Carnival Cruise Line is changing how guests sailing back-to-back are handled with respect to perks offered for these very special, very loyal passengers.
The updates are being implemented fleetwide during the week of February 19, 2024, and will give travelers more flexibility for enjoying their benefits.
Benefits Changing for Back-to-Back Cruises
Frequent cruise travelers delight in back-to-back (B2B) cruises, the type of extended vacation that involves two consecutive sailings on the same ship.
These unique cruise arrangements often come with a variety of benefits for guests, including priority boarding for their second sailing, gifts in their stateroom, and other special acknowledgments.
“That feeling of the cruise, not being over, is a very special one, and I hope all of you get a chance to experience that one day,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador.
Carnival Cruise Line is adjusting the benefits given to back-to-back cruisers beginning February 19, 2024, with greater flexibility for how guests enjoy their exclusive perks.
Previously, all B2B guests would debark the vessel at the end of the first sailing together, process quickly through US Immigration as required, and then return onboard to receive their new ship ID cards and stateroom keys.
Depending on the homeport and the number of passengers, it may be possible that customs and immigration agents come onboard for the processing and guests do not need to debark.
After reboarding the ship, there would be a group photo taken as a commemorative gift, and the travelers would raise a glass of champagne or orange juice to their unique adventure.
“We have found it easier and I think it will be better for you as well that we change this,”said Heald.
Carnival Panorama Cruise Ship in Long Beach (Photo Credit: mikeledray)
Now, back-to-back passengers will all still need to debark the ship or otherwise present themselves for immigration processing, and will receive their new shipboard cards upon reboarding. But instead of group photos and drinks, individual travelers will receive a coupon for a complimentary beverage and another for a complimentary photo on the first evening of the cruise.
“You can have your photo taken at any of the backdrops along the promenade, and then enjoy a complimentary beverage from any other bars,”Heald explained.
This will give travelers greater flexibility to enjoy their benefits as they wish, rather than a group photo they may not enjoy or a drink they may not prefer.
Recent B2B passengers have reported this process already in place on some Carnival ships, likely as the new process was tested and refined. Now, the new B2B procedure is being rolled out fleet-wide.
Guest Reaction
Both travelers who have already enjoyed back-to-back cruises, as well as those who are planning such amazing vacations, are responding positively to the change.
For example, because the process of debarking, immigration processing, and reboarding the ship all happen earlier in the morning, some guests have expressed that it’s better to not have to prepare for a photo first thing, and not everyone either enjoys champagne or wants to drink alcohol first thing in the morning.
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock
Now, guests can choose the photo they want and can enjoy their favorite beverage whenever they would like it, rather than being restricted to a single type of photo and type of drink at one time.
The new process will also be much easier to implement on sailings with a large number of B2B passengers, such as often happens on longer Carnival Journeys cruises, in conjunction with inaugural cruises, when a ship repositions to a new region, or even just combining alternating itineraries into one longer sailing.
On some cruises aboard larger vessels, hundreds of guests could potentially be on back-to-back itineraries, which could be nearly impossible to coordinate for a group photo or any individual attention.
While some guests will miss the opportunity to socialize with other B2B passengers during the changeover between sailings, overall, the new procedure seems as though it will better streamline the process and ensure everyone gets the most enjoyment out of both their cruises.
P&O Cruises has reported the best every January in the cruise line’s booking history, with record-breaking sales volume through the month across a variety of destinations. This continues to demonstrate confidence in cruise travel and demand for getaways, along with the value present in a cruise vacation.
Fantastic Sales for P&O Cruises
Many cruise travelers take advantage of wave season to book the best deals on future oceangoing getaways, and P&O Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation & plc family, has seen that demand create its strongest-ever booking volume for the month of January.
“The beginning of this year’s Wave has once again surpassed all expectations with record-breaking sales indicating a renewed confidence in the holiday market and the excellent value for money that you get with a P&O Cruises holiday,”said Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises.
Part of that value is due to the amazing offers P&O Cruises is extending to travelers. For example, the cruise line is currently offering a 20% off the Classic drinks package with any new Select Price or Early Saver deal accompanied by a 10% deposit, letting cruisers raise a glass to their vacation at a reduced rate.
Other types of deals that are often released throughout the year include savings such as reduced deposits, lowered fares, special deals on particular itineraries, and other types of options.
While P&O Cruises has not released specific numbers for recent reservations, the cruise line has noted that the most popular destinations for new bookings include sailings to the Caribbean, explorations of the Norwegian fjords, and getaways to the Atlantic islands, such as the Canary Islands.
P&O Iona Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: E.R. Images)
One of the cruise line’s newest ships, Iona, has seen the greatest interest from travelers. The 184,089-gross-ton, Excel-class ship is conveniently homeported year-round from Southampton, offering a mix of the most popular itineraries, including 14-night Spain, Portugal, and Canary Islands sailings, 7-night trips to the Norwegian fjords, and 7-night “Northern European City Escape” cruises.
Guests Booking Cruises Earlier Than Ever
Because demand has been high for months, however, the cruise line is also seeing bookings with longer lead times – further ahead of departure dates – which gives guests the opportunity to have a greater selection of itineraries, ships, staterooms, and other booking options.
“We entered 2024 better booked so we have less reliance on the lates market which is better for us and better for agents in terms of earnings potential,”Ludlow said.
This means travelers are booking for vacations further away, rather than last-minute escapes. Many ships from all cruise lines are sailing well above full capacity and there is not much availability for close bookings, particularly if travelers also need to make pre- or post-cruise arrangements for flights or hotels.
Last-minute bookings still remain popular for cruise travelers who are fortunate enough to live within driving distance of a cruise homeport, though options for stateroom selection, itinerary options, and other choices are often limited.
Many Cruise Lines Seeing Record Bookings
Many other cruise lines have also reported outstanding booking numbers in recent weeks. Holland America Line, for example, saw its biggest single-day booking record in history, thanks to wave season and tremendous interest in the line’s iconic Alaska itineraries.
Other new ships – Carnival Jubilee and Icon of the Seas, in particular – are also generating great interest for cruise travelers and are selling quickly. Have you booked a cruise already in 2024? Now is a great time to take advantage of cruise deals!
One of the biggest problems that leads to guest complaints on cruise ships is the infamous chair hog situation, when inconsiderate guests attempt to claim prime poolside lounge chairs for hours without actually using them.
Carnival Cruise Line has renewed its efforts to crack down on this problem and encourage “chairing is caring” with strict enforcement of its no-saving-chairs policy through sticker notifications and time limits.
Carnival Enforcing No-Saving-Pool-Chairs Policy
Chairs and loungers on the pool deck are in high demand on cruise ships, particularly during days at sea when many passengers want to enjoy time in the sun and splashes in the pool.
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald, who is currently onboard Carnival Horizon for his sixth “FFS Cruise,” has addressed the problem in one of his “morning walkies” videos around the ship, noting that the cruise line is doing its best to regulate the problem.
Crew members monitoring the pool deck – the “ChairShare Team” – are placing stickers on empty chairs that have towels clipped to them or are otherwise supposedly saved with a book, pair of flip flops, or other item.
The stickers that crew members put on so-called “reserved” chairs say note the time the sticker was placed and when personal items will be removed.
