When it comes to packing for a cruise, it’s easy to feel like you need three suitcases just to cover the “what if” scenarios. But after years of traveling (and lost luggage), I’ve learned I’m happiest when I keep it simple.
I never travel with anything more than a carry-on and a personal bag – no matter where I’m going or how long I’ll be away. My longest cruise with just a carry-on? Fourteen days.
And yes, it worked – without feeling like I was wearing the same thing every day.
Fully packed carry-on and personal bag (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
Why Packing a Carry-on for a Cruise Makes Life So Much Easier
Before I explain the how, let’s get into the why.
Beyond the obvious (not dragging a giant suitcase around or waiting in line at the airport), there are real benefits to sticking with a carry-on when you’re cruising.
First, you actually have your bag when you board. You don’t have to wait hours for porters to deliver it to your stateroom. You can head straight to the pool, change into a swimsuit, grab lunch – all without wondering when your clothes will show up.
It’s also a major stress-saver if you’re flying to meet your ship or if your vessel is delayed getting into port.
Tight connections, flight delays, reroutes – if you only have a carry-on, you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost somewhere between you and your embarkation port. Your bag stays with you the whole way.
And, once you’re onboard, space is limited. Cruise cabins (even the bigger ones) aren’t designed for bulky, oversized luggage.
A compact carry-on is easy to tuck into the closet, leaving more room for you to actually enjoy the space and not trip over your suitcase for a week.
How I Do It
First rule: I only pack what I know I’ll wear. Not what I might wear, not what could come in handy – just what I will reach for.
Every item has to pull double or triple duty. Think dresses that can work with sneakers for daytime or sandals for dinner, and lightweight layers that can mix and match.
Color cordinated combinations (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
A big key to my packing is coordinating outfits before I pack. Every item has to match so I can wear a top with a skirt, a pair of pants, or leggings to serve as three different outfits.
I have the hardest time traveling when the weather is a mixed bag. For instance, on a recent Mediterranean cruise aboard Viking Cruises’ Viking Star, the weather varied from 50 to 70 degrees and a mix of rain and sun. On that occasion, layers were key.
Caribbean cruises are by far the easiest: swimsuits, coverups, and sun dresses. Done.
If I have to travel in cold weather, I’ll carry my coat onto the plane and use it as a blanket, stuffing gloves and a hat into my personal bag.
My entire wardrobe (below) packed into packing cubes (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
I also swear by packing cubes, which saves me space in my carry-on but helps me stay organized onboard. I pack by category (casual, dressy, swimsuit) so I can grab what I need without tearing apart my whole suitcase. It also makes unpacking a breeze.
Shoes are the trickiest part of my packing. I stick to three pairs, maximum, including the pair I will wear as I travel. I often wear the heaviest, bulkiest pair to keep space open in my suitcase.
Typically, I wear a comfy pair of shoes that are also stylish. I need these shoes to manage long days of walking tours and getting myself through the airport.
What I wore on the plane (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
Then, I pack a pair of dress shoes that go with all of my evening attire. My third pair is often a pair of running shoes so I can hit the gym.
The Packing List
Here’s a basic version of what I packed for those 14 days I traveled in the Mediterranean with mixed weather:
My entire wardrobe (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
3 dresses for nicer dinners in specialty restaurants (I stuck to dresses that rolled up small)
Bottoms: I wore jeans on the plane then packed a black pair of wrinkle-free pants, a pair of cream pants, and a long black skirt so I had 4 options.
Tops: On the plane, I wore a floral sweater under a blue sweater (I always get cold on planes anyway!) and topped it with a heavy cream-colored sweater poncho that would serve as my coat. I packed 2 light sweaters (one gray and one cream), 2 casual shirts (one cream and one orange for a pop of color), and 2 T-shirts (blue and gray) that could also be used in the gym. In all, I had 8 options and a cozy coverup.
I packed two thin leggings (one black, in case I wanted another pair of pants) and two sports bras for workouts, planning to wash them often, even if just in the sink.
I also packed a swimsuit, coverup, and a week’s worth of under garments and socks.
Additionally, I packed a lightweight scarf, a rain hat, a sunhat that rolls up, and a crossbody bag for shore excursions.
I wore waterproof walking shoes, packed a pair of black dress shoes, and a pair of running shoes.
I wore minimal jewelry, and I packed a toiletries kit using refillable small containers that I placed into my personal bag, along with my laptop, my iPad, my noise-cancelling headphones, a kit filled with chargers and adapters, my cell phone, my wallet, and my passport.
Still empty space in my bag for a few souvenirs! (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
Note that all the items I packed were color-coordinated and could be mixed and matched so my four bottom options could combine with my eight tops to create a multitude of outfits that didn’t ever repeat.
During our sea day, halfway through the cruise, I was up bright and early to use the washer and dryers provided on Viking’s vessel. I also did my laundry again on the last day, just so I didn’t have to pack dirty clothes.
What I Use
For the record, and without any sponsorship, my carry-on of choice is a hard-shell Carry-on Plus bag by Mono with a matching Metro Weekender as my personal bag. I travel so often that I made an investment in my luggage.
