Get an inside look at all things Celebrity. In this webinar, Co-Cruise Director Luigi De La Cruz shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Naming Sailing aboard the newest ship, Celebrity Xcel. Plus, see the can’t-miss onboard experience, Poolest Day Ever. Beyond the Podium speaker Cesar Becerra will fill you in on destination highlights from the incredible 2027/2028 Caribbean season, featuring new stops in Turks and Caicos. This is one conversation you won’t want to miss. Power Up Points will be awarded to those who qualify by January 14, 2026 Register by December 11, 2025—and earn 20 Power Up Points.† Register and watch here. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Tag Archives: #Caribbean
Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know
Hurricanes are devastating, catastrophic storms. These storms affect people living in coastal areas, those living hundreds of miles inland, and also hotels, resorts, theme parks, ports and cruise ships. I live in Florida and have experienced tropical storms and hurricanes firsthand. How can a hurricane affect your cruise and what can you do to protect yourself and your vacation? Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. When Is Hurricane Season? Even though a tropical storm or hurricane can form at any time of year if oceanic conditions are right, the hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean basin and Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30. The peak season for storm formations and the highest intensities is from mid-August through the end of September. In the eastern Pacific basin and along the Mexican Riviera, hurricane season stretches from May 15 through November 30. The busiest period is in August and September, which is very similar to the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Strong storms can and do occur outside the typical peak seasons. In 2024, for example, Hurricane Milton did not form until October 5, and in five days, became one of the most powerful and destructive storms ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America), causing devestation well into the United States. Only a very small portion of cruises that sail to the Caribbean during storm season are actually affected by these storms. Though you may encounter slightly rougher water on a cruise during hurricane season, there are many systems in place to detect any hurricane weather along your cruise route, ensuring your ship’s captain and crew will be able to chart a path around any bad weather or make modifications to the itinerary to keep you safe. How Will A Hurricane Affect My Cruise? You may have heard or read that there were some cruises that were canceled in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, but the fact is that it’s actually extremely rare for a cruise to be canceled during Caribbean hurricane season. Typically, it’s still safe for cruise ships to depart the home port while a hurricane is occurring in the Caribbean. As long as the hurricane is not impacting the embarkation (home) port – and if the home port is impacted, a cruise departure may only be delayed by a day or two rather than being canceled. All cruise lines work closely with expert meteorologists and storm forecasters for the latest updates and predictions based on the most accurate data. What happens when you do embark on time, but there’s a hurricane happening in the region? Most likely a hurricane will not impact your cruise, but you might incur an itinerary change if a hurricane is in the path of a port of call on your cruise itinerary. Any sailing region can be impacted by hurricanes. The Bahamas and Puerto Rico are two of the most frequently impacted regions, including private island and beach clubs. Other Caribbean regions are also at risk of hurricanes, such as Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos, the Cayman Islands, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Florida is frequently impacted by storms. This means homeports can be affected even if individual Caribbean cruises may be sailing well away from hurricane tracks. Similarly, the Gulf of Texas (Galveston) and the Gulf Coast (New Orleans and Mobile) are also at risk from hurricane impacts and landfalls. Thanks to an incredible arsenal of weather equipment onboard the ship, including weather maps and satellite images and computer-generated storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), your captain and crew are always on top of where a hurricane is headed and have the experience and means to stay out of its path. Itinerary Changes Photo courtesy of CruiseHive The exact changes a cruise line may make to any cruise will depend on a wide range of factors and every storm is different. One of the ways your captain might avoid a hurricane’s path is to make a last-minute schedule change to the itinerary. For example, your cruise itinerary has a scheduled stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the route there is impacted by a hurricane. Your cruise ship will reroute, and you’ll skip that port of call. This may result in an additional day at sea. With an extra sea day, you can treat yourself to a spa visit, spend some quality time with the family, or participate in one of the many onboard classes offered during your cruise. Depending on your ship’s proximity to the storm and its severity, the captain may find it necessary to close the pool for guest and crew safety. Another hurricane cruise scenario might involve a substitution of one port of call for a skipped one. There are a number of factors at play here, including weather patterns and cruising time to the substitute port that captain and bridge officers will be constantly monitoring. You may find yourself completely charmed by the opportunity to visit a different Caribbean port. The captain may choose to alter just one port of call or could shift an entire itinerary. When possible, substitution ports are arranged to give guests safer options to enjoy. This may not always be practical depending on distance or berth availability. Cruise lines may continue to alter itineraries after a storm has passed. If the scheduled ports of call are not considered safe for passengers to visit or if repairs are necessary before ships can safely dock, the captain will adjust the schedule. We saw this happen in 2017 when Hurricane Irma and then Hurricane Maria hit, causing widespread damage in the US Virgin Islands and other nearby islands. Passengers will be refunded for any cruise line shore excursions they have already booked for ports that willContinueContinue reading “Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know”
