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Mahogany Bay Cruise Port: Piers, Getting Around, and More

Emrys Thakkar
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Mahogany Bay Cruise Port: Piers, Getting Around, and More

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, a $62 million investment by Carnival Corporation, spans 20 acres in Dixon Cove of Roatan, Honduras. Capable of handling over 8,000 passengers at a time, it heavily contributes to the over 1.9 million cruise passengers that visit Roatan each year.

Read this guide for essential information about the port, the surrounding area, and more.

In this Article:

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Location and Address

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is located on the southwestern section of the island of Roatan in the beautiful waters of Dixon Cove. The island is roughly 40 miles off the northern coast of Honduras and is the largest of the country’s Bay Islands. 

While it is its own distinct cruise port, Mahogany Bay is only 3 miles from the multi-purpose Port of Roatan, which services cruise ships from various cruise lines and other vessels.

The Port of Roatan also has convenient access to the island’s largest town, but this only adds to the remote tropical paradise atmosphere visitors experience when they visit Mahogany Bay. 

The fact that it is located so close to the Central American mainland but still has easy access to the Caribbean Sea ensures that it is a simple destination for cruise ships to visit. 

What is the Address?

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, Dixon Cove, Roatan, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras 

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Piers and Terminal

The entire port complex spans just over 20 acres and was designed to accommodate up to two full-sized cruise ships at the same time. Its location within Dixon Cove not only protects docked cruise ships but also makes for a perfect backdrop for visiting cruise passengers. 

Aside from the two cruise ship berths, the port features a newly built welcome center, Mahogany Beach, which is owned by the port, and much more. When Carnival Corporation built the port, they wanted to ensure their passengers would have a comfortable and memorable experience, so all of the port infrastructure and services are oriented around this aim. 

When departing passengers arrive at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, they will see a seemingly small cruise port. However, that was an intentional decision from Carnival Corporation, as they wanted Dixon Bay to retain its tropical paradise look and feel.

Piers

Carnival Cruise Ships Docked at mahogany Bay
Carnival Cruise Ships Docked at Mahogany Bay (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

As mentioned, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port has two cruise ship piers capable of accommodating large cruise ships. The South Pier measures just over 475 feet long, while the North Pier is a bit longer at 538 feet.

Since the Carnival Corporation owns the entire facility, vessels are not given specific berthing assignments, meaning which one a ship docks at will vary depending on the date. With that said, Carnival-operated vessels are always given priority. 

Since the port allows two cruise ships to dock simultaneously, it can accommodate over 8,000 passengers at any time. 

Cruise ships dock along one of two piers extending parallel from the island. Since the waters off the coast of Roatan are very deep, the two piers are incredibly close to the land, making the walk to the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center a short one. Again, Carnival designed the port with passenger comfort in mind.

These two piers meet at a central point, which leads to the Dufry Duty-Free Shop and a passenger processing terminal facility. 

Terminal Building

Terminal and Duty Free Building at Mahogany Bay
Terminal and Duty Free Building at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Martin Haas)

The terminal building is called the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center, just a short walk from where the South Pier and North Pier converge. After walking through the Dufry Duty-Free Shop, passengers walk along an elevated, purpose-built walkway leading to the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center and the rest of the entertainment facilities, restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

Worth Reading: Cozumel Cruise Port – Terminals, Piers and Getting Around

The terminal building is rather small, but it features information booths, public telephones, restrooms, excursion booking services, a comfortable seating area, cruise line-specific help desks, and everything else passengers need for a seamless visit. 

The entire port is fully accessible, with ramps, wheelchair-friendly restrooms, and smooth walkways, making it easy for those using wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices to navigate. 

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port Amenities and Services

Aside from the picture-perfect tropical setting, the real attraction of visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is the wide range of attractions and amenities you will discover throughout the 20-acre port grounds. These include the following and more:

Cruise Terminal at Mahogany Bay
Cruise Terminal at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Cruise Planner)

WiFi

Unfortunately, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port is not yet outfitted with complimentary WiFi. If you want to connect to the internet, you will need to pay for this service. Rates are fairly reasonable if you stay in the port area.

For a single hour of access, the rate is $5, but full-day access is only $10. Coverage is actually really good, with Wi-Fi extending to the entire beach area. 

If you want to save some cash, Fat Tuesday near the beach provides complimentary Wi-Fi for paying customers. 

Dining

The port also features a variety of food and beverage establishments, including Crazy Ice Gelato, two Fat Tuesday restaurants, Espresso Americano Coffee Ship, and Koko Loko, which serves cold drinks in coconut shells. 

In-port dining is somewhat limited compared to the larger cruise ports in the western Caribbean, but you can get a meal or a cold drink without going far. 

Chair Lift and Beach

Chair Lift at Mahogany Bay Cruise Port
Chair Lift at Mahogany Bay Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

A chair lift system called the Magical Flying Beach Chair is unique to Mahogany Bay. This chair lift transports visiting cruise guests from the main area to the port’s own semi-private beach area.

This 825-long white sand beach is one of the true highlights of the entire port. With various beachside amenities, like a restaurant, restrooms, volleyball courts, and a wide range of watersports, you won’t want to miss it. 

While you can walk to the beach, taking the chair lift costs $14 for adults and $8 for children. If you do choose to walk, you can take a nature trail and the elevated Mahogany Beach Walkway, which help enhance the port’s tropical feel. 

