That being said, if you were going to buy a product anyway, why not get it while it’s on sale? I always make a list of things I’ve been waiting to purchase, and then if they go on sale on Prime Day, buy them at that time. That way, I’m not spending needlessly but saving money instead.

Are you looking for discounts on cruise-related stuff? Amazon Prime are June 23rd to 26th. Here are the best cruise-related deals we see so far. We’ll keep updating this page as the event goes on, so refresh the page when you visit.

Ship Card Holder

On a cruise, your room key is everything; your ID to get off the ship, your room card, and how you make purchases on the ship. You’re constantly taking it out and using it, which makes it easy to loose it. While you can get it replaced, it’s such a hassle.

Here are 3 great options for keeping track of your card. All work for all kinds of cards, whether it’s the older magnetic strip cards that need to be hole punched, or the newer RFID cards (they can go in the clear plastic protector).

Lanyard

Probably the most popular option is a lanyard you can keep around your neck.

Avorast 5 Pack Cruise Lanyards for Ship Cards, Cruise Essentials 2026 for Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Lanyards for ID Badges with Detachable Buckle & Waterproof ID Badge Holders (Mix)

If you prefer a lanyard, these come in a 5 pack with several colors. It has a badge holder, so it can be used with hole punched or non-hole punched cruise cards.

$5.22

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Retractable Card Holder

Some people prefer lanyard you can put around your neck, but I prefer a retractable tether. I can easily attach the clip to my shorts and keep my card in my pocket. When I use it as a room key, I just pull it out and swipe it and stick it right back in. When I use it to buy a drink, I just unclip it from my belt and hand it over.

2 Set Badge Holder Retractable Clip Heavy Duty Badge Reel with Acrylic Clear Vertical ID Card Badge Holders for Work Office Nurse Teacher Student

This specific version comes with a sleeve for cards that are RFID enabled and cannot be hole punched (like Royal Caribbean’s newer Quantum and Oasis-class ships). If your card comes with a hole punch in it already, like on Carnival, you can skip the plastic pouch and attach the card right to the reel.

$5.09

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Magsafe Card Holder

I just tried this method on my cruise last week and it’s my new favorite. With a MagSafe wallet, you can just clip it to the back on your phone. When you’re back in the cabin, just take it off and stick it on the door to remind you to grab it on your way out.

I tried a few cases and this ended up being my favorite. It was thin (holding only one card) and surprisingly strong. MagSafe wallets are compatible with iPhones 12 and newer as well as Google Pixel 10 and some Samsung phones with magnetic cases.

TWZKG for MagSafe Wallet, 3 Cards Holder, Slim Magnetic Phone Wallet for iPhone 17/16/15/14/13/12 Pro Max Plus Air Series,RFID Blocking Vegan Leather,Black

• Upgraded Magnetic Lock: Delivers 5000g holding force—5X stronger than the official magnetic wallet. Seamlessly integrate the magnetic phone wallet onto your Magnetic case or iPhone. Keep your ID, credit cards, and other essentials firmly and feel secure with the ultra-strong built-in magnets that lock the wallet into place
• Ultra-Slim Profile for Effortless Portability: Measuring a mere 0.15 inches thick (just 3.8mm), this MagSafe Wallet slips into your pocket, jacket interior, or even the smallest bag compartment without adding bulk. No more bulky, uncomfortable protrusions—carry your essential cards (IDs, credit cards) with a “barely-there” feel that keeps your daily carry sleek and light.
• Effortless Card Access: A specially designed 20 mm slot at the bottom lets you quickly slide cards in and out—no fumbling, no hassle

$6.63

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Luggage Tag Holders

Most cruise lines ask you to print your luggage tags before arriving at the port and attach them to your suitcases you’ll be checking. While you can have the porters on site tag your bag, printing and attaching your own tags saves you time when dropping off your bags. If you’re flying in though, it can be hard to attach them once at the destination unless you bring a stapler. These luggage tag holders will do the trick, and since they’re plastic sleeves, you don’t have to worry about water making the ink run if it’s raining. The size can depend on cruise line so we have different options below.

5 Pack Cruise Luggage Tag Holders for Carnival, NCL, Princess, MSC Cruise Ships, Clear Cruise Tags Holders with Zip Seal by FUNMCAN, Wide Waterproof Cruise Essentials Cruise Accessories Must Haves

• PERFECT FIT 9 POPULAR CRUISE LINES：Make your cruise a breeze with FUNMCAN premium cruise luggage tag Holders which are specifically designed and perfectly fit for Carnival, Princess, Norwegian (NCL), MSC, Holland America, P&O, Costa, Azamara, Viking cruise line of 2025-2026 and More.
• PROTECT YOUR PAPER TAGS：Our Cruise tag holders are made of high-quality thicken plastic meterial with strong steel loop. No more worrying about your tags ripped or lost and safely delivery to your cabin, best choice for any cruiser.
• WATERPROOF REUSABLE：Clear cruise tags holders are wide perfect size and waterproof zip seal design to protect your cabin information from getting wet, moisture and other damages during transit. Clear cruise tags holder makes it easy to identify & display, also it is a reusable one for the future cruising.

$5.09

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USB Charger (instead of extension cord)

Most cruise cabins only have one or two power outlets available. With the number of devices we have now-a-days (your phone, Apple Watch, Kindle, fitbit), it can lead to a fight over the available outlets.

Most cruise lines do NOT allow surge protectors because of fire issues that may occur with cruise ship wiring. There a lot of stories of confused gate agents not knowing the difference and confiscating them anyway. Other cruise lines have banned any extension cord or device that adds additional 120V outlets.

Also, there is no such thing as a cruise-line approved charger, don’t believe the hype you see on Amazon. Cruise lines don’t endorse any brand or specific type of charger. They do have guidelines though.

A safest option is to bring a USB hub. This one specifically will let you charge up to 3 devices at once. What makes this different than some of the cheaper ones out there, is it has two USB-C ports on it. That means this device can high speed charge several devices (the average iPhone caps out at 20W charging). These port can be used to fast charge many devices like iPhones, Android Phones, Nintendo Switches, Tablets, Chromebooks, and even Laptops.

The charger is also 65W which means it can simultaneously charge several devices at their max wattage (an average iPhone maxes out at 20W). It’s really useful when you need a quick top-up to your battery while back in the cabin.

Anker Phone Charger, 65W 3-Port Fast Compact Foldable USB C Charger Block, Type C Charger Fast Charging for MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Galaxy S20, Dell XPS 13, Note 20/10+, iPhone 17 Series, and More

• The Only Charger You Need: Say goodbye to your old chargers. Anker 735 Charger (Nano II 65W) has the power you need to fast charge your phone, tablet, and USB-C notebook from a single charger.
• High-Speed Charging: Connect a single device to get a 65W max charge—that’s enough to power up a 2020 MacBook Pro 13″ at full speed. And when you connect three devices, power will be distributed efficiently between ports to ensure you get the best charge.
• Compact Design: Power up to 3 devices with a charger that’s roughly the size of an AirPods Pro case.

$24.69

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Insulated Mug

While it’s easy to get drinks like lemonade, ice tea, coffee, and juices on board, the cups that you’ll find in the buffet are ridiculously small. Bring your own insulated tumbler and save yourself some trips. This is a knock-off version of the very popular Yeti cups. It works for hot things like tea and coffee, or cold things like juices and lemonade. I bring one with me every morning to the buffet and stock up on the juices that they stop serving around 10 am. That way I have some in my fridge in the room.

Note: If you’re sailing on Royal Caribbean and have the soda, you do NOT need a cup. You get a cup when you board that will work with the Coke Freestyle machines onboard. If you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you can add a Coke Freestyle tumbler for $5.

Note: for sanitary reasons, please do not fill this cup directly from the dispensers. Grab a clean cup in the buffet and use that to get the juice and pour it into your mug

STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Azure

• YOUR DREAM TUMBLER: Whichever way your day flows, the H2.0 FlowState tumbler keeps you refreshed with fewer refills. Double wall vacuum insulation means drinks stay cold, iced or hot for hours. Choose between our 14oz, 20oz, 30oz,40oz and 64oz options depending on your hydration needs. The narrow base on all sizes (except 64oz) fits just about any car cup holder, keeping it right by your side.
• ADVANCED LID CONSTRUCTION: Whether you prefer small sips or maximum thirst quenching, Stanley has developed an advanced FlowState lid, featuring a rotating cover with three positions: a straw opening designed to resist splashes with a seal that holds the reusable straw in place, a drink opening, and a full-cover top for added leak resistance. We’ve also included an ergonomic, comfort-grip handle, so you can easily carry your ice-cold water to work, meetings, the gym or trips out of town.

$22.50

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Insulated Mug Holder for Royal Caribbean

If you’re sailing on a Royal Caribbean ship, and you get the Soda Package, or have the Deluxe Beverage Package and pay $5, you will receive a cup once you board the ship. That cup will allow you to fill up with sodas and other beverages from the Coke Freestyle Machines (see the drink selection here). It technically holds 16 ounces of beverage, but the dimensions are larger because of its thick insulated walls.

These holders make it easy to carry your cup around the ship. The strap is easy to hold on to, and it can even click onto a bag or your shorts so you can carry it while your hands are full of plates from the buffet. This sleeve is thin enough that the Coke Freestyle machines can read the chip inside the cup without taking it out.

2 Pack Tumbler Carrier Holder Pouch for All 30oz Stainless Steel Travel Insulated Coffee Mug,DanziX Neoprene Sleeve with Carrying Handle,Fit for YETI Rambler Ozark Trail Rtic and More-Black Blue

• APPLICABLE MODEL:Size:Height6.5*Diameter2.75 inch (16.5*7cm).Fit for all 30Oz.tumblers and mugs,like YETI,RTIC,Ozark,Oasis,Thermik etc.
• PACKAGE: Come with 2 pack 30oz tumbler carrier holder pouch,the color is black and blue.
• SPECIAL MATERIALS:Safe Neoprene materials,Shockproof,Waterproof,Dustproof,Washable,Reusable,Breathable,anti-static,scratch-resistant.Neoprene sleeve with carrying handle and detachable plastic button.
• PERFECT FOR OUTDOORS:Lightweight and easy carrying out when walking,biking,hiking,picnic,camping,boating etc
• YOUR BEST CHOICE:Worrying about the tumbler being scratched ? Worrying about being scaled by hot liquid in the tumbler? Want an easy-carrying protecting holder for your tumbler ?Come here at our DanziX store,you ‘ll find a stylish practical tumbler carrier.We are your best choice!

$9.47

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Bluetooth Trackers

Bluetooth trackers have become as necessity in recent days as airlines have gotten awful at keeping track of Bluetooth trackers have become a necessity in recent days as airlines have gotten worse at keeping track of luggage. Just drop one of these tags in your luggage, and you’ll be able to see where it is if it gets lost. On my last flight, the airline didn’t load my luggage onto the plane. As soon as I landed at home, I could see my bags were still in Seattle, and I was able to go file the necessary paperwork before luggage even started coming out on the belt.

These trackers have no ongoing fees and have no data connection themselves. Instead, they connect to phones nearby and relay the information through them. They’re not very useful on the ship, and don’t even think about trying to track children onboard with them, because of all the metal and the lack of cell phone connections.

There are basically three location-finding networks:

• Apple’s Find My network: Apple devices only
• Life360 / Tile: Phones with the Life360 app installed, plus Amazon/Ring devices
• Google’s Find My network: Android devices only.

Typically, in the U.S., the AirTag has the best coverage because every iPhone acts as a receiver. Internationally, the iPhone doesn’t have as much market share, so it’s more of an even playing field. I use Tile with my Android phone and have no issues.

These aren’t just for traveling. When you’re home, you can attach one to your keys, briefcase, or purse and continue using it on a daily basis.

Apple AirTag (2nd Generation): Tracker for Keychain, Wallet, and More; Locator with Sound; Simple One-Tap Setup with iPhone or iPad; Key Finder with up to 1.5X Precision Finding Range

• FIND YOUR ITEMS ON FIND MY — AirTag (2nd generation) helps you keep track of what matters. Attach one to an item you want to keep track of using the Find My app.*
• EXPANDED PRECISION FINDING ON IPHONE AND APPLE WATCH — Get step-by-step directions to your lost item on iPhone and, now, Apple Watch.*
• ENHANCED SPEAKER — With a 50% louder speaker and a new, distinctive chime, it’s easier than ever to hear and find AirTag.*
• PING FROM FAR AND WIDE — Upgraded Ultra Wideband and Bluetooth chips allow you to find your items from even farther away than ever before.*
• SHARE ITEM LOCATION — Share AirTag location access temporarily and securely with trusted contacts, third parties, or over 50 airline partners if you lose something important.

$24.00

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Life360 Tile – Bluetooth Tracker, Keys Finder and Item Locator for Keys, Bags and More. Phone Finder. Both iOS and Android Compatible. 1-Pack (Black)

• THE EVERYTHING TRACKER: Protect lost or stolen stuff and make family life easier. Attach to everyday things like keys, water bottles, or bags
• STAY SAFE WITH SOS: Discreetly trigger an SOS alert to your loved ones in unsafe situations
• FIND YOUR THINGS: Ring your misplaced Tile, or track it down in the free app

$17.99

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Chipolo LOOP – Rechargeable Bluetooth Tracker for Key and Pocket Location, Compatible with Apple or Google, Call Your Phone & Out of Range Alerts for Android

• Rechargeable: LOOP is a rechargeable tracker that works with any USB-C charger, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of replacing batteries. The battery lasts up to 1 year on a single charge. Charger is not included.
• Works with iOS or Android – Chipolo LOOP is universally compatible and works with the Apple Find My or Google’s Find Hub network. Both networks are made up of millions of Apple or Android devices, which means you can find your missing item almost anywhere in the world.
• Find nearby & far away – Ring your LOOP to locate your items with the help of a very loud sound when they’re hidden nearby. If your item is far away, locate it on the map with the help of a global network, Apple Find My or Find Hub on Android.

$33.15

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Downy Wrinkle Release

Reusable Straws

In 2019, many cruise lines stopped using plastic straws on board in an effort to stop plastic waste from entering the ocean. Some lines have paper or candy alternatives and others have nothing. Carnival has the fewest straw options while Norwegian and Royal Caribbean has better options.

Since I’m addicted to soda and prefer a straw, I bought these for my last cruise. They’re just a few inches tall but can expand, so they can be used in anything from a highball glass to a large hurricane glass. They’re solidly made and the little carrying case makes it easy to slip it into your pocket between drinks.

Ecoangel Cruise Ship Essentials,4-Pack reusable Collapsible Stainless Steel Drinking Straws with Aluminum Case,Cleaning Brush,and Keychains-Silver,Blue,Red,Green

• Telescopic & Convenient：This reusable collapsible straws can easily change length from 3.94″ to 9.25″, fit for 10-30 oz cups and tumblers, Each metal straws comes with different color soft silicone tips, so it won’t be mixed, what’s more it can protects teeth and lips from extremely hot and cold drinks
• Easy to Clean：Each Collapsible straw comes with a telescopic cleaning brush. The brush are made up of 3 parts and can be up to 9 inches long. It can cleans the whole reusable straw perfectly
• Compact & Portable：Each stainless steel straw comes with a carabiner hook. You can put silicone tips on the small head of the straw, put the brush into the straw, put them into the metal bottle together, and install the hook. It is only 4.7 inches long, perfect for putting in the pocket/bag or tie to your belt wherever you go

$7.55

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Packing Cubes

I wouldn’t say packing cubes are “essential” but they make unpacking in the cabin so much easier. I’ll put my socks in one, tshirts in another, underwear in another. Then when I’m in my room, I just grab the bag from my suitcase and throw it in a drawer. They also add some compression so you can squeeze more into your luggage.

BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set/8 Set Compression Packing Cubes Travel Accessories Expandable Packing Organizers (Half Mesh, 6-Black)

• How to Compress:The cube is compressed by the middle zipper; Using steps: 1)Fold and flatten clothes 2)Pack clothes in the cube and zip the front zipper 3) Put a finger on the back of the middle zipper when compressing to avoid zipper get stuck in fabric
• Premium 320D Fabric: Our bags are crafted from high-tenacity 320D fabric, offering superior tear and abrasion resistance. Its dense structure provides excellent support while achieving the a balance between weight and durability

$18.04

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Portable Luggage Scale

Cruise lines don’t have hard limits on the weight on your luggage, but airlines sure do. Your suitcase might have been under the limit when you left, but what about after you added all our souvenirs? This portable scale lets you weigh your bags so you’re not hit with those insane overage fees.

travel inspira Luggage Scale, Portable Digital Hanging Baggage Scale for Travel, Suitcase Weight Scale with Rubber Paint, 110 Pounds, Battery Included – Silver

• [Travel without stress] This hanging baggage scale easily prevents overweight baggage charges; a must-have for traveling. *The isolation tag must be removed from the battery case before use!
• [110-lbs Max Capacity] The travel weight scale has 110lb/50kg weight capacity, allowing you to use it for even those oversized bags. Graduation of portable electronic scale: 0.1lb/50g. Suitcase electronic scale weights 3.5 ounces, small and convenient. No extra space is required to start your adventure.
• [Multifunction digital scale] Backlight LCD display is easy to read the digital luggage scale in dim light and bright light. Rubberized handle is comfortable to grip. The data lock function gives you more time to read the results.

$7.41

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Kids Toys

If you’re traveling with small kids, finding stuff to keep them entertained while in the cabin in a chore. Space is limited, but in the cabin and when packing. These toys are great though. We brought them on our last cruise and kids love them.

YOTNUS 24pcs Travel Magnetic Toys for Kids Toddlers: Portable & Durable for Airplane Road Trip Car Travel Games, Magnetic-People-Magnet-Men, Creativity & Educational, Fidget Toys for Classroom Office

These magnetic people will stick to almost anything in the cabin; the floors, walls, ceiling, and more. It’ll help keep the kids entertained while you’re in the cabin.

$20.42

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JOYIN 3 Packs Foldable Pail Bucket with Shovels & Mesh Bag, Collapsible Buckets Multi Purpose for Beach, Camping Gear, Beach Party, Fishing, and Fun Summer Activities (Yellow/Blue/Green)

• SUPER VALUE. Beach Toy includes 3 sets of Foldable Pail Bucket with Shovels and a mesh bag that is very convenient to carry. Each Bucket 2.5 L
• EASY TO USE. Our beach bucket is collapsible and you just need to press on the folded bucket to make it snap back.
• ENDLESS FUN. Our collapsible beach bucket is perfect if you’re planning a fun day at the beach or looking for some fun beach party ideas. These beach toys are great for party favors and prizes or for simply enjoying a fun time playing at the beach!

$18.98

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Some guests enjoy hiding ducks around the cruise ship for kids, and adults, to find. Here you can get 30 different ducks along with tags. (Note: ducks are prohibited on Disney Cruise Line).

JOYIN 30 Pcs Rubber Ducks, Random Assortment Ducks Bulk with Mesh Carry Bag, Mini Rubber Duckies for Baby Bath Toys, Kids Toddler Summer Pool Toys Birthday Gifts Party Favors

• 30 PACK MINI RUBBER DUCKS:Our random assortment rubber ducks bulk for toddlers 30 pack adorable party in summer favor set features up to 30 different designs. They serve as entertaining decorations to brighten up any kiddie party
• 2 INCHES CUTE DUCKIES:These rubber ducks for the children are about 2 inches each. Suitable for children of all ages, can be used as school gifts, classroom prizes, birthday party supplies, carnival awards, treasure box toys, goodie bags stuffers, easter stuffers, pinata fillers, end of year student gifts, back-to-school gifts etc

$14.24

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Portable Fan

Some people need to have a fan while they sleep, either because of the noise, or they sleep hot. This 7″ fan is mid-size, and still under the limits (Carnival limits fans to 12″ in diameter or less). It’s super thin though which makes it easy for packing. It’s also battery powered, so great for old cabins that don’t have outlets near the bed.

Warmco 10000mAh Portable Travel Fan 7-inch, Up to 24H Runtime, Ultra-thin Quiet Rechargeable Battery Powered Desk Fan with Digital Display for Camping, Office, Bedroom, Cruise Essentials

• 10,000mAh Battery Powers 24H on Low / 10H on High — All-Day Cooling Without Recharging: This Warmco rechargeable desk fan runs a full workday on low speed and overnight camping sessions on a single charge. 4 adjustable speeds and 5-blade design deliver consistent airflow at your desk, in a tent, or on a cruise cabin.
• 1.61″ Slim, 7″W × 8.4″H at 0.89 lbs — Slides into Any Backpack: Slim and light enough to slide into any backpack ready for commutes, camping, and cruise travel. The foldable stand adjusts for flexible positioning and folds flat for storage.

$26.64

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Sun Protection Shirt

Did you know that a white t-shirt only provides the equivalent of an SPF protection of 7 and when it’s wet, only 3! That’s nothing. If you’re going to be spending at day at the beach or outside, and you have fair skin, a sun protection shirt can be a life saver. When clothing provides sun protection, it is UPF rated (rather then SPF which is for skin products). The technology has come a long way, and UPF shirts no longer feel like wet suits of vinyl. Some are just as soft as a regular t-shirt. They’re great for kids who forget to re-apply sunscreen or protecting your back’s hard to reach spots.

Also, some destinations. like the national parks in Mexico, no longer allow any chemical sunscreen to protect the reefs. Because of this regulation, a UPF rated sun shirt is your only option.

Roadbox Mens UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Shirts Outdoor Long Sleeve SPF Diving Rash Guard for Fishing Hiking Swimming

• 【UPF 50+ Polyester Baselayer】Ultra-Soft and Quick Dry fabric provide extreme comfort with very lightweight without restriction, This is a popular gift for men you can choose on Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas.
• 【UV Protection】50+ UPF rating provides excellent protection against ultraviolet rays, It can protect your skin away from UVA, UVB rays with safer and cooler on outdoor sports.
• 【Moisture Wicking】Breathable, Lightweight, Quick-Drying fabric actively wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry, cool and comfy in running, fishing, workout.
• 【Ergonomic Comfortable Design】This hiking shirt has a tag-free collar and flat-lock seams to reduce chafing and increase comfort, Raglan sleeves provide a full range of motion for both arms, making you free in the sports.

$8.74

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baleaf Womens UPF 50+ Sun Shirts Long Sleeve UV Protection Quick Dry Breathable Lightweight Rash Guard Hiking Workout A01-white M

• UPF 50+ Sun Protection – Blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays to help protect your skin during hiking, fishing, beach walks, and outdoor workouts.
• Moisture-Wicking & Quick Dry Fabric – Lightweight breathable material pulls sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry while running, training, or hiking.
• 4-Way Stretch Comfort – Raglan sleeves and flatlock seams allow unrestricted movement and reduce chafing during yoga, workouts, or long trail hikes.

$13.29

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Boys UPF 50+ Swim Shirt Long Sleeve, 1 or 2 Pack UV Sun Protection Rash Guard, Youth Kids SPF Water Shirts for Beach Surf

• UPF 50+ Sun Protection: The kids sun shirts has UPF 50+ SPF protection, effectively preventing UV rays from the sun
• Quick Drying: Our technical quick dry fabric and mesh Panels at the sides of the armpit and sleeves will help wick away moisture and sweat away from your kid’s skin; Tagless collar and pure polyester fabric deliver extreme skin-friendly comfort and add more range of motion
• Lightweight & Breathable: Made from an extremely breathable fabric that provides superb breathability and comfort

$7.99

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Kids’ Cruise Coloring and Activity Books

Recently, we created two books for the younger cruisers in your life. Both were created to help new cruisers who might be anxious to sail, or to keep kids busy while onboard. We have versions for both Royal Caribbean and Carnival featuring Studio B, Sorrento’s, and Pizza Pirate featured.

$9.99 each.

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids (Royal Caribbean Edition)

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids (Carnival Edition)

Let’s Get Cruising: An Activity Book for Kids (Royal Caribbean Edition)

Let’s Get Cruising: An Activity Books for Kids (Carnival Edition)

Price not available

Price not available

Price not available

Price not available

Ages

3-5 years old

3-5 years old

6-8 years old

6-8 years old

Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

Carnival

Royal Caribbean

Carnival

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Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids (Royal Caribbean Edition)

Price not available

Ages

3-5 years old

Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

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Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids (Carnival Edition)

Price not available

Ages

3-5 years old

Cruise Line

Carnival

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Let’s Get Cruising: An Activity Book for Kids (Royal Caribbean Edition)

Price not available

Ages

6-8 years old

Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

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Let’s Get Cruising: An Activity Books for Kids (Carnival Edition)

Price not available

Ages

6-8 years old

Cruise Line

Carnival

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Magnetic Hooks

Even on the best and newest cruise ships, storage is at a premium. Because cruise cabins are all made from metal, you can use magnetic hooks to increase your storage space. I bring two types of hooks with me, heavy-duty and standard.

Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks

These hooks say they’ll hold up to 110 pounds. I can’t vouch for that, but they are pretty strong. I’ve used them to hold up binoculars, wet swim suits, baseball caps, and soda cups.

DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 50lbs Heavy Duty N52 Rare Earth Magnets with Hook 2026 Cruise Cabin Ship Essentials for Fridge Hanging Classroom Beach Vacation Kitchen Grills Home Must Have 6 Pack

• INDUSTRIAL GRADE: 50 lbs tension is based on the direction of tension perpendicular to the contact surface — reduced by 2/3 if used Horizontally.

$5.94

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DIYMAG Magnetic Hooks, 30lbs+ Magnet Hook 2026 Cruise Cabin Ship Essentials Heavy Duty Strong Magnets Refrigerator Fridge Hanging for Classroom Beach Vacation Kitchen Grills Home 20 Pack (Silver)

• 2026 Cruise Essentials:You can bring these heavy duty magnetic hooks on a cruise ship to decorate the metal walls and doors of Carnival cruise ship cabins. In addition, they can also be used in the cabin bathroom to hang your toiletries and clothes. They are an ideal gadget for your cruise life
• Convenient Size To Carry:Our powerful magnetic hooks are made of high-quality neodymium magnets, metal base and detachable metal hooks. Each set includes 20 magnetic hooks, with diameter of 0.63 inches and a height of 1.38 inches. The precision workmanship and small size are very convenient for carrying

$8.49

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Waterproof Phone Case

On a vacation, your phone needs to be protected, whether its on the beach, in a pool or on the ocean. While many phones have water resistance ratings, they are not supposed to be exposed to salt water, sand, or chlorine. These inexpensive cases will provide your with the extra protection you need.

I purchased this set in 2018 and have used them all over the world; on water slides, lazy rivers, and waterfalls. They’ve always worked perfectly. I highly recommend them.

Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 17/16/15/14 Pro Max, Cell Phone Dry Bag for Beach & Cruise Essentials, Touch Screen, Lanyard Included, 2 Pack (Fits Up to 8.9”)

• Cruise-Ready IPX8 Waterproof Protection: Fully sealed IPX8 waterproof pouch protects your phone from splashes, rain, pool water and beach sand—perfect for cruises, pool decks, water rides, beach days and tropical excursions.
• Touch-Friendly Screen for Easy Use: Clear and responsive touch window lets you use your phone, take photos/videos, check maps or read messages without removing it from the pouch—ideal for capturing moments during cruise trips.

$7.59

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Nightlight for Bathroom

This light is a must-have if you’ll be sailing with kids or are known to have to make a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bathrooms on cruise ships are notoriously small and pitch dark. For most ships, if you’re using the bathroom at night, the only option is to turn on the bathroom light, blinding yourself (and potentially others through the crack in the door).

This night light is perfect for a cruise ship. It’s magnetic, so it just clings to the bathroom wall. You can always leave it on or use the motion sensor so it only activates when you step into the bathroom. It also offers varying levels of brightness (the lowest level is fine for me).

This unit is rechargeable using a micro-USB port and needs no batteries. One charge is more than enough to last an entire cruise if you use it on the motion sensor setting.

What I also love about this light is that it’s not just a purchase for a cruise. Each light comes with a metal plate with a sticker that you can use to mount it at home. I put one light in my front closet to light up whenever I open it. Then when I go on a cruise, I just grab it and put it in my bag.

Lyridz Rechargeable Battery Night Light with Motion Sensor, Portable Mini Warm White LED Stick-on Closet Light, Adjustable Brightness for Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen, Cabinet, Stairs, Hallway, 2-Pack

• [180-Day Battery Life & USB-C] Stop wasting money on AA batteries. This eco-friendly LED light fully charges in 3 hours via USB-C and lasts up to 6 months in sensor mode. ClimatePartner certified for a smaller carbon footprint and bigger savings on your energy bill
• [Instant Motion Activation] Navigate your home safely at night. The advanced PIR sensor detects movement within 10-16ft (120° angle) and lights up in 0.5s. Perfect for seniors and children, providing hands-free illumination to prevent trips and falls in dark hallways or bathrooms
• [Smart Dual-Way Dimmable] Customize your glow with ease. Choose from 5 preset brightness levels or long-touch for 1-20lm stepless dimming. The smart memory function remembers your last setting, ensuring the perfect 2700K warm light for nursery or midnight snacks

$14.44

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Kindle E-reader

Personally, one of my favorite things to do on a sea day is sit down on the deck and read a good book. It’s hard for me to get through a book in the normal hustle and bustle of every day life, but on a cruise I have no problem. I hate having to carry books though, they’re heavy and take up packing space. Instead, opt for an E-reader.

The Kindle holds thousands of books so you can easily bring a variety of books to choose from. Trying to read a normal tablet or phone screen while in direct Caribbean sun is difficult, but the Kindle uses an e-Ink screen that looks just like paper. You’ll have no problem reading in the sun.

Amazon Kindle 16 GB (newest model) – Lightest and most compact Kindle, now with faster page turns, and higher contrast ratio, for an enhanced reading experience – Black

• The lightest and most compact Kindle – Now with a brighter front light at max setting, higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns for an enhanced reading experience.
• Effortless reading in any light – Read comfortably with a 6“ glare-free display, adjustable front light—now 25% brighter at max setting—and dark mode.
• Escape into your books – Tune out messages, emails, and social media with a distraction-free reading experience.
• Read for a while – Get up to 6 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
• Take your library with you – 16 GB storage holds thousands of books.