Carnival Cruise Line Lido Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
“We stopped by at _____ and found this chair empty,”the stickers read.“Hope you’re having a great time… but for the benefit of all we limit how long chairs can be left unattended. At _____ we’ll move your stuff to the towel hut for safekeeping.”
Crew members fill in the blanks with the appropriate times. The first blank is when the sticker was placed on an empty “reserved” chair, and the second blank is when the items will be removed – 40 minutes later.
“If they are not back by that time, we will remove it,”confirmed Heald.“It’s the only way we can make it fair.”
Always an Ongoing Problem
All cruise travelers, whether on their first sailing or if they have enjoyed dozens of cruises over the years, are familiar with this type of seat-saving, which can generate bad feelings when someone wants to enjoy the pool but finds all the best seats taken with no other passengers nearby.
Heald also notes that this is not an uncommon problem or a new occurrence, as it is found on all cruise ships.
“Ever since I’ve worked on ships there’ve been people desperate to get the chairs,”he said.
Of course, there is flexibility, and it is perfectly understandable for a guest to find a chair they want and put their items on it, only to leave briefly for breakfast, a restroom break, or to dip in the pool themselves. The problem arises when chairs remain empty for hours, unavailable for other guests to use.
Putting the timed stickers on the chairs is a way Carnival Cruise Line is attempting to mitigate the problem.
“We are doing our very very best,”Heald said.“It’s not a perfect system, it would be silly of me to suggest otherwise. But it is something that we need to do. People who say we don’t do anything, that’s absolutely not true.”
Carnival Cruise Line Deck (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
The timed stickers also give other guests a point of reference for when more chairs might become available, permitting them to return and check for newly opened chairs at a later time.
Carnival first began the timed sticker program in October 2022, and also updated signage around the pool area alerting guests to the no-reserving-chairs policy. Announcements are often made over the ship’s PA system to remind guests of the policy, and the policy is noted in the Carnival Hub app as well as posted on the poolside theater screens where available.
The cruise line’s website also discusses reserving sun loungers and the prohibition on saving seats in outdoor deck areas.
“Shipboard team members monitor sun lounge usage and if they observe a seat that contains a towel or personal belongings but appears to be unoccupied, a notification is placed on the chair indicating the current time,”the policy reads.“If the chair remains unoccupied for 40 minutes, the contents are removed and held for the guest’s safekeeping.”
Have you seen these stickers on Carnival lounge chairs? Have you tried to reserve a chair? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
The long-awaited Icon of the Seas made a big splash when it was announced, and for many, many reasons. It surpassed an array of milestones in the cruising industry.
However, when it comes to foodie travelers and their reactions, they focused in on one key detail: The ship offers more than 20 dining options, including several brand-new restaurants appearing on a Royal Caribbean ship for the very first time.
Now, Royal Caribbean International was certainly never shabby in the dining department (especially not when compared to other cruise lines), so when the brand said it was going bigger and better than ever before, cruisers got excited.
If you’re among those travelers watering at the mouth for a taste of all that Icon of the Seas offers — or even if you’re not, and you just are planning an Icon of the Seas cruise and want to know what you can expect to eat during your trip — we have you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about the many Icon of the Seas restaurants.
There’s no need to spend a lavish amount of money in order to secure an enjoyable dining experience aboard Icon of the Seas. Thanks to the ship’s many complimentary restaurants, new venues and menu upgrades, you can dine in high style without spending an extra penny.
In total, Icon of the Seas has 15 complimentary restaurants, including some venues for handy quick bites. That means, technically, you could go on a five-day cruise and eat three meals per day, and still not eat at the same restaurant twice — and, yes, all without spending any extra from your travel budget. Now, that’s a great deal that we can get behind.
AquaDome Market
Brand-new to Royal Caribbean, AquaDome Market is the Royal Caribbean’s first food hall. As such, the new spot combines a range of counter-order eateries into one location, for easy casual dining, no matter what you’re in the mood for. If you and your traveling companions just can’t agree on where to eat, this is where you go.
AquaDome Market
The food hall features five different stalls with walkup windows, serving five distinct types of street food: crepes, Asian fare, macaroni and cheese, Mediterranean dishes, and sandwiches and salads. Each counter offers limited options, though. The Creme de la Crepe counter only offers three savory crepes and three sweet crepes.
At the Asian counter, you build a bowl, essentially, topping rice or noodles with your choice of protein and veggies; the concept is the same at the Feta Mediterranean counter, but with fresh pitas. The macaroni and cheese counter offers five mac n’ cheese bowls, and the sandwich and salad spot offers just four sandwiches and three side salads.
Cost: Free
Location: The AquaDome
Basecamp
Young families will love this option. Basecamp has a very family-friendly vibe to it, with the colorful chairs and tables and nautical theme. The menu is pretty kid-friendly as well.
Icon of the Seas Basecamp
Think options like hot dogs and pretzels. There are a few menu items that come with extra fees, like chicken nuggets and burgers, so keep that in mind before you head over. There is a bar in the restaurant, too.
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island
Coastal Kitchen
The Coastal Kitchen restaurant is located within Royal Caribbean’s Suite Neighborhood, so while it is free, it’s only open to those with access to the Suite Neighborhood, aka cruisers staying in suites. Costal Kitchen serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu near the suite sun deck.
Coastal Kitchen
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: The Suite Neighborhood
The Crown Lounge
The Crown Lounge is primarily considered a bar, but it does also serve light bites. It’s only open to Royal Caribbean Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members as part of the cruise lines’s Crown and Anchor Society Loyalty program, but for those cruisers, the lounge’s snacks and drinks are free.
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: Royal Promenade
Cantina Fresca and El Loco Fresh
These quick-bite eateries offer standard Mexican-American eats, such as made-to-order tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. You’ll find both venues right next to each other, and they are a good option for guests taking a break from all the open deck thrills.
Cantina Fresca
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island, Deck 15
The Grove
Like Coastal Kitchen, The Grove is another restaurant that’s complimentary — but only open to suite guests. The Grove is more casual than Coastal Kitchen, and offers al fresco dining, but it still features a Mediterranean menu.
The Grove
Cost: Free (with Exceptions)
Location: The Suite Neighborhood
Main Dining Room
The main dining room is your place to go for the quintessential cruise ship dining experience. Think three-course menus, every single night, and an upscale feel that comes free of charge. (In fact, you’ll find that some specific nights in the main dining room are “formal” nights, wherein guests might dress up a little more than they otherwise would.)
Main Dining Room
Each night in the main dining room is different, but you’ll always get your choice of an appetizer, main course and dessert. Often, the menu options are varied enough that there’s someone for everyone to love on the menu, with premium American cuisine taking center stage.
Sometimes, however, the menus are themed around a different cuisine; for example, there’s French night, Italian night, etc. Still, even with the themes, there’s enough variety for most picky eaters (you can just about always find a steak and a Caesar salad on the menu).
Cost: Free
Location: Deck 4
Park Cafe
The casual Park Café is your only complimentary option in the Central Park neighborhood, but it’s by no means a lackluster one. Sit down for casual bites like sandwiches and salads.
Park Cafe
Cost: Free
Location: Central Park
Pearl Cafe
This sleek and modern restaurant situated on the Royal Promenade is primarily complimentary, though you can upgrade and purchase a few items (like specialty coffees) that do come with a small fee.
