Embarkation day can be chaotic and confusing for any cruise ship, but what about if travelers arrive to their cruise terminal and their ship isn’t there?
Guests setting sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas on Friday, September 20, 2024 might have just that problem if they don’t take notice of what appears to be a last-minute change.
The ship is scheduled to depart from Southampton and guests have received an update that Anthem of the Seas will be docked at the Horizon Cruise Terminal (berth 102).
Originally, the ship was scheduled to dock at the City Cruise Terminal (berth 101), and while the two are adjacent to one another at the cruise port, the two terminals are served by different buildings and security facilities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming you onboard for our Anthem of the Seas, September 20, 2024, sailing! Before you arrive to the cruise terminal on boarding day, we have an important update to share,”the email notification read.“To ensure a smooth and seamless boarding experience, guests are required to embark at the Horizon Terminal.”
The Horizon Cruise Terminal is located at Berth 102, West Bay Road, Southampton, and guests should direct any ride share services, taxis, or other drivers to that address. If guests have arranged parking with ABParking, they will get a separate notification about any changes.
Friday, September 20 will be a busy day in Southampton, with four ships in port. Fred Olsen’s Borealis, P&O Cruises’ Britannia, and Silversea’s Silver Spirit are all also docked that day.
Anthem of the Seas‘ passengers are also urged to arrive on schedule to the terminal to avoid overcrowding.
“It’s extremely important to arrive during your pre-selected arrival time on boarding day, as space in the terminal can only accommodate a specific number of guests,”the email explained.“Those who arrive sooner will be turned away to avoid an overcrowding of guests at the terminal and asked to return during their scheduled time.”
Guests choose their arrival time when they check-in for their sailing online in the days leading up to their cruise departure date.
While no explanation has been given for the change of terminals, such shuffling is not uncommon when cruise ports have multiple ships planned. Last-minute changes may also be driven by port construction, staffing, and other factors.
Sailing Aboard Anthem of the Seas
The 168,666-gross-ton, Quantum class Anthem of the Seas will be sailing a 12-night “Discover the Canaries” itinerary from September 20, visiting La Coruna, Spain and Funchal, Portugal en route to the Canary Islands. After three ports in the popular islands, the ship will also visit Lisbon before returning to Southampton on Wednesday, October 2.
The ship is homeported from Southampton for the fall, but will be repositioning to Singapore in early November. From there, Anthem of the Seas will offer a diverse selection of itineraries to ports in Malaysia, Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam, ranging from 3-10 days depending on departure date.
In the spring, the ship will move to Alaska for the 2025 summer season, homeporting from Seattle to offer sailings visiting Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, depending on the sailing date and what scenic glacier cruising is planned.
In late 2025, Anthem of the Seas will move to Australia to homeport from Sydney for New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries.
Regardless of where she is sailing or what cruise terminals she departs from, Anthem of the Seas can welcome 4,180 guests at double occupancy, or up to 4,905 travelers when fully booked with all berths filled.
She is also home to 1,500 international crew members who will ensure everyone aboard has an amazing time, no matter where the ship travels.
If you’re planning on taking a cruise in the near future, and you’re relatively new to cruising, you might not be entirely sure which cruise line you’d prefer to book.
However, if you’re looking to cruise to major cruise destinations, and with one of the major cruise lines, chances are you’ve found yourself debating between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line.
So, which is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know, to decide between Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise Line.
Royal Caribbean will have three new Icon-class ships debuting within the next few years, while Carnival will have two Excel-class ships debuting around the same time. Looking even further into the future, Carnival expects to unveil multiple mega cruise ships, including the line’s largest ever, within the next decade.
However, while these two may be close in fleet size, there’s no denying that, in general, Royal Caribbean has larger ships.
Royal Caribbean has long been the cruise line that continues to up the ante when it comes to cruise ship size. Thanks to the cruise line’s Oasis class ships, Royal Caribbean has boasted the largest cruise ships in the world for more than a decade, and the cruise ships that are continuously coming down its production pipeline continue to set world records.
That’s not to say that Carnival doesn’t have some big ships. However, unfortunately, even Carnival’s largest ships don’t currently break into the world’s top 10 largest cruise ships.
Currently, Carnival’s largest ship, Carnival Jubilee, weighs in at 182,015 GT and can carry about 6,500 passengers, while Royal Caribbean’s largest ship, Icon of the Seas, tops that at 248,663 GT, carrying over 7,500 passengers at max capacity.
If you’re looking at the smallest ships, Carnival’s is Carnival Paradise at just over 70,000 GT, with a 2,124 double-occupancy passenger capacity, and Royal Caribbean’s is Grandeur of the Seas at just under 74,000 GT, with a 1,992 double-occupancy passenger capacity.
How much this fact should impact your decision and who you book your cruise with, though, is up for debate. Some cruisers feel that, the bigger, the better. Larger cruise ships do come with more stateroom options, more restaurants and bars, more activities and state-of-the-art, first-at-sea attractions.
However, other cruisers feel like a smaller ship will always be better. The big ships just aren’t worth the massive crowds that come with them. A more intimate cruising experience is the way to go, even if it means you have to sacrifice enjoying such a plethora of options.
