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Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

A cruise can be a phenomenal vacation filled with excitement, luxury, and adventure, but only if you make the most of your oceangoing getaway without tripping over common pitfalls. Whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruiser, these 15 mistakes can quickly sink your vacation plans.

1. Skipping Your Pre-Cruise Research

Every cruise line has a different character and offers different experiences to its passengers. If you don’t research cruise lines before you book, you might end up on a party boat when you’d prefer a more sedate vacation, or your could find yourself on a minimalist ship when you wanted to try all the newest innovations at sea.

Investigate each cruise line, individual ships, types of staterooms, onboard options, and ports of call to be sure you’re planning a vacation that meets your needs and preferences.

2. Overpacking

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than typical hotel rooms, and storage space is at a premium. Instead of packing a multitude of options for your casual wear, poolside outfits, formal attire, and all the accessories that go with each ensemble, choose versatile items that won’t take up as much luggage space. Similarly, minimize other gear you pack, and be sure to save room in your luggage for must-have souvenirs.

Also Read: Top 30 Cruise Accessories You’ll Want to Have Packed

3. Missing the Muster Drill

Every cruise ship holds a mandatory safety drill before setting sail. This procedure is required by maritime law and familiarizes passengers with emergency situations such as alarm tones, where to evacuate to a lifeboat, and how to properly wear a life vest.

Lifeboat drill
Lifeboat Drill

Passengers who skip this drill could delay the ship’s departure and may even be put off the ship for noncompliance. The drill only takes a half-hour or so, and is well worth the time to start your vacation safely.

4. Waiting to Book Shore Excursions

Popular tours in ports of call can sell out quickly, and if you wait until just a few hours before arriving at the port to reserve your space on an excursion, you may find yourself left behind while other passengers have a great time.

Shore tours for any port can be booked as soon as you board the ship, and many cruise lines even let you book tours online several days or weeks before embarkation, ensuring your reservation for those can’t-miss experiences.

5. Missing One-Time Opportunities

Just like missing out on shore tours, it is possible to miss out on one-time-only experiences on board the ship. Many popular shows, for example, may have just one or two performances and will not be repeated later in the trip.

Oasis of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
Photo: Royal Caribbean

Similarly, themed events such as dance parties, specialized contests, and comedy performances are often offered just once. Check the ship’s daily schedule closely for details on each day’s options and use onboard apps to remind yourself not to miss those experiences.

6. Getting Drunk

It’s perfectly natural to want to imbibe on vacation, whether that means a morning mimosa, lounging by the pool with the drink-of-the-day, enjoying a cocktail before dinner, or tossing back a few beers in the sports bar.

Take care not to get outlandishly drunk, however, which can have dire consequences on a cruise ship. Not only do you risk seasickness, but if you need most of the next day to recover from overindulging, you’ll miss out on everything the ship and ports offer while your hangover is in control.

7. Overeating

With food easily available from buffets, pizzerias, candy shops, ice cream machines, sushi bars, room service, and many other delicious options, you could quickly make yourself sick on too much deliciousness.

Lido Dining Food

Furthermore, you might inadvertently gain a few pounds on your cruise, making that tight dress or snug dress slacks uncomfortable or even impossible to wear on formal night. Do feel free to taste, but know your dining limits just like you know your drinking limits.

8. Littering

Littering is no more acceptable on a cruise ship than it is on land. All trash and waste should be properly disposed of, and no materials should ever be tossed overboard.

In fact, tossing items overboard is illegal and could be cause to be removed from the ship at the closest opportunity, even left in an unfamiliar port of call for violating the ship’s littering laws. Pick up after yourself, and if you aren’t sure where to place trash, ask a nearby crew member and they’ll be happy to help.

9. Rudeness to the Crew

Every member of a cruise ship’s crew, from the officers to the bartenders to the stewards, works hard to offer guests a memorable and enjoyable vacation. There is no excuse for being rude to the crew, even inadvertently.

Take care to make life easier for your cabin steward, and always be polite to all crew members, even if you’re dealing with an unpleasant situation or need to register a complaint. Greet crew with a friendly smile, don’t interrupt their work, and be genuine with your thanks.

10. Letting Children Run Free

Even parents need time off on vacation, but it is never a good idea to let children run free on a cruise ship. There are many places on a ship where unsupervised children could get into trouble or even be in danger, and it’s easy for children to get frightened and lost on the very largest ships.

Quantum of the Seas Theater (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

Furthermore, it’s rude to other passengers to allow children to take over inappropriate areas, such as designated adults-only areas, elevators, or hot tubs where supervision is required.

11. Overspending

Because most cruise ships operate on a cashless system where your ship ID card is also a charge card for onboard purchases, it can be easy to let your spending get out of control.

Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas
Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

You don’t want that unpleasant surprise at the end of the cruise, however, so be aware of how much you may be spending at the bar, in souvenir shops, on shore tours, at the photo gallery, or on any other extras throughout the cruise. Savvy spending can ensure you enjoy your cruise while you stay on budget.

12. Cramming Too Much In

With so much to see and do on a cruise ship, it can be overwhelming and you may be tempted to try everything at once so you don’t miss out. If you do too much right away, however, you may find yourself too exhausted the next day to join in new activities, or you may be too sore to be part of shore tours, deck games, or dance parties.

Cruise Ship Deck
Cruise Ship Deck

Know your limits each day, and enjoy trying new activities and having fun without pushing yourself to injury, illness, or exhaustion.

13. Breaking Rules or Guidelines

Cruise ships do have rules, and guests need to obey posted guidelines and restrictions as well as any orders from officers and crew members.

Cruise Passenger on Aurora Railings
Photo By: Nick Corben

Stay out of restricted “crew only” areas, pay attention to crew directions, and avoid fights and other poor behavior, or you may find yourself in the ship’s brig, facing fines or other penalties, or even removed from the ship and banned from returning on future cruises.

14. Missing the Ship

You won’t have much fun on your cruise if you literally miss the boat, whether being late for embarkation or misjudging the time in a port of call. Cruise ships operate on precise schedules and will not wait for tardy passengers.

Related: Top 6 Videos Of Cruise Passengers Missing The Ship

Book your travel plans to account for possible delays when you arrive, and when in port, be sure you stay on “ship time” to get back on board before departure.

15. Staying in Your Comfort Zone

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on any cruise vacation is staying completely in your comfort zone. Cruise ships and different ports of call offer a wide array of opportunities to try new foods, enjoy a new drink, take on an unusual adventure, discover a new culture, and more.

Make the most of your cruise vacation by setting sail with confidence and trying something new to make it a truly memorable and amazing getaway!

How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Gillian Birch
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How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Most people taking cruises from Vancouver arrive by air at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are several ways to get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, and we have full details of all the options below. You should allow about 30 minutes for the journey, whether you choose to transfer by road, shuttle, taxi or SkyTrain.

Vancouver Airport is 8 miles (13km) southwest of downtown Vancouver. This award-winning international airport manages at least 22 flights to and from the USA every day, and a further dozen or so from international destinations.

As you would expect of any leading city, the airport is modern and efficient. It has a good choice of transport options for getting to downtown Vancouver and the cruise port.

Taxis

Taxis are always on hand for transfers from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. On arrival, you will find the taxi stands on Level 2 of the domestic and international Arrivals area.

Fares are calculated by zone on a fixed price basis. The journey takes about 30 minutes, traffic permitting. The standard fare is CAB$35. If you are traveling as a family or group, this is the cheapest and most efficient way to travel to and from the cruise port.

Limousine Meet and Greet

If you want to start your Alaskan cruise in style, you can book a private limousine to sweep you and your luggage in opulent comfort from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port.

Some services include a Meet and Greet service, in which your chauffeur will greet you inside the terminal and assist you and your luggage in getting to the waiting vehicle. For other services, follow signs to the Ground Transportation Area where the limos are waiting just outside the door.

A larger luxury limo vehicle or stretch SUV is a surprisingly cost-effective option for those traveling as a group from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. Rates with Aerocar are quoted as follows:

  • Limo Sedan CAN$ 64  
  • Luxury SUV (6-seater) CAN$ 77
  • Luxury Van (8-seater) CAN$ 103

Royal Limo and City Limousine also offer an airport service with a gleaming chauffeured limo waiting curbside for you at the airport terminal.

They are customized with all kinds of neat extras, which may include surround sound, Apple TV, a mini-bar with soft drinks (consuming alcohol in a moving vehicle is illegal in BC), leg rests, and heated seats with massage settings.

Your professional driver will provide a discreet and attentive service, making that final leg of your journey particularly comfortable and easy.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the VIP service from Vancouver airport to cruise port. Reservations are required and full details are available on the relevant company websites. 

SkyTrain connects Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

The Canada Line Rapid Transit Sky Train is a very convenient way to get from Vancouver Airport to cruise port. It is the oldest and longest driverless rapid transport system in the world. This fully automated transport system has three lines: The Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line, which connects the airport with the cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver.

Canada Line routes

The Rapid Transport Station at Vancouver Airport is located between the international and domestic terminals; just follow the signs for SkyTrain or Rapid Transport System. There is a covered walkway to the station with escalators and elevators to make the short walk very easy, even with baggage. 

