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Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison: Facts and Stats

Holly Riddle
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Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison: Facts and Stats

Utopia of the Seas, the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, debuted in July 2024, sailing its inaugural season from Port Canaveral, Florida. At the time, it made waves for a multitude of reasons, including new features and weekend-friendly itineraries.

However, there was one thing that really made this ship stand out: the Utopia of the Seas size. This ship is massive and, at debut, was the second-largest ship in the world. Just how big is it? Here’s everything you need to know.

In This Article:

Just How Big is Utopia of the Seas?

Utopia of the Seas is a giant cruise ship constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France. It is 236,473 gross tons, 1,188 feet long, 211 feet wide, and has 18 decks, 16 of which are for guests. The sixth oasis-class vessel also has a passenger capacity of 5,668 at double occupancy and 2,290 crew members.

Debuting as the second-largest cruise ship in the world, Utopia of the Seas fell behind only another Royal Caribbean International ship: Icon of the Seas. The ship was delivered on June 14, 2024, and officially christened by godmother Meghan Trainer on July 15, 2024.

The Oasis class has never been shy of setting size records, however. The lead ship, Oasis of the Seas, was the largest passenger ship in the world when it debuted in 2009, and Oasis-class ships have only increased in size since then.  

However, just what can you expect when considering Utopia of the Seas’ size? Let’s get more detailed about the impressive stats.

Utopia of the Seas Stats
Utopia of the Seas Stats

Utopia of the Seas Gross Tonnage

To start, the ship measures in at a total of 236,473 GT, or gross tonnage. Gross tonnage is a type of measurement that looks at a ship’s internal volume. Each “gross ton” is the equivalent of 100 cubic feet of interior closed space.

Utopia of the Seas is just about a thousand more GT than its sister ship, Wonder of the Seas, which debuted in 2022, but still about 12,000 fewer GT than the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

Utopia of the Seas Length

The ship is 1,188 feet long, so about a quarter of a mile long. If you were to walk the entire length of the ship, end to end, it would take you about 10–15 minutes, so long as you didn’t stop to look around (which is admittedly hard given all this ship’s cool features).

Utopia of the Seas’ length is very similar to that of both Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, with just a few feet of difference between them.

Utopia of the Seas Height

As for height, Utopia of the Seas is about 240 feet tall. That averages out to about the same size as a 24-story building (or taller than the Statue of Liberty, if you’re just looking at at the height of the statue itself, and not the base!).  

Utopia of the Seas Size Comparison

Want a quick look at how Utopia of the Seas size stacks up against other large cruise ships, beyond the Royal Caribbean fleet? 

 Gross TonsLengthStateroomsPassenger capacity at double occupancy
Utopia of the Seas236,4731,188 ft. 2,8345,668
Icon of the Seas248,6631,196 ft.2,8055,610
Carnival Jubilee182,0151,132 ft. 2,6265,228
MSC World Europa215,8631,094 ft.2,6265,224

Utopia of the Seas Capacity

A ship of this size can accommodate a lot of passengers, as you’d expect. Utopia of the Seas fits 5,668 passengers at double occupancy. This means that, if every stateroom or suite on the ship has two people staying in them, then the ship can hold 5,228 people. 

Of course, as any avid cruiser knows, it’s not typically the case that passengers are so equally divided across a ship. Many suites will have several people or even entire groups in them, while some smaller staterooms may only have one cruiser.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

However, the double occupancy passenger capacity provides you with a good average of what to expect, in terms of how many people will be on a cruise. So, if you plan on taking a Utopia of the Seas cruise, plan to do so with about five thousand other people.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas Size Comparison – Facts and Stats

All those passengers are going to need some care and attention, and that’s where the crew comes in. Utopia of the Seas is staffed by 2,290 international crew members, which works out to about one crew member for every two to three passengers.  

Utopia of the Seas Cabins

All those people have to stay somewhere. On Utopia of the Seas, you’ll find 2,834 staterooms, but there are many, many different types of staterooms on this ship, including 168 oceanview rooms, 1,918 balcony staterooms, and 176 suites.

Beyond these general categories, the staterooms can be broken down even further. For example, there are…

Studio Single Cabins

These cabins can technically fit two cruisers, but are ideal for single cruisers as they can be booked at a single-occupancy rate, so you can avoid that pesky fee that often comes with booking a cruise ship cabin meant for multiple people as a solo traveler (called a single supplement).

Interior Cabin
Interior Cabin

These cabins range from about 95 to 105 square feet, depending on if you have a window or not.

Virtual Balcony interior cabins

While not a feature that’s on all Royal Caribbean ships, Utopia of the Seas does include a few virtual balcony interior cabins. While the virtual balcony feature isn’t exactly new anymore, it is still a cool touch if you’ve never stayed in a room with one before.

Essentially, a large screen projects real-time, outside views, onto your wall, as if you were looking out a balcony window. These cabins range from 150 to 170 square feet.

Spacious Interior Family Cabins

These slightly larger interior cabins, with 270 square feet, are made with families in mind, and feature bunk beds.

Boardwalk, Central Park and Promenade View Interior Cabins

Throughout a few of the ship’s neighborhoods (which we’ll cover in just a moment), there are cabins that are technically interior cabins, but they have large windows that overlook the neighborhood scenery. 

These are a nice option if you want a little extra light and less boxy feel than you might get with a standard interior room, but do note that they may come with extra noise from the surrounding neighborhood.

These cabins measure in at around 180 square feet, so they’re slightly larger than the virtual balcony interior cabins. 

Boardwalk and Central Park Balcony Cabins

Boardwalk Balcony Cabin
Boardwalk Balcony Cabin

Similarly, and at just a bit larger (190 square feet inside, 50 square feet outside), these cabins feature balconies, but rather than the balconies facing the ocean, they overlook the neighborhood that they’re situated in. So, your boardwalk view balcony would overlook the boardwalk, for example.

Oceanview Cabins

Just what they sound like, these classic cabins offer windows that face the ship’s exterior, for ocean views. They’re around 175–185 square feet.

Oceanview Cabins
Oceanview Cabins

Family Oceanview Cabins

These cabins are a little larger, at 285 to 365 square feet, and actually offer a second bedroom, as well as a double sofa bed in the living space. 

Spacious Ocean View Balcony Cabin

These ocean view balcony cabins offer the furnished, large balcony that you’d expect, but the verandahs are a little on the larger side, compared to what you might get with a balcony cabin facing the boardwalk or Central Park. They’re around 180 to 190 square feet inside, with a verandah that’s up to 80 square feet.

Spacious Ocean View Balcony Cabin
Spacious Ocean View Balcony Cabin

Ultra-Spacious Family Balcony Cabin

This cabin blends the benefits of a family cabin with a spacious private balcony cabin, for more sleeping space and a bigger verandah. All that space adds up to 305–405 square feet inside and 80–110 square feet outside. 

Junior Suite

As we get into the suites, the most basic is the junior suite, and it’s not really a suite. There’s no separate bedroom, but you do get all the suite-class amenities and perks, such as access to the suite-guest only restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, and concierge services.