What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise
Hurricane season is right on schedule and that means cruisers need to be extra aware of how storm systems may impact their sailings. Waves crash onto rocks ahead of Tropical Storm Karen in Puerto Rico. Photographer: Gabriella N. Baez/Bloomberg UPDATE: Erin is now a hurricane and forecast to become a CAT4 over the weekend into early next week. This storm will stay east of Florida but produce dangerous rip currents and swell next week along the east coast. Tropical Storm Erin has officially formed and is on track to impact the Eastern Caribbean by the end of the week, making it the first hurricane of the season to impact this region. Of course, here is great uncertainty this far out in the forecast, but all cruisers should watch the storm carefully. No cruise line has made any itinerary changes yet, but they will be closely monitoring the storm and will make any adjustments necessary to keep ships safe. The cruise line will contact you if changes are necessary. On Monday morning, August 11, 2025, Tropical Storm Erin officially formed in the eastern Atlantic. The first official advisory for Tropical Storm Erin was issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. While several days away, her path will likely bring the storm to the eastern Caribbean. This may impact a number of popular ports of call, as well as cruise ships with itineraries heading east over the next 7-10 days. At of 2pm CVT (Cape Verde Time), the storm had maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and was moving west at 20 mph The minimum threshold for a tropical storm is 39 mph threshold, with a maximum of 73 mph before being classified as a hurricane. The westward track will bring Erin close to the top Eastern Caribbean ports on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16, before it is predicted she will turn north. Most models have her missing the Florida coast. (see graph below) Forecast predictions have the storm likely to be a major hurricane of Category 3 or higher by August 15-16. The ports likely to at least feel moderate impact include Barbados, St. Lucia, the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Depending on when and how Erin turns north, the Turks and Caicos as well as the Bahamas, including private islands, may also feel some impact. Ships departing on Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries this coming weekend are most likely to have at least some itinerary changes. Check your emails for any communication from the cruise line. There is no point in calling them – the call centers are not in direct communication with any ship. Shoreside will contact you if necessary. Remember, no cruise line has yet altered any sailings for Tropical Storm Erin. All cruise lines keep safety as their top priority and they will be monitoring the storm as she draws closer. How Strong Will Erin Become? The NHC’s forecast discussion advises caution this early, as it is always hard to predict how a tropical storm or hurricane will act several days in advance. “The intensity forecast in the short-term is a little tricky,” the NHC notes read. “The rate of intensification will likely increase in the second half of the forecast period.” Wind shear, ocean temperature, regional atmospheric conditions, and other factors all interact to determine how the storm may intensify and how she will move. Forecast tracks (the “spaghetti” plots) do show the storm likely to turn north long before impacting larger islands or the Florida eastern coastline, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Miami ports. That turn will not likely happen until the weekend, however, and could be significantly different than predicted so early in the storm’s formation. Though most believe she will remain no more than a Category 2 or 3 intensity, some forecast models show Erin reaching as high as a devastating Category 4 or 5 storm, Just as her path is difficult to predict precisely so many days away, her intensity can also vary tremendously as she gets closer. The overall size of Erin’s wind field will also determine how far away her impact may be felt. Very large storms can often impact ports of call or cruise homeports hundreds of miles from the storm’s eye, as the wind affects waves patterns and heights. The peak of hurricane season, when storms are strongest and most numerous, is typically around September 10. This does not mean that storms before or after this date are any less dangerous or disruptive. Any cruise guests with sailings booked over the next few days should watch Tropical Storm Erin carefully. Anyone with Caribbean sailings booked at this time of year should always stay informed about potential storms in case their cruise is impacted. For accurate and up-to-date information, follow Brian Shields…aka Mr. Weatherman on YouTube. He is a well-known and trusted Florida/Caribbean weatherman. To learn how hurricanes can affect your cruise and what to expect if they do, visit Hurricane Season and Your Cruise: What to Know. If you found the article informative and helpful, please comment below and follow Zest4Travel for cruise news and information. Let’s Connect: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stayContinueContinue reading “What to Know About Tropical Storm Erin and Your Cruise”
Maximize Your Cruise Savings with Celebrity Cruises “Spend to Save Event”