Pearl Cafe
This café isn’t necessarily the place you might go to sit and linger awhile. Instead, it offers light bites and snacks that are packaged for you to take on the go as you explore the ship. Think sandwiches and ready-made salads.
Cost: Free
Location: Royal Promenade
Sorrento’s
A long-time Royal Caribbean favorite, Sorrento’s offers pizza at all hours of the day, making it popular with the kiddos, as well as those looking for something to soak up all those cruise ship libations at a late hour.
Sorrento’s
Cost: Free
Location: Royal Promenade
Sprinkles
What goes better with a day by the pool than an ice cream cone? Not much. That’s why this ice cream spot is situated right next to all of Icon of the Seas’ cool water features.
Cost: Free
Location: Chill Island and Thrill Island
Surfside Bites
Befitting the Surfside neighborhood on the ship, Surfside Bites is bright and friendly, with an order window where you can request a limited number of menu items that are what you’d get at any water park or theme park. Think fries, cheeseburgers, pizzas, popcorn chicken and chicken fingers.
Icon of the Seas Dining
Cost: Free
Location: Surfside
Surfside Eatery
For, well, ever, Royal Caribbean cruisers had one buffet option: Windjammer Marketplace. That can mean, for cruisers who absolutely love the cruise ship buffet experience, the restaurant could get a little crowded and, wherever you were on the ship, you’d have to haul yourself to one central spot for all your meals.
Surfside Eatery on Icon of the Seas
No more is this the case! With Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has introduced a second buffet. Surfside Eatery provides a secondary buffet outpost in the lively Surfside neighborhood of the ship.
Cost: Free
Location: Deck 7 Aft Starboard, Surfside
Vitality Café
As the name suggests, Vitality Café is your place for healthful options. Expect granola and fruit, alongside a few upgraded menu items available for a small fee, like smoothies and fresh juices.
Cost: Free
Location: The AquaDome
Windjammer Buffet
If you’ve ever cruised with Royal Caribbean before, you know Windjammer Marketplace. This is the line’s classic cruise ship buffet. Don’t expect anything fancy, but do expect to pile your plate high with a range of scrumptious options, three times a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Windjammer Buffet
Cost: Free
Location: Chill and Thrill Island
Icon of the Seas Specialty Restaurants
While yes, there are quite a few complimentary restaurants that you can dine at, on Icon of the Seas, without dipping into your wallet, if you’re looking for something special — say a date night experience at sea, or a celebratory meal — or just want to splurge a bit, you have even more options.
Icon of the Seas’ specialty restaurants range from the opulent and over-the-top (see the new Empire Supper Club), to standard and expected (see Chops Grille). They range from high-end to casual, and cover a range of cuisines. From caviar to cheeseburgers, wagyu beef to pretzel bites, you can find it. Here’s what you can expect.
Celebration Table
Celebration Table isn’t really a restaurant per se. Instead, it’s a unique dining space in the AquaDome that offers a high-end environment, great food and a private experience, for groups and special occasions. Expect VIP treatment in this 12-seat space. (This takes the place of the ship’s older Chef’s Table.)
Celebration Table on Icon of the Seas
Cost: $999 per group of up to 12
Location: The AquaDome
Chops Grille
Chops Grille is the signature Royal Caribbean steakhouse and it fits that dining category perfectly. The interior is reminiscent of a big-city steakhouse with all the dark wood and leather seating you’d expect. The menu focuses on decadent beef options and sides, such as filets, ribeyes, New York strips, rack of lamb and Maine lobster, plus creamed spinach, jumbo asparagus and truffled French fries.
Icon of the Seas Chops Grille
Do note that this menu is not a la carte and, instead, you pay a per-person fee that comes with one appetizer (per person), one soup or salad, one entrée and shareable sides. A kids menu is also available.
Cost: $55.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: Central Park
Desserted
This ice cream parlor, with a twist, specifically focuses on milkshakes. Mix and match toppings and ingredients to craft your perfect treat at this new milkshake bar (and, yes, booze is on tap for the adults).
Desserted
Location: Chill and Thrill Islands
Empire Supper Club
One of the most highly anticipated new restaurants to debut on Icon of the Seas, the Empire Supper Club is gorgeous from head to toe.
Icon of the Seas Empire Supper Club
The decadent 1920s-inspired eatery boasts a beautiful dining room with lots of jewel tones, a sparkling chandelier overhead and velvet seating, with a live music stage at one far end of the room for the swanky three-piece band. You’ll definitely pay for all this decadence, though. The adults-only Supper Club serves a luxurious prix fixe eight-course experience only.
Cost: $200
Location: Central Park
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
This restaurant has become a staple on Royal Caribbean ships, as the brand’s requisite Italian eatery. Don’t expect anything super-fancy here, in terms of ambiance, but you can expect Italian classics. Think carbonara, gnocchi, pasta Bolognese, risotto, osso buco and more.
Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Cost: $49.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: Royal Promenade
Hooked Seafood
With beautiful ocean views courtesy of the long wall of windows to one side of this restaurant, Hooked Seafood is your place to both eat from the ocean and watch it.
Hooked Seafood Dining Venue
The seafood menus include a range of starters such as soft-shell crab, shrimp cocktail, ceviche and chowder, while the entrees are your typical lobster roll, mussels, salmon and fried fish platters. Pretty much all your basic seafood favorites can be found here.
Cost: $54.99 per person (for dinner; the per-person fee is slightly lower for lunch)
Location: The AquaDome
Izumi Hibachi &Sushi
A long-standing institution on Royal Caribbean ships, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, offers the classic hibachi experience. If you’re not up for hibachi, you can also, as the name suggests, dine on fresh sushi. If you’re going with the hibachi meal, you’ll pay a flat fee based on whether or not you want one meat or two meats in your meal.
Izumi in the Park
Cost: Starting at $30 per person
Location: Central Park, Deck 8 Midship Portside
Izumi in the Park
A brand-new Royal Caribbean offering among the Icon of the Seas restaurants, Izumi in the Park is an order window where you can request sushi and Taiyaki ice cream in bubble cones to go. The menu is simple, sweet and to the point. You can order various sushi options, which come in two rolls to an order, alongside your choice of an edamame or seaweed salad.
Izumi in the Park
A few hot options are also available. The bubble cones come in tempting flavors like rainbow mochi and matcha, with vanilla ice cream topped by matcha dust, a strawberry swirl, and rainbow mochi.
Cost: Under $10
Location: Central Park
Pier 7
While Pier 7 isn’t a complimentary restaurant, it does offer complimentary dining for children. Adults can find pretty reasonable prices, too. This is your place to go for all-day brunch, including classics, but also a few seaside-inspired bites, such as surf and turf tacos and mango lime shrimp tostadas.
Pier 7
Cost: Under $20
Location: Surfside
Playmakers Sports Bar and Arcade
Playmakers has long been Royal Caribbean’s sports bar option, and the same is the case when it comes to the Icon of the Seas restaurants. Expect all your staple sports bar fare here: burgers, wings, fries, nachos, etc.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
Cost: Under $30
Location: Surfside
Starbucks
It might not look like your neighborhood Starbucks, but it certainly tastes like it. Get all your favorite Starbucks classic caffeinated beverages at this outpost from the famous brand.
Starbucks
You can even order the holiday and seasonal favorites that you’d expect at any Starbucks location. In addition to drinks, the outpost also offers Starbucks’ food and even merchandise. It really is like someone took your neighborhood Starbucks and plopped it right in the middle of a cruise ship.
