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Royal Caribbean is Replacing the Much-Hated Traditional Safety Drill

Emrys Thakkar
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Royal Caribbean is Replacing the Much-Hated Traditional Safety Drill

Royal Caribbean-owned cruise lines are replacing the traditional safety drill and implementing a new virtual drill that reimagines the process.

New Virtual Royal Caribbean Safety Drill

Royal Caribbean Group has announced it’s ditching the traditional safety drill and moving forward with a new virtual drill which is the first of its kind and even patented. The new process is more personal and allows for improveds social distancing and higher levels of safety.

With Muster 2.0, the key elements of the safety drill – including reviewing what to expect and where to go in case of an emergency, and instructions on how to properly use a life jacket – will be accessible to guests on an individual basis instead of a group approach that has been followed historically. New technology, eMuster, will be used to help provide the information to guests via their mobile devices and interactive stateroom TVs.

Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said:

“The health and safety of our guests and crew are our number one priority, and the development of this new muster process is an elegant solution to an outdated, unpopular process.”

“The fact that this will also save guests time and allow the ship to operate without pause means that we can increase health, safety and guest satisfaction simultaneously.”

“Muster 2.0 represents a natural extension of our mission to improve our guests’ vacation experiences by removing points of friction,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean Group’s senior vice president of digital. “In this instance, what’s most convenient for our guests is also the safest option in light of needing to reimagine social spaces in the wake of COVID-19.”

Travelers will be able to review the information at their own time prior to setting sail, eliminating the need for the traditional large group assemblies. The new approach also enables everyone on board to maintain better spacing as guests move about the ship, and it allows guests to enjoy more of their vacation with no interruption.

Muster 2.0
Image Via: Royal Caribbean

After reviewing safety information individually, guests will complete the drill by visiting their assigned assembly station, where a crew member will verify that all steps have been completed and answer questions. Each of the steps will need to be completed prior to the ship’s departure, as required by international maritime law.

The cruise company has been working with the relevant authorities to make sure the new drill procedures comply. Muster 2.0 is being implemented across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara. TUI Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line will be able to use the new patented safety drill.

When cruises start to resume from October guests will be using the new procedure which is part of a much larger change with new measures to keep guests and crew safe before, during and after a vacation at sea.

Two Former Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Beached Ready for Scrapping

Emrys Thakkar
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Two Former Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Beached Ready for Scrapping

Two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been beached in Turkey ready to be scrapped, new video footage shows the moment.

Sovereign and Monarch Reach End of the Line

As seen in the above photo by Nautica Goods, two cruise ships that have been covered a lot recently since operator Pullmantur Cruises went out of business have now reached the end of the line at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey.

Monarch, which is formerly known as Monarch of the Seas, was beached yesterday at Aliaga, which is just north of Izmir in Turkey. The last remaining crew members, apart from the essentials, were already transferred to Celerity Infinity. The crew will be taken on by Royal Caribbean, which is some good news. Valuable items and equipment were already removed when the ship was docked in Naples recently.

Worth Reading: Former Royal Caribbean Ship Beached for Scrapping in India

Video footage has been captured of the moment the Monarch was beached and the final time the engine will be used as she’ll be taken apart bit by bit. A sad ending for a vessel that has such a long history, which those who love cruise ships will appreciate.

This morning sister ship Sovereign which is also formally known as Sovereign of the Seas was beached too. The ship will now await scrapping after already being stripped of important items in Naples, Italy recently. The crew were already transferred to the Celebrity Constellation cruise ship on July 20.

Another vessel which was part of the Pullmantur fleet named Horizon is just one step behind and also set to be scrapped. The ship is current off the Greek coast after being stripped of all important items. The ship will soon join Monarch and Sovereign on the beach at Aliaga.

Also Read: Which Cruise Ships are Being Scrapped or Sold Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Pullmantur was forced to close its business due to the impact of the suspension of operations. The Spanish cruise line was no longer able to continue and Royal Caribbean partly owned the operator and took back control of the fleet before selling the ships for scrap.

A lot of memories for many cruisers on these ships. Sovereign of the Seas was first in her class and at the time she entered service in 1987 was the new mega-ship of the industry. The vessel was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and is over 73,500 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over over 2,800 at double occupancy

More From Cruise Hive

Monarch of the Seas was the second in the Sovereign-class for Royal Caribbean and was also built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The ship debuted in 1991 and is over 73,900 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,700.

Main Photo Credit: Nautica Goods

Seems the Carnival Inspiration is Heading to Be Scrapped

Emrys Thakkar
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0
Seems the Carnival Inspiration is Heading to Be Scrapped

Carnival Inspiration is currently heading towards the scrapyard in Turkey after already being stripped of important items and equipment.

Is Carnival Inspiration Being Scrapped?

Even though Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced anything, it’s pretty much confirmed that Carnival Inspiration will become the second ship in the fleet to be scrapped.

Related: Could These Two Carnival Cruise Ships Be Heading to the Scrapyard?

After spending several days docked at the Brion Wharf in Willemstad, Curacao the ship has now departed the southern Caribbean island and her heading is Izmir, Turkey. Just north is the large ship breaking facility at Aliaga, a place which is often the final destination for cruise ships.

According to the Cruise Ship Tracker, her destination is showing Izmir, Turkey, which is following in the footsteps of other recent cruise ships that are being scrapped. She’s already been stripped of all the important things at the cargo dock in Curacao which the port recently confirmed.

Carnival Inspiration is following sister ship Carnival Fantasy which has also been sold and scrapped. Carnival Fantasy already departed the Caribbean island and currently heading across the Atlantic to Turkey.

It’s a sad ending for Carnival Inspiration as one of the oldest in the fleet but due to the suspension of cruise operations, it was to be expected. Parent company Carnival Corp already announced that a total of 13 vessels across its cruise brands would be disposed of and nine of them in 90 days.