Shopping

Store at Mahogany Bay
Store at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

The port is home to 22 unique shops, including the large Dufry Duty-Free Shop visitors must walk through to access the rest of the port’s facilities and amenities.

While most of the shops are unique to the port, they carry internationally known brands. There are also a couple of tourist favorites that you will find in ports across the Caribbean, like Sharkeez, Pirana Joe, Harley Davidson, and Flip Flops & What Nots. 

At the western edge of the port area, near the car rental and information booth, there is also a pharmacy and convenience store. These are really useful if you need an ATM or some last-minute necessities before boarding your ship again. They’re also useful if you want to pick up some snacks and sunscreen before heading over to the beach. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

Since the entire port is owned and operated by the Carnival Corporation, it is primarily used by cruise lines that are part of the ownership group’s brands. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Costa Cruises. 

Since they all belong to the Carnival Corporation, these cruise lines always have priority docking at Mahogany Bay. While they have hosted other cruise lines, mostly due to port congestion on the island of Roatan, they do not do so often. Those cruise lines need to pay a significant fee to Carnival Corporation and are always given limited time in port. 

For these reasons, other cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, tend to dock at the nearby Port of Roatán. 

Traveling to Mahogany Bay from a Nearby Airport

Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport
Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (Photo Credit: Ramunas Bruzas)

Since the island of Roatan is so small, it is only home to a single airport, Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport, also known as Roatan International Airport. The airport is located just 3.6 miles away from Mahogany Bay in the town of Coxen Hole. 

By far, the most popular way to get from the airport to the cruise port is to take a taxi, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For some of the larger Carnival vessels that list Mahogany Bay as the original point of departure, a complimentary shuttle service is provided between the two. 

Since there are rental car services at the airport and Mahogany Bay, some people will also choose to drive themselves. We would only really recommend this if you were planning to spend some extra time on the island of Roatan, as the relatively short ride is not expensive by taxi.

If you do choose to drive yourself, you can take the following directions: 

  • Exit the airport and head northeast on Airport Road towards Carretera Principal
  • Turn right onto Carretera Principal and continue for 3 miles
  • Watch for signs for Mahogany Bay, then turn right onto Mahogany Bay Way 

It’s a simple drive that roughly follows the coast and curves around Dixon Cove. As you arrive, you should see docked cruise ships. 

How to Get to Mahogany Bay

Mahogany Bay Entrance
Mahogany Bay Entrance (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Due to its relatively small physical size and the limited number of roads, getting around the island of Roatan is fairly simple. No matter where you are coming from on the island, the following are the most convenient ways to make your way to Mahogany Bay: 

By Taxi

Taxis are, by far, the most common and convenient way to travel to Mahogany Bay Cruise Port from other parts of the island. You will find well-marked taxi pickup and drop-off points throughout the island, including at the airport, all the major hotels and resorts, and other popular tourist destinations.

The taxis on the island are not metered, so you should ask for flat rate costs before you depart. Fortunately, they’re fairly inexpensive, with most journeys costing less than $20.

If you’re taking a taxi from Mahogany Bay to other parts of the island, it will be part of the fully regulated Mahogany Bay Taxi Association, which makes their rates available to the public. There’s also a designated and sheltered taxi stand near the pharmacy in the port. 

By Rental Car

While shuttle services are available, they’re fairly expensive and tend to be used by large groups and excursion companies. If you do not feel comfortable taking a taxi, the best alternative is to rent a vehicle. Rental cars are available in the island’s towns, the airport, and the cruise port itself. 

If you’re departing from Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, the main car rental company is Autos Corporativos, which offers day rates of just $44 per day for a basic vehicle. There’s also an Avis pickup and drop-off point, which is a better option if you plan to drive a rental vehicle from another part of the island and leave it in the port when you board your cruise ship.

Beaches Near Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

If you want to hit the beach during your visit to Mahogany Bay, you won’t be disappointed. Not only does the port have its own private beach, but the entire island is dotted with tropical beaches. Here are the most popular options for those visiting Mahogany Bay Cruise Port: 

Mahogany Beach

Mahogany Beach
Mahogany Beach (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)

Unsurprisingly, Mahogany Beach is a huge hit with visiting cruise passengers. Accessible by walking path or scenic chairlift, this man-made beach offers stunning views of the bay, white sands, and a backdrop of palm trees. There’s also an enclosed swimming area patrolled by lifeguards, making it an ideal spot for splashing in the waves. 

You can even rent an air-conditioned cabana along the beach with waiter service and lounge chairs. You’ll also get a complimentary chairlift and Wi-Fi access for four guests if you book one of these cabanas. 

If you don’t want to pay for a cabana, you can use a free hammock or beach chair. Water sports equipment and floats can also be rented for reasonable fees so visitors can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You really can’t 

West Bay Beach

West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Cesar Aroche)

If you’re willing to travel, you can make your way to one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. West Bay Beach, also known as Tabyana Beach, is almost 12 miles away on the far west end of the island, but it is hugely popular.

While the white sands and myriad beach amenities are part of the reason why it is so popular, it’s the coral reef that sits just 70 feet from the beach that really draws the crowds. 

Not only is it close to shore, but it’s also one of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean. Popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, the beach is an amazing spot to see marine life up close and in its natural habitat. 

What to Do at Mahogany Bay

Water Sports at Mahogany Bay
Water Sports at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Mahogany Bay itself offers plenty of fun activities and attractions, while the rest of the island is fairly accessible for those looking for more adventure and exploration: 

On-Site Activities

We already discussed the beach, shopping outlets, and riding the Magical Flying Beach Chair, but you can also enjoy traditional cultural performances at the Roatan Heritage Exhibit and Pavilion, located within the port complex. 

