Norwegian Gem‘s January 22 visit to Great Stirrup Cay is being moved earlier in the morning and shortened by an hour.
Not all guests are happy about the change, considering they will be the only ship at the private island that day.
Weather may play a part in the visit change as winds are expected to increase later in the afternoon.
Less than a week before embarkation, Norwegian Cruise Line has adjusted the itinerary for Norwegian Gem‘s January 20, 2026 departure from Jacksonville, a 12-night Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas sailing.
Not everyone is pleased with the change, which doesn’t seem to have much of an explanation at all.
Only one port of call is impacted: the ship’s visit to Great Stirrup Cay on Thursday, January 22. Initially, the call was to have been from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but that is no longer the case.
“While we’re always working to bring your dream vacation to life, there are times when a slight adjustment helps ensure a more efficient operation, resulting in the best overall guest experience,”the notification explained.
“In this case, we’ve adjusted the timing of our visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This change allows all guests visiting our recently enhanced private island on January 22, 2026, to enjoy a smoother, more relaxed and enjoyable day ashore.”
Now, Norwegian Gem will be visiting the island from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is one less hour than originally planned.
The note that “all guests visiting our recently enhanced private island” will benefit from the change seems odd, as Norwegian Gem is the only ship slated to visit Great Stirrup Cay on January 22.
Furthermore, the ship has a day at sea both before and after the private island visit, so it isn’t necessary to adjust arrival or departure times to travel between ports of call.
What Other Factors Could Impact the Port Time?
It is possible that other factors may be impacting Norwegian Gem‘s planned visit to Great Stirrup Cay.
Weather forecasts, particularly for tides and winds, could have some impact on scheduling to ensure the ship is able to dock at the new pier safely.
For example, winds expected at Great Stirrup Cay on January 20 should be approximately 17 miles per hour throughout much of the day. Increasing winds up to 22 miles per hour or higher are expected later in the day.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Those rising winds in the afternoon could make it more challenging to keep Norwegian Gem steady against the dock just when many guests are returning to the ship. If gusts are even higher, there is a greater risk that the ship might snap her mooring lines and the gangways could collapse.
These types of incidents are not unheard of, and in fact less than a month ago Celebrity Equinox broke free while docked in Buenos Aires.
Not All Guests Are Happy
Some guests on Facebook are very upset at the change, particularly since this is the second time this particular itinerary has been changed. Previously, another stop in the Bahamas was removed in favor of a sea day.
Now, this change to an earlier-in-the-day visit to Great Stirrup Cay seems less than reasonable.
“There is no reason for this change! We are the only boat there that day,”one guest noted.“We have a sea day the next day, so we are in no hurry to get somewhere the next day. And they own the island, so an outside entity is not changing it.”
Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: On The Run Photo)
As different guests have pointed out, there are no breakfast options available on the private island, and the overall visit time is now an hour shorter than originally planned.
Furthermore, for guests who enjoy a sunny day on the beach, sunrise isn’t until 6:55 a.m. on January 22, just minutes before Norwegian Gem is scheduled to dock. This means a cooler overall day for beachgoers rather than the sun-drenched day they may have hoped to experience.
“Who wants to be up and out and on the beach at 7:30 a.m.?”one guest asked.
Nevertheless, the last-minute nature of the change is also irksome to many guests, as there is no option to change or cancel their cruise if they prefer.
“It is frustrating when the last minute changes happen,”one guest noted.
While guests may be disappointed, the good news is they will still be visiting Great Stirrup Cay and will be among the first guests to enjoy the new enhancements, including the huge 1.4 acre Great Life Lagoon with swim up bars and lounge areas, as well as the Splash Harbor play area for younger cruisers.
Should flip-flops be permitted in the Main Dining Room? One Carnival guest wants to know.
This created a debate about the difference between sandals and flip-flops and which is the appropriate footwear.
Carnival Cruise Line’s dress code does not offer guidance on flip-flops or other questionable footwear.
As any fashionista knows, great shoes can be the focal point of an outfit and can make a substantial difference for how you look and feel when dressing to impress. Onboard a cruise ship, footwear ranges from simple flip-flops and sandals to sneakers, aqua shoes, loafers, pumps, wedges, stilettos, and more.
But what footwear is appropriate during dinner service in the Main Dining Room restaurants? One guest is concerned that their shoes might not be appropriate.
“Are ‘dressier’ flip flops allowed in the dining room in the evening? Not flip flops like those $2 rubber things with a flower glued on it. I’m talking $20 flip flops,”the guest asked John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador.
Heald is not exactly renowned for his fashion sense, and even admits confusion over the question.
“I’m not sure how you specify the difference between a flip flop or sandal?”he noted.“That’s because I have the fashion sense of a partially-sighted yak.”
That’s a fair question that really comes down to one’s individual preferences. Different Carnival guests have different personal definitions of what makes a flip-flop versus a sandal.
