Did you know that there are approximately 6,670 world records that include LEGOs? Now you know!
MSC Cruises just became one of those record holders by assembling the longest line of LEGO ships ever recorded.
While underway from Saint-Nazaire, France, to Miami, Florida, the crew on the all-new MSC World America set the ship’s first world record and the cruise line’s 40th.
In total, 1,391 LEGO ships were constructed and connected, making a line spanning 291 feet.
To put into perspective just how long this is, this display went all the way from the ship’s World Galleria on Deck 6 from aft to forward. In simpler terms, that is almost as long as a football field!
With the efforts of over 1,000 crew involved, the mini LEGO ships took an average of five minutes to complete. While this event only lasted under two hours, the collective time spent building by the crew was a staggering 116 hours.
Also involved was MSC World America Captain Master Dino Sagani and a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator to make sure the record was properly recorded.
The previous record was held by a shipping company in 2016 when they built a 12,035-meter-long LEGO ship, but this was only one single ship.
The new record is unique, as it is the first time a continuously connected group of LEGO ships has ever been constructed at such a large scale.
Starting in 2024, MSC Cruises announced plans to roll out their new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS entertainment program to their entire fleet — 16 will have it by May, and the rest by the end of 2025.
MSC World America LEGO Record
Matteo Mancini, the Family Entertainment Development Director for MSC Cruises, also commented on the unique collaboration between the cruise line and LEGO, sharing that there is more in store for passengers than they might think.
“On MSC World America we will offer three weekly, multigenerational and unmissable entertainment experiences with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ™,” Mancinishared, adding, “we will have the first LEGO® Parade and LEGO® Game Show in the cruise industry.”
Clearly, with so many records already being set it promises to be an exciting year for guests and crew!
Building New Experiences for Passengers
MSC Cruises and LEGO started their partnership in October 2014, but they are now working to expand their offering more than ever to bring exciting new opportunities to passengers.
The two companies have already worked on enhancing the onboard kids and teen clubs by integrating LEGO-themed decorations and activities.
With the opportunity to collaborate even further on the newest ship in the fleet, there will now be LEGO parades once every cruise as well as a special game show for the children’s programs hosted by the mascots Doremi and Sailor.
LEGO Record on MSC World America
Additionally, MSC Cruises revealed that its newest ship will include a LEGO Family Zone, where families can build for free at any time during the cruise!
These new offerings will all be debuting on the 6,762 passenger MSC World America, which is set to take its inaugural voyage on April 12, 2025.
Before that on April 9, 2025, the ship will have its official naming ceremony, and will hold a quick 3-day cruise for members of the media and press.
As this collaboration has expanded, it has given life to the cruise line’s mission of being extremely family-friendly. These changes were quite literally inspired by feedback given by the younger audience, proving their voice does matter!
Worried that you are going to miss out? Do not worry, LEGO activities are currently available at some level on all of MSC Cruises ships.
Just make sure to wear some shoes so you do not step on them!
Fries (or chips if you’re British) are a ubiquitous side dish for fast casual food, whether they’re alongside burgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, or chicken tenders. But what condiment provides the best topping for your fries?
Inquiring Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassadors want to know.
John Heald’s inquiry follows a recent guest aboard Carnival Dream (homeported year-round from Galveston, Texas) and how upset they were that their preferred fry topping was not as available as they would have preferred.
“Mayonnaise is the #1 thing us Texans [like] to put on French Fries but y’all hide it away like gold dust,”the guest colorfully described.“There should be a pot of Duke’s mayo on every table at the Dream’s buffet. There’s not. Why!”
Duke’s Mayonnaise is the third-largest brand of mayonnaise in the US. In comparison to other brands, it has no added sugar and uses more egg yolks as well as apple cider vinegar, giving it a tangier taste than many people expect. Invented in 1917, it has quite a fan following, especially in southern states.
