When you have kids, everyone tells you that your “vacation” days are over. From now on, you can go someplace else — but you’ll just be parenting with a change of scenery. There is some truth to this, especially when your kids are little. On our first family vacations, my husband made a point of smirking and mouthing “this is the fun of being a parent” every time we would be up at the crack of dawn with a wide-awake child, in our room mid-afternoon for his nap, at a restaurant we wouldn’t normally choose because they had a good kids’ menu, or in bed at 8 pm with the lights out coaxing him to sleep on our vacations. His taunting continued for years. 

My son turned five last May, and I recently took him on his first Disney cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line’s 2,700-passenger Disney Magic. (My teenage stepsons said “hard pass” to a ship filled with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers — their personal nightmares.) So it was just the three of us, and the trip was an eye opener in so many ways. On one hand, it enabled my husband and I to have more of a “break” on vacation than we ever have at hotels, resorts or AirBnBs. But we also learned a different way of cruising than the trips we took before our little guy was born, and picked up a lot of helpful insights along the way.

I’ve Been on More than 100 Cruises — And This Is What I Learned from My Son’s First Disney Cruise

Family-friendly ships are designed for kids. 

If you’ve traveled without children, like I did for many years, your first cruise on a ship like Disney Magic with kids is an eye opener. The ship is designed for children. As an adult, you are not the target audience. (Though, all Disney cruise ships do have adult-friendly options including everything from a spa, bars, and specialty restaurants for those traveling without little ones.)

My son’s favorite thing is Marvel and, walking into the Oceaneer Club for the first time for a tour, his little eyes lit up. Sure, there’s Andy’s Room, a multi-level play area that celebrates the “Toy Story” movies with a Slinky Dog slide, and Pixie Hollow, a crafting area themed to Tinker Bell’s forest. They looked pretty cool to me. But his eyes focused right in on the Marvel Super Hero Academy.

A counselor walked over and showed him how to play the Marvel virtual reality game that’s only available on this ship. He jumped up and down, punching the air to fend off the bad guys, delighting in watching his character mirror his movements on the giant video projection. Then he turned to face me with a grin, “Can I stay while you and Daddy tour the ship?” He was all in. And the best part is that all of these activities are included in the cruise fare.

Most playrooms at sea don’t allow parents inside. 

As was the case on Disney Magic, the playrooms for kids — with different rooms based on their ages — are just for the little ones. Grown-ups are not allowed in outside of open houses. So, whether your child is a Marvel devotee or a Disney princess aficionado, the programming in there is just for them.

Kids are given wristbands that are scanned in when they come and go to track them. Both parents and kids can pull the plug on playtime whenever they like: parents can just show up and take them to other parts of the ship, and kids can ask for their parents to pick them up whenever they like. But as long as the little ones are enjoying their playtime, that’s not family time – it’s just for them. 

Disney ships create magical vacations for every member of the family … but not always together. 

From that first moment, the Marvel Super Hero Academy was like a magnet, pulling my son back into the Oceaneer Club whenever possible. I had explained to him that pre-pandemic the ship’s camp counselors would come to the dining rooms mid-way through dinner, scoop up the little ones that had finished their chicken fingers or burger or buttered pasta, and bring them up to the playroom so that parents could finish their meal alone — and maybe even get a cocktail afterward.

Disney Cruise Line temporarily discontinued this program in 2020. (However, the cruise line recently brought the “Dine & Play” program back in February 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited.)

Halfway through our dinner on the first night, my son looked me straight in the eye and said “So, they don’t pick up kids in the dining room anymore? But you or Daddy could take me up to the playroom and drop me off and then finish your dinner. It’s a great plan for everyone!” I looked at him sadly – he really didn’t want to have dinner with us? Nope, not with that amazing Marvel Super Hero Academy just upstairs. He wanted to take advantage of as many minutes as he could get up there, where he was able to not only play video games but have unlimited screen time, too. (Two things we don’t allow at home.)

My husband and I tried to enjoy getting to eat our desserts — and his, too — in peace and quiet, but there was an air of rejection between us. It feels different when a couple with kids finally gets time alone … but it’s because, for the first time, their kid has someplace else they’d rather be. 

Activities for kids extend past the Oceaneer Club. 

On one day of my Disney Magic sailing, the schedule of events included meet-and-greets with various Marvel super heroes, offered in sequence in a lounge from morning until just past lunchtime. He met with Spiderman, Black Panther, Captain America, and Thor. With the meet-and-greets an hour apart, everyone in line could meet their hero, have a quick chat, and take a few soon-to-be-cherished photos. My son was no exception – you only need to see the look of delight on his face in the picture when he’s standing next to Spider-Man to know how much the moment means to him.

These meet-and-greets took up the better half of our day, and were followed by a class in making your own hammer, led by Thor himself. My husband and I took turns shuttling my son around to these events, all of which felt, well, mandatory. Would I really be a good mom if I told my son, who seems sometimes to actually think he is an Avenger himself, that we were going to skip some of these moments and all go hang out at the pool together instead? It didn’t feel like it. And so we brought him to every event that was on the schedule. 

The crew can make magic happen. 

Of course, when you go on a Disney cruise, you fully expect the Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles on the buffet line and the chocolate-dipped Mouse head ice cream popsicles served at dessert. You even expect moments of great service, such as when our cabin steward noticed that my son loved the grapes on our welcome cheese tray and brought him more.

But a couple nights into our sailing, our cabin steward – who had noticed my son’s tendency to wear Marvel clothing and even Avenger costumes throughout our sailing — changed the sheets on his bed to Marvel sheets. He returned from dinner that night and squealed in delight. Honestly, this cruise could not have been a bigger hit with him. 

Themed cruises are a true gift on these ships. 

My son’s second favorite thing to Marvel? That would be Halloween. And our sailing, which took place in mid-September, was the first of the season’s “Halloween on the High Seas” themed cruises. The ship was already decked out with everything from pumpkins on the big tree in the foyer to jack-o’-lantern decals on portholes.

We took a “challenge accepted” attitude, and I packed The Incredibles family costumes for the first night and Star Wars family costumes for the second night, when we would take Joshua around the buffet area for a trick-or-treat experience set up by the crew. 

Everything, from mealtimes to on-deck celebrations, are kid-oriented.

Disney Cruise Line has an ingenious rotational dining program in which families dine in each of the restaurants onboard for different nights, with the same table numbers and wait staff in each one. The result? After the first night, our waiter and waitress had our drinks waiting on the table when we arrived (diet coke for my husband, iced tea for me, and chocolate milk — with just a smidge of chocolate — for the little one). They had even placed the order for my son’s preferred meal of a cheeseburger with chicken fingers and fruit on the side — hold the French fries, hold the veggies, don’t bother with dessert.

Some of the dining rooms also had dinner theater-style shows incorporated into the mealtime experience. Fun as they were, my son was still out of there as soon as he could be. He’s no fool. He knew his beloved virtual reality game would be most empty at dinnertime, when he wouldn’t have to take turns. 

And the signature DCL on-deck celebration? That would be a pirate-themed stage show complete with fireworks. Kids are given red bandanas and eye patches to wear – for many, that meant along with their Disney costume of choice. It was fun to watch the fleet of superheroes and princesses dance along to the pop music. The crew was also passing bubble wands out on deck, so even before the fireworks started the audience was filled with bubbles that made the moment feel extra celebratory.

Of course, keeping your preschooler up until 10 pm to see fireworks comes with its own built-in punishments, but it appeared most families were willing to make the necessary sacrifices of overtired bedtimes and cranky morning sleepy heads. 

Private islands are a welcome family experience. 

On our sailing, we stopped at the new Lookout Cay at Lighhouse Point, a Bahamian “private island” resort space that Disney Cruise Line had just unveiled at the beginning of the summer. It was, in so many ways, an ideal family beach day. Picture a long pink strand that was so beautiful my husband assumed Disney had trucked in the palm trees and blush-hued sand to create a gorgeous Insta-worthy setting. (Nope, it’s naturally that spectacular.)

When we were ready for a break, there were plenty of buffets serving kid-friendly items along with the nods to Bahamian fare, which included curry, spiced rotisserie chicken, racks of ribs, pigeon peas and rice, plantains, and fried okra. There were also plenty of other little children to make sandcastles with when jumping waves with Mom and Dad got tiresome. It was a perfect beach day for all of us – and that family vacation moment I suspect I’ll hang on to for years. 

Ready to make more memories, I’ll be sailing on Disney Dream with my little one soon. And he can’t wait to go into warp speed in the playroom’s Millennium Falcon.

Comments

Have you taken a family trip with Disney Cruise Line? Do you remember your kids’ first Disney cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your fond memories.

The post I’ve Been on More than 100 Cruises — And This Is What I Learned from My Son’s First Sailing appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Holland America Line (HAL) has a long-standing history of over a 150 years. With origins as a passenger and shipping company, Holland America has been providing cruise vacations since the 1970’s. With nods to its Dutch heritage, the brand has built a reputation for its refined experiences and diverse itineraries. In a world of mega-ships, Holland America features perfectly mid-sized ships that offer sailings across the globe. But is this cruise line right for you? Having cruised with the brand a number of times in the recent years, we break down the pros and cons of taking a Holland America cruise to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

Pros of a Holland America Cruise

1. Focus on Culinary Excellence

One of Holland America’s standout features is its commitment to culinary excellence. The “port to plate” program brings locally inspired dishes onboard, allowing guests to experience regional flavors. The cruise line also prides itself on its global fresh fish program. Not to mention, Holland America partners with esteemed chefs, including Rudi Sodamin, David Burke, and Masaharu Morimoto to name a few, bringing one-of-a-kind menu items to your plate.

While the selections in the main dining room are great, the specialty restaurants should not be missed. Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Canaletto, and the new Morimoto By Sea elevate the dining experience even further. Tamarind is our personal favorite…just saying that we may have sampled almost everything on the menu at this restaurant.

2. Enriching Onboard Activities

Holland America prioritizes enrichment through a variety of activities, many of which are included in the cruise fare. Guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and expert-led lectures covering topics like history, wildlife, and culture pertinent to the cruise region. We personally think that this is one of the biggest differentiators of Holland America from other mainstream cruise lines.

In Alaska, guests can learn about topics such as glaciers and whales. In New Zealand, guests can learn about the culture and traditions of the Maori people. These are just a few examples of how Holland America seamlessly intergrates the onboard programming with its destinations. Not to mention, there are near-daily port talks that are much more than glorified shore excursion presentations.

3. More Diverse Itineraries

Another benefit of taking a Holland America cruise is the diversity of destinations to which they sail. The cruise line offers a broad range of ports (partially due to its smaller ship sizes) and more extended stays compared to many mainstream cruise lines. We’ve personally cruised with Holland America to Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, and the Norwegian Fjords.

With itineraries spanning Alaska, Asia, Australia, South America, Europe, and beyond, guests can explore unique destinations on every voyage. With longer stops and overnight stays in some ports of call, guests can enjoy deeper cultural immersion and more leisurely exploration.

The line is also known for its Legendary Voyages and Grand Voyages, which offer extended sailings lasting several weeks or even months. These in-depth itineraries take travelers to remote destinations, often including rare ports of call and cultural experiences, making them a favorite among seasoned cruisers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

4. A Leader in Alaska Cruises

Holland America is a top choice for Alaska cruises, boasting decades of expertise in the region. The line has been sailing to Alaska for over 75 years and has developed deep connections that enhance the guest experience. Further, HAL is one of the few cruise lines with permits to sail into Glacier Bay National Park. When deciding on your Alaska cruise, we ALWAYS recommend picking an itinerary that visits Glacier Bay as the views are truly breathtaking.

Their partnerships in the region allow guests to engage with local heritage both onboard and ashore. Additionally, Holland America’s Cruisetours seamlessly blend sea and land exploration, featuring scenic rail journeys on the McKinley Explorer and stays at exclusive lodges near Denali National Park. While we have yet to experience one of these land and sea packages, we hear they’re fantastic, providing unparalleled access to Alaska’s natural beauty and wildlife

5. “Have It All” Package

For those who cringe at the words “nickel and diming”, you’ll be happy to know that Holland America offers the option for a more all-inclusive cruise experience. Similar to sister brand Princess Cruises, HAL offers an upgrade from the standard cruise fare known as the “Have It All” Package.

The “Have It All” package offers added value by bundling perks like shore excursions, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and beverage packages into the cruise fare. This package enhances the overall cruise experience by allowing guests to enjoy more premium offerings without worrying about additional charges or their tab at the end of the cruise. Guests can enjoy dinner in Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind, sip specialty coffees or cocktails, and stay in touch with loved ones back home while traveling the world— all for the price of a few cocktails a day.

6. Relaxed Atmosphere and Comfortable Ships

Holland America provides a sophisticated, yet unpretentious atmosphere. You won’t find amusements like waterslides or racetracks like some other more family-friendly cruise lines, and you won’t encounter the stuffiness that you might on a luxury or ultra-luxury cruise line. The ships are designed for comfort. The overall vibe is relaxed, perfect for those seeking a traditional cruising experience with modern comforts.

Guests can unwind in inviting public spaces such as the Crow’s Nest, which offers panoramic ocean views and a cozy lounge atmosphere with games and puzzles. Or, they can explore the extensive onboard library filled with books and quiet nooks for reading.

The pool areas provide a tranquil retreat, with some ships featuring retractable roofs for all-weather enjoyment. Fitness and recreation options are available as well, including the increasingly popular pickleball courts, while those seeking relaxation can indulge in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, which offers a thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool.

7. Focus on Live Music

While you won’t find elaborate stage productions on Holland America cruise ships, music lovers will appreciate the line’s impressive live entertainment offerings. Venues like the B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room/Lounge, and Billboard Onboard provide top-tier performances ranging from blues to rock and top hits of today.

Musicians in these venues perform multiple sets a night, so you’re bound to find some live music throughout the evening. We often find ourselves bouncing from one venue to the next listening to the various selections after dinner and in-between main theater shows (which Holland America does still have). And we’re not alone, as these venues are usually busy. The dance floor gets busy too!