“If there is a ‘flip flop flapping’ noise when walking, it’s a flip-flop,”explained one guest.“If the sole makes no more noise than a conventional shoe—not a flip-flop.”
Heald opened up the question to his Facebook followers, with more than 1,800 responses in a few hours.
The overwhelming response is that “Yes” fancier flip-flops are certainly allowed, or else most guests are “Not bothered either way” with someone else’s footwear choices.
Presumably, no one is walking across dining tables in any footwear, and therefore, what’s on their feet shouldn’t make a difference in dining room service, menu choices, or which dessert to enjoy.
“What others wear does not make my meal taste any different,”one guest noted.
Many commenters note that between the possibility of swollen feet and ankles, blisters from too much shore tour walking, and other foot considerations such as arthritis or surgeries, flip-flops or sandals may be the only comfortable shoes different travelers can wear.
Furthermore, Carnival Cruise Line’s dress code does not make any mention of footwear styles, and only notes that bare feet are not permitted in restaurants. What covers one’s feet is a personal preference.
More Footwear Concerns
Footwear is apparently a hot topic this week as this is not the only shoe-related question Heald has taken steps to answer.
Another guest insists that“all your room stewards should be made to wear overshoes when entering our room[s]. They bring germs and dirt from other people’s rooms on their shoes.”
These types of plastic slipcovers go over sneakers or other footwear to ensure there is no dirt or debris tracked into a space. This is something contractors will often wear when working on a house project or visitors might be asked to wear at a luxury open house event.
Heald notes that stateroom attendants will not be required to wear overshoes, but that it isn’t necessary.
Even if cabin attendants were to wear overshoes, it should be noted that if the guest is concerned about dirt and germs spreading contamination on footwear, thousands of guests wear all sorts of footwear (or sometimes no footwear at all) on every deck of every Carnival ship without overshoes.
In May 2025, Heald even addressed the idea of slippers when one guest insisted that all travelers should be provided with free slippers onboard because “nobody wants to walk around cruise ship rooms bare-footed.”
Needless to say, that request was not granted either, though Heald does note that if guests really want slippers, they can ask their cabin attendant who may be able to procure them a pair.
The Port of Galveston has received more than $8 million in federal, state, and local grants.
Funds will be used to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the Gulf Coast facility.
Several major cruise line sails from Galveston either year-round or seasonally.
Galveston Wharves, the fast-growing cruise port on the Texas Gulf Coast, has been awarded more than $8 million in grants that will help it move forward with ambitious development plans for the future.
The six grants, from state and federal funding sources, total $8.178 million and will be invested in a series of pedestrian and traffic safety projects. Many of them are outlined in the port’s existing 20-year Strategic Master Plan.
As a cruise port, Galveston has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Major cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises, base ships there either year-round or on a seasonal basis.
Galveston Wharves is ideally positioned as a departure port for Western Caribbean voyages.
In 2026, the port is forecasting 2 million passengers, or 4 million passenger transits (embarkations and debarkations), will pass through the facility on almost 450 sailings. Galveston is currently North America’s fourth-busiest port in terms of cruise arrivals, behind the three Florida ports — Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades.
“Continuing to improve mobility is a top priority for the Galveston Wharves,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.
“We’re using funding from these six grants to plan and implement improvements to make it safer and easier for people to move around the port and to access the waterfront,” added Rees.
With two-thirds of its passenger arrivals driving to the port, traffic flow, pedestrian safety issues, and sufficient parking are top of mind in the strategic plan. Cruise guests driving to and from the port use Harborside Drive, an overcrowded roadway that connects to Interstate 45, the only main highway to and from the port.
Port of Galveston (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Two of the biggest grants come from state and local sources and will be managed by the Texas Department of Transportation. One, for $2.83 million, will finance a set of traffic controls, lighting and signage, and accessibility ramps at several intersections along Harborside Drive.
The other, for $3 million, will be used to fund feasibility studies to determine whether a flyover, or bridge, from Interstate 45 directly into Galveston Wharves would reduce congestion.
Smaller grants, including one for $408,000, will be spent on evaluating the installation of bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and other intersection upgrades inside the port and on nearby access roads.
Which Cruise Lines Sail From Galveston Wharves?
Along with its longterm strategic goals, Galveston Wharves has made substantial upgrades to its cruise terminals, sometimes in partnership with cruise lines.
It spent, for instance, $53 million to renovate Carnival Cruise Line’s Cruise Terminal 25 so that it could accommodate Carnival Jubilee’s 5,228 guests when that ship entered service and began homeporting in Galveston in 2023.
More recently, the $156 million Cruise Terminal 16 was completed, and now accommodates MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape, the cruise line’s first deployment to Texas. Opened in November 2025, the terminal features a dedicated lounge for MSC Yacht Club guests and a spacious check-in area.
