With more and more awareness of terrorist acts, gang activity, and dangerous situations worldwide, cruise travelers can be understandably aware of and concerned about the potential risks of visiting certain cruise ports.
This is especially true when the US Department of State issues travel advisories urging caution or even suggests that travelers completely reconsider or avoid traveling to certain destinations. Cruise ships, however, continue to call on ports in those countries, but why?
Carnival Cruise Line has responded to the concern and offered tips for guests to enjoy port destinations safely and comfortably.
The issue was raised to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador, in a recent Facebook post. Heald regularly answers questions about ports of call and related issues such as itinerary changes and shore excursions.
“I saw a travel advisory for the Mexican Riviera ports yesterday. We’re leaving on the Panorama on the 11th – have you heard anything about whether we should get off the ship?”the guest asked.
Carnival Panorama is homeported from Long Beach, California and offers 6-, 7-, and 8-night Mexican Riviera itineraries. The ship’s January 11, 2025 departure is an 8-night voyage visiting Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, before returning to California on Sunday, January 19.
As of January 3 – just over a week before the ship’s departure – all four ports of call are in Mexican states with some type of warning from the US Department of State. The warnings, however, vary at different ports and don’t all include regions cruise travelers would typically visit.
“Please don’t worry, these are sadly quite normal for parts of Mexico these days,”Heald responded.“We would never take you anywhere that is not safe.”
It is true that cruise lines will occasionally cancel port visits if certain regions are considered unsafe. In mid-2022, for example, both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean cancelled visits to Ensenada, Mexico due to escalating cartel violence.
Heald does note that cautious cruisers will always be mindful of their surroundings and exercise proper precautions when in any port of call.
“We always advise you to please stay in the tourist areas and take an excursion from the ship,”he said.“But absolutely you will be able to go into port and enjoy this fabulous place.”
This is sound advice for any sort of tourist visit. In the most popular tourist areas, police presence is typically higher and the region is considered safer than if guests ventured further from the port.
Shore excursions may travel some distance from the port, but cruise lines regularly investigate the companies they recommend for shore tours to ensure all proper safety precautions are being taken.
Cabo San Lucas and La Paz are both in Baja California Sur, which has a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” warning due to widespread crime. There are no other explicit warnings for the state.
Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco, which has a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” warning. This is because of violent crime and kidnapping, which is most prevalent in Guadalajara – 120 miles east of Puerto Vallarta. There are no specific restrictions or warnings related to Puerto Vallarta.
Carnival Radiance Docked in Ensenada, Mexico (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez)
Mazatlan, which is in Sinaloa, has the most worrisome travel warning at “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” The US Department of State warns that violet crime is widespread and “criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa.”
Most notably, there are direct restrictions on travel for US government employees in Mazatlan. The Zona Dorada (Golden Zone – the top tourist region of the city) and historic town center are the only two areas of Mazatlan where US government employees may visit.
Only two states – Campeche and Yucatan – are listed as “Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions” with no restrictions. It should be noted that Mexico’s most popular cruise ports, Cozumel and Costa Maya – are both in Yucatan.
At this time, no cruise lines have made any itinerary adjustments or port cancellations based on travel advisories, but they do take such warnings into consideration.
It isn’t exactly a BOGO — a buy-one-get-one deal, but it’s as close as Virgin Voyages has ever come to offering a freebie.
The cruise line from pioneering UK entrepreneur Richard Branson is getting in on the Wave Season action with a two-part promotion featuring a cruise fare discount and a free drinks incentive.
The deal is valid on any existing itinerary, including those aboard the line’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, due to launch in September 2025.
Guests who book one cruise fare will receive a second at an 80% discount, and onboard credits up to $300 toward free drinks will apply to each stateroom.
The free drink offer is based on cruise length. On 4- and 5-night cruises, the drinks benefit is $100; on 6-, 7-, and 8-night voyages, it is $200; and on longer sailings, the perk is worth $300.
Cruise fares on Virgin Voyages itineraries already include a WiFi package, crew gratuities, all dining and entertainment, fitness classes, and non-alcoholic beverages.
“We’ve never believed in nickel and diming our Sailors – we’re staying committed to delivering epic, kid-free vacations on our fleet of not too big, and not too small, boutique-sized ships that keep Sailors coming back time and time again,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
“Market experts are saying that adult-only travel is expected to double in size over the next decade because of the elevated experiences they deliver, so we’re excited about the growth potential that lies ahead in 2025 and beyond,” Saverimuttu added.
Wave Season is an annual tradition in the cruise industry, when cruise lines market lucrative incentives and discounts in a bid to get as many bookings on deposit as possible during the first quarter of each year.
Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages will soon welcome the fourth ship in its fleet, the 2,762-guest Brilliant Lady. Her introduction has been a long time coming, since the ship’s launch was delayed from the original debut planned for December 2023.
Supply chain and staffing issues, and construction delays were cited, and all scheduled cruises were cancelled. Brilliant Lady currently is due to debut in New York on September 5, 2025 and sail a 5-night MerMaiden voyage to Bermuda.
Brilliant Lady will join the line’s three existing ships, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady.
In addition to introducing its Wave Season campaign, Virgin Voyages revealed some interesting trends, including that its repeat cruiser rates are respectably high, coming in at between 40% and 50%.
Its booking records show that guests are giving a thumbs-up to longer, more immersive voyages, although the line’s most popular itineraries in 2024 are said to be a 4-night “Fire and Sunset Soirées” cruise to Key West and a 7-night “French Daze and Ibiza Nights” sailing in the Western Mediterranean.
Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady Ship (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Virgin Voyages also highlighted some of its fastest-growing itineraries, which include a 6-night “Western Caribbean Charm” sailing that calls at Costa Maya, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras.
The line confirmed that its popular holiday cruises will return in 2025, including the Eat & Drink Festival, Valentine’s Day and Halloween-themed sailings, and the special event cruise called A Virgin Celebration Voyage.
In announcing its Wave Season booking deal on January 2, 2025, Virgin Voyages also reminded prospective guests that its Summer Season Pass is still available.
It is a monthlong cruise fare that starts at $14,999 per stateroom and offers a work-at-sea option utilizing the ships’ reliable WiFi. The season pass was introduced as a limited inventory product.
As the fourth busiest cruise port in the United States, things can sometimes get rather chaotic at the Port of Galveston.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse – and the unusual – when a cruise shuttle contract worker was injured on the job on the morning of December 30, 2024.
The accident occurred just before 9 a.m. CST while the contract employee was unloading luggage in a parking lot for cruise guests using Galveston’s shuttle service.
A second shuttle arrived and collided with the luggage handler’s shuttle, hitting the 25-year-old worker in the process. It’s not clear what caused the crash, but port police are investigating the incident.
“A cruise shuttle contract worker was injured in a vehicle/pedestrian accident at 8:51 a.m. Monday at Port of Galveston Parking Lot A, 3200 Harborside Drive,”reads a report on the Galveston Wharves website.
“According to Port of Galveston police reports, the accident victim was unloading luggage from the shuttle when a second shuttle pulled up from the rear and collided with the first shuttle, hitting the man,” continues the incident report.
The luggage handler was promptly taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch Emergency Room for treatment. His condition is unclear and his identity has been kept confidential to protect the victim’s privacy.
Thankfully, no one else was injured in the collision – including guests of Carnival Breeze, which was the only cruise ship to dock in the port that morning.
The accident occurred in Parking Lot A – which is one of four Galveston Cruise Port economy parking lots (along with Lots B, C, and D) that use a park-and-ride shuttle bus to transport guests to and from their cars and the two cruise piers.
The shuttle service itself is free for cruise guests – unless they would like to tip for good driving or for assistance with their luggage.
However, guests do need to pre-reserve their parking space in advance and will need to pay a fee based on how many days their car remains parked. For economy lots like Parking Lot A, the daily rate is currently $20 per day.
Another Car Crash in Galveston
Somewhat strangely given the timing, another automobile/pedestrian accident actually unfolded in the port just about a year before Monday’s incident – taking place on December 2, 2023, at Cruise Terminal 28.
During a seemingly routine disembarkation process from Carnival Dream, a family of six was struck by a car that accidentally crashed through a metal barrier – with the driver allegedly accelerating when they meant to reverse.
Four of the unidentified family members were directly hit and had to be taken to the hospital, with two admitted for overnight observation.
While it’s surely not the way the family wanted to conclude their 6-night Western Caribbean Cruise, everyone involved was expected to make a full recovery.
Port of Galveston, Texas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
While security measures are in place to keep everyone safe – which are led by the Port of Galveston Police Department – sometimes accidents do still occur in the never-ending rush of activity.
Of course, millions of cruise passengers means that thousands of people – many of whom are likely unfamiliar with the port – may be navigating the 840-acre facility by car and by foot at any given time.
The roads can get particularly crowded when guests are trying to leave after disembarking and while others are arriving to embark on their sailings at the same time – especially when multiple ships are docked.
Lately, the port has had a lot of “three ship” days with three cruise ships in the port at once – but there has been the occasional “four ship” day here and there.
Fashion trends come and go, but it isn’t changing fashion and the relaxing of onboard dress codes that completely eliminated one once-popular fixture aboard Carnival cruise ships.
Until the early 2000s, guests could look their best through the services of onboard formalwear shops and fast-service tailors, but no longer. Why not?
The disappearance of formalwear shops and fast-service tailors is due to an event that many cruisers might not recall, but that had repercussions for these services that closely resemble a much more recent global event the cruise industry would rather forget.
The issue was brought to mind by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, who often reminisces from his early days as a cruise director. Recently, a guest asked him whether or not Carnival still offers tuxedo rentals onboard, which brought to mind the unique fashion recollection.
“Yesterday someone asked me if we still rent tuxedos on board,”Heald explained.“We don’t and in fact it has been many years since we did this and those rental spaces have now been changed to the fabulous Cherry on Top Shops which are of course festooned with candy.”
Cruisers from the early 2000s will remember the tuxedo and formalwear rental shops, which also offered fresh long-stemmed roses and rose bouquets, some fashionable accessories, and other regalia popular for what were then called Formal Nights.
At that time, dress codes for the Main Dining Room dinner were much more strictly enforced on that evening, and it wasn’t uncommon to see gentlemen in distinguished tuxedos and ladies in glittering gowns.
Heald, however, also recalls another popular onboard service at the time, provided by fast-service tailors.
“As I answered this question I was reminded of something else we used to have on Promenade Deck in the early 2000s… Hong Kong Tailors,”he said.“They had a big set up on Promenade Deck forward and advertised made-to-measure men’s suits which would be ready in a week and shipped from Hong Kong to the guests home address.”
As cruise director, it was Heald’s job to promote this business collaboration, and he did so by having a suit made for himself. Following rather thorough measuring, his custom-made suit was delivered to the ship two cruises later and was surprisingly well-fitted and luxurious.
“It measured me perfectly and it cost – $100,”Heald said.“Incredible.”
