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15 Engaging Books to Read About Cruises

Melissa Mayntz
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15 Engaging Books to Read About Cruises

Cruise ships make stunning and imaginative settings for all types of books, from fantastic fiction in every genre to true life insights to wonderful stories for younger readers. No matter whether you can’t cruise right now, you’re dreaming of your next cruise, or you want to pack along a cruise-themed read when you set sail, these books about cruises are perfect to add to your reading list!

Fabulous Cruise Fiction

All types of fiction books – romances, thrillers, mysteries, crime drama, and more – have been set on cruise ships. These top titles are just a few of the most popular stories that take place on cruise ships.

1. Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series

Authored by Hope Callaghan, this mystery series spans more than 15 books with fast-paced twists to keep readers engaged and entertained. These stories are lighthearted and fun rather than heavy and chilling, ideal for reading on the beach or lounging on the pool deck. The author is a seasoned cruiser herself, which lends authenticity to every one of her cruise ship settings.

2. The Luminous Cruise Chronicles

An extensive series of short fiction romances penned by different authors, this series has steamy scenes and occasionally lusty plotlines. Most of these stories range from just 20-50 pages, making them a perfect read when you also have a cruise itinerary filled with exciting ports of call, onboard activities, live entertainment, and many other things to enjoy. More details are here.

3. The Last Cruise

This novel from author Kate Christensen details the modern-day last sailing of a vintage 1950s ocean liner on its way to retirement in Hawaii. Different perspectives throughout the book give readers insights from both passengers and crew, and when a variety of crises escalate on board, the tension climbs as well.

4. Lost at Sea

A riveting romance from Alan Simon and Erica Bianco Ellis, this novel takes readers along on a romantic journey with two sisters to one of the most popular cruise destinations, the Mexican Riviera. Readers will visit Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta along with the book’s key characters and unexpected love interests, with surprising twists in every relationship on board.

4. Haunted Cruise: The Shakedown

Can a brand new ship be haunted? It is a shakedown cruise like no other when The Caesar sets sail and otherworldly happenings begin to be noted onboard. A quick-moving book of dark twists from Tanya R. Taylor, this story has both horror and thriller elements and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their deck chairs from start to finish. Details on Amazon are right here.

5. Dead on the Water: Abandon Ship

Virus outbreaks are not unheard of on cruise ships, but the outbreak raging through this book isn’t a simple case of norovirus or even a coronavirus pandemic – it’s a zombie-creating plague and passengers are trapped onboard. Written by R.W.K. Clark, this book features post-apocalyptic vibes and is occasionally graphic with its depiction of the horrors it encompasses, but it’s a riveting read. Book prices can be found here.

6. Cruise Ship Doctor

A fun, light-hearted romance, this novel by Gerry Yukevich is a delightful story to appeal to any cruise traveler with its Caribbean destinations and connection to Valentine’s Day for added romanticism. Fun antics and eccentric characters add more layers to the story that is already rich with international flair and plenty of outrageous personalities.

7. The Boxcar Children: The Mystery Cruise

Join the four Alden siblings on a Caribbean cruise fraught with misfortune, from overboard alarms to broken radios to engine trouble and more. Book #29 in the popular Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner, this book is a great way to get young readers excited about all the fun of a cruise vacation and can introduce them to wholesome characters and the joy of reading.

8. The Bobbsey Twins on the Sun-Moon Cruise

Book #68 from the classic children’s series by Laura Lee Hope, this young reader’s novel involves a world cruise, international destinations, and the extraordinary science of a solar eclipse. When equipment is damaged, however, the twins’ mystery-solving skills are put to the test, and so will the deductive reasoning of every young reader.

9. Peter the Cruise Ship Series

Authored by experienced cruise ship captain Hans Mateboer, this colorful and fun picture book series brings a silly cruise ship to life for the very youngest readers. Other engaging characters include different types of ships and wildlife, and Peter enjoys different adventures in his different books, from traveling to Caribbean to visiting Alaska to escaping pirates.

Gain Cruise Ship Insights With Non-Fiction Books

If you prefer factual books and true life insights rather than novels, non-fiction is for you. There are many books about cruises that offer you a glimpse of the cruise ship life, but beware of potential bias in different titles depending on the author’s agenda and their experiences on the water.

10. Cruise Confidential

A four-book series from Brian David Bruns, these insightful books take from Bruns’ years of personal service on cruise ships and what he’s learned below decks during his visits to dozens of ports on a variety of itineraries. Written with a lighthearted tone and self-deprecating humor, this series is a great way to get to know more about the cruise ship lifestyle. See the pricing and details here.

11. Tips From the Cruise Addict’s Wife

Filled with practical hacks and useful advice from dozens of voyages, this guide from experienced traveler Deb Graham is an informative read. This book covers every aspect of a cruise vacation, from first choosing and planning a cruise to packing, enjoying the time onboard, making the most of ports, saving money, scoring freebies, and more.  

12. The Cruise Ship Survival Guide

A humorous and witty survival manual, this practical book by Joshua Kinser offers resourceful guidance for everything that could possibly go wrong on a cruise vacation. Including such outrageous scenarios such as a pirate raid, sinking ship, and shark attacks, this book draws on Kinser’s more than five years of cruise ship service and more than 300 voyages for fun and factual advice.

13. Around the World in 80 Meals

Diana Rubino offers cruise travelers the ultimate cookbook, but this book is much more than just recipes. In addition to easy-to-prepare favorites from mouth-watering appetizers to decadent desserts, Rubino also presents a brief history of cruise cuisine and port specialties, as well as authentic menus from some of the world’s most popular liners and luxury yachts.