$84.99

Buy on Amazon

This version is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about splashes from a pool, hot tub, or a little sea mist.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) – 20% faster, with new 7″ glare-free display and weeks of battery life – Black + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited (with auto-renewal)

• Our fastest Kindle ever – The next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio and 20% faster page turns.
• Ready for travel – The ultra-thin design has a larger glare-free screen so pages stay sharp no matter where you are.
• Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
• Battery life for your longest novel – A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 12 weeks.
• Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.

$124.99

Buy on Amazon

Snorkel Set

If you’re going to be visiting a cruise line’s private island, save some money and bring your own snorkel. For close to the price they’d charge you, you can have a snorkel you can use over and over again. Even better, you don’t have to worry about someone else’s germs on it.

I purchased this snorkel in 2018 and have used it at Half Moon Cay and while traveling in Bali. I highly recommend it. Some people prefer the full face shield snorkels, but I just don’t like the look of them.

Greatever Dry Snorkel Set,Panoramic Wide View Anti-Fog Scuba Diving Mask,Professional Snorkeling Gear for Adults Kids

• AFTER SALES SERVICE：As long as you are our customers,since the day you buy snorkel set. We will provide 24-hour uninterrupted service. We sincerelly believe we will bring the customers the most satisfied buying experience.
• ANTI FOGGING AND NO LEAKING: Greatever snorkeling set use the most stable dry floating valve design,and the flexible breath tube is effortless to breath and drain,the diving mask is made of tempered galss lenses which can prevent strong ultraviolet rays,and the lens surface has been specially anti-fog treatment.
• CLEAR LENSES AND PANORAMIC VIEW: This mask features a single layer of tempered glass lens designed for snorkeling,swimming and scuba diving,the skirt is made of soft hypoallergenic transparent silicone,the ultra visibility provided by the single lens and the unusual shape of the frame extend in all directions.

$28.49

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Water Shoes

When cruising, you may visit some of the most pristine white sand beaches in the world. But you also may end up on a rocky or rough beach where you’d want water shoes You may also be on an excursion where you’re swimming in rivers or waterfalls where you need protection for your feet. Even just walking around a water park, having these shoes protect your feet from the hot pavement.

A lightweight pair of water shoes in invaluable. You can buy really thin water shoes, also called water socks sometimes, but I recommend more sturdy ones so they’ll be good for all kinds of excursions.

Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes,3-Second Drainage & All-Terrain for Swimming,Hiking,Yoga

$15.19

Buy on Amazon

SEEKWAY Water Shoes for Women Adult Quick-Dry Aqua Sock Barefoot Men for Beach Swim River Pool Lake Hiking Kayaking Surfing Gradient Dark Grey

• SEEKWAY： Not just for protection, but also for company.
• All-round Protection：Thick rubber soles and a toe cap keep your feet completely protected from sharp objects and provide great cushioning. The 3D non-slip treads provide exceptional grip even in slippery conditions. This makes it a great choice for outdoor sports.
• Comfort & Flexibility：The shoe has an elastic vamp that fits snug on your feet and the “convenient overshoes” design means it’s easy to slip on and off. Coupled with its light weight and no clunky, you won’t tire of wearing them!

$16.13

Buy on Amazon

Seasickness Medicine

Personally, in all my cruises, I’ve never gotten seasick, but I have been on cruises with people that were. For those who don’t mind medication Bonine is an inexpensive solution. It works similarly to Dramamine, but because it’s taken only once per day, users report feeling less drowsy.

Bonine 48 ct. Non Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief, Sea Sickness, Car Sickness, Nausea, & Vomiting – Meclizine HCI 25mg, Travel-Sized – Raspberry Chewable Tablets

• TAKE BACK THE DAY: Why let nausea or motion sickness ruin your day? With 48 total tablets of 25 mg of Meclizine HCI, this powerful non-drowsy antiemetic will keep nausea away so you can get back to doing what you love.
• NON-DROWSY RELIEF: No time to get drowsy from treating your motion sickness? Bonine’s non-drowsy chewable tablets are effective, safe, & last 24 hours so you can go about your day without feeling tired or sluggish.
• CONVENIENT CHEWABLES: Bonine chewable motion sickness tablets are a perfect addition to your travel kit – no water needed! Treat your symptoms quickly and easily with this raspberry flavored chewable tablet anywhere you may need them.

$14.39

Buy on Amazon

I sailed on the Reflection on a 4-day Caribbean cruise, and here’s what I thought were the hits and misses of this ship.

Hits:

• A Classic Cruise Ship Layout That Still Works
• Sunset Bar and Sky Observation Lounge
• Quiet Spaces Were Easy to Find
• Number of Bars and Lounges

Misses:

• Not Enough Included Casual Food Options
• Some Areas Feel Dated
• The Wasted Opportunity of The Lawn Club
• Limited Activity Space and Odd Use of Atriums

Hit: A Classic Cruise Ship Layout That Still Works

When compared to Celebrity’s newest ships, the Reflection has a more classical layout. A central atrium with towering glass elevators, small bars located throughout, and nooks and crannies of peace and quiet. It gives the ship a quaint charm that works well. I loved the two-story corridor between the Grand Foyer and the Theater, with flowing curtains and art among the shops. I just wish they were used for more than stores since I’m not a “shopper,” and for me, it just ended up being a long hallway.

Another callback to “older” ship design is the large theater. On the Reflection, it seats up to 1,113, which is much larger than new ships that have downsized theaters to increase cabins and other revenue-generating spaces. The Edge Class theaters hold 20% fewer people, and they’re still fairly large compared to other lines. It means you’re not lining up half an hour before to see one of the shows.

One thing that really works is accessibility. Celebrity’s newest Edge Class ships have tons of different levels and steps throughout public areas like the pool, Grand Plaza, and Rooftop Garden. While it is more visually appealing, it makes it much more difficult for guests with mobility issues. The Reflection has much flatter spaces while still maintaining visual appeal.

Overall, I was really impressed with how well the Reflection’s design still works.

Hit: Sunset Bar and Sky Observation Lounge

You go on a cruise to enjoy the open ocean, so why is it that on some ships, you can hardly see it? On the Reflection, you have quite a few good opportunities to relax and enjoy the splendor of the ocean, from morning sunrises to beautiful sunsets.

The Sunset Bar, located at the back of Deck 15, is one example. This outdoor space is the go-to for sailaway, offering a beautiful vista as you leave port and sail off into the sunset. The circular bar is located in the center, with comfy couches and chairs on either side. On a sea day, it’s also a great place to get away if you don’t need a lounger but just want to sit and enjoy a book or the ocean.

The furniture here shows some wear, but that should be addressed during the next refit. The Sunset Bar is a feature on all Celebrity ships, and I wouldn’t call the implementation on the Reflection any better or worse than the other versions, but it is a standout compared to other cruise lines.

But my favorite space had to be the Sky Observation Lounge. Located at the front of the ship on Deck 14, it’s right above the bridge. The venue is really big, with various couches, chairs, and comfy seating located all along the windows.

While you can find some quiet from time to time in here, it’s often busy with activities. During the day, they host trivia, puzzles, putting, and more. It’s nice that you can enjoy daytime activities while still seeing the outside rather than being in a windowless dark room in the bowels of the ship.

At night, the place comes to life with vibrant LED lighting, hosting events like karaoke, dance parties, and live music. Its location on the upper decks means that although it has a large bar and dance floor, it doesn’t get overly crowded since many guests don’t think of venturing upstairs later in the evening.

What makes this space more notable is that it has disappeared from Celebrity’s newest class of ships, the Edge Class. On those ships, there is no forward-facing public area unless you are traveling in a suite and have access to The Retreat. It’s disappointing that some of the best views are reserved for an exclusive set of passengers.

Hit: Quiet Spaces Were Easy to Find

One big thing the Reflection has that many other ships don’t is ample lounging space. Cruise lines try to pack in as many people as they can, so non-revenue-generating spaces are harder and harder to come by. But the Reflection has plenty of places where you can get away from people and enjoy the space.

The best example is the area on most guest floors right off the main atrium. On Decks 7 and 8, they have the Hideaway. Overlooking the Atrium Tree, this space is full of comfy and unique seating. The space doesn’t really have a purpose. It’s just there for guests to use.

On Deck 9 is a dedicated gaming area called “Game On,” with tables for playing board games with friends. On Deck 10, they have The Library, a perfect place to read a good book, though there were almost no books available on the shelves for this sailing, so be sure to bring your own.

These spaces were all quiet and seemed like many people didn’t know about them, making them feel like hidden gems.

It’s nice to see space dedicated to relaxation like this, rather than being optimized for revenue. Surprisingly, they also appear to be here to stay. Usually, spaces like this are the first things cruise lines change during renovations, adding in profit-generating cabins, but during Solstice’s renovation, these spaces remained.

The Solarium also offered a place to getaway from it all. While it’s less hidden than the previously mentioned spaces, it’s equally peaceful. The main pool might have lively music or activities going on, but as soon as you step through the door, all the noise fades away.

Hit: Number of Bars and Lounges

There’s nothing more frustrating than wanting to grab a drink and finding the bar absolutely swamped. But even if you’re not drinking, bars are the nightlife on many cruise ships, coming to life with singers, activities, and places to socialize.

On the Reflection, bars are stationed throughout the ship, meaning you rarely have to battle a crowd to find bar seating. In addition to bars, during busy times they’ve implemented bar carts for sodas, beers, waters, and seltzers. I saw them on the pool deck, by The Lawn Club, and even in the theater. It’s a smart, low-cost way to keep crowds down.

On top of just the quantity of bars, I liked that almost every bar had its own dedicated menu. I like variety, especially on longer sailings, and having so many bar menus meant I could try a unique cocktail each night. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian, use the same menu at almost every bar, and that gets boring fast.

Each bar, for the most part, had its own vibe. The Ensemble Lounge, with its plush seating and purple accents, was perfect for relaxing and listening to an acoustic guitar performer. The Martini Bar and Passport Bar were much more social, with lots of seating to meet friends for a pre-dinner drink and live music coming from the atrium below. Cellar Masters had TVs for sporting events, but when one wasn’t on, it was a subdued place with deep, comfy chairs to relax. The Sunset Bar was the perfect place for sailaways, with live Caribbean music playing as we said goodbye to our last stop.

Miss: Not Enough Included Casual Food Options

Overall, I was very impressed with the food on Celebrity Reflection, but the one thing I was really missing was more included casual options for breakfast and lunch.

On newer cruise ships from almost every brand, they offer multiple smaller food options around the ship for breakfast and lunch. This helps disperse crowds and keep everyone from being in one area. But the Reflection doesn’t do that very much, so you have limited options. The result is that 3,000+ guests run to the buffet and main dining room for breakfast and lunch at once, causing crowds on sea days and early port days.

For example, if you don’t want to pay extra for food, your lunch options are the Oceanview Cafe, Mast Grill, or Main Dining Room. They also have two more venues serving light bites, the Spa Cafe and Cafe al Bacio, but it’s hard to make a meal out of either.

One problem is that Mast Grill is above the buffet, and I’d see people grab a burger there, then walk down into the buffet to get a table and more food. While I liked the options and the Mast Grill’s freshly cooked burgers were tasty, it didn’t help with spreading out crowds.

For breakfast, the options are the Main Dining Room, buffet, or Spa Cafe for very small bites.

That causes these areas to feel cramped, and it made me a little frustrated, especially on sea days.

One simple remedy would be switching one of the two outdoor dining venues in The Lawn Club to complimentary for breakfast or lunch. They have both The Lawn Club Grill and The Porch, standing less than 100 feet apart. While they do have different menus, I didn’t understand the need for two specialty restaurants there, especially when both were relatively empty for lunch on our only sea day.

Switching The Porch to a fast-casual venue would provide an extra option and alleviate crowding.

Miss: Some Areas Feel Dated

When we sailed on the Reflection, it was 14 years old, about halfway through the traditional life of a cruise ship with Celebrity. It definitely wasn’t an old ship, but it wasn’t new either. It didn’t feel worn down or dirty, just older compared to newer ships.

While I loved the charm of the glass elevator and tall atrium, some parts of the ship felt dated. The cabins, while spacious, just felt and smelled a bit “old.” The red carpet and lack of lighting made them feel more cramped than they actually were, and the oak paneling felt much more dated compared to newer finishes.

Want to charge your phone at night? There’s just one outlet right on the desk. Thankfully the ship does have showers with glass doors (ships from other cruise lines built around the same time often still had flimsy curtains.)

Some other spots on the ship also had a dated feel. The Fitness Center, as I mentioned in my daily blog, felt like 1990s South Florida chic, where the Golden Girls might go to work out.

And some areas simply needed a touch-up. The Solarium Pool’s fountains no longer worked, and you could see chipped paint in the water. The loungers in the Sunset Bar had some tears and scrapes. Again, they weren’t dirty, just a bit worn.

The last oddity was that when sailing at high speeds at night, the ship’s upper decks shook noticeably. I wouldn’t notice it in the theater, casino, or cabin, but when I was in the Oceanview Cafe or Sky Observation Lounge later at night, I could feel the ship vibrating.

While some of these issues will be addressed during the ship’s renewal, after seeing pictures of the cabins on Solstice following its dry dock, they will likely still feel somewhat dated.

Miss: Limited Activity Space and Odd Use of Atriums

The Reflection doesn’t have a dedicated multi-purpose activity venue, and you feel its absence throughout the sailing.

Perhaps Celebrity didn’t offer as many onboard activities when the Solstice Class first launched in 2008, but they clearly do now, and many feel shoehorned into spaces not designed for them. Activities like archery, street curling, and dance events all ended up in the Grand Foyer, a beautiful atrium flanked by glass elevators, but an awkward venue for physical activities. Watching staff set up an inflatable archery target between the elevator banks felt improvised rather than intentional.

The problem is that while the Grand Foyer is visually impressive, it simply doesn’t have enough usable floor space for how Celebrity uses it. During the sailing, it hosted live music, parties, games, and activities, but everything felt squeezed in between the staircase, elevator lobby, and guest services desk. At times, people were literally dancing next to guest services while others tried to navigate around them.

Then there’s The Entertainment Court, another space that feels like Celebrity never quite figured out what to do with it. This two-story open area on Deck 4 serves mostly as a hallway between the theater and the Grand Foyer, but it also hosts game shows, line dancing, archery challenges, and meetups. During these events, guests sat on folding chairs watching while passengers streamed by on both levels, making the whole setup feel temporary and awkward. It’s flanked by a dedicated bar that is uncharacteristically devoid of any personality.

To be fair, it’s nice to see Celebrity expanding its activity lineup, and these may be the only places available to host them. But compared to newer Celebrity ships, where many of these events take place in dedicated venues like The Club, the Reflection’s activity spaces feel like an afterthought rather than part of the original design.

Celebrity seems to realize these concerns. On Solstice, which just underwent a $50 million renovation, they removed the Conference Center and Future Cruise Vacations areas and turned them into a new bar/game room called The Parlor. They also expanded the bar there to make it feel more like a standalone venue, though it’s still primarily used by guests grabbing drinks before heading into the new Boulevard Lounge.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like the Grand Foyer will be improved as part of this renovation. During Solstice’s recent renovation, they left the Grand Foyer largely unchanged. It’s a shame, because even something as simple as removing the staircase would have made a big difference.

Miss: The Wasted Opportunity of The Lawn Club

The Lawn Club was the most disappointing part of the Reflection.

