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Miami Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and More

Emrys Thakkar
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Miami Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and More

PortMiami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” handles over 7.2 million passengers annually. With investments of over $1.5 billion in its terminals and facilities, it’s not surprising that it regularly holds the title of busiest cruise port in the world. Learn everything about the port and its surroundings with this guide.

In This Article:

Miami Cruise Port Location and Overview

PortMiami is conveniently located on Dodge Island in Biscayne Bay, just east of downtown Miami, Florida, and just a bit south of the iconic coastal resort city of Miami Beach. 

Not only does this strategic location enable cruise ships to easily set off on voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexico, Key West, South American coastline, and beyond, but it provides visiting cruise passengers with easy access to Miami’s world-renowned beaches, shopping districts, and other attractions. 

PortMiami holds the title of the largest passenger port in the world. It also happens to be one of the busiest, regularly serving over 7.2 million cruise passengers every year.

Miami Cruise Port Map
Map of PortMiami

As mentioned, the port is located on Dodge, which was once one of three islands immediately off the coast of Miami but has since been combined into a single island to turn it into a major passenger and cargo port. The island is connected to downtown Miami via a causeway over the waterway and to nearby Watson Island via the PortMiami Tunnel. 

Currently, nine passenger terminals make up PortMiami’s cruise facilities: Terminals A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, and V. Three of these were built for specific cruise lines; the others are shared terminals that can be used by various cruise lines. 

Miami Cruise Port Address:

PortMiami, 1015 North America Way, Miami, Florida 33132

Which Cruise Lines Use the Terminals?

As the world’s busiest cruise port, it’s not surprising that PortMiami is a destination for many of the world’s top cruise lines. The following cruise lines regularly use the port’s terminals:

  • Terminal A: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises 
  • Terminal B: Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Terminal C: MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line
  • Terminal D: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line
  • Terminal E: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises
  • Terminal F: Carnival Cruise Line
  • Terminal G: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
  • Terminal J: Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Azamara, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Terminal V: Virgin Voyages

Terminal Amenities, Berths and Breakdown

The fact that PortMiami operates nine distinct cruise terminals may sound a bit confusing to cruise passengers who are used to the smaller ports found elsewhere.

The port is fairly easy to navigate, given the simple letter-based naming system and the fact that certain cruise lines have dedicated terminal facilities. Here is a basic breakdown of the terminals and which cruise lines operate out of them:

Terminal A

  • Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean International
  • Address: 1015 North Cruise Blvd

Nicknamed “The Crown of Miami,” Terminal A is one of the newer and more advanced terminals at Miami Cruise Port. It is built around a modern terminal building that handles roughly 2 million cruise passengers per year.

The entire facility is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and escalators, making it easy for all passengers to navigate. It also features an expedited security check-in area for international guests, as well as spacious waiting areas and a luggage drop-off area.

Royal Caribbean PortMiami Terminal
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

Like all of the terminals at PortMiami, Wi-Fi is fast and completely complimentary. The MIA-WiFi Network provides free coverage to all indoor areas throughout the port, with the signal even being strong enough to cover some of the parking lots. Another feature that applies to each terminal building is the fact that it is fully air-conditioned. 

Exclusively serves cruise lines under the Royal Caribbean Group, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Royal Caribbean Group funded the redevelopment of the terminal in June of 2016, which is why it exclusively serves their ships. 

As the port’s largest terminal, the 200,000-square-foot facility can serve some of the largest vessels in the Royal Caribbean fleet, including its Oasis-class cruise ships.

Terminal B

  • Cruise Lines: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
  • Address: 1751 North Cruise Blvd 

Reopened in 2020, Terminal B has modern waiting areas and food and beverage options, including a large waiting lounge with full bar service.

Efficient check-in and information desks are also found near the boarding areas. As part of the renovation process, new restrooms and elevators were added to the futuristic-looking terminal building.

Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal
Norwegian Cruise Line Terminal (Photo Credit: 4kclips / Shutterstock)

The terminal exclusively serves cruise ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. The redevelopment of the terminal began in March of 2018 and was completed in August 2021 as a result of COVID-19-related construction delays.

Informally dubbed “Pearl of Miami,” this 166,000 square-foot terminal facility can handle the largest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet, like its Breakaway Plus-Class vessels. 

Terminal C

  • Cruise Lines: MSC Cruises and occasionally Carnival Cruise Line
  • Address: 1741 North Cruise Blvd

Terminal C features one of the more modest terminal buildings, but it still has the same air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi coverage as the other buildings. It also has ample seating and accessibility features, as well as efficient check-in and information counters.

Terminal C at PortMiami
Terminal C at PortMiami (Photo Credit: Anna Kraynova)

Like the other terminals, there is also an airport-style drop-off and pick up zone for taxis and other vehicles directly in front of the building. 

The terminal primarily, but not exclusively, serves cruise ships belonging to MSC Cruises. MSC Cruises has plans to fund the construction of a new $300 million cruise terminal and facility in the future, which will replace the existing Terminal C facilities. 

Terminal D

  • Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line
  • Address: 1435 North Cruise Blvd

One of the largest terminals, the newly renovated Terminal D building features a comfortable seating area, several eateries, a lounge bar, and a large check-in area.

The building is really impressive and the outdoor space is lined with palm trees and benches. The terminal also features brand-new passenger boarding bridges, making the boarding process even more pleasant for those embarking or disembarking at Terminal D.

Terminal D
PortMiami Terminal D (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)

The terminal primarily serves cruise lines that belong to Carnival Corporation, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Cunard Line. Carnival Corporation does not have exclusive rights to Terminal D, so other cruise lines do occasionally operate out of it when necessary.

Terminal E

  • Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Cunard Line
  • Address: 1265 West Cruise Blvd

While the areas are somewhat divided, Terminal E shares the same building as Terminal D. It also has all the same facilities, making the experience similar no matter which of the two Carnival terminals your cruise ship is using.

Terminal E at PortMiami
Terminal E at PortMiami (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)

With that said, Terminal E has a unique VIP lounge, which is available for certain visiting passengers, like those who have booked a suite. 

Located directly beside Terminal D, Terminal E is another that primarily serves cruise lines sailing under the Carnival Corporation’s banner. An $8 million renovation project is scheduled for Terminal E that should help modernize the passenger processing facilities. 

Terminal F

  • Cruise Lines: Carnival Cruise Line
  • Address: 1103 North Cruise Blvd

After a multi-million-dollar renovation by Lemartec, Terminal F and its passenger processing building are designed to ensure passengers enjoy a seamless experience.

Terminal F almost exclusively serves Carnival Cruise Line and became the third terminal for Carnival operations when it was completed in 2022. However, MSC Cruises has used the terminal at times, too.

The 471,000-square-foot facility offers a modern check-in experience for passengers, with photo booth opportunities and the capacity to cater to the cruise line’s large Excel-class ships.

Terminal G

  • Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and occasionally Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
  • Address: 1055 North Cruise Blvd

The rooftop of the Terminal G building features tent-like sails, which give the building an iconic look that can be seen from afar. The interior has all of the basic passenger amenities as the other cruise terminals, but it is expected to become one of the most impressive once the renovation and redevelopment project has been completed. 