Enjoying a day in Nice (Photo Credit: Lissa Poirot)
I also use Mono’s packing cubes designed to fit perfectly into the case, and the Weekender bag fits right onto the carry-on and is held in place by the luggage handle.
Both are easy to wheel through crowded airports and down the aisle of a plane, and the Weekender fits under the seat on the plane. They also meet airline carry-on requirements and my weight was right on par.
A cruise to Alaska can be a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list getaway. Part of the phenomenal attraction of the Last Frontier is the amazing wildlife in the region – whales, seals, bears, and plenty of birds.
Carnival cruise guests cannot enjoy one type of wildlife interaction while sailing to Alaska, however – feeding the birds. This activity is not permitted from any Carnival cruise ship, whether in Alaska, the Caribbean, or anywhere else.
One recent guest aboard Carnival Spirit reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, about her disappointment about that restriction.
“[The guest] bombarded me with complaints about the crew on Carnival Spirit who told her children they could not feed the seagulls during their Alaska cruise,”Heald explained.“She is very angry about this.”
To be clear, the guest was attempting to have her children feed the birds from the ship, not on any shore excursion or organized tour.
“The feeding of any bird from any of the ships is not allowed,”Heald confirmed.“I explained that it is not safe for the guests because once you start feeding the seagulls they can become very vicious and take the food out of your hand with force.”
I love birds and always travel with a pair of binoculars and my favorite field guide. I’ve seen amazing birds from cruise ships, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes in Alaska.
Nevertheless, cruise lines have their restrictions for very good reasons. Gulls in particular can become very food-aggressive, and their pecks and bites can hurt if they’re grabbing fries, pizza crust, or ice cream cones from guests’ hands – especially the small hands of young cruisers.
But Other Cruise Lines Let Us!
Many cruisers seem to want to feed the gulls, but Carnival Cruise Line will not reverse their policy.
“What gobsmacked me was the number of you who agreed that telling her children not to throw food to the birds from the open decks was wrong,”Heald noted.“One person wrote that it was ‘cruel’ and another of you proudly said that ‘another cruise line in Alaska encouraged feeding the birds.'”
It is highly unlikely that any cruise line encourages this type of behavior, which is also dangerous to the birds. Any foods gulls might nick from a cruise ship is not nutritious and can lead to health problems for the birds.
“I do not for one minute believe this allegation but if they do allow this on the ‘Letthebuggerscrapalloverthedeck of the Seas’ then that’s their decision,”Heald said.“We do not.”
Despite the fact that I do eagerly look for birds on every cruise, Carnival Cruise Line’s policy is absolutely correct and in the best interest of the ship, guests, crew members, and the birds.
Carnival Spirit in Alaska (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
As gulls learn that cruise ships can be a source of food, they will begin to swarm ships searching for scraps. This can lead to unwelcome messes on tables, decks, and railings, as well as the birds harassing diners on the outer decks.
Other guests agree, and the overwhelming response to Heald’s response is that feeding the birds is inappropriate.
Many commenters shared their own experiences, particularly at the beach, where offering food to one gull brings on an entire flock.
“Saw 1 seagull. Fed it. Immediately it became a sequel of ‘The Birds,'”one guest described.“Never made that mistake again.”
Carnival guests should also be aware that the cruise line’s Cruise Ticket Contract – which all travelers agree to when they book their vacation – prohibits throwing anything from the cruise ship.
“Any dumping or pollution of any kind including discharge of any item into the ocean and/or waterways is strictly prohibited,”Section 9(i) of the contract reads.
It makes no difference that the “item” – a French fry, perhaps – could be caught by a bird before actually hitting the water. In extreme cases, feeding the birds could be interpreted as a violation of this environmental policy.
Furthermore, the cruise line’s Code of Conduct specifically notes that “any guest whose conduct affects the comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew will be disembarked at their own expense and banned from sailing on Carnival in the future.”
Feeding gulls and instigating their aggressive flocking behavior could certainly be considered affecting the comfort, enjoyment, and safety of other travelers, especially if guests are asked to stop but refuse.
While Carnival Cruise Line has not yet enforced fines, debarkation, or lifetime bans for feeding the birds, if the behavior is out of control, these steps might become necessary.
The brand-new Norwegian Aqua, the first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus class of ships, has officially set sail from her homeport for the next few months, bringing her innovative style and outstanding attractions to the Space Coast.
The 156,000-gross ton ship sailed into Port Canaveral on Saturday, April 26, 2025 to great fanfare and eagerly awaiting cruise guests.
“We are so thrilled to have Norwegian Aqua homeport in Port Canaveral for her inaugural season of Caribbean voyages,”said David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line president.
“Launching just in time for summer, Norwegian Aqua is designed to offer fun-in-the-sun voyages year-round with outdoor activities for guests looking for thrills, or who simply want to chill. We’re excited to have her begin her cruise journey with our partners at Port Canaveral!”
Through mid-August, Norwegian Aqua will be offering 7-night Caribbean itineraries from the award-winning homeport, alongside ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises.