Mayonnaise may not be the first thing all cruise travelers reach for when they are about to enjoy a plate of fries, but for those who do want the tangy topping, Heald clarified where mayo is available onboard.
“There is mayo available on the buffet line, at the serving areas for the Deli and Guy’s Burgers, and you can always ask the crew if you need help,”he noted.
Heald goes on to ask about top toppings, sharing his own assumptions about the king of condiments (and a very bad pun).
“I thought ketchup was the number one condiment but Hell Man – what do I know,”he said.“Complete the blank – I put … on my fries.”
More than 3,100 commenters have chimed in with surprising results.
While ketchup is definitely a front-runner in the unofficial survey, Carnival cruise guests have some interesting choices for what they will use for dips or toppings on fries.
Spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, sour cream, hot sauce, ranch dressing, steak sauce, and even truffle or garlic aioli all have their proponents, along with classics such as chili, cheese, barbecue sauce, and malt vinegar.
More Texans have also joined in with their thoughts on the best fry condiments in the Lone Star State.
“Everyone knows most Texans want salsa on their French fries,”one commenter noted (but without a lot of agreement from others).
Many others note that they’re from Texas and have never seen anyone use mayonnaise on their fries, nor would they try the taste combination themselves.
My own preference for the most flavorful fries? Salt. Too much salt, but I’m on vacation. I will not, however, agree with the person who insists that ice cream is a perfect French fry topping or anyone who thinks fries should be dipped in milkshakes.
The Great Ketchup Debate
Surprisingly, this is not the first time that condiments have been of great concern for Carnival cruisers.
In November 2024, when Carnival Cruise Line announced an expanded late-night snack menu, one concerned guest questioned Heald about the availability of ketchup.
“Will these bottles be on every table or do we have to scavenge for them like we do our Platinum freebies?”the guest asked, referencing the fact that VIFP loyalty gifts must be picked up and are no longer delivered to guests’ staterooms.
Furthermore, the guest went on to note that catsup was not acceptable and that ketchup is the only reasonable option.
To be clear, Carnival Cruise Line serves Heinz ketchup. While the brand may matter to some discerning guests, the spelling should not – both ketchup and catsup are simply different spellings for the same condiment.
In a frightening incident in Mombasa, Kenya on Sunday, March 31, 2025, a group of 50 youths attacked cruise guests from Crystal Symphony and stole their valuables. This has led to the ship cancelling the port visit and abruptly departing rather than risk any further difficulties.
According to The Standard, the incident happened at the iconic Pembe za Ndovu (Swahili for “elephant tusks”) on Moi Avenue. The monument is four stylized tusks arranged in an “M” and commemorates visits from the British royal family.
While no injuries have been reported, local police and county officials increased their presence in the area to deter any further disruptions.
Furthermore, official also boarded Crystal Symphony to formally apologize for the incident.
“Officers from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the ship to apologize for the attack and assure the tourists,”a KTB officer said.
The advisory notes that violent crime and incidents such as mugging are frequent, including crimes committed from motorcycles that permit thieves to escape quickly.
“Handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are the most stolen items,”the advisory reads.
The advisory also stresses that local police are often unable to respond effectively to various crimes and other emergency services are likewise limited, including in tourist areas.
While Mombasa is not specifically noted as an area of concern in Kenya, all travelers should remain alert to possible problems and take extra steps to stay safe when visiting.
Fortunately for cruise travelers, the visit from Crystal Symphony is the last one scheduled for the 2025 season in Kenya. The next ship to visit Mombasa will be when Crystal Symphony returns in January 2026 for an overnight visit.
Few other cruise lines visit the African destination, but calls are scheduled with Azamara Cruises, Viking Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Mombasa is not a frequent port stop, which makes it all the more desirable for unique and exotic itineraries, the exact type of sailings luxury cruise travelers crave.
