There are many advantages to traveling solo, such as taking the opportunity to find oneself, developing independence, or simply decompressing from the stressors of daily life.
However, for cruisers hoping for special cabins specifically for single passengers, Carnival Cruise Line may not be the brand for them.
However, Carnival’s plans for expansion between now and 2033 made one cruise fan hope that there might be better, and more affordable, opportunities for solo travelers in the fleet’s near future.
“Will any new ships to the fleet have ‘single cabins’ for us solo cruisers?”the Carnival fan inquired on Heald’s public Facebook page.
“I am a young retired veteran that often has to travel solo because family and friends cannot always go with me as often as I would like to cruise and for the length of time, and paying double is getting quite cumbersome for the non gambler,” she continued.
Unfortunately, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald quickly (and kindly) crushed that dream – making it clear on no uncertain terms that single cabins aren’t coming anytime soon.
“Thank you for your service, I mean that most sincerely. At the moment, there are no plans to have solo cabins,”Heald responded.
“If anything changes with that, I will of course let you know. Thank you, let’s see what the future holds and I do hope it holds us seeing you having fun with us again and if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know,” the cruise-world celebrity added.
With the Miami-based brand expanding its fleet fairly significantly over the next several years, which includes the introduction of a new class of mega-ships, the cruiser had hoped that cabins for single guests might be added to the new builds.
In addition to the three next generation, 230,000-gross ton ships, the cruise line will also be building two more Excel-class vessels – which will join Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.
Why is Cruising Solo More Expensive?
While sailing solo isn’t prohibited, the cruise Lines typically sell cabinson a “double occupancy” rate, which allows them to maximize their profits by assuming a stateroom will be shared by two people.
Most cruise lines – Carnival included – charge a “single supplement fee” to make up for the loss of revenue when guests choose to sail solo.
To prove this point, I checked what it would cost to sail in an interior cabin onboard Carnival Jubilee – the current newest ship in the fleet – on a 7-night Western Caribbean sailing that embarks from Galveston, Texas, on August 30, 2025.
Carnival Cruise Cabin Booking
When I tried to book as a solo cruiser, basic interior cabins started at $1,179 (USD) for just me.
But when I tried to book a cabin for two guests, the price started at $1,228 – or $614 per person. This means cruising solo would lead to a 92% increase in my cruise fare for this particular voyage.
Among Heald’s followers, the general consensus was that this solo cruiser should pivot to other brands that are more accommodating for individuals sailing alone, such as Norwegian Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Cabin Booking
Norwegian does offer more than 1,000single cabins across the fleet, and is known for charging more reasonable prices for those cruisers.
“Please go on NCL! Carnival won’t miss you,”one cruise fan begged.
“NCL is the best choice for solo cabins,” another echoed.
But despite being told Carnival’s accommodations for solo cruisers wouldn’t be changing, the veteran wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her favorite brand.
“Trying to stay loyal for a bit longer. I love Carnival, but I am also looking for more European cruises as well soon,” she replied to those who implored her to switch cruise lines.
It’s also possible that she can save money in other ways, such as by booking during the sales that are offered throughout the year or using a reputable travel agent who may have access to special discounts.
Fans of Captain Kate McCue are shocked to learn today that the iconic and groundbreaking officer, the first American woman to serve as a large ship captain, is leaving Celebrity Cruises.
McCue made the announcement through her popular social media channels, but does hint that her sailing days have not ended.
McCue has an exceedingly popular Instagram account with nearly one million followers, which is where she first made her surprising announcement.
“Today, I say farewell to Celebrity,”she posted.“I’ve spent the last 22 years on 11 ships in the Royal Caribbean Group, from 2nd Officer to Captain. I have seen some of the most beautiful places, met inspiring and wonderful people, and had opportunities to live my 12 year-old dream out loud!”
Her post included a video showcasing some of the most memorable moments of her career with Celebrity Cruises, including time spent with many amazing crew members, joining special onboard events, promoting crew members, christening ships, and seeing some of the most amazing vistas all over the world.
“It is memories of those who made an impact on this journey and who will live forever in my heart,”McCue commented.
McCue’s famous cat, Bug Naked, is also seen throughout the video. The much-adored female elf-eared sphynx cat passed away in December 2024.
Celebrity Cruises commented on the video, sharing their best wishes for the vivacious and personable captain.
“The journey we have shared together has been absolutely amazing. You brought passion and heart to everything you did, inspiring so many along the way, and leaving a lasting mark on our industry,”Celebrity Cruises posted. “We wish you fair winds and following seas, always.”
Many other guests and fans of the celebrated captain chimed in with their own good wishes and thanks for her hard work, being a role model, and sharing so much of her experiences so openly.
The famous cruise ship captain does not announce what her next plans are, but she does give a simple but emotional explanation of her departure from Celebrity Cruises.
“You might be wondering why am I leaving. Simply put, life has an incredible way of reminding us what’s important and changing up priorities,”she said.“I’ve recently had some big life changes, and this just happens to be one of those.”
She does confirm, however, that she isn’t leaving the sailing life entirely.
Captain Kate Celebrity Cruises
“Are my sailing days over? Absolutely not!”she said.“I’ve got too much salt in my veins to leave the sea behind.”
Before joining Celebrity Cruises, McCue first began her seafaring life as a third mate with Disney Cruise Line, then joined Royal Caribbean in 2003 as a second officer aboard Nordic Empress (Empress of the Seas). In July 2015, she officially joined Celebrity Cruises.
Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are part of the Royal Caribbean Group family.
McCue’s most recent ship has been Celebrity Beyond, which she launched when the vessel debuted in 2022. Many of her most memorable moments and viral videos have been from the Edge-class ship, including refugee rescues, sharing parties, and – infamously – baking a fish-flavored birthday cake for her cat.
McCue hints that she will continue to post on social media about the next chapter in her life, so her devoted fans can stay tuned to see what the American cruise ship captain has on her horizon.
Beaming up to a cruise port near you – Star Trek: The Cruise IX will set sail where no one has gone before as the voyage celebrates all things Trek from February 20-27, 2026.
The themed sailing will be especially festive as it will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic show that spawned a galaxy of fans. The original series Star Trek debuted in September 1966, followed by Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987), Deep Space Nine (1993), and Voyager (1995).
Newer spinoffs, reboots, and series include Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, and more – all of which will be part of the festivities onboard Star Trek: The Cruise IX.
“We’ve planned a week of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to honor the 60th anniversary of Star Trek,”said Christ Hearing, Partner and Executive Director of Theme Cruises at Entertainment Cruise Productions.