8. Half Moon Cay

While historic cities and quaint villages are great, sometimes you just need a relaxing beach day. Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, is consistently ranked among the best cruise line private destinations. With powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere, it offers a perfect beach day experience. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, water sports, and other activities as well.

And it gets better. Half Moon Cay is being enhanced and expanded. Relax Away, Half Moon Cay will receive a new pier (goodbye tendering). Other upgrades include expanded dining options, additional cabanas, and new recreational facilities. A brand-new lagoon area is also being introduced, offering more opportunities for water activities and relaxation. These enhancements, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, aim to elevate the experience while maintaining the natural charm that Half Moon Cay has been known for.

9. Solo Traveler Options

Unlike many cruise lines, HAL caters to solo travelers with dedicated solo staterooms on select ships, eliminating the need for a costly single supplement. These staterooms are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and convenience, featuring cozy layouts and modern amenities. In addition to dedicated accommodations, solo travelers can take advantage of social gatherings and meet-ups designed to connect like-minded cruisers.

Because there are only small blocks of solo cabins on any given cruise ship, they sometimes sell out quite a bit in advance. If you want to cruise solo (and not pay double-occupancy rates), you’ll need to secure one of these rooms early. We recommend working with a travel advisor to help with this process.

10. Free Room Service

Holland America still offers complimentary room service, a perk that is becoming less common among mainstream cruise lines. Guests can enjoy breakfast in bed or a late-night snack without additional charges. Yes, many cruise lines do still include continental breakfast, but on Holland America guests can order hot items like an All-American breakfast or frittatas. During the rest of the day, they can order salads, sandwiches, and select entrees with no added fees. This is a nice perk if you just want to relax after a long day ashore.

Cons of a Holland America Cruise

1. Demographic Skews Older

While Holland America isn’t necessarily for “old people”, the demographic does skew a bit older than other mainstream cruies lines. Partially due to its longer itineraries, HAL does attract many retirees and seasoned travelers. The cruise line’s onboard amenities are also more subdued when compared to other lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. This means that younger cruisers or families might opt for another cruise line with more bells and whistles.

With that being said, we are in our 40’s and do really enjoy Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships. This slightly older demographic typically means you don’t have to deal with kids running around the pool deck or drunken passengers causing a scene.

2. Limited Activities for Youths and Multi-Gen Groups

While HAL offers kids’ clubs (Club HAL) and teen programs, the options are minimal compared to family-focused cruise lines. Multi-generational families may find fewer entertainment options for younger guests as well. There aren’t usually family-centered activities like dance parties or scavenger hunts. While there’s usually a sports court and maybe some ping pong tables, you won’t find an arcade or waterslides on the pool deck either.

If your family vacation is focused on long days ashore enjoying the ports of call, this may not be an issue but it’s something to keep in mind.

3. Lack of Thrills and Attractions

Along the same lines, guests won’t find all the thrills and over-the-top attractions that are found on many megaships. Those seeking adrenaline-pumping amenities like surf simulators, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, ropes courses, or racetracks won’t find them on Holland America Line. The cruise line focuses more on cultural enrichment and relaxation rather than high-energy amusements.

That’s not to say that families can’t have a good time on a Holland America cruise; they just need to set the expectations ahead of time. Hey, most teens and tweens can occupy themselves for hours with WiFi and a smartphone.

4. Less Energetic Nightlife

Similarly, night owls looking for a party atmosphere may find Holland America lacking. The live music venues are the focus, so there are no high-energy nightclubs or late-night entertainment hubs. Bars and lounges tend to wind down early compared to other cruise lines. There’s also no silent disco, white party, or lively DJ spinning hits until the wee hours of the morning.

Though, we often find that this doesn’t matter as we’re tired after our long days in port. After dinner, we usually attend the theater show, then listen to a few sets of live music while enjoying a couple cocktails, and we’re more than ready to call it a night by that time.

5. No Broadway-Style Productions

Unlike some competitors, Holland America does not offer full-scale Broadway productions. You won’t find Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, or Grease on HAL ships. Instead, entertainment centers around live music and smaller-scale stage performances. Guests can still enjoy a lineup of nightly performances on the World Stage. But they usually include headliner acts like singers, comedians, or magicians. Some ships also feature performances by the Step One Dance Company. The line’s signature production, Origin Story, should not be missed either.

Still, if Broadway-caliber shows are a priority for you, another cruise line may be a better fit.

6. Limited Casual Dining Options

While the main dining room and specialty restaurants are excellent, Holland America does have fewer casual grab-and-go dining options compared to other lines. The buffet (Lido Market) has a wide selection of offerings including Asian and Italian Distant Lands stations. Many ships also feature the poolside Dive-In burger joint. However, across a vast majority of the fleet, you won’t find many other quick service options (complimentary or up-charge) like cafes with sandwiches, pizza windows, Mexican restaurants, or sports pubs.

7. Some Ships Feel Dated

While Holland America’s Pinnacle Class ships are the newest in the fleet, many of the other ships feel older and less modern when compared to competitors’ vessels. Stateroom designs and public areas on certain ships may not match the sleek, high-tech aesthetic of newer cruise ships.

This often means that the cabins have darker wood finishes, and maybe even shower curtains in the bathrooms, that were typical of ships from previous decades. Some furnishings and decor may feel outdated, and there will likely be a lack of modern conveniences such as USB outlets. You might also find evidence of older ship design in public spaces like narrower pathways, less grand atriums, more compartmentalized spaces, and ornate detailing that many would consider “tacky” now.

8. Lack of Short Getaways

Holland America primarily focuses on longer cruises, often 7 days or more. The cruise line offers few short getaway options that are 3 to 5 days in length. If you’re looking for a quick escape or are short on vacation time, you may need to consider another cruise line.

These cruises aren’t the ones you see in the advertisements as “the world’s biggest weekend” or the ones considered “booze cruises”. They aren’t those quick jaunts to the Bahamas or the cruise line’s private island. Subsequently, they’re also not the cheapest cruise option.

9. Little Diversity Between Ships

Holland America ships have a consistent design and onboard experience, which can be a pro for brand loyalty but a con for those seeking variety across different sailings. Unlike Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line, where ships in the fleet vary greatly, HAL ships maintain a similar feel.

This can be great when it comes to familiarity with ship layout and expectations. However, entertainment may feel redundant and dining choices could feel repetitive. It really all comes down to what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation.

10. Limited Tech and Smart Features

Modern travelers, especially those who have cruised with other brands, might miss some of the tecnology and smart features found on other vessels when cruising with Holland America Line. Compared to newer cruise ships from other lines, you won’t find many high-tech elements like digital touch screens around the ship, smart elevators, wearable technology, app-based features like drink delivery, digital deck plans, or crew chat. You also won’t find smart features in the staterooms like digital controls for lighting or temperature.

While these modern conveniences are nice, many would argue that they aren’t necessary on vacation. But that’s up to you to decide.

Key Takeaways:

Choose Holland America if you:

• Prefer relaxation and enrichment over thrills and nightlife
• Enjoy longer cruises with unique destinations
• Appreciate smaller ships with fewer people and over-the-top amenities
• Want the destinations to be the focus of your trip

You might prefer another line if you:

• Want lots of nightlife and high-energy entertainment
• Have kids or teens who want lots of onboard activities and thrills
• Are looking for a short getaway
• Want the ship to be the focus of your trip

Comments

Do you agree with our pros and cons of taking a Holland America cruise? Do you have anything else to add to this list? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising with Holland America Line.

The post Pros and Cons of a Holland America Cruise – Is It Right for You? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

As with just about any cruise line, being loyal to Holland America Line can certainly pay off. Holland America’s loyalty program has five tiers, with new guests achieving 1-Star rank after their first cruise. In our guide to the Holland America Mariner Society program, we go over how to sign up and accrue credits, as well as each tier and the associated benefits.

Our Guide to the Holland America Mariner Society Loyalty Program

How to sign up for Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program

Signing up for the Holland America Mariner Society loyalty program is easy — in fact, you don’t have to sign up at all! Once you have sailed with HAL, you’re automatically enrolled in the program and start to receive benefits with your second cruise.

If you’ve sailed with one of Holland America’s sister lines (Carnival, Princess, Cunard, Seabourn, or Costa) you’re automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society program once you book your first Holland America voyage.

To create an account to view your cruise history, Star Level, and bonus Cruise Day credits, go to the “My Account” section of the Holland America website.

How to earn points in Holland America’s loyalty program

With the Mariner Society program, you earn one Cruise Day credit for each actual day sailed. Holland America defines each “actual day sailed” as each overnight on the ship. So if you took a seven-night cruise, you would receive seven Cruise Day credits. If you book a suite or penthouse, you receive double the Cruise Day credits.

Travelers also receive Cruise Day credits for Alaska cruisetours, meaning both the cruise and land portions count for Cruise Day credits. Pre and post-cruise tours and hotel packages in other destinations do not qualify.

You can earn bonus Cruise Day credits by spending money onboard the ship, through HAL’s Onboard Spending Bonus. For each $300 in eligible onboard purchases, one bonus Cruise Day credit is earned. This is calculated on the combined folio charges for all guests on the booking, regardless of who signs each charge and who pays the bill. Casino charges, cash advances, and Future Cruise deposits are excluded. Only the first two guests on a booking are eligible to receive the Onboard Spending Bonus Cruise Day credits.

All guests sharing a stateroom as part of the same booking will receive the benefits earned by the guest at the highest level in the Mariner Society program. This means that if you’re a 2-Star Mariner sailing with a 4-Star Mariner, you’ll receive the 4-Star level perks.

Your Cruise Day credits accrual (and loyalty status, if applicable) will be updated seven to 10 days after the cruise or cruisetour ends.

Holland America Mariner Society Tiers and Benefits

How many levels are in Holland America’s Mariner Society program?

There are five Mariner Society tiers:

• Star Mariner: received after taking one cruise
• 2-Star Mariner: 30 to 74 Cruise Day credits
• 3-Star Mariner: 75 to 199 Cruise Day credits
• 4-Star Mariner: 200 to 499 Cruise Day credits
• 5-Star Mariner: 500+ Cruise Day credits

What benefits do you receive in each Holland America loyalty program tier?

1-Star Mariner

You reach the first Star Mariner tier once you’ve completed your first Holland America cruise. This tier includes a free drink voucher that can be used anytime during the cruise, as well as a collectible gift. 1-Star Mariners also receive a 50 percent discount on cruise fares for the third and fourth guests in a cabin on select sailings.

All Star Mariner tiers, including 1-Star, can also receive up to $400 per cabin in onboard credit for cruises booked within 90 days of a new season launch.

2-Star Mariner

The second Star Mariner tier includes all of the perks as a 1-Star, plus the addition of a complimentary photo of the ship. 2-Star Mariners also receive a 10 percent discount on select Holland America Line logo clothing sold in the onboard shops.

3-Star Mariner

3-Star Mariners receive everything that 2-Stars do, plus an invitation to the Mariner Society Welcome Onboard Reception, which is just for 3 to 5-Star loyalty members.

The 3-Star tier is also where more discounts start to kick in. In addition to the 10 percent discount on select HAL logo clothing, 3-Star Mariners get discounts on select spa treatments, a 25 percent discount on Sommelier Suite packages (excluding wine cards, Cellar Master packages, individual bottles, wine-by-the-glass, and beverage gift cards), a 25 percent discount at most specialty restaurants, a 25 percent discount on specialty coffees, and a 25 percent discount on mini-bar purchases.

4-Star Mariner

The fourth tier in the Holland America Mariner Society program is where the perks start to really get good. Firstly, the discounts on Sommelier Suite packages, specialty restaurants, specialty coffees, and mini-bar purchases are upped to 50 percent. The discount on Holland America logo clothing is raised to 15 percent. 4-Star loyalty guests also receive a 25 percent discount of $55 per person for Rudi’s Sel De Mer specialty restaurant.

4-Star Mariners also receive a complimentary regional wine tasting, complimentary laundry and pressing service, priority check-in, priority tendering and disembarkation, and free cruise fare on select cruises for the third and fourth passengers in the stateroom.

5-Star Mariner

The fifth tier is the highest in Holland America’s Mariner Society loyalty program, and is achieved by those who have accrued 500 Cruise Day credits. For a guest taking seven-night cruises in a regular stateroom, it would take 72 voyages to reach this level, or just under 1.5 years at sea total!

To reward its most loyal passengers, Holland America provides two complimentary dinners at Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, or Canaletto; one complimentary day pass to the spa thermal suite, and up to a $30 credit towards an internet package for each cruise. These perks are in addition to all of the perks that are included with the other Mariner Society tiers, and in addition to everything else that is always included on a Holland America cruise!

Holland America Mariner Society Q&As

If I become eligible for the next tier during my cruise, will my additional benefits apply right away?

Unless you’re sailing on one of Holland America’s longer Grand Voyages, you do not receive your next tier benefits until the next cruise.

Does Holland America have reciprocal status matching with other Carnival Corporation cruise brands?

While you do qualify as a past guest by sailing the other Carnival Corp. brands listed at the top of this article, cruise lines under the Carnival Corporation umbrella do not offer status matching with each other. You earn credits/points for each cruise line by sailing that line only.

If I qualify for onboard discounts, do I need to request them at the time of purchase?

You do not need to ask for your Mariner Society discounts; they will be applied automatically.

Which specialty restaurants qualify for the 3, 4, and 5-Star discounts?

Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, and Rudi’s Sel de Mer restaurants all qualify for Star level discounts. The discount does not apply to Morimoto by Sea, other restaurant pop-ups, special events, or restaurant packages.

Can my Cruise Day credits expire and can I lose status?

As is the case with most cruise lines, Holland America’s Cruise Day credits do not expire and you do not need to requalify for your status at any time. This means that once you reach any status, you will never be downgraded — you will have at least that status or higher forever (unless Holland America changes this aspect of the Mariner Society program in the future).

Comments

Are you part of Holland America’s Mariner Society? What are your favorite perks of this loyalty program? Drop us an anchor below to share why you love cruising with Holland America Line.

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To provide guests with a more inclusive cruise experience, Holland America offers a package called ‘Have It All.’ Through the Holland America Have It All package, guests receive four extras for a flat per-day price. For many cruisers it’s worth the price, but is it for you? Here, we’re going over the inclusions in the Have It All package and crunching the numbers to help you determine if it’s worth making the purchase.