Crystal Symphony is currently sailing a 25-night one-way cruise from Mumbai, India to Cape Town, South Africa. The cruise began on Tuesday, March 18 and will conclude on Saturday, April 12. A total of 1,169 passengers and crew are aboard.
The ship has already successfully – and safely – called on ports in India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Seychelles. Still to come are destinations in Tanzania and South Africa, including an overnight in Cape Town at the end of the voyage.
Are Cruise Ports Growing More Dangerous?
It can be alarming for cruise fans to see more and more news stories about violence, muggings, and dangerous accidents in various ports of call.
This does not mean, however, that cruise travel is inherently any more dangerous than any other sort of travel.
While many different destinations are under elevated travel advisories, including such popular ports as Nassau in The Bahamas, cruises remain a very safe way to see the world.
Cruise lines carefully monitor travel advisories and local reports at all the destinations they visit. While it is not common to adjust cruise itineraries for safety reasons, they will not hesitate to do so in order to safeguard their guests, crew members, and port communities.
Even at sea ships take measures to ensure guests’ safety from any sort of violence. Cunard Line’s new Queen Anne, for example, recently reduced exterior lighting and closed outdoor decks overnight while sailing through pirate-prone waters in the Philippines during her 111-night maiden world cruise.
Many cruisers may believe size matters for their travel plans – larger ships typically have more specialty restaurants, more activities onboard, and more venues to enjoy. Larger staterooms can be more luxurious, and even larger (longer) itineraries can offer more ports to experience.
But does the size of the television in one’s cabin make that much of a difference?
To one Carnival guest, the answer is a resounding yes – so much so that they reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, to express their disappointment.
“DH and I had an awesome time on the Freedom but WTH is up with these tiny TVs?”the guest asked.“The computer monitor I am viewing while I type this is larger than the TV was. I would guess around 40-42 inches would be a minimum for most normal cruisers.”
Okay, I’m a “normal” cruiser and have never been bothered in the slightest by the size of the stateroom television, even as deteriorating eyesight might make it more challenging to watch without my glasses. I’m not on a cruise to watch television, but of course some travelers prefer quiet time watching shows or movies.
“Most other lines we have cruised with … have 50 inch TVs in every stateroom,”the guest continued.“This didn’t spoil our cruise experience as we chose not to let it but it will be a dealbreaker next time we choose a ship.”
Would the size of the stateroom television be a “dealbreaker” for travelers? Carnival’s booking engine does not list television sizes with stateroom details, so how would one even know prior to booking what size the screen might be?
Heald does respond to the guest’s concern by asking other travelers whether or not their TV screens were large enough, of course with his characteristic wit.
“Thank goodness this guest didn’t go all Mick Jagger and rip the TV off the cabin wall and throw it in the swimming pool on Lido,”he quipped.“Anyway, was your TV screen big enough on your last cruise?”
Many commenters – Heald has more than 600,000 followers on his Facebook page – noted that they don’t watch much, if any, television while on a cruise.
Other cruisers agree that the TVs do occasionally seem small, especially just after ships have returned from dry dock upgrades but still have relatively puny televisions.
TV in Carnival Cruise Cabin (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Depending on the ship and sailing, larger televisions can also be very welcome.
“They could use some bigger TVs, Especially for those [rough], wet, cold sea days when not much is going on and you can’t be outside,”one guest noted.
Guests also commented on their favorite “channels” – often the ship’s bow view or the location channel with the ship’s speed, wind directions, and other information.
“Watching the ocean is a much better scene,”one guest noted about the real-life views.
Other Television Options Onboard
Guests on Carnival cruises aren’t limited to just watching television in their staterooms, no matter what the size of the screen.
There are often larger screens and multi-screen setups in different bars and lounges onboard. During a June 2024 cruise aboard Carnival Celebration, my husband and I spent many exciting hours watching the NHL playoffs in the Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge with huge screens and the fun company of other hockey fans.