To go from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, you need to take the Canada Line which has two routes. One route runs from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port on the waterfront and the other route serves the City of Richmond, so make sure you get the sky train in the right direction for your cruise port destination! There are 13 stations on this route, starting with YVR airport.

If you are traveling from the airport to the cruise ship, you will be getting off at the final station, “Waterfront.” From the station, it is an easy 4-minute walk along W. Cordova St and Howe St to Canada Place. 

Frequency/times

The Canada Line SkyTrain journey between Vancouver Airport and the cruise port takes 26 minutes. It runs every 6 minutes at peak times. In the early morning and evening, the service is reduced to every 12 minutes. Late at night and at off-peak times such as weekends and holidays it operates a 20-minute service.

The SkyTrain shuttle service begins at around 5 am (4.48 am from the waterfront and 5.07 am from the airport). Last SkyTrains are around 1 am (1.05 am from the waterfront and 12.56 am from the airport). You certainly won’t have to wait long to travel by this efficient mode of transport.

SkyTrain fares

Fares start at CAN$3 for 90 minutes of travel by SkyTrain in Zone 1. The fare from the airport to downtown cover two zones and starts at CAN$4.25. There is an additional surcharge of CAN$5 YVR Addfare for eastbound trips only from the airport.

Therefore, the cost for an adult one-way trip eastbound from Vancouver airport to cruise port is CAN$9.25 (which includes a YVR surcharge of CAN$5).

The return trip is just CAN$4.25 as the surcharge does not apply to westbound trips from the cruise port to the airport.

How to pay for SkyTrain shuttle transport

The easiest pay to pay is by using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet with a tap-to-pay feature. Tap your card on the reader once when you board the SkyTrain and, most importantly, you tap again when you exit. This way your charge card will only be charged for the length of time you traveled (up to 90 minutes per single fare).

You can also purchase a single-use ticket from vending machines at the SkyTrain station in the airport, or you can purchase a day pass if you want to use public transport (such as buses and other SkyTrain routes) around the city for the rest of the day.

You can pay by Compass Card, which is reloadable, but it is only worth getting a Compass account if you plan to stay in the city for a while. It is valid for SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coat Express as well as some ferries.  

Cruise Line Shuttles

Some cruise lines operate a shuttle service for cruisers to and from the cruise ship. There is a fee and seats must be booked prior to your arrival. Each cruise line has its own schedule and fees so contact them direct once you have booked your cruise and flight.

Ace Charters runs a daily shuttle service from Vancouver Airport hotels to the cruise port. It has a pick-up/drop-off point outside the Pan Pacific Hotel at Canada Place.

There are several stops along the way at various airport hotels, including the Four Points Sheraton, Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport, Executive Inn, and several others.

It is ideal for those planning an overnight stay before heading to the cruise terminal. Check out the shuttle timetable and book your seat online or call 1-844-776-3722. The fixed price is CAN$18 per person.

Car Rentals

If you plan to spend a few days in Vancouver exploring the area before your cruise, you will find car rental desks for most major car rental companies at the airport.

Avis includes a pick-up and drop-off service and one-way rentals. You can pick up your car on arrival at the airport and drive to Vancouver City along the 99 highway. Once you have finished with your car rental, you can arrange to have it picked up from your hotel or from Canada Place cruise terminal.  

Disabled Facilities at Vancouver Airport and Cruise Port

Vancouver prides itself on being one of the top most livable cities in the world. It ensures that visitors with special needs have easy access to public transport and every facility. Travelers with a disability or mobility issues will find helpful accessibility services at both Vancouver Airport and the Cruise Port.

If you want to rent a mobility scooter for the duration of your cruise, you should book one ahead of time from Scootaround. They also offer wheelchair rentals, powerchairs and oxygen concentrator rentals. Call 1-888-441-7575 to book your rentals which will be delivered to Canada Place Cruise terminal ready for your sailing.

Vancouver Airport

You can arrange a wheelchair for use within the public areas of the airport. You should contact your airline representative to arrange this. Service counters are adapted for wheeled mobility users and restaurants have seating with and without arms.

The airport also has a 15-minute curbside parking rule for vehicles with an official disabled badge to allow for passenger and luggage pick-up and drop-off. The airport terminal has low resistance carpeting for easier movement for wheeled mobility devices and those using walking aids. There are also disabled-accessible washrooms and toilets with an emergency call button.

Cruise Port

The award-winning cruise terminal at Canada Place is designed to make it easy for everyone to navigate the terminal, even those with wheeled mobility devices or special needs.

If you have any special requirements or need assistance during embarkation and debarkation you should contact your cruise line ahead of time. On arrival at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, the Information Desk will be able to assist with any inquiries regarding special passenger needs.

6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Cruise vacations are the ultimate in luxurious, exotic getaways. Each ship is a unique, nearly all-inclusive resort with fine dining, energetic lounges, Vegas-style shows, comedians, pools, whirlpools, spa facilities, and even crazy and unexpected features such as zip lines, surfing simulators, climbing walls, ice bars, escape rooms, bowling alleys, and more. But fares on the newest, biggest, most elaborate ships can stretch any traveler’s budget.

Fortunately, there are many tricks you can use to save money and find cheaper cruise fares. The savviest cruise travelers, however, know there are ways that just about anyone can cruise not for cheap, but for free.

Anyone Means Anyone

There are different ways to get free cruises, and if you know crew members or are a crew member yourself, you can easily cruise for free. You might also finagle free cruises from wealthy relatives or friends, but an absolutely free cruise is one that almost anyone can get, no matter who you know.

Free cruises may not always be available and you will need to be flexible about the cruise line you sail with, sailing dates, itineraries, and stateroom options, but it is possible to cruise without paying for your cruise fare.

How to Get a Free Cruise

The saying “you can’t get something for nothing” is absolutely true, even when talking about free cruises. Each technique to score a free cruise does require some effort and finagling, but each one is a way you could set sail without as much stress on your travel budget.

Timeshare Presentations

Many timeshare presentations offer hefty incentives to attendees. These incentives can range from concert, theme park, movie, or sports tickets to spa packages, local tours, and hotel stays. The more expensive and elite the timeshare property, the more elaborate its presentation incentives may be, and yes, some timeshare properties will give away cruises to entice potential buyers to listen to their sales pitches.

Those sales pitches, however, are extremely high-pressure, and might not end even after you leave the 2-3 hour presentation. As part of the freebie offer, you may be required to provide verified contact information, including addresses, emails, and phone numbers.

You could then be receiving solicitation calls and promotional material from the timeshare company for weeks or months after the presentation, even if you were firm in declining their sale.

Still, attending a timeshare presentation can be a way to get a free cruise, if you are firm enough to withstand the excessive sales pressure and don’t mind potential follow ups long after you’ve returned from your cruise vacation.

Sweepstakes

Cruise lines will occasionally give away free cruises, especially to promote new vessels or embarkation ports, company milestones, and other significant events. Entering such a contest might be as simple as filling out a basic form, or could involve a more elaborate survey, social media connections, or other steps to be eligible to win.

Other companies may also give away cruises as grand prizes, especially when they have partnered with or may be sponsored by a cruise line or travel agency. Radio stations often do vacation contests, or different businesses might run these luxurious giveaways. Your own employer might run a contest offering a free cruise to a top sales agent, head producer, or other outstanding employee – and the winner could be you!

In order to increase your chances of winning a free cruise, take careful note of the entry guidelines and follow them precisely. Enter as many times as you can according to the rules – some giveaways limit entries per person or per household, and violating those restrictions can invalidate all your entries.

Also note that contests with more elaborate entries such as longer surveys or multiple stages during the giveaway will generally have fewer entrants, so your overall chances of winning may be higher than for simpler sweepstakes. Take advantage of every entry opportunity – such as daily or weekly entries, or extra entries for social media shares – and you might find yourself setting sail as the grand prize winner.

Credit Card Points

Different credit card companies allow customers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for incentives, including free travel and cruises. While the number of points necessary for free travel will vary between different cards, it can be worthwhile to save up on a credit card until you can earn a free cruise.

To make the most of earning points, opt for cards with higher earnings rates, or use that specific card to its best advantage. Some cards offer greater rewards for certain types of purchases, for example, which can help you accumulate points toward a free cruise more quickly. You may also be able to get many more points by using the card during certain promotional periods, such as introductory offers or holiday periods.

Worth Reading: Here Is How to Get the Best Deal on a Cruise

When using a credit card in the hopes of earning a free cruise, however, beware of certain pitfalls that could cut into your free budget. Cards with hefty annual fees may not be as worthwhile as they seem if it will take longer for you to earn a free cruise, or points may expire before you accrue enough to redeem them for that coveted vacation. So long as you are aware of these conditions and can work around them, however, you can earn a free cruise through your regular credit card spending.

Group Leaders

If you are willing to coordinate group travel, you can qualify for a free cruise as a group leader. Some cruise lines offer free fares based on a certain number of either overall passengers or cabins sold in a group package, and once you reach that threshold, you can cruise for free.