“We’re creating events and activities that revel in the shows and films spanning the six decades that followed The Original Series. We are grateful to Paramount Consumer Products for giving us the opportunity to mark the anniversary year with the biggest fans in the universe.”
The iconic cruise will set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, and both cruise fans and Star Trek fans are in for an adventure indeed.
The 7-night itinerary will visit Puerto Plata, San Juan, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving guests fantastic destinations to enjoy but still having plenty of time to immerse themselves in a galaxy’s worth of fun onboard.
The appropriately chosen Voyager-class Adventure of the Seas is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast and can welcome more than 3,000 guests aboard. Also onboard are 1,185 international crew members to ensure everyone has a phenomenal sailing.
An Unprecedented Lineup of Stars
While Star Trek: The Cruise always brings together an impressive list of the show’s actors, writers, makeup artists, and more, this special anniversary sailing has perhaps the most iconic roster ever.
Already confirmed to be aboard are William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov), Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), John de Lancie (Q), Armin Shimerman (Quark), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Connor Trinneer (Charles “Trip” Tucker), and many more.
“Celebrating this milestone with both William Shatner and Walter Koenig is a dream come true for fans,”said Hearing.
Additional celebrity appearances will be announced in the coming months as more “crew members” sign on to what is sure to be a memorable voyage.
Image Credit: Entertainment Cruise Productions
Along with the shows’ stars, other key figures will also be onboard, including writers, authors, makeup artists, astrophysicists, and other experts and consultants who have helped create the phenomenal universe of Star Trek.
Guests will have plenty of opportunities to make unique Star Trek cruise memories through interactive discussion panels and Q&A sessions, themed parties, meet-and-mingles, cosplay events, nightly shows, game shows, themed trivia sessions, comedy improv, and much more.
Furthermore, Adventure of the Seas will enter in to the spirit of the sailing with a transformation into her themed appearance, complete with new signage, themed bars, and other special surprises on this one-of-a-kind cruise. Watch out for watermelons carved with the Star Trek logo!
Pricing for Star Trek: The Cruise IX starts at $2,480 per guest for an interior stateroom and is as high as $12,290 for the ship’s Royal Suite. Balcony staterooms range from $4,520 to $4,770 per person.
The cruise price includes not only the typical cruise amenities – meals, activities, and entertainment – but also the themed events including interviews, parties, and more. Some “Artist Hosted” events may require an additional sign up and extra fees.
It should be noted that this themed cruise is a complete charter sailing and unavailable to book except through the exclusive website.
Further details about the unique voyage will be released in the months to come as the launch date approaches. For fans, the time is sure to pass faster than warp speed!
Iconic, classic, decadent, delicious, a must-have – many different words can describe Carnival Cruise Line’s warm chocolate melting cake.
The rich dessert is a mainstay treat on every dinner menu on every ship in the Carnival fleet, offered only in the Main Dining Rooms. For many guests, it’s their go-to treat (I certainly have more than one on every Carnival cruise!), but it is also proving quite controversial.
Brand Ambassador John Heald recently posted a luscious video of a warm chocolate melting cake, showing how many cruisers love to eat the dessert – with a dollop of vanilla ice cream dipped into the melting cake as the perfect accompaniment.
“This remains the king of Carnival desserts,”Heald said.“Chocolate melting cake, vanilla ice cream.”
“If you were here, would you have one of these?”he asked.
The seemingly innocent (albeit tempting to chocoholics everywhere) video has generated hundreds of comments, which have in turn shows a dramatic split of opinions on the iconic dessert.
“The one in your video is nowhere near done enough,”one guest commented.
The cake Heald showed was indeed on the “runnier” side of melting cake, with a greater ratio of melting, gooey chocolate compared to a thicker, more fully cooked cake-like consistency.
Many guests have noted that the cakes seem to be inconsistent onboard. Some cakes are served so runny as to be nothing more than a dish of thick chocolate syrup, while others are so firm that there appears to be no “melting” at all to the dessert.
“That used to be my go to dessert and I would get it every night at dinner. Sadly when you get it now it’s either way overdone and a solid cake or under cooked and a runny mess,”one guest explained.
Guests who have a significant preference for how firm or liquid a melting cake could be can ask their dining room server to ensure their dessert is the best texture.
This divisiveness on the chocolate melting cake comes just days after Heald shared a dinner onboard his FFS cruise that generated a great deal of criticism on its appearance.
It should be noted that the gourmet chocolate melting cake can be delicate to make. Just an extra minute or two in the oven might create a firmer-than-expected cake, while trimming the cooking time by a couple of minutes will result in a much more liquid dessert.
When chefs servicing the Main Dining Rooms are preparing hundreds of desserts for guests every evening, it’s certainly understandable that the timing of the melting cakes might vary.
Just How Popular Is the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake?
Heald followed up his video with a poll about Carnival’s most popular desserts. So how exactly does the warm chocolate melting cake rank?
“You can choose just one dessert to enjoy on your cruise. It would be…?”Heald asked.
Without a doubt, the melting cake took the top score. With more than 16,600 votes cast, 33% of respondents (more than 5,500 votes) chose chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream.
An additional 13% of voters (another 2,200 votes) chose chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter – a well-known hack guests can request for extra decadence.
This makes the melting cake by far the most popular dessert, though many guests have noted that it may be too rich, have too much sugar, or simply be too much chocolate for their individual tastes.
The classic baked Alaska, bitter and blanc, and Grand Marnier souffle were also part of the voting, as was the cheese plate that is a savory option many travelers enjoy.
Fresh fruit, sugar-free options, and of course, ice cream are always available as well. This great variety ensures that everyone can have the best dessert to suit their tastes at every meal.
If you’re looking for the cheapest cruise lines to enjoy a budget-friendly getaway, Carnival Cruise Line tends to be the most affordable option, with fares as low as $100 per person for a short three-night cruise.
With that said, cruise prices always depend on a number of factors, including the itinerary, season, cabin type, the specifics of your package, and the type of ship you are traveling on, but if you plan right, there are plenty of ways to find a fantastic cruise vacation without breaking the bank.
I’m going to explain the factors that impact the cost of a cruise vacation, as well as a few tips you can use to save a few bucks when you’re booking, but let’s start by going over some of the best budget-friendly cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked in Costa Maya, Mexico (Photo Credit: denbaim)
While prices can vary, I like to think of Carnival as the go-to cruise line for cheap cruise deals. Don’t get me wrong, there are some expensive cruise packages you can book through Carnival that offer a luxurious travel experience, but they also offer some of the lowest prices in the industry, especially for short-duration trips.