The ship follows other vessels that have been confirmed to leave Carnival Corporation, including MS Maasdam, MS Veendam, MS Amsterdam, MS Rotterdam, Oceana, Costa Victoria, and Costa neoRomantica. Carnival Fantasy is also leaving but the cruise line has not yet announced it.

Also Read: Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

Carnival Inspiration was delivered to Carnival Cruise Line in 1996 is part of the popular Fantasy-class. She has a gross tonnage of 70,367 and has a guest capacity of 2,697 at double occupancy, along with 920 crew members. The ship’s last refurbishment was in 2018 and another dry dock was scheduled for 2021.

Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com

Carnival’s New Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed Until February 2021

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival’s New Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed Until February 2021

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that the new Mardi Gras cruise ship won’t be arriving until February 2021, and all of the ship’s cruises until then are cancelled.

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruises Cancelled

The Miami-based cruise line has revealed and confirmed much speculation that the new Mardi Gras cruise ship has been delayed. The largest-ever cruise ship to be constructed for Carnival now won’t be arriving until February 2021.

The ship, which is the first in the fleet powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), will debut out of Port Canaveral on February 6, 2021. That means all previously planned cruises from November 14, 2020 to January 30, 2021 are cancelled.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:

“While we had hoped to make up construction time on Mardi Gras over the summer, it’s clear we will need extra time to complete this magnificent ship.  We share our guests’ disappointment and appreciate their patience as we work through this unprecedented time in our business and the lives of so many people.  We remain committed to working with government, public health and industry officials to support the response to the pandemic and to return to operations when the time is right.”

The cruise line has already started to send out communications to those guests impacted by the cancelled sailings. Compensation is being offered in the form of a 100% Future Cruise Credit along with $600 of onboard credit per stateroom if a new cruise is booked by May 31, 2021. Cruise Hive readers can read the full communication from Carnival below:

This news comes as no surprise as Carnival has already said in the last few weeks that new cruise ship deliveries will need to be delayed. This also applies to other new ships for sister brands, including the new P&O Iona for P&O Cruises in the UK.

Mardi Gras is currently in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The yard has been hit by the global crisis, which has resulted in work being delayed on the vessel. The suspension of cruise operations has also not helped and cruise lines are struggling to come up with funds to keep the business going.

It’s pretty bad news for those guests who were looking forward to enjoying one of the most advanced and newest ships in the world. Mardi Gras features the world’s first roller coaster at sea, which has been much anticipated along with many new onboard spaces and experiences.

Some guests have been hit even harder after they re-booked the Mardi Gras for a second time before next year. This is because the ship has already been delayed once due to the complex construction of the ship.

She was originally scheduled to debut on August 31, 2020, out of Copenhagen. The date was then pushed back to debut out of Port Canaveral on November 14, 2020. Let’s hope the further delay will be the last and cruisers can enjoy the new mega-ship next year.

Mardi Gras will be 180,800 gross tons and have a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy, along with 1,735 crew members.

Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

A cruise can be a phenomenal vacation filled with excitement, luxury, and adventure, but only if you make the most of your oceangoing getaway without tripping over common pitfalls. Whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruiser, these 15 mistakes can quickly sink your vacation plans.

1. Skipping Your Pre-Cruise Research

Every cruise line has a different character and offers different experiences to its passengers. If you don’t research cruise lines before you book, you might end up on a party boat when you’d prefer a more sedate vacation, or your could find yourself on a minimalist ship when you wanted to try all the newest innovations at sea.

Investigate each cruise line, individual ships, types of staterooms, onboard options, and ports of call to be sure you’re planning a vacation that meets your needs and preferences.

2. Overpacking

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than typical hotel rooms, and storage space is at a premium. Instead of packing a multitude of options for your casual wear, poolside outfits, formal attire, and all the accessories that go with each ensemble, choose versatile items that won’t take up as much luggage space. Similarly, minimize other gear you pack, and be sure to save room in your luggage for must-have souvenirs.

Also Read: Top 30 Cruise Accessories You’ll Want to Have Packed

3. Missing the Muster Drill

Every cruise ship holds a mandatory safety drill before setting sail. This procedure is required by maritime law and familiarizes passengers with emergency situations such as alarm tones, where to evacuate to a lifeboat, and how to properly wear a life vest.

Lifeboat drill
Lifeboat Drill

Passengers who skip this drill could delay the ship’s departure and may even be put off the ship for noncompliance. The drill only takes a half-hour or so, and is well worth the time to start your vacation safely.

4. Waiting to Book Shore Excursions

Popular tours in ports of call can sell out quickly, and if you wait until just a few hours before arriving at the port to reserve your space on an excursion, you may find yourself left behind while other passengers have a great time.

Shore tours for any port can be booked as soon as you board the ship, and many cruise lines even let you book tours online several days or weeks before embarkation, ensuring your reservation for those can’t-miss experiences.

5. Missing One-Time Opportunities

Just like missing out on shore tours, it is possible to miss out on one-time-only experiences on board the ship. Many popular shows, for example, may have just one or two performances and will not be repeated later in the trip.

Oasis of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
Photo: Royal Caribbean

Similarly, themed events such as dance parties, specialized contests, and comedy performances are often offered just once. Check the ship’s daily schedule closely for details on each day’s options and use onboard apps to remind yourself not to miss those experiences.

6. Getting Drunk

It’s perfectly natural to want to imbibe on vacation, whether that means a morning mimosa, lounging by the pool with the drink-of-the-day, enjoying a cocktail before dinner, or tossing back a few beers in the sports bar.

Take care not to get outlandishly drunk, however, which can have dire consequences on a cruise ship. Not only do you risk seasickness, but if you need most of the next day to recover from overindulging, you’ll miss out on everything the ship and ports offer while your hangover is in control.

7. Overeating

With food easily available from buffets, pizzerias, candy shops, ice cream machines, sushi bars, room service, and many other delicious options, you could quickly make yourself sick on too much deliciousness.