What’s Included in the Holland America Have It All package? (2025)

What’s included on a Holland America cruise?

When you book a Holland America cruise under the standard fare, there are a number of things that are included. The cruise fare will cover the cost of your stateroom. The category of stateroom you choose will be the main factor of your total cruise cost. Interior cabins without windows are generally the cheapest, while suites with more room to spread out are the most expensive.

Three meals a day, plus snacks, are also included in the cruise fare from several venues around the ship. These include the main dining room, the buffet, the poolside grill, and the fast-casual pizza counter. 24-hour room service is also complimentary on Holland America cruises.

Most activities and amenities are also part of the standard cruise fare. These include use of the pools, fitness centers, and sports courts, as well as workshops and lectures, trivia, game shows, movies, and cooking demonstrations. A variety of entertainment like theater production shows, live music, and comedy shows, keep guests entertained throughout the day and into the night.

Further, Holland America ships have complimentary programs for kids, with most activities taking place in the Club HAL youth center. Toddlers all the way to 17-year-olds have their own age-appropriate spaces and activities like parties, sports, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more — all supervised by professionally-trained staff.

What’s included in Holland America’s Have It All package?

The Holland America Have It All package allows guests to bundle some extras into their cruise fare, minimizing onboard costs during the cruise. Have It All costs $60 per person, per day if purchased prior to the cruise. If you upgrade once on board, it’s $70 per person, per day.

Have It All includes the Signature Beverage Package, the Surf wifi package, a limited number of specialty dining nights (depending on the length of the cruise), and shore excursion credit (the amount of which depends on the length of the cruise as well).

Holland America breaks down the amount of shore excursion credit and specialty dining nights into three cruise lengths: six to nine days, 10 to 20 days, and 21+ day cruises (excluding Grand Voyages).

Here’s what each includes:

6 to 9 day cruises

• $100 shore excursion credit per person
• Signature Beverage Package
• 1 night of specialty dining
• Surf wifi package for one device (can switch between devices)

10 to 20 day cruises

• $200 shore excursion credit per person
• Signature Beverage Package
• 2 nights of specialty dining
• Surf wifi package for one device (can switch between devices)

21+ day cruises

• $300 shore excursion credit per person
• Signature Beverage Package
• 3 nights of specialty dining
• Surf wifi package for one device (can switch between devices)

Fine Print

Holland America’s Signature Beverage Package is the line’s standard alcoholic drinks package. It includes drinks onboard that are priced at $11 or less such as beers, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails, sodas, and specialty coffees. There is a limit of 15 drinks per day with this package, including non-alcoholic ones. The Signature Beverage Package excludes purchases made in the ship’s shops, mini-bar drinks, and beverages purchased through room service. The package does not work on Holland America’s island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, either.

The specialty dining meals are available for Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, or Tamarind. Guests on 10+ night cruises who receive two or three specialty dining meals cannot choose the same restaurant for every meal. Instead, one meal is at Pinnacle Grill and the other nights are at Canaletto and/or Tamarind. On 21+ day cruises aboard ships without Tamarind, guests receive two nights at Pinnacle Grill and one night at Canaletto. The specialty dining offer excludes specialty dining events in Pinnacle Grill such as Rudi’s Sel de Mer, A Taste of De Librije, and Cellar Master Dinner.

The Surf wifi package is Holland America’s most basic internet package, and is only available through the Have It All package. It allows guests to access web browsing and email, as well as news, sports, and messaging apps. Audio and video calling is not supported in the Surf plan. Those wanting access to more functionality or better bandwidth can upgrade to the Premium or Stream wifi packages once on board.

What is not included in the Have It All package?

While the Holland America Have It All package does include some services and amenities that make the cruise more inclusive, it doesn’t include everything on the ship. For example, Have It All doesn’t include the automatic daily gratuities, which is $17 per person, per day for standard cabins and $19 per person, per day for suite guests.

Spa and salon services, as well as access to the spa thermal suite and fitness classes also costs extra. Laundry services, the casino, the shops, and specialty dining events are also not included.

Premium spirits and wines will go beyond the $11 price cap for the Signature Beverage Package, but the good news is that guests must only pay the difference — not the entire price. An upgrade to the Elite Beverage Package includes more premium drinks worth up to $15 per serving, and can be done once on board. Guests can also upgrade their wifi package once on board to be able to do things like audio/video calling and streaming, or add additional devices to their internet plan. Any shore excursion expenses that go beyond the allotted credit must also be paid out-of-pocket.

Can you get the Have It All package on any sailing?

While the Have It All package is available on most sailings, there are some exceptions. Cruises that are five days or shorter and Grand Voyages are not eligible. For Alaska cruisetours, Have It All is only applicable to the cruise portion of the trip.

Holland America Have It All Package FAQs

Do the 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin need to purchase Have It All if the first two guests do?

Yes, if anyone in a stateroom purchases Have It All, all other passengers 18 and older in the same stateroom must buy it as well. Of course, guests under 21 years old are not allowed to order or consume alcoholic beverages.

Can you add the Holland America Have It All package to an existing booking?

Yes, all you have to do is log into your Holland America account and navigate to ‘Manage my Cruise’ to add the package prior to the sailing for $60 per day. You can also contact your travel agent so they can add the package to your booking.

Do you still need to pay gratuities on beverages with the Have It All package?

No, beverage gratuities are included in the Have It All package.

Is the Holland America Have It All package worth it?

According to Holland America, “guests save 50% or more” on the four Have It All amenities compared to buying them separately, at a value of $110 per person, per day. Let’s break down how much each amenity would cost if purchased separately.

How much things cost

The Signature Beverage Package costs $60.95 per person, per day if purchased separately. “Wait,” you may be thinking, “that’s more than the cost of the Have It All package right there!” You’d be right. If you were already planning to purchase the standard alcoholic drinks package, just that alone means you’d be better off to pre-purchase Have It All.

The Surf wifi package that Have It All includes is only available through the Have It All package. However, Holland America lists its value as $31 per device, per day. If you were to purchase the lowest internet package available a la carte, it would be the Premium package for $36 per device, per day. This is the same as the Surf package, except it adds on the ability to make audio and video calls. Discounts may apply for longer voyages.

Each specialty restaurant on Holland America’s ships incur one per-person charge for dinner. Pinnacle Grill costs $52 ($104 per couple), Canaletto is $25 ($50 per couple), and Tamarind is $35 ($70 per couple).

The shore excursion credit is self-explanatory — the credit can be used for shore excursions in port that are booked through the ship.

Crunching the numbers

So let’s assume you’re taking a standard seven-night cruise. Here are the prices you’d pay for all four amenities included in the Have It All package if you purchased them a la carte:

• Signature Beverage Package: $60.95 per day = $426.65 for seven days
• 1 night of specialty dining: $25 to $52 per person
• Premium wifi package (since Surf cannot be purchased separately): $36 per day = $252 for seven days
• You’d just pay out-of-pocket for shore excursions and not receive a $100 credit

Adding all of this up, you’d pay about $817 per person for a seven-night cruise for the amenities included in the Holland America Have It All package if they were purchased separately. That’s $1,634 for two people. If purchased prior to the cruise, the Have It All package would be $420 per person, or $840 per couple. If purchased once on board, it’s $490 per person or $980 per couple.

It’s worth noting that gratuities are included in the purchase price of Holland America’s drink packages, whether you purchase separately or buy Have It All. However, an 18 percent gratuity is automatically added for specialty restaurant dining if purchased separately. If you’re dining with the Have It All package, though, it’s included.

So… is it worth it?

If you’d take advantage of all of these perks, the package is well worth it. Even if you’re planning to just purchase wifi and a few drinks per day, you’re still likely to break even or get a better deal with Have It All — and you get the other perks too.

If you don’t drink and don’t need internet during your cruise, you might want to do some math. If you’d use the shore excursion credit and dine in a specialty restaurant or two throughout the sailing, it actually may be better to go a la carte. It’s also important to consider your traveling companions. If you drink but your spouse doesn’t and you don’t plan to purchase wifi or eat in any specialty restaurants during your cruise, it may be better to skip Have It All — remember, if one person in a cabin purchases it, all guests 18+ in the same cabin must also purchase.

Sit down with your traveling companions and do the math on what you expect you’ll be paying extra for throughout your cruise. This will help you determine whether adding the Have It All package is a better deal than paying for things separately.

Of course, some guests like to purchase inclusive packages just so they don’t have to worry or think as much about their bill at the end of the cruise. In that case, the Have It All package would likely be worth it for you.

Comments

Do you think the Holland America Have It All Package is worth it? Do you purchase this upgrade when you sail with this cruise line? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences with Holland America Line.

The post What Is the Holland America Have It All Package, and Is It Worth It? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

From Alaska to Antarctica and the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, we’ve been fortunate to cruise quite a bit. Still, there are several places across the globe that remain on our travel bucket list. To start off 2025, we decided to venture Down Under for our first Australia and New Zealand cruise. After spending 14 days cruising the region, we can honestly say that it wasn’t quite what we expected. Find out why in our latest cruise review.

Our 14-Day Australia and New Zealand Cruise Wasn’t What We Expected

The closest we’ve come to Australia or New Zealand is Hawaii and French Polynesia, so we were thrilled when we were invited to join Holland America’s Westerdam for a 14-day sailing in the region. Since the ship’s itinerary spent most of its time in New Zealand, we decided to extend the trip by a few days in Sydney. We couldn’t come all this way and not explore this iconic city!

With the time differences and extended travel distances, we would be away for a total of three weeks. This would be our longest travel stretch yet; in fact, two weeks would also be our longest cruise to date. Would we survive? Well, we were about to find out!

With lots of luggage in tow, we set off on Sunday evening and arrived in Sydney on Tuesday morning. We had a few tours and activities lined up before we embarked on Westerdam the upcoming Sunday, and we were ready to make the most of it.

Table of Contents:

• Holland America Westerdam
• Australia and New Zealand Ports of Call
• What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Australia and New Zealand Cruise

The Ship – Holland America Westerdam

We’ve cruised with Holland America Line a few times in the past, but mostly on the line’s newer Pinnacle Class vessels. Luckily though, most ships in the fleet have a similar layout and venues. Thus, Westerdam felt familiar to us.

Holland America’s Westerdam launched in 2004. This ship is just over 82K gross tons and carries just over 1900 passengers at double occupancy.

When it comes to dining, guests will recognize some familiar favorites. In addition to the main dining room and Lido Market buffet, the ship features the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse and Canaletto Italian restaurant, both specialty restaurants with recently refreshed menus. Don’t worry, while there isn’t a dedicated spot for the Asian Tamarind, the Pinnacle Grill hosts pop-up dinners during the cruise. Guests can also sample the new Morimoto by Sea menu at a pop-up experience in the same location. Further, the main dining room and buffet feature regional port-to-plate dishes.

While Pinnacle Grill sears up a great steak and we did like the new Canaletto menu, Tamarind is still our personal favorite. Don enjoyed the Asian-infused seafood selections at Morimoto as well.

Aside from food, another cruise staple is entertainment, and Westerdam delivers with plenty of offerings to keep guests busy. There are nightly show on the World Stage, which include performances by the Step One Dance Company and various other headliner acts. Our favorite of the Step One shows is Humanity, but unfortunately they are redundant if you’ve cruised with HAL before. We were hoping to see some new productions on this ship, but that was not the case.

Holland America is also known for its destination-focused enrichment. Eli, the travel director on our sailing, was a wealth of information with his daily port talks and other edutainment-type presentations. These should not be missed.

Other popular spots on the ship include Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Lounge which host live music and various other trivia sessions, game shows, and dance classes throughout the cruise. The Crow’s Nest, perched all the way forward on the top of the ship, offers fantastic views and is home to the resident coffee shop. There are also two pools, the Lido Pool with a retractable roof and the SeaView Pool with great aft views. Not to mention, there’s a casino, spa, fitness center, pickleball court, and plenty of bars with specialty drink menus.

While not the new kid on the block, Holland America’s Westerdam has generally withstood the test of time. Though, some of the decor, and more notably the staterooms, did show signs of the ship’s age. While our verandah cabin did have some newer accents like curtains and pillows, the carpet, balcony, and bathroom did need some TLC. Did we mention, there’s still a shower curtain? Hopefully, the staterooms receive some updates during the ship’s scheduled dry dock in 2026.

The Ports of Call

Our 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise was a one-way itinerary from Sydney to Auckland. It featured eight ports of call and a day of scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Unfortunately though, our four sea days were all clustered at the beginning of the itinerary as we transitted from Australia to New Zealand.

Given this was our first time in the region, we tried to make the most of it by booking a shore excursion in the majority of our ports. Admittedly, we did not spend as much time researching the destinations as we typically do, simply because we didn’t have the time with our travel schedule. So, we booked all our excursions with the cruise line for convenience.

Of course, other options exist and even offer return-to-ship guarantees like Shore Excursions Group.

Sydney, Australia

During our time in Sydney, we stayed at the W Sydney in Darling Harbor. This area was lively and had several restaurants within walking distance, but it was a bit out of the way from Circular Quay. Circular Quay is the main ferry transportation hub and where you’ll find the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Garden, The Rocks, and other notable attractions.

During our five days here, we booked two tours and purchased tickets to an opera.

Day 1 Sydney

On the day of our arrival, we weren’t sure how tired we’d be, so we didn’t plan anything. Surprisingly, the 14-hour time difference didn’t impact us as much as we thought it would…though the 100 degree weather did!

We headed to Circular Quay to get our first glimpse (and plenty of photos) of the Syndey Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge. We attempted to walk some of the nearby Botanic Garden, but it was just too hot. Instead, we hopped on a harbor cruise to get an overview of the area and did a little shopping for some authentic UGG Australia footwear because Don wanted more items in our luggage (haha!).

Day 2 Sydney

For Day 2, we had a full day private tour booked. This tour basically took us around the entire coastal city showcasing some of the touristy and less-touristy areas with several photo stops along the way. From The Rocks, to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, to Finger Wharf, Shark Beach, Vaucluse House, Gap Park in Watson’s Bay, Bondi Beach, Waverley Cemetery, Centennial Park, and more, we covered it all.

