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Carnival Imagination: The Former Fantasy Class Ship

Holly Riddle
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Carnival Imagination: The Former Fantasy Class Ship

It wasn’t so long ago that Carnival Imagination was sailing on the high seas. Even into early 2020, cruisers were enjoying this ship’s retro vibes and the family-friendly appeal that had subsisted even despite the ship’s age. However, that all changed later on in the year, when Carnival sent the ship off to be scrapped, in August of 2020.

Despite the fact that Carnival Imagination is no longer around, though (and probably for good reason; at this point, the ship would’ve been 30-ish years old), it still holds a spot in the hearts of avid cruisers who remember a simpler time, before cruise ships turned into mega cruise ships, with 20-plus restaurants, roller coasters and surfing simulators. 

Want to see what you missed? Here’s everything you need to know about this former Fantasy-class cruise ship.

In This Article:

What Happened to Carnival Imagination?

Carnival Imagination was benched by the cruise line in mid-2020. At that time, Carnival had not announced the ship would be retired, but, by August 2020, the ship was headed for the scrapyard in Aliaga, Turkey. The ship arrived there in September and scrapping began in early 2023. 

Carnival Imagination Stats

So how did this ship stack up, in comparison to the seemingly larger-than-life ships that we see today? Overall, Carnival Imagination is on the compact side.  

  • Gross Tonnage: 70,367 GT
  • Length: 855 feet
  • Passenger capacity: 2,040 (double occupancy)
  • Maximum passenger capacity: 2,634
  • Crew: 920 members
  • Total decks: 14
  • Decks open to passengers: 10
  • Cabins: 1,026

The ship is very similar in size and style to its Fantasy-class sister ships, which include Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Sensation. 

These eight ships debuted in the 1990s, and today, only two of the ships are still in operation: Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise (so if you read up on what all Carnival Imagination offered and wish you could’ve experienced it for yourself, book a cruise on either of these two sister ships!). 

Construction

This ship was built by Kvaerner-Masa in Helsinki, Finland. Fun fact: The construction of the eight Fantasy-class ships was considered one of the most expensive shipbuilding projects in the world at the time, not including ships built for naval purposes. It took nearly a decade to build all of the Fantasy-class ships. 

Construction on Carnival Imagination began in June 1993, before the ship was completed and christened in the summer of 1995. The ship was christened by Jodi Dickinson, who was married to Carnival CEO Bob Dickinson at the time.

Carnival Imagination
Carnival Imagination

Fantasy-class ships, and Carnival Imagination in particular, offered some unique features for the decade. For example, Fantasy-class ships were the last cruise ships to only store their lifeboats on the upper deck. Additionally, Carnival Imagination was the first ship in the fleet to offer a 24-hour pizzeria! Furthermore, all Fantasy-class ships were a little light on balcony staterooms, with this cabin category at a minimum.

After Carnival Imagination’s debut, it served a variety of itineraries, with a special focus on the U.S. West Coast, offering trips from Long Beach to Catalina Island and Baja California. These cruises have typically been relatively short, only three or four days in length.  

Ship Dry Docks

Over its lifetime, Carnival Imagination has undergone renovations several times, with the most major renovations taking place in 2007 and 2016. The latter helped bring the ship up to standards that helped it serve cruisers into 2020. 

In 2007, the Fantasy-class ships, including Carnival Imagination, began receiving the Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades, a fleet-wide initiative that cost quite multiple millions, but that took Carnival’s ships into a new age of cruising. Standout features that were added to ships at this time included the WaterWorks water parks, miniature golf courses and new amenities in staterooms, such as flat-screen televisions.

Aerial View of Carnival Imagination
Aerial View of Carnival Imagination

In 2016, the ship’s multi-million-dollar renovations took place during a three-week dry dock, Sept. 4–22. These later renovations heavily focused on adding new venues to the ship, including Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar and Cherry on Top. These brands and venues are all still seen on Carnival’s cruise ships today, and helped Carnival Imagination remain relevant for at least a few more years.  

Cabins

There were 1,026 cabin options aboard Carnival Imagination, of which very few have balconies. This was the case across all the Fantasy-class ships, making them stand out quite a bit from today’s modern cruise ships, which prioritize balconies and offer unique features that elevate the balcony experience (such as indoor-outdoor living spaces and verandas).

There were more than 50 suites and 19 types of cabins to choose from in all, with the large majority being interior staterooms and ocean-view staterooms. The largest cabins available were the Grand Suites, with 330 interior square feet and room for up to five cruisers. Grand Suites offered large seating areas and bathrooms, with separate showers and tubs, including whirlpool soaking tubs.  

Venues

Another factor that made Fantasy-class ships stand apart from more modern vessels was the limited number of dining options. You wouldn’t find 20-plus restaurants here. Instead, the cruise ship offered its main dining room, the Lido buffet, a sushi bar, Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Both of these last two were added to the ship during its 2016 dry dock.

The ship did offer some Carnival-classic dining experiences, though, such as the Chef’s Table experience, wherein a limited number of cruisers enjoy an intimate chef-led dinner, as well as the Seuss at Sea experience for families with small kids.

Carnival Cruise Line Chef's Table
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The ship offered a range of lounges, bars and music venues for adults, as well, plus the Serenity adults-only space on one of the decks, with its 100 lounge chairs and a whirlpool. Watering holes included the Mirage Piano Bar for tunes and spirits; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for Mexican-themed, poolside drinks; Alchemy Bar for professionally-created cocktails; and Shangri La Lounge and Bar for karaoke and a dance floor.

A fitness center was also available, as well as a jogging track. The spa included a relaxation room, steam room and sauna, in addition to the typical treatment rooms, as well as a salon offering haircuts and colors, styling, manicures, pedicures and more.  

For the kiddos, Camp Carnival (the original name for today’s Camp Ocean) offered programming for the younger children in your crew, while the preteen and teen-centric clubs provided a safe, chaperoned space for their age set, without too much adult intervention.

Carnival Imagination WaterWorks
Carnival Imagination WaterWorks

For fun in the sun, the WaterWorks Aqua Park provided waterslides and a splash zone, while, nearby, the sports courts offered basketball, volleyball, ping pong and miniature golf. In total, the ship boasted three pools, along with seven jacuzzies. 

This ship did feature a casino, with all the favorite games, including tournaments, slots, table games, poker, black jack and more. The casino housed a bar as well. 

Decor

While this ship did undergo refurbishments multiple times over its long life, including as recently as 2016, those refurbishments didn’t really help bring the ship out of the 90s very much.