Lido Dining Food

Furthermore, you might inadvertently gain a few pounds on your cruise, making that tight dress or snug dress slacks uncomfortable or even impossible to wear on formal night. Do feel free to taste, but know your dining limits just like you know your drinking limits.

8. Littering

Littering is no more acceptable on a cruise ship than it is on land. All trash and waste should be properly disposed of, and no materials should ever be tossed overboard.

In fact, tossing items overboard is illegal and could be cause to be removed from the ship at the closest opportunity, even left in an unfamiliar port of call for violating the ship’s littering laws. Pick up after yourself, and if you aren’t sure where to place trash, ask a nearby crew member and they’ll be happy to help.

9. Rudeness to the Crew

Every member of a cruise ship’s crew, from the officers to the bartenders to the stewards, works hard to offer guests a memorable and enjoyable vacation. There is no excuse for being rude to the crew, even inadvertently.

Take care to make life easier for your cabin steward, and always be polite to all crew members, even if you’re dealing with an unpleasant situation or need to register a complaint. Greet crew with a friendly smile, don’t interrupt their work, and be genuine with your thanks.

10. Letting Children Run Free

Even parents need time off on vacation, but it is never a good idea to let children run free on a cruise ship. There are many places on a ship where unsupervised children could get into trouble or even be in danger, and it’s easy for children to get frightened and lost on the very largest ships.

Quantum of the Seas Theater (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

Furthermore, it’s rude to other passengers to allow children to take over inappropriate areas, such as designated adults-only areas, elevators, or hot tubs where supervision is required.

11. Overspending

Because most cruise ships operate on a cashless system where your ship ID card is also a charge card for onboard purchases, it can be easy to let your spending get out of control.

Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas
Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

You don’t want that unpleasant surprise at the end of the cruise, however, so be aware of how much you may be spending at the bar, in souvenir shops, on shore tours, at the photo gallery, or on any other extras throughout the cruise. Savvy spending can ensure you enjoy your cruise while you stay on budget.

12. Cramming Too Much In

With so much to see and do on a cruise ship, it can be overwhelming and you may be tempted to try everything at once so you don’t miss out. If you do too much right away, however, you may find yourself too exhausted the next day to join in new activities, or you may be too sore to be part of shore tours, deck games, or dance parties.

Cruise Ship Deck
Cruise Ship Deck

Know your limits each day, and enjoy trying new activities and having fun without pushing yourself to injury, illness, or exhaustion.

13. Breaking Rules or Guidelines

Cruise ships do have rules, and guests need to obey posted guidelines and restrictions as well as any orders from officers and crew members.

Cruise Passenger on Aurora Railings
Photo By: Nick Corben

Stay out of restricted “crew only” areas, pay attention to crew directions, and avoid fights and other poor behavior, or you may find yourself in the ship’s brig, facing fines or other penalties, or even removed from the ship and banned from returning on future cruises.

14. Missing the Ship

You won’t have much fun on your cruise if you literally miss the boat, whether being late for embarkation or misjudging the time in a port of call. Cruise ships operate on precise schedules and will not wait for tardy passengers.

Related: Top 6 Videos Of Cruise Passengers Missing The Ship

Book your travel plans to account for possible delays when you arrive, and when in port, be sure you stay on “ship time” to get back on board before departure.

15. Staying in Your Comfort Zone

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on any cruise vacation is staying completely in your comfort zone. Cruise ships and different ports of call offer a wide array of opportunities to try new foods, enjoy a new drink, take on an unusual adventure, discover a new culture, and more.

Make the most of your cruise vacation by setting sail with confidence and trying something new to make it a truly memorable and amazing getaway!

How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Gillian Birch
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How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Most people taking cruises from Vancouver arrive by air at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are several ways to get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, and we have full details of all the options below. You should allow about 30 minutes for the journey, whether you choose to transfer by road, shuttle, taxi or SkyTrain.

Vancouver Airport is 8 miles (13km) southwest of downtown Vancouver. This award-winning international airport manages at least 22 flights to and from the USA every day, and a further dozen or so from international destinations.

As you would expect of any leading city, the airport is modern and efficient. It has a good choice of transport options for getting to downtown Vancouver and the cruise port.

Taxis

Taxis are always on hand for transfers from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. On arrival, you will find the taxi stands on Level 2 of the domestic and international Arrivals area.

Fares are calculated by zone on a fixed price basis. The journey takes about 30 minutes, traffic permitting. The standard fare is CAB$35. If you are traveling as a family or group, this is the cheapest and most efficient way to travel to and from the cruise port.

Limousine Meet and Greet

If you want to start your Alaskan cruise in style, you can book a private limousine to sweep you and your luggage in opulent comfort from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port.

Some services include a Meet and Greet service, in which your chauffeur will greet you inside the terminal and assist you and your luggage in getting to the waiting vehicle. For other services, follow signs to the Ground Transportation Area where the limos are waiting just outside the door.

A larger luxury limo vehicle or stretch SUV is a surprisingly cost-effective option for those traveling as a group from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. Rates with Aerocar are quoted as follows:

  • Limo Sedan CAN$ 64  
  • Luxury SUV (6-seater) CAN$ 77
  • Luxury Van (8-seater) CAN$ 103

Royal Limo and City Limousine also offer an airport service with a gleaming chauffeured limo waiting curbside for you at the airport terminal.

They are customized with all kinds of neat extras, which may include surround sound, Apple TV, a mini-bar with soft drinks (consuming alcohol in a moving vehicle is illegal in BC), leg rests, and heated seats with massage settings.

Your professional driver will provide a discreet and attentive service, making that final leg of your journey particularly comfortable and easy.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the VIP service from Vancouver airport to cruise port. Reservations are required and full details are available on the relevant company websites. 

