Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its crew member grooming policy for onboard team members and will now permit tattoos to be seen, with some exceptions for tattoo location as well as design. Other updates to the grooming guidelines have also been made, including for types of jewelry as well as facial hair.
Crew Member Grooming Guidelines Updated
In a welcome update to onboard grooming policies, Norwegian Cruise Line is easing some jewelry, facial hair, and tattoo guidelines. This will be good news for crew members, but how will guests react?
According to Crew Center, the changes to the shipboard grooming policy apply to crew members, officers, and staff in all shipboard positions, and were communicated to all employees. The new guidelines are in force from July 1, 2023.
Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock
Facial Hair
Facial hair is one of the most noticeable guidelines, and crew members may now have a mustache, beard, goatee, or chin/lower lip “tuft” so long as it is neatly trimmed and well-maintained.
Mustaches may not be any longer than the length of the upper lip, therefore no styles such as large handlebars, the upwards-pointed Dali, Fu Manchus, or horseshoes will be permitted.
Simpler styles, such as a neatly groomed lampshade design, painter’s brush, or pencil are acceptable.
Jewelry
Jewelry guidelines have also been updated. Team members may wear a maximum of three bracelets, all of which must be in good condition. No food and beverage team members may wear bracelets or watches while preparing food and drink, however, which includes bartenders.
Similarly, a maximum of three rings may be worn, though an engagement and wedding band set counts as a single ring (even if not soldered or otherwise affixed together).
Food and beverage employees may wear one plain ring, such as a simple wedding band without elaborate ornamentation or detailing that might harbor crumbs, grease, or other debris.
Team members may wear a maximum of two small stud earrings per ear, or two hoops with a diameter no larger than a US dime.
Tattoos
Norwegian team members may now show tattoos, but only in certain ways. No tattoos on the face, head, or front of the neck (above a typical t-shirt collar) may be visible at any time.
In other locations, such as arms, legs, and hands, tattoos may not be “extremist, indecent, sexist, or racist.” This could include any tattoos determined to be affiliated with, symbolize, or otherwise depict extremist philosophies, gangs, or groups; any tattoos or markings that may showcase or advocate racial, gender, or ethic hatred or intolerance; promote or depict discrimination; or advocate violence or unlawful behavior and activities.
Photo Credit: BUI LE MANH HUNG / Shutterstock
Indecent tattoos of any type – whether imagery or words – are also not permitted to be visible at any time. Nor are sexist tattoos that degrade or demean anyone based on gender permitted, even if the actual imagery or wording may not be considered technically indecent, extremist, or vulgar.
It must be noted that the tattoos that are permitted must be in place when a crew member begins their onboard contract. No visible tattoos can be added during employment. This is likely to allow inspection and acceptance of existing tattoos to ensure they are permitted before a crew member reports to their ship.
Other Cruise Lines
All cruise lines have grooming guidelines in place for crew members, though the exact policies vary. In general, higher end, luxury lines tend to have stricter policies in accordance with the expectations of their guests and the atmosphere they hope to create onboard their vessels.
Some cruise lines that cater to young families and children may also have stricter guidelines to ensure everyone is comfortable in that atmosphere.
Guidelines may also occasionally vary for different positions on a ship, depending on whether or not crew members interact with guests in any way.
Depending on team member uniforms, covering tattoos may be as simple as wearing the coveralls, long pants, or long sleeves required for the job position, or else crew members may use makeup or bandages to conceal tattoos. Excess jewelry can be taken off while at work.
The strictness of policies and how they are applied will also vary. For some companies, grooming guidelines may be continually enforced as guests can still see crew members when off duty, such as debarking or returning to a ship during a port day. On other lines, these policies may only apply while a crew member is in uniform or actively on duty.
Grooming guidelines are not unique to cruise ships; similar policies are in place at most places of employment, particularly where customer service is at the forefront. This includes resorts, hotels, amusement parks, and similar venues.
The RMS Titanic is arguably the most famous ship ever built. For its time, it was a true engineering marvel and the ultimate symbol of luxury and class. While many people today assume that its fame is primarily due to its tragic sinking, the reality is that the previously unimaginable scale of the ship really captured the world’s attention.
Today, we will explain in great detail how long it took to build the Titanic. Not only will we provide you with a detailed breakdown of the interesting timeline of the Titanic’s construction, but we are also going to compare it to the build times of modern-day cruise ships.
Whether you have a deep interest in the history of the Titanic or you just have a general curiosity for everything related to the cruise industry, we have the answers you are looking for!
Construction of the Titanic began in 1909 in Belfast, Ireland. Irish ship-building company Harland & Wolff constructed the ship. The Harland and Wolff shipyard worked alongside the shipping company White Star Line, a British company that acted as a subsidiary of an American company called International Mercantile Marine Co.
Who Ordered the Construction of the Titanic?
The Titanic was ordered and owned by White Star Line, founded in 1869. By the time construction began on the Titanic, White Star Line had been building and operating luxurious ocean liners for nearly 40 years.