Many Carnival ships also offer the Seaside Theater jumbo screen on Lido Deck with popular movies playing almost nightly. This can be a great way to enjoy time on the deck, but bring blankets – it can get pretty chilly and breezy after sunset.
Of course, Carnival Cruise Line also offers Starlink-supported internet packages. Interested guests can opt for the Premium plan with faster speeds that permit movie streaming as well as apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify for favorite shows to watch on their own devices.
A slew of new and refreshed dining venues, bars, and shopping and entertainment spaces have emerged onboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess following a two-week dry dock at a shipyard in Sicily.
The announcement came just days after Princess Cruises cancelled the ship’s entire 2026-27 winter season from Galveston, Texas, a fleet deployment change that took the industry and booked guests by surprise.
But now, just in time to launch her Mediterranean season, the 3,560-guest ship is welcoming guests to some of the cruise line’s most successful venues, such as O’Malley’s Irish Pub, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, and Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, to name a few.
To make room for these and other popular venues, several eateries and lounges were removed.
“Majestic Princess has undergone a remarkable transformation that will introduce beloved venues and experiences from across our fleet as it sails,” said Lorna Warren, vice president of hotel operations and guest experience at Princess Cruises.
“We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for the upcoming Mediterranean season as we celebrate our 40th anniversary of cruising in this stunning, sought-after region,” Warren added.
The ship has already set sail on her first voyage in the region, a 20-night “Best of the Mediterranean” cruise that could be booked in two, 10-day segments. The ship, sailing roundtrip from Rome, departed on April 1, 2025.
Major culinary changes onboard the Royal-class ship, which launched in 2017, include the addition of O’Malley’s Irish Pub in the space formerly occupied by Vines Wine Bar. The pub, often featuring live music, dishes up burgers, fish and chips, and other comfort foods.
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria took over the space where Harmony Restaurant had been. The Italian eatery serves a variety of pasta and meat entrees from Tuscany and other regions of Italy.
Sushi lovers can check out Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar, which formerly was a lounge called Ocean Terrace, to dine on sushi and maki rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties while enjoying a view of the ship’s Piazza.
Several changes were made to convenient poolside venues. Alfredo’s Slice, serving custom-made pizza, takes the space formerly occupied by the Chopsticks Noodle & Dim Sum Bar, while the Salty Dog Grill, offering hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and other fare, now operates where the Lobster Bar & Grill used to be.
When it comes time for dessert, guests with a sweet tooth will want to indulge at the ship’s Confectionary, a Victorian-style sweet shop located in the former Calypso Cove.
New lounges are debuting, too, aboard Majestic Princess. Bellini’s Cocktail Bar features Italian-inspired drinks and a curated wine list, while Good Spirits at Sea entertains guests as mixologists demonstrate their talents. Good Spirits is located in the space that used to house the Piazza Bar.
Ship Now Features Expanded Retail Jewelry Section
For many cruisers, shopping is a big part of the vacation at sea experience, and with that in mind, Princess Cruises, one of Carnival Corporation’s brands, has expanded the ship’s jewelry sales area operated by EFFY Jewelry. The bigger space, formerly Cartier, will allow for jewelry-focused seminars to be held.
Other alterations include the name change from Churchill’s Video Arcade to the new Captains Arcade, where guests can play interactive video games.
Majestic Princess will sail in the Mediterranean until mid-July 2025 and then operate a transatlantic voyage to Boston, where she will be based for a series of 7- and 10-night Canada/New England voyages between Boston and Quebec City.
Port calls on the 7-night cruise will feature Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The 10-night option adds Saguenay, Quebec, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
In October 2025, the ship will sail to Fort Lauderdale, her winter homeport. Majestic Princess will sail 6-, 8-, and 14-night Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean voyages.
Margaritaville at Sea, the Jimmy Buffett-inspired cruise brand known for short, getaway sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, rolled out a set of longer itineraries that will debut in 2027, including the first to feature an overnight stay in port, in this case, New Orleans.