When I first read about the Solstice Class, I thought the idea of live grass onboard was incredibly novel. Conceptually, the space makes sense. Celebrity has beanbag chairs on the lawn, plus a large screen showing movies and TV. But in practice, it doesn’t work.

The first problem is that they rope off much of the grass, so you can’t actually step foot on large portions of it. The grass was dying in many areas, and signs everywhere reminded guests to be gentle.

And even when you can access the lawn, it’s enclosed by massive extra-fee cabanas that completely block the ocean views. So instead of feeling open and relaxing, the space feels boxed in and on display to the people who paid $300 for a cabana rental.

I’m not sure how Celebrity came up with this idea and kept it for every ship in the class. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was originally going to have grass hills in Central Park, according to a recently released design video, but they opted for winding concrete paths with natural plants and trees, which works far better.

Because of this, a large part of Deck 15 is effectively wasted space, crowding the rest of the upper deck.

Thankfully, it appears Celebrity recognizes this issue. All Solstice Class ships are undergoing the “Celebrity Renewed” project, bringing them more in line with the Edge Class offerings.

As part of that renovation, The Lawn Club will be removed. The side areas will become expanded seating for Sunset Bar, and the main area will become Sunset Park. On Solstice, it looks beautiful and makes the space significantly more useful. They even added another complimentary grab-and-go food venue.

Celebrity has not yet announced when Reflection will enter dry dock for its renewal.

Verdict: A Solid Ship That’s Proven Itself Over Time

I’ll admit, when I booked this cruise, I was a little wary of what the ship would be like. Having sailed most recently on newer ships, I was afraid it would feel dated and boring. I was totally wrong. What I found was classic cruise ship charm that felt warm and welcoming. I walked away pleasantly surprised.

While I can easily see how much of this ship’s design evolved into the newer Edge Class ships, I could also appreciate Reflection for what it is. Lots of quiet places to get away, the two-story hallway with billowing white curtains, and the Reflect Tree suspended in the atrium all give the ship real personality.

The ship turned out to be great for a short sailing, and I could also see it doing well on longer itineraries.

While you’re not getting the latest and greatest, you’re still getting a very good ship. Unlike other older ships I’ve sailed and wouldn’t rush to book again, such as Liberty of the Seas, I would sail Reflection again in a heartbeat, especially considering cabins are often priced significantly below newer ships.

You Might Like Celebrity Reflection If…

• You like traditional cruise ship layouts
  • Celebrity Reflection has a classic cruise ship feel, with a central atrium, glass elevators, a large main dining room, a forward-facing observation lounge, and outdoor decks that are easy to find.
• You want a more relaxed cruise experience
  • There are activities throughout the day, but the ship never feels like a floating theme park. It is a good fit if you want things to do without nonstop noise and stimulation.
• You like venues with ocean views
  • Spaces like Sunset Bar and Sky Observation Lounge make the ship feel connected to the ocean in a way some newer ships do not. There are also plenty of outdoor areas where you can sit and watch the water.
• You want quiet spaces to escape
  • The Solarium, Solstice Deck, Library, and Hideaway make it easy to get away from the busier pool deck or atrium events.
• You’re a first-time cruiser
  • The Reflection is a perfect beginner ship for a new cruiser; not too big, not too small, with a good sampling of activities and features you’d find on other ships. It’s not overwhelming, but you also won’t be bored.

You Might Not Like Celebrity Reflection If…

• You want a new, flashy ship
  • Celebrity Reflection is clean and comfortable, but some areas feel dated, especially compared to Celebrity’s Edge Class ships or the newest ships from other cruise lines.
• You want lots of included casual food options
  • The ship has the buffet, Mast Grill, and Cafe al Bacio snacks, but it does not have as many included casual venues spread throughout the ship as some other ships do. While each eatery has a good variety, on longer sailings you might get a little bored if you don’t upgrade to some specialty dining.
• You like big onboard attractions
  • You will not find water slides, surf simulators, ropes courses, go-karts, or other top-deck attractions here. The ship is much more focused on lounges, pools, music, dining, and relaxing.
• You want a party atmosphere
  • Typically, 3-5 day sailings can skew toward “booze cruises” like weekend getaways, bachelor parties, girls’ weekends, etc. While Reflection definitely has the weekend getaway vibe and it’s not boring or stuffy, don’t expect things like booming pool parties, 1 AM nights at the disco, or people doing lines of shots at the bar.
• You are traveling with kids who need a lot to do
  • Families can sail on Celebrity Reflection, but this is not a ship built around kids or teens. If your family wants big attractions and dedicated family neighborhoods, a newer Royal Caribbean ship would probably be a better fit. The Reflection does have a kids’ club and some kids appreciate that it’s less crowded than other lines, but it’s not a kids-first ship.

Follow Along on our 4 Day Bahamas Sailing

Celebrity Reflection - Cruise Blog - Day 1 - Fort Lauderdale

Celebrity Reflection - Cruise Blog - Day 2 - Key West

Celebrity Reflection - Cruise Blog - Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay

Celebrity Reflection - Cruise Blog - Day 4 - Sea Day

4 Hits and Misses on Celebrity Reflection

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Domestic Travel

If you’re flying within the US to get to your departure port, you’ll want to book your airfare relatively close to your cruise. In fact, booking too far out is almost as expensive as booking a last minute fare. According to CheapAir.com, it was 59% more to book <7 days out or 280+ days out.

According to Expedia’s 2025 year-end report, the sweet spot for the lowest domestic travel prices is 34–86 days before departure.

Google Flights fine-tunes that estimate a bit more, saying prices are lowest 39 days before departure.

You also need to take holidays and peak-demand times into account when looking at this window. According to Google Flights, here’s where you’ll find the cheapest fares for major holidays:

• Thanksgiving: 24–59 days before
• Christmas: 32–73 days before
• Spring Break: 38–61 days before
• Summer Vacation: 14–43 days before

If you’re traveling during Spring Break, remember that not every school district has spring break at the same time. It might not be spring break in your area, but the location you’re flying into could be on spring break, increasing demand for flights in that market.

Here’s an example of the different spring break timing for this year:

• Los Angeles: March 30 – April 3
• Miami-Dade: March 23 – March 27
• New York City: April 2 – April 10

Taking other local events and timing into account can be helpful too. For example, I live in New Jersey, where during the first week of November, every public school is closed on Thursday and Friday, and many schools are closed the entire week because of Election Day. That means for NY, PA, and NJ flights, airfares are significantly higher than the rest of the country, where it’s just a normal travel week. This week is often called “Jersey Week” at Disney and Universal Studios.

International Travel

International travel is a bit different and more complicated. Expedia’s data shows the best prices for international travel are 18–29 days before the trip. Google Flights, on the other hand, says the sweet spot is closer to 49 days before departure.

A big thing to take into account here is peak travel season. If you’re flying to Europe during the summer (June through August) or to the Caribbean during winter (December through January), you’ll want to book further out because of higher demand, typically 4–7 months in advance.

Cheapest Day to Book

In past years, reviews of annual airfare data showed that certain days of the week were cheaper for booking flights. This year, the data is less conclusive.

Expedia reports that in 2025, the cheapest day to book travel was Sunday, with prices averaging 6% lower for domestic flights and 17% lower for international flights. According to their data, the most expensive days to book were Monday and Friday.

CheapAir.com, on the other hand, says there is statistically no best day of the week to book travel.

Sites to Monitor Flight Prices

To help predict prices and save money, use free websites to estimate the best time to book and track airfare prices.

• Google Flights
• Expedia
• CheapAir
• Skyscanner
• Kayak

Don’t Fly In The Morning Of Your Cruise!!!

While this doesn’t have anything to do with finding the cheapest flights, it’s important advice. Unless it’s absolutely unavoidable, do not fly on the morning of your cruise.

Air travel has become increasingly chaotic, with cancellations and delays getting worse and worse. Even if you schedule a 6 AM flight that arrives at the cruise port by 10 AM for a 3 PM all-aboard time, there’s still a chance a delay could cause you to miss your cruise.

This isn’t like a resort or hotel stay, where you might just miss a few hours of fun. Cruise ships will not wait for you. You’ll either lose your entire cruise fare or be forced to fly to the first port of call and attempt to join the cruise there, if that’s even allowed.

It’s much safer to fly in the night before your cruise. If budget is a concern, look for hotels closer to the airport or slightly out of the way rather than near the cruise port. For example, you might spend $290 to stay in Miami Beach or just $105 to stay near the Miami airport, which usually adds only 10–20 minutes to the cruise port in the morning.

For even more savings, consider booking your hotel and flight together on sites like Expedia. These packages often include discounts for booking together. When using this option, make sure you select that you only need a hotel for part of your trip.

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Celebrity Apex – Day 6 – Bergen – Overview

• Day 6 Schedule
• Quiet Breakfast Before Bergen
• Docking in Bergen, Norway
• Fantoft Stave Church
• Mount Floyen Funicular (Floibanen) in Bergen
• Bergen Fortress Museum (Bergenhus Fortress)
• Bryggen
• Norwegian Hot Dog at Trekroneren
• Fish Soup at Sostrene Hagelin
• Bergen Fish Market
• Getting Back to Celebrity Apex
• Behind the Podium Series: Introduction to Scandinavia
• Tea at Cafe al Bacio
• General Knowledge Trivia in The Club
• Medical Emergency
• Tuscan Dining Room for Chic Night Dinner
• Evening Entertainment on the Apex

Celebrity Apex Day 6 Schedule

Quiet Breakfast Before Bergen

The day started early again because we only had 7 hours to check out Bergen. I headed to the Oceanview Cafe for a quick breakfast. I didn’t want to fill up too much as I had some major food plans for this stop.

I arrived around 7:15, and the buffet was the quietest I’d ever seen it. Tons of seats were still available all around the buffet, especially in the back. It was a nice change of pace not to have to walk around and find a table.

The same breakfast options were available yet again. I went with waffles with a blueberry compote, a healthy serving of bacon, and some fresh fruit. That’d be enough to tide me over to lunch. I also grabbed a can of Diet Coke on my way out for the upcoming walk.

Docking in Bergen, Norway

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, behind Oslo. It was the largest port we’d visit on this cruise, although the town only holds around 300,000 people.

Bergen has six different piers where your ship can be docked, which are split between two areas: Skolten and Dokken. Skolten is located closer to downtown, while Dokken is in an industrial port and farther from downtown.

The cruise lines themselves don’t do a good job of telling you which dock you’ll be at. For the best idea, visit Bergen’s port schedule, and it’ll have the specific dock you’ll be at. You can then put it in Google Maps to find distances and plan how to get around. We were docked at Jekteviksterminalen near Dokken.

At 7:45 AM, I made my way down to Destination Gateway on Deck 2 to leave the ship. It was pretty quiet at this point, and there weren’t many people making their way off the ship. Most likely, people were getting a late start because much of the town still wasn’t awake yet.

Tip: If you need water, grab one at Destination Gateway before you leave. If you have a drink package, they’re included.

The port was very industrial, but unlike Zeebrugge, we could still walk out of the port ourselves rather than needing a shuttle, which made it easy. I followed the yellow barriers past large shipping containers and exited the port onto a main street.

Tip: If you have mobility issues, a free shuttle is available that takes you closer to the downtown area.

Less than 5 minutes outside of the cruise terminal was an area with several vendors selling tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus that circulates around Bergen. It offers a decent option for those who want a variety of DIY adventures. It visited popular places like the Fish Market, the Mount Floyen Funicular, Nordnes Park, and King Hakon’s Hall.

It was a beautiful day, though, so I just decided to walk. From this cruise terminal, it was about 20 minutes, or 1 mile, to the Fish Market and tourism center. Like most European cities, it was still nearly deserted at 8 AM, with very little open and the streets completely empty. It let me enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture and rustic feel.

For the morning, we split up for independent adventures because of the limited time in port.

Fantoft Stave Church

About 20 minutes outside of Bergen is the Fantoft Stave Church, an isolated but striking attraction. Stave churches are known for timber construction, steeply pitched roofs, and multiple tiers. This one was originally built in 1170 in a nearby town and relocated to Fantoft in 1883. After a fire destroyed it in 1992, it was rebuilt using traditional techniques, sourcing 400-year-old pine trees and crafting most of the parts on site.

The church isn’t walkable from downtown Bergen. It is accessible by light rail, but with limited port time, a taxi was the fastest option. The taxi stand is next to the Fish Market, about a 20-minute walk from where our ship docked. The fare to Fantoft was $36.

At the site, you can walk the grounds to admire the dramatic church set against the greenery, or, during operating hours, pay about $10 to go inside. Learn more about Fantoft Stave Church here.

There aren’t taxis waiting at the church for the return trip, so the easiest way back is via light rail. The Fantoft stop on Bergen’s #1 line is about a 10-minute walk from the church. From there, it’s a 20-minute ride to Byparken, which drops you about 5 minutes from the Bergen Fish Market. The fare was around $10.

Mount Floyen Funicular (Floibanen) in Bergen

The next stop was the Mount Floyen funicular. Built over 100 years ago, this tram takes you 1,000 feet up to the top of Mount Floyen, giving you panoramic views of the city. It’s also convenient to get to, less than a 5-minute walk from the Fish Market.

I’d read about long lines at the Mount Floyen funicular, so I bought tickets online the day before, once I knew the weather would be clear. A round-trip ticket was about $14. They are not timed tickets, so it gives you a lot of flexibility.

When I arrived, only a handful of people were there. The line splits between ticket holders and those buying on-site. My QR code worked at the gate, so I skipped the machines and walked right in. The funicular runs every 10 minutes, and since it was early, the process was smooth and fast, much easier than the Santorini Cable Car I rode last year (read about that cruise here).

Going up the mountain, you don’t see much, so don’t worry about finding the “best” position for views. It’s a quick 3 to 5-minute ride up to the top of the mountain. When you arrive, you walk out onto a massive viewing platform. The air was crisp and clean, and the distant mountains were bathed in light, while a shadow was cast over the town of Bergen itself.

At the top of the mountain is a large park-like area with several buildings. They had free toilets, a restaurant, and a bar, which hadn’t opened yet.

I was surprised by the large number of children’s activities. Right by the exit of the funicular was a cute little playground cut into the landscape. A giant troll watched over and made an excellent picture spot.

Further into the area, there was a huge playground for older kids. The structure provided serious exercise with nets, metal tubes, and more. It was a kid’s dream. Adults, too, as there was a line of people who wanted to try the rope zip line strung between platforms.

You could also walk around the Troll Garden, which was filled with carved and hand-painted trolls throughout the landscape.

On the other side of the area were the local goats. They were all sleeping in the middle of the walking path, and people would stop to pet them.

Also at the top were a lot of natural trails through the densely wooded forest. If you had time, you could explore the different hiking trails. Some of them went to a lake that had paths and footbridges around it. Here’s a list of 10 walks they suggest.

You could also take the funicular up and follow trails down the mountain. It’s a 45-minute walk and a little under 2 miles.

Overall, I spent about an hour at the top of the mountain. The view wasn’t the main attraction for me. It was more about the natural paths through the forest. It was peaceful and relaxing. If I were to do it again, I’d either walk down the mountain when done or allot time for one of the trails.

I headed down around 9:50 AM. When I got to the bottom, there still wasn’t a line to get up, but it was getting busier. If the Floibanen is on your agenda for Bergen, I highly recommend doing it earlier.

