Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s 110,000-gross-ton Carnival Liberty required emergency medical evacuations over the weekend, prompting quick action by the US Coast Guard.
On October 19, 2024, a 66-year-old man displaying stroke-like symptoms was airlifted while the cruise ship was about 55 miles southeast of Southwest Pass, Louisiana.
The following day, on October 20, a 30-year-old woman was rescued after she began experiencing appendicitis-like symptoms while the ship was near Port Sulphur, Louisiana.
Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders received both reports and coordinated the necessary rescue operations. For each case, a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans was deployed to carry out the medevacs.
The emergencies occurred on two separate sailings aboard the 2,974-passenger Carnival Liberty. The first rescue occurred as the vessel was completing a 7-night, roundtrip Eastern Caribbean voyage to Key West, Florida, and Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas.
Occurring on the ship’s final sea day, the man was rescued a day before the cruise concluded its journey in New Orleans.
The following rescue occurred just hours after Carnival Liberty departed Port New Orleans for her subsequent 7-night, roundtrip Western Caribbean sailing to Roatan Island, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship had left port at 3:30 p.m.
Both the man and the woman were airlifted to University Medical Center in New Orleans, where emergency medical personnel awaited their arrival. At the time of the latest report, October 21, 2024, both passengers were in stable condition.
Prepared for Critical Emergencies at Seas
Though the ship’s medical staff can handle most illnesses and injuries on a cruise, there are times when conditions are too critical for onboard care.
When that happens, the US Coast Guard is notified and responds by swiftly transporting passengers to shore for further treatment.
Highly trained to handle these urgent situations, the Coast Guard’s rigorous preparation includes extensive medical training, helicopter deployment skills, and physical endurance exercises to make sure they are ready for emergencies at sea.
Carnival Venezia Airlift (Courtesy of Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston)
In recent months, several Carnival passengers have required emergency airlifts. Most recently, on October 6, 2024, a guest aboard the 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia was evacuated after suffering from a stroke just two days into a cruise that departed from New York City.
The female guest in her 80s was transported to a local hospital in North Carolina for treatment after an air rescue.
Earlier in the year, on August 22, 2024, the Coast Guard performed another critical rescue on Carnival Venezia hours after it departed New York for its 5-night journey to Bermuda. A female passenger in her 50s was airlifted to a New Jersey hospital.
In May 2024, the US Air Force also played a role in a long-range rescue from the same vessel. In that situation, a medevacked child required the support of two helicopters and two support aircraft to assist with refueling while the ship was 350 nautical miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.
And rescues are not limited to passengers. The Coast Guard has also airlifted crew members in need, as was the case on the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine, when a Carnival crew member required urgent medical evacuation near Jacksonville, Florida, on April 27, 2024.
These rescues are a reminder of just how lucky we are to have such skilled Coast Guard and Air Force teams ready to jump into action.
When Princess Cruises’ new-build Star Princess enters service in the fall of 2025, she will have plenty in common with the sister ship Sun Princess, which launched in early 2024. However, there are also a few surprises on tap that guests will appreciate.
Among them are expanded seating areas in some of the top restaurants, new sports courts, and more smoke-free space inside the ship’s casino, the cruise line revealed in an October 22, 2024 announcement.
The 4,300-guest Star Princess is being built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and recently celebrated her float-out from the construction bay. The move signals the completion of the ship’s exterior and enables work to begin on the vessel’s interior design.
Star Princess is the second Sphere-class ship in the Love Boat fleet, and at 178,000-gross tons the ship will offer spacious public areas such as The Dome, a multi-purpose entertainment space that debuted on Sun Princess.
Like her sister ship, Star Princess will feature The Piazza, a three-deck-high grand atrium featuring multiple dining and lounge opportunities.
Onboard Star Princess, two dining venues will offer more seating than the first ship in the Sphere class. O’Malley’s Irish Pub, offering Irish food, music, and drinks, will have 32 more seats.
The romantic eatery Love by Britto, a collaboration of the artist Romero Britto and celebrity chef Rudi Sodamin, will be expanded to include seating for 20 more guests than on Sun Princess, where the venue debuted.
The upgrades to Star Princess continue with recreation options, as the ship will introduce new sports courses for pickleball and basketball. The ship’s SkyDeck Sports Court & Track will also provide a jogging track, a splash pad, and shaded seating areas.
Finally, guests who wish to try their luck at the Star Princess casino can do so in an expanded smoke-free zone with 68 slot machines.
“After the overwhelming response to Sun Princess, we are excited to debut her sister ship, Star Princess, with added enhancements to elevate the guest experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
“From expanded non-smoking casino areas to new spaces for relaxation and recreation, Star Princess will deliver an unforgettable vacation for all when she launches in fall 2025,” added Padgett.
One new accommodations category that Star Princess will share with Sun Princess is the ship-within-a-ship luxury space called Sanctuary Collection, which is scheduled to soon roll out onboard Sun Princess.
The collection offers multiple cabin options, including Sanctuary Suite, Sanctuary Mini-Suite, and Sanctuary Balcony, and will feature access to Sanctuary Club, a private area on the ship’s upper decks.
Star Princess Cruise Ship (Render Credit: Princess Cruises)
Guests booking the Sanctuary Collection will enjoy a private restaurant and a range of included perks such as WiFi, crew appreciation tips, unlimited premium spirits and specialty dining, and reserved theater seating.
Star Princess to Sail Maiden Cruise From Barcelona
Following a delay of the ship’s delivery to Princess Cruises, which the line announced in April 2024, Star Princess will sail her inaugural voyage on October 4, 2025. The 11-day cruise roundtrip from Barcelona will call at Marseille, France; Rome and Naples, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Cartagena, Spain; and Gibraltar, UK.
The ship originally was to enter service in July 2025, however, the shipyard delay prompted the cancellation of her first nine sailings.