Sold on the value and quality, Heald happily promoted the tailors until the day that “Hong Kong Sars” broke with fear of a possible pandemic.
While reminiscing about the long-gone service, Heald wistfully notes that to this day, he still has that suit – albeit, it no longer fits. (My clothes from my first Carnival cruise in 2003 don’t fit either!)
Carnival’s Changes in Formal Nights and Dress Codes
Just as the onboard shops have changed over the years, so too have dress codes onboard. No longer is formal attire required for what is now called “Elegant Evening” but guests are welcome to dress as formally or elegantly as they prefer, or to keep it casual and still enjoy the Main Dining Room for dinner that night.
Still, Heald regularly deals with dress code questions and complaints, often with disgruntled travelers who believe their cruise or at least their dinner was “ruined” by what another diner did or didn’t wear.
Suite Tailor (Photo Credit: Delvin Noel)
For example, some passengers would prefer never to see military uniforms in the dining room, as it may be triggering to those who have suffered injustice through military actions. On the other hand, active duty military members have often requested whether they wear their dress uniforms to dinner (yes, of course!).
Hats, pajamas, bathroom robes, flip flops, and other attire choices have often been the subject of discussion and even controversy. Ultimately, however, guests are encouraged to wear what they are most comfortable with within general guidelines.
Shoes must be worn for safety reasons, for example, and no attire with vulgarity or profanity is permitted. Similarly, swimwear is not permitted in the Main Dining Rooms.
Still, many travelers enjoy the opportunity to dress more formally and get portraits taken by the ship’s photographers – still a cherished part of the onboard cruise experience.
British Isles cruises, particularly those that circumnavigate the whole Isles with stops in England, Ireland, and Scotland, are bucket-list itineraries for many cruise passengers. It can be disappointing, then, when booked guests get notice of a significant itinerary change for this sought-after sailing.
Unfortunately, Princess Cruises guests booked on the August 1, 2025 departure of Regal Princess received just such notice for their 12-night voyage. While the cruise is still roundtrip from Southampton, two highly desirable ports have been dropped and other ports shifted in the itinerary.
The ship will still depart Southampton, UK at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 1 as planned, and will spend the next day at sea, the same as the original schedule.
Rather than call on Edinburgh on August 3, however, Regal Princess will now travel more than 200 miles further north to visit the Orkney Islands instead. While this scenic destination can be lovely, it is not the same historic and cultural center as Scotland’s capital city.
The next port of call, Invergordon, remains the same on August 4, as does the call to Glasgow on August 6. Between the two ports, however, Regal Princess will now be visiting Stornoway on August 5, which was not on the original itinerary.
The visit to Belfast on August 7 is unchanged, but August 8 will now be a day at sea rather than visiting Dublin as previously planned.
The remainder of the ship’s itinerary – Visiting Cork on August 9 followed by a day at sea, Portland on August 11, Paris/Normandy on August 12, and returning to Southampton on August 13 – are the same as originally scheduled.
It should be noted that some port times have also shifted slightly. All times on cruise ship itineraries are generally considered estimates, as the exact timing of port arrival and docking can easily change based on weather conditions, local marine traffic, and other factors.
The explanation given for the loss of both Edinburgh and Dublin as ports of call is “cruise ship congestion,” as they are both understandably popular destinations. Furthermore, both cities are tender ports that require the use of smaller boats as water shuttles for guests to go ashore.
When too many cruise ships may be visiting such ports, there may not be enough docking space or water shuttles available for effective passenger movements.
Regal Princess is the only vessel scheduled for Edinburgh on August 3 and is one of three ships scheduled for Dublin on August 8. Other local marine traffic, including ferries, can also impact cruise ship schedules, however.
The 2025 Ferry Fair Festival in Queensferry is also generally scheduled for the first full week of August, and includes multiple parades, picnics, contests, a dog show, a race, and other free events for the whole family. This popular event draws thousands to the city adjacent to Edinburgh, adding even more congestion.
It should also be noted that the 142,229-gross-ton, Royal-class Regal Princess can welcome 3,560 guests, which can take some time for tender operations even without other ships in port or local events impacting schedules.
Itinerary Changes Not Uncommon
It is not unusual for cruise lines to make itinerary changes to future sailings, particularly months or even years ahead of individual departure dates.
While this can be disappointing and frustrating to travelers, the right to make such changes for any reason is standard in most cruise line’s ticket terms and conditions.
“Carrier may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel the cruise; deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place.”
“You should not make any important arrangements or meetings based on the scheduled cruise, which may change without liability to carrier.”
As experienced cruisers quickly learn, if a specific destination is a make-or-break part of an itinerary for any traveler, it may be best to plan a land-based visit instead, and opt for a different cruise that is not so dependent on exact port visits.
Believe it or not, 2025 marks 60 years of success for Princess Cruises – with the cruise line first founded by Stanley McDonald six decades ago in 1965.
The world-famous “Love Boat” brandkicked off its Diamond anniversary year with a special event onboard Discovery Princess on the morning of January 4, 2025 – and Cruise Hive was there to witness it all.
While the festive celebration came with much fanfare – including a live musical performance from The Temptations – perhaps the most exciting part was the reveal of a special anniversary cruise to the Mexican Riviera embarking on Royal Princessin December 2025.
The special sailing is meant to be a recreation of the California-based cruise line’s first ever voyage – which was a cruise to Mexico onboard the now-retired Princess Patricia that embarked from Los Angeles on December 3, 1965.
You can watch a sneak peek of the event with The Temptations below:
Adding to the excitement, the commemorative sailing was unveiled by none other than Princess Cruises Celebrations Ambassador Jill Whelan, who portrayed Vicki Stubing in the beloved “Love Boat” TV series that gave Princess Cruisesits “Love Boat” moniker.
