As Great Britain’s cruise industry grows and passengers clamor to visit its port cities, Northern Ireland’s Belfast is working to improve its capabilities to make way for bigger cruise ships.
On January 27, 2025, Belfast Harbour unveiled plans for a new £90 million deepwater quay, which will accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise ships.
The initiative, part of a broader £300-million investment strategy stretching over the next 5 years, will significantly enhance the port’s capabilities.
With the cruise sector already injecting £20 to £25 million annually into the local economy, the port anticipates a boost to regional tourism and its economic growth.
“This transformative project strengthens Belfast’s position as a world-class cruise destination, paving the way for the future of Cruise Belfast by accommodating larger vessels and enhancing the visitor experience,”said Gerry Lennon, chief executive of Visit Belfast.
Added Joe O’Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, “The addition of a new deepwater quay will not only add to the c300,000 cruise visitors welcomed by Belfast Harbour each year, it also gives us the opportunity to expand our capacity in the assembly and installation of offshore wind.”
The first phase of the quay’s construction, primarily focused on supporting cruise tourism, is projected to be operational between 2027 and 2029. Stage two, anticipated to be complete by 2030, will enhance the quay’s infrastructure.
Enhanced Port Facilities and Offshore Wind Capabilities Coming
Belfast Harbour, which can welcome up to three cruise ships daily, has welcomed more than 1,400 cruise ships and nearly 2.5 million passengers and crew to Belfast since 1996. As the largest deepwater quay in Ireland, its current quay is just over a half mile long and 34 feet deep.
Last year, the harbor saw 260,000 passengers and crew arrivals across 60 cruise ships from 35 different cruise lines.
Belfast Harbour’s new strategy, titled “Advance Regional Prosperity 2025-2029,” includes a comprehensive £208 million investment in improving port facilities and an additional £105 million dedicated to the ongoing development of the Harbour Estate, including office, retail, hospitality, exhibition spaces, and affordable housing.
The project will include renovations to the port’s current deepwater berth, Stormont Wharf, the addition of new warehouses, and the use of self-driving vehicles across the port.
Its full objectives are to enable economic growth, develop and improve the port, create places to live and work, and help Belfast Harbour reach net-zero cruise operations, in line with the UK’s 2050 target under the Clean Maritime Plan and investments in renewable energy.
Aerial view of Belfast Harbour (Photo Credit: Ballygally View Images)
In fact, one of the port’s main projects will be to create offshore wind farms, with Dr. Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, saying the development will make Belfast the only port on Ireland to feature offshore wind facilities.
Donaldon said,“We will continue our pioneering efforts to diversify and decarbonize, helping to reimagine and regenerate the city and bring additional prosperity to the region.”
Belfast Harbour’s cruise season traditionally operates between April and October, with 2025’s first call arriving on March 30 when Viking Ocean’s Viking Vela arrives on a 14-night British Isles voyage.
Its next arrivals, in April and May include Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Prima, Ambassador Cruise Line’sAmbition, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, MSC Cruises’ MSC Preziosa, and Oceania Cruises’ Vista.
Marking its first-ever call in Colombia, Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady arrived in Cartagena on January 24, 2025, for the cruise line’s inaugural visit to the South American nation nestled on the Caribbean Sea.
The call was the first stop during Resilient Lady’s 11-night Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Carrying 2,469 passengers, the vessel arrived at 8 a.m. and didn’t depart until midnight, providing guests with 16 hours to explore the vibrant city.
“This is a key moment for Colombia,”said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the country’s tourism promotion agency.“It is the result of years of collaboration with Virgin Voyages and other industry stakeholders.”
“At ProColombia, we have tirelessly promoted the country’s maritime connectivity with the goal of solidifying Colombia as an attractive destination for cruise tourism,” she continued. “This achievement reinforces our position as a regional leader and is a victory for all Colombians.”
The visit is the first of two for the 110,000-gross-ton vessel, which will return on a similar itinerary on April 4, 2025. Both sailings continue in the Caribbean to Curacao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Maarten ports.
Later in the year, Virgin Voyages will return with Valiant Lady and its brand-new vessel, Brilliant Lady, following construction competition in the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy, in September.
Brilliant Lady, sailing from Miami, will first arrive in Cartagena on November 14, revisit on December 12, and return on two more sailings in winter 2026.
Valiant Lady, which will journey from San Juan, will make her inaugural call on December 5, 2025.
Cartagena Strengthening Role as Cruise Hub
Colonized in 1533, Cartagena has long been a critical port of South America. Its walled city and forts, built to protect the city from pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries, are now hoping to foster a relationship with cruise lines.
On the day of Resilient Lady’s arrival, the city also welcomed three additional vessels, including Cunard Line’s 2,996-passenger Queen Anne and Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,394-guest Norwegian Pearl and 3,804-guest Norwegian Joy.
Said Liliana Rodríguez, executive president of Corpoturismo, the tourism board of Cartagena,“Today, with four ships from three major cruise lines docked in our port and hosting nearly 23,000 tourists, Cartagena reaffirms its capacity, administrative commitment, and the synergy that defines our tourism ecosystem.”
Four ships spend a day in Cartagena on January 24, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Cartagena Port)
Overall, Colombia’s cruise and tourism sectors have seen significant growth. In 2024, the country welcomed 6.6 million international visitors, an 8.5 percent increase over the previous year.
Over 1.4 million annual visitors are American, with Colombian Ambassador to the US, Daniel García-Peña, adding,“Year on year, Colombia stands out as a top destination for American travelers.”
“This milestone also highlights the confidence of US and global tour operators in Colombia’s diverse offerings, further strengthening the connections that drive our economic and cultural exchange.”
