As a seasoned vessel that first set sail in 2006, it’s become rarer for Crown Princess to accomplish new milestones. But her debut in Australia’s Sydney Harbour was certainly one for the books.
The 3,080-guest ship sailed into Sydney, Australia, for the first time on the morning of October 26, 2024, and was met with a very warm welcome.
Not only was this an inaugural visit, but it marked the beginning of a lasting partnership as Crown Princess will now homeport in the Emerald City year round.
“We couldn’t feel more at home in our new and beautiful homeport of Sydney. It’s a place that is very special to me and many of the ship’s guests and crew. We’re excited to be here and introduce Aussie guests to our magnificent Love Boat,”said Crown Princess’ Captain Christopher Lye.
The arrival of the Princess Cruise Ship was met with much celebration and fanfare, starting with “Love Boat” themed waterskiers – which pays homage to the fleet’s theming after the classic TV show of the same name (and the fact that many of the episodes were filmed on Princess cruise ships).
The guests onboard also got to witness a special water show put on by the iconic Sydney Opera House to celebrate the arrival of the 113,561-gross ton ship.
Indeed, the locals do have a lot to celebrate with the arrival of Sydney Harbour’s newest visitor.
In the next year alone, the ship is expected to generate more than $120 million for the national economy as she makes 78 visits to more than 20 ports around the country.
Not only is this a record for the Princess Cruises brand, but it’s a big contribution to the unprecedented growth in cruise tourism that has been seen in the land down under as of late.
Sailing Around Australia
Using Sydney as her base, Crown Princess will take guests all over Australia. She will be operating a variety of sailings with a vast array of itineraries – ranging from two-day getaways to extended voyages between 50 and 80 nights.
Guests who embarked on her first Sydney-based sailing on October 26 had the option of staying onboard for four nights, six nights, 11 nights, 26 nights, or 28 nights.
Crown Princess in Sydney, Australia
The shortest version of the itinerary calls for a single stop at Hobart, Tasmania, with the longer voyages expanding to more bucket-list destinations throughout Australia like Fremantle, Darwin, Cairns, Willis Island, Adelaide, Albany, and Margaret River.
The Sydney Cruise Port Terminal, which can accommodate two vessels at a time, will also be the starting point for Crown Princess’s historic world cruise in 2025.
“In addition to taking Princess guests to some of the most desired locales throughout Australia, Crown Princess also will set sail on the biggest world cruise ever undertaken by any cruise line in either the Southern or Northern Hemisphere,”said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises.
“Her deployment is a major milestone which reflects Australians’ enduring love of cruising and loyalty to Princess in Australia,”continued Thornton.
Throughout the voyage, the ship will cover around 35,000 nautical miles while visiting 48 ports of call in 31 different countries – with the first ports of call in Australia.
A cruise can be a great option for a family vacation. Cruise ships are packed with tons of fun for everyone in the family, with kids clubs, water parks, arcades and rides for the kiddos, and fine dining, the spa, bars and more for the adults.
However, there’s one thing that can make your family vacay go sideways, and quickly — realizing you didn’t pack the right stuff. Sure, you packed all the diapers, prescription medications and the toddler’s favorite stuffie. But there’s so much more you’ll need.
Now you’re at sea and it’s not like there’s a 24-hour grocery store to head to. Here are the items you need to pack for your family cruise (that you might forget otherwise).
If you’re traveling with a child that still needs to be carried either all of the time or some of the time, you’ll want to bring a few key items. Namely, your stroller, a car seat and/or a booster seat.
While you may think you don’t need a stroller because you’ll just be on the ship for most of the time or the entire time, take a moment to realize just how big cruise ships are.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the length of three football fields, and yes, you’ll be walking a lot, as you go from dining room to pool to stateroom, etc. You want the stroller.
If you bring a stroller, don’t bring the biggest, bulkiest stroller known to man. Opt for a smaller, lightweight version that can be easily maneuvered around the ship, among crowds. Note that you have to store the stroller in your stateroom when not in use (some choose to store their strollers in their showers, to save floor space).
Likewise, a car seat and/or booster seat can be handy in cruise ship restaurants. While a large number of restaurants on-land offer booster seats to guests, that’s not always the case on every cruise ship.
Extra Toiletries
Cruise Cabin Bathroom
You probably know to pack plenty of toiletries for your trip, but go a little step further and pack extra toiletries for your trip. From kids’ toothpaste to tear-free shampoo, if you lose or damage a toiletry, you want to have an extra on hand.
This is because, while most cruise ships do have a shop that sells basic toiletry items, they (1) may not have exactly what your very picky child wants and (2) they’re going to charge you an outrageous price for it, because they know you have no other option.
First Aid Gear
You might not normally travel with a first aid kit in hand, but this is another smart thing to pack when you’re on a cruise with the family. Again, you can find some basic first aid items on the ship, but getting them can be a hassle or expensive. Having your own stash of Band-Aids, disinfectant ointment and similar can save you a headache or two.