Beyond their competitive pricing and frequent discounts, the ships in Carnival’s fleet are also known for their fun atmosphere, wide range of family-friendly activities, and flexible booking options.
An average 3-to-4-night cruise with Carnival will cost about $100 to $200 per person per night, but it’s also possible to book a 7-night Carnival cruise for as little as $400.
So, why is Carnival so cheap? It all comes down to the massive size of their fleet. With 27 cruise ships running non-stop throughout the year, they have huge availability, which helps them keep fares low.
Plus, Carnival has a focus on shorter-duration voyages. This helps them reduce operating costs, which are savings that they can then pass on to customers.
Deck on the Carnival Glory (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
The company also embraces its budget-friendly reputation, offering low-cost, basic cabins and other no-frills travel options that lower the average cruise fare costs.
If you’re looking for the best prices, book your vacation for the shoulder season each year, which is almost always between late September and early November. Since Carnival has so many short-duration voyages in the 2-to-4-day range, you can also score some really good last-minute cruise deals.
While you can always upgrade, a low-cost base fare usually includes basic meals, entertainment, and pool access. However, extras, such as specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and drink packages, will cost extra.
Carnival also charges extra for some amenities, which is another way It helps keep basic costs low for most of its guests. It has a reputation for nickel-and-diming passengers with extra fees, like charging for shuttle services; however, this is also part of the reason why costs are so low.
Margaritaville at Sea
Margaritaville at Sea Islander Cruise Ship
Another one of the cheapest cruise lines out there, Margaritaville at Seas, offers quite a few low-cost cruise packages that are perfect for those wanting a quick escape from Florida. Once owned by Carnival Corporation, it’s now an independent cruise line that offers cruises from Florida to the Bahamas and select Caribbean destinations.
The average cost for a basic two-night cruise is just over $120 per night, but you can book for as low as $99 per person per night. So, for those looking for a low-cost, short-duration getaway, it can be one of the cheapest options available.
Costs are kept low because they offer short-duration itineraries with fewer inclusions than you typically get. There’s also a focus on party-style cruising, which won’t surprise anyone who has ever visited a Margaritaville Restaurant.
Rather than outfitting their ships with an abundance of complimentary entertainment amenities, you’ll notice the focus is on paid bars and restaurants.
Pool Deck of Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
I’ve also found that they really try to push passengers to pay for upgrades, like the “License to Chill Package,” which is a $399 bracelet that gives you 10 alcoholic drinks, dinner at a specialty restaurant, a spa credit, and a bathrobe. Even little upgrades, like access to the “Faster Chill” priority check-in counter, will run you $99.
You’re not getting a lot for your money, and the pushiness for these upgrades can be annoying, but this is how they keep fare costs to a minimum. Beyond upgrades, even mandatory fees for all guests, like gratuity charges, seem to climb year after year.
Still, if you’re looking for the cheapest deals, I recommend booking midweek voyages, especially during the off-peak months, like September. As for what’s included, you get basic dining, entertainment, and pool access, but the fees for anything extra can certainly add up.
MSC Cruises
MSC Magnifica in Cozumel (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)
MSC Cruises is not strictly a budget-friendly cruise line, but it does offer some really great packages at affordable prices, especially for those heading to Europe or the Caribbean during the shoulder months. MSC also offers many promotional events, which can help you save money on otherwise pricey voyages.
Prices for a 3- to 4-night cruise range from $200 to $300 per person, with 7-night cruises starting at around $500. Again, this is not the cheapest option, but it is still a good value, especially if you can score some discounted package deals they offer during Wave Season and other sale events.
MSC Cruise Deck in Miami (Photo Credit: venuswix)
With six tiers available through their MSC Voyages Club, one of the best ways to save money with MSC Cruises is to stay loyal to them. For repeat customers and families, they offer all kinds of free room upgrade promotions and onboard discounts on things like drinks packages and excursions. With that said, the top way to find lower fares is to book your trip during the shoulder season, which is pretty standard for most cruise lines.
With MSC, basic meals, select beverages, and access to most entertainment venues and amenities are included, but additional costs for gratuities and specialty dining establishments should be factored into your budget. If you really want to keep prices low, just stick to the basics.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line Ships in Miami 9Photo Credit: Just dance)
Like MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) isn’t exactly known for being the most affordable cruise line, but it does offer some really appealing promotional events throughout the year that can really bring down costs.
While average costs for a basic 3-to-4-night cruise package tend to run between $250 and $400, 7-night cruises can be booked for as little as $500, so it’s possible to secure a lower per-night rate.
Again, the reason why NCL lands on my list of the most budget-friendly cruise lines is all of their promotions. One of the best is their free 3rd and 4th guests promotion, which allows two additional guests to sail free or for just $99 if they stay in the same stateroom.
Not only does this make travel more affordable for families, but friend groups can split the cost of two tickets four ways. If you regularly check their website, you’ll see they also have promotions, including gratuities, along with five free meals at specialty dining establishments.
Norwegian Joy to Sail Crime Cruise (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)
For active and retired teachers, they also offer a really competitive discount through their Giving Joy Campaign.
NCL also tends to offer some outstanding deals during their Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales. While joining their Latitudes Rewards Program can also help you score some huge discounts on future voyages, as well as shipboard credits and steep reductions on their Unlimited Open Bar Package.
Another thing I really like about cruising with Norwegian is the fact that a lot is included with even the most basic fare. From snack restaurants to a nice variety of entertainment venues and amenities, you don’t have to splurge to get a lot out of an NCL voyage.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean Ships Docked in CocoCay (Photo Credit: Aleksandr Dyskin)
Royal Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular cruise lines. While most people associate them with their record-breaking mega-ships and incredible family-friendly amenities, you can still find cheap cruises through Royal Caribbean if you know how and when to book.
Still, even without timing when you buy and apply discounts, average costs for 3-to-4-night cruises start at around $270, while 7-night cruises average out between $500 and $700, so they certainly aren’t prohibitively expensive to those on a budget.
Part of the reason it’s possible to book a cheap cruise through Royal Caribbean is the immense size of their fleet and the high passenger capacities of their enormous Icon-class and Oasis-class vessels.