The new cruises will be aboard the Florida-based line’s 2,650-guest Margaritaville at Sea Islander, based at the Port of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. Five new itineraries were announced on April 2, 2025, and are open for booking.
As an added incentive, new reservations made by April 30, 2025 will reflect a 50% fare discount, and free fares for children.
The Big Easy itinerary is likely to be a big hit, since the 8-night cruise will operate from February 7 to 15, 2027, and call at the Port of New Orleans on February 9 — opening day of Mardi Gras. The ship will arrive at 8 a.m. that day and remain overnight, giving guests plenty of time to join the festivities ashore.
Islander will depart the destination in the afternoon of February 10, 2027, continuing on to other port calls featured on the “Mardi Gras Overnight & Mexico” cruise, including Progreso and Cozumel, Mexico.
Aside from Mardi Gras activities, New Orleans is a hot spot for cruise tourists, offering lots of sightseeing options. Some are Mardi Gras-focused, such as Mardi Gras World, where visitors can see where the parade floats are designed and built, and learn about the history of Carnival in the Big Easy.
Other top sites to visit are the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, situated on the Mississippi River, and the Riverwalk, a spacious, riverside retail and dining area next to the port’s cruise terminals.
New Orleans is a growing cruise port, and in 2024 had a record-breaking year with more than 1.2 million cruise arrivals. Its two cruise terminals are located within walking distance of the city’s famous French Quarter.
Besides the new Mardi Gras cruise, another 8-night itinerary, “Jamaica & Western Caribbean,” was announced. It departs on January 30, 2027, and will bring guests to Cozumel; Belize City, Belize; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
One 7-night itinerary will make its debut: The “Key West & Mexico” sailing calls at Florida’s popular Key West plus Cozumel and Progreso.
The cruise line will also operate two 5-night cruises, both featuring the Bahamas. The “Bahamas Duo” sailing is slated to call at Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island, and at Nassau. With just the two port visits, guests will have plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s onboard amenities.
Ditto for the 5-night “Key West & Grand Bahama” sailing, which offers calls at Freeport and Key West.
Guests Can Immerse in Cruise Brand’s Caribbean Vibe
Margaritaville at Sea Islander has multiple opportunities for guests to experience sun and fun with a Caribbean vibe, including the ship’s three pools plus the Hot, Hot, Hot Night Club, the Bubbles Up Lounge, and the Champagne Bar.
Entertainment features musical stage shows, and there are six dining venues, including the LandShark Bar at Sea, Far Side of the World Sushi Bar, Mexican Cutie Cantina, Island Eats, The Flip Flop Atrium, JWB Prime Steakhouse, and Cheeseburger in Paradise.
Islander underwent a major renovation in 2024, just prior to entering service for the Margaritaville at Sea brand. The ship formerly sailed as Costa Atlantica for Costa Cruises until she was sold to Margaritaville in 2023.
The cruise brand also operates the 1,680-guest Margaritaville at Sea Paradise. Based out of Palm Beach, Florida, the ship sails 2- to 4-night Bahamas and Key West cruises. Paradise, which also formerly sailed under the Costa Cruises brand, as Costa Classica, began sailing for Margaritaville at Sea in 2022.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s most popular cruise directors, Alex Siegler, is diving once again into fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a challenge to guests onboard Carnival Spirit.
The ship is now sailing a 15-night, one-way repositioning cruise from Miami to Seattle in preparation for the Alaska sailing season. Carnival Spirit left Florida on Sunday, March 30 and has visits scheduled to Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cabo San Lucas before she will arrive in Washington on Monday, April 14.
Of course, the bucket-list sailing includes a full transit through the Panama Canal, a very coveted experience for many cruisers.
Passing through the Panama Canal may not be the most memorable moment aboard this Carnival Journeys cruise, however, thanks to the challenge the ship’s cruise director has issued.