14. Hey Kids! Let’s Visit a Cruise Ship

A colorful and engaging option for young readers, this book from Teresa Mills introduces cruises in exciting and entertaining ways. Filled with astonishing facts and plentiful photos, this book will answer every question young cruisers may have before they ever embark on their first cruise vacation, in ways that will help them understand and get excited about this type of getaway.

15. The Lost Art of Towel Origami

Bring a bit of cruise ship fun to your bookshelves by learning time-honored towel-folding techniques, courtesy of author Alison Jenkins. A history of towel folding is included, as well as photos and detailed instructions for a range of folded favorites: dogs, monkeys, swans, and elephants, as well as a delightful tropical palm tree that will add cruise ship ambience to all your towel folding adventures. More details of the book are here.

Also Read: Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

Which books about cruises are your favorites? Join Cruise Hive on Facebook to share your favorite titles and get reading suggestions from other passionate cruisers!

Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

We can’t always take every cruise we want, but whatever the reason for staying home, there are still fun and creative ways to enjoy cruising without ever setting sail!

Why Stay Home?

There are many reasons why you may not be able to cruise when you want to get away. Work, school, or family obligations can keep you land-bound, or you may not have the budget for the perfect cruise vacation you want.

You could have different health concerns, illnesses, or injuries that curtail your cruising, or worldwide health problems such as epidemics or pandemics might bring cruising to a halt. Civil unrest could cancel cruises, hurricanes can shorten a cruising season, or any number of other reasons can mean you can’t say bon voyage quite yet. But even if you have to stay on land, you can enjoy the spirit of the sea.

Enjoying Cruises at Home

It’s easy to get creative with an at-home cruise, and you can create fun for all ages with a cruise-theme without ever leaving an embarkation port.

Cruise-Themed Movies

Many great movies have incorporated cruises into their scenes and settings, from horror and thriller films to disaster movies, romance flicks, comedies, and family movies. Even if the movie might be about a sinking ship or other problem, you can still enjoy seeing glimpses of elegant restaurants, cozy staterooms, and public decks that can make you feel you’re right onboard each seagoing set. Some of the most popular cruise-related movies include:

  • Romance on the High Seas (1948)
  • Poseidon Adventure (1972)
  • Titanic (1997)
  • Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
  • Out to Sea (1997)
  • The Parent Trap (1998)
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

To really give your cruise movie night an onboard feel, consider playing it outdoors on a larger screen while lounging in the open air, just as you would on a ship’s pool deck for movies at sea. Don’t forget the popcorn!

Books About Cruises

If you’d rather paint pictures of cruises with your imagination, there are many great books about all aspects of cruising. You could go behind-the-scenes of the cruise industry with insider insights, historical accounts, or famous ship profiles, or visit your favorite ports-of-call with travel guides and historical accounts. Best of all, however, can be cruise-themed fiction, such as romances, mysteries, and thrillers set on cruise ships. Great cruise titles include:

Make the most of your cruise ship reading by enjoying each book outdoors on a sunny day, lounging in your favorite chair with tasty snacks at your side, just like you’re on your favorite lido deck.

Mixology Mastery

You don’t have to be onboard a cruise ship to indulge in the liquid libations of the high seas. Instead of calling on a bartender to mix your favorites, try stirring, shaking, and pouring your own cruise drinks. Different cocktail recipe books feature many familiar cruise drinks, and some cruise lines even publish their own featured recipes online. You can also seek out similar recipes from different websites, and experiment with each concoction to meet your own personalized tastes. Some of the most popular cruise drinks to mix up include:

  • Frozen margaritas
  • Martinis of different types
  • Fun Ship Special (Carnival Cruise Line)
  • Coco Loco (Royal Caribbean)
  • Kiss on the Lips (Carnival Cruise Line)
  • Mai Tai
  • Pina Colada
  • Bahama Mama
  • High Tide (Disney Cruise Line)
  • Rebellious Fish (Norwegian Cruise Line)

To give your homemade drinks that cruise ship vibe, use fun drink glasses, add slices of fresh fruit to the rims, and don’t forget the paper umbrellas!

Cruise Ship Dining at Home

You don’t need a cruise to enjoy the elegant meals of the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, or your favorite poolside fare. Think about the most memorable meals you’ve had onboard, and look online or in cookbooks for similar recipes such as warm chocolate melting cake, beef wellington, vegetarian lasagna, tiramisu, and other sweet and savory dishes. Taking time to learn the recipes can be rewarding when you have to stay home, and you can even tweak the recipes to your own tastes and preferences.

For more tasty fun, consider other culinary adventures, such as learning how to cut and carve fruits and vegetables, or how to plate different dishes in elegant and amazing ways. You can even theme a meal to your favorite destinations, such as adding key lime pie as dessert in celebration of Key West, turning Taco Tuesday into Cozumel Cuisine, or slow-roasting meats in spicy rubs for a Jamaican specialty.

Design a Cruise Slideshow

You’ve taken plenty of photos on every cruise, why not enjoy those photos again even if you can’t be on a new cruise at the moment? Create a cruise-themed slideshow, Powerpoint presentation, or video mashup to relive your favorite cruise memories and recall all the good times you’ve had onboard. You can even mix up photos from different ships and voyages to create your own custom dream itinerary.

With your presentation, don’t forget the cruise-themed music, such as Kokomo, Beyond the Sea, or Hot, Hot, Hot to add an audio component to your cruise memory fun.

Enjoy Cruise Activities

It doesn’t take a cruise director or entire staff of entertainers to create cruise-themed activities you can enjoy at home. You can create trivia contests (with prizes!) about your favorite television shows, books, and movies, or create a playlist for your own at-home dance party, complete with online instructional videos to learn crazy new moves.

Want a bigger challenge? Create a scavenger hunt like you’ve done on cruises, or use your own pool for a fun belly flop contest. You can create life-size board games the whole family can play, or enjoy cruise-themed crafts such as making scrapbook pages for your next cruise vacation, decorating photo frames for your favorite cruise photos, or designing your own silly sun hat.