Terminal G at PortMiami
Terminal G at PortMiami (Photo Credit: mariakray)

Like Terminal A, Terminal G primarily serves cruise lines that are part of Royal Caribbean Group. Royal Caribbean Group has actually announced plans to redevelop and increase the size of Terminal G, with the project scheduled for completion in early 2027.

Terminal J

  • Cruise Lines: Azamara, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, and other smaller cruise lines
  • Address: 1120 Caribbean Way

As a terminal designed specifically for smaller vessels, the interior of the building has a more luxury-themed appearance, including two VIP areas, high-end restroom facilities, and several check-in booths.

Terminal J at Miami Cruise Port
Terminal J at Miami Cruise Port (Photo Credit: PortMiami)

Terminal J is the smallest of the nine terminals, and it serves smaller vessels from more boutique cruise lines, like Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Azamara, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

It is currently undergoing a $3 million refurbishment project to improve the restroom facilities and provide additional escalators and elevators for better accessibility. 

Terminal V

  • Cruise Lines: Virgin Voyages
  • Address: 897 South Cruise Blvd

The newest of the nine terminals, Terminal V, now exclusively serves ships that belong to Virgin Voyages. When it was first added in November of 2018, it was named Terminal H.

Virgin Voyages Miami Terminal
Virgin Voyages Miami Terminal

However, a $150 million contract with Virgin Voyages meant the terminal would be redeveloped and renamed to function as a designated home port for their vessels. The project was completed in February of 2022. 

Nicknamed “Virgin Voyages Palm Grove,” this tropical-themed cruise port is surrounded by palm trees and features lush indoor gardens. The impressive interior features several restaurants and bars, comfortable waiting areas, and all of the other amenities you would expect from a brand-new, state-of-the-art terminal. 

Plans for Future Cruise Terminals

There are plans for Terminals AA/AAA and Terminal K to be added to PortMiami, with Terminal AA/AAA being a double-berth terminal funded by MSC Cruises.

New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami
New MSC Cruise Terminal in Miami

Disney Cruise Line is partnering with Miami-Dade County to add Terminal K on the southern side of PortMiami. The construction of both terminals was delayed due to COVID-19, but they are expected to be completed in the near future. 

Parking at Miami Cruise Port 

PortMiami has numerous parking options for those planning to drive. While each terminal has a drop-off and pick up zone directly outside its respective terminal building, many terminals also have overnight, multi-level parking garages and lots located within a short walking distance of the building. Here are the main parking options located within PortMiami itself: 

Northside Parking

  • Parking Garage A: Serves Terminal A
  • Parking Garage B: Serves Terminal B
  • Parking Garage C: Serves Terminal C
  • Parking Garage D: Serves Terminals D and E
  • Surface Parking Lot D: Serves Terminal D
  • Surface Parking Lot E: Serves Terminal E
  • Parking Garage G: Serves Terminals F, G, and V

Southside Parking

  • Parking Garage J: Serves Terminal J 

Parking Rates

Except for parking Garage J, all the parking garages outlined above charge a flat $22 per day rate for regular-sized vehicles. For short-term parking, guests can pay an $8 rate, which covers the first two hours.

Read Also: Miami Cruise Port Parking – Where to Park Guide

After the first two hours, you will need to pay the full $22 overnight rate. Oversized vehicles must park in Surface Lot E and pay an increased rate of $44 per day.

Carnival Cruise Ships Docked in Miami
Photo Credit: pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com

The lots are pay and display, with ticket machines accepting cash or credit cards. Miami’s SunPass Plus Parking transponder will even work in Parking Garages D and G. Parking Garage J requires pre-booking and payment online due to the size limitations of the garage.

Every parking garage and lot in the cruise port also offers disabled parking. 

Other Parking Options

In addition to PortMiami’s official parking lots and garages, several off-site parking facilities offer competitive rates and offer complimentary shuttle services to the port’s various terminals. The following are just a few of the more popular options: 

Premier Cruise Parking

Located 1.8 miles away, this public parking lot allows cruise passengers to pre-book a parking spot online. They also advertise themselves as being 50% cheaper than parking at PortMiami and include complimentary shuttles to each of the nine terminals. 

Safe Cruise Parking

Just 1.5 miles away on 189 NE 2nd Street, this popular underground parking garage also charges half the price of PortMiami for overnight parking. They also allow visitors to book ahead, so you can guarantee your spot. Like the other parking lot, they offer a complimentary shuttle, which runs every 45 minutes. 

Traveling from Nearby Airports to PortMiami 

Part of the reason why PortMiami is such a popular cruise port is the simple fact that it is in such a convenient location for those traveling from outside of Florida.

This is because there are two international airports in close proximity to the cruise port. Here are basic directions and travel options if you are flying into Miami prior to boarding your cruise: 

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Located roughly 8.7 miles from the cruise port, traveling from Miami International Airport is incredibly easy. With taxis taking roughly 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and rates between $27 and $33, depending on the terminal you are traveling to, travel is convenient and affordable.

Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport (Photo Credit: Leonard Zhukovsky)

Many cruise lines also offer complimentary shuttle services, but you will need to check with your cruise line ahead of time. If you want to save some money and travel via public transit, Miami-Dade Transit’s Metrorail Orange Line runs from the airport to Government Center Station, where you can transfer to the Metromover monorail system to the port.

Worth Reading: Miami Airport to Cruise Port – What You Need to Know

Here are the step-by-step driving directions from Miami International Airport to PortMiami:

  • From the airport, get on FL-836
  • After 2.5 miles use the right lane to take the State Route 836 ramp
  • Merge onto NE 2nd Ave and follow for 4.8 miles
  • Continue on NE 2nd Ave until you see signs for PortMiami
  • Turn left onto Port Blvd, then follow signs for your terminal 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

A bit further, FLL is located roughly 25.9 miles north of PortMiami. For those flying into Fort Lauderdale, taxis usually take between 45 minutes and a bit over an hour, with the duration depending on traffic at the time of arrival. Fortunately, most taxi companies offer flat rates between $50 and $60 to travel between the airport and cruise port.

Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Photo Credit: YES Market Media)

You can also take the Tri-Rail service, which connects the airport to downtown Miami. From there, you can take the same Metromover to the cruise port. Unfortunately, few cruise lines offer complimentary shuttles from this airport.

Read Also: Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port – Terminals, Amenities and Overview

Here are the step-by-step driving directions from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport to PortMiami:

  • Travel west on FL-818 for roughly 2 miles, then use the left two lanes to merge onto the I-95 South
  • Drive on the I-95 South for 21 miles before taking Exit 2B to NE 2nd Ave
  • Turn left onto Port Blvd and follow the signs for your terminal 

Traveling from South Beach to Miami Cruise Port 

South Beach is roughly 4 miles from PortMiami. Given that this iconic neighborhood is popular with tourists, many cruise passengers will spend time there before traveling to the cruise port.

