Living on a cruise ship? Is it possible? You don’t need to be a member of the crew (like I was for eight-plus years) in order to live the cruise life year-round. You can live on a cruise ship, full time, for likely less than you might think.
In fact, numerous news stories have popped up in recent years about retirees that have decided to live on cruise ships full time, some saying it actually costs less to live on a cruise ship than in some retirement facilities! Does this lifestyle appeal to you? Here’s what you need to know.
First things first: How much does it cost to live on a cruise ship? While you can live on a cruise ship for as little as $28,000 per year to start (before extra expenses), the definite answer largely depends on a variety of factors.
The main factors that influence the cost of living on a cruise ship include your cruise line of choice, your vessel of choice, your lifestyle while cruising, and your cabin preferences.
Let’s look at some of the specific costs.
The Cost of Room and Board on a Cruise Ship
Villa Vie Odyssey Balcony Cabin
Room and board will be the most significant expense on any cruise, especially if you choose to live on a cruise ship for an extended amount of time.
Unfortunately, cruise ships don’t offer any special deals or savings because you’re living on the cruise ship full time. You’ll pay the same nightly rate that all the other cruisers are paying.
As alluded, that nightly rate will depend on factors such as your staterooms, the ship and cruise line, the itinerary and time of year, as well as whether or not you get any special deals or promotions.
As a few examples, you can find Carnival Cruise Line specials that work out to a cruise fare of $79 per person per day.
You can additionally find Royal Caribbean cruises that work out to about $100 per person per day, such as if you’re sailing seven-night Canada cruises that start at $693 per cruiser, or four-night Bahamian cruises that start at $405 per cruiser.
At those rates, you could sail for a full year, paying as little as $28,000 per year for just your room and board. (In a real-life example, one full-time cruiser told Business Insider in 2023 that he cruises for the majority of the year, 300 days, with Royal Caribbean, for a base fare of $30,000 per year.)
While that sounds somewhat affordable at first glance, though, think that this rate for room and board is comparable to if you were paying $2,333 a month for rent.
That’s quite a bit more than the average cost of rent in the United States, which is $1,748 a month for a 901-square-foot apartment (in contrast, you might only get 100–200 square feet in an interior cabin on a Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Line cruise).
Again, prices will vary significantly based on the cruise line, cruise ship, itinerary and even the time of the year. Cruise fares do not stay reliably consistent, all the time, year-round.
Port Fees and Taxes
Cruise Ship Docked in St. Thomas, USVI 9Photo Credit: Ole Dor)
Beyond your base cruise fare, you’ll also need to pay port fees and taxes while living on the cruise ship.
Every cruise line will tack on port fees to the total cost of your cruise. Cruise ships don’t get to dock at their destinations for free. Port fees are fees charged by the port of call to the cruise line, which the cruise line then passes onto the passengers.
Port fees are charged based on the passengers, and every passenger pays the same fees.
Not all ports charge the same amount for port fees. These fees vary based on your cruise line and where your cruise ship stops in different countries.
On a seven-day cruise, you can expect your port fees to range from $100 to $250. If you spend a year on a cruise ship, you can expect to pay an additional $5,000 to cover port fees. You’ll be able to see the cost of port fees in your total cruise cost before you’re asked to pay your deposit.
Gratuities
Ship Deck Crew (Photo Credit: yanchi1984)
While gratuities are not a mandatory fee, I always advise that you pay the cruise line’s requested gratuities unless you have truly very bad service.
Some cruise ships tack on automatic gratuity that ranges from 15% to 20% of whatever service you paid for, whether it be dinner or the spa. Depending on how much you plan on using amenities on the ship, this cost can quickly add up.
Everyday Onboard Spending
Finally, you’ll want to consider what you’ll spend onboard the ship as you just go about your daily life. There are a lot of additional places where you’ll spend money on a cruise ship.
You’ll pay extra for WiFi; at specialty restaurants; when shopping onboard or at the port; and for drinks, clothes, toiletries, gym classes, alcohol and salon visits.
It’s worth considering that the price of these items is a lot more on a cruise ship than they are on land. While you may not be interested in shore excursions if you’re living on your cruise long-term, you should consider the cost of these as well.
How to Save Money Living on a Cruise Ship
Lounge on Azamara Quest (Photo Credit: Nigel Jarvis)
There are ways to save on your everyday spending while on the cruise — just prioritize free experiences, entertainment and dining.
Most cruise ships will give you enough free dining options that you’ll hardly be wanting for variety, even while living on the cruise ship full time. For example, throughout the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, you’ll find more than two dozen free dining options.
Maybe one day you go to the buffet (which offers tons of options all by itself). Maybe the next you go to the main dining room. Then, you head over to Guy’s Burger Joint, then Big Chicken, then BlueIguana Cantina.
Additionally, whatever cruise line you opt to cruise with full-time, make sure you’re in the loyalty program. The more you cruise, the more those benefits add up and, before you know it, you’ll have access to free or discounted perks.
If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean, for instance, and are a member of the Crown & Anchor Society, you’ll earn 1 cruise point for every night you cruise with the line. That means that, after just a month of sailing, you’ll receive discounts on drinks packages, dining, internet, laundry services and more.
You may also save money by not staying on the same ship year-round, and by jumping from ship to ship in busy ports, based on the cheapest itineraries available (of course, this comes with cons, too, as you’re not able to stay in one place as long).
You may also consider living on a cruise ship that sails only or a majority of cruises in more affordable cruising regions, such as the Caribbean (versus, say, Alaska).
Cruise Ships Designed for Year-Round Living
The World Ship (Photo Credit: Chuck Wagner / Shutterstock)
While you can choose to cruise on any ol’ ship long-term, there are certain ships designed specifically for those who want to live on the cruise ship, not average cruisers.
One of these is The World, a ship that dubs itself the “largest private residential yacht on Earth.” There are 165 residences on this ship and each one does actually feel like a studio apartment or small home.
Because the ship caters to those traveling full-time, the ship’s itineraries don’t just go back and forth between the same islands.
Instead, they travel the globe, taking you to dozens of countries and ports. In 2024, fares started at $60,000 — comparable to what you might pay with a major cruise line.
Storylines
Storylines is another year-round cruise provider, branded as a “luxury residential community at sea.” The brand, though, charges an all-inclusive annual fee, and then will sell you the actual on-board residence, with residences on the ship MV Narrative starting at $600,000.
