The Cruise Ship and Cruise Line Discussion Thread!

[Hilltopper39]

So we just got back from a 2 day cruise on Royal Caribbean Independence of the seas and had a pretty awesome time. It was originally a 3 day cruise, scheduled to leave Friday and come back on Monday morning, but Hurricane Ian delayed departure by a day so we sailed out Saturday Morning and back on Monday. They credited us back 2/3 days of the cruise fare, and I think maybe 1.5 days worth of our drink package? I don't remember all of the details but the whole trip ended up being very cheap when it was all said and done, so it was worth it.

We originally had just booked an interior room since it was kind of a last minute trip, but after the delay we figured there would be a lot of cancelations so we asked about a room upgrade. I believe we were told that there were only maybe 2200 people on the boat vs the 4000+ person capacity, so they upgraded us to a balcony for $50.00.

 

 

Got a nice look at the Carnival ship with the Bolt coaster on the side during sail away which was cool. Not sure if I'll ever make it on that ship but it's cool that Carnival offers that now. The sailaway was really fun because there were like 5 ships all leaving at once, probably because of the delayed departure.

 

The weather was absolutely beautiful the whole trip, sunny, no rain, incredibly calm seas, and the boat being half empty was really nice. It still felt like there was a good crowd, especially in the bars and casinos, but dinner and the pool deck were empty which was nice. We didn't do any of the specialty dining options other than some wings in the sports bar since it was such a short cruise, but all of the food in the buffet and main dining room was good. Nothing was bad but nothing was "great" either if that makes any sense? For a 2 day cruise it was fine, but on a longer sailing I probably would have tried the steak house or something. Here's a picture from our 8pm dinner seating where the dining room was basically empty lol. There was a family next to use but yeah, the place was dead.

 

We didn't get to go Cocoa Cay which was a bummer, I was really looking forward to seeing that place, but I'm sure there will be another cruise in the future for that. We sailed to Nassau and back, but never got off the boat in Nassau because we stayed on the boat to watch the Jags vs Eagles game. This trip was originally supposed to have been a trip to Philly for that game, but we cancelled that trip for various reasons and booked the cruise instead. Glad we did because the weather in Philly was awful and the Jags blew the game (typical), so I'd rather watch that from a boat in Nassau than from the stadium in Philly.

We did the drink package, so a pre-dinner martini on the balcony was pretty awesome. The drink package as a whole was really nice, and we drank way too much. I think the fist day we had like 28 charges on our account, so yeah the all inclusive package was worth it lol.

The ship was great, I've been on 1 Disney cruise, 1 Carnival, and this was my second on RCCL, but this felt like the nicest most modern ship I'd ever been on. I loved how the whole interior was open end to end with bars and shops and restaurants everywhere. It really didn't feel like a cruise ship on the interior. The ship was also really easy to navigate considering how big it was. I remember our Disney ship being much more confusing.

 

The activity schedule was a little limited since the cruise was cut short by a day. Grease was the musical on our sailing but we didn't have a chance to see it (I love musicals but Grease isn't my favorite so it's fine). We did check out the juggling comedians show, an adult game show thing, and played Bingo. Other wise we pretty much just gambled and ate and drank, drank a lot, for 2 days. I did take advantage of short lines for the Flowrider Saturday morning when we were in port, that's always fun even if I fall on my head.

So all in all a very short trip, but still a lot of fun. I've only ever been on 3 day cruises because it seems to fit our scheduled better but I really want to try a longer sailing in the future sometime. 

[SharkTums]

Glad you could at least salvage some of your cruise!

[Hilltopper39]

Has anyone here ever sailed on MSC before? This weekend we were talking to some friends who told us about a sailing they had booked for Spring Break and we looked into it. Turns out that for a 4 or 5 day cruise in a Balcony room for the whole family was ridiculously cheap, maybe like $1100 for all of us? So we booked it, but now I'm trying to figure out why it's so cheap lol. I mean the ship looks pretty nice, so how bad can it be? 

[SharkTums]

Our friends just got off an MSC out of Port Canaveral. Also dirt cheap, like $600 for two of them for a week!  They said the pizza and pasta onboard was very good and it was a nice ship. They didn't like it as much as Royal Caribbean but way better than Carnival. Put it similar to Princess, not as nice as Celebrity. 