Sign for Miami Beach
Sign for Miami Beach (Photo Credit: 4kclips)

If you plan on doing so, you can get there using the following transportation options: 

By Taxi or Rideshare Vehicle

Taxis are the most convenient option, with travel time usually only running about 15 to 20 minutes via the MacArthur Causeway. Rates vary, but most people pay between $20 and $25.

Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, can be more affordable and offer the flexibility of being picked up exactly where you are; just be aware of surge rates if you are traveling in the afternoon. 

By Public Transit

You can take the Miami Beach Airport Express Bus (Route 150), which connects South Beach to the downtown of Miami. From there, the Metromover offers rapid access to the cruise port. 

How to Get to Miami Cruise Port

No matter where you are coming from in Miami, it is fairly simple to get to Miami cruise port. As one of the city’s main attractions, it is a regular destination for taxis, shuttles, and even Miami’s public transit system: 

Miami Cruise Port Road Signs
Miami Cruise Port Road Signs (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

By Taxi

Taxis are everywhere in Miami, including at the airport, in front of hotels, and along all of the popular tourist streets. Almost any taxi will provide you with direct access to PortMiami.

Meter rates in Miami are $0.85 per ¼ mile, but we recommend enquiring about an upfront flat rate to the port. Most taxi drivers will offer one, as they can usually pick up a fare from PortMiami, so it makes it a worthwhile journey for them.

By Shuttle Service

While not as popular as taxis, plenty of independent shuttle services operate in Miami. Almost all of them will allow you to pre-book travel from a location of your choice to the cruise port. These are ideal for larger groups, or those traveling with a significant amount of luggage. 

Express Shuttle of Miami is one of the more popular options, as they offer direct transit to and from the cruise port for reasonable rates. 

By Public Transit

The Miami-Dade Public Transit System is really impressive, with several major routes providing connections to the port. While which route you take will depend on where you are coming from in the city, you will find that the Metrorail and Metromover systems are both really helpful when trying to get to PortMiami from different parts of the city. 

By Driving

Whether you have rented a vehicle or are driving to the port from outside of the city, getting to PortMiami is straightforward. There are plenty of signs directing traffic to the cruise port and, as we discussed, the port has plenty of options for overnight parking.

Worth Reading: Miami Cruise Port Car Rental – What You Need to Know

Dining Near PortMiami

Miami is a foodie’s paradise, with a world-renowned culinary scene. Each terminal has its own lounge where you can purchase light snacks and drinks, but if you are looking for other options close to the port, we recommend the following:

Dining at Bayside
Dining at Bayside (Photo Credit: 4kclips)

Bayside Dining

If you follow Port Blvd west for almost exactly one mile, you can walk to Bayside Marketplace. This bustling market is packed with a wide variety of dining options, so even the pickiest eaters will find something that appeals to them. Ben’s Pizza, Bacon B*tch, LandShark Bar & Grill, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville are just some of the many highlights. 

Toro Toro

If you’re looking for something a little bit more upscale, Toro Toro is just 1.8 miles from the port. Not only does this exciting Latin steakhouse and bar provide an enjoyable atmosphere, the food pays homage to Miami’s significant Latin American population, so you can enjoy some local flavors without having to go far. 

Friend’s Market & Bistro

This simple bistro has a diverse menu that features Venezuelan foods, as well as American favorites, like house-made pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. Friend’s Market & Bistro is also just 2.2 miles from port, making for a simple journey from your terminal. 

Shopping Near PortMiami

While some terminals have small souvenir stores, most visitors prefer to head to Downtown Miami for their shopping needs. If you would like to pick up a few items during your visit, we recommend the following:

Shopping at Bayside
Shopping at Bayside (Photo Credit: Kamira)

Bayside Marketplace

Not only does Bayside Marketplace offer a wide range of restaurants and bars, but you’ll find plenty of stores and boutiques carrying international brands, as well as some vendors carrying more unique local items. Since it’s only a mile from most of the terminals, it is a must-stop destination for shopping. 

Brickell City Center

This luxury shopping mall can be found in downtown Miami, roughly 2.3 miles from the port. While exploring this enormous open-air shopping center, you’ll find four floors worth of luxury retailers and restaurants. It’s another must-stop for shopping enthusiasts. 

Best Time to Visit Miami for a Cruise Departure

Miami has a tropical climate that makes it a year-round tourist destination, but the winter and spring months are by far the most popular for cruising.

Peak cruise season runs between late November and mid-April, where temperatures are pleasant and humidity levels are relatively low. Many of the cruise lines reroute their cruise ships from Europe to PortMiami during these months, so you will notice more cruise options available if you book during peak season. 

Conversely, the crowds tend to die down during the summer and fall months due to less favorable weather. July and August can be particularly hot and humid, while September to early November mark the Hurricane season, where storms and rainfall increase dramatically.

Miami is also a lively city that hosts numerous festivals and events, so crowds can flare up during certain times of the year. Ultra Music Festival runs in late March, and it is one of the city’s busiest, while the Miami Open tennis tournament also draws major crowds between March 16th to the 30th. For this reason, some people hoping to avoid crowds before their cruise will avoid the month of March.

Activists Block Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas in Amsterdam

Lissa Poirot
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Activists Block Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas in Amsterdam

On August 18, 2024, environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion prevented Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas from entering the IJmuiden locks near Amsterdam.

The protestors positioned themselves at the port’s locks, delaying the ship’s entry for several hours, and disrupting the itinerary of the 2,100 passengers aboard. 

According to passengers aboard the ship that departed on from Copenhagen to Amsterdam on August 10, Serenade of the Seas was originally scheduled to dock in Bergen, Norway, but cancelled the call in an attempt to reach Amsterdam ahead of the protestors.

The 90,090-gross-ton vessel was able to conclude its voyage after police removed the activists around 5 p.m., local time, with no arrests made.

The event marks the latest in a series of protests in the region as activists continue to challenge the cruise industry over its contribution to climate change. 

“Extinction Rebellion calls for an immediate termination of the cruise industry due to the urgent and rapidly escalating climate and environmental crisis,” the organization wrote on its website. “Several studies show time and time again that cruises are still a significant source of pollution for air, water, and land.”

Serenade of the Seas is currently on the final segment of its 274-night world cruise that departed Miami, Florida, in December 2023. The ship, which has gained a huge following on TikTok, will end the hugely popular voyage in Miami on September 10, 2024.

This protest follows closely on the heels of similar actions earlier in the month, marking the second time protestors have interrupted a Royal Caribbean International ship. On August 10, 2024, Serenade of the Seas’ sister Radiance-class ship, the Jewel of the Seas, was blocked from entering Amsterdam, forcing the ship to divert to IJmuiden.

Passengers faced delays and a rerouting of planned excursions via busses that had to travel an extra 40 minutes between the ports.

The next day, August 11, Extinction Rebellion blocked Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner from entering the port of IJmuiden, causing a delay of over four hours.

The ongoing protests have also affected other cruise lines, On August 16, 2024, Ambassador Cruise Line had to redirect its vessel, Ambition, to IJmuiden instead of Amsterdam after being informed of planned protests.