Turn your vacation into another cruise during the Spend to Save Event. All eligible purchases before and during your qualifying cruise will earn a percentage back as a future cruise credit. *Available on select qualifying cruises only. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. How It Works On the app, click on the person icon at the top, then your Captain’s Club information. If your cruise qualifies, it will show up under Special Events. Make purchases in the following categories prior to and during the cruise to start earning. Shore and ship excursions Drinks and drink packages Specialty dining and packages Spa treatments and fitness services Photos Internet Premium Access packages Onboard shop purchases Laundry Gifts and Extras Cashing In Approximately 7 days after your cruise, Celebrity will send an email with your future cruise credit (FCC). Find your next sailing within 60 days of receiving your FCC (and sail within 12 months), apply your credit and book it. That’s all you need to do! FAQ’s What is the Spend to Save promotion? The Spend to Save Challenge is a promotion available on select qualifying sailings. Guests on qualifying sailings will be eligible to earn a percentage of their pre-cruise and onboard purchases back as a Future Cruise Credit. Which pre-cruise purchases are eligible towards a Future Cruise Credit? Purchases made through Cruise Planner including beverages, specialty dining, photo, spa and fitness services, shore excursions, internet, laundry, Premium Access Pass, Gifts & Extras, and paid onboard Which onboard purchases are eligible towards a Future Cruise Credit? Onboard purchases made with your Seapass card are eligible. Please see exclusions in #4 below. What purchases are excluded from the Spend to Save promotion? The following purchases are excluded: cruise fare, future cruise purchases, stateroom upgrades, travel protection, casino, taxes, gratuities, promotional and paid onboard credits (OBC), flights, hotels, and transfers. I booked All Included with my Celebrity Cruise; will drinks and wifi count toward my Future Cruise Credit? Yes. You will earn the promotional percentage back based on a per diem value of your All Included fare. I made pre-cruise purchases for my sailing prior to learning about this promotion; will those purchases be eligible? Yes, all eligible purchases made for the qualifying sailing will be eligible. Is there a minimum spend required to qualify for this offer? No, there is no minimum spending required. Is there a maximum amount that can be earned? No, there is no maximum amount that can be earned. How do I know if my sailing is part of the promotion? This promotion is only for select sailings. If your sailing is eligible, you will receive information in your stateroom upon embarkation, and promotional emails pre-cruise. You may also view the details about the Spend to Save promotion within the Celebrity Cruises App. I am sailing with others in my stateroom. Who will the Future Cruise Credit be issued to? The Future Cruise Credit for Cruise Planner purchases made before the cruise will be provided to the payer of guest account used to make eligible purchases. The Future Cruise Credit for onboard expenses will be issued to the Seapass card account payer to which qualifying purchases are charged during the qualifying sailing, including those purchases made by the account payer for other guests. How do I know if I am the Seapass account owner? Seapass account owners are guests who have elected to pay for their own onboard expenses; they may elect to pay for their party’s expenses, as well. This selection is made during the online check in process and can be changed pre-cruise and during the check in process at the pier. What if I am in a stateroom with a friend or family member and we both have our own Seapass expense accounts? In this instance, each guest would receive a Future Cruise Credit for their individual onboard expenses. What happens if my cabin mate makes all the pre-cruise purchases but onboard the expense account is under my name? The guest who made the pre-cruise purchases will receive a Future Cruise Credit for those purchases, and the guest who owns the Seapass account will receive a separate Future Cruise Credit for the onboard purchases. Do I have to take any action to accept my Future Cruise Credit? No. The Future Cruise Credit will be emailed to you approximately 7 days after your completed sailing. I did not receive an email following my sailing. Who can I call to ensure I receive my future cruise credit? If you do not receive an email after your cruise, please check your Celebrity Cruises app. You can also call Celebrity Cruises at 844-418-6824. Celebrity will be able to validate your sailing and ensure you receive your Future Cruise Credit. My local currency is not in US dollars. How will my future cruise credit be issued to me? Your final future cruise credit will be issued in the local currency that you made your qualifying booking in. The exchange rate will be based on the sailing return date. Does my Future Cruise Credit have an expiration date? Yes, your future cruise credit must be redeemed within 60 days of issuance, and must be applied to a sailing departing within 12 months of the Future Cruise Credit issuance. Is my Future Cruise Credit applicable towards a future cruise I made onboard during my qualifying sailing? Yes, you can apply your Future Cruise credit toward an eligible booking you created with Future Cruise while onboard your qualifying sailing. Once you receive your Future Cruise Credit (approximately 7 days after returning home), you can apply your credit towards the booking you made onboard. How can I redeem my future cruise credit? Your Future Cruise Credit is redeemable online, through your travel partner or through our contact center team by calling us at 844-418-6824. I have an existing Future CruiseContinueContinue reading “Maximize Your Cruise Savings with Celebrity Cruises “Spend to Save Event””
Royal Caribbean Introduces a New Destination – Perfect Day Mexico
In October of 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it would be building another Perfect Day resort – a highly anticipated exclusive destination on Costa Maya, Mexico, This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. But there was a problem….the deal to purchase the Port of Mahahual and the surrounding land needed to be completed. Finally, the deal has closed after months of waiting – which means construction crews can start work!. Included in $292 million USD purchase is the cruise port and 34 of the surrounding properties. This will be turned into Perfect Day Mexico over the next two years and open in the fall of 2027. Local news outlet Riviera Maya News reported that the announcement of the deal’s closing was made on July 11, 2025, by Jay Schnaider, the Director of Product Innovation for Royal Caribbean. “We are now administrators of the port and have begun working on the development of Perfect Day Mahahual,” the company representative stated. This means that Royal Caribbean can