The number of passengers in the group necessary to qualify for group leader freebies can vary, however, based on the cruise line, the itinerary selected, and the types of cabins included in the booking.

Any type of group can help earn free group leader travel, from family reunion, birthday, or anniversary cruises to spring break getaways, company retreats, crafting clubs, church groups, or even just a group of friendly neighbors cruising together. As the group leader, you may be responsible for coordinating among your group to get paperwork submitted, arrange onboard meetings, or otherwise be the go-to person for the group, but then you’re free to enjoy your free cruise.

Onboard Lecturers

If you have a unique expertise you are passionate about, and you’re willing to share that passion with other passengers, you could become an onboard lecturer and cruise for free. Many cruise lines either host or hire expert lecturers and speakers to add an enriching dimension to their activities, and many passengers are surprised and pleased to find a wide range of experts onboard.

Your lecture, talk, or presentation could be focused on either personal or professional expertise. Are you a professional artist? You might teach a class or hold a demonstration onboard. Have you spent years teaching Spanish? You could offer conversational Spanish classes on Mexican cruise itineraries. Are you a marine biologist? A lecture on the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef could be ideal for an Australian cruise. Any type of hobby or career could become a fun new cruise lecture.

There are other options to share your expertise during a cruise that could lead to a free vacation. If you lived in Belize for many years, you might offer a personalized tour of the port for interested passengers. If you’ve always loved card tricks as a hobby, you could roam through the main dining rooms or show lounges during preshow periods to entertain guests with your sleight of hand.

When approaching a cruise line about your services as a guest lecturer, be sure to have firm, reputable documentation of your expertise to show that you’d be a valuable addition to the voyage. If you can tie your presentation to a particular destination, you will make an even stronger case to earn a free cruise.

You must be willing, however, to give up part of your vacation to render the services you’ve promised, such as a lecture or two, guiding a tour, or being available for guest interaction. During the rest of the cruise, you’re free to enjoy your own getaway, but must abide by any restrictions the cruise line requires, such as a standard of dress, wearing a name tag, or avoiding poor behavior.

Luxury Purchases

Some luxury retailers offer incredible incentives for purchases, and those incentives could include a free cruise vacation. Such high-end offers are only paired with extravagant purchases, however, such as buying a new luxury vehicle, a new boat, or even a new house in an elite community. If you are making these purchases you may not be concerned about your vacation budget, but a free cruise can be a great deal if you’re already in the market for such a purchase.

Not every high-end retailer will offer such incredible bonuses, and it is important to understand the limitations of the offers before you assume you will qualify for a free cruise. When buying a luxury vehicle, for example, a free cruise may be available only for new (not pre-owned) vehicle purchases (not leases) of certain makes and models, with certain upgraded packages. Be sure to review all the terms and conditions of these types of offers to ensure they will come with a free cruise.

How Free Is Free?

A free cruise, even under the best of circumstances, isn’t always completely free. Depending on the offer, giveaway, or other conditions, the recipient of a free cruise may still be responsible for paying government taxes, port fees, and fuel surcharges for their cruise, which can add up to several hundred dollars.

Similarly, most free cruises do not include onboard expenses, such as crew gratuities, spa treatments, shore excursions, beverage packages, premium dining, or souvenirs. Some offers may include onboard credit that can be used to help cover those charges, but the onboard credit may be limited or may not be able to be applied to all expenses.

Free cruises don’t always include other necessary travel expenses either. If you live far from the cruise embarkation port, you may still be responsible for your own flights, airport transfers, hotels, or parking charges to arrive at the cruise.

Being aware of these extra charges and how quickly they can add up can help you determine if a free cruise – even if the fare is expensive and would be a great savings – can still be free enough for your vacation budget. The better you understand how free cruise offers work and what they may still cost, the better you will be able to work out a free cruise you can truly enjoy without worrying about the budget.

Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

Melissa Mayntz
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Should You Book a Guaranteed Cruise Stateroom?

Cruising can be one of the best values for your vacation budget, and booking a guaranteed stateroom can help you save even more. But what exactly is a guaranteed stateroom, is it a smart choice for your travel plans, and how much will you really save?

What Is a Guaranteed Stateroom?

A guaranteed stateroom is a cabin guaranteed to be in a particular stateroom category, but without an initially assigned number or location. Depending on the cruise line, these cabins can also be called guarantee cabins, unassigned cabins, or may be listed as a GTY category or a sailaway rate deal.

When you book a guaranteed stateroom, you choose the cabin category – interior, oceanview, balcony, or suite – but not the exact cabin on the ship. Instead, you will be assigned your specific stateroom at a later time.

Different cruise lines assign guaranteed staterooms at different times depending on the sailing, how many cabins are available, and the departure date. Typically, guaranteed cabins are assigned a week or two before embarkation, but there are times when a cabin may be assigned right away or just a day or two before the cruise sets sail, or even at check-in on embarkation day.

What a Guaranteed Cabin Isn’t

When you book a guaranteed cabin, you have exactly that – a guarantee of a cabin. There is no “stand-by” booking on a cruise ship, and you are not waiting for someone else to cancel or postpone their vacation in order to board the ship. You will be assigned your own cabin, you just don’t get to choose where it is and you may not know the stateroom number until you arrive at the ship.

Guaranteed cabins also are not relegated to any lower level of service. Whether you book a guaranteed cabin or a higher price fare to choose your exact cabin, you will receive the same onboard amenities, access to activities, dining options, and exceptional service as anyone else on the ship. There is no notation on your cruise ship identification card or your cruise folio that you’ve booked a guaranteed cabin.

Guarantee Upgrades Aren’t Guaranteed

It is a popular rumor that guaranteed cabins are most likely to be upgraded, but this is an unfounded expectation.

It is possible that if a particular cabin category sells out, your guaranteed cabin may be upgraded to a new category. This is exceptionally rare, however, and it is important to remember that there are several levels of each cabin category.

If you book an oceanview guarantee cabin, for example, there may be many different types of oceanview cabins available on the same ship. Each type would need to sell out in order for your guarantee reservation to be upgraded to a balcony.

It is more likely that another passenger, perhaps one with more loyalty experience with the cruise line or who paid a higher fare, would be upgraded, and you would be assigned their oceanview cabin instead.

When a Guaranteed Cabin Is a Great Idea

Booking a guaranteed cabin can be a great way to save, but you have to be very aware of your own preferences. If you find it easy to sleep in different conditions and don’t mind wherever on the ship your stateroom may be located, a guarantee can be ideal. It can also be a great choice if you’re already familiar with the cruise ship.

Guaranteed staterooms may also be your only option if you are booking a last-minute cruise. If embarkation day is just a week or two away, the cruise line may no longer offer cabin choices so they can better rearrange guaranteed reservations and special needs. If you want to set sail in the near future, a guaranteed cabin can be the way to go.

Don’t Book a Guaranteed Cabin If…

Despite the savings and advantages of a guaranteed cabin, these flexible reservations aren’t always the best choice. For example, if you are sensitive to noise, you may not sleep well in a cabin underneath the gym, next to the main show lounge, or near the ship’s nightclubs – less popular locations that are exactly where a guaranteed stateroom may be assigned.

Another consideration is how far you want to walk from your cabin to the ship’s public areas. Staterooms close to dining areas and on the same decks as lounges, spas, and shops often sell quickly, but guaranteed staterooms are likely to be further away in more remote parts of the ship.

If you have any mobility concerns, this may make a guaranteed cabin less desirable. Similarly, guaranteed cabins are less likely to be handicap-accessible, and if you require those accommodations in your stateroom, it is best to choose it directly.

Passengers traveling in groups may also want to reconsider guaranteed cabins, as there is no guarantee that multiple cabins will be located together. Indeed, a large family booking five guaranteed cabins for a group cruise could easily end up on five different decks or on completely opposite ends of the ship from one another, which can make it difficult to coordinate attending activities or meeting up.

Anyone susceptible to seasickness may also want to forgo the idea of a guaranteed stateroom. The best locations on the ship to minimize motion are the middle decks at midship, but those locations are also popular for regular reservations. A guaranteed stateroom could just as likely be on a lower deck in the extreme forward or aft areas of the ship, just where motion would be most exaggerated.

If gazing out at endless ocean vistas is an important part of your cruise experience, be aware that a guaranteed oceanview or balcony cabin may very well have an obstructed view. While you will have some glimpses of the ocean because the room does qualify as having a view, you could just as likely have a great view of a lifeboat with only a hint of the ocean off to the sides.

Ultimately, it is best to book a guaranteed cabin only if you can be happy with the worst possible cabin in the category you choose – an inconvenient location, strange cabin shape, beds that cannot be combined or moved, more ambient noise, obstructed view, etc. While many passengers are assigned guaranteed cabins ideal for their cruise plans, you need to be sure you will be happy with whatever cabin you could possibly be assigned.

How Much Can You Save?