If you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, a private, customizable tour is a great option.

Day 3 Sydney

For Day 3, we booked a tour to the Blue Mountains. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us. Nonetheless, we headed out for our full day adventure bright and early in the morning. After about an hour and a half drive, we arrived at Scenic World. Here, we experienced the Scenic Skyway, then took the Scenic Cableway down for a walk through the rainforest. The only thing we saw on these two “scenic” rides was fog! After a brief stroll on the elevated boardwalks scouting flora and fauna, we took the Scenic Railway back up. It’s the steepest passenger railway in the world, and we did it backwards! This was certainly a highlight of our day.

Following the visit to Scenic World, we stopped at a few different lookouts in the National Park in attempt to see something, anything. This included Cahills Lookout and Boars Head Lookout, in addition to the Katoomba Cascades or Three Sisters waterfalls.

After a lunch break (where we discovered chicken parm is a thing is Australia), we stopped at Yellowmundee Regional Park for another scenic lookout before heading to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Here, we had about 75 minutes to see and interact with various indigenous species. We got our first glimpse of koala bears, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, enchidnas, blue penguins, tasmanian devils, and more.

Day 4 Sydney

Since we needed to tie up some loose ends before we embarked on the cruise, we spent the morning in our hotel getting some work done. Looking for a half-day outing, several had recommended a visit to the Taronga Zoo. So, we took the ferry ride over from Darling Harbor and spent about three hours meeting all the local residents. Since it was rather hot again today, the animals were not very active. Still, we managed to get some more adorable koala photos, along with meandering through the African savannah, kanagroo country, and seal cove. We also met some gorillas, a sun bear, tigers, and red pandas along the way.

Taking the ferry back to Circular Quay, we headed to The Rocks for dinner. This historic area is popular with tourists and locals alike with outdoor markets, restaurants, pubs, shopping, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. I guess it had to be done eventually, so we settled in to an al fresco table for Don to try a kangaroo burger.

Day 5 Sydney

Why just tour the Sydney Opera House when you can actually attend an opera? And that’s exactly what we did. Prior to our travels, we purchased tickets to a matinee show of Cinderella. We figured if we had to watch an opera at least we could follow along with this storyline.

Since today was some of the best weather we had in Sydney, we decided to take the ferry over to Manly following this performance. Luckily, the ferry systems in Sydney are very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Here, we enjoyed an early dinner at Hugos on Manly Wharf then spent some time strolling Manly Beach.

While the sun was setting on our time in Sydney, the fun wasn’t over just yet. Upon returning to our hotel, we stumbled upon a Lunar New Year celebration ocurring at Darling Harbor complete with water performers and fireworks. Now, this was the perfect ending to our visit!

Melbourne, Australia (Day 3)

After a day at sea traveling from Sydney, our first port of call on our Westerdam cruise was Melbourne. We were docked at Station Pier from 8 AM to 5 PM. The city center was a 15-20 minute ride away and had plenty of highlights to explore, but we booked the River Cruise, Healesville Sanctuary & Wine Tasting excursion.

This 8-hour tour started with an hour-long scenic cruise on the Yarra River. Passing under several ornate bridges like the Princes Bridge, we listened to commentary as we sailed past landmarks like the botantic gardens, cricket stadium, Herring Island, and more. We then reboarded our bus for the nearly 75 minute drive to Fergusson’s in the Yarra Valley for a wine tasting. This portion of the tour felt a bit rushed, but we were provided lunch and got to sample five different wines before heading off once again.

Our final stop of the day was the Healesville Sanctuary where we had just over an hour to explore. Given the weather was quite warm once again, many of the animals were lazing in the shade this afternoon. We did get to see more koalas, echidnas, kangaroos, a platypus, and a sleeping wombat.

Overall, it was a long day with rushed stops. In hindsight, we would have certainly skipped the cruise on the Yarra River to allow more time for the wine tasting and/or sanctuary visit.

Hobart, Tasmania (Day 5)

Following another sea day, we arrived in Hobart, Tasmania for our second and final port in Australia. Once again, we were docked here from 8 AM to 5 PM. Hobart center was a 15-minute walk from the ship, but we decided to give the Australian animal encounters one last try. After all, we STILL had not seen a kangaroo hopping!

After attending the port talk, we decided to switch our excursion to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary & Historical Richmond. This 4-hour tour started with a visit to Bonorong where we had just over an hour to immerse ourselves in the wildlife. While I could have spent all day watching the kangaroos, our time here didn’t feel rushed like the other encounters. Given the weather was more pleasant today, the animals were FINALLY active. We even got to feed the kangaroos….major bucket list item achieved! Oh, and when in Tasmania, you must see a Tasmanian devil, right?

Next, it was on to historic Richmond where we had just over an hour of free time. So, we did a little shopping, grabbed some candy and coffee at a lolly shop, and took some photos along the way.

Scenic Cruising Fiordland National Park (Day 8)

Departing Tasmania, we had three days at sea before reaching our first port of call in the South Island of New Zealand. The third sea day was spent scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Much like Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, this is a full day event complete with commentary, sightseeing, and a presentation in the theater.

The day began bright and early as we were expected to enter Milford Sound around 6:30 AM. Given the weather conditions, the narration started a bit late. So, we ventured out into the fog and rain around 7:15 AM to the outdoor viewing area in front of the gym on Deck 9 forward. We were treated to an abundance of waterfalls that were quite stunning despite the weather. As it started to rain a bit heavier, we tried to scout out other viewing spots but ultimately ended up back inside watching out of our balcony.

At 10 AM, we attended the presentation in the theater and grabbed a coffee before gearing back up for our arrival in Doubtful Sound which had been delayed until around 12:15 PM.

What a difference a few hours can make in terms of the weather. By the time we arrived, it was picture-perfect! Thus, we spent a majority of the time outdoors admiring the views from differenet vantage points around the ship. From the Deck 10 sundeck, to the aft SeaView Pool area, to the bow, every angle was spectacular.

Of note, while the bow on Deck 4 of Westerdam is normally not accessible, it will open duing scenic cruising weather permitting. The outdoor viewing plaforms on Decks 5, 6, and 7 forward were also open to guests.

Exiting Doubtful Sound about an hour later, we grabbed some lunch before entering our third and final sound of the day, Dusky Sound. By this time, it had clouded up again and gotten quite windy, but at least it wasn’t raining. This was the least scenic in our opinion, but we still ventured out to the bow for a bit and watched from our balcony for a while.

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand (Day 9)

After eight days on the ship, we reached our first port in New Zealand. Westerdam docked in Port Chalmers, which then required an approximately 30-minute drive into Dunedin. Guests could purchase shuttle tickets if they wished for $35 NZD roundtrip. Today, we were in port from 7 AM until 6 PM.

While we had been waitlisted for a while, we received word the night before that our desired tour, Albatross Cruise & Natures Wonders, had become available. Perfect!

Albeit another gray and overcast day, our tour began with an approximately 75-minute cruise on the Albatross Express. We set off through Otago Harbor towards the historic lighthouse in search of wildlife, mainly albatross which have nesting grounds near this lighthouse. Alas, we didn’t see any.

Next, we docked at Weller’s Rock where we boarded a bus for a short drive to the private Reid family farm. While the first half of this day was a letdown, the second part was a highlight of the trip. Here, we boarded a 6-person Argo for an off-road journey to see fur seals and blue penguins up close and personal. I never imagined that we would get so close to the seals living on the rocks and the penguins’ burrows.

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand (Day 10)

Our next stop on the South Island was Lyttelton, which offered a complimentary shuttle into town. Alternatively, guests could book a shuttle into Christchurch for $45 NZD. Today, we were in port from 8 AM until 5 PM.

We booked the High Country Explorer by Off Road Vehicle & Jet Boat excursion which was another long tour and not really what we expected. All said and done, it was a lot of driving and not much adventure. We started the day with a 2-hour drive that took us on a brief panoramic tour of Christchurch before heading out to the Springfield Adventure Center.

Here, we were expecting to board similar vehicles as yesterday, but instead it was basically a 4WD bus that took us across sheep and cattle farms to a couple scenic lookout points. It was rather foggy, so we didn’t get to see too much. Following this portion of the tour, we had a less-than-delicious lunch before our jet boat ride. We boarded a famous Hamilton jet boat for an approximately 35-minute ride into the Waimakariri River Gorge. With the wind in our faces, our captain sped off skimming over shallow water with some twists and 360-degree turns along the way.

While the guides were great and the boat ride was fun, we probably wouldn’t book this tour again. It was a long and expensive day with little to show for it.

Picton, New Zealand (Day 11)

Coming off of some long days and shore excursions, we decided to take it easy during our stop in Picton. We did book a short Picton Seaport Walk tour, but in hindsight, it wasn’t necessary. Westerdam was docked 8 AM to 5 PM, and there was a complimentary shuttle into town.

During our barely 1.5-hour walking tour, we strolled the waterfront while the guides provided some narration about the history of the area. We then crossed the coathanger bridge for a short bush walk in Victoria Domain where our guides provided some info on the local flora and fauna as well as New Zealand’s goal to be predator free by 2050.

Since it was such a lovely day, we continued exploring on our own after the tour. We walked past the old Edwin Fox, did some shopping, and grab a toastie for lunch before taking the shuttle back to the ship.

Wellington, New Zealand (Day 12)

Another day, another port. We had now made our way to the North Island of New Zealand. Today, we were docked in Wellington from 7 AM until 4 PM. There was a complimentary shuttle that took cruisers on the 10-minute drive into town. But, we booked another shore excursion. Don was looking forward to our Full Day Lord of the Rings Film Locations & Weta Workshop tour. I do admit that even as a non-Lord of the Rings fan, it was an interesting tour.

This full-day journey took us to several stops in the Wellington region including the Hutt River (River Anduin), Harcourt Park (Gardens of Isengard), Kaitoke Regional Park (Rivendell), and Mount Victoria (Hobbiton Woods). At each stop, we were able to walk the grounds and take photos after our enthusiastic guides gave us some insight into the filming locations and some of the behind-the-scenes magic. It was impressive to contrast photos from the movie scenes with the actual locations, and the guides really brought everything to life.

The tour also included a lookout point on Mount Victoria, a buffet lunch, and a visit to the Weta Workshop. Because we arrived a little late, our time at the Weta Workshop did feel a bit rushed. Nonetheless, we got a brief tour of the facilities and some background into the making of costumes and props for 300+ movies like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, District 9, and more. 

While it was a long day, the tour was balanced with no extended drive times between destinations. This is in contrast to the reviews we heard from the other Lord of the Rings tour in Christchurch. So, we’re glad we picked this one!

Napier, New Zealand (Day 13)

Approaching the end of our cruise, we were getting a bit worn out from all of the long-day excursions. So, after attending one of cruise line’s port talks we made the decision to cancel our shore excursion for the day and just walk around town.

We were only docked in Napier from 8 AM until 1 PM, and by coincidence it was the beginning of the Art Deco Festival. Plus, the center of town was less than a mile away and complimentary shuttles were provided.

We spent a few hours strolling the streets admiring the art deco buildings and antique cars on display. Then, we walked along the waterfront, through the gardens, and to the war memorial with its stunnig floral clock. We ended the day with a visit to Starbucks…I know, very authentic! But it had been nearly two weeks since I had my Starbucks drink, and we walked by the building at least three times.

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand (Day 14)

Our final port of call, and final day of the cruise, was a stop in Tauranga. We were docked here from 7 AM until 5:30 PM. Docked at the base of Mount Maunganui, some beaches, hot pools, and waterfront were within walking distnce, but we chose to take an excursion to Rotorua to experience some of the Maori culture.

Our Te Puia Geyser & Maori Arts excursion took us to Te Puia, a Maori arts and crafts institute. Here, we learned a bit about the heritage, skills, and culture of these indigenous people of New Zealand. We saw recreations of a village and meeting house, witnessed a Haka dance and traditional Maori welcome, and toured the arts and crafts institute observing carving and weaving works in progress.

Then, we walked through the geothermal valley, where we saw the Pohutu Geyser, steam vents, and mud pools; and we saw adorable kiwis at the Kiwi Conservation Center (no pictures allowed though). We ended the tour with a delicious, semi-authentic buffet lunch.

What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Australia and New Zealand Cruise

We truly enjoyed our nearly three weeks touring this region of the world, and we would certainly return. However, in retrospect, we may not have been as prepared for our first Australia and New Zealand cruise as we thought we were. Here are a few things we wish we knew during our planning process.

1. There are more choices of ships than we thought.

Granted, as we mentioned previously, we were invited by Holland America to join this cruise, so we didn’t go through our normal ship researching process. Still, when we envisioned a 14-day itinerary visiting so many ports of call, we assumed these would be offered only by lines like Holland America, Princess Cruises, and some luxury lines.

To our surprise, we saw a variety of ships from a variety of cruise lines while in the region. And many of them offer very similar itineraries.

So, while Holland America’s Westerdam (or Noordam) is a solid choice when taking an Australia and New Zealand cruise, it’s not the only one. If you’re looking for that enrichment component, Princess currently has two ships sailing in the region as well. If you want a more family-focused ship, Carnival Splendor offers 9- and 10-night sailings and Royal Caribbean’s Anthem/Ovation of the Seas also visits many of the same ports. Not to mention, Celebrity Edge is one of the newer large ships sailing the region.

In 2026, Norwegian Spirit will offer similiar itineraries too. In fact, there will be 14 different cruise lines in the region next year.

2. There are various itineraries in the region.

Speaking of itineraries, you will want to review all the options carefully. Our itinerary focused heavily on New Zealand with only two Australian ports of call. If you are looking to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, this is not the cruise for you. We didn’t realize this before our sailing either, but the Great Barrier Reef is along the more Northern Australian coast. These itineraries will likely still start in Sydney but will visit ports like Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Brisbane.

If you want to explore more of Southern Australia, pick an itinerary that includes ports like Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.

Further, you should consider extending your stay to explore your embarkation and disembarkation ports as well. You could spend days in just Sydney or Auckland alone. So, pick an itinerary length that will allow for this, keeping your budget and vacation time in mind.