Depending on the exact junior suite you book, it will be either 290 or 300 square feet inside, with either a 80 or 120-square-foot verandah. 

Grand Suites

The one-bedroom grand suites are luxuriously outfitted and feature desirable amenities such as double vanities, bar areas and large balconies. They’re 530 square feet inside, with a 110-square-foot balcony.

AquaTheater Suites

The AquaTheater Suite offers a wraparound balcony that can measure up to 650 square feet all on its own, plus a large living room, separate and private bedroom and a big bathroom.

This suite comes in both a one-bedroom and two-bedroom variety. Inside, these suites measure between 560 and 620 square feet for the one-bedroom variety and between 735 and 800 square feet for the two-bedroom variety.

Owners Suites

With a mammoth amount of space, both inside (860 square feet) and out (225 square feet), the owners suites are ultra-comfortable and the furthest thing from cramped. 

Crown Loft Suites

These suites are unique in that they feature a two-story loft configuration. The downstairs main level features a sitting area, balcony, storage space and bathroom. Upstairs, you’ll find the master bedroom, bathroom, vanity and closet. In total, there’s 670 square feet inside and 105 square feet on the verandah.

Worth Reading: Icon of the Seas Cabins and Suites Guide

Royal Loft Suites

Similarly, these loft suites are stretched out over two floors, but the royal loft suite is much larger and nicer than the crown loft suites, measuring 2,605 square feet inside and 520 square feet outside.

Royal Loft Suites
Royal Loft Suites

For example, there’s a bedroom both upstairs and downstairs, a big dining area, hot tub on the balcony and even a baby grand piano in the living space.

Solarium Suites

Solarium suites are big, bright and offer stellar views. Wall-to-wall windows wrap around nearly the entirety of the suite, offering constant views from every angle, no matter if you’re lounging in the large living space or in bed. Do note, there’s no balcony, but inside you do get 840 square feet.

Solarium Suite
Solarium Suite

The Ultimate Family Suite

This suite is set over two floors and offers enough space for everyone in the family, with tons of cool features that the kiddos are sure to love. Think an in-cabin slide, floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, air-hockey table, theater and more. It’s the second-largest suite on the ship, at 2,475 square feet inside and 540 square feet outside.

The Ultimate Family Suite
The Ultimate Family Suite

Utopia of the Seas Neighborhood Breakdown

However, you’re not going to be spending all of your cruise days inside your stateroom or suite, no matter how cool or luxurious that stateroom or suite might be. So, what can you expect throughout the ship’s eight neighborhoods? 

In general, expect more of what you’d see on any Oasis-class ship, but with a few new additions. Utopia of the Seas’ neighborhoods include:

  • Royal Promenade 
  • Central Park
  • Boardwalk
  • Entertainment Place
  • Pool & Sports Zone
  • Youth Zone
  • Vitality Spa & Fitness
  • Suite Neighborhood 

Here’s what you’ll see in each:

Entertainment Place

Starting from the bottom of the ship and working our way upwards, the Entertainment Place neighborhood starts on Deck 4, where you’ll find the Royal Theater, Casino Royale, The Attic, an ice rink, art gallery and Diamond Lounge.

View of Utopia of the Seas Cruise Ship
View of Utopia of the Seas Cruise Ship

You’ll also notice that there are two casino spaces, one non-smoking and one smoking. A main dining room and the new Royal Railway—Utopia Station immersive dining experience are adjacent.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade starts on Deck 5, and you’ll find lots of retail here, as well as Boleros, Sorrento, Café Promenade, Starbucks, Bell & Barley and a few other bars, like the new Pesky Parrot, which is a tiki-style bar. Guest services is also on this deck.

Pesky Parrot
Pesky Parrot

Vitality Spa & Fitness

The Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood is exactly what it sounds like — the spa and the fitness center. You can find this neighborhood tucked away at one end of Deck 6.

The Boardwalk 

On the other side of Deck 6, though, there’s the Boardwalk neighborhood. There, you’ll find the Carousel, Sugar Beach, Johnny Rockets, Schooner Bar and Playmakers Sports Bar.

Central Park

On Deck 8, Central Park takes over a good majority of the space, with its greenery and light and airy setting surrounded by restaurants and watering holes.

Utopia of the Seas Central Park
Utopia of the Seas Central Park

You’ll find a range of retail alongside the dining venues here, which include Park Café, Izumi Hibachi, Izumi in the Park, Trellis Bar, Rising Tide Bar, Chops Grille and 150 Central Park. 

Pool & Sports Zone

The pool and sports zone neighborhood is on Deck 16 and 17.

On Deck 16, you’ll find loads of activity, from the multiple pools to Splashaway Bay, to a whirlpool or two, and some waterslides. There are also several bars here, such as Vue Bar and The Lime & Coconut on the pool deck. Restaurants include the Solarium Bistro, The Mason Jar, Windjammer buffet and the new poolside food truck, dubbed The Spare Tire.

Main Pool on Utopia of the Seas
Main Pool on Utopia of the Seas

Up on Deck 17, you’ll find even more to love, including the Ultimate Abyss slide (the longest dry slide at sea), Flowrider surf simulator, sports courts, the arcade and additional bars and eateries like El Loco Fresh and Cantina Fresca. 

Youth Zone

The Youth Zone neighborhood takes up its own space that stretches across Deck 14 through 16. These spaces include the Adventure Ocean program, nursery and clubs for teens and preteens. 

Suite Neighborhood 

Lastly, the suite neighborhood likewise sits on decks 17 and 18. As such, the guests in these suites get some of the best possible views from their top-tier locations, as well as a quieter, less crowded spot to retire after they’re done exploring the rest of the ship.

Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas

Final Words on Utopia of the Seas Size

there’s no doubt that Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas is a giant of the seas! Even though the vessel is not the largest in the world, it still offers some of the best cruising experiences in the industry.

The ship’s size, with its eight neighborhoods, allows the 5,668 guests to be spread out. There are many different things to keep any type of cruiser busy, even during a sea day. You won’t feel that the ship is overcrowded, and as the sixth in its class, the cruise line has plenty of experience managing this.

Read Also: Icon of the Seas vs Titanic: A Giant Comparison

The Royal Caribbean cruise ship will not be the final one in the Oasis class, so it will likely be overtaken in size when the next ship in the class joins the fleet in 2028. Of course, the Icon class, which started with Icon of the Seas, is the world’s largest.

Saudi Cruise Line Renames First Ship in Its Fleet

Donna Tunney
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Saudi Cruise Line Renames First Ship in Its Fleet

Aroya Cruises has officially named its first ship Aroya, a 3,362-guest vessel slated to debut in December 2024, offering itineraries from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, geared to the regional Arabian market.

Cruise Saudi, a publicly funded tourism entity that is spearheading Saudi Arabia’s plans to become a leading tourism destination, announced the name change. The tourism entity launched Aroya Cruises in June 2023, following the acquisition of the ship.