Pirates of the Caribbean Canopy Zipline

If you want to explore beyond the cruise port, this themed zipline park is just a 6-mile cab ride east of Mahogany Bay.

With nine ziplines totaling up to 2 miles in length, it’s a family-friendly destination that provides thrills and stunning views of both the north and south sides of the island. You can also arrange packages that include round-trip transportation, a full meal, and a rest stop at a private beach! 

Arch’s Iguana and Marine Park

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Arch’s Iguana Park. It’s less than six miles away on the outskirts of the town of French Cay.

Visitors can wander through the park’s tropical jungle trails to view wild black iguanas, cross a suspension bridge, wander the gardens, spot waterfalls, and cool off in the air-conditioned insectarium. The park even has its own zipline course. 

If you want to continue the nature theme, AJ’s Monkeys and Sloths is just a short walk away. This interactive petting zoo lets you learn about some other amazing creatures native to the island. 

Visit Little French Key

Little French Key is a pair of small islands off the coast of French Cay. These stunning islands are fairly easy to visit. You can either take a cab to French Cay, then take a short ferry across, or book an excursion package that includes direct transportation there and back. 

The islands are home to white sand beaches, several restaurants, and even a pool with a swim-up bar. You can also take a horseback tour of the island. The islands are well worth visiting and offer some of the best views you’ll find anywhere. 

Dining Options In and Around Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

Bar & Restaurant at Mahogany Bay
Bar & Restaurant at Mahogany Bay (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

There are plenty of dining options for those looking to enjoy a meal while visiting Mahogany Bay. Here are just a few of our top picks for dining inside the port and nearby:

Fat Tuesday

Located at the top of Monkey Hill within the port area, this restaurant and bar offers amazing views of Mahogany Beach and its tropical coastline.

With a menu that features international dishes and a few local favorites, it has something for everyone. You’ll pass it as you approach the chair lift, so it’s difficult to miss and only a short walk from the piers. 

Playa Tortugas Chill ‘n Grill

Located at the top of Mahogany Beach, this fun bar and grill offers fresh seafood and amazing pub favorites. The view can’t be beat, and it is less than a 10-minute walk from the cruise piers. Don’t forget to order a frozen cocktail to cool down! 

Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen at Macaw Market

If you want to leave the port, you can try some truly amazing Jamaican cuisine at Fiyahside Roatan Kitchen. From curried vegetables, oxtail stew, and jerk chicken, it’s the perfect island-style restaurant.

Best of all, it’s just one of several establishments in the Macaw Container Market, home to a wide variety of eateries, cafés, bars, and even a cigar and whiskey bar. The market is a 3-mile drive from Mahogany Bay, so a taxi shouldn’t cost more than $25.

Fort Consolation Restaurant

If you’re looking for more formal dining, the Fort Consolation Restaurant is about 5 miles away from the port on the west end of Coxen Hole.

The restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and a delicious menu packed with fresh seafood dishes and authentic local cuisine. The views of the water from the outdoor patio also help to enhance the experience. 

Shopping Near Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

Central Shopping Area of Mahogany Cruise Port
Central Shopping Area of Mahogany Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Given the relatively small size of the cruise port and the island where it is located, shopping is somewhat limited compared to some of the other major Caribbean cruise destinations. With that said, you still have some great options: 

Just within the cruise port itself, you can find the following and more: 

  • Ron Jon Surf Shop
  • Santa’s Caribbean Workshop and Cool Tees
  • Dufry Duty-Free Shop
  • Diamonds International Watch & Designer Store
  • The Mahogany Bay Craft Market (variety of souvenir stalls) 

If you want more souvenir options, consider taking a cab to Coxen Hole. Here, you’ll find a much larger craft market where you can purchase locally made Honduran crafts and art. 

The Best Time to Visit Mahogany Bay

View of Mahogany Bay Port
View of Mahogany Bay Port (Photo Credit: CathyRL)

The entire island of Roatan, including Mahogany Bay, is considered a year-round destination. Thanks to the tropical weather, which ranges between 75° and 85°F throughout the year, you’ll find cruises visiting the island’s cruise ports at any point during the year. 

With that said, the rainy season usually runs between August and November, so most tourists try to avoid this. We recommend visiting between January and May if you want to avoid heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

This period also aligns with Mahogany Bay’s peak tourist season. The late fall, winter, and early spring are also when many cruise ships relocate from Europe to the Caribbean, increasing the number of ships under the Carnival group visiting Mahogany Bay. Just remember, peak season also means you may run into some larger crowds.

If you want to align your visit with some of the island’s events and festivals, you can time your cruise to line up with either the Roatán International Fishing Tournament or the Garifuna Festival.

The tournament starts on September 14th and runs for almost a full week, while the Garifuna Festival is in mid-April and celebrates the island’s unique culture and history.

Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Exclusive Shows for New Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Norwegian Cruise Line Reveals Exclusive Shows for New Ship

From production shows to musical tributes to live bands to comedy acts, entertainment is a tremendous part of the cruise vacation experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for its tribute shows, and has announced the first-ever outstanding tribute to a well-known global icon with “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” coming to Norwegian Aqua in April 2025.

The immersive Prince tribute show is only one of the exclusive entertainment options that will be found only aboard the new Prima-plus class vessel when she debuts.