SkyTrain connects Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

The Canada Line Rapid Transit Sky Train is a very convenient way to get from Vancouver Airport to cruise port. It is the oldest and longest driverless rapid transport system in the world. This fully automated transport system has three lines: The Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line, which connects the airport with the cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver.

Canada Line routes

The Rapid Transport Station at Vancouver Airport is located between the international and domestic terminals; just follow the signs for SkyTrain or Rapid Transport System. There is a covered walkway to the station with escalators and elevators to make the short walk very easy, even with baggage. 

To go from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, you need to take the Canada Line which has two routes. One route runs from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port on the waterfront and the other route serves the City of Richmond, so make sure you get the sky train in the right direction for your cruise port destination! There are 13 stations on this route, starting with YVR airport.

If you are traveling from the airport to the cruise ship, you will be getting off at the final station, “Waterfront.” From the station, it is an easy 4-minute walk along W. Cordova St and Howe St to Canada Place. 

Frequency/times

The Canada Line SkyTrain journey between Vancouver Airport and the cruise port takes 26 minutes. It runs every 6 minutes at peak times. In the early morning and evening, the service is reduced to every 12 minutes. Late at night and at off-peak times such as weekends and holidays it operates a 20-minute service.

The SkyTrain shuttle service begins at around 5 am (4.48 am from the waterfront and 5.07 am from the airport). Last SkyTrains are around 1 am (1.05 am from the waterfront and 12.56 am from the airport). You certainly won’t have to wait long to travel by this efficient mode of transport.

SkyTrain fares

Fares start at CAN$3 for 90 minutes of travel by SkyTrain in Zone 1. The fare from the airport to downtown cover two zones and starts at CAN$4.25. There is an additional surcharge of CAN$5 YVR Addfare for eastbound trips only from the airport.

Therefore, the cost for an adult one-way trip eastbound from Vancouver airport to cruise port is CAN$9.25 (which includes a YVR surcharge of CAN$5).

The return trip is just CAN$4.25 as the surcharge does not apply to westbound trips from the cruise port to the airport.

How to pay for SkyTrain shuttle transport

The easiest pay to pay is by using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet with a tap-to-pay feature. Tap your card on the reader once when you board the SkyTrain and, most importantly, you tap again when you exit. This way your charge card will only be charged for the length of time you traveled (up to 90 minutes per single fare).

You can also purchase a single-use ticket from vending machines at the SkyTrain station in the airport, or you can purchase a day pass if you want to use public transport (such as buses and other SkyTrain routes) around the city for the rest of the day.

You can pay by Compass Card, which is reloadable, but it is only worth getting a Compass account if you plan to stay in the city for a while. It is valid for SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coat Express as well as some ferries.  

Cruise Line Shuttles

Some cruise lines operate a shuttle service for cruisers to and from the cruise ship. There is a fee and seats must be booked prior to your arrival. Each cruise line has its own schedule and fees so contact them direct once you have booked your cruise and flight.

Ace Charters runs a daily shuttle service from Vancouver Airport hotels to the cruise port. It has a pick-up/drop-off point outside the Pan Pacific Hotel at Canada Place.

There are several stops along the way at various airport hotels, including the Four Points Sheraton, Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport, Executive Inn, and several others.

It is ideal for those planning an overnight stay before heading to the cruise terminal. Check out the shuttle timetable and book your seat online or call 1-844-776-3722. The fixed price is CAN$18 per person.

Car Rentals

If you plan to spend a few days in Vancouver exploring the area before your cruise, you will find car rental desks for most major car rental companies at the airport.

Avis includes a pick-up and drop-off service and one-way rentals. You can pick up your car on arrival at the airport and drive to Vancouver City along the 99 highway. Once you have finished with your car rental, you can arrange to have it picked up from your hotel or from Canada Place cruise terminal.  

Disabled Facilities at Vancouver Airport and Cruise Port

Vancouver prides itself on being one of the top most livable cities in the world. It ensures that visitors with special needs have easy access to public transport and every facility. Travelers with a disability or mobility issues will find helpful accessibility services at both Vancouver Airport and the Cruise Port.

If you want to rent a mobility scooter for the duration of your cruise, you should book one ahead of time from Scootaround. They also offer wheelchair rentals, powerchairs and oxygen concentrator rentals. Call 1-888-441-7575 to book your rentals which will be delivered to Canada Place Cruise terminal ready for your sailing.

Vancouver Airport

You can arrange a wheelchair for use within the public areas of the airport. You should contact your airline representative to arrange this. Service counters are adapted for wheeled mobility users and restaurants have seating with and without arms.

The airport also has a 15-minute curbside parking rule for vehicles with an official disabled badge to allow for passenger and luggage pick-up and drop-off. The airport terminal has low resistance carpeting for easier movement for wheeled mobility devices and those using walking aids. There are also disabled-accessible washrooms and toilets with an emergency call button.

Cruise Port

The award-winning cruise terminal at Canada Place is designed to make it easy for everyone to navigate the terminal, even those with wheeled mobility devices or special needs.

If you have any special requirements or need assistance during embarkation and debarkation you should contact your cruise line ahead of time. On arrival at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, the Information Desk will be able to assist with any inquiries regarding special passenger needs.

6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Cruise vacations are the ultimate in luxurious, exotic getaways. Each ship is a unique, nearly all-inclusive resort with fine dining, energetic lounges, Vegas-style shows, comedians, pools, whirlpools, spa facilities, and even crazy and unexpected features such as zip lines, surfing simulators, climbing walls, ice bars, escape rooms, bowling alleys, and more. But fares on the newest, biggest, most elaborate ships can stretch any traveler’s budget.

Fortunately, there are many tricks you can use to save money and find cheaper cruise fares. The savviest cruise travelers, however, know there are ways that just about anyone can cruise not for cheap, but for free.