The upcoming 60th anniversary voyage will also embark from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles – setting sail with a 14-day itinerary on December 6, 2025.
The round-trip sailing will include visits to Manzanillo, Mazatlán, and Loreto, Mexico – and will feature extended overnight calls on Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico,”said Gus Antorcha, the new president of Princess Cruises.
“This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music and unforgettable moments,” continued Antorcha.
Temptations Performing on Discovery Princess
It’s already confirmed that The Temptations will be performing during this sailing – but more details are forthcoming about additional special guests and activities onboard for the once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
Booking is already available on the Princess Cruises website – starting at $2,217 (USD) with double occupancy.
An Exciting Anniversary Year
While the anniversary sailing at the end of the year is definitely something for cruise fans to look forward to, Princess Cruises will be celebrating throughout 2025.
One of the ways in which the Carnival-owned brand is honoring its Diamond Jubilee is with the reveal of a new logo. The trademark Sea Witch is still pictured, but she is now inside of the zero that makes up the number 60.
Princess Cruises Anniversary Logo (Photo Credit: Calvin Musquez)
As the cruise line celebrates its history, it is also acknowledging a big milestone in the present with the upcoming launch of its next ship: Star Princess. This brings the fleet from 16 to 17 cruise ships.
The second Sphere-class ship is set to embark on her maiden voyage on September 26, 2025 – with the new 4,300-guest vessel expected to enhance many of the offerings already onboard her older sister, Sun Princess, which entered service in 2024.
Adding to the fun, Princess Cruises has included The Temptations in the celebration – as the music group is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of its hit song, “My Girl.”
Four of the five members of the vocal group were present to sing the song live during the presentation on Discovery Princess – giving guests a preview of what to expect from them on the upcoming anniversary sailing.
“Today we are celebrating two incredible icons: The 60th year of Princess Cruises – and doesn’t she only look 35? – and also the 60th anniversary of the iconic song ‘My Girl’ by the incomparable Temptations,”Whelan said during the event.
After the live performance, the vocalists were honored with special commemorative records – which were also given to the captain of Discovery Princess and Brand President Antorcha.
Royal Caribbean International is known for its family-friendly cruises, where parents with children can enhance their vacation by allowing their kids to enjoy an array of age-appropriate amenities.
They also offer programs for kids, including their award-winning Adventure Ocean, which is open to children aged 6 months to 17 years. It provides activities and amenities tailored to different age groups and is supervised by certified childcare professionals.
These kids’ clubs are available throughout the day, allowing parents to relax while their children play and socialize in a safe environment.
Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s unique and award-winning youth program. It is available on all Royal Caribbean cruises, including every ship in their fleet. Rather than functioning as a generic daycare program, Adventure Ocean was designed to cater to infants through teenagers.
Royal Caribbean achieves this by offering five categories, where children are grouped according to age. This allows supervisors to offer activities that are more appropriate for the children in their care and makes it easier for the children to make friends while they enjoy their family vacation.
This unique kids’ club operates every day, with sessions scheduled during both sea and port days. The consistency of the program allows parents and the children themselves to enjoy a greater degree of fun, relaxation, and flexibility.
All five categories of the Adventure Ocean program are led by trained and experienced childcare staff with backgrounds in childhood education and related fields.
This ensures that Adventure Ocean sessions are structured in a way that is fun for kids and allows the family vacation to be a time when they can enjoy educational, safe, and social playtime.
While each group has its designated area on the ship, parents can also drop by to check in on their children or attend certain activities with them.
This only enhances the flexible nature of Adventure Ocean, which is part of the reason why it is recognized as being one of the best programs of its nature at sea.
Adventure for All Ages
The Adventure Ocean youth programs are divided into several categories, and the participating children are divided according to the age groups they belong to.
Each age group has its own unique atmosphere, play style, and level of supervision. The types of activities and their themes vary to be relevant to the age group’s stage of development.
To help you understand what is available, here is a basic breakdown of the various groupings that make up the Adventure Ocean youth program.
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (6 months to 36 months)
AO Babies on Odyssey of the Seas
With the exception of Jewel of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas, the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery program is available on every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. As the name implies, it is a nursery-style program that functions like a daycare for babies and toddlers.
The program offers drop-off childcare, where babies and toddlers receive stimulating, age-appropriate supervision and activities. With scheduled nap times, infant-appropriate toys, and closely monitored play sessions, this program is catered to the exact needs of the youngest cruisers.
The tots’ nursery also supplies essentials like sanitary wipes, infant-appropriate snacks, and options for parents to bring their own child’s diapers or preferred toys.
While a small fee is required for the drop-off nursery sessions, the close attention the children receive from qualified caregivers is well worth the fee.
Prices can vary depending on the ship, but they are typically $6 per hour during the day and $8 per hour at night. For parents who would like to enjoy such much-needed rest and relaxation, the program can be a welcome bit of relief.
If you would like to check in on your young child, parents are welcome to visit and participate in the program. The same is true for the older groups; however, parents are not allowed to visit the teen lounges, as this helps give teenage passengers a greater sense of independence.
Aquanauts (3-5 Years)
AO Juniors on Icon of the Seas
Aquanauts is a unique child supervision program where kids can enjoy age-appropriate science experiments and other activities that blend entertainment with education.
The program is for children ages 3 and 5, and all children must be fully potty trained to participate. Diapers and pull-ups are not allowed, so children must be comfortable using the toilet independently.