Since their ships are designed to carry so many passengers, you can usually score a massive discount with early bookings, as well as checking out last-minute deals. Royal Caribbean tries to ensure its ships are fully loaded with passengers, so it rewards early bookers with cheaper fares.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Deck (Photo Credit: Opachevsky Irina)
On the other hand, if you wait a few weeks before one of their ships sets sail, they’ll usually offer any remaining spaces at lower prices.
Outside of those early and last-minute deals, the best prices are usually offered in January, February, and September, so it’s always a good idea to check prices during these months if you’re shopping around for cruise packages and want to experience travel on one of their activity-packed mega-ships.
This brings us nicely to one of my main reasons for booking through Royal Caribbean—there is so much to do on their ships! There are plenty of included activities and amenities on most of their ships, and even if you only eat at the included restaurants, you still get plenty of variety.
Personally, I don’t mind paying a little bit extra for a Royal Caribbean cruise because you do get so much bang for your buck.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a Cruise?
MSC Seaside and Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
It sounds fairly obvious, but different cruise lines cater to different budgets. Where luxury cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas and Cunard Cruise Line cater to those with higher budgets, more affordable cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, have more of a focus on family-friendly travel and offering budget-friendly getaways.
If you’re looking to keep costs low, keep an eye on packages through the cruise lines I highlighted above, as those are generally the cheapest in my experience.
The length and type of itinerary also play a significant role in determining the price. Unsurprisingly, shorter two and three-day voyages are far cheaper than a full week-long itinerary.
Where you go also impacts the cost of your trip, with remote, exotic, and specialized destinations, like cruising Alaska or the South Pacific, usually increasing fees drastically. On the other hand, more frequently traveled destinations, like the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera, usually cost a lot less.
Complex itineraries cost a lot more than going to places that depend on cruise tourism to support the local economy. The huge cruise ports in places like the Bahamas charge lower port fees or are even partially owned by the cruise lines, so they don’t cost the cruise lines as much to visit. These savings can be passed onto the passengers in the form of reduced fares.
Cruise Ships Docked in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Your cabin or suite type also impacts the cost of your cruise. Low-cost accommodations, like interior cabins, are almost always the most affordable, while suites and outward-facing cabins with balconies can double or even triple the cost of your fare.
Onboard purchases and upgrades, like drinks packages, Wi-Fi and streaming bundles, visiting specialty dining establishments, and booking excursions can also drive up the cost of your vacation.
Finally, when you book plays a huge role in determining costs. Traveling during peak seasons, like during the holidays or going to warm destinations during winter months, will almost always cost more than traveling outside of peak season.
Since the busy season varies depending on where you are visiting, it’s always a good idea to do your research. For example, cruise costs skyrocket during the summer months for Alaskan itineraries, while they’re much cheaper if you’re headed to the Caribbean during the summer.
How to Find the Best Cruise Deals
Cruise Booking
If you’re looking to keep costs low and score the best cruise deals, I’d recommend the following:
Book Early or Last-Minute
Some of the best deals are found 6–12 months in advance or by checking last-minute deals that you can book within 30 days of the sail date.
Check Discount Sites
Some websites, like Cruise Direct and Expedia, list cheap cruise deals because they bulk-purchase packages from the cruise lines. While this is not guaranteed, I find that checking these websites for last-minute deals can be much cheaper than booking through the cruise lines themselves.
Repositioning Cruises
These one-way cruises can be a great way to experience longer itineraries at a lower price. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to book your own way either to the embarkation or disembarkation point, which is a cost you should always consider.
Sign Up for Email Alerts
Lots of cruise lines offer special rates to loyalty club members and those on their email lists. Signing up for newsletters for several cruise lines can give you access to special offers before the general public has access to them.
Be Flexible with Travel Dates
This is probably my number one tip for saving money on a cruise. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a way better chance of getting a great cruise at a lower price.
You can cut prices even more if you’re also flexible with your destinations and itinerary. If all you’re looking for is some fun and relaxation in the sun, what’s the difference between going to the Bahamas or visiting somewhere like Cozumel? Just book the lowest cost fare that offers the most.
Money-Saving Strategies While You’re Cruising
Royal Promenade on Spectrum of the Seas (Photo Credit: EnthusiasticPhotographers)
Saving money doesn’t stop after you have booked your fare. You can also really slash your expenses by cruising smart.
If you’re not a big drinker, I’d recommend skipping the drinks packages, as most of their value is getting alcoholic beverages for a set fee. Onboard Wi-Fi is also expensive with most cruise lines, so try to avoid it. Use your cruise as an opportunity to unplug and only use the free Wi-Fi available at ports and cafés.
I’d also recommend avoiding excursions or even planning your own. Rather than spend $250 for an ATV trip, why not spend an afternoon walking around a town or relaxing on a beach? Experience these unique locations on your terms. It can be just as fun, but you’ll slash your costs.
I’d also recommend keeping an eye on creeping extra fees. Gratuities, port fees, government taxes, and even cabin deposits can add up. Take advantage of everything included and have a budget in mind for onboard spending before setting sail.
Final Thoughts on the Cheapest Cruise Lines!
Finding a budget-friendly cruise is all about timing, flexibility, and knowing where to look. While cruising can certainly be an expensive hobby, finding an affordable cruise is still possible if you put in the effort.
With a little research and strategic booking, you can embark on an unforgettable cruise vacation that won’t break the bank.
With 2025 starting off with more illness outbreaks aboard cruise ships than ever reported in recent years, travelers are anxious to know the ships they sail on are clean, healthy, and safe.
Inspection reports from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be a great tool to note just how clean, healthy, and safe a ship may be.
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is just one point away from failing her most recent inspection, conducted on February 9, 2025.
The ship scored an 86 out of 100, and any score of 85 or lower is considered failing.
These periodic random inspections go through a vessel from bow to stern, investigating a wide variety of health-related concerns. This includes overall cleanliness, food storage and preparation, ventilation systems, water temperatures, the presence of pests, response to illness, and much more.
Corrective recommendations are also offered, and if a ship does fail, the vessel will be reinspected to ensure they have upgraded their operations to CDC guidelines.
Aboard the Oasis-classSymphony of the Seas, the most concerning violation involved multiple young cruisers’ vomiting and diarrhea not being properly reported and the affected passengers not being isolated.
A total of 44 line item violations were noted. In addition to the illness issues in the children’s area, further concerns included poor lighting in some galley areas, minor plumbing leaks that were pooling on the deck rather than draining properly, broken soap dispensers or handwashing stations, and improper food storage.