White Star Line Ad (Photo Credit: chrisdorney / Shutterstock)
Naturally, the Titanic and the sister ship Olympic were meant to be the crown jewels in White Star Line’s fleet. When laying out designs and intentions for the Titanic, it was envisioned as the world’s most luxurious and expensive transatlantic passenger ship.
How Long Did It Take to Build the Titanic?
As mentioned, construction on the Titanic began in 1909. The Titanic’s enormous keel was laid down on March 31st, 1909, often taken as the official first day of construction.
While there is some debate about the official date of completion, as some take the date to be the day construction ended, while others say it was not complete until its first sea trial, the commonly accepted completion date is April 2nd, 1912.
Photo Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock
This means there were exactly 1,098 days between the start of construction and the generally accepted final day of construction. Simply put, it took three years and two days for the Titanic to be built.
Construction workers toiled night and day to complete the ship quickly. The enormous project ended up claiming the lives of eight workers.
What Steps Were Involved in Building the Titanic?
Like any ship, the Titanic was built in phases. Given the Titanic’s unprecedented scale at the time of its construction, each phase required significant effort and manpower. To help you understand how the Titanic was built, here is a simple breakdown of the main phases of its construction.
Before construction, White Star Line assembled some of the most well-respected naval engineers to create plans for the Titanic. Given the immense scale of the Titanic, planning took much longer than a typical passenger liner would.
Titanic Design Blueprints (Image Credit: Elena Kozak / Shutterstock)
Start of Construction and Framing
After the designs were finalized, construction began on March 31st, 1909. At the peak of construction, the shipyard employed over 14,000 men, giving you an idea of the project’s immense scale.
After roughly one year of construction, the Titanic’s massive steel frame was complete, which was the most time-consuming aspect of the construction.
Titanic Construction
It took almost 3.5 million rivets to hold the steel plates that formed the Titanic’s hull in place to give you an idea of how much labor was involved in this phase.
Assembly of the Interior of the Ship
Once the frame and side plating of the ship were held together, work could begin on the interior of the Titanic. This phase took thousands of workers, all completing various jobs. The entire project took nearly a year to complete, from installing the ship’s enormous engine and propellers to building various decks and rooms.
Outfitting the Ship
The outfitting phase could begin once the ship’s interior and exterior were complete. During this lengthy phase, the ship’s interior could be outfitted with luxurious amenities. Everything from grand staircases and opulent dining areas was installed, which took months to complete.
Photo Credit: Everett Collection / Shutterstock
It is important to note that the Titanic was meant not just to be one of the largest passenger vessels ever made, it was designed to be the peak of luxury travel, so the outfitting stage was incredibly time-consuming. Every detail was completed with meticulous attention to detail.
Launching of the Titanic and Tests of Sea-Worthiness
An enormous crowd gathered to see the Titanic first enter the water towards the end of 1911. While this was an important event, as it proved the massive ship could float, it was far from the date of the ship’s completion.
After it first entered the water, nearly an entire year worth of tests and finishing touches to the interior were required. These finishing touches delayed the estimated completion date by several months.
When Did the Titanic Set Out on Its Maiden Voyage?
There was a short time between the Titanic being completed in Belfast, Ireland, to setting sail on its first passenger voyage from Southampton, England.
In fact, you can measure the length of time in days! With many believing that the official completion date for the Titanic was April 2nd, 1912, as this was the date of its final sea-worthiness test, it set off with passengers just eight days later on April 10th, 1912.
The Titanic was a genuinely enormous ship for its time. Its length is still comparable to the largest cruise ships of today. To give you a better appreciation for its impressive size, here are the Titanic’s official dimensions and statistics:
Length of Keel – 852.5 feet
Overall Length with Propellers – 882.7 feet
Breadth – 92.5 feet
Depth – 59.6 feet
Total Weight in Tonnage – Gross 46,329
Number of Decks – 7
Total Passenger and Crew Capacity – 3,320 (2,435 passengers and 885 crew)
How Does the Titanic Compare in Size to Modern-Day Cruise Ships?
While a direct size comparison is difficult, as the Titanic’s design differs greatly from that of a modern-day cruise ship, it is still worth comparing a few statistics.
Where the Titanic was just over 100 feet tall, most modern-day, largescale cruise ships are about 200 feet tall. Another way to measure the difference in size between the two is that the Titanic had nine passenger decks, whereas the average ocean-worthy cruise ship today tends to have about 12 to 14 passenger decks, plus additional decks for various types of amenities.
RMS Titanic (Photo Credit: D. Ribeiro / Shutterstock)
In terms of weight, the Titanic had a gross tonnage of 46,328, which set a record for the time. By comparison, a modern cruise ship weighs more than double, with the average gross tonnage sitting around 120,000.
Today, some of the largest cruise ships in the world, like the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships, have an incredible gross tonnage of 230,000!
This is not to diminish the immense size of the Titanic, which was groundbreaking for the time and a truly historic achievement in shipbuilding; it goes to show how far cruise ships have come since the early 20th century.