Take Local Shore Tours

You may be surprised at how many unique and interesting options for tours and excursions exist in your own home town, and you can enjoy those cruise-like outings with no ship involved. Some quick research might reveal unique and quirky museums or monuments in your area, or you can visit zoos, aquariums, or wildlife sanctuaries.

Many communities have ropes courses, escape rooms, miniature golf courses, small waterparks, splashpads, and other activities to try. You can even find local tour companies that offer Segway, bike, or walking tours of your community, which can be a fun way to learn more about your home. They may even have themed option such as foodie tours or ghost walks.

Local kayak rentals, airboat rides, indoor climbing walls, horseback rides, ATV rentals, and other options might also be available much closer than you think, and you can enjoy every one of them without a cruise vacation.

The Best Option of All

When you can’t take a cruise, the very best solution could be booking your next cruise getaway! Research different ports of call and itineraries, study different cruise lines, and discover what features are coming up on new and renovated ships to plan your next seafaring vacation.

Even if the cruise must be months away, or even further, you can happily plan the getaway and have the fun anticipation that you will be setting sail again in the future.

Things to Know About the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama

Gillian Birch
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Things to Know About the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama

Mobile cruise terminal began as a home port for Carnival Caribbean cruises in 2001. The busy commercial port (12th busiest in the USA) now has a dedicated cruise terminal which provides state-of-the-art facilities and convenient on-site parking for cruisers. 

Well located for those living in the southern states, Mobile cruise port has proved popular for shorter 4- and 5-day cruises as well as longer itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean. Ports of call on cruises from Mobile, AL include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Limon (Costa Rica), Mahogany Bay (Roatan) and partial Panama Canal transits.

If you’re within easy driving distance of this northern Gulf port, check out the facts about the cruise ships, cruise parking, itineraries and amenities offered at Mobile cruise terminal before booking your next Caribbean cruise. Get ready to cast off and set sail!

Where is the Mobile Cruise Port?

The Port of Mobile is on the estuary of the Mobile River where it flows into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Although it is mainly a commercial port for cargo and container ships, the specially built Mobile cruise terminal is currently used for Caribbean cruises by Carnival Cruise Lines.

The port is located 59 miles west of Pensacola on the Florida Panhandle and a similar distance east of Biloxi, Mississippi. It is connected to both these major cities by the Interstate 10 highway. This makes Mobile cruise terminal very convenient for cruisers who live in any of the Gulf States and nearby cities including New Orleans, LA; Tallahassee (state capital of Florida); Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA.

How Big is Mobile Port, AL?

Mobile cruise terminal is part of the port’s 4,000 acre complex which has 5 miles of waterfront and 41 berths. The port includes an upper and a lower harbor which is currently used by cruise ships. It is the only deep-water port in Alabama with a main channel depth of 45 feet which can accommodate the largest post-Panamax ships. 

Facts about Mobile Cruise Terminal

The purpose-built cruise terminal in Mobile Port is spread over two levels connected by four elevators, escalators and stairs. It covers 66,000 square feet and has state-of-the-art security in place for checking cruise passengers and their baggage before departing on a Caribbean cruise. It is connected to a 4-story parking garage. An enclosed walkway/ramp leads from security and check-in directly onto the ship.

As the cruise terminal is on the edge of the downtown area, it has many hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions nearby. They are all within easy walking distance for cruisers with time to spare after parking while waiting to board the ship.

Facilities at Mobile Cruise Terminal

Porters

Those with mobility issues, young families, and anyone who needs assistance will appreciate that the terminal has porters on hand. They can help with luggage, give directions and provide any other help you may need during embarkation and disembarkation.

Wheelchairs

The terminal has a limited number of wheelchairs available. These can be requested from cruise staff when you arrive at the terminal. These wheelchairs are provided for transporting passengers to and from the ship, but they cannot be taken with you on a cruise. You need to make arrangements ahead of time to hire a wheelchair or scooter for the duration of your cruise from a private company such as Scootaround.

Restrooms at Mobile cruise terminal

There are several restrooms in the terminal close to check-in on the second floor of the Mobile cruise terminal. The first restrooms you will reach are at the top of the escalators on the left. Continue to the south end of the check-in area where there are larger restroom facilities with 10 stalls for women and 9 stalls for men. There is also a toilet on the first floor of the parking garage which is most accessible for those who are waiting in line to go through security.

Seating areas

Mobile cruise terminal has plenty of sitting areas, both indoors and outside. There are about 500 seats inside for those who are waiting to board. Inside the garage parking area there are benches to sit on. There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

Food and beverages

Apart from an independent beverage stand the cruise terminal at Mobile has no food or drinks options. However, you can make use of some of facilities at the neighboring attractions. Right next to the cruise terminal is The Galley, a waterfront dining venue attached to the Gulf Quest Maritime Museum. It is open to the public even if you are not visiting the museum. It serves tasty Southern snacks and light meals such as Po’boys, sweet potato fries, cheese grits along with a good choice of sandwiches and drinks.

Other dining options can be found a short walk away along Dauphin Street including sports bars and Moe’s BBQ. There’s also a Jimmy Johns sandwich bar on Royal Street and a Chick-fil-A on Francis St. For last minute cruise essential, try CVS or Greer’s Downtown Market, both on Government St.

Luggage storage

Unfortunately, Mobile cruise terminal has no facilities for storing luggage. If you arrive at the terminal before check-in has opened your only options are to leave your luggage in the car while you head into downtown for refreshments, or take your luggage with you.