Royal Caribbean’s Environmental Record

Extinction Rebellion’s concern over the environmental impact of the cruise industry often references the 2022 report card from Friends of the Earth. According to the report, Royal Caribbean International received an overall grade of “F.”

While all ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet have advanced sewage treatment systems, earning a “C” in that category, the company received an “F” for air pollution due to limited shore power capability and the extensive use of scrubbers.

Protesters Meet Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas
Protesters Meet Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas (Credit: Extinction Rebellion)

The scrubbers, installed on 23 ships, convert air pollution into toxic water pollution, further impacting water quality and contributing to the company’s “F” grade for water quality, said Friends of the Earth.

In response to growing scrutiny, Royal Caribbean has invested in several sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. According to its 2024 Community Impact Report, the cruise line has achieved a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per available passenger cruise day since 2005.

It is also targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 with interim goals to reduce emissions by 25 percent by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030.

In pollution control, the cruise line says its installation of advanced wastewater purification systems on over 60 percent of its fleet treats sewage and greywater to standards higher than required international regulations.

The company also says it has reduced sulfur content in its fuel by 85 percent through the use of its scrubbers.

Incredible Cruise Ship Amenities You Really Need to Experience

Holly Riddle
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Incredible Cruise Ship Amenities You Really Need to Experience

There are some amenities, activities and venues that are just commonplace on cruise ships. Just about every cruise ship has a spa, casino, lounges and theater. Everyone has a sports court with basketball courts or bumper cars.

However, more and more, cruise lines are looking to wow guests and make their ships stand out with “first at sea” features that go above and beyond the average — and, out of them all, these are the incredible cruise ship amenities you really need to experience.

In This Article:

Roller Coasters

The first-ever roller coaster at sea debuted in 2021, on Carnival’s Mardi Gras cruise ship. Since, Carnival has added this feature — dubbed BOLT — to Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee as well.  

An all-electric coaster, BOLT features two-person cars, traveling at up to 40 miles per hour, on an 800-foot track. The track twists, turns and drops its way along the deck, also taking cruisers nearly 200 feet out above the water line.

BOLT has been extremely successful since it launched, and has won numerous industry awards, including being named best cruise ship feature in the Cruise Hive Awards, multiple years in a row.

Carnival Jubilee BOLT Roller Coaster
Carnival Jubilee BOLT Roller Coaster

So how does this roller coaster stand up to the experiences you could expect on a traditional roller coaster? 

According to cruisers who’ve tried this entertainment option out for themselves, and reported back on Reddit, BOLT is not only a unique experience, but also offers great views. While the coaster isn’t as fast as a traditional coaster, the ocean breeze coming off the water make the journey feel faster than it is, and you get to go around the track twice.   

Go-Karts

For more thrills, some cruise ships, namely those from Norwegian Cruise Line, now feature go-kart tracks. You can find this amenity on Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Bliss. 

The biggest of these go-kart tracks can be found on Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, where the tracks stretch over three decks and 1,400 feet.

Norwegian Cruise Line Go-Kart Track Speedway
Norwegian Cruise Line Go-Kart Track Speedway (Photo Credit: ackats)

An activity that’s hardly just for kids, you’ll take to the track at up to 40 miles per hour, for a truly heart-pounding experience! The track overlooks the ocean, features all sorts of twists and turns, and altogether is sure to test your mettle. 

Unfortunately, this feature isn’t free. You’ll pay $15 to start, for each ride, with extra fees for private use of the track or luxury unlimited rides throughout your cruise. Each ride is eight laps. 

The Magic Carpet

A feature exclusive to Celebrity Cruises’ Edge-class ships, which include Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent), the Magic Carpet is like nothing you’ve ever really experienced.

While you could easily find a go-kart track on land, or a roller coaster at a nearby traditional amusement park, the Magic Carpet is in its own league. So what is it?

Celebrity Cruises' Magic Carpet
Celebrity Cruises’ Magic Carpet (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

The Magic Carpet is the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform. It basically hangs over the ship’s side and provides passengers with an extra space where you can dine, drink and soak in the views, all while sitting 13 stories above sea level.

Whether it’s being used for relaxation or as one of the specialty restaurants’ dining options, It’s truly a one-of-a-kind space where you’ll feel as if you’re floating above the ocean. 

The Magic Carpet can fit about a hundred or so people and can be rented out for private events. 

Skydiving

Certain Royal Caribbean ships — including Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas — are home to Ripcord by iFLY skydiving simulators.

RipCord by iFly
RipCord by iFly

These skydiving simulators provide a safe and expert-overseen environment in which you can feel all the thrills of skydiving, without actually facing any of the scary heights or that heart-pounding leap out of a tiny airplane. 

All you have to do is suit up and step inside, and you’ll be on your way, with the wind in your face. The experience only lasts about a minute or so, but past cruisers who have tried the experience out say that this is entirely enough time. Plus, the experience is free for your first try. 

Robotic Bartenders

This is one of the few unique cruise ship features that’s actually available on multiple cruise lines. Both Royal Caribbean and MSC have discovered that there’s just something fun about watching a robot mix up your drink or pour you a beer.

On Royal Caribbean, you’ll find the cruise line’s robotic bartenders at the aptly named Bionic Bar. There, in a futuristic, glitzy setting, multiple robotic arms twist and turn to produce your drink of choice, chosen from a touch screen menu.

You can order both classic cocktails or your own bar favorites (so long as you know how to make that favorite — you’ll have to tell the robot the ingredients to use!).

Rob the Robot Bartender on MSC Virtuosa
Rob the Robot Bartender on MSC Virtuosa (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

Currently, the Bionic Bar can be found on Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas. 

MSC Cruises offers its robot bartender on MSC Virtuosa, in a relatively new venue called Starship Club. There, the robot bartender, Rob, looks a little more humanoid versus being just a robotic arm.

The Starship Club overall looks like something out of a child’s sci-fi movie, with 3D holograms, digital art and interactive furnishings. Rob can mix up your drink, make small talk and act as much like a human as possible — for a robot. 

F1 Simulators

Some of the larger MSC cruise ships featured an F1 Simulator where guests can feel what it’s like to drive a complicated car, which even has large screens on a simulated F1 track. This feature connects the cruise line well as an official sponsor of the popular motor sport.

F1 Simulator on MSC Virtuosa
F1 Simulator on MSC Virtuosa (Photo Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

MSC Cruises has F1 racing simulators on MSC Divina, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seascape and MSC Seashore. Norwegian Cruise Line likewise has them on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy. 

Planetariums

Explore the cosmos in comfort, when you kick back and stare the ceiling, in a cruise ship planetarium. While you won’t find this unique feature on some of the more family-friendly cruise ships out there, you will find it on some cruise lines that typically cater to older travelers who may want a more educational slant to their trips.

Queen Mary 2 Planetarium
Queen Mary 2 Planetarium

Viking Cruises has several ships with planetariums, including Viking Orion, Viking Jupiter, Viking Mars and Viking Neptune. Viking Orion’s planetarium was noted as the highest-definition 7K planetarium in the world when it debuted in 2018. 