“We have a great partnership with NCL and are excited to welcome Norwegian Aqua to our homeport fleet,”said Captain John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO.
“Port Canaveral is the ideal homeport for this new Prima-Plus class ship, especially with more guests driving in to take advantage of our easy in/easy out access. Our team looks forward to providing NCL’s guests with the customer-focused experience that has made our Port a cruise industry leader.”
Each sailing will visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, as well as St. Thomas, Tortola, and Puerto Plata.
Christened just two weeks ago in Miami, Norwegian Aqua is already getting around. The ship has made her inaugural transatlantic crossing from Southampton, and from Miami, has already visited Nassau.
Following her next several months sailing from Florida, the ship will move to New York to offer Bermuda sailings from the Big Apple, before returning to Miami in October for more Caribbean itineraries.
What to Look Forward to on the Brand New Ship
It is the attractions onboard that may be even more exciting than Norwegian Aqua‘s destinations, however. The phenomenal Aqua Slidecoaster is gaining more attention every day as the world’s first hybrid waterslide and roller coaster.
The smooth, powerful launch propels guests and their rafts to the top of the dual slides, which then race up, down, and around three decks before the watery finish.
Of course, for travelers who don’t much enjoy either rollercoasters or watersides, Norwegian Aqua has much more to enjoy. The Glow Court is a digital, interactive sports court for high-energy fun, while retro gamers will appreciate the arcade featuring Ms. Pacman and Mario Brothers alongside other classic games like Skeeball.
Norwegian Aqua Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Just dance)
For phenomenal entertainment, guests will want to grab a seat for “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and its concert-like immersion with the top hits like “Purple Rain” “When Doves Cry” and “1999” to enjoy.
The interactive game show “Price is Right LIVE” is also featured onboard the newest Norwegian cruise ship, along with other shows, live music, comedy acts, and more.
Foodies will also find flavorful fun onboard with 17 unique dining venues, including the specialty Thai restaurant, Sukhothai. The 10-station food hall, Indulge, is a unique dining experience and includes the cruise line’s first-ever plant-based eatery.
Prefer a relaxing vibe to your cruise vacation? You’ll love to spend time at the Mandara Spa and Salon, including in the stunning thermal suite with its ice room, steam room, and clay sauna. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club is among the most spacious in the fleet and is another spot for the ultimate relaxation.
While Norwegian Aqua shares a great deal of characteristics with her sister ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Luna, she is 10% larger in both overall size and guest capacity.
The smooth, clean lines of the ship and her multiple spaces that connect to the sea – the Ocean Boulevard with its glass bridge and infinity pool for example – offer unparalleled spaciousness and phenomenal ocean views for every one of her 3,571 guests to enjoy.
Couples planning their next cruise getaway will have more options to spend time together on Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the 141,420-gross-ton Celebrity Xcel.
The cruise line announced that the ship, launching in November 2025, will feature the brand’s first-ever brunch restaurant concept and an expanded entertainment lineup that will offer what it calls “date night, all day long.”
“Reconnecting with loved ones over new experiences is important to Celebrity guests,” said Michael Scheiner, chief marketing and product officer of Celebrity Cruises.
“Celebrity Xcel will be their happy place with new dining options and all-new entertainment and activities creating endless opportunities to ‘Date Night, All Day Long,’”he added.
The centerpiece of the new dining options is Bora, a new al-fresco restaurant serving a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
During the day, Bora will offer a lively brunch experience, while evenings will shift to intimate, seafood-forward dinners.
In the morning, guests can expect dishes like shakshuka eggs, croissant eggs benedict with lemon-scented salmon gravlax, and French toast.
Of course, the boozy brunch will be accompanied by cocktails from what Celebrity Cruises calls the “best Bloody Mary bar at sea,” and roving musicians will add a lively atmosphere.
In the evenings, Bora will transition to a chef-led dinner experience with dishes such as seared branzino, fideos negros tostados with razor clams and prawns, and lamb tagine with saffron couscous.
The setting will include live Greek and Italian ballads to enhance the atmosphere. Bora will be just one of 32 food and beverage spots aboard the new ship.
Celebrity Xcel will also introduce the line’s most extensive entertainment program, with three new theater shows, live music, interactive experiences, and themed dance parties.
The shows will feature Celebrity Cruises’ largest-ever cast, including singers, dancers, parkour artists, and specialty performers.
Boozy Brunch on Celebrity Xcel (Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises)
State-of-the-art effects, such as kinetic lighting, lasers, and large LED screens, will be used to create more immersive shows.
“Designed to create memorable moments of connection from morning to night, Celebrity Xcel will sail with our most expansive entertainment offerings to date with over 75 resident performers,”said Lisa Lehr, vice president of entertainment of Celebrity Cruises.
“The offering is brand-new at every turn, from unforgettable new theatre shows, new interactive shows in The Club, and a variety of immersive parties and live music options,” she continued.
Date Nights Sooner Than Expected
Currently under construction at the Chantiers d’Atlantique shipyard in France, Celebrity Xcel will be Celebrity Cruises’ fifth Edge Class vessel, following Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.