The 2024-2025 cruise season, which began in September and ends on June 30, 2025, is fully underway, with Cartagena hoping to best its 327,283 passenger arrivals witnessed during the 2023-2024 season.
Additional cruise lines arriving during the season include AIDA Cruises’ AIDAluna on January 29, Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess on February 2, Oceania Cruises’ February 5 arrival of Vista, Seabourn’s SeabournOvation on February 7, and P&O Cruises, arriving on February 9 with Aurora.
Cruise business is booming at Port Canaveral, and is about to get even bigger and busier with MSC Cruises now announcing that the fourth World-class ship will call the central Florida port home for the winter sailing season of 2027-2028.
This strengthens MSC Cruises’ relationship with Port Canaveral even further, and offers amazing cruise vacation opportunities to eager travelers at a time when the port’s popularity is surging.
While the new World-class ship is yet unnamed, she will be a sister ship to MSC World Europa and the upcoming MSC World America, which will be homeported year-round from Miami when she debuts in April.
This makes two World-class ships operating in North America, further expanding MSC Cruises’ presence in the region. There’s also MSC World Asia, which is currently under construction and will arrive in 2026.
“Our commitment to Port Canaveral is stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible support from our partners there and the growing demand from our guests who love the port’s convenient location,”said Lynn Torrent, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of MSC Cruises USA.
“Having ships dedicated to offering both short and 7-night cruises year-round will ensure we have the right options available no matter when someone wants to sail. We’re especially excited to bring a World Class ship to Port Canaveral, continuing our long-standing pledge to deploy our most modern and innovative ships in the Caribbean market.”
The new ship will be offering year-round 7-night Caribbean itineraries. While no specific itinerary details have been released, it’s likely the ship will regularly visit MSC Cruises’ private island destination in the Bahamas – MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve – as well as other top Caribbean ports on both Eastern and Western routes.
At the same time, MSC Cruises has also confirmed that MSC Grandiosa will return to Port Canaveral for a second winter season in 2026-2027, this time offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries. Her first season from central Florida will begin in December 2025, when she will be offering 3- and 4-night itineraries.
“We are excited to have MSC Cruises expand their presence at Port Canaveral with the arrival of MSC Grandiosa and the deployment of their fourth World Class ship to homeport with us,”said Captain John Murray, CEO of Port Canaveral.
“The addition of these exceptional ships to our homeported fleet will add even more sailing options from Central Florida and reaffirm the cruise industry’s confidence in our ability to consistently deliver a world-class guest experience.”
No details of the fourth World-class ship have yet been revealed, not even the ship’s name. What is likely, however, is that the vessel will mirror some of the amazing features already aboard MSC World Europa and coming to MSC World America.
This includes as many as 19 dining options and 18 bars and lounges, onboard adrenaline-inducing features like a ropes course and possible thrill rides, a water park, elite retail options, and a fabulous MSC Yacht Club for travelers who want to enjoy even more exclusivity.
The World-class ships are roughly 210,000 gross tons and can welcome more than 6,700 passengers. Fueled by liquefied natural gas, they are up-to-date on the most innovative environmental standards and are also home to approximately 2,100 crew members who work diligently to give every guest amazing vacation experiences.
Sailing With MSC Cruises From Port Canaveral
While eager guests and MSC Cruises fans will have to wait two years yet for the new World-class ship to arrive at Port Canaveral, there are other MSC Cruises options available much sooner from the award-winning homeport.
MSC Seashore is currently homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, offering Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries to top destinations like Nassau, Costa Maya, and Cozumel, as well as MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.
MSC Meraviglia Docked In Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Her 3- and 4-night itineraries are easy to combine into back-to-back sailings along with 7-night options, giving travelers the ability to customize their cruise vacation to whatever length they prefer.
For guests who just want to visit Port Canaveral, MSC Meraviglia – homeported from New York – visits the Space Coast as a port of call on her 7-night Bahamas itineraries. This further connects the cruise line and homeport for a strong, diverse relationship sure to grow in the years to come.
Many cruise passengers like to know the schedule of onboard activities such as theme parties, production shows, and formal nights before they set sail so they can be prepared to make the most of every event.
Some external events, however, can have a tremendous impact on what happens onboard.
Such is the case with Carnival Cruise Line when some ships’ formal nights are about to conflict with the single biggest sporting event of the year – the Super Bowl.
The cruise line has already confirmed that the big game – Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles – will be broadcast on the Seaside Theater screens as well as in key bars throughout the fleet. This gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy the game with other fans in a fantastic at-sea setting.
But what about when the game falls on what is traditionally a ship’s formal night or “Elegant Evening?” That night is filled with special dinner menus, multiple photo opportunities, a cocktail party with the ship’s captain or officers, and the chance to strut your stuff in more elegant attire for a very memorable evening.
The Super Bowl, however, begins at 6:30 p.m. – timing that can dramatically interfere with Elegant Evening activities for football fans.
Carnival Cruise Line’s formal nights are typically the second night of a sailing, as well as the sixth night (on 7-night cruises). Formal nights may vary on other cruise lengths.
With the Super Bowl being on Sunday, February 9, any Carnival Cruise ship that departs on a new sailing on Saturday, February 8 will have that elegant evening on Super Bowl Sunday. Or will it?
“Trying to get a straight answer for Carnival Dream is not changing the elegant night due to the Super Bowl. Many people don’t dress up for elegant nights, and more people care about the Super Bowl,”one guest explained.
Carnival Dream is currently homeported from Galveston, Texas. Her Super Bowl cruise is an 8-night itinerary departing on Saturday, February 8, with ports of call planned for Key West on Monday, February 10, followed each day by Freeport on Tuesday, Half Moon Cay on Wednesday, and Nassau on Thursday. The ship will return to the Lone Star State on Sunday, February 16.