Kids will enjoy everything from arts and crafts sessions to educational movies, storytelling, computer games, and even themed parties, like Dinosaur Hunters and Pirate Nights. The program is designed to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the entire day.
While participation is included for all passengers, fees apply after 10:00 pm, so be prepared to pay if you plan to leave your kids at Aquanauts at night.
Adventure Ocean Explorers (6-8 years)
Adventure Ocean Workshop on Icon of the Seas
Explorers caters to slightly older children in the 6-8 age group.
Like Aquanauts, the entertainment is designed to keep the children engaged. Rather than just watching movies and playing video games, the program focuses on activities that will get the children on their feet, like scavenger hunts, dance parties, relay races, and interactive games that encourage kids to use their creativity.
This age group also participates in programs like Adventure Science Labs, Adventure Art, and Adventure Theatre. Again, these group activities have an educational focus that encourages participants to use their imaginations in a social setting.
Instructors and supervisors understand that some kids can be shy, so they know how to make every kid feel included without forcing them to do anything they don’t want to do. It is a rewarding program that young children really enjoy!
Voyagers (9-11 years)
Adventure Ocean Arena on Utopia of the Seas
The Voyagers group is designed for older kids in the 9 to 11-year-old age bracket.
Given that this age group tends to have a more competitive and independent spirit than younger groups, Voyagers gives kids the option to participate in sports tournaments, video game competitions, and various challenges that encourage independent effort.
Social activities that encourage cooperation and making friends are also offered. For kids who prefer to be more independent, there are computer stations, arts and crafts tables, and other activities that allow for greater autonomy.
Like the Aquanauts and Explorers programs, Voyagers is included, but fees apply for kids staying past 10:00 pm.
Teens and Tweens Program (12-17 years)
Social 180 on Odyssey of the Seas
The teens group, also called Teen Club, is divided into two age groups, 12 to 14 and 15 to 17, ensuring kids are paired with like-minded teens.
While the younger group takes a hands-on approach to supervision, the older group encourages more independence. Teens are able to come and go as they please. These designated spaces host teen-only events.
The club offers a teen lounge called Social020 and a teen-only nightclub called Fuel Teen Club, where teenagers can listen to music, try out karaoke, and enjoy teen-appropriate films during private movie nights.
Teen activities include group dances, pool parties, visiting the arcades, movie nights, and a mixture of video games and sports tournaments. For a fee, teens can also join group excursions to some paid attractions, like the FlowRider Surf Simulator and zip lines, which are available on select ships, like Icon of the Seas.
While visiting the teens-only arcades, teens can enjoy classic arcade games like Pac-Man and table hockey or play more hands-on video games like Guitar Hero, Fast and Furious Drift, Nintendo Wii Sports, and more.
Given that teens often feel that they do not have their own space while on family vacations, the Teen and Tweens Program is hugely popular.
Activities Offered in Adventure Ocean
Outdoor Area for Adventure Ocean Kids on Odyssey of the Seas
As you can see from the breakdown of the various age group categories that make up the Adventure Ocean program, there are plenty of activities for kids and teenagers.
From arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, science labs, dance and music parties, sports and video game tournaments, theater shows, and so much more, kids participating in Adventure Ocean can enjoy a wide variety of activities that are designed to encourage participation, socializing, and expressing new and old talents.
Younger segments of the Adventure Ocean program, like the Aquanauts and Explorers groups, tend to have more closely supervised activities, where the instructors and supervisors take a hands-on approach to organizing the fun.
These can include group storytelling sessions, group theater plays, and more traditional kid-oriented activities, like tag, finger painting, and watching Disney movies.
Older groups, like the Voyagers and Tweens groups, usually play games that encourage kids to socialize. These include team scavenger hunts, dodgeball games, video game tournaments, and the Adventure Science Lab, where kids do hands-on experiments, like fossil digs, chemistry classes, and building solar system models.
When Is the Royal Caribbean Kids Club Open?
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Entrance on Mariner of the Seas
These programs and activities are available daily during a voyage, including on both port and sea days. The included hours of operation for the various programs run in three sessions:
9 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm, and 7 pm to 10 pm. Parents will have to pay a fee for late-night child supervision after 10 pm, and the latest option for picking up a child is 2 am, although this varies from one ship to the next.
The program does not adhere to the three-segment schedule mentioned above for port days. Instead, it is open for the entire duration of the ship’s stay in port. This allows parents to enjoy exploring the port or participating in an onshore excursion without having to worry about their children.
The Teen Program has more of an open-door policy, where teenagers can come and go as they please. These various teen venues do not have designated pickup times where parents are required to get their children.
The times for individual activities are posted each day, so they will vary depending on the length of the voyage and the itinerary that the ship’s Adventure Ocean team has devised.
Certain activities, like the Late Night Party Zone, which is part of the Teen Program, run at specific times. For that event in particular, it typically operates between 10 pm and 1 am.
Which Ships Have a Kids Club?
Kids Pool on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The Adventure Ocean program is available on all ships in the entire Royal Caribbean fleet. However, certain components are not available on some of the older ships.
For example, we already mentioned that the Jewel of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas do not offer the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery Program.
Newer ships, like Icon class and Quantum class vessels, tend to have more advanced activities available through Adventure Ocean, including purpose-built venues for children, like the Adventure Science, Adventure Theatre, and Fuel Teen Club.
Does Royal Caribbean Kids Club Cost Money?
Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean
For the most part, participation in Adventure Ocean programming is entirely complimentary for all passengers. That said, parents who require late-night supervision for their children can participate in the Late Night Party Zone, which is an extension of the Adventure Ocean program that runs beyond 10 pm.