The biggest benefit to guaranteed staterooms is the savings, and indeed you may save from $10 to $200 or more per passenger depending on the cruise line, overall cabin category, sailing date, itinerary, and cruise length. Not all cruise lines offer guaranteed cabins at discounted rates, however. Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Windstar Cruises typically do not offer lower prices for guaranteed cabins, though if you do score one of the rare upgrades from your guaranteed category, it can be a hefty savings that could amount to hundreds of dollars. Other cruises may only offer these opportunities on select voyages or on certain ships.

Also Read: Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid (Stateroom Booking Tips)

Understanding guaranteed cabins can help you decide whether choosing an unassigned cabin is the best option for your travel plans and overall budget. While it can be risky to book a guaranteed cabin, it can also offer you a great opportunity to try new cabin locations and types you might not otherwise have considered.

And while you may not have a guarantee about what cabin you will eventually be sleeping in when you set sail, you are still guaranteed to have a great cruise, no matter which cabin you call home.

Top 30 Cruise Accessories You’ll Want to Have Packed

Melissa Mayntz
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Top 30 Cruise Accessories You’ll Want to Have Packed

Cruising is an immensely popular getaway with hundreds of ships setting sail each year with millions of passengers enjoying cruise vacations all over the world. A cruise is a convenient way to visit different destinations in different countries, explore new cultures, and break away from your routine, and the right cruise accessories, gizmos, and gadgets can make your oceangoing getaway even easier. Which of these accessories will you add to your packing list?

What Makes a Great Cruise Accessory?

Storage space, drawers, and counters can be very limited in cruise ship staterooms. The very best cruise accessories are small and easy to pack, not taking up much room in luggage or in a cabin.

The more versatile an accessory is the more useful it will be in different ways throughout the vacation or in different cruise destinations. Furthermore, the best accessories are relatively inexpensive so they don’t cut into the cruise vacation budget.

Top 30 Cruise Accessories You Need to Pack

Every traveler will have different needs for the accessories, gizmos, and gadgets that serve them best on a cruise. You may not use the same items on every cruise, or you may need different accessories for different cruise lengths or destinations.

Each of these items can be a helpful, useful tool for your cruise travel, and they can each be used in creative ways to make the most of your cruise vacation. Click on any item for direct shopping information so you can be properly accessorized for your next cruise!

Luggage Tag Holders

If you will be dropping off larger pieces of luggage for cruise ship porters to deliver to your cabin, you will need luggage tags to identify your bags and where they belong.

Good quality luggage tag holders will not only keep that identification easily visible, but will protect tags in case of rain or breezy conditions that could blow luggage tags right off your bags. The best tags will have metal cables or sturdy clips to fasten securely to your luggage.

Document Holder

An organized document holder can keep all your important travel papers in one convenient place. This is particularly critical for group or family cruises, when it may be easiest for one person to hold all the boarding passes, passports, airline details, and other travel documentation.

Choose a document holder that can sort papers into different sections as needed – such as pre- and post-cruise paperwork – so you can easily access what you need exactly when you need it.

Door Decorations

Long corridors filled with matching doors can be confusing, especially early in your cruise when you might not remember your cabin number right away. Adding simple decorations to your cabin door can help you find it more easily, or can coordinate a group so everyone can find other friends and family members.

Choose magnetic frames or other simple decorations that will not damage the door’s surface when removed. The tropical porthole from Cruise On is a great option to add even more cruise flair to your travels.

Lanyard

Your cruise ship ID card is more than just your personalized identification on board, it is also your room key, casino club card, and charge card for buying drinks, photos, and souvenirs.

Keeping your card safe is essential, and a sturdy lanyard will hold your card so you don’t accidentally leave it behind on a table, counter, deck chair, or slot machine. Some lanyards also include waterproof pouches or pockets so you can also carry along some cash, another credit card, or other items with ease.

Collapsible Tote Bag

A lightweight, foldable tote bag can be invaluable for carrying gear around different ports of call, when spending time at the beach, or just lounging on the pool deck.

These highly portable bags take up very little space but can expand to great sizes to hold all sorts of necessities, no matter what you need to carry along wherever you are visiting. Depending on the bag, you may also have water resistant materials, secure inner pockets, built-in clips, or other options to organize your gear.

RFID Money Belt

Keeping your passport, credit cards, and cash safe while you travel is a serious concern. An RFID money belt or waist pack will not only hold your gear conveniently close, but will also block potential wireless signals that could lead to identity theft or hacking. Choose a discreet option and be sure the straps are the appropriate size to fit properly around your waist or hips.

Reusable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on vacation is important, especially when you may be engaging in different activities and tours in warm climates. Instead of paying high prices for bottled water, a reusable water bottle can be easily refilled and will generate less plastic waste. Sturdy bottles can also include handles, clips, or holders so they can be attached to a belt or bag with ease, freeing your hands without losing your bottle.

Travel Mug

If you can’t get revved up to enjoy your cruise without your morning coffee, consider a thermal travel mug so you can more easily move around the ship while enjoying your java. That way, in case you need to be waiting for a tour to start, want to move between activities, or just want to enjoy a morning stroll during a day at sea, you don’t risk spilling your coffee on stairways or when the ship may shift position.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

If you plan on enjoying aquatic activities, such as beach days, snorkeling, boat tours, or visiting the ship’s water park, a waterproof phone pouch can keep delicate electronics safe from accidental splashes but still close at hand to record all the fun. Be sure the pouch is the appropriate size for your phone, and consider pouch designs that may include extra pockets or clips for other uses as well.

Underwater Camera

While your phone might be able to resist a few random splashes, it won’t hold up to being immersed in water and isn’t suitable for underwater photography. Instead, opt for an inexpensive underwater camera for those once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling or scuba-diving shots, or to be sure you get great photos at the beach or pool.

Cruise-Approved Power Strip

Standard power strips and extension cords aren’t usually permitted on cruise ships, but you can bring along power cubes or outlet extenders to add outlet space to your cabin. Choose a model that also includes USB ports to easily recharge all your devices, and you’ll be fully powered and ready to go for each day’s activities.

Alarm Clock

Most cruise ship staterooms do not have alarm clocks, but you don’t want to miss any early morning activities or excursion departure times. While you can set wake up calls or use the alarm on your phone, a simple, battery-powered alarm clock can be easier and more reliable without draining your phone’s battery. Ideally, choose a clock with a lighted display so you can easily see it in the dark.

Wristwatch

While an alarm clock can be useful in your cabin, a simple waterproof wristwatch can be essential whenever you’re out and about during your cruise. Many smart phones will automatically reset their time based on GPS signals, but cruise ships typically stay on “ship’s time” which may be different. A basic wristwatch can keep you on time without any confusion about local times. Choose a waterproof model that won’t mind a dip in the pool or a visit to the beach!

Highlighter

A highlighter can be invaluable for noting what activities, lectures, and shows you don’t want to miss on cruise ship newsletters. While many cruise lines offer interactive apps for their daily activities lists, the paper version can be more convenient to carry around without using up your phone’s power, or if you simply prefer to leave your phone in your cabin so you aren’t digitally distracted from your cruise.

Beach Towel Clips

If you do plan to head to the beach or lounge by the pool, a set or two of towel clips can keep your beach towel in place no matter how breezy the day may be. These clips come in a wide range of festive styles to show off your cruising spirit, but be sure you choose clips that are large enough and strong enough to contend with heavy towels and stiff breezes.

Towel Bands

If you prefer not to fuss with towel clips, towel bands from Cruise On can be a great alternative. These strong, sturdy bands are large enough to attach around most deck chairs and will firmly hold towels down even in the breeziest conditions. When you’re ready to leave, the bands can also help roll up your towels and other beach gear to keep it compact.

Snorkel Gear

While you can buy a basic face mask and snorkel on most cruise ships, and shore tours will typically provide gear for guests to use, you may feel more comfortable with your own equipment. With your own gear, you can be sure of a proper fit and adequate sanitizing, and you can even choose gear to accommodate a moustache, prescription glasses, or full-face fit if preferred.

Over-the-Door Organizer

With space at a premium on cruise ships, an over-the-door organizer with multiple pockets can be a great way to maximize space and keep many different items organized. These are great to hold bottles – shampoo, sunscreen, bug repellant, cosmetics, etc. – or can also hold shoes, hairbrushes, phones, socks, and many other items.

Hanging Toiletry Bag

Another way to organize your space in a tiny cruise ship cabin is with a hanging toiletry bag. These small bags can hold medications, cosmetics, hair accessories, toothbrushes, and many other small items in one convenient space, and they slip easily over hooks in the ship’s bathrooms. This will not only keep these items in one space, but will also free up valuable counter space.

Poo-Pourri

Cruise ship bathrooms are notoriously tiny and often have very little ventilation, which can make extended visits to the bathroom uncomfortable and embarrassing. A quick spritz of Poo-Pourri can minimize odors, however, keeping everyone more comfortable and at ease, especially when you’re sharing that one tiny bathroom with an entire family.

Steam Clip

The Steam Clip is the ultimate in a versatile tool, and can easily adapt to hang in different types of showers to give you a place to hang wet clothing or wrinkled clothes that need to hang to straighten out. This clever gadget is also a smart phone stand and has an integrated bottle opener, thread cutter, and ruler, giving it may potential uses in one small, easy accessory.