You’ll need to think about what kind of cruising experience feels right to you, to determine whether Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean wins in the size department.
Do note that both cruise lines have done a pretty good job of keeping their cruise ships up to date, with initiatives like Royal Caribbean’s Royal Amplification and Carnival’s Fun 2.0 initiative, which have kept the cruise ships looking their best and offering the most fun possible, for their ages.
Cabins and Suites
Inside Stateroom, Virtual Cabin on Navigator of the Seas
When looking at cabins and suites, this is another area where you’ll need to really think about what matters most to you, to decide which cruise line is the winner.
If you want a wide array of different cabin and suite types, Royal Caribbean delivers with tons of different cabin types and features. Royal Caribbean notably offers unique cabin types such as virtual balcony cabins and the Ultimate Family Suite, which comes with everything from an in-cabin slide to a jacuzzi to all the fun and games your kiddos could want.
Carnival may not offer as many unique cabin types, but overall Carnival cabins do include larger standard staterooms — ideal if you don’t plan on upgrading to a cabin with a balcony or ocean views.
Royal Caribbean does have a VIP suites-guest experience, allowing suite guests extra benefits and access to a suite lounge and perks via “The Key.” However, when shopping through Royal Caribbean cabins, you’ll see the cruise line doesn’t have a VIPs-only area wherein exclusive guests can mix, mingle, dine and drink.
While, yes, Royal Caribbean ships do have concierge or Diamond Club lounges for suite guests, they are just not the same. Some cruise lines have suite-guest-specific restaurants, pools and decks, on top of the suite-guest lounges.
In contrast, Carnival does have a VIP area on certain ships, if you book a Havana stateroom or suite. These rooms come with access to the Havana exclusive area that can contain a bar, pool, deck and hot tubs, among other features.
Beyond the above, you’ll also notice a stark difference in style when it comes to Carnival vs Royal Caribbean staterooms and suites.
Carnival has a very bright and almost carnival-esque décor motif, with lots of bright colors, whereas Royal Caribbean staterooms and suites are often decked out in calming shades of blue. Carnival staterooms have the feel and vibe of a family-friendly Caribbean all-inclusive resort, while Royal Caribbean staterooms have the feel and vibe of a moderately high-end urban hotel.
Dining
Guy’s Burger Joint on Carnival Mardi Gras
Consider yourself a foodie? Care about your cruise cuisine, from sandwiches to sushi? Then listen up.
It’s no doubt that Carnival delivers when it comes to the complimentary dining options. Cruisers rave about Carnival’s free eateries like the Guy Fieri-endorsed Guy’s Burger Joint.
There’s also newly a Shaq-endorsed Big Chicken restaurant on some of the newer Carnival ships. If you want to cruise with Carnival, but not spend a ton of extra money on specialty dining, you’ll be more than happy with your plenteous complimentary options.
In contrast, Royal Caribbean might not offer all that many amazing complimentary dining options (limited mostly to the main dining rooms and buffet), but the ships do have plenty of other venues to love, if you’re willing to buy a dining package or to splurge a bit on some individual reservations. Expect high-end options with celebrity chef appeal (Royal Caribbean partners with Jamie Oliver).
If you’re looking for the best dining experience possible on a cruise, and you don’t mind spending a little extra, go with Royal Caribbean. If, however, you want to still enjoy all your cruise ship eats without spending a pretty penny, go with Carnival.
If you’re the type of cruiser who just really wants a decent meal to fuel all your fun, and you don’t care if it came from a celebrity chef or if you’re enjoying a different dining experience every night, then you could opt for either option.
Activities and Entertainment
Open Deck Aft, With FlowRider and Sky Diving (Photo Credit: Pro Aerial Master)
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival attempt to offer ground-breaking, first-at-sea activities and entertainment across their fleets.
Royal Caribbean ships offer standard activities and entertainment that include FlowRider surfing simulators, zip lines, rock climbing walls, carousels, an ice skating rink, bumper cars waterslides, dry slides, skydiving simulators, escape rooms, laser tag, mini golf and more. In the theater, expect Broadway-style shows. In the past, Royal Caribbean has produced showings of CATS, Hairspray, Grease and other favorites.
Carnival offers a nice Waterworks water park on many ships, as well as the first roller coaster at sea. Carnival also offers ropes courses, mini golf and SkyRide, a ride that’s a bit like riding a bike, just over the top deck and ocean.
Carnival does also offer a lot in the way of scheduled activities. You can expect a lot of crew-led fun, from trivia to contests to game shows to comedy shows. Favorites include the Family Feud live game show, and both family friendly and adults-only sets at the Punchliner Comedy Club. As such, even if your ship isn’t outfitted with tons of water features or tech-heavy activities, you’ll hardly be bored.
When you’re not staying active and having fun, both ships do provide plenty of ways to relax, whether by the pool or at the spa. Additionally, both ships offer similar experiences when it comes to seated, theatrical entertainment, with acrobats, singers and dancers galore. Kids clubs are also robust, with offerings for everyone from babies to teens.