It seems the ship’s dry docks were more so focused on adding new venues, like restaurants and bars, than majorly overhauling the ship’s interiors. Think very 90s-esque carpet and wallpaper, and classic Carnival colors like burnt orange, red, yellow and blue. There was a fair amount of neon, too, in spaces like the Grand Atrium — imagine the heyday of 1980s or 1990s mall culture.

Carnival Imagination Atrium
Carnival Imagination Atrium (Photo Credit: vgm8383)

In short, anyone who’s more accustomed to sailing on the newest, biggest, fanciest, or most luxurious ships would find the décor on Carnival Imagination sorely lacking or even off-putting. That said, when it first debuted, this ship would’ve been top of the line, and no one would’ve ever questioned its aesthetic!

Carnival Imagination Scrapping

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cruising industry’s abrupt halt in response, Carnival planned to indefinitely lay up some of its ships, including multiple Fantasy-class ships. The cruise line told investors that the group of ships chosen for this purpose would only include its “less efficient” ships.

Cruise Ship Graveyard

However, that indefinite halt in service turned into a full retirement and Carnival announced that it would sell several of the impacted ships, including Carnival Imagination, later in 2020.

Read Also: Uncovering the Secrets of the Cruise Ship Graveyard

Following, Carnival Imagination traveled to Cuaracao, where the ship was stripped of some of its pieces, then sent off to Aliaga, in Turkey, for further scrapping. The ship arrived in Turkey on Sept. 14, 2020. However, the ship was not immediately dismantled. The ship waited several more years, with rumors of potential purchases of various elements of the ship swirling, until, finally, scrapping began in February 2023. 

Was Carnival Imagination a Good Ship?

When Carnival Imagination first debuted in 1995, it was a top-of-the-line cruise ship. The Fantasy class overall was considered impressive, and some of the best cruise ships in the world at the time. However, the cruising industry moves quickly and, soon enough, Carnival Imagination was considered a little outdated.

That said, the ship, thanks to multiple major renovations, did still retain its appeal for certain cruisers, for quite a long time. The ship managed to still compete with newer ships throughout the 2000s.

Carnival Imagination Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Lisa Bronitt / Shutterstock.com

However, eventually, the ship was more of a vintage experience, something that would only appeal to cruisers who specifically wanted that 1990s cruising vibe, or cruisers who wanted an affordable, short cruise experience from the West Coast, and who didn’t necessarily need or want all of the fancy, luxurious bells and whistles that came with newer cruise ships.

So, was Carnival Imagination a good ship? Definitely — but only inarguably for a time, and then the ship lost some of its luster, just as is the case with any cruise ship.

Carnival Imagination Cruise Ship FAQ:

How many pools were on the Carnival Imagination?

There were three pools aboard Carnival Imagination. This was in addition to the ship’s seven jacuzzies, and included the resort-style pool on Deck 10 and the WaterWorks pool on Deck 11.

How big was the Carnival Imagination?

The ship had a gross tonnage of 70,367 GT and length of 855 feet. There are 14 decks and a total guest capacity of 2,634 passengers and 920 crew members.

What ships are in the same class as Carnival Imagination? Carnival Imagination was a Fantasy-class cruise ship. As such, it had seven sister ships, with only two still in service as of April 23, 2024. Sister ships included Carnival Paradise, Carnival Elation, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Fantasy.

Construction Begins on New Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas

Melissa Mayntz
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Construction Begins on New Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas

The first Royal Beach Club is officially under construction as Royal Caribbean International broke ground on April 22, 2024 for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, an exclusive destination in Nassau.

This milestone was celebrated by VIPs from the cruise line, parent company Royal Caribbean Group, and The Bahamas, with great enthusiasm for the club’s anticipated opening in 2025.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Now Under Construction

The official groundbreaking ceremony for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island was held on Monday, April 22, with officials commemorating the event with remarks and great hope for their continued partnership to bring a fantastic, authentic experience to visitors.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

“We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

Local Bahamian businesses, retailers, artisans, and workers will all be part of the construction and the future experiences at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which will include an array of dining options, entertainment, music, activities and more that embody local culture and history.

Royal Caribbean's New Beach Club Breaks Ground
Royal Caribbean’s New Beach Club Breaks Ground

Hundreds of local jobs will be supported by the new destination, not only in the short term with the physical construction, but also in the long term as thousands of guests may visit each day. This helps drive greater economic impact for the local community, cementing a partnership with Royal Caribbean that began more than 50 years ago.

“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we embark on this project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product,” said Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “Even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry.”

Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

What Will the New Club Offer?

Few overall details have yet been released about the new destination, which is located on the west end of Paradise Island, just across the harbor from the Nassau Cruise Port. A ferry ride from the port will bring guests to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, while a ride through historic downtown Nassau will return guests to the pier to reboard their ships after visiting.

What is known is that great care is being taken to craft an authentic Bahamian experience for visitors, showcasing the unique and vibrant culture of The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Bahamians will own up to 49% equity in the development, ensuring a strong local voice for the features and experiences offered at the destination. This will include outstanding music, food, entertainment, activities, tours, and more to help guests enjoy all The Bahamas has to offer.

“The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The project covers 17 acres of island space, the project is designed to provide the “ultimate beach experience” for visitors. Early renderings show exquisite stretches of sandy beach, native plants, private cabanas, a children’s water play area, and more.

Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Announces New Beach Club in Cozumel

Three pools, swim up bars, dining options, and other amenities are also part of the new destination.

Furthermore, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be a very environmentally sound development, using 100% renewable energy by 2030, minimizing the impact on the marine environment with no dredging and no overwater cabanas, restoring local habitat, and taking multiple steps to dramatically reduce waste.

While there has been some backlash over environmental concerns, the project is continuing forward with suitable protections in place.

The exact opening date for Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has not yet been announced, but it is projected to welcome its first guests in 2025. Further details, itineraries, and additional information is sure to be released in the coming months.

Cruisers Attempt to Bring Portable Washing Machine Aboard Ship

Lissa Poirot
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Cruisers Attempt to Bring Portable Washing Machine Aboard Ship

A passenger aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Valor submitted a letter detailing an upsetting experience at the ship’s security check for packing a portable washing machine. The incident sparked a conversation about the ship’s prohibited items list and onboard safety measures.

Wash and Worry

During a recent Caribbean voyage on Carnival Valor in March, a passenger, referred to only as “L,” and her mother were summoned to what she referred to as “the naughty room” to address a peculiar item found in their luggage. The duo attempted to bring a Kuppet portable washing machine on their cruise but were summoned to the ship’s security check area on Deck 0.

The portable machine, which connects to a standard kitchen faucet for water and plugs into an electrical outlet, is often lightweight and sold online on Amazon and at stores like Walmart. It typically requires 110 volts to operate, which is standard on North American cruise ships.