Norwegian Cruise Line also uses Terminal 16. Royal Caribbean operates from Terminal 10, while multiple other lines use Terminal 28.
Ships currently sailing winter cruises to the Caribbean include Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Breeze, and Carnival Legend, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Viva, and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic.
Carnival Cruise Line has alerted guests on two ships sailing from PortMiami on January 17 about extra traffic concerns.
A planned 5K race near the cruise port will cause road closures and extra congestion on Saturday morning.
PortMiami will have seven cruise ships in port on the race day and all guests should plan accordingly.
Guests setting sail on two amazing Carnival cruises from PortMiami this weekend may encounter some challenges on their way to the cruise terminal due to a special event impacting traffic on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line has sent notifications to booked guests on Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon about the potential for traffic snarls, encouraging travelers to be prepared for delays.
“Miami will be hosting Diplo’s Run Club 5K on the day of your embarkation,”the email explained.“The route will pass near PortMiami, resulting in some street closures and heavier than normal traffic in some nearby areas.”
While there is no adjustment to either ship’s scheduled departure time, it is important that all guests be onboard by the final boarding time printed on their boarding passes or else they may miss their cruise.
Carnival is urging guests to add extra time to their morning travel plans to reach PortMiami in case there are delays, as well as to check traffic conditions via online apps, websites, or alerts as they approach the port. This will permit last-minute adjustments in case of traffic snarls and congestion.
Carnival Horizon in Miami (Photo Credit: Just dance)
“If you purchased Carnival’s transfer services, please note that our transfer times may also be impacted,”the email noted.“We are working closely with our transportation provider to offset any potential delays.”
Both Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon are departing on Southern Caribbean itineraries on Saturday. These itineraries are very popular and attractive to guests because they are less frequently available.
Carnival Conquest’s 13-night itinerary is especially intriguing as not only is it a longer Carnival Journeys cruise, but it is also a SEA adults-only sailing that will offer even more unique experiences onboard.
The ship is scheduled to visit St. Thomas, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and Barbados before returning to the Sunshine State on Friday, January 30.
Carnival Horizon‘s cruise is an 8-night itinerary with visits planned for the classic “ABC” ports – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – before returning to Miami on Sunday, January 25.
How the Race Will Affect Port Traffic
The Diplo Run Club hosts races in different cities across the country with fun festivities after each event to celebrate the runners’ accomplishments. The Miami 5K starts and finishes at Maurice A. Ferré Park at 1075 Biscayne Bay Boulevard, at the base of the MacArthur Causeway.
Cruise guests who drive to PortMiami will better know the MacArthur Causeway as the lead into the PortMiami Tunnel, a convenient way to reach the cruise terminals from I-395.
Miami 5k
The race route is a roundtrip loop north up Biscayne Boulevard and across Northeast 13th Street to Northeast Second Avenue as far as Northeast 27th Terrace.
Because the race starts at 9 a.m., runners will be on the course just as cruise guests are beginning to head for PortMiami. Roads will remain closed until approximately 10:30 a.m.
Furthermore, the festival at Maurice A. Ferré Park will continue throughout the morning. This could create additional traffic snarls not only due to participants and spectators, but also because of vendors and operational needs.
Will Other Ships Be Impacted?
It isn’t just guests for Carnival Conquest and Carnival Horizon that may experience traffic difficulties due to this event.
Saturday, January 17 is a busy day for PortMiami with seven ships in port. In addition to the two Carnival cruise ships, any guests setting sail on the following vessels should likewise be prepared for traffic congestion:
Icon of the Seas
Resilient Lady
Norwegian Encore
MSC World America
Oceania Nautica
When all seven ships are combined and considering both embarking and debarking guests, more than 55,000 passengers may be moving through PortMiami on Saturday.
In addition, traffic from cargo operations, port employees, private boaters, and ongoing construction of the new Cruise Terminal G will also add to the traffic concerns. All guests should ensure they have plenty of time to reach their appropriate terminal in time to start their cruise vacation with ease.
Royal Caribbean is cancelling all guest visits to Labadee, Haiti, through the end of 2026.
Alternative port visits are being arranged wherever possible, but some ships will have extra days at sea.
There is no timeline for when the cruise line may one day begin visiting Labadee again.
The new year isn’t quite two weeks old, but cruise travelers hoping to add Labadee, Haiti to their “been there, done that” list of port visits in 2026 will now be disappointed.
Royal Caribbean has begun the newest round of notifications removing the port of call from planned itineraries through the entire year, impacting a dozen ships and more than 65 sailings.
Guests booked on various cruises that had originally included Labadee have now started receiving letters informing them of the changes and how their individual itineraries have been impacted.
“We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we’re cancelling our visit to Labadee,”the notification emails read.
Different ships have different changes to alternative ports of call whenever possible.