Following her maiden voyage, the ship, on October 22, 2025, will operate a transatlantic cruise to her winter homeport, Fort Lauderdale, where she will offer 7- and 14-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.
Star Princess will deploy to Alaska for the summer 2026 season and sail 7-day Inside Passage cruises roundtrip from Seattle.
The pen is mightier than the cruise ship – or is it? While much of our world has gone digital and paperless, having a pencil or pen available to jot a quick note on a cruise is still a useful tip for travelers.
But which writing implement is best? Individuals can be surprisingly firm in their preferences for pens or pencils, which has been brought to the attention of Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald.
A quite emphatic comment was made on Heald’s popular Facebook page, where he answers hundreds of questions every day about different onboard concerns, dining arrangements, celebration requests, cruise line policies, and much more.
“Carnival still provides pencils in the cabin. Really?,”the commenter said.“Carnival pencils are unusable. Every other cruise line in the world gives pens, nice pens to take home. What are we supposed to do with a pencil? I hate pencils & so do most adults. My guess is a passenger is less likely to take one as a souvenir. WE WANT PENS.”
The guest notes that they are currently onboard Carnival Horizon, which is sailing a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami, with visits to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.
As for the writing tools… The pencils Carnival cruise line provides are small golf pencils typically (but not always) in the cruise line’s signature blue. The style can vary by ship and may be with or without erasers or any embossing on the pencil.
Heald responded, explaining the cruise line’s decision to offer pencils rather than pens.
“Yes, we have for some years now replaced the pens with pencils as we work hard to stop single use plastic,”he said.“Respectfully, I don’t have time to ask Uncle Google if ‘every other cruise line in the world has pens in the cabin.’ Something tells me that that this may not be correct.”
It is true that some other cruise lines provide pens in guest staterooms, but other lines offer pencils.
Heald asked his more than 590,000 followers whether or not they use the pencils in the cabins, and many guests responded that yes, they use them for a variety of purposes, both while onboard or after a cruise.
“I may or may not carry a Carnival pencil in my purse at all times…
“Yes, I used the pencil to write my steward a little note every day. If nothing else just to say thank you or great job!”
“I love the pencils! (Also, would like an eraser on them.) They come in handy for the daily puzzles and Sudoku!”
Some travelers do note that pencils aren’t always suitable for writing on luggage tags, as the lead may not be dark enough to be easily legible. Similarly, if pencils aren’t evenly sharpened, they may not be as useful.
Many guests do note that a nice pen would make a fine loyalty gift for Platinum and Diamond VIFP guests. Carnival Cruise Line just recently revealed a canvas baseball cap as the next VIFP gift, but perhaps a pen would be considered as a future option.
Do You Need a Pencil Onboard?
How necessary is a pen or pencil onboard? While in years past, guests reading the paper Fun Times might have wanted a highlighter or pen to mark the activities they were interested in, today, many guests prefer using the Carnival Hub App.
Carnival Cruise Line does provide daily games and puzzles, however, that need a writing tool. Sudoku puzzles, word searches, and crosswords are all available for guests to enjoy at their leisure.
Some of the competitive activities onboard – trivia contests, for example – also require guests to write down answers, and small pencils are provided at those activities.
A pen or pencil can also be very helpful for leaving a note for the cabin attendant, such as requesting an extra pillow, blanket, or hangers.
If guests want to tip their cabin attendant or dining team a little extra, a personal thank you note can also be a great touch to accompany that gesture.
Personally, I always try to bring my own pen or pencil just in case, but I don’t have a strong preference for which one to use. Do you? Share your writing implement preferences on the Cruise Hive boards!
With several Carnival cruise ships receiving significant updates during recent dry docks – including Carnival Panorama earlier this month – more and more non-smoking casinos are now available across the Fun Ship fleet.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald has confirmed exactly which ships offer a non-smoking casinos, which can help travelers plan which ship they next want to sail on, if such venues are significant to their preferences.
The ships that currently have non-smoking casinos are include all three Dream-class vessels: Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. Likewise, four of the line’s Vista-class sister ships, Carnival Vista, Carnival Panorama, and two of the “Italian Style” ships, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze, feature non-smoking casinos.
Finally, all three of Carnival’s largest ships, the Excel-class Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee have non-smoking casinos.
This brings the total of committed non-smoking casinos onboard Carnival ships to 10 with the new addition aboard Carnival Panorama, but there are also other non-smoking casinos in certain regions.
Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa also have “no smoking rules” while the ships are homeported in Australia. When sailing in Alaska for the northern summer season or when deployed to other regions, the ships do not have non-smoking casinos as yet.
The move to add non-smoking casinos onboard has been increasing over the past few years, particularly as smoking rates in the US have declined. According to Statista.com, when Carnival Cruise Line was first founded in 1972, roughly 48 million adults in the US were smokers. In 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, that number had declined to 28 million.
Further adjustments may be coming to Carnival Cruise Line’s casinos if guest feedback is factored into future operational decisions.
Many travelers would prefer that the smaller casino rooms, sections, and annexes – which are currently designated as the non-smoking areas – be swapped into the smoking areas, with the larger main casinos used as non-smoking facilities.
Opinions can be sharp on either side, however, and every traveler is different. Some Carnival guests cite medical concerns, such as asthma or COPD, as reasoning for better separation between smoking and non-smoking venues.
Others note that the smell of smoke can permeate all nearby areas and waft into hallways and corridors, even if they are designated as non-smoking.
It should be noted that even inside the smoking casinos, Carnival Cruise Line does use sophisticated air filtration to help clean the air and control odors.
All travelers should be aware that during embarkation day when most ships’ casinos are serving as muster stations for guests to check in as part of their safety drill, all casinos are fully non-smoking spaces. Once the muster drill is complete, smoking will be allowed.
Where Is Smoking Permitted Onboard?
All Carnival ships do offer designated smoking areas. These are located on various outer decks and are clearly marked. Smoking in other areas, such as around the main pools, in restaurants, or in the adults-only Serenity area, is strictly prohibited.