Just to summarize the amenities at Mobile cruise terminal:

  • On-site parking: Yes
  • Porter service: Yes
  • Wheelchairs: Yes
  • Luggage storage: No
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Seating areas: Yes
  • ATM: No
  • Elevators: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Beverages: Yes, limited
  • Food/snacks: No
  • Shops: No

When the terminal is not required for processing cruise passengers, it is used as a wedding venue and for hosting banquets and other corporate events.

Getting to Mobile Cruise Terminal

Almost 95% of those who take a cruise out of Mobile, AL drive to the port and park their cars for the duration of the cruise.

Mobile, AL is connected to Biloxi, MS and Tallahassee, FL by the Interstate 10 highway. The port is just 1/2 mile from the I-10 (Exit 26A) and 5 miles from the I-65 (Exit 9) where the I-165 leads directly to Beauregard/N. Water St in downtown Mobile. Routes to the port and Mobile cruise terminal are clearly signposted.

Cruise Parking at Mobile Cruise Terminal

Mobile cruise terminal includes a covered parking garage with 500 parking spaces. It includes six lanes for drivers to drop off (and pick up) cruise passengers and their luggage before parking. From there, cruise passengers can walk a short distance to the screening area for check-in. Elevators are provided along with stairs.

On-site parking at Mobile cruise terminal currently costs $19 per day for regular vehicles; $36 for RVs and oversize vehicles and $54 per day for buses. It is slightly more expensive than some other cruise ports as it is on prime land on the waterfront and close to downtown.

Cruise parking reservations are not usually necessary at Mobile cruise terminal. However, you can make an online reservation for parking at Mobile port for peace of mind if you wish. Those who arrive without pre-booking cruise parking should follow the pre-pay information posted at the entrance to the parking garage.

If the garage is full, drivers will be directed to drop passengers and luggage and then proceed to the overflow parking lot near the Civic Center. This has free shuttle transport back to the cruise terminal.

For more information, read our comprehensive article dedicated to Essential Facts about Mobile Alabama Cruise Parking

Which Cruises Sail out of Mobile, AL?

Currently Mobile, AL is only used by Carnival Cruise Lines. Their ship, Carnival Fantasy, currently operates from Mobile during the winter season. It offers shorter mini cruises of 4 and 5 days in the Western Caribbean visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Yucatan (Progreso) in Mexico.

Longer 6-day cruises visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Mahogany Bay (Roatan) while 7-day cruises head to Cozumel, Grand Cayman. Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and San Juan (Puerto Rico) before returning to Mobile Port. 

Carnival also offers one-time adventure cruises from Mobile, AL including a 10-day Panama Canal cruise. This trip includes a partial transit through the amazing Panama Canal before visiting Limon (Costa Rica), Mahogany Bay (Roatan), Cozumel and then returning home to Mobile.

Another popular 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Mobile calls in at Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Cayman and Cozumel before arriving back in the Port of Mobile cruise terminal.

There are plans for the newer Carnival Fascination to replace the Fantasy in 2022.

Mobile Cruise Terminal Past, Present and Future

The first cruises sailed out of Mobile Port, AL in 2001. These cruises were with Carnival Cruise Lines who still operate out of this commercial deep-water port. These cruises from Mobile proved popular with travelers from the southern states. In fact, they became the fastest sellouts in Carnival’s cruise history.

The initial cruises proved to be a boost for the whole city of Mobile, bringing cruisers who dropped their dollars in hotels, cruise parking lots, restaurants and other local attractions before and after setting sail.

With this in mind, the city council invested $54,000 to develop the waterfront at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in readiness for a purpose-built cruise terminal. They had interest from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America cruise lines.

In 2004, the new cruise terminal was opened, costing somewhere between $10 and $20 million. It was the home port of Carnival’s Holiday cruise ship with itineraries mainly to Mexico showing 100% capacity.  

In 2007, Mobile won the coveted “Port of the Year” award from Carnival, based on excellent feedback from cruise passengers. In 2008, Carnival announced the Holiday would be replaced by the Fantasy in 2009. The city responded by promising a new gangway at Mobile cruise terminal and 450 more parking spots on-site.

In 2010, despite the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, the Mobile cruise industry had its best year ever

This continued until 2011 when Carnival decided not to operate their cruise ships (at that time the Elation) out of Mobile. The reason for their relocation to other cruise ports was the higher fuel costs involved in sailing from this northern Gulf port and the inability to raise ticket prices from this location.

From 2011 to 2016, Mobile port had no cruise ships based there. Unfortunately, it had invested heavily in developing the new Mobile cruise terminal and had accrued debts requiring $1.8 million repayments annually until 2030. Eventually Carnival signed a new contract, returning to Mobile cruise port.

More recently, Carnival signed a 3-year agreement with Mobile Port with plans to relocate the Carnival Fascination to the port in January 2022. She will replace the Fantasy, which is thought to be retiring from the fleet. This all looks good for the future of Carnival cruises continuing to use Mobile cruise terminal as a flourishing home port.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Mobile Cruise Terminal

What cruise lines leave from Mobile?

Currently the Port of Mobile cruise terminal only serves Carnival Cruise Lines and is the home port of Carnival Fantasy.

Where do you park when going on a Mobile cruise?

There is plenty of covered parking at Mobile cruise terminal with prices from $19 per day. On-site cruise parking at Mobile Port is located at 201 S. Water Street, Mobile AL 36602. From there it’s a short walk to the terminal.

How far is the cruise port from Mobile Airport?

Mobile Regional Airport is 13 miles from Mobile cruise port. Allow at least 30 minutes for the journey by taxi, hotel shuttle service or rental car, and up to an hour when traffic is heavy.

How large is the Port of Mobile, Alabama?

The Port of Mobile covers an area of over 4,000 acres and is the only deep-water port in Alabama. It is the USA’s 12th largest port based on tonnage. It has two harbors and 41 berths handling mainly container ships, coal, aluminum, lumber, paper, iron, steel, grain, paper, heavy lift and oversize cargo.

