Cruisers looking forward to seeing Greece’s “Emerald Island” of Corfu in 2025 won’t find it on the 155,873-gross-ton Norwegian Epic. The cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has removed the destination from its lineup.
This marks the second consecutive year NCL will skip the port during a Mediterranean season. Two new Greek destinations replaced the port during Norwegian Breakaway’s 2024 season.
But all is not lost. The 4,100-guest vessel will be redirected to Katakolon, considered the gateway to ancient Olympia, or Argostoli, the seaside capital of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands.
On some voyages, the change has resulted in rearranged schedules, such as swapping Santorini and Mykonos calls and adjusting call times.
For instance, a Mykonos call originally scheduled for 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. was changed to 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the Santorini call was changed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As word spread among passengers on social media that Norwegian Epic would scrap 17 calls beginning with its May 14 sailing through its October 21 voyage in Greece, the cruise line sent affected guests official notice.
“We recognize the importance that destinations play in our guests’ vacation planning and decision-making process,” wrote Norwegian Cruise Line. “Please rest assured that these modifications were made with an optimal guest experience top of mind.”
The letter continued, “While unfortunately changes may arise, please rest assured that we are always working hard to provide you with a smooth and enjoyable journey.”
Shore excursions booked for Corfu through the cruise line have automatically been cancelled with a full refund to the original form of payment. Excursions affected by date and time changes have also automatically been adjusted.
Passengers who booked their independent excursions are advised to contact the provider to cancel and make any necessary adjustments themselves.
New Fees May Have Impacted Decision
NCL did not give a reason for its decision to avoid Corfu again. However, Greece has recently promised to implement new restrictions on cruise ships visiting its most popular island destinations.
In fact, the government approved in December 2024 a €20 fee for all cruise ship passengers visiting Santorini and Mykonos, as well as €5 fees in ports like Rhodes and Crete.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also revealed plans to limit the number of ships allowed to dock in its ports during the peak season of May through October.
Additionally, cruise ships will face increased docking fees and a digital berth allocation system to spread out arrivals throughout the day.
Norwegian Epic in Europe (Photo Credit: meunierd)
The decision followed news that the nation was anticipating a final tally of more than 8 million guest arrivals by cruise ship in 2024, a 22 percent increase over 2023. Projections have 2025 also besting that record number.
Corfu, which received its own record-breaking 815,000 cruise passengers in 2024, was included in the government’s plans. Cruise guests who want to visit the island must also pay €5.
Norwegian Epic’s original itineraries, which included calls in Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos, would have had passengers paying €45 to disembark in all three ports during a 9- to 11-day voyage.
The new itineraries, which sail roundtrip from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, feature 10-night voyages that call on Santorini, Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, and Katakolon, Greece, as well as La Valletta, Malta; Messina, Sicily; and either Naples (Pisa) or Messina and Livorno (Florence/Pisa) or Salerno (Amalfi Coast), Italy.
By August, the ship will skip Mykonos, Katakolon, and Naples and sail instead to Argostoli and Cannes, Frances. The French port is also a highlight of 11-night itineraries. Nine-night voyages will include stops in Iraklion in lieu of Athens.
As the new year sets sail, it looks like 2024’s tumultuous year for virus outbreaks aboard cruise ships looms large.
Just days into 2025, two cruise ships have already reported virus outbreaks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises.
Holland America Line’s Eurodam, carrying 2,139 passengers and 832 crew members, may have departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 30, 2024, in celebratory mode. However, it is returning from its roundtrip voyage on January 8 with illness onboard.
After welcoming in the New Year at sea, guests enjoyed days in the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao before 86 passengers (4 percent) and eight crew members caught norovirus, as reported to the CDC on January 4, 2025.
Symptoms of this acute gastroenteritis (AGE) include vomiting, along with diarrhea, muscle ache, headache, abdominal cramp, or fever.
While Eurodam was sailing its 9-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, the ship actually launched a 16-night voyage on December 23, returning to Port Everglades on December 30, with some passengers from the first leg that had sailed to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands remaining on board for an 18-night journey.
This means the outbreak could have begun on the earlier voyage, as the CDC says symptoms may not appear for up to 48 hours and can be spread for 2 weeks or more after a person recovers.
Norovirus is passed to others through contact with contaminated objects or persons, which is why the ship is isolating sick passengers and crew and implementing cleaning and disinfection procedures in accordance with the CDC’s prevention and response plan.
With Eurodam slated to head back to sea on January 8, 2025, at 3 p.m., it is likely passengers excited to embark on its next adventure will have to wait a bit longer, as the vessel will undergo a deeper clean between cruises – a wait worth it considering the next voyage will travel in the Caribbean for 21 nights.
Nautica Also Hit With an Outbreak
Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises’ smaller vessel, Nautica, carrying 639 passengers and 398 crew, is dealing with its own health hurdle.
The ship reported an outbreak to the CDC on January 3, 2025, revealing that 15 guests were experiencing symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting due to an unspecified gastrointestinal illness. There are also 16 crew members with the bug.
Passengers aboard Nautica departed from Miami on December 23, 2024, for a lively holiday voyage and are sailing to Los Angeles via a Panama Canal crossing.
They are expected to arrive on January 8 after visiting Caribbean and Pacific Coast ports in the Bahamas, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Oceania Cruises’ Nautica (Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis)
Cleaning measures have been increased, and the ship is isolating guests and crew members who are experiencing symptoms.