Non-Smoking Casino on Carnival Cruise Line
Furthermore, the cruise line has strongly debunked an internet “hack” that an extra tip to one’s cabin attendant would encourage them to “look the other way” for smoking on a cabin balcony, which is simply not true. Any guest found to be smoking on the balcony would be subject to severe fines as per the cruise ticket contract.
All Carnival guests should note, however, that no smoking is permitted anywhere onboard during ship refueling operations, whether on embarkation day or if a ship is in a port of call. Once refueling is complete, an announcement would be made and smoking areas would reopen.
If guests are unable to locate a smoking area, a quick visit to Guest Services and a polite question would offer great help, as crew members would be happy to direct passengers to the nearest smoking area onboard.
It isn’t unusual for cruise passengers to accidentally overspend on vacation, whether from that can’t-be-missed souvenir in port to extra tips for a favorite bartender to little extras on a private island.
While many expenses can be put on credit cards or even on guests’ onboard ship accounts, if cash is running a little short, a trip to the ATM may be necessary.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has hinted, however, that this popular onboard service may be under consideration to be discontinued.
While he makes no such confirmed announcement that ATMs will be removed from Carnival ships, he has recently asked guests about their popularity.
“Do you ever use the ATMs on board?”he asked.“Are they something you think we should keep? Thoughts please.”
While Heald answers hundreds of guest questions every day, it is much more rare that he asks for feedback on what could be a major change coming to the cruise line.
Guest feedback, however, is often instrumental in making such decisions, and cruise lines do want to take into consideration how their travelers feel about certain changes when possible.
More than 1,500 comments have been made answering Heald’s question, and by far, travelers prefer to have ATMs available for convenience or emergency use.
“In an emergency situation, I was thankful there was one and I’m sure anyone in an emergency situation would appreciate having one.”
“Yes, I used them. Please don’t get rid of them. Saves you from having to go to Guest Services if you need some extra cash before heading off to explore a port.”
“Absolutely keep them! We cruised on the Freedom a couple years ago and our cards kept getting declined! Luckily they worked in the ATM so we switched to a cash account.”
Quite a number of guests do mention that the high fees associated with ATMs make them less desirable to use. Onboard Carnival ships, that fee is currently $6.50 per transaction.
Carnival’s website discusses details of the onboard ATMs, including that there is a $500 per transaction withdrawal limit and that “the supply of money may be depleted prior to the end of the cruise,” in which case the ATMs will not be useful for travelers later on longer voyages.
Every Carnival ship has several ATMs available for guests to use. There is usually at least one located in the ship’s casino, and additional ATMs are often located either in the ship’s retail area (or areas) as well as near the Guest Services desk or the main atrium.
Onboard ATMs are available passengers whether a ship is at sea or in port, unlike other onboard services that may be required to be closed when a ship is in port.
Carnival Liberty Promenade Deck (Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock)
In addition to withdrawing cash, many passengers also explained that they have used ATMs as a bill breaker to exchange large bills for smaller ones. This can be very convenient for tipping crew members or having small bills for use in port.
An ATM is not necessary to break bills, however. Specialized bill breaker machines are available in every ship’s casino, or guests can break large bills at he casino cashier’s desk or at the Guest Services desk onboard.
Why Remove the ATMs?
With ATMs so convenient for guests, why could Carnival Cruise Line be considering removing the cash-dispensing kiosks?
Outdated equipment, maintenance concerns, or even corporate fees for the convenience of having ATMs onboard could all be factors the cruise line may need to keep in mind as they make a final decision.
With Carnival ships sailing worldwide itineraries and vessels repositioning to new regions periodically, concerns about currency exchange rates and keeping the machines stocked with appropriate currency for different destinations may be a unique challenge as well.
Have you ever used ATMs onboard a Carnival cruise ship? Would you miss them if they were gone? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
While Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class might not be its newest class of ships any longer, they are still some of the biggest, best and newest in the the industry.
If you’re considering taking a Royal Caribbean cruise in the near future, you’re likely considering sailing on an Oasis-class ship. So what can you expect from each and this class overall? Here’s what you need to know.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class contains six ships, currently. These include Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. A seventh, yet-to-be-named ship is expected to be added to the fleet in 2028.
For quite a while, the Oasis-class ships were the largest cruise ships in the world, with Oasis of the Seas taking the world’s largest cruise ship title upon debut and each cruise ship getting bigger and better as the class expanded. Now, that’s not the case, as Royal Caribbean has begun developing an even larger line, with its Icon class.
Still, the Oasis-class ships remain some of the largest cruise ships in the world, even if one of them is not THE largest. Utopia of the Seas is the largest Oasis-class ship overall and the second-largest ship in the world as of late 2024.
So, just how big are all the current Oasis-class ships? Here’s how they stack up.
Ship Name
Debut Year
Gross Tonnage
Passenger Capacity
Oasis of the Seas
2009
226,838
6,699 max.
Allure of the Seas
2010
225,282
6,780 max.
Harmony of the Seas
2016
226,963
6,780 max.
Symphony of the Seas
2018
228,081
6,680 max.
Wonder of the Seas
2022
235,600
6,988 max.
Utopia of the Seas
2024
236,473
6,988 max.
What Makes the Oasis-Class Ships Different?
There are a few things that make the Oasis-class ships differ from really any other cruise ships out there, Royal Caribbean or otherwise. Here’s the distinct experience you can expect when you cruise on an Oasis-class ship.
The Ship Neighborhoods
Two Oasis Class Cruise Ships next to Each other (Photo Credit: FotosForTheFuture).
Each Oasis-class ship is split into seven or eight neighborhoods. The neighborhood concept isn’t limited to just Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, but neighborhoods on other classes of ships may differ in terms of how many neighborhoods there are overall, as well as what each neighborhood offers.