Among your first aid gear, be sure to pack some kid-friendly motion sickness products. While you may know that you personally don’t get motion sick, if your child has never cruised before, you want to be prepared.
No one will enjoy a family vacation that’s highlighted by one member being constantly sick (especially if that family member isn’t old enough to understand where they should or shouldn’t vomit).
Tote Bags and Other Carriers
Items to Pack for a Family Cruise (Photo Credit: SIN1980)
Don’t just throw everything you think you’ll need in your suitcase and not worry about how you’ll actually move your items around, once you’re on the ship.
A tote bag or two can come in extremely handy as you move about the ship. Headed to the pool? Take a tote filled with sunblock, drinks, toys and anything else you might need.
A larger bag with a zipper or other closure, such as a basic backpack, can also be handy for going into port, when you need to carry more, but you want to keep your items secure as you explore.
A cooler can also come in handy, to cart cold bottles of water and soda to the pool or even to the beach while you’re in port. However, be sure to check the cruise line’s regulations regarding bringing a cooler onboard, before you pack. Some, like Carnival Cruise Line, have size limitations for coolers (12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches), while others don’t allow coolers at all.
Another carrying item that you might not think to bring but that will come in super-handy? Plastic, zip-top baggies. Bottle of shampoo started leaking in your suitcase? Throw it in a baggy. Need a quick ice pack? Put some ice in a baggy. Worried about your phone getting wet at the pool? Put it in a baggy. (Or upgrade from a zip-top baggy to a wet bag.)
A Cruise-Friendly Power Strip
If you’re traveling with older kids that have their own devices, and you’re all staying in the same stateroom — especially on an older ship — you’re going to notice something pretty quickly. There just aren’t enough outlets in the cabin to charge all of your devices.
For this reason, many cruising families or groups pack a power strip. Do note, though, that cruise lines have specific rules for power strips.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows you to bring a power strip without surge protection (though the cruise line does retain the right to confiscate your power strip if it’s deemed a potential fire hazard).
Along these lines, consider bringing portable chargers as well. They can come in handy whether you’re out and about on the cruise ship, exploring, or doing so in port, or if the family has already claimed all the other outlets in the cabin, and you’re desperate for some juice.
Organizers
If you’ve ever traveled in an interior stateroom, you know how cramped they can be when you pack in more than two people, and you know how they can sometimes come with limited storage space. Even larger staterooms can feel cramped if you have the whole family sleeping in one.
As such, consider bringing along a few organizing tools to help you keep your stateroom a little tidier and organized, and a little less like a hurricane just moved through.
You can use over-the-door organizers to keep small items off the floor or off the limited counter space, but still within easy reach.
Clotheslines and clothes pins can allow a space to dry wet swimsuits and other clothes, without resorting to draping them over chairs. Bungee cords can act as a clothesline in a snap, but you may find other ways to use these cords, such as securing items in your cabin.
Magnetic hooks and a collapsible laundry basket also help keep the mess down, as do hanging toiletry bags or toiletry baskets for the bathroom (many cruise ship cabins offer little in the way of vanity space). Even just some extra clothes hangers can come in handy!
Reusable Drink Bottles and Straws
Travel Water Bottle (Photo Credit: Darya Lavinskaya / Shutterstock)
Bottles of water are not free on a cruise ship, and you may find that the cups of water provided for free on your cruise aren’t exactly large or that conducive to running around the ship with kids in tow.
So, bring your own reusable water bottles and straws for the family. You can bring large bottles that will keep your drinks cold throughout your entire day at the pool, no problem.
While you’re at, consider bringing a reusable coffee thermos as well (better yet, go for a thermos that can pull doubled duty and keep your coffee hot in the morning and your ice water cold in the afternoon).
One Slightly Dressier Outfit for the Kids
Kids on a Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Tomsickova Tatyana)
Your child may prefer to live out their days in flip flops, cotton shorts and tank tops. While that’s okay if you’re exploring the top deck or hanging out by the pool, you will need to bring something slightly dressier for the kids, if you plan on dining with them at a nicer restaurant on the ship, or attending one of the main dining room’s formal nights.
Most cruise ships do host formal nights, at least once during most cruises, wherein diners are asked to dress up a bit for a more upscale dining experience.
You might think your family won’t want to attend one of these, but then you get onboard, see how much fun everyone else is having, and want to join in. So, play safe rather than sorry and pack a slightly dressier outfit for the kids to wear to dinner, if they need it.
You don’t have to break out the suit and tie or anything. Just bring a pair of khakis and a button up, or a casual sundress. That will typically be enough to suffice.
A Nightlight or Flashlight
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Once you turn off all the lights in your stateroom, you may be surprised at just how dark it is. Even if you’re not in an interior stateroom, the ocean is a dark place. Depending on your individual balcony or ocean-view room, you may find the cabin still quite dark.