Many of the items were able to be corrected immediately with simple repairs or additional cleaning, and undoubtedly, the crew aboard Symphony of the Seas will take additional steps to correct further issues.
It should be noted that even a cruise ship with a 100 score on their most recent inspection will still have some minor problems listed for correction.
Symphony of the Seas‘ previous inspections were significantly higher than the most recent 86. In November 2023, the ship received a score of 97, and in October 2022, a perfect 100 score.
Symphony of the Seas Pools (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The 228,081-gross-ton ship is currently homeported from Miami, Florida, offering 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries with each voyage vising Perfect Day at CocoCay.
In April, the ship will reposition to New Jersey to offer 7-night Bahamas itineraries through October, at which time she will return to Miami. In May 2026, Symphony of the Seas is scheduled to homeport year-round from Galveston, Texas.
The ship can welcome 5,518 guests at double occupancy and up to 6,680 passengers when fully booked. Also onboard are approximately 2,200 international crew members, all of whom are working hard to ensure the ship scores much better on her next health inspection.
Other Low-Scoring Ships
Symphony of the Seas is not the only vessel to have scored barely above passing on their most recent CDC inspection. Carnival Cruises’ Carnival Miracle scored an 88 in April 2024, while MSC Cruises’ MSC Magnifica scored an 86 in May 2024.
In the Royal Caribbean fleet, Adventure of the Seas scored an 89 in January 2024, but all other Royal Caribbean ships are in the 90s or even perfect 100 scores for their most recent reports.
The perfect scores include Brilliance of the Seas (May 2024), Jewel of the Seas (September 2024), Mariner of the Seas (October 2024), Radiance of the Seas (July 2024), and Serenade of the Seas (September 2024).
No Royal Caribbean ships other than Symphony of the Seas have yet been inspected in 2025.
While CDC health inspection scores can be useful for travelers to note if a particular ship has any significant concerns, it should be noted that taking steps to stay healthy onboard is always critical. All guests should wash their hands frequently and thoroughly and take other precautions to stay fit during their cruise vacation.
I like to think of a cruise ship captain as the mayor of a massive floating city—except their responsibilities go far beyond ribbon-cutting ceremonies and shaking hands.
At the core of their responsibilities, the captain is responsible for the safety and comfort of thousands of passengers and crew, ensuring the ship navigates smoothly through open waters and complicated port approaches.
For example, when sailing through the Caribbean during hurricane season, cruise captains have to direct the navigation crew and carefully monitor weather systems to make sure the ship is on a safe path. In some cases, they may even have to make the decision to alter the ship’s itinerary to avoid severe weather and storms.
What Else Does a Cruise Ship Captin Do?
Beyond navigation, captains oversee security protocols to keep everyone on the ship safe. They work with onboard security teams to prevent incidents like unauthorized boardings or any sort of onboard disturbances.
Captain Working on the Bridge of a Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Yan AMC)
If you’ve ever wondered why cruise ships hold mandatory musterdrills before departure, that’s not just protocol; it’s a direct order from the captain, which ensures that every guest knows what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency situation.
Even when docked, the captain’s job doesn’t stop. They ensure the ship passes all necessary inspections, complies with international maritime laws, and handles crucial certifications like the Safety Management Certificate and International Ship Security Certificate.
On top of that, captains manage a crew of hundreds of individuals, all with diverse roles. From communicating with deck officers to managing hospitality staff, keeping operations running efficiently is an incredibly complex job that ultimately rests on the shoulders of the ship’s captain.
They also oversee crew scheduling, training, and even disciplinary actions when they are required. In short, a captain isn’t just steering the ship, they’re making sure the entire floating city functions like a well-oiled machine.
Hiring Cruise Ship Captains
Given their immense responsibilities, hiring a cruise ship captain involves rigorous checks on individual qualifications, relevant certifications, and a solid educational background—often a bachelor’s degree in maritime science or maritime engineering.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have brief conversations with some cruise ship captains before departure in places like the Port of Seattle and the Port of San Diego.
Cruise Ship Captain
They all seem to emphasize that the job is a privilege, but one that requires strong leadership, a knack for systematic improvement of every part of the ship’s operations, and a strong sense of responsibility for the comfort and safety of their crew and any guests traveling aboard their ships.
While it’s probably not strictly part of their jobs, I’ve also noticed from my personal interactions with cruise ship captains that they tend to be friendly and welcoming people.
Given that cruise vacations are centered around ensuring that all passengers enjoy the experience from start to finish, they know how to tailor their temperament to match the personality of the guests they are interacting with.
How Much Does a Cruise Ship Captain Make?
So, how much do cruise ship captains actually earn in a year? Based on survey data from online resources like ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and other industry insights, the average annual salary for a professional ship captain hovers around $140,000, but this number largely depends on the size of the ship.
A more accurate way of phrasing it would be to say that the average salary of the captain for a major cruise line would land somewhere between $110,000 and $150,000.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Again, the salary range is wide: a new captain might start with the lowest estimated salary of about $80,000, while experienced leaders—especially those at major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, and Carnival Cruise Line—can earn the highest approximate salary of over $180,000.
And remember, these pay range figures represent only the base salary. Plenty of other factors can impact how much money they actually take home in a year, including their work performance, departmental budget considerations, and even a company’s proprietary algorithm for determining employees’ salaries.
What About the Cruise Captain’s Bonus?
Most major cruise lines also have bonus incentives for captains that meet all of their objectives. Then, you have to consider benefits packages, loyalty and retention bonuses, and much more.
The truth is, it is not rare for the captain of a major ship, like one of Royal Caribbean’s Icon class cruise ships, to earn well over $200,000 per year in total compensation.
Even below the cruise ship captain, other leadership roles, like the ship’s staff captain, will have total compensations that reflect not only their level of education and experience but also their corresponding performance level.
So, if you’re personally looking for a specific and more tailored salary estimate because you’re interested in working towards a position as a ship captain, consider your level of experience, individual qualifications, and even the geographic location of your employer, as ship captains operating major ships out of places like California and Texas are always going to make more than those based in places like Mexico and Greece.
Responsibilities of a Cruise Ship Captain
I already touched on some of the responsibilities that a cruise ship captain has to carry out, but the actual day-to-day duties can seem as vast as the ocean itself.
Whether they’re overseeing the ship at sea or simply preparing for a voyage, they spend long hours managing the ship’s operations, ensuring that every specified job duty is executed with precision. Here’s just a quick overview of some of their main responsibilities:
Photo Credit: Philomena Venturini / Shutterstock
Overseeing the navigation and safety of the vessel.