3. As Americans, you need visas to cruise to Australia and New Zealand.

With recent changes in tourism regulations, more and more destinations are starting to require visas to enter. However, as Americans, we aren’t quite used to this just yet. While we did know that we needed visas, applying for them slipped our minds until the last minute. Luckily, the turnaround time is quick, but it will still take you some time. You’ll need to download two separate apps (one for Australia and one for New Zealand) and input all the pertinent information. Once completed, we received our Australian visa almost immediately and our New Zealand visa in about 24 hours.

When budgeting, you should also be aware that each of these visas comes with a fee. The Australian visa is inexpensive at $20 AUD (roughly $13 USD) per person. However, the New Zealand visa is a bit more expensive at $117 NZD (roughly $67 USD) per person.

4. The countries are strict about biosecurity.

Yes, we’ve all heard that we aren’t allowed to bring fruits or vegetables off the ship in ports of call. But, Australia and New Zealand take things one step further. They are really strict about biosecurity and don’t allow you to take ANYTHING off the ship except bottled water. This means no morning coffee and not even a packaged granola bar for a midday snack.

We heard multiple announcements about this restriction every day before heading ashore and were warned that the countries conduct random bag checks and guests could be fined for not adhering. We also needed to complete declarations when entering each country for the first time.

These laws are in place to protect the environments from foreign pests and diseases. New Zealand in particular is serious about this, aiming to be predator free by 2050.

5. Most of the region is cashless.

We are accustomed to getting foreign currency at our local bank before traveling internationally. While we did get Australian dollars, we weren’t able to get New Zealand dollars prior to our departure. However, this didn’t matter much as both countries are primarily cashless. Almost everywhere we went used tap and pay systems. Even the ferry systems in Sydney and many buses used this process. This made things quick and efficient regardless of whether we were using public transit, shopping, or purchasing something at a local cafe.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have some local currency for tips or open-air markets (though even most of these vendors accepted credit cards).

Of note, most of the public toilets in Australia and New Zealand are free; so there’s no need to worry about having coins when going ashore like in Europe.

6. The weather can be quite variable.

The weather and packing for a cruise can be tricky regardless of destination. Even monitoring weather apps before our travels, we STILL didn’t pack appropriately for our Australia and New Zealand cruise. The weather during our time in Australia ended up being significantly warmer than we expected, reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on a few occasions. Yet, the weather in New Zealand was cloudy and overcast most of the time with some wind and rain making it feel cooler than the actual temperatures.

So, be sure to pack layers and a rain coat at the very least.

7. There are two terminals in Sydney.

When walking around Sydney, most will encounter the Overseas Passenger Terminal located at the edge of Circular Quay in The Rocks area. However, this is not the ONLY cruise terminal in Sydney. There’s also the White Bay Cruise Terminal, which is about a 15-minute drive away from the Overseas Passenger Terminal. We actually didn’t realize until requesting our Uber on embarkation day morning that we were departing from the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

While the Overseas Passenger Terminal is in the heart of Sydney directly across from the Opera House, sailing from the White Bay Cruise Terminal has its advantages. Generally, smaller ships depart from this terminal and then sail out under the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Larger ships leaving from the Overseas Passenger Terminal will sail by the Opera House but not under the Bridge.

8. There are no koalas or kangaroos in New Zealand.

We don’t know about you, but we were pretty excited to see koala bears and kangaroos on this cruise. But, we didn’t realize that we would only see them in Australia NOT New Zealand. With only a few Australian ports on our itinerary, we ended up switching around some of our excursions to fit in more animal sightings.

If you are looking to interact with these adorable creatures, we’d recommend Healesville Sanctuary and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want more time at these locations or want to partake in any for-fee “encounters”, consider hiring a car to go on your own or booking a tour outside the cruise line. Also, keep the weather in mind. The animals will likely be more active in the cooler temperatures, so consider a morning visit.

9. The Tasman Sea can be rough.

If you’re taking an Australia and New Zealand cruise, you’ll be traveling in the Tasman Sea at some point. This sea is known for being rough and unpredictable. Similar (but less intense) to the Drake’s Passage heading to Antarctica, this is where currents from two different oceans meet. The region is also prone to strong winds and tropical cyclones.

So, it’s best to be prepared. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack the proper aids— whether you take prescription meds, over-the-counter items like Dramamine or Bonine, use Sea-Bands, or other natural ingredients like ginger.

10. Investigate the ship’s laundry situation.

If you plan to spend any time in your pre-cruise or post-cruise destinations, you could be traveling for three weeks or more. And it’s just not realistic to pack that much…even for us! So, we suggest investigating your ship’s laundry situation before setting sail.

Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, have self-service laundry rooms which are ideal. Even Carnival Splendor has self-service facilities where you can wash and dry your clothes for a nominal fee. If this option isn’t available, many cruise lines will offer deals on wash-and-dry bags of laundry. For instance, our Holland America ship offered a “fill the bag” service for $25 USD or unlimited laundry for 14 days for $119. If neither of these options are available, it could cost you a pretty penny to pay by the item!

11. Most ports are working ports so you can’t walk off the ship.

Like many ports in Europe, a majority of the ports on our Australia and New Zealand cruise were considered working ports used for the logging industry. Thus, cruise passengers are not allowed to just walk off the ship like you can in most Caribbean or Alaskan ports.

At many of our stops, complimentary shuttles into town were available. Or, in certain instances, you could purchase shuttle tickets. If you are booked on a shore excursion, there’s no need to worry, as you’ll typically depart from right outside the ship.

However, if you plan to book private tours or tours with third party vendors, be sure to inquire about meeting points.

12. Excursions are expensive.

Speaking of excursions, they are expensive in this region! As first-time visitors to Australia and New Zealand, we wanted to see and do as much as possible. This meant that we booked an excursion in almost every port of call, and these tours were often $200-$300 or more per person. So, this can easily add thousands of dollars to your vacation costs as it did for us!

We suggest that you do more research than we did and investigate options from all sources. For instance, Shore Excursions Group offers similar options at prices up to 40% off cruise line prices. They often offer smaller group sizes and private tour options as well. And the best part is that they offer a “return-to-ship” guarantee so you don’t have to worry about missing the ship.

As we’ve now realized, it’s okay to not book an excursion in every port too. Most of these ports are very walkable once taking the shuttle into town. If your cruise line offers them, we suggest you attend the port talks. Eli, our travel guide on Westerdam, did a fantastic job of highlighting what there was to do in each port. He even provided maps and practical information so you could feel confident exploring on your own.

Comments

Have you taken an Australia and New Zealand cruise? What tips or advice do you have for those planning their first visit to the region? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising Down Under.

The post We Spent 14 Days on an Australia and New Zealand Cruise and It Wasn’t What We Expected – Find Out What We Wish We Knew First appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

You’ve probably seen Royal Caribbean’s splashy advertising filled with onboard activities and amenities on TV and across social media. The cruise line has a big presence in the travel space — literally! Royal Caribbean’s fleet incudes many of the largest cruise ships in the world, and is a popular vacation option for couples and families alike. But you may be wondering, “Amongst all those fun activities and restaurants, how much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost?”

Here, we’re breaking down how much you should expect to pay when taking a cruise on Royal Caribbean International.

How much does a Royal Caribbean cruise cost? (2025)

What is the Royal Caribbean cruise cost for my family?

Unlike a hotel room which has a set nightly price no matter how many people are staying in it, cruises are priced per person. This is because, in addition to accommodations, you’re also getting the benefits of included food, activities, and entertainment with the cruise fare.

To give you a rough idea of the average cost you should expect for the base cruise fare on a Royal Caribbean cruise, here are some estimates based on two people in an interior cabin: $110 to $140 per person, per night. A balcony cabin bumps this estimate up to $170 to $210 per person, per night.

These figures do not include gratuities, shore excursions, travel insurance, or any other extras on the ship. Remember that these are just estimates based on Royal Caribbean’s currently-published cruises, and many are much cheaper or much more expensive than this. It’s also important to keep in mind that the newest, largest ships that you see Royal Caribbean advertise command a premium. We’ll touch on that more below.

The first two passengers in a stateroom generally pay the full published cruise fare, regardless of their age. If there are more than two people in a cabin, the additional guests will be charged a discounted fare. This means that whether you’re traveling as a young family, a friend group, or with your adult children, if everyone is staying in the same cabin the total cost will be cheaper than the full per-person published fare.

Transportation and Travel Insurance

On top of the cruise fare, the other major cost of your vacation is going to be transportation to get to your ship unless you live close to the homeport. Whether you fly, drive, or take a train, make sure to factor in how much getting to the port will cost you when considering your total trip budget.

We also want to touch on travel insurance. Royal Caribbean doesn’t require that its guests have travel insurance, but we recommend that you purchase it anyway. Most health insurance plans don’t cover medical expenses in other countries. This means if there’s an accident or you get sick while on the ship or in port, you’ll have to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. Travel insurance also covers things such as lost luggage and trip interruptions.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Costs by Ship

Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest ships command a premium over its smaller, older ones, which is the case with pretty much all cruise lines. Pricing for middle aged vessels should fall somewhere in between, unless they’re operating highly sought-after or rarer itineraries.

There are currently 28 ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. The current newest vessels are the Oasis-class ship Utopia of the Seas and Icon-class vessel Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean’s two largest and most expensive ship classes are the aforementioned ones: the Oasis and Icon classes. The Oasis class comprises six ships: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder, and Utopia of the Seas. The Icon class has the largest cruise ship in the world: Icon of the Seas. A second vessel in this class, Star of the Seas, is scheduled to debut in August 2025. Taking a cruise on any of these ships usually commands a premium thanks to their massive size and abundance of entertainment options, restaurants, bars, and activities. You’ll find better deals — though less bells and whistles — on ships like Adventure, Grandeur, Voyager, or Radiance of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Costs by Destination

Some cruising regions and destinations are more coveted and/or expensive to operate in than others. Because of this, another major factor in the cost of your cruise will be the itinerary and length of the voyage.

For example, the Caribbean and Bahamas are easy to get to from a variety of southern and east coast ports and an abundance of cruise lines have ships sailing in that region. The convenience of location and high competition make cruises in that area generally more affordable. In addition, many Americans can easily drive to a port that sails to the Caribbean, making it more budget-friendly since it can eliminate the cost for airfare.

Royal Caribbean cruises to the Mexican Riviera from California can also be a cheaper option thanks to the high numbers of people that live near one of those homeports and a large variety of ships in the area. Similar is true for cruises in Canada/New England and the Mediterranean. And don’t forget that older ships often cost less, which is one of the reasons Royal Caribbean cruises in Canada and New England are a bit more affordable: smaller and older ships generally sail there.

On the flipside, Alaska is an extremely popular cruise destination but also has a very limited cruising season each year. This means these voyages command a premium — especially during the peak months of June through August.

Other less-common Royal Caribbean cruise destinations such as Bermuda and northern Europe cost more because of their limited availability and unique port calls. Transatlantic or transpacific crossings are often cheaper because they lack the convenience of starting and ending in the same port and have a very large number of sea days vs. port days.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Costs by Cabin Type

Once you’ve figured out which ship and itinerary you want to sail, the next factor that greatly impacts the cost of your cruise is the type of stateroom you choose. Just like with most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has four basic categories that then break down into further specific types of cabins: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite.

Of course, based on desirability, they are priced least to most expensive in that order. When you’re pricing a cruise, the base starting fare is the cost of an interior cabin. If you’re going for a higher category, you’ll pay more than what you initially see when scrolling through cruise options.

Within these standard categories are many variations. For example, just under half the ships in the fleet feature Studio interior, oceanview, and/or balcony cabins for solo travelers. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon-class ships feature two-story Loft Suites, and Icon-class ships offer staterooms with separate bedrooms and nooks for kids as well as infinite balcony cabins. Some ships feature various Royal Suite “classes” that offer suite guests perks like access to an exclusive restaurant, luxury stateroom amenities, priority boarding and reservations, and concierge/butler service.

Royal Caribbean is also one of the only cruise lines in the world that offers inward-facing balcony cabins. On its Oasis and Icon-class ships, there are window and balcony cabins that overlook the open-air Central Park, Boardwalk, and Surfside neighborhoods. So when you go to book a balcony cabin on one of these ships, you’ll have to choose whether you want an interior view or an ocean view.

The difference in cost between the stateroom categories varies depending on factors we’ve already discussed, like the particular ship and itinerary that it’s sailing as well as current availability.

Cabin Cost Comparisons

Here are some examples of the differences you might encounter between stateroom categories based on four random sailings (Prices are per person):

Eight-night Southern Caribbean on Oasis of the Seas — January 10-18, 2026

• Interior: $913
• Oceanview: $1,039
• Balcony: $1,155
• Suite: $4,770

Seven-night Alaska Inside Passage on Serenade of the Seas — July 27 to August 3, 2025

• Interior: $1,130
• Oceanview: $1,561
• Balcony: $2,276
• Suite: $5,420

Four-night Bahamas on Wonder of the Seas — November 3-7, 2025

• Interior: $619
• Oceanview: $779
• Balcony: $811
• Suite: $1,627

Seven-night Greece, Cyprus & Turkey on Brilliance of the Seas — July 4-11, 2025

• Interior: $924
• Oceanview: $998
• Balcony: $1,472
• Suite: $1,796

What costs extra on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Once you’ve gotten the cruise fare, transportation to your homeport, and travel insurance out of the way, there are other expenses to keep in mind in terms of your Royal Caribbean cruise cost. While a lot is part of the standard cruise fare, here’s a breakdown on what will cost you extra.

Remember that you can easily have an amazing cruise without purchasing extras. This list is just a guide to show you what’s available if you do decide to spend extra to enhance your experience.

Shore Excursions

If you’re planning to get off the ship in port, you’re going to want an idea of how to spend your time there. One option is to take a shore excursion. While they’re not required and you can certainly do your own thing, they can be a great way to see the highlights of a destination or do a fun activity. If you do want to take shore excursions, be sure to budget for them when considering your overall Royal Caribbean cruise cost. Many cruisers opt for a mix during their cruise vacation. They take excursions in some ports and explore others on their own. Whatever your plan is for a port day, factor that into your vacation cost.