Before Viking added planetariums to its ships, though, Cunard had a planetarium on the Queen Mary 2, where it maintained status as the only planetarium at sea for years.

Cunard still claims that, while the Queen Mary 2’s planetarium might not be the only planetarium at sea these days, it is still the largest planetarium at sea. 

Surfing Simulators

Surfing simulators have grown in popularity as a fun amenity at resorts, water parks and, yes, on cruise ships. Royal Caribbean ships have long featured the FlowRider surfing simulator, which offers about 40 feet of manmade waves, which cruisers then attempt to take on while riding small boards.  

How exactly does it work? 

Essentially, the FlowRider produces what’s known as a sheet wave — a sheet of water pumped continuously into a wave. The water is only a few inches deep and the wave is constant.

Flowrider Royal Caribbean
FlowRider on Royal Caribbean (Photo Credit: Serge Yatunin / Shutterstock)

As such, you can feasibly surf as long as you like, without a break — so long as you can find your footing. Surfing on the simulator is harder than it looks, which is why many choose to experience the simulator on their bellies, lying down on the board before jumping against the wave. 

You’ll find at least one (some ships have two!) FlowRider surfing simulators on the following Royal Caribbean ships:

Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas. 

SkyRide

SkyRide is an interesting feature on select Carnival Cruise Lines ships. It’s a good fit for those who think they’d like the view of the ocean and top-deck ride of a cruise ship roller coaster, but who want something a little more low-key and slow.

Carnival Cruise Ship SkyRide
Carnival Cruise Ship SkyRide (Photo Credit: Khairil Azhar Junos)

Described as “the cruise industry’s first pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction,” SkyRide is a human-powered ride (so you can control how fast you want to go) that allows you to basically pedal your way around a course.

The two-lane suspended course hangs over the deck and ocean, for exclusive access to amazing, panoramic views you really won’t be able to get anywhere else. The course is about 800 feet long, and sits about 150 feet above the water line. There are four single-rider “bikes” on each SkyRide.

Currently, SkyRide is available on Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Horizon. 

Snow and Ice Venues

If you’re trying to cool down during a cruise to a series of sunny and tropical ports of call, there’s no need to stay in your cabin, soaking up the AC. These cruise ships are here to delight with their snow and ice venues. 

There are, of course, cruise ships that offer ice skating rinks, where you can both skate on your own or come by to watch a professional ice skating show.

Ice-Skating Rink
Ice-Skating Rink

These are quite popular on Royal Caribbean ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas.

For the adults in your party, though, some cruise ships offer a different kind of frozen attraction: ice bars. This is the case on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Norwegian Breakaway, for example, has its Svedka ICE Bar, where a below-freezing room filled with ice sculptures serves up frozen drinks. Similarly, Norwegian Getaway is home to the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, where everything, from the bar to the seats, is made from layers of ice. 

Bowling

Myriad cruise ships from myriad cruise lines are home to bowling lanes or full-blown bowling alleys, both big and small.  

With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can find bowling on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl, as well as mini bowling on Norwegian Bliss. The two-lane bowling on Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl offers an experience similar to neon bowling events you may’ve attended at traditional bowling alleys, with neon balls and funky lighting.

Bowling on MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship
Bowling on MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship (Credit: Emrys Thakkar)

Carnival Vista has a 10-lane bowling alley within the broader SportsSquare complex. 

MSC Cruises has bowling lanes on both its Meraviglia and Seaside-class ships, which include MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seascape and MSC Seashore. Each ship offers two lanes (shorter than your average bowling lanes), with 10 full-sized pins each. Bowling starts at $25 for a half-hour lane rental, plus shoe rentals for $2 per person.

Free Fall Slides

A lot of cruise ships have water slides, but what about free fall slides? Not for the faint of heart, these water slides feature straight drops down, so you actually spend time in a free fall, before you hit the water.

Free-Fall Slide on Norwegian Prima
Free-Fall Slide on Norwegian Prima (Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia)

You can find these thrilling sides on Norwegian’s Prima-class ships, including Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva (and likely on upcoming Prima-class ships that are due to debut in the coming years). 

You can also find free fall slides on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. On these ships, the free fall slide is literally called “The Free Fall,” and it’s one of the fastest drop slides at sea.

The North Star

Much like The Magic Carpet, The North Star is a Royal Caribbean feature that offers stellar 360-degree views.

Available on Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas, the North Star is a glass-enclosed pod on a mechanical arm that can lift you up and over the deck before taking you out over the side of the ship, over 300 feet above sea level.

Ovation of the Seas North Star
Ovation of the Seas North Star

Technically considered a ride and honored in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship, the North Star isn’t as adrenaline-pumping as some of the other unique cruise ship amenities on this list, but it is still pretty cool.

As an added convenience (and shorter lines), it also operates both while you’re at sea and while you’re in port. 

Multi-Story Dry Slides

It’s not just free-fall water slides that steal the show on cruise ships. Dry slides are also becoming more popular, allowing cruisers to enjoy a speedy ride across multiple decks or stories, but without the need to don your swimsuit or get your hair wet.

Aft Dry Slide on MSC World Europa
Aft Dry Slide on MSC World Europa (Photo Credit: lara-sh)

You can find dry slides, called the Ultimate Abyss Slide, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. The Utopia of the Seas dry slide is the longest at sea, at more than 250 feet long. On most ships, the Ultimate Abyss Slide is 10-stories tall and cruisers who give it a go can reach speeds of up to nine miles per hour.

Dry slides are also featured on MSC Cruises’ World-class ships, including MSC World Europa and MSC World America. On both, the dry slide is dubbed Venom Drop and it’s 11-stories tall. 

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret. Cruise lines are constantly trying to outdo one another, unveiling new and exciting “first at sea” or “biggest at sea” features. While the above amenities and attractions are certainly cool, there’s no doubt that we’ll see even bigger and better attractions in the years ahead.

Read Also: It Isn’t a Cruise Until You Do These 9 Things

For now, though, be sure to get your fill of at-sea thrills with these slides, rides and more. Even if you just try them out once, and just to say that you did, it’s sure to lead to fun vacation memories you won’t soon forget. 

Plumbing Issue Gets Royal Caribbean Sailing Off to a Gross Start

Catie Kovelman
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Plumbing Issue Gets Royal Caribbean Sailing Off to a Gross Start

It’s kind of ironic to be on a ship, surrounded by water, but not have access to water to drink or use in the bathroom. 

But guests boarding Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas on August 19, 2024, found themselves in this very predicament. 

The round trip sailing, which is based out of Athens, Greece, is slated to call on Istanbul, Turkey; Kusadasi, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Mykonos, Greece, over the course of seven days. 

But on embarkation day, at least one guest, who posted about the situation on Reddit, was disappointed to find that there was no water anywhere on the nearly 25-year-old ship due to an unspecified plumbing issue.

“We boarded a couple hours ago and since boarding the ship has had no running water. But we hadn’t understood as they haven’t closed off or marked anything. So as you’re at the buffet to get a drink the machines just have syrup coming out. We assumed it was a buffet issue,” a current passenger shared on Reddit. 