Nautica is scheduled to embark on its highly anticipated 180-day East-to-West World Cruise from Los Angeles following extra cleaning on January 8, 2025.
Guests boarding at 6 p.m. may be delayed as the crew aims to eradicate the virus before sailing 18 nights to Tahiti on its first segment.
These outbreaks are a carryover from last year’s highest incidence of gastrointestinal problems aboard cruise ships in more than a decade, as highlighted by the CDC’s latest data.
The majority of 2024 outbreaks were caused by norovirus, with the virus responsible for illness on five ships from Cunard Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises in December alone.
Despite the gloomy figures, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reassures that such incidents are exceedingly rare and affect only a very small percentage of the more than 37 million passengers expected to cruise in 2025.
Guests aboard Carnival Conquest are having a slightly longer cruise than they anticipated, as the vessel has developed a propulsion issue that has made her late in returning to Miami, Florida on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Due to slower sailing speeds the ship will not dock until approximately 10:30 a.m., which will impact travelers’ onward plans after debarkation as well as upcoming guests boarding the ship to begin the next cruise.
“The ship has developed an issue that is limiting its speed. Our engineers are now working hard to address the matter, however, our return to Miami will be later than scheduled,”a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms read.“We know this impacts your plans to return home and apologize for this unexpected delay.”
To help travelers with those onward plans, Carnival Cruise Line will reimburse guests up to $200 per person for expenses related to changing flights. Receipts must be submitted for consideration. If guests booked airfare directly through Carnival Cruise Line, their flights will be adjusted automatically.
Carnival Conquest is finishing a 3-night weekend getaway that departed on Friday, January 3 and visited Nassau. The ship’s next cruise is a 4-night itinerary to visit Princess Cays as well as Nassau.
It must be noted that only the ship’s maximum sailing speed is impacted. All onboard operations – dining, entertainment, navigation, safety features, etc. – are fully functional.
Right now, there is no confirmation of any changes to the next itinerary. Embarking guests will be informed as soon as possible if there is any need to adjust the sailing.
Of course, embarkation will be delayed due to the ship’s later-than-expected arrival. Those details were sent to travelers via text and email to communicate new arrival appointment windows.
“Please delay your Terminal Arrival Appointment by three hours,”the message read.“Since we must allow debarking guests to leave the cruise terminal before accommodating your arrival, guests who arrive prior to their newly assigned time will be asked to return later.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has also confirmed that embarkation will be later than expected.
“[Carnival Conquest] will be arriving a little later than scheduled and we have informed all the guests accordingly to revise their embarkation times,”he said.
It is important that incoming guests follow their delayed embarkation times as requested. Arriving too early may result in being turned away from the cruise terminal, as crowds of embarking guests cannot be accommodated until disembarking travelers have been processed and are able to leave the port area.
Furthermore, parking availability may be much more limited until debarking guests leave the cruise terminal, and extra vehicle traffic will only create more congestion and confusion.
All guests must be checked in at the cruise terminal no later than 5 p.m. for the ship’s departure.
Recent Propulsion Problems
While the propulsion issue for Carnival Conquest is a new development, other Carnival cruise ships have had similar engine difficulties in recent months.
Carnival Liberty, sister ship to Carnival Conquest, developed propulsion issues in late November 2024 that made her very late in returning to New Orleans. Fortunately, those issues were resolved quite easily.
Carnival Vista was not so fortunate, however, as she had propulsion issues in August 2024 that resulted in a cancelled sailing in early September and multiple delays for the ship in October.
Carnival Conquest, lead ship of the Conquest class since her debut in 2002, can welcome 2,980 guests aboard for each sailing. She is homeported year-round from Miami, offering 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises for quick, easy getaways.
With luck, her current issues will be resolved smoothly and it will be full speed ahead for Carnival Conquest‘s upcoming sailings.
Here comes the bride! Puerto Plata, often hailed as the “Bride of the Atlantic,” is experiencing a very happy new year as it starts 2025 with an increase in cruise ship arrivals.
This January, the northern province in the Dominican Republic, featuring over 60 miles of coastline, is set to welcome a total of 81 cruise ships across its two major ports, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay. This surge in vessels means a surge in passengers anticipated to bolster the local economy.
Said Carlos Athahualpa Paulino, the northern regional director of the Ministry of Tourism, “The positive impact that this generates for the development of Puerto Plata is invaluable, consolidating it as a key pillar in the growth of tourism and the country’s economy.”
Amber Cove, owned by Carnival Corporation and located in Maimon Bay just west of Puerto Plata city, will see 27 cruise ship arrivals in 2025 while Taíno Bay, in the heart of the city, will welcome 54 larger passenger vessels.
Puerto Plata saw its first arrivals on January 1, 2025, as Holland America Line’s 2,666-passenger Nieuw Statendam and MSC Cruises’ MSC Seaside, carrying up to 4,132 guests, both arrived on 14-night roundtrip Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, respectively.
The vessels were joined bythe 5,282-guest Mardi Gras by Carnival Cruise Line.
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Equinox, with up to a total of 5,760 passengers, and Costa Cruises’ 3,780-guest Costa Fascinosa arrived the following day, with the latter continuing to additional Dominican Republic ports in Samana, Catalina Island, and La Romana on January 3, 4, and 5, respectively.
On January 3, Puerto Plata hosted Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, Explora Journeys’ Explora II, and Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas simultaneously, welcoming up to 3,584 visitors.