Leading and managing the crew, ensuring everyone from the most junior deckhand to the senior officers in the navigation bridge are working in harmony.
Developing and implementing detailed security plans to safeguard the ship against any threats—even the rare chance of encountering pirates in dangerous waters.
Balancing a departmental budget and monitoring the work performance of the entire crew to ensure they meet the entire perception of success for the cruise line.
Cruise captains also play a crucial role during emergency situations and rescues. Ultimately, they act as the decision maker in these scenarios, dictating protocol to the rest of the crew.
Interacting directly with passengers to provide a good customer service experience, sometimes even interviewing customers to gather valuable feedback. Plenty of cruise ship captains take time to speak to passengers during behind-the-scenes tour experiences.
Overseeing the maintenance of the ship’s safety equipment, engines, navigation, and communications equipment, and much more.
Cruise ship captains also attend formal and elegant evenings to dine with guests in the main dining room. This is an opportunity for the captain to mingle with guests and answer questions they may have. For example, it’s not unusual to spot the captain of the ship during Royal Caribbean Formal Nights.
Juggling all of this work requires working long work hours at sea. Even during rare moments when they are on duty while on land, they have plenty of responsibilities to carry out, including scheduling the crew roster and remaining in contact with the rest of the fleet.
Basically, the job title comes with a lot of responsibility and little downtime. It’s almost like steering a wingless giant through turbulent waters—there’s no room for error when so many people and diverse roles depend on your leadership. There’s a reason cruise ship captains are so respected within the industry and outside of it.
Perks of Captaining a Cruise Ship
Outside of an impressive salary, being the person in charge at the helm of a huge cruise ship comes with a variety of enticing perks.
Some of the things that captains enjoy outside of their salary include more luxurious accommodations than standard crew quarters. The well-known cruise ship captain, Captain Kate McCue, is open about sharing her living quarters on social media.
Captain Kate Celebrity Cruises
In her case, the captain’s quarters look more like a passenger suite than the tiny shared cabins the low-ranking crew uses while at sea. With plush furniture, large windows, a veranda, a king-sized bed, a rain shower, and a jacuzzi tub, Captain McCue’s private quarters are a far shot from the small cabins and bunkbeds other crew members use.
I also mentioned that most cruise captains enjoy comprehensive benefits packages that often include pensions and other benefits to help with retirement plans, enabling them to achieve their retirement income goals more easily. Of course, there are also attractive performance-based bonuses that reflect and reward their work performance.
Beyond the financial benefits and more luxurious accommodations, the privilege of serving in a leadership role on some of the most prestigious luxury cruise lines can be a less tangible benefit of the job.
Cruise ship captains are almost seen as celebrities in their own right, and this prestige can certainly enhance the job’s appeal. Think of typical workplace and social structures, then remember that when a ship is on the water, the captain is right at the top of that pyramid. That can be an appealing prospect.
How to Become a Cruise Ship Captain
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises
If you’re dreaming of commanding your own cruise ship, it can seem like a nearly impossible goal, but the roadmap you need to follow to get there isn’t that complex. Here are some of the actions you can take to set yourself on the right path:
Have the Right Educational Background
Most aspiring captains start with a high school diploma and then pursue some form of relevant secondary education. Typically, a bachelor’s degree specializing in maritime science or maritime engineering will be the most relevant academic pursuit. Some even go on to earn advanced degrees in relevant fields, but this isn’t always necessary.
Remember, education is just part of an overall approach; you must also focus on gaining relevant work experience at sea.
Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small
Begin your career in an entry-level position, such as a deckhand. This is where you learn the ropes and develop specific skill sets to help you build a resume that will benefit you in a future leadership role.
Pursue Internships and Certifications
Try to gain additional experience through internships and secure the relevant certifications necessary for advancement. A Marine Medical Certificate is a good place to start, but you can pursue plenty of other types of certifications. Building supervisory experience early on is key, so even if you have a small role on the ship, try to get into a management position.
Climb the Ladder
With time and dedication, earn promotion after promotion. Even roles like staff captain to the coveted position of new captain are achievable if you stay on the right path.
Bridge Officers on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Every step of the journey, from managing timetables to learning the basics of sophisticated navigation equipment, will prepare you for the big leagues.
Never Stop Improving Yourself and Your Resume
Always be ready to embrace opportunities to improve yourself and your work experience. Understand that each decision you make throughout your career should be geared towards gaining relevant experience.
Like just about any position, relevant work experience is going to be one of the key determinants when a cruise line makes a hiring decision.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Remember, the path to captaincy is filled with hard work, ongoing learning, and a constant drive to achieve your goals. It’s also important to remember that salary isn’t everything, especially early on in your career.
Not every position on a cruise ship is going to be incredibly well compensated, but if your overall goal is to eventually captain your own ship, the experience you gain can be more useful than a higher salary.
Cruise Captain (Photo Credit: RauL C7)
Also, remember that most cruise lines reassess their employees’ salaries in February, so even if a promotion comes with a seemingly small increase in salary, sticking with the job for a full cruise season could see you earn more in the future.
In the pursuit of a leadership role on a cruise ship, your individual qualifications and corresponding performance level will shine through in the end. Work hard and stick to your goals!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to cruise ship captains directly. Most are proud of their jobs and more than willing to share their wisdom with aspiring captains. Whether it’s an in-person meeting during a cruise or just a message over LinkedIn, you’ll be amazed at how approachable most captains are when they aren’t on duty.
Final Thoughts
Discover Princess Captain Michele Bartolomei (left) and Crown Princess Captain Mario Consentino (right) meet for coffee in Sydney. (Photo Credit: Princess Cruises)
At the end of the day, the life of a cruise ship captain is as rewarding as it is challenging.
With varying wages that reflect the base salary and a mix of performance-based bonuses and other compensations, this career offers an unmatched blend of leadership, adventure, competency, and responsibility and comes with plenty of rewards.
From mastering maritime science and maritime engineering to handling the mundane, day-to-day specified job duties of the entire crew, the role demands both grit and grace.
So, if you’re still wondering how much these figures truly add up to, remember it’s all part of a complex interplay of variables. Happy cruising, and good luck if you are pursuing a career as a cruise ship captain for yourself!
Who says romance is dead? Micah Lugones proved he is definitely his wife’s knight in shining armor when he leaped off the pier to rescue her hat from the water while visiting the Progreso Cruise Port in Mexico.