How Does the Titanic’s Construction Time Compare to the Build Time for Modern-Day Cruise Ships?
While a build time of just over three years may sound short when you consider it was one of the most ambitious construction projects of the time, the construction of the Titanic took a lot longer than it takes to build a modern-day cruise ship.
In contrast to the Titanic’s three-year build time, a large-scale modern-day cruise ship takes about two years to build from start to finish, thanks to computer-aided design programs, prefabricated parts, and modern-day tools, materials, and hydraulic construction equipment.
Titanic Dry Dock (Photo Credit: navorolphotography / Shutterstock)
The comparatively accelerated building timeline of a modern-day cruise ship also owes much to the incredible popularity of the cruise line industry. With the demand for large-scale vessels higher than ever, shipbuilders have more resources to adopt the latest technologies in their shipbuilding yards.
Is the Titanic Being Rebuilt?
There have been ongoing plans to recreate the Titanic as part of a project called Titanic II. This replica ship will act as a fully functional modern-day replica of the original Titanic.
It is being built by Blue Star Line Pty. Ltd., based in Brisbane, Australia. Although it was initially meant to be completed by 2016, various delays have forced the $500 million project to push back its completion date.
Titanic Replica
As of now, there is no set completion date. Ironically, even with modern-day technology, the replica Titanic II will take significantly longer to build than the original Titanic, if it is ever completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Fast Could the Titanic Travel?
The Titanic’s massive, steam-powered triple-screw propulsion system allowed it to travel at 22 knots.
While it could have been designed to go faster, higher speeds could have caused passengers to feel vibrations and hear loud noises. Since it was intended primarily for luxury and extravagance, slower and more comfortable speeds were believed to be preferable to a faster journey.
Where is the Titanic’s Wreckage Located?
The sunken wreckage of the Titanic was located in 1985. It sits at a depth of 12,500 feet in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its final resting place is roughly 370 miles from Newfoundland, Canada.
How Many People Survived When the Titanic Sank?
While the ship could technically carry more passengers, it left Southampton, England, with 2,224 passengers and crew members on board. Out of all those on board, only 710 people survived long enough to be rescued.
How Much Did It Cost to Build the Titanic?
Given how ambitious the construction of the Titanic was, it is no surprise that it was a costly project. The final cost for the ship’s structure is estimated to be around $7.5 million.
While this figure may seem somewhat low, it is important to consider inflation. When you factor in inflation, a more reasonable estimate for the final cost of the Titanic is about $200 million.
What Was the Titanic Made From?
While the interior of the Titanic featured a wide range of materials, including expensive wood paneling and decorations, most of the ship was constructed using high-grade steel.
Do Icebergs Pose a Risk to Modern-Day Cruise Ships?
After learning more about the tragic sinking of the Titanic, you may wonder if a modern-day cruise ship could suffer the same fate. Fortunately, modern-day cruise ships have plenty of measures to reduce the likelihood of a collision with an iceberg or any other object that could pose a risk to the vessel, its passengers, and crew.
Photo Credit: SebZet / Shutterstock
In fact, modern-day cruise ships are equipped with radar and sonar systems that can detect icebergs above and below the waterline. Modern ships, including cruise ships, follow carefully planned routes designed to avoid icebergs and other obstacles.
These routes are routinely patrolled and monitored using satellites to ensure safety. High-traffic regions, like the North Atlantic Ocean, have dedicated ice patrols that relay up-to-date updates on iceberg movements, which all cruise ship captains can access.
However, in June 2022, the Norwegian Suncruise ship actually hit an iceberg, which was a growler, while sailing in Alaska. Thankfully the ship remained seaworthy.
Final Words
Although the Titanic took years to build, it was an incredible achievement in human engineering. Despite its tragic end, it was still a marvel of shipbuilding and a testament to what the shipbuilders and designers of the day could accomplish.
Its sinking should not negate the incredible hard work and craftsmanship it took to bring the dream of the Titanic to life.
Norwegian Cruise Line has informed guests embarking Norwegian Dawn on Sunday, July 2, 2023 that port information has been miscommunicated, with far more tender ports on the itinerary than noted in the online reservation system. While one of the cruise’s eight planned ports of call was shown as a tender port, in reality, there are five tender ports for the sailing.
While no itinerary changes are being made, the number of tender ports could cause complications for guests with limited mobility or other challenges that make tendering more difficult.
Tender Ports Clarified
Norwegian Dawn set sail on July 2 on a 10-night “British Isles: England & Ireland” sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark. Eight ports of call are part of the itinerary – Edinburgh, Invergordon, and Kirkwall in Scotland; Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis; Dublin, Ireland; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Falmouth and Portland in England before the ship arrives in Southampton for debarkation on Wednesday, July 12.
On the reservation system for this sailing, only Edinburgh was noted as a tender port, but guests were informed at embarkation that there will actually be five tender ports during the sailing.