[KBrylczyk]

On 10/17/2022 at 2:07 PM, SharkTums said:

They didn't like it as much as Royal Caribbean but way better than Carnival.

We're really setting that bar six feet under to begin with, eh?

[mikeykaise]

I agree about Carnival.... it was exciting because it was a two for trip... my first cruise and my first time going to foreign countries but here's some of my thoughts about Carnival itself (newbie experience so keep that in mind)

* we bought the soda package - was a good deal except after 11 or so, all the bars and food places were pretty much closed and if you were up late you could only go to the casino bar which was open till 2:30, room service was a no go on the package

* the shows.... for some reason no show lasted beyond 30 mins - the one I did go to was an 80s review and it was 6 singers sitting on stools getting up to sing their parts, huge let down, did go to the comedy club which was fun but again 30 mins and done

* people openly smoking marijuana in the smoking areas - even had people arrested and put in the brig for doing it in their staterooms the first or second night out

* buffet was mehhhhhh.... my friend got scrambled eggs the day after we sailed from the port and when she used her fork was sprayed with water - the dining room was much better food we ate our meals the rest of the time there

* the deck party the final night out lasted around 30 mins at like 8pm on the last day of the cruise - was totally surprised it wasn't much bigger and longer

* decent sized ship and yet there was only one little smoking area on the upper pool deck 

* again not as much entertainment as expected except for bingo and the casino so I spent a lot of time just sitting out on deck in the smoking area when I could grab a seat talking to people and watching the ocean going by

[UrbanMage]

I just returned from a Caribbean cruise on one of the Celebrity Cruises liners, and it was incredible! The most impressive thing for me was the quality of service and the variety of entertainment on board. Every evening there was something new, from ice shows to live concerts. The organized excursions also amazed me, especially snorkeling among coral reefs. This was my first cruise, and I definitely plan on taking more such trips!

[jedimaster1227]

Royal Caribbean Group has released details of their new Ultimate Destination lineup including Perfect Day Mexico and their upcoming Royal Beach Clubs. These destinations join Perfect Day CocoCay as private offerings for Royal Caribbean's growing fleet of ships to visit worldwide. 

https://www.royalcaribbeangrouppresscenter.com/news/royal-caribbean-gives-thrilling-first-look-at-perfect-day-mexico-plus-three-more-destination-experiences-to-come

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE:RCL) – The world’s boldest vacations are on the horizon as Royal Caribbean is raising the bar with its newly revealed Ultimate Destination lineup – with headliner Perfect Day Mexico* set to break records with never-before-seen features. From all-new thrills and unrivaled ways to chill at the next Perfect Day to unmatched beach getaways across the first Royal Beach Clubs, the vacation brand’s growing portfolio of exclusive destinations will deliver more ways for vacationers to experience the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships alongside shoreside adventures in Mexico, The Bahamas and the South Pacific.

“We have spent the last 50 years shattering perceptions around cruising to transform into a global vacation brand for all generations. Now, we’re bringing our demonstrated history of unparalleled service and revolutionary innovation – everything our vacationers know and love – into our collection of destinations that offer more locally inspired perfect days and beachfront getaways,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date. This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”

Spanning more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Perfect Day Mexico will raise the bar on vacations with record-breaking experiences, industry firsts and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites when it all comes to life in fall 2027. There's something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. Highlights include:  