Here Is How to Get the Best Deal on a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Here Is How to Get the Best Deal on a Cruise

With gourmet restaurants, relaxing spas, stunning entertainment, glitzy décor, and exotic destinations, cruises can be the ultimate luxury vacations. You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy an amazing cruise, however. These easy tips can help you get the best deal on a cruise no matter what your vacation budget may be.

Cruise Prices Can Be Confusing

When you start looking at cruise prices, you can quickly get overwhelmed with different deals, special sales, bargains for certain sailings, package promotions, bonus offers, limited time discounts, and other pricing ploys. So how can you be sure you’re getting the best deal? These 10 simple tricks can help you find substantial savings for any cruise.

1. Research Your Trip First

What do you want from your cruise vacation, other than the best price? Before you get pulled in by cheap prices, consider what matters most to you for a great getaway. Are you interested in visiting certain ports of call? While there, do you want to spend a full day in port or will just a few hours be enough? Do you want to sail with a specific cruise line? Does your vacation need to be on a special date such as a birthday or anniversary?

The more flexible you can be with your options the better prices you will be able to find, but you don’t want to compromise on what matters most for your unforgettable cruise getaway.

2. Know When Cruises Are Cheapest

The same cruise – same ship, same destinations – can have very different prices at different times of year. In general, cruises tend to be cheapest in fall (September and October) and late winter (January and February). At these times, more people are at work and kids are in school, and there are fewer holidays to take advantage of. Be aware of local and regional holidays, however, which can dramatically impact pricing.

A Caribbean cruise may be cheaper in fall when schools are in session and hurricanes can impact sailings, for example, but a New England and Canada cruise may be most expensive at the same time because fall foliage is peaking. Similarly, cruises in Asia are often more expensive in late January and early February during Chinese New Year when more people are on holiday.

3. Book Early, But Not Too Early

Most cruise lines do not offer significant last-minute savings. While there are occasional last-minute deals, especially for weekend cruises, those sailings are often nearly full and there won’t be as much choice in cabins. Instead, book your cruise earlier – several months in advance – for the best pricing as well as the best choice of cabins.

Also Read: How to Get a Good Deal On Your Next Cruise

Similarly, there is no great advantage in booking more than a year in advance, except for very special or limited cruises. Seasonal cruises such as voyages to Alaska or Antarctica, for example, don’t operate year-round and they will fill up much more quickly, and maiden voyages of the newest vessels are always sought-after. For the best prices, it is wise to book those cruises a year in advance or even further if possible.

4. Consider Group Rates

If you want to set sail with family members and friends, investigate group rates through a travel agent or directly with the cruise line. Some lines will offer discounts if at least 5-6 cabins are booked, and the savings can be even greater with larger groups. The total savings will depend on the number of passengers and how many cabins are needed.

It isn’t always necessary to choose the same types of cabins to qualify for a group rate, and some lines may even offer a free fare or two if a certain number of cabins are part of the group. Even if you aren’t in a group, ask a travel agent if they’re booking for any large groups and you may be able to take advantage of similar rates to help meet the group’s quota so everyone gets better deals.

5. Look Closely at Packages

Many cruise lines offer bargain bundles that may include airfare, shore excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, spa treatments, or other items. These items are often discounted as part of the offer, but if they’re not deals you’d be interested in using anyway, then it isn’t a good price for you. Do the math carefully to decide if it would be better for you to purchase just what you want or need separately, or if you’d rather just skip the deals altogether for even better savings.

6. Choose Your Ship Carefully

Newer, larger ships with fancier features – robot bartenders, roller coasters, exclusive restaurants, floating breweries, skydiving simulators, go-karts, snow grottos, escape rooms, etc. – often have higher fares because of the popularity of these new and exciting options.

Older or smaller ships with fewer features will typically have cheaper overall fares, but they still offer amazing service, stunning ports of call, and many tried-and-true onboard favorites. Check when ships were most recently renovated and browse through deck plans to see what different ships offer. Comparing ship options with overall prices can help you find the best deal with the features you’re most excited about.

7. Compare Stateroom Costs

Every cruise ship has many different stateroom categories, from basic interior cabins to oceanview options, balconies of different sizes, and luxury suites with exclusive amenities. There can be great variations in what these staterooms cost, and even two very similar cabins may be priced differently depending on where they are on the ship or what views they offer. Cabins that are more convenient to public areas and on higher decks, for example, often cost more than cabins further away on lower decks.

Check deck plans for cabin locations and where stairs, elevators, and promenades are located to choose a cabin in the best location for the best price, and beware of “obstructed” “partial” or “limited” view cabins if having a sweeping view is important for you.

8. Ask About Personal Discounts

Cruise lines often have special discounts for veterans or active military members, emergency response personnel, senior citizens, or even residents of particular states. Some lines may also offer student discounts, special rates for teachers, or other discounts.

If you have special circumstances or affiliations, it doesn’t hurt to ask about available discounts and you might be able to find a great deal. If you have sailed with the cruise line previously, even if your last cruise was years ago, you may qualify for special past passenger rates as well.

9. When You Find a Good Price, Book!

When you find a price you are comfortable with, take advantage of it and book your vacation. If you wait the prices are likely to change, and may go up based on the cruise’s popularity, time of year, or other circumstances such as ship redeployments or itinerary adjustments.

The longer you wait to book your cruise, the more cabins will be sold and the less choice you’ll have for the stateroom you want. If you wait too long, you may not be able to get on the cruise at all, at any price.

10. Watch – And Use! – Price Drops

After you’ve booked your cruise, check the rates for remaining cabins once or twice a week to see if the price drops. If there is a drop on the same type of cabin you’ve already booked, you can call the cruise line and ask for a refund of the additional fare.