As such, think about bringing along a nightlight that you can plug in, maybe in the bathroom, or equipping your kiddo with a flashlight that they can use if they need to get up during the night.
Extra of Everything for Teens
If you’re traveling with a teenager, you may find that they spend the majority of the cruise not exactly glued to your side. This is okay, though — there’s plenty of safe, teen-friendly fun to be had on most cruise ships, and the major family brands like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer teen-friendly, supervised hangout spots.
However, it may mean you need to pack a few extras for your teens. Because they won’t be sticking with you, they’ll need some of their own, personal gear. For example, they should have their own reusable water bottle, own sunscreen, own tote bag, etc.
Air Fresheners
Carnival Cruise Line Cabin (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know that, with cruise ship bathrooms… well, let’s just say certain smells can linger. With how small some cabins are, that smell can quickly overtake your cabin. When you’re traveling with the entire family and everyone is using the bathroom on a regular basis, that smell can multiply.
Save yourself some stink by bringing along a portable, small bottle of air freshener, specifically one designed for bathroom use.
A White Noise Machine or Small Fan
While it is possible to find quiet spots on just about every cruise ship, regardless of size, you could end up with a cabin that’s not exactly one of them.
Cabins near stairwells and elevators are particularly known to get a lot of noise — and when you’re trying to get the kids to sleep, whether at night or for a nap, that fact can be a real pain.
Pack a portable white noise machine or small fan to help drown out some of that outside, background noise. You may just find that you even sleep a little deeper, thanks to the relaxing noise!
(And if you’re thinking that you’ll just leave your balcony door open so you can catch the sounds of the waves, think again. That’s one thing you should never do, as there have been cases of other cruisers breaking into adjoining cabins via open balcony doors!)
Disinfectant Wipes or Gels
Hand Sanitizer on Carnival Cruise (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Lastly, we’ve all heard the stories of cruise ships coming back with dozens or hundreds of ill cruisers, and kids of a certain age are notorious for sticking their hands on every surface in sight…and then sticking those hands right into their mouths.
Do your best to keep your family safe from the germs that naturally collect on a ship filled with thousands upon thousands of people. Pack some portable disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizing gel, and use them.
Keep in Mind the Items You Can’t Bring
Beyond the items you should bring, though, as you pack, also keep in mind the items you cannot bring. Depending on your particular cruise line, there are some kids’ items that are a no-go, and that might be confiscated upon boarding.
For example, baby monitors are not allowed on some cruise lines, and inflatable kiddy pools or pool toys may be prohibited, too. Similarly to baby monitors, walkie-talkies — a favorite with large vacationing families — are also not permitted on some cruise ships.
Can you enjoy a Carnival cruise even if you’re not on the water? One family turned their truck into an Excel-class Carnival ship for a local trunk-or-treat Halloween event, proving that you can be onboard a Fun ship even if you’re not on a cruise.
Facebook user Angel Sikes shared the photo with John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador, showing off their amazing cardboard cruise ship creation.
“Wanted to share our trunk or treat theme with you and Carnival Cruise Line – we can’t wait till our next cruise[s] in April and August!”Sikes said with the photo.
The family is “aboard” their creation, which fits over the back of their pickup truck. The ship – Carnival Celebration, perfect for a Halloween celebration event – is crafted from painted cardboard and is complete with the cruise line’s signature red-white-and-blue livery, the whale tale funnel, and lifeboats occupied by stuffed animals.
The family even added decorative “water” on the parking lot beneath their vessel, and is aboard the ship standing in the bed of their pickup appropriately attired for the event with a Groove for St. Jude t-shirt, a Hawaiian shirt, Carnival prize medallions, and sunglasses.
This Carnival cruise guest has just one single criticism – the swan on the water on the starboard side of the ship SHOULD have been a towel swan, but to be fair, I can never make those ones either.
More than 100 commenters have responded to the photo, with overwhelming agreement that the decorations are cute, clever, and fun, a great way to represent Carnival Cruise Line, and
One commenter certainly had the best remark with:
“Now if y’all are handing out Carnival gift cards instead of candy, I’m coming! lol”
Another guest noted they could have given out rubber ducks as well, an homage to the onboard cruising ducks phenomenon.
The Carnival Celebration trunk-or-treat decoration is a great representation of the family’s upcoming sailings, with Carnival Celebration in April and Carnival Freedom in August.
While the family does not reveal which itineraries they will be enjoying, Carnival Celebration offers both Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean 7-night sailings from Miami in April, while Carnival Freedom is sailing 4-night Bahamas cruises and 5-night Eastern Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral in August.
This version of Carnival Celebration was undoubtedly a star during the family’s local trunk-or-treat event – a great option for decoration and costume contests and other family fun.
If they were guests aboard the real Carnival Celebration at this time of year, however, they’d be enjoying not only spooky onboard decorations, but a range of themed activities.
