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

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

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

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruises Cancelled

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

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

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Gillian Birch
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How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

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

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

As you would expect of any leading city, the airport is modern and efficient. It offers a good range of transport options to get to downtown Vancouver and the cruise port.

Taxis

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

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

Limousine Meet and Greet

To start your Alaskan cruise in style, book a private limousine to take you and your luggage in opulent comfort from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SkyTrain connects Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

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

Canada Line routes

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

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

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

Frequency/times

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

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

SkyTrain fares

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

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

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

How to pay for SkyTrain shuttle transport

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

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

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

Cruise Line Shuttles

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

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

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

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

Car Rentals

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

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

Disabled Facilities at Vancouver Airport and Cruise Port

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

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

Vancouver Airport

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

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

Cruise Port

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

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

6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

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

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

Anyone Means Anyone

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

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

How to Get a Free Cruise

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

Timeshare Presentations

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

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

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

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

Sweepstakes

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

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

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

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

Credit Card Points

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

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

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

Group Leaders

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

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

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

Onboard Lecturers

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury Purchases

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

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

How Free Is Free?

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

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

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

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

Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

Melissa Mayntz
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Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

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

What Is a Guaranteed Stateroom?

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

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

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

What a Guaranteed Cabin Isn’t

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

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

Guarantee Upgrades Aren’t Guaranteed

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

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

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

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

When a Guaranteed Cabin Is a Great Idea

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

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

Don’t Book a Guaranteed Cabin If…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Much Can You Save?

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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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