You can also buy a residence in a kind of timeshare format, for 25–50% of the cost. Still, you’ll pay a pretty penny more on this ship, than you might elsewhere.
Villa Vie Residences
Villa Vie Odyssey Cruise Ship
There’s also the Villa Vie Residences cruise line that made the headlines a lot over its delayed Villa Vie Odyssey ship. The ship’s upgrade during a dry dock in Belfast did not go as planned, but the ship eventually set off on a 3.5-year world cruise in October 2024.
On Odyssey, you can fully own a carbon or suite, have seasonal ownership, or even pay as you go. In janury 2025, the cruise line announced that you can even try before you buy!
Victoria Cruises Line
Victoria Cruises Line, meanwhile, brands itself as the “world’s first affordable residential ship.” Just how affordable is it? With a 37-month rental contract, you’ll pay a monthly per-person fee starting at $2,399.
That means you’re paying just under $29,000 per person per year. While this is certainly more affordable than what you’d get on one of these other residential ships, you may be able to get a more affordable experience by cruising long-term on traditional cruise ships.
While not specifically geared toward full-time residences, Virgin Voyages also offers an annual pass so you can take back-to-back cruises for an entire year for $120,000.
How to Live on a Cruise Ship Year-Round
View of the Pool Deck on Azamara Quest (Photo Credit Nigel Jarvis)
If you think that living on a cruise ship year-round is a good fit for you, do note that this isn’t just a one-time booking-and-done process. It may take some tactical planning to ensure that you can book the same cabin repeatedly and at the most affordable rate.
If you want to live on ships from major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean or Carnival, you must book your cruise and cabin months in advance. It’s also a good idea to book longer cruises that span weeks or months to minimize the amount of planning you must do.
Additionally, think about other logistics as well, before you book. You’ll still need a home base and mailing address, and you’ll want to think about insurance and health care. There are no nurses or dentists on a cruise ship.
Is Living on a Cruise Ship Worth It?
I loved living on a cruise ship as a crew member — but I’d say it’s probably not worth it for the average person to live on a cruise ship long-term, year-round.
While it can certainly be fun, the cost is typically significantly higher than what you’d pay for your normal life back home, even with costs like a mortgage.
If you’re interested in long-term cruising, I’d advise simply trying out a longer cruise to start. If you’ve only been on week-long cruises, for example, maybe try a month-long cruise to see if you like it.
And if, during that time period, you begin to get bored or wish you were back home, that’s a clear indication that living on a cruise ship isn’t right for you.
How much can you expect to pay for a month-long cruise?
Holland America Zaandam Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wayleebird / Shutterstock)
As with everything, it varies significantly. However, you can take a 30-night Western Caribbean Explorer and Panama Canal cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver on Holland America Line for just under $3,000.
You can also take a 30-night Hawaii and South Pacific Crossing, Los Angeles to Auckland, cruise on Princess Cruises for just over $5,000. On the higher end of things, a 30-night, Miami to Rio cruise on Regent Seven Seas is around $17,000.
Additionally consider this: As a former crew member, I do know that some of the crew may frown upon long-term cruisers — especially those who are demanding, require extra assistance, or simply aren’t cut out for the lifestyle (for example, if they’re elderly and have a lot of medical needs that the cruise ship can’t accommodate).
You’ll need to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding whether or not this is a lifestyle you’d enjoy. Again, though, I recommend taking a longer cruise first, to test the waters.
There is no doubt that technology is a huge part of our lives. Even on a cruise, from booking the sailing to online check-in to facial recognition at the terminal, technology makes it smoother and easier.
For individual guests, this means a cell phone that can be a great tool for setting sail and making the most of a cruise.
But exactly how useful – or even necessary – are cell phones onboard? Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, recently asked about phone usage with a detailed poll. The surprising results show just how travelers prefer their phones and what they don’t want to do while at sea.
Heald simply posted the poll on his Facebook page as “This is what I use my phone for when I cruise” with 10 different response options. Commenters could choose as many responses as suited to their phone usage.
Of the more than 88,500 votes cast, two choices were clearly the most popular, each with 26% of the votes, or approximately 23,000 people confirming the usage. The first is the use of the Carnival Hub app to read the FunTimes newsletter or check dinner menus.
The cruise line’s app is very convenient, including ways to guests onboard a cruise to highlight the activities they want to attend so they don’t miss anything onboard. Previewing menus is also a great way to plan meals – will it be the Main Dining Room or the Lido Marketplace tonight?
The second top answer, also with 26% of the votes, was to take photos. With better and better cameras on new phones, it is no surprise that travelers want to capture all those special cruise moments with the convenience of a cell phone. Don’t forget a picture of the Carnival whale tail funnel!
The next two most popular answers were both related – to use the Carnival Hub app for messaging (12% or roughly 10,500 votes) or to use other messaging services such as WhatsApp or FaceTime (9% or 8,000 votes).
Only about 8% of commenters (roughly 7,000 votes) either use their cell phones to scan QR codes or to post photos on social media while onboard their cruise, while 6% (5,300 votes) will surf the internet while sailing.
Two of the lowest poll choices are not surprising – just 3% of voters (2,600 votes) stay in touch with their work or check emails while on a cruise. Similarly, only 2% of commenters (1,800 votes) make actual phone calls while sailing, either calling out or receiving calls from home.
In addition to the poll options, commenters also gave even more uses for their phones. Some travelers use their phones for games or reading digital books, and it can be used for wake up alarms or other reminders.
The Lowest – and Most Surprising – Phone Poll Result
The most surprising vote of all – not even garnering enough responses for 1%, so fewer than 500 votes – is “None of these. It’s in the safe.”
Many guests enjoy the opportunity to unplug and disconnect while on their cruise vacations, but as technology becomes ever more omnipresent, even on cruise ships, completely unplugging isn’t always possible.
Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has leaned heavily on cell phone use, encouraging use of their app to reduce paper consumption (though the paper FunTimes is still available).
Carnival Cruise Line on Phone (Photo Credit: rafapress)
Paper menus are also not handed out automatically in the Main Dining Rooms any longer, but menu QR codes are available on every table for guests to scan and access the evening’s menu. Guests can still request a paper menu if preferred, and the dining team will provide one.
Personally, I very much used to be a “leave it in the safe” cruiser, but now, the phone accompanies me as a great connection to ongoing activities as well as a fast camera.
I still prefer to visit the Main Dining Room early in the day to read the paper menu posted at the entrance, and I do request a paper menu at dinner.