Cost: Under $10
Location: Royal Promenade, Deck 5/6 Midship
How Many Restaurants Does Icon of the Seas Have?
In total, Icon of the Seas boasts a whopping 26 free and specialty restaurants, not including any of the bars and lounges that might offer light bites in addition to their beer, wine and cocktails (like the Trellis Bar). There truly is something for everyone on this ship, no matter if you’re a foodie or just want some delicious fuel for your cruising adventures.
Icon of the Seas Restaurants
Final Thoughts
It’s clear: For foodies who want a spectacular cruising experience, Icon of the Seas delivers with its 20-plus restaurants and plethora of new venues. If you’re willing to spend just a bit more on your cruise, you can try them all, but even if you don’t pay to dine at a single specialty restaurant, you’ll still likely find that you have more than enough complimentary restaurants to fill an entire cruise’s worth of meals.
Didn’t manage to score a spot on this largest cruise ship in the world when it set sail from Miami to the western Caribbean in January 2024? If you consider yourself a fan of cruising, as well as a foodie traveler, there’s no excuse not to make tracks for this ship as soon as you possibly can.
While, yes, Icon of the Seas is so much more than just dining, with its entertainment venues and spectacular suites and staterooms, the range and quality of this ship’s dining program cannot be overlooked.
Cruise ships continue to dazzle the public eye and capture the imaginations of their passengers with their sheer size and sophistication, and that leads us to look at the Icon of the Seas vs Titanic!
Among the many vessels that have carried passengers in luxury and style, two stand out for their record-breaking proportions, unprecedented level of grandeur, and ambitious designs, just some of the mega reasons we’re looking at Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and the RMS Titanic.
Even though they are separated by over 100 years, both of these famous passenger vessels have carved out a significant place in maritime history. Today, we will take a deep look at how these two gargantuan ships compare. In doing so, we will look at their dimensions, passenger capacities, amenities, and even their historical legacies.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 250,800 compared to the Titanic, at 46,328 gross tons. Icon of the Seas is also much longer at 1,198 feet, compared to Titanic, at 822.5 feet.
If you remove historical context and simply compare the two ships in terms of their dimensions and total guest capacities, it is no surprise that the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, dwarfs the relatively antiquated RMS Titanic.
Naturally, a state-of-the-art cruise ship that was completed in 2024 is going to be larger and more complex than an ocean liner that first set sail in 1917, but that does not mean that the more modern ship was any more revolutionary or innovative.
That said, comparing the two ships by sheer numbers is a good way to grasp how much passenger ship design evolved during the time that separates the two vessels.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic Measurement Chart
Stats
Icon of the Seas
RMS Titanic
Ship Class
Icon Class
Olympic Class
Total Decks
20
10
Length of Ship
1,198 Feet (365 Meters)
882.5 Feet (269 Meters)
Gross Tonnage
250,800
46,328
Passenger Capacity
5,610 (Double Occupancy)
2,435
Crew Capacity
2,350
874
As expected, the Icon of the Seas is significantly larger than the Titanic, both in terms of its overall length and its weight in gross tons. Now that we have the sheer numbers, we can provide a more contextualized examination of the two ships.
Size and Scale Comparison Between the Two Ships
A quick overview will tell you that the Icon of the Seas is drastically larger than the Titanic. While the size and complexity of the Titanic when it was first constructed meant that it was considered a true engineering marvel of its time, ship design has moved on. Modern-day cruise ships, especially the world’s largest, eclipse the Titanic and its sister ships in every way imaginable.
When the Titanicembarked on its tragic maiden voyage in 1912, it was considered to be unlike any other passenger vessel the world had ever seen. At nearly 1,000 feet in length, passengers could not believe how much space they had to explore or how spacious the ship’s first-class accommodations were.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: lightmax84)
Like the Titanic did in its heyday, the Icon of the Seas is now considered a giant. While the 1,198 feet of the Icon of the Seas stretch is impressive, it does not tell the whole story regarding the size differences between the two iconic ships.
This is because, in the number of decks, you see how it overshadows its early ancestor. Where the Titanic’s nine passenger decks would have been impressive for the time, the Icon of the Seas doubles this number, plus the decks stretch the entire length of the ship.
You can also clearly see the difference in size between the two ships when you look at how they weigh up against each other. The staggering 250,800 gross tonnage of the Icon of the Seas makes the 46,328 gross tonnage of the Titanic look minuscule, even though the Titanic was considered a colossus during its time. So, even though the Icon of the Seas is only 35% longer than the Titanic, it weighs more than five times as much.
Icon of the Seas vs Titanic
This vast increase in decks also explains why the maximum capacity of the Icon of the Seas is so much higher than what was possible on the Titanic. When the Titanic set sail from Southampton, England, she was fully loaded with 2,240 passengers and crew.
On the other hand, the Icon of the Seas can carry more than triple this number of passengers alone. With the ability to comfortably take 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity and a crew of 2,350, the Icon of the Seas can carry a number of people in comfort that would have been unfathomable in the early decades of the 20th century.
Differences Between Amenities and Entertainment Venues on the Icon of the Seas and the Titanic
While the unprecedented size of the Titanic and the tragic circumstances of her sinking tend to be what the ship is most remembered for, its most remarkable feature was its opulence during its time.
With entertainment options and amenities that were never seen on an ocean-crossing passenger vessel, the Titanic symbolized early 20th-century luxury travel.
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (Photo Credit: Ceri Breeze)
Fast forward to the modern day, the Icon of the Seas seeks to captivate the minds of the general public in many of the same ways.
Even though the Titanic was marketed to transatlantic travelers as the most sophisticated way to travel and the Icon of the Seas was designed to be a floating paradise and a venue for the ultimate family vacation, both were designed to redefine what a passenger vessel could be.
To make the comparison easier to digest, let’s look at what each ship offered in isolation:
In addition to lavish accommodations for first-class passengers, the Titanic was centered around a grand staircase that would have looked impressive in any mansion of the time. For dining options, passengers were given options depending on the type of ticket they purchased.
Photo Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock
First-class passengers could visit a luxurious dining saloon that served gourmet dishes, a more casual and trendy Persian-style café, and the Verandah Café, which sat beneath a large-scale glass dome. Passengers with lower-class tickets also had several options to choose from.
Beyond dining and luxury accommodations, passengers also had several recreational and leisure amenities that could help them pass the time. This included a swimming pool, luxurious spa, gymnasium, several libraries, and a writing room. The expansive outer decks also featured shuffleboard games, lounge chairs, and purpose-built observation decks.
Titanic’s Café Parisien (Photo Credit: Robert Welch)
Although all of this may seem pretty basic by modern standards, in 1912, the Titanic achieved a level of luxury that was truly unheard of in an ocean liner.
Icon of the Seas Décor, Amenities, and Dining Options
Like the Titanic and numerous other ships before it, the Icon of the Seas was designed to revolutionize how comfortable and entertaining marine travel could be. As such, it is a true floating paradise of entertainment, recreation, and leisure. Passengers can also choose between numerous accommodation styles and layouts.