officially assume operations because both the legal and the financial transaction has been completed. The Port of Costa Maya and the Port of Mahahual are basically the same place. Mahahual is the name of the small fishing village near the port, while Costa Maya (or Puerto Costa Maya) is the cruise port’s official name. It was confirmed that the cruise port, which receives hundreds of cruise ship calls every year, will remain open during construction. Costa Maya will also continue to accept other mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises that sail to the popular spot on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula after Perfect Day Mexico opens, But of course, only Royal Caribbean passengers (and guests of sister-brand Celebrity Cruises) will have access to Perfect Day Mexico. What to Expect at Perfect Day Mexico Perfect Day Mexico will span more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, making it considerably larger than the original Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, which is 125 acres. 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 will be something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. The new resort will be big enough to accommodate approximately 20,000 guests daily. In comparison, CocoCay can handle around 13,000 guests per day 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. Along with all the fun 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. By 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean vacationers will be able to experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. Vacationers sailing from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico. Prices will be released soon – stay tuned! Final Thoughts: This is just the beginning for the expansion in exclusive Royal Beach Destinations. Royal Caribbean is planning to open moreContinueContinue reading “Royal Caribbean Introduces a New Destination – Perfect Day Mexico”
Experience Paradise: Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club Opening Soon
Looking for something new to do in Nassau? Remember looking out to the ocean and seeing the island with deserted homes? Royal Caribbean recently purchased it and has turned it into an amazing Beach Club! Starting December 2025, you will be able to experience the new Royal Beach Club by RCL. Beach days will hit next level at the first of its kind Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Nassau’s newest beach club. Here, exclusive meets all-inclusive. From your first water transportation ride to your last drink at the swim up bar, each mouthwatering bite and everything in between, it’s all complimentary with their Unlimited Open Bar Day Pass. Swim, sip, and unwind on the powdery white sands of Family Beach or Chill Beach. Be sure to indulge in irresistible island fare like Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers and Vanilla Bundt Cake with guava sauce, all while soak up sweeping Caribbean views from three pools, each with its own vibe. Or you can head to Party Cove for the world’s largest swim-up bar fueled by dancing and nonstop beats. The ultimate beach day debuts in Nassau, The Bahamas December 2025. Cost: Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining): Starting from $169.99 Day Pass (Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks & dining): $129.99 guests 13+, $109.99 guests 4-12 (ages 3 and under are free). All admissions include unlimited dining, unlimited beverages, free Wi-Fi, round-trip transportation and all general amenities. Want to bring the whole family with friends, try a cabana. Cabana rentals come in a few different sizes, with some of Royal Caribbean’s biggest (and most expensive) cabana rentals ever. Ultimate Family Cabana: $9,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 12 people Royal Pool Cabana: $2,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 10 people Royal Beach Cabana: $2,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 10 people Beach Cabana: $2,199.99 Includes day passes for up to 8 people The Ultimate Family Cabana comes with a cabana attendant, welcome amenity, dining area, private bathroom, private shower, private changing room, wet bar, reserved beach space, heated whirlpool, spiral slide, wooden swing, cozy hammock, loungers, suspended net lounger, frozen drink machine, TV, Bluetooth connection, charging outlets, lockable storage, and mini fridge. Those looking to party all day might consider renting the party deck. Located on the second floor of The Floating Flamingo (the world’s largest swim-up bar), it includes dedicated food & beverage service, lounge seating, mini fridge, cooler table, charging station, beach towels, ceiling fan, shoe cubbies and lockable storage. For larger parties, you can reserve both east and west sides of the Party Deck. For parties larger than 12 guests, entry to The Party Deck for up to 6 additional guests can be purchased separately. Party Deck: $4,999.99 Includes day passes for up to 12 people Located at Party Cove, the Day Bed comes with day passes for up to 2 guests, complimentary dining, unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), free Wi-Fi, roundtrip transportation, and all general amenities. Day Bed: $649.99 Includes day passes for up to 2 people Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $139.99 per adult, per day Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Royal Beach Club Combo: $84.99 per adult, per day / $69.99 per child, per day Deluxe Beverage Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $159.99 per adult, per day Refreshment Package (Full Cruise) + Thrill & Chill Combo: $109.99 per adult, per day / $99.99 per child, per day Bundle pricing for Coco Key and The Beach Club Want to experience the best of fun in the sun at both the beach club and Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s a bundle option. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Refreshment Package + Thrill & Chill Combo includes: Royal Beach Club Day Pass Thrill Waterpark Day Pass Refreshment Package It’s priced per day of the cruise, rather than a flat fee like the other options. Royal Caribbean says the price of the bundle at checkout is up to 45% less than those products added to cart individually. Ultimate Beach Day offering The concept is to offer the very best beach experience. Royal Caribbean has two goals: offer an unparalleled beach experience and give passengers a high quality shore excursion choice in Nassau. Located on 17 acres at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau, there’s a mix of party and family time. Regardless of which zone you end up spending most of your time, expect high energy throughout the club. Royal Caribbean did a lot of research from its customers, and they want a day with music, drinks, and a fun vibe. It’s not meant to be a quiet spot, even if you’re in Chill Beach. “It will be the most amazing beach day in essence,” said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer, earlier this year when he spoke about the plans they had to develop The Beach Club. “Chill is not quiet… It is relaxed, but there is a little bit of energy built into what our guests expect out of Chill,” Schneider said. Family Beach is designed for what Royal Caribbean calls “relaxed energy” because it’s a space where families can play, swim, and unwind together without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Family Beach 1 The Shallow End Pool & Swim Up Bar A zero-entry pool where you can walk right into the water and grab a drink or mocktail at the swim-upbar without leaving the water. 2 Beach Bars A great place to chill out with a refreshing beverage. 3 Paradise Grill Crush your tastebuds with delicious snacks and meals. 4 Ultimate Family Cabana* A one-of-a-kind private retreat with two stories of the best premium experiences. 5 Beach & Pool Cabanas* Get your own shaded retreat with personal attendant service and upgraded amenities. Party Cove 6 The Floating Flamingo and Swim Up Bar Sip through the day at the world’s largest swim-up bar – a two-story watering hole fueled by DJ beats and incredible views. 7 Bars Relax with a refreshing beverage 8 Paradise Grill Crush yourContinueContinue reading “Experience Paradise: Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club Opening Soon”
How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler: A Complete Guide
Traveling with a toddler can be overwhelming. After all, toddlers are restless on flights, don’t adjust well to new bedtime routines, and can be very picky eaters. This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. For these reasons, maybe you’re hesitant to book a cruise with a toddler. Truth is, taking a toddler on a cruise is easier and more fun than you might expect. Chances are, after sailing with your little one(s) for the first time, it wouldn’t be surprising if taking a family cruise becomes a yearly tradition. After all, cruises are the perfect opportunity for multigenerational family members to bond. Spend the day together at the pool, sign up for any number of group activities, and enjoy nightly family meals in the dining room or buffet. Let the grandparents play with the kids for a few hours while you get a massage, take a nap or spend some time onshore together. Of course, there are still many factors to consider before booking your next cruise vacation for your family. What is the best kind of stateroom to the which excursions do you want to take, here is everything you need to know about taking a toddler on a cruise. How old should a child be to go on a cruise? Infants must be at least 6 months old in order to be able to travel on most cruises. For transatlantic cruises, transpacific cruises, and some cruises to South America, as well as cruises with three or more consecutive days at sea, children must be at least 12 months old. What are some of the best cruises for toddlers? Cruising with your toddler for the first time? These are some of the best cruises to book. Cruises with departure ports close to your home city Taking a flight before boarding a cruise with a toddler can be taxing on both kids and parents. By picking a departure port close to home, you will be able to decrease travel time before your cruise begins, ensuring a smoother trip once you do take off on your actual vacation. If you don’t live near a departure port, consider arriving a day or two prior to embarkation. This gives you the chance to stock up on some travel essentials like diapers, their favorite snacks, and sunscreen. Another idea is to break the trip into shorter travel days. No one likes long days traveling in a car. Shorter cruises If you’re taking your first cruise with a toddler, why not try a shorter itinerary (3-4 days)? See how your little one adapts to the sea. If your toddler has traveled well on a cruise before, go ahead and book a longer itinerary (7-10 days), but choose one with multiple port stops and few consecutive days at sea in order to avoid seasickness, boredom and to allow more opportunities for activities on land. Cruises with family-friendly destinations Some ports are more family-oriented than others. For example, little ones might not find a European city tour as interesting as a day swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas or going to Tivoli Gardens in Amsterdam. Be sure to explore family friendly excursions and destinations before deciding on which cruise you’ll ultimately embark on. If you have older children, involve them in the planning process too. Are cruises fun with toddlers? Of course they are! Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to .keep your toddlers entertained. Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship’s playroom, They will be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age. Parental supervision is required, but children don’t have to be potty trained in order to participate. Certain toys and books will also be available to check out and bring back to your stateroom. Potty-trained kids over 3 can participate in the ship’s kids club. Open every day, these centers offer activities for kids with all kinds of interests, Xbox tournaments, culinary experiences, and art programs. You can rest easy that they are being taken care of while you get to enjoy some alone time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. What should I pack for my toddler on a cruise? Preparation is key when traveling with a toddler on a cruise. We recommend packing the following essentials in your suitcase. Essential Packing Tips for Cruising with Young Children What’s the best stateroom for families cruising with a toddler? The type of stateroom you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. While all staterooms are