How do you use your cell phone on a cruise? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Royal Caribbean’s fourth ever cruise ship – who paved the way for the modern vessels of today like Icon of the Seas and the upcoming Star of the Seas– is officially on her way to be scrapped.
First introduced as Song of America, the now ex-Royal Caribbean cruise ship has an impressive 40+ years of cruising under her belt with a variety of different cruise lines.
At the end of 2023, when the 1,664-guest ship was sailing under Celestyal Cruises as Celestyal Olympia, it was announced that she would be decommissioned and retired – confirming that she’d eventually be scrapped at the time.
Her exit coincided with Celestyal Cruises’ acquisition of AIDAaura– which was the oldest ship in the Carnival-owned AIDA Cruises fleet, but still younger than the former Song of America as a 2003-launched vessel.
Celestyal Cruises sold the ex-RCCL ship to a flag of convenience company in January 2024, who named her Bella Fortuna – which eventually was shortened to just Fortu.
But now, her date with the scrapyard is officially here. On January 22, 2025, the current Fortu embarked on her final voyage from the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East – sailing toward the world’s largest shipbreaking yard in Alang, India. Her status is listed as “to be broken up.”
She’s also not the first former Royal Caribbean vessel to meet the same fate. Sun Viking, which was the third ship to join the fleet in 1972, was beached for scrapping in India in 2022 – concluding more than 50 years of service.
Her older sisters, Song of Norway and Norway Princess, were scrapped in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
A Cruise Industry Trailblazer
As she was called at the time, Song of America sailed under Royal Caribbean from 1982 until 1999 – and is remembered as a financial success and a pioneer for the cruise line.
At 37,700 gross-tons, she was once considered one of the largest cruise ships in the world. She was part of the second generation of cruise ships that built upon the vessels of the 1960s – all of which were around 40,000-gross tons and could accommodate at least 1,000 guests.
For Royal Caribbean, the addition of Song of America led the company to continue to order bigger, better, and more innovative cruise ships – with the fleet welcoming its 29th ship withthe debut of Star of the Seas this summer.
Her popularity is largely what helped the Miami-based cruise line grow to become the industry’s second-largest cruise company – only ranking behind Carnival.
Celestyal Olympia (Photo Credit: Drew Rawcliffe)
Song of America was also the first ship to introduce the famed Viking Crown Lounge – which is a popular bar and dance floor that can still be found onboard nearly every RCCL ship.
But by the late 1900s, modern innovation had surpassed what the cruising pioneer could offer. In late 1998, the ship was sold to Sun Cruises – though she would be chartered back to Royal Caribbean for several months – and renamed Sunbird.
In 2005, she was sold to Thomson Cruises as Thomson Destiny when Sun Cruises was dissolved.
She sailed under the Thomson Cruises brand until 2012 – at which time she transitioned to Louis Cruises for a two year-stint as Louis Olympia. Notably, during this time she served as a floating hotel during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Her final decade as a cruise ship was spent as Celestyal Olympia from 2014 to 2024.
While the historic ship’s impending fate at the scrapyard may sound dismal, she may still go on to a new life at sea – but in a different form.
During the scrapping process, much of the materials that make up the cruise ship will be recycled for use on future vessels – such as melting down metals to be remade into new hull plates.
Guests booked on more than 200 upcoming Carnival Cruise Line voyages, some just a month away, have now been informed that their ship will be departing from its homeport earlier than originally planned.
Two ships are impacted – Mardi Gras and Carnival Horizon. Guests received the notification for the departure change on January 31, 2025, and for each vessel, the first adjusted cruise is the March 1, 2025 departure.
“We have revised the departure time for your cruise and now plan to sail from Miami at 3:30 PM (instead of 4:00 PM) Eastern Time,”the notification said.“So we can get the fun started, all guests must be on board no later than the final boarding time specified on the boarding pass.”
Mardi Gras Itinerary Adjustments
Mardi Gras is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral, Florida. She offers primarily 7-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries, though some 6- and 8-night departures are on her schedule as well.
Of special interest are her upcoming transatlantic cruises – eastbound from Florida to Barcelona departing on September 13, 2025 and returning from Barcelona to Port Canaveral departing on October 16. The time between the two 14-night sailings will be Mardi Gras‘ first dry dock update since she debuted in 2021.
The impacted cruises for the Excel-class ship are her March 1, 2025 departure through and including September 7, as well as November 8 through and including December 27. This is every 2025 departure except those transatlantic cruises and her very first cruise from Port Canaveral after that dry dock.
In 2026, every single Mardi Gras cruise is now moved to the earlier departure, from her January 3 departure to the New Year’s sailing departing on December 26.
In 2027, all voyages from the January 2 sailing through and including the April 24 cruise are also adjusted. At this time, this represents all currently published Mardi Gras sailings available for booking.
In total, 105 Mardi Gras cruises will now depart from Port Canaveral 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled.
Carnival Horizon Itinerary Adjustments
Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Grindstone Media Group)
Carnival Horizon‘s impacted sailings are similar to those of her fleetmate. Homeported from Miami, she offers 6- and 8-night Western and Southern Caribbean itineraries.
Every Carnival Horizon sailing from March 1, 2025 through and including December 28, 2025 will now leave Miami 30 minutes earlier.
In 2026, every departure from January 5 through and including January 17; January 31 through and including May 3; and June 28 through and including December 27 is now departing earlier.
A number of 2027 voyages are also adjusted, from the January 4 departure through and including the April 24, 2027 sailing.
This means a total of 105 Carnival Horizon cruises will be leaving early. At this time, no itineraries beyond April 2027 are yet released for booking.
For all impacted ships, the departure change is just 30 minutes. It may be due to streamlined debarkation and embarkation procedures, particularly the implementation of facial recognition technology, that permits passengers to be processed much more efficiently. When that process is complete, the ship is ready to sail.
When a cruise ship can leave the homeport early, this can ease tight scheduling to reach ports of call, reduce port fees, and improve fuel efficiency with slower sailing speeds.
For guests onboard, it means 30 minutes for more fun on their cruise vacation, which is never a bad thing!
Following weeks of adjusted itineraries for Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas due to ongoing construction work in San Juan, Puerto Rico, another cruise line’s biggest ship is also having trouble visiting the port of call.