Floated out from the shipyard in late January, the 3,260-guest ship is scheduled to undergo her sea trials in September 2025.
Already set to be delivered from the shipyard earlier than expected, Celebrity Xcel will set off on a 4-night preview cruise on November 9, 2025. Her inaugural cruise will follow on November 18, 2025.
Sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Celebrity Xcel will alternate 7-night itineraries to destinations in the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, the US Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten during her inaugural Caribbean season.
In Summer 2026, the ship will move to Europe, offering 7- to 11-night Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Athens.
New features, like overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal, will also be part of the itinerary.
Families planning to cruise with little ones received an unwelcoming notice from MSC Cruises.
A new policy, starting on or after May 15, 2025, will no longer allow infants under the age of 2 to sail on itineraries that last 11 nights or longer.
The change requires children to be at least 2 years old – 24 months – on the day of embarkation in order to board.
Those who do not meet the age requirement will be denied boarding on affected cruises.
According to the MSC Cruises website,“For sailings of 11 nights or longer departing on or after May 15, 2025, children must be at least 2 years old (24 months) on the day of embarkation.”
“Infants under 2 years of age will not be permitted to sail on these itineraries.”
MSC Cruises states that the policy is in place for safety reasons, citing the challenges of caring for very young children on longer cruises that have multiple sea days.
The cruise line noted that providing urgent medical care for infants could be more difficult when ships are far from ports.
Families already booked in 2025 took to social media to voice their concerns, with some saying they received word that refunds would be available and others unclear if refunds would be provided for families that booked multiple cabins.
“Only refunds being given to the cabins euth [sic] the baby is in,” shared one passenger. “So, if like me, you’ve booked a family holiday consisting of 3 cabins, you will not be fully refunded.”
However, on its website, MSC Cruises says passengers “will be offered a Free Cruise Move with new pricing or the booking will be cancelled according to the standard cancellation policy.”
A caveat to the new policy, however, is that it does not apply for families who have booked two back-to-back 7-night cruises, “as these are considered two separate sailings,” according to the new policy.
New Policy Replaces 1-Year Minimum
Previously, MSC Cruises allowed infants as young as 6 months old to sail on most itineraries, with a minimum age of 12 months required for specific longer or more remote cruises.
There was no general restriction preventing infants under 2 from sailing in cruises based solely on voyage length.
“Infants under one year of age are permitted on board, except for Cruises that include eleven (11) nights or more, in which case all passengers must be at least one (1) year of age at the time of embarkation,” stated the cruise line in its October 2024 Terms and Conditions.
Although the policy change has upset some guests, the cruise line is actually very welcoming to infants.
MSC World America Young Club
Partnering with Chicco, ships are equipped with a limited number of bottle warmers, strollers, highchairs, cots, and other items parents need in their cabins and suites.
Its restaurants and 24-hour cabin service will help parents warm infant formulas, milk, and baby food, and its onboard shops sell baby products, including diapers.
Vessels in the MSC Cruises fleet also feature Kid Clubs, which feature a Baby Club for infants 3 years and under.
Parents can choose between MSC Baby Time, where parents can play with their infants in the kids’ club, or MSC Baby Care, where moms and dads can leave their babies in the care of qualified staff.
MSC Baby Care is limited to ages 6 months to 3 years and is available to a maximum of 15 babies at a time.
We got to experience all that the island has to offer over the course of an overnight call on April 10-11, 2025, and found plenty to do for adults and families alike, while also reconnecting with nature and developing a new appreciation for marine life.
From the MSC Foundation’s new educational conservation center to water sports and an array of kid-friendly fun, there is something for everyone on the Bahamian island.
Ocean Cay is the private island and marine reserve in the Bahamas that is owned and operated by MSC Cruises.
It’s located about 20 miles south of Bimini, and per announcements made by MSC World America Captain Dino Sagani during our mini cruise, is only 69 milesfrom Florida’s PortMiami – which is the new vessel’s first and current homeport.
At this distance, modern MSC cruise ships can make the trip from Miami to the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in just two to three hours.
MSC Ocean Cay is about 95 acres, or 38.5 hectares in size, and has approximately 1.5 miles of pristine beachfront for MSC Cruises guests to enjoy.
For context, it is comparable in size to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day in CocoCay, which covers 125 acres on the former Little Stirrup Cay in the Berry Island archipelago.
Although this is one of the bigger island developments to be owned and operated by a cruise line, it is still on the smaller side overall and quite walkable.
I was able to walk from the pier to the farthest point on the island in about 20 to 30 minutes – and I did that as I was still recovering from surgery on my right ankle.
There are lots of clear paths and signage, and our route was mostly flat – making the island easy to navigate.
That said, golf cart services and electric tram services are available for those who can’t or would rather not walk.
Transportation services can be found near the pier and at the Welcome Center – with VIP MSC Yacht Club Guests getting their own dedicated golf carts, which they can meet just after exiting the pier.
The History of MSC Ocean Cay
History of the Island (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Something that I found fascinating about MSC Ocean Cay is that it is not a natural island. Instead, it is a manmade artificial island that was built by Dillingham Construction of Hawaii via dredging in the late 1960s.