Anyone Means Anyone

There are different ways to get free cruises, and if you know crew members or are a crew member yourself, you can easily cruise for free. You might also finagle free cruises from wealthy relatives or friends, but an absolutely free cruise is one that almost anyone can get, no matter who you know.

Free cruises may not always be available and you will need to be flexible about the cruise line you sail with, sailing dates, itineraries, and stateroom options, but it is possible to cruise without paying for your cruise fare.

How to Get a Free Cruise

The saying “you can’t get something for nothing” is absolutely true, even when talking about free cruises. Each technique to score a free cruise does require some effort and finagling, but each one is a way you could set sail without as much stress on your travel budget.

Timeshare Presentations

Many timeshare presentations offer hefty incentives to attendees. These incentives can range from concert, theme park, movie, or sports tickets to spa packages, local tours, and hotel stays. The more expensive and elite the timeshare property, the more elaborate its presentation incentives may be, and yes, some timeshare properties will give away cruises to entice potential buyers to listen to their sales pitches.

Those sales pitches, however, are extremely high-pressure, and might not end even after you leave the 2-3 hour presentation. As part of the freebie offer, you may be required to provide verified contact information, including addresses, emails, and phone numbers.

You could then be receiving solicitation calls and promotional material from the timeshare company for weeks or months after the presentation, even if you were firm in declining their sale.

Still, attending a timeshare presentation can be a way to get a free cruise, if you are firm enough to withstand the excessive sales pressure and don’t mind potential follow ups long after you’ve returned from your cruise vacation.

Sweepstakes

Cruise lines will occasionally give away free cruises, especially to promote new vessels or embarkation ports, company milestones, and other significant events. Entering such a contest might be as simple as filling out a basic form, or could involve a more elaborate survey, social media connections, or other steps to be eligible to win.

Other companies may also give away cruises as grand prizes, especially when they have partnered with or may be sponsored by a cruise line or travel agency. Radio stations often do vacation contests, or different businesses might run these luxurious giveaways. Your own employer might run a contest offering a free cruise to a top sales agent, head producer, or other outstanding employee – and the winner could be you!

In order to increase your chances of winning a free cruise, take careful note of the entry guidelines and follow them precisely. Enter as many times as you can according to the rules – some giveaways limit entries per person or per household, and violating those restrictions can invalidate all your entries.

Also note that contests with more elaborate entries such as longer surveys or multiple stages during the giveaway will generally have fewer entrants, so your overall chances of winning may be higher than for simpler sweepstakes. Take advantage of every entry opportunity – such as daily or weekly entries, or extra entries for social media shares – and you might find yourself setting sail as the grand prize winner.

Credit Card Points

Different credit card companies allow customers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for incentives, including free travel and cruises. While the number of points necessary for free travel will vary between different cards, it can be worthwhile to save up on a credit card until you can earn a free cruise.

To make the most of earning points, opt for cards with higher earnings rates, or use that specific card to its best advantage. Some cards offer greater rewards for certain types of purchases, for example, which can help you accumulate points toward a free cruise more quickly. You may also be able to get many more points by using the card during certain promotional periods, such as introductory offers or holiday periods.

When using a credit card in the hopes of earning a free cruise, however, beware of certain pitfalls that could cut into your free budget. Cards with hefty annual fees may not be as worthwhile as they seem if it will take longer for you to earn a free cruise, or points may expire before you accrue enough to redeem them for that coveted vacation. So long as you are aware of these conditions and can work around them, however, you can earn a free cruise through your regular credit card spending.

Group Leaders

If you are willing to coordinate group travel, you can qualify for a free cruise as a group leader. Some cruise lines offer free fares based on a certain number of either overall passengers or cabins sold in a group package, and once you reach that threshold, you can cruise for free.

The number of passengers in the group necessary to qualify for group leader freebies can vary, however, based on the cruise line, the itinerary selected, and the types of cabins included in the booking.

Any type of group can help earn free group leader travel, from family reunion, birthday, or anniversary cruises to spring break getaways, company retreats, crafting clubs, church groups, or even just a group of friendly neighbors cruising together. As the group leader, you may be responsible for coordinating among your group to get paperwork submitted, arrange onboard meetings, or otherwise be the go-to person for the group, but then you’re free to enjoy your free cruise.

Onboard Lecturers

If you have a unique expertise you are passionate about, and you’re willing to share that passion with other passengers, you could become an onboard lecturer and cruise for free. Many cruise lines either host or hire expert lecturers and speakers to add an enriching dimension to their activities, and many passengers are surprised and pleased to find a wide range of experts onboard.

Your lecture, talk, or presentation could be focused on either personal or professional expertise. Are you a professional artist? You might teach a class or hold a demonstration onboard. Have you spent years teaching Spanish? You could offer conversational Spanish classes on Mexican cruise itineraries. Are you a marine biologist? A lecture on the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef could be ideal for an Australian cruise. Any type of hobby or career could become a fun new cruise lecture.

There are other options to share your expertise during a cruise that could lead to a free vacation. If you lived in Belize for many years, you might offer a personalized tour of the port for interested passengers. If you’ve always loved card tricks as a hobby, you could roam through the main dining rooms or show lounges during preshow periods to entertain guests with your sleight of hand.

When approaching a cruise line about your services as a guest lecturer, be sure to have firm, reputable documentation of your expertise to show that you’d be a valuable addition to the voyage. If you can tie your presentation to a particular destination, you will make an even stronger case to earn a free cruise.

You must be willing, however, to give up part of your vacation to render the services you’ve promised, such as a lecture or two, guiding a tour, or being available for guest interaction. During the rest of the cruise, you’re free to enjoy your own getaway, but must abide by any restrictions the cruise line requires, such as a standard of dress, wearing a name tag, or avoiding poor behavior.

Luxury Purchases

Some luxury retailers offer incredible incentives for purchases, and those incentives could include a free cruise vacation. Such high-end offers are only paired with extravagant purchases, however, such as buying a new luxury vehicle, a new boat, or even a new house in an elite community. If you are making these purchases you may not be concerned about your vacation budget, but a free cruise can be a great deal if you’re already in the market for such a purchase.