The burgeoning cruise activity in the province is reflective of a broader tourism boom across the Dominican Republic. In 2024, the country reported over 11 million tourists – a record achievement.
This tourism influx has spurred the creation of 949,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributed approximately 26 billion dollars to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for nearly 20 percent of the national GDP.
Taino Bay at Puerto Plata Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
New Port Also Seeing Influx
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic’s new Cabo Rojo port, located in the nation’s southwestern province of Pedernales, also celebrated a promising start to the new year. The port welcomed its first ship of 2025 – and its sixth ship to dock since officially opening in January 2024 – on January 2.
The first vessel of the year was Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, bringing 2,593 passengers and 976 crew members.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader highlighted the call on his social media, posting, “I am happy to start the year seeing how the dream of tourism development in the south becomes a reality that benefits the whole region and the country.”
He continued, “We continue working for a future full of opportunities for Pedernales and the entire Dominican Republic.”
The port expects to receive an additional 25 visits from Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises in 2025. Its next visit will be the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel on January 7.
The Dominican Republic is also home to cruise ports in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
For the second year in a row, Nassau, Bahamas, has set a new record for the annual number of cruise guests visiting the Bahamian port, surpassing the previous high by more than one million passengers.
In 2023, the busiest port in the Bahamas welcomed 4.4 million passengers – surpassing the total of 3.2 million cruisers who visited in 2022 and setting a new annual record.
But the Nassau Cruise Port isn’t done shattering records. Now that the new year has begun, the final numbers have been tallied and port officials have announced that 5.6 million guests stepped onto the sunny shores of the capital of the Bahamas in 2024.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this significant milestone for the second year in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our talented team, our valued partners, and the Bahamian people,” said Mike Maura, Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port.
While the news is exciting, it’s also not all that surprising to see the cruise port smashing records once again. Nassau already has six operational cruise berths that can accommodate three of Royal Caribbean’s massive Oasis-class ships at once – with each capable of carrying nearly 7,000 passengers per sailing.
On March 12, 2024, the port also welcomed seven ships in one day – setting a new record for the most number of cruise ships that have ever been docked in Nassau at once.
“We could not have reached this point without the unwavering support of our stakeholders, including the Government of The Bahamas, our cruise line partners, local businesses, and the community at large. Together, we are shaping the future of Bahamian tourism, and I am excited to see the continued growth of Nassau Cruise Port as a gateway to The Bahamas and a source of opportunity for all,” continued Maura.
Notably, the growth seen in 2024 has contributed to $2.6 billion in annual tourism revenues, benefiting the local economy and bolstering businesses like retailers, restaurants, tour companies, and even artisans.
The surge in revenue has also led to the creation of more jobs in both established sectors and emerging industries.
Nassau Looks Forward to Continued Growth
If all goes to plan, the upswing Nassau is currently experiencing won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Indeed, the port still has ambitious plans to expand and foster future growth.
“Our success story is far from over. The future promises even more growth for The Bahamas and its residents, and more incredible Authentically Bahamian experiences for our visitors from around the world,”Maura asserted.
The cruise port has been actively working on ways to improve the visitor experience with downtown-centered projects.
Cruise Ships in Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau officials have also been working on plans for enhanced cruise facilities and better guest transportation to areas of interest throughout New Providence, offering more family-friendly recreational experiences, and opening new dining venues – with sustainability always in mind.
The port, which is known as the gateway to the Bahamas, has already been given a more than $300 million upgrade – which was completed in May of 2023.
The four-year project revitalized and expanded the cruise port on Prince George Wharf – adding a new berth in the process, refurbishing and repairing all existing piers, and placing a new focus on cultural expression, entertainment, and the heritage of the historic city.
However, this was only the first phase of a bigger project. The next step is the construction of a $35 million water parkthat has been designed with family fun in mind.
The new venue, which is slated to open at the end of 2025, is expected to create around 350 jobs and increase visitor spending on the island – further boosting the local economy.
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night is a unique tradition where passengers can dress up for a sophisticated evening. These events are not strictly black-tie affairs, but the atmosphere calls for elevated attire.
Men often wear suits or dinner jackets, while women usually opt for cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or evening gowns. While you can get away with a basic dress or collared polo shirt, it’s fun to embrace the experience and dress up.
Let’s find out the dress codes for this special evening and what you can expect!
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night is a long-standing cruising tradition where guests are encouraged to wear formal attire for a more elegant evening.
Typically, there are between one and three per cruise, but the number of formal nights will vary depending on the length of the voyage, the ship you are sailing on, and the preferences of management. Basically, formal night itineraries are at the ship’s discretion, but there are some general patterns.
In most cases, Royal Caribbean will host a formal night on the second night of any voyage, but the timing and exact number vary depending on the ship and itinerary. In general, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to adhere to the following itinerary for formal nights:
3-5Night Cruises – 1 Formal Night, usually on the second day. Shorter sailings in this range rarely have more than a single event.
6 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, usually on night two and night five
7 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, usually on night two and night six
8-10 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights as a minimum, but the number of nights will vary by ship and itinerary
11-14 Night Cruises – 3 Formal Nights, with the exact nights varying by ship and the sailing itinerary
15+ Night Cruises – Usually 3 or 4 Formal Nights, with the days and number varying by the ship and sailing itinerary. Longer cruises can have as many as 6 Formal Nights
Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas – 2 Formal Nights, either on days two and five on Western itineraries and days two and six on Eastern itineraries
These events have never been mandatory, but they are an opportunity for passengers to embrace a more refined dress code and more traditional cruising experience. It is also a fun photo opportunity, whether you take your own or use the ship’s professional photographer.