Overall, if you’re looking to stuff your days with plenty of fun and endless opportunities for adventure, without ever setting foot off the ship, Royal Caribbean is probably your best bet, for the most fun for your cruise fare.
However, if you’re envisioning a more balanced cruise that includes plenty of time spent having fun, but also plenty of time lounging by the pool or off the ship in port, you would likely be fine with a Carnival cruise.
Private Destinations
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Private Island (Photo Credit: EWY Media)
Carnival’s main private island is Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. This award-winning private island offers a range of tours and experiences that you can book for your cruise, from hiking or biking tours to snorkeling excursions, horseback riding adventures to stingray encounters. If you don’t want any adventures during this stop in your itinerary, you can simply rent a cabana or villa on the beach.
Carnival’s also gearing up to open a new private island, Celebration Key. Opening in summer 2025, this private island is also located in the Bahamas, and will offer one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, shopping, dining, an adult-only beach club and more.
Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, has its CocoCay, also in the Bahamas, where travelers can enjoy the well-known Perfect Day at CocoCay experience. There, you’ll find the tallest waterslide in North America (among a dozen other waterslides), beaches, multiple pools, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, helium balloon rides and more. You’ll be able to see and do it all during a day-long stop in your cruise’s itinerary.
So, both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer amazing private destinations, and both of these Bahamian islands can appear on either a western or eastern Caribbean cruise.
The only thing to really note is that CocoCay has a pier, while Half Moon Cay is tender-only for the time being (a pier is being constructed). This means that bad weather can prevent stops at Half Moon Cay, as tendering isn’t always possible in rougher waters.
Deployments
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock)
While Royal Caribbean’s itinerariesmay sail to hundreds of different destinations, you can find the majority of its ship sailing out of the Caribbean and Europe. A much smaller number of ships sail to Alaska, Asia and Australia.
For Caribbean itineraries, Royal Caribbean typically sails out of Florida ports, as well as Galveston and New Orleans.
Carnival, while sailing to tons of different destinations around the world, is primarily operating out of the southern United States, with eastern and western Caribbean cruises sailing out of Florida ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Texas and Louisiana. Other cruises sail out of California, headed to Mexico, while others sail out of Seattle, going to Alaska.
In general, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer very similar itineraries. If you’re looking to visit some of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, you can find Royal Caribbean and Carnival itineraries that will take you there.
However, if you’re wanting more choice for European cruises, or even specialty cruises like the world cruise that just wrapped up, you’ll want to look to Royal Caribbean.
What Type of Cruiser?
Carnival Cruise Line Passengers (Photo Credit: GagliardiPhotography)
But what type of cruiser sails on Royal Caribbean vs Carnival Cruise Line? Will you fit in with the other passengers, on your chosen cruise?
Carnival has definitely built up its reputation as “the fun ship.” It’s also one of the more budget-friendly cruise lines out there. As such, you’ll find that many cruisers on Carnival are looking for a great time for affordable fares. Expect to see partiers like bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as groups of younger travelers.
That said, Carnival still attracts its fair share of family travelers, including budget-friendly family travelers, as well as seniors. However, you’ll find the average age on these ships trends younger, as compared to senior-catering cruise lines like Viking.
Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, is a little more expensive, and there are more luxury experiences to be had on board, from the high-priced luxury suites available to the many specialty restaurants that come with a la carte fees. As such, you can expect to see travelers on Royal Caribbean who aren’t afraid to spend a little extra cash.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean offers tons for families to do and experience, as well as tons of family-friendly suites and staterooms. Don’t expect to take a Royal Caribbean cruise and avoid a lot of the kiddos. If it’s a kid-free cruise you’re after, you’re better off taking a cruise with Virgin Voyages or another similar, adults-only line.
In a Nutshell: Which is Best?
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Docked in Cozumel (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Which is best for you — Royal Caribbean vs Carnival — will all depend on a variety of factors. Do you want a cruise that’s very affordable and that comes with lots to do and enjoy, without any extra fees? Go for a Carnival cruise.
Do you want a cruise that may cost a little bit more, but that comes with a few extra luxuries? Go with a Royal Caribbean cruise.
If you’re not really sure what kind of cruise you’d enjoy, and it’s your first time on a cruise, and if you really just have a general idea of what destinations you’d like to visit, you really can’t go wrong with either cruise line.
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer tons of fun for families, lots of stateroom options, delicious foods, fun itineraries and more. If all else fails, try them both and see which is best suited to your personal travel preferences and tastes!
Princess Cruises appears to have significantly increased the price of bottled water overnight, with no announcement, catching passengers on upcoming voyages off guard.
Passengers who pre-purchased water as recently as September 17, 2024, paid $7 per case. However, those attempting to purchase water on September 18 and after reported the cost had jumped to $24 for both domestic and international sailings.
Canadian passengers experienced a similar spike, with prices jumping from 10 CAD to 32.40 CAD per case. The new price is showing in the “Manage Booking” section of Princess Cruises.
The price hike has sparked outrage online, with many questioning the reasoning behind such a dramatic increase. However, the fact remains that Princess Cruises’ terms and conditions highlight this change can happen at any time, without warning.
