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Drinking Ages on Cruise Ships: The Rules

Emrys Thakkar
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Drinking Ages on Cruise Ships: The Rules

Do you have a cruise coming up, but want to know if you’re at the minimum drinking age? Maybe you have a cruise planned and want to know whether your older kids will be able to join you for a cocktail. No matter the situation, knowing the drinking age on cruise ships is important.

In this article, you’ll learn the minimum age for drinking on cruise ships so you can properly plan your next vacation.

Table of contents

The legal drinking age on cruise ships varies. Factors influencing the set minimum ages include the specific ship you’re on and your departure and final destination.

In most areas of the world, the minimum drinking age is anywhere from 16 to 18, so it is possible to find a cruise that adheres to this minimum.

Bar on Cruise Ship
Bar on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: petereleven / Shutterstock)

That said, you’ll notice that most cruise ships sailing from North America have a minimum drinking age of 21 years to abide by United States law. This is despite Mexico and some places in Canada having minimum drinking ages of 18 or 19.

Since the U.S. is in between these two countries, cruise lines choose to abide by the United States minimum. Let’s look at some of the minimum drinking ages for major cruise lines.

Age Requirements for Major Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

On all Carnival Cruise Line ships, passengers must be 21 years of age or older to be served alcohol on board, even in international waters. Carnival Cruise Line is one of the only cruise lines that does not allow drinking under the age of 21 under any circumstance.

Norwegian Cruise Line

On Norwegian Cruise Line, the drinking age requirement is 18 in international waters. No guest under 18 may possess or consume alcohol at any time. This means that on board their ships, you must be at least 18 years old to drink alcohol. If you break this rule – including parents who give alcohol to their children – you’ll face disciplinary action.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drinks
Norwegian Cruise Line Drinks (Photo Credit: Barbara Kalbfleisch / Shutterstock)

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean cruise ship drinking ages depend on where the ship departs from. The drinking ages are the following:

  • From North America or the Caribbean: 21
  • From Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 21
  • From South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand: 18

However, these minimum ages are not set in stone. Royal Caribbean reserves the right to raise the minimum drinking age on sailings based on local laws.

Princess Cruises

When sailing from North America, the minimum drinking age on Princess Cruises ships is 21 years. But, if you’re sailing from Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand on a Princess Cruise, the legal drinking age is 18.

Princess Cruises
Photo Credit: EWY Media / Shutterstock

Disney Cruise Line

The minimum drinking age on all Disney Cruise Line ships is 21. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For destinations departing from Europe, anyone 18 to 20 may have their parents sign an alcoholic beverage consent form, allowing them to consume alcohol while in an adult’s presence.

What’s more, on round trips from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Brisbane, passengers 18 years old and older can consume alcohol without the presence or permission of an adult. 

Cunard

On most Cunard ships, the minimum drinking age is 18. The exception is when the ship is in U.S. waters and the minimum drinking age is 21.

Celebrity Cruises

The minimum drinking age on ships sailing from North America is 21. The minimum drinking age for remaining destinations is 18.

Drinking Age Exceptions on Private Islands

Some cruise lines have private islands as possible destinations and have different drinking age rules for private islands than they do for their ships. Here are some examples:

Cruise Private Island Drink
Cruise Private Island Drink (Photo Credit: mariakray / Shutterstock)
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Guests must be 21 to possess or consume alcohol at the cruise line’s private destinations. 
  • Royal Caribbean International: No matter where the departure point is, on Royal Caribbean International ships, the minimum drinking age for private islands is 21. 
  • Celebrity Cruises: You must be 21 to consume alcohol at any of Celebrity Cruises’ private destinations.  
  • Holland America: The minimum drinking age for Holland America ships is 21.

Checking IDs on Cruise Ships

Don’t think all rules are thrown out the window on your cruise! If you look underage, cruise ships will check your ID when you ask for a drink. The same goes for when you’re entering spaces restricted to those of a certain minimum age. If you’re a minor, you may get a wristband indicating so.

Cruise Ship Bar
Cruise Ship Bar

For example, some cruise ships allow passengers as young as 18 into the casino, but you must be 21 to drink on the ship. Therefore, you may be given a wristband to indicate to the staff that you are underage. 

Drink Packages and Minors

Many cruise lines offer drink packages specifically for minors – meaning their packages account for no alcoholic beverages. For example, MSC Cruises has a drink package for minors that includes soft, energy, and coffee drinks. Celebrity Cruises also offers a Zero Proof package at $30 per person per day, which includes some delicious zero-proof cocktails for minors to enjoy alongside their parents.