“It has come to our attention, that the reservation system did not accurately portray a number of ports on this itinerary are tender ports,”the letter read.“As such, please note that we will be visiting a total of five tender ports during the voyage.” The tender ports are Edinburgh, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Dublin, and Falmouth.
“Rest assured our dedicated onboard team will be readily available to assist you with the tendering process,”the letter continued.“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
It must be noted that the ports indicated were always planned to be tender ports, but it was an error in the reservation system that failed to list them accurately. There are no port of call changes, time alterations, or other adjustments made for this cruise.
Nevertheless, this can be a shock to guests who may have booked the itinerary specifically because so few ports seemed to be using tenders, which can be more challenging for travelers with mobility challenges or those who may be susceptible to motion sickness in small boats.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Tender Ports list does include Edinburgh (Newhaven); Kirkwall, Stornoway, and Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) as tender ports, though Kirkwall is listed as either docking or tendering depending on the call, and Falmouth is not noted as a tender port.
Why Is Tendering a Big Deal?
Tendering – using small boats to move from an anchored cruise ship to the dock rather than just walking off the ship – can be challenging for guests with mobility issues, particularly since the small, narrow gangways used for tendering are often moving and may involve steep ramps or steps.
Guests who use scooters or wheelchairs may have difficulty tendering, as well as guests with small children who require strollers. Similarly, guests with crutches or canes can find boarding tender boats more difficult.
Photo Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock
Even some travelers who greatly enjoy large cruise ships but have seasickness on small boats may have difficulty with tender boats.
Furthermore, tendering can be a lengthy process, and while Norwegian Dawn is one of the smaller vessels in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, the 92,250-gross-ton cruise ship can welcome more than 2,300 guests.
When every guest needs to board a small boat to move to and from the dock, it can be a much longer process than just walking off the ship via a larger gangway and pier. Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Accessibility Assistance” information includes the following details on tendering:
“Certain vessel transfers, such as tendering and gangways, may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs or scooters at the time that they desire or that they cannot go ashore at all. When a ship is unable to dock, guests are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders. Guests may need to utilize steps or a stair case to access the tender and to re-board the ship. Some guests with limited mobility may find it difficult to embark or disembark the ship at certain times while at dock or while tendering.”
Because of the possible lack of accessibility and the potential for delays in debarking the ship during the tendering process, guests may not have as much time as anticipated to enjoy each port of call.
Guests booked on any cruise should always investigate whether or not ports of call are tender ports if they have any concerns about accessibility or are planning independent shore excursions, just to be sure they can plan their day ashore accordingly.
Celebrity Cruises has quietly updated the Gratuity Program page of its Frequently Asked Questions with increased rates to begin as of Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
The automatic gratuities for all staterooms will be increased, which marks the second increase in less than a year. Prior to these recent increases, gratuities aboard Celebrity Cruises had remained constant since November 2020.
Gratuity Rates Going Up
Celebrity Cruises will be raising automatic gratuity rates for all staterooms for every sailing that departs on or after July 11, 2023. All rates are per person, per day, vary depending on the type of stateroom, and are listed in US dollars (USD).
The increased rates will be $18 for inside, ocean view, and veranda staterooms; $18.50 for Concierge Class and AquaClass staterooms; and $23 for guests in The Retreat.
Photo Credit: Steve Heap / Shutterstock
Confirmed bookings at the cruise line’s “All Included” or “Always Included” rates that already have paid for gratuities in those packages will not have any increase, regardless of sailing date, but the new gratuity rates will apply for all new bookings.
Previous rates were $17.50, $18, and $21 for the respective stateroom categories. This new increase represents a change of just roughly 3% for inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge, and AquaClass staterooms, but is a more significant 9.5% increase for staterooms in The Retreat.
Gratuities are automatically added to guests’ SeaPass accounts during the cruise. Should travelers encounter a problem or prefer to pay in cash and wish to adjust their gratuities, they can do so onboard at the Guest Relations desk.
Second Increase in Less Than a Year
These new increases are the second time Celebrity Cruises has raised gratuity rates in just nine months. The rates were increased in mid-October 2022, at that time raising up from $15.50 for standard staterooms, $16 for Concierge Class and AquaClass, and $19 for The Retreat.
This means that in less than a year, gratuities have risen more than 16% for standard rooms, 15% for Concierge and AquaClass, and 21% for The Retreat.
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz
All cruise lines have been raising gratuity rates in the past year, but the greater frequency of increases is concerning and puts an added financial burden on travelers who have budgeted carefully for a vacation only to find higher than expected onboard expenses, including gratuities.
The increase may not be much, but when added to other increases associated with a cruise vacation – airfare, port parking fees, shore tours, port taxes, etc. – it can be significant.
Of course, if guests pre-pay their gratuities, they are not usually subjected to the higher rates, regardless of when those rates are increased compared to the sailing date of the cruise.
Celebrity Cruises does have a note on the bottom of their Gratuity Program FAQ that states, “Gratuity amounts are subject to change” – a note that first appeared only after the October 2022 increase.
Related Cruise Lines – Are Increases to Come?