Wrinkle-Release Spray

That beautiful formal outfit you so carefully packed in your luggage can easily become wrinkled, and wrinkle-release spray can ease those creases and freshen your attire for a fabulous formal night. Be sure to pack along only a small bottle, however, in order to be in compliance with luggage security guidelines and to avoid bringing along extra material you don’t need.

Miniature Fan

A small fan can be a huge help on a cruise vacation. Not only will a small fan provide a consistent breeze to circulate air and keep your stateroom cooler, but even a low hum will help create white noise for better sleep and privacy. A small fan can also be used to more quickly dry wet swimwear or shoes so they can be worn again more comfortably.

Magnetic Hooks

The metal doors and jambs of cruise ships are a great place to use magnetic hooks, giving you more space to hang hats, scarves, purses, lanyards, and other items to keep them organized and accessible. Choose clips that are medium-strength for better holding power without being too hard to handle, or consider magnetic clips that can also help you hold and organize daily cruise newsletters, bonus offers, and other papers.

Playing Cards

While cruises are filled with activities, you’ll quickly find that you also have different waiting periods – while you’re waiting to board the ship, waiting for a show to begin, or riding in a bus on your way to a shore tour. A deck of playing cards or other simple travel games can be a good distraction so you don’t get frustrated at these inevitable waits.

Night Light

Cruise ship cabins, particularly interior staterooms, can be very dark at night, and it’s easy to stumble around, stub toes, and trip over unfamiliar furniture without a light. A small, portable night light is the ideal solution, especially if you position it in the bathroom so you don’t need to turn on any bright overhead lights. The motion-activated, battery-operated light from Cruise On is especially useful and ideal for all cruise ship cabins, without needing any valuable outlet access.

Earplugs

While most cruise ship staterooms are reasonably soundproofed, you could hear a great deal of nearby noises in your cabin if it is located near the gym, nightclubs, lounges, or other busy areas. A simple pair of foam earplugs can quickly cancel out unwanted noises so you can sleep more soundly and wake up refreshed for your next day’s adventures.

Light Jacket

It can get surprisingly chilly at night on cruises, even in tropical destinations. Packing along a light, compact jacket will help keep you comfortable without adding the extra bulk of a full jacket or sweatshirt to your luggage. Choose a rain-repellant jacket for even more versatility in different weather conditions.

Sticky Notes

A small pack of sticky notes can be very useful on a cruise. You can easily leave notes on your door to let others know where you’ve gone, or leave notes on their doors to invite them to activities. You can also leave easy notes to your stateroom steward if necessary, or use the notes as quick door decorations to find your way to your cabin.

Cash

While you don’t need cash for purchases on a cruise ship, small bills can be very useful for giving tips for room service delivery or leaving an extra gratuity for cruise ship personnel. Cash is also often necessary for small purchases on shore, such as renting a locker or beach gear during a shore tour, or purchasing small souvenirs when you’re prefer to keep your credit card out of sight and secure.

Also Read: Set Sail With Must-Pack Cruise On Gear

Which of these cruise accessories do you find most useful? Are there other gizmos and gadgets you won’t cruise without? Visit Cruise Hive on Facebook to share your essential cruise gear tips!

10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Gillian Birch
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10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Vancouver cruise terminal is conveniently located for cruises to Alaska. It serves around 900,000 cruise passengers every year from late April through September. This top-rated port destination is the home base for many cruise ships during the summer season and has around 290 ship calls every year.

Its northern location, excellent amenities, and natural beauty make it a popular base for cruise lines offering one-way and round-trip Alaska cruises. They traverse the stunning Inside Passage along British Columbia’s west coast.

We cover everything you need to know about Vancouver Cruise Terminal, from how to get there to what amenities are available. Check out the facts below before you sail!

1. Where is Vancouver Cruise Terminal?

The Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. The official address is Canada Place Pier, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E1. The Port is situated in Vancouver Harbour, which then empties into the Burrard Inlet, a coastal fjord.

2. Vancouver Port Facts and Figures

Vancouver Port is the largest in Canada and the fourth largest in North America (2014 figures) in terms of tonnes of cargo. Managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, it handles 147 million tonnes of cargo and 3.4 million TEU containers each year from 160 countries.

Vancouver Harbour covers 16,000 hectares of water, 1000 hectares of land and 350km of shoreline. The port has 27 marine cargo terminals. The three-berth cruise terminal can actually handle up to four cruise ships simultaneously. 

The largest cruise ship ever to dock in Vancouver Port was the Norwegian Bliss. The arrival required carefully planning due to the low clearance of the Lions Gate Bridge. Ships of this height can only access the port at low tide when a First Narrows Traffic Control Zone operates. This means that no other ship can be in the narrows during the ship’s transit.

3. Which Cruise Lines Operate From Vancouver?

There is a surprising number of cruise lines that sail out of the Vancouver Cruise Terminal. Of the 28 cruise companies currently using Vancouver cruise port, many are small luxury ships or expedition vessels offering exclusive Alaska cruise experiences for small groups. Some cruise ships only call in occasionally as part of their global cruise itinerary, such as The World Residences at Sea private cruise ship.

During the Alaska season, there are also regular weekly cruise sailings by the main cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

4. Eco-friendly Facts About Vancouver Cruise Port

Vancouver is considered one of the top cities in the world. The natural harbor sits in Vancouver Harbour and opens into the Burrard Inlet. These coastal waters are home to many marine species, including killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, humpback, fin, blue and sei whales.

In order to maintain the pristine waters of this beautiful harbor, Vancouver Port authorities run Shore Power which reduces emissions by allowing cruise ships to shut down their engines while berthed in the port. This is part of Vancouver’s EcoAction Program, which reduces pollution, underwater noise, CO2/greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental contaminants.

The port also offers lower harbor dues (up to 47%) for ships using clean fuels and eco-friendly technology and awards suitable participants with a Blue Circle Award for energy efficiency. Currently, only Disney Cruise Line, MSC, and Princess Cruises have met these higher standards for eco-efficiency.

5. Reasons to Visit Vancouver Cruise Port

As the main hub for one-way and round-trip Alaska cruises, Vancouver is the point of departure for cruises to Hawaii, Asia, South America, Mexico, West Coast USA and the Panama Canal. It is a truly international meeting place for all nationalities.

Also Read: 16 Most Ideal Hotels Near Vancouver Cruise Port

This Canadian port city hosts many festivals and is known for its international cuisine, vibrant nightlife, high-quality lifestyle and clean air.

Must-see attractions for cruise visitors include the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park (listen for the 9 pm Gun Salute every evening), Grouse Mountain, and the FlyOver Canada virtual flight. You will see most of these landmarks as you sail in and out of the Vancouver cruise terminal on your Alaska cruise.

6. History of Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Cruises have been sailing out of Vancouver for almost 40 years. Canada Place was built on land previously used by the Canadian Pacific Railway Pier B-C. Construction was marked by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Along with the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, and BC Premier, the Queen poured the first concrete. The Canadian Pavilion was opened on the site by Prince Charles during Expo 86 and it hosted 5 million visitors during that year.

Beneath the five 90-foot white sails of the roof you will find the Vancouver cruise terminal along with the Convention Centre, World Trade Centre, 5-star Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver and the FlyOver virtual ride.

In 2001, the building was expanded to create an additional berth for the burgeoning Alaska cruise industry. It was used as the main Press Centre during the 2009/2010 Winter Olympics. More recently it was renovated in 2011 at a cost of CAN$21 million.

7. Tips for Cruise Embarkation and Disembarkation

Check you have all the necessary documents and travel permits before leaving home. You will need an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) if you are flying to Canada for your cruise. You can apply online if you are a resident of an eTA eligible country; the electronic travel permit costs CAN$7. You do not need an eTA if you are a US citizen or are arriving by road or sea.

Non-US citizens from eligible countries will also need an ESTA if you want to disembark and enjoy shore excursions in Alaska. You can apply online. An ESTA costs US$14 and lasts for two years.

Your passport and documentation will be checked by US Customs and Border Patrol as part of the embarkation process. Once on-board you are considered to be in US jurisdiction.

On arrival at the terminal, porters will help you label and check-in your luggage. It will be delivered to your cabin. Keep any medications, passport, paperwork and necessities with you in your hand luggage.

Escalators transport you to the second floor check-in area in Convention Centre Hall C. You will need to complete a health questionnaire, hand over your ID/ticket information and have your photo taken. You will then get a boarding card that doubles as your room key and on-board charge card. You will then be screened before boarding your cruise ship.

On your return to Vancouver cruise terminal, your luggage will be waiting for you in the baggage area. You will be given a disembarkation time if you are part of a larger cruise ship. You will need to wait in your allocated lounge area on-board until your group is called.

You will need to complete a declaration for Canadian customs and have your passport checked by the Canadian Border Services Agency. Once ashore, you will be directed to your onward transportation, taxi or parking lot.

8. Facilities at the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

Canada Place is the location of Vancouver’s award-winning cruise terminal. It has outstanding facilities and design which has netted it several awards including:

  • Best Turnaround Destination
  • Most Efficient Port Facilities, and
  • Most Efficient Terminal Operation.