For example, guests booked on the May 2, 2026 departure of Freedom of the Seas now know they will not be visiting Labadee, but they will be going to Nassau instead as part of the 5-night itinerary.
Not all ships can be accommodated in alternative ports of call, however. The May 3, 2026 departure of Star of the Seas will enjoy a day at sea rather than the Labadee port visit on the 7-night cruise.
It isn’t surprising that the Icon-class ship will have a sea day rather than another port visit. The options to accommodate one of the largest cruise ships in the world are naturally more limited, but Royal Caribbean is making what arrangements are possible.
Depending on the ship, sailing date, itinerary, and overall port availability, alternative ports can include Nassau, Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Costa Maya, Cabo Rojo, and more.
If guests had already booked shore excursions for Labadee through Royal Caribbean, those tours will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Why So Many Cancellations?
Royal Caribbean began cancelling visits to Labadee following severe civil unrest and gang activity that caused a widespread government collapse in 2023 and 2024. While at times some visits have been cautiously resumed, the cruise line has not had a strong presence in Haiti for more than a year.
Cruise Passengers in Labadee, Haiti (Photo Credit: Mary Baratto)
The most severe conditions in Haiti are concentrated around the capital of Port-au-Prince, which is 85 miles south of Labadee.
Because criminal activity is now extending well past the capital city, however, it is best to be cautious and ensure travelers are safe by choosing different destinations.
Various ships do continue to bring humanitarian supplies to Haiti to support the Royal Caribbean crew members based in Labadee. These are operational stops only, however, and guests are not permitted to disembark or enjoy the port visit.
Will Royal Caribbean Abandon Haiti Altogether?
With the civil tension in Haiti unlikely to ease for years, it’s possible that Royal Caribbean might consider pulling out of their private development in Labadee altogether.
Since the cruise line is now developing new private beach clubs and destinations, such as the newly opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas as well as the upcoming Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya, such a move might be under consideration.
Ultimately, the cruise line is a business and it will make whatever decisions are best for its bottom line, the safety of guests and ships, and the satisfaction of shareholders.
Over the last few years, Tortola Cruise Port has received record numbers of visitors, so if you’re stopping at this British Virgin Islands destination during an upcoming Caribbean cruise, it wouldn’t surprise me.
However, with so many cruisers pouring into this port on a daily basis, you might feel a little overwhelmed as to what to do and where to go once you disembark.
I’ve visited this port dozens of times — here’s everything you need to know about the port itself, its facilities and amenities, and what to do in the nearby vicinity.
Quick Tortola Cruise Port Overview
Tortola Cruise Port Overview
Distance to town
Road Town Cruise Port
Port Location
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Distance into town
10–15-minute walk
Closest beaches to the cruise port
Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay
Taxi prices
$10–$16 per person, each way
Port facilities
Shopping, dining, restrooms, WiFi and tour providers
Safety
Generally safe for cruise visitors
Currency
USD widely accepted
What to Expect at Tortola Cruise Port
Despite the large number of passengers that move through the Tortola cruise port each day, it’s not as cramped or hectic as you might expect. The port made some changes in recent history that make for a more streamlined experience, allowing passengers to flow to and from their ships with ease.
For instance, the Tortola cruise pier was reengineered in the last decade to be able to accommodate cruise ships that measure in at up to 180,000 GT.
If ships are too large for the pier, or if there are too many ships visiting simultaneously, cruisers may need to tender. However, the 180,000 GT size limit is enough to accommodate many cruise ships, even if not some of the newest from major lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
Cruise Ships Docked at Tortola Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
Up to four ships can be in port, at the pier or in the harbor, at one time. A broad range of cruise lines visit Tortola on any given day, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and more.
Then, immediately upon disembarking from your ship, you’ll find the relatively new 80,000-square-feet Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, which is an outdoor shopping mall with more than 70 retail outlets, restaurants and service providers. The pier park stretches over 11 buildings and 18 kiosks.
In addition to shopping for everything from gifts and souvenirs to cigars and clothes here, you can likewise rent cars and bikes. The pier park also hosts various events, from live music to holiday parties. The park features a colonial theme and lively atmosphere.
Tortola Cruise Piers & Terminals
Tortola Cruise Pier (Photo Credit: Todamo)
Pier Layout
The Tortola cruise pier is laid out very simply. Two ships can dock at the pier at any one time, and a short walk along the pier takes you directly to Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. There, you’ll find shops, service providers and restaurants scattered across a handful of different buildings, with sidewalks, seating and landscaping spread throughout.
Terminal Facilities
The terminal facilities are quite robust, thanks to Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park and its ample number of restaurants, shops and service providers. In fact, if you’re primarily going into Tortola with shopping on your mind, you likely won’t even need to leave the pier park.
Cruise Terminal Entrance in Tortola (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)
While you’re in the pier park, you can enjoy complimentary WiFi by providing a valid email address when prompted.
