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What to Do on the Last Sea Day of a Carnival Cruise

Carnival Cruise Advice

Melissa Mayntz

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Aug 10, 2017

What to Do on the Last Sea Day of a Carnival Cruise

For many passengers, a day at sea is the best day of a cruise vacation, with an entire ship to explore and no rush to join a shore tour or make the most of a few limited hours in a port of call.

On a Carnival cruise, these “Fun Days at Sea” are packed with great activities and plenty of things to do. But when it is the last sea day of a Carnival cruise, what should you make sure to do so you aren’t missing any of the great on board opportunities?

Sea Day Timing

Exactly what you ought to do on a sea day will depend on when that last sea day may be during your cruise. On 3- and 4- night cruises, there is usually only one Fun Day at Sea, and it may be the very first day or the last day of the cruise.

Get all your cruise accessories before your vacation begins.

On longer itineraries, there may be multiple sea days, and the last of those days could be early, late, or even in mid-cruise depending on the ports of call. You can check the itinerary of your ship on Carnival.com, or once you are on board, ask at the Guest Services desk for a complete itinerary.

Occasionally, an itinerary’s order may be changed and sea days could be shifted to accommodate weather patterns, port capacities, or ship limitations, but even if the day itself is changed, the sea day activities, options, and fun will still be part of the daily schedule.

Top 10 Things to Do on Your Last Carnival Cruise Sea Day

No matter when your sea day is scheduled, there are many great options you ought to take advantage of…

1. Sleep In or Take a Snooze

You’ll want to rest up for all the fun on a sea day, and sleeping in can help you do just that. There’s no need to rush to join a shore tour, catch an early tender boat, or quickly get involved, as most shipboard activities don’t start until after 9 a.m.

If you are a naturally early riser and don’t want to miss a minute, you could visit the gym or join an early workout or stretch class, or just head to the Lido deck for an early riser’s breakfast. You can always take a nap later in the day to recharge!

Carnival Pride Hallway, Cruise Ship Cabins — Photo By: Melissa Mayntz

2. Taste the Sea Day Brunch

For a more unique dining experience, the last sea day is your last opportunity to take advantage of Carnival’s Sea Day Brunch. Held in the main dining room with open seating, this is a delicious option to fuel up for your Fun Day at Sea.

Carnival Lido Dining — Photo By: Russell Otway

The menu includes options not found at the Lido buffet breakfast, and you can also order omelettes, steak-n-eggs, grilled salmon, and other decadent entrees, not to mention desserts and morning cocktails.

3. Test Your Skills at Mini Golf and Other Athletic Fun

While it may be a bit busier because no one is off the ship, the miniature golf course is usually open longer hours on a sea day, giving you plenty of time to show off your putting skills.

If you prefer other options, all of Carnival’s athletic fun, including the SkyCourse, SkyRide, basketball court, and ping pong tables (options vary by ship) are available for your sea day fun, typically also with longer hours to accommodate everyone on board.

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop

With the Fun Shops open all day, there will be plenty of great sales to take advantage of during your last sea day.

Carnival Cruise Line Passengers — Photo By: Russell Otway

The exact promotions may vary, but t-shirt sales, $10 flash sales, glassware sales, inch-of-gold custom necklace and bracelet sales, as well as great deals on Bella Perlina bracelets and other luxury jewelry and watches are always popular. The selection is best right when the sales begin, so don’t delay or you may not find the sizes or styles you prefer.

5. Win Your Ship on a Stick

The 24-karat-gold-ship-on-a-stick is Carnival’s ultimate souvenir, and the best way to get one is to win one of the many different games on board.

Join in a trivia contest, get a team together for giant Jenga, participate in a scavenger hunt, grab a pen for Pictionary, stretch your brain for Scattergories, or try any of the other fun and games throughout the day. When the ship is in port there will be fewer chances to win and these souvenirs may slip through your fingers.

6. Slip Down the Waterslide

It’s going to get hot on deck during a sunny day at sea, and there’s no better time to take your turn on the Twister Waterslide or visit WaterWorks for multiple slides, fountains, and splish-splashy fun. Minimum height requirements apply for the larger slides, but there is plenty of aquatic fun even for younger cruisers.