FAQs

How much alcohol can you drink on cruise ships?

In theory, whether you get a drink package or purchase your drinks on the ship, you can drink as much alcohol on your cruise as you want. However, staff regularly monitor guests to ensure they are not consuming copious amounts of alcohol to the point where they become a danger to themselves and other passengers on the ship. Drinking responsibly is important to avoid ruining your vacation and that of others.

Can you bring your own alcohol on cruise ships?

Most major cruise lines allow you to bring a minimal amount of alcohol on the cruise ship during embarkment day. This is usually restricted to a bottle or two of wine and only wine. Anything more will be confiscated, and alcohol you purchase at different ports will be kept for you until the end of your cruise. Even if you bring alcohol on the ship, minors are still prohibited from drinking. You must abide by the cruise ship’s legal drinking age rules.

The Takeaway: Know Drinking Rules On Your Cruise

Drinking is one of the most fun parts of any cruise, but sticking to the rules is essential to maximize the experience. Knowing the drinking ages on cruise ships during your planning will ensure that everything goes as expected. 

If you’re under the drinking age of a particular cruise, you can still enjoy yourself and try out any specialty mocktails your ship might offer.

Carnival Cruise Line is First to Reach Massive Milestone

Robert McGillivray
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Carnival Cruise Line is First to Reach Massive Milestone

Carnival Cruise Line has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first cruise line to embark 100 million guests since its first sailing in 1972. The announcement was made by Carnival President Christine Duffy, who boarded the Carnival Sunrise at PortMiami, where the cruise line was founded, to thank guests for choosing Carnival and making it the world’s most popular cruise line.

Carnival Cruise Line Welcomes 100 Millionth Guest

Carnival Cruise Line is the first-ever cruise line to welcome more than 100 million guests onboard its ships. 

The celebration was marked by the boarding of the 100 millionth guests, Debi and David Clifford, who were vacationing from Ohio with their family. Christine Duffy, the Carnival Cruise Line President, and the ship’s team members, led by Captain Luca Cherchi, welcomed them with fanfare taking photos to signify their place as “One in 100 Million.”

Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

In a statement, Christine Duffy said: “We’re the first cruise line to meet this incredible mark of 100 million guests, and I believe it is a testament to the fun, inclusive atmosphere our valued guests and our extraordinary team members have created together on board our ships for the past 51 years.“

Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise line, was founded in 1972 and celebrated its 50th birthday last year. Originally just a single ship, the Mardi Gras, the company has since expanded its fleet to 23. 

The 100 million guests milestone achieved by Carnival Cruise Line is not just impressive, but it also comes with some astounding statistics. To put it into perspective, 100 million guests are more than the combined population of California, Texas, and Florida, the cruise line’s three most popular homeport states. It also exceeds the populations of Canada, Australia, and Panama combined.

Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Additionally, among the 100 million guests, 167 individuals have sailed on more than 100 cruises, while 152,000 guests have spent more than 100 days onboard. In fact, there is even a five-year-old guest who has already accumulated 100+ cruise days. These incredible statistics showcase the popularity and loyalty of Carnival’s guests.

Read Also: All Carnival Cruise Ships By Age – Newest to Oldest

Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald expressed his gratitude, saying: “100 Million. That’s absolutely outstanding to think that since 1972 to 2023, we have had 100 MILLION passengers who became guests sail and have a massive dollop of FUN with us. We are so thankful, so grateful, and so thrilled that you and your families have and continue to sail with CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE.“

According to Statista, Carnival carried 7.7 million passengers in 2022, but that’s still behind the 13 million in 2019. the cruise line is now making a comeback following the global pandemic. Rival Royal Caribbean was just behind with 5.5 million passengers in 2022, and Norwegian Cruise Line at 1.66 million.

Carnival Cruise Line is Not Done Yet

Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet is expanding at an impressive rate, with three new ships set to join by the spring of 2024. Carnival Celebration, already a hit with guests, is currently sailing from Miami, offering a variety of exciting itineraries.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Meyer Werft

In May, the Carnival Venezia will make its debut, becoming the first Carnival ship to offer year-round cruises from New York. This will significantly expand Carnival’s offerings in the region, providing guests with even more options to explore the East Coast.

Later this year, the Carnival Jubilee, the third sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, will join the fleet and set sail from Galveston, Texas. In the spring of 2024, the Carnival Firenze, a sister ship to Carnival Venezia, will begin offering year-round cruises from Long Beach, California. 

Whether sailing along the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, or the West Coast, guests can look forward to an unforgettable cruise vacation with Carnival.