“Pricing is subject to change without notice, and for vessels designated in a foreign currency, packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations,”reads Princess Cruises’ online terms policy.
Additionally, the terms read, “Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of our beverage packages at any time with or without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on Princess.com on the date of sailing will apply.”
Princess Cruises has not issued an official statement addressing the price change.
Price Surge Outpaces Sister Cruise Line
In April 2024, Princess Cruises’ sister line, Carnival Cruise Line, also quietly raised the price of bottled water, surprising many of its loyal passengers. Although it was the third increase in 17 months, the cost of a case of water didn’t reach the expense Princess appears to be charging.
Initially, a 12-pack of water on a Carnival ship was $4.95, or about $0.42 per 16-ounce bottle. By November 2022, the price doubled to $9.95, or $0.83 per bottle. In December 2023, the price rose again to $11.95 per case, just shy of $1 per bottle. Today, a 12-pack is $14.95, which equates to $1.25 per bottle.
Princess Cruises’ $24 price, however, puts individual waters at $2 per bottle, which some passengers say is the current onboard price. It has led them to wonder if prices during their sail will also reflect an increase.
While the sudden jump in prices has upset passengers, those who have purchased the Plus or Premier Beverage Packages from Princess Cruises are unaffected by the increase. These packages include unlimited bottled water, among a variety of other drinks.
The Plus package, which is $60 per day (not including an 18 percent gratuities fee), includes unlimited (up to $15 each) cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, an assortment of specialty coffees, fountain sodas, bottled water, fresh juices, and smoothies.
(Photo Credit: Angela Bragato)
The Premier Beverage Package includes everything in the Plus Beverage Package and increases the value to up to $20 each while adding top-shelf spirits and reserve wines. This package is $90 per day and also does not include gratuities.
The package was overhauled in August 2024 with a $10 daily price increase. But, the Premier package also included unlimited specialty dining and MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi to justify the expense.
Although Princess Cruises’ new price for pre-purchased bottled water is a big jump from its original pricing, it’s still less than some other major cruise lines. Royal Caribbean, for example, charges $39, or $3.25 per bottle, for its case.
That said, all cruise lines provide guests with free tap water, which can be used to fill water bottles. Consider packing empty water bottles and filling them during your voyage to avoid the extra costs.
As more and more passengers use cruise line apps to plan their daily activities and stay updated with everything onboard their ships, digital notifications and updates are very helpful for not missing out on anything.
Now, Carnival Cruise Line will be offer an exclusive invite as a digital reminder for top tier guests in the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) loyalty program.
The invite will be to the popular Diamond and Platinum Party, an event offered for these top level guests on all cruises of five nights or longer.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, announced the new digital reminder via his most recent live video stream, a regular feature he offers to connect with his more than 585,000 Facebook followers.
First of all, Heald does note that the paper invitation to the special event is not being discontinued and will still be delivered to guests’ staterooms.
“Currently you get a paper invitation that comes on your bed the night before, and that will continue,”Heald confirmed.
“But, as we do more and more with the App, which we are certainly going to be doing in the coming weeks and months, … you will receive an electronic reminder, a thing that goes in your planner on the App, you’ll get an e-reminder.”
Heald noted that the new e-reminders are beginning across the Carnival fleet as of this weekend, September 20, 2024. It is possible, however, that the rollout of the new feature will not be glitch-free, as few technology upgrades ever go off without a hitch.
Again, however, the paper invitations will still be delivered to Platinum and Diamond guests’ staterooms with the time and location of the event. At this time, there is no plan to discontinue the paper invitations, though that may happen in the future as the app update is refined.
Different recognition of the most loyal guests is often included in the party as well, such as which traveler has accrued the most cruise points, which guest is the youngest to reach the Diamond loyalty level, or which guests are celebrating milestone sailings.
Exactly how each party is organized varies for every sailing according to what the Cruise Director chooses to include in the event.
New Loyalty Gift Coming Soon
Heald also discussed the loyalty gift, which is currently a small tote bag in navy blue with red canvas handles and the VIFP Club logo on the side. The gift was first introduced in April, and is the third item in a matching set the cruise line first introduced in February 2023.
Supplies of the tote bag are winding down, and a new gift will be introduced in the coming weeks.
“We are running this down and there will be a new gift probably at the end of October across the whole fleet, if not before on some ships,” Heald announced.“I will tell you more about that as soon as the team let me know that it’s all in stock and ready to go.”
Exactly when the new gift is introduced will depend on when supplies are available on different ships and when the tote bag supplies are exhausted. This depends not only on how many Platinum and Diamond cruisers are on each sailing, but also on how many of those loyal guests claim their gift from the Pixels photo gallery.
While Heald gives no hint about what the new gift might be, Carnival Cruise Line’s loyalty gifts have varied widely over the years. Items such as journals, visors, drink koozies, beach bags, blankets, chess sets, hats, luggage tags, insulated tumblers, and more have all been offered as recognition to loyal guests.
Some gifts are naturally more popular than others, and how gifts change depends on manufacturing cost, overall supply chain concerns, and guest feedback.