Also onboard Norwegian Aqua will be “Elements: The World Expanded” – a new, enhanced version of the most highly guest-rated show for the cruise line.

“For decades, NCL has set the standard in entertainment at sea, with worldclass productions and talent that rivals those found in major cities like Las Vegas, New York City and London,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“For Norwegian Aqua, we are thrilled to build on our legacy of excellence in entertainment to offer our guests more options across the ship, including exclusive original productions that cannot be seen anywhere else on land or at sea.”

“Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” is an hour-long tribute to the music icon, covering his rise to popularity and the extensive and diverse musical career he created that wowed the world.

“I’ve always been inspired by Prince and the idea came to me, nearly seven years ago, to create a theatrical concert that would joyfully celebrate his music and exceptional artistry,” said Patricia Wilcox, the show’s conceiver, director, and choreographer. “I’m honored to bring this show to life alongside the NCL team, Prince Legacy, LLC and Primary Wave Music.”

The show will be featured in the ship’s three-story Aqua Theater & Club, offering a more intimate and flexible entertainment experience. Guests can opt for traditional theater seating if preferred, or choose to be part of the show and interact with the cast on the dance floor.

Meanwhile, “Elements: The World Expanded” will be even more immersive and distinctive from one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most popular shows, “Elements” which is currently featured aboard four ships in the fleet.

The new show will be exclusive to Norwegian Aqua, offering an energizing and thrilling blend of magic, aerial acrobatics, music, dance, special effects, and more while exploring earth, air, water, and fire in new and dramatic ways.

More Top Entertainment Favorites Onboard

In addition to these two highly-anticipated production shows, the 156,000-gross-ton Norwegian Aqua will also offer fan favorites to provide a diverse lineup of entertainment for all guests to enjoy.

“From vibrant production shows to parties, musical performances, game shows, comedy and more, we have struck just the right balance of offering something for everyone to enjoy on board Norwegian Aqua,” said NCL’s Vice President of Entertainment Production, Bryan Anthony White.

“Our talented performers and the staff behind-the-scenes who bring our original productions to life are one-of-a-kind, and their dedication, passion and effort truly shines through when watching these exceptional shows. Our team is already working to bring these new entertainment offerings to life on board Norwegian Aqua and we look forward to wowing our guests when it sets sail.”

Norwegian Aqua Nightclub
Norwegian Aqua Nightclub

A “90s Party” will be held in the Aqua Theater & Club as it transforms into a nightclub experience with top hits from the decade (appropriate outfits are encouraged!), or passengers can enjoy the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” party with Latin jams to rock the night away. A third themed party, “Pop Life,” builds off the Prince-themed show with his top hits and music influenced by his inimitable style.

A brand new “Welcome Aboard Show” will feature vocalists, dancers, and other entertainers in a teaser-style review of onboard entertainment options, followed by the immersive concert experience “Ocean Music Fest” for a vibrant jam session at sea.

Read Also: New Dining Revealed for Third Norwegian Prima-Class Ship

Also onboard will be the popular game show “The Price is Right LIVE on NCL” offering guests the opportunity to play their favorite games from the beloved show, along with a range of rock-and-roll tribute performances in the intimate Syd Norman’s Pour House venue.

For travelers who want to laugh it up, the Improv at Sea comedy club onboard has been expanded with more seating, offering even more opportunities for everyone to enjoy stand-up comedy and laugh-a-minute shows.

Norwegian Aqua, which can welcome 3,571 passengers per sailing, is scheduled to debut in spring 2025, homeporting from Port Canaveral to offer 7-night Caribbean cruises. Sailings will visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private Bahamian destination, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata.

In August 2025, the ship will move to New York to offer a short series of Bermuda getaways, after which she will return to Florida to homeport from Miami through the winter before returning to New York in spring 2026.

Repaired Carnival Vista Sets Sail Full Speed Ahead

Melissa Mayntz
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Repaired Carnival Vista Sets Sail Full Speed Ahead

Guests booked on the September 15, 2024 departure of Carnival Vista received a welcome late night update just hours before embarkation was to begin, confirming that their ship was now repaired and ready to welcome them aboard.

The notification was sent at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, as Carnival Vista left Port Canaveral for several hours of at-sea testing following her engine repairs.

“The engineering work on Carnival Vista has been completed and the ship is now at sea completing post-repair testing and maneuvers before returning to Port Canaveral on Sunday morning,” the notification read.

Cruise ship tracking data showed the ship moving out into open waters off the Florida coast, doing several turns in different directions before returning to the port for embarkation as planned.

As the ship was repaired well ahead of the scheduled embarkation times, no further delays or adjustments were necessary for guests boarding their 6-night Eastern Caribbean sailing.

“Embarkation will take place as planned. Please get to the cruise terminal for check-in within your pre-selected Terminal Arrival Appointment. In preparation for departure, all guests must be on board by the final boarding time indicated on the boarding pass,” the late-night notification confirmed.

This will be a great relief to guests, as the previous Carnival Vista sailing was cancelled just a few days before her September 7, 2024 departure. As the ship has been out of service for repairs, great concern has been swirling about whether additional voyages would need to be cancelled for the work to be completed.

Thankfully, this has not been the case and Carnival Vista has now embarked passengers and left Port Canaveral on schedule for her next voyage. After a day at sea, her first stop will be Half Moon Cay, Carnival Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas.

The ship will also visit Grand Turk on Wednesday, September 18 as well as Amber Cove on Thursday, September 19 before another day at sea and her return to Port Canaveral on Saturday, September 21.