Tip: Bring an umbrella. It was a beautiful day when I left the Apex, but around 11 AM, it started to rain out of nowhere. It wasn’t in the forecast. Luckily, it was just a quick shower.

Bergen Fortress Museum (Bergenhus Fortress)

The city was slowly starting to wake up and was noticeably busier as we explored the downtown area. The rest of my plans for the day were food-related, but it was a little too early, so we decided to check out the Bergen Fortress Museum. Most of the online posts described it as free, so we thought we’d give it a shot.

It took a while to find our way in. I saw the large park-like complex in Google Maps, but you had to find the entrance that cut through the thick stone walls. We ended up just walking along the walls until we saw it. Conveniently, it was located right by the other major cruise dock, which had an AIDA ship.

In reality, it was more of a large complex made up of a lot of different buildings. While admission into the area was free, many buildings had an additional cost. For example, Hakon’s Hall, a building dating back to the early 1200s, costs around $12 to see. There wasn’t any signage indicating what was free, what cost extra, or even what museums were available.

The buildings were in fantastic condition for being over 800 years old, but overall, it wasn’t worth our stop here. Perhaps it would have been more impressive if I cared more about military installations or knew more about Norway’s history.

Bryggen

Our next stop was Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you’ve seen photos of Bergen, you’ve likely seen its row of colorful wooden buildings dating back to the 13th–17th centuries. A fire in 1702 destroyed much of the area, so the current structures date from the early 1700s.

From pictures, I expected the buildings to be perched on piers over the water, but they actually sit along the wharf with a roadway in front. At first, I missed the historic alleys, but once I found an entrance, the charm revealed itself.

Bryggen is made up of a collection of 60 or so buildings. A lot of them seemed to be dedicated to art and culture, with art studios, ceramics, jewelry shops, and wood crafts. A couple of smaller restaurants could also be found along with offices and a small museum.

I could practically feel the hundreds of years of history as I walked through the narrow wood passageways. Most buildings were two to three stories tall with separate shops and offices lining the second floors. Many of the buildings almost looked like something from Dr. Seuss or a Tim Burton movie…not a straight line to be seen, lots of warped and tilted structures that would never pass building code today.

The area grew busier as walking tours came through. Most were in other languages, so I relied on public signage to learn about the site’s history and rebuilding. In hindsight, an audio tour or museum visit would have helped me better understand the significance of Bryggen.

Norwegian Hot Dog at Trekroneren

After all the walking, it was time for a snack. We stopped by Trekroneren, just a few blocks from the Bergen Fish Market. It’s described as “the best hot dog in Norway,” and it’s hard to argue with them. While this place routinely has long lines, it was 11:19, and only two people were in line.

They had 10 different hot dog and sausage varieties. We tried the reindeer meat sausage with sweet juniper berry topping and fried onions. The hot dog was sizable, about one-third of a pound of meat. They use natural casing for their sausages, which gives them a big crunch when you bite into it. The venison spices they used worked well with the sweet sauce and the light crunch of the fried onions on top. It came out to around $9, which is quite reasonable compared to other food we’d have in Norway.

Fish Soup at Sostrene Hagelin

Next, I wanted to try fish soup, a Norwegian delicacy I read about in my research for this trip. I heard that Sostrene Hagelin (The Hagelin Sisters) had excellent fish soup from multiple posts and websites. They use the same recipe that they developed in 1929. I figured if I was going to try it anywhere, a place serving a proven recipe that’s almost 100 years old is the way to go.

The restaurant is a quaint little fast-casual restaurant located right off the main street. While some reviews mentioned it caters to cruise tourists, like myself, the only other people who ate there while we were there were locals, or at least spoke fluent Norwegian. That’s always a good sign that it’s not a tourist trap.

I ordered a small cup of fish soup with bread and butter, which cost around $15. When they brought it out, I was surprised by its size. It was quite large for a “small,” so I really hoped I liked it.

The soup was rich and creamy and had large pieces of white fish, haddock, that had a texture that reminded me of a scallop. The seafood flavor was more subtle than I thought and worked well with the buttery notes. A hint of lemon and fresh herbs brightened it and made it less of a heavy-feeling soup. It’d be perfect on a cold winter day at home.

Bergen Fish Market

Our next stop was the Bergen Fish Market. Originally, this was where local fishermen sold their daily catch, but today it feels much more like a tourist attraction. When I passed through in the morning, it was quiet and nearly empty, but by lunchtime, it was crowded.

The Fish Market isn’t one place but a series of separate vendors set up in connecting tents, so you have quite a few options to choose from there. Most places have the same offerings and very similar prices. At the end of the tents is a building with additional vendors and a small grocery store.

We walked back and forth to determine which vendor to buy from. I ended up choosing one I saw previously on YouTube, and it also had a short line. I ordered one king crab leg and one stone crab claw. It was $75 for the two together.

Tip: Prices here are definitely for tourists. For comparison, the king crab leg came out to about $127 per pound. Costco in the U.S. sells it for around $55, and Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, Alaska, charges $75–$85. Stone crab claws were about the same price as Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. Fish soup was also 25 – 50% more expensive than what I had earlier at Sostrene Hagelin.

After ordering, I sat in a covered tent while the staff prepared the seafood and brought it out about 2 minutes later. They had pre-cut the crab so it was easy to eat, and both items were served cold.

I had been looking forward to crab since we booked this cruise a year ago. Cold water poured out as I pulled the meat out of the king crab shell. All the meat was very watery, which I had never had before.

A quick Google search said it was a sign of a crab that wasn’t prepared correctly, likely cooked once, refrigerated, and cooked again. The stone crab claw was so much better. It was so sweet, and the meat was delicate. I’ve always wanted to try it and was glad I did. I just wish I had gotten more.

Getting Back to Celebrity Apex

After my seafood lunch, we started our 20-minute walk back to the ship. The walk wasn’t overly interesting, passing a lot of office buildings and residential apartments. Thankfully, it was all level and well-paved. We arrived back at the ship at 1 PM. Even though it was an hour before leaving, there wasn’t much of a line to get on.

As we got back onboard, I saw that the Celebrity Apex was using shore power via massive cables. That meant that while in port, the ship could connect to the local electrical grid and not run its diesel engines while stationed in port. Using shore power doesn’t always mean it’s cleaner. If the energy from the grid uses coal plants, it’d be the same, if not worse, in terms of CO2 emissions. But in Norway, 98% of the electricity comes from renewable sources like hydropower and wind, so while in port, the Celebrity Apex was quite green.

Behind the Podium Series: Introduction to Scandinavia

At 2:30 in The Theater, Celebrity hosted another “Behind the Podium” series. We attended one on day 3 (read about that here) and I found it pretty interesting, so we thought we’d give this one a shot. The topic was all about Scandinavia.

This talk was much less attended. It was silly of them to schedule it just 30 minutes after departure. The speaker went through some of the main cities in the area, the different countries, and some of their leaders. I definitely learned some things about the countries in Scandinavia, but it wasn’t as good as the previous talk we attended.

Tea at Cafe al Bacio

We stopped at Cafe al Bacio for snacks and tea. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I visited the location for their desserts several times during the cruise. The case always had cookies, cakes, and small sandwiches when other venues were closed. My favorites were the oatmeal raisin cookies and a moist yellow cake with strawberries. It was a nice variety compared to the mousse-heavy desserts I remembered from Norwegian Viva.

The cafe spans the starboard side of Deck 4 in the Grand Plaza, with a counter for orders and plenty of comfy seating by porthole windows overlooking the sea. It was busy day and night, and finding a seat could be tricky. Service was usually good, especially when servers from nearby venues helped out, though waits sometimes built up since only a few staff could make drinks.

This space was busy almost the entire cruise, day or night. On the other side of the Grand Plaza were the Craft Social Bar and Le Grand Bistro restaurant. During the mornings and midday, they’d retask servers from those venues to help take care of tables for Cafe al Bacio. That flexibility really improved service, but sometimes it could still take a while, as there were only so many people who could make drinks at one time. In addition, finding a seat could be a challenge.

That afternoon, I ordered cake and tried an iced tea from Tea Forte’s “Tea Over Ice” line. It arrived in a two-part carafe: hot tea on top, ice on the bottom. After five minutes of steeping, I poured it over ice for instant iced tea. The Green Mango Peach blend had a strong green tea base, subtle peach and mango, and a refreshing peppermint finish. It tasted refined, more like a specialty tea than the sweetened bottles you’d find at home.

Tip: While it’s not on the menu, you can get a hot chocolate from Cafe al Bacio. It’s perfect for cooler-weather cruises.

General Knowledge Trivia in The Club

After my snack, we headed to The Club to try Celebrity’s general knowledge trivia. This event had a good turnout. I’d estimate it was roughly 70% full, about 200 people. This event was a typical cruise trivia format where you get a sheet of paper, fill out the answers for 20 questions, and score yourself at the end.

The trivia was tough, much more challenging than some others that I’ve done. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, though, with people of all ages participating. On the ground floor, a group of teens was playing, and I was surprised at some of the questions they were able to get. I’d never noticed groups of teens at trivia on other cruises I’ve been on. Maybe it’s because they have more dedicated teen programming on other cruise lines.

Throughout the event, waiters circulated offering drink service. It was impressive how attentive the drink service was, considering that they don’t actively push for tips. Unlike Carnival, you don’t have to sign a receipt with a tip line, and a lot of people get a drink package with their cruise fare, so I wouldn’t expect it to be a huge revenue generator.

Medical Emergency

As we finished trivia, we were walking back to the cabin and saw a group of Celebrity staff surrounding a senior woman who was on the floor near the photo desk. We kept walking so as not to create a scene, but a minute later, the captain came on and called a “Code Alpha,” a medical emergency.

About 20 minutes later, the captain came on the speakers again to thank the staff for responding so quickly and said the woman needed to be evacuated for a medical emergency. The Norwegian Coast Guard sent a helicopter to evacuate the woman and take her to shore. He explained the Apex does not have a helicopter pad, so the helicopter would have to hover and winch onto the ship, raising the guest via cable. For me, that’d be worse than the medical emergency.

Because they didn’t know where the helicopter would need to winch, they emptied all the upper decks for 30 minutes while they took care of the guest. We heard the helicopter roar from our cabin, and then the captain announced the guest was going to the hospital and all decks were open.

Tuscan Dining Room for Chic Night Dinner

Tonight was the second “Evening Chic” night, which replaces the formal nights that used to be on most cruises. Celebrity describes it as looking glamorous in cocktail attire, dress pants, or designer jeans, with suits and ties optional. While people were generally more dressed up than usual, it felt less special than the first chic night. I kept it simple with dress pants and a button-down shirt, skipping the tie I wore earlier in the week.

We had a new waiter but the same sommelier, Russell, who impressed me by remembering our off-menu drink orders from previous nights. He checked in often with a smile and his catchphrase, “More wine, more fun.”

Tip: When staff go above and beyond, jot down their name. You can recognize them in the post-cruise survey or through the QR code in the daily schedule. I submitted feedback for Russell and even received a thank-you call from the hospitality manager.

Dinner service was slower than usual, likely because lobster night draws more people to the dining rooms. I couldn’t decide between Beef Wellington and lobster, so my waiter encouraged me to try both. The Wellington was tender and flaky, like something from The Great British Bake Off, while the lobster was a decent portion but not memorable.

Unfortunately, because of Russel’s constant topping up of my wine glass, I forgot to take pictures of the dinner menu. I did remember to take pictures of the dessert menu. I got a classic Baked Alaska which was delicious but I don’t know if it topped the apple pie dessert from other nights.

Around 8:30, the chefs and waiters paraded through the dining room to applause. Unlike other cruise lines that add singing and dancing, Celebrity kept it simple, and I appreciated the recognition for their hard work. “Sweet Caroline” played as they walked, the first time I’d heard it this sailing since the Apex doesn’t have a piano bar.

Overall, the food was excellent again, though the 90-minute service felt a bit drawn out.

Evening Entertainment on the Apex

The entertainment options felt a bit light this evening, so I bounced between different events.

Headliner in The Theater

In the main theater, they had their headliner, Nicola Loud, a British violinist who was named BBC Young Musician of the Year at the age of 15.

I’m not really a fan of Celebrity and Royal Caribbean’s use of headliners for nightly entertainment. It feels like a cheap way to provide entertainment versus full-fledged productions by the cruise line made for the cruise ships.

These people don’t work for the cruise lines per se, like other entertainment staff, but are brought on to showcase their skills. Their contracts are typically much shorter than the cruise line entertainment, so they rotate out based on sailings and itineraries. For example, since our ship was out of Southampton, all the headliners were British.

Their skill set can vary from comedy to opera to cello, but because they change frequently, they don’t have elaborate sets on stage. Thankfully, the vibrant LED screen in the theater on Apex can serve as a substitute and still provide a visually interesting background.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see Nicola’s performance because Celebrity didn’t know how to sell it in the material. I ended up standing in the back so I could slip out if needed without being noticed. She played songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Sway” by Dean Martin with a six-piece band backup. The theater was about 60% full, less than the productions we’d seen so far. Her performance was good, but not my cup of tea for main evening entertainment.

Karaoke in The Club

At the same time, karaoke was going on in The Club. The staff set up a microphone in the middle of the dance floor where the performer would stand and face the LED screen to read the lyrics. The venue felt a bit large and impersonal for karaoke, and performers wouldn’t actually face the audience, which was odd. Still, it had a good turnout, as most of the seats on the first floor were filled.

DJ Martini Beats in Grand Plaza

Oddly, they didn’t have much going on in the Grand Plaza at 9 or 9:30. They had “DJ Martini Beats,” which was basically filler or elevator music while people sat around. It was such a waste of an entertainment space. People were all around talking with friends, having cocktails, and playing cards, but the “DJ” just stayed in the corner and hit play on a playlist. It was lackluster.

Thankfully, the energy picked up during the nightly Martini Bar show, where the bartenders impress guests with their flair bartending skills.

Casino

The casino was another entertainment option, but it was pretty quiet. Less than half the seats and tables were full, and the same for the slots. Part of the problem was that the minimums for table games were fairly high. The space felt more deserted than buzzing nightlife activity.

The drink service was also not great. It took 20 minutes to get a drink while at a table, and the servers never circulated at the slots. The bar cart at the far end of the casino also didn’t have anyone staffing it.

80’s Flashback at The Club

After karaoke finished at The Club, it switched to “80’s Flashback.” The first 40 minutes of this event were structured as a contest, getting the crowd going with favorite ’80s hits. People were singing along and dancing. The energy level was super high, probably the level of a Carnival cruise party, which is a compliment. Say what you will about Carnival, but they have some of the most energetic parties at sea.

The only downside happened when the Celebrity cast dancers were brought out to fill time while the judges deliberated on the winner. It kind of ground the energy to a halt, as the audience was no longer participating but watching.

Still, after that, it successfully transitioned to a dance party. The music opened up to more than just 80’s music. This DJ, different from the ones I’d been unimpressed by in the Martini Bar, actually mixed songs together, creating good mashups and keeping the energy flowing. It was actually a solid event.

Wrapping Up Night 6

Overall, it was a good evening, but it could have used more. Then again, looking at my other cruise blogs, nights 5 and 6 always seem to be the weakest for cruise entertainment. You’ve tried most of the bars and lounges, nothing is glitzy and new, and they’re saving their best production for the last night of the cruise.

Still, I was surprised they didn’t bring out “Silent Disco” for another night, as that seemed incredibly popular with guests.