It may be refunded back to you, or you could be given onboard credit to use during your vacation. Either way, you will still be able to take advantage of the savings, but you won’t know unless you’re paying attention and ask for the price guarantee.

There are many different ways to find the best deal on a cruise, and savvy travelers will take advantage of different options to get their dream vacation without a nightmare price. Don’t forget to keep on saving before your cruise and while you’re onboard, and even the most amazing cruise won’t break your bank!

What to Expect on a Small Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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What to Expect on a Small Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean International is well known for its massive, innovative ships filled with state-of-the-art exciting attractions, from bionic bartenders and surfing simulators to ice rinks, rock climbing walls, open structure promenades, towering slides, zip lines, bumper cars, and so much more. But while the biggest ships dominate headlines, brochures, and commercials with all their glitz and glamor, what should passengers expect on smaller ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet?

Defining Big and Small

Big and small are relative distinctions when it comes to comparing cruise ships, and an individual ship’s gross tonnage does not necessarily mean it will feel “big” or “small” onboard. Considering passenger capacity is another way to determine the size of a cruise ship, and in general, ships that accommodate greater numbers of passengers are larger and more elaborate than ships with smaller passenger manifests.

Majesty of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

Whether you consider gross tonnage, passenger capacity, overall length, or several other metrics, however, at least four of the 10 largest cruise ships in the world are Royal Caribbean ships, and even larger ships are already on order or under construction for the fleet. Yet not all Royal Caribbean ships are massive behemoths, and their smaller vessels include:

  • Empress of the Seas – 48,563 gross tons, 1,840 passenger capacity
  • Majesty of the Seas – 74,007 gross tons, 2,350 passenger capacity
  • Vision-class ships (Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas) – 73,800-82,900 gross tons, 2,400-2,700 passenger capacities
  • Radiance-class ships (Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Jewel of the Seas) – 90,090 gross tons, 2,100 passenger capacities

Compare those smaller ships to the largest of the Royal Caribbean fleet, the Oasis-class ships – Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas – which each boast 225,282-228,081 gross tons and can serve 6,360-6,687 passengers at full capacity – and it’s easy to tell which ships are biggest and smallest.

Sailing on a Small Royal Caribbean Ship

It is no surprise that the largest ships in any cruise ship fleet, including Royal Caribbean, are home to the newest, most innovative features and have a greater number of dining options, entertainment venues, and activity choices. That does not mean, however, that smaller ships are at all lacking or deliver a less enjoyable cruise vacation experience.

Also Read: A Simple Guide on Royal Caribbean Ships by Size

While a smaller Royal Caribbean ship may initially be disappointing if a guest has been enthralled with advertisements and is expecting all the bells and whistles of the latest media commercials, even the smallest ships in the fleet offer plenty of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment.

Food and Drink

All the Royal Caribbean International ships, from its smallest to largest, are home an array of dining options including the diverse Windjammer Marketplace buffet, the full-service main dining rooms, and an extensive room service menu.

The more luxurious Chops Grille steakhouse is also featured on most of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships, and more casual options such as Sorrento’s pizzeria, coffee bars, and soft-serve ice cream are also widely available. Different bars featuring specialty drinks and exclusive wine lists are also found across the fleet, regardless of ship size, allowing all passenger to raise a glass and make a toast to a fabulous cruise.

Entertainment

The size of the ship does not impact the quality of the entertainment on Royal Caribbean cruises, and each ship features a live house band or show orchestra to provide exquisite musical accompaniment to shows and premiere performances.

Live DJs also spin tunes for dance parties and smaller venues, including energetic, interactive game shows such as the line’s insanely popular Crazy Quest. Other onboard activities on each ship, large or small, include themed trivia contests, dance lessons, informative lectures, movies, and more.

Spas

The Vitality Spa is a feature of all Royal Caribbean ships, and while smaller ships may have fewer treatment rooms and appointment availabilities, they still offer world-class pampering options for every passenger.

Different types and lengths of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, acupuncture treatments, and medi-spa options such as Ionithermie wraps, smile-whitening, and more are available onboard. Each ship also has a fitness center offering the latest aerobic equipment, weight machines, and different fitness and wellness classes.

Features

While smaller Royal Caribbean ships may not have every feature of the larger vessels, each ship does have at least some of the amazing options available for passengers to enjoy. Even the smallest ships in the fleet have pools and multiple whirlpools, as well as children’s play areas.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Open Deck
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

Casinos, arcades, karaoke bars, and rock climbing walls are present on all Royal Caribbean ships, and passengers can also find more casual onboard fun such as ping pong tables, shuffleboard courts, and quiet spaces like libraries and card rooms to explore and enjoy.

Service

Ship size has no impact on the quality of service to be found across the Royal Caribbean fleet, and all staff members – bartenders, stewards, wait staff, chefs, hostesses, entertainers, etc. – are trained to exacting standards to provide superior service for all guests on all ships.

Guest services staff members are on hand 24/7 to address any problems or concerns, and security staff members are available in case of disturbances. In fact, many cruise staff members on smaller ships pride themselves on providing the best service of all, knowing that their ships may not always make the best impression on passengers, but their service can turn any cruise into an outstanding experience.

Destinations

The smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships still sail to some of the largest, most popular destinations throughout the world with voyages ranging from 3-15 nights. Depending on the ship and season, smaller ships can be found at such amazing ports as the Bahamas, Cozumel, Key West, St. Lucia, Costa Maya, Belize, Honduras, Panama, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, Bermuda, Barbados, New England, Canada, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey.

The fleet’s smaller vessels also regularly call at Cococay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas, featuring an amazing water park, beautiful beaches, and amazing one-of-a-kind attractions exclusively for Royal Caribbean passengers to enjoy.

Should You Sail on a Large or Small Ship?