Carnival cruise guests receive these gifts, as well as their invitation to the party, when they reach Platinum or Diamond loyalty status. Travelers earn one point in the VIFP program for every day they sail, and reach the Platinum level once they have accumulated 75 cruise points. To reach the Diamond level, travelers need a minimum of 200 cruise points.
Princess Cruises is returning to the land of the rising sun with longer sailings and deeper cultural immersion during its 2026 cruise season. The cruise line is returning to Japan with 50 departures between February and November 2026.
The 2026 Japan cruise season will give passengers a chance to explore all four main islands of Japan: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
Itineraries will showcase seasonal highlights like cherry blossom season, fall foliage tours, and several of the country’s most famous festivals, including the Kumano Fireworks Festival, one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world.
“Only on Princess can you become immersed into Japan’s rich culture, ancient traditions, and incredible beauty while enjoying a completely unique onboard fusion of eastern and western cultures,”said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
He continued, “The extended 2026 season lets guests choose a cruise in the season they find most appealing.”
Worth Reading: Cruise Line Returns to Taiwan With New Itineraries to Japan
Guests will have a wide range of options, ranging from 7- to 28-day adventures aboard the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess, which was specifically designed for cruising in Japan. The ship features expansive open decks for taking in landscapes such as Mount Fiji, and with its smaller size, 115,875 gross tons, can access more intimate ports.
The ship offers passengers Japanese-inspired experiences onboard, including traditional onsens (hot spring baths), regional cuisine and fresh sushi at Kai Sushi, and cultural performances with folkloric dancers, sumo demonstrations, and karaoke evenings.
Diamond Princess will visit 38 destinations across three countries on 35 unique itineraries. It will call on the island nation’s most iconic cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.
Highlights of the 2026 season include 10- and 11-day Spring Flowers cruises that follow the cherry blossom blooming season from the southern to northern regions of Japan, and Circle Japan voyages that range from 9 to 14 days.
These later itineraries offer a full circumnavigation of Japan with stops in ports such as Nagasaki, Kanazawa, and Maizuru for access to Kyoto.
For deeper exploration, Princess Cruises is also offering 15- to 28-day cruises that allow guests more in-depth experiences, such as extended stays in regions like Hokkaido or visits to neighboring countries like South Korea and Taiwan.
Photo Credit: Joel_420 / Shutterstock.com
Additionally, late-night port stays will take place at Aomori, Hakodate, and Shimizu to allow for more time to experience festivals such as the Nebuta Festival, where giant illuminated floats parade through the streets, and the Awa Odori Dance Festival, famous for its energetic traditional performances.
Diamond Princess to Explore Southeast Asia
Before starting the Japan cruise season, Princess Cruises will also sail Diamond Princess in Southeast Asia, offering journeys to destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In January 2026, the vessel will offer a 10- and an 11-day voyage from Singapore. The 10-day Vietnam itinerary will call on Ho Chi Minh City, the coastal town of Nha Trang, and scenic cruising in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
The ship will also stop in Da Nang, where it can visit historical sites like the Imperial City of Hue and the ancient town of Hoi An.
The 11-day Malaysia & Thailand option will venture to several destinations, including Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The journey continues with stops at the scenic islands of Langkawi and Phuket.
Additional ports of call include Penang and Ko Samui before concluding in Bangkok.
The two itineraries can be combined into a 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure, sailing roundtrip from Singapore for travelers looking for a more extended adventure.
Future Carnival passengers who are accustomed to the cruise line’s older ships may be surprised to find that their suite is missing a once standard amenity: a bathtub.
Indeed, this happened to one recent guest who stayed in a Havana Suite onboard Carnival Vista.
The frustrated passenger wrote to brand ambassador John Heald about the missing amenity and expressed that the suites aren’t worth the money without a tub. Carnival’s standard cabins are less expensive and only have room for a shower.
“Can you explain why the suites on the newer Carnival ships do not have bathtubs? We are on the Vista now and in a Havana suite and there is not a bathtub,”the guest wrote to Heald on his public Facebook page.
“I know all older ships have bathtubs in the suites. One of the biggest reasons anyone would book a suite is for the bathtub. Why [has] Carnival stopped this luxury?,”continued the guest.
Likely to this guest’s dissatisfaction, Heald confirmed that the cruise line has stopped putting bathtubs in the suites in Carnival’s newest ships in order to make way for other desirable amenities, such as more luxurious walk-in showers.
“We have stopped putting bathtubs in the suites on the newer ships. This is mostly because we utilized the space with a large walk in shower,” Heald wrote in response.
Another reason for this change may be that showers are simply easier to clean quickly and efficiently, making things easier on the housekeepers.
Even the smallest Carnival ship, Carnival Elation, has just over 1,000 staterooms and suites, while the biggest addition to the fleet, Carnival Jubilee, boasts over 2,600 staterooms. All of these cabins have to be serviced daily by the housekeeping staff and room stewards.
Research Cruise Cabins Prior to Booking
While the guest who wrote to Heald obviously missed the bathtub, most people in the comments section felt it was an amenity they could live without.
Many actually said they would prefer to use their own tubs at home over sharing with everyone who had stayed in their suite before them – no matter how well the tubs are sanitized.