“L” detailed her experience in a message to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador, expressing feelings of humiliation and criminal treatment during the inspection process.

“We were treated like criminals and degraded,” she wrote. “I hope Carnival will be more sympathetic to people and do away with this humiliating experience.”

Portable Washing Machine
Portable Washing Machine (Photo Credit: Geoff Sperring)

In his response, Heald expressed regret over the distressed caused, clarifying the intentions behind the security protocols. “Thank you and I am so sorry ‘L’ that this happened to you, but the team were doing their jobs and I promise the intention was not to ‘humiliate you,’” Heald replied.

Understanding Onboard Safety Measures

Carnival Cruise Line, like many others in the industry, maintains a specific list of prohibited items on board their ships to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. This list, available on Carnival’s official website, includes a variety of objects ranging from irons and steamers to certain types of sporting equipment and electrical appliances, such as portable washing machines.

The reasoning behind such prohibitions concerns safety. For example, items that generate heat or use high wattage can pose significant fire hazards in a cruise ship’s confined and highly controlled environment. 

Similarly, items that could be used as weapons are banned to prevent any harm to passengers. Security checks are designed to intercept these items.

Bringing prohibited items aboard can lead to delays during the boarding process, and can even impact the overall cruise experience, as seen in ‘L’s’ case. 

Carnival Valor Cruise Ship
Carnival Valor Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: The Hungarian Sailor)

Carnival, ironically, is one of the few cruise lines offering self-service launderettes on stateroom decks. The 2,980-passenger Carnival Valor, for example, features a laundry room on the Riviera deck. Other cruise lines without self-service laundry may offer laundry service for a fee.

Read Also: Things You Can’t Take on a Cruise

Carnival’s response to “L’s” experience highlights the delicate balance cruise lines must maintain between enforcing necessary safety measures and ensuring a positive and respectful environment for their guests. As Heald acknowledged the letter on his Facebook page, he asked other passengers to acknowledge what items they may have taken on a cruise. 

Many cruisers admitted to having power cords, hair dryer/brush combinations, and weapons they forgot they had on them. Carnival and other cruise lines encourage passengers to review the prohibited items list thoroughly before packing for a voyage.

Amsterdam Confirms Plan to Halve River Cruises

Robert McGillivray
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Amsterdam Confirms Plan to Halve River Cruises

A policy of which rumors have been spreading for more than a year has now been confirmed by Amsterdam city council, although with some tweaks. 

In the next five years, the city intends to slash the number of river cruise arrivals by half, to a maximum of 1,150 calls per year by 2028. The city council has stated that the number of river cruises that visit the Dutch capital city has nearly doubled since 2011, causing mass tourism, pollution, and congestion. 

Amsterdam Cruise Limits A Reality

Amsterdam ranks among Europe’s top destinations for both ocean-going and river cruise ships. However, the substantial increase in cruise arrivals has presented significant challenges for the city. In response, the council has decided to restrict the number of river cruise ships permitted to dock within the city limits.

In a statement, Amsterdam City Council states that between 2011 and 2023, the number of calls jumped from 1,327 to 2,125, bringing with them 500,000 cruise passengers. The council believes that the city should aim to become more livable, with limiting river cruise ships being one of the measures that will go into effect. 

Amsterdam City Council: “Amsterdam must be and remain liveable, for residents and visitors. That is why we take measures to combat over-tourism. We want to halve the number of river cruise ships in the city within 5 years to a maximum of 1,150 in 2028. Fewer river cruises means less crowds and more quality of life.”

To lower the environmental impact, Amsterdam also intends to implement additional limitations on the river cruise ships that are allowed to visit the city. This includes only allowing ships that have shore-power capabilities.

“River cruises contribute to the crowds and emissions in the city, with tourists, overnight stays, bus movements, and supply traffic. River cruises remain part of the Amsterdam visitor economy. We focus on the most sustainable ships that have a connection for green shore power,” the council continued.

Economic Impact of River Cruises

One reason that Amsterdam intends to limit the river cruise ships is because the council feels the river ships have a low economic impact. The peak season for cruise ship arrivals in Amsterdam is not during the summer but rather in April and early May. 

The surge is due to passengers eager to witness the tulips that bloom this time of year. According to the city council, these visitors often do not explore Amsterdam’s city center. Instead, they board a bus for a day trip to Keukenhof, located about 25 miles from the city.

Amsterdam River Cruising
Amsterdam River Cruising (Photo Credit: FabianIrwin / Shutterstock)

However, several local stakeholders believe the council is barking up the wrong tree. River cruise ships use Amsterdam as a homeport for cruises down the Rhine River, and those guests typically stay in the city’s 4- and 5-star hotels.

Every year, this results in about 380,000 tourists extending their stay for a few days before or after their cruise. The limit will bring this down to an estimated 217,000, and a loss of income of around 63 million euros.

Is Amsterdam Banning The Wrong Guests?

On top of everything, those sailing onboard the river cruise ships are hardly the type of guests that Amsterdam has tried to ban for several years, those that come for the coffee shops and red light district.

Luxury Hotels of Amsterdam, a partnership of 25 hotels: “These visitors, who often use our hotels for pre- and post-visits, are known as valued guests who do not cause any nuisance, but rather contribute to the city’s cultural heritage.”

“This measure is really for the stage. We don’t leave those beds empty, because other guests come back who may treat the city less respectfully.”

Cruise Ship Docked in Amsterdam
Cruise Ship Docked in Amsterdam (Photo Credit: Oleg Senkov / Shutterstock)

Amsterdam has been exploring ways to manage or outright ban cruise ships for several years. While the talk was about banning ocean cruise ships initially, the council has shifted to an easier target, possibly after talks with Cruise Industry representatives CLIA.

Even though the economic impact is significant, and the loss of employment for some 700 people, Amsterdam City Council still believes it is making the right choice.

Councilor Hester van Buren said to Het Parool: “This is about the hustle and bustle in the city and the total picture. It is also one of the hundred measures we take. And we also want tourists who do come on the river cruise to have a pleasant experience of the city.”

Limiting cruise ships, be it for the supposed over-tourism it creates or a perceived environmental impact, is a measure that Amsterdam is, perhaps, taking a little too lightly. The potential loss of income and jobs, combined with the reality that other forms of tourism are a far bigger issue, means it might not be the most logical or effective solution.

How to Find Your Way Around a Cruise Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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How to Find Your Way Around a Cruise Ship

With new cruise ships getting larger and larger, it can be more and more confusing to find your way around from forward to aft, port to starboard, and deck to deck.

There are tricks, however, that can help you find your way around even the world’s largest ships with ease, whether you will be onboard for just three nights, a full week, or even longer.

In This Article:

Why You Need to Find Your Way Around a Cruise Ship?