Access to these after-hours programs will cost between $6 and $8 per hour per child. This allows parents to enjoy meals and adult-oriented live performances without having to worry about their children.
The late-night programs are geared towards the needs of specific age brackets, with younger kids having supervised naps and slightly older kids watching age-appropriate movies.
Remember that certain activities for the Teen and Tween programs require parents to pay an additional fee. This includes visits to paid amenities, like the FlowRider Surf Simulator.
While these additional activities are always optional, you will be required to pay the standard fee for that activity if your child wants to participate.
The Royal Babies & Tots Nursery also charges a small drop-off fee, but it is included for suite guests.
Making the Most of the Royal Caribbean Kids Club
Adventure Ocean on Quantum of the Seas
Kids love Adventure Ocean, which is part of the reason why it is recognized throughout the cruise industry as being one of the best kid and teen programs available. That said, getting the most out of the program can depend on how you approach it.
For the best experience, we highly recommend pre-registering your child for Adventure Ocean shortly after boarding the ship on embarkation day.
This will allow your child or children to be present for the first day of the program. It can help them meet other children and feel comfortable with the instructors, supervisors, and environment.
We would also recommend packing and bringing a few comfort items for your child, especially if they tend to be shy around new groups. These could be a comfort blanket, their favorite toy, or even just a stuffed animal. The organizers encourage parents to send their kids with these types of items so their children will not feel out of place.
It is also really important to ensure that the staff are fully aware of any dietary restrictions your child may have. Since kids are provided with meals and snacks while participating in Adventure Ocean, the staff go out of their way to accommodate the dietary needs of their tiny guests.
We also suggest looking into what the schedule is for your child’s Adventure Ocean group while you are at sea. This will help you plan when your kid participates, and when you do more family-focused activities together.
If, for example, your child is really into dinosaurs, you might want to make sure that they are present for the dinosaur fossil dig activity.
Finally, it is essential to ensure that your child is potty trained if they are part of any group older than the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery group. While accidents happen, it is expected that all kids three years or older know how to use the toilet without assistance.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean youth program can be one of the highlights of your child’s trip while also providing you and your partner with the opportunity to enjoy your vacation your way.
It can be a safe, fun, and enriching experience where your children can enjoy a space designed to ensure they create memories, meet new friends, and never feel bored.
Royal Caribbean is known as one of the most family-focused cruise lines, and the Adventure Ocean program is just part of the reason why a voyage on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship can be the ultimate family vacation!
Carnival Cruise Line’s annual VIFP loyalty pins – commemorative gifts given to Gold, Platinum, and Diamond level cruisers – are some of the most sought after cruise keepsakes in the industry. Each year, a new design is unveiled, and the 2025 pins offer classic elegance that all Carnival cruisers will love.
The new pins have been showcased by Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, just as all ships in the fleet are now underway on their first 2025 sailings – perfect timing to show off the new bling.
The Gold pin – offered to Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) travelers who have reached at least 25 days sailing with the cruise line – has the Carnival whale tail and logo in the center, with stylized blue waves below and a starry gold sky above. “VIFP CLUB” is on the top of the pin, while “2025” is centered on the bottom.
“This is more than just a cool item for loyal VIFP Club members like you to wear and collect – it’s a permanent memento of all the fun that’s happened right here on this vacation,”the card the pin comes on reads.
“You’ve definitely earned it! We’re so honored that you cam back to join us again, so here’s to the places we’ve traveled… and all the fun that’s still to come!”
That additional fun leads to the next loyalty levels – Platinum and Diamond. Those higher VIFP levels, which start at 75 and 200 days sailed, respectively, share the same pin design.
The silver pin has a full-color image of a tropical wave with a hint of palm fronds and the classic Carnival whale tail in the center. The outside circle of the pin has “VIFP CLUB 2025” on the bottom, and each ship’s name on the top.
It is the individualized names that make these upper level loyalty pins so collectible, as each on specifically commemorates a single ship in the Carnival fleet. This is a great way for travelers to remember each ship they sailed on in different years, and can inspire frequent cruisers to try and “collect” all their favorite ships over and over again.
Reactions to the 2025 design have been quite positive, with many cruisers eager for sailings they have booked this year so they can add the new pins to their collections.
Some travelers will showcase their pins on lanyards, coats, bags, hats, or other gear on each cruise, while others may wear just each individual cruise’s pin on that sailing.
Previous years’ designs have often featured nautical symbolism, such as waves, anchors, compasses, or other iconic items. While the design changes annually, every year does include the famous whale tail, ensuring all the pins proudly showcase Carnival Cruise Line.
Picking Up VIFP Pins
To collect the pins, eligible guests must visit the Pixels photo gallery onboard the ship during their sailing. The gifts are one-per-guest, and names and loyalty levels are verified when the pins are picked up. At the same time, guests can also collect their other loyalty gift – at the moment, a VIFP club baseball cap released in October 2024.
Guests are urged to pick up their gifts, including the pins, early in their sailing to ensure they are able to receive it. On some cruises, the supply may run out and the cap or the pins might not be available.
This is especially true on Carnival Journeys cruises that may have a greater number of VIFP travelers onboard, or close to the end of the year when the overall supply of pins could be dwindling.
Years ago, both the pins and gifts were placed in guests’ staterooms as a pleasant surprise either at embarkation or during the cruise. This practice was stopped after the global pandemic, however, in order to limit the number of crew members entering individual cabins.