The island was originally a mining site where white Oolitic aragonite sand was sourced for a variety of industrial purposes.
By 2015, Dillingham Construction had abandoned the island and let it fall into a state of decay – but MSC Cruises saw an opportunity.
Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago signed a 100-year lease agreement with the Bahamian government to redevelop the island into a paradise for cruise guests – a project that cost $200 million when all was said and done.
Work officially began in March 2016 – and after a delay caused by the Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 – the island re-opened as an exclusive retreat for MSC guests in December of 2019.
The very first ships to visit included MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Divina, and MSC Armonia.
As of the end of 2023, the European cruise industry leader announced plans to invest another $100 million to continue to develop the island and establish the MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center.
Conservation and Sustainability
Marine Conservation Center (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Since its redevelopment, the island has placed particular emphasis on the conservation and restoration of coral reefs and the marine wildlife that live there.
For example, the Super Coral Program is all about understanding and improving coral reef resilience in the Western Atlantic Ocean – and even features a coral nursery.
Super Coral Program (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
My visit was particularly exciting, as I was on the island for the official opening of the Marine Conservation Center on April 10, 2025.
The new, state-of-the art facilities create a welcoming atmosphere where both adults and kids can learn about marine ecosystems in a fun way. Before the end of our visit, I saw knowledgeable staff members interacting with guests, eager to offer information and to educate.
No reservation was required to explore the center, which includes several interactive pavilions, a lecture hall with comfortable seating areas in the shade, and coral exhibition tanks.
Getting On and Off the Cruise Ship
MSC World America Docked at Ocean Cay (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
In order to start your day on MSC’s private island, you first have to make your way off your cruise ship – which you’ll be glad to know is quite easy.
The cruise ships dock right along the pier – meaning no tendering is required – and guests can walk on and off as they please within the time period that they are allowed to be ashore.
Only one cruise ship typically visits the island per day, which also helps to mitigate crowding and lines on the pier and around the resort.
The only line I really had to wait in was to go through security to get back on the ship, but this moved quickly. Even with only visiting the cruise line’s private island, all passengers and bags must be screened before re-boarding.
Did you know the MSC’s exclusive destination is home to several different beaches? It’s true that the island is home to more than five different beaches that each offer a unique vibe and experience.
Indeed, guests can soak in the sun from Sunset Beach, Ocean House Beach, Lighthouse Bay Beach, Paradise Sands Beach, Bimini Beach, and North Beach and South Beach – which come together to create a protected lagoon where guests can snorkel and swim in clear, blue water.
I tried to visit as many of these beaches as I possibly could – and was able to see all of them except for Ocean House Beach, which is reserved for the exclusive use of MSC Yacht Club guests.
My personal favorite beach was Lighthouse Bay Beach because I enjoyed being able to look at both the iconic lighthouse and the cruise ship while wading in the cool water.
Lighthouse Bay Beach (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
After swimming, my husband and I enjoyed getting a drink from the Lighthouse Bar and taking in the sights from the available bean bag chairs as we dried off.
Sunset Beach was also worth visiting – if only because it offers the longest stretch of beach on the island – and Paradise Sands Beach was our favorite option to find a quiet stretch of sand when we wanted to unwind.
The family beach, meanwhile, is called Seakers Family Cove – and is good for families because it has shallower water and extra seating. It was also near the food court and restrooms, which is extra convenient when traveling with little ones.
However, I will say I noticed a lot of seaweed and sea shells in the surf here, which made walking in the waves somewhat painful – more so than at the other beaches. If I am lucky enough to return in the future, I would definitely make sure to pack swim shoes to protect my feet.
After working up an appetite in the waves, there are plenty of dining options around the island to tantalize your taste buds – many of which are already included in the cruise fare.
These include the traditional barbecue buffet at the Seakers Food Court near Seakers Cove and four complimentary food trucks.
My husband and I had our lunch at the Seakers food court. While the food wasn’t extraordinary, it was still tasty and offered American classics like burgers, as well as some healthier options, such as salads.
The buffet had two lines that each led to the identical options, which helped prevent long lines from forming. Frankly, I expected the lines to be a lot longer than they were – especially because we didn’t make our way to the food court until more than an hour after it opened.
Crew members also handed out beverages at makeshift bars, which prevented crowding around drink machines (and was more sanitary in my opinion).
We also had no trouble finding somewhere shady to sit and enjoy our meal, so as far as free lunch on a private island goes, we really couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Of course, there are also more snacks and drinks around the island that come at an additional price, including refreshments from multiple bars – many of which offer an authentic Bahamian bar experience – a fifth food truck, and the Smiling Fish Ice Cream Parlor.
We made the Smiling Fish soft serve our post-lunch dessert, where the options range from $4 to $9, and thought the ice cream couldn’t be more delicious in the hot Bahamian sun.
Meanwhile, Yacht Club guests also have their own exclusive restaurant, called the Ocean House Restaurant, that offers a more upscale experience.
Of course, we can’t talk about MSC Ocean Cay without giving the lighthouse a moment in the spotlight – which is arguably the most recognizable landmark on the island.