Cruise ships have a lot to offer, from fun activities to unique venues to outstanding shows. Many events and activities, however, may be one-time-only and if you can’t find your way to the right spot, you could miss out.

Furthermore, being late to dining times, spa appointments, or show performances might forfeit your reservation, without a refund for any paid activities or any opportunity to make it up if other time slots are already full.

Fortunately, there are great ways to find your way around the ship right away, so you don’t end up by the pool when you were aiming for the lounge or you stumble across the pizzeria instead of the spa.

Preview Your Paths

Once you book a cruise, you can begin learning your way around the ship, even if your cruise is weeks, months, or more than a year away.

Deck Plan on Cunard's Queen Victoria
Deck Plan on Cunard’s Queen Victoria (Photo Credit: David Dennis / Shutterstock)

Take advantage of online deck plans, photo galleries, and virtual tours to get a sense of how to get around and what the ship looks like overall. Even if you have booked a guaranteed cabin category and don’t have an exact cabin assignment, you can still learn the major routes from one end of the ship to the other as well as where key features of the ship – lounges, dining areas, pools, etc. – are located.

Especially note deck numbers of top venues, as well as figure out where elevator banks are located so you can quickly move from place to place around the ship without difficulty.

Follow the Signs

Cruise ships are designed with helpful features to help passengers find their way around with ease. You may be given a map of the ship on embarkation day, and you should keep it with you for instant reference. Similarly, cruise line apps typically have deck plans available, so you can always have a map of the ship at your fingertips.

Elevators on Celebrity Beyond
Elevators on Celebrity Beyond (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

There are often deck plans near elevators, and there should be an emergency map or even full deck plans on the back of your cabin door. Some cruise lines also have interactive, touchscreen deck plans available at major intersections, such as near elevator banks or large lounges.

Worth Reading: Best Deck on a Cruise Ship – How to Choose

Hallways are often labeled with arrows and other signage to help you instantly see which way is fore and aft, and public areas will have more signs to note the direction of lounges, clubs, shops, casinos, and other features. Use these signs liberally and even if you get turned around, you won’t be lost for long.

Learn the Landmarks

Every cruise ship has key features that make great landmarks for finding your way around or setting up as meeting spots for a family or group. Get familiar with the grand staircase or main atrium, casino, lobby desks, photo gallery, or your favorite café to orient yourself around the ship.

Carnival Panorama Atrium
Carnival Panorama Atrium (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

Unusual and notable artwork, a piano where a live band typically plays, an oversized statue, or even a colorful mural can be useful to learn your way around. Take careful note of these landmarks and you’ll know right where you are every time you see them. Even better, make sure you find such a landmark on every deck!

Discover the Main Road

All cruise ships have a “main road” for passengers to get around quickly. It may be just on one side of the ship, it could be a central promenade, or it may make a complete circle around a deck, but this is the deck where many public areas are found – lounges, shops, galleries, dining rooms, cafes, etc.

Generally, there are no or very few cabins or staterooms on this deck. Learn which deck this is by name and number, and once you’re there you can get to many different places quickly and with as few stairs as possible.

Venues Onboard Celebrity Beyond
Venues Onboard Celebrity Beyond (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Even better, most larger ships have more than one such main road deck – one may be inside, usually on a lower deck, while another is outside on an upper deck where more outdoor bars, pools, waterslides, and casual eateries are located. Learn both main pathways, and you’ll always have an easy way around the ship.

Enjoy the Exploration

The very best way to learn your way around your ship is to use any extra minutes to enjoy exploring its nooks and crannies – and today’s cruise ships have a lot of such spots!

Try taking a different route from your cabin to the dining room, or take a stroll around a deck you haven’t visited yet before the nightly show. Try a stairway or corridor you haven’t used before, and you just might discover a useful shortcut, an easier path, or a new favorite spot to hang out.

Odyssey of the Seas Open Deck
Odyssey of the Seas Open Deck (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Do note, however, that you should never cross into any closed area or areas marked for crew or team members only. Some areas will be temporarily closed for maintenance or safety, while others will always be off limits. Instead, find a different pathway to enjoy.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

If you are having trouble finding your way around, don’t hesitate to ask a crew member – any crew member – for guidance, no matter where you may be lost.

Also Read: How to Deal With Long Lines on a Cruise Ship

All crew members live on the ship for weeks or months at a time, and they know every step of every deck. Any crew member can offer directions to point you in the right way for just where you want to go, and a polite please or thank you may even get you a new secret path to get there even faster!

Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the first full day of her current sailing, Carnival Paradise rescued 27 refugees from Cuba while the cruise ship was sailing west of the island nation en route to Roatan, Honduras.

All individuals were brought safely aboard the ship and provided with emergency care while official authorities were notified regarding the next steps.

Carnival Paradise Rescues Boat in Distress

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on the first full day of her current 5-night cruise, the ever-vigilant bridge crew of Carnival Paradise spotted a small boat signaling for assistance. The ship immediately turned to render aid, bringing aboard 27 Cuban nationals from the overcrowded boat.

The incident happened approximately 20 miles southeast of Los Cajuelos, the westernmost point of Cuba. Carnival Paradise was enjoying a day at sea as the ship sailed for Roatan, Honduras, for a scheduled port visit on Monday, April 22.

The small wooden boat was in poor condition, with what appeared to be a makeshift sail, though it was not in use. With 27 individuals aboard, the boat was overcrowded and was not carrying adequate supplies for those aboard.

Carnival Paradise Rescue
Carnival Paradise Rescue (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)

Every was able to be brought aboard Carnival Paradise without difficulty, and each refugee was provided with food, water, and medical care as needed. The US Coast Guard Sector Key West was notified, as were Roatan officials. The refugees will be turned over to authorities as soon as possible, as is standard procedure with these incidents.

No Delay to Current Itinerary

Because Carnival Paradise was on a scheduled day at sea, the time spent with the rescue operation will not significantly impact the ship’s itinerary. Cruise ships typically travel more slowly on sea days (when operationally possible) to make outside deck conditions more enjoyable for guests.

This means that the ship will be able to increase speed later in the day or over the nighttime hours to compensate for the short loss of time for the rescue intervention, and ought to arrive in Roatan as planned.

Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship
Carnival Paradise Cruise Ship

Carnival Paradise left her homeport of Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 20, for the 5-night Western Caribbean sailing. After visiting Roatan on Monday, the ship is scheduled to visit Cozumel, Mexico on Tuesday before another day at sea. The cruise will end in Tampa on Thursday, April 25.

At this time, there are no expected changes or delays to the ship’s itinerary or overall schedule.