Celebrity Cruises is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, which also includes Royal Caribbean International and Silversea Cruises. At this time, neither of those related cruise lines have indicated any gratuity increase, but such changes may be coming.
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock
Royal Caribbean International last increased gratuity rates in September 2022, while Silversea Cruises already includes gratuity rates in the base fare and no additional charges are added to guests’ accounts during sailing.
Furthermore, once one cruise line raises gratuities, other lines generally follow suit within the next few months, even from different corporations.
It is likely that travelers may see gratuity rate increases from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and others later this year.
Any large ship, like a cargo ship or container ship, will consume a significant amount of fuel, and cruise ships are no exception. But how much fuel do cruise ships use? Why do cruise ships need to use so much fuel? If these are questions you commonly have onboard your cruise, you’ve come to the right place to find answers.
Keep reading to learn everything about cruise ship fuel consumption and more.
Cruise Ship Fuel Consumption: How Much Fuel Does a Cruise Ship Use?
Cruise ships consume a large quantity of fuel, but the exact amount depends on several factors. A large cruise ship, on average, uses as much as 250 tons every day, which is more than 80,000 gallons, much more than most people will use in their lifetime.
Smaller cruise ships may have a little less fuel usage, at around 150 tons per day, which is still a significant amount. This leads to the question: if cruise ship fuel consumption is so high, how much fuel can cruise ships hold?
How Much Fuel Do Cruise Ships Hold?
To consume the large amounts of fuel that they do, cruise ships need to be able to hold a lot of fuel – a very large amount.
Cruise ships hold various amounts of fuel, depending on their size. A large cruise ship can be up to 1,100 feet long and carry as much as two million gallons of fuel, while a smaller cruise ship can typically hold around 130,000 gallons.
Now that you know about cruise ship fuel consumption and how much fuel cruise ships hold, let’s talk about the reason for cruise ship fuel consumption to be so high.
Why Do Cruise Ships Consume So Much Fuel?
Several factors affect cruise ship fuel consumption. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones.
Speed
Speed is one of the top factors in cruise ship fuel consumption. Similarly to how your car consumes more fuel the faster it goes, cruise ships burn more fuel when they go fast. This is due to the power needed to drive the ship forward.
Cruise Ship Wake (Photo Credit: Tony Steinberg / Shutterstock)
To try to mitigate this, cruise ships often travel at a leisurely pace well below their maximum capability. The faster the cruise liner goes, the more power is needed to drive it forward. So when the ship stays at a leisurely pace, less power is needed to maintain that pace.
Distance
It goes without saying that the farther a vessel travels, the higher its fuel consumption. In fact, a ship may burn an entire gallon of fuel for every 30 to 60 feet it travels!
Ship’s Engine and Design
A cruise ship’s engine and design contribute to its fuel consumption. Cruise ships use either diesel engines, gas turbines, and diesel-electric.
Diesel engines are the traditional type of engines used, but a diesel engine typically consumes a lot of fuel. Moreover, a larger vessel needs larger engines, which will consume more fuel.
Photo Credit: Ihor Koptilin / Shutterstock
Beyond that, much like cars, the design of the cruise liner also dictates how much fuel will be consumed. When a cruise ship is being designed, they consider how the water will affect the ship and consequently affect fuel consumption.
Size
Finally, the size of the ship plays a huge role in fuel consumption. The bigger the ship, the more fuel it needs to run. This is mainly due to the amount of fuel a large ship needs to stay afloat compared to a smaller ship.
Cruise Ship Fuel Consumption FAQ
How long does it take to refuel a cruise ship?
The length of time it takes to refuel a cruise ship depends mainly on the size of the ship and its fuel tank. Other factors that play a role include the capacity and capability of the refueling barge. That said, on average, refueling a cruise can be done at about 110 tons of fuel per hour.
Does weather impact fuel consumption?
The weather can have an impact on fuel consumption in several ways. For example, if a ship needs to speed up to avoid a storm, it will consume more fuel. Don’t worry; the cruise line considers this possibility!
Summary: Cruise Ship Fuel Consumption
Cruise ships consume a lot of fuel, and it makes sense why. Any ship transporting thousands of people and operating as a mini city requires significant power. That said, cruise lines are always aware of their ships’ fuel usage and fuel efficiency and finding ways to improve them, such as using LNG to power cruise ships.
When you think of a cruise, you probably think of all of the activities you’ll do onboard the ship, as well as activities you’ll do at all the ports. With this line of thinking, your stateroom might be secondary. After all, you might only be spending time there sleeping, right?
On the contrary, your cruise ship cabin can greatly affect your onboard experience, even if you don’t anticipate spending a lot of time in your room. That’s why you must pick the best cruise ship cabin to ensure that your trip goes well.
What are the best rooms on a cruise ship? We’re here to help. Keep reading to discover the best rooms on a cruise ship to help you find the room that will make your cruise an enjoyable experience all around.
When some people think of the best room on a cruise ship, they may automatically think of a room with an ocean view at the top of the ship. However, this isn’t the case for everyone, and you should consider the total features of the room before choosing.