“Halloween is always an exciting time aboard Carnival and we take it to the next level with Frightfully Fun activities that guests of all ages can enjoy,”Carnival Cruise Line’s website describes the season.“Just so we’re clear, our ships probably aren’t haunted… but every sailing does come complete with fun Halloween extras!”
Ship decorations, a costume party, special trivia contests, themed music, photo-ops, horror movies on the big screen, pumpkin-carving contests, treats, and more are all part of the fun onboard the Carnival fleet’s 151 Halloween-themed sailings this year.
While “trunks” won’t be part of the festivities, there is also trick-or-treating for the youngest cruisers.
Travelers should note that there are rules for any costumes guests want to wear onboard, whether for contests or just for fun. All costumes must be considered family-friendly, and may not include even the fakest of fake weapons. No masks or face coverings are permitted for security purposes, and not too sexy (no real, fake, or “implied” nudity permitted).
Have you celebrated Halloween on a Carnival cruise ship? Share your spooky experiences on the Cruise Hive boards!
After Baltimore’s catastrophic bridge collapse on March 22, 2024, which killed six and closed the city’s harbor for nearly three months, Carnival Cruise Line took the time to celebrate Maryland’s historic harbor city on October 27, 2024, for 20 years as a welcoming host.
In a ceremony aboard the 88,500-gross-ton Carnival Pride, which proudly homeports in the historic city, Carnival President Christine Duffy expressed her appreciation for the longstanding support from Maryland’s local leaders and community members.
On hand for the celebration were Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, Deputy Mayor J.D. Merrill, and Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jonathan Daniels, along with representatives from the US Naval Academy.
Addressing the gathered dignitaries and first responders, Duffy specifically acknowledged the Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers who responded to the bridge incident.
“As America’s cruise line, Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Baltimore with Carnival Pride, so it’s fitting that we are here today aboard Carnival Pride showing the immense pride we have in providing great cruise vacations from this great American city,”she said.
“We are proud to sail 100,000 people from Baltimore annually, generate millions in economic impact for the city and state with each departure, and honor the courageous individuals who assisted in saving lives during the tragic bridge collapse,” she continued.
The commemoration also included a $25,000 donation to the US Naval Academy Foundation. You can watch a video of the event below:
Carnival Pride Celebrates Baltimore’s Resilient Return
The Port of Baltimore sees nearly 400,000 cruise passengers annually, including those from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, the latter of which began sailing from the city for the first time in 2023.
As one of the busiest US ports, it was forced to shutter after a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its immediate collapse. Following months of cleanup and rerouting cruise ships to destinations such as Norfolk, Virginia, the port reopened in May 2024 to a full summer season of itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line Baltimore Return (Photo Courtesy: Carnival)
Carnival Pride, which began operating year-round sailings from Baltimore in 2009 as the city’s first year-round cruise provider, was one of the first cruise lines to return to port, setting off on a 14-night Greenland adventure on May 26, 2024.
The ship, which debuted in 2002 with numerous updates and a recent dry dock in 2023, began with itineraries to the Caribbean when it first set off from Baltimore 20 years ago and now offers a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal to its 2,124 double-capacity passengers.
Carnival Pride departed for a 7-night roundtrip voyage to Kings Wharf, Bermuda after the ceremony. It will return on November 3, 2024, and promptly continue on a 14-night roundtrip voyage to the Southern Caribbean, where it will take passengers to the US Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Aruba, Curacao, and the Turks and Caicos.
In 2025, the vessel’s route will be expanded to feature visits to Carnival Cruise Line’s newest exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key. The brand-new island resort is slated to open in July 2025.
Once again, heroes from the US Coast Guard saved the day when its Houston-Galveston team came to the rescue of a passenger who had just embarked on a cruise to the Western Caribbean.
A 71-year-old male guest aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee, which had only departed on its 7-night voyage from Galveston at 2 p.m., was medically evacuated on Saturday, October 26, 2024, while the ship was offshore Texas in the Gulf of Mexico.
Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston received the call at approximately 5:19 p.m. from a crew member aboard the 5,374-passenger ship sailing to its first call in Roatan, Honduras.
Exhibiting symptoms of a heart attack, the Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat from Station Galveston to medevac the man, enlisting support from the Galveston Fire Department.
On scene, the crew safely embarked the passenger, and the fire department and local EMS teams were waiting. They transported him to a nearby medical facility for further treatment. No further details have been provided on the passenger.
The 183,521-gross-ton Carnival Jubilee, which joined the cruise line fleet in December 2023 and homeports in Galveston year-round, continued its voyage and is currently spending October 28 at sea ahead of calls in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The vessel will return to Galveston on November 2, 2024.
Recent Surge in Coast Guard Rescues
This isn’t the first time a Carnival cruise has been halted shortly after departing due to a medical emergency.
In August 2024, Carnival Venezia was just hours into its voyage from Port of Manhattan in New York when a 56-year-old woman experienced an emergency that required she be airlifted by a team from Coast Guard Sector New York.