Guests setting sail aboard Disney Cruise Line’s new Disney Treasure on February 1, 2025 have been notified of a last-minute port swap, cancelling the Wish-class ship’s visit to San Juan. Instead, an alternative port has been arranged during the 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.
“We were advised by the port in San Juan, Puerto Rico that the berth that was previously confirmed for the Disney Treasure is unavailable due to ongoing construction work,”a notification sent to travel agents read.
“Unfortunately, we have determined that there are no suitable alternative berths available in San Juan, Puerto Rico for this sailing.”
Now, Disney Treasure will spend the planned day for Puerto Rico – Wednesday, February 5 – at sea instead. On Thursday, February 6, the ship will be visiting Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point as a substitution.
The ship’s planned visits to Tortola on Tuesday, February 4 and Castaway Cay on Friday, February 7 remain unchanged. Likewise, there is no adjustment to Disney Treasure‘s return to Port Canaveral on Saturday, February 8.
Generous compensation is being provided for this last-minute change, as Disney Cruise Line is giving every stateroom an onboard credit of $250 (USD). The onboard credit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
If guests had any pre-booked Port Adventures for San Juan, those will be automatically cancelled and refunded.
Why the Change?
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has been skipping San Juan since November 2024 due to pier damage caused by an MSC Cruises ship earlier in the year. No other berths are available that can accommodate the Oasis-class ship.
With Disney Treasure one of the largest ships in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, along with her sister ship, Disney Wish, it is not surprising that the same issue would be plaguing another massive cruise ship in San Juan.
There is quite a size difference between the two vessels, however, but not as much as many guests may believe. While the gross tonnage is quite different between the two ships – Symphony of the Seas is 228,081 gross tons compared to Disney Treasure‘s 144,256 gross tons – the length of the vessels is much more similar.
Symphony of the Seas measures 1,187 feet from bow to stern, while Disney Treasure measures 1,119 feet long. This means that Symphony of the Seas is 58% heavier than Disney Treasure, but only 6% longer.
This measurement disparity is a factor of the ship’s construction, onboard features, and materials used, as well as the overall architecture proportions and sleekness of each ship. Oasis-class ships appear very visually massive, while Wish-class ships have a much more tapered, elongated appearance.
Disney Treasure Docked in Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: Disney)
Nevertheless, it is the length of the ship compared to the length of the pier that matters when berth space is considered, not the gross tonnage of the vessel. Despite her smaller size, Disney Treasure is still too large to be accommodated at any open piers in San Juan.
Docking schedules must also accommodate bookings by other cruise lines. On February 5 when Disney Treasure was to have been in San Juan, four other ships are simultaneously planned for the port: Viking Cruises’ Viking Sea, Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess; Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Celebration.
Carnival Celebration is heavier and longer than Disney Treasure, but the ship would already have reserved available space to suit her size.
Until the pier construction is complete and safety inspections certified by the appropriate authorities, it is likely that cancellations by Symphony of the Seas and possibly Disney Treasure will continue.
Disney Treasure is homeported from Port Canaveral and offers 7-night Caribbean itineraries, alternating between Eastern and Western destinations. While San Juan is a popular Eastern Caribbean port of call, it is not included on every one of Disney Treasure‘s Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Some sailings visit Tortola and St. Thomas, instead, along with Castaway Cay. The ship’s next scheduled visit to San Juan is on her March 29, 2025 departure. Hopefully, the pier will be open by that time and Disney Treasure can make the call as planned.
Just as New Orleans gears up to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events on February 9, with over 100,000 people expected to arrive for Super Bowl LIX, the Crescent City’s Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) marked a milestone year in 2024, surpassing 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.
The Louisiana cruise hub, which serves both ocean-going and river cruise lines, credited increased demand for its record-breaking numbers.
“We are grateful to our cruise and hospitality partners, including New Orleans & Company, for their role in helping Port NOLA achieve a record-breaking number of passengers,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch.
“These valued partnerships continue to drive strong demand and promising growth projections for both ocean-going and river cruising from Port NOLA,” she continued. “We look forward to building on this momentum for another successful year in 2025.”
Port NOLA’s findings also revealed that the majority of cruise passengers arrived at its two terminals – Erato Street and Julia Street – from out of state, with 70 percent extending their trips by one or two days.
These stays contributed to more than 300,000 hotel room nights and an estimated $125 million in local spending annually.
Said Walt Leger III, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company,“These results, like tourism, do not just happen. It is the result of innovative strategies and years of relationships. We work to ensure that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique, and welcoming city in the world.”
Cruise Line Commitments Strength NOLA Growth
Port NOLA, which narrowly missed reaching 1.2 million passengers in 2023, says its success has been fueled by continued homeport commitments from four major cruise lines.
Carnival Cruise Line extended its five-year agreement in 2024 and currently sails two year-round vessels, the 2,980-passenger Carnival Valor and the 2.974-guest Carnival Liberty, marking 30 years of operations from New Orleans.
Carnival Valor is currently operating 4- and 5-night roundtrip voyages to the Western Caribbean, taking sailors to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico weekly. Meanwhile, Carnival Liberty provides 7-night journeys each week to Western and Eastern Caribbean destinations.
Norwegian Cruise Line, also under an extended five-year agreement, expanded its offerings with sailings on the 3,963-guest Norwegian Getaway. The cruise line provides 7-night roundtrip cruises to Harvest Caye, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico, weekly.
Carnival Liberty in New Orleans (Photo Credit: Port NOLA)
Royal Caribbean also returned to the port in November 2024 with the 2,543-passenger Brilliance of the Seas sailing 7-night Caribbean itineraries through March 2025.
Additionally, river cruising remains a strong component of operations, with the city located at the delta of the Mississippi River, America’s No. 1 river cruising destination.
The port features six homeported river vessels, including American Cruise Lines’ American Heritage, American Splendor, American Jazz, American Symphony, and American Serenade carrying 175 to 190 guests.
Viking River Cruises’ Mississippi is also based in New Orleans, offering 8-night cruises for up to 386 passengers.
In addition to homeported ships, Port NOLA has seen an increase in port calls, including the recent inaugural visit from MSC Cruises’ new Explora II on January 16, 2025, during its longer MSC Journeys sailing.
P&O Cruises’ Ventura, with up to 3,078 passengers, arrived at the port on January 22 and will return on Match 18, and Saga Cruises’ 999-guest Spirit of Discovery will call on February 7.
The port will also welcome vessels from Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and Margaritaville at Sea.