As the anonymous cruiser explored the Voyager-class vessel, they found that the situation was indeed a ship-wide issue – with the lack of water impacting both public bathrooms and the 1,708 staterooms. 

“But then then you go to the bathroom and you can’t flush or wash your hands and there is no sanitizer…the stalls in the bathroom just have poop in them…Finally wanted to wash my hands in the room but to find the rooms have no water either,” continued the Redditor. 

Read Also: What Do Cruise Ships Do with Sewage and Waste?

Thankfully, the plumbing crisis was resolved on the same day – and the 3,602-passenger ship was able to embark without delay.

Although Voyager of the Seas has been in service since the end of 1999, the vessel is not known for frequent maintenance issues. Royal Caribbean works hard to maintain its vessels, and the ship’s most recent refurbishment was in 2019.

A Lack of Communication Frustrates Voyager’s Passengers 

While widespread plumbing issues pose a huge inconvenience, what really irked this guest was the lack of proactive communication from the approximately 1,200 crew members onboard. 

The passenger did not hear any announcements made about the situation, and didn’t feel that the employees took action to help keep the ship sanitary for guests while it was being resolved, such as by making hand sanitizer readily available in bathrooms.

Worth Reading: Plumbing Issues Onboard Symphony of the Seas Cause Concern

The only update this passenger claims to have received was when he personally took the initiative to inquire with guest services. 

“I called guest services and asked if there was water and they said ‘no not right now.’ I asked if there was anywhere I could wash my hands and she said, ‘sorry, not right now sir’. I asked when they expected it to be working and they said they will be repairing for at least another hour,” the Redditor explained. 

“I’ve cruised many many times but haven’t experienced this before. I guess I just expected an announcement and some instructions. They’ve still been boarding people for hours without telling anyone…I just figured they would be much better at handling a situation like this,” concluded the original poster.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Deck
Royal Caribbean Cruise Deck (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Even when the water was turned back on, the Redditor alleges that the guests were left to find out via word of mouth from other passengers. 

Read Also: How Do Cruise Ships Get Fresh Water?

Royal Caribbean has not specified what the plumbing issue was or released an official statement. But rest assured, the cruise lines do comment when these events are significant enough. 

As recently as earlier this summer, Carnival Brand ambassador John Heald issued a reminder to avoid flushing wet wipes, which are a terrible nuisance to cruise ship plumbing systems and are prone to causing blockages. 

The disposable wipes can result in messy sewage overflowing into staterooms or public restrooms when not disposed of properly – and have caused enough of an issue fleet-wide for Heald to speak out. 

Earlier this year, in March of 2024, a broken pipe caused flooding in the central atrium of Seabourn Sojourn – which made guests and crew alike realize what happens where this is too much water (in contrast to the events onboard Voyager of the Seas). 

With the water inundating multiple decks, crew members had to work quickly to repair the burst pipe and clean up the flooding to ensure guests were safe and to prevent slip hazards. 

Something similar occurred at the end of 2023 when passengers onboard Carnival Radiance awoke in the early morning hours to water flooding into their staterooms, presumably from a burst pipe. 

The incident, which was confined to deck 7, was dealt with quickly. But when water isn’t cleaned up properly, it can soak into the walls and carpet, leading to mold, mildew, and a disgusting aroma. 

Carnival Cruise Line Defends Cost of Essential Item

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Cruise Line Defends Cost of Essential Item

There is simply no way to make everyone happy – and the latest controversy to anger cruise passengers is the price of bottled water on Carnival cruise ships. 

According to Brand Ambassador John Heald, who spoke out about the issue in a video on his Facebook page, a lot of cruisers have been expressing their frustration with the cost of the beverage. 

Currently, guests can pre-order a 12-pack of bottled water prior to embarkation day to be delivered to their staterooms for $17.64 (USD). 

This equates to a value of $1.47 per water bottle – although it is the fourth time the price of this item has been raised in about a two year span. 

There was also outrage when the price was raised to $14.95 per 12-pack in April of 2024 – which equals out to about $1.25 per bottle. Initially, the 12-pack was priced at $4.95 ($0.42 per bottle). 

But as Heald stated in his video, these are still some of the best prices in the travel industry – and the cruise lines do need to adjust for the current economy and inflation. 

“We’ve been talking a lot about water because people have been rather, I guess, adamant, that we charge too much for bottled water,” began Heald. “But it’s just over $1 a bottle. It’s the most affordable in the industry compared to airports, resorts, etc. It’s still a great, affordable deal.” 

Some of the pushback may be related to the fact that guests have not been allowed to bring their own plastic water bottles onboard since 2015. 

“You’ve got a pretty short memory! When Carnival stopped letting people bring water on board, you stated on your Facebook page that Carnival would keep it very affordable to purchase on the ship, and it was at first. What happened? It is not ‘an affordable deal’ at all,” argued one Facebook user in the comments. 

Indeed, Carnival guests are only currently permitted to carry on a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages – meaning a maximum of 12 sealed cans or cartons – such as soda, energy drinks, milk, or juice. Plastic containers are not allowed. 

Affordable Water Options Onboard 

Of course, no one is forced to pay for the bottled water if they don’t want to or don’t agree that it’s a good deal. 

“You don’t need it, because, like me, you can drink ship water,” said Heald in the video, as a waiter onboard Carnival Mardi Gras refilled his glass with ice water. “So, there you go. I’m drinking ship water and so can you.”

The “ship water” is free and included with meals and 24/7 at beverage stations on all 27 Carnival ships. Many cruisers opt to bring a refillable water bottle or Hydroflask and refill as needed with free water from the stations onboard. 

But some commenters on Heald’s post expressed that they couldn’t drink non-bottled water, either due to physical side effects or not being able to stomach the taste.

Water Bottle
Photo Credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

“I find the ship’s water makes me swell up like crazy. I need to drink bottled,” replied one Facebook user. 

“I’m sorry but usually when I cruise the water does not taste good. It’s been a while so maybe something has changed,” someone else chimed in. 

Read Also: 15 Mistakes to Avoid on a Carnival Cruise

Another alternative for cruisers who want bottled water, but not the 12-pack, is to invest in the Cheers! drink package. The Cheers! package starts at $70.74 per person, per day, but might still feel like a better deal because it allows guests to consume up to 15 drinks a day at no additional cost. 

In addition to water bottles, this inclusive option features spirits (cocktails, beer, and wine), soda, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages. 

But whatever guests do to get their daily dose of H20, they shouldn’t try to cheat the system. A TikToker, who went viral after tampering with the water bottles in her stateroom, was banned from cruising with Carnival earlier this year.

The female guest recorded herself refilling and resealing water bottles she drank to make it look like they were untouched in a failed attempt to avoid paying for them.

Norwegian Removes Coveted Port From Multiple Sailings

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Removes Coveted Port From Multiple Sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached out to booked guests on several sailings of the new Norwegian Viva with notice that the ship’s itinerary has been changed and the port of Kralendijk, Bonaire has been removed.