The Roots of Formal Night
Formal Event on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The roots of Formal Night stem from the traditional upscale atmosphere of transatlantic ocean liner services, when those traveling in first class were often members of high society looking to indulge and impress while they traveled.
Royal Caribbean looked to keep some of these old-world traditions alive by encouraging guests to adhere to a more formal dress code during certain dinners rather than the casual look most cruise passengers wear during the day.
Royal Caribbean has also partially rebranded Formal Night as “Dress to Impress” nights and diners to encourage participation. This is less formal and intimidating than calling the event Formal Night, so do not feel that the event will be overly stuffy or that everyone will be dressed in tuxedos and gowns.
While the concept of a Formal Night is fairly common across the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean has its own take on it, which is why it is worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with the traditions and rules onboard Royal Caribbean cruises.
Rules for Formal Nights
Atrium of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson)
Keep in mind that formal nights are never mandatory. You will never be forced to participate, and more casual dining options are always available on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Plus, you won’t be turned away unless you are violating the standard dress code for dining establishments, which means you cannot have bare feet and must be wearing a shirt.
Adhering to a Formal Night dress code is different from simply following the standard dress codes for various dining venues on the ship. Many specialty dining venues will have a formal dress code policy, with many calling for smart casual dining, while included venues usually allow casual attire.
If you are unsure about what you should wear to a specific venue, you can always check the Royal Caribbean International cruise line app, which lists the dress code for each venue on the ship.
This differs from Formal Night events, which are typically hosted in the main dining room and are a cruise tradition that calls for your best black-tie look. However, there are several other acceptable options.
Dress Code for Formal Night
Now that we have provided an overview of Formal Nights or “Dress to Impress” events on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, let’s go through the types of outfits that are appropriate for these events.
Formal Night Dress Code for Men
Formal Evening During Cruise (Photo Credit: Ally Lee)
For men, Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night calls for “smart-casual” attire, but you can dress up beyond that, with quite a few men opting to wear true formal wear to the main dining room where the event is almost always hosted.
A classic Formal Night look is a dark suit paired with a dress shirt and tie. This combination is fairly standard and gives the wearer a polished but comfortable style that fits the occasion.
Again, the dress code for a Formal Night aboard a Royal Caribbean ship tends to be quite flexible, so those looking to keep it a bit more casual can skip the sports jacket and tie and wear a collared dress shirt or polo.
To help you know what type of attire will help you fit in on Formal Night, these are all common and acceptable outfits for men, starting from the most formal to the least:
Full tuxedo
Suit jacket with tie and dress pants
Collared dress shirt and slacks
Polo shirt and slacks
While there is certainly a fair amount of wiggle room for outfits, Royal Caribbean encourages guests to make an effort. Closed-toe shoes are also mandatory, so you cannot wear flip-flops or bare feet. Avoid pool wear, cargo shorts, graphic T-shirts, and jeans.
Formal Night Dress Code for Women
Formal Event on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Like male guests, women have a broad range of options for Royal Caribbean Formal Night. From simple cocktail dresses and dressy skirts to full-length evening gowns, you can wear semi-formal attire or opt for the full formal look.
Popular looks include tasteful cocktail dresses, elegant sundresses, nice skirt and blouse combinations, pantsuits, or dressy pants with a fashionable top. For those looking to embrace the event by wearing a more luxurious and formal outfit, a full-length gown would not look out of place.
Basically, you just want to make an effort. Think about what would look appropriate at an office party and what you might consider wearing to a wedding or formal ball.
Another thing to keep in mind is making sure you have appropriate footwear. Dressier styles of flats, heels, and wedges will do the trick.
You want to avoid an overly relaxed look, so save your tank tops, shorts, sandals, and T-shirts for casual dinner nights. For Formal Night, you don’t want to dress like you just came from the pool.
But you will not be turned away if it is clear that you have made an effort. The event is not meant to be intimidating or overly exclusive.At the end of the day, it’s about having fun!
Formal Night Clothing Suggestions for Children
Unless stated otherwise, kids are welcome at Formal Night and Dress to Impress events. The dress code for children is much more relaxed, but parents are still encouraged to have their children wear nice outfits that match the formality of the night.
Boys can wear dress shirts or polos with trousers, while girls often wear dresses. That said, children are not expected to dress as formally as adults, allowing them more flexibility. Like adults, it should just look like some effort was made. This means avoiding pool wear and graphic T-shirts. Closed-toe shoes are also a good idea.
Is Formal Night on Royal Caribbean Mandatory?
Formal Evening on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
No, Formal Night and Dress to Impress events are never mandatory on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
While Royal Caribbean encourages all guests to participate, they never want anyone to feel intimidated or uncomfortable, so Formal Night is always presented as an optional and fun event that welcomes all passengers.
Guests who prefer to skip the formal wear altogether and embrace a more casual cruising experience can always enjoy dining at other venues while a Formal Night is being hosted.
If a Formal Night is being hosted in the main dining room, passengers will always have the option to visit Windjammer, an included buffet-style restaurant on every Royal Caribbean ship.