On Oasis-class ships, the neighborhoods include the Royal Promenade, Central Park, Entertainment Place, the Boardwalk, the Pool and Sports Zone, the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, and the Youth Zone. However, two ships have neighborhoods beyond these seven. Both Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas have an eighth neighborhood simply called the suite neighborhood.
The Boardwalk is a family-friendly, oceanside boardwalk-inspired setting, where you can find features like a carousel and a Johnny Rockets’ diner outpost.
Central Park is just what it sounds like as well — a centralized park-inspired setting with lots of lush greenery and an open-air top. On most ships, you’ll find shops and restaurants lining the park space.
Entertainment Place is where you’ll go to find the theater, as well as venues like clubs and lounges.
The Royal Promenade is a favorite throughout all Royal Caribbean ships and is, in many ways, the heart of each ship, offering restaurants, shopping, bars, live music, entertainment and just generally always something to do and see, at any time of day.
Oasis of the Seas Royal Promenade
The Pool and Sports Zone is your place to go for adventure activities, multiple pools on the pool deck, waterslides, Flowrider surfing simulators and sports courts, as well as zip lines. Do note that not all of the slides on the Oasis-class ships are the same.
Some have the Ultimate Abyss slides and The Perfect Storm slides, but some do not, as is the case with Allure of the Seas, which will be getting these features after its planned refurbishment in 2025.
The Vitality at Sea spa and fitness center neighborhood is home to — you guessed it — these two venues. There’s also The Youth Zone, which is home to the kids clubs.
And, lastly, the suite neighborhoods are special enclaves for VIP cruise guests, where those staying in suites can enjoy their own private sun deck and plunge pool, as well as a restaurant.
Industry Firsts
Beyond just offering seven (or eight, depending on the ship) unique neighborhoods to the cruising industry, the Oasis-class also made waves due to just how many industry firsts it introduced.
JustOasis of the Seas alone introduced the first carousel at sea, the first zip line at sea, the first levitating bar at sea, the deepest pool at sea and the first non-ocean view balcony suites on a cruise ship.
A Picture-Perfect Vacation
Additionally, the Oasis-class stands out as being a top-tier option for cruisers, where families, couples, groups of friends and anyone else can enjoy a cruise that packs in tons of fun from every angle. These modern and mammoth vessels provide near-endless entertainment and activities, alongside tons of dining options, stateroom selections and more.
If you want that picture-perfect vacation you see in cruise line commercials, you’ll get it on an Oasis-class ship.
Differences in Oasis-Class Ships
Photo Courtesy: Royal Caribbean
While the Oasis-class ships share quite a few features, that doesn’t mean that they’re identical across the board. Beyond differing slightly in size, they also have a few differences when it comes to venues, staterooms and similar details.
For example, Harmony of the Seasoffered two restaurants upon debut that weren’t found on previous ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas: Jamie’s Italian and Wonderland.
Symphony of the Seas likewise debuted with certain restaurants and venues that were not on its sister ship predecessors, including El Loco Fresh, Playmakers Sports Bar, Hooked Seafood and a laser tag arena. (Now, both laser tag arenas and Playmakers are practically staples on most newer Royal Caribbean ships.)
Meanwhile, Wonder of the Seas introduced the largest-ever Ultimate Family Suite, the new suite-only neighborhood and The Mason Jar restaurant.
Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas also all feature the Bionic Bar, but Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas do not.
Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas all have the virtual balcony cabins, but Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas do not. Utopia of the Seas introduced the first Solarium suites to the line, a brand-new suite category.
In dining, Utopia of the Seasalsointroduced a new restaurant experience called Royal Railway Utopia Station, as well as the Izumi in the Park restaurant and Spare Tire food truck.
Of course, as the class expands and some of the older Oasis-class ships are refurbished, they’re getting refreshed and new things are being added to the older ships that first appeared on the newer ships.
So, with that in mind, if you have a certain venue, restaurant or stateroom you’re wanting to experience, just double-check it’s actually on the Oasis-class ship you’re planning to book, as they’re not all the same.
Oasis Class vs. Freedom Class
Oasis Class and Freedom Class Ships (Photo Credit: John Panella)
Before the Oasis-class, there was the Freedom-class. Just like the Oasis-class, the Freedom-class once boasted the largest cruise ships in the world. Additionally, just like the Oasis-class was surpassed by the next class of Royal Caribbean cruise ships in size, so was the Freedom-class, which was surpassed by the Oasis class.
The Freedom-class ships — which include Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas — were introduced in 2006 and are about 60% the size of the Oasis-class ships, on average. The largest Freedom-class ship is Freedom of the Seas, at 156, 271 GT.
While the Freedom-class ships do have a lot of cool features — they were the first to introduce surfing simulators and they have staple attractions like rock-climbing walls, for example — they just don’t have as much to do and enjoy as the Oasis-class or Icon-class ships, like zip lines or quite as many stateroom and suite options.
Oasis Class vs. Icon Class
Icon of the Seas Docked Next to Wonder of the Seas
So what class of ships has surpassed the Oasis class, and is there really that much difference? It’s the Icon class and, yes, absolutely. There’s a huge difference between the Oasis class and the newer, bigger Icon class, which debuted in 2024, with lead ship Icon of the Seas. (Coincidentally, the Oasis class welcomed its latest ship Utopia of the Seas, around the same time that Icon of the Seas debuted!)
In size difference, there’s not such the big gap that you see between the Freedom class and the Oasis class. Icon of the Seas is only about 6% larger than Utopia of the Seas. However, there are other differences that stand out starkly.
For example, the Icon class has completely reimagined the neighborhood format that all the Royal Caribbean cruise ships use, with eight neighborhoods that are named things like Chill Island and AquaDome.
These new neighborhoods have unique vibes all their own, even though you’ll still find staple neighborhoods like Central Island and the Royal Promenade on the Icon class ships.
Likewise, the Icon class introduced more than a half-dozen new stateroom options to the cruise line, and a handful of new restaurants. Icon of the Seas also has the largest waterpark at sea.