While some cruisers miss the special feeling of a surprise gift awaiting them in their staterooms, it is unlikely that Carnival Cruise Line will bring back the delivery of the gifts. Fortunately, the Pixels photo gallery is easy to visit and picking up one’s loyalty gifts is not difficult.
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night is a unique tradition where passengers can dress up for a sophisticated evening. These events are not strictly black-tie affairs, but the atmosphere calls for elevated attire.
Men often wear suits or dinner jackets, while women usually opt for cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or evening gowns. While you can get away with a basic dress or collared polo shirt, it’s fun to embrace the experience and dress up.
Let’s find out the dress codes for this special evening and what you can expect!
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night is a long-standing cruising tradition where guests are encouraged to wear formal attire for a more elegant evening.
Typically, there are between one and three per cruise, but the number of formal nights will vary depending on the length of the voyage, the ship you are sailing on, and the preferences of management. Basically, formal night itineraries are at the ship’s discretion, but there are some general patterns.
In most cases, Royal Caribbean will host a formal night on the second night of any voyage, but the timing and exact number vary depending on the ship and itinerary. In general, Royal Caribbean cruise ships tend to adhere to the following itinerary for formal nights:
3-5Night Cruises – 1 Formal Night, usually on the second day. Shorter sailings in this range rarely have more than a single event.
6 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, usually on night two and night five
7 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights, usually on night two and night six
8-10 Night Cruises – 2 Formal Nights as a minimum, but the number of nights will vary by ship and itinerary
11-14 Night Cruises – 3 Formal Nights, with the exact nights varying by ship and the sailing itinerary
15+ Night Cruises – Usually 3 or 4 Formal Nights, with the days and number varying by the ship and sailing itinerary. Longer cruises can have as many as 6 Formal Nights
Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas – 2 Formal Nights, either on days two and five on Western itineraries and days two and six on Eastern itineraries
These events have never been mandatory, but they are an opportunity for passengers to embrace a more refined dress code and more traditional cruising experience. It is also a fun photo opportunity, whether you take your own or use the ship’s professional photographer.
The Roots of Formal Night
Formal Event on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
The roots of Formal Night stem from the traditional upscale atmosphere of transatlantic ocean liner services, when those traveling in first class were often members of high society looking to indulge and impress while they traveled.
Royal Caribbean looked to keep some of these old-world traditions alive by encouraging guests to adhere to a more formal dress code during certain dinners rather than the casual look most cruise passengers wear during the day.
Royal Caribbean has also partially rebranded Formal Night as “Dress to Impress” nights and diners to encourage participation. This is less formal and intimidating than calling the event Formal Night, so do not feel that the event will be overly stuffy or that everyone will be dressed in tuxedos and gowns.
While the concept of a Formal Night is fairly common across the cruise industry, Royal Caribbean has its own take on it, which is why it is worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with the traditions and rules onboard Royal Caribbean cruises.
Rules for Formal Nights
Atrium of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson)
Keep in mind that formal nights are never mandatory. You will never be forced to participate, and more casual dining options are always available on all Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
Plus, you won’t be turned away unless you are violating the standard dress code for dining establishments, which means you cannot have bare feet and must be wearing a shirt.
Adhering to a Formal Night dress code is different from simply following the standard dress codes for various dining venues on the ship. Many specialty dining venues will have a formal dress code policy, with many calling for smart casual dining, while included venues usually allow casual attire.
If you are unsure about what you should wear to a specific venue, you can always check the Royal Caribbean International cruise line app, which lists the dress code for each venue on the ship.
This differs from Formal Night events, which are typically hosted in the main dining room and are a cruise tradition that calls for your best black-tie look. However, there are several other acceptable options.
Dress Code for Formal Night
Now that we have provided an overview of Formal Nights or “Dress to Impress” events on Royal Caribbean cruise ships, let’s go through the types of outfits that are appropriate for these events.
Formal Night Dress Code for Men
Formal Evening During Cruise (Photo Credit: Ally Lee)
For men, Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night calls for “smart-casual” attire, but you can dress up beyond that, with quite a few men opting to wear true formal wear to the main dining room where the event is almost always hosted.
A classic Formal Night look is a dark suit paired with a dress shirt and tie. This combination is fairly standard and gives the wearer a polished but comfortable style that fits the occasion.
Again, the dress code for a Formal Night aboard a Royal Caribbean ship tends to be quite flexible, so those looking to keep it a bit more casual can skip the sports jacket and tie and wear a collared dress shirt or polo.
To help you know what type of attire will help you fit in on Formal Night, these are all common and acceptable outfits for men, starting from the most formal to the least:
Full tuxedo
Suit jacket with tie and dress pants
Collared dress shirt and slacks
Polo shirt and slacks
While there is certainly a fair amount of wiggle room for outfits, Royal Caribbean encourages guests to make an effort. Closed-toe shoes are also mandatory, so you cannot wear flip-flops or bare feet. Avoid pool wear, cargo shorts, graphic T-shirts, and jeans.
Formal Night Dress Code for Women
Formal Event on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
Like male guests, women have a broad range of options for Royal Caribbean Formal Night. From simple cocktail dresses and dressy skirts to full-length evening gowns, you can wear semi-formal attire or opt for the full formal look.
Popular looks include tasteful cocktail dresses, elegant sundresses, nice skirt and blouse combinations, pantsuits, or dressy pants with a fashionable top. For those looking to embrace the event by wearing a more luxurious and formal outfit, a full-length gown would not look out of place.
Basically, you just want to make an effort. Think about what would look appropriate at an office party and what you might consider wearing to a wedding or formal ball.
Another thing to keep in mind is making sure you have appropriate footwear. Dressier styles of flats, heels, and wedges will do the trick.