Frequent Carnival cruisers know that the very best CDs go above and beyond to be engaging, enthusiastic, and energetic – and Siegler is all three.
Most importantly, he is passionate about fundraising for St. Jude, and once again has accepted an unexpected challenge for a top tier fundraising goal.
“Just after the sailaway party on Sunday I was approached by a gentleman with a challenge. He asked what it would take for me to wax my chest like the great Joey Boyes had done on the Firenze,”Siegler explained.“After careful consideration, I’ve decided on a number.”
I’m not entirely sure there’s a number that would convince me to wax any body part in front of a crowd of cruise passengers, no matter how high the fundraising might reach, but Siegler set a lofty – albeit not impossible – goal.
“If we can raise $10,000 by the end of Groove for St Jude on this Journeys cruise, I’m going to have it done live on stage in the Pharaoh’s Palace Theater during my Q&A on the last day of the cruise,”he confirmed.“So the gauntlet has been laid down! $10,000 for St Jude this cruise, and I’m getting waxed!”
The Pharaoh’s Palace Theater is Carnival Spirit‘s 3-story main show lounge, located forward on Decks 2, 3, and 4. This ensures that quite a crowd can gather to celebrate the fundraising goal!
While the Groove for St. Jude lido dance party will be the biggest opportunity for guests to donate to the cause, Siegler notes that there is no need for anyone to wait until the last day to help reach the $10,000 goal. Donations can be accepted at the Cherry on Top sweet shop, midship on Deck 3 (Atlantic Deck), at any time.
Strange Fundraisers Are the Most Popular!
This is not the first time Siegler has challenged guests to extraordinary fundraising goals to support Carnival Cruise Line’s long-time charitable partner.
On a January 2024 12-night Carnival Journeys southern Caribbean itinerary, he challenged everyone aboard to raise $5,000. It that goal was met, he pledged to go completely clean-shaven for the first time in more than a decade.
Carnival Cruise Director Charity (Photo Credits: NAN728 & Alex Siegler)
“We may have been just a hair short (pun fully intended) of our goal, but this is still no small feat and we did so much good for the kids today!”he said of the fundraiser.“I may not be 100% clean shaven, but I could not tell you the last time I saw this much of my face.”
Siegler will remain as cruise director aboard Carnival Spirit at least through early September as the ship sails the Last Frontier with 7-night Inside Passage itineraries.
After her time in Alaska, the ship will offer a 15-night Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Seattle before repositioning to Mobile, Alabama to offer 6- and 8-night Bahamas cruises through the winter. Carnival Spirit will return to Alaska for the 2026 season as well.
It may be just past April Fool’s Day, but the waves cruise travelers can experience in the famous (or infamous!) Drake Passage are no laughing matter.
Travel blogger Lesley Anne Murphy has shared phenomenal video of the “Drake shake” – ridiculously tumultuous waves she experienced on the most recent sailing of Quark Expedition’s Ocean Explorer.
The voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime exploration to Antarctica, which necessitates crossing the Drake Passage twice. While some cruisers are fortunate to experience the “Drake lake” with smooth sailing, rough waters are more common than not.
But just how rough is rough? Murphy’s video is not for the faint of heart – or the easily seasick. Cruise passengers are shown bracing themselves, staggering across corridors, and even sliding across the deck as the ship pitched and rolled.
Murphy colorfully describes the experience as a “48-hour rollercoaster.”
Even better visuals are the waves themselves – crashing violently into the ship, cresting well over the reinforced bow, and even swamping a balcony. I don’t get seasick, and wow, this looks… Intense doesn’t even begin to describe it!
“Yes, we were safe and it was insane…and at times, even fun?”Murphy wrote.“1000% worth it for this trip of a lifetime!”
Murphy estimates that the waves were approximately 35 feet, which is not uncommon in the Drake Passage. In that strait, just 100 miles wide at its narrowest point, the waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans collide without any resistance from a landmass.