Not the First Rescue for One of Carnival’s Oldest Ships

The 70,367-gross-ton, Fantasy-class Carnival Paradise is one of the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet, but she proudly does her duty to preserve life at sea whenever the need arises.

In just the past few years, Carnival Paradise has been instrumental in three separate rescues. In May 2019, the ship rescued a sailor when his boat was taking on water 13 miles north of Cozumel. One of the cruise ship’s lifeboats was launched to immediately rescue the man.

In the summer of 2022, the ship made two separate refugee rescues in less than a month. The first was at the end of July, with at least 20 individuals rescued from an overcrowded rowboat. The second rescue was on August 19, and involved a makeshift raft with six refugees aboard.

Both of those incidents were also near Cuba during days at sea, just as this most recent rescue.

Carnival Paradise is homeported from Tampa year-round, offering 4-, 5-, and 6-night Western Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. Depending on departure date and cruise length, the ship visits ports of call such as Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, Nassau, and Bimini.

In August 2025, the ship will add the new Celebration Key to select itineraries once the private Bahamas destination, now under construction on Grand Bahama Island, opens for visitors.

Second Icon-Class Ship Will Have a Furry Family Member

Melissa Mayntz
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Second Icon-Class Ship Will Have a Furry Family Member

Following the outstanding popularity of Rover, the “Chief Dog Officer” of Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International, has announced that the second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, will also have its own Chief Dog Officer onboard.

The furry member of the crew family will be named Sailor, and will set sail with the ship when it launches in late August 2025.

Chief Dog Officer Announced for Star of the Seas

The upcoming Star of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class vessel, and will offer many of the same amazing features as her sister ship – including the wagging tail of a Chief Dog Officer.

The cruise line first introduced Icon of the Seas‘ canine crew member, a female golden retriever named Rover, in January, just two weeks before the ship’s maiden voyage. Now, Royal Caribbean has announced that Sailor will join the crew of Star of the Seas.

Very few details about Sailor have been confirmed. The dog’s breed and age have not yet been announced, nor is it known whether the dog will be male or female – the official announcement only says that Rover will have a “sibling.”

While this could indicate another golden retriever – a very popular dog breed that is known for its friendly nature, excellent trainability, and adaptability – the term sibling could simply be a convenient description.

Many dog owners treat multiple pets of different breeds, or even different species such as cats, as “brothers” and “sisters” in the family structure.

It is also unknown whether Sailor will be aboard Star of the Seas for the inaugural sailings, though this seems likely with the announcement of the dog’s appointment to the crew more than a year in advance.

Furthermore, bringing the dog onboard ahead of the ship’s initial sailings will give the animal time to acclimate to the unusual environment and prepare for the business of being a friendly cruise line ambassador.

What Does a Chief Dog Officer Do?

While some cruise ships have permitted senior officers to have pets onboard – such as the popular “Bug Naked” hairless Sphynx cat that belongs to Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Beyond – Rover and Sailor are the first-ever official canine crew members for a major cruise line.

While Sailor’s duties aren’t yet defined with Star of the Seas still under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Turku, Finland, Rover has been filling out and helping define the role of Chief Dog Officer.

The canine is more than just a furry ambassador, however. She provides comfort and happiness to crew members and guests alike, and has an active Instagram account (@chiefdogrover) to share her duties and insights into cruising on the world’s largest cruise ship.

Rover Dog on Icon of the Seas
Rover Dog on Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: godwin_fernandes2000)

Those duties include joining in onboard trivia games, helping out at Guest Services, singing along at karaoke, previewing portraits with the ship’s photographers, playing fetch on the bridge, taking a lap around the jogging track, and much more.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas Welcomes Chief Dog Officer

Rover has even showed off “Royal bling” with a customized bone-shaped dog tag while posing with the one-of-a-kind $100,000 goblet aboard Icon of the Seas (a special purchase that comes with a lifetime unlimited drinks package!).

Undoubtedly, Sailor’s duties will be similar, and there might even be a doggy play date when the two canine crew members meet up for a run on the beach at Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Meeting Sailor

Star of the Seas was originally planned to debut on August 17, 2025, but has unfortunately been slightly delayed and will now set off on her inaugural cruise on August 31, 2025. The 250,800-gross-ton vessel will be able to welcome 5,610 travelers at double occupancy, and will be home to an international crew of more than 2,300 team members.

The second Icon-class ship will be homeported from Port Canaveral, offering Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with each voyage including a visit to CocoCay. Bookings are now open for Star of the Seas, and new details and unique features of the ship will undoubtedly be announced in the months to come.

10 Well-Known Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit

Gillian Birch
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10 Well-Known Western Caribbean Cruise Ports You Should Visit

Discover these 10 well-known Western Caribbean cruise ports to help you plan your itinerary and choose exciting things to do during the voyage. Western Caribbean cruises typically visit ports of call in Central America and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. These tropical destinations include various ports in Mexico, Belize, and Honduras, and tropical islands such as Grand Cayman and Jamaica. 

Here’s our informative guide for cruisers covering these popular ports of call. We include terminal and pier info, which ports have tenders, popular shore excursions, and things to see and do independently if you don’t want to join an official cruise shore excursion.

In This Article:

Cozumel, Mexico

Lying just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel is one of the most popular ports of call. The port is towards the west of the island. The cruise terminal can accommodate up to eight cruise ships at a time with three dedicated cruise piers: Punta Langosta, the International SSA Pier and Puerta Maya.

Additional ships use tenders to transport passengers ashore. Punta Langosta is just a five-minute stroll south of downtown and the Main Square. The other two cruise piers are further south and visitors can use shuttle buses or take a taxi for the 5-minute trip.

Cozumel Cruise Pier
Photo Credit: CathyRL / Shutterstock.com

Once ashore, there’s plenty of duty-free shopping and authentic Mexican restaurants to explore before you even leave the port area. Cozumel has some of the best and clearest diving and snorkeling sites with caves, underwater tunnels and a coral reef brimming with marine life.

Take your pick from jet boat tours, fishing trips, Jeep excursions to Mayan ruins and Tequila tastings. There are plenty more thrills, such as ziplines and glass-bottom kayaking at Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park.

Cruise lines visiting Cozumel in 2024-25 include:

  • Holland America 
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Marella Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Virgin Voyages
  • TUI Cruises
  • Viking Cruises
  • Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
  • Margaritaville at Sea

Grand Cayman

Located in the Western Caribbean, midway between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the Cayman Islands. The cruise terminal is in the capital, George Town, on the sheltered west coast.

Grand Cayman is a tender port, which means the ships drop anchor in the harbor and use tenders/ lifeboats to transport cruisers ashore. There are three terminals: South, North, and Royal Watler. They have modern facilities for welcoming cruisers along with duty-free shopping and excursion departure points.

Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean
Cruise Ship in Grand Cayman, Caribbean (Photo Credit: eric laudonien)

Once famous for its turtles, the island has an interesting Turtle Center where you can learn more about turtle conservation and see new hatchlings and fully grown turtles up close. Go snorkeling with rays at Stingray City, swim with dolphins or visit Starfish Point Beach to see bright red starfish in abundance.

Relax and enjoy swimming and watersports on idyllic Seven Mile Beach, or visit Hell, a rocky area of jagged black limestone, and send a postcard from Hell to your family and friends. 

Cruise lines visiting Grand Cayman in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Marella Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Virgin Voyages
  • Phoenix Reisen
  • Crystal Cruises

Costa Maya, Mexico

Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Costa Maya is just north of the town of Mahahual. It’s about 100 miles south of the popular resort of Playa del Carmen and the Mayan site at Tulum.

The port has modern facilities with duty-free shopping, restaurants and bars. There are plenty of local taxis to take you independently to Mahahual or other tourist attractions. Some cruise lines offer shuttle services to Mahahual, which has beautiful sandy beaches.

Cruise Ship Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico
Cruise Ship Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is an exciting Caribbean cruise destination with an incredible number of attractions, including two biosphere reserves at Banco Chinchorro and Sian Ka’an. More reasons to visit Costa Maya include pristine beaches, jungle adventures and amazing watersports.

Visit Xcalax, an authentic fishing village, or take a tour to see exotic wildlife, including beautiful jaguars, monkeys, and crocodiles. Divers can visit shipwreck sites and see turtles, rays, tigers, and hammerhead sharks. All this, plus Mayan temples and carved pyramids at Kohunlich and Chacchoben. 

Cruise lines visiting Costa Maya in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • TUI Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Virgin Voyages

Roatan, Honduras

Honduras is the largest of the Bay Islands. The offshore island of Roatan is a popular port of call for cruises due to its cultural diversity and aquatic fun. The main cruise port is the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, which is owned by Carnival Corporation. It is located on the southwest coast of the island near the town of Coxen Hole.

Tenders are generally used to transport guests to and from the ship. The Cruise Center actually has its own shopping village. From the cruise terminal, you can walk along a nature trail or take a chairlift down to the beach.

Carnival Cruise Ship in Roatan, Honduras
Carnival Cruise Ship in Isla Roatan, Honduras (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin)

There’s also the Cozen Hole cruise ship dock, which is used by other non-Carnival cruise lines and opened in 2008. This facility features a mall and stores for cruise visitors to enjoy.

On Roatan, you can snorkel and scuba dive on one of the largest reef systems in the world, visiting caves and shipwrecks while spotting sharks, eels, and colorful marine life. And where else can you visit a Sloth Farm or an Iguana Park that protects toucans, parrots, monkeys and reptiles? Other attractions to see from a water taxi tour include the multicolored stilted houses of fishermen in Oakridge and 17th-century pirate fortifications at Coxen Hole. 

Cruise lines visiting Roatan in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • TUI Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Virgin Voyages

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Perched on the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is Jamaica’s largest cruise port. It is also a lively coastal town backing onto lush tropical hills.

Most larger cruise vessels drop anchor just offshore and use tenders to transport guests ashore. From there, cruisers can head to the local craft markets and beaches or take an excursion to see more of the island. Street performers are a popular sight around the port shopping area, providing entertainment and music.

Cruise Ship in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Photo Credit: Rory Burchenson / Shutterstock

Ocho Rios offers some unique opportunities for adventure, including the chance to climb up Dunn’s River Falls, a dramatic cascade that is 180 feet high.  At the top of the falls is a Craft Market where cruisers can pick up fragrant Blue Mountain Coffee that is grown on the island. The 600-foot-long waterfall ends at the beach.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the lush rainforest, lagoon swims, boat rides, ziplines and thrilling bobsleigh rides. Everywhere you go in Jamaica, you’ll hear the beat of reggae. Of course, Bob Marley fans can pay homage at his hometown of Nine Mile St Ann. 

Cruise lines visiting Ocho Rios in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • MSC Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • TUI Cruises
  • Costa Cruises
  • AIDA Cruises

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is a popular port of call on many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries. Located on the northwest side of the island, this buzzing port is the second-largest cruise port in Jamaica and can accommodate up to four ships at a time. The MoBay terminal has good amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, bars and excursion desks.

Montego bay Cruise Port
Montego Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Viktor Hladchenko)

Montego Bay cruise terminal is within easy reach of many attractions on the island, such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just 15 minutes away by taxi. Four championship golf courses combine a round of golf with stunning scenery. The vibrant Hip Strip is the main hub for shopping and local businesses, such as the world-famous Margaritaville, which combines water slides and pools with cocktails in the sun.

Read Also: Jamaica Cruise Ports – Full List and Overview

Montego Bay has some of the finest white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in the Caribbean. Chill out and sunbathe, browse the local shops or visit one of the historic plantation homes such as Rosehall. A rafting trip down Martha Brae River is the ultimate excursion from your cruise around the Western Caribbean. 

Cruise lines visiting Montego Bay in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Holland America Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • MSC Cruises
  • TUI Cruises
  • Marella Cruises
  • Viking Voyages
  • AIDA Cruises
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Ambassador Cruise Line
  • P&O Cruises

Progreso, Mexico

Located 30 km from the city of  Merida in northwest Yucatan, the port of Progreso dates back to Mayan times. It remains a pretty fishing port as well as a busy cruise terminal that is growing in popularity as a port of call.

Progreso has an exceptionally long four-mile (6.5km) pier that goes over the shallow continental shelf to allow docking by larger cruise ships. Shuttle buses are provided to transport cruisers to the Progreso terminal. From there, you can walk just three blocks to the beach.

Carnival Ship Docked in Progreso
Carnival Ship Docked in Progreso

The most famous part of the port is El Malecon, an elegant mile-long seaside promenade that provides access to the sandy beach and has beautiful Gulf views. One of the main features is the traditional carousel right on the sand. The waters are warm and crystal clear for swimming.

The original Mayan city of Merida is worth a visit. Rebuilt by Spanish Conquistadors, it has grand Spanish-influenced architecture and palatial mansions. Shopping on the fashionable Paseo de Montejo is said to rival the Champs-Elysees in Paris!

Cruise lines visiting Progreso, Mexico in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Margaritaville at Sea
  • American Queen Voyages

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa del Carmen is a very popular resort on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. The nearest dock for visiting cruise ships is at Calica Quarry Docks, about a 10-minute drive to downtown. Consequently, most cruise ships use Playa del Carmen as a tender cruise port, transporting passengers to the ferry pier near the downtown plaza.