Port Canaveral Cruise Port is one of the world’s busiest cruise hubs, welcoming millions of passengers each year. Located just an hour from Orlando, it serves as a gateway to popular destinations like the Bahamas and Key West while offering easy access to Central Florida’s top attractions.
Port Canaveral is located along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, perfectly positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River. Not only does the location make it the ideal departure point for cruise ships, but the port is easily reachable from some of Florida’s major cities and airports.
For those who are planning on driving to the cruise port, it can be found at the following address:
Port Canaveral Cruise Port 445 Challenger Road Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
This location also means that the cruise port is accessible via some of Florida’s major highways, which partially explains why so many cruise passengers choose to drive to the port from out of state. Driving to the port is relatively straightforward, and the port’s location means drivers can enjoy stunning views as they approach.
As we will discuss in more detail later, the area where the port is located is nicknamed Florida’s “Space Coast,” so driving also allows visitors to explore Cape Canaveral’s connection to NASA and space exploration.
Which Cruise Lines Use Port Canaveral Cruise Port?
Cruise Ships Docked in Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: fitzcrittle)
As mentioned, Port Canaveral Cruise Port is one of the busiest in the world, so it is no surprise that it is frequented by some of the world’s top cruise lines, with many of them using it as a homeport. Here are just some of the cruise lines that regularly list the port as part of their cruise offerings:
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Carnival Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises
Not only does Port Canaveral host numerous cruise lines, but cruises departing from the port offer a wide array of itineraries, including voyages to faraway destinations like Hawaii, Asia, and the Galapagos Islands.
If you need to contact a specific cruise line with questions about your cruise, lost luggage, or anything else, Port Canaveral’s website lists contact information for all of the cruise lines that regularly operate out of the port.
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal and Piers
Full View of Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
In both the cruise and shipping industries, Port Canaveral is considered to be the gateway to Central Florida.
With eighty percent of Port Canaveral’s immense revenue coming from the cruise industry, it is no surprise that it is equipped with state-of-the-art cruise terminals and facilities. Currently, the port offers seven dedicated cruise terminals and 13 cargo ship berths.
Some cruise terminals are homeports for specific cruise lines and ships, while others are mixed-use and regularly used as port-of-calls. Each terminal is listed with its own address and is located on either the north or south side of the channel that divides the port.
Whenever you are talking about one of these mega ports, things can get a bit confusing, so let’s break down the seven cruise terminals one by one:
Cruise Terminal 1
Allure of the Seas at Port Canaveral
Located in the middle of the port’s south side at 9050 Discovery Road, Cruise Terminal 1 is the go-to spot for Royal Caribbean International cruise ships.
Terminal 1 boasts sleek amenities, including Wi-Fi, accessible ramps, and comfortable waiting areas. A separate VIP section of the terminal can accommodate 250 suite guests in a comfortable and private waiting area.
This is where you’ll board Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships, like Utopia of the Seas. It is also located directly next to The Cove, an indoor complex filled with restaurants, bars, and a few small stores.
The Terminal 1 building is also impressive, covering over 188,000 square feet. For those driving, there are 1,800 parking spaces in a covered garage directly in front of the terminal building, making it easy to park.
Fun fact: Terminal 1’s cruise ship berth was recently upgraded and expanded to handle the largest cruise ships in the world.
Cruise Terminal 2
Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
Cruise Terminal 2 is also located on the port’s south side near the channel exit at 180 Christopher Columbus Drive. Because it has the smallest cruise ship berth, it tends to be a mixed-use terminal frequented by smaller cruise ships and niche cruise lines like Victory Casino Cruises.
Despite its relatively small size, Terminal 2, also called CT2, is still equipped with all the amenities required for passengers to board their cruise ship seamlessly.
When it is not used as a cruise terminal, CT2 can be used for cargo shipping purposes, so it has the most industrial appearance of Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals.
Cruise Terminal 3
Terminal 3 (Credit: Port Canaveral)
Home to Carnival Cruise Line, Cruise Terminal 3 is located on the south side of the port at 220 Christopher Columbus Drive. Carnival recently redeveloped the entire terminal, and the updated design centers around entertainment.
In fact, the terminal’s redevelopment in 2020 was the largest construction project the entire port had ever seen. Even the waiting area is impressive, with each of the 1,200 comfortable seats having its own built-in phone charging port.
The entire port is brightly lit and equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi. A 500-seat VIP section offers luxury seating and a snack and drinks bar. Like Terminal 1, Terminal 3 has a dedicated parking garage, bridges connecting each level to the terminal building, and wheelchair-friendly elevators.
Thanks to a modern security and check-in desk in the main hall, passengers can easily pass through the terminal in less than 10 minutes.
The Mardi Gras, Carnival’s flagship, departed on its maiden passenger voyage from Terminal 3 and continues to dock here on a regular basis. “The terminal is really impressive,” one Reddit user raved. “It feels more like an airport lounge than where you would board a cruise ship.”
Cruise Terminal 5
Terminal 5, Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
This terminal is located on the north side of the port and can be found at 9245 Charles Rowland Drive. While listed as a Royal Caribbean International terminal, it is also occasionally used to host Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.
It has one of the oldest and smallest terminal buildings in the entire port, but it still provides excellent services, including special equipment for passengers with mobility needs.
Some of the Google reviews for the terminal complain about it being dated and giving off a bit of a warehouse vibe, but the boarding process is still fast and efficient, so it serves its purpose.
The port is also the homeport for Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, so if you have booked a voyage on this particular cruise ship, you will sail from Terminal 5.
It also offers on-site parking at a dedicated lot that can accommodate up to 1,200 vehicles.
Cruise Terminal 6
Caribbean Princess in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
Located on the north side of the port, Cruise Terminal 6 is primarily used by Royal Caribbean, but also can be used by other cruise lines, including Princess Cruises. It is directly beside Terminal 5 at 9241 Charles M. Rowland Drive.
Cruise Terminal 6 does not have its own parking garage, but it has an outdoor lot that can accommodate just over 1,000 vehicles. The lot also has a passenger pickup and drop-off location directly in front of it.
Since the lot is not as big as some dedicated garages found at other terminals, many private parking lots near the port have passenger shuttles that can transport visitors to and from Terminal 6.
As of 2024, Terminal 6 has been used as a homeport for Carnival Glory, but it is also used to dock non-Carnival cruise ships.