Facilities include:

Baggage Storage

Short-term baggage services are provided at Vancouver cruise terminal by WestCoast sightseeing. It is ideal for those who plan to take a shore excursion or explore the city independently before heading to the airport for their flight home.

Cruise parking

Vancouver cruise port offers free short-term parking at Canada Place for dropping off cruise passengers. It also has a long-term cruise parking facility on-site for 750 vehicles. It is operated by WestPark and pre-booking is recommended.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

Those requiring wheelchairs or scooters for the duration of their cruise should hire them directly from Scootaround. They should be pre-booked and will be delivered to the cruise terminal for pick-up.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for those who need assistance while in the cruise terminal.

Food and drink

There are several cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Vancouver cruise terminal including a Food Court on the lower level of the Waterfront Centre adjoining Canada Place.

Lost and Found

If you need to report lost luggage or have lost an item in the cruise terminal, contact the on-site Security Office or call (604) 684-8525. For items left behind on the cruise ship, contact your cruise line direct.

Just to summarize the amenities at the Vancouver cruise terminal:

  • On-site parking: Yes
  • Porter service: Yes
  • Wheelchairs: Yes (limited)
  • Luggage storage: Yes (short term only)
  • Car rentals: Yes
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Seating areas: Yes
  • Foreign exchange services: No
  • Elevators: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Lost and found office: Yes
  • Beverages: Yes
  • Food/snacks: Yes
  • Shops: No

9. Getting to the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

If you need transport from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise ship, there are several options.

Taxi/Uber

The easiest way to get you and your baggage from the airport to the cruise ship is by taxi. Fares are fixed by zone. The cost of the trip will be CAN$35 and the 9-mile journey will take about 30 minutes. If you have an Uber account, this may work out slightly cheaper. Taxi-sharing is also available. 

SkyTrain

Canada Line Rapid Transit connects the airport with downtown Vancouver.

Car Rentals

If you need to drop off a car rental, Avis, Alamo and National have onsite offices at the cruise terminal.

Limousines

If you have pre-booked a limousine for onward transport post-disembarkation, you need to contact the traffic attendant at Door D and have them allow your limousine access to the cruise terminal. There are also a number of limousine companies available on-site.

Shuttle Transport

Shuttles run between the airport and cruise terminal by WestCoast Sightseeing in conjunction with Gray Line buses. They also offer transfers to hotels and provide sightseeing tours.

Cruise Transfers

Most major cruise lines operate a transfer to and from the airport. Seats must be pre-booked. You may have to wait until all the booked cruise passengers are on-board. If you need help with baggage, this is a good option.

However, cruise transfers are not the cheapest way to get to and from the cruise ship. For example, Carnival charges US $27.99 per passenger each way and other cruise lines charge around $30.

A taxi will be cheaper and more convenient, especially if you are traveling as a couple or group.

10. Driving to Vancouver Cruise Terminal

From the USA, the I-5 becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the US/Canada border. After crossing the Oak Street Bridge, turn left onto 49th Ave, right onto Granville St and then take the Seymour Street exit. Continue to West Cordova Street and right on Howe Street and you will arrive at Canada Place. Long-term cruise parking is available for those driving to Vancouver cruise terminal.

Vancouver Cruise Terminal FAQ:

Where do cruise ships dock in Vancouver?

Cruise ships dock at the Canada Place cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver, close to shops, restaurants, attractions and public transport. The address is: Canada Place Pier, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC

How much is a taxi from Vancouver airport to cruise terminal?

A taxi from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise terminal will cost $35 and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Prices are charged by zone and are fixed so you will not be overcharged. It may be slightly cheaper to book a ride-share with Uber. Prices are from $28 to $36.

How far is Vancouver airport from cruise terminal?

The journey north from the airport to Vancouver cruise terminal is 8.6 miles (13.8km) and takes about 25-31 minutes, depending on traffic.

How many cruise terminals are in Vancouver?

Vancouver has just one cruise terminal, at 999 Canada Place. It handles up to 4 cruise ships at one time.

15 Engaging Books to Read About Cruises

Melissa Mayntz
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15 Engaging Books to Read About Cruises

Cruise ships make stunning and imaginative settings for all types of books, from fantastic fiction in every genre to true life insights to wonderful stories for younger readers. No matter whether you can’t cruise right now, you’re dreaming of your next cruise, or you want to pack along a cruise-themed read when you set sail, these books about cruises are perfect to add to your reading list!

Fabulous Cruise Fiction

All types of fiction books – romances, thrillers, mysteries, crime drama, and more – have been set on cruise ships. These top titles are just a few of the most popular stories that take place on cruise ships.

1. Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series

Authored by Hope Callaghan, this mystery series spans more than 15 books with fast-paced twists to keep readers engaged and entertained. These stories are lighthearted and fun rather than heavy and chilling, ideal for reading on the beach or lounging on the pool deck. The author is a seasoned cruiser herself, which lends authenticity to every one of her cruise ship settings.

2. The Luminous Cruise Chronicles

An extensive series of short fiction romances penned by different authors, this series has steamy scenes and occasionally lusty plotlines. Most of these stories range from just 20-50 pages, making them a perfect read when you also have a cruise itinerary filled with exciting ports of call, onboard activities, live entertainment, and many other things to enjoy. More details are here.

3. The Last Cruise

This novel from author Kate Christensen details the modern-day last sailing of a vintage 1950s ocean liner on its way to retirement in Hawaii. Different perspectives throughout the book give readers insights from both passengers and crew, and when a variety of crises escalate on board, the tension climbs as well.

4. Lost at Sea

A riveting romance from Alan Simon and Erica Bianco Ellis, this novel takes readers along on a romantic journey with two sisters to one of the most popular cruise destinations, the Mexican Riviera. Readers will visit Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta along with the book’s key characters and unexpected love interests, with surprising twists in every relationship on board.

4. Haunted Cruise: The Shakedown

Can a brand new ship be haunted? It is a shakedown cruise like no other when The Caesar sets sail and otherworldly happenings begin to be noted onboard. A quick-moving book of dark twists from Tanya R. Taylor, this story has both horror and thriller elements and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their deck chairs from start to finish. Details on Amazon are right here.

5. Dead on the Water: Abandon Ship

Virus outbreaks are not unheard of on cruise ships, but the outbreak raging through this book isn’t a simple case of norovirus or even a coronavirus pandemic – it’s a zombie-creating plague and passengers are trapped onboard. Written by R.W.K. Clark, this book features post-apocalyptic vibes and is occasionally graphic with its depiction of the horrors it encompasses, but it’s a riveting read. Book prices can be found here.

6. Cruise Ship Doctor

A fun, light-hearted romance, this novel by Gerry Yukevich is a delightful story to appeal to any cruise traveler with its Caribbean destinations and connection to Valentine’s Day for added romanticism. Fun antics and eccentric characters add more layers to the story that is already rich with international flair and plenty of outrageous personalities.

7. The Boxcar Children: The Mystery Cruise

Join the four Alden siblings on a Caribbean cruise fraught with misfortune, from overboard alarms to broken radios to engine trouble and more. Book #29 in the popular Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner, this book is a great way to get young readers excited about all the fun of a cruise vacation and can introduce them to wholesome characters and the joy of reading.

8. The Bobbsey Twins on the Sun-Moon Cruise

Book #68 from the classic children’s series by Laura Lee Hope, this young reader’s novel involves a world cruise, international destinations, and the extraordinary science of a solar eclipse. When equipment is damaged, however, the twins’ mystery-solving skills are put to the test, and so will the deductive reasoning of every young reader.

9. Peter the Cruise Ship Series

Authored by experienced cruise ship captain Hans Mateboer, this colorful and fun picture book series brings a silly cruise ship to life for the very youngest readers. Other engaging characters include different types of ships and wildlife, and Peter enjoys different adventures in his different books, from traveling to Caribbean to visiting Alaska to escaping pirates.

Gain Cruise Ship Insights With Non-Fiction Books

If you prefer factual books and true life insights rather than novels, non-fiction is for you. There are many books about cruises that offer you a glimpse of the cruise ship life, but beware of potential bias in different titles depending on the author’s agenda and their experiences on the water.

10. Cruise Confidential

A four-book series from Brian David Bruns, these insightful books take from Bruns’ years of personal service on cruise ships and what he’s learned below decks during his visits to dozens of ports on a variety of itineraries. Written with a lighthearted tone and self-deprecating humor, this series is a great way to get to know more about the cruise ship lifestyle. See the pricing and details here.

11. Tips From the Cruise Addict’s Wife

Filled with practical hacks and useful advice from dozens of voyages, this guide from experienced traveler Deb Graham is an informative read. This book covers every aspect of a cruise vacation, from first choosing and planning a cruise to packing, enjoying the time onboard, making the most of ports, saving money, scoring freebies, and more.  