Tracking data shows the ship well underway and gaining speed as she increases her distance from Port Canaveral, which is common as ships leave their homeports.

Since Carnival Vista has a full day at sea before her arrival to Half Moon Cay, it isn’t necessary for her to amp up to full speed as soon as possible to make her scheduled visit.

Will the Engine Trouble Return?

Passengers with upcoming sailings on Carnival Vista may understandably be nervous about whether or not the repairs are, in fact, complete and if the ship will develop propulsion difficulties again.

The 133,596-gross-ton ship, lead in her class when she debuted in 2016, has had numerous similar propulsion difficulties in her relatively short service life, beginning in November 2016 and followed by problems in June 2019, May 2022, and now August/September 2024.

Carnival Vista Cruise Ship
Carnival Vista Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators)

Read Also: What Is Wrong With Carnival’s Vista-Class Ships?

Carnival Cruise Line has never clarified whether each round of difficulties is the same or brought on by different engineering elements. Regardless of the cause, the result has always been a failure for the ship to maintain top speed which results in altered or cancelled itineraries and repairs.

To be clear, each time only the ship’s propulsion has been impacted. All onboard operations, including safety, navigation, hotel work, entertainment, restaurants, and entertainment have always remained fully operational. At no time have guests ever been in danger from these recurrent problems.

Here’s hoping that Carnival Vista will have smooth and swift sailing ahead as she continues her Caribbean cruise offerings from Port Canaveral, welcoming 3,934 travelers aboard at double occupancy for each voyage and with 1,450 international team members to ensure everyone has an unforgettable oceangoing getaway.

Family Vloggers Criticized for Leaving Toddlers Alone in Cruise Ship Cabin

Catie Kovelman
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Family Vloggers Criticized for Leaving Toddlers Alone in Cruise Ship Cabin

Matt and Abby Howard share their lives on social media, appearing as the picture-perfect parents as they raise their young sons: 2-year-old Griffin and 1-year-old August. 

The famous couple has 5.3 million followers on TikTok, 7.34 million followers on their family YouTube channel, and an additional 715,000 followers on YouTube for the “Unplanned Podcast,” which the couple has hosted for the past year. 

But despite their wholesome online presence, the couple has come under fire for their parenting decisions during their recent cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. 

The Voyager-class vessel is currently operating a series of 7-night sailings to Ensenada, Mexico, out of the Port of Los Angeles in California – although it’s unclear which specific sailing the influencers were on.  

Near the end of the sailing, it seems the couple became frustrated with taking their kids with them to the main dining room for dinner each night. Their solution was to leave their allegedly sleeping toddlers behind in their stateroom and head to dinner without them. 

“We ended up taking them for 5 nights and it became apparent that they weren’t enjoying it and therefore we weren’t either,” Abby shared in a now deleted Instagram story.

“So then we switched our dinner time to after their bedroom and FaceTimed the monitors while we ate,” the influencer wrote.

Abby had previously shared how her baby monitors wouldn’t work onboard unless she was within 10 feet of the devices, which created a serious hole in that plan that other social media users were quick to pick up on. 

In another now deleted story, Abby shared that the couple wasn’t able to reserve slots for their children in the onboard nursery, which necessitated this plan.

“You need to book ahead if your child is under 3 and pretty much all of the dinner slots were already booked before I could get to the nursery (an hour after boarding),” Abby posted.

Matt and Abby Baby Monitor Post
Matt and Abby Baby Monitor Post

This story was likely meant to head off the large amount of the criticism that came from surprise that the influencers would choose the markedly less safe option of leaving a baby and toddler unsupervised for potentially hours at a time rather than taking advantage of the award-winning childcare services offered by the family friendly cruise line. 

Abby even went so far as to complain about the activities for toddlers onboard in a third story, in which she said there wasn’t anything for her boys except a “small section of the splash pad.”

The Howards Face Backlash for Cruise Parenting Decisions

Indeed, the response to the Howards’ decision to leave their sleeping children in their stateroom has not been kind across social media platforms. The general consensus is that the famous parents are selfish and planned poorly. 

“It’s obvious at this point that they’d rather risk the safety of their kids so they can continue with their lives,” one person wrote on Reddit.

Other commenters thought that the Matt and Abby planned to leave their kids behind in the stateroom all along, which is why they brought the baby monitors in the first place.

Matt and Abby on a Previous Cruise
Matt and Abby on a Previous Cruise

“The fact that they even PACKED the baby monitors and brought them onto the cruise ship shows this was a premeditated backup plan in case they could not handle the kids during dinner time. They literally “thought” this plan through. So crazy!,” another person wrote on Youtube.

Read Also: Should Teenagers Get Their Own Cruise Cabin?

The resounding sentiment was that the kids were much too young to be left alone safely, and the parents should have adjusted their own plans in order to put the wellbeing of their children first – or left their children at home with a trusted babysitter if they wanted a break from parenthood.

For example, maybe Matt and Abby didn’t need to eat a formal dinner at the main dining room each night. If their toddlers were fussy, the couple could have dined at a more quick and casual venue onboard, such as the Windjammer buffet, or ordered room service. 

Additionally, past Royal Caribbean guests advised that the parents should have re-checked with the nursery if all the slots were pre-booked on embarkation day, as more spots often open up in the Royal Babies & Tots Program later in the voyage.