When choosing the best room for a cruise ship, there are several factors that you should consider, such as the noise, seasickness, how many people are cruising with you, your budget, and even what type of view you want.
With all of these factors in mind, you can better evaluate your options for cruise cabins to find the best one for your needs. Let’s take a look at the best rooms on a cruise ship.
Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship
Different staterooms on a cruise ship have different features, and it’s important that you consider each one to find a room that best aligns with the goals of your trip and your needs. Without further ado, here are the best rooms on a cruise ship based on different needs.
If You Want an Ocean View
An ocean view room is one of the best rooms on a cruise ship, no matter where on the ship it is located.
If you want some sunlight as well as a glimpse of the ocean, this is a great option that costs less than rooms with a balcony but still provides you with a wonderful cruising experience.
Ocean View Cabin (Photo Credit: A. Kiro / Shutterstock)
Better yet, you can get both an ocean view and a large deck to enjoy it from in the cabin at the back of the ship, called the aft.
The aft of the ship provides some of the best-uninterrupted ocean views a cruise ship has to offer, as well as a quieter place to enjoy these views from a large deck.
If You Want to Be Near All of the Action
As mentioned, many people embark on a cruise less to spend time relaxing in their rooms and more to take advantage of the amenities on the cruise ship. If this is your goal, one main factor that you’ll want to consider is how close your room is to the amenities on the ship.
Check out your chosen ship’s map before choosing your cruise cabin. It’s a good idea to know where the attractions are – such as the specialty restaurants, pool, and spa – and how close your room may be to them.
Cruise Ship Stateroom (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
In general, if you plan on spending a lot of time at these attractions, it’s best to book a room near them – whether that be on the same floor or just the same side of the ship.
However, booking on the same side of the ship may be easier to move around and take less time to get to rather than having to walk 15 minutes across the ship.
However, be aware that you should avoid cabins directly above or below noisy areas, especially if you want a good night’s rest!
If You Want a Quieter Space
If you plan on your cruise being a peaceful experience, you’ll want to seek a cabin on the quietest side of the ship. This tends to be the aft or the rear of the ship.
Cruise Ship Balcony View (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel / Shutterstock)
The aft is away from the hustle and bustle of midship, where all the action tends to happen. You’ll also get a beautiful ocean view and often more space than in other ship cabins.
If You Get Seasick
Seasickness is one reason why, even if you only plan on being in your cabin to sleep, you should prioritize choosing a cabin that’s most comfortable for your needs.
If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to stay away from the cabins on the top deck, as attractive as they might seem. The best cruise cabin to book would be near ocean level at the ship’s center, known as mid-ship.
While ocean-level rooms aren’t considered the most luxurious options, the closer you get to water-level, the less rocking you’ll feel on the ship. Plus, these rooms are your best chance at seeing wildlife out on the ocean!
If You Want Room for Your Family
Connecting cabins are a great option if you’re traveling with a group and want to stay close, but all want your own space.
Photo Copyright: Emrys Thakkar
Connecting cabins are a great option for families, especially ones with older children. They’re also great if you’re traveling with a group of friends.
These types of cabins are available on most cruise lines these days, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding this option.
If You Want Access to Fresh Air
Objectively, balcony suites are often thought of as being the best rooms on a cruise ship. There’s nothing better than being able to breathe in that fresh sea air.
When choosing a veranda stateroom, you should consider the following factors, the direction the ship is facing, the deck level the cabin is on, and potentially obstructed views. You’ll also want to consider the size of the balcony, and whether it could fit everyone in your party.
If You Want a Lot of Space
The one thing about cabins on cruise ships is that they’re all quite small. There are definitely circumstances where you would want a larger cabin, such as if you do want to spend a lot of time in your room, or if you’re cruising with kids.
If this is the case, opting for the largest suites on cruise ships is the best room choice. These suites will provide ample space for your stay and ensure that you don’t feel cooped up in your cabin.
Photo: Royal Caribbean
Here are some notable large suites on major cruise lines, some of them being considered the best suites on the cruise ship:
The Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean ships: A two-story suite with all of the games your kids could dream of, from an air hockey table to a tennis table.
Specialty cabins on Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival has several specialty cabins with more space than their other cabins, including the Havana suites with additional outdoor space and the Family Harbor suites with separate space for kids.
3-bedroom Garden Villa on Norwegian Cruise Line: This suite is one of the most luxurious suites you’ll find on any cruise ship. It includes space for up to 8 guests and a private terrace.
If you want to spend your budget on activities
Bigger staterooms mean more money spent on the room and potentially less spent on activities, especially if you’re cruising on a budget.
If you’d rather save money for all the fun activities you’ll be doing, the best room on a cruise ship for you may be the most affordable one.
Carnival Cruise Line Inside Stateroom
These are usually inside cabins, which are also a good choice for single cruisers, and those who will spend most of their time around the vessel.
Best Rooms on a Cruise Ship FAQ
What is the best room position on a cruise ship?