While no alternative port has been added, the times in other ports of call on each itinerary have been extended to compensate.

The impacted sailings include the ship’s February 16 and February 23 departures, both in 2025. These 7-night itineraries are identical, now with identical changes.

The ship will set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico as planned on Sunday, with no change in the 7 p.m. planned departure. On Monday, the visit to Punta Cana (La Romana) in the Dominican Republic will now be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., rather than the original 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This gives guests an extra hour to explore the beautiful tropical destination.

Tuesday’s call to Oranjestad, Aruba will be from 11 am. to 9 p.m., a total of 10 hours in port. The original itinerary had Norwegian Viva visiting just from 1-9 p.m., only eight hours. Wednesday, the ship will be in Willemstad, Curacao from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., a one-hour gain from the original itinerary of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday was to have been the visit to Kralendijk, Bonaire, but instead, that day will now be a day at sea. As the ship was to have been docked from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., this is a loss of 7 hours of port time.

Friday, the ship’s call to Castries, St. Lucia will be significantly expanded. Instead of the original itinerary of 1:30-7:30 p.m. (6 hours), the ship will now visit the port from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (10 hours).

Likewise, the Saturday visit to Basseterre, St. Kitts, is now from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (10 hours) instead of just 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (8.5 hours).

All pre-purchased shore tours booked through Norwegian Cruise Line for Bonaire on these impacted itineraries will be automatically cancelled, with full refunds returned to guests’ original form of payment. If necessary, shore tour times for the other ports of call will be adjusted accordingly.

The 142,500-gross-ton, Prima-class Norwegian Viva can welcome 3,215 guests at each sailing. She is currently spending the summer and autumn seasons in the Mediterranean, before she will move to San Juan in December.

Why the Changes?

The reasoning for the changes to every single port on each of Norwegian Viva‘s impacted itineraries, as well as dropping Bonaire completely, has not been detailed other than a relatively generic explanation Norwegian Cruise Line has frequently used with such changes.

“As we continue to optimize itineraries for enhanced port and shore excursion availability for the ultimate vacation experience, fuel optimization as a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted the original itinerary,” the email notification said.

Norwegian Viva
Norwegian Viva (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)

The idea of dropping Bonaire as a port visit for “shore excursion availability” is interesting as Norwegian Viva was the only ship scheduled in the port on Thursday, February 20 as well as the following week on February 27.

It is possible that the other ports of call will have more crowding, and extending the times in port will permit more shore tour opportunities for passengers.

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise Line Haven – What You Need to Know

Regardless of the reason, travelers will be understandably disappointed in the change, particularly if this may be their first cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Bonaire is part of the unique “ABC” cruise itinerary – Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao – that many travelers note as a bucket-list sailing.

As Norwegian Viva is offering a number of identical itineraries while she is homeported from San Juan from mid-December 2024 through early April 2025, it is possible that other sailing dates may be similarly impacted.

Guests booked on sailings during that time period should stay in close contact with Norwegian Cruise Line in case of updates or adjustments.

Disney Unveils Garden-Themed Zone on Its Largest-Ever Cruise Ship

Donna Tunney
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Disney Unveils Garden-Themed Zone on Its Largest-Ever Cruise Ship

Disney Cruise Line has revealed some truly unique design details of Disney Imagination Garden, a sprawling space that will serve as the entertainment hub onboard Disney Adventure, set to debut in 2025.

The garden will be anchored at one end by a three-deck-high castle artwork and at the other by a performance stage where favorite Disney characters will be brought to life. The themed area, one of seven planned for the ship, will have two dining venues, a bar, and a new category of garden-view cabins.

Disney Adventure is under construction at a Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. Disney Cruise Line bought the vessel in 2022 from Genting Hong Kong, which went bankrupt when the ship was about 70% complete.

Since the acquisition, Disney has been renovating Disney Adventure to its standards and will deploy the ship to Singapore.

“Disney Imagination Garden is the heart and soul of the Disney Adventure, where our guests will interact with our Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories in a whole new way,” said Laura Cabo, portfolio executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering. 

“The size and scale of this space provided us with so many opportunities to dream big and try new things with our experiential design, creating first-of-a-kind experiences for our guests, from all-new entertainment to delicious dining and lots of magical surprises sprinkled throughout,” added Cabo.

Disney Adventure is a 208,000-gross ton ship, making her among the largest in the industry, with capacity for up to 6,700 guests. The ship is slated to sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore, with no port calls, making her public spaces and staterooms the sole focus of these vacations at sea.

Disney Cruise Line in June 2024 announced the names of all seven of the ship’s themed areas: In addition to Disney Imagination Garden, the ship will offer Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Wayfinder Bay, Town Square, Marvel Landing, and Toy Story Place. 

Here’s What Disney Imagination Garden Will Offer 

The Disney Imagination Garden is described as a space that will make guests think they are in a pop-up storybook, with features that look like paper cut-outs. These will be shaped like flowers, trees, vines, trellises, and lanterns.

The Garden Stage will have an amphitheater design, using a large staircase for seating. At the top of the staircase, guests will find a garden courtyard and bar, where a topiary of a Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey Mouse stands with his magic wand at the ready.

Disney Cruise Line’s First Castle at Sea
Disney Cruise Line’s First Castle at Sea

Read Also: How Much is a Disney Cruise?

Two eateries will be featured in the garden area, each taken from Disney’s animated films “The Jungle Book” and “Moana.”  Indoor and outdoor seating will be available at both venues, with outdoor tables providing views of the Garden Stage.

Mowgli’s Eatery, which will serve Indian dishes, is inspired by Mowgli’s journey in “The Jungle Book,” while Gramma Tala’s Kitchen is taken from the tropical atmosphere in “Moana.”

Disney Adventure Mowgli’s Eatery
Disney Adventure Mowgli’s Eatery

While most entertainment details tied to the Garden Stage are yet to come, Disney Cruise Line has unveiled one of the main performances guests can look forward to. 

The show, called “Avengers Assemble!,” will delight guests with stunts and special effects featuring characters such as Deadpool, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, The Scarlet Witch, and others.

Disney Adventure Gramma Tala’s Kitchen
Disney Adventure Gramma Tala’s Kitchen

Under an agreement with the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Adventure will sail from the country’s Marina Bay Cruise Centre for at least five years. 

When she debuts in 2025, Disney Adventure will join a six-ship Disney Cruise Line fleet. The cruise line has five ships currently sailing, with the new-build Disney Treasure set to debut in December 2024. Disney Treasure recently marked her float-out from her Meyer Werft construction bay, and the shipyard is completing her interior design.

Another ship set to launch in 2025 is Disney Destiny, also under construction at Meyer Werft. Disney Cruise Line is a growing brand, with an order for four additional ships announced on August 10, 2024.

Carnival Debuts First-Ever Solar Eclipse Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Debuts First-Ever Solar Eclipse Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line is taking advantage of travelers’ interest in unique sailings with the line’s first ever special solar eclipse cruise.