Guest Complains About Smoking Onboard New Cruise Ship

Catie Kovelman
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Guest Complains About Smoking Onboard New Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas only recently entered service in July of 2024, but the Oasis-class vessel is already getting some complaints on the internet. 

One recent guest, who was just onboard the 5,668-passenger ship, took to Reddit to anonymously vent about smoking onboard. 

Considering the post went up on September 12, 2024 and the guest states that the post was written while onboard, this implies the cruiser and his family were onboard for the 4-night round-trip Bahamas sailing that embarked from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, on September 9, 2024. 

Before disembarking on September 13, 2024, the 236,860-gross ton vessel called on Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

But despite the family friendly fun onboard and a great itinerary for a quick getaway, the Redditor couldn’t get past the rampant smell of smoke onboard. 

“I am so frustrated by the smokers. We are on Utopia so I assumed it would have the whole smoking section thing figured out. But putting it in the middle of the pool deck?,” wrote the Redditor. 

The Redditor claimed that he could smell smoke while playing with his young child at the pool, as well as other parts of the ship, which he deemed unacceptable. 

“I am severely asthmatic and don’t think it is ridiculous that when I am with my kid at the splash pad I shouldn’t have to run away from smokers?,” asked the Redditor.

“Security doesn’t do anything about people smoking outside of the casino, in their rooms, at the kids splash pad?! I had to leave dinner early from the [Main Dining Room] because the smoke is coming in from the casino,” continued the post.

The rule on Royal Caribbean ships is that guests may only smoke in designated areas – which usually include the adults-only casino and a small area on the pool deck.

On Utopia of the Seas, the outdoor smoking section is tucked between two pools, but is still out of the way.

It’s possible that the guest was smelling smoke from the outside smoking area, especially if it was a windy day, and perhaps encountered some noncompliant guests before the 2,290 crew members did.

Is Smoking a Problem on Cruise Ships?

None of the major cruise lines ban smoking, but do limit the activity to designated areas to avoid bothering non-smokers. 

According to Royal Caribbean’s current policy, smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas and in part of the casino (Casino Royale). Another part of the casino is designated as smoke-free to allow for the enjoyment of all guests. 

Aside from a couple designated locations, smoking is not permitted anywhere else onboard any of Royal Caribbean’s ships. Smoking is never allowed in spaces like kids’ play areas, the theater, dining rooms, cruise cabins and private balconies, bars, lounges, and fitness spaces. 

On the Oasis-class vessels (Utopia of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas) the Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods are also smoke-free zones. 

Read Also: Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship – What to Know

In the comments of the Reddit post, recent cruisers who have also already sailed onboard Utopia of the Seas during her approximately two months of service reported that they were not bothered by smoke – perhaps indicating that the redditor’s experience was a one-time occurrence. 

“I was on Utopia in August, I didn’t notice many smokers and I knew to avoid one of the sides of the ship near the pool but they definitely weren’t in the middle of the pool deck,” wrote one commenter. 

According to Royal Caribbean’s website, smoking violations are taken seriously. For example, guests who are caught smoking in their stateroom will be charged a $250 (USD) cleaning fee at best, and could be subject to more serious penalties per the “consequences section” of the guest conduct policy.

If cruisers are particularly concerned about smoke exposure, it may be prudent to do research in advance of booking a cruise to see where the smoking sections are on the ship in relation to popular areas, such as theaters, dining rooms, and the pools.

Every ship is a different, and typically, there are deck plans online. A little bit of research may enable prospective guests to pick a ship with a smoking and non-smoking layout that is less likely to bother them.

Princess Cruises Extends Special Promotion Through the End of 2024

Catie Kovelman
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Princess Cruises Extends Special Promotion Through the End of 2024

While cruises are not always the cheapest vacation, Princess Cruises wants to make it as affordable for guests as possible. 

This is why the cruise line is extending its “Better Than The Best price” promotion that launched earlier this summer until December 15, 2024. 

The special deal, which was originally only supposed to be in place for bookings made between July 1 and September 2, 2024, is applicable to all cruises embarking in 2025 and 2026. 

“Now is the best time to secure preferred itineraries to spectacular destinations in the accommodations you prefer – from balconies, suites and more – all at the best pricing,” said Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises chief commercial officer, in reference to the promotion.

In order to take advantage of the deal, future guests will need to book their 2025 or 2026 cruise between now and December 15, 2024.

If cruisers find an active, publicly available booking from another resource that is identical to the official itinerary on princess.com, guests can submit a Guarantee Claim Form to put some money back in their pockets. However, this has to be done before the final payment is made on the sailing.

“Our exclusive guarantee covers the extended period from the initial booking all the way to final payment – a perk not always offered by other cruise lines,” continued Thornton.

Once a representative from Princess verifies the other listing, the passenger will be given an onboard cruise credit to use during their sailing at a value of 120% of the difference between what the guest actually paid and the lower cruise fare they found after they booked with Princess.

Onboard credits can be put toward shore excursions, specialty beverages and dining, onboard shopping, and spa treatments, making this of particularly good value.

Princess typically requires guests to book with a deposit and make the final payment 120 days prior to departure. This gives guests ample time to look for deals, particularly since these sailings could be more than a year away.

Exciting Itineraries Announced For 2025 and 2026

Princess Cruises will be deploying its 18-strong fleet on new and exciting itineraries over the next two years.

For example, the cruise line is preparing for its largest European season ever for 2026 – during which five ships will be deployed to the region to complete a record-breaking 222 departures.