At 9155 Charles M. Rowland Drive on the port’s north side, Cruise Terminal 8 is Disney Cruise Line’s dedicated terminal and cruise ship berth. Unsurprisingly, for a dedicated Disney terminal, it has a fun atmosphere. Imagine waiting to board with Disney-themed decor and even a Mickey-shaped gangway!
Another advantage of departing from Cruise Terminal 8 is the fully covered parking garage directly in front of it. This makes it extremely convenient for those who drive to the port.
Cruise Terminal 10
MSC Seaside in Port Canaveral (Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral)
Cruise Terminal 10 is located at 9005 Charles M. Rowland Drive. Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises use this terminal, and MSC Cruises use it as homeports. Norwegian Cruise Line also uses this terminal.
Terminal 10 offers upgraded facilities and easy access to parking, thanks in part to its massive 2,000-spot parking lot directly beside it.
Like the other terminal buildings, Cruise Terminal 10 has modern check-in and passenger facilities, including a comfortable waiting area, accessible restroom facilities, elevators, and a small VIP section.
Whether driving yourself or being dropped off, parking at Port Canaveral cruise port is a breeze, especially compared to some of Florida’s other cruise ports.
As we covered above, most cruise terminals have dedicated parking lots and garages, making things really easy. However, these sometimes fill up during peak cruise season, so some visitors opt for the nearby unofficial parking lots.
To help you enjoy a stress-free arrival, I’m going to break down the official port parking lots, as well as the nearby off-site options.
Official Port Parking Lots
View of Parking Lot at Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Georges_Creations)
The official port parking lots and garages are the most convenient options. They are located adjacent to the various terminals and feature 24/7 security, luggage assistance, and easy access to the terminal buildings.
The multi-level parking garages even have covered bridges connecting them to the terminal buildings, so those with mobility needs can easily access elevators once they are inside.
While these lots are very convenient, they can be a bit pricey, especially compared to some off-site options. While rates are subject to change at any given time, paying around $17 per day plus tax at most of these lots is typical. None of the lots accept cash, so you will need to pay via credit card.
Note that reservations are not required. Simply arrive at your designated terminal building’s parking lot or garage and pay via the parking machines found throughout the lot or garage.
Keep in mind that none of the parking garages or surface lots open before 10 a.m. local time for embarking passengers, so you will not want to arrive overly early.
Every surface lot or parking garage features designated parking spots for travelers with mobility needs, and parking fees are even waived for those displaying a valid Florida Toll Exemption Permit or Florida Disabled Veteran license plate.
Park-n-Cruise Port Canaveral Parking Lot
Photo Courtesy: Port Canaveral
While on-site parking is the most convenient option, you can save money using an off-site parking lot. All of these off-site lots offer complimentary shuttles to the various terminals, so getting to and from your vehicle is fairly straightforward.
Of the unofficial lots in the surrounding area, I have found that the following are the best options:
Park-n-Cruise Port Canaveral is less than 3 miles from the port on Merritt Island and can be found at 1700 Sea Ray Drive. Regardless of vehicle size, rates are just $10.95 per day. They also offer discounts for US military and first responders.
The parking lot also runs numerous shuttle buses that provide complimentary transportation from the parking lot to all of Port Canaveral’s seven cruise terminals. Plus, the entire lot has 24/7 video surveillance and is closed at night, so your vehicle is protected.
In addition to the lower price, another advantage of parking here is that you can book your spot ahead of time. Rather than risking being turned away because the lot is full, you can make arrangements ahead of time, which is always nice.
Park Port Canaveral
Cruise Ships in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Robert Michaud)
Park Port Canaveral is another popular choice. With daily rates as low as $10.95 per day, it’s also one of the most affordable options near the port. Like Park-n-Cruise, you can also book your parking spot ahead of time through the website or by calling the toll-free number on their website.
This privately owned parking lot is just 1 mile away from the south side cruise terminals, so the complimentary shuttle can take as little as 5 minutes to drive you to your terminal building.
Like the other private lot, the shuttle drops riders off at any of the seven terminals, so you will just need to let the driver know which terminal you are setting sail from.
Cruise Time Parking & Shuttle
Cruise Ships Docked in Port Canaveral (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Starting at just $10 flat per day, Cruise Time Parking & Shuttle is another budget-friendly option. The shuttle to and from Port Canaveral is also completely free, and the entire lot is monitored by security.
If you book online, you can also fill out a form explaining which terminal you need transportation to and when you will arrive. This feature alone can make Cruise Time Parking an appealing option if you want to ensure a stress-free parking experience.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
One of the main reasons Port Canaveral is the second most visited cruise port in the world is that it is so easily accessible from several international airports. If you are planning to fly in for your cruise, here are some of the airport options you have, as well as basic directions from each:
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (Photo Credit: James Kirkikis)
Located 45 miles west of Port Canaveral, Orlando International Airport is Florida’s largest domestic airport, so it is no surprise that it is also the most popular airport for visiting cruise passengers to fly into. With shuttle buses, Uber, and taxis available, most visitors can expect to travel to the port in about 45 minutes.
Not only is this airport conveniently located near the port, but MCO is also just 6 miles from downtown Orlando. Thus, it is ideal for those hoping to explore the city and its surrounding theme parks, such as Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida.
If you are planning on renting a vehicle at Orlando International Airport and driving to the port yourself, the following is the best way to get there:
From the airport, get on FL-528 E
After 1.7 miles, take Astronaut Blvd to the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway South
After 37 miles, take the exit for George King Blvd exit and follow signs for Port Canaveral
Once you arrive at the port, follow signs for your specific cruise terminal, which will be well-marked
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Orlando Sanford International Airport (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
This smaller airport is located roughly 60 miles from the port, so it’s further from the main Orlando airport. With that said, Orlando Sanford International Airport serves many budget-friendly airlines, so the extra 15 minutes you will spend commuting from the airport to the cruise port can be worthwhile.
Keep in mind that taking the FL-417 is the fastest route, but it is also a toll road, so it can be slightly more expensive than taking the FL-46 East and 1-95 South to get to the port. Most taxis and Ubers will avoid the toll road, so you should expect the drive to take just over an hour.
If you are planning on driving from SFB to the port yourself, you can take the following directions, which will help you pay less in tolls:
Get on the I-95 South and continue for 28 miles
Exit onto FL-528 East until you reach George King Blvd in Cape Canaveral
Exit onto the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway South
Follow until you see signs for Port Canaveral, and follow signs for your cruise terminal
Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
Melbourne Orlando International Airport
Just 27 miles south of the port, flying into Melbourne International Airport is a great option if you are looking to book a budget flight and avoid the hustle and bustle of MCO. Expect the drive to take about 45 minutes, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during the week.