Playa del Carmen
Photo Credit: posztos / Shutterstock

There are endless attractions and experiences on offer when visiting Playa del Carmen. If your cruise is docking in Cozumel, you can even take a 30-40 minute ferry ride from Cozumel, visit ancient Mayan temples such as the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, or just relax on miles of golden sandy beaches.

For something more unusual, book an excursion to one of the freshwater cenotes and swim in the clear waters of these limestone sinkholes. For families on a Western Caribbean cruise, a day at the Xcaret eco-archaeological park combines Mexico’s history, culture and cuisine. 

Cruise lines visiting Playa del Carmen in 2024-25 include:

  • American Queen Voyages

Belize City, Belize

Belize City welcomes cruise ships to the port, which includes a cruise terminal officially known as Fort Street Tourism Village. It’s located in the heart of Belize City, the country’s capital. The terminal has good facilities, including restrooms, souvenir shops, and information desks.

 Snorkelers and divers will be keen to visit Belize as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere lies just offshore. It provides amazing scuba diving, including the 300-meter-wide Blue Hole.

Belize Tender Port for Cruise Passengers
Belize Tender Port for Cruise Passengers (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock)

Excursions venture into the tropical jungle for zip-lining over the rainforest or visit long-lost Mayan ruins. Wildlife preserves and botanical gardens showcase exotic flowers, plants, and mammals, while Belize City has a bustling market and impressive Colonial architecture. 

Cruise lines visiting Belize City in 2024-25 include:

  • Holland America Line
  • Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Princess Cruises
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • TUI Cruises
  • Silversea Cruises
  • Hurtigruten
  • UnCruise Adventures
  • Viking Cruises

Key West, Florida

Key West, Florida, is the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Although the island community is just 120 miles or so southwest of Miami, it is a world away in lifestyle and culture. This colorful island is at the end of a chain of offshore islands linked by the breathtaking Overseas Highway.

Larger cruise ships dock at the deepwater Pier B at the Key West cruise port, while smaller vessels dock at the city-owned Mallory Square Dock. Both terminals are just a short stroll from the downturn area, making it easy to explore independently. There are plenty of small shops and stalls near the cruise terminal, along with waterfront bars and boat trips.

Carnival Cruise Ship in Key West
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

This laid-back community is known for its pastel-painted architecture, naval and shipwreck museums, art studios and bars in the Old Town. Go shopping on Duval Street, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, or take in the main sights on a whistle-stop trolley tour that includes the lighthouse, aquarium, and Truman’s Little White House. After that, treat yourself to a rum cocktail or a slice of Key Lime Pie as you watch street performers at sunset on Mallory Square, a Key West tradition. 

Cruise lines visiting Key West in 2024-25 include:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • ACL
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Virgin Voyages
  • Margaritaville at Sea

Armed with all this information, it’s easy to book a Western Caribbean Cruise based on places to visit and things to do that appeal to your personal taste. Bon voyage!

I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

Lissa Poirot
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I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

I’ve sailed a variety of cruise lines throughout the years, beginning with my first voyage as an 18-year-old living in Fort Lauderdale when my mother took me on a nighttime sail. Back in those days (not to date myself), you could get on a ship out of Port Everglades and go into international waters to drink and gamble.

It took a decade to discover cruises were so much more than an evening of debauchery, and I’ve since taken my children on cruises, experienced romantic voyages, and gathered the girls for weekend getaways at sea, many in the name of an upcoming wedding.

When my best friend suggested we needed some one-on-one girl time, we knew we wanted to spend a week in the Caribbean sun and escape winter’s wrath. It just so happened that Virgin Voyages, which has only been in operation since the pandemic, had recently launched a 7-night itinerary from San Juan to island hop in Antigua, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia. Always one to enjoy Sir Richard Branson’s hotels and airlines, a trip aboard the Valiant Lady seemed like an ideal match. 

What Does Adults-Only Actually Entail?

If you Google Virgin Voyages, you may find earlier articles indicating that adults-only cruises are meant for raunchiness. My friend’s husband read too many comments about “swingers,” “in-cabin toy packages,” and other tales that made him wonder why we chose Virgin. We, and the people we met on board, laughed at those exaggerated stories. They simply are not true.

Valiant Lady's Diva, A Woman Named Carlos
Valiant Lady’s Diva, A Woman Named Carlos (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

What does adults-only mean on Virgin? It means that kids are not splashing in the pool and running down the corridors. It means the entertainment will be of interest to those 21 and older, including the paint-and-sip arts and crafts program we enjoyed one afternoon, the boozy Bingo games, where mothers and daughters sat side by side with mimosas in hopes of winning a big prize, and several evening performances with The Diva.

Honestly, adults-only simply meant “adult time.” To us, that equated to a lot of relaxing, listening to live music, and reading on a lounge chair with a cocktail in hand. I didn’t even notice that children weren’t on board because it just didn’t occur to me that anything should be noticed.

More to Cabins Beside the Iconic Red Hammock

Sharing a room with a friend is always a tricky proposition, but even more so in the tight quarters of a cruise ship. My friend and I shared a 225-square-foot Sea Terrace suite and from the photos, it looked like we’d have some trouble squeezing in clothes for two. But we were pleasantly surprised upon arrival, as the suite was filled with plenty of space to accommodate all of our clothes and toiletries. 

Guests are given multiple configuration choices, including a double bed, and we requested our beds be configured in an L-shape. This way, we could each have a single bed at night and a couch during the day. But we were never in the cabin to even utilize the day couch!

Valiant Voyages red hammocks
The author in Valiant Voyages’ red hammock. (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

Beneath one bed were two large drawers, and the closet/armoire featured another set of drawers so that everything had a place. We couldn’t fit our suitcases under the beds, but because of all the drawer space, we could fit them into the closet. While the vanity space in the bathroom was almost non-existent, we used two baskets from the closet to hold our toiletries on the shelf below the sink to keep things organized and within reach.

Where we weren’t impressed was the balcony. Sure, we had a balcony but space was tight. Virgin Voyages is pretty gung-ho about its scarlet red hammock on the balconies, but having the hammock hanging down made it feel even smaller for both of us to enjoy the space at the same time. It is a petty complaint, considering we were hardly ever in our suite, but the only time we would be in the hammock was when the other was in the shower.

Getting Healthy at Sea

We had decided to make our vacay a week of self-improvement, promising to partake in the ship’s more than 100 free exercise classes. We also swore we would utilize the open-air track on Deck 17 called The Runway, join the calming morning yoga sessions on The Perch, and visit the ship’s gym, B-Complex. 

A lofty undertaking on a cruise? Actually, it was super easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle aboard Valiant Lady. We couldn’t get enough of Rees and his high-energy Spin classes set to Beyonce, Rhianna, and Madonna. These classes rivaled any class I’ve ever taken in the city.