Stateroom on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
“I love a long, hot bubble bath… in my own bathtub. I don’t want to 1. Make it harder on stewards than it already is by having to clean the tub and 2. I just don’t trust the cleanliness of any bathtub besides my own to soak in it,”one Facebook user commented on Heald’s post.
“When we booked a suite once, we did not use the bathtub & wished we had only a shower,” someone else added.
That said, there are plenty of other opportunities for guests to be submerged in water – albeit in the proper swimwear – between the pools, jacuzzis, and some spa services.
If an amenity like a bathtub is super important to you, it’s always a good idea to do some extra research before booking your stateroom on your next cruise.
As this guest figured out, even across the same brand there can be big differences between the accommodations based on the class of vessel and simply from ship to ship.
That said, the mainstream cruise lines post deck plans and cabin layouts online for guests to peruse prior to booking so they know exactly what to expect when they arrive at their home away from home on embarkation day.
These can often be booked at a discount and guarantees guests will be put in a specific category of stateroom (or better), but does not allow the passenger to choose their own room. Instead, the cruise line assigns guests rooms based on availability closer to embarkation.
Disney Treasure has just surpassed another major milestone in her journey to completion.
On September 18, 2024, the third of the Triton-class vessels officially left Meyer Werft Shipyard – which is no easy feat.
The popular shipyard, which is located in Papenburg, Germany, is positioned inland order to avoid the worst of the storms that batter the North Sea. However, this means that the process of transporting new cruise ships from the shipyard to the ocean can be rather complicated.
Like the cruise ships that came before her, Disney Treasure was conveyed to the open ocean along the narrow Ems River. The 4,000-passenger made the 20-mile journey backwards while being towed by a tugboat.
Locals lined the river banks to cheer on the ship as she navigated the twists and turns throughout the tight waterway.
But now that she’s successfully made it to the ocean, the adventure-themed ship will undergo her sea trials over the next few days.
Captain Marco Nogara, who has sailed for Disney Cruise Line since 2010 as the captain of Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, and Disney Fantasy, will also come onboard his latest charge to oversee the sea trials.
“During the next few days, the ship will go through a series of rigorous tests, known as sea trials. The captain of the Disney Treasure, Captain Marco, will step onboard to help oversee the trials and ensure the Disney Treasure is ready for its upcoming transatlantic journey,”the cruise line wrote in an update.
The sea trials are a complex process that all new vessels must pass in order to enter service. Over the course of several days, the new ship will be put through various challenges that will test her onboard safety features, maneuverability, steering, navigation, propulsion, and speed.
While the 144,000-gross ton ship is expected to pass the coming tests with flying colors, there could be potential delays in her launch if she fails any of the components depending on what would be required in order to fix the issue and retest.
Disney Treasure’s Inaugural Season is Almost Here
Disney’s next ship is due to embark on her Maiden Voyage on Saturday, December 21, 2024 – just in time to celebrate her first Christmas at sea.
The historic 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailing will call on Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s original private island destinationin the Bahamas.
She will then spend her first years at sea alternating between week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings – which she is currently scheduled to do through May 30, 2026. The family-forward cruise line has not released new itineraries beyond this date.
Soon after Disney Treasure passes her sea trials, Disney’s next ship will embark on a transatlantic voyage to sail to her first homeport, Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, so she is in place for her inaugural voyage.
Some of her 1,555 crew members are likely already onboard to assist Captain Marco with the sea trials, particularly those who have roles related to steering, navigation, and engine maintenance.
The remaining crew – or cast members as Disney calls them – will also be joining the ship in the coming weeks to months.
The cruise line will likely stagger the new arrivals to make the intake process go smoothly – bringing crew members who are essential for the transatlantic journey onboard in Germany first.
Other employees, such as kids’ club counselors, performers, and housekeepers, won’t be needed right away and can join the ship closer to the maiden voyage.
Thinking of taking a Caribbean cruise? Don’t make the mistake of assuming that all Caribbean cruises are the same. For cruising purposes, the region is split into the Eastern and Western Caribbean — and each section offers some pretty different cruising experiences. Ready to find out which is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
Depending on your Caribbean itinerary, you’ll stop into various ports of call. If you’re traveling on an Eastern Caribbean cruise, you can expect to potentially stop in:
The U.S. Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands
Puerto Rico
The French Antilles (an island group that includes Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, La Desirade, Les Saintes, Marie-Galante)
Turks & Caicos, particularly Grand Turk
St Kitts
Antiqua
St Lucia
Nevis
The Dominican Republic
Western Caribbean itineraries, meanwhile, stop at some of the following islands, countries and ports of call:
Jamaica
The Cayman Islands
Cuba
Belize City
Mexico (including Cozumel and Costa Maya)
Costa Rica
Roatan
Honduras
Both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises may stop in the Bahamas, particularly Nassau. Less frequently, you may find that cruise lines also bundle in some southern Caribbean destinations, into their Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise itineraries, such as:
Barbados
Grenada
Trinidad & Tobago
St. Vincent & the grenadines
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
While there are definitely similarities between all of these cruise destinations, do note that there are also very large differences. If you have your heart set on visiting one particular island, or a handful of particular islands, you may want to pick an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise accordingly.