While the lighthouse itself is wonderful to look at, for an additional fee ($10 if paid in person or $9 if you reserve in advance), you can book an excursion to climb to the top of the lighthouse – an experience that takes around half an hour.
We tried this out during our visit and loved the 360-degree views from the very top – although I will warn you that this experience is not for those with a fear of heights. Not only is the lighthouse 100 feet tall, but you can see through the grated flooring to the very bottom.
Steps of the Lighthouse (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
You will also have to climb 165 steps to the top of the lighthouse and then 165 steps back down to the bottom on a spiral staircase (but don’t worry, there is a secure railing to hold onto).
But while this may sound like a lot, you do get to take two breaks on the way up and down – which makes this activity a lot more doable.
During the breaks, your tour guide will also share fun facts about the island and the crew members who actually live there.
For context, I was able to make it to the top safely while recovering from ankle surgery and using a cane – but this is definitely an excursion where you need to know your own limits.
Additional Shore Excursions
View of of the Island from the Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Aside from climbing the lighthouse, cruise guests can book a variety of shore excursions through MSC for an additional cost.
These include experiences like jet skiing tours, a Sunset Champagne Cruise, and a glow paddle boarding adventure in the lagoon at night.
You can also rent snorkeling gear, paddleboards, inner tubes, wind surfers, and even a kayak.
And for guests looking for a more relaxed experience, beach cabanas and umbrellas are also available to reserve.
Late Night Entertainment
All White Party (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
As many itineraries that include Ocean Cay allow for late-night all aboard times or overnight calls, late night entertainment is top notch on the island.
The Lighthouse Bay Beach is often the home to the Luna Libra Beach party and the All White Party – which includes an all white dress code and special performances. Both parties feature music, dancing, and DJs, albeit with different vibes.
We personally had fun watching the White Party come to life during our sailing – and enjoyed the dancing, the music, and took note of many great photo opportunities.
While we are people watchers who preferred to observe from the sidelines, we could tell the other guests loved dressing up to adhere to the all white theme and were having a great time.
Ocean Cay Lighthouse at Night (Photo Credit: Caite Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
Ultimately, our personal favorite night time offering was the Light House show – which lasts for about five minutes and performs two times per night.
Though it was short and sweet, the musical spectacle was very much worth watching – as the more than 34,000 lights are really stunning when they come to life.
Spa Treatments in Paradise
Speaking of relaxation, spa treatments aren’t just available onboard, but also on the island. The Spa at Ocean Cay offers a variety of treatments, such as cabana massages and eco-friendly skincare, to relax you while you listen to the sounds of the waves and the ocean breeze.
The northwest corner of the island also has a selection of private bungalows and massage huts that are specifically for the VIP Yacht Club guests.
But if you’re not able to make an appointment on the island, we did notice that the spa onboard was a lot less busy while everyone was exploring the private destination.
Shopping on the Island
Store on Ocean Cay (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
If you’re looking for unique gifts or souvenirs to bring home for yourself or loved ones, you may find just the thing on Ocean Cay.
The resort is home to variety of small, but cute, stores that offer a mixture of authentic Bahamian goods and crafts, as well as MSC branded merchandise. I personally left with two cute T-shirts, which cost me what I felt was a reasonable $40.
If you are planning to go shopping on the island, make sure to link your credit card to your booking – which you can do through the MSC for Me App – in advance.
During my visit, the stores were only able to charge my MSC account and could not accept payment via cash or credit card.
How Was the Wi-Fi?
View of the Island from the Ship (Photo Credit: Catie Kovelman / Cruise Hive)
In our modern age, we of course love to stay connected. But if you’re worried about keeping in touch with your loved ones at home or posting on social media, let me assure you that you shouldn’t have any problems with the interneton the island.
MSC Ocean Cay actually has its own Wi-Fi hot spot that is separate from the Wi-Fi onboard the ships and works well – but you will need to purchase an internet package to access it.
I did also have cell service on the island from T-Mobile, and my plan allows me to use my data internationally at no extra charge. That said, always check with your cell service provider before using your data at sea or in the ports of call to avoid a big phone bill.
How Can You Visit?
If you’d like to visit MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve for yourself, all you need to do is book a cruise that includes this port call from MSC Cruises.
It’s been a rather tumultuous month for the cruise industry – and the cruise lines are proving that they won’t tolerate breaches to their code of conduct, and especially not acts of violence.
Multiple cruise guests were arrested in April 2025 alone between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line for acts of violence. For example, one guest of Liberty of the Seas was taken into custody after striking another passenger in the face in one of the elevators.
Just a couple days ago on April 26, 2025, a large brawl broke out in the Galveston Cruise Port between Carnival passengers – which ultimately led 24 people to be placed on Carnival’s Do Not Sail list.
These recent events have sparked curiosity among members of the cruise community who want to know if that ban could extend to other cruise lines forthe safety of guests who might run into past offenders while sailing with other brands.