5 Cruise Adventures You Don’t Want to Miss Out On — Photo By: Russell Otway

If you prefer more sedate water-going options, don’t miss the pools or whirlpools on board as great ways to get wet.

7. Be Proud of Your Pelt at the Hairy Chest Contest

The famous Hairy Chest Contest is always a sea day favorite and is usually scheduled for the early afternoon of the last sea day. It’s more about attitude than hair, and brave men willing to show off their manliness will complete in several tasks to win the honor of Hairy Chest Champion.

But ladies join in as well, as the all-female judging panel will determine just how worthy each competitor is. This event is always popular – get your lounge chairs or viewing spot by the Lido pool early so you don’t miss out.

8. Grab a Crazy Delicious Lunch

Your last day at sea may be your last opportunity to enjoy the delicious lunch offerings on board. You can always stick with the Lido buffet, deli, or pizza, but why not indulge in one more burger from Guy’s Burger Joint, or try a taco or burrito with fresh homemade salsa from the BlueIguana Cantina?

Guy's Burger Joint — Photo By: Carnival Cruise Line

For a smoky favorite, visit Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, and don’t forget to top off your lunch with soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt from Swirls.

9. Indulge in the Chocolate Extravaganza

Even while you’re enjoying lunch, save room for Carnival’s Chocolate Extravaganza – an all-chocolate, unlimited dessert buffet on the last sea day.

A wide variety of chocolate delights await you, including cakes, handmade ice cream swans, sugared almonds, chocolate dipped orange peel, rum truffles, chocolate mousse, rice pudding, cookies, and more, as well as a luxurious chocolate fountain. From white to milk to dark, all your chocolate fantasies will be fulfilled at this delicious event.

10. Go Behind the Fun

One of the best experiences you can have on your last sea day on a Carnival cruise is to join the Behind the Fun tour. This tour is limited to just a few passengers who sign up early, and takes this select group into crew areas as well as other restricted areas of the ship, including the galley, theater prep area, laundry services, engine room, and of course, the bridge.

Also Read: 10 Items Just for Those Who Love Carnival Cruise Line

The exact length of the tour, areas visited, and per-passenger cost vary based on the ship class, and while cameras are not permitted for security reasons, complimentary photos are part of the tour as well as exclusive treats and souvenirs.

More to Do on an Early Sea Day

While there are plenty of great things to try no matter when your last sea day is scheduled, if the day at sea is early in the cruise, you may also want to take care of some other tasks.

Get acquainted with your ship, make dining reservations for any specialty restaurants, book spa treatments, buy a drink package, and take care of other beginning-cruise tasks to be sure your Carnival cruise vacation is smooth sailing.

More to Do on a Late Sea Day

When a final day at sea is actually the last day of the cruise, it can be a good time to take care of several essential tasks to be sure your debarkation morning is smooth and efficient.

Attend the debarkation talk or watch it on your in-cabin television, and settle your Sail and Sign account if you have a cash balance. Now is also the time to cash out at the casino, and offer extra tips to any crew members who have made your experience extraordinary.

Don’t forget to stop by the photo gallery to purchase any keepsake photos as well, since they may not be available the next morning.

Any day at sea is a great time on a Carnival cruise, with a wide array of activities and events on board. Don’t miss out, and make the most of your Fun Day at Sea by getting involved – it’s your cruise, make it a fun one!

What to Expect in a Cruise Ship Porthole Cabin

Cruise Cabins & Staterooms

Melissa Mayntz

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Jun 30, 2017

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What to Expect in a Cruise Ship Porthole Cabin

Portholes are the ultimate in classic ship viewports, but is the view good enough for you to consider a cruise ship porthole cabin for your next cruise vacation? Learn just how different these cabins can be and discover if one is right for you and your cruise preferences.

What Is a Cruise Ship Porthole Cabin?

Portholes go by many names, including bull’s-eye windows and sidescuttles, but their historic purpose has always been the same – to allow natural light and fresh air into below deck spaces. That wasn’t portholes’ original purpose, however.