Embarkation Ports
Cruise Ships Docked at PortMiami, Florida (Photo Credit: Anthony Giarrusso)
You may only want to take cruises that leave out of embarkation ports that are easy or convenient for you to travel to.
Due to how large the Caribbean as a whole is, you’ll find that many Eastern Caribbean cruises sail out of a handful of ports on the Eastern side of the United States, while many Western Caribbean cruises set sail out of a handful of ports that are further west.
Eastern Caribbean cruises often leave from cruise ports in Florida, like those in Jacksonville, Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale or Tampa Bay, and even from ports as far north as South Carolina, New York and New Jersey.
Western Caribbean cruises, meanwhile, may set sail from a Florida port, but many others also leave out of Alabama, New Orleans and Texas, with popular options including Galveston and Mobile.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that, depending on the individual cruise, as well as whether you’re sailing the Western or Eastern Caribbean, you may get sea days during different parts of the cruise.
Eastern Caribbean cruises often have sea days at the beginning and end of the cruise itinerary. Western Caribbean cruises often have sea days in the middle of the cruise itinerary.
So, think about both the embarkation ports you want to leave from, as well as how many sea days you might like (and when you might like them), before picking between a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise.
One valuable tip: Whether you go for a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise, consider embarking from a Caribbean island, not the mainland of the United States, such as St. Maarten and Puerto Rico. Doing so can get your island stops started faster, so you can avoid a sea day at the beginning or end of your cruise.
Cruise Line Private Islands
Celebrity Cruises Perfect Day at CocoCay (Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)
Many cruise lines have private islands throughout the Caribbean, where cruisers can enjoy greater convenience and more land-based activities, and where many of the experiences (if not all of them) are already included in the price of your cruise.
There’s no arranging for a third-party tour, no fighting crowds from other ships and no struggling to get around a port city and then back to your ship on time to leave. The entire experience is perfectly orchestrated by your cruise line.
However, visiting one of these private islands will depend on your cruise itinerary.
Probably one of the most well-known cruise line private islands is Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, which offers the first overwater cabanas of their kind, as well as the tallest waterslide in North America. This private island is located in the Bahamas.
Likewise, Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay is also in the Bahamas, and it offers more of an all-natural vibe than a waterpark motif, with nature walks and horseback riding among the activities up for grabs.
Princess Cruises’ Princess Cay is also in the Bahamas, as is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key.
The great thing about all of these private islands being situations in the Bahamas? It means that, feasibly, whether you’re on a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise, you could experience them, without picking between the two.
Geography and Weather
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship in Bad Weather (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
As mentioned, just about every cruise stop that you could make on either an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise will take you to some beautiful beaches. However, some say that the Eastern Caribbean’s white sand beaches are overall more beautiful.
Additionally, while there are islands in the Eastern Caribbean where you can explore mountains, waterfalls and rainforests, those geographic features are usually more accessible on a Western Caribbean cruise.
As for weather, specific islands may cause you trouble. For one, Grand Cayman is frequently skipped on cruise itineraries due to winds, as are many of the cruise line private islands that require tendering.
All of the islands will offer you warm, even hot weather, and tropical climates. Likewise, all of the Caribbean is at some risk (even if it’s minor) for a tropical storm or hurricane, come hurricane season, which is June to November.
Historically, the islands that are most impacted by hurricanes include the Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, British Virgin Islands and Antigua and Barbuda. These are all typically included on Eastern Caribbean cruises.
Meanwhile, the islands historically least likely to be hit by a hurricane during hurricane season are Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Barbados, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. While these islands lie to the south of the Caribbean, they may pop up on either a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise.
In short, if you want to take a cruise during hurricane season and you want your best chances of avoiding a hurricane, plan a Western Caribbean cruise with the possibility of visiting some southern islands.
Shopping
Shopping at the Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)
You can find shopping in just about any port, whether you’re sailing in the Western or Eastern Caribbean. However, the type of shopping may differ.
Wherever you are, you can safely assume that you’ll be able to pick up your typical tourist souvenirs. However, for high-end goods and luxury items, look to the Eastern Caribbean.
Eastern Caribbean destinations known for their excellent shopping options include the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Saint Maarten.
If it’s not luxury you’re shopping for, though, and you’re after a deal, you might want to head to the Western Caribbean, such as Grand Cayman or Jamaica.
History and Culture
Fortaleza San Felipe (Photo Credit: Viagens e Caminhos)
But when it comes to actual things to do on an Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise, beyond shopping or heading to the beach or rainforest, what can you expect?
Again, there are major differences. For example, while just about all of the islands offer beaches and water activities, if you want luxury shopping and dining, you might prefer an Eastern Caribbean cruise that stops by some of the less crowded islands. If, though, you want to see Mayan ruins or go for a land-based nature trek, you might prefer a Western Caribbean cruise.