The main terminal building is always staffed, and they can answer any questions that you have about the port or exploring further afield. A security desk can help with luggage screening, if needed.
Arrival Process
When arriving at Tortola, you’ll be able to depart the ship and go back and forth from the ship as you please. While some may say that you need to complete an electronic declaration form before entry into the island, past cruisers who’ve visited the island recently report not needing to do this, so long as you’re traveling with an official cruise line.
Tortola Cruise Port
However, if you have any questions as to what documentation you might need during your cruise, be sure to check with the cruise line directly. For all cruises visiting international destinations, I highly recommend getting an official passport.
Departure Process
The primary thing you’ll want to keep in mind regarding departing BVI, is leaving enough time in your day to get back to the ship.
If you’re traveling around the island, you may want to build as much as an extra 90 minutes into your schedule as a buffer, in case you run into traffic or are caught up in a private (non-ship) excursion.
After you do get back to the ship, you may need to wait in line to board, but arriving earlier rather than later will cut down on wait times.
Accessibility
The port is entirely wheelchair accessible, and accessible restrooms are available as well. For businesses with stairs or that are located on the second story of any of the port’s buildings, ramps and service elevators are typically available.
Getting Around the Tortola Cruise Port
Parking Near Tortola Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Frank Lervik)
Walking Routes
If you just want to see Road Town, then walking will be an easy option for you. Getting into the main downtown takes minimal time (around 10–15 minutes) and the walk itself is nothing strenuous.
If you wanted to walk from the port to Main Street, where you’ll find some shopping, or to nearby favorite Road Town restaurants, like Pusser’s, it would only take you about 10 minutes, and the route is fairly simple. All you have to do is take Administration Drive from the port, until you reach Waterfront Drive and Main Street (which runs parallel).
Cruise Ships Docked in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: BVI Ports)
However, do note that if you want to visit some of the more popular and recommended beaches, they may be too far of a walk (especially if you’re carrying a lot of beach gear!). For instance, walking to either Brewers Bay or Cane Garden Bay would take around two hours, but taking a taxi will take less than half an hour.
Taxi Availability & Prices
Taxis are abundantly available not just at the cruise port, but also throughout the entire island. As such, it’s a popular way for both locals and cruisers to get around, if you don’t feel like walking.
Prices are moderately affordable, too, at around $10–$16 depending on where you’re going/distance. Prices are set per-person. (Always make sure to confirm the fare before getting into the taxi.)
Shuttles
If you’re planning ahead, you can book a shuttle service that will pick you up at the port and take you to various locations around the island. You can use a generic shuttle that will take you into Road Town or to a specific beach, or you can book a private shuttle as part of a broader excursion.
Shuttle for Cruise Passengers at Tortola Port (Photo Credit: Alan Carter)
The City of Road Town actually operates a free shuttle that runs Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.–9 p.m. The shuttle stops at the pier park and then can take you into town.
Car Rentals
If you’d prefer to drive yourself around, car rentals are available at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. In addition to some local providers, you’ll also find an Avis Rental office. These rental offices typically open in the morning, around 9 a.m., and remain open until the mid to late afternoon.
However, keep in mind that if you decide to rent a car in BVI, that the driving may be different to what you’re accustomed to. Not only are some of the roads narrower, but, just as is the case in Great Britain, in the BVI, you drive on the left side of the road.
Ferries to Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke
If you have enough time during your day in port, you might be considering taking a ferry to nearby Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke. These less-crowded destinations offer amazing beaches, iconic bars and restaurants, and outdoor adventure.
To get to Virgin Gorda, you can hop a ferry from Road Town, with the Road Town ferry terminal located just a 12-minute walk or 4-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Another ferry terminal is located on Beef Island, a 30-minute taxi ride from the cruise port.
You won’t be able to walk to the West End, as it would take you nearly four hours, but a taxi can get you there in about half an hour. Service is offered daily, with rates starting at $30 one-way or $40 round-trip.
Top 10 Things to Do Near Tortola Cruise Port
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Photo Credit: byvalet / Shutterstock)
1. Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay is a favorite beach on the north side of Tortola, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. While beach access is free, you may want to budget some cash for renting sun beds or booking water sports activities. The beach is a lively one and you’ll find beach bars and restaurants in the vicinity.
2. Brewers Bay
Brewers Bay (Photo Credit: Sean Pavone)
Another great option if you’re looking for the best beach to spend the day at, Brewers Bay is likewise about a 20-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. A little quieter and relaxed than Cane Garden Bay, Brewers Bay is a great pick for snorkeling. There’s no admission fee for the beach, but renting chairs is a few dollars each.
3. Sage Mountain National Park
A 20-minute drive from the cruise port, Sage Mountain National Park was the first national park founded in the territory. It’s also the highest point in all of the British and US Virgin Islands, meaning you can get some excellent views if you’re willing to do a little hiking. There are 14 trails throughout the park to choose from, and you’ll pay $1–$3 as an entry fee.