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The first portholes originated in the late 1400s to allow larger cannons to be part of a ship’s armament, and because the cannons were too large to be safely anchored on deck, holes had to be cut into the hull to accommodate the cannons.

Portholes are generally circular, with glass mounted in a metal frame. Brass and bronze frames are preferred because they are more resistant to saltwater corrosion, but steel, iron and aluminum frames can also be used for portholes. A solid storm cover is typically mounted on the interior of the porthole to allow it to be tightly closed in case of rough seas or to block light.

Today, portholes are largely ornamental or nostalgic. With sophisticated venting systems, electric lighting, air conditioning and on-board generators, it is no longer necessary to have these holes in the hull for light and air, and they certainly aren’t needed for either offensive or defensive purposes on cruise ships.

But they can be great accents that not only provide natural light in cabins but also evoke that sense of true shipboard life with their whimsical nostalgia.

Older, smaller vessels often have a greater number of porthole cabins available, though newer, more modern ships often incorporate porthole-like features with larger, round oceanview windows or even digital screens that mimic portholes, even providing exterior views, in interior cabins. While these aren’t true portholes, they can still be fun accents in a cruise ship cabin.

Inside a Porthole Cruise Ship Cabin

Depending on the cruise line and the types of cabins available on any particular ship, a cruise ship porthole cabin might be classified as a type of oceanview cabin or may have their own porthole category designation.

Some lines even classify porthole cabins as a type of interior cabin, though they do still offer a limited outdoor view.

Generally, these cabins are located on lower decks closer to the waterline, and typically are the furthest forward on the ship, closest to the bow. Because this is at the point where the ship’s hull is bending or curving, these cabins may have slightly smaller floor space, though the square footage differences are minimal when compared to similar interior or oceanview cabins.

Porthole Cruise Ship Cabin — All Photos By: Melissa Mayntz

The portholes themselves – there may be one or two in a single cabin – are deeply recessed in the ship’s hull, often within a substantial cubby or shelf. While this is not floorspace for the cabin, it can be a convenient place to store clothing, shoes, beach towels, extra pillows, towel pal friends and other items, freeing up additional space so the cabin seems less cluttered.

The size of the portholes can vary, but they are generally 12-20 inches in diameter per porthole. While this may seem large, because these openings are deeply set into the ship’s hull, the view they offer is extremely limited.

It is enough, however, to admit plenty of natural light, and to see glimpses of the weather and sea conditions. Passengers who are accustomed to the brighter light of full oceanview cabins or balcony cabins may find porthole cabins to be slightly dimmer, which could make the cabin seem smaller or more cramped.

Also Read: What You Need to Know on Decorating Your Stateroom Door

Passengers who prefer a darker sleeping space, however, will likely appreciate the smaller window area, as well as the storm covers that can be closed if total darkness is desired.

A curtain is typically hung across the recessed space as well, which can provide extra shielding from excess light and keep the space hidden so any storage clutter is concealed.

Because these cabins are lower and more forward on the ship, many noises – most notably the crashing of waves against the ship’s bow, as well as the motions of anchors, pilots or tugs – are more noticeable in a cruise ship porthole cabin.

These cabins are also more subject to the motion of the ship as well, including swells and dips. Travelers who are very sensitive to the ship’s motion or who are very light sleepers may want to reconsider opting for a porthole cabin, though in calm seas, these differences are negligible and hardly noticeable.

One of the best features of porthole cabins is the price. Because these are not full oceanview cabins, they are often offered at a significantly lower fare than cabins with broad windows, yet porthole cabins do still offer plenty of natural light.

This can be a great option for cruisers on a budget to still enjoy natural light without a higher price tag.

Despite the differences in porthole cabins, it is important to remember that these cabins are still on the same cruise ship as all other cabin types.

They still include the same cruise amenities, entertainment, dining, activities, itinerary and all the other goodies of the cruise, and passengers in every cabin type have the same opportunities for a great getaway. Why not try a cruise ship porthole cabin for your next cruise?