If you are driving from MLB yourself, the following are the most straightforward directions:
Follow Old 1st Street and Air Terminal Parkway to FL-508 E
After 0.5 miles, take the North US Highway 1 and FL-404 for 25 miles until you arrive in Cape Canaveral
Continue onto North Atlantic Avenue and follow signs for Port Canaveral and your respective Cruise Terminal
How to Get to Port Canaveral Cruise Port
View of Port Canaveral, Florida (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)
While getting to the port from the surrounding airports is fairly straightforward, it is just as easy to get to if you are not flying into the area. The following are the most popular options:
Cruise Line Shuttles
Most cruise lines that use Port Canaveral as their homeport offer dedicated, complimentary shuttles from Orlando International Airport to their respective cruise terminals.
While you must show your cruise tickets to take these shuttles, they can be a convenient way to get to the port. However, these shuttle buses are only available for certain cruises, so you must check with your cruise line beforehand to ensure one is available when you arrive.
Taxis and Rideshares
Both Uber and Lyft are available throughout Florida. They can provide reliable and cost-effective transportation from airports to downtown Orlando and other cities in Central Florida.
While rates vary depending on when you order your ride and where you are coming from, one-way transportation from MCO costs between $60 and $80. Taxis are also widely available but tend to be more expensive, with a similar ride costing closer to $100.
Driving to Port Canaveral
View of the Entire Port (Photo Credit: Port Canaveral)
For those planning on driving to the port, Port Canaveral is conveniently located near some of Florida’s main highways, making it easy to drive to from inside or outside the state. If you are arriving from Orlando, State Road 528 offers a convenient and direct route to the port.
Those traveling up from south Florida will likely find the I-95 North is the fastest route, while those driving into Florida will find the I-95 South or I-75 are the best routes.
Once you arrive in Cape Canaveral, you will find plenty of clearly visible signage directing you to the port and its various cruise terminals, so it’s easy to find your terminal and its respective parking lot.
If you need to rent a vehicle to get to and from the port or explore the surrounding area, there are also numerous options for car rentals at each of the major airports and near the port itself.
If you have booked a cruise from Port Canaveral, you’ll be happy to learn that booking a nearby hotel couldn’t be easier. This makes it easy to extend your stay and enjoy nearby Cocoa Beach or spend an unrushed day at the Kennedy Space Center.
Best of all? Most of these hotels cater directly to Port Canaveral passengers, offering their guests a complimentary shuttle ride to their specific cruise terminal. We already put together a list of 30 nearby hotels that offer a complimentary shuttle service, but here are just a few of my personal favorites:
Hilton Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
Located just a 10-minute drive from Port Canaveral Cruise Port and less than 25 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center, the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront is pretty difficult to beat.
The hotel is just steps away from Cocoa Beach and even offers guests complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and bicycles. They also have a beach volleyball court and offer surfing lessons.
Add a free shuttle to the terminal entrance, and this hotel is pretty difficult to beat.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral
If you’re traveling with a large group, the Homewood Suites Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach is another great option. It’s also located just a short walk from the beach and offers guests spacious, suite-style rooms with fully equipped kitchens and a complimentary breakfast.
With a free shuttle service to the port, complimentary parking, a poolside tiki bar, and much more, it’s ideal for families and groups looking to extend their stay in Cape Canaveral. Plus, it’s less than 2 miles from the port.
If you’re looking for something closer to the port, the Radisson Resort at the Port is another favorite. With on-site meals, a wide range of leisure amenities, a themed outdoor pool area, and a free shuttle to the port, it’s the perfect location for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed stay before or after their cruise.
Best of all? It’s one of the closest hotels to the port, so you won’t have to worry about being late or having to set off too early.
What Sightseeing Options Are Around Port Canaveral?
I mentioned earlier that one of the best things about cruising from Port Canaveral is the opportunity to explore some of the surrounding attractions and sites, but it’s worth repeating!
It’s almost like you can enjoy a vacation before your vacation or, if you’re like me, a bonus vacation after your main vacation. While everyone’s tastes will differ, I always try to make time for the following whenever I’m setting sail from Cape Canaveral:
The Kennedy Space Center
John F Kennedy Space Center (Photo Credit: 26ShadesOfGreen)
The Kennedy Space Center is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Cape Canaveral. Visitors can explore real NASA launch pads, enjoy hands-on learning through countless interactive exhibits, and even watch a rocket launch if their timing is right.
Located on Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is only about 16 miles from the port, making a visit something you can easily do in an afternoon.
If you plan on visiting, I recommend buying your tickets online ahead of time. Not only does this allow you to breeze through the line, this interactive museum has capacity limits, so pre-booking your ticket will ensure you can visit at your preferred time.
Bonus tip: If you have more time in Cape Canaveral and want to get the most out of the experience, buy a two-day admission ticket. It will save you money, and you don’t even have to go on consecutive days, so you can go before and after your cruise if you want to!
Cocoa Beach is more than just a nice strip of white sand; it’s an entire city known for flawless beaches and perfect waters for surfing. In fact, it’s even home to the Florida Surf Museum.
With that said, you don’t have to be a surfing enthusiast to enjoy your time in Cocoa Beach, as the waterfront city is home to piers, independent restaurants, shops, and, of course, a beautiful beach you can relax on. I’d personally recommend grabbing a bite at Coconuts on the Beach or picking up a souvenir at the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
I’d recommend staying in a Cocoa Beach hotel before your cruise to get the most out of the area, but even if you just want to spend an afternoon there, it’s only a couple of miles from the port.
Manatee Sanctuary Park
Manatee Sanctuary Park (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
While it’s often overlooked in favor of the more iconic Kennedy Space Center or the major theme parks in nearby Orlando, Manatee Sanctuary Park is located in Cape Canaveral and offers visitors 10 acres to explore along the Banana River. It’s a protected manatee habitat, so visiting is a great opportunity to spot these gentle creatures.
If you’re not interested in spotting the manatees, it’s just a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon relaxing or exercising. With outdoor exercise stations, paved fitness trails along the water, covered picnic tables and grills, and a playground, it’s fun and affordable to kill time before your cruise. Plus, it’s just 2 miles from most of the Port Canaveral cruise terminals.