Royal Caribbean’s New Development Faces Backlash

Robert McGillivray
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Royal Caribbean’s New Development Faces Backlash

Royal Caribbean recently announced it will open its new Royal Beach Club resort in 2025. The 17-acre destination experience will be located at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. It will feature a combination of the island’s stunning beaches and the cruise line’s signature experiences. 

However, while everything seemed to be ready for the cruise line to start construction, the company is now receiving inquiries about its environmental mitigation plans from one of the biggest resorts in the world.

Environmental Concerns Voiced by Atlantis Resort

Royal Caribbean International plans to open a 17-acre destination experience, the Royal Beach Club, in Nassau, The Bahamas, in 2025. However, The Atlantis Resort in Nassau has now voiced its concern over the project’s environmental mitigation plans. 

According to the Tribune, The Atlantis’ senior vice-president of government affairs and special projects, Vaughn Roberts, confirmed the resort’s concerns over the proposed development of the western portion of Paradise Island in the Colonial Beach area.

Royal Caribbean's Bahamas Beach Club
Render Courtesy: Royal Caribbean

Atlantis says it’s concerned about how Royal Caribbean plans to mitigate any potential environmental concerns. In particular, the resort is concerned about how cruise lines have dumped waste in the oceans in the past:

Roberts expressed his concerns about dumping waste in the ocean by cruise lines, particular: “So we know that there are coral reefs there, we know that there has to be other environmental habitats there. So we just want to make sure it’s all done in a responsible way. Cruise lines have reports of dumping in the ocean and stuff. We’re not saying Royal Caribbean is guilty, but there have obviously been incidents in the past. We just haven’t seen enough of Royal Caribbean’s plans to know how they’re going to mitigate any risks.” 

The Bahamian government does not seem to be impressed by the concerns aired by Atlantis, instead the Deputy Prime Minister of Tourism, the honorable Chester Cooper, stated Royal Beach Club is still subject to environmental assessments:

Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, Chester Cooper: The Government of The Bahamas notes the concern of Atlantis regarding Royal Caribbean International’s proposed Beach Club on Paradise Island. In my official statement dated March 7, 2023 we stated that approval is subject to Environmental Impact Assessment and an Environmental Management Plan. That remains the case.

“The Department of Environment and Physical Planning and Ministry of Works are aware of the questions raised by Atlantis and I am satisfied that these questions will be addressed as a part of the normal process.”

On top of the environmental concerns, legal disputes are still ongoing between a Bahamian entrepreneur and the local government over how Royal Caribbean’s lease contract of Crown Land was procured.

The legal dispute between Bahamian entrepreneur Toby Smith, the Government, and Royal Caribbean centers on the two Crown Land parcels sought by Smith for his project. 

Smith received a letter of approval for the Crown Land lease over the two tracts from the acting director of the Department of Lands and Surveys in January 2020. 

However, the minister responsible for Crown Lands did not execute the necessary paperwork by applying his signature, as Royal Caribbean had rival designs on two of the Crown Land acres also sought by Smith for its own Royal Beach Club project.

Nassau Cruise Ships
Photo Credit: byvalet / Shutterstock.com

The chief justice has since ruled that Smith did not have a valid, legally binding lease from the Government for the two Crown Land parcels he was seeking for his project. 

As a Bahamian entrepreneur, Mr. Smith had consistently claimed that he was pushed aside to accommodate a major foreign investor, despite obtaining his approvals and legally binding Crown Land leases before Royal Caribbean did.

The ruling allows the cruise line to proceed with the Royal Beach Club, but the ongoing situation adds uncertainty to the project’s future and complicates matters for Royal Caribbean. They now must navigate concerns over their development’s environmental impact and any legal obstacles that may arise.

Reaction From Local Businesses

Despite the announcements from Royal Caribbean that the Royal Beach Club would be an excellent opportunity for local businesses, the general sentiment in Nassau seems to differ from that statement. 

Several business owners have been vocal about fearing that Royal Caribbean will draw business away from locals and focus purely on sales inside its resort. 

One local business owner said to the Tribune: “Royal Caribbean is going to suck business out of Paradise Island. The thing is nobody is going to want to stay on Paradise Island or even downtown, and Royal Caribbean is just going to take all of their guests to their side of the island. Lots of people are going to lose their jobs, too.”

This could very well be why the Atlantis Resort questioned Royal Caribbean’s plans. Day trips while in Nassau to the Atlantis are a popular way to spend the day in Nassau. Cruise ships are a huge money maker for the resort at $250 for an adult and $125 for kids for a day pass. 