Traditionally, Sunday would be the first formal night of the sailing, but with it being Super Bowl Sunday, Heald reached out to the team onboard to ask about any rescheduling.
“Both the Super Bowl and elegant night are I think equally important but I (we) do understand how excited people are to see the game on the big screens and in the lounges on the ship,”Heald noted.
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
He has heard back from this one vessel already, and notes that the “provisional plan” for Carnival Dream is to move the first Elegant Evening to Monday, February 10 – the third night of the cruise and the day the ship will be visiting Key West.
“I will post the other ships that may have a football/elegant night clash and will do that as soon as I hear,”Heald noted.
Why Can’t Formal Night Be Changed?
Ultimately, each ship’s cruise director and other top leadership staff collaborate to work out the onboard activity schedules. While there will be every effort made to ensure top events are highlighted with few conflicts, it might not be possible for every ship to shift formal night away from the Super Bowl.
For example, ships departing on Saturday for 3-night weekend sailings may be unable to make such a change.
It is challenging for formal night to be the first night of a sailing, when many guests may be exhausted from travel and the craziness of embarkation. Furthermore, luggage might not be delivered to staterooms until later in the evening, making it hard to ensure best-dressed duds if formal night was so early.
Similarly, moving formal night to the last night of a 3-night sailing is not practical. On these days, many guests need to have their formal attire packed away in luggage to set it out for collection earlier in the evening in preparation for debarkation.
Longer cruises can have more flexibility in their onboard scheduling, but still need to balance top onboard events with venue availability, timing, staffing, and other concerns.
Of course, guests do not need to participate in formal night, as dressing up, taking photos, and attending any activities onboard is always optional. No matter what guests choose to do, there is always plenty of fun to be had onboard!
A now fired Florida deputy named Francisco Melo likely thought he would be partying on a themed “Groove Cruise” that is currently taking place onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. However, the 36-year-old cop never actually made it onboard the Oasis-class ship.
Instead, he was arrested in the Royal Caribbean Cruise Terminal (Cruise Terminal A) by the Miami-Dade Police Force for allegedly trying to smuggle narcotic pills onboard by hiding them in bags of Skittles, which he planned to sell during the voyage.
The special sailing, which embarked from PortMiami on January 23, 2025, and lasts until January 27, 2025, is a music festival at sea that features exclusive artist hosted activities and electronic dance music (EDM) parties.
The itinerary for the short sailing primarily consisted of sea days, with a call on Labadee, Haiti- Royal Caribbean’s private destination – on January 25, 2025.
According to CBS News Miami, drug sniffing dogs were brought into the cruise port and alerted authorities to the approximately 60 MDMA pills (commonly known as ecstasy or molly) inside of Melo’s luggage.
The six-year veteran of the law was promptly taken into custody by the sheriff’s office that once employed him. He was relieved of duty and charged with the possession, sale, and trafficking of a controlled substance.
“As sheriff, it’s my duty to make sure that our community can trust our deputies to protect them and uphold the law. I am disappointed to inform you that one of my deputies has been arrested for trafficking a controlled substance,” Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said in a statement.
“Narcotics don’t just harm those who use them, they devastate families, and fuel crime. No one is above the law, and this office will not tolerate criminal behavior from anyone, especially those entrusted to enforce it. The actions of this individual are a betrayal of the public trust and of all the deputies who work tirelessly to protect our community,”continued Cordero-Stutz.
Melo has since been released on bond pending further legal proceedings. Royal Caribbean has not commented on the investigation or the arrest.
Cruise Guests Never in Danger
The up to 5,484 passengers onboard Allure of the Seas – or those passing through PortMiami’s eight other passenger terminals on January 23 – were never in any danger.
In fact, authorities already knew that Melo was planning to embark on the chartered sailing – and suspected that he might be up to something nefarious.
In December of 2024, investigators set up an undercover operation in which Melo allegedly sold an undercover informant 12 MDMA pills for $240 – during which his upcoming cruise plans also came to light.
Therefore, local authorities and the Royal Caribbean security team were already on the lookout for the accused drug dealer – which resulted in the arrest.
Allure of the Seas Docked in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
“This arrest is the result of a collaborative effort between the MDSO, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Miami-Dade State Attorney Office’s Public Corruption Prosecution Unit, who are committed to upholding the integrity and maintaining the public trust in law enforcement within Miami-Dade County,”said Sheriff Cordero-Stutz.
As always, safety is always the top priority for all of the cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean. This is why all guests and crew members – not just suspected deviants – have to undergo thorough security checks and document verification prior to boarding their cruise ship.
Some cruise lines even perform background checks on their incoming guests – which may uncover current warrants. If an active warrant is found, the appropriate authorities may be notified.
This is likely what happened to Dominic Weaver, who was recently arrested in PortMiami while disembarking his cruise ship in December 2024 – after successfully avoiding authorities for more than a decade. He allegedly owed more than $100,000 in back child support.
However, it’s unclear which cruise line the 47-year-old had sailed with and there were no reports of him causing problems while onboard.
If a passenger is found to be a threat to themselves or others during the sailing, the onboard security team members are trained to quickly subdue the guest – potentially even confining them to their cabin or locking them in the brig(or onboard jail).
While criminal activity is typically low in the cruising community, the cruise lines do take swift action when incidents arise.
When is the best time to go on a cruise? The question is simple but the answer definitely isn’t. For the Caribbean, I’d recommend going on a cruise between December and April, when you’re clear of hurricane season.
In contrast, for an Alaskan cruise, you can really only go between April and October, as the Alaskan cruising season isn’t year-round.