Ultimately, sailing on a large or small ship is a personal preference every cruise traveler should explore. Royal Caribbean International offers amazing options on ships of every size, and while larger ships may be more bustling with exotic features, smaller ships often offer a more intimate, cozy experience that still excels as a relaxing and memorable cruise vacation.

Popular Carnival Cruise Line Burger Venue Voted the Best

Emrys Thakkar
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Popular Carnival Cruise Line Burger Venue Voted the Best

Guy’s Burger Joint which is a popular burger venue across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, has won the 2019 Cruise Ship Awards by Cruise Hive readers.

Guy’s Burger Joint Wins!

Guy’s Burger Joint, which is featured on Carnival cruise ships, has received more votes than seven other dining venues from six different cruise lines. The was up against another of Guy’s restaurants named Pig Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse also from Carnival which came in second place along with Cagney’s Steakhouse from Norwegian Cruise Line, Giovanni’s Table from Royal Caribbean, Johnny Rockets also from Royal Caribbean, Salty Dog Gastropub from Princess Cruises, Butcher’s Cut from MSC Cruises and Pinnacle Grill from Holland America Line.

Guy's Burger Joint
Photo By: Carnival Cruise Line

Related: 10 Things About Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Cruise Line

The burger venue was first introduced as part of the FUN 2.0 enhancements to Carnival Liberty in 2011. She was the first ship to feature Guy’s Burger Joint and since then has become an essential part of the Carnival dining experience.

Guy’s Burger Joint offers tasty roadside burgers right off the grill and guests can choose from a range of different toppings. More recently the cruise line has started testing a breakfast venue too which you can read about right here. The venue is perfect for spending a day at the pool on the lido deck and is free.

Full Results

In second place was Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse which can only be found on the Carnival Horizon and the new Carnival Panorama. The dedicated BBQ venue which also features an onboard brewery is a must-experience venue for Carnival guests where they can enjoy exclusive beers, good BBQ food, and music.

The well known Giovanni’s Table from Royal Caribbean came in third place and the restaurant has long been a favorite across the fleet. Guests can enjoy Italian classic dishes including Risotto, Bolognese and more.

Here is the full order of results and please note that this is only according to Cruise Hive readers who voted in the 2019 awards, the general view in the cruise industry could be a lot different.

  1. Guy’s Burger Joint (Carnival Cruise Line)
  2. Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival Cruise Line)
  3. Giovanni’s Table (Royal Caribbean)
  4. Cagney’s Steakhouse (Norwegian Cruise Line)
  5. Johnny Rockets (Royal Caribbean)
  6. Salty Dog Gastropub (Princess Cruises)
  7. Butcher’s Cut (MSC Cruises)
  8. Pinnacle Grill (Holland America Line)

Cruise Ship Awards

In these awards which opened up for voting in mid-September, 2019 were only according to Cruise Hive readers who were able to vote just once in each category. Any repeat IPs or suspicious votes were not included in the final result.

Carnival Cruise Line has dominated this year’s awards compared to previous years when it was more mixed. You can check all the announced results of the 2019 Cruise Ship Awards below and we would like to thank everyone who voted.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon-Class is Most Anticipated Future Class Cruise Ship

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Royal Caribbean’s Icon-Class is Most Anticipated Future Class Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s future Icon-class has won “Most Anticipated Future Class Cruise Ship” of 2019 in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards.

Icon-Class Receives the Most Votes

The future Icon-class from Royal Caribbean has revied more votes than four other future class cruise ships in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards. Cruise Hive readers voted and the new class came out on top over future class ships from Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Dream Cruises.

So the Icon-class is a completely new generation of ship which will be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and constructed at the popular Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The cruise line has ordered a total of three Icon-class vessels to be delivered in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Each ship will be around 200,000 gross tons making them in the top 10 largest cruise ships in the world.

Related: Royal Caribbean Orders Another Icon Class Cruise Ship

No specific details have yet been revealed about the first Icon class which is arriving in 2022 including the design, itineraries and onboard features. Until then, we’ve still got Odyssey of the Seas coming in 2020 as the second Quantum Ultra class ship and then the massive Wonder of the Seas which will be part of the Oasis-class vessels coming in 2021.

Full Results

  1. Icon-Class (Royal Caribbean)
  2. New Generation LNG-Class (Princess Cruises)
  3. Leonardo-Class (Norwegian Cruise Line)
  4. World-Class (MSC Cruises)
  5. Global-Class (Dream Cruises)

In second place came the new generation LNG powered cruise ships from Princess Cruises. We don’t know much about the new class just yet but they could have a similar design to the other new LNG ships ordered by parent company Carnival Corporation. Two are currently on order for Princess Cruises and they will be constructed by Fincantieri at the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy at 175,000 gross tons. They will be delivered in 2023 and 2025.

In third place came the new Leonardo-class from Norwegian Cruise Line and a total of six ships in the class have already been ordered with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. We are expecting the vessel to be slightly similar to the Seaside Class which has been built for MSC Cruises. We don’t know anything else about the new class apart from they will be 140,000 gross tons, not powered by LNG and being delivered in 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027.

In fourth place came the future World-Class from MSC Cruises which is the fastest-growing cruise line in the world. The cruise line has ordered three of these mega-ships which will have a gross tonnage of 205,700 making them the third-largest in the world after the new Global-class which we mention below. There is also an option for another one. The world-class will be constructed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) being delivered in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

In fifth place with the least amount of votes from Cruise Hive readers came the future Global-class from Asia-based Dream Cruises. The first of these mega-ships are currently under construction at MV Werften in Germany. The first of these named Global Dream will be delivered in 2021 and the second in 2022. They will be 208,000 gross tons making them the second largest in the world. They will even feature the longest Roller Coasters at sea!