family friendly, there are some advantages if you decide to book a higher category of stateroom on your cruise while traveling with children. Veranda Stateroom Parents traveling with toddlers may want to book a veranda stateroom. This type of cabin gives adults a little more in-room flexibility. Kids tend to go to bed earlier and a veranda stateroom allows parents to sit outside and still keep an eye on the kids. Just because they have an early bedtime doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the view—and maybe even a glass of wine. Oceanview Stateroom For parents of rowdier toddlers who might prefer to book a room without a balcony, an ocean view staterooms offers you peace of mind and large windows to take in the view outside. Suites If you prefer to cruise in a more spacious and exclusive stateroom, a suite is your best bet. Many suites offer private bedrooms, living areas, and outside verandas. They also include concierge service—which might come in handy if you’re having a particularly difficult day with the kids, plus access to VIP areas of the ship, and plenty of space for active toddlers who like to move around. What will my child eat on a cruise? What to feed a toddler on a cruise ship can be worrisome for parents of picky eaters. Luckily, cruises make it easy. In the main diningContinueContinue reading “How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler: A Complete Guide”
Port Canaveral: Complete Guide to Orlando Airport, Shuttle Options and Hotels
Updated March 7, 2026 This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Port Canaveral is a world-class cruise and cargo port located 45 minutes east of Orlando. Cruise Critic voted it as the Best North American Homeport. It is the fastest growing cruise port in Florida and is a homeport to many of the top cruise lines. You can also find fishing charters and one-of-a-kind, waterfront dining that serves some of the freshest seafood in Florida. Want to watch a rocket launch? Kennedy Space Center is only a few miles away. Why not arrive a few days early and enjoy the Space Coast? The beaches are first class, with plenty of hotels to choose from. Or…spend a few days in Orlando visiting Disneyworld , Universal Studios and Harry Potter World or SeaWorld Orlando? Quick Facts Distance from Orlando Airport: 45 miles Number of Cruise Terminals: 6 (plus one cargo ship terminal) Passengers Carried Each Year: ~5 million Cruise Ship Dockings Each Year: ~ 800+ Getting There If flying to the port, you will arrive at Orlando International (MCO) or Sanford International Airport (SFB). There are plenty of car rental agencies available and hotels if you choose to stay before heading to the port. The drive time to Cocoa Beach…where Port Canaveral is located….is approx. 45 minutes to an hour from MCO depending on traffic. It is an easy drive via toll road FL-538 E. Driving to the port? Interstate 95 runs north and south on the eastern side of the state. Watch for signs for A1A and Cocoa Beach/Port Canaveral. While each terminal has a slightly different address, they are all in the same complex. You can use the following address for navigation: 9241 Charles M Rowland DrPort Canaveral, FL 32920 Once in the port area, you’ll see signage directing you to each individual cruise ship in port that day. Below are the distances and times to get to Port Canaveral from a number of popular spots in the area, depending on traffic of course. Orlando Airport: 45 miles | 45 minutes Disney World: 67 miles | 1 hour 15 minutes Universal Studios: 60 miles | 1 hour Downtown Orlando: 55 miles | 55 minutes Kennedy Space Center: 18 miles | 30 minutes Cocoa Beach: 5 miles | 10 minutes There are toll roads between Orlando and Cocoa Beach. If renting a car, be sure to get a Visitor Toll Pass which is available at Terminals A, B, and C! Visitor Toll Pass™ is a free, temporary toll pass for rental car customers traveling roundtrip from the MCO airport. Save on tolls & make travels even smoother! A: Level 1 B: Level 1 C: Level 4 For more information, visit Visitor Toll Pass Shuttles There is a thriving industry that caters to cruise passengers, including transportation options to get you back and forth between Orlando and the cruise terminals. While many of the options seem expensive, remember that you won’t have to pay for parking at the port. If you want the most affordable option (and help the local economy), we suggest an independent shuttle service. There are numerous companies that can do the job and usually at rates below that of a taxi or Uber/Lyft. Rates and service level can vary from company to company and will fluctuate. There are a number of companies and some run specials from time to time. The best rates we’ve found are $36 per person round trip by Orlando Cruise Line Connection. (There is a coupon on their website for this price.) For most of the other shared shuttle services, expect to pay about $50-60 and more per person for round trip service. All of these shuttles run from the airport to the port. These will be a shared shuttle service that may run on a schedule. Normally, there are several departure times from the airport and you will ride to the port with other cruise passengers. Shuttle companies: Go Port Canaveral Cocoa Beach Shuttle Cortrans Shuttle Port Canaveral Quick Shuttle Orlando Cruise Line Connection Port Canaveral Transit Airport Canaveral Orlando Black Car Go Fast Pass Hotel Shuttles Orlando and Port Canaveral are meccas for tourism. With theme parks, cruises and beaches, there is an amazing amount to do and see. To service all these tourists, there are a ton of hotels competing for tourist business. As a perk to get your business, many hotels offer extras such as shuttles between Port Canaveral and the Orlando airport and/or the cruise port. The good news about these services is that they are perfect if you are flying in the day before your cruise. The shuttles will pick you up from the airport, take you to the hotel and then to the port the next day. If you are flying in the day of your cruise, then hotel shuttles won’t work for you. And if you don’t plan to stay at a hotel the night before, then it’s not worth the extra cost of the room just for the shuttle. Uber/Lyft Not recommended for transportation to/from MCO. While Uber and Lyft have made getting rides easy no matter where you want to go, most of the drivers are locals and prefer to stay in the Cocoa Beach area. With the airport being an hour+ away, many will not accept bookings or will charge a high premium. The rideshare services do offer service to Port Canaveral from the Orlando airport and other points in the area, but it can get expensive. Expect the ride to be over $100 per car (not per person), each way. Taxis A one-way trip from the Orlando airport to Port Canaveral by taxi is estimated at over $150. Keep in mind that multiple passengers can ride for the price of one. For that reason, taxis can make sense for families, but are somewhat expensive for just one or two passengers. If you want to take a cab, ridesContinueContinue reading “Port Canaveral: Complete Guide to Orlando Airport, Shuttle Options and Hotels”
Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships
Preparing for your cruise is exciting and a little overwhelming. You don’t want to forget anything….but you also don’t want to bring something that is not allowed onboard! Cruising is a different kind of vacation from hotel and land tours. Ships have very set rules on what you can and cannot bring onboard. You might be surprised to find out some of the items that are actually prohibited on cruise ships! While some things are obvious, others may seem a bit weird or strange….you can even get you in trouble if you bring them. There are also some practical travel items that you might normally bring on a vacation, but aren’t allowed onboard cruise ships. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Items that Are Prohibited on a Cruise The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Weapons, illegal drugs & other Substances (including marijuana, cannabis, extracts of THC and/or CBD), These items could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew and are strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will NOT be returned. Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas. Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors. (Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.) In Alaska, ulu knives bought in port may be brought onboard but must remain stored in cabins. Aerial Drones: Some cruise lines allow guests to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones are not to be operated onboard the ship at any time. Different countries may have different rules. Guests assume full responsibility for understanding all local authority rules related to drone usage and for obtaining ay required permissions for drone operations. Any liability, including environmental damage from drone usage is the guest’s responsibility. The cruise line assumes no liability for guests drones that may be confiscated by local authorities for violating local laws or for any accident or injury resulting from a guest drone flight. While onboard, drones must be stored safely in the stateroom. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated till the end of the cruise. A Guest Conduct Policy warning will be issued and guests may be subject to disembarkation at their own expense for onboard drone usage. Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Steamers & Hot Plates: Items that generate heat, steam or produce an open flame are strictly prohibited. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons, hair straighteners and personal fans that are “”certified”” low wattage. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However “”torch lighters”” and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and therefore are prohibited. If you are someone who loves a specific type of coffee, you can request a hot water kettle from your cabin steward and make pour-over coffee in your cabin. Or your favorite tea. Clothing Irons and Steamers These are a potential fire hazard, they’re prohibited to be brought on a cruise ship. Fire is one of the worst things that could happen on a cruise ship; therefore, this is strictly enforced. f you are a first time cruiser, you might be surprised that unlike a hotel room, you won’t have an iron in your cabin. If you do need to get wrinkles out of your clothes, some cruise ships have public laundry rooms that cruise passengers can use. You can also use the ship’s laundry and pressing service at an additional fee. Which cruise lines offer self-service laundry? It is easy to remove wrinkles in your cabin and to wash out smaller items. Click on picture for link to products. Smart Glasses They may be brought onboard but are restricted in areas including casinos, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, back-of-house tours, crew areas or any place with a reasonable expectation of privacy. Violations result in confiscation. Vapes While allowed onboard in specified areas, vapes and e-cigarettes are banned ashore in Mexico, with public smoking of regular cigarettes prohibited in many areas, risking fines or jail. Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows Skateboards & Surfboards Martial Arts Gear If sailing in the Caribbean, do not pack any clothing with camouflage material. There are a few islands, such as Barbados, that prohibit this type of clothing, as it is worn by the military only. Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks. Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks. HAM Radios Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes. Surge protected Electrical Extension Cords Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint. Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Check with your cruise line to see if wine is allowed to be brought onboard at embarkation and how much…many do. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Perishable food that requires refrigeration…this includes fruit, vegetables, dairy products or take away containers. If you need refrigeration for medical reasons, contact the cruise line at least 30 days prior to sailing to make arrangements. Food that is prepackaged such as snacks, chips, candy, powdered coffee creamer, etc are allowed onboard. Special Needs Form for Celebrity Cruises Holland America Special Requirements Form Princess Cruises Form Final thoughts…. Follow the rules of your cruise line and you will have a quick and easy embarkation and an enjoyable vacation. Be sure to check out the link below for items youContinueContinue reading “Avoid Trouble: Items Banned on Cruise Ships”
You Booked a Cruise – Now What?