Not every high-end retailer will offer such incredible bonuses, and it is important to understand the limitations of the offers before you assume you will qualify for a free cruise. When buying a luxury vehicle, for example, a free cruise may be available only for new (not pre-owned) vehicle purchases (not leases) of certain makes and models, with certain upgraded packages. Be sure to review all the terms and conditions of these types of offers to ensure they will come with a free cruise.

How Free Is Free?

A free cruise, even under the best of circumstances, isn’t always completely free. Depending on the offer, giveaway, or other conditions, the recipient of a free cruise may still be responsible for paying government taxes, port fees, and fuel surcharges for their cruise, which can add up to several hundred dollars.

Similarly, most free cruises do not include onboard expenses, such as crew gratuities, spa treatments, shore excursions, beverage packages, premium dining, or souvenirs. Some offers may include onboard credit that can be used to help cover those charges, but the onboard credit may be limited or may not be able to be applied to all expenses.

Free cruises don’t always include other necessary travel expenses either. If you live far from the cruise embarkation port, you may still be responsible for your own flights, airport transfers, hotels, or parking charges to arrive at the cruise.

Being aware of these extra charges and how quickly they can add up can help you determine if a free cruise – even if the fare is expensive and would be a great savings – can still be free enough for your vacation budget. The better you understand how free cruise offers work and what they may still cost, the better you will be able to work out a free cruise you can truly enjoy without worrying about the budget.

Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

Melissa Mayntz
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Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

Cruising can be one of the best values for your vacation budget, and booking a guaranteed stateroom can help you save even more. But what exactly is a guaranteed stateroom, is it a smart choice for your travel plans, and how much will you really save?

What Is a Guaranteed Stateroom?

A guaranteed stateroom is a cabin guaranteed to be in a particular stateroom category, but without an initially assigned number or location. Depending on the cruise line, these cabins can also be called guarantee cabins, unassigned cabins, or may be listed as a GTY category or a sailaway rate deal.

When you book a guaranteed stateroom, you choose the cabin category – interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite – but not the exact cabin on the ship. Instead, you will be assigned your specific stateroom at a later time.

Different cruise lines assign guaranteed staterooms at different times depending on the sailing, how many cabins are available, and the departure date. Typically, guaranteed cabins are assigned a week or two before embarkation, but there are times when a cabin may be assigned right away or just a day or two before the cruise sets sail, or even at check-in on embarkation day.

What a Guaranteed Cabin Isn’t

When you book a guaranteed cabin, you have exactly that – a guarantee of a cabin. There is no “stand-by” booking on a cruise ship, and you are not waiting for someone else to cancel or postpone their vacation in order to board the ship. You will be assigned your own cabin, you just don’t get to choose where it is and you may not know the stateroom number until you arrive at the ship.

Guaranteed cabins also are not relegated to any lower level of service. Whether you book a guaranteed cabin or a higher price fare to choose your exact cabin, you will receive the same onboard amenities, access to activities, dining options, and exceptional service as anyone else on the ship. There is no notation on your cruise ship identification card or your cruise folio that you’ve booked a guaranteed cabin.

Guarantee Upgrades Aren’t Guaranteed

It is a popular rumor that guaranteed cabins are most likely to be upgraded, but this is an unfounded expectation.

It is possible that if a particular cabin category sells out, your guaranteed cabin may be upgraded to a new category. This is exceptionally rare, however, and it is important to remember that there are several levels of each cabin category.

If you book an oceanview guarantee cabin, for example, there may be many different types of oceanview cabins available on the same ship. Each type would need to sell out in order for your guarantee reservation to be upgraded to a balcony.

It is more likely that another passenger, perhaps one with more loyalty experience with the cruise line or who paid a higher fare, would be upgraded, and you would be assigned their oceanview cabin instead.

When a Guaranteed Cabin Is a Great Idea

Booking a guaranteed cabin can be a great way to save, but you have to be very aware of your own preferences. If you find it easy to sleep in different conditions and don’t mind wherever on the ship your stateroom may be located, a guarantee can be ideal. It can also be a great choice if you’re already familiar with the cruise ship.

Guaranteed staterooms may also be your only option if you are booking a last-minute cruise. If embarkation day is just a week or two away, the cruise line may no longer offer cabin choices so they can better rearrange guaranteed reservations and special needs. If you want to set sail in the near future, a guaranteed cabin can be the way to go.

Don’t Book a Guaranteed Cabin If…

Despite the savings and advantages of a guaranteed cabin, these flexible reservations aren’t always the best choice. For example, if you are sensitive to noise, you may not sleep well in a cabin underneath the gym, next to the main show lounge, or near the ship’s nightclubs – less popular locations that are exactly where a guaranteed stateroom may be assigned.

Another consideration is how far you want to walk from your cabin to the ship’s public areas. Staterooms close to dining areas and on the same decks as lounges, spas, and shops often sell quickly, but guaranteed staterooms are likely to be further away in more remote parts of the ship.

If you have any mobility concerns, this may make a guaranteed cabin less desirable. Similarly, guaranteed cabins are less likely to be handicap-accessible, and if you require those accommodations in your stateroom, it is best to choose it directly.

Passengers traveling in groups may also want to reconsider guaranteed cabins, as there is no guarantee that multiple cabins will be located together. Indeed, a large family booking five guaranteed cabins for a group cruise could easily end up on five different decks or on completely opposite ends of the ship from one another, which can make it difficult to coordinate attending activities or meeting up.

Anyone susceptible to seasickness may also want to forgo the idea of a guaranteed stateroom. The best locations on the ship to minimize motion are the middle decks at midship, but those locations are also popular for regular reservations. A guaranteed stateroom could just as likely be on a lower deck in the extreme forward or aft areas of the ship, just where motion would be most exaggerated.