4. Virgin Gorda Baths
The Baths at Virgin Gorda (Photo Credit: appol4)
Inclusive of driving from the cruise port to Beef Island to catch the ferry, and then the ferry ride, it will take you about two hours to get to the Virgin Gorda Baths. However, many travelers find the journey to be well worth it, as you spend the day exploring and snorkeling around the massive boulders that hide secret rock pools and caves. The entry fee for this national park is $2–$3.
5. Jost Van Dyke (White Bay)
Getting to Jost Van Dyke requires about a 30-minute taxi ride to the ferry, and then about another 30 minutes on the ferry. Once there, you’ll likely head straight for White Bay, a famous beach where you’ll find an equally famous beach bar: the Soggy Dollar.
The drink of choice here is the famed painkiller, so make sure you grab one before soaking up the sun. While the beach is free, bring cash for your drinks and chair or umbrella rentals.
6. Road Town Shopping
Shopping In Pier Park (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
There are many shops and restaurants along Waterfront Drive and Main Street in Road Town, but you don’t have to take all that many steps away from your cruise ship to find shopping.
Plenty of retailers can be found at the pier park. However, if you follow the flow of traffic into town, you’ll find loads more options within a 10–15-minute walk. Jewelry, local goods, gourmet food items and souvenirs are all available.
7. Callwood Rum Distillery
If you’re already headed to Cane Garden Bay, stop in at nearby Callwood Rum Distillery, too (a 20-minute drive from the cruise port). This is the Caribbean’s oldest continuously operating pot distillery, at more than 200 years old. The quick distillery tour is $5 and includes a tasting.
8. Mount Healthy National Park
Another activity that you might want to pair with a beach day, as this park sits near Brewer’s Bay, Mount Healthy National Park (a 15-minute drive from the cruise port) encompasses the remnants of an 18th century sugar plantation, complete with a 1700s windmill. There’s no entrance fee if you visit on your own, but you can book private hiking tours to the site as well, with prices starting at $70.
9. Smuggler’s Cove
Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
If you’d prefer a quieter beach than the previously mentioned more popular Brewer’s Bay and Cane Garden Bay, consider Smuggler’s Cove, popular for its snorkeling and clam waters. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the port. Entrance is free, but you can rent beach gear like chairs for a minimal amount.
10. Josiah’s Bay
Similarly, Josiah’s Bay is about 20 minutes from the port and is quieter and less crowded. What makes it unique, though, is its beginner-friendly surf conditions. Beach bars and restaurants are nearby, and chairs are available for rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk to Road Town from the cruise port?
Yes, technically, the cruise port is in Road Town, but if you want to reach the main hub of Road Town, where a lot of the shopping and restaurants are, it’ll only require about a 10-minute walk from the ship.
What’s the closest beach to Tortola cruise port?
The closest popular beaches to the Tortola cruise port are Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay, which are both about a 20-minute taxi ride away.
Is Tortola safe for cruise passengers?
Yes, Tortola is very safe for cruise passengers. However, as you always would when traveling internationally, be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Do you need a passport in Tortola?
Yes, you should have a valid passport to visit Tortola.
How much are taxis from the port?
While it will depend on where you’re going, you can get to most beaches and ferry terminals from the port, via taxi, for $10–$16 per person.
What is the best excursion in Tortola?
The best excursions in Tortola take you to famous sites that may be more difficult to reach on your own, such as to neighboring islands like Virgin Gorda to see The Baths, or Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
One Carnival guest is upset that they haven’t been offered a free stateroom upgrade.
John Heald explains why the upgrade fairy doesn’t really exist at all.
Upsells are available, but full-capacity ships and sold-out sailings mean free upgrades aren’t happening.
It can be a pleasant surprise for cruise travelers if their stateroom is better than expected, perhaps more spacious, with a larger balcony, or having exceptional storage. Sometimes, on rare occasions, the “upgrade fairy” might even visit, spontaneously moving travelers from an interior or oceanview stateroom to a balcony.
But do such upgrades really happen? How often? Is there a way to perhaps encourage a visit from the upgrade fairy?
One Carnival cruise guest is lamenting the lack of such fairy dust on their sailings and reached out to John Heald for clarification.
Heald is Carnival Cruise Line’s official brand ambassador, offering tips and assistance to hundreds of guests every week through his popular Facebook page.
“I keep hearing about the upgrade fairy. In exactly 15 Carnival cruises, we’ve never received an upgrade for free offer,”the guest explained.“I got an upsell offer a few weeks ago for our Alaska cruise on Luminosa in June, from an interior main deck midship to a balcony deck 6.”
To be clear, this writer has been on “exactly” 26 Carnival cruises with #27 booked and has never received (nor expected) a free upgrade.