• Loco Waterpark – Thrill-seekers can conquer more than 30 adrenaline-pumping waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower – and waterslides – across North and South America. The more than 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak features two dueling slides, taking riders through more than two minutes of pure thrill and the longest coaster waterslide in the world. Vacationers can scale new heights across the tower’s 10 slides, and they can even do so together on the tallest family raft slide, designed for four to six riders at once. There are more thrills across the waterpark with hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world’s first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico’s iconic sombrero. Plus, adventure pools, a wave pool and slides designed for younger kids ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Splash Cove – The central neighborhood for guests of all ages to go all-in will introduce the longest lazy river in the world – with a crazy side. Along the hour-long float are multiple entry and exit points and plenty of ways to stay hydrated with float-up bars and a cupholder in every tube. And for those who dare, an optional crazy section of the river features unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the center of it all is a seemingly never-ending 100,000 square foot pool – just one of Perfect Day Mexico’s more than 10 expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields. The little ones have their own adventures at Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay with waterslides sized just for them. The first-ever Splashaway Cabanas right nearby make it the perfect home base for families.
• El Hideaway – At this adults-only neighborhood, day pass holders 18 years and older can party all day long with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. Those looking to celebrate big can max out the party vibes at the new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. For unmatched chill, El Hideaway sets the scene with live music, toes-in-the-sand bars and cabanas.
• Costa Beach Club – Guests looking to upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity can enjoy the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and premium dining of Costa Beach Club. And for the ultimate retreat, adventurers can spend the day in a private cabana with a personal cabana attendant, thoughtful amenities and a dedicated pool.
• Chill Beach North and South – Vacationers looking to kick back can enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico along nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches at Chill Beach, spanning north and south from the pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels at all beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico.
• Fiesta Plaza – Where all the festivities begin: a vibrant arrival area transports vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world’s largest sombrero sits atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar, welcoming guests with margaritas, cervezas and more.

Fueling the thrill and chill all day long are 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests. Plus, there are endless reasons to toast “¡Salud!” at 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mariachi performances, art installations, and local artisans for souvenir shopping further bring the Mexican culture to life.  

Upon opening in fall 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will welcome Western Caribbean itineraries sailing from Galveston, New Orleans and all Florida homeports. Itineraries featuring Perfect Day Mexico will become available to book this fall.

"We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings at sea and on land, our ambition is to offer our guests a diverse range of experiences that grow with them, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

To bring Perfect Day Mexico to life, Royal Caribbean is continuing its longstanding partnership with the local government and community to develop a modern, sustainable destination that will bring vacationers from around the world to Mexico. The port will remain open during all phases of the project and beyond, with a new welcome center being built by Royal Caribbean to acquaint guests of all visiting cruise lines with landmark attractions in the Mahahual area and provide transportation throughout the region. The development of the Perfect Day Mexico site, and local community infrastructure projects, is in line with parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s SEA the Future commitment to deliver the best vacation experiences in a responsible manner by sustaining the planet, energizing communities and accelerating innovation.

“At Royal Caribbean, our ambition is bigger than ever, and so is our lineup of amazing experiences we are designing, all centered on our guests,” said Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean. “Vacationers trust us to help them make every moment a memory, which is why we are changing the game with unforgettable experiences at Perfect Day Mexico and beyond.”

Royal Caribbean delivers the best vacations to more than 7 million people annually and visits 300+ destinations on 28 ships, with four more on order. Over the next three years, the vacation brand will also expand its destination lineup to six locales with the addition of four exclusive destination experiences that redefine what a vacation can look like. Alongside the original game-changer Perfect Day at CocoCay and the next bold adventure, Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Clubs will deliver the ultimate beach day.

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island – Set to debut in December 2025, the first-of-its-kind Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas will combine the stunning beaches of Nassau’s Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences. With the purchase of an all-inclusive day pass, vacationers can enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from The Floating Flamingo – the world’s largest swim-up bar – to three island-style eateries for local fare, Bahamian art installations, and live music. Vacationers can join the official waitlist to be the first to know when bookings become available in just a few short weeks.
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel – Featuring stunning beaches, pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking and more, the beach club will complement all the island has to offer when it opens in 2026. The spirit of Mexico will be at the heart of the experience across local touches and a variety of ways to dine and drink, a street market, and hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes.

Adding to the range of experiences for any vibe and mood are Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach destinations in Labadee, Haiti, and, in early 2027, Lelepa in the South Pacific for more ways to bask in paradise.

• Lelepa – Royal Caribbean is bringing a bold beach experience to the shores of Lelepa, a Vanuatuan island in the South Pacific Archipelago east of Australia. The first exclusive island cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere will offer a locally inspired experience for guests in Australia and beyond, complete with serene beaches, nature trails, water activities and delicious dining.

In August 2025, vacationers on the new Icon of vacations, Star of the Seas, will experience the best of Royal Caribbean from beginning to end with stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay alongside the world’s best family vacation. By 2027, 90% of the brand’s Caribbean vacationers will experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. What’s more, vacationers sailing from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with Royal Caribbean itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico.

More information about Royal Caribbean’s leading vacations and growing lineup of destinations can be found at www.royalcaribbean.com/.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visit www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.