In short, it will depend on a large range of factors, including where you’re cruising, what matters most to you (for example, getting a good deal vs. avoiding crowds), your availability and more.
Here’s everything you’ll want to take into account, before you book, for every popular cruise region across the world.
The Best Time to Go on a Cruise to Get a Good Deal
The short answer? The best time to go on a cruise and get a good deal is any time when most schools are in session.
I always think that cruising is a great way to travel on a budget, particularly if you make a few key, good choices, such as cruising on a more affordable cruise line or opting to only enjoy the amenities included within your fare. It’s also great if you’re cruising as a family or in a group, and want to save money by all staying together.
However, if your budget is your primary concern, then you’ll want to book your cruise for certain times of the year, in order to get the best deal possible.
In general, aim for a cruise itinerary that takes place during the shoulder season, when demand is not as high. Aim to cruise in mid-winter, after the holidays, in the late spring months after spring break has concluded or in the early fall before fall break commences.
Around major holidays and during the summer months, it’s all the more likely that families will be flocking to the cruise ships, increasing demand and cruise fares with it.
Here are a few examples I found from three of the biggest cruise lines:
For a Royal Caribbean July 2026 7-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise on Icon of the Seas, departing from Miami, you’ll pay a starting fare of $2,146 per person — in February 2026, the starting fare is $1,665 per person
For a Carnival Cruise Line July 2026 4-day Mexico from Long Beach, CA cruise on Carnival Firenze, you’ll pay a starting fare of $534 per person – in January 2026, the starting fare is $344 per person
For a Norwegian Cruise Line June 2026 7-day Alaska Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau cruise, departing from Seattle, on Norwegian Encore, you’ll pay a starting fare of $1,655 per person – in October 2026, the starting fare is $1,174 per person
Cruise ships are massive. One the biggest of them, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, all can easily fit more than 5,000 passengers on a single sailing.
However, if you prefer a less-crowded cruise, you can try to time your sailing to when cruise ships may not be as hectic and filled to the brim.
Look for cruises that take place during the school year, specifically. This will sometimes lower the number of passengers on board, and at least lower the number of families and children on board, if you’re concerned with noise.
You can also look for cruises that are taking place during undesirable time periods based on weather, such as during peak hurricane season in the Caribbean, or when it’s particularly cold in Alaska or Northern Europe.
Keep in mind, though, that if you really want to avoid kid-filled, crowded cruise ships, your best bet is to cruise on a smaller ship or with a smaller cruise line that prioritizes cruiser space and a low cruiser-to-crew member ratio — or to cruise on with adults-only cruise line, like Viking or Virgin Voyages.
The Caribbean
Cruise Ships Docked in St. Maarten, Caribbean (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean cruise, one major consideration will be the Caribbean hurricane season. Avoid going on a cruise to the Caribbean during this period, June 1–Nov. 30. When you attempt to cruise during the summer, aka hurricane season, you always run the risk of your trip being canceled
If you do find that you don’t mind the hurricane risk, just be sure to buy some travel insurance when you book your trip. You’ll have a little extra money to do so, because cruises during this time period are often more affordable.
You may also want to plan your cruise for the months of hurricane season that are historically less active, storms-wise, such as June or July, or November.
Hurricanes aside, for the best Caribbean weather possible, the summer’s not going to be ideal anyway, with its extra-hot temps. Winter and spring Caribbean weather will be plenty warm enough for you to lounge by the pool.
The only Caribbean destination where this is not the case is Bermuda. Due to its northern location and resulting cooler temps, it’s really best to visit in the late spring to fall.
Luckily, this geography also puts Bermuda further out of the paths of many hurricanes, so hurricane season isn’t quite as much of a worry on Bermuda cruises.
Beyond weather, when booking a Caribbean cruise, you may also want to consider the timing of Carnival. Just about every island has a huge Carnival celebration and you may either want to make it or miss it.
Additionally, some cruise ports are going to be particularly busy anyway, during certain months of the year. For example, the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean is the Bahamas’ Nassau cruise port, which sees approximately 3.7 million passengers per year.
In the past, the port has set arrival records, particularly in the winter months, December and February, welcoming tens of thousands of cruisers in a single day.
The second-busiest cruise port is in the Mexican Caribbean — Cozumel. Again, it’s welcoming a good portion of its millions of travelers per year between the months of December and February.
As such, if you want to avoid crowds both while you’re in port and while you’re on a cruise ship, you may prefer to avoid the peak winter Caribbean cruise season, and wait until the spring, when you can avoid some crowds, but also stay clear of hurricane season.
Alaska
Passengers on Cruise Ship in Ketchikan, Alaska (Photo Credit: PRivas01)
Alaskan cruises don’t run year-round. Typically, cruise lines offer cruises to Alaska between April and October.
Going on a cruise at the very beginning of the Alaskan cruise season or at the very end of the Alaskan cruise season can mean much colder temperatures.
For milder weather, more daylight hours with which to explore and more wildlife watching opportunities, opt for a peak season mid-summer Alaskan cruise.
That said, if you want the best deal on an Alaska cruise vacation possible and don’t mind missing the whales and other wildlife, consider traveling during those colder months, in the spring and fall.
This is also when you’ll find fewer crowds, as the number of visitors to Alaska in the summer can be staggering.
According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, in 2023, more than 2.6 million visitors stopped by in the summer, May through September (with the large majority of those visitors coming by cruise).
In Juneau, a popular Alaskan cruise stop, at the height of summer, they can see as many as 21,000 cruise passengers per day.
Europe
Norwegian Bliss in Lisbon, Portugal (Photo Credit: DacologyPhoto)
Europe is obviously an entire continent so you can’t really say that there’s one ideal time to take a European cruise. The best times of year for a European cruise are all going to depend on where in Europe you’re cruising.