Other commenters note they’ve been on 47, 49, and even more Carnival cruises and never gotten free upgrades. So this one guest’s lack of upgrade fairy experience isn’t unusual.
Carnival Luminosa in Seattle (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)
“How do I get a free upgrade? Does the upgrade fairy really exist or how are people chosen?”the guest asked.
While Heald makes light of the guest’s inquiry with imagery of Mother Ship employees dancing around with a wand to confer upgrades on a few lucky guests, he does explain that such upgrades aren’t always possible.
The key reason isn’t that Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t value guests or won’t offer freebies, but simply that there are none to offer.
“Our bookings are the strongest in the industry,”Heald noted.“Many of the cruises are already sold out, so please don’t hold out on getting a free upgrade.”
He does acknowledge that upsells are available, but free upgrades are very, very rare and most often don’t happen at all. Even if they are available, Heald himself has no control over that process and no influence on how, when, or why an upgrade might be offered.
Upgrade Tactics That Don’t Work
Heald goes on to note that Carnival Cruise Line is very aware of different tricks and hacks often used in desperate attempts to secure free upgrades.
For example, booking an interior stateroom but claiming to suffer from claustrophobia and asking for an upgrade is neither unique nor successful.
Similarly, claiming to know Micky Arison (son of Carnival Cruise Line founder Ted Arison and current chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc) as a personal friend is another silly and ridiculous approach.
Many different “cruise influencers” and bloggers claim to have tactics that are nearly guaranteed to secure free upgrades, but in reality, those tips are not true and will not be successful at anything except exposing a guest as an entitled hopeful.
The Best Way to Get an Upgrade
There is one trick that is sure to get cruise guests the cabin of their dreams every single time – book the stateroom you want.
“Why can’t people be happy with the cabin that they have chosen?”Heald asked.“You’re going to have a wonderful time, whether you’re staying in an inside cabin, a balcony, a suite, or all the other different cabin categories that we have.”
Many guests do exactly that, book the stateroom they want, whether it is a specific category, in a certain location, or on a particular deck.
If an upsell upgrade is offered, it is usually a deep discount from listed prices and can be a great bargain. On the other hand, guests who book the stateroom they want don’t have to worry about whether or not an upgrade may be offered, free or otherwise.
The first cabins have been lifted onto Icon 4, Royal Caribbean’s fourth Icon-class ship under construction in Finland.
The modular cabins were prebuilt and are the first of 2,800 staterooms the ship will feature.
Icon 4 is being built by Meyer Turku and is expected to launch in late 2027.
Royal Caribbean has made a name for itself as the operator of the world’s largest cruise ships — Icon-class vessels, while the Meyer Turku shipyard holds the distinction of being the builder of those ships.
Currently in the process of constructing the fourth ship in the class, temporarily known as Icon 4, the Finnish shipyard celebrated a notable building event on January 9, 2026, when the ship’s first cabins were hoisted onto the vessel.
Meyer Turku proudly updated the ship’s construction progress in a Facebook post on January 13, 2026, describing how the first of 2,800 staterooms was delivered to the shipyard.
“Icon 4’s assembly phase is progressing, and the vessel’s first cabins were lifted into the ship last Friday, January 9,” the post confirmed.
“The modular cabins are fully prebuilt by our daughter company Piikkio Works. They are then delivered to the shipyard, where they are lifted into the ship,” Meyer Turku explained.
Since they are prebuilt, the stateroom accommodations can be expeditiously and easily transferred into the vessel. Piikkio Works manufactures cabins and bathroom units at its factory in Piikkio, Finland.
When Icon 4’s construction is completed and the ship enters service in late 2027, she will join three sister ships: Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, Star of the Seas, which debuted in August 2025, and Legend of the Seas, set to begin operating in July 2026. In fact, Legend of the Seas is being built right next to Icon 4 at the Meyer Turku shipyard.
The Icon class represents the industry’s largest ships, each at 248,663 gross tons and with capacity for 5,610 guests in double occupancy. They can accommodate a staggering 7,600 passengers with all berths occupied.
Royal Caribbean’s 4th Icon Class Cabin Installation (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
Like her sister ships, Icon 4 will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature advanced alternative energy systems, such as fuel cells that will be used to generate electrical power.
Construction of Icon 4 began in September 2025, when the shipyard and cruise line held a keel-laying event. The maritime tradition calls for good-luck coins to be placed under the first steel block of the ship’s hull.
The next major construction milestone will be the ship’s float-out, when the vessel leaves her construction bay and touches water for the first time. This typically happens about a year before launch.
Royal Caribbean announced it had placed the order for the fourth ship in the class in August 2024. The order included options for a fifth and sixth ship in the class.
What Makes Icon-Class Ships So Popular?
Aside from their immense size, the Icon-class vessels feature pioneering activities and spaces, offering experiences for all ages.