For those who do not want to pay extra to dine at a specialty restaurant, Windjammer is a popular alternative. Plus, it has a casual dress code and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it is always an option if you want to keep your cruise casual.
If you don’t mind dressing up but want to avoid participating in a Formal Night event, you can always choose a specialty restaurant, where a smart-casual dress code is typically good enough.
Remember, you can attend a Formal Night event without fully dressing up. Generally, a collared shirt and trousers for men and a dress, skirt, or blouse for women will be acceptable.
Packing for Formal Night
If you want to get the most out of the Royal Caribbean Formal Night experience, you will want to make sure that you plan ahead. Picking out a couple of outfit choices early in your packing process will help give you a few options.
Even if you are unsure if you will attend, it is always a good idea to give yourself the option by packing a more formal outfit. Mixing and matching a few different outfits can also help you maximize your options while minimizing the space you take up in your bags.
A pair of versatile shoes that work with multiple outfitsbut are still dressy enough for a Formal Night is a great way to cut down on unnecessary items. Neutral accessories and darker colors can also help you get away with bringing less but still attending more than one Formal Night.
When it comes to actually packing your preferred outfits, you will want to fold them in your bag carefully. A good tip is placing tissue paper between items, which helps prevent friction and minimizes wrinkles. This is a really good option for more delicate items, like dresses.
Packing cubes can also help separate your clothes and keep them from becoming overly wrinkly.
Getting Your Formal Night Attire Pressed
Cruise Ship Laundry Room
It is also worth noting that Royal Caribbean offers laundry services. If you are worried about your formal clothing becoming wrinkled in your luggage, you can pay for the Dress to Impress Express Press Special, a unique service offered in conjunction with Formal Nights.
For just $17.49, you can fill a bag with as many clothes as you can stuff in. The clothes will then be fully pressed by professionals and returned to your stateroom or suite within 24 hours.
You simply mark on the sheet provided which types of clothes and their quantity have been placed in the bag. The bag is then taken, and your clothes are returned, pressed and ready for you to wear to Formal Night.
Having your clothing laundered is also a good idea for longer cruises where you may want to attend multiple Formal Night events.
Rather than needing several outfits, you can just repeat the same and still have the same formal appearance. Plus, it is surprisingly affordable and even included free of charge for certain suite guests.
Making the Most of Formal Night
Formal Night Photos on Royal Caribbean Cruise (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
At its core, Formal Night is all about enjoying the unique and fun experience. It was not designed to make anyone feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Choose clothing you feel confident and comfortable in. Not only will you enjoy the experience more, but you will also be able to navigate the ship and dining room much more easily.
Another huge draw of a Formal Night is the opportunity to have high-quality photographs taken to remember the occasion.
Royal Caribbean always has professional photographers in attendance. They tend to move from table to table throughout the event, making sure everyone has an opportunity to have the event captured. You will also notice these same photographers tend to be stationed throughout other scenic areas of the ship on Formal Nights.
Whether you’re taking advantage of the onboard photographers for portraits or just snapping your own photos, Formal Nights can offer a truly special backdrop for making memories and embracing a more elegant side of cruising.
When dressing up for the occasion, aim for an outfit that strikes a balance between comfort and style, letting you fully enjoy everything Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night has to offer. Remember, nothing about Formal Night is strict. The crew and organizers will gladly assist you if you have any questions.
Conclusion on Dressing for Royal Caribbean Formal Nights
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night offers a wonderful chance to embrace the type of elegance that was once a staple of first-class ocean travel.
If you are looking for something a little bit different and an escape from the more casual, poolside atmosphere found on modern cruise ships, enjoying the unique atmosphere of a Royal Caribbean Formal Night can be one of the more memorable things you do during your vacation.
While dressing up is never mandatory, it is a chance to participate in a unique part of the Royal Caribbean cruise tradition. Make the night as formal as you want it to be.
If you do want to attend, make sure you check the schedule for your voyage. Depending on the ship’s itinerary, you may have multiple options, and you could even participate in more than one Formal Night.
Carnival Cruise Line’s annual VIFP loyalty pins – commemorative gifts given to Gold, Platinum, and Diamond level cruisers – are some of the most sought after cruise keepsakes in the industry. Each year, a new design is unveiled, and the 2025 pins offer classic elegance that all Carnival cruisers will love.
The new pins have been showcased by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, just as all ships in the fleet are now underway on their first 2025 sailings – perfect timing to show off the new bling.
The Gold pin – offered to Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) travelers who have reached at least 25 days sailing with the cruise line – has the Carnival whale tail and logo in the center, with stylized blue waves below and a starry gold sky above. “VIFP CLUB” is on the top of the pin, while “2025” is centered on the bottom.
“This is more than just a cool item for loyal VIFP Club members like you to wear and collect – it’s a permanent memento of all the fun that’s happened right here on this vacation,”the card the pin comes on reads.
“You’ve definitely earned it! We’re so honored that you cam back to join us again, so here’s to the places we’ve traveled… and all the fun that’s still to come!”
That additional fun leads to the next loyalty levels – Platinum and Diamond. Those higher VIFP levels, which start at 75 and 200 days sailed, respectively, share the same pin design.
The silver pin has a full-color image of a tropical wave with a hint of palm fronds and the classic Carnival whale tail in the center. The outside circle of the pin has “VIFP CLUB 2025” on the bottom, and each ship’s name on the top.