The vessel, which launched in 2017, has a complicated history for so young a ship. Her construction was started by Star Cruises under the name World Dream but was transferred to Dream Cruises during the building process.

Cruise Saudi bought the ship at auction after Dream Cruises’ parent company, Genting Hong Kong, went bankrupt in 2022. The ship was initially renamed Manara.

Bookings opened in May 2024, and by then Aroya Cruises was already calling the ship Aroya. No specifics about a renaming or christening ceremony were revealed, but the announcement noted that the new name is a combination of Arabian and roya, which translates to “vision” or “dream.”

“We are delighted to have officially renamed our first Aroya Cruises ship to Aroya. The name evokes a sense of wanderlust and excitement, which passengers feel from the moment they step aboard,” said Joerg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises. 

“We are looking forward to the launch in December 2024. A new very modern form of vacation is being introduced by Aroya in the Arab world,” added Rudolph.

The 151,000-gross ton ship is currently undergoing an extensive refit at a German shipyard, and will offer 1,678 staterooms in a mix of balcony and sea view cabins plus suites and villas.

With 18 decks and 1,600 crew members, the ship is envisioned as a floating resort with a wide array of dining and entertainment options.

Read Also: River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise – What’s the Difference?

The 1,018-seat Aroya Theatre will present live performances and movies, and a children’s zone will offer 20,000 square feet of activity space, including a large water park with water slides and a splash zone.

Exclusive spaces for women will be featured as well, including a dedicated pool, gym, and thermal spa. A full-service spa, called Blossom, will provide a range of services and treatments to both men and women.

Guests can also book a luxury experience called Khuzama, which features suite and villa accommodations and premium amenities such as priority boarding, VIP lounge access, an exclusive dining venue, and butler service.

Inaugural Cruise Series Focuses on Red Sea Region

Aroya Cruises, which operates as a separate entity from Cruise Saudi, detailed its planned cruise departures when sales opened earlier this year.

Aroya’s maiden voyage is slated to depart on December 16, 2024, on a 3-day sailing roundtrip from Jeddah. The itinerary includes cruising the Red Sea and calling at a private island destination owned by Cruise Saudi.

New Aroya Cruises Ship
New Aroya Cruises Ship

Similar itineraries of 3 and 4 days are planned through May 2025. Four-day cruises that begin on January 5, 2025 will visit Egypt’s resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, located on the Sinai Peninsula, during the “World of Discoveries” voyage, or Al Aqaba, Jordan, where guests can visit Petra on the “Cultures from the Depths of the Sea” journey.

Longer cruises are offered, too. A 6-day “Legacy of the Desert and the Waves” sailing, also from Jeddah, will call at both Al Aqaba and Sharm El Sheik, with an overnight call in the Egyptian city. A 7-day cruise adds Cairo, Egypt, to the itinerary.

These itineraries are similar to scores of cruises that were cancelled by European and other Western cruise lines after war broke out in the Middle East in October 2023. Most cruise lines altered planned routes to avoid the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Arabian Sea areas.

Red Bull Skydives onto Massive New Royal Caribbean Ship

Melissa Mayntz
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Red Bull Skydives onto Massive New Royal Caribbean Ship

Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas, welcomed some very special guests with a unique boarding procedure.

Rather than an arrival appointment, cruise terminal check-in, and trek up the gantry, these guests arrived via parachute to the ship’s helipad. The arrivals? None other than the Red Bull Air Force, joining the ship as part of the vessel’s inaugural celebrations.

The expert aerial jump team is the best in the world and they performed a precision jump onto Utopia of the Seas, the first skydiving event ever coordinated onto a cruise ship.

At the time, the new ship was positioned off Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

Two divers, Miles Daisher and Luke Aikins, completed the stunt with great fanfare and enthusiasm. During the dive, they trailed red smoke for extra visual effects, and celebrated their landing on the ship’s helipad with none other than cans of Red Bull.

The ship’s bow helipad is just 60 feet across, making the precision dive a challenge. Even more challenging is that the ship was using thrusters at the time of the jump, and while the vessel was not moving at great speed, the motion does add an extra degree of difficulty to the maneuver.

After boarding the ship – albeit in a way not available to typical guests! – Daisher and Aikins, along with their families (who boarded the ship more conventionally) were able to join in the rest of the inaugural festivities, including enjoying the Perfect Day at CocoCay and the ship’s official naming ceremony.

Red Bull on Utopia of the Seas
Red Bull on Utopia of the Seas (Credit: Red Bull Air Force)

“Thanks to Royal Caribbean and Red Bull for a great few days on Utopia of the Sea. Miles and Luke did a first ever skydive onto a cruise ship, we danced to DJ Ruckus and Rev Run (from Run DMC) I sung along with Meaghan Trainor, caught up with friends and danced the night away!” said Nikki Daisher.

Utopia of the Seas hosted amazing parties for her inaugural events just days ago, including the naming ceremony headlined by Meghan Trainor, the ship’s official godmother, on Monday, July 15. More than 4,000 guests were onboard the ship, including cruise line executives, VIPs, and members of the media.

The 236,680-gross-ton ship then enjoyed a huge “wave out” celebration from Port Canaveral as she departed on her first revenue sailing on July 19, 2024. Hundreds of well-wishers were on hand to send the ship on her way to a vibrant and productive service life.

Sailing on Utopia of the Seas

Utopia of the Seas is the first of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships to debut with short, 3- and 4-night sailings. Typically, new ships are introduced with longer voyages, which has been the tradition with the previous five Oasis-class ships.

Utopia of the Seas Sets Sail from Port Canaveral
Utopia of the Seas Sets Sail from Port Canaveral (Credit: Port Canaveral)

Utopia of the Seas, however, was deliberately designed to offer the “ultimate weekend getaway” with shorter offerings, giving travelers a new type of opportunity to enjoy the innovative ship with a week-long cruise may not be an option.

All of the ship’s itineraries will visit both Nassau as well as Perfect Day at CocoCay, and the 4-night sailings include an extra day at sea. Utopia of the Seas is homeported year-round from Port Canaveral at least through April 2026.

She can welcome 5,668 guests aboard at double occupancy, with plenty onboard for everyone to enjoy every moment of their amazing oceangoing getaway.

Virgin Voyages Offering Free Travel to ‘Kids’ Through End of 2024

Lissa Poirot
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Virgin Voyages Offering Free Travel to ‘Kids’ Through End of 2024

Sir Richard Branson and his marketing team have done it again. This time, it’s a catchy “Kids Sail Free” promotion for the adults-only cruise line. Announcing that they have “Changed their mind,” the eye-catching deal is offering its special for young adults aged 18 to 26.

Allowing “kids” to sail for free with their parents, guardians, or caregivers this summer, the new promotion offers families a chance to bond and celebrate before their children move into new dorms, search for jobs, or turn 21.

The offer, valid on bookings made July 23 until August 23, 2024, invites “kids” 18 to 26 to set sail aboard any of Virgin Voyages’ 110,000-gross-ton ships without any extra cost.