She notes that guests were asked to stay in their cabins for an entire afternoon while the ship traversed the frequently treacherous passage. From the look of one moment of the video, however, that wasn’t any calmer – as a flatscreen television is swinging freely back and forth.
Murphy’s now-viral video has garnered more than 454,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments.
Comments range from incredulity to anxiety to excitement to questions about life jackets and seasickness bags.
“I think I need a dramamine just watching this video,”one commenter noted, while another person added,“Make mine a double!”
It should be noted that not EVERY Drake Passage crossing is necessarily a rough one. In the cruise line’s FAQ, the possibility of smooth water is also mentioned.
“Please do not be disappointed should you experience a smooth crossing. Not all Drake Passage crossings are rough,”the website says.
But Is the Ship Really Safe?
To be clear, Ocean Explorer is purpose-built to withstand the rough waters of polar exploration, both Arctic and Antarctic. The 8,228-gross ton ship has an ice-strengthened hull and a unique “inverted bow” that theoretically “ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience.”
Smooth? Probably not the word I’d use to describe the experience – one I hope to have myself one day.
The ship can welcome just 138 guests aboard for the voyage of a lifetime. While it doesn’t offer the sometimes over-the-top features of mega cruise ships, strict attention has been paid to luxurious detail for the types of voyages the ship offers.
Guests can enjoy the two-story library (right at the bow where those monster waves are putting on a show), spectacular outdoor observation decks, elegant interior design, spacious cabins, a sauna, and a fitness center.
Also onboard are 15 zodiac boats for the ultimate in exploration and firsthand experiences in the unique destinations Ocean Explorer visits.
Do you want to try a trip to Antarctica aboard Ocean Explorer? While the current sailing season is drawing to a close, the vessel’s next trip is an 11-night sailing that will depart on November 4, 2025 from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Pricing starts at $14,531 per person for a veranda stateroom, while studio single solo cabins and junior suites begin at $18,084 per person. Early booking discounts are available, and fares include expert expedition leaders as well as a complimentary Quark Expeditions Parka.
A very busy cruise port with seven cruise terminals, Port Canaveral is a top spot to embark on a vacation if you’re taking a Caribbean cruise with a major cruise line. The port itself is rather large, with cruise terminals somewhat spread out.
Luckily, parking at each terminal is easy and, even if you don’t park at one of the official lots, there are other parking options in the nearby vicinity, with shuttle services. Here’s what you need to know about Port Canaveral cruise parking.
Unlike some cruise ports that just have one or a few large garages or lots for all cruisers to park at, and then make their way to their individual cruise terminals, Port Canaveral offers parking at each and every one of its seven terminals.
Each parking facility can accommodate buses and RVs, if you have an oversized vehicle.
Cruise Terminal 1 (9050 Discovery Road), which serves Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises ships, offers 3,000 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 2 (180 Christopher Columbus Drive), which only homeports one small cruise ship operated by Victory Cruise Line, offers 300 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 3 (220 Christopher Columbus Drive), which serves Carnival Cruise Line ships, offers 2,200 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 5 (9245 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 1,200 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 6 (9241 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 2,800 parking spaces.
Cruise Terminal 8 (9155 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Disney Cruise Line ships, offers 1,500 parking spaces.
Finally, Cruise Terminal 10 (9005 Charles Rowland Drive), which serves Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, offers 2,500 parking spaces.
Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral
No matter your cruise line, no matter where you park, you’ll pay a parking fee of $17 per day, plus tax, for both vehicles and RVs. Parking is pay-on-arrival and you’ll pay for both the day you arrive at the cruise port and the day that you leave.
Cash is not accepted, so be prepared to pay with a major credit card. You can use EPASS and SunPass to pay if you’re parking at Cruise Terminal 3, and this feature is being rolled out to the other terminals as well.
If you need disabled parking, spaces are available and parking waivers may be in effect if your vehicle is outfitted with certain special equipment related to a disability, or if you have a Florida Toll Exemption Permit or Florida Disabled Veteran license plate.