In general, an Eastern Caribbean cruise can offer you:
Gorgeous beaches
Lots of water sports
Plenty of shopping
Fine dining
High-end, glitzy nightlife
In general, a Western Caribbean cruise can offer you:
Ancient ruin excursions
Active adventures
Wildlife excursions
Surfing
Snorkeling and diving
In terms of similarities in history and culture, just about all of the Caribbean islands offer a laid-back, relaxed vibe (think “island time”). All of them likewise have their own histories, but the history that’s on display to travelers will differ.
For example, on a Western Caribbean cruise, you might see Mayan ruins. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, you might visit a former plantation or the streets of Old San Juan.
Unfortunately, though, unless you specifically choose a small cruise that goes to smaller ports, you’ll also find that just about all of the Caribbean islands can be crowded. Some are more crowded than others (think St. Maarten or St. Thomas), but don’t expect a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise to be reliably more intimate than the other.
The Bottom Line on Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruise
Cruise Ships Docked in St. Maarten, Caribbean (Photo Credit: Dennis MacDonald)
At the end of the day, you can have an amazing experience on either a Western or Eastern Caribbean cruise. Both regions come with their pros and cons and, depending on the type of traveler or cruiser you are, you may prefer one to the other.
If you’re interested in a more leisurely, relaxed trip with plenty of opportunities for sunning, sightseeing and nightlife, with maybe a few luxury experiences and shopping added in, opt for an Eastern Caribbean cruise.
If you want thrilling adventures and a very wide array of high-adrenaline activities, you might have the best time on a Western Caribbean cruise. Trying to stay out of a hurricane’s path? Opt for a Western Caribbean cruise there as well.
The best way to really know which is right for you? Try them both! There’s hardly a better excuse to book an extra cruise vacation.
No traveler is ever surprised to learn that obviously dangerous items like weapons, fireworks, or toxic chemicals are not permitted to be taken onboard cruise ships, but some things on the prohibited items list can be surprising indeed.
Royal Caribbean has recently updated its prohibited items list to include “multi-plug outlets” – an item many travelers often bring along to ensure they have adequate space to plug in a range of cell phones, tablets, hair tools, and other electrical items.
Now, however, multi-plug outlets are specifically forbidden and listed under the potentially “Flammable Items” on the cruise line’s prohibited items list. Similar items on the list include extension cords and power strips.
This will be frustrating to passengers who do use a variety of devices that need a power supply or frequent recharging. Especially on older ships, power outlets can be sparse, making it hard to charge every family member’s phone, laptop, e-reader, tablet, or other devices.
To be clear, a multi-plug outlet is a device that plugs into a single electrical outlet but expands that outlet’s capacity to accommodate several plugs at once. These come in a variety of configurations and may provide 2, 3, 4, or even more plug spaces at once. They do not feature a cord of any kind, but stay right at the original plug.
This update to Royal Caribbean’s prohibited items policy is a fairly recent one. Just a few weeks ago, the list specifically noted “electrical extension cords, including power strips/surge protected strips” as prohibited, but did not mention multi-plug outlets.
The danger of plugging multiple devices into a single outlet is that the outlet may not be designed to handle such a load if all plugs are used at once, which could lead to overheating and potential fire, power loss, or other problems.
The recent update to the prohibited items list also includes a dramatic expansion of exactly what items are now prohibited, with exact examples provided in many categories.
For example, in June 2024, the list only stated “Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors” as being prohibited. Now, the “Knives and sharp objects” section of the list discusses, in detail, the different types of knives, as well as knives disguised as other commonplace objects, that are prohibited.
This includes ice picks, meat cleavers, and sabers – all of which must have very interesting stories to be included so precisely on the list.
Similarly, a completely new category of “Tools” is now prohibited, which includes axes and hatchets, hammers, drills and drill bits, saws, and – wait for it – cattle prods. One has to wonder who tried to bring a cattle prod on what Royal Caribbean ship for this to need to be explicitly listed as prohibited.
Presumably, most cruise travelers would never try to bring the more – exotic – items aboard their ship, but some commonplace items are listed that passengers should remember to leave at home.
This includes clothing irons, travel steamers, box cutters, and pepper spray, any of which might be seen as a travel essential under other circumstances.
Making the Most of Outlets
Since travelers are now no longer permitted to bring multi-outlet plugs, it will be necessary to take other steps to ensure all devices are appropriately recharged and usable throughout a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
First, consider if items are even necessary. With so much to do onboard each Royal Caribbean ship – from entertainment and activities to waterparks, ropes courses, escape rooms, and much more – some devices may simply sit unused anyway, and can be left at home.
Wonder of the Seas Boardwalk Cabin (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)
Second, plan when items will be recharged to make the most of limited plug real estate. For example, recharge a tablet while spending time at the pool or make dinnertime a “no phone zone” and leave phones for recharging while enjoying the meal.
Devices can also be recharged overnight, and consider more frequent recharging so outlets don’t need to be in use as long to ensure everything is fully charged and ready to go.
Ultimately, all cruise travelers are responsible to know what items are prohibited from being brought onboard and should make plans to leave those items at home.
Checking each cruise line’s individual prohibited item list before setting sail is a good precaution to be sure no excluded items will need to be confiscated when checking in at the cruise terminal.