Oasis Class Staterooms
Boardwalk View Stateroom With Balcony on Harmony of the Seas
But enough about those other classes! What else can you expect when you take an Oasis-class cruise?
You’ll have a few different stateroom options that go beyond just your basic interior, balcony and suite staterooms. The Oasis class also offers Boardwalk and Central Park balcony staterooms (for the first balcony staterooms on a cruise ship that did not look out over the ocean, when they premiered), AquaTheater suites, the Ultimate Family Suites and, on the newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, Solarium suites.
In general, you can expect a wide variety of staterooms, but the most variety overall, and the most modern staterooms overall, are found on the newer Oasis-class ships.
Oasis Class Dining
Central Park on Oasis of the Seas
Oasis-class cruise ships offer a wealth of dining venues. On most ships, you can find around 20 restaurants, including a mix of complimentary and specialty dining restaurants.
Staples in the Oasis class include the main dining rooms, the Windjammer Café buffet, the Solarium bistro, Park Café, Vitality Café, Café Promenade, Sorrento’s Boardwalk Dog House, 150 Central Park, Chops Grille, Giovannie’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi and Johnny Rockets.
However, most ships also have a handful of other restaurants that are unique to them or maybe only on a few other ships. For example, Wonder of the Seas introduced The Mason Jar, as the first ship to have this restaurant, but it also has some older restaurants that Utopia of the Seas does not have, like Wonderland.
Likewise, Utopia of the Seas has a few restaurants that its other, older sister ships do not have, like Izumi in the Park, The Spare Tire and Royal Railway Utopia Station.
All in all, expect a nice array of restaurant options on these ships, but a few small, slight differences from ship to ship.
Oasis Class Bars and Lounges
The Vue Bar on Wonder of the Seas
Likewise, you can expect Oasis class vessels to have a few standard bars and lounges that are found across the Royal Caribbean fleet in general, such as the Solarium Bar, Schooner Bar, an English-style pub and several poolside bars.
Newer ships like Utopia of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas both have new additions such as Boleros, Cantina Fresca, The Attic, Trellis Bar, The Lime & Coconut and Vue Bar. As mentioned, though, Utopia of the Seas does not have the Bionic Bar, and it actually introduced a brand-new bar to the lineup, The Pesky Parrot.
What to Expect from Future Oasis Ships
As mentioned, there is an Oasis ship coming down the pipeline, set to debut in 2028. Royal Caribbean International made the announcement of the ship’s order in February 2024. It will be built by Chantiers de l’atlantique.
However, not much is known about this next Oasis-class ship yet. Originally, this seventh ship was intended to be built earlier in the decade, for a 2026 debut date, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed construction.
Along with all the incredible amenities you’d expect on a luxury cruise, MSC Cruises is upping its dining and beverage game aboard its highly anticipated MSC World America, especially for guests looking for a good laugh, serious sweets, and expertly crafted cocktails.
The highlight? MSC Cruises is introducing its first comedy club in its fleet of 22 ships. Located in the Terraces district, the brand-new Loft venue will be an adults-only comedy club offering more than laughs – it will also feature dueling pianos and karaoke nights and promises to leave guests in high spirits.
Speaking of spirits, new details reveal the 215,863-gross-ton MSC World America will host 18 bar and lounge options, including the Masters of the Seas, a British-style pub that will brew its own beer on board.
Only the second micro-brewery at sea after Carnival Cruise Line’s RedFrog Brewery, MSC Cruises will offer brews developed by Teo Musso of Italy’s Baladin Brewery, which will be uniquely crafted from desalinated seawater.
The new beers, which include IPAs, Pilsners, and lite beers, will follow American recipes and continue to keep MSC’s focus on its American guests’ preferences. In line with its Miami homeport, the brewery will also offer Cerveceria La Tropical, a tropical-inspired brew developed in South Florida.
The Gin Project, also located in the Terraces district, will provide more than 20 craft gins, primarily sourced from American and Canadian distilleries, while passengers will also get a chance to enjoy bourbon-based cocktails at Elixir – Mixology Bar, which originally debuted on MSC World Europa in 2021.
And for something totally new? The 215,863-gross-ton MSC World America, the largest in the MSC Cruises’ fleet when completed, will introduce a sports bar that’s more than just big screens and bar bites.
The brand-new All-Stars Sports Bar will provide passengers with an energetic space to enjoy food, drinks, and various sports-related activities, as well as games like shuffleboard and darts for a casual yet vibrant atmosphere.
The Loft Comedy Club on MSC World America
“MSC World America offered us a great opportunity to look at the amazing slate of bars and lounges we developed for her sister ship – MSC World Europa – and update them to make sure we’re delivering everything our guests want in the American market,” said Neil Palomba, executive vice president of operations, MSC Cruises USA.
“For some venues, we’re overhauling menus with upscale cocktails, more bourbons, gin from craft American distilleries, and new American-style beers to ensure everyone can find what they like,” he continued.
Those with a sweet tooth will certainly find what they like at the second installation of Sweet Temptations, which carries over from MSC World Europa but has a whole new look.
This over-the-top confectionary haven will be packed with chocolates, candies, gelato, shakes, crepes, ice cream, donuts, and waffles.
Sweet Temptations on MSC World America
And if that isn’t enough to satiate those sweet cravings, MSC World America will also be home to the popular Jean Philippe Chocolat & Café, a must-visit spot for any serious chocolate fan.
MSC’s Move into American Cruising
MSC World America, currently under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantiue shipyard in France, is the first ship developed entirely for an American cruise option.
The ship, which will accommodate 5,200 passengers at double capacity, will be based in PortMiami when she makes her maiden voyage on April 12, 2025, and will offer guests 7- and 14-night roundtrip itineraries into the Eastern and Western Caribbean with calls in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, and the Bahamas.
Depending on the length of the sailing, each voyage will feature one or two calls at MSC Cruises’ private Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas.
Television shows can generate tremendous followings and looking forward to season finales, new season premiers, or special cliffhanger episodes can be great fun for viewers.