7 Tips for Going on Cruises With Kids

First Time Cruisers

Haiyan Ma

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May 29, 2017

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Cruises can be a great way to show your children different parts of the world in one vacation. You want to have the holiday of a lifetime with your family. Yet, a lack of planning can turn the dream vacation into a nightmare. To ensure they make wonderful childhood memories, here are 7 tips for going on cruises with kids.

1. Pick the Best Cruises with Kids

There is a big difference between a child-friendly and child-tolerant cruise line. If you want to go on cruises with kids, we recommend selecting a kid-friendly cruise line. The cruise line you pick will most likely depend on your child’s age and interests. That’s why you should research the on-board entertainment options.

Also, check if there any age requirements for all shore excursions. Most cruise lines provide excursion search tools on their website for age limits.

2. Select a Cruise with Several Dining Options

Let’s face it, kids are pretty fussy when it comes to food. Review the dining options and restaurants before you book. If they don’t offer the familiar foods your kids love, it might be best to book a different cruise. The last thing you want is to go on cruises with kids who won’t eat a thing.

3. Check the Minimum Age Requirement

Most cruise lines have a minimum age requirement. Many will not allow children younger than 6 months or 1 year to travel onboard. This will more than likely depend on the cruise line and itinerary. Read the terms and conditions before you book.

4. Book the Best Room

You’ll want to bathe your child during the cruise. Unfortunately, most standard cruise cabins often don’t feature bathtubs. If you’re unhappy for them to have a shower, you may need to upgrade a cabin to a higher category room.

Unless you’re traveling on a Disney liner, as they feature family staterooms. This will include tub and shower combinations and will sleep three to five guests.

5. Beware of the Balcony

When going on cruises with children, it’s important to consider if it’s safe to book a balcony cabin. If you do, you must ensure your children are always supervised on the balcony. Fortunately, most cabin balconies feature plexiglass, so have no bars with gaps. The Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act (2010) also requires the railings to be 42 inches tall.

6. Don’t Forget the Essentials

If you’re traveling with a baby, don’t forget to pack enough diapers, wipes, formula and baby food. Most cruise lines will not carry these items. If they do, you can trust they’ll be more expensive on board the liner. If you will need a crib, it’s essential to request one as soon as you have booked a cruise. Many ships have a limited supply, so act soon to avoid disappointment.

You should also take a baby carrier or stroller with you. Most cruise lines either don’t carry them or have a limited supply.

Get all your essential items for kids from Amazon right here.

7. Use the Kids’ Clubs

Planning on cruising with your kids? Cruises are perfect for family vacations. To keep your's stress-free, here are 7 tips for enjoying cruises with kids! — Pin on Pinterest

Both you and your children will love the on board kids’ clubs. Not only does it allow your child to make friends, but it gives Mom and Dad some much-needed relaxation time. The likes of Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have some superb youth programs. These clubs often range from ages 2 all the way up to 17.

From karaoke and pool games to dance parties and crafts, there’s something for every child. What’s more, they’re free. Are you hoping to go on cruises with kids? Check the prices for the best cruises below.

What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

Staying Safe

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Mar 7, 2017

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What to Do Onboard a Cruise Ship in Bad Weather

You always hope for good vacation weather – clear skies, moderate temperatures, gentle breezes, and certainly no rain in the forecast. Unfortunately, Mother Nature may not always cooperate and you could have all sorts of poor weather on a cruise, from gale force winds and choppy seas to dense fog, chilly temperatures, and pouring rain. Bad weather doesn’t have to spoil your getaway, however, and there are plenty of great things to do onboard even in the worst weather.

How Bad Weather Can Affect a Cruise

Cruise ships are built to withstand typical weather with ease, including the occasional storm or other bad weather. Likewise, cruise itineraries are planned to take advantage of the best weather seasons with minimal disruptions. Still, bad weather can impact a cruise in several ways.

P&O Oceana — Video Footage By: georgewambobo (YouTube)

A simple rainy day may close pools and hot tubs or cancel outdoor activities or shore tours, or rough seas may mean certain shows are not safe for entertainers to perform and will have to be rescheduled. In very poor weather, the ship may need to be rerouted, and arrivals and departures at ports of call may be delayed, changed, or even canceled in extreme cases.

Read our dedicated post about how Hurricane can impact your cruise.