If the biggest cruise ships in the world bring their guests to the Royal Beach Club instead of the Atlantis, it would mean a financial blow for the resort.

Can You Bring Food On a Cruise and How Much?

Emrys Thakkar
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Can You Bring Food On a Cruise and How Much?

A cruise is an exciting way to travel and escape your everyday life for a bit. The only downside to a cruise is figuring out what you can and cannot pack.

Cruise ships have a lot of restrictions when it comes to what you’re allowed onboard. From no irons to sharp objects, you want to pack smart to prevent having your items confiscated. But what are the rules when it comes to food? Can you bring food on a cruise?

Keep reading to learn the rules when it comes to bringing food on a cruise so that you can best prepare for your upcoming vacation.

In This Article…

Can You Bring Food On a Cruise?

Yes, you can bring food on a cruise, but only to a certain extent. You are permitted to bring non-perishable food onboard. For the most part, this food must be pre-packaged and processed. Here are examples of food items that you can bring onboard your cruise:

  • Granola bars
  • Bags of chips
  • Pre-packaged cookies
  • Packaged beef jerky
  • Packaged and sealed baby food and formula

Just make sure that these snacks are in their original packaging and unopened, or they may be confiscated. You cannot bring fruits, vegetables, or home-cooked meals onboard. If you try, they will be confiscated by the crew.

How Much Food Can You Bring on a Cruise?

While you can bring some non-perishable food on your cruise, that doesn’t mean there’s no limit to the quantity you can bring on. 

For the most part, cruise lines don’t provide exact limits on how much food you can bring on. However, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line describe “limitations” on the quantity of food you can bring onboard without expressly saying what those limits are.

Lido Dining Food
Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive

Use your judgment to determine whether you’re following the cruise line’s guidelines. It should be a reasonable amount of snacks for yourself or the people in your party. In general, bringing a few snacks here and there won’t get you in trouble, but you may run into some problems if you have an entire checked bag full of snacks.  

Why Are There So Many Restrictions for Bringing Food on a Cruise?

There are two main reasons why bringing your own food onto the cruise ship is so restricted. 

The first has to do with international customs. Cruise ships make stops in multiple countries, and different countries have their own laws regarding what you can bring into the country. This is because you risk bringing foreign diseases and illnesses, which could be carried through food.

In the same respect, you risk getting other passengers onboard sick if you carry unpackaged food. Cruise ships are isolated, so if one passenger gets sick with something contagious, it can spread quickly.

Food on a Cruise Ship
photo Credit: El Greco 1973 / Shutterstock

Restrictions aside, being able to bring food on a cruise ship is excellent news for those who don’t want to go a week without their favorite snacks or for parents of picky eaters who request the same granola bars every day. Let’s check out specific food policies on popular cruise lines.

Different Cruise Line Policies for Food

To give you an idea of what to expect on your next cruise, here are some of the food policies of the most popular cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean cruise passengers can bring non-perishable prepackaged food in limited quantities. They also allow you to bring select beverages on board.

Non-alcoholic beverages must be carried in your carry-on luggage on boarding day and must not exceed 12 standard cans, bottles, or cartons per room. Finally, Royal Caribbean allows milk and distilled water to be brought on for specific reasons, including infant, medical, or dietary use.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line allows passengers to bring pre-packaged, unopened, and ready-to-eat snacks. Homemade items and pre-cooked food are not allowed. Carnival Cruise Line also allows you to bring non-alcoholic beverages, but only in can form, and the cans must be in your carry-on.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises specifically lists prohibited items as perishable food, meat products, and food that requires refrigeration. You can bring a small amount of prepackaged snacks on board. Contact Celebrity Cruises to find out what the exact amount is. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is quite strict with their food and drink policy. Unlike other cruise lines, no drinks of any kind are permitted to be brought on board, including non-alcoholic drinks. In terms of food, the only restriction is no unsealed food items are allowed on board.

The Verdict: Don’t Go Overboard

To sum up, yes, you can bring limited quantities of food on a cruise, as long as it is non-perishable and pre-packaged. However, it’s essential to check with your cruise line before embarkation day to avoid getting any prohibited items confiscated.

Celebrity Cruises Adds Two Additional Sailings for New Ship

Donna Tunney
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Celebrity Cruises Adds Two Additional Sailings for New Ship

Celebrity Cruises has scheduled two preview sailings of its new Celebrity Ascent, allowing eager cruisers to get a sneak peek at the vessel even before her inaugural cruise in December 2023. The ship is the fourth in the line’s popular Edge class.