In fact, in recent months, the US Coast Guard has conducted several rescues from cruise ships. These rescues have covered a range of medical issues, from heart attacks to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, and swift action has ensured passengers receive timely medical care.
Earlier this month, the New Orleans Coast Guard conducted two back-to-back rescues on two separate sailings on Carnival Liberty. The first involved a 66-year-old male passenger experiencing stroke-like symptoms who was airlifted by the Coast Guard’s MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew ahead of the ship’s arrival in New Orleans.
Carnival Jubilee Arrives in Galveston (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Shortly after the rescue, a second call came in for a 30-year-old female passenger experiencing appendicitis after the vessel embarked on its next voyage from New Orleans. The MH-60 Jayhawk was reemployed for a second rescue.
And just weeks before, the Coast Guard in Honolulu, Hawaii, also had back-to-back rescues aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess during the ship’s 114-night world cruise. Doctors from the vessel contacted the rescue team in Honolulu about a 70-year-old man with heart attack symptoms and an 86-year-old man with internal bleeding.
In that dramatic airlift, two Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters were flown to transport the passengers to Hilo Medical Center in Hilo, Hawaii.
The Coast Guard’s process for rescues at sea is a coordinated effort involving communication between cruise ships, command centers, and onboard duty flight surgeons who assess the severity of each case.
If a medevac is determined to be necessary, Coast Guard teams are dispatched via helicopter or rescue boat, depending on the situation’s location and urgency. However, one thing that is clear about each rescue is the Coast Guard’s rigorous training to handle challenging rescues from large vessels and provide in-transit medical support.
Passengers relaxing in private balcony hot tubs on luxury cruises never expected their retreat to come with a hidden risk – a severe, sometimes deadly, respiratory infection traced directly to these bubbling waters.
A severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacteria, the CDC found 12 cases among passengers who traveled on two cruise ships between November 2022 and July 2024.
“Epidemiologic, environmental, and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks of Legionnaires disease among cruise ship passengers,”said the CDC.
The CDC first detected issues on “Cruise Ship A,” with five passengers reporting symptoms after a November 2022 voyage. In the following months, cases continued to surface, ultimately impacting eight passengers by April 2024.
Legionnaires Cruise Ship Hot Tubs Outbreaks (Photo Credit: CDC)
In response and at the CDC’s request, the cruise ship conducted comprehensive water samplings from various ship locations, including hot tubs, potable water systems, and public areas.
Legionella bacteria was detected in six of 10 private balcony hot tubs, with some samples showing dangerously high bacteria levels.
Further investigation revealed similar contamination on “Cruise Ship B,” where Legionnaires’ cases were reported in January, February, and May 2024. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the bacterium in every private hot tub tested, with some samples also dangerously high.
The CDC finds cases of Legionnaires’ disease to be highest among men and older adults. The passengers, of which 100 percent were from the US on Cruise Ship A, were predominantly male and over the age of 63.
All had been exposed to public and private hot tubs during their voyage, with 63 percent of guests from the first vessel also found to have used the spa.
The Two Hot Tubs in the Center of the Outbreaks (Credit: CDC)
Seventy-five percent of the cases from Cruise Ship A required hospitalization, while 100 percent from Cruise Ship B were hospitalized. All the passengers survived.
Although the CDC did not reveal the cruise ships, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease aboard Norwegian Prima and Celebrity Ascent, respectively, which coincide with the CDC’s investigation timeline.
Stricter Cleaning Guidelines Recommended
While the CDC’s investigation found the contamination in hot tubs on the balconies of private suites, the most expensive and exclusive stateroom options available on cruise ships, hot tubs on vessels are also found on open decks near swimming pools and in cruise ship spas.
However, public hot tubs often undergo a rigorous cleaning program, including continuous disinfectant dosing and pH monitoring through automated systems that regulate and maintain safe levels of both. Kids who are not potty trained are also not allowed to go into a hot tub.
As the outbreaks occurred in private hot tubs, the CDC has issued broader guidance for cruise ships, suggesting more rigorous maintenance standards beyond the current weekly chlorination recommendation.
Cruise Ship Hot Tub (Photo Credit: Anjo Kan)
In fact, the CDC is encouraging cruise ships to implement continuous disinfectant dosing and pH monitoring for private hot tubs, similar to what is already required for public tubs.
In cases where continuous dosing isn’t feasible, the CDC advises thoroughly shock-chlorinating hot tubs after each guest to minimize contamination risks.
It also recommends draining and disinfecting hot tubs thoroughly after each use rather than retaining water between guests, as well as removing and cleaning heating elements and filtration systems that can trap bacteria.
MSC Cruises is continuing to expand its ever-growing North American presence by launching new Alaska itineraries in 2026. With MSC Poesia set to homeport in Seattle beginning May 11, 2026, it will be the first time the cruise line will offer cruises to America’s Last Frontier.
The 7-night sailings will take passengers through popular destinations, including Juneau and Ketchikan. They will also stop in Victoria, British Colombia, and Icy Strait Point, the first Indigenous-owned cruise destination where guests can participate in cultural experiences in Hoonah, Alaska.