Cruise Ship Awards

The Cruise Ship Awards opened up for voting in mid-September and now in its sixth year. Cruise Hive readers have only been able to cast their votes once in each category and any repeat IPs have not counted along with any suspicious votes. Do note that the result is only according to Cruise Hive readers and may not be the general view in the industry.

Here are all the results we’ve announced for the 2019 awards so far:

Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2019

Emrys Thakkar
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Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Cruise Line of 2019

Carnival Cruise Line has been voted as “Best Cruise Line of 2019” in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards. Carnival was up against 11 other cruise operators.

Carnival Cruise Line Voted Best Two Year’s Running

Miami-based Carnival Cruise Line has been voted as the best according to Cruise Hive readers in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards. The cruise line received more votes than 11 other lines and this is now the second consecutive year Carnival has won the category.

The cruise line, which was founded by Ted Arison in 1972, was up against many other major cruise lines, including main rival Royal Caribean, along with Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Carnival is growing strong and in 2019 welcomed the completely transformed Carnival Sunrise and the third Vista-class cruise ship named Carnival Panorama.

Also Read: Easy Guide on Carnival Ships by Age

The cruise line is the largest in the world and currently has a fleet of 27 ships with the oldest currently being Carnival Fantasy which entered service in 1990. In 2020, Carnival’s largest-ever cruise ship, Mardi Gras, will join the fleet and take Carnival into a new era of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered vessels.

Full Results

Carnival Cruise Line dominated the votes as Royal Caribbean was in a far behind second-place just like in 2018. The cruise line, which is also based in Miami, had a busy year by welcoming the first Quantum Ultra class cruise ship, Spectrum of the Seas, and upgrading several large vessels, such as Oasis of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

However, it has not all been smooth sailing with the sad news of the passing of Royal Caribbean founder Edwin W. Stephan at 87 years old. The cruise line currently has 27 ships in the fleet, with the new Odyssey of the Seas making it 27 in 2020.

In third place, just like last year, was Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been growing steadily and had a busy 2019 too. The cruise line currently has 17 ships in the fleet, including the new Norwegian Encore, which entered service in 2019 as the final Breakaway-class ship.

Those were the top three in the category, which included a total of 12 major cruise lines around the world. Here is the full order of the results:

  1. Carnival Cruise Line
  2. Royal Caribbean
  3. Norwegian Cruise Line
  4. MSC Cruises
  5. Princess Cruises
  6. Celebrity Cruises
  7. Disney Cruise Line
  8. Holland America Line
  9. Viking Cruises
  10. P&O Cruises
  11. Cunard Line
  12. Costa Cruises

Cruise Ship Awards 2019

This is the sixth annual Cruise Ship Awards and we would like to thanks all those readers who took the time to cast their vote. Readers have only been able to make one vote in each category.

More From Cruise Hive

Any repeat IPs or suspicious votes were not counted in the final result. Do note that these results are only according to Cruise Hive readers and may not be the general industry view.

Port Canaveral Voted Best Cruise Homeport in the United States

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Port Canaveral Voted Best Cruise Homeport in the United States

Port Canaveral in Florida has been voted as the best cruise ship homeport in the United States. The port was up against 13 others in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards.

Port Canaveral Voted as Best in the U.S.

Port Canaveral, which is the world’s second-busiest cruise port has come out on top in the 2019 Cruise Ship Awards. The port received the most amount of votes from Cruise Hive readers and has won the “Best Cruise Ship U.S. Homeport” category.

The port was up against 13 other homeports in the United States, including the nearby cruise capital of the world, PortMiami, and the popular Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Other major hubs such as Galveston, Tampa, New Orleans, and New York were also in the category.

Port Director and CEO Capt. John Murray stated:

Our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our cruise partners and guests has helped us earn this prestigious distinction.

We are very proud and thank Cruise Hive readers for recognizing our efforts.

Port Canaveral is growing fast and right now a new Cruise Terminal 3 is being constructed to cater to the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Mardi Gras vessel operated by Carnival Cruise Line. The Disney Cruise terminal is also to be renovated to cater for the larger Disney ships. The port has become a major hub for the industry since first welcoming cruise ships in 1972.

Full Results

It was actually a close battle at the top with Port Canaveral receiving just a handful more votes than PortMiami from Cruise Hive readers. The cruise skyline of Miami is also changing fast with a new modern Royal Caribbean terminal already built, a new Norwegian Cruise Line terminal under construction, a new double berth MSC Cruises terminal to be constructed, a new Virgin Voyages facility and even an upgraded Carnival Cruise Line terminal being planned.

In a faraway third place came Port Everglades which is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The port just recently broke its own record with 55,964 passengers in a single day! With even larger ships on the way, it will just be a matter of time until it’s broken again. In fourth place came the highest non-Florida-based port of Galveston in Texas which recently celebrated its one-millionth cruise passenger.

Here are the full results in this year’s Best Cruise Ship U.S. Homeport:

  1. Port Canaveral, Florida
  2. PortMIAMI, Florida
  3. Port Everglades, Florida
  4. Port of Galveston, Texas
  5. Port of Tampa, Florida
  6. Port of New Orleans, Louisiana
  7. Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York
  8. Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey
  9. Port of Long Beach, California
  10. Port of Charleston, South Carolina
  11. Port of Jacksonville, Florida
  12. Port of Baltimore, Maryland
  13. Port of Seattle, Washington
  14. Port of Mobile, Alabama

This is the first time we’ve done this category as part of the sixth annual Cruise Ship Awards. There were thousands of votes by Cruise Hive readers who were only able to vote once in each category. Any repeat IPs or suspicious votes were not counted as part of the final result. Do note that the results only reflect our readers and may not necessarily be the general consensus.

Thanks to everyone who voted in this year’s awards which opened up in mid-September 2019. So far, Carnival Cruise Line has dominated by already winning several categories. Still more to come!

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