Pools and Slides on Icon of the Seas
To list all of the amenities the ship is outfitted with would take hours. With a record-breaking six water slides, an escape room, movie theaters, a 363-ton AquaDome Theater for live performances, a rock climbing wall, a miniature golf course, seven full-sized pools, several spas, one of the first swim-up bars ever seen on a ship, a surf simulator, and so much more, it’s safe to say that passengers will have no shortage of things to do while on board this mighty ship.
When it comes to dining options, the ship features more restaurants, bars, and cafés than you would find in a typical American town. From well-known chains like Starbucks to unique, purpose-built restaurants, the ship can cater to the tastes of even the pickiest passengers.
Royal Promenade on Icon of the Seas
If you think the sheer number and variety of amenities and dining options would confuse passengers, don’t worry; Royal Caribbean thought of that. It is actually part of the reason why they divided the interior and top decks of the ship into “neighborhoods,” each with its own theme and layout.
Where the Titanic was designed to help passengers pass the time in a luxurious and comfortable way, the Icon of the Seas was designed to make passengers not want to leave it.
Speed Comparison: Icon of the Seas vs Titanic
Despite the significant differences in size and weight, the two ships actually have a relatively similar cruising speed. Both ships were designed to cruise at a comfortable 21 to 22 knots, roughly equivalent to about 25 miles per hour on land.
While it may surprise you that a ship over 100 years older would travel at the same speed as a state-of-the-art ship built today, you must remember that cruise ships are not designed for speed. The onboard experience for passengers is meant to be one of leisure rather than transportation.
Stern of the Titanic (Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov)
Where the Titanic was built to transport people to and from Europe and North America, the Icon of the Seas was constructed purely to offer passengers an opportunity to experience a vacation on the water.
In other words, the Titanic was meant to be a transportation vessel that provided passengers with a comfortable and leisurely way to travel while enjoying being on the Icon of the Seas, which is the entire purpose of boarding the vessel.
Icon of the Seas Sailing and Wake
If, on the other hand, the Icon of the Seas was designed to be a high-speed ocean liner, modern advancements in engine design would allow her to travel at a much faster speed. The exterior of the ship would also have a different design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas built?
The two iconic ships were both constructed in Europe. The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, at the since-disbanded Harland & Wolff Shipyard. On the other hand, the Icon of the Seas was built in Turku, Finland, at the Meyer Turku Shipyard.
Both ships needed to be built in massive shipyards capable of handling such a massive project.
How long did it take to build the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas?
Despite their many differences, the two ships had a very similar timescale regarding how long it took them to be built. It took thousands of workers 1,098 days to build the RMS Titanicand 900 days to build the Icon of the Seas.
Given advancements in construction methods, materials, and technological improvements that have taken place in the century that divides the two ships, it is fascinating that they had such similar build times.
How much did building the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas cost?
The Icon of the Seas has an estimated construction cost of over $2 billion, which makes it the most expensive cruise ship ever built. On the other hand, the Titanic cost roughly £1.5 million to make. While estimates vary, this figure would be roughly equivalent to $1.6 billion after you have accounted for historical conversion rates, inflation, and other factors.
Again, despite the immense period of time that separates the two ships, they share many similarities.
Final Words
While they may seem incredibly different at first glance, the Titanic and the Icon of the Seas represent important maritime innovation symbols.
Despite being separated for over 100 years, both ships have redefined marine transportation by allowing passengers to travel in unprecedented comfort and extravagance.
With much talk about rough seas impacting cruise itineraries, we’re going to look at some of the roughest seas in the world that are traversed by cruise ships.
Not only will this shed light on the various challenges these waters pose, but we will also cover some practical tips to avoid an unpleasant travel experience on rough seas.
While most people associate cruise vacations with rest and relaxation, they also offer passengers an opportunity to experience a truly unique form of adventure. Not only do you get the chance to book a getaway to a unique location, you have the opportunity to spend time at sea.
While this can certainly be exciting, not all the world’s seas offer the same conditions. Water temperatures and climates naturally alter depending on your latitude, but sea conditions can also vary from calm to incredibly rough.
So, let’s take a look at the most dangerous seas in the world!
While it is not technically a sea, the Drake Passage, is one of the world’s most notoriously treacherous bodies of water, a body of water between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. For centuries, ships have sailed through this choke point between the Southwestern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Due to its narrow opening and the strong currents at its latitude, it regularly sees massive waves and turbulent waters.
Cape Horn (Photo Credit: Steve Heap)
While the idea of passenger ships traversing the Drake Passage for pleasure would have seemed like an outlandish risk in the past, numerous luxury Antarctic cruises now pass through it as part of their itinerary. These cruises aim at more adventurous passengers who dream of seeing the flourishing colonies of seabirds and penguins and the countless icebergs and glaciers that make up the world’s least-visited continent.
Fortunately, the specialized cruise ships that travel through this once-deadly body of water are equipped to deal with the currents, waves, and ice blocks that have made it so feared. If seeing Antarctica with your own eyes is on your bucket list, you may want to book an Antarctica cruise vacation that traverses the Drake Passage!
2. The Remote Bering Sea
Location: Northern Pacific Ocean near Alaska
Located at the very top of the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea divides the top of North America and Russia. For those planning to see the wilderness of Alaska from the comfort and luxury of a cruise ship deck, there is a good chance that you will pass through the Bering Sea.
The Bering Sea (Photo Credit: Andrei Stepanov)
Like other cold-water seas that see converging currents, the Bering Sea can be incredibly challenging for ships. The rough and icy waters have made voyages incredibly difficult and deadly for hundreds of years.
Today, cruise ships are equipped to navigate the unpredictable climate and ice-cold waters of the Bering Sea, but things were not always this way.
Bering Sea cruises tend to depart from Vancouver, Canada, or Tokyo, Japan. They travel this vast, desolate body of water while keeping passengers comfortable.
The contrast between the roughest seas in the world and the calm on board the ship can make your northern cruise adventure that much more memorable, especially between the months of February and April.
3. The Temperamental Caribbean Sea
Location: Tropics of the Atlantic Ocean
Due to its incredible popularity as a cruise destination, it may surprise you to see the Caribbean Sea on this list, but these waters can pose some serious challenges during certain months of the year.
Hurricane season presents some particularly rough seas for cruise ships and other types of vessels. During this period, the naturally warm waters the region is known for meet with cooler air temperatures and water currents. This mixture can lead to unpredictable and rough waters, as well as tropical storms and full-blown hurricanes.
Caribbean Sea (Photo Credit: Mark Christensen)
If you want to avoid these rougher seas, we recommend avoiding hurricane season, which runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. However, the winter months can also bring up some unexpected weather conditions.
With that said, do not be put off traveling through the Caribbean during these months if you are not worried about delayed departures and rougher-than-usual seas. It can be an affordable and enjoyable time to enjoy a voyage through one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations!
4. The Turbulent Tasman Sea
Location: Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand
For those looking to enjoy a cruise “down under,” exploring the Tasman Sea and its numerous islands can be a memorable and enjoyable adventure. With that said, the Tasman Sea also presents some volatile weather and fairly rough waters.
One of the things that makes this body of water so challenging for cruise ships and other types of vessels is that the weather and waters are extremely temperamental, meaning they have a propensity for sudden changes. Planning a voyage can be difficult, as the waters can be calm one minute, then incredibly wavey and dangerous shortly after.