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady

The move is a departure from the brand’s 21-and-over policy, catering to families with grown-up children and creating an opportunity for multi-generational vacations.

“If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to sail,” said Virgin Voyages.

Families can enjoy activities like beaded bracelet making, dodgeball games, Salty Trivia, and poolside dancing during Scarlet Night, as well as an array of family-friendly shore excursions. These include wine tasting in Italy, cooking classes in the Mediterranean, and swimming with sharks in Bimini, The Bahamas.

Although bookings must be made by August 23, the promotion is good for travel through December 31, 2024, and children must be between the ages of 18 and 26 at the time of sailing. To book, guests must call Sailor Services directly.

Passengers 18 and 26 are not allowed to book without an accompanying adult.

What’s the Twist?

While the cruise line is having some fun with its latest marketing ploy, the fine print reveals a catch.

In the Terms and Restrictions, guests will find that the offer applies only to a second sailor in the cabin, such as a mother and daughter or a father and son. If a family of two parents wants to travel with one or two adult children, the third and fourth sailors will pay full price.

Families can book the “Kids Sail Free” offer in Central Sea Terrace, Sea Terrace, Limited View Sea Terrace, and Insider cabins, which allow them to sleep three to four, and Sea View cabins, which can accommodate up to three.

Virgin Voyages, which each hold 2,770 passengers, offers various bed configuration options, from doubles to L-shaped twins to twins when accommodating two. For larger groups, bunk beds provide additional sleeping space.

Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship
Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt)

Unfortunately, roomier XL Sea Terraces and RockStar Quarters are not included in the sale, which also keeps young adults from Richards Rooftop VIP lounge.

Interested families can select Mediterranean itineraries aboard Scarlet Lady from Barcelona. The ship repositions to Miami in mid-December and then begins Caribbean itineraries.

Read Also: Virgin Voyages Announces its First-Ever Comedy Festival

Resilient Lady is currently sailing in Athens, Greece, but will reposition to Portsmouth, England, in August for sailings to Holland, Belgium, northern Spain, and western France through September.

It will then briefly reposition in October back to the Mediterranean before making a transatlantic crossing to Miami and beginning a winter season in the Caribbean.

Valiant Lady is also sailing the Caribbean from Miami, with short excursions to Key West, Florida, and Bimini, as well as longer voyages to Puerto Plata/Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Costa Maya, Mexico, and Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos.

Carnival Orders Three New Class Cruise Ships at Almost 230,000 Gross Tons

Melissa Mayntz
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Carnival Orders Three New Class Cruise Ships at Almost 230,000 Gross Tons

Carnival Cruise Line has announced an order for a brand new class of ships to join the Fun Ship Fleet, with three new vessels confirmed with a size of nearly 230,000 gross tons.

The agreement has been signed with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, and the new ships are scheduled for likely delivery in 2029, 2031, and 2033.

“We are proud to be known as America’s cruise line with tremendous guest loyalty and an outstanding team that has enabled us to deliver memorable vacations to over 100 million guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new FUN features and excitement that we know our guests will LOVE.”

Few details of the new class are yet available, but each will have more than 3,000 staterooms for a double occupancy capacity in excess of 6,000 guests per cruise. When fully booked, as many as 8,000 guests may be onboard. Crew complement has not been announced.

The new ships will also be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and equipped with the most up-to-date, advanced energy saving and environmentally-friendly features, though exact specifications are not yet determined.

“We are excited to join forces with Carnival Cruise Line to debut a new class of ship, which will be the largest cruise ship ever constructed by Fincantieri and the largest ship ever built in Italy,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO.

“We are proud of the role Fincantieri has played in helping Carnival Corporation secure its position as the world’s largest cruise company and look forward to continuing this success story together,” Folgiero added.

The order for all three ships is still contingent on suitable financing, as is standard in the shipbuilding industry. Those arrangements are expected to be completed before the end of 2024.

Read Also: Carnival Ships by Size – Biggest to Smallest

The new ships will be the largest ever for Carnival Cruise Line, roughly 50,000 gross tons – 25% larger than the cruise line’s Excel-class ships.

Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee measure 183,500 gross tons, and all were built by Meyer. Each ship has a guest capacity of 5,282 travelers at double occupancy.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship at Meyer Werft
Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship at Meyer Werft (Photo Credit: MartinLueke)

The new measurement – 230,000 gross tons per vessel – is comparable with Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class ships, but still smaller than the new Icon class, which is closer to 250,000 gross tons. Still, final numbers won’t be confirmed until the ships are actually under construction in the next few years.

As Duffy has hinted that the new ships will be the “next generation” for the cruise line, there will undoubtedly be brand new, never-before-seen features, as well as Carnival Cruise Line favorites.

On the Excel class, for example, the Bolt rollercoaster was introduced, as well as new entertainment venues and dining options like Emeril’s Bistro and Shaq’s Big Chicken.

More Growth for Carnival Corporation

Before the new class debuts, Carnival Cruise Line will also receive two additional Excel-class ships, which will be delivered in 2027 and 2028.

“We are doubling down on the growth of Carnival Cruise Line – our highest-returning brand – to keep up with the incredibly strong demand we continue to see for the world’s most popular cruise line,” said Josh Weinstein, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Carnival Cruise Ship
Carnival Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz)

Two other ships will also be joining Carnival Cruise Line in 2025 as the P&O Cruises Australia brand is dissolved. Two of the line’s three ships – Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter – will be rebranded and transferred to Carnival Cruise Line, but will still offer sailings in Australia.

With the announcement of the new class of even larger ships, Carnival Corporation & plc will be receiving new ships in 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2031, and 2033.

Read Also: What Cruise Lines Does Carnival Own?

“We continue to take a disciplined approach to growth, strategically directing new capacity to the areas of highest demand at a rate of one to two new ships per year,” Weinstein confirmed.

Homeports, itinerary options, and sailing regions for the new Excel-class vessels as well as the unnamed new class have not yet been announced, but more information is sure to come on all the company’s exciting new ships.

Should Teenagers Get Their Own Cruise Cabin?

Catie Kovelman
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Should Teenagers Get Their Own Cruise Cabin?

When kids are little, spending time with their parents is always exciting. But once kids become teenagers, they inevitably enter that phase where they want to spread their wings and explore their own interests solo or with their friends – not their parents. 

This is something that one Redditor has recently encountered – and took to the popular forum for guidance.

The original poster, who has been cruising for the past decade with their family, is the parent to a 15-year-old son. Their teen has officially reached the age where they want to bring a friend on their next voyage – and stay in a separate cabin from his family. 

“My son (15) asked if he could bring a friend along with us on our next vacation. I’m completely fine with his friend coming along, I’ll even pay for the fare. The problem is that they want a separate room. I completely understand that,” the parent wrote on Reddit. 

“What are the rules regarding this?,” continued the post. “Is it possible to have my son and his friend (both 15) in an inside cabin and me and my wife in another cabin (like a balcony or suite/haven). They are very responsible so I don’t care if they are across the ship from me.”