The ships being sent to Europe for the ambitious summer sailing season are the brand new Sun Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, and Sapphire Princess.

Regal Princess Cruise Ship in Port
Regal Princess Cruise Ship in Port (Photo Credit: Chirag Nagpal)

Across the vessels, 59 unique itineraries will be offered – featuring 101 ports of call across 29 different countries. Voyages will last from five to 42 nights. 

Read Also: Princess Cruises Quietly Hikes Gratuity Fees for Passengers

On the other side of the globe, Princess is also preparing for its largest season to date in the Americas – which will begin in 2025. 

The season will feature over 270 sailings embarking from seven US based home ports – San Francisco, Los Angeles, Galveston, Texas, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Vancouver. The itineraries will range in length from four to 20 days.

Additionally, this line-up is made extra special by the inclusion of two of the Carnival-Owned cruise line’s newest ships: Sun Princess, which launched in February 2024, and Star Princess, which is expected to enter service in October of 2025. 

Aside from Europe and the Caribbean, Princess has also revamped its extensive line up of cruises to bucket-list destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, and along the California coast. 

Topping off the excitement, the cruise line has also broadened its sailings to South America and Antarctica – planning to call on 20 destinations across 11 countries between November 2025 and January 2026.

Royal Caribbean Forced to Cancel Bookings Due to Lifeboat Damage

Catie Kovelman
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Royal Caribbean Forced to Cancel Bookings Due to Lifeboat Damage

Cruisers who were getting ready to board Rhapsody of the Seas in just about two day’s time got some bad news from the cruise line.

The Vision-class cruise ship had to cancel her 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise for some passengers who were supposed to embark from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 15, 2024, due to a damaged lifeboat. 

It’s unclear what caused the damage to the smaller vessel, which doubles as a tender boat, but it must have become apparent that the boat could not be fixed or replaced in time to set sail. 

“On our previous sailing, there was damage to one of our tender boats, which also serves as a lifeboat. This leaves the ship over capacity for the number of available lifeboat seats in the event of an emergency for our next sailing,” reads a letter from Royal Caribbean to impacted guests.

“We must have a seat on a lifeboat for every guest onboard. Unfortunately, this means we’ll be unable to welcome you onboard our September 15, 2024, Rhapsody of the Seas sailing, and we must reschedule your cruise,” continued the letter.

Indeed, maritime law is quite strict about lifeboat guidelines to ensure the safety of both guests and crew should an emergency occur.

According to the current regulations, which are enforced by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), there must be lifeboats available on both sides of the ship with enough vessels to be evacuating 37.5% of the people onboard simultaneously. This accounts for 75% of the ship’s capacity – and the remaining quarter can be rescued using life rafts. 

Even though an emergency is unlikely to occur, cruise ships are not allowed to continue sailing if they do not have the capacity to evacuate all guests should an emergency arise. 

Safety Comes First – But Guests are Compensated Well

If the 2,416-passenger ship was able to sail as planned, the round trip voyage would have called on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Castries, St. Lucia; and Bridgetown, Barbados. 

It’s unclear if Rhapsody of the Seas’ subsequent sailing – another 7-night Southern Caribbean voyage scheduled to embark on September 22 – will be impacted. That said, this cancellation gives the family friendly cruise line a week to make repairs or replace the damaged lifeboat. 

While the last-minute cancellation is understandably disappointing, Royal Caribbean has to always put safety first. That said, the cruise line is compensating the guests with a full refund and future cruise credit to help soften the blow.

Lifeboats on Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas
Lifeboats on Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas (Photo Credit: marsilioaguiar)

“We will be providing you with a full refund and a credit for a new cruise. We know this news is disappointing and we’re terribly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans,” wrote Royal Caribbean.

Read Also: What to Expect During a Cruise Ship Muster Drill

The cruise line will start by refunding guests the total cost of the sailing within 14 business days. If the cruise was paid for using a future cruise credit, passengers will be provided with a new certificate that will be valid for one year from the date of issuance. 

Also in the next two weeks, passengers will receive a 100% future cruise credit via email that can be used on any Royal Caribbean International sailing that embarks on or before September 13, 2025. 

While there are many exciting ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, guests might want to take advantage of this credit to be among the first to sail on the second Icon-class cruise ship, Star of the Seas, which will debut in August of 2025. 

Lastly, guests are invited to submit their travel receipts to Royal Caribbean for reimbursement of non-refundable, pre-purchased transportation change fees. The cruise line will cover up to $200 per guest for domestic changes, or up to $400 per guest for international adjustments.

Carnival Explains Why There Were No Towel Animals

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Explains Why There Were No Towel Animals

Towel animals can be a lot of fun for many cruisers who eagerly await the arrival of each day’s new addition to the menagerie, but they can also be a controversial use of resources.

This issue arose on Carnival Venezia‘s recent cruise to Bermuda, a 7-night sailing that departed New York on August 31, 2024. Because of Bermuda’s environmental restrictions, cabin attendants were unable to craft new towel creations for a couple of nights, and their absence was noted.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, discussed the issue via his Facebook page in response to numerous comments and inquiries about the missing fluffy friends.

“Yesterday I answered a few comments about the Carnival Venezia and her current cruise to Bermuda. She had an overnight stay and this meant that the Bermudian authorities insisted we close our laundry operations for environmental reasons,” Heald explained.

“We of course complied but this meant that because of these restrictions the cabin attendants were not able to make the towel animals for a couple of evenings. And there was much disappointment plus some gnashing of teeth.”