It is the individualized names that make these upper level loyalty pins so collectible, as each on specifically commemorates a single ship in the Carnival fleet. This is a great way for travelers to remember each ship they sailed on in different years, and can inspire frequent cruisers to try and “collect” all their favorite ships over and over again.
Reactions to the 2025 design have been quite positive, with many cruisers eager for sailings they have booked this year so they can add the new pins to their collections.
Some travelers will showcase their pins on lanyards, coats, bags, hats, or other gear on each cruise, while others may wear just each individual cruise’s pin on that sailing.
Previous years’ designs have often featured nautical symbolism, such as waves, anchors, compasses, or other iconic items. While the design changes annually, every year does include the famous whale tail, ensuring all the pins proudly showcase Carnival Cruise Line.
Picking Up VIFP Pins
To collect the pins, eligible guests must visit the Pixels photo gallery onboard the ship during their sailing. The gifts are one-per-guest, and names and loyalty levels are verified when the pins are picked up. At the same time, guests can also collect their other loyalty gift – at the moment, a VIFP club baseball cap released in October 2024.
Guests are urged to pick up their gifts, including the pins, early in their sailing to ensure they are able to receive it. On some cruises, the supply may run out and the cap or the pins might not be available.
This is especially true on Carnival Journeys cruises that may have a greater number of VIFP travelers onboard, or close to the end of the year when the overall supply of pins could be dwindling.
Years ago, both the pins and gifts were placed in guests’ staterooms as a pleasant surprise either at embarkation or during the cruise. This practice was stopped after the global pandemic, however, in order to limit the number of crew members entering individual cabins.
While some cruisers miss the special feeling of a surprise gift awaiting them in their staterooms, it is unlikely that Carnival Cruise Line will bring back the delivery of the gifts. Fortunately, the Pixels photo gallery is easy to visit and picking up one’s loyalty gifts is not difficult.
Royal Caribbean International is known for its family-friendly cruises, where parents with children can enhance their vacation by allowing their kids to enjoy an array of age-appropriate amenities.
They also offer programs for kids, including their award-winning Adventure Ocean, which is open to children aged 6 months to 17 years. It provides activities and amenities tailored to different age groups and is supervised by certified childcare professionals.
These kids’ clubs are available throughout the day, allowing parents to relax while their children play and socialize in a safe environment.
Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s unique and award-winning youth program. It is available on all Royal Caribbean cruises, including every ship in their fleet. Rather than functioning as a generic daycare program, Adventure Ocean was designed to cater to infants through teenagers.
Royal Caribbean achieves this by offering five categories, where children are grouped according to age. This allows supervisors to offer activities that are more appropriate for the children in their care and makes it easier for the children to make friends while they enjoy their family vacation.
This unique kids’ club operates every day, with sessions scheduled during both sea and port days. The consistency of the program allows parents and the children themselves to enjoy a greater degree of fun, relaxation, and flexibility.
All five categories of the Adventure Ocean program are led by trained and experienced childcare staff with backgrounds in childhood education and related fields.
This ensures that Adventure Ocean sessions are structured in a way that is fun for kids and allows the family vacation to be a time when they can enjoy educational, safe, and social playtime.
While each group has its designated area on the ship, parents can also drop by to check in on their children or attend certain activities with them.
This only enhances the flexible nature of Adventure Ocean, which is part of the reason why it is recognized as being one of the best programs of its nature at sea.
Adventure for All Ages
The Adventure Ocean youth programs are divided into several categories, and the participating children are divided according to the age groups they belong to.
Each age group has its own unique atmosphere, play style, and level of supervision. The types of activities and their themes vary to be relevant to the age group’s stage of development.
To help you understand what is available, here is a basic breakdown of the various groupings that make up the Adventure Ocean youth program.
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (6 months to 36 months)
AO Babies on Odyssey of the Seas
With the exception of Jewel of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas, the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery program is available on every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. As the name implies, it is a nursery-style program that functions like a daycare for babies and toddlers.
The program offers drop-off childcare, where babies and toddlers receive stimulating, age-appropriate supervision and activities. With scheduled nap times, infant-appropriate toys, and closely monitored play sessions, this program is catered to the exact needs of the youngest cruisers.
The tots’ nursery also supplies essentials like sanitary wipes, infant-appropriate snacks, and options for parents to bring their own child’s diapers or preferred toys.
While a small fee is required for the drop-off nursery sessions, the close attention the children receive from qualified caregivers is well worth the fee.
Prices can vary depending on the ship, but they are typically $6 per hour during the day and $8 per hour at night. For parents who would like to enjoy such much-needed rest and relaxation, the program can be a welcome bit of relief.
If you would like to check in on your young child, parents are welcome to visit and participate in the program. The same is true for the older groups; however, parents are not allowed to visit the teen lounges, as this helps give teenage passengers a greater sense of independence.
Aquanauts (3-5 Years)
AO Juniors on Icon of the Seas
Aquanauts is a unique child supervision program where kids can enjoy age-appropriate science experiments and other activities that blend entertainment with education.
The program is for children ages 3 and 5, and all children must be fully potty trained to participate. Diapers and pull-ups are not allowed, so children must be comfortable using the toilet independently.
Kids will enjoy everything from arts and crafts sessions to educational movies, storytelling, computer games, and even themed parties, like Dinosaur Hunters and Pirate Nights. The program is designed to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the entire day.
While participation is included for all passengers, fees apply after 10:00 pm, so be prepared to pay if you plan to leave your kids at Aquanauts at night.