First-Look Sailings in November 2023 for Celebrity Ascent

Two preview cruises aboard Celebrity Cruises’ new-build Celebrity Ascent, now under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, have opened for bookings. Both sailings are roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.

The first is a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise departing November 22, 2023, giving cruisers a Thanksgiving week getaway. The ship will call at Cozumel. The second preview sailing is a 3-night Bahamas cruise departing November 26, 2023, and calling at Nassau, Bahamas.

Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said, “This ship is going to be beautiful beyond words – truly the embodiment of a relaxed luxury resort at sea – and I’m thrilled to be able to offer travelers a sneak peek of all that she offers.”

She added, “These sampler sailings will cement in our guests’ hearts that the experience onboard a Celebrity ship goes beyond being a traditional cruise line, and they will definitely leave them wanting more in the year ahead!”

The 3,260-guest Celebrity Ascent is a twin ship to Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022. The line’s first Edge class ship was Celebrity Edge, which launched in 2018. The third in the class, Celebrity Apex, entered service in 2021.

Celebrity Ascent marked a construction milestone in late January 2023, when she was floated out of dry dock at the French shipyard.

Her maiden voyage is slated for December 3, 2023, from Port Everglades. The 7-night Western Caribbean cruise will call at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata. Alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises will follow the inaugural voyage.

Western Caribbean itineraries include calls to Nassau, Bahamas, Cozumel, Mexico, and George Town in the Cayman Islands. Eastern Caribbean cruises will visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Edge Class Amenities Onboard

Celebrity Ascent will feature the same amenities and experiences as the previous Edge class ships, including two-story villa staterooms, two-story martini-shaped hot tubs, and the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered bar that sits on the edge of the ship, among other innovations.

The ship will offer infinity plunge pools, private cabanas and a two-story Sunset Bar. Dining choices will feature the line’s popular Le Petit Chef Dinner Experience, Eden Restaurant, with dramatic three-story, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, serving global cuisine.

Celebrity Ascent Cruise Ship
Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Ship designers include the award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen; American designer Nate Berkus; the Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku; British architect Tom Wright, and Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, creator of Le Voyage.

Brothers at the Helm

In January 2023, the line announced that in an industry first, two brothers, both veteran Celebrity Cruises’ officers with a combined 50 years of service to the cruise line, will co-captain Celebrity Ascent. Dimitrios Kafetzis and Tasos Kafetzis will each have three-month rotating assignments on the 140,600 gross ton ship.

Their appointments marked the second time Celebrity Cruises has made history on the bridge: The line in 2015 announced the selection of Kate McCue as captain of Celebrity Edge, making her the industry’s first female cruise ship captain.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Due to Extra Days in Dry Dock

Robert McGillivray
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Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruise Due to Extra Days in Dry Dock

Royal Caribbean has announced a cruise cancellation for the Mariner of the Seas just over two weeks before the departure. The cancellation is due to a dry dock currently taking place in Cadiz, Spain, which is taking longer than anticipated. 

The maintenance work being done on the ship includes new paint, an upgrade to the pool deck and waterslides, maintenance to the propellors, and general hotel and engine maintenance work.

Mariner of the Seas Cruise Cancelled

It seems like a terrible prank. Still, guests booked onboard the Mariner of the Seas for a 5-night cruise on April 1, 2023, from Port Canaveral will be disappointed to learn that Royal Caribbean has indeed cancelled their cruise.

The cancelled voyage was a western Caribbean cruise scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, and make stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral. 

Guests booked on this voyage have been notified of the cancellation. They have been provided with options to either re-book on a future Royal Caribbean sailing or receive a full refund.

Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Melissa Mayntz

In the letter sent to guests, Royal Caribbean stated: “We’re continuously working to enhance our ships and the many amenities they have to offer. Mariner of the Seas is currently undergoing dry dock for routine maintenance and exciting, which will require some extra time for these upgrades to be completed.”

“Regrettably, this means our April 1st, 2023 cruise has been canceled. We know this news is disappointing, and we apologize for the impact on your cruise.”

As the maintenance is relatively straightforward, it seems strange that Mariner of the Seas would be delayed. However, as with many other European countries, Spain, including Cadiz, has seen a fair share of strikes, in particular in the metal industries. This would explain any delays that the vessel incurred during the dry dock, which started at the end of February.

Refund and Rebook Options for Guests

Royal Caribbean outlined several options for affected guests to either rebook or get a full refund. 

Under Option 1, guests can re-book on any Royal Caribbean sailing with a future cruise credit. The cruise line will waive non-refundable deposit change fees, but guests will be responsible for any price difference.