The Category 6 Waterpark, for instance, offers thrill rides that include Frightening Bolt, a water slide with a trap door that opens beneath participants, and Pressure Drop, the industry’s first free-fall slide with a drop of 282 feet.
Crown’s Edge offers a challenging ropes course while Adrenaline Peak tempts guests to try rock climbing. Laser tag and mini golf are featured for guests who don’t need such major thrills.
Like other ship classes at Royal Caribbean, Icon ships feature several neighborhoods and zones designed to appeal to certain demographics.
Surfside is ideal for families, for instance, with a dedicated pool and children’s club, while The Hideaway is for adults seeking serenity. It features an infinity pool and has a beach club atmosphere.
The existing ships in the class, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, are homeported in PortMiami and Port Canaveral, respectively, and sail Caribbean and Bahamas cruises.
When Legend of the Seas enters service in summer 2026, she will spend the season in Europe, sailing from Rome and Barcelona. In October 2026, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter series of Caribbean and Bahamas voyages.
A cruise guest missed Utopia of the Seas because of confusion about the ship’s homeport.
Their application to join the ship in Nassau the next day was also denied.
The guest has shared their experience in the hopes that others can avoid similar mistakes.
Missing the ship at embarkation is a nightmare scenario for any cruise guest, but what options do you have?
One guest mistakenly missed Utopia of the Seas‘ departure on Monday, January 12, 2026 and had hoped to join the ship in Nassau, but was not given the result they’d hoped to hear.
The guest shared their situation on Reddit, immediately owning up to the mistake on their part after arriving at Port Everglades instead of Port Canaveral.
“We pulled a major travel fail today. … We’ve obviously missed the ship’s departure,”they explained.
Given that they were sharing their experience in the Royal Caribbean subreddit and Utopia of the Seas is the only Royal Caribbean ship departing Port Canaveral on Monday and visiting Nassau on Tuesday, it isn’t hard to determine which ship they missed.
The guest did contact Royal Caribbean right away with a request to join the ship in Nassau at their own expense. They then booked refundable flights from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau for early Tuesday morning in the hopes their request would be approved.
While they were waiting, different commenters weighed in, noting that Nassau can be a relatively easy port to fly into. These situations do have to be approved by the Bahamian authorities, however, and not just the cruise line.
Some travelers shared their own similar experiences or those of family members who made such arrangements successfully, as well as tips for how to reach the cruise port from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau. The two are roughly 10 miles apart.
Another shared one critical piece of advice for booking flights to the capital of the Bahamas.
“Be sure you actually go to Nassau, Bahamas and not Nassau, New York,”they commented.
Permission Denied
Unfortunately, the impacted guest did hear back from Royal Caribbean, but not with the answer they’d hoped to receive.
“We regret to inform you that your request to embark in Nassau, Bahamas has been denied by port authorities,”the notification read.“The reason provided does not meet the established criteria for authorization to embark at an alternate port of call.”
Utopia of the Seas Docked in Port Canaveral (Credit: Port Canaveral)
No further explanation is given, and there is no option for the guest to appeal the decision.
Because Utopia of the Seas is on a 4-night sailing with visits only to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, it would be very difficult for the guest to work through any further official channels in time to join the vessel before her day at sea and return to Port Canaveral.
It is unclear whether or not the guest had any travel insurance, and different insurance policies do not necessarily cover this type of mistaken scenario.
How Did the Guest Confuse the Port?
Refreshingly, the guest is not blaming the cruise line or otherwise attempting to shift responsibility to anyone else for this unfortunate and disappointing mishap.
“We flew into Fort Lauderdale yesterday, the night before the cruise,”the guest explained.“I had been on one Royal cruise previously that left from the port here in Fort Lauderdale.”
The guest does not indicate when they previously sailed from Port Everglades. At the moment, Liberty of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Radiance of the Seas are all homeported from Fort Lauderdale.
“For whatever reason I was sure Port Canaveral was the one in Fort Lauderdale that I left from last time,”the guest noted.“Only at noon today did we figure out that the port here in FLL is Port Everglades. Obviously a very dumb mistake in hindsight.”
Once the guest realized the critical error, it was already too late to shift plans to attempt to reach Utopia of the Seas.
Even in minimal traffic, driving time from Port Everglades to Port Canaveral is at least three hours, and that assumes being able to arrange transportation right away.
Because Utopia of the Seas departs at 4 p.m., it would have been impossible for the guest to drive to Port Canaveral, check in at the cruise terminal, and board the ship before the all aboard time.
Nevertheless, the guest is very magnanimous in wanting to help others avoid the same issues and they do take a good lesson from the experience, and not just to double (and triple!) check their embarkation port in the future.
“Good to know that Royal won’t just green light you to join at a different port,”they said.
It’s clear that cruise lines and port authorities take security precautions and identification clearances seriously, whether at the homeport or a port of call, and every traveler should do the same.