“Do banned guests from RCCL get banned from other cruise lines as well? Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and MSC should share info on guests that get banned for particularly egregious misbehavior so they can’t cruise again. I’m not talking about puking in the hot tub–but violent assaults, sexual harassment, etc…,” one cruise fan wrote on Reddit.
“I’m actually starting to wonder if I should even let my responsible kids walk around the ship without an adult after reading recent news stories,” they continued.
“We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list. They can go on another cruise line if they want but are never welcome back with us,” the statement read, in part.
The only exception to this is that guests who are banned by a bigger parent company are usually also banned from sister brands – although this may be determined on a case by case basis.
Galveston Cruise Terminal Brawl
For example, guests who are banned from Royal Caribbean could also be automatically prohibited from sailing with Celebrity Cruises, which is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group.
The same applies to Carnival Cruise Line – which is the name brand for the parent company that also owns Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and P&O Cruises.
There are also rare occasions where cruisers who have been convicted of certain crimes may be denied boarding, which is a situation where a ban could transcend different companies, but this likely wouldn’t be connected to another specific incident that landed a person on a Do Not Sail list with one cruise line.
Cruise Lines Do Not Tolerate Bad Behavior
Once someone makes it onto a Do Not Sail list, their cruising career with that particular brand is over. The ban is almost always for life.
On rare instances, cruisers can appeal their ban if the decision was made due to a misunderstanding or the circumstances have been resolved in an acceptable way – but most of the time the decision is final.
All of the mainstream cruise lines – including Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line – enforce strict codes of conduct that ensure the safety of all guests and crew members.
In Royal Caribbean’s case, the policy clearly statesthat any guest who poses a threat will be met with a variety of consequences – including being detained in their stateroom or a holding cell, early removal from the voyage, and receiving a “denial of boarding on any future Royal Caribbean Group cruise vacation.”
Cruise Ship Passengers (Photo Credit: Dmitri T)
Loyalty benefits may also be suspended temporarily or permanently, and guests could also receive a demotion from their current tier status in the Crown and Anchor Societydepending on the circumstances.
As another example, Carnival has no problem levying these same consequences – but also takes things a step further by issuing a $500 fine to cruisers who violate their code of conduct.
“Consistent with our commitment to safety, disruptive behavior is not tolerated and any guest whose conduct affects the comfort, enjoyment, safety or well-being of other guests or crew will be disembarked at their own expense and banned from sailing on Carnival in the future,” Carnival’s policy states.
“All guests must acknowledge and commit to our code of conduct during the check-in process, and any violation may result in a fine of $500, possible stateroom confinement and removal from the ship,” it continues.
With this no tolerance stance in place across brands, rest assured that you will not be in danger if you encounter a past offender while sailing with another cruise line.
Most likely, that person will have learned their lesson and will be keeping their head down to avoid another lifetime ban – so you likely wouldn’t even know it if you crossed paths.
Additionally, cruise ships are under constant surveillance and have their own security teams onboard to address any possible issues that might arise.
Loyalty can create big benefits for cruise travelers, with cruise line loyalty programs offering highly coveted perks for their most frequent guests.
It is important to remember, however, that some of those most desirable benefits cannot typically be shared.
Carnival Cruise Line has one of the most desirable loyalty benefits with its priority boarding perk. This exclusive opportunity is available only to guests who have reached the Platinum or Diamond levels of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program.
These guests are able to bypass what can be long lines in the cruise terminal and check in more quickly, getting right on the ship to start the fun of their cruise vacation as soon as possible.
This very popular benefit, however, cannot be shared with others – even in the same travel party – as one upcoming Carnival guest has learned.
The guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, hoping to find a solution.
“I will be cruising on the Mardi Gras in August with a large family group. We are all Platinum or Diamond except except for my parents,”the guest explained.“For them this will be their first cruise. I am trying to figure out a way for them to board with the rest of us.”
The guest does have legitimate concerns and is simply hoping that Heald may be able to offer a solution or even an exception to policies.
“[My parents] do not use phones or technology for anything and I am afraid they would not do well navigating the boarding process alone. Is this something you could help me with or suggest any other options for how to arrange this?”they asked.
The solution Heald offers, however, is not one the guest may appreciate.
“We have to be very strict with the priority line, which I’m sure you can understand because if we allowed everybody to bring guests through the line, it would be a line that would be never ending,”he explained.
“What you can do is in this particular case, please wait for them to board. As priority guests you can board at the later time with them and help them and give them all the comfort they need to get on the ship. I hope that helps a little bit, probably not what you wanted, but I’m afraid this is the only way.”
Other Options May Not Be Possible
Other than the loyalty perk, there are two other ways guests can enjoy priority embarkation. Purchasing the Faster to the Fun add-on package gives travelers the same perk, as does booking a suite stateroom.
These options, however, do not appeal to this guest and their traveling party, and may not even be possible.
“Faster to the Fun is not available and they don’t want to move to a suite away from the rest of the group,”the guest continued.
Because this guest’s sailing is at least three months away, it is possible that more reservations for Faster to the Fun might be made available as the sailing date approaches.