The couple explored the popular port as part of a 5-night Western Caribbean sailing onboard Carnival Valor – which embarked from New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 17, 2025.
The Conquest-class ship had already called on Cozumel, Mexico, on February 19, and arrived in Progreso on February 20 – which is when Lugones’ inner hero made an appearance.
The couple, who were only recently married in January of 2025, were on their honeymoon – which also doubled as their first ever cruise.
They were enjoying their day in the port when a hat belonging to Lugones’ new wife, Laci, was blown into the harbor. As the hat was a memento from their wedding, Lugones simply had to get it back.
As he swam, onlookers watching on the pier and from their balconies on the 110,000-gross ton ship cheered him on.
“When my wife’s special wedding hat flew overboard at Progreso I knew I had to get it back. Got the hat and a story too! Thanks for everyone cheering me on, haha,” Lugones shared in a Facebook group made for passengers of the voyage to connect.
Among Lugones’ fellow cruisers, the husband quickly earned a reputation as a hero – with one person even comparing him to Aquaman.
“We were right there and saw you jump in and swim back! Very brave of you!!”, one onlooker shared.
“You two are the sweetest…he is definitely a keeper!!,” another passenger exclaimed.
But while he clearly had good intentions, it’s likely best not to follow in his footsteps. Lugones was lucky to not get in trouble and to emerge from the ocean uninjured.
As is the case at the majority of destinations around the world, swimming in cruise ports is strictly forbidden for safety reasons.
An Eventful Sailing With a Happy Ending
Swimming in an operational port is quite dangerous for a multitude of reasons – most notably because of the risk of being hit by a ship.
But in addition to cruise ships, Progreso is also one of Mexico’s few deep-water cargo ports and is of course frequented by shipping vessels – with the iconic pier stretching four miles directly into the Gulf of Mexico.
A windy day can also create dangerous currents in the water that may be stronger than they appear from the surface – which could have pushed the man into some nearby rocks.
Carnival Valor Cruise Ship in New Orleans (Photo Credit: James Andrews1)
In the most recent event where a man tried to swim in a cruise port, which unfolded in December 2024 in Gran Caneria’s Las Palmas Cruise Port, the person was taken into protective custody after he was rescued.
Thankfully, this story had a happy ending. The couple – along with the up to 2,978 other passengers sailing with them – disembarked in New Orleans on February 22, 2025.
But interestingly, even disembarkation was a tad eventful – as it was delayed due to maintenance needs.
In turn, this pushed back the embarkation for the following sailing – which is an identical 5-night Western Caribbean cruise.
“Our engineers are handling some repair work as we sail back to New Orleans. As a precautionary measure, we may be escorted by tugboats and could dock later than scheduled,” Carnival wrote in a letter to the now current guests.
That said, cruise tracking data shows the 2004-launched ship is already sailing at normal speeds in the Gulf of Mexico – while the newlyweds could very well be home by now, with a story they’ll never forget.
From building up status as a cruise line loyalty member and reaping all the rewards that come with it, to experiencing the seemingly unending new ports and ships to explore, there are so many reasons why you should keep going on cruise after cruise. I’ve been on hundreds as a crew member and passenger, and I’ll never give it up!
Here are 10 reasons why I continue to cruise, year after year, and why so many other avid cruisers do the same.
If you went on a cruise in the 1990s or even the 2000s or, yes, even the 2010s, your experience cruising was far, far different from the cruise experience you could have today.
Cruise ships just keep getting bigger and better, with “first at sea” features continuously rolled out from major lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.
Let’s just look at a few of the first-at-sea features to debut in recent history.
The much-lauded Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas showed off the largest water park at sea, which also included the tallest waterslide at sea and the first open freefall waterslide at sea. Norwegian Cruise Line introduced its Aqua Slidecoaster, on Norwegian Aqua, which is the first hybrid rollercoaster and water slide at sea.
Beyond water features, several Carnival Cruise Line ships, including Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, now feature BOLT, the first rollercoaster at sea. MSC Cruises’ MSC World America, meanwhile, unveiled the only over-water swing ride at sea, dubbed “Cliffhanger.”
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in Miami (Photo Credit: Ute Sonja Medley)
Don’t care for all of these adrenaline-pumping “firsts”? If you’d prefer a more luxurious record-setting feature, all you have to do is look to Princess Cruises. Again, Sun Princess stunned as it brought 25 retail brands to a cruise ship for the first time ever, for the ultimate in retail therapy.
And this just touches on the activities that you can expect on a cruise ship these days. The staterooms and suites likewise continue to get bigger and better (just look at the wealth of ultra-fancy suites coming out from lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises), and the dining options — from Utopia of the Seas’ new Royal Railway immersive tech-heavy experience to Icon of the Seas’ posh Empire Supper Club — are much the same.
In short, whatever you like most about cruising, it’s just getting better and better all the time. If you cruise often enough, with the proper planning, you’ll be able to see and do it all.
2. New Destinations are Always an Option
Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship in Los Angeles (Photo Credit: Angel DiBilio)
There are thousands of cruise destinations that you could potentially visit. Even if you were to take an ultra-long cruise, like Celebrity Cruises’ 110-night Grand Voyage on Celebrity Solstice, which sets sail in late 2026 and visits 15 countries and nearly 60 ports, you wouldn’t see them all. As such, you’re going to have a hard time convincing me that you’ve already been to all the places you’d like to cruise to.
Sure, you may’ve visited the big popular cruise destinations throughout the Caribbean, or even the Mediterranean or Northern Europe, but there’s so much more to explore.
Over the past decade, cruises to more far-flung destinations have become more popular, like expedition cruises to Antarctica or the Galapagos, or river cruises down the Amazon.
Additionally, cruise lines continue to roll out exciting new itineraries to keep things fresh. As a few examples, recently, Viking Cruises announced six new itineraries throughout East Asia.
AmaWaterways is taking the river cruise experience to a brand-new destination, with itineraries along the Magdalena River in Colombia. Celebrity Cruises is adding new ports to its roster in Europe, including Bar, Montenegro; Trondheim, Norway and Djupivogur, Iceland.
If you have a preferred cruise line, chances are good that line will take you somewhere new, the very next season.
3. The More You Cruise, the More Perks You Get
Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty Passenger Event (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
If you’ve yet to join a cruise line’s loyalty rewards program, I would highly advise that you do so. For just taking a cruise, you’ll earn points and greater loyalty tier status, which then translates to more perks and benefits during your next cruise. The more you cruise, the more perks you get.