For example, Mediterranean cruises offer excellent weather between the spring and fall, but the mid-summer brings high prices and high crowds. If you want lower crowds and lower prices, cruise earlier or later in the year.
If you’re interested in taking a Northern European cruise, like those that visit Scandinavian regions, you’ll find that, much as is the case with Alaskan cruises, you can’t typically cruise year-round due to the temperatures. Most Northern European cruises operate for the summer and early fall.
The closer to mid-summer you cruise, the better the weather, the higher the prices and the more crowded the ships. In contrast, if you opt for a late spring or an early fall cruise, you heighten your chances of getting to see the northern lights, will enjoy lower crowds and will find lower prices.
And then, of course, there are river cruises throughout Europe. When thinking about what time to take a European river cruise, you need to think about what exactly it is you want to do during your cruise.
Want to check out some German holiday markets? Go during the holidays. Want to sightsee on foot? Plan to cruise during the spring through fall, for milder weather.
In general, wherever you go in Europe, you can expect crowds both on cruise ships and on land to be highest in late summer, around August and early September.
Asia or Australia
Royal Princess Docked in Sydney, Australia (Photo Credit: Stepan Skorobogadko)
It’s equally difficult to nail down one specific time that it’s best to cruise in Asia or Australia, as this is likewise a huge region.
If you’re planning on cruising to Southeast Asia, go during late winter or early spring, when you’re more likely to avoid monsoon and cyclone seasons.
If you’re planning on cruising northward, toward Russia, you need to keep colder temperatures in mind. As such, you may want to cruise in mid-summer.
If you’re planning on cruising around Australia or New Zealand, try September to November, when the weather isn’t too hot and when you’re more likely to avoid crowds, as well as get a good deal.
South or Central America
Cruise Ships Heading Through Panama Canal (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Again, it’s a huge area, so choosing the best time to go on a cruise to South America or Central America will vary vastly depending on where exactly you’re cruising.
In Central America, the busiest cruising season lasts from the holidays and through the spring, so that’s when you’ll see the most crowds. However, the spring and summer bring rain and the fall brings hurricane season.
So, pick your poison. I personally would pick a wintertime cruise, preferring the crowds and extra demand to the potentially poor weather.
In South America, you can usually find mild weather throughout most of the continent in the fall, with winter temps only becoming a worry if you get down near Antarctica.
Antarctica
Two Seabourn Ships Meet in Antarctica
And speaking of going on an Antarctic cruise, you may be surprised to find that the best time to travel to this region of the world is actually the winter, as the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months are the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
As such, cruising to Antarctica between November and March will give you the best weather and best wildlife-watching opportunities.
Do keep in mind, though, if you’re eyeing an Antarctic cruise, that many cruises will take you through the Drake Passage, home to some of the roughest waters in the world. It’s generally agreed that November and March are when the waters are particularly bad, but December and January are calmer.
Arctic
Small Cruise Ship Sailing the Harsh Conditions of the Arctic (Photo Credit: knelson20)
In the exact opposite, if you want to take a cruise to the top of the world, you’ll travel during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, so May to September. This is when Arctic cruises enjoy lots of daylight and wildlife watching, like whale watching.
If you do want to take a wintertime Arctic cruise and see the northern lights, it is possible to do so, but not typically with a major cruise line. Instead, these sailings are often only undertaken by small expedition ships.
Mexico
The best time to go on a cruise to Mexico is in the winter or spring, which is Mexico’s dry season. Doing so allows you to avoid the threat of hurricanes on the country’s Atlantic-facing side (though if you must cruise during hurricane season, you can always opt to cruise on the country’s Pacific-facing side, where the threat is lessened.)
However, do note that the winter and spring are the busiest times to cruise to Mexico, even if it is the best, weather-wise. For fewer crowds and lower prices, cruise in the summer.
Hawaii
Cruise Ship Docked in Honolulu, Hawaii (Photo Credit: SvetlanaSF)
When you cruise to Hawaii, you enjoy the tropical vibes of the Caribbean, but without the risk of hurricanes. As such, you might choose to cruise to Hawaii during times of the year — summer and fall — that cruising to the Caribbean is a little riskier. Summer is also a good time to visit Hawaii due to the lack of rain.
Do note that travel to Hawaii in general is more expensive around the holidays and in the summer, but you can find good deals on cruises to Hawaii in the late pre-holidays fall and early post-holidays winter. This is also the best time to cruise to Hawaii for fewer crowds.
New England and Canada
Celebrity Cruise Ship at Port of Halifax (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Like Alaskan cruises, New England and Canada cruises aren’t typically offered in the winter months. Instead, cruise lines set sail for these locales between May and October.
The best time to go on a Canada or New England cruise, though, isn’t mid-summer, like it is in Alaska. Instead, try to go on a fall cruise to New England and/or Canada, when you can catch both the foliage and some great cruise fares.
The Best Time to Go on a Cruise with a Party Atmosphere
Virgin Voyages Deck Party (Photo Credit: AVOXY)
While it’s not exactly my preference, some cruisers do like to really party when they get on the ship. A cruise, for them, is a whirlwind of all-you-can-drink, all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-swim fun.
Some cruise lines are more apt to have a party atmosphere than others, particularly the more budget-friendly cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line.
That said, hands-down, the top time to cruise for a party atmosphere is during the spring, when the college-aged spring breakers are flocking to the cruise ports for affordable getaways.
For Families
Royal Caribbean Cruise Deck (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
Lastly, if you want the exact opposite, and a totally family-friendly cruise where there’s lots to do for the kids, and plenty of opportunities for them to play with their fellow little cruisers in the kids club or pool, go with a summer cruise.