The best room position on a cruise ship depends on several factors. For example, if you get seasick, you want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least amount of movement. However, choose a room on the aft if you want the most space and the best view.
What is the best deck to choose on a cruise ship?
The best deck on a cruise ship largely depends on your preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, the higher the deck, the better the view. You’ll also get the most panoramic view at the top of the ship.
Is it worth getting a room with a balcony?
Although rooms with balconies are more expensive, they are definitely worth it if you’re looking for more space and fresh air in your cabin with a seating area.
The Verdict: The Best Room on a Cruise Ship
There are several contenders for the best room on a cruise ship – it all depends on what you’re looking for in a cabin and for your overall vacation.
When choosing your cabin, it’s important to consider how much time you’ll spend in your cabin, what activities you’ll be doing throughout your cruise, and how important it is to have an ocean view. This will help you decide on the best room for you to get maximum enjoyment from your cruise!
The Queen Mary 2, currently on a seven-night westbound transatlantic crossing, has experienced an unexpected delay in its arrival to New York City due to a medical emergency onboard. The ocean-liner diverted its course to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where it arrived on June 30.
The vessel is arriving in New York City with a six-hour delay. Cunard has informed guests due to embark on the ship for the upcoming voyage that efforts have been made to ensure they are comfortable while waiting to check in.
Unfortunate Medical Emergency Causes Delay
The Queen Mary 2 was initially scheduled to arrive at the New York City pilot station on the morning of June 30. However, a medical emergency involving a crew member necessitated a diversion to Halifax, Canada.
The medical evacuation could not be performed by helicopter due to heavy fog, leading to the change in course. As a result, the ship is expected to arrive at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal around 3 PM.
Queen Mary 2 in New York (Photo Credit: ATGImages / Shutterstock)
In response to this unforeseen situation, Cunard, the cruise line operating the Queen Mary 2, promptly communicated with guests due to board the ship for the upcoming cruise.
An email detailing the situation and the measures taken to ensure their comfort during the delay was sent out. The email read:“Following a medical emergency which required a diversion to Halifax, Queen Mary 2’s arrival into New York has been delayed by approximately 6 hours.”
“As you will not be able to embark at the original time, the pre-arranged transfer will be taking you to a conference facility at the New York Hilton Midtown, where there will be comfortable seating, light bites, refreshments, and a representative on hand to answer any queries that you might have.”
In the event of a medical emergency, cruise ships like the Queen Mary 2 have standard procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all onboard.
Queen Mary 2 (Photo Credit: Andy Glenn / Shutterstock)
This includes diverting the ship’s course if necessary to access medical facilities, as in this instance. While the delay will inconvenience some guests and cause them to rebook flights and other travel arrangements, Cunard has done everything possible to ensure the patient’s well-being.
Following Cruise Departure
The Queen Mary 2 is currently the only ocean liner in the world; at 149,215 gross tons, she can accommodate 2,695 guests. The ship had just completed a seven-night transatlantic crossing, which began on June 23 in Southampton, England, and concludes in New York City on June 30.
The upcoming cruise, a seven-night Independence Day Celebration, will sail today, June 30, although departure may be slightly delayed due to the medical emergency.
The itinerary includes stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 2; Boston, Massachusetts, on July 4; Newport, Rhode Island, on July 6; and concludes in New York City on July 7.
In light of the delay, Cunard has taken several steps to ensure the comfort and convenience of guests waiting to embark on Queen Mary 2.
The cruise line has arranged for a transfer from the New York Hilton Midtown to the ship at the revised embarkation time, which is anticipated to be approximately 6 hours later than the original time.
Guests can either stay at the hotel or explore the city and return ahead of the new embarkation time. Cunard has assured that all luggage will be stored safely and loaded onto the ship.
In addition, as a gesture of goodwill due to the delayed embarkation, Cunard has placed a credit of $25 per guest in their onboard accounts for them to spend during the cruise.
MSC Cruises has reached out to booked guests and travel agents with a notification that the cruise line’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, will be closed from April 7 through May 22, 2024.
As a result, various MSC ships are having their itineraries modified with new ports of call, and some sailings are even being cancelled or extended to accommodate the closure.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve to Be Updated
MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, is closing for more than six weeks for updates, according to communications the cruise line has sent to booked guests and impacted travel agents. While the closure is only temporary, the extensive time frame is affecting many cruises on different MSC ships.
“Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will be temporarily closed to MSC Cruises Guests from 4/7/2024 to 5/22/2024 in order to make necessary guest experience enhancements and support the island’s future growth plans,”the email read.
Cruises aboard MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape, MSC Divina, and MSC Meraviglia are all impacted, though different cruises are being adjusted in different ways.
For some sailings, alternative ports of call are being substituted for Ocean Cay. Depending on the ship, sailing date, and cruise length, travelers may be visiting Nassau or Freeport in The Bahamas instead. Some longer sailings will be scheduled for Isla Roatan in Honduras as well.