You do not need any reservations for parking within the official parking garages and lots at Port Canaveral. Parking facilities open at 10 a.m. on embarkation day.
Off-Site Port Canaveral Cruise Parking
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Georges_Creations)
While parking at Port Canaveral is very convenient, if you want to shop around and see if you can get a better price, you might find the off-site secure parking options near the port to be an attractive option.
Park Port Canaveral
Park Port Canaveral (500 Thurman Boulevard) offers cruise parking for as low as about $11 per day. The secure surface parking lot is about two miles away from the cruise terminals, but a free shuttle service is provided. The shuttle ride is about five minutes long and the shuttle will drop you off right at the terminal curb. Shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Do note that the $11 per day rate is only available for cruises that are at least seven nights long.
You can book your parking online or via phone, with the friendly staff, and show up at the lot on embarkation day, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Port Canaveral Parking
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
Port Canaveral Parking’s (3050 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island) rates start at around $13 per day. Choose between covered and uncovered parking, at a lot just a few minutes away from the Port Canaveral cruise terminals.
Quick shuttle service is provided, with about a five-minute ride to the port. The parking lot prides itself on its high level of security, with 24-hour video surveillance, stadium lighting and perimeter fencing.
Do note that the free shuttle service only applies to parties of five or fewer people. If you have more than five people in your party, you’ll pay $10 for each additional passenger.
If you have an oversized vehicle, you will need to book two spots at the lot.
Port Parking Space
Cruise Terminal 1 (Credit: Port Canaveral)
Port Parking Space (8945 Columbia Road) offers covered and uncovered parking starting at just under $13 per day, with stress-free shuttle service provided and no extra fees for additional guests.
The lot touts that it’s the closest off-site parking option to the port. It also offers free EV charging stations and oversized vehicle parking. There are 425 parking spots on the premises.
Are you a frequent cruiser? If so, you may want to join the Port Parking Space loyalty program, which gives you a point for every day you park with the business. After 20 points accrued, you get a free day of parking.
Cruisetime Parking & Shuttle
Cruisetime Parking & Shuttle (350 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island) may offer the cheapest great rates overall, with parking available for as low as $3 per day. However, if you choose the cheapest rate with this parking provider, you won’t get any shuttle service to the port.
Instead, you’ll need to take an Uber or Lyft to Port Canaveral. If you want to use the complimentary shuttles, you’ll need to upgrade to a $10 per day parking rate. RV parking is available.
Park N Cruise Port Canaveral
Cruise Ships Docked at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
Park N Cruise Port Canaveral (1700 Sea Ray Drive, Merritt Island) is situated about two miles away from the port, with rates starting at around $13 per day. Discounts are offered to U.S. military and first responders and their families.
Shuttle service is available, with the free shuttles leaving every half-hour. Parking check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving at 1 p.m.
Go Port
Go Port (3345 North Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island) offers parking packages for eight-day cruises that work out to about $8 per day. The package costs $63.60, and it includes parking for the length of your cruise and round-trip cruise transfers for up to six travelers.
Hotel Cruise Parking in Cape Canaveral
Disney Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto)
Another option that I would recommend that cruisers consider is parking at a hotel that offers some sort of stay-and-park package. These packages generally include a night’s stay before or after your cruise, and then free parking at the hotel for the length of your cruise.
While you will need to take a ride share service to the cruise port from the hotel, these packages are attractive because they ensure you’ll be in the port city a day before embarkation.
I always tell new cruisers to not assume they can arrive on embarkation day and make the ship, especially if they’re flying in. You never know when a flight delay will pop up and cause you to miss your ship! Even if you’re driving in, similar delays can occur and it’s just not worth the stress, in my opinion.
As such, arriving the day before embarkation allows you to settle in and start your cruise adventure off with peace of mind and on a relaxing foot the next day.