This announcement comes as the first wave of 2026 sailings has also been opened for bookings, permitting cruisers to begin planning amazing summer sailings in Europe and Alaska.

The special solar eclipse cruise will be a first for Carnival Cruise Line, and the legendary opportunity is being offered, appropriately enough, aboard Carnival Legend.

The 11-night Journeys sailing will depart Dover, England on August 9, 2026, with port calls planned in Spain, Portugal, and France, including Le Havre (Paris), Vigo, Lisbon, Zebrugge, and more.

Of special interest will be the sea day on August 12, 2026 – the day of a total solar eclipse just when Carnival Legend will be in the path of totality. This will give passengers a stunning opportunity to observe the astronomical phenomenon without any distractions or obstructions (weather permitting, of course!).

“The chance to see a total solar eclipse while having fun exploring the cultural richness of Spain, Portugal and France aboard Carnival Legend, is a truly special opportunity – among a lineup of many phenomenal cruises,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

While Carnival has not yet announced any special activities onboard the solar eclipse cruise, it is likely there will be expert astronomers on hand as well as eclipse-themed fun not only on the day of the event, but also throughout the sailing. Informational lectures, space-themed trivia, themed drinks and desserts, and other fun options may all be part of the special cruise.

Carnival Legend will remain homeported in Europe for the 2026 summer season, following her 14-night transatlantic repositioning cruise from Miami to Dover. The ship will depart Florida on May 24, 2026.

From Dover, the 85,942-gross-ton, Spirit-class ship will offer nine sailings with diverse northern European destinations, including Ireland, Scotland, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Scandinavia, and even Iceland. Itineraries range from 9-12 nights.

After her time in Dover, the ship will move to Civitavecchia (Rome) to offer an additional 6 European sailings focusing on top Mediterranean ports of call. These 9-12 night cruises will include stops in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and more.

Guests looking to end the European season in style can also now book Carnival Legend‘s return transatlantic sailing from Civitavecchia to Tampa, with stops in Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar and Bermuda along the way. That 14-night crossing will depart Rome on November 1, 2026.

Carnival Legend‘s 2026 European summer getaways are now available for booking. While these sailings are two years away, now is the time to make reservations to guarantee the greatest choice in stateroom options, departure dates, and more.

“As the popularity of Carnival Legend’s 2024 Europe sailings prove, it’s never too soon for our loyal guests to start planning their next summer vacation,” said Duffy.

2026 Alaska Cruises Now Open on Two Ships

In addition to the 2026 European season available on Carnival Legend, sailings are also now open for Alaska in the summer of 2026 aboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Miracle. Both ships will offer departures from Seattle, with those sailings now available to book.

Carnival Miracle will depart on Thursdays for her 7-night Alaska sailings, visiting Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Along with these top Last Frontier destinations, classic scenic cruising along Tracy Arm Fjord makes these itineraries the best of any Alaskan cruise.

Carnival Miracle in Alaska
Carnival Miracle in Alaska (Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line)

The ship will also offer two special Carnival Journeys Alaska sailings, one of 9 nights and the other of 10. Extra ports and more scenic cruising are part of both of these longer sailings.

Read Also: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska – Months to Choose

It should be noted that Carnival Miracle will also offer Alaska cruises departing from San Francisco in 2026, though those itineraries are not available for booking at this time.

Meanwhile, Carnival Spirit will also offer 7-night Alaska cruises roundtrip from Seattle beginning April 28, 2026 and continuing through September 15, 2026.

Both ships will offer select Carnival Journeys sailings on either end of their Alaska seasons as they reposition from other homeports. These include full Panama Canal transits as Carnival Spirit moves between Mobile and Seattle in April and back to Mobile in October. Carnival Miracle will reposition from Tampa to Seattle in April and then from Seattle to Galveston in September.

These repositioning cruises, which are often top bucket-list options for cruise travelers, are also available for booking. As with any one-of-a-kind sailing, they are likely to fill up quickly, and interested travelers should be planning early to make the most of their summer 2026 sailings.

Norwegian Cruise Line Rolls Out Sustainable Serveware for Room Service

Donna Tunney
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Norwegian Cruise Line Rolls Out Sustainable Serveware for Room Service

Porcelain plates and plastic wrap will soon be a thing of the past when it comes to room service breakfasts onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships, thanks to a new partnership with a reusable plastics company.

The 19-ship Norwegian Cruise Line fleet will begin using bento-box style serveware made from 50% recycled materials for room service breakfast orders. The new serveware is already in use onboard Norwegian Viva, the line’s newest ship, and Norwegian Prima.

The serveware, a product of the company Drinique, will roll out across the remainder of the fleet before the end of 2024. Drinique, which manufactures unbreakable, BPS-free drink-ware and dish-ware, is a supplier to many in the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, among others.

Onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships, the serveware will eliminate not only porcelain plates but also the plastic wrap that is used to protect breakfast items. It is made with a durable plastic called Eastman Tritan Renew.

The decision to start using Drinique products is part of the line’s Sail & Sustain environmental policy, which, among other initiatives, made Norwegian Cruise Line the first in the industry to end the use of single-use plastic straws and single-use plastic water bottles in 2020.

The elimination of the two products has so far reduced the use of straws by 77 million and of water bottles by 27 million, the line said.

“As part of our commitment to reduce the use of single plastic on board, we continuously search for opportunities to implement new environmentally friendly practices, while keeping our mission of delivering more experiences so our guests can vacation better with us top of mind,” said Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations at Norwegian Cruise Line. 

“We’re excited to continue to work with Drinique to introduce these new reusable bento boxes across our fleet and continue doing our part to protect and preserve the environment,” added Kansley.

Other projects that are part of the cruise line’s sustainability program include a fleet-wide recycling policy, a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and the meeting of a target goal of installing shore power technology on half of its fleet by 2024.

Drinique is a family-owned business created by mother and son team Anita and Andrew Elliott. It started with the marketing of one tumbler in 2007 and now provides a variety of serveware styles.

Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship
Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: EWY Media)

“We are excited to help companies like NCL drive change to meet their environmental goals,” said Andrew Elliott, president of Drinique. 

“By leveraging the sustainability and durability of Tritan Renew, we aim to help our partners innovate and continue to provide guests with an effortless dining experience while reducing single-use plastic waste across the globe,” added Elliott.

Read Also: How to Truly Enjoy Your Dining on 3 Major Cruise Lines

Like some other cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise Line charges guests a fee for room service breakfast, $4.95. Other room service orders carry a delivery fee of $9.95. These fees do not apply to guests booked in the line’s luxury level called The Haven.

More Ships on Order Means More Drinique Products

In the coming years, Norwegian Cruise Line’s use of Drinique’s products is likely to increase substantially, since the brand is set to expand by four mega-ships by 2036.

In April 2024, cruise line parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced it would build four 200,000-gross ton ships for the brand, each accommodating upward of 5,000 guests. The ships are slated for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036.

Sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will also each receive two new builds in that same order. The use of the new serveware is limited to Norwegian Cruise Line, but it is possible that the new high-tech plastic could be expanded to the sister brands.

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