Internet

Aside from the use of the Royal Caribbean app, internet is not free on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line offers one internet package, called VOOM Surf + Stream. It allows access for basic internet surfing, social media, and email in addition to streaming movies and music. This package works onboard the ship as well as on Royal’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean utilizes dynamic pricing for its internet package, which means the cost varies depending on your specific cruise. But once you book your voyage, you’ll be able to see the price in your cruise planner. You should be able to purchase it for the entire cruise or buy a single-day pass once on board. If you plan to purchase internet, be sure to budget for it prior to sailing.

Gratuities

An automatic daily gratuity of $18.50 per person for a standard cabin ($21 for those staying in suites) is automatically added to your bill at the end of the cruise. This can also be pre-paid ahead of the voyage. These gratuities go towards guest-facing crew members including stateroom attendants and servers in the dining room, as well as behind-the-scenes staff like those who work in the laundry room.

Passengers can visit guest services to remove daily gratuities from their account or adjust the amount given, but this is discouraged. Additional cash tips for crew members who you feel deserve it are also welcomed. You also may want to bring some cash to tip porters and tour guides.

Beverages

Royal Caribbean cruises include basic beverages in the fare like juice, lemonade, milk, drip coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

Soda, alcoholic drinks, smoothies, specialty beverages, and bottled water come at an additional cost. Here’s an idea of how much drinks cost on Royal Caribbean:

• Beer: $7.50 to $8
• Wine by the glass: $9 to $12
• Mixed drinks: $11
• Specialty cocktails: $14
• Bottled water: $3.50
• Soda, specialty coffees, and energy drinks: $3.50 to $4.50

Instead of paying for drinks a la carte, there are also Royal Caribbean drink packages that you can purchase for a per-day price.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean offers the Classic Soda Package, which allows for unlimited fountain soda on the ship and at the line’s private destinations. Current onboard pricing is around $15 per person per day and includes a souvenir cup. Since soda is priced around $3.50, you’d need to drink four to five sodas per day to recoup the costs of this package.

Another non-alcoholic package is the Refreshment Drink Package, which costs around $38 per person, per day. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its beverage packages, so the exact price for your sailing may be different. The Refreshment package includes premium coffees and teas, soda, bottled water, fresh juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets. Essentially, all non-alcoholic beverages across the ship.

Alcoholic Drink Package

Finally, there’s the Deluxe Drink Package. This includes everything in the Refreshment Drink Package, plus beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails worth up to $14. There are only a few things that aren’t included in this package, such as room service and mini bar items, drinks in souvenir glasses, and beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores onboard.

Before making a decision about whether to purchase a drink package, break down how much you actually think you’ll drink on board. Be sure to factor in the time you plan to spend in port and won’t be using your package when deciding whether it will be cost-effective for you.

Do you plan to drink a fair amount on sea days but don’t think you’ll have more than a couple cocktails or beers on port days? Is your itinerary port-intensive? Then, it may be cheaper to go a la carte. If you like the idea of paying a per-day fee to not have to worry about how much you’re spending each time you order a drink, go for the package. If you drink alcohol but your spouse doesn’t, it might be better to go a la carte since if one person purchases the Deluxe Drink Package, everyone of legal drinking age sharing a cabin must also purchase it. Be mindful of the expense and do what makes the most sense for you.

Specialty Dining

Royal Caribbean has a wide variety of specialty restaurants to choose from, especially on its larger ships. Guests can choose from venues like Chops Grille steakhouse, Italian restaurant Giovanni’s, Izumi sushi, and Mexican restaurant Sabor, among others. Some have a per-person flat fee pricing structure, while others offer menu items a la carte.

Some specialty restaurants are also open for lunch, offering a smaller menu at a lower cost. They also welcome kids for a much smaller fee than the charge for adults at dinner. You can find exact prices for each restaurant in your cruise planner after booking the voyage. Take a look at which upcharge venues are on your ship and decide which (if any) you want to try. Then, be sure to include the cost in your overall budget.

Spa & Salon

Other Royal Caribbean cruise costs are the treatments and services available at the spa and salon. These include massages, facials, mani-pedis, haircuts, hair styling, and much more. Prices may vary depending on your cruise, but to give you an idea, a 50-minute Swedish massage starts at $125 and an aroma stone massage starts at $139. A traditional manicure with shellac starts at $55, while a shampoo and style dry for medium-length hair starts at $41.

In addition, most Royal ships also feature a small thermal suite. This is a space within the spa that includes things like a sauna, aromatic showers, a steam room, and heated stone loungers. A seven-day pass for this area starts at $109 per person. Single-day passes may also be available; check your cruise planner for pricing closer to your sail date.

Souvenirs

For many vacationers, a trip isn’t complete without a pin, magnet, or Christmas ornament to commemorate the occasion. You can get these — and much more — at the shops on board your ship. In addition to Royal Caribbean logo and destination-specific merchandise, vessels also have shops where you can purchase things like fine jewelry, perfume, makeup, name-brand clothing, and bottles of liquor.

You also may want to purchase souvenirs in different ports. We recommend setting a souvenir budget slightly higher than what you expect you’ll purchase, then do your best to stick to it.

Miscellaneous

In addition to the things already mentioned, build some wiggle room in your budget for miscellaneous onboard expenses. For example, Utopia of the Seas offers a dinnertime experience called Royal Railway. Guests dine in a “train car” that simulates movement through scenery passing by on LED “windows” — immersed in a show performed by actors that takes place throughout the meal.

Other various Royal Caribbean cruise costs include:

• North Star observation capsule (at select times)
• RipCord by iFly skydive simulator (at select times)
• Crown’s Edge ropes course
• Arcade
• Photos from the photo gallery
• Laundry service
• Room service (except for continental breakfast which is included)
• Bingo
• Casino
• Treats from Sugar Beach or Cupcake Cupboard

Note: These amenities are not available on all vessels; check Royal Caribbean’s website to see your ship’s specific offerings.

Does Royal Caribbean offer any deals or discounts?

Royal Caribbean frequently runs sales and promotions. So, if you’re looking to book a cruise be sure to keep an eye on the line’s website and social media platforms. Some sales revolve around a specific holiday or occasion, such as the after-Christmas sale or Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Others aren’t attached to any particular occasion or time of year.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program also get discounts at certain levels. These may include discounts on actual room categories or on other onboard amenities.

Verdict

With the cruise fare, gratuities, and some on board extras added in, we estimate that you should plan to spend a minimum of $200 to $250 per person, per day on Royal Caribbean if staying in an interior or oceanview cabin. Of course, if you plan to book a balcony cabin or suite, take shore excursions in most ports, purchase a drink package, eat in specialty restaurants, etc., your cost will likely be higher.

Comments

How much do you typically budget for your Royal Caribbean cruise? Do you splurge on all the extras or try to stick to a budget? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on Royal Caribbean cruise costs.

The post How Much Does a Royal Caribbean Cruise Cost? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

When considering a cruise vacation, you may be wondering ‘Do cruise ships have WiFi?’. Thankfully, the answer is yes! But connecting to the internet while at sea isn’t quite the same as on land. To help you navigate how much cruise internet costs, what’s included, and more, we’ve put together this helpful guide.

Is there internet on a cruise ship?

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise and wondering if you’ll have to disconnect from the world while at sea, don’t worry. Cruise ships do have wifi, and these days it’s faster and more reliable than ever before.

Whether you’re taking a cruise on a mainstream line such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, sailing in luxury on Seabourn or Viking, or even taking an expedition cruise with Atlas or Silversea, you should have internet access for all (or nearly all) of your sailing. The caveat is that you have to pay to access the internet on many cruise lines, but we’ll get into that more below.

How good is the internet on cruise ships?

When considering whether to purchase internet on a cruise — or you’re wondering whether you can do some work or share photos and videos with friends while on board — you’re probably thinking, ‘How fast is the internet on a cruise ship, anyway?’. This answer varies.

With the recent introduction of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet for use on cruise ships, onboard WiFi is much faster and more reliable. Nearly all of the large cruise brands have implemented Starlink, including Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, and many others. Luxury lines including Explora Journeys, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Crystal, and Ponant — among others — have also recently outfitted their ships with Starlink satellite internet.

The point is, Starlink was a game-changer for the cruise industry, and internet on any ship that’s equipped with it is bound to have a very fast and dependable connection.

Remember, though, that not every ship has Starlink and even those that do may experience interruptions here and there. The internet on a cruise ship is seldom ever quite as reliable as the internet at home. A ship is essentially a moving vehicle that can sail hundreds of miles from land at any given time, and thus needs to rely on a wireless connection with satellites instead of wired options, such as fiber optics, that many of us depend on on land.

Connections with the satellites can be interrupted due to things like weather, the terrain around the ship (such as a fjord), and other factors. The ship may also experience technical issues on its end that temporarily affect the availability of wifi for those on board. However, modern day cruise ship internet is generally quite reliable and many guests use it for both personal and professional purposes.

How much does cruise ship wifi cost?

Now that you have an idea of how good the internet is on a cruise ship, your next question is probably ‘How much is wifi on a cruise?’. As with pretty much anything, this depends on the cruise line you’re sailing. To give you a general idea, the per-day, per-device cost for most cruise lines starts at $12 to $20. That’s right, if the internet is not free on your cruise, you are not only paying a per-day price, but it’s actually per-device on most lines as well. The good news is, you can switch between devices and aren’t stuck with a singular device for the sailing (on most cruise lines).

Notice that we said the starting cost is $12 to $20 per day. This is because many lines have multiple internet plans. The base plans usually include access to email, social media, and general internet browsing. Higher-level plans, which cost more, allow for streaming things like TV shows, movies, YouTube, music, and video calling like FaceTime and Zoom.

What are the internet packages offered by cruise lines?

Here are some examples of the packages major cruise lines offer to their guests. For a complete listing of all cruise lines, we have this guide to internet at sea.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has three different internet plans: Social, Value, and Premium. The Social plan includes access to social media and airline apps. The Value plan adds on email and internet browsing. The Premium plan promises the fastest possible connection at speeds up to three times faster than the Value Plan, and supports video streaming and calling. The Social plan starts at $18.70 per day. The Value plan starts at $22.10 per day. The Premium plan starts at $23.80 per day.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers three internet packages: the Stay Connected plan, the Basic Surf plan, and the Premium Surf plan. Stay Connected allows for social media use, while Basic Surf adds email, web browsing, and voice calling. The Premium Surf package includes a faster connection speed along with the addition of streaming short videos and music, plus video calling. Longer-form video streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu are not supported on any Disney Cruise Line wifi plan. The Stay Connected package starts at $16 per day, the Basic Surf starts at $24 per day, and the Premium Surf starts at $34 per day.

Princess Cruises

There are two internet plans available on Princess Cruises: MedallionNet and MedallionNet Max. MedallionNet, which costs $25 per device, per day includes messaging, social media, browsing, streaming, and video chatting. Basically, it’s an all-inclusive wifi package. MedallionNet Max includes the same things, but features higher-performing wifi service with prioritized bandwidth access. Only guests who purchase Princess’ Plus or Premier bundles have access to MedallionNet Max.

Is wifi on a cruise worth it?

Answering the question of whether wifi on a cruise is worth the cost is dependent upon the person asking. If your cruise is purely vacation and you won’t need to connect to work or family back home, you may not need (or want) to purchase internet access. But if you need to stay accessible for a big work project, want to check in on family members, or don’t want to disconnect from social media for entire days at a time, you might consider purchasing wifi.

The good news is, if you do want internet you don’t need to purchase it for the entire sailing. Most cruise lines charge a per-day fee to get online, and you can pick and choose the days you do and don’t want to take advantage of it. So, for example, if you’re fine with using your cell service or the wifi in port, you can just purchase internet on the ship on sea days. Or, if you just want to check in with those back home halfway through your sailing and purchase internet for that one day, you can do that too.

If you’re wondering whether internet access is worth the cost in regards to how well the wifi actually works, we’d say it is worth it. As mentioned previously, most lines now use Starlink which is very quick and reliable as far as shipboard satellite internet goes. Even non-Starlink cruise ship internet can be very good. If your ship has internet and you think you’ll get good use out of it, go ahead and make the purchase.

How do you get cheap/free internet on a cruise?

Assuming you’re sailing on a line that does not already include wifi access in the cruise fare, there are some ways to get discounted or free internet during your voyage.

Purchase ahead of time

One easy way is to purchase an internet package ahead of time. Not every cruise line has this option, but some lines that do provide a discount for purchasing in advance. However, you will likely only be able to buy in advance if you’re getting internet for the whole cruise. If you’re planning to just purchase a day here and there, you’ll have to do that once on board.

Move up the loyalty program ranks

Another way you can get discounted (or even free) internet on a cruise is by moving up the tiers in the line’s loyalty program. Cunard and Celebrity both reward loyal cruisers with free wifi. Other lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Princess, offer discounts on internet packages as you move through the ranks.

Watch for promotions

If you’re looking to get free internet on a cruise, among other perks, keep an eye out for sales and promotions that the cruise line is running. Many cruise lines run sales that range from fare discounts to onboard credit and perks like a free drinks package or free wifi.

Purchase an inclusive add-on package

Many cruise lines offer packages that you can add onto the base cruise fare to make your vacation a more inclusive experience. These packages often include things like drink packages, specialty dining, daily gratuities, shore excursions, and — you guessed it — wifi. The actual inclusions vary based on the cruise line, but internet is very often part of these perks.

While the upgrade will cost you an extra per-day fee, overall the full value of the package is more than what you’ll pay for it. So if you’ll take advantage of enough perks to make the package worth it, it’s a great way to get wifi as part of your cruise fare. Examples of this include Holland America’s ‘Have It All’ package, Princess’ ‘Plus’ and ‘Premier’ packages, and Celebrity’s ‘All Included’ package, among others.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘More at Sea’ program, which is included in the base cruise fare for almost all sailings, also includes internet access.