If gazing out at endless ocean vistas is an important part of your cruise experience, be aware that a guaranteed oceanview or balcony cabin may very well have an obstructed view. While you will have some glimpses of the ocean because the room does qualify as having a view, you could just as likely have a great view of a lifeboat with only a hint of the ocean off to the sides.

Ultimately, it is best to book a guaranteed cabin only if you can be happy with the worst possible cabin in the category you choose – an inconvenient location, strange cabin shape, beds that cannot be combined or moved, more ambient noise, obstructed view, etc. While many passengers are assigned guaranteed cabins ideal for their cruise plans, you need to be sure you will be happy with whatever cabin you could possibly be assigned.

How Much Can You Save?

The biggest benefit to guaranteed staterooms is the savings, and indeed you may save from $10 to $200 or more per passenger depending on the cruise line, overall cabin category, sailing date, itinerary, and cruise length. Not all cruise lines offer guaranteed cabins at discounted rates, however. Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Windstar Cruises typically do not offer lower prices for guaranteed cabins, though if you do score one of the rare upgrades from your guaranteed category, it can be a hefty savings that could amount to hundreds of dollars. Other cruises may only offer these opportunities on select voyages or on certain ships.

Also Read: Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid (Stateroom Booking Tips)

Understanding guaranteed cabins can help you decide whether choosing an unassigned cabin is the best option for your travel plans and overall budget. While it can be risky to book a guaranteed cabin, it can also offer you a great opportunity to try new cabin locations and types you might not otherwise have considered.

And while you may not have a guarantee about what cabin you will eventually be sleeping in when you set sail, you are still guaranteed to have a great cruise, no matter which cabin you call home.

10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Gillian Birch
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10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Vancouver cruise terminal is conveniently located for cruises to Alaska. It serves around 900,000 cruise passengers every year from late April through September. This top-rated port destination is the home base for many cruise ships during the summer season and has around 290 ship calls every year.

Its northern location, excellent amenities, and natural beauty make it a popular base for cruise lines offering one-way and round-trip Alaska cruises. They traverse the stunning Inside Passage along British Columbia’s west coast.

We cover everything you need to know about Vancouver Cruise Terminal, from how to get there to what amenities are available. Check out the facts below before you sail!

1. Where is Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

The Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. The official address is Canada Place Pier, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E1. The Port is situated in Vancouver Harbour, which then empties into the Burrard Inlet, a coastal fjord.

2. Vancouver Port Facts and Figures

Vancouver Port is the largest in Canada and the fourth largest in North America (2014 figures) in terms of tonnes of cargo. Managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, it handles 147 million tonnes of cargo and 3.4 million TEU containers each year from 160 countries.

Vancouver Harbour covers 16,000 hectares of water, 1000 hectares of land and 350km of shoreline. The port has 27 marine cargo terminals. The three-berth cruise terminal can actually handle up to four cruise ships simultaneously. 

The largest cruise ship ever to dock in Vancouver Port was the Norwegian Bliss. The arrival required carefully planning due to the low clearance of the Lions Gate Bridge. Ships of this height can only access the port at low tide when a First Narrows Traffic Control Zone operates. This means that no other ship can be in the narrows during the ship’s transit.

3. Which Cruise Lines Operate From Vancouver?

There is a surprising number of cruise lines that sail out of the Vancouver Cruise Terminal. Of the 28 cruise companies currently using Vancouver cruise port, many are small luxury ships or expedition vessels offering exclusive Alaska cruise experiences for small groups. Some cruise ships only call in occasionally as part of their global cruise itinerary, such as The World Residences at Sea private cruise ship.

During the Alaska season, there are also regular weekly cruise sailings by the main cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

4. Eco-friendly Facts About Vancouver Cruise Port

Vancouver is considered one of the top cities in the world. The natural harbor sits in Vancouver Harbour and opens into the Burrard Inlet. These coastal waters are home to many marine species, including killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, humpback, fin, blue and sei whales.

In order to maintain the pristine waters of this beautiful harbor, Vancouver Port authorities run Shore Power which reduces emissions by allowing cruise ships to shut down their engines while berthed in the port. This is part of Vancouver’s EcoAction Program, which reduces pollution, underwater noise, CO2/greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental contaminants.

The port also offers lower harbor dues (up to 47%) for ships using clean fuels and eco-friendly technology and awards suitable participants with a Blue Circle Award for energy efficiency. Currently, only Disney Cruise Line, MSC, and Princess Cruises have met these higher standards for eco-efficiency.

5. Reasons to Visit Vancouver Cruise Port

As the main hub for one-way and round-trip Alaska cruises, Vancouver is the point of departure for cruises to Hawaii, Asia, South America, Mexico, West Coast USA and the Panama Canal. It is a truly international meeting place for all nationalities.

Also Read: 16 Most Ideal Hotels Near Vancouver Cruise Port

This Canadian port city hosts many festivals and is known for its international cuisine, vibrant nightlife, high-quality lifestyle and clean air.

Must-see attractions for cruise visitors include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park (listen for the 9 pm Gun Salute every evening), Grouse Mountain, and the FlyOver Canada virtual flight. You will see most of these landmarks as you sail in and out of the Vancouver cruise terminal on your Alaska cruise.

6. History of Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Cruises have been sailing out of Vancouver for almost 40 years. Canada Place was built on land previously used by the Canadian Pacific Railway Pier B-C. Construction was marked by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Along with the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, and BC Premier, the Queen poured the first concrete. The Canadian Pavilion was opened on the site by Prince Charles during Expo 86 and it hosted 5 million visitors during that year.

Beneath the five 90-foot white sails of the roof you will find the Vancouver cruise terminal along with the Convention Centre, World Trade Centre, 5-star Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver and the FlyOver virtual ride.