As the 92,627-gross-ton ship is designed to navigate narrow channels, the vessel will travel the Inside Passage for glacier viewing.
“Guests from all over the world tell us they want to see Alaska’s beauty firsthand, which makes these itineraries the perfect addition to MSC Cruises’ global portfolio of bucket-list destinations,”said Lynn Torrent, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of MSC Cruises USA.
“Seattle will be our fifth US homeport, bringing our signature mix of European style and American comforts to the west coast as we continue to expand our offerings in the North American market,” she continued.
The Port of Seattle, which witnessed 277 sailings to Alaska across seven different cruise lines during its 2024 season, concluding today, October 28, is excited to add MSC Cruises to its roster.
Said Stephanie Jones Stebbins, managing director, maritime, at the port, “The Port of Seattle looks forward to welcoming MSC Cruises and MSC Poesia to Seattle. We know that MSC guests will enjoy exploring our region before and after their Alaska adventure.”
The port, which will require cruise ships to utilize shore power by 2027, is also impressed with the cruise line’s sustainability commitment. MSC Cruises actively seeks ports with shore power connections and anticipates 220 calls in 2024 will receive power at port.
MSC Poesia in Alaska
The 2,550-passenger MSC Poesia will spend the summer months in Alaska, ending her season on September 28, 2026. She will then return to PortMiami, where she is also spending winter 2025 and 2026, for another Caribbean season.
A Growing MSC Presence in North America
MSC Cruises is steadily increasing its footprint in North America. In 2023, the cruise line had just two ships operating out of US homeports. However, this winter, 2024 and 2025, MSC will have five ships sailing in the Caribbean.
The ships – MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore, MSC Meraviglia, and MSC Divina – will operate from key US ports, including PortMiami, Port Canaveral near Orlando, Florida, and New York City’s Brooklyn.
In 2022, MSC Cruises USA President Ruben Rodriguez said, “Bringing more ships to the US allows us to offer a wide variety of itineraries, adding new destinations and providing more opportunities for travelers to discover our unique international flavor.”
The Geneva, Switzerland-based cruise line’s ships often feature sleek interiors with a touch of Italian flair with onboard dining featuring a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
However, in April 2025, the cruise line will debut a new ship in Miami, specifically designed for the North American market. The vessel, the 6,782-guest, 215,863-gross-ton MSC World America, will offer 7- to 14-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
MSC Cruises will also introduce its fleet to Galveston, Texas, in November 2025, when MSC Seascape arrives for year-round Western Caribbean voyages.
Excited to go on your next cruise? If you’ve dreamed of your embarkation day for months now, you’ve probably given some thought as to what you’ll pack. Maybe you’ve made a packing list, even, or sat out your luggage expectantly.
However, make sure you’re not breaking any cruise ship rules by bringing along the wrong items and devices. If you’re wondering ‘what can you not bring on a cruise,’ here’s everything you need to know.
One of the big ones in this category? Drones. People really want to take their drones on cruises, and for good reason. You could get some super-cool shots of the ship sailing and of ports you visit, via your remote-controlled drones.
Unfortunately, many cruise ships do not allow for you to bring drones aboard, as is the case with Carnival Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, does allow you to bring a drone on your cruise, but you can only use it on land, and away from the port.
If you don’t follow this rule, the drone will be confiscated. (But even if Royal Caribbean allows it, that doesn’t mean your ports of call necessarily will, so check local laws before bringing your drone on your cruise!)
Other similar electronic toys that you can’t bring include hoverboards and segways.
Various household electronics are prohibited, too. Basically, anything that has heating elements in it is prohibited because it’s a fire risk. Think irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines or coffee makers, hot plates, toasters, heating pads and humidifiers.
The exemptions include personal grooming products like flat irons, curling irons and hair dryers. If you’re worried about being able to iron all the wrinkles from your favorite sundress, no worries; most cruise ships have laundry facilities that are outfitted with ironing boards and irons.
If you want to bring a baby bottle sanitizer, warmer or cleaner, you may need to get someone from the cruise staff’s accessibility team to approve that for you.
You also can’t bring boom boxes or large radios, or routers or similar internet-related equipment. Laser pointers and satellite phones are also prohibited. If you bring a small radio or speaker, you can’t use it outside of your stateroom. You usually have to wear headphones or earbuds anytime you’re listening to media outside of your stateroom, to avoid disturbing the peace.
Do note Royal Caribbean does not allow Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cell phones aboard its ships, nor electrical extension cords and HAM radios (or even baby monitors!), but Carnival allows for these under certain circumstances. Norwegian Cruise Line, meanwhile, doesn’t allow for walkie-talkies.
Surge-protected power strips are generally not allowed across the board, regardless of cruise line. Recently, though, Royal Caribbean specifically added multi-plug outlets to its list of prohibited items, but this is in reference to multi-plug outlets with AC outlets rather than USB ports.