You’ll find plenty of other families on cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, and lots to do for the influx of kiddos. Yes, you’ll pay higher prices in many instances, but you may find it worth it.
Anytime is a Good Time for a Cruise
I may be biased, but anytime is a good time for a cruise. That said, it’s not always a good time to cruise, in every portion of the world.
While I might risk hurricane season on occasion, for example, I’m not going to risk a bumpy ride along the Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica when the waters are supposedly at their worst in November and March.
Take all of the above factors — price, crowds, cruise experience and weather — into consideration before choosing the right cruise and right time to cruise, for you.
The Guest Services desk onboard a cruise ship is undoubtedly the go-to spot for resolving many problems, concerns, and questions.
One Carnival cruise guest, however, feels perhaps that desk may be responsible for too much, and offers a suggestion to help relieve long lines, particularly when account problems may need quick action. Could a new department be the answer?
This frequent Carnival guest noted that maybe the team at Guest Services is responsible for too broad a range of issues. They took the matter to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, with their idea.
“On each ship I have been on people, including myself, have endured the long lines at Guest Services. I found out last night on the Jubilee, they are handling many, many things on the ship,”the guest explained.
It is true that Guest Services is the best place for passengers to resolve problems with lost luggage, missing or damaged Sail & Sign cards, problems with onboard accounts, staff compliments or complaints, special needs, missing people, gratuities questions, and much more.
This can create long lines at times, but this guest wonders whether or not a new department might be a possible solution that could alleviate lines and reduce how much individual team members are required to do.
“Please consider asking the beards to delegate another ‘department’ to handle things like lost luggage or other issues. It seems their workload at Guest Services is very broad in nature and they are handling a lot more than just accounts problems,”the guest suggested.
“I always hear complaints about long lines, now I have a better understanding of why. They seem to be handling too many things at the one desk. Thanks!”
Carnival Cruise Line is aware that the lines at Guest Services can be lengthy at times. In fact, one of the most used of the loyalty benefits in their “Very Important Fun Person” (VIFP) program is the priority line at the Guest Services desk reserved for Platinum and Diamond travelers.
Nevertheless, Heald did respond with an explanation of what Guest Services has always done.
“It’s like this on every ship and I think for the most part on every cruise line. It’s certainly been like this in the almost 40 years that I have been with the company,”he replied.“They do work so very very hard and yes, they handle a multitude of things. If there’s anything you ever need, they will be there.”
He does note, however, that there is no plan to introduce a new department to handle specific types of issues.
“We won’t be introducing any new departments certainly in the near future, and again if you ever need them a wonderful guest services team will be there for you,”he said.
Why Not Add a New Department?
It is important to understand that while the Guest Services team does handle a broad range of issues, they are trained to help travelers with that diverse range of concerns.
Personally, I have worked with fantastic Guest Services crew members on some very unique issues over the years. I had a scratched Sail & Sign card that needed replacing, asked for a pair of earplugs when I forgot mine at home (they happily provided them!), asked questions about an itinerary change, offered compliments about crew members, resolved a mistake on account charges, and more.
It is true that the lines can sometimes be long, it is simply because Guest Services works with a broad range of issues that a new department would not be an efficient solution.
For example, if a new “Guest Accounts” department were created just to deal with Sail & Sign accounts, that team would undoubtedly be very busy on embarkation day as guests set up their accounts with cards or cash.
Similarly, the accounts team would be busy near the end of every cruise as guests review their accounts and have questions about charges or need to settle their bills.
In between, however, that team might actually be underworked with few questions, which is not an efficient use of crew members’ time or resources.
Fortunately, the excellent training the Guest Services staff receives ensures they are well able to handle any and all concerns brought to their attention. While it may not always be possible to resolve an issue in exactly the way a guest might want, the team will always try their best to be sure everyone has a fantastic cruise.
Good news for Florida tourism revenue; bad news for traffic! On January 25, 2025, Port Canaveral in Florida, the second-busiest cruise port in the world, had its busiest day ever.
The packed port featured a whopping twenty-five vessels, and six of those were cruise ships. The port was jam-packed, and that’s not even counting the dozens of smaller yachts.
“What a day at Port Canaveral! 25 deep sea vessels—6 cruise ships, 6 cargo ships, 8 space vessels, a gambling ship, plus 4 fuel bunker barges (LNG included!)—operating at our Northside and Southside cruise terminals, cargo berths and The Cove bulkhead. Add to that many commercial fishing vessels and recreational boats currently in Port.” Port Canaveral posted.
Among the ships docked in the port Saturday were Carnival Vista, Celebrity Equinox, Disney Treasure, Carnival’s Mardi Gras, Norwegian Epic, and Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas.
Carnival Vista a 133,596 gross-ton ship, first launched in 2016, is starting an eight-day Southern Caribbean itinerary.
The ship, with a passenger capacity of 4,716 people, will stop in Oranjestad in Aruba, Kralendijk on the island of Bonaire, and Grand Turk Island in Turks and Caicos before returning to Port Canaveral.
Now it continues Celebrity Cruises’ relationship with the popular port as it begins its seven-day, round-trip Eastern Caribbean voyage. It will make stops in Key West, Nassau, and Puerto Plata.
The newest cruise ship in the port was the 144,256 gross-ton, 3,466-passenger Disney Treasure. Launched in August 2024, it now departs for a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing, with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island, and Falmouth. It will then stop off at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, before returning to Port Canaveral.
Port Canaveral’s Busiest Day Ever! (Image Credit: Port Canaveral)
The 155,873 gross-ton, 5,074-passenger Norwegian Epic, meanwhile, departs for its eclectic seven-day Caribbean cruise visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas (USVI), Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay.