Guests will receive a refund if the cruise fare rate decreases. They’ll also be reimbursed for non-refundable transportation change fees and receive a 50% future cruise credit to book and sail on a new sailing by April 1st, 2024.

Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas
Photo Credit: Alexanderphoto7 / Shutterstock

Under the second option, guests can receive a full refund of any paid portion of their cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities. They’ll also be reimbursed for non-refundable transportation change fees and automatically receive a 50% future cruise credit to book and sail on a new sailing by April 1st, 2024.

Guests who don’t make a decision by March 29th, 2023, will automatically be included in the group of guests that chooses option 2.

Mariner of the Seas is expected to return to operation on April 6, 2023, with a 4-night Western Caribbean Cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, stopping in Cozumel, Mexico, before returning to Port Canaveral.

Mariner of the Seas is one of the five Voyager-class cruise ships owned by Royal Caribbean International. The ship can accommodate up to 4,252 passengers. After a month-long refit costing US$120 million in 2018 under the Royal Amplified program, the ship’s tonnage was increased from 138,279 to 139,863 gross tons.

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 Partner for Unique Experience

Robert McGillivray
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MSC Cruises and Formula 1 Partner for Unique Experience

MSC Cruises has announced a new partnership with Formula 1 to offer an unparalleled Grand Prix hospitality experience on board MSC Virtuosa during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2023. 

As part of MSC Cruises’ partnership with Formula 1, this unique offering promises to bring the trackside thrills of the final race of the season to the cruise ship. MSC Virtuosa will serve as a hotel for race fans throughout the weekend while docked at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, just a short drive from the circuit.

MSC Cruises and F1 Take Partnership Further

MSC Cruises and Formula 1 are extending their partnership beyond the sponsorship around the races, as the cruise line has announced an exciting new collaboration that takes race weekend accommodation to the next level. 

F1 and MSC Cruises will provide a fully integrated Grand Prix experience to create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.

MSC Virtuosa will be transformed into an F1 hotel during the upcoming Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between November 24 and 26, 2023. The cruise line offers a wide range of packages to stay onboard. MSC Virtuosa has space for 4,842 guests at double occupancy.

MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship
Photo Credit: Wayleebird / Shutterstock.com

Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented, “Through this exclusive hospitality offering, we are bringing together the very best of two worlds – Formula 1 and MSC Cruises. By collaborating together, we are integrating the incredible atmosphere at the track with the incredible experience on board our ships to create an unrivaled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.”

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the 2023 race season, which only started last week with the race in Bahrain. Guests will be able to take advantage of exclusive insider access and all-in-one race packages while sleeping comfortably onboard the 181,000 gross tons MSC Virtuosa.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are delighted to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. With luxurious accommodations, exclusive insider access, and the convenience of all-in-one race packages, we’re confident that this partnership will make the race weekend truly unforgettable.”

Formula 1 and MSC Cruises have had a successful partnership since the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022. The cruise line is the official cruise partner for Formula 1.

Race Weekend Experience

All packages include various accommodation options, including elegant cabins and deluxe suites, all with half board, complimentary Wi-Fi, and transfers to and from the track. Fans can choose from a variety of different packages that combine accommodation, race tickets, and exclusive insider access.

MS Cruises and Formula 1
MSc Cruises and Formula 1 (Photo Credit: motorsports Photographer / Shutterstock)

Guests can even purchase a package that includes a pit lane walk, a guided track tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1 personnel appearances, and more.

The festive atmosphere will continue aboard for guests, as the specially designed program of themed activities, parties, and entertainment, as well as a dedicated kids’ program, will keep the thrills going even after the race has ended.

MSC Partnered with Major Sporting Events Before

Utilizing cruise ships as hotels during race weekends is a wise decision by Formula 1 organizers. This approach eliminates the need to construct large hotels to accommodate the thousands of race fans who attend each race while still providing them with excellent accommodations and bonus amenities.

More From Cruise Hive

This is not the first time that MSC has brought the world of sports to its ships. MSC World Europa played a huge role during the FIFA World Cup, housing thousands of fans from around the world in Qatar. The ship offered guests a unique and immersive football experience, complete with live broadcasts of the matches, special guest appearances, and football-themed activities.

How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship – 10 Pro Tips

Emrys Thakkar
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0
How to Get a Job on a Cruise Ship – 10 Pro Tips

Many people are fascinated with the idea of working on a cruise ship. After all, you get to travel the world, meet amazing people, and live at sea, all while earning money!