Carnival Cruise Line has crafted towel animals in a variety of shapes, sizes, and poses ever since the cruise line first set sail in 1972, and has no intention of discontinuing the tradition – an issue Heald has addressed previously.

Yet not every traveler enjoys the appearance of these origami-like creations in their stateroom every day.

“Towel animals are only cute if you are a child or have no life,” one commenter told Heald. “Most adults do not like towel creatures so they end up back in the laundry using soap, water and man power just so children and those with childish minds are amused when they return to their cabins.”

Worth Reading: Carnival Guest Discovers Shocking Secret About Towel Animals

The commenter said “most adults” but shared no evidence of an extensive survey, poll, or petition to support their claim. While it is true that some cruisers would prefer not to have towel animals, these fun creations are a source of joy and cruising happiness for many travelers of all ages.

“Love the towel animals! They make me smile and in today’s world we all need a smile!”

“I love them & I keep every last one of them to the end.”

“The towel animals are a cute touch. Some attendants are more creative than others with their design. We truly appreciate their creativity when they go above and beyond with their designs.”

Do You Get Towel Animals Every Day?

Other travelers explain that while they enjoy the towel animals, they don’t need them daily and prefer the cabin attendants save themselves the extra work.

“I do enjoy the towel animals however I’d much prefer my stateroom attendant get that 5 minutes of their life back and get done with their job that much earlier. I tell them I appreciate it but it’s not necessary.”

“I can cruise without them. They are cute and I appreciate the effort they put into making them. But I agree that the room stewards are over worked and this would save them time. And lessen the laundering.”

Towel Animal on Carnival Cruise Ship
Towel Animal on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Read Also: Towel Animals to Look for on Your Cruise

Personally, our family enjoys the dinosaur towel animal best and asks the steward for it when we meet them on embarkation day, but then requests no further towel animals throughout the cruise in the interest of less work and less laundry.

Another option for those who love the towel animals and the creativity they showcase is the exhibition or parade of towel pals on most Carnival cruises.

This event is often on the Lido Deck, where a different towel animal will occupy every chair (not saving chairs for too long!), or it may be in the Main Theater in case of poor weather.

Most cruises also offer a towel folding demonstration at some time during the sailing, giving guests the opportunity to learn how to craft their own towel pals.

Do you enjoy towel animals or would you rather they stay away? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!

Carnival Reminds Guests to be Considerate on the Lido Deck

Catie Kovelman
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Carnival Reminds Guests to be Considerate on the Lido Deck

When you embark on a cruise, your ship becomes your home away from home for the duration of your sailing. However, it’s important to remember that you’re sharing your temporary home with thousands of other people. 

Two recent Carnival passengers learned this the hard way when they were asked to relocate their card game from the busy Lido deck during prime lunch hour so that other guests could sit and eat. Of course, this caused offense. 

When the incident occurred, the unidentified duo were taking part in a limited edition Carnival Journeys sailing, which are extended voyages to destinations like Hawaii, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal, although it’s not clear which voyage the pair was on. 

“Two people were playing cards at 12:45pm, the busy time on Lido for lunch. They were politely asked to stop because the guests wanted to sit there to eat. And so they wrote to me saying that the crew member was rude and, well you get the picture,” Brand Ambassador John Heald wrote on Facebook.

Carnival’s brand ambassador also defended the crew member, stating that the staff has been asked to help make sure the popular dining hours go more smoothly by making sure there are enough places for everyone to sit and eat. 

“She was not rude, she was doing her job as we have been asking the crew to help us with this. I know that people want to play cards and this ship had the upper level of the dining room for this with tables cleared of cutlery, plates and starfish,” continued Heald in his post. 

According to Heald, the two guests were taking up a table of six for their card game, when other guests could not find a place to sit and eat.

While the players could have relocated elsewhere on board, such as a lounge or the unused dining room Heald mentioned, the people trying to eat lunch don’t have quite as much flexibility.  

Rush Hour on the Lido Deck

Across cruise lines, and certainly across Carnival’s 27 ships, few places onboard get busier than the Lido deck – especially during prime dining hours. 

Along with being the home to pools, hot tubs, and lounge chairs, this deck is also where guests will find the popular Lido Marketplace buffet, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

With a wide array of options, such as deli, BBQ, salads, Asian cuisine, pasta, and desserts, Lido’s is a quick and popular dining option. The only problem is there is not always enough seating to go around on the Lido deck – especially during peak hours like during breakfast and from noon to 2 p.m.

Busy Lido Deck on Carnival Cruise Ship
Busy Lido Deck on Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani)

With this in mind, the consensus among the hundreds of commenters on Heald’s Facebook post was that the card players were being inconsiderate of other passengers. 

“So many places on board to play cards… I’m actually happy that the crew member asked the people to move. There are times where it feels like it’s impossible to get a seat for lunch,” wrote one person in the comments.

“Anyway, you can play cards on Lido but not during breakfast and not between noon and 2pm please,” Heald personally added.

Read Also: Free Carnival Cruise Dining Options You’ll Want to Know (With Menus!)

To be clear, Carnival Cruise Line has nothing against cruise passengers playing cards at sea – as long as they are mindful of their fellow passengers. It’s actually quite a popular activity. 

According to a poll Heald posted on his Facebook page, playing cards is the second most popular activity onboard – only behind reading books. 

But if guests see the area filling up for breakfast or lunch, the kind thing to do would be to relocate until prime dining hours have passed so other passengers can enjoy their meal.

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