part of the reason it’s possible to book a cheap cruise through Royal Caribbean is the immense size of their fleet and the high passenger capacities of their enormous Icon-class and Oasis-class vessels.
Since their ships are designed to carry so many passengers, you can usually score a massive discount with early bookings, as well as checking out last-minute deals. Royal Caribbean tries to ensure its ships are fully loaded with passengers, so it rewards early bookers with cheaper fares.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Deck (Photo Credit: Opachevsky Irina)
On the other hand, if you wait a few weeks before one of their ships sets sail, they’ll usually offer any remaining spaces at lower prices.
Outside of those early and last-minute deals, the best prices are usually offered in January, February, and September, so it’s always a good idea to check prices during these months if you’re shopping around for cruise packages and want to experience travel on one of their activity-packed mega-ships.
This brings us nicely to one of my main reasons for booking through Royal Caribbean—there is so much to do on their ships! There are plenty of included activities and amenities on most of their ships, and even if you only eat at the included restaurants, you still get plenty of variety.
Personally, I don’t mind paying a little bit extra for a Royal Caribbean cruise because you do get so much bang for your buck.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Cruise?
MSC Seaside and Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
It sounds fairly obvious, but different cruise lines cater to different budgets. Where luxury cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas and Cunard Cruise Line cater to those with higher budgets, more affordable cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, have more of a focus on family-friendly travel and offering budget-friendly getaways.
If you’re looking to keep costs low, keep an eye on packages through the cruise lines I highlighted above, as those are generally the cheapest in my experience.
The length and type of itinerary also play a significant role in determining the price. Unsurprisingly, shorter two and three-day voyages are far cheaper than a full week-long itinerary.
Where you go also impacts the cost of your trip, with remote, exotic, and specialized destinations, like cruising Alaska or the South Pacific, usually increasing fees drastically. On the other hand, more frequently traveled destinations, like the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, usually cost a lot less.
Complex itineraries cost a lot more than going to places that depend on cruise tourism to support the local economy. The huge cruise ports in places like the Bahamas charge lower port fees or are even partially owned by the cruise lines, so they don’t cost the cruise lines as much to visit. These savings can be passed onto the passengers in the form of reduced fares.
Cruise Ships Docked in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Your cabin or suite type also impacts the cost of your cruise. Low-cost accommodations, like interior cabins, are almost always the most affordable, while suites and outward-facing cabins with balconies can double or even triple the cost of your fare.
Onboard purchases and upgrades, like drinks packages, Wi-Fi and streaming bundles, visiting specialty dining establishments, and booking excursions can also drive up the cost of your vacation.
Finally, when you book plays a huge role in determining costs. Traveling during peak seasons, like during the holidays or going to warm destinations during winter months, will almost always cost more than traveling outside of peak season.
Since the busy season varies depending on where you are visiting, it’s always a good idea to do your research. For example, cruise costs skyrocket during the summer months for Alaskan itineraries, while they’re much cheaper if you’re headed to the Caribbean during the summer.
How to Find the Best Cruise Deals
Cruise Booking
If you’re looking to keep costs low and score the best cruise deals, I’d recommend the following:
Book Early or Last-Minute
Some of the best deals are found 6–12 months in advance or by checking last-minute deals that you can book within 30 days of the sail date.
Check Discount Sites
Some websites, like Cruise Direct and Expedia, list cheap cruise deals because they bulk-purchase packages from the cruise lines. While this is not guaranteed, I find that checking these websites for last-minute deals can be much cheaper than booking through the cruise lines themselves.
Repositioning Cruises
These one-way cruises can be a great way to experience longer itineraries at a lower price. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to book your own way either to the embarkation or disembarkation point, which is a cost you should always consider.
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Lots of cruise lines offer special rates to loyalty club members and those on their email lists. Signing up for newsletters for several cruise lines can give you access to special offers before the general public has access to them.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
This is probably my number one tip for saving money on a cruise. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a way better chance of getting a great cruise at a lower price.
You can cut prices even more if you’re also flexible with your destinations and itinerary. If all you’re looking for is some fun and relaxation in the sun, what’s the difference between going to the Bahamas or visiting somewhere like Cozumel? Just book the lowest cost fare that offers the most.
Money-Saving Strategies While You’re Cruising
Royal Promenade on Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: EnthusiasticPhotographers)
Saving money doesn’t stop after you have booked your fare. You can also really slash your expenses by cruising smart.
If you’re not a big drinker, I’d recommend skipping the drinks packages, as most of their value is getting alcoholic beverages for a set fee. Onboard Wi-Fi is also expensive with most cruise lines, so try to avoid it. Use your cruise as an opportunity to unplug and only use the free Wi-Fi available at ports and cafés.
I’d also recommend avoiding excursions or even planning your own. Rather than spend $250 for an ATV trip, why not spend an afternoon walking around a town or relaxing on a beach? Experience these unique locations on your terms. It can be just as fun, but you’ll slash your costs.
I’d also recommend keeping an eye on creeping extra fees. Gratuities, port fees, government taxes, and even cabin deposits can add up. Take advantage of everything included and have a budget in mind for onboard spending before setting sail.
Final Thoughts on the Cheapest Cruise Lines!
Finding a budget-friendly cruise is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. While cruising can certainly be an expensive hobby, finding an affordable cruise is still possible if you put in the effort.
With a little research and strategic booking, you can embark on an unforgettable cruise vacation that won’t break the bank.