Take Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards Program as an example. You earn points through cruising by getting 1 point for every cruise night, 1 additional point for every cruise night spent in a suite or The Haven and 1 additional point for every cruise night booked as part of a Latitudes Rewards Inside Offer.
As you gain more points, you’ll move up the loyalty program’s tiers. You start out as a Bronze member. After earning 20 points, you become a Silver member, then a Gold member after 45 points, a Platinum member after 75 points, a Sapphire member after 150 points, a Diamond member after 350 points and finally an Ambassador member after 700 points.
Depending on the amount of points you’ve accrued, you’ll receive benefits such as discounts on open bars, shore excursions, spa treatments, WiFi and duty-free shopping. You’ll get free laundry service, access to exclusive events, priority check-in and more.
So, the more you cruise, the better your cruising experience will be!
4. There’s More Than One Way to Experience a Cruise
Cruise Ships Docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Even if you’re not cruising on a new-to-you ship, even if you’re not cruising to a new-to-you destination, you can still have a completely different experience than the last time you cruised.
There’s so much to do on any given ship, that you can’t possibly do it all. Add in differing fellow cruisers and the differences in how you spend your time become even more stark.
Let’s say you take one Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas with your kids and parents, for a multi-generation vacation. You’ll probably pick a stateroom or suite nearer the family-friendly amenities and spend your time having kid-friendly fun. Your dining experiences and shore experiences will likewise take the kiddos and grandparents into account.
Then, you take the same Caribbean cruise itinerary on Icon of the Seas, but just with your partner. Your cruise will probably, in this case, be dedicated to quality time and romance. You’ll likely spend less time at the water park and more time at the spa, less meals at the buffet and more in fine dining restaurants.
You can even experience the difference between spending your port days actually in the port versus spending your port days on the ship. While the former is full of excitement and can be pretty hectic, the latter allows you to enjoy all the ship’s amenities at a slower pace, with fewer crowds.
So, yes, even if you take the same ship to the same places, you can enjoy wildly different experiences.
5. Amazing Crew Members Make All the Difference
Royal Caribbean Crew Members (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
As someone who once worked on a cruise ship, I may be biased, but the amazing crew members within the industry really make a cruise experience stand out.
Compared to just traveling to some hotel where you may or may not get that much in the way of customized service, cruising offers a level of hands-on attention that really goes above and beyond.
No, you don’t need to stay in a suite with a butler in order to get spectacular service (though that is an experience I’d recommend every avid cruiser have at least once!).
Even if you’re just staying in a standard stateroom, your attendant will be there to make your cruise all the more amazing. From tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of your vacation to handling special requests to keeping your cabin tidy, they do it all.
Then, of course, there’s the cruise ship director, the one in charge of all the fun. Through their regular appearances at cruise ship events and ship-wide announcements, you’ll get to know their personality and flair for fun over the days.
In fact, some cruisers find that they appreciate certain crews’ work so much that they go out of their way to cruise on ships and itineraries where and when certain cruise directors and other crew members are working.
From the cruise directors to the attendants to the butlers and the concierges, you’re just not going to find this level of service anywhere else in the travel industry, for this type of price.
6. Cruising Continues to Be Affordable
Margaritaville at Sea Islander (Photo Credit: Feng Cheng)
And on the note of the price, one great reason to continue cruising overtaking another form of vacation is the mere fact that cruising continues to be affordable. As travel costs keep rising, cruising remains a budget-friendly way to see multiple destinations in an all-inclusive manner.
Of course, it is entirely possible to over-spend on a cruise and really blow your budget. However, if you avoid certain extra costs, you can easily cruise without spending a dollar more than your initial cruise fare and gratuities.
7. Self-Care is Always on Tap
Reading on Cruise Ship Deck (Photo Credit: Jeff R. Clow)
When you’re traveling the “normal” way, it’s easy to pack your itinerary with things to do. You can arrive at a destination and go-go-go the entire time. You want to see it all and do it all before your short trip ends. It feels like a total waste to just spend time at your hotel, no matter how nice that hotel might be.
Cruising eliminates this problem altogether thanks to the magic of sea days. On a sea day, you literally can’t leave the ship. There’s no pressure to go into port and explore. You can simply do whatever it is you love, at your leisure.
If that’s spending the day by the pool, lounging in the sun, you can do it. If it’s going to the spa, no problem. If it’s staying in bed late, ordering room service and just chilling on your balcony, that’s an option, too.
These low-pressure, low-energy sea days were made for self-care!
8. See Multiple Destinations with No Extra Travel
Cruise Ships Docked in St. Thomas (Photo Credit: Erin Cadigan)
Have you ever really stopped to think how difficult it would be to see all the places that you do on a cruise, without the cruise ship?
If you were to plan a similar trip but rely on airfare to get you from island to island, to coastal town to coastal town, you’d not only spend so much time simply waiting around or flying in a cramped, small aircraft, but also so much money.
With cruising, you can see a handful of different, unique destinations in one trip, and you don’t have to worry about traveling between those destinations at all.
You literally wake up and you’re in a new place. All the while, as the ship maneuvers its way along its itinerary, you can have the time of your life, going to shows, fine dining and drinking, sitting by the pool and more.
9. It’s Incredibly Easy to Disconnect
Cruise Passenger on Phone in Pool (Photo Credit: Jacobus Djokosetio)
If you’ve ever attempted to go on a trip and truly unplug — no checking work emails, no doom scrolling — you may’ve struggled. It’s really hard to step away from the technology that consumes so much of our lives.
However, when you’re on a cruise, it’s so much easier to disconnect. Yes, cruise lines now offer a range of internet packages that allow you to stay in touch and stream, and even cell phone providers have sea-friendly plans, but if you don’t buy them, you don’t have them.
That means if you want to make a conscious effort to unplug during your trip, all you have to do is avoid this purchase. You completely remove the temptation and can really focus on enjoying yourself.
10. Cruising is the Perfect Option for Mixed Groups of Travelers
Deck of Passengers on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Zigmunds Dizgalvis)
Finally, because the cruising experience can be so varied, even on a single ship, it’s a great option for groups of travelers, whether friends or family members, who have differing preferences.
Maybe your younger siblings are looking for more of a party getaway and want to spend their days beach bumming and their nights clubbing. Your parents want ultra-relaxation in the form of spa treatments and quiet poolside retreats.
Meanwhile, your partner wants adrenaline-pumping activities, both on the ship and on shore. A cruise delivers all this and more, ensuring that everyone is happy.