Consider sailing a line that includes wifi

Perhaps the most obvious way to get free wifi during a cruise is to simply sail with a line that includes internet in the base fare. Luxury lines are the most likely choices, which obviously cost more money up-front than a cruise on a premium or mainstream line does. These include brands like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Ponant, and Viking. Virgin Voyages, which is a premium line, also includes wifi in its cruise fare.

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Cruising offers travelers unique options when it comes to accommodations, each suited to different preferences and budgets. For many cruisers, one of the biggest decisions is choosing their cruise cabin as each cabin type provides its own advantages. While inside cabins provide a cozy, budget-friendly option, many travelers wonder if upgrading to an oceanview cabin is worth the extra cost. Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of inside vs. oceanview cabins to help you decide if upgrading is the right choice for you.

Inside vs. Oceanview Cabins: Is It Worth Upgrading?

What is an Inside Cabin?

Inside cabins, or interior rooms, are located in the interior of the ship and have no windows or natural light. These cabins are often the most budget-friendly option on a cruise and are a popular choice among first-time cruisers and those seeking a great deal.

Pros of Inside Cabins

Cost Savings: The most notable benefit of an inside cabin is its affordability. Inside cabins are typically the least expensive option, which allows travelers to allocate more of their budget toward excursions, specialty dining and drink packages, spa treatments, or other onboard activities.

Ideal for Sleeping: Since inside cabins have no windows, they provide a very dark environment, making them ideal for those who want to sleep in or take midday naps. Light-sensitive travelers often prefer this cabin type for uninterrupted sleep.

Quiet and Cozy Atmosphere: Inside cabins are often tucked away in the interior of the ship, providing a quieter environment away from deck noise, outdoor elements, and public areas. This helps to create a cozy atmosphere.

Cons of Inside Cabins

No Natural Light or Views: For many, one of the biggest drawbacks of an inside cabin is the lack of a window or porthole. Travelers often feel disconnected from the beauty of the ocean or have difficulty knowing what time of day it is.

Feeling Enclosed: If you’re prone to claustrophobia, the enclosed space of an inside cabin might feel a bit too tight. Without a view to look at, some people may find the cabin feels smaller than it actually is.

Less Space: Inside cabins are generally more compact, which can be limiting for travelers who spend a lot of time in their room or those with a lot of luggage.

Motion Sickness: If you are unsure how you will handle being at sea or you are prone to motion sickness, an inside cabin might not be the right fit for you. Without a fixed horizon to focus on, you might feel more disoriented and uncomfortable.

Who Should Book an Inside Cabin

While an inside cabin isn’t for everyone, there are certain travelers who might find it the perfect fit. The types of cruisers who might appreciate an inside cabin include:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Light sleepers or midday nappers
• Those who don’t spend much time in their cabins
• Families booking an additional room for teens
• Those who prioritize taking multiple cruises a year

What is an Oceanview Cabin?

Oceanview cabins offer all the amenities of an inside cabin, but they also come with a porthole or window that provides a view of the ocean. Although they’re more expensive than inside cabins, oceanview cabins are still typically cheaper than balcony cabins, making them a middle ground between affordability and luxury.

Pros of Oceanview Cabins

Natural Light: One of the top benefits of an oceanview cabin is the natural light it provides, which makes the space feel more open and airy. This allows cruisers to better experience being at sea and feel more oriented to the time of day. It can also help to establish a more consistent daily routine and sleep schedule.

Enjoying the Scenery: Waking up to a view of the ocean is a major draw for many cruisers. An oceanview cabin allows you to enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and passing landscapes. Moreover, an oceanview cabin can provide stunning views when cruising itineraries like the Norwegian fjords, the Mediterranean, or Alaska. For itineraries with plenty of scenic cruising days, having a window to observe these wonders from the comfort of your room may well be worth the extra investment.

More Space: While inside and oceanview cabins are often similarly sized, the addition of a window can create an illusion of space, making the room feel larger and more open. Natural light contributes to a brighter, airier atmosphere, which can be especially refreshing if you plan on spending time in your cabin relaxing, reading, or working.

Added Comfort for Motion-Sensitive Travelers: Motion sensitivity and seasickness can sometimes be a concern for cruisers, especially on days when the ship hits choppier waters. While motion sickness varies from person to person, many people find that looking out a window helps ease nausea. An oceanview cabin can provide a fixed point to focus on during moments of discomfort, potentially offering relief that an inside cabin cannot provide.

Cons of Oceanview Cabins

Higher Cost: Oceanview cabins tend to be pricier than inside cabins, which can be a drawback for travelers looking for the lowest-cost option.

Partial or Obstructed Views: Given their location, certain oceanview cabins might have partially obstructed views due to lifeboats, metal beams, or other structural elements. Always check with the cruise line, your travel agent, or the deck plans if you want to confirm a clear view.

Still Not a Balcony: Although an oceanview cabin has a window, it doesn’t open. So, you still don’t have outdoor access like you would with a balcony. Some travelers may feel it’s worth spending a bit more to upgrade to a balcony, while others find just the window sufficient.

Who Should Book an Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview cabins provide a bit more luxury without the full cost of a balcony. Here are some types of travelers who might benefit most from booking an oceanview cabin:

• First-time cruisers
• Travelers with motion sensitivity
• Clautrobic guests
• Nature lovers
• Those sailing on longer itineraries

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Ultimately, the choice between an inside cabin and an oceanview cabin comes down to your travel style, preferences, and budget. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler or someone who spends most of their time exploring the ship and shore excursions, an inside cabin offers a cozy, cost-effective option. For many, the combination of natural light, scenic views, and the added comfort of knowing what’s outside enhances their cruise experience enough to justify the extra cost of upgrading. An oceanview cabin provides slightly more luxury without splurging on a balcony.

Choosing a cabin is a personal decision though, and the perfect choice will vary for every traveler. Whichever option you go with, both inside and oceanview cabins allow you to experience all the same great dining, entertainment, and amenities that are waiting for you right outside your cabin door.

So, What About Oceanview vs. Balcony Cabins?

Once you’ve decided that having a window to the ocean is worth the upgrade, the next question often becomes: is it worth going a step further and opting for a balcony cabin? Balcony cabins offer an even more immersive experience, allowing cruisers to step outside and enjoy the fresh sea air. But with added luxury comes a higher price tag.

Pros of Balcony Cabins

Private and Personal Outdoor Space: The key difference between an oceanview and a balcony cabin is, of course, the access to private outdoor space. With a balcony cabin, you can enjoy the outdoors from the privacy of your own room without needing to go to a common deck. This can be particularly appealing if you value quiet mornings or evenings outside without other passengers around.

Enhanced Views and Fresh Air: For many cruisers, a balcony cabin is the ultimate way to enjoy being on a cruise. With a balcony, you can experience the ocean breeze, listen to the waves, and have a more panoramic view of the scenery. It’s a huge perk on scenic routes like Alaska as well where you can enjoy the vistas and scout wildlife without leaving your stateroom to head to an open-air deck.

Space and Comfort: Balcony cabins tend to be larger than oceanview cabins, with additional square footage to accommodate outdoor seating. This added space can make a balcony cabin feel more luxurious and comfortable, especially if you plan to spend a good amount of time in your room.

Cons of Balcony Cabins

The Price: The cost difference between an oceanview cabin and a balcony cabin varies by cruise line, season, and itinerary. Typically though, balcony cabins are priced higher due to their private outdoor space, additional square footage, and premium amenities. If you prefer to spend most of your time enjoying public areas of the ship, the additional cost of a balcony might not be as worthwhile.

Safety for Families: Balcony cabins, while offering beautiful views, may pose safety concerns for families with young children. The presence of a balcony requires constant supervision, as kids might be tempted to explore the open space, putting them in danger.

Limited Use on Certain Itineraries: On colder or less scenic routes, balcony space might not get much use. Travelers on these routes may find that they’re paying for a feature they don’t end up enjoying due to the weather outside.

Who Might Prefer Each Option?

• Oceanview Cabins: Great for cruisers who want a scenic view without paying for a balcony, especially if they’re on a budget or plan to spend minimal time in their cabin. It’s a good choice for first-time cruisers or those content with an ocean view without needing outdoor space.
• Balcony Cabins: Ideal for cruisers who prioritize a private outdoor experience and want to enjoy their time at sea without needing to venture to the public decks. Balcony cabins are particularly attractive for travelers on scenic cruises who want to enjoy the passing landscapes or who simply value a touch of luxury and more space.

So, once again, the decision between booking an oceanview or a balcony cabin comes down to a personal choice. Guests should consider the pros and cons of each cabin category carefully and decide what’s most important to them during their cruise vacation.

Of course, there’s always the option to upgrade even further to a suite!

If you need more help, we have a list of the best rooms on a cruise, some of the cruise cabins you should avoid, and even how to score cruise cabin upgrades.

You should also review your cruise line’s website or speak with your travel agent, as it’s usually not as cut and dry as booking either an inside, oceanview, or balcony cabin. On many cruise lines, these cabin categories often have many sub-categories, like interior rooms with virtual balconies, infinite balconies, and family accommodations, among others, complicating things a bit more.

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When it comes to inside vs. oceanview cabins, which do you prefer? Or, do you usually opt to upgrade to a balcony or a suite? Drop us an anchor below to share your cabin preferences when cruising.

The post Inside vs. Oceanview Cabins: Is It Worth Upgrading? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, there are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to cruise cabin etiquette. These guidelines help ensure safety, comfort, and courtesy for everyone onboard the ship. So, to ensure you don’t make any of these mistakes, we share the 20 things you should never do in your cruise cabin.

These Are the 20 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Cabin

Use Adhesive Tape or Hooks

While many cruisers enjoy adding personal touches to their cabins and cabin doors by hanging decorations and organizers, it’s important to avoid using adhesive tape or hooks on the walls, doors, or ceilings. These can damage surfaces, which may result in unwanted surcharges.

Instead, opt for magnetic hooks if you want to maximize storage space, as most cruise cabin walls are metal. Magnetic hooks are an easy, damage-free solution for hanging light items. You can also use magnets to secure items to your cabin door such as decorations, signs, or white boards.

Use Prohibited Items

If you are new to cruising, you may not know that there are several items not allowed on cruise ships. Bringing items like hot plates or coffee makers is strictly prohibited. These appliances pose a fire risk and are therefore not allowed.

While these items might seem obvious to some, guests can not bring irons or steamers onboard cruise ships either due to the same risk of fire. If you need wrinkle-free clothes, look into onboard laundry and pressing services, or pack wrinkle-release spray for a quick fix. Some ships offer communal ironing stations in laundry rooms as well.

Smoke Indoors

Smoking is strictly prohibited in most cruise ship cabins, including cigarettes, cigars, and even vaping. Cruise lines enforce this rule to prevent fire hazards and maintain the comfort of all passengers. The one exception is Costa Cruises, where guests can smoke on their private outdoor balconies. In all other cases, if you’re caught smoking in your cabin or on your balcony, you could face hefty fines, and in some cases, be asked to disembark at the next port.

Always use designated smoking areas on the ship to avoid issues. The smoking areas are usually on the outdoor decks, in the casino, or in a cigar lounge.

Try to Sneak Alcohol Onboard

While the idea of bringing your favorite bottle of liquor with you on vacation might sound appealing, most cruise lines have a strict policy about alcohol brought from outside. If you get caught sneaking alcohol into your cabin, it could be confiscated, and you may face penalties.

Instead, consider buying a drink package or checking the cruise line’s policy on bringing limited quantities of alcohol. Most cruise lines do allow guests to bring two bottles of wine onboard at embarkation in carry-on lugguage, but not beer or spirits.

Overpack or Bring Too Much Luggage

Space is limited in cruise cabins, and overpacking can make your room feel cramped and cluttered. Stick to essentials and clothing items that you can easily repurpose. If you are taking a longer cruise, remember that there are often laundry services available if you need them.

Luckily, we have some tried and true cruise cabin hacks to help you make the most of this space. For instance, you can utilize under-bed storage for suitcases, as you’ll want to make sure you never block exits with your luggage. Also, we always use a hanging organizer to store toiletries, charging cords, sunglasses, and various other small items. This helps to free up counter space in the cabin. Magnetic hooks are also valuable for hanging items like coats, hats, and bags.

Forget to Close the Curtains for Privacy

With cabin balconies and windows often overlooking public areas or even close to other ships in port, it’s easy for anyone outside to catch a glimpse inside your cabin if your curtains are open. So, before you get undressed, make sure to close the curtains.

This simple habit will prevent any accidental peep shows for other guests, crew, or port-side onlookers. Enjoy your space freely and comfortably by remembering to close the curtains when you want some privacy.

Leave the Balcony Door Open

Leaving your cruise balcony door open for fresh air might sound appealing, but doing so will often disrupt the air conditioning inside your cabin. Open balcony doors can cause humidity levels to rise, making your room uncomfortable. And the air conditioning will not turn back on until your door is fully shut.

Or even worse, strong winds can slam the door shut, causing potential damage or injury. This is especially true with the crosswind if someone tries to enter your cabin from the hallway door. So, just remember to shut the balcoy door when not actively using it.

Flush Prohibited Items

Cruise ship plumbing systems are different from those on land, and flushing inappropriate items can lead to clogs and serious problems. If you’ve ever cruised before, you’ve probably seen the signage indicating what not to flush with some pretty strange items like banana peels. While you’ve probably never thought of that, it’s important not to flush feminine products, diapers, and/or other hygeine products either.

You should only flush toilet paper, and dispose of other waste in the trash bin. A clogged toilet can quickly ruin your vacation, and the cleanup may not be quick or pleasant.

Be Excessively Loud

Cruise cabins share walls, floors, and ceilings with other guests, so sound carries easily. Playing loud music, watching TV at high volume, or yelling, especially late at night or early in the morning, can disturb neighboring cabins. To ensure a restful environment for everyone, be mindful of your noise level. This same rule applies to your cabin balcony.

If you’re celebrating, consider moving to a public area on the ship where noise won’t be an issue. You don’t want to be the noisy neighbor that people complain about at Guest Services. Think about how you would feel if the situation were reversed.

Leave Items on the Balcony

It might seem harmless to leave items like towels, shoes, or even a drink on your balcony. But these objects can easily get swept away by the wind. Not only can this litter the ocean, but falling objects can also land on lower decks, posing a danger to other passengers. In some instances, cruise lines may even fine passengers for causing accidents related to falling objects.