The majority of Redditors were supportive of the idea, suggesting the separation would even make the parents’ vacation more enjoyable.

Read Also: What Are the Best Cruise Lines for Families?

“When we’ve cruised w/our boys, (who are actually men, btw) we got a balcony and booked the inside room right across the hall. That worked out great,” commented one Redditor. 

“This is the way, no pesky kids interrupting romantic time,” said someone else. 

Other commenters advised that the parents might want to think twice about their decision, or at least opt for cabins in close proximity to each other, to keep their children safe and on their best behavior. 

“I wouldn’t want them across the ship but definitely adjoining, keeps them from making any impulsive decisions that can be regretted and keeps them safe. Cruises are a happy place but you don’t know who you are cruising with, including staff,” wrote another Redditor. 

“I was always the cookie cutter responsible ‘good’ kid…but when I was 16 and had my own cabin on a cruise… I don’t know it just feels like there won’t be consequences bc your parents aren’t hovering and you’ll never see these people again…if you’re not worried that’s fine but just be aware that hormones are a-brewing at that age,” added another.

Giving responsible teens some extra freedom on cruises has clearly worked out for many Redditors. But of course, this also has to be allowed under the cruise line’s policies.

MSC Virtuosa Stateroom
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar

Traveling With Teens: The Cruise Line Perspective 

This Redditor’s question was two-fold: Can their teen bring a friend and can they share a separate room? Let’s start with the more straightforward answer first. 

The teen’s friend is allowed to travel with the family as long as they have proper, documented permission from their own parent or guardian.

Most cruise lines require a special consent form signed by the parents and the chaperones for the duration of the voyage that gives the minor permission to leave the country with a temporary guardian and participate in all activities onboard. 

Many cruise lines, including popular brands like Royal Caribbean, require that this form be notarized. 

“When a minor (age 17 and under) travels without their legal guardian, an accompanying adult must present a notarized form signed by the child’s guardian. This ensures the child has the guardian’s consent to leave the country and participate in release-form activities onboard,” reads the Royal Caribbean website. 

The non-family member will also need to have their own form of identification, and/or a passport if the sailing will be leaving the country. The trickier question to answer is if the two teens are actually allowed to share a room – which can vary by cruise line. 

While the general rule across the board is that all guests under 18 (or 21 depending on the cruise line and sailing) must have an adult in their room, there are some exceptions to this. 

Some cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, will allow minors to stay in their own room if they are in close proximity to their parent or legal guardian. 

“Under 21s – or under 18s if sailing outside North America – can only sail if they’re in a room with a guest who’s 21 – or 18 if sailing outside North America. The only exception is when they’re next door, or immediately opposite, their parent or legal guardian,” says the Royal Caribbean website.

Young Passengers Enjoying Cruise
Young Passengers Enjoying Cruise (Photo Credit: Sergey_Bogomyako)

According to Carnival’s website, Guests 12 and under may have their own room if they are next door to or across from an adult, while guests between the ages of 13 and 17 must be within three doors of a parent or a guardian who is at least 25. 

The cruise line also poses a youth curfew, which mandates all guests under 17 to be in their cabins by 1:00 a.m. unless accompanied by someone over 21. 

Read Also: What NOT to Do When Choosing Your Cruise Cabins

Naturally, some on Reddit found workarounds to allow their children to stay in their own cabins, even when it may not have been allowed.

Since their kids were likely well behaved and often out and about enjoying the ship’s amenities, it’s possible that crew members didn’t notice. 

“We usually book two rooms, one for the kids (10 and 7) and one for us. We book adjoining or connecting rooms, one adult and one kid in each, then switch. Nobody cares who is in what room,” commented one Redditor. 

“We just cruised RC and our kids (16 and 20yo) each brought a friend. We split the rooms up with my husband and I each in one. After we got checked in and settled into our room, I went to guest services and had a key card made for myself for my husband‘s room and for my son for the room with the other kids,” wrote another. 

Of course, honesty is typically the best policy – and the best course of action would be to call the cruise line to ensure the room arrangements are properly planned for and permitted. 

This allows the crew on board to create the best possible experience for their guests, and ensures that they know who is staying in each room in the unlikely event of an emergency where passengers need to be accounted for quickly.

Curacao Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers, and Getting Around

Emrys Thakkar
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Curacao Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Piers, and Getting Around

Curacao is a popular cruise destination due to its stunning natural beauty, ideal location, and vibrant culture. With pristine beaches and a unique blend of European and Caribbean cultural influences, it is the perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.

We’ll detail the Curacao Cruise Port in Willemstad so you can discover why it is one of the main gateways to the island nation’s various attractions.

Not only will we provide an in-depth guide to navigating the port itself, but we will also highlight some important travel information and nearby amenities so you can enjoy a seamless and memorable visit to this beautiful island paradise.

In This Article:

Curacao Cruise Port Location and Address

Curacao is an island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is considered one of the Dutch Caribbean territories, roughly 40 miles from the coast of Venezuela. The Curacao Cruise Port is located within Willemstad, the island’s capital city, on the southern coast of the island. 

Willemstad is built around a harbor called St. Anna Bay, or Sint Annabaai in Dutch, which is where the cruise port is located. This natural harbor splits the city into two distinct areas: Punda and Otrobanda. Both areas are easily accessible from the cruise port’s two terminal locations. 

The main cruise terminal for Curacao Cruise Port is the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, or Mega Cruise Dock, which extends from the coast of Otrobanda into the Caribbean Sea. The second terminal, the Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal, is located along the St. Anna Bay inlet on the western edge of Otrobanda near the Koningin Julianabrug Bridge, which connects the city’s two sides. 

Addresses for the Two Cruise Terminals

  1. Mega Pier Cruise Terminal: 4335 V82, A.H. Maduro Wharf, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao
  2. Mathey Wharf Cruise Terminal: 4358 H4Q, Otrobanda, West Willemstad, Curacao 

Terminal Layouts and Number of Piers

As mentioned, the two terminals that make up the Curacao Cruise Port. They are located in different parts of the city and differ in size. To make things simple, here’s a basic breakdown of the two: 

Mega Pier Cruise Terminal

Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two 

As you may have guessed, the terminal takes its name from the enormous pier designed to accommodate larger cruise ships. The pier extends directly into the Caribbean Sea and has a T-shaped design that allows cruise ships to dock with ease. This design also makes it easier for passengers and crew to board and depart from the docked ship and helps with cargo operations.

Mega Pier Cruise Terminal
Mega Pier Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Studio Barcelona)

While the pier is impressively large for a relatively small island nation, it only has a single berth for full-sized cruise ships. However, its location west of the St. Anna Bay entrance allows ships to come and go much faster.

A secondary C-shaped pier to the immediate west of the Mega Pier also leads to the same terminal facilities. This secondary pier features a passenger pontoon bridge that connects it to the terminal. 

The location of the two piers allows ships to dock more easily and allows visiting passengers to access the city’s attractions quickly. 