This post contains affiliate links, if you click and buy a product, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Make sure booking information is correct Check everything from the spelling of the names on the booking to the cruise dates. It is easy in the excitement of booking to click on the wrong year or month. This is a good time to make sure it’s all correct to save you some frustration later on. This is especially important if you use a Travel Agent, as they will have to make the changes for you and mistakes do happen. Make sure your passport or other boarding documents are current. This should actually be done before you book…you don’t want to be waiting for a passport to come in the mail when your cruise date is rapidly approaching. But this is still a good time to at least double-check and make sure you’re documentation is current. Your passport cannot expire within 6 months of the end of your cruise. Applying for a new passport or requesting a renewal can take up to 6-8 weeks…that does not include mailing time both directions. Don’t put it off….apply or renew now! Names must match exactly with the booking information, so if you have recently had a name change, be sure that your booking is in the name on your current passport or other boarding documents. I have seen so many newlyweds arrive and not be allowed to board because the passport name and reservation name do not match…not the way to begin a honeymoon. If traveling internationally to certain countries, you will want to check on visa requirements and apply for those as well. Visas are the responsibility of the cruiser, not the cruise line. Read more: What cruise documents do you need to board? Mark your calendar with important reminders Whether you want to use your phone’s reminder application or write down the dates on a calendar, take note of important dates like when final payment is due and when you can begin check-in for your cruise. Some cruise lines, like Disney, have specific dates when you can begin booking additional add ons. If your cruise is on one of those, be sure to not that on your calendar. You don’t want to miss your window of opportunity. Download the ship’s mobile app and join their loyalty club If you don’t already have an account with the cruise line, you should get one as soon as possible. You want to make sure you earn points for each cruise you take and receive the benefits on subsequent sailings. For an example, check out this link to see what Celebrity Cruises offers. The cruise line’s app serves many functions. You will be able to see the ship’s daily schedule, make reservations, check your onboard spending, view menus, see a deck plan and chat with other passengers. Port arrival and departure times will also be noted here. Save yourself time by doing this now and not having to hurry and to download the app while in the terminal. With most cruise line apps, when checkin opens, you can do this right on your phone, making the whole process a breeze as well. Read more: Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club Consider purchasing travel insurance This is extremely important. We did not purchase travel insurance for many years. Let me just say…..we are VERY lucky we never needed it. Medical assistance onboard is very expensive and fairly limited. If you need a hospital or specialized doctor while at sea, you would need to be airlifted. If onshore while in port, you would have to depart the ship and go to a hospital in that country. Your medical insurance from home will not cover that or any other expense you would incur….hotels, food, transportation home, etc. You can purchase travel insurance through the cruise line or through private carriers. We have decided to purchase an annual policy, which we have found to be cheaper than buying one for each trip. A 3rd party travel insurance plan might offer more peace of mind if you’re looking for extra medical evac coverage or even cancel for any reason coverage. Also, check with the credit card you used to purchase the cruise…they may offer some built-in protections already, such as trip delay, lost luggage, some medical coverage, etc. Make travel and hotel arrangement Air travel If you don’t live within driving distance of the cruise port, you will want to start checking flights right away. The longer you wait to book a flight, the higher the chance that the costs will go up. However, this is not always the case. I recommend starting to research airfare costs and then track prices over the next few days. Be sure to book these well in advance of your cruise. Also, check and see if the airline is offering the ability to change the flights without penalty. Some have started doing this post-Covid, giving you flexibility in timing and price. You can use a price tracker through Kayak or Google flight price alerts to stay on top of any fluctuations. I like to look at flight costs and times before booking a cruise. Transportation can be a huge part of your travel budget. Of course, if you find a good cruise deal first, you can always look for an affordable flight later. Hotel arrangements If flying to a cruise port (and sometimes even driving), we always get a hotel for at least one night before the cruise. It would be horrible to miss your cruise due to a cancelled or delayed flight or traffic issues if driving. Staying in a hotel ahead of time helps alleviate some of the stress of travel and allows you to arrive at the port rested and excited to begin your cruise. You can often find hotels with free shuttle services to the cruise port. Many hotels close to a cruise port provide extra servicesContinueContinue reading “You Booked a Cruise – Now What?”