12. The Cruise Ship Survival Guide

A humorous and witty survival manual, this practical book by Joshua Kinser offers resourceful guidance for everything that could possibly go wrong on a cruise vacation. Including such outrageous scenarios such as a pirate raid, sinking ship, and shark attacks, this book draws on Kinser’s more than five years of cruise ship service and more than 300 voyages for fun and factual advice.

13. Around the World in 80 Meals

Diana Rubino offers cruise travelers the ultimate cookbook, but this book is much more than just recipes. In addition to easy-to-prepare favorites from mouth-watering appetizers to decadent desserts, Rubino also presents a brief history of cruise cuisine and port specialties, as well as authentic menus from some of the world’s most popular liners and luxury yachts.

14. Hey Kids! Let’s Visit a Cruise Ship

A colorful and engaging option for young readers, this book from Teresa Mills introduces cruises in exciting and entertaining ways. Filled with astonishing facts and plentiful photos, this book will answer every question young cruisers may have before they ever embark on their first cruise vacation, in ways that will help them understand and get excited about this type of getaway.

15. The Lost Art of Towel Origami

Bring a bit of cruise ship fun to your bookshelves by learning time-honored towel-folding techniques, courtesy of author Alison Jenkins. A history of towel folding is included, as well as photos and detailed instructions for a range of folded favorites: dogs, monkeys, swans, and elephants, as well as a delightful tropical palm tree that will add cruise ship ambience to all your towel folding adventures. More details of the book are here.

Also Read: Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

Which books about cruises are your favorites? Join Cruise Hive on Facebook to share your favorite titles and get reading suggestions from other passionate cruisers!

Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
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Ways to Enjoy Cruising When You Can’t Take a Cruise

We can’t always take every cruise we want, but whatever the reason for staying home, there are still fun and creative ways to enjoy cruising without ever setting sail!

Why Stay Home?

There are many reasons why you may not be able to cruise when you want to get away. Work, school, or family obligations can keep you land-bound, or you may not have the budget for the perfect cruise vacation you want.

You could have different health concerns, illnesses, or injuries that curtail your cruising, or worldwide health problems such as epidemics or pandemics might bring cruising to a halt. Civil unrest could cancel cruises, hurricanes can shorten a cruising season, or any number of other reasons can mean you can’t say bon voyage quite yet. But even if you have to stay on land, you can enjoy the spirit of the sea.

Enjoying Cruises at Home

It’s easy to get creative with an at-home cruise, and you can create fun for all ages with a cruise-theme without ever leaving an embarkation port.

Cruise-Themed Movies

Many great movies have incorporated cruises into their scenes and settings, from horror and thriller films to disaster movies, romance flicks, comedies, and family movies. Even if the movie might be about a sinking ship or other problem, you can still enjoy seeing glimpses of elegant restaurants, cozy staterooms, and public decks that can make you feel you’re right onboard each seagoing set. Some of the most popular cruise-related movies include:

  • Romance on the High Seas (1948)
  • Poseidon Adventure (1972)
  • Titanic (1997)
  • Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
  • Out to Sea (1997)
  • The Parent Trap (1998)
  • Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

To really give your cruise movie night an onboard feel, consider playing it outdoors on a larger screen while lounging in the open air, just as you would on a ship’s pool deck for movies at sea. Don’t forget the popcorn!

Books About Cruises

If you’d rather paint pictures of cruises with your imagination, there are many great books about all aspects of cruising. You could go behind-the-scenes of the cruise industry with insider insights, historical accounts, or famous ship profiles, or visit your favorite ports-of-call with travel guides and historical accounts. Best of all, however, can be cruise-themed fiction, such as romances, mysteries, and thrillers set on cruise ships. Great cruise titles include:

Make the most of your cruise ship reading by enjoying each book outdoors on a sunny day, lounging in your favorite chair with tasty snacks at your side, just like you’re on your favorite lido deck.

Mixology Mastery

You don’t have to be onboard a cruise ship to indulge in the liquid libations of the high seas. Instead of calling on a bartender to mix your favorites, try stirring, shaking, and pouring your own cruise drinks. Different cocktail recipe books feature many familiar cruise drinks, and some cruise lines even publish their own featured recipes online. You can also seek out similar recipes from different websites, and experiment with each concoction to meet your own personalized tastes. Some of the most popular cruise drinks to mix up include:

  • Frozen margaritas
  • Martinis of different types
  • Fun Ship Special (Carnival Cruise Line)
  • Coco Loco (Royal Caribbean)
  • Kiss on the Lips (Carnival Cruise Line)
  • Mai Tai
  • Pina Colada
  • Bahama Mama
  • High Tide (Disney Cruise Line)
  • Rebellious Fish (Norwegian Cruise Line)

To give your homemade drinks that cruise ship vibe, use fun drink glasses, add slices of fresh fruit to the rims, and don’t forget the paper umbrellas!

Cruise Ship Dining at Home

You don’t need a cruise to enjoy the elegant meals of the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, or your favorite poolside fare. Think about the most memorable meals you’ve had onboard, and look online or in cookbooks for similar recipes such as warm chocolate melting cake, beef wellington, vegetarian lasagna, tiramisu, and other sweet and savory dishes. Taking time to learn the recipes can be rewarding when you have to stay home, and you can even tweak the recipes to your own tastes and preferences.

For more tasty fun, consider other culinary adventures, such as learning how to cut and carve fruits and vegetables, or how to plate different dishes in elegant and amazing ways. You can even theme a meal to your favorite destinations, such as adding key lime pie as dessert in celebration of Key West, turning Taco Tuesday into Cozumel Cuisine, or slow-roasting meats in spicy rubs for a Jamaican specialty.

Design a Cruise Slideshow

You’ve taken plenty of photos on every cruise, why not enjoy those photos again even if you can’t be on a new cruise at the moment? Create a cruise-themed slideshow, Powerpoint presentation, or video mashup to relive your favorite cruise memories and recall all the good times you’ve had onboard. You can even mix up photos from different ships and voyages to create your own custom dream itinerary.

With your presentation, don’t forget the cruise-themed music, such as Kokomo, Beyond the Sea, or Hot, Hot, Hot to add an audio component to your cruise memory fun.

Enjoy Cruise Activities

It doesn’t take a cruise director or entire staff of entertainers to create cruise-themed activities you can enjoy at home. You can create trivia contests (with prizes!) about your favorite television shows, books, and movies, or create a playlist for your own at-home dance party, complete with online instructional videos to learn crazy new moves.

Want a bigger challenge? Create a scavenger hunt like you’ve done on cruises, or use your own pool for a fun belly flop contest. You can create life-size board games the whole family can play, or enjoy cruise-themed crafts such as making scrapbook pages for your next cruise vacation, decorating photo frames for your favorite cruise photos, or designing your own silly sun hat.

Take Local Shore Tours

You may be surprised at how many unique and interesting options for tours and excursions exist in your own home town, and you can enjoy those cruise-like outings with no ship involved. Some quick research might reveal unique and quirky museums or monuments in your area, or you can visit zoos, aquariums, or wildlife sanctuaries.

Many communities have ropes courses, escape rooms, miniature golf courses, small waterparks, splashpads, and other activities to try. You can even find local tour companies that offer Segway, bike, or walking tours of your community, which can be a fun way to learn more about your home. They may even have themed option such as foodie tours or ghost walks.

Local kayak rentals, airboat rides, indoor climbing walls, horseback rides, ATV rentals, and other options might also be available much closer than you think, and you can enjoy every one of them without a cruise vacation.

The Best Option of All

When you can’t take a cruise, the very best solution could be booking your next cruise getaway! Research different ports of call and itineraries, study different cruise lines, and discover what features are coming up on new and renovated ships to plan your next seafaring vacation.

Even if the cruise must be months away, or even further, you can happily plan the getaway and have the fun anticipation that you will be setting sail again in the future.

Things to Know About the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama

Gillian Birch
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Things to Know About the Mobile Cruise Terminal in Alabama

Mobile cruise terminal began as a home port for Carnival Caribbean cruises in 2001. The busy commercial port (12th busiest in the USA) now has a dedicated cruise terminal which provides state-of-the-art facilities and convenient on-site parking for cruisers. 

Well located for those living in the southern states, Mobile cruise port has proved popular for shorter 4- and 5-day cruises as well as longer itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean. Ports of call on cruises from Mobile, AL include Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Limon (Costa Rica), Mahogany Bay (Roatan) and partial Panama Canal transits.

If you’re within easy driving distance of this northern Gulf port, check out the facts about the cruise ships, cruise parking, itineraries and amenities offered at Mobile cruise terminal before booking your next Caribbean cruise. Get ready to cast off and set sail!

Where is the Mobile Cruise Port?

The Port of Mobile is on the estuary of the Mobile River where it flows into Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Although it is mainly a commercial port for cargo and container ships, the specially built Mobile cruise terminal is currently used for Caribbean cruises by Carnival Cruise Lines.

The port is located 59 miles west of Pensacola on the Florida Panhandle and a similar distance east of Biloxi, Mississippi. It is connected to both these major cities by the Interstate 10 highway. This makes Mobile cruise terminal very convenient for cruisers who live in any of the Gulf States and nearby cities including New Orleans, LA; Tallahassee (state capital of Florida); Birmingham, AL and Atlanta, GA.