Mathey Wharf Cruise Port

Number of Cruise Ship Berths: Two

Unlike the Mega Pier, the Mathey Wharf does not extend into the sea. Instead, it is designed to allow cruise ships to dock directly along the channel of St. Anna Bay.

Mathey Wharf Cruise Port
Mathey Wharf Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Ievgenii Bakhvalov)

While the terminal is technically smaller than the Mega Pier Terminal, it can still accommodate a full-sized cruise ship because cruise ships can continue north along the St. Anna Bay Channel, then turn around in Schottegat Bay before heading back out to open water.

Terminal Facilities and Services

The Mega Pier Terminal is the larger and more frequently used of the two terminals and is outfitted with better facilities. That said, both terminals offer everything required for a seamless visitor experience. 

The Mega Pier’s facilities include a fast-track security and customs desk, several multi-language information booths where passengers can receive complimentary maps and general assistance, a tented area featuring various souvenir stands, and food and drink vendors. 

Taxis are available on site from a sheltered taxi stand, and there is also a designated area for tour operator pickups and drop-offs.

Cruise Terminal in Curacao
Cruise Terminal in Curacao (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

The Mathey Wharf Terminal also has a streamlined security desk for visitors and a single tourist information booth. There is also a basic convenience store where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and a few basic souvenirs. 

Both terminals allow visitors to connect for 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi, after which point credit card details are required for further access. 

If you want to avoid paying for Wi-Fi, a few cafés offer complimentary Wi-Fi, including a Starbucks location just 0.2 miles away on Baden Powellweg. 

Once you venture beyond the cruise port, there are also some well-marked free public Wi-Fi spots throughout Willemstad. The two terminals also feature well-maintained and accessible washroom facilities. 

Curacao Cruise Parking

Unfortunately, neither of the terminal facilities offers long-term parking. However, there are drop-off and pickup areas and designated taxi stands.

View of Willemstad, Curacao
View of Willemstad, Curacao (Photo Credit: SJ Brown)

If you have decided to rent a vehicle and need somewhere to park while you explore the city, there is a large outdoor parking lot next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort and Mall. It is just a 0.2-mile walk from the Mega Pier and a 0.5-mile journey to Mathey Wharf. 

Single-day parking is complimentary, but those not staying at the resort must pay overnight rates, which vary depending on demand. You can expect to pay between $10 and $30 per night. 

Cruise Lines that Visit Curacao Cruise Port

Curacao is a busy cruise destination, and its port can handle some of the world’s biggest ships. For these reasons and more, it is visited by some of the most recognizable cruise lines in the world, including the following and more:

Cruise Ships Visiting Curacao
Cruise Ships Visiting Curacao (Photo Credit: Chiyacat)
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Costa Cruises
  • P&O Cruises
  • AIDA Cruises 

Distance from the Airport and Directions

Curacao Cruise Port’s two terminals are roughly 7.5 miles away from Curacao’s Hato International Airport (CUR). Driving between the two usually takes about 20 minutes, but this is heavily dependent on traffic conditions when you arrive. 

For those arriving in Curacao by air, there are plenty of options for traveling between the airport and the cruise port. Taxis charge approximately $25 to $35 for one-way travel, while complimentary shuttles are available through several cruise lines, hotels, and resorts.

Curacao International Airport
Curacao International Airport (Photo Credit: Z. Jacobs)

You can also pre-book a private shuttle through Curacao Airport Shuttle Services, which costs roughly $15 per person. 

Driving Directions

If you have rented a vehicle at the airport and plan on driving to the cruise port yourself, directions are fairly simple: 

  • Head east on Franklin D. Rooseveltweg for 7.1 miles
  • Merge onto Nijlweg and continue until you see the turn for Baden Powellweg
  • Watch for cruise terminal signs and arrive at your destination on Gouverneur van Slobbeweg 

Transportation Available at the Terminals

Visiting cruise passengers have several options for transportation to and from the cruise port. 

Shuttle Buses

Private shuttle buses are used as the primary method of transportation for shore excursions, but they can also be booked by groups for pre-arranged transit to various destinations.

Sightseeing tour bus in Willemstad
Sightseeing tour bus in Willemstad (Photo Credit: Marcel Rommens)

While most excursions include transportation in their booking fee, private shuttle trips tend to run around $20 per person to most destinations in the Willemstad area. These shuttle buses will pick you up directly in front of the terminal where you arrived. 

Taxis

A taxi is the most popular way to get around Willemstad and the island. Taxis are also available at both terminals. They operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, and they can be obtained simply by waiting in line at either terminal’s taxi stand.

Not only do taxis provide quick and direct travel, but the metered fares are fairly reasonable, with most trips costing between $10 and $35 to anywhere within the city or to any of the nearby beaches or attractions.

Taxi Sign Near Cruise Port in Curacao
Taxi Sign Near Cruise Port in Curacao (Photo Credit: Jerry Sharp)

If you are hoping to book a taxi from outside the cruise port, the two primary providers on the island are Friendly Taxi Curacao and Dushi Taxi. Both offer flat rates for travel within the four main areas of Willemstad, and they charge fares per taxi rather than per person, which is the case in some of the other Caribbean islands. 

None of the rideshare services are available in Curacao as of yet, so you cannot take an Uber or Lyft.

Public Buses

Public transit in Curacao is limited, but the options that exist are based around a system of minibuses called “konvoiis.” These have basic routes around the city and some lines that connect Willemstad to the smaller towns, like Sint Michiel and Tera Kora. 

The rate for one-way travel is roughly $2, but you must pay in Curacao’s local currency, the Antillean Guilder (ANG). While there isn’t a bus stop directly outside either terminal, there are well-marked bus stops throughout the city. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Curacao?

Curacao’s tropical climate makes it a year-round travel destination; however, most visitors agree that the dry season is the best time to explore the island. In Curacao, the dry season runs from early January until early April, which is the busiest stretch for tourism.

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

Cruise Ships Docked in Curacao
Cruise Ships Docked in Curacao (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)

If you want to travel outside of these months, here is a basic breakdown of seasonal weather conditions on the island: 

  • Winter (December to February): Temperatures between 75° and 84°F with relatively dry conditions.
  • Spring (March to May): The temperatures rise to 80° to 86°F. Relatively low rainfall makes it a good time to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Summer (June to August): The temperature averages 83° to 86°F, and high humidity levels can make it uncomfortable to be outside. Increased rainfall and a higher risk of storms can also be an issue.
  • Fall (September to November): Temperature averages drop slightly to the 80° to 85°F range, while rain showers remain fairly common. 

Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November in Curacao, but the island does sit outside the Caribbean’s main hurricane belt, so direct hurricanes and storms are relatively rare. 

Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Curacao is famous for its pristine beaches. Luckily, you won’t have to travel far from the cruise port to enjoy some of the best the island has to offer: 

Mambo Beach (3 miles from the port)

Also known as Aquarium Beach due to its proximity to the Curacao Sea Aquarium, Mambo Beach is the closest to the cruise port. 