Best Time to Visit Port Canaveral
The best time to visit Cape Canaveral is between November and April, which also happens to be the busiest. The weather is relatively mild, ranging from 60°F to 80°F.
If you can, try to avoid hurricane season, which runs between June and early November. Not only can traveling during these months increase your risk of weather-related delays, but those mid-summer months can get pretty hot and sticky.
It’s also worth remembering that crowds peak during the holidays and spring break, so you should give yourself extra time to arrive at the port and book any flights, hotels, or car rentals well in advance.
As cruise ships target ways to improve energy efficiency and go green, a team of engineers has introduced a new system that may bring vessels closer to their goals: solar energy.
Scientists conducted a simulation to evaluate a new photovoltaic (PV) system designed to add two solar panels to the front of balcony glass on two cruise ships’ staterooms. The panels contained 48 cells and could generate up to 250 watts of power at peak levels without obstructing views – a top concern of guests and cruise lines.
The simulation modeled how the system would capture sunlight and turn it into energy compatible with the ship’s electrical grid. The generated power was then routed into the vessels’ main power distribution networks, with any excess stored in batteries for use during cloudy conditions or nighttime operations.
The study simulated the performance of the PV system on two Helios-class vessels such as AIDA Cruises’ AIDAnova, which features 1,655 balcony cabins and would have a maximum output of 827.5 kilowatts.
The vessels were operating in different environments – one on a Caribbean route in March 2016 with ample sunlight on a daily basis, and the other sailing along the Norwegian coast in August and September 2016, when daylight conditions varied.
Results showed the solar panels could produce an average 3.2 megawatts in the Caribbean and 3.8 megawatts in Norway, enough to power all staterooms on a vessel.
“The transition to direct current (DC) on-board grids and the increased integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage can improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption,”agreed the research team led by Patrick Schwager of the DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems, Urban and Residential Technologies in Germany.
The analysis was released in January 2025 in Science Direct and will be featured in the International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems in March.
Efforts to Cut Emissions
The study on solar power follows the ambitious goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is tasking ships to reduce annual emissions by 30 percent of 2008 emissions by 2030.
IMO hopes to see an 80 percent reduction by 2040 and to reach net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050, which aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Currently, the Norwegian-based Hurtigruten is working to develop the first zero-emission cruise ship. The Sea Zero project is focusing on using large battery packs with a capacity of about 60 megawatt-hours as the vessel’s primary power source.
The cruise line says the system could reduce energy use by 40 to 50 percent.
The designers are also examining other eco-friendly technologies like retractable sails with solar panels, expected to yield a 10 percent energy saving, and technology to reduce hull water friction through air lubrication technology and advanced coatings to potentially save an additional 5 to 10 percent in energy.
The prototype ship, which is being designed to accommodate 500 guests, is currently in a two-year testing and developing phase.
Cruise lines, which have been under heavy scrutiny from environmental groups such as Extinction Rebellion, are actively seeking ways to reduce emissions with two primary strategies being implemented in new and retrofitted ships.
One of the most common methods is the use of shore power, which allows ships to shut down their systems and connect to local power grids in ports. In fact, as part of the European Union’s Fit for 55 program, all ports in the EU will need to have shoreside capabilities by 2030.
Another burgeoning technology is the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel alternative, said to cut down on greenhouse emissions by 20 to 25 percent compared to conventional fuels.
AIDAnova, which is operated by Carnival Corporation, was the first to utilize this fuel in 2018 while the very first vessel to use shore power was the Majestic Princess operated by the cruise company’s Princess Cruises in Juneau, Alaska, in 2001.
Entertainment, fun, and relaxation is different for everyone, and cruise lines work very hard to offer something that every guest can enjoy. There is one type of entertainment that Carnival Cruise Line simply can’t accommodate, however.
Fortunately, an upcoming guest reached out to the cruise line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, for clarification before bringing something aboard that wouldn’t be of use.
“I have some avid video gamers coming with me for the first time and they wanted to bring something so they could play games hooked up to the tv in the room. I read an article that nothing can be hooked up to the TV’s and that the ports are blocked,”the guest explained.“I’ve never tried so I wasn’t sure if this is true?”
Video games are immensely popular with all ages, and it can be a great getaway to immerse oneself in a gaming world. On a cruise ship, however, it isn’t always possible.
“That is correct, I’m afraid they can’t be hooked up to the television televisions for operational reasons,”Heald replied.“I would hate for them to bring all this equipment for nothing. So please let them know. I’m sure they will have a wonderful time though and there is so much for them to do.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s stateroom televisions vary in size, with older ships generally having smaller sets due to size constraints in the cabin. None have active hookups for external equipment, however.
This includes bringing along a DVD player, streaming connectors, or other electronic gear, as all such hookups and connection ports are disabled.
Independent games, such as portable, handheld games that don’t require a television can be brought onboard and will work just fine.
Guests could also choose to play online games on their phone, tablet, or other mobile device if they purchase a suitable internet package.
What Games Are Available Onboard?
While the guest does not specify what Carnival cruise ship they will be sailing on, there are also onboard video arcades that have a small selection of popular games available.
These often include top racing games as well as themed shooting games or dance challenges. Games of skill, such as claw games, free-throw setups, air hockey, Skeeball, and others are also found in the video arcade. Some games include top notch prizes, such as smart watches, air pods, and more.
While the games do require payment with digital “chips,” Carnival Cruise Line offers amazing savings with pre-paid packages for chips. Depending on how many chips a passenger purchases, they can get hundreds of free chips for a great rate, though package deals and chip prices are subject to change.
Carnival Cruise Line Arcade (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)
Packages can be purchased online before setting sail or via a kiosk in the arcade where available.
The chips are then loaded onto the guest’s Sail & Sign account and the games operate with a quick swipe of the Sail & Sign card.
Many guests mistakenly believe the Carnival’s video arcades are exclusive spaces reserved for kids and teens, but in fact all ages can visit the arcade and enjoy the games.
Furthermore, each ship’s Fun Squad also puts together a full schedule of trivia, parties, dance lessons, contests, karaoke, and more for guests to enjoy. This doesn’t even include onboard features such as the pools, waterslides, miniature golf courses, sports courts, and (on the Excel-class ships), the Bolt rollercoaster.
Going without one’s favorite video games might seem like a disappointment, but once onboard a cruise ship and discovering just how much is going on and how many great things there are to do, everyone is sure to have an amazing getaway.