While the waters can be rough and unpredictable, don’t allow that to put you off taking one of these famous southern hemisphere cruises! Most feature a significant sightseeing component, as the islands dotted throughout the Tasman Sea have eye-catching cliffs and caves, plus the unique marine and bird species are a sight to behold.
As a bonus, most Tasman Sea cruises allow passengers to explore the coastlines of both Australia and New Zealand. With both countries being popular bucket list destinations, having the chance to check both off in a single cruise vacation can be exciting!
5. The Notorious North Atlantic Crossing
Location: Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe
For those with a mind for history, it will not be a surprise to see the same waters that claimed the Titanic on our list of the roughest seas in the world traversed by cruise ships.
The area is known for unpredictable weather patterns, which is only worsened by how remote it is. This body of water is also known to be filled with icebergs, powerful waves, and some truly intense storms. Plus, the waters can be incredibly cold during certain months of the year, something those traveling on the Titanic had to discover first-hand.
While the crossing can be incredibly rough at times, the fact that it connects North America to Europe also means that it was, and continues to be, one of the most important ocean crossings in the world. You’ll find many crossings between Southampton in the UK and New York in the US, especially by iconic ocean liners such as Queen Mary 2.
North Atlantic Ocean (Photo Credit: andrejs polivanovs)
Fortunately, modern cruise ships are equipped with the stabilizers, powerful engines, and streamlined designs required to safely sail these roughest seas in the world and with minimal discomfort for their passengers.
If you are interested in experiencing the raw power of the North Atlantic Ocean for yourself, there are numerous cruises that you can book. If you want to avoid the worst of what this crossing offers, we recommend not booking a cruise vacation that sets sail between December and February.
While some cruises still depart during these months, passengers should anticipate delays and disruptions, as well as the type of rough seas that can make those sensitive to seasickness feel significant discomfort.
6. The Moody Mediterranean Sea
Location: Between Southern Europe and North Africa
The Mediterranean Sea is another one of those extremely popular cruise destinations that may surprise you to see on this list. While the waters can be incredibly peaceful, they can get rough between fall and winter.
High winds and frequent storms can make the water choppy during this period. When the hot air flowing from Africa meets the cooler air of Europe, the storms and winds can generate waves that have claimed countless ships over the many centuries that the Mediterranean Sea has been traversed.
Mediterranean Sea (Photo Credit: MedeirosCyndie)
Western Mediterranean Sea cruises that explore the waters off the coasts of Spain and Italy can have a particularly tough time during the fall months, as the region can see some storms that border on tropical in their severity.
If you are looking for a calm and relaxing Mediterranean cruise, we recommend booking an itinerary that avoids these months. Instead, opt for a Mediterranean cruise that sets sail in the spring or early summer.
7. The Windy Bay of Biscay
Location: Between France and Spain
If you have ever looked at a map of Europe, you have probably noticed an enormous gulf off the west coast of France separating Northern France and the north of Spain. This natural barrier between the two European nations is called the Bay of Biscay, and it happens to be a high-traffic body of water for cruise ships and cargo ships alike.
Even though traversing the Bay of Biscay is common for Mediterranean-bound cruise ships departing from the United Kingdom and Scandinavia, it actually presents some incredibly rough seas.
Bay of Biscay (Photo Credit: LucieOde)
This is due in part to the enormous bay’s volatile weather and high winds. Ships traversing the Bay of Biscay also have to contend with the swirling and fast-moving currents of the North Atlantic Ocean.
This combination of strong winds and powerful currents being funneled into the bay can generate high waves and other serious challenges for cruise ships. This has led to the Bay of Biscay developing a bit of a reputation amongst cruise passengers for bad weather and rough seas.
One of the more notable of these events took place in 2019. While crossing the Bay of Biscay as part of a transatlantic journey, the crew manning the Norwegian Escape cruise ship were forced to take emergency precautions. This involved securing loose objects and calling for passengers to meet at indoor muster points.
8. The South China Sea
Location: Between China and the Philippines
The South China Sea connects the Pacific and Indian Oceans, so it is an important maritime route for Southeast Asian cruises. While the South China Sea is no stranger to cruises, it can pose significant challenges for cruise ships and other large vessels. And this comes even with territorial disputes over one of the roughest seas in the world.
South China Sea (Photo Credit: Legend_G)
This is partially due to the fact that the region is prone to violent tropical storms, monsoons, cyclones, typhoons, and other types of serious storms, especially between the months of July and November. This unpredictable and harsh weather can cause major disruptions and delays for cruise ships that are scheduled to travel through this important Pacific Ocean corridor.
9. The Ice-Cold North Sea
Location: Between the British Isles and Northwestern Continental Europe
Due to the fact that it borders some of Europe’s most populous and affluent nations, the North Sea is a common departure point for many European cruise lines. Despite the fact that numerous cruise lines include passage through the North Sea in their itineraries, it can be incredibly challenging and among the roughest seas in the world to navigate.
North Sea (Photo Credit: mirhelen)
The ice-cold waters can get particularly rough during high winds, which occur on a fairly regular basis. The navigation crews of cruise ships voyaging through these waters need to pay close attention to weather conditions for the safety and comfort of their passengers; however, rough waters can be unavoidable at times.
This partially explains why the North Sea has a reputation for being fairly choppy. In some cases, crews will even advise passengers to stay inside the ship.
One such example of this occurred in 2018 when the iconic MS Marco Polo got caught in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy swells and rough seas, as it traveled from the Netherlands to Norway. In response, the ship’s crew sounded alarms and kept passengers indoors.
10. The Furious Gulf of Alaska
Location: North Pacific Ocean along the Coast of Alaska, USA
Most people associate Alaska with harsh weather and a demanding landscape. Unsurprisingly, the waters off the coastlines of this rugged land can also pose extreme challenges to those navigating them unless you’re enjoying the stunning views of the Inside Passage, which offers protection from the open seas thanks to a series of islands.
Due to the Gulf of Alaska’s position along the curved coastline of southern Alaska, it faces strong and swirling currents from the North Pacific Ocean. It is also regularly exposed to high winds and intense storms.
Gulf of Alaska (Photo Credit: Nick Pecker)
This combination often results in towering waves and some of the roughest seas on the planet. On top of that, the water can be filled with icebergs and ice floats, which pose their own challenges.
Cruise ships and their crews need to be thoroughly prepared in order to navigate this remote and unforgiving body of water.
What Is Considered a Rough Sea for a Cruise Ship?
While you may assume that the label “rough sea” is a subjective term, there are actually defined measurements for how calm or rough a body of water is.
The main system is known as the Douglas Sea Scale and it is used by cruise ships, as well as other vessels, to measure how difficult it will be to navigate through certain waters at a given time.
Photo Credit: Toni Arsovski / Shutterstock
The scale was developed in 1917, and its entire purpose is to measure how rough waters will be for navigation purposes. The scale accounts for wind estimates, as well as other conditions like the height of waves and sea swells.
Measures are expressed on a 10-degree scale, with ‘Degree 0’ being completely calm seas and ‘Degree 9’ being extremely rough seas.
The Douglas Sea Scale
Scale Measurement
Sea Conditions
Degree 0
No measurable waves, no winds, perfectly calm (glassy) seas
Waves 4.1 – 8.2 feet. Low to medium winds. Moderate and manageable waves.