Voyager of the Seas, homeported in Port Canaveral and carrying up to 4,099 passengers, sets out on a quick five-day itinerary to Labadee and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
While some travelers found difficulty navigating the crowds, this jam-packed day is a testament to the growing popularity of the Florida port.
Huge Growth for Port Canaveral, Florida
This record day follows a record-successful year in 2024, when the port welcomed 7.6 million passengers and 911 cruise ships, bringing in $156 million in cruise ship revenue.
It also marks the beginning of a year of anticipated growth, with total projected revenues reaching $211 million, as revealed at the port’s annual “State of the Port Address” in November.
Port Canaveral holds the title for the second-busiest cruise port in the world, just slightly behind the Port of Miami. It even took the top title briefly in 2022. Port Canaveral has also won the Cruise Hive Awards‘ “Best U.S. Cruise Homeport” honor for five consecutive years, winning in 2024 with 35% of all votes.
So, just what is it about this port that draws in so many?
For one thing, it is extremely well located. Situated just east of Orlando, home of popular and exciting tourist destinations like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and, of course, Gatorland, Canaveral is a very convenient port for anyone looking for an extended vacation as well as for Florida locals.
Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Robert Michaud)
The Florida coast also makes for quick and easy trips to highly desirable, tropical locations, such as the Caribbean, and the Eastern Coast of Mexico.
Another factor is that Port Canaveral recognizes the value of the cruise industry and works to make the experience of cruisers at the port as perfect as possible.
At the aforementioned “State of the Port Address” in November, 2024, Canaveral Port Authority CEO Capt. John Murray said the following:
“Cruise continues to be a significant segment of our business portfolio with some of the newest and largest ships in the world based at Port Canaveral. This speaks volumes to the confidence our cruise partners have in our ability to consistently deliver exceptional results for their guests.”
This cruise-friendly management philosophy seems to be doing the port well. In December, the port welcomed Carnival Venezia as its record-breaking sixteenth cruise ship to homeport there.
We look forward to more growth in the year to come.
While cruising can be a pretty budget-friendly way to travel, it’s also really easy to accidentally spend way more on your cruise than you anticipated.
From avoiding the ATM to taking your own photos, here are the twelve easiest ways not to waste money on a cruise — so you can save your cash for the cruise-related expenses that will actually make your vacation better.
During my years both cruising and working as a crew member, I’ve seen plenty of intoxicated cruisers. Many use a cruise as an excuse to let their hair down and have a little more fun than they might at home.
However, unless you’re planning on drinking from dawn to dusk and then beyond, you probably won’t get that much value out of purchasing a drink package.
Sure, it might sound like a good deal at first — one daily price for all your alcoholic beverages — but there are limits and exclusions, and you may be better served buying each drink individually.
For example, if you look at Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! package, which starts at just over $80 per person per day, you’ll find that you get up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day with the package.
Included drinks must be at a low price point relative to the overall drinks menu, and you get a discount on the higher-priced items on drinks menus.
Alcoholic drinks on a cruise start at around $10, with some (like beer) being even cheaper, so, for you to really get your money’s worth from a drink package, you’re going to have to drink more than eight drinks per day — and for a lot of folks, that’s just not do-able, even if they are on vacation.
A few other drinks-related tips: If you do decide to forgo the drink package and order your drinks individually, if you see a drink you’d like that comes in a souvenir glass, ask for it without the specialty glass.
You may save a few dollars. Additionally, it is possible to find a free drink here or there, such as at the Captain’s Party or during similar special occasions/events/parties, and sometimes in the casino.
2. Don’t Grab Dinner at the Specialty Restaurants
Specialty Restaurant on Norwegian Viva (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Most cruise ships have a mix of free dining options that are included in your cruise fare, and then a selection of specialty restaurants that charge either a flat, per-person fee or a la carte prices.
The prices can really, really vary, but you can expect a “nice” dinner for two at one of these specialty restaurants to easily cost you $100-plus. Eat dinner every night at one of these specialty restaurants and you can easily find yourself spending $1,000 more than you expected on your cruise.
I’m not saying you should avoid the specialty restaurants completely, but consider ways to save some cash. For example, see if some of the specialty restaurants are open during lunch, when you can get discounted menu prices. You may also be able to find cheaper prices on embarkation day or on port days.
If you’re not a foodie or the food isn’t a big highlight of your vacation, don’t feel like you’re missing anything by not eating at these restaurants. The main dining room, buffet and other free restaurants on a cruise ship are more than enough to keep you fed.
Worried you’re not going to have a luxurious experience if you do this? Don’t be! You’ll find steaks, lobster and similar foods aplenty, each night in the main dining room.
I love a good shore excursion just as much as the next person, but, as you’re perusing your various shore excursion options ahead of your cruise, be careful not to overbook yourself.
Definitely don’t try to cram as many excursions into your itinerary as possible. If I’m booking a cruise-led excursion, I prefer to book only one excursion per port and, in some ports, no excursions at all.
Not only does this save you money, but it also will ensure that you’ll not be rushing around, having a hectic port day that’s more stressful than fun. It’ll also give you some freedom to do other things while in port.
Maybe you want to explore a little on foot, or go to a nearby beach. Just make sure you’re following our top tips for having a great day in port, and you’ll be golden.
Regarding excursions in general, some will tell you that you’ll save a lot of money by booking with third-party excursion or tour providers rather than booking your excursions with the cruise line.
While this can be true, tread carefully here. A third-party provider won’t always guarantee the same safety and reputability that the cruise line provides, and won’t be as motivated to get you back to the cruise ship before it leaves port.