This man-made beach has an entry fee of $3.50 USD, but it is well worth the price of admission. It features public restrooms, volleyball courts, a playground, and other amenities. Covered beach loungers and huts are also available for rental at $4 per day.

Mambo Beach
Mambo Beach

The turquoise waters are protected by a man-made outcrop of boulders, making it a great family-friendly spot for water sports and swimming. Plus, the beach is lined by the Mambo Beach Boulevard Boardwalk, which features plenty of stores, bars, and restaurants. 

Blue Bay Beach (10 miles from the port) 

Blue Bay Beach, also known as Blauwbaii, is a popular destination for many shore excursions, as the crystal-clear waters are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. The white sand beach is also shaded by palm trees, and the loungers provide beachgoers with a great view of the Caribbean Sea. 

Although the beach is quite far and charges fairly steep $12 entrance fees to those not staying in the nearby resorts, it remains a popular option. 

Kokomo Beach (3.5 miles from the port) 

Kokomo Beach is one of the most popular options near Willemstad. There is no entrance fee, and daybeds cost $3.50 to rent for the entire afternoon. The beach also features a restaurant, beachside showers, and a dive shop where visitors can rent snorkel equipment and more.

Kokomo Beach
Kokomo Beach (Photo Credit: Norma Coelho)

It can get a little bit crowded because it is nearby and doesn’t charge an entrance fee, but it’s a great spot to spend a few hours. You can also grab a stunning picture on the submerged swing set with a sign that says Kokomo, Curacao above it.

Worth Reading: Aruba Cruise Port – Piers, Getting Around and What’s Nearby

What to Do Within Walking Distance of the Port

For those in port for a brief port of call visit, there are plenty of attractions that don’t require booking an excursion or traveling far. Here are just a few of the many highlights: 

Queen Emma Bridge

Only half a mile from the Mega Pier Cruise Terminal, this large pontoon bridge connects the Otrobanda and Punda sides of the city by stretching across St. Anna Bay.

Queen Emma Bridge
Queen Emma Bridge (Photo Credit: JMT Photography and Media)

Built in 1888 and known to locals as the “Swinging Old Lady,” this floating bridge has a fun bounce as you walk across. It is fun to cross and provides a practical crossing point for those looking to explore the other side of Willemstad. 

Rif Fort

Only a 0.3-mile walk from the port, the historic Rif Fort was built in 1828 to protect the Dutch colony from pirates and rival settlers. Today, the fort functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the various stages of the famous outpost’s past, including when it was used to protect the island during World War II.

Rif Fort
Rif Fort (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

If you decide to visit, you can walk directly from the Mega Pier through part of the Renaissance Mall to get there, making it easy to shop before or after your visit to Rif Fort.

There are even several restaurants and food vendors just outside the fort, including the Royal Dutch Cheesery, where you can try various traditional Dutch dishes.   

Kura Hulanda Museum

Another historical site less than a mile from the port is the Kura Hulanda Museum, which features interactive exhibits highlighting the island’s ties to Africa and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Kura Hulanda Museum
Kura Hulanda Museum (Photo Credit: Serge Yatunin)

Learn about the history of Curacao and its people in one place. Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, French, and several other languages. The museum is located so close to Breedestraat, one of the city’s main dining roads, that you can combine a visit to the museum with a delicious meal. 

What Else Can You Do in Curacao?

If you are willing to travel beyond the immediate area surrounding the port’s two cruise terminals, Curacao offers numerous exciting attractions, each providing visitors with an opportunity to see what makes the island’s culture and natural beauty unique. Here are just a few of our recommendations: 

Curacao Sea Aquarium

This fun, educational, and interactive aquarium allows visitors to learn about local marine life, including sharks, seals, stingrays, and more. There is even an area where guests can feed flamingos or put on snorkels and pet stingrays.

Curacao Sea Aquarium
Curacao Sea Aquarium (Photo Credit: ByDroneVideos)

Not only are there plenty of exhibits to explore, but it is one of the most unique aquariums in the world because it uses an open-water system, meaning that it is connected directly to the Caribbean Sea. 

Since it’s only about 3 miles from the port, it’s easy to get there by taxi. 

Hato Caves

Although these unique limestone caves are nearly 7 miles away on the airport side of the island, they are still well worth visiting. In fact, they are one of the most popular tourist attractions on the entire island, which is due to their natural beauty and the fact that humans inhabited them as long as 1,500 years ago!

Hato Caves
Hato Caves (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)

Take a guided tour of the cave system and view preserved cave drawings, learn about how runaway slaves hid in them, and see stalactites and other natural features formed millions of years ago.

Christoffel National Park

This stunning and incredibly biodiverse park is the largest on the island. Although it is nearly 18 miles away and is only accessible by vehicle, it can be a major highlight of your entire cruise vacation if you are a hiking and nature enthusiast.

Christoffel National park
Christoffel National Park (Photo Credit: Gail Johnson)

You can fully explore Christoffel Park on foot by hiking the trails alone or taking a guided walking tour. You can also opt for a safari-style tour, where a local guide will take you around the park in an open-top Jeep! 

Dining Near Curacao Cruise Port

Willemstad offers plenty of culinary delights. Like the island itself, the food scene blends several different cultures, allowing visitors to sample European, African, and Caribbean dishes all in one place. 

For a unique fusion of Dutch and Caribbean cuisine, we recommend dinner at Gouverneur de Rouville. Located just half a mile from the port, this stunning restaurant is popular with locals and visitors alike. It also offers an outdoor dining area with views of St. Anna Bay.

Dining in Willemstad Near the Port
Dining in Willemstad Near the Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

If you want to try some of Curacao’s famed seafood, The Pen is another great option. The relaxed atmosphere and freshly caught seafood dishes are worth the 0.7-mile walk from the port. Open-air, beachside seating makes it an incredibly memorable place to enjoy a meal. 

If you want something a little more casual and even closer to port, The Pancake Sensation offers traditional Dutch pannenkoeken, waffles, American-style pancakes, and much more. It’s a fun place for breakfast, but it also serves food throughout the day. Since it takes less than 10 minutes to walk from either terminal, it’s an easy spot to check off your list. 

Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port

While the terminals do not offer the same level of shopping opportunities at most Caribbean cruise ports, Willemstad offers plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts that don’t require you to travel far. 

The Renaissance Mall near Rif Fort is less than half a mile away and offers a range of designer stores, souvenir shops, and dining options. Its uniquely historical setting also creates the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping.

Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port
Shopping Near Curacao Cruise Port (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)

Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge will find various stores and duty-free shops on the Punda side of St. Anna Bay. The area is considered to be one of the island’s best areas for premium shopping, and it is only a 0.5-mile walk from either port terminal.

With everything from craft and souvenir vendors to international jewelry and designer goods retailers, this area has something for everyone. For duty-free shopping, visit Penha Duty-Free Curacao, which has existed since 1708! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Curaçao walkable from the cruise port?

Yes, both of the port’s cruise terminals are located on the perimeter of Curacao’s capital city, Willemstad, which is very walkable. There are also plenty of attractions that are easy to walk to from the terminals. 