When extreme adjustments are made to a ship’s itinerary, cruise passengers are often offered onboard credit or refunds, but those compensations are not required and should not be expected or demanded. At the same time, cruise lines will make every effort to offer substitute activities and more events that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

Enjoying Your Cruise When Bad Weather Strikes

It can be disappointing when bad weather changes the activities or destinations you’d hoped to enjoy on your cruise, but there is still plenty to do.

Most indoor activities will be unaffected by inclement weather, including trivia contests, karaoke, cooking demonstrations, Bingo games, art auctions, craft projects, comedy shows, slot tournaments, scavenger hunts, and more.

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You can also take advantage of the ship’s indoor facilities, such as the gym, spa, arcade, and shopping mall, all of which may have different presentations, lectures, and sales going on no matter what the weather. Larger, more elaborate ships often have even more unusual options, such as ice rinks, bowling alleys, movie theaters, or planetariums.

If none of the scheduled options appeal to you on a rainy day, you can enjoy a slower pace by indulging in your own entertainment onboard. Most cruise ships offer several in-cabin movie options and you can order room service for a cozy snack.

You could visit the ship’s library and see what reading material is available, and many libraries offer board games and puzzles for passengers to use.

If you’re a bit hungry, you might enjoy taking the time to try out the taco bar, sushi station, gourmet pizza, ice cream sundaes, deli sandwiches, or other great food choices available. Wash it down with a festive drink of the day or sample a new type of cocktail, wine, or beer you’ve been interested in trying.

All the while, listen for ongoing announcements about the ship’s schedule and any itinerary changes or adjustments. Cruise ships have access to state-of-the-art weather tracking equipment and detailed weather reports, and as the weather changes the ship’s officers have the discretion to adjust their route and plans to compensate as needed.

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At the same time, the cruise director or other members of the entertainment staff will make announcements about new activities and other fun onboard so you don’t have to miss out on a thing.

A Note About Seasickness

When the weather turns bad during a cruise, seasickness can always be a concern. Be sure you take appropriate steps to control nausea if you are susceptible to seasickness, such as avoiding excessive alcohol or greasy or spicy food that may upset your stomach further. Avoid rambunctious activities and slow your pace down a bit.

It might be worth buying seasickness wristbands for your cruise right here.

Consider home remedies to lessen seasickness, such as a taste of peppermint or some ginger ale, and your stomach won’t be nearly as concerned with the bad weather as you are.

Bad weather does not have to ruin your cruise if you don’t let it. While poor weather can make your cruise different from what you’d expected, embracing those changes and enjoying the available activities can ensure you still have a great time even on a stormy sailing.

All About Carnival’s 24-Karat Gold Plastic Ship On A Stick

Carnival Cruise Advice

Melissa Mayntz

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Feb 3, 2017

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All About Carnival’s 24-Karat Gold Plastic Ship On A Stick

It’s the ultimate souvenir of a Carnival cruise – the lustrous gleam of gold-tinted plastic, the fine lines of a molded ship model, the shimmer of the ship’s name on an embossed plaque – it’s the 24-karat gold plastic ship on a stick. But how can you get one of your own to commemorate your fantastic Fun Ship cruise?

About the Carnival Trophy

The ship on a stick trophies are well known to Carnival cruisers, but how much do you actually know about them? These souvenirs are manufactured by MDR Industries, a division of MDR International, Inc. This is the same company that creates the iconic molded plastic hurricane drink glasses that are so popular not only on cruises, but also at many hotels, nightclubs, and resorts worldwide.

The company also creates other trophies, drinkware, and souvenirs for the travel and cruise industry.

The Carnival trophies are kitschy, but beloved. The base measures 3.3×2.25 inches (8.5×5.75 cm), the tallest point of the trophy is 5.25 inches (13.25 cm), and overall ship length is 6.25 inches (16.0 cm). Two laurel branches – the symbol of champions and victors in ancient Greece and Rome – stretch in a V from the base to support the ship.

The ship itself is molded plastic with moderate detail showing the general shape of the ship’s decks, funnel, lifeboats, radar gear, balconies, portholes, and even the main Lido deck pool. The laurel branches and ship are colored gold, though the shades can vary from different manufacturing batches and occasionally may even seem as light as silver.