The ship’s gym was divided into two very large spaces: one offering cardio equipment that looked out from floor-to-ceiling windows so we could take in the views while running, and the other offering weights, Pilates, and other strength- and flex-training areas, also featuring the same windowed walls on the other side of the ship.

Spin Class at Sea, B-Complex, Valiant Lady
Spin Class at Sea, B-Complex, Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

The ship’s food court-styled dining, found on Deck 15, was nothing like a traditional food court. Instead of pizza, burgers, French fries, and chicken fingers, the Galley featured Bento Boxes at Bento Baby, made-to-order salads at Daily Mix, and açai bowls at The Sweet Side. We could even find freshly made juices at Juice Sea on Deck 7 and poke bowls at Sun Club Café on Deck 16.

Knowing we would be burning through workout clothes, we even took advantage of Valiant Lady’s laundry, which was just $30 for an entire bag!

Of course, a sea day wouldn’t be a sea day without a visit to the spa, and Valiant Lady offered an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy the spa with its Thermal Suite Pass. For two hours, we could take advantage of Redemption Spa’s steam room, sauna, salt therapy room, mud bath room, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated Turkish marble lounges. It was highly worth the $70 price tag.

How Is Virgin Elevating Cruise Dining?

What is a cruise without an array of food options? Virgin wanted to take the dining experience up a notch. You won’t find a main dining room with set seated times. You won’t find a main dining room, period. The restaurants aboard Valiant Lady are restaurants, where a reservation is recommended and the service will be like any you’d find onshore. You just won’t pay to dine in them. (But you will pay for drinks.)

Read Also: Virgin Voyages Announces the Return of Onboard Festival

We didn’t feel like we had to dress to the nines or that meals were completely over the top when dining every evening. The restaurants are very hip, exciting, and social environments. Our favorite was Extra Virgin, “Elevated Italian,” on Deck 6. From crispy artichokes with caper aioli and charred lemon aperitivo to the secondo porcini-rubbed New York Strip with Calabrian chili butter, farro and sauteed escarole, we raved about every bite. We weren’t the only ones who loved this spot; every passenger we spoke to said it was their favorite, and we failed to secure a second reservation due to its popularity.

Our second favorite was The Wake, located Deck 6 aft. Not only did we have amazing views from our perch as we sailed by Richard Branson’s private Necker Island, but we caught Sir Richard aboard his catamaran, waving to the ship as it passed while his staff on the island lit a bonfire to guide our way. We were told he always greets his ships when he’s on the island, sometimes with fireworks.

The Wake is also the place to be for a boozy brunch. Or, so we were told. We were too busy with our morning workouts and excursions to make it to brunch!

Virgin Voyages Test Kitchen Test
Virgin Voyages Test Kitchen Test (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

Of the ship’s additional restaurants, we loved Pink Agave’s taste of Mexico through tlayuds, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquites, and tamales, but were less impressed by Test Kitchen. The latter is Virgin’s Michelin-inspired lab-like eatery.

Although the menu was experiential, the dishes delivered didn’t wow us, especially when multiple servers lifted individual smoke-filled glass tops to be what seemed like a side dish of fresh peas and egg yolk. Our style was definitely the more lively, shared plates scenes.

Is It Worth It to Be a RockStar?

Although we didn’t stay in a RockStar suite, which are at least double in size, feature a bottomless in-room bar, and have marble bathrooms with Peek-a-Boo showers (and sometimes a bathtub), we did get RockStar VIP access.

RockStars get the first access to book restaurants and experiences and are moved to the front of the line for any shows that do not require reservations. Considering the booking window opens 45 days before the sailing date, and that passengers in the know set their alarms to begin booking as soon as the app launches, this first access alone can be worth its weight. 

Richard's Rooftop, Valiant Lady
Richard’s Rooftop, Valiant Lady (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

The real perks for RockStars, however, are the in-room stocked bar, complimentary drinks offered around the ship, daily spa access for complimentary Thermal Suite visits, a dedicated RockStar Agent at your service 24/7, and, our personal heaven, access to Richard’s Rooftop.

The rooftop lounge in the forward ship was dotted with shaded loungers and multiple hot tubs with a private bar, panoramic views, and nightly happy hour. We spent every afternoon lounging on the rooftop between excursions and watched the sunset during happy hour with an intimate group of cruisers we befriended. On our sea day, when the pool was most packed, the lounge remained an empty reprieve, and we certainly felt like RockStars with our whims catered to at every turn.

Is It Fun Going Ashore?

I can’t believe I am going to say this after years of giving my mother grief for not getting off cruise ships and exploring, but my friend and I loved Valiant Lady so much that we wished we spent more time onboard! Seven days felt too short to enjoy every bit of space.

Still, we took advantage of the Experiences offered by Virgin. By far, our best Experience was a day sailing to the Pitons in Saint Lucia, where we stopped to snorkel and dropped anchor in a quiet yet colorful bay for local eats and Piton beer.

We tried a similar excursion in Barbados but were disappointed when the catamaran took us in view of the ship, deposited us on a crowded beach, and then sailed us back after a quick swim, claiming the waves were too rough. We later discovered others who took the same excursion and sailed further afield through the same company. We think our detour was due to being the last excursion of the day.

Colorful St. Lucian lunch spot during an excursion
Colorful St. Lucian lunch spot during an excursion (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)

One word of caution is that many of the excursions are extremely large and crowded. One passenger complained of having 40 people on his sailing excursion, while a kayaking trip in Antigua had more than 60 guests. We wished we had known how many people were booked on each excursion before selecting, as we would have chosen smaller Experiences.

What Is It Like on a Virgin Voyage?

The sold-out cruise featuring 1,400 cabins across 16 decks of Valiant Lady could have turned our vacation into a nightmare – trapped on a smaller cruise ship than, say, Oasis of the Seas, at full capacity worried us. But our fears were for naught because even during our one at-sea day, Valiant Lady never felt crowded.

The ship was filled with hangout areas, from lounging on a day bed in the Mediterranean-inspired Dock House and its utterly fabulous and very secluded outdoor area in the ship’s aft to the wonderful Sip Lounge, where afternoon tea and champagne were a constant.

The only areas that ever felt crowded were the pools at the Aquatic Club and Gym and Tonic, which is pretty typical of any cruise ship, especially on sea days. But besides feeling like we had the ship to ourselves, there was the feeling of inclusion aboard Valiant Lady.

The diversity was evident with and felt by the passengers and crew, and it seemed everyone was simply happy to be together at sea. I miss Valiant Lady and her crew and hope to sail with Virgin Voyages again soon.

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