In 2001, the building was expanded to create an additional berth for the burgeoning Alaska cruise industry. It was used as the main Press Centre during the 2009/2010 Winter Olympics. More recently it was renovated in 2011 at a cost of CAN$21 million.

7. Tips for Cruise Embarkation and Disembarkation

Check you have all the necessary documents and travel permits before leaving home. You will need an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) if you are flying to Canada for your cruise. You can apply online if you are a resident of an eTA eligible country; the electronic travel permit costs CAN$7. You do not need an eTA if you are a US citizen or are arriving by road or sea.

Non-US citizens from eligible countries will also need an ESTA if you want to disembark and enjoy shore excursions in Alaska. You can apply online. An ESTA costs US$14 and lasts for two years.

Your passport and documentation will be checked by US Customs and Border Patrol as part of the embarkation process. Once on-board you are considered to be in US jurisdiction.

On arrival at the terminal, porters will help you label and check-in your luggage. It will be delivered to your cabin. Keep any medications, passport, paperwork and necessities with you in your hand luggage.

Escalators transport you to the second floor check-in area in Convention Centre Hall C. You will need to complete a health questionnaire, hand over your ID/ticket information and have your photo taken. You will then get a boarding card that doubles as your room key and on-board charge card. You will then be screened before boarding your cruise ship.

On your return to Vancouver cruise terminal, your luggage will be waiting for you in the baggage area. You will be given a disembarkation time if you are part of a larger cruise ship. You will need to wait in your allocated lounge area on-board until your group is called.

You will need to complete a declaration for Canadian customs and have your passport checked by the Canadian Border Services Agency. Once ashore, you will be directed to your onward transportation, taxi or parking lot.

8. Facilities at the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

Canada Place is the location of Vancouver’s award-winning cruise terminal. It has outstanding facilities and design which has netted it several awards including:

  • Best Turnaround Destination
  • Most Efficient Port Facilities, and
  • Most Efficient Terminal Operation.

Facilities include:

Baggage Storage

Short-term baggage services are provided at Vancouver cruise terminal by WestCoast sightseeing. It is ideal for those who plan to take a shore excursion or explore the city independently before heading to the airport for their flight home.

Cruise parking

Vancouver cruise port offers free short-term parking at Canada Place for dropping off cruise passengers. It also has a long-term cruise parking facility on-site for 750 vehicles. It is operated by WestPark and pre-booking is recommended.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Those requiring wheelchairs or scooters for the duration of their cruise should hire them directly from Scootaround. They should be pre-booked and will be delivered to the cruise terminal for pick-up.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for those who need assistance while in the cruise terminal.

Food and drink

There are several cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Vancouver cruise terminal including a Food Court on the lower level of the Waterfront Centre adjoining Canada Place.

Lost and Found

If you need to report lost luggage or have lost an item in the cruise terminal, contact the on-site Security Office or call (604) 684-8525. For items left behind on the cruise ship, contact your cruise line direct.

Just to summarize the amenities at the Vancouver cruise terminal:

  • On-site parking: Yes
  • Porter service: Yes
  • Wheelchairs: Yes (limited)
  • Luggage storage: Yes (short term only)
  • Car rentals: Yes
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Seating areas: Yes
  • Foreign exchange services: No
  • Elevators: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Lost and found office: Yes
  • Beverages: Yes
  • Food/snacks: Yes
  • Shops: No

9. Getting to the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

If you need transport from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise ship, there are several options.

Taxi/Uber

The easiest way to get you and your baggage from the airport to the cruise ship is by taxi. Fares are fixed by zone. The cost of the trip will be CAN$35 and the 9-mile journey will take about 30 minutes. If you have an Uber account, this may work out slightly cheaper. Taxi-sharing is also available. 

SkyTrain

Canada Line Rapid Transit connects the airport with downtown Vancouver.

Car Rentals

If you need to drop off a car rental, Avis, Alamo and National have onsite offices at the cruise terminal.

Limousines

If you have pre-booked a limousine for onward transport post-disembarkation, you need to contact the traffic attendant at Door D and have them allow your limousine access to the cruise terminal. There are also a number of limousine companies available on-site.

Shuttle Transport

Shuttles run between the airport and cruise terminal by WestCoast Sightseeing in conjunction with Gray Line buses. They also offer transfers to hotels and provide sightseeing tours.

Cruise Transfers

Most major cruise lines operate a transfer to and from the airport. Seats must be pre-booked. You may have to wait until all the booked cruise passengers are on-board. If you need help with baggage, this is a good option.

However, cruise transfers are not the cheapest way to get to and from the cruise ship. For example, Carnival charges US $27.99 per passenger each way and other cruise lines charge around $30.

A taxi will be cheaper and more convenient, especially if you are traveling as a couple or group.

10. Driving to Vancouver Cruise Terminal

From the USA, the I-5 becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the US/Canada border. After crossing the Oak Street Bridge, turn left onto 49th Ave, right onto Granville St and then take the Seymour Street exit. Continue to West Cordova Street and right on Howe Street and you will arrive at Canada Place. Long-term cruise parking is available for those driving to Vancouver cruise terminal.

Vancouver Cruise Terminal FAQ:

Where do cruise ships dock in Vancouver?

Cruise ships dock at the Canada Place cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver, close to shops, restaurants, attractions and public transport. The address is: Canada Place Pier, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

How much is a taxi from Vancouver airport to cruise terminal?

A taxi from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise terminal will cost $35 and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Prices are charged by zone and are fixed so you will not be overcharged. It may be slightly cheaper to book a ride-share with Uber. Prices are from $28 to $36.

How far is Vancouver airport from cruise terminal?

The journey north from the airport to Vancouver cruise terminal is 8.6 miles (13.8km) and takes about 25-31 minutes, depending on traffic.

How many cruise terminals are in Vancouver?

Vancouver has just one cruise terminal, at 999 Canada Place. It handles up to 4 cruise ships at one time.

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