How to get a job on a cruise ship isn’t widely known. The process isn’t as simple as going on a job board and emailing your resume. You need to know certain things about getting a job on a cruise ship, especially if you have no experience. 

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to learn precisely how to get a job on a cruise ship. Keep reading to discover ten tips for securing your dream job on your favorite cruise line!

In This Article…

1. Be Sure It’s What You Want

While working on a cruise ship seems like fun and games, crew members work very hard to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests and all passengers onboard. 

Cruise ship workers tend to work long hours. What’s more, some workers work seven days a week, with few days off, if any. The pay on a cruise ship varies greatly. It can range from a few hundred dollars a month for a cleaner to over $100,000 yearly salary for a director. 

If you have little to no experience, chances are that you won’t be clearing $100,000 your first year. However, many positions are flexible, with room to advance as you gain seniority onboard. 

Finally, you need to understand what to expect from living conditions on a cruise ship, from what the crew quarters look like to your food, laundry, and leisure options. 

2. Figure Out the Job You Want

What’s exciting about cruise ships is the large number of positions available onboard. That’s why an important consideration when figuring out how to get a job on a cruise ship is to figure out precisely what job you want.

When considering cruise ship jobs, many people only consider the positions that guests regularly interact with, such as wait staff and performers. However, there are more jobs on a cruise ship than you can imagine.

Crew Member on Cruise Ship
Crew Member on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Pierre Jean Durieu / Shutterstock)

For example, did you know that every cruise ship has at least one doctor? There’s also a firefighter on board, although fires on cruises are extremely rare.

While the two examples above require extensive experience, there are a variety of other cruise jobs that require little to no experience and can get you working on a cruise ship much sooner. Some of these cruise ship jobs include:

  • Galley (kitchen) cleaner
  • Bell staff
  • Line cook

Other positions to consider, depending on your experience and interest, include:

  • Bartender
  • Youth Staff
  • Activity coordinator 
  • Lifeguard
  • Entertainer

3. Know the Basic Requirements

Once you know what you’d like to do on a cruise ship, you should look into the requirements to fill that position successfully.

However, there are a few basic requirements that you need to fulfill no matter what position you apply for before you can even consider working on a cruise ship. Here are some of those requirements:

Royal Caribbean Crew Members
Photo Credit: Benjamin Clapp / Shutterstock
  • You must be 18 or 21 years old to work on a cruise ship, depending on your country of residence
  • You must meet the language requirements and be fluent
  • Have a valid passport and proper visa/work permit
  • Pass a medical exam and criminal background check

Depending on the job and cruise company you apply to, there may be additional requirements that you must fulfill. 

4. Get the Proper Qualifications

If you’re interested in a particular cruise job but need additional qualifications, make sure to fulfill those qualifications before you apply. This could be as simple as improving your fluency in a specific language or receiving a diploma in a particular field. 

Crew Member Prepping Food
Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock)

Whether that be further education or work experience, fulfilling those requirements ensures that you’re prepared for the job.

5. Research Cruise Companies

No two cruise companies are the same, so the same position at two different cruise lines may differ significantly. 

When learning how to get a job on a cruise ship, it’s essential to research the cruise ships themselves to determine which one is the perfect fit for you. Some popular cruise lines you may want to consider include:

While conducting your research for each cruise line, make sure to take note of these factors:

  • Job descriptions
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Salary
  • Food
  • Any additional worker policies

6. Talk to Current Crew Members

You must understand how vital company culture is when choosing a new workplace. The same goes for cruise ships.

Another important point when choosing a cruise line to apply to is the staff culture. Every cruise ship has a different culture, and considering that you will be living on the ship, it’s crucial to ensure that that culture aligns with your values.

Cruise Ship Crew Members

The best way to verify a cruise ship’s company culture is by reaching out to current and past crew members and hearing about their experiences. 

You can look up crew members to learn about what it’s like to work for a specific cruise line and contact them by email or set up a phone call or video chat. This will give you the best insight into whether a cruise line is right for you.

7. Prepare Your Resume

You’ve researched, gathered your information, and know you’re qualified for the job. Now it’s time to prepare your application.

Start by updating your resume to cater to the specific job and cruise line you’re applying to. If you’re applying to more than one line, you’ll want to cater your documents to each company. 

You’ll also need a cover letter that explains why you want to work for that specific cruise line and why you’re the best person for the job. Make sure to prepare any additional documents that your cruise line may require. Have someone review your documents to proofread for errors before submitting them.

Read Also: How Much Does a Cruise Director Make?

8. Apply for an Open Position

Once your application is prepared, you can apply for your dream job! For some cruise lines, you can apply directly to their head office online. Others use an agency to recruit talent. Beware, however, as some fraudulent companies pretend to be cruise lines.