The nature of the “guest experience enhancements” has not been revealed. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve first welcomed guests in December 2019, and of course, was not visited during the industry-wide pandemic shutdown from mid-March 2020 until reopening to guests in the summer of 2021.
Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Because Ocean Cay is one of the newest private island destinations and has not been welcoming guests for long, the closure can seem unexpected. MSC Cruises has likely gotten a great deal of feedback from the past two years of sailings, however, and can now make upgrades and improvements that guests will most enjoy.
Options for Impacted Cruises
Guests on one of the dozens of sailings impacted by the closure have several options to choose from. Many sailings are adjusted with new itineraries, and guests can remain on those altered cruises that will now not be visiting Ocean Cay. No action is required if guests choose to stay on the booked cruise.
Travelers can also opt to move to any comparable MSC Cruises summer 2024 sailing, of the same length and accommodation type, between April 1 and October 31, 2024, without penalties.
Photo Credit: Conrad Schutt
The best price will be honored – either the price of the original sailing or the new cruise, whichever is lower. Because Ocean Cay will only be closed for a few weeks, this gives guests the opportunity to reschedule their sailing to still visit the popular island.
A second option is to switch to any other MSC Cruises voyage, on any ship or date. There will be no change fees, but prevailing cruise rates will apply and guests will need to pay the current price for the new cruise (minus the funds from the transferred cruise). Third, guests can simply cancel their cruise vacation for a full refund, with no penalties.
Photo: MSC Cruises
Some guests will also find their cruises completely cancelled or extended to a different length as all of these sailings – more than 35 in total – are adjusted. Passengers on extended cruises will not have any price increase for the extra length of their cruise.
Booked guests should note that MSC Cruises is currently working on updating all existing bookings, and the amended bookings will not be available to access until July 5, 2023.
This gives travelers ample time to consider their options and choose how best to adjust their travel plans, as guests have until July 31, 2023, to decide.
Turkish line Miray Cruises has altered its controversial three-year world voyage by replacing the ship that originally was intended to operate the sailing. In recent months, the company had battled public perceptions that the vessel was not deemed seaworthy.
Newly-Acquired Vessel to Operate Three-Year Cruise
Miray Cruises, the Istanbul-based line that announced the launch of its Life at Sea Cruises subsidiary early this year with the industry’s first three-year world cruise, revealed on June 29 that it has acquired a different ship to operate the voyage.
The company’s Gemini is being replaced with a newly acquired ship, Lara, in a move Miray Cruises said was prompted by overwhelming demand for the cruise. Gemini carries 1,074 guests, while Lara can accommodate 1,266 guests.
While Lara will undertake the world cruise, departing on November 1 and visiting 148 countries on seven continents, Gemini will continue her existing series of Greek Islands sailings.
Miray Cruises vowed that guests, who will pay fares from $2,500 per month to live on the ship for three years, will enjoy a neighborhood-type atmosphere with a sense of community. The voyage was attractive to working professionals, as the ship was to provide remote work facilities.
“We are beyond excited to introduce the beautiful MV Lara for this incredible, history-making, three-year voyage,” said Kendra Holmes, CEO of Miray Cruises.
“Our fleet is expanding due to the unprecedented demand for our long-duration circumnavigation voyages to responsibly explore every corner of our planet. Our residents are changing their lives for this opportunity, and we are honored to be a part of their personal journeys,” she added.
Line Coped With Controversy Over Ship’s Seaworthiness
Bookings for the world voyage opened on March 1, but the cruise line was soon faced with controversy when a former senior-level employee of the line revealed Gemini was found to be unseaworthy by an engineer.
However, Holmes has stated that Gemini had received her Passenger Ship Safety Certificate as required under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) policies. The former employee, along with several of the company’s executives, including managing director Mike Petterson, left the company in recent months.
Image Credit: Miray Cruises
Possibly spooked by the idea of a non-seaworthy Gemini, some booked guests requested refunds, and Miray Cruises, as of June 29, was still accepting reservation inquiries for the world voyage aboard Lara.
“Seeing such an overwhelming interest in our itinerary and unique ports where we will always be in summer is truly thrilling. This is evidence of the allure of our extended world cruise concept and the exceptional experiences that await our residents aboard MV Lara,” said Ethem Bayramoglu, COO of Miray Cruises.
Ship Offers Refreshed Cabins, Business Center
The 42,289-gross-ton Lara, which was built in 1988, will offer redesigned staterooms, a business center with offices, a cigar and wine bar, and other onboard destinations. A 24-hour on-call hospital with medical visits included in the cruise fare also will be available.
MV Lara Cruise Ship
Guests can avail themselves of learning and enrichment lectures onboard, and can join volunteer and philanthropic initiatives during the cruise, which will travel some 130,000 miles and call at 382 ports.
Port calls will feature 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites and Wonders of the World, with multiple days spent in each port for comprehensive exploration opportunities.
In the run-up to Lara’s departure from Istanbul, Miray Cruises will hold a series of events and celebrations in Turkey for all booked residents. The festivities will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