The class of the trophy ship is relatively indeterminate because the details are not so fine as to be modeled after one specific ship, but it most closely mirrors the Conquest class of ships in shape and features.

The models have changed over the years and may yet change again as Carnival Cruise Line continues to debut new ships, but the same trophy is used throughout the fleet, no matter which class of ship you sail on. When the models are in transition, however, different ships may be offering slightly different models until their supplies are replenished.

Each Carnival ship does carry a unique touch on its trophies, however, as each trophy has a plastic nameplate affixed to the front with the name of the ship where it is awarded.

Winning Your Own Ship on a Stick

These amazing trophies may seem rare, but they aren’t too difficult to get if you actively participate in all the cruise has to offer. While only one trophy is generally given out per event, they are awarded as first prize for a variety of great games and activities, including most trivia contests, ping-pong tournaments, basketball shootouts, game show events, scavenger hunts, bean bag tosses, dance contests, drawing contests, newlywed games, and more.

If there are two first place winners in the event, the crew member hosting the game may give out trophies to both high achievers.

Also Read: Find out more about Carnival’s Hub App right here.

And if you don’t win? A cruise vacation – especially a Carnival cruise – is all about the fun, and often if you politely ask the crew member hosting activities, they may have an extra trophy to give away, especially as a souvenir for a child. Many experienced cruisers also sell these trophies on eBay if they’ve won several from the same ship.

If you are lucky enough to win a cruise ship trophy, be a good sport – don’t try to win more, and let someone else have the glory of taking home first prize.

While crew members won’t stop you from taking the top honors at every trivia or other contest, you will start to be recognized and even resented if you’re a gloating victor.

Instead, keep your scores private and smile at the joy someone else has as they win their very own Carnival ship on a stick. If you do score multiple trophies but don’t want to be seen as usurping all the top titles, try giving away the trophies to other participants, such as the second place team, an excited child, or anyone else who admires the trophy but doesn’t have one of their own.

Also Read: 10 Items Just for Those Who Love Carnival Cruise Line

The biggest win of all, however, is not the trophy, it’s all the great fun you have and the memories you make as you join in different cruise activities in search of your own ship on a stick. On a Carnival cruise, everyone is a winner – with or without the trophy!

This Carnival Cruise Line Burger Venue Was Voted Number 1

Carnival Cruise News

Emrys Thakkar

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Dec 30, 2016

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Over the past week, Cruise Hive has announced the results of this year’s Cruise Ship Awards. We have now arrived at the last category and we’ve saved the best till last! Which Cruise Ship Burger Venue is the best?

According to Cruise Hive readers Guy’s Burger Joint was voted as the best at sea. Guy’s Burger Joint received more votes than any other venue in the category. In a faraway second was Johny Rockets, which can be found on Royal Caribbean ships.

Joint third were two different venues from Norwegian Cruise Line, they were Margaritaville At Sea and O’Sheehans Bar & Grill. The Dive In Terrace on Holland America Line ships finished the Best burger Venue category in fourth. Celebrity Cruises Bistro On Five was fifth and finally in last place was The Salty Dog Gastro Pub on Princess Cruises.

Guy’s Burger Joint has been a huge success throughout the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The award-winning venue by Food Network’s Guy Fieri has become one of the biggest highlights onboard. The burger venue where guests can choose their own add-on and toppings was first introduced in 2011. Carnival Liberty was the very first ship in the fleet to get the new FUN 2.0 upgrades which included Guys Burger Joint.

The “Best Burger Venue At Sea” category was by far the most popular with more votes than any other. The 2016 Cruise Ship Awards first started in September 2016 where unlike other online awards, two categories were added each month. Readers were only able to vote once in each category and any double votes were not counted.

We’ll see you soon at a Guy’s Burger Joint at sea!

Norwegian Joy Wins Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship In 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line News

Emrys Thakkar

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Dec 30, 2016

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Norwegian Joy Wins Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship In 2017

Norwegian Joy has been voted as the “Most Anticipated New Cruise Ship In 2017” in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards by Cruise Hive readers.