Make sure you understand the application instructions for the specific company you’re applying to and know the deadlines.

9. Prepare for the Interview

If all goes well with your application, the cruise line will contact you for an interview. You may be subject to a screening session before an official interview to verify that you meet all the job requirements.

Carnival Cruise Ship Crew
Photo Credit: Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock

Interviews are held in person or online, although online interviews have become more and more common. The key is to be prepared for the interview. Show up on time and as if you researched the cruise company and the job itself. Prepare for the most general interview question, as well as to ask any questions you may have yourself. 

Don’t forget to show enthusiasm and explain why you’re excited to work on that specific cruise line. 

10. Celebrate and Prepare to Embark!

By this point, celebrations are hopefully in order as you’ve landed your dream cruise ship job!

Now all that’s left is to pack your bags and prepare for the start of your contract date as a crew member. Be sure to fulfill any final requirements that your new employer may ask of you, such as up-to-date vaccination.

Conclusion: Getting a Job on a Cruise Ship Is No Vacation

If you’re ready to get paid to visit ports around the world, then what are you waiting for? Now that you know how to get a job on a cruise ship, nothing is stopping you from landing that dream position and traveling the world. There’s a position onboard a cruise ship for everyone, no matter your profession, experience level, or passion. If you want a further look into what working on a cruise ship is really like, check out this article.

Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Beverage Options

Robert McGillivray
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Carnival Cruise Line Reveals New Beverage Options

Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new range of non-alcoholic cocktails, offering guests an alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages. The drinks are based on some of the most popular cocktails served at Carnival’s Alchemy Bar, a destination for cocktail enthusiasts on almost every Carnival ship sailing from the US.

The cocktails are created using non-alcoholic spirits produced by Lyre’s, a leading brand in the emerging market of non-alcoholic spirits, which has been called the ‘finest range of non-alcoholic spirits the world has ever seen.’

Carnival Announces Partnership with Lyre’s

Carnival Cruise Line announced the release of a new line of non-alcoholic cocktails today, March 14. The new cocktails are created using non-alcoholic spirits produced by Lyre’s, a worldwide trendsetter in non-alcoholic spirits. With this partnership, Carnival becomes the first cruise line to offer a full range of alcohol-free cocktails.

According to Zachary Sulkes, Carnival’s senior director of beverage operations, the partnership with Lyre’s gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails a great option to enjoy a cocktail onboard.

Carnival Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

Zachary Sulkes, Carnival’s senior director of beverage operations: “Our new partnership with Lyre’s gives guests who want non-alcoholic cocktails the best options at sea. We’ve seen the popularity of non-alcoholic cocktails grow rapidly, so to meet that trend, our mixologists have been working to craft alternative versions of our most popular cocktails with none of the alcohol but all the flavor.”

Lyre’s uses all-natural flavors, including essences, extracts, and distillates, to match the aroma, taste, and appearance of time-tested classics. The company’s spirits have been awarded multiple times and have earned recognition as the world’s most-awarded line of non-alcoholic spirits.

Carnival Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

The new range of non-alcoholic cocktails is based on seven popular Alchemy Bar cocktails, including the Martini Seduction, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini, The Remedy, Hearts of Fire, Restorative Basil Drop, The Perfect Storm, and Cucumber Sunrise. 

These cocktails have been reimagined using Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits to offer guests a similar experience as their alcoholic counterparts.

Alchemy Bar: The Place to Be

Alchemy Bar is a prominent feature of Carnival cruise ships, with a dedicated focus on crafting and serving cocktails. It distinguishes itself from typical bars on Carnival Cruise Line ships and other cruise line’s ships by providing a personalized experience where guests can engage with their bartender and witness the creation of bespoke cocktails. 

The bar offers a diverse selection of premium cocktails, carefully crafted from fresh ingredients by highly skilled bartenders.

Carnival Alcohol-Free Cocktails
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line

For cocktail enthusiasts, a visit to Alchemy Bar is highly recommended. Observing the bartenders at work is a unique experience and makes the bar a top destination for enthusiasts who enjoy seeing a professional mixologist at work. While beer and soda are not available at Alchemy Bar, the exceptional cocktails more than make up for it.

The new non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails will be available at the Alchemy Bar on ships homeported in the United States immediately and on the Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor cruise ships in Australia at a later date. 

Along with the full range of non-alcoholic cocktails offered at Alchemy Bar, Carnival’s main dining rooms now serve Lyre’s alcohol-free prosecco.

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