I finished up at the 80’s party around 11:30 PM, even though it was going strong, but I was tired. Thankfully, the next day would be a relaxing day at sea.

Follow Along on our 7-Day Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Southampton

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Bruges

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Sea Day

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Flam

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Geiranger

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Bergen

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Sea Day

4 Hits and Misses on Celebrity Apex

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I woke at 7:00 AM and, with a tap on my phone, raised the curtain of our Infinity Balcony. The view filled the room with towering cliffs covered in lush greenery and glowing in the morning sun. The Apex moved gracefully through calm waters toward Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic landscapes. Larger than Flåm, which we visited yesterday, yet more remote, the town felt like a hidden treasure tucked deep within the fjord, and I was excited to explore it.

Celebrity Apex (Flam) Day 4 Overview

• Celebrity Apex Day 5 Schedule
• Breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe
• The Geiranger Seawalk
• Geiranger’s Waterfall Walk
• Hike to Vesterås Gard and Vesteråsfjellet
• Other Excursion Options
• Exploring Downtown Geiranger
• Back on Board Apex
• Seven Sisters Waterfall
• Pre-dinner Drinks at the Martini Bar
• Tuscan Restaurant for Dinner
• Tree of Life Show
• ABBA Sing Along Party at The Club
• Midnight Sun and Pizza

Celebrity Apex Day 5 Schedule

Breakfast at the Oceanview Cafe

For breakfast, we headed up to the buffet. Like other port days, it was quite busy. I loved how Celebrity laid out the food stations on the Apex. It’s similar to how Royal Caribbean does it on their newer ships, creating islands with different foods. It means there are almost no lines (except for the omelets). But while the food stations were fine, finding a seat was still a bit of a challenge. You can eventually find seats, but it’s not easy, especially on a morning when everyone is grabbing breakfast before heading out to explore the port.

Tip: If you have a drink package, you can grab cans of soda and water bottles at the bar station on the buffet’s starboard side. This makeshift bar cart allowed us to get drinks for our meal and to take with us. You could get two non-alcoholic options per person, so I grabbed a water and a Diet Coke for my upcoming adventures.

We’d been on the ship for four breakfasts, and while they were good, they were getting a bit repetitive. Almost all of the dishes were the same as they had been the other days. They had a good selection, with both traditional English breakfast foods and more American-style breakfast options, but it was starting to feel repetitive.

To be fair, the ship had a few other options, but they were very limited. The Spa Cafe, in the Solarium, had a few light options like yogurt and cereal. Eden Cafe, in the Eden space, had a breakfast as well, but it opened as we were going ashore and had limited options. One of the main dining rooms, the Cosmopolitan, opened for breakfast at 7:30 AM, but that would take too long and wouldn’t work before having to get off the ship.

The Geiranger Seawalk

Towards the end of the fjord, we came to a stop, short of making land. Up until 2013, Geiranger was a tender port for all ships. That meant you had the hassle of getting off and back on the ship in small tenders or water taxis that shuttle you back and forth. It really delays debarkation and embarkation and eats into your time in the destination.

In 2013, Geiranger installed the SeaWalk, which is essentially a floating pier, bringing a solid, walkable surface to the ship. I watched the SeaWalk slowly extend and open up, creating a metal walkway from the shore to the ship. The SeaWalk can only accommodate one ship, so the other smaller ship there with us that day still had to tender. It was a really smart invention, and I wish more ports could use it rather than tenders.

We headed down to Deck 2 and debarked the ship through Destination Gateway. The daily schedule said we had to be back on board at 4 PM, which was inconsistent with what the app said previously (3:30). It was a bit frustrating that they didn’t have signs as you left with the time to be back. It was showing on a big screen in Destination Gateway, but you don’t see the screen as you’re leaving the ship. Several people I talked to during the cruise mentioned that the all-aboard time was confusing in several ports.

The SeaWalk was surprisingly sturdy; you felt no movement or give. I would have assumed it was a permanent dock if I hadn’t seen it float out myself.

Geiranger’s Waterfall Walk

We started our day in Geiranger with their famous Waterfall Walk. This free attraction is a short 10-minute walk from the ship, the path following along the water and through a selection of small shops. At this point, it was still early; most shops weren’t open yet, and few people were on the street. I could appreciate the crisp, fresh air and quietness as we walked over.

Waterfall Walk is an attraction made of scaffolding-type steps along the Storfossen Waterfall, taking you just feet away from the mighty waters. The way is 327 steps with several different platforms you can stop on for a rest or a photo. You can either start at the bottom from the Geiranger town center or the top at the Norwegian Fjord Center.

Tip: Go to the Waterfall Walk as your first stop if you can. We almost had the whole place to ourselves, which made for great pictures and a better opportunity to enjoy it. We also visited later in the day, which was much more crowded.

You could hear the water churning and falling next to you as you walked up the stairs. It was around 70 degrees, and the mist from the waterfall already felt nice and cooling. On some platforms, you could venture even closer to feel the full force of the waterfalls.

I really enjoyed the Waterfall Walk and was shocked that it was totally free; just some free nature to enjoy.

The steps were solid and easy to get up, but there were quite a few of them. It’s basically the equivalent of walking up 15 or 20 floors in a building, so it is exercise for sure.

At the top, we reached the Norwegian Fjord Center. The center costs around $15, so we decided to forgo it. I took the opportunity to use the restroom before we started hiking. Like many places in Europe, there is a cost to use the public restroom. It was around $2, and the turnstile took credit card or tap to pay (like Apple Pay).

Tip: We went the entire cruise without taking out any local currency. All vendors took card / tap-to-pay; most of the time, they preferred them. Even the restrooms were easy to tap to pay to use. (Credit cards are so widely accepted here because their governments limit the fees charged to vendors on a credit card. It’s 0.3% in the EU compared to 2% in the US.)

Hike to Vesterås Gard and Vesteråsfjellet

For this port, we decided not to do an official excursion but instead take a hiking adventure on our own. Geiranger has quite a few trails that you can visit for amazing views of the fjord or a waterfall. You can purchase a map at the Visitor Center or download the PDF here.

The Hike Up

The first part of the hike was a steep climb from the Fjord Center up to the Vesterås Gard farm. We started with pep in our step, with the fresh air and beautiful sun energizing us. The trails were well-marked and clean. It was a 2-kilometer hike, which wasn’t bad, but the elevation change was 820 feet (just short of the height of the Empire State Building or Eiffel Tower). At one point, you saw nothing but the daunting view of stone steps climbing higher and higher with no end in sight.

It was a cooler day, so we had long sleeves and pants on, which proved to be a mistake. We quickly overheated as we climbed higher and higher. Thankfully, we thought to bring water with us; we would have been in trouble if we hadn’t.

At this point in the day, it was pretty quiet, with only a handful of people on the trail with us. They blew past us, deflating my ego as I struggled to climb the stairs. After about 20 minutes of walking, we saw a sign indicating we were halfway, a bittersweet point showing we were half done but still had so much more to go.

We kept ascending the steep stairs slowly but steadily. The stairs climbed through a densely wooded forest, so the walk had no views (besides all the trees).

Forty minutes after we left the Fjord Center, we finally hit the top of the trail. We were out of the trees and could now appreciate the sweeping views of the mountain top. You couldn’t see the ships or the bottom of the fjord from here, but the views of the mountains were stunning.

Most people were heading up to the farm, but we chose to head to Vesteråsfjellet, a viewpoint over the fjord, and would visit the Vesterås Gard on the way back.

Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint

The walk to Vesteråsfjellet was much more level and even; we had already scaled the mountain, now it was just about walking closer to the fjord’s edge. This part of the walk was much more muddy. While it was beautiful and sunny, it must have rained recently. A thick mud covered the path, which we sank into as we walked.

Tip: Bring waterproof shoes for hiking in Norway. Rain is very common, and it might have rained previously even if it’s nice weather. Also, bring some kind of bags for your shoes to bring them home if they get muddy.

It took about another 20 minutes to get to the viewing point. We were the only ones there, except for a friendly herd of goats from the local farm that were munching on the leaves and plant life.

The view was absolutely stunning and worth the near exhaustion I felt at that point. Looking out into the fjord, you could appreciate the grandeur and scale of this massive feature. Puffy clouds obscured the very top of the cliffs as waterfalls streamed down the side of the rock. It was dead silent except for the quiet rustle of leaves, and the air was fresh and clean.

We relaxed for a bit and enjoyed the views before heading on the 20-minute walk back to the Vesterås Gard farm.

Westeras Farm

The farm is also a hotel and small restaurant. A viewing deck from the back overlooks the mountain, although the view we had at Vesteråsfjellet was far superior in my opinion.

I found the farm itself a bit underwhelming. It is a stop on the Hop On and Hop Off bus and a starting point to get to the larger waterfall, so it is a popular destination, but it was probably my least favorite part of the hike.

Heading Back Down

After some time at the top, we headed back down, which took only 30 minutes. It was much busier now, with lots of tourists, surprisingly not many of them from our cruise ship. I have to say, seeing people struggle going up made me feel so much better about the accomplishment of getting up there.

Other Geiranger Excursion Options

If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, there are quite a few other excursions you can do in Geiranger, either through the cruise line or on your own. The downtown area had a visitor center that mentioned some, and all along the walkway were different tour providers in case you didn’t book anything ahead of time.

Some of the most popular seemed to the RIB boat tour of the fjord, renting a mini-electric car with pre-determined routes, or the Hop On / Hop Off Bus.

Popular Excursions Trips in Geiranger, Norway

Exploring Downtown Geiranger

We arrived back in town to find it much busier and filled with people. While we could have walked directly back to the town center from the farm, we decided to go back and walk down the Waterfall Walk. The mist from the waterfalls felt so refreshing and helped cool us down from our hike.

We stopped at Fjordnær, a chocolate shop serving handmade Norwegian chocolates. The building was incredibly small, not much bigger than a cruise ship cabin. The line was extensive, not because people were getting chocolate, but because they were getting their gourmet coffees here, which take longer.

We also tried getting some food, as it was lunchtime and we were exhausted from our long walk. Unfortunately, that proved a challenge. We wanted to go to Berserk Bar & Grill, but they had a long wait. I’m not sure how long because the host simply said, “I don’t know, it’ll be a while,” and made a face indicating it was not the best choice.

We went to another food stand to try a local delicacy, fish balls, but they had a 20-minute wait. It was clear it was a crowded day in port.

The city had a variety of shops to buy souvenirs in as well. Most shops had the same items and nearly the same price point, but it was nice to see the options. They love their trolls in Norway, and there was no shortage of them.

Back on Board Apex

We walked back to the ship around 2:00, easily walking back on the SeaWalk and through the security at Destination Gateway. We quickly ran to the Oceanview Cafe for a small bite before it closed at 2:30. Today was a Tex-Mex theme, with tacos, fajitas, and nachos. As usual, the buffet was busy as people were back on board and looking for something to eat. If it was after 2:30, people could still go to the Mast Grill for a burger or hot dog up until 5 PM.

Seven Sisters Waterfall

The ship left promptly at 4 PM, and Captain Nikolaos Christodoulakis came on the speaker and said everyone should be on deck at 4:45. We would be passing the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, the most photographed waterfall in Norway. Because of the depth of the water by the falls, we could not do a 360 there, so the Captain told everyone to find a spot on the starboard side.

The decks were buzzing with activity. Everyone was outside enjoying the beautiful weather and stunning views. Staff was on deck, offering people blankets and hot chocolate. Normally, I am sure that would be popular, but because it was in the 70s this day, people were flocking to the Sunset Bar and bar carts on the upper decks instead.

From the deck, we had a front-row seat to one of Norway’s most famous sights. Each of the narrow streams tumbled down the sheer rock face in perfect formation, their mist catching the sunlight and creating a soft haze against the dramatic cliffside. It was not as powerful as the waterfalls we walked by previously, or something like Niagara Falls, but the beauty was unmistakable.

Once we passed the waterfalls, the fjord opened into a sweeping panorama of blue-green water framed by rugged mountain peaks. The scene felt almost endless, with layer upon layer of valleys fading into the distance under a bright Norwegian sky. At an intersection of waterways, the Captain could do a 360, offering everyone a panoramic view of the fjord. People lined up along the jogging track, in the Magic Carpet Bar, and in other areas to enjoy it. It shows how well the Apex does for these kinds of itineraries with majestic views.

Pre-dinner Drinks at the Martini Bar

We headed to the Martini Bar for pre-dinner drinks around 6:45. It was relatively quiet, and we could grab one of the few seats right at the bar. Unfortunately, it was the right-hand side, with awkwardly short seats that you struggle to get in and out of.

The Grand Plaza was bathed in blue light as a “DJ” played their “Chill and Soul” music. Basically, she sat in the corner and hit play on a playlist. Their live music program was one of the most disappointing aspects of this sailing. It was not up to par with other cruise lines, and having a DJ playing a static playlist in the main socialization space of the ship was almost comical.

I got a dirty martini, which I had actually never had before. I was never a big fan of olives, but my Mediterranean cruise last year opened my eyes to the fact that I enjoy “good” olives. I usually would never pay for a dirty martini, but I figured I would try it since I had the Premium Drink Package on this cruise. I liked it more than I thought I would.

Tuscan Restaurant for Dinner

For dinner this evening, we chose the Tuscan Restaurant. We did not have reservations, so we showed up at 7:15. There was a bit of a wait, so the hostess said to come back at 7:30 and she would seat us then. A 15-minute wait was no problem at all, and it was the longest wait we had all cruise, so I was okay with it.

We took this opportunity to enjoy some of the art on the lower levels of the ship while we waited. We were rarely down this way, so it was nice to get to appreciate how high-end the ship felt. The art was integrated so well that you might not even notice it unless you were looking for it.

Our waiter this evening did not have much personality, and we did not see him very much, a far cry from the service we had previously in the Tuscan dining room (read about that here). I started with their French Onion Soup, which I really loved on this cruise. For my entrée, I tried the Homemade Gnocchi Al Quattro Formaggi. The gnocchi were tender and tasty, but the sauce felt a little thin; I was expecting something with a bit more body, like an Alfredo or cheese sauce. For dessert, I got the apple pie again; this time, it was warm and browned on top, like it was right out of the oven.

This evening, we struck up a conversation with the table next to us. It was awkward at times because we had different waiters and were on different timings for courses, so we would be in the middle of a conversation and one table would get their appetizers, meaning you either had to stop talking or struggle to slurp down soup while talking.

Overall, the food was quite good again this evening, and the service was okay. The meal ran long, though, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tree of Life Show

For entertainment this evening, we wanted to see the Tree of Life Show in the main theater. Dinner ran long, so we arrived at the theater at 9:11 for the 9:30 show.

Tip: Celebrity does not take show reservations like sister cruise line Royal Caribbean, so you want to give yourself some time to get to the theater early.

Thankfully, there was plenty of seating available. From everything I had read, people complained about not finding seats in the main theater. It was not my experience at all on this sailing (Eden and The Club were totally different stories). I do not find arriving at the theater 15 to 20 minutes early to get a good seat unreasonable. While there is no bar in the theater, a bar cart is stationed at the entrance, and waiters come around and take orders before the show starts. When the show started, I would estimate the theater was only about 70% full, which was odd considering all the good things I heard about the show.