When crucial episodes of one’s favorite shows coincide with a cruise vacation, it can seem terribly important to be able to watch a streaming service onboard when the episode is released. But is this possible?
One concerned guest with an upcoming cruise on Carnival Jubilee has reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, about internet services and whether or not the available premium wi-fi plan will permit streaming television shows.
“The season finale of Yellowstone will air on Sunday, November 10, 2024. I will be on the Jubilee. I am platinum almost diamond. I think it is stupid that Carnival does not cater to having this shown for the passengers,”the guest explained.
“So now we have to pay for internet. I have never paid for the premium internet on a cruise. Never had to. … What is the guarantee that the premium plan will enable me and hundreds of others probably to watch this landmark show?”
There is a lot to unpack in the guest’s comment and question, but Heald – who answers hundreds of questions and requests nearly every day – offers his response with a touch of tongue-in-cheek wit.
“Thank you and I didn’t even know there was a new season of this show let alone a season finale. I hear there is a new character in the show who wears a cowboy hat, black leather jacket with studs, cowboy boots, a big silver belt buckle, and black lipstick. He is called Goth Brooks,”Heald joked.“Anyway, it should enable you to see the show if you purchase the premium plan.”
Carnival Cruise Line’s premium Wi-Fi package is the highest, fastest level of internet connectivity the cruise line offers onboard, with speeds up to three times faster than either the “social” or “value” plans.
“You can stream movies, video chat, monitor your home and browse the web seamlessly, including apps like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, FaceTime, Zoom, and Ring where coverage allows,”the official website states.
The premium plan is available for pre-cruise purchase at $21.25 per day or onboard at $25 per day. Only one device is supported at a time, though guests may upgrade to a multi-device option for $75 per day, but this is only available for pre-cruise purchases.
The “season finale” the guest is referring to is actually the premier of the second half of Yellowstone’s fifth season, which first began in 2022. Naturally, fans of the western drama starring Kevin Costner are eager to watch. The Paramount network show is available to stream through a variety of services, including Peacock, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV.
Carnival Cruise Line Ship (Photo Credit: denbaim)
At the time of the premier, Carnival Jubilee will be sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Galveston, departing on November 9, the day before the show airs. On the airdate, the ship will be enjoying a day at sea on her way to Mahogany Bay, Roatan.
It should be noted that while Carnival Cruise Line does offer high-speed internet access via Starlink connections, there is no “guarantee” that any individual service will be available or operating at peak speeds at sea.
Loyalty to a Cruise Line or a TV Show?
Furthermore, the guest’s assertion that they are “platinum almost diamond” in reference to the cruise line’s VIFP loyalty program is irrelevant, which many other commenters have noted.
“Who cares if they are platinum, aluminum or zirconium?”
“What does being Platinum level have to do with watching television?”
“Well I am “almost diamond” and I am smart enough and patient enough to watch it after I get home.”
As commenters have noted, because Yellowstone is a streaming show, fans can watch it at their leisure or choose to record it to watch whenever they wish.
While Carnival Cruise Line does offer a variety of great benefits for travelers who have reached the Platinum and Diamond loyalty levels, no internet privileges or discounts are on the list of benefits.
Heald has hinted that the VIFP program is being updated and overhauled – perhaps an internet benefit will be included!
The Boston Cruise Port, also known as the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, is one of the main gateways for cruise passengers traveling from New England.
Situated along the vibrant waterfront of Boston Harbor, this busy port welcomes over 400,000 passengers and 150 cruise ships annually, making it a critical hub for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, and beyond. Today, we’ll provide detailed information about the port and surrounding area so you can maximize your visit.
The Boston Cruise Port is in the heart of South Boston’s Seaport District. This location provides easy access to downtown Boston and the greater Boston area, ensuring that those traveling to the terminal can enjoy a stress-free journey.
Not only does this central location make it easy to get to the port outside the city, but visiting passengers can also readily explore Boston’s famous historical sites, museums, restaurants, and even some of its most popular shops.
When you visit Boston Cruise Port, you aren’t just departing from a port facility in the middle of nowhere; you are getting the benefits of an ideal starting or ending point for any cruise vacation.
Boston Cruise Port Address
If you are looking to drive to the port, you can find the main terminal at the following address:
Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, 1 Black Falcon AvenueBoston, MA 02210
Boston Cruise Port Pier and Terminal Buildings
View of Boston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
The main terminal building, the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, is located within the CruisePort Boston Complex, which is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (MASSPORT).
Two smaller terminal buildings are also located within the CruisePort Boston Complex. One is mostly used as a warehouse, while the other, Black Falcon Terminal, is located at 88 Black Falcon Avenue and is being slowly phased out.
In 2010, the entire complex underwent an extensive series of renovations that cost over $11 million. These renovations were followed up in 2015 by another $3.2 million facelift, which involved serious work on the second terminal building.
In each case, the upgrades were intended to ensure that the port featured world-class amenities that could support a positive experience for visiting cruise passengers.
Later, in 2017, the port was renamed Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal after the city’s former mayor, Raymond Flynn. Before the renaming ceremony, the port was known as Boston Cruise Port.
Pier and Berths
Boston Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas / Shutterstock)
Although the entire Boston Cruise Port features only a single pier, this pier officially supports nine berths. That said, only four berths can accommodate full-sized cruise ships.
The remaining berths are for smaller vessels that do not venture beyond the waters of New England. Still, the ability to host four full-sized cruise ships along this double-sided pier means the port can be rather busy.
The three berths on the north side of the Reserved Channel that line that port are Berth 7, Berth 8, and Berth 9. Each is roughly 1,250 feet long and 35 feet deep, enabling it to accommodate larger ships.
The fourth berth that can handle larger ships is Berth 6, which sits on the opposite side of the channel. This berth is generally used to accommodate ships while they wait for one of the three north-side berths to open up, so visiting passengers do not have to worry about departing from there.