The ship which is currently under construction and to be delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2017 came first against five other ships. Norwegian Joy received the most amount of votes but the MSC Seaside came in a very close second. The MSC Seaside is a new class vessel currently being constructed by Fincantieri in Italy and is scheduled to be delivered in November 2017.

In third place came Majestic Princess which is the first ever purpose-built ship from princess Cruises for the Chinese market. The third Royal class ship will be delivered to the cruise line in may 2017. In Fourth place in the most Anticipated Cruise Ship category was MSC Meraviglia which is currently under construction in France and scheduled to be delivered in June 2017.

In joint last place with the least amount of votes were World Dream for Asia’s Dream Cruises and Aidaperla For German based Adia Cruises. In general, there has not been much hype for these two ships but that will likely change the closer we get to their delivery dates.

Norwegian Joy is the first purpose-built cruise ship for the Chinese market for NCL. The vessel will be 168,800 gross tons and carry over, 3,900 guests at double occupancy. The large ship is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and is set to debut in Summer 2017 and will be based out of Tianjin and Shanghai, China.

The Cruise Ship Awards started in September 2016 where new categories were added each month. Readers were able to only vote one in each category and any double votes were not counted. We got a huge repose in this year’s awards, the fourth annual awards on Cruise Hive.

Oasis of the Seas Wins Best Large Cruise Ship For 2016

Royal Caribbean News

Emrys Thakkar

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Dec 29, 2016

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Oasis of the Seas Wins Best Large Cruise Ship For 2016

Oasis of the Seas, which is the first in its class, has won “Best Large Cruise Ship” for 2016 in this year’s Cruise Ship Awards by Cruise Hive readers.

Oasis of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world operated by Royal Caribbean came out on top out of another four large cruise ships. In nearby second was the Carnival Vista, the largest class ship in the Carnival fleet and in third was Norwegian Escape operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

In fourth place came Anthem of the Seas, the second in the Quantum class of Royal Caribbean ships and finally in the fifth came the iconic Queen Mary by UK-based Cunard Line.

We randomly chose ships from some of the largest classes in the industry and the huge 225,282 gross ton vessel came out with the most amount of votes. Oasis of the Seas is the first in its class and at the time it entered service in 2009 was the world’s largest cruise ship. The vessel can 5,400 guests at double occupancy and over 1,180 feet in length, it really is a floating city.

The “Best Large Cruise Ship” category was one of the last to be added to this year’s Cruise Ship Awards. Each month we added new categories where readers were able to vote only once in each one. The Best Large Cruise Ship was only open in December 2016 and there were only two weeks to go until the results.

Oasis of the Seas is currently sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida on Eastern And Western Caribbean itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas Wins Best New Cruise Ship After Close Battle

Royal Caribbean News

Emrys Thakkar

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Dec 28, 2016

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Harmony of the Seas Wins Best New Cruise Ship After Close Battle

Harmony of the Seas, which is operated by Royal Caribbean, has won “Best New Cruise Ship” for the 2016 Cruise Ship Awards by Cruise Hive readers.

It was an extremely close battle, with just a few votes making the difference. Harmony of the Seas just about came out on top over the second-place Carnival Vista. Harmony of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship and entered service in Spring 2016. The second place is Carnival Vista, which is the largest ship for Carnival Cruise Line and just missed out on the top spot.

In a far away third place was the MS Koningsdam which is operated by Holland America Line. There were also another three new cruise ships which arrived in 2016 including Ovation of the Seas, Viking Sea, and Aidaprima, they were all way off the leading two ships.

Harmony of the Seas was one of the major highlights of 2016. The ship is the third in the Oasis class but slightly larger at 227,000 gross tons and carrying over 5,400 guests at double occupancy. The vessel which debuted in May 2016 was built at the Meyer Weft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and features the very first 10-story high Ultimate Abyss slide.

The world’s biggest cruise ship is currently sailing out of Port Everglades, Florida, for Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

The Cruise Ship Awards are different from most, where new categories were added each month from September 2016. Cruise Hive readers were only able to vote once in each category and any double votes were not counted.