You want to avoid an overly relaxed look, so save your tank tops, shorts, sandals, and T-shirts for casual dinner nights. For Formal Night, you don’t want to dress like you just came from the pool.
But you will not be turned away if it is clear that you have made an effort. The event is not meant to be intimidating or overly exclusive.At the end of the day, it’s about having fun!
Formal Night Clothing Suggestions for Children
Unless stated otherwise, kids are welcome at Formal Night and Dress to Impress events. The dress code for children is much more relaxed, but parents are still encouraged to have their children wear nice outfits that match the formality of the night.
Boys can wear dress shirts or polos with trousers, while girls often wear dresses. That said, children are not expected to dress as formally as adults, allowing them more flexibility. Like adults, it should just look like some effort was made. This means avoiding pool wear and graphic T-shirts. Closed-toe shoes are also a good idea.
Is Formal Night on Royal Caribbean Mandatory?
Formal Evening on Oasis of the Seas (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
No, Formal Night and Dress to Impress events are never mandatory on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
While Royal Caribbean encourages all guests to participate, they never want anyone to feel intimidated or uncomfortable, so Formal Night is always presented as an optional and fun event that welcomes all passengers.
Guests who prefer to skip the formal wear altogether and embrace a more casual cruising experience can always enjoy dining at other venues while a Formal Night is being hosted.
If a Formal Night is being hosted in the main dining room, passengers will always have the option to visit Windjammer, an included buffet-style restaurant on every Royal Caribbean ship.
For those who do not want to pay extra to dine at a specialty restaurant, Windjammer is a popular alternative. Plus, it has a casual dress code and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it is always an option if you want to keep your cruise casual.
If you don’t mind dressing up but want to avoid participating in a Formal Night event, you can always choose a specialty restaurant, where a smart-casual dress code is typically good enough.
Remember, you can attend a Formal Night event without fully dressing up. Generally, a collared shirt and trousers for men and a dress, skirt, or blouse for women will be acceptable.
Packing for Formal Night
If you want to get the most out of the Royal Caribbean Formal Night experience, you will want to make sure that you plan ahead. Picking out a couple of outfit choices early in your packing process will help give you a few options.
Even if you are unsure if you will attend, it is always a good idea to give yourself the option by packing a more formal outfit. Mixing and matching a few different outfits can also help you maximize your options while minimizing the space you take up in your bags.
A pair of versatile shoes that work with multiple outfitsbut are still dressy enough for a Formal Night is a great way to cut down on unnecessary items. Neutral accessories and darker colors can also help you get away with bringing less but still attending more than one Formal Night.
When it comes to actually packing your preferred outfits, you will want to fold them in your bag carefully. A good tip is placing tissue paper between items, which helps prevent friction and minimizes wrinkles. This is a really good option for more delicate items, like dresses.
Packing cubes can also help separate your clothes and keep them from becoming overly wrinkly.
Getting Your Formal Night Attire Pressed
Cruise Ship Laundry Room
It is also worth noting that Royal Caribbean offers laundry services. If you are worried about your formal clothing becoming wrinkled in your luggage, you can pay for the Dress to Impress Express Press Special, a unique service offered in conjunction with Formal Nights.
For just $17.49, you can fill a bag with as many clothes as you can stuff in. The clothes will then be fully pressed by professionals and returned to your stateroom or suite within 24 hours.
You simply mark on the sheet provided which types of clothes and their quantity have been placed in the bag. The bag is then taken, and your clothes are returned, pressed and ready for you to wear to Formal Night.
Having your clothing laundered is also a good idea for longer cruises where you may want to attend multiple Formal Night events.
Rather than needing several outfits, you can just repeat the same and still have the same formal appearance. Plus, it is surprisingly affordable and even included free of charge for certain suite guests.
Making the Most of Formal Night
Formal Night Photos on Royal Caribbean Cruise (Photo Credit: Solarisys)
At its core, Formal Night is all about enjoying the unique and fun experience. It was not designed to make anyone feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Choose clothing you feel confident and comfortable in. Not only will you enjoy the experience more, but you will also be able to navigate the ship and dining room much more easily.
Another huge draw of a Formal Night is the opportunity to have high-quality photographs taken to remember the occasion.
Royal Caribbean always has professional photographers in attendance. They tend to move from table to table throughout the event, making sure everyone has an opportunity to have the event captured. You will also notice these same photographers tend to be stationed throughout other scenic areas of the ship on Formal Nights.
Whether you’re taking advantage of the onboard photographers for portraits or just snapping your own photos, Formal Nights can offer a truly special backdrop for making memories and embracing a more elegant side of cruising.
When dressing up for the occasion, aim for an outfit that strikes a balance between comfort and style, letting you fully enjoy everything Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night has to offer. Remember, nothing about Formal Night is strict. The crew and organizers will gladly assist you if you have any questions.
Conclusion on Dressing for Royal Caribbean Formal Nights
Royal Caribbean’s Formal Night offers a wonderful chance to embrace the type of elegance that was once a staple of first-class ocean travel.
If you are looking for something a little bit different and an escape from the more casual, poolside atmosphere found on modern cruise ships, enjoying the unique atmosphere of a Royal Caribbean Formal Night can be one of the more memorable things you do during your vacation.
While dressing up is never mandatory, it is a chance to participate in a unique part of the Royal Caribbean cruise tradition. Make the night as formal as you want it to be.
If you do want to attend, make sure you check the schedule for your voyage. Depending on the ship’s itinerary, you may have multiple options, and you could even participate in more than one Formal Night.