Boston Cruise Port Amenities and Facilities
Norwegian Joy Docked in Boston (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia)
For a relatively small cruise port, the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal Building offers an impressive variety of services and amenities, including the following:
Free Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for embarkation or disembarkation. To connect to the complimentary Wi-Fi, connect to the “BOSWIFI” network. You will need to sign up with your email, which provides you with a one-hour time block of free internet access.
Full Wheelchair Accessibility
The terminal building and the main parking lot are fully accessible for passengers with mobility limitations. With wheelchair ramps and two elevators, the terminal building is easy to navigate. Several designated seating areas ensure that all passengers have a place to sit while they wait. Restrooms throughout the entire cruise port are also fully wheelchair-friendly and ADA-compliant.
Check-In Counters and Security Desks
The terminal has multiple check-in counters, including one specifically for Carnival Cruise Line passengers. These counters help ensure a quick, stress-free boarding process and reduce wait times.
Since the port complies with the Department of Homeland Security’s mandates, all luggage and carry-on baggage is inspected at the customs and screening desks, conveniently located beside the check-in counters.
Luggage Services
While you will still need to present your luggage for security screenings, baggage and luggage porters can assist passengers. Just keep in mind that this is a paid service.
Unfortunately, there are no longer secure luggage storage areas at the port. This decision was made for security reasons following the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. For those hoping to explore the city before boarding, you will need to find somewhere else to store your bags.
Cruise Lines That Visit Boston
Emerald Princess Docked in Bristol (Photo Credit: Professional Event Images)
Given that the Boston Cruise Port is a major embarkation point for cruise ships operating out of New England, plenty of major cruise lines frequently visit the port. The following are just a few of those cruise lines that visit Boston during its March to November cruise season:
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Cunard Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
P&O Cruises
Holland America Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Silversea Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Princess Cruises
Oceania Cruises
Cruise Ship Itineraries from Boston Cruise Port
With so many cruise lines operating out of the port, it is possible to travel to a wide range of destinations from Boston. These itineraries include voyages to the east coast of Canada, including Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, various coastlines along New England, Bermuda, and even the islands of the Caribbean.
Some major cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line, offer voyages to and from all the above destinations.
Regardless of the destination, most of these cruise ships dock directly along the side of the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal Building. The berths lining the building can accommodate large vessels capable of sailing to distant destinations in the Caribbean.
Parking at Boston Cruise Port
Boston Cruise Parking Sign
While the parking lots can get busy during peak season, parking at the Boston Cruise Port is relatively convenient. In addition to two large parking lots operated by the cruise port itself, several unofficial lots are privately operated but still offer shuttles to and from the port.
Official Cruise Port Parking Lots
If you can, try to park at one of the port’s official lots. Not only are they closer to the terminal building, but they also tend to offer more affordable rates.
Located adjacent to the terminal at 93 Fargo Street, the CruisePort Boston Parking Garage offers direct access to the terminal building by shuttle bus. Visitors have the option to walk, but for those with mobility needs and those traveling on rainy days, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take them directly to the terminal.
Since MASSPORT operates the garage, rates are pretty reasonable, ranging from $25 to $30 per day, depending on your vehicle’s size. While booking a parking spot upon arrival is possible, we highly recommend booking ahead of time, as this guarantees that you can secure a spot at this nearby lot.
You can pay online ahead of time or in person, but the lot operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pay for parking in cash or with any major credit card.
South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center
Located at 406 Summer Street, this private parking lot offers another convenient option for those hoping to leave a vehicle behind while they enjoy their cruise vacation.
The lot is roughly 0.7 miles from the terminal building, so you can walk to and from your vehicle. While it only comes once per hour, a free shuttle is available, or you can take a private cab.
Overnight cruise parking is available for $27 per day, but this rate is only available if youbook ahead of time online. You will also need proof that you are taking a cruise, as the $27 per day rate is much cheaper than their standard rate of $38 per day.
Seaport World Trade Center Parking Garage
Situated just one mile away at 1 Seaport Lane, this garage is another option that is close enough to the port to be walkable, but it is slightly more expensive. With a rate of $42 for 24 hours, it is usually a last resort, but it is still a good option if you forget to book a spot at one of the other parking lots.
Traveling to Boston Cruise Port from Nearby Airports
For those planning on flying into Boston before their cruise, there are plenty of options, including New England’s largest airport, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), just 3.6 miles from the port.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the main transportation hubs for those planning on flying from outside of the city:
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Boston Logan International Airport (Photo Credit: Colinmthompson)
Located just 3.6 miles from the Boston Cruise Port, most cruise passengers flying into BOS can get to the terminal by car or taxi in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. That said, Boston has a reputation for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, so you may want to give yourself some extra travel time.
While rates vary depending on the taxi company, most will provide transportation to the cruise port for roughly $20. Unfortunately, there is no mandated flat rate, so consider asking about fares before getting into the cab.
If you are planning on renting a vehicle at the airport and driving yourself to the cruise port, the following directions should get you there as quickly as possible:
Head east on Airport Road and merge left onto the I-90 West
After 1.5 miles, take the right exit toward South Boston and turn right onto Congress Street
Continue on Congress Street for 0.5 miles, then take the right exit onto Harbor Street
Look for signs for the Boston Cruise Port and turn onto Black Falcon Avenue
T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
T.F. Green Airport (Photo Credit: RaksyBH)
Located just shy of 60 miles away in Providence, Rhode Island, T.F. Green Airport is also an option for those traveling to Boston from out of state. While PVD is certainly much further away than BOS, travel time is actually fairly reasonable, with most people being able to drive to the port in just over an hour, depending on traffic. This is due to the fact that you can easily drive north along I-95 for most of the journey.
While taxis will take you, fares can be quite expensive, with some cab drivers charging as much as $100 for a one-way ride.