Degree 5
Waves 8.2 -13.1 feet. Medium winds and rough conditions
Degree 6
Waves 13.1 – 19.7 feet. Very rough waves and high winds
Degree 7
Waves 19.7 – 29.5 feet. Very rough waters
Degree 8
Waves 29.5 – 45.9 feet. Extremely rough seas and very high winds.
Degree 9
Waves over 45.9 feet. Phenomenally rough seas. Dangerous for navigation.
The navigation crew aboard your cruise ship will use this scale to plot their course and determine if the seas are safe to travel through.
If the ship comes across seas that have a higher-than-expected rating on the Douglas Sea Scale, they will take the appropriate actions to keep the ship and its passengers safe. This could include changes in itinerary, efforts to navigate away from a storm, or closing outside decks to passengers.
How Can You Avoid Rough Seas During Your Cruise Vacation?
Now that we have taken a look at some of the roughest seas in the world, we want to offer a few tips that can help you avoid experiencing the side-to-side and up-and-down motion that tends to go with cruising in rough waters.
Book Your Cruise During the Right Season
Each region has a different time of year when the waters are roughest. If you want to enjoy some smooth sailing, we recommend doing your research and booking during the most optimal months.
Avoid peak storm seasons, and make sure you are researching the exact area you plan on traveling to. Remember that booking during these calmer months can be more expensive, but it can be a worthwhile expense if you are nervous about traveling in rough seas.
Be Prepared for Seasickness
While this tip won’t help you avoid rough seas and extreme weather conditions, it can help you prepare for them. Anyone who spends significant time on the water will tell you that conditions can change quickly, so you should expect the unexpected.
Be proactive and pack the appropriate remedies ahead of time. You will be much happier if you have them when they are needed!
Be Flexible in Your Planning
While it’s always nice to book a cruise when it coincides with a particular event, the less flexible you are with dates and locations, the higher the risk is that you will be caught traveling when the seas are at their most rough.
By being willing to book your vacation at another time of the year or in a different location, you give yourself the best shot of avoiding rough seas and harsh weather.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will travel insurance cover cruise cancellations related to weather and sea conditions?
Yes, if you have comprehensive travel insurance, either through a third party or the credit card you have booked with, any disruptions to your cruise that are related to weather or sea conditions should be covered.
On top of that, most cruises will refund passengers if their cruise is canceled; however, costs related to weather delays could go uncompensated if you do not have protection through some form of travel insurance.
How do cruise ships stay stable in rough waters?
Modern cruise ships can stabilize themselves in the roughest waters in the world by employing stabilizers – underwater wing-like features that help counteract the rolling motion caused by waves and rough seas.
The stabilizers are adjusted in real-time to help make the rolling motion less perceptible to passengers on board the ship. They use a gyroscopic control system that can react to differing conditions.
On top of that, modern cruise ships are also designed with a wide hull and low center of gravity. This design ensures that they are much more stable and safer than ships of the past.
Final Words
Now that you know more about some of the roughest seas in the world, you can truly appreciate just how incredible modern-day cruise ships are. These engineering marvels allow passengers to explore waters that once were feared in comfort and style.
Their stabilizers and unique designs ensure that passengers enjoy a calm and memorable experience, even as the waters below appear stomach-churning and terrifying.
With that said, we would still recommend avoiding the worst these waters have to offer if you are sensitive to motion sickness. Now, all you have to do is plan your trip and prepare for an experience that could last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
A female guest who had hoped to cruise from Brisbane, Australia, was denied boarding with no possibility of a refund. The woman was 26 weeks pregnant at embarkation, two weeks past the cruise line’s limitation for pregnancy, which is outlined in the cruise ticket contract.
Understandably upset, the woman is contending that she ought to have been prompted at the time of booking or otherwise better informed of the terms and conditions for passage and that the policy is discriminatory.
Woman Denied Cruise Vacation Due to Pregnancy
Kaylee Farrington was eager for a 3-night cruise vacation aboard Carnival Luminosa, what was to have been a birthday celebration with her family, when she was denied boarding at the terminal due to being 26 weeks pregnant, according to local news reports. She did have medical clearance from her obstetrician, to no avail.
Farrington’s mother, who paid for the cruise, is being denied a refund for the cost of the vacation, as the terms and conditions of pregnancy are clearly laid out in the cruise ticket contract.
The woman at first thought “they were joking” when she was denied boarding, and believes the rule about pregnancy should be made clear when travelers book a cruise. She and her mother both agree that the policy is “discriminatory” against pregnant women, particularly since airline policies – another form of travel – typically accept passengers up to at least 28 weeks of pregnancy.
A Gold Coast woman is fighting to get a refund – after being blocked from boarding a cruise out of Brisbane.
Kaylee Farrington claims a policy, banning pregnancies past 24 weeks, wasn't made clear enough at the time of booking. @Claretodhunter9 #9Newspic.twitter.com/j0V2pWHVNe
Neither woman has clarified when the cruise was booked and whether or not Farrington was pregnant at the time of booking. Since many travelers book sailings many months – even years – in advance, a pregnancy prompt at the time of booking may not be entirely effective and could be quickly forgotten by the time the cruise arrives.
“Any Guest who has entered, or who will at any time during the cruise enter, the 24th week of estimated gestational age in her pregnancy, agrees not to book a cruise or board the ship.”
The policy goes on to restate the restriction in other ways to ensure there is no confusion.
“Due to limitations of medical care, both on board and in various ports of call, women who have entered or exceeded their 24th week of pregnancy, at any time during the cruise, will not be allowed to board or sail with the ship,”the policy states.
“Accordingly, I hereby acknowledge and agree that I will not enter my 24th week of pregnancy before or at any time during my cruise. I understand and agree that any pregnant woman who tries to board the vessel, who has or will enter her 24th week of estimated fetal gestational age at any time during the cruise, risks denial of boarding and/or disembarkation without compensation or refund.”
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Furthermore, the cruise ticket contract also includes pregnancy under the fitness to travel clause, section 6(d): “Any Guest who will at any time during the cruise enter her 24th week of estimated gestational age, agrees not to book a cruise or board the ship.”
All passengers agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the cruise ticket contract when they confirm their travel reservation. The contract also notes that no refund or compensation will be provided to a guest in violation of the pregnancy restrictions.
“Carnival reserves the right to debark, deny boarding, or cancel the reservation without refund, compensation, or payment of any Guest who is unfit to travel and/or who will be in excess of their 23rd week of gestation at time of sailing.”
Travel insurance could have provided compensation for the change in travel plans, depending on the type of insurance purchased and when the cruise was booked, though it is unclear whether or not Farrington or her mother had purchased a travel insurance policy.
Why Can’t Pregnant Women Set Sail?
Carnival Cruise Line states that the potential for specialized prenatal or infant care is not available onboard or in ports of call, and therefore, it is unsafe for women in the second half of pregnancy to set sail.
Carnival Luminosa (Photo Credit: Ian Dewar Photography)
“Prenatal and early infant care, in particular, may require specialized diagnostic facilities and/or treatment that are not available or obtainable during the cruise on board the ship and/or ashore in ports of call,”the policy reads.
It should be noted that other major cruise lines have very similar policies regarding pregnancy and travel. Royal Caribbean International, for example, also denies boarding for any guests who is more than 23 weeks pregnant.
On Norwegian Cruise Line, guests may not have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the time the cruise ends, and the same limit is applicable for Disney Cruise Line.