Adventure Ocean Explorers (6-8 years)
Adventure Ocean Workshop on Icon of the Seas
Explorers caters to slightly older children in the 6-8 age group.
Like Aquanauts, the entertainment is designed to keep the children engaged. Rather than just watching movies and playing video games, the program focuses on activities that will get the children on their feet, like scavenger hunts, dance parties, relay races, and interactive games that encourage kids to use their creativity.
This age group also participates in programs like Adventure Science Labs, Adventure Art, and Adventure Theatre. Again, these group activities have an educational focus that encourages participants to use their imaginations in a social setting.
Instructors and supervisors understand that some kids can be shy, so they know how to make every kid feel included without forcing them to do anything they don’t want to do. It is a rewarding program that young children really enjoy!
Voyagers (9-11 years)
Adventure Ocean Arena on Utopia of the Seas
The Voyagers group is designed for older kids in the 9 to 11-year-old age bracket.
Given that this age group tends to have a more competitive and independent spirit than younger groups, Voyagers gives kids the option to participate in sports tournaments, video game competitions, and various challenges that encourage independent effort.
Social activities that encourage cooperation and making friends are also offered. For kids who prefer to be more independent, there are computer stations, arts and crafts tables, and other activities that allow for greater autonomy.
Like the Aquanauts and Explorers programs, Voyagers is included, but fees apply for kids staying past 10:00 pm.
Teens and Tweens Program (12-17 years)
Social 180 on Odyssey of the Seas
The teens group, also called Teen Club, is divided into two age groups, 12 to 14 and 15 to 17, ensuring kids are paired with like-minded teens.
While the younger group takes a hands-on approach to supervision, the older group encourages more independence. Teens are able to come and go as they please. These designated spaces host teen-only events.
The club offers a teen lounge called Social020 and a teen-only nightclub called Fuel Teen Club, where teenagers can listen to music, try out karaoke, and enjoy teen-appropriate films during private movie nights.
Teen activities include group dances, pool parties, visiting the arcades, movie nights, and a mixture of video games and sports tournaments. For a fee, teens can also join group excursions to some paid attractions, like the FlowRider Surf Simulator and zip lines, which are available on select ships, like Icon of the Seas.
While visiting the teens-only arcades, teens can enjoy classic arcade games like Pac-Man and table hockey or play more hands-on video games like Guitar Hero, Fast and Furious Drift, Nintendo Wii Sports, and more.
Given that teens often feel that they do not have their own space while on family vacations, the Teen and Tweens Program is hugely popular.
Activities Offered in Adventure Ocean
Outdoor Area for Adventure Ocean Kids on Odyssey of the Seas
As you can see from the breakdown of the various age group categories that make up the Adventure Ocean program, there are plenty of activities for kids and teenagers.
From arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, science labs, dance and music parties, sports and video game tournaments, theater shows, and so much more, kids participating in Adventure Ocean can enjoy a wide variety of activities that are designed to encourage participation, socializing, and expressing new and old talents.
Younger segments of the Adventure Ocean program, like the Aquanauts and Explorers groups, tend to have more closely supervised activities, where the instructors and supervisors take a hands-on approach to organizing the fun.
These can include group storytelling sessions, group theater plays, and more traditional kid-oriented activities, like tag, finger painting, and watching Disney movies.
Older groups, like the Voyagers and Tweens groups, usually play games that encourage kids to socialize. These include team scavenger hunts, dodgeball games, video game tournaments, and the Adventure Science Lab, where kids do hands-on experiments, like fossil digs, chemistry classes, and building solar system models.
When Is the Royal Caribbean Kids Club Open?
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Entrance on Mariner of the Seas
These programs and activities are available daily during a voyage, including on both port and sea days. The included hours of operation for the various programs run in three sessions:
9 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm, and 7 pm to 10 pm. Parents will have to pay a fee for late-night child supervision after 10 pm, and the latest option for picking up a child is 2 am, although this varies from one ship to the next.
The program does not adhere to the three-segment schedule mentioned above for port days. Instead, it is open for the entire duration of the ship’s stay in port. This allows parents to enjoy exploring the port or participating in an onshore excursion without having to worry about their children.
The Teen Program has more of an open-door policy, where teenagers can come and go as they please. These various teen venues do not have designated pickup times where parents are required to get their children.
The times for individual activities are posted each day, so they will vary depending on the length of the voyage and the itinerary that the ship’s Adventure Ocean team has devised.
Certain activities, like the Late Night Party Zone, which is part of the Teen Program, run at specific times. For that event in particular, it typically operates between 10 pm and 1 am.
Which Ships Have a Kids Club?
Kids Pool on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The Adventure Ocean program is available on all ships in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. However, certain components are not available on some of the older ships.
For example, we already mentioned that the Jewel of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas do not offer the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Program.
Newer ships, like Icon class and Quantum class vessels, tend to have more advanced activities available through Adventure Ocean, including purpose-built venues for children, like the Adventure Science, Adventure Theatre, and Fuel Teen Club.
Does Royal Caribbean Kids Club Cost Money?
Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean
For the most part, participation in Adventure Ocean programming is entirely complimentary for all passengers. That said, parents who require late-night supervision for their children can participate in the Late Night Party Zone, which is an extension of the Adventure Ocean program that runs beyond 10 pm.