If you are planning on spending some time in Providence and renting a vehicle to drive from the airport to the cruise port, you can use the following directions:
Take the I-95 North toward Boston
After 39.8 miles, merge onto the I-93 North and follow signs for State Route 3
After 8.5 miles, take exit 15B to merge onto Frontage Road
Take the left exit onto Drydock Avenue and continue straight
Look for signs for Boston Cruise Port and turn left onto Black Falcon Avenue
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
MHT Airport
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, roughly 53 miles northwest of Boston. Like PVD, travel time from this airport takes roughly an hour, but longer drives should be anticipated if you are setting off around rush hour.
Driving Directions
While relatively few cruise passengers fly into MHT before their cruise, the commute is pretty simple, so it is a good option if you find an inexpensive flight. If you do decide to fly into New Hampshire, you can get from the airport to the cruise port by following these directions:
Take I-93 South towards Boston
After 50 miles, take exit 16B toward Purchase St, then turn left onto Oliver St/Seaport Blvd
Continue onto Northern Ave, then turn right onto Harbor St
Turn left onto Drydock Ave, then make a right onto Design Center Pl, following signs for Black Falcon Cruise Terminal
How to Get to Boston Cruise Port
Boston Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Rosemarie Mosteller)
Since the cruise port sits right along Boston’s waterfront, there are plenty of transportation options for visiting cruise passengers. Whether you are arriving at or departing from the port, the following options are available to you:
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis are by far the most popular transportation option in Boston. Luckily, they are readily available throughout the city, and it is easy to hail one that will take you directly to the drop-off zone of the cruise terminal building.
As mentioned, a taxi ride from Logan Airport to the port will cost about $20 to $25, depending on traffic. While flat rates are available from some of the city’s major attractions, they are not mandatory or enforced by the city, so they are at the driver’s discretion.
Ride-sharing services, including Uber and Lyft, are available throughout the city. While you must always be cautious about surge rates if you are planning a ride during Boston’s infamous rush hour traffic, they can be affordable.
You also have the option to have them pick you up directly where you want, which can be better than attempting to hail a cab if you are in a less busy part of the city.
Rental Vehicles
Boston is a major tourist city, so it is no surprise that car rental offices are scattered throughout it. Car rentals are also available directly at the airports discussed above, with return locations and drop-off points for all major companies just a short distance from the port.
Zipcar, an app-based car-sharing service, also operates in Boston. It provides a great short-term transportation option for those looking to explore the city before or after their cruise.
Public Transportation
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Silver Line Bus Service directly connects Logan Airport and Boston’s South Station. From here, passengers can easily walk to the terminal.
Boston’s MBTA commuter rail and subway system also connects the Seaport District, where the port is located, to the greater Boston area. Passengers can take the Red Line to South Station, again, enabling them to walk to the port.
Shuttle Services
Several shuttle services operate in the city, including SuperShuttle Express, which operates out of Logan Airport and provides direct transportation to the cruise port. While these private shuttles are more expensive than taxis, they are a good option for those hoping to pre-book for a larger group.
Unfortunately, none of the cruise lines operate a permanent shuttle service from the port or airports, so you will have to find your own form of transportation.
Dining Near Boston Cruise Port
Barking Crab Venue (Photo Credit: 2p2play)
The Seaport District of Boston, where you will find the port, offers a wide range of dining options. Fortunately, plenty of great options are within walking distance of the terminal building. Here are just a few of the popular spots:
Legal Sea Foods – Harborside
Legal Sea Foods has become a Boston institution with three locations throughout the city. Like the other two, the Harborside location offers fresh seafood, including some of the city’s most famous dishes, like New England-style clam chowder, fresh oysters, and steamed lobster.
Located just a short distance away at 270 Northern Avenue, passengers can walk there in as little as 10 minutes. While it’s a bit pricey, the amazing food and stunning waterside views make it a popular destination for visiting cruise passengers.
Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
If you’re looking for something more casual, Harpoon Brewery is less than half a mile away, so you can easily walk there in less than ten minutes. While the brewery’s impressive selection of beers is worth visiting, Harpoon also serves fresh-baked pretzels and homemade Sicilian-style pizzas, so it’s a great place to stop for a bite.
The Barking Crab
If you want to try some of Boston’s famed seafood but are a little put off by the prices and formal atmosphere at Legal Sea Foods, check out The Barking Crab. This beloved seafood shack is located just 1.2 miles away at 88 Sleeper Street and offers a casual vibe.
With options like the hugely popular outdoor deck, it’s the perfect spot to try crab cakes, fried shrimp, grilled lobster, and, of course, fresh-boiled crab legs.
Shopping Near Boston Cruise Port
Quincy Market in Boston (Photo Credit: Pierrette Guertin)
Passengers looking to do a little shopping in Boston will find various options near the cruise port. While there is a small souvenir shop within the main terminal building, the following nearby options offer much more substantial shopping experiences:
Shopping at Boston Seaport
Boston’s Seaport District, the neighborhood where the port is located, has a shopping area featuring over 84 retailers. Located just 1 mile from the port near Fan Pier Park, this unique waterfront shopping area is perfect for those with limited time in the city.
From boutique shops to chain stores and independent retailers, you can shop for everything from designer clothes and makeup to electronics and souvenirs. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafés, so don’t worry if you get hungry.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
If you’re willing to travel a little further, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is just 2.1 miles from the port. This historic market offers various shops, restaurants, and local souvenir vendors. It’s popular with tourists and locals, so it offers much more than just cheap nick-nacks.
With three market buildings and an outdoor promenade that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time, it’s well worth visiting.
The Best Time to Visit Boston
As mentioned, Boston’s cruise season is relatively short, with the port only operating between March and November.
For most visitors, the warmer months between June and September are the most popular times to visit, and they are generally considered the best months to explore the city. During this stretch, you can anticipate pleasant temperatures around 75° and 85° F.
While it’s a bit less popular, the fall is also a nice time to explore the city, with the cooler temperatures and lower crowds making it enjoyable to walk around. Plus, you’ll get to see the colorful fall leaves that New England is famous for.