With tensions continuing to cause travel concerns in the Red Sea and more cruises being impacted with itinerary changes, the fate of Royal Caribbean International’s epic Ultimate World Cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas will be decided not by the cruise line, but by the passengers themselves.
Guests on the cruise will have the opportunity to vote on how their itinerary changes and what ports of call they visit, an unprecedented way for the cruise line to handle the situation.
Red Sea Cancelled for Ultimate World Cruise
Due to the tensions in the Middle East, including ports of call near the Red Sea as well as through the Suez Canal, Serenade of the Seas will not be able to preserve three segments of her original 274-night route.
Rumors that the ship would need to change her route have been circulating for weeks, but the decision has now been made that a change is essential for the safety and well-being of guests and crew members.
“As we’ve continued to monitor what is taking place in and around the Red Sea for the safety of our guests and crew, we have made the decision to adjust plans for Serenade of the Seas’ transit through the Suez Canal this May,”a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean said to Cruise Hive.
Because of necessary changes, three sections of the full world cruise will be impacted. The ship will be unable to sail the planned 18-night “Ultimate Jordan, Egypt & Israel” segment from May 9 through May 27, the 11-night “Ultimate Bulgaria, Romania & Turkey” segment from May 27 through June 7, or the 13-night “Ultimate Greece, Turkey & Italy” segment from June 7 through June 20.
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)
Unlike other adjusted cruises that are simply informing guests of the itinerary changes, typically coupled with some compensation options or refund choices if travelers prefer opt out of the altered itinerary, Royal Caribbean is giving passengers the chance to decide where they will sail.
“In keeping with the adventurous spirit of our guests, we are engaging them for their thoughts and preference between two alternative itineraries that will take them on an epic adventure to Africa,”the cruise line confirmed.
Guests to Vote on Serenade of the Seas Itinerary Changes
In a town-hall-style meeting held in the ship’s Tropical Theater, the situation was explained to guests and two alternative sailing routes were presented.
Both will go around the southern and western coasts of Africa to enter the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar, but each one has vastly different ports of call and experiences for travelers.
The first option, an “Immersive Africa” itinerary, features ports of call in 11 different African countries and a total of 20 port visits from May 9 through June 20.
Guests would enjoy visits to such unique destinations as Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Angola, Ghana, and Senegal, as well as more popular ports in South Africa and the Canary Islands.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
The second option is an “Africa and Greece” itinerary that cruises around Africa much more quickly with just three ports of call – a visit to the Seychelles, an overnight in Cape Town, and a stop in the Canary Islands. This option, however, includes an overnight in Alexandria, Egypt and extensive exploration of the Greek Islands during the last week of the segment.
In comparison, the “Immersive Africa” itinerary features 21 days at sea during the 6-week period from when the ship will leave Dubai on May 9 until she arrives in Ravenna on June 20.
The “Africa and Greece” itinerary has 26 days at sea in the same time period, all of which are between May 10 and June 11 – a full month at sea with just 7 port days, two of which are overnight calls (Cape Town and Alexandria).
Both itineraries have a stop in the Seychelles, an overnight call in Cape Town, and a visit to the Canary Islands. Dates and port times vary between the different schedules.
Guests onboard the ship can submit questions about the new options through February 20, and a webinar is planned with the cruise line’s corporate office on Wednesday, February 21. After that, passengers will be able to vote on the itineraries, and the winning option will be confirmed on Tuesday, February 27.
Compensation Offered
All travelers will be receiving either a 25% or 50% pro-rated refund for the altered segment of the cruise based on their cruise fare and which option is ultimately selected. Guests can also opt to cancel and would receive a full segment refund and assistance with onward travel plans if they prefer not to continue the cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise (Photo Credit: Diego O. Galeano)
“They will receive compensation for the adjustment, and guests who prefer to not sail on the updated itinerary will receive a full refund and support for their travel arrangements,”the statement from Royal Caribbean concluded.
Guests who have been booked on one of the three individual segments of the cruise that are impacted are also being offered compensation options for the cancellation of their cruises. Their options vary depending on which part of the cruise they had planned to join.
Which cruise option would you vote for if you were on the World Cruise? I’d go for the “Immersive Africa” opportunity myself, and use the pro-rated refund to book myself a Greek Isles cruise at another time. Share your choice on the Cruise Hive boards!
There’s a barrel of fun coming to Holland America Line’s fleet of cruise ships, thanks to an affiliation with Buffalo Trace Distillery, a renowned Kentucky bourbon producer.
The golden liquid, hand-chosen by cruise line officials, will be offered to guests aboard every Holland America ship starting in March 2024.
Exclusive Liquor Will Be Served in Ocean Bar
Holland America Line, a premium brand of Carnival Corporation, will soon feature a unique blend of bourbon in the Ocean Bar aboard all 11 of its ships, and cruisers can enjoy the liquor neat, on the rocks, or in an Old Fashioned, starting with departures in March.
The special bourbon will be offered as long as supplies last, since the line has just one barrel to share. It all started when Drew Mayville, a Holland America Line enthusiast and master blender for Sazerac, an alcoholic beverage company that owns Buffalo Trace Distillery, invited cruise line officials to attend the Sazerac Barrel Select Program.
The program enables a limited number of potential buyers to sample and then select a barrel of bourbon from the Sazerac collection. It was Mayville and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee Freddie Johnson who curated the bourbon, and then joined Holland America Line officials in the “private barrel selection room” at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
After cruise line officials narrowed their choice to four barrels, Mayville and Johnson led the group in a tasting of the contents of each one. Holland America Line’s representatives selected Barrel #002, which was filled on Dec. 21, 2015. The bourbon won them over with its “intense notes of oak and spice,” and its smooth finish.
Holland America Barrel
“We strive to share experiences with our guests that they won’t find anywhere else. Collaborating with Buffalo Trace to craft a signature bourbon has been an incredible journey,” said Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions for Holland America Line.
Following its selection, the barrel’s contents were bottled and are being shipped to the line’s vessels across the globe. Mayville noted that the chosen barrel offers guests something special that they won’t find elsewhere.
“We aimed to select an expressive and distinctive barrel for Holland America Line, confident that their guests would enjoy trying something truly unique to the cruise line,” stated Drew Mayville, Sazerac’s master blender.
Holland America Beverage Partnerships
Holland America Line’s announcement of the exclusive bourbon soon to be enjoyed fleetwide hinted that more beverage partnerships are in the offing.
The line recently partnered with bartender Ivy Mix, who is creating a series of drinks for the cruise line, inspired by Mexico and Latin America. It also is serving a special rum punch cocktail, created by mixologist David Wondrich, the well-known cocktail historian and author, on Caribbean cruises.
Holland America Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks)
Holland America Line is not the first cruise line to offer guests exclusive liquors. Oceania Cruises, a brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, unveiled a similar program when its newest ship, Vista, entered service in May of 2023.
The line had partnered with Scotland-based Chapter 7 Whisky to make available for sale a 20-year-old, small-batch cask of whisky – a total of just 304 bottles – aboard the ship for her inaugural season in the Mediterranean.
Holland America Line, which marked its 150th anniversary in 2023, made significant strides in its booking levels that year and expects another record-breaking year in 2024.
The line celebrated two major achievements on July 11, 2023, when it broke its single-day booking record and had its highest-ever revenue from bookings in a single day.