Weapons
Norwegian Jade Cruise Ship in Port (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
No, you can’t bring any weapons onto the cruise ship, and how cruise ships define “weapons” is quite broad.
In addition to prohibiting firearms, cruise ships also prohibit imitation firearms and firearm replicas, as well as firearm components. Other weapons not allowed include spears and spear guns, crossbows and other archery components, blunt weapons like clubs and batons; throwing stars; brass knuckles; air and BB rifles; tasers; mace; gas guns; and even paintball guns.
Knives are not allowed, for the most part, and even small sharp objects that you might not think of as a “weapon” per se are prohibited, such as scissors and open razors. (Don’t worry; you can bring personal grooming items still, like fingernail clippers and shavers). Norwegian Cruise Line specifies that it prohibits knives with blades longer than 4 inches.
Along with all these weapons that are not allowed on your cruise ship, you also can’t bring any ammunition. Tools that could be used as weapons are also prohibited, such as axes, hammers, or saws, as are restraining devices, such as handcuffs or binding materials.
Basically, if you couldn’t fly with it as an airline passenger, you probably can’t cruise with it.
Explosives
Similarly, explosives are not allowed on cruise ships either. This encompasses flares and fireworks, too, as well as any other pyrotechnics.
Other items that could be considered fire hazards or in danger of exploding, like gasoline or propane tanks, are also prohibited, as the last thing you want is an explosion or fire in the middle of the ocean. The same goes for large batteries and compressed gas tanks or cylinders — and even candles and incense!
The exemption is personal grooming products that come in aerosol cans, like hairspray. You can sometimes bring dive tanks, but may need to check them in with the cruise line for holding, and then check them out before your shore excursion.
Illegal Items
Photo Credit: Canaveral Port Authority / Shutterstock
If it’s illegal on land, it’s illegal on your cruise ship. This one should be pretty straightforward, clear cut, and self-explanatory. Don’t bring any illegal narcotics or drugs onto your cruise ship, including synthetic or designer drugs.
While not illegal in many places, medical marijuana and cannabis are also prohibited on some ships, like those in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, as are hookahs and kava.
Norwegian Cruise Line takes things a step further by not only prohibiting medical marijuana, but also prohibiting products that contain CBD, such as CBD-infused oils, candies and gummies.
Wheeled Items
There are various wheeled items you can’t bring on a cruise ship, including bicycles, wheeled shoes and scooters. Scooters are allowed if they’re used for mobility, but you have to store them in your stateroom.
Roller blades, skates, skateboards and collapsible wagons are allowed, but you have to leave them in your stateroom and only use them when you get off the ship while it’s in port.
Water Sport Items
Symphony of the Seas Pools (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
You might think of cruising and think “fun in the sun,” but don’t think that means you can bring all your favorite water toys and water sports items along with you.
Surfboards, boats and canoes are a no-go, as are pool inflatables and inflatable kiddie pools.
You can bring items like beach chairs, beach tents, beach umbrellas, snorkeling gear, fishing rods (with exceptions — Carnival allows for them, Royal Caribbean does not) and boogie boards, but you have to keep them in your room and only use them during port days.
Drinks
These prohibitions may differ from cruise line to cruise line, but, in general, cruise lines want you to leave your own drinks at home — so you buy more from them!
On Carnival Cruise Line, for example, you can’t bring any hard liquor or beer on your cruise. You can, though, bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne per every person 18 years of age or older in your party.
For non-alcoholic beverages, you can’t bring anything that’s not in a can or carton (so no water bottles!), and you can’t bring more than 12 drinks per person, or drinks in large packaging (375 milliliters or larger).
Virgin Voyages has somewhat stricter beverage limitations, only allowing 12, 12-ounce cans or cartons of a beverage per person, and only two 750 milliliter bottles of wine per cabin. In contrast, on an MSC Cruises cruise, you can’t bring any alcohol whatsoever on board.
Whatever drinks you bring aboard, you can’t bring a large cooler to store them in. Coolers must generally be no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches, on Carnival ships. Virgin Voyages ships do not allow ice chests or coolers at all.
Food
Common Things to Eat on a Ship (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
If you want to bring some of your own food with you, on your cruise, you usually can, but it has to be pre-packaged, unopened food. You can’t bring anything homemade.
You also can’t bring anything onboard that you’re in the process of eating (so, for example, if you grabbed a fast-food lunch before embarkation and are eating a sandwich as you board the ship, you’ll be asked to toss it).
You also can’t bring any fish. If you go on an excursion and catch a fish, you have to ship it home.
Pets
You may love to travel with Fido, but pets aren’t allowed on cruise ships. Only qualified service animals are allowed and, even then, they must be approved by Guest Access Services when you book your cruise, and you will need approval from the Department of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry.
And the Things You Would Likely Never Expect
Lastly, there are just some items that you can’t bring on a cruise ship that you might never expect would be prohibited.