Where do cruise ships stop in Curaçao?

Cruise ships stop at Curacao Cruise Port in the capital city of Willemstad. Ships dock at one of two cruise terminals: Mega Pier Terminal or Mathey Wharf Terminal. 

What is the closest beach to the cruise port in Curaçao?

Mambo Beach is the closest beach to the port, approximately 3 miles away.

Venice Plans to Double Tourist Tax After Successful Summer Trial

Lissa Poirot
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0
Venice Plans to Double Tourist Tax After Successful Summer Trial

Venice, Italy, officials have announced the possibility of doubling its daily tourist tax to €10 after a successful summer trial. The trial, which charged day-trippers €5 during peak periods, generated approximately €2.4 million ($2.61 million). 

Launched April 25, 2024, the Venice Access Fee charged visitors for visits from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 29 specified days through mid-July, the peak of the city’s tourist season.

Venice has implemented an access fee for day visitors
Venice has implemented an access fee for day visitors (Photo Credit: Oleg Senkov)

The dates included those between April 25 and May 5 and every weekend from May 11 through July 14, and they applied only to visitors arriving for just one day.

The tax did not apply to hotel guests, who already pay a lodging tax in their hotel prices, and also excluded children under 14, residents, and workers. It did, however, impact cruise passengers disembarking to enjoy excursions in Venice, requiring them to register online and obtain a QR code for payment. 

During the trial, the city reported that the tax was paid 485,062 times over the 29 days, amounting to around €2.4 million. An average of 75,000 visitors per day were recorded, 10,000 more than the same period in 2023. 

The introduction of the fee was met with mixed reactions as the city fights to control an influx of tourists and preserve Venice’s cultural heritage. Some argued the tax was not enough to deter visitors, as evidenced by the increase in peak tourism in 2024.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro told local news channels, “We listened to citizens, associations, and thousands of people, but in the end, there were no alternative solutions to ours.”

The city said the revenue is intended for essential services like rubbish removal and maintenance. After such success, it will consider increasing the tax after examining the data fully. A decision will be made by fall.

Venice Struggles with Over-tourism

Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has been grappling with the challenges of over-tourism for years, with over 5.5 million visitors recorded before the pandemic in 2019. Of those visitors, 1.6 million were cruise passengers, and the city witnessed crowd surges surpassing 60,000 daily visitors during peak periods, more than doubling the population of the lagoon city.

The influx has led to significant environmental and infrastructural challenges. In August 2021, Venice implemented a ban on large cruise ships to address some of the issues. Ships exceeding 25,000 gross tons, 180 meters in length, and 35 meters in height were prohibited from docking in the historical city center.

Access fee and cruise regulations aim to control over-tourism in Venice
Access fee and cruise regulations aim to control over-tourism in Venice (Photo Credit: Jaro68)

Instead, large ships have been redirected to the nearby port of Porto Marghera, five miles from Venice’s historical center.

Read Also: Barcelona Seeks Tourist Tax Increase for Cruise Visitors

The decision came years after pressure from environmentalists wanting to reduce the damage caused by the vessels to the city’s foundations and environment, as well as UNESCO, which had threatened to delist Venice from the World Heritage Sites if actions were not taken to mitigate the impact of over-tourism.

Despite the measures, the city’s struggle continues. Venice still experiences surges of 30,000 to 40,000 visitors daily during peak seasons. If Venice moves ahead with the tax, it could generate nearly $5 million for the city in less than three months in 2025.

Barcelona Seeks Tourist Tax Increase for Cruise Visitors

Lissa Poirot
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0
Barcelona Seeks Tourist Tax Increase for Cruise Visitors

Barcelona’s Mayor Jaume Collboni announced plans to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in the city. This decision comes as a response to the city’s growing concerns about tourism overcrowding.

In 2023, Barcelona welcomed 803 cruise ships, which brought nearly 3.5 million passengers to the city. This number set a new record, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 13.7 percent.

This year, Barcelona is poised to beat that number. In the first half of 2024, Barcelona received a record 530 ship calls, marking a 15 percent increase compared to last year.

Cruise Ships at Barcelona North Pier
Cruise Ships at Barcelona North Pier (Photo Credit: terekhov igor / Shutterstock)

As a result of increased tourism, the city’s streets have recently been the scene of anti-tourism protests, with locals spraying visitors with water and throwing debris and trash at them. 

In response, Collboni told Spanish news outlet El País in an interview about combatting tourism, “We want to increase the tourist tax for cruise passengers who spend less than 12 hours in Barcelona. This is about protecting the quality of life for our residents and ensuring that visitors contribute fairly to the city’s economy.”

Currently, cruise passengers pay €7 per day. While the exact amount of the increase has not been disclosed, Collboni’s increase would be significantly higher in an attempt to discourage short-term visits.

Read Also: Barcelona Mayor Supports Limiting Cruise Ships and Passengers

In addition, Collboni’s administration is proposing several other measures to manage tourism effectively, including reducing the number of tourist apartments. The goal is to eliminate 10,000 apartments by 2028, freeing up housing for residents and addressing the city’s housing crisis, exacerbated by the proliferation of short-term rentals catering to tourists.

The city’s approach also includes limiting the number of cruise ships and passengers to control the influx of tourists. The proposal includes partial bans on certain days and at specific times to distribute the tourism load more evenly and prevent overcrowding in popular areas.

“I would like Barcelona to be an example of a city that has managed to have tourism and that this tourism does not go to the detriment of the right of the city,” said Collbini. “We have scheduled visits from cities throughout Europe and the rest of Spain who come to see that it is possible to do so.”

Barcelona Plans to Tighten Restrictions as Cruise Industry Flourishes

While Spain’s national authorities have been hesitant to implement outright bans on cruise ships, citing the cruise industry’s significant contribution to the national economy, Barcelona is pushing more and more against cruise lines. 

In October 2023, it implemented a partial ban on cruise ships docking at its northern docks, specifically the World Trade Center area and the Muelle Barcelona Norte. Instead, cruise ships must dock at the Moll d’Adossat pier, which is farther from central tourist areas.

The ban was designed to shift cruise ship traffic to more suitable areas and alleviate the pressure on popular tourist spots.

Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain
Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain (Photo Credit: Fernando M. Elkspera)

Collboni and his administration expressed support for further limitations on the number of cruise ships and passengers. The team has proposed reducing the number of cruise ships allowed to dock daily from 10 to 7 ships.

The city is also exploring removing a terminal to further control the number of cruise passengers, although it also recently opened a new terminal capable of hosting 10 ships at once earlier in 2024.

As tensions continue to rise, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has threatened cruise lines may boycott Barcelona and other Spanish cities for the safety of passengers.

Warning cities like Barcelona that they are ruining their reputation and putting off travelers, CLIA suggests cruise lines will increase visits to more tourism-friendly destinations. As it anticipates cruise capacity will increase 10 percent in the next five years, this could significantly boost economies eager to welcome cruise guests without limitations and taxes.

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