Access to these after-hours programs will cost between $6 and $8 per hour per child. This allows parents to enjoy meals and adult-oriented live performances without having to worry about their children.
The late-night programs are geared towards the needs of specific age brackets, with younger kids having supervised naps and slightly older kids watching age-appropriate movies.
Remember that certain activities for the Teen and Tween programs require parents to pay an additional fee. This includes visits to paid amenities, like the FlowRider Surf Simulator.
While these additional activities are always optional, you will be required to pay the standard fee for that activity if your child wants to participate.
The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery also charges a small drop-off fee, but it is included for suite guests.
Making the Most of the Royal Caribbean Kids Club
Adventure Ocean on Quantum of the Seas
Kids love Adventure Ocean, which is part of the reason why it is recognized throughout the cruise industry as being one of the best kid and teen programs available. That said, getting the most out of the program can depend on how you approach it.
For the best experience, we highly recommend pre-registering your child for Adventure Ocean shortly after boarding the ship on embarkation day.
This will allow your child or children to be present for the first day of the program. It can help them meet other children and feel comfortable with the instructors, supervisors, and environment.
We would also recommend packing and bringing a few comfort items for your child, especially if they tend to be shy around new groups. These could be a comfort blanket, their favorite toy, or even just a stuffed animal. The organizers encourage parents to send their kids with these types of items so their children will not feel out of place.
It is also really important to ensure that the staff are fully aware of any dietary restrictions your child may have. Since kids are provided with meals and snacks while participating in Adventure Ocean, the staff go out of their way to accommodate the dietary needs of their tiny guests.
We also suggest looking into what the schedule is for your child’s Adventure Ocean group while you are at sea. This will help you plan when your kid participates, and when you do more family-focused activities together.
If, for example, your child is really into dinosaurs, you might want to make sure that they are present for the dinosaur fossil dig activity.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that your child is potty trained if they are part of any group older than the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery group. While accidents happen, it is expected that all kids three years or older know how to use the toilet without assistance.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean youth program can be one of the highlights of your child’s trip while also providing you and your partner with the opportunity to enjoy your vacation your way.
It can be a safe, fun, and enriching experience where your children can enjoy a space designed to ensure they create memories, meet new friends, and never feel bored.
Royal Caribbean is known as one of the most family-focused cruise lines, and the Adventure Ocean program is just part of the reason why a voyage on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship can be the ultimate family vacation!
Believe it or not, 2025 marks 60 years of success for Princess Cruises – with the cruise line first founded by Stanley McDonald six decades ago in 1965.
The world-famous “Love Boat” brandkicked off its Diamond anniversary year with a special event onboard Discovery Princess on the morning of January 4, 2025 – and Cruise Hive was there to witness it all.
While the festive celebration came with much fanfare – including a live musical performance from The Temptations – perhaps the most exciting part was the reveal of a special anniversary cruise to the Mexican Riviera embarking on Royal Princessin December 2025.
The special sailing is meant to be a recreation of the California-based cruise line’s first ever voyage – which was a cruise to Mexico onboard the now-retired Princess Patricia that embarked from Los Angeles on December 3, 1965.
You can watch a sneak peek of the event with The Temptations below:
Adding to the excitement, the commemorative sailing was unveiled by none other than Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, who portrayed Vicki Stubing in the beloved “Love Boat” TV series that gave Princess Cruisesits “Love Boat” moniker.
The upcoming 60th anniversary voyage will also embark from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles – setting sail with a 14-day itinerary on December 6, 2025.
The round-trip sailing will include visits to Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Loreto, Mexico – and will feature extended overnight calls on Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico,”said Gus Antorcha, the new president of Princess Cruises.
“This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music and unforgettable moments,” continued Antorcha.
Temptations Performing on Discovery Princess
It’s already confirmed that The Temptations will be performing during this sailing – but more details are forthcoming about additional special guests and activities onboard for the once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
Booking is already available on the Princess Cruises website – starting at $2,217 (USD) with double occupancy.
An Exciting Anniversary Year
While the anniversary sailing at the end of the year is definitely something for cruise fans to look forward to, Princess Cruises will be celebrating throughout 2025.
One of the ways in which the Carnival-owned brand is honoring its Diamond Jubilee is with the reveal of a new logo. The trademark Sea Witch is still pictured, but she is now inside of the zero that makes up the number 60.
Princess Cruises Anniversary Logo (Photo Credit: Calvin Musquez)
As the cruise line celebrates its history, it is also acknowledging a big milestone in the present with the upcoming launch of its next ship: Star Princess. This brings the fleet from 16 to 17 cruise ships.
The second Sphere-class ship is set to embark on her maiden voyage on September 26, 2025 – with the new 4,300-guest vessel expected to enhance many of the offerings already onboard her older sister, Sun Princess, which entered service in 2024.
Adding to the fun, Princess Cruises has included The Temptations in the celebration – as the music group is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of its hit song, “My Girl.”
Four of the five members of the vocal group were present to sing the song live during the presentation on Discovery Princess – giving guests a preview of what to expect from them on the upcoming anniversary sailing.
“Today we are celebrating two incredible icons: The 60th year of Princess Cruises – and doesn’t she only look 35? – and also the 60th anniversary of the iconic song ‘My Girl’ by the incomparable Temptations,”Whelan said during the event.
After the live performance, the vocalists were honored with special commemorative records – which were also given to the captain of Discovery Princess and Brand President Antorcha.