How Big is Mobile Port, AL?

Mobile cruise terminal is part of the port’s 4,000 acre complex which has 5 miles of waterfront and 41 berths. The port includes an upper and a lower harbor which is currently used by cruise ships. It is the only deep-water port in Alabama with a main channel depth of 45 feet which can accommodate the largest post-Panamax ships. 

Facts about Mobile Cruise Terminal

The purpose-built cruise terminal in Mobile Port is spread over two levels connected by four elevators, escalators and stairs. It covers 66,000 square feet and has state-of-the-art security in place for checking cruise passengers and their baggage before departing on a Caribbean cruise. It is connected to a 4-story parking garage. An enclosed walkway/ramp leads from security and check-in directly onto the ship.

As the cruise terminal is on the edge of the downtown area, it has many hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions nearby. They are all within easy walking distance for cruisers with time to spare after parking while waiting to board the ship.

Facilities at Mobile Cruise Terminal

Porters

Those with mobility issues, young families, and anyone who needs assistance will appreciate that the terminal has porters on hand. They can help with luggage, give directions and provide any other help you may need during embarkation and disembarkation.

Wheelchairs

The terminal has a limited number of wheelchairs available. These can be requested from cruise staff when you arrive at the terminal. These wheelchairs are provided for transporting passengers to and from the ship, but they cannot be taken with you on a cruise. You need to make arrangements ahead of time to hire a wheelchair or scooter for the duration of your cruise from a private company such as Scootaround.

Restrooms at Mobile cruise terminal

There are several restrooms in the terminal close to check-in on the second floor of the Mobile cruise terminal. The first restrooms you will reach are at the top of the escalators on the left. Continue to the south end of the check-in area where there are larger restroom facilities with 10 stalls for women and 9 stalls for men. There is also a toilet on the first floor of the parking garage which is most accessible for those who are waiting in line to go through security.

Seating areas

Mobile cruise terminal has plenty of sitting areas, both indoors and outside. There are about 500 seats inside for those who are waiting to board. Inside the garage parking area there are benches to sit on. There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal.

Food and beverages

Apart from an independent beverage stand the cruise terminal at Mobile has no food or drinks options. However, you can make use of some of facilities at the neighboring attractions. Right next to the cruise terminal is The Galley, a waterfront dining venue attached to the Gulf Quest Maritime Museum. It is open to the public even if you are not visiting the museum. It serves tasty Southern snacks and light meals such as Po’boys, sweet potato fries, cheese grits along with a good choice of sandwiches and drinks.

Other dining options can be found a short walk away along Dauphin Street including sports bars and Moe’s BBQ. There’s also a Jimmy Johns sandwich bar on Royal Street and a Chick-fil-A on Francis St. For last minute cruise essential, try CVS or Greer’s Downtown Market, both on Government St.

Luggage storage

Unfortunately, Mobile cruise terminal has no facilities for storing luggage. If you arrive at the terminal before check-in has opened your only options are to leave your luggage in the car while you head into downtown for refreshments, or take your luggage with you.

Just to summarize the amenities at Mobile cruise terminal:

  • On-site parking: Yes
  • Porter service: Yes
  • Wheelchairs: Yes
  • Luggage storage: No
  • Restrooms: Yes
  • Seating areas: Yes
  • ATM: No
  • Elevators: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Beverages: Yes, limited
  • Food/snacks: No
  • Shops: No

When the terminal is not required for processing cruise passengers, it is used as a wedding venue and for hosting banquets and other corporate events.

Getting to Mobile Cruise Terminal

Almost 95% of those who take a cruise out of Mobile, AL drive to the port and park their cars for the duration of the cruise.

Mobile, AL is connected to Biloxi, MS and Tallahassee, FL by the Interstate 10 highway. The port is just 1/2 mile from the I-10 (Exit 26A) and 5 miles from the I-65 (Exit 9) where the I-165 leads directly to Beauregard/N. Water St in downtown Mobile. Routes to the port and Mobile cruise terminal are clearly signposted.

Cruise Parking at Mobile Cruise Terminal

Mobile cruise terminal includes a covered parking garage with 500 parking spaces. It includes six lanes for drivers to drop off (and pick up) cruise passengers and their luggage before parking. From there, cruise passengers can walk a short distance to the screening area for check-in. Elevators are provided along with stairs.

On-site parking at Mobile cruise terminal currently costs $19 per day for regular vehicles; $36 for RVs and oversize vehicles and $54 per day for buses. It is slightly more expensive than some other cruise ports as it is on prime land on the waterfront and close to downtown.

Cruise parking reservations are not usually necessary at Mobile cruise terminal. However, you can make an online reservation for parking at Mobile port for peace of mind if you wish. Those who arrive without pre-booking cruise parking should follow the pre-pay information posted at the entrance to the parking garage.

If the garage is full, drivers will be directed to drop passengers and luggage and then proceed to the overflow parking lot near the Civic Center. This has free shuttle transport back to the cruise terminal.

For more information, read our comprehensive article dedicated to Essential Facts about Mobile Alabama Cruise Parking

Which Cruises Sail out of Mobile, AL?

Currently Mobile, AL is only used by Carnival Cruise Lines. Their ship, Carnival Fantasy, currently operates from Mobile during the winter season. It offers shorter mini cruises of 4 and 5 days in the Western Caribbean visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya and Yucatan (Progreso) in Mexico.

Longer 6-day cruises visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Mahogany Bay (Roatan) while 7-day cruises head to Cozumel, Grand Cayman. Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and San Juan (Puerto Rico) before returning to Mobile Port. 

Carnival also offers one-time adventure cruises from Mobile, AL including a 10-day Panama Canal cruise. This trip includes a partial transit through the amazing Panama Canal before visiting Limon (Costa Rica), Mahogany Bay (Roatan), Cozumel and then returning home to Mobile.

Another popular 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from Mobile calls in at Key West, Grand Turk, Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Cayman and Cozumel before arriving back in the Port of Mobile cruise terminal.

There are plans for the newer Carnival Fascination to replace the Fantasy in 2022.

Mobile Cruise Terminal Past, Present and Future

The first cruises sailed out of Mobile Port, AL in 2001. These cruises were with Carnival Cruise Lines who still operate out of this commercial deep-water port. These cruises from Mobile proved popular with travelers from the southern states. In fact, they became the fastest sellouts in Carnival’s cruise history.

The initial cruises proved to be a boost for the whole city of Mobile, bringing cruisers who dropped their dollars in hotels, cruise parking lots, restaurants and other local attractions before and after setting sail.

With this in mind, the city council invested $54,000 to develop the waterfront at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in readiness for a purpose-built cruise terminal. They had interest from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America cruise lines.

In 2004, the new cruise terminal was opened, costing somewhere between $10 and $20 million. It was the home port of Carnival’s Holiday cruise ship with itineraries mainly to Mexico showing 100% capacity.  

In 2007, Mobile won the coveted “Port of the Year” award from Carnival, based on excellent feedback from cruise passengers. In 2008, Carnival announced the Holiday would be replaced by the Fantasy in 2009. The city responded by promising a new gangway at Mobile cruise terminal and 450 more parking spots on-site.

In 2010, despite the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, the Mobile cruise industry had its best year ever

This continued until 2011 when Carnival decided not to operate their cruise ships (at that time the Elation) out of Mobile. The reason for their relocation to other cruise ports was the higher fuel costs involved in sailing from this northern Gulf port and the inability to raise ticket prices from this location.

From 2011 to 2016, Mobile port had no cruise ships based there. Unfortunately, it had invested heavily in developing the new Mobile cruise terminal and had accrued debts requiring $1.8 million repayments annually until 2030. Eventually Carnival signed a new contract, returning to Mobile cruise port.

More recently, Carnival signed a 3-year agreement with Mobile Port with plans to relocate the Carnival Fascination to the port in January 2022. She will replace the Fantasy, which is thought to be retiring from the fleet. This all looks good for the future of Carnival cruises continuing to use Mobile cruise terminal as a flourishing home port.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Mobile Cruise Terminal

What cruise lines leave from Mobile?

Currently the Port of Mobile cruise terminal only serves Carnival Cruise Lines and is the home port of Carnival Fantasy.

Where do you park when going on a Mobile cruise?

There is plenty of covered parking at Mobile cruise terminal with prices from $19 per day. On-site cruise parking at Mobile Port is located at 201 S. Water Street, Mobile AL 36602. From there it’s a short walk to the terminal.

How far is the cruise port from Mobile Airport?

Mobile Regional Airport is 13 miles from Mobile cruise port. Allow at least 30 minutes for the journey by taxi, hotel shuttle service or rental car, and up to an hour when traffic is heavy.

How large is the Port of Mobile, Alabama?

The Port of Mobile covers an area of over 4,000 acres and is the only deep-water port in Alabama. It is the USA’s 12th largest port based on tonnage. It has two harbors and 41 berths handling mainly container ships, coal, aluminum, lumber, paper, iron, steel, grain, paper, heavy lift and oversize cargo.

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