This is not guaranteed, however, as the number of packages depends on the size of the ship, how many loyalty guests are onboard, and how fully booked the sailing may be. With a summer cruise, it is possible that Faster to the Fun may already be fully sold out.
While the loyalty benefits can be exciting to take advantage of, guests need to remember that such benefits are never guaranteed.
Carnival Cruise Line regularly removes the priority embarkation perk from longer Carnival Journeys sailings that have so many high-level loyalty guests aboard that the perk becomes meaningless.
This problem has been growing in recent years, and it is possible that the perk may be redefined or removed entirely as the cruise line updates its loyalty program. Such updates have been announced as forthcoming this summer, with full implementation of the new program likely in early 2026.
How could the priority embarkation perk be adjusted so it is more readily available to those guests who have earned it? It might only apply to the very top tier of the loyalty program.
Another option could be making the perk a one-time benefit rather than on every cruise. There is precedent for this, as another benefit is a one-time cabin upgrade for Diamond level guests, as well as a one-time complimentary specialty dining reservation, also for Diamond level guests.
In the meantime, guests do not absolutely NEED to use every benefit they have earned, and instead, could simply embark a couple of hours later to keep their travel party together.
One of the main reasons people like to take cruise vacations is for rest and relaxation. So, why is it so hard for so many to get a good night of sleep?
For one current cruise guest who is sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, the sleepless nights can be attributed to thin walls and one inconsiderate family.
The frustrated passenger posted a video to Reddit, in which children could be heard screaming and crying in the middle of the night.
It appeared that the poster’s cabin shared a connecting doorwith the stateroom belonging to the noisy family, which may have been making it easier for the sound to travel between rooms.
“Allure of the Seas paper thin walls? Or door for that matter…,” the cruiser began their Reddit post.
“I asked them to move me and they just keep telling me there’s no other rooms.. I have a balcony room with a connected room to some family of 3 kids and it’s just constant crying and screaming at all hours of the night…I can’t sleep. This is beyond annoying,” the guest continued.
As the passenger is currently onboard, it’s worth acknowledging that their voyage coincides with the spring break busy season – during which it’s quite possible that the 5,484-guest ship could be at or is close to capacity. This means there really wouldn’t have been an available cabin to move the guest.
The Oasis-class vessel is currently operating multiple 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings simultaneously, which is a popular itinerary.
In an update in the comments, the guest added: “This is 2nd night. I went yesterday to guest services and they called them to ask them to stfu then they called me back asking if the issue resolved and I said no lol and today no one checked in so. Am going tomorrow day 3 if they refuse to put me in another room I’m gonna ask for the gratuities to be refunded.”
This update shows that the crew members did advise the family at least once that they needed to tone down the noise, but there is unfortunately not much more guest services can do – especially if there really are no available cabins.
And as every parent knows, sometimes kids just cry. Especially while traveling, the change in routine and time zones can be harder for some kids than others – resulting in increased restlessness and water works.
But at the same time, parents also have a responsibility to look after their children and prevent them from disturbing other guests. Perhaps the parents could take the children to another area until they settle down or could seek aid from the nurseries and childcare facilities onboard.
Dealing With Noise at Sea
Unfortunately, noise complaints are fairly common in the world of cruising. From experience, the walls can be quite thin and partying guests are not always the most considerate of resting passengers while coming and going from their cruise cabins at all hours of the night.
That said, there are some ways of dealing with noise – and setting yourself up for success so that you don’t actually have an issue at all.
First, be strategic when selecting your cruise cabin. Try to avoid louder areas of the ship, such as directly above or below the pool decks, theaters, and dance club type environments.
As this Redditor learned from the comments section of his post, connecting staterooms also have a reputation for being louder than most.
“Never book a room with a connecting door unless you’re also booking the other room too,”one cruise fan advised.
“Connected rooms have an issue with noise sometimes,” another echoed.
But if you do end up in a connecting room, one experienced sailor had a tip to make it through with your eardrums intact:“Trick from being in the Service. If you have a connecting room, get some magnetic hooks and ask for a comforter to make a sound baffle. Sorry about your cruise being disrupted.”
Allure of the Seas Docked in Miami, Florida (Photo Credit: Adam McCullough)
Others recommended that the guest should play music or white noise from their phone to try to block out the crying.
All that said, the cruiser did do the right thing by going to guest services for help. Their job is to problem solve and help guests have the best experience possible – and it’s unfortunate that their hands seem to be tied in this situation.
Others felt that the guest should be pushing guest services harder for compensation and potential workarounds – especially if a cabin switch isn’t possible.
“In these situations your best bet is to take this video to guest services and tell them if they can’t move you to another room then you want a refund on the cruise. You didn’t sign up for torture and that is what this amounts to,” one person replied.
“You also should demand they TRY to sound proof the doors better. They can put rubber stripping and duct tape around the door edges and also hang up a comforter to try and dampen the sound,” they continued.
Whenever I travel – whether it is by land or by sea – I always make sure to pack ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones as a fail safe. That way if I end up in noisy accommodations and there is nothing to be done about it, I can still get to sleep at night.
I also like to bring a small portable fan with me – which can create some white noise and muffle sounds around me.