For example, planning on throwing a party during your cruise? Leave the party poppers and helium-filled balloons at home, because you can’t bring ‘em.
Likewise, if you want to surprise a fellow cruiser with celebratory flowers, you’ll need to order them through the cruise line’s celebrations department (if that’s something the cruise line offers) or have them delivered directly to the ship via a florist, on embarkation day.
Hoping to get a little privacy in your cabin by creating a makeshift wall? Better not do it with curtains, drapes or hanging room dividers, because those aren’t allowed.
Decorating your cabin door is a particularly fun cruising tradition, with many cruisers decking their stateroom doors out with elaborate displays. However, Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow you to bring any type of door décor with you, citing these decoration’s “flammable nature.”
Lastly, if you’re an avid seashell collector and love picking up some new shells each time you go to a new beach, you may be disappointed. Some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, will not allow you to bring these items aboard the ship.
What Happens if You Do Bring These Items Aboard Your Cruise?
In some cases, the cruise ship’s security office may allow you to keep the items, but they might just hold on to them and you can only use them during certain times. This is the case on Carnival Cruise Line, if you bring large scissors for crafting or recreational dive knives.
In other cases, cruise lines reserve the right to confiscate, destroy or turn your items over to other authorities.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that even if an item isn’t included among those listed above, if the cruise ship crew deem it a potential hazard, they have the right to take it and give it back to you at the end of the cruise. Along these lines, if you bring a wrapped gift onboard, it may be subject to search, based on the crew’s whim.
A Small Disclaimer
Do note that the above restrictions are generalized and based on restrictions enforced by Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.
Restrictions and prohibitions differ from cruise line to cruise line, as do actions that the cruise line may take if you’re found to be carrying any prohibited items.
For the most up-to-date and most specific information to your cruise possible, be sure to check with your cruise line, ahead of sailing.
Hurricane season is not over yet, and Royal Caribbean is taking extra precautions to ensure that cruise passengers and crew remain safe while the Oasis-class Utopia of the Seas sails through the Bahamas.
Guests booked on the October 28 sailing out of Port Canaveral in Florida were notified less than a day before departure that the cruise line had decided to remove two scheduled port of call visits in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean said in a communication sent to booked guests, “Along with Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring some adverse weather along our intended path. In order to steer clear of any increment weather conditions, we’ll need to cancel our visits to Nassau, Bahamas and Perfect Day at CocoCay, and we’ll enjoy a visit to our private destination, Labadee, Haiti instead.“
Utopia of the Seas‘ was originally scheduled to visit the first port of call of Nassau in the Bahamas on Tuesday, October 29. The large cruise ship was then set to make a call to Royal Caribbean’s own private island, CocoCay, on Thursday, October 31.
So, you might be asking what the vessel will be offering instead during the short 4-night sailing. Utopia of the Seas will be spending a day at sea on October 29 and then make its first and only port visit at Royal Caribbean’s private destination of Labadee, Haiti, on Wednesday, October 30.
The ship will then sail another day at sea on October 31, before arriving back home in Port Canaveral on November 1.
Royal Caribbean added, “We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are always our top priority.“
There is no doubt it can be a worry for some guests when it comes to weather conditions in regions such as the Bahamas, especially during hurricane season. The good news is that it is better to be on a cruise ship than anywhere else!
As for the model signal itself, you can see over the next ten days there is potential for tropical development. So, we'll keep an eye on the Caribbean for now…that's all. pic.twitter.com/1DXLpLSIMs
Cruise ships can adjust course and adapt to any weather changes using advanced navigation systems. The captain will also keep the vessel away from any potential impacts. Royal Caribbean has Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer on hand advising on the developing weather situation, and Setzer also provides timely updates on his popular X account.
“Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather,” Royal Caribbean also said in the communication to booked guests.
Utopia of the Seas is the second largest in the fleet at 236,473 gross tons and 1,188 feet long. The sixth Oasis-class ship also has a passenger capacity of 5,668 at double occupancy and 2,290 crew members.
Alternative Port of Call for Utopia of the Seas
The good news is that Labadee only just recently reopened for cruise calls in early October. Royall Caribean suspended all calls there in the Spring of 2024 due to local unrest and increased concern from booked passengers.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Justin Kozemchak)
Adventure of the Seas was the first ship to return on October 8, and now Utopia of the Seas guests can unexpectedly get a chance also to enjoy the port. Guests will be able to experience a stunning beach and get a chance to drink the signature “the Labadoozie” and even get a thrill on the Dragon Tail Roller Coaster.
The next Utopia of the Seas cruise will set sail on November 1, and at this time, the cruise line has not announced any itinerary change. Guests should keep an eye out for any official communications from the cruise line.
According to the National Hurricane Center, there is a chance of a cyclone formation in the southwestern Caribbean in the coming days. It is possible this development could impact cruise itineraries at the end of October and into early November. Cruise Hive will keep readers updated on any impact on cruises.