4. Don’t Spend Excess Cash at the Salon, Spa or Gym
Mandara Spa on Norwegian Viva (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
I very much understand why cruisers go to the spa. Many cruise ship spas are luxurious and a treatment is a great way to unwind and relax during your vacation, or add a touch of romance to your cruise.
However, I very much do not understand why cruisers pay for salon treatments that they could get at home, or gym classes that they could get at home. If you need a haircut or manicure, get it before you leave on your cruise. Workout in the free fitness center but avoid the pricey classes.
Additionally, if you do want a spa treatment, wait to book one until the treatments go on sale. This is usually during port days.
5. Don’t Buy Anything On Board the Ship
Photo Courtesy: Starboard Cruise Services
Create a packing list before your cruise and check it twice (and probably a few more times). You want to be 100% sure that you’ve packed absolutely everything that you could need. From toiletries to OTC medications, if you think you might need it, take it. You don’t want to buy it while you’re on the ship.
Sure, you can find convenience items like these for sale on the cruise ship, but for a premium price. After all, you’re in the middle of the ocean. You have no other choice, so the cruise line can charge whatever it wants for that stick of deodorant.
Additionally, avoid all of the knick-knacks and tchotchkes for sale on the ship. You can find much better souvenirs in port. Plus, when you think of a cool souvenir that’s going to remind you of your vacation, do you really want a sun visor with the cruise line’s logo on it? Probably not.
6. Don’t Take Your Phone Off of Airplane Mode
Cruise Passenger on Phone in Pool (Photo Credit: Jacobus Djokosetio)
Unless you have a phone plan that specifically allows you to use your phone while on a cruise ship (many carriers offer cruising packages, but they must be purchased separately and do not automatically come with your cell phone plan, much like international packages), do not take your phone off of airplane mode.
If you do, you could wind up with some hefty fees and fines on your next cell phone bill.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to give up scrolling and posting entirely. Just buy a WiFi package from the cruise line. Most offer several WiFi options, so pick the most affordable one that will give you the service you need.
I find that I don’t generally need the most expensive package anyway, as I’m too busy actually enjoying the cruise rather than looking at my phone. You could go for the eSIM package designed for cruise passengers from GigSky!
7. Don’t Buy the Photos
Carnival Pixels on Mardi Gras (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Even as a former crew member, I can admit that the cruise line’s photo services are just about always a giant rip-off. Everyone has a camera in their pocket now. Take your own photos or ask a fellow cruiser to take one of you, if necessary.
Yes, those photographers will swarm you all over the cruise ship and, yes, some of the photos may look good or even great — but they’re nothing you can’t get yourself and entirely for free.
8. Make Sure You’re Not Double-Tipping
Carnival Cruise Line Tipping (Photo: John Heald)
There’s a lot to know about cruise line gratuities and tipping. Most cruise lines automatically tack gratuities onto your bill, so when you pay for your on-board expenses at the end of the cruise, those gratuities will be displayed there. You’ll also see them when you sign your bill after dining at a specialty restaurant or ordering drinks at the bar.
As such, make sure that you’re reading over your receipt thoroughly before adding a tip or leaving a cash tip. You may just be double-tipping and never even realizing it.
9. Don’t Book Shore Excursions That You Could Do on Your Own
Carnival Celebration Docked Next to Beach in Curacao (Photo Credit: Mulevich)
In some cases, shore excursions are absolutely necessary for an activity, whether due to accessibility reasons or safety. For example, if you want to go snorkeling or cave diving or horseback riding, you’re going to need to book a shore excursion.
However, there are a lot of shore excursions that offer activities that you could just do on your own, without a guide. Shopping and food tour excursions are two of the best examples of this.
Rather than relying on a guide, do some extra research before your trip and identify restaurants or shops you want to visit while in port. Then, simply go there! You don’t need to pay a guide’s high fees for experiences like these.
10. Bring Your Own Booze and Snacks
Cruise Ship Gangway (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)
Don’t want to pay for the wine on the cruise ship? Know that you’re really not going to drink enough to warrant buying a drinks package? Consider bringing your own booze aboard the cruise ship, on embarkation day.
While each cruise line differs, most will allow each adult to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne with them.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s policy is that “each guest of drinking age may bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or Champagne.” If you’re traveling with a partner, you could both bring a bottle of wine and you may find that’s all you need for your cruise!
You can likewise bring limited quantities of water and soda, which can cut down on the number of sodas you need to buy on the ship. (Typically, the only beverages actually free during a cruise are things like water, plain coffee, plain tea, etc.)
On a similar note, if you’re a snacker, bring your own snacks with you. Again, cruise line rules will differ, but you can usually bring sealed, purchased snacks on board the ship with no problem (just nothing homemade or opened).
You’ll thank yourself for doing so when you want a little midnight snack or something to tide you over at the pool, and you’re able to avoid dropping an easy $20 per person on something like frozen chicken fingers and fries.
11. Pay Attention to the Cruise Line Loyalty Program
Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Passenger Event (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Some cruise lines will automatically enroll you in their loyalty program once you book your first sailing, while others will require you to sign up on your own. Whatever the case, though, make sure that you’re in the loyalty program and that you’re getting notifications from the program via email.
While, yes, they can be annoying at first, you can unsubscribe after your cruise. Up until then, though, they can provide you with valuable info about deals and savings that you can enjoy as a loyalty program member.
12. Don’t Use the Cruise Ship’s ATM
ATM Machine on Carnival Cruise (Photo Credits: John Heald & venuswix)
ATM fees may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can really add up if you’re taking cash out of the ATM at every single port.
While it’s a smart idea to have some cash on hand while you’re in port, get that cash (and any international currency you might need) before you leave home, from the bank. The cruise ship ATM fees are just a waste of money and very easily avoidable.