Yes, it is also tempting to hang wet bathing suits over your balcony rail or on the chairs to dry, but you should avoid doing this. Instead, use other drying methods like the provided clothesline in your cabin’s bathroom.

Ignore Your Room’s Electrical Limits

Cruise cabins often have limited outlets, but overloading them can lead to electrical issues or even fires. Many cruise lines prohibit certain types of extension cords and power strips with surge protectors for safety reasons. So, it’s important to review your cruise line’s policies before you set sail to avoid having your items confiscated.

If you need extra outlets to charge all your electronic devices, be sure it’s cruise-approved. Also, try to use USB charging outlets where possible.

Use Candles or Incense

Open flames, including candles and incense, are strictly prohibited in cruise ship cabins due to the serious fire hazard they present. While it might be tempting to light a scented candle for ambiance, it’s against safety regulations.

If you want to set the mood, consider bringing battery-operated tea lights. You could also bring air freshener or Poo-Pourri to reduce odors. If you are looking for a small light, consider bringing a nightlight. There are some great rechargable and even magnetic ones available on Amazon.

Leave a Mess

Your room attendant is there to keep your cabin clean and comfortable, but leaving an excessive mess can make their job challenging. Simple steps like placing trash in the bins, organizing personal items, and keeping dirty dishes in one spot (or in the hallway if allowed) go a long way.

A tidy cabin isn’t just courteous, it also helps ensure faster service and a consistently fresh space for you to enjoy throughout your cruise. A little effort goes a long way in showing appreciation for your attendant’s hardwork.

Remove Life Jackets from the Cabin

Life jackets are provided in most cruise cabins for safety reasons. Removing them from your room could cause confusion during emergencies, so always leave your life jacket where you find it. If there are no life jackets in your cabin, they might be stored at your actual muster station, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your stateroom attendant just in case.

When you attend the mandatory safety drill held at the beginning of the cruise (or watch it on your stateroom television), there will be instruction on how to don your life jacket in the event of an emergency. During the muster drill, you’ll also receive other important safety instructions, so be sure to attend.

Leave Children Unattended

Cruise ships offer plenty of kid-friendly activities, but cabins are not the place to leave children unsupervised. Small spaces, balconies, and unfamiliar surroundings can pose risks to children, and leaving them alone can lead to accidents.

If you want some alone time or time to enjoy all the adult activities onboard, consider using the ship’s kids’ club services, where trained staff can watch over your children. Even if they are not old enough for the free kids clubs, most cruise lines also offer for-fee babysitting services. This way you can enjoy a quiet specialty dinner, give the casino some action, or laugh it up at the comedy club without worrying about the little ones.

Forget to Use the “Do Not Disturb” Sign

If you’re planning to sleep in, enjoy a quiet afternoon, or just need some uninterrupted time, don’t forget to hang the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your cabin door (or use the button if your cabin has one). This simple step lets your stateroom attendant know you’d prefer no disruptions, ensuring your privacy and comfort. You certainly don’t want crew unexpectedly walking into your cabin just as you are getting out of the shower.

Just remember to remove it when you’re ready for your cabin to be serviced though, so you don’t miss out on fresh towels, tidy beds, and other amenities.

Take Items Home With You

While it might be tempting to bring home a memento from your cruise cabin—like towels, bathrobes, decorative items, or even the hair dryer—don’t make this cruise mistake! These items are the property of the cruise line and are meant for guest use during your voyage. Taking them could lead to unexpected charges on your final bill. This also applies to other items in the cabin such as binoculars, bottle openers, or umbrellas.

Similarly, you should avoid drinking items from the mini bar unless you are okay with paying for them. Even if you have a drink package, these items are usually excluded, including soda or bottled water. Some luxury cruise lines or suites on contemporary cruise lines do include mini bar items, so just ask before popping open that bottle.

Forget Items in Your Safe

Using the in-room safe is a smart way to keep your valuables secure while enjoying your cruise. However, it’s crucial to remember to take everything with you when you leave the cabin. Passports, jewelry, airpods, and other electronic devices are commonly forgotten items.

To avoid leaving behind essentials, create a checklist of items you stored in the safe and double-check it before you disembark. As a best practice, we always do a final sweep of our cabin, including the safe, to ensure we have all our belongings. While not impossible, it can be difficult to get these items back once you disembark the ship.

Throw Anything Overboard

Tossing anything overboard is not only disrespectful to the environment but also against cruise line policies. Throwing objects into the sea can harm wildlife and cause pollution, and offenders may face fines or even be disembarked from the cruise ship if caught.

Be mindful of your actions, and keep the ocean clean for everyone to enjoy. This includes being mindful of lightweight objects that might unitentionally blow away like napkins, straws, and empty water bottles.

Forget to Tip Your Cabin Attendant

Although gratuities are usually automatically added to your onboard account, tipping your cabin attendant is still a nice gesture, especially if they’ve provided excellent service. They work hard to keep your cabin clean, restocked, and comfortable throughout your vacation. A small tip at the end of your cruise can go a long way in showing appreciation for their efforts.

Even if you choose not to tip extra, a simple thank you or friendly conversation in the hallway can help to make their day more enjoyable. Even if things aren’t going your way, you should never be rude to the hardworking staff.

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Do you have anything else to add to our list of the things you should never do in your cruise ship cabin? Are you guilty of any of these cruise cabin mistakes? Drop us an anchor below to share any other tips and tricks for your cruise cabin.

The post 20 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Cabin – Don’t Make These Mistakes! appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

For many people, planning a cruise vacation means choosing an itinerary that visits ports they want to explore. If you’re looking to sail in the Caribbean, there are a lot of itineraries — and therefore ports — to choose from. To help you decide what itinerary you might want to book, we’ve rounded up ten of the best Caribbean cruise destinations.

Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Cruiser Favorites

On Facebook, we asked Eat Sleep Cruise fans what they think are the best Caribbean cruise destinations. Here are six of the most popular answers!

Aruba

Aruba is a southern Caribbean island nation that’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located just north of mainland Venezuela. It also makes up the “A” in the “ABC Islands” along with neighboring islands Bonaire and Curaçao; the three are also the only Dutch islands that are part of the Leeward Antilles chain of islands. Aruba, along with Bonaire and Curaçao, is a popular port on southern Caribbean cruise itineraries.

During a port day in Aruba, one of the most popular things to do is hit the beach. Eagle Beach is an excellent choice, as its soft white sand and clear blue waters have earned it a spot as one of the best beaches in the world. Palm Beach, Baby Beach, and Mangel Halto Beach are also great options.

Another popular activity is taking a catamaran snorkeling excursion — some even bring passengers out to snorkel and dive over a shipwreck. Other popular activities include De Palm Island water park, visiting the Butterfly Farm or Ostrich Farm, horseback riding, and taking a highlights of Aruba tour.

Bonaire

Bonaire is the “B” in the ABC Islands, located east of Curaçao just above Venezuela. Cruise ships dock in the capital city of Kralendijk, which serves as a starting point for a number of activities that cruisers can do on and around the island.

The main attraction in Bonaire is snorkeling and diving; the island is known to many as “a diver’s paradise.” You can head out on boat snorkel and dive tours, snorkel at the Bonaire National Marine Park, or snorkel in an underground cave.

But if you don’t want to take to the underwater world, other activities available include kayaking, taking an ATV tour, touring top sites on the island, visiting Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, or going shopping at the Bonaire Arts and Crafts Cruise Market just off the cruise pier.

Curaçao

The “C” in the ABC Islands, Curaçao is located between Aruba and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean Sea. You may also recognize the name “Curaçao” as a blue liqueur, and you’d be right if you guess that it comes from this island. It’s a liqueur made from the dried peel of the bitter orange laraha, which grows in Curaçao. The liqueur is then dyed blue to give it its recognizable hue. The brand Senior & Co Liqueur claims to make the only “authentic” curaçao in the world, which is produced and bottled right on the island. Tours of the distillery are available and popular with cruise visitors.

In addition to blue curaçao, Curaçao has colorful Dutch colonial architecture and a storied heritage with Spanish and Jewish roots. So, historical and highlights tours are a great way for visitors to introduce themselves to the island. Other activities cruisers can partake in include land safari off-roading, kayaking, snorkeling, visiting Hato Caves, hanging out on the beach, and going jet-skiing.

Barbados

Barbados is part of the British Commonwealth, and is the easternmost island in the Caribbean. The closest neighboring islands are St. Lucia and St. Vincent, which are both located to the west of Barbados. Not only is Barbados a common port call on southern Caribbean itineraries, but it also serves as a homeport for smaller ships from lines such as Windstar, Azamara, and Silversea.

Bridgetown, the country’s capital and the city where cruise ships dock, is popular for its history and British colonial architecture. In fact, Bridgetown is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural tours are a great way to learn about Barbados, and if you really want to dive into the history of the island, visit the Barbados Museum & Historical Society.

If you’re a rum connoisseur, consider touring distilleries such as the West Indies Rum Distillery or Mount Gay Distilleries. Other activities to do during a port call in Barbados include exploring Harrison’s Cave, spending the day at the beach, snorkeling, and wandering the grounds at Hunte’s botanical garden.

Tortola

Tortola is part of the British Virgin Islands, and is located slightly northeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. John. The country has stunning white sand beaches and vibrant blue water. Popular picks for a beach day include Smuggler’s Cove, Brewers Bay, Cane Garden Bay, and Long Bay Beach.

When stopping in Tortola on a cruise, many visitors take a ferry over to neighboring island Virgin Gorda. It’s known for the baths, a beautiful natural area filled with boulders and caves that forms a maze leading to secret pools. Likewise, some cruisers take a boat to another neighboring island, Jost Van Dyke to spend time swimming, snorkeling, and visiting the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar.

Back on Tortola, popular activities include exploring J.R. O’Neal Botanical Gardens, going kayaking through mangroves, going hiking, and taking a tour of the island that includes stops at some of the most notable sites.

St. Thomas

St. Thomas, a U.S. Virgin Island, is one of the best Caribbean cruise destinations. It’s located in the eastern Caribbean between Puerto Rico and St. John. The port city, Charlotte Amalie, is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is a very popular stop on eastern Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Upon disembarking your ship in St. Thomas, one of the first things you’ll encounter is the SkyRide cable car system that takes guests up to a great viewing point on the island, Paradise Point. This is a great activity as a first-time visitor to St. Thomas to get some great views of the destination. Plus, there are bars, restaurants, and shops at the top.

Another highlight of St. Thomas is its beaches, including Magens Bay and Lindquist Beach. Popular activities in St. Thomas include visiting Fort Christian, walking on the famous 99 Steps, zip lining, exploring the Pirates Treasure Museum, and taking a highlights tour of the island.

Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Popular Gems

In addition to the answers above provided by our readers, we wanted to include a few more popular cruise destinations that are beloved by cruisers of all ages.

Cozumel

Cozumel is an island located just off mainland Mexico in the Caribbean Sea, located just south of resort destination Cancun. It’s the single most popular cruise port on western Caribbean cruise itineraries, and for good reason. There’s a large variety of things to see and do in and around Cozumel, making it a great port call for every type of cruiser.

If you love to scuba dive or snorkel, this is an ideal destination for you: Cozumel is one of the best diving spots in the world. It’s also a great place to spend the day at the beach. You can get day passes at beach clubs like Mr. Sanchos or Paradise Beach.

A popular activity for cruisers during a stop in Cozumel is visiting Mayan ruins such as San Gervasio, Chichen Itza, or the Coba Mayan ruins which includes the tallest pyramid in Yucatan. For more adventurous outdoor experiences, you can take a Jeep tour, explore cenotes (sinkholes that you can swim in), or go four-wheeling.

St. Maarten

Sint Maarten is a Dutch country in the eastern Caribbean that shares an island with French country Saint Martin. It’s located south of Anguilla and just under 200 miles east of Puerto Rico.

St. Maarten is one of the most popular ports on eastern Caribbean itineraries, offering a variety of things to see and do for cruise visitors. One of the most popular and unique spots to visit is Maho Beach, which is located just across the street from the end of the runway at St. Maarten’s main airport, Princess Juliana International Airport. The planes almost appear within reach as they soar over the beach before landing on the runway, so it’s a popular spot for airplane spotters and photography enthusiasts.

Other popular activities to do in St. Maarten include hiking, zip lining through the jungle, taking a tour of Topper’s Rhum Distillery, and snorkeling. Island tours are also popular both on land via ATV or bus or at sea via boat.

Half Moon Cay

Little San Salvador Island, also known as Half Moon Cay, is an island in the Bahamas owned by Carnival Corporation. Ships in the company’s fleet call there exclusively, including those from Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, and occasionally Cunard. It’s a popular port stop on Bahamas and eastern Caribbean itineraries.

Most cruisers consider Half Moon Cay to be a beach day, hanging out and enjoying the soft powdery sand and crystal-clear blue waters. However, there are activities to do including shark and stingray encounters, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, bicycling, nature walks, and horseback riding on the beach.

The island includes a barbecue lunch serving hot dogs, burgers, jerk chicken, ribs, and sides. A number of bars dot the guest area so you never go thirsty, and there’s also a Lobster Shack where you can grab a bite with a la carte pricing.

San Juan

San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory located just east of the Dominican Republic and just west of St. Thomas. Not only is it one of the best Caribbean cruise destinations on eastern Caribbean routes, but it also serves as a homeport for ships operating southern Caribbean cruises.

Ships dock both in the city’s old town Viejo San Juan and at the Pan American Terminal just south of Old San Juan, but Old San Juan is the main attraction for most cruisers regardless of which dock they arrive at. Filled with Spanish-style buildings and lots of shops and restaurants, spending the day just exploring the cobblestone streets of the old town is a great way to enjoy the port. The old town is also home to forts Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal which are fun to explore.

Another popular activity to do during a port call in San Juan is visiting Casa Bacardi, which is the largest rum distillery in the world. Going hiking at El Yunque National Forest, visiting a museum, or taking a food-focused tour are also popular activities during a day in Puerto Rico.

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