Honestly, I could not believe this show was created and performed by the same people who did the previous show (read about that here). It was elevated way beyond cheap cruise entertainment. It felt like Celebrity spent all their budget on this show.

In the middle of the round stage was a towering tree with 7,000 individual LED lights. According to the cruise director, the tree alone cost $900,000, and it was worth it. The massive set piece set the tone for the show. The tree moved and transformed throughout the performance. Sitting dead center about five rows back, it felt like the tree was growing and shrinking in front of me (in reality, it was just moving forward and back on the stage).

Even the vocal performances were better. It was the same production cast we saw the previous night, but the songs suited them much better. The Tree of Life has songs like “Here Comes the Sun,” “Kiss Me,” and “Don’t Wake Me Up” in subtle, acoustic-style performances. The musical arrangements worked well. The dancing and acrobatics were also impressive. The acrobats were different from the Eden cast but were equally impressive, performing aerial stunts and acrobatics.

The show made excellent use of the massive wrap-around LED screens (which cost $6.5 million) to provide an immersive experience. At one point, a winter scene was painted on the screen, with the tree illuminated in white LEDs, as bubbles fell from the ceiling to simulate snow.

Overall, the show was incredibly well done, and it showed that Celebrity could put on high-quality entertainment, but I am not sure why all the shows were not of this caliber. My only complaint was that the show did not have a grand finale. Instead, it kind of fizzled out, and you almost did not realize it was over except when the cast came out for their bows.

ABBA Sing Along Party at The Club

After the show ended, we headed to The Club, the two-story entertainment space on the Apex. Tonight was the ABBA Sing Along party, and I wondered how that would be. Would it be cheap, karaoke-like performances or a massive dance party?

We arrived at 10:30 PM, and the place already had a good crowd. One of the entertainment staff led the party, but it was mostly performed as a DJ set. The LED display on the wall and all the TVs around the space had graphic lyric videos, way above the quality of cheap karaoke.

The crowd loved it, filling the dance floor from wall to wall. Guests from 18 to 70 were singing along at the top of their lungs. On a sailing with Americans and Europeans of all ages, it is not easy to find something that resonates with everyone, but ABBA did the trick. They rolled out hit after hit, including “Money, Money, Money,” “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Dancing Queen.”

Those not dancing relaxed around The Club’s first and second floors. For this type of event, the space was ideal, letting non-dancers still enjoy the energy or chat with friends. While it fell short for the performance we saw the night before, this clearly was the kind of event it was built for.

The bar stayed busy as guests grabbed drinks between songs, but with at least six bartenders working, the wait was minimal. I tried an Orange Crush, made with Grey Goose Orange Vodka, Cointreau, orange juice, and Sprite, and it tasted just like orange soda.

The party was only 30 minutes, which felt short. Carnival has a similar limit, but I have never understood why. If something is working, why cut it off? Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady keeps the energy going all evening, even if broken into smaller segments.

The tricky part came when the host had to shift to a disco party without losing the crowd. He wisely kicked things off with the YMCA, which kept about half the packed dance floor engaged as the music changed.

Although less crowded, The Club still had great energy at 11:15 PM. Seeing guests of all ages enjoying live music was a surprise for my first Celebrity cruise, and it proved the line could host a lively, fun night.

Midnight Sun and Pizza

It was 11:30 at that point, and after a long day, I should have been ready for bed. It was hard, though, because the sun was still out. I went onto the deck to watch the sunset, slowly dipping below the horizon. It was hard to be tired while still seeing the sky painted in reds and yellows.

So before turning in, we returned to the buffet for some late-night pizza. Late-night pizza does not have the crowd here like I have seen on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages. About 20 people were there, eating pizza and enjoying the ocean views before turning in.

Unfortunately, the pizza proved to be incredibly underwhelming, lacking in flavor and structure. It was just so odd because Celebrity had some of the best cruise food I had ever had so far, but the pizza was way below other lines.

After pizza, I turned in for the night. We had an early start the next day in Bergen, Norway.

Follow Along on our 7-Day Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Southampton

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Bruges

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Sea Day

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Flam

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Geiranger

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Bergen

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Sea Day

4 Hits and Misses on Celebrity Apex

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After 15 months of anticipation, I finally got to experience the beauty and majesty of the Norwegian Fjords. I first booked this cruise in April 2024 (and I’m glad I did; the price nearly doubled as the cruise date got closer). This sailing gave me the chance to explore some of the most beautiful and secluded places in the world. It also allowed me to try out Celebrity Cruises for the first time. After sailing with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages, I was curious to see how it would compare.

Follow along as we embark on our 7-day sailing to Belgium and Norway from England. As usual, our overly detailed blog will track nearly every step of the day.

Celebrity Apex – Day 1 Overview

• Getting to Southampton, UK
• Moxy Southampton Hotel
• Dancing Man Brewery
• Skip It: Titanic Plaque
• Oxford Street Restaurants in Southampton
• Dark Arts Potions Bar
• Donuts for Breakfast
• Bargate and City Wall
• SeaCity Museum
• Getting to the Celebrity Apex at the City Cruise Terminal
• Boarding the Celebrity Apex
• Exploring the Apex
• Celebrity Apex Day 1 Schedule
• Lunch at the Oceanview Cafe
• Exploring the Pool Deck and Upper Decks
• Exploring Our Cabin: An Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda
• Dining on the Apex
• Cyprus for Dinner
• Music Pub Trivia in The Club
• Martini Show at the Atrium
• Turn Down Service on Celebrity Apex

Getting to Southampton, UK

Our cruise began in Southampton, England, a mid-sized port city about 1.5 to 2 hours southwest of London. While it’s one of the more populated cities in southern England, it only has around 250,000 residents (roughly half the population of Baltimore, Maryland, for comparison). Southampton has a long history tied to seafaring and is famously the departure point for both the RMS Titanic and the Mayflower.

I’m based in New Jersey, so two days before the cruise, I headed to Newark to catch a red-eye flight into Heathrow Airport in London. We left at 9 PM and arrived around 9:20 AM local time after a 6.5-hour flight.

There are several ways to get from Heathrow to Southampton. Trains are an option, but they require changing lines midway. Private shuttles and taxi services are available but can be pricey. Instead, we booked the National Express bus, which runs directly from Heathrow to central Southampton. It was a steal at only $30 per person.

Tip: Book your National Express tickets early. We booked ours about five months in advance. Plenty of seats were available at the time, but by the day of travel, the bus was completely sold out.

Since we were scheduled to land at 9 AM, we gave ourselves some buffer and booked the 11 AM bus. That gave us plenty of time to grab our bags, clear customs, and grab a quick bite. (UK customs are SO easy — we just walked through an electronic reader. It took five minutes. Coming back into the US, however, took 45 minutes.)

There are three bus pickup points at Heathrow: one each for Terminals 4 and 5, and one combined for Terminals 2 and 3. We followed the signage to the “Central Bus Station.” It was well marked, but a bit of a walk (about 15 minutes).

The waiting area was semi-enclosed and featured a café, small airport shop, restrooms, and plenty of seating. Digital screens displayed departures and bus bay numbers. About 10 minutes before our scheduled time, the screen updated to say “Bay 15,” so we walked over to find a line already forming. Apparently, others knew where to wait and had staked out spots early.

We dropped off our luggage with the driver, showed our QR code, and boarded. Most of the seats were already taken, so we ended up in the second-to-last row. A lot of passengers were traveling solo. If you want to ensure you’re seated next to your travel partner, either board early or pay $3 to select seats in the first five rows.

The seats were comfortable, with USB ports and a bathroom onboard. The ride itself was uneventful. While I’ve been to London before, I’d never left the city, so I looked forward to seeing more of the English countryside. Unfortunately, the drive was mostly highways, and jetlag got the best of me, so I dozed off for a bit.

After two hours, the bus dropped us at the Southampton Coach Station on Harbour Parade, and we made our way to the hotel. Taxis were readily available outside the station, but we choose to walk.

Moxy Southampton Hotel

Southampton has plenty of hotels to choose from. I initially struggled to pick the best option. I wanted to avoid taxis and Ubers and just walk around to local sites, restaurants, and the cruise terminal. On the map, everything seemed kind of far. In reality, the city is compact, with most places just being a few minutes’ walk.

Tip: Not all hotels in Southampton have good, or even any, air conditioning. If you’re traveling in the summer, double-check listings and read reviews. We ruled out two options because of poor AC, and I’m glad we did because it was warm.

We chose the Moxy Southampton, part of the Marriott portfolio. It had air conditioning, a modern look, a great location near restaurants and the cruise port, and solid reviews.

The 10-minute walk from the bus station was fully paved and easy to navigate, even with our luggage.

The Moxy wasn’t your typical, stuffy hotel. There’s not even a formal lobby. Instead, it’s an open-concept bar and lounge area, with the check-in desk tucked at one end. The decor was industrial and modern. The staff quickly checked us in and gave us a welcome cocktail coupon for later that evening.

A sign at the front desk listed all the cruise ships departing the next day and which terminals they’d be at (Southampton has five terminals, and they’re not all close together). The staff could also arrange a taxi if needed. Breakfast wasn’t included, but was available for purchase.

We headed up to our room on the 5th floor. It was clean, modern, and surprisingly spacious for a city hotel. There wasn’t a closet, but for a one-night stay, that didn’t matter. It was quiet, the air conditioning worked great, and everything felt fresh.

Dancing Man Brewery

By around 2 PM, we had just under 24 hours to explore Southampton. First stop: a pint at a local brewery.

We walked over to Dancing Man Brewery, which is located in a historic Wool House from the 14th century. The space had a unique vibe with lots of natural wood textures and a striking curved staircase leading upstairs.

The beer menu featured a mix of classic British styles and creative varieties, like a mango and pineapple pale ale and a smoked IPA. They also offered cask ales — a traditional British style that’s less carbonated and served at a warmer temperature. We grabbed two pints and sat outside enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.

Skip It: Titanic Plaque

Since we were nearby, we decided to check out a small Titanic memorial plaque we’d seen on Google Maps. It turned out to be just a modest stone in front of a building, not really worth the walk. If you’re tight on time, this one’s an easy skip.

Oxford Street Restaurants in Southampton

We didn’t have dinner reservations, as we weren’t sure what our plans would be. We first tried to eat at The Duke of Wellington, a historic pub housed in a building that dates back to 1220, known for traditional English fare. Unfortunately, they were fully booked until 8:30 PM (we arrived at 6:30), and we didn’t feel like waiting that long.

Instead, we headed to Oxford Street, a charming, pedestrian-friendly stretch filled with restaurants and shops. At the entrance to the street is The White Star Tavern, where many Titanic officers and passengers had their last meal. The menu didn’t appeal to us, so we kept walking.

Oxford Street wasn’t overly touristy; it seemed like a spot where locals actually dine. We passed restaurants offering Brazilian, Italian, Mediterranean, and more. Eventually, we grabbed a table outside at The Grapes, a laid-back pub where I had a fantastic, authentic fish and chips with mushy peas.

Dark Arts Potions Bar

A few months before the cruise, we made reservations at the Dark Arts Potions Bar, a cross between a high-end cocktail lounge and an escape room. You can book a puzzle box and spend 45 minutes solving clues while enjoying unique cocktails. If you like escape rooms, it’s a fun, smaller-scale alternative for a smaller group that still has a great atmosphere.

Donuts for Breakfast

Over the years, we’ve developed a tradition of starting cruise day with a great donut. It started in Seattle with Top Pot Doughnuts, and we’ve tried to keep it going in every port since.

Our original plan was to go to Stone Ground Donuts for some gourmet options, but it ended up being just a small kiosk inside a mall, and the donuts didn’t look particularly special. Instead, we went to Wenzel’s the Bakers, a bakery chain in the UK. The donuts weren’t Instagram-worthy, but they were fresh and delicious.

Bargate and City Wall

Southampton is known for its Bargate and remnants of its ancient city wall. Both are commonly listed as “things to do,” so after breakfast, we walked over.

The Bargate itself is a freestanding structure you can walk through and around. On the day we visited, a flea market was being set up around it, partially obstructing the view. There’s not much to do there beyond reading the signage; we spent maybe five minutes in total.

You can also walk along a portion of the city’s defense wall. Part of it runs alongside Westquay, a massive shopping mall. The juxtaposition of the medieval stonework with a modern mall (complete with a Wingstop) was jarring.

Altogether, we spent about 20 minutes between the two sites. The fact that these are some of the top-listed attractions gives you a sense of how limited Southampton’s sightseeing options really are.

SeaCity Museum

With our boarding time not until 11:30 AM, we had time for one last stop: the SeaCity Museum. It opened at 10 AM, which would give us an hour to explore before we needed to check out and head to the terminal.

The museum is fairly small. Around 75% of the space is dedicated to the Titanic, which left on its maiden (and final) voyage from Southampton. The exhibit focuses on the local impact of the disaster, highlighting the lives of crew and residents from the area. It was a unique angle I hadn’t seen before. That said, it was less impressive than other Titanic exhibitions I’ve visited, and we finished in about 35 minutes.

The remaining part of the museum focuses on Southampton’s history and culture. We made it through in 20 minutes and walked back to the hotel to grab our bags.

Overall, I wouldn’t rank the museum high on my list of things to do. But if you have time to kill, like we did, it’s a good way to spend an hour.

Getting to the Celebrity Apex at the City Cruise Terminal

For our sailing, the Celebrity Apex was docked at the City Cruise Terminal in Southampton, one of five possible terminals. That’s typical for Celebrity, but terminal assignments can change, so always double-check your documents, and good luck finding it easily. In contract, last year, on Norwegian Viva out of Piraeus (read about that here), they at least texted us terminal info that morning, a much more customer friendly approach.

Leading up to the cruise, I couldn’t find clear info on whether you could walk to the terminal. Some ports have security gates or restrictions. Thankfully, I can now confirm that you can absolutely walk to the City Cruise Terminal. As we stepped out of the Moxy, I saw the Celebrity Apex sitting waiting for us.

It was an easy 10-minute stroll on mostly flat sidewalks (some a bit bumpy, but manageable). Even with a 50-pound roller bag and backpack, it wasn’t bad. Porters took our bags as soon as we arrived and put them directly on conveyor belts; we didn’t have massive lines and cages filled with bags like like you’d find at Florida ports.

Tip: Print your luggage tags ahead of time and attach them before arriving. I use plastic tag holders from Amazon, so I don’t need to staple anything. They can tag bags on-site, but it slows things down.

We walked to the terminal entrance, and the staff quickly directed us inside. Our boarding time was 11:30 AM, the first general boarding slot. (The 11 AM slot was reserved for suite guests and priority passengers.) The line moved quickly. Since most check-in is done in advance via the app, all they had to do was scan our passports.

From the time we entered the cruise terminal to stepping foot on the ship: 11 minutes.

Boarding the Celebrity Apex

We followed the ramps up to the ship and boarded on Deck 4, entering through an exterior promenade that passed the lifeboats before leading into an interior hallway. A view of the Grand Plaza, the three-story, quasi-atrium at the heart of the Apex, immediately greeted us.

It’s always a little disorienting when you board a cruise ship. People freeze in place, unsure of where to go, and end up blocking the walkway. To avoid this, Celebrity staff checked our boarding passes and directed us straight to our muster station to complete the safety drill. It was a smart move that helped disperse passengers across the ship.

Earlier that morning, while waiting to enter the museum, we had completed the muster briefing using the Celebrity app. You watch a couple of short safety videos, then check in at your emergency station once onboard. After that, you’re done. This process is nearly identical to what Royal Caribbean uses (it’s the same app with a different name), and it’s a huge improvement over the old-school 30-minute safety assemblies.

Tip: Celebrity lets you drop off your bags in your cabins and grab your keys as soon as you board. No need to lug your backpacks around all day.

After completing muster, we dropped our bags off at our room. While cabins aren’t technically ready until 2 PM, Celebrity allows guests to access their stateroom to drop off luggage and grab their keys, which are left in an envelope outside the door.

It’s a really nice touch. Other cruise lines make you carry everything until the rooms open, but this small gesture gives the cruise a more premium feel. A sign on the door made it clear that the rooms were not ready for occupancy yet and asked guests to leave after dropping off their bags.

Exploring the Celebrity Apex

With our hands free, it was time to explore the ship. We headed to the Resort Pool on Deck 14. As we stepped outside, we were greeted by a sculpture of two hands forming a heart shape, framing the center of the pool. Each Edge Class ship has a signature sculpture in this area.

The deck was nearly empty, which gave us a chance to appreciate its size and layout. Since the main deck has only one main pool in the large resort area, it looks deceptively small. But it’s actually 75 feet long, making it long enough to swim real laps. The loungers closest to the pool faced it directly, while the rest faced outward toward the sea, with expansive glass offering beautiful views. It was a refreshing contrast to Royal Caribbean ships, where loungers mostly face inward.

Celebrity Apex Day 1 Schedule

Lunch at the Oceanview Cafe

By now, I was hungry and eager to try the food Celebrity is known for. On most embarkation days, I avoid the buffet to dodge the crowds and opt for a smaller complimentary venue. But on Apex, the only options are the Oceanview Cafe or the Mast Grill, which serves burgers and hot dogs. Either one would be packed, so we opted for the buffet.

At the entrance, the staff asked everyone to wash their hands using the built-in sinks. It was a good sign, especially since the Apex had a norovirus outbreak just a month before. Still, some guests tried to skip it, despite attendants offering hand sanitizer. I will never understand the reluctance to simply wash your hands.

Once inside, Il Secondo Bacio coffee bar sits on the left, a secondary coffee shop which also doubles as a full-service bar for the buffet. On the right is the Scoops ice cream station. Scoops offers soft serve, hard ice cream, toppings, and cookies. Unlike some older Celebrity ships, this station is all complimentary. Both of these stations have different hours than the main buffet.

The buffet itself is bright and open with tons of natural light. Stations are arranged with four central islands and additional counters along the front and back. It felt more like a modern Royal Caribbean setup than the traditional buffet line still used by Norwegian. There weren’t any lines, just clusters of people moving from station to station. The improved people flow made the normally chaotic embarkation day lunch quite pleasant.

The selection was impressive. There was a wide array of offerings, roasted meats, gluten-free items, Indian cuisine, Mexican dishes, Italian food, freshly baked bread, and more. My plate filled up quickly.

Tip: Head to the back of the buffet for seating. It’s usually less crowded. There’s also a hidden room at the front starboard side that feels like you’re leaving the buffet, which keeps it quieter.

We found a table in the outdoor seating area at the aft of the ship. A bar cart was stationed nearby, and waiters circled, taking orders. Celebrity does not have self-serve soda machines or soda guns. Instead, drinks are ordered through servers. A woman next to us asked her husband, “If it’s in a can, are we being charged?” likely referencing Princess Cruises, which recently began charging for cans even if you have a drink package. Thankfully, the waiter clarified that was not the case here.

Exploring the Pool Deck and Upper Decks

After a satisfying lunch, we stopped by the Pool Bar to grab our first cocktail of the trip. For this sailing, we purchased the Premium Drink Package, so it was time to start using it. I ordered my first cocktail of the cruise, a “Pop Fizz” from the Pool Bar. It was warm out, so I wanted something cold, but didn’t want to wait for a blended drink. It sounded promising, described as prosecco with a popsicle. In reality, that’s just what it was… a popsicle dropped into a glass of prosecco. No mixing, no flair. If I had paid out of pocket, I’d have been disappointed.

Then we headed up to one of the hot tubs. The two main hot tubs on the Apex are located two decks above the pool deck. These large, martini glass-shaped hot tubs can hold up to 9 people (according to the sign), but both tubs were completely empty at this point. The water was quite warm, and I loved that the glass sides offered impressive views of both the pool area and the horizon. It’d be an amazing place to be during our sailing into the fjords.

Tip: Bring your swimsuit in your carry on luggage (or wear it on). It’ll be the least crowded you’ll ever seen the pools and hot tubs during your sailing.

After some time in the hot tub, we grabbed a towel from the nearby towel stand. Celebrity doesn’t make you check out towels. They’re all over the ship and easily accessible, which was really nice.

We wandered around from the hot tub toward the back of the ship, following along the jogging path. The upper decks of the Apex really aren’t that easy to navigate. There’s a winding and inclined jogging track you can use to move between upper decks, but when people are actually running on it, it’s a challenge.

We passed by the Rooftop Garden, a space on Deck 15 that reminded me a bit of Central Park on the Royal Caribbean ships. The space was filled with lush greenery intermixed with artistic sculptures. I was excited for this space before I boarded, but in reality, I found it a bit underwhelming. The space was on the smaller side and felt very enclosed and cut off. A pickleball court, put in the middle most of the day, took up almost all the space. About one-third of the space was an extra-fee specialty restaurant, Rooftop Grill, that wasn’t used much on the cool-weather sailing.

Maybe on a warm-weather sailing, the space would be more popular. The large, vibrant LED screen is used to show movies, and the entertainment staff hosts events there. For this sailing, though, the place was almost always empty. I’d blame the weather, but the Sunset Bar, which is also outside and only about 50 feet away, was crowded most days. The lack of a bar in the Rooftop Garden area meant people didn’t congregate here much, although waiters did circulate for drink service.

Exploring Our Cabin: An Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda

After lunch, we returned to see if our bags had arrived. Luckily, they had.

Walking into this Celebrity Apex Infinite Veranda stateroom (cabin 7252) felt more like stepping into a boutique hotel suite than a typical cruise cabin. The room is elegantly modern with a soft, muted color palette punctuated by deep purple accents that tie together the bedding and pillows. A full-length sofa adds a lounge-worthy spot across from the desk and vanity area, which is stocked with a kettle, water carafe, and lighted mirror. The lighting is subtle and sophisticated, with warm backlighting that gives the cabin a high-end, almost spa-like ambiance.

The real showstopper is the Infinite Veranda: a glassed-in sunroom that transforms with the push of a button, lowering the top half of the window to bring in sea breezes. It adds extra square footage and floods the room with natural light, though it’s worth noting that it doesn’t offer the open-air feel of a traditional balcony.

Storage is decent but not exceptional, with a compact wardrobe and limited drawer space although we had enough space for a 7-night, cool-weather sailing. It’s one of the most stylish and serene standard cabins you’ll find at sea.

It’s amazing how much of a difference thoughtful décor can make. While the cabins on my recent cruises have all been similar in size, this one felt noticeably more elevated and refined. Compared to the more budget-friendly furnishings on Virgin Voyages (one of my biggest complains of the cruise line), this space exuded a sense of luxury and polish. The quality of the materials and design choices here made it feel genuinely upscale, helping to justify the higher price point compared to mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean.

Tip: On Edge Class ships, some rooms have the bed near the veranda, and others have it near the bathroom. Celebrity doesn’t list this detail, so you’ll have to search online for photos of your specific room.

There were two USB and two US outlets at the desk, plus one 220V outlet. Near the bed, only the side closest to the bathroom had outlets—a strange omission on a newer ship.

The bathroom was similarly high-end. Faux marble lined the shower, floors, and counters. Wood tones and a piece of art gave it a modern touch. The sink was long and narrow, which looked sleek but wasn’t ideal for spreading out toiletries. There was ample storage, including a drawer under the sink with a hairdryer.

The shower had glass doors and a rounded design for more elbow room. It was perfectly functional, though I preferred the larger shower on Norwegian Viva or the rainfall shower on Virgin Voyages.

Dining on the Apex

Dining on the Apex works a bit differently than most cruise ships. There’s no single main dining room. Instead, there are four restaurants: Cosmopolitan, Tuscan, Normandie, and Cyprus. Each serves as a main dining room; you can go to any of them regardless of your preference.

You don’t need to make reservations, though you can through the app. On our cruise, we made three reservations before the cruise and walked in on the other nights. There wasn’t much difference in wait times, though with reservations, we did seem to get better seating next to the windows. The longest we waited was 15 minutes; it was just two or three minutes every other time.

On the first night, Celebrity recommends a restaurant and time to help spread out the crowds. We were assigned Cosmopolitan at 7:45 PM, but when we showed up, the line was long. Staff redirected us to Cyprus next door, where we were seated immediately.

Cyprus for Dinner

Cyprus is Mediterranean-themed and much smaller than the grand, multi-story dining rooms found on other lines. The space felt intimate and refined, with round porthole windows lining the room. It didn’t have floor-to-ceiling views like Norwegian’s newer ships, but it was still far better than Royal Caribbean’s windowless dining halls.

Each restaurant features:

• Exclusive Options (unique dishes served only at that restaurant every night)
• Classic Options (available every night at all four restaurants)
• Rotating Options (nightly specials available across all four)
• Daily Special (a special dish unique to that restaurant for that evening)

This variety gave me decision paralysis in the best way. Some nights I had to choose between two soups or two entrees, but I’d prioritize the limited-time ones.

Tip: The galleys are shared, so you can ask your server for exclusive dishes from any of the four venues.

Dinner began with a breadbasket, which would feature different breads and breadsticks each night, plus three rotating dips.

I started with French onion soup and a Caesar salad, two of my go-to dishes. The soup was fantastic — a rich broth topped with gooey, charred cheese. It was miles ahead of the version Norwegian served on Viva, even in their specialty steakhouse.

For my main, I had aged prime beef, cooked perfectly rare to medium rare. Dessert was an apple pie with a golden-brown crust and thick apple slices inside. It was delicious, although oddly served cold. Later in the cruise, it was served warm, which made it even better.

The entire meal lasted just over an hour. The food was excellent, the service was smooth, and the views were relaxing.

Music Pub Trivia in The Club

That night’s headliner show didn’t appeal to us, so we opted for Music Pub Trivia in The Club. Despite the name, it wasn’t the type where you turn in answers after each round. It was a standard format where you write all 20 answers on a sheet and self-score

The Club is a two-story multipurpose venue used for trivia, art auctions, and evening entertainment. It holds 261 people and includes a dance floor, lounge seating, and an upstairs balcony with screens.

At first, the decor felt underwhelming, but it grew on me throughout the cruise. The subtle metal tiles and adjustable lighting gave it versatility.

Unfortunately, the trivia host, one of the DJs, had zero energy. She read the questions and answers without much personality. It was our first entertainment activity onboard, and I hoped it wasn’t a sign of things to come. It lacked the energy and fun we saw on Virgin Voyages when we sailed last year.

Martini Show at the Grand Plaza

To wrap up the night, we went to the Grand Plaza for the “Martini Show,” a signature Celebrity event held twice a night.

The bar only seats 12 people, but servers circulate through the multi-level atrium to take drink orders. We couldn’t get seats at the bar, so we found chairs on the first level. The layout has multiple half levels with stairs, so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.

We ordered a Banana Foster Martini and an Apple Toffee Martini. They were sweet, but good for dessert drinks. At $23 each, they were pricey, but included with the Premium Drink Package. Without it, Classic Package holders would have had to pay a $9 upcharge.

As the show started, the general lights lowered, and the Grand Plaza chandelier came to life. The bartenders performed choreographed flair tricks and finished by simultaneously pouring ten martinis in a row. The show lasted about five minutes and drew a decent crowd. Unfortunately, a lot of guests stood directly in front of us, blocking the view. Next time, I’d try the second-level view or sit at the bar.

It was a fun, quick event, but not something I’d go out of my way for again.

After a long day exploring Southampton and the Celebrity Apex, I headed back to the cabin. Tomorrow, we arrive in Bruges, Belgium, and I wanted to be well-rested for our first full port day.

Turn Down Service on Celebrity Apex

I was surprised by the transformation in the cabin as I walked in. Celebrity still offers twice-daily stateroom service, something most lines dropped after the COVID restart. Our cabin attendant had removed the throw pillows, closed the blinds, refreshed towels, left chocolates on the bed, and placed the next day’s agenda in the room.

It reminded me of my early cruises, when staff took pride in going above and beyond to “wow” guests. These days, many cruise lines only offer once-a-day service, and even that can feel rushed. Do I need turn down service? Not really. But does it make the cruise feel a little more luxurious and special? Absolutely.

At this point, I noticed the cabin’s lighting was a bit dim at night. With the blinds closed, the room lacked enough overhead fixtures to fully illuminate the space. The good news was that the thick black out curtain seemed to work well, as we’d be traveling to the land of the, near, mid-night sun in the coming days.

Follow Along on our 7-Day Norwegian Fjord Cruise

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Southampton

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Bruges

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Sea Day

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Flam

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Geiranger

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Bergen

Celebrity Apex – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Sea Day

4 Hits and Misses on Celebrity Apex

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Virgin Voyages Day 4 Overview

• Day 4 At a Glance Schedule
• Breakfast at The Galley
• Checking Out the Gym
• Art Scavenger Hunt
• The Dock for Live Music
• Lunch at The Galley
• Arcade, Popcorn, Pretzels
• Relaxing in the Cabin
• Pre-dinner Drinks at Draught Haus
• Dinner at The Wake
• Sip Lounge
• Shake for Champagne
• Around the World With the Diva
• On the Rocks Bar

Virgin Voyages – Day 4 At a Glance Schedule

Breakfast at The Galley

Since it was a lazy sea day, and after I stayed up late for Scarlet Night the previous night (read about that here), I got a late start. I wasn’t up and out of the cabin until around 9 AM. We headed to The Galley for breakfast. It was surprising that it wasn’t overly crowded. Yes, it was busy, but most food stalls didn’t have lines, and it was relatively easy to find tables.

What might help with this crowd is the long hours of The Galley. You don’t have to rush there; you can get breakfast food between 7 AM and 11:30 AM (and Diner and Dash has breakfast all day). There were people there early and people eating breakfast at noon.

For breakfast today, I went with a bagel and cream cheese and a bowl of cereal, along with a pastry. I usually like to put a banana in my cereal, but I couldn’t find one anywhere which was disappointing.

Checking Out Valiant Lady’s Gyms

After breakfast, I decided to go to the gym to burn off all the champagne and extra calories I’d consumed in the past few days. Unlike other cruise ships that hide the gym out of the way on lower decks, on Virgin Voyages, the gym gets prime placement on the main pool deck (Deck 15). The gyms flank the pool and have large windows, so you can look at the Well-being Pool area while exercising.

The gym is split into two different parts. Both gyms have floor-to-ceiling windows offering beautiful ocean views while working out.

On the starboard side is the B-Complex Build + Balance area with strength training equipment, including free weights and machines. This room was light and airy, with light wood tones and white-washed walls. It felt almost like an Apple Store.

On the port side is B-Complex Burn and Bike. It has the cardio equipment and a totally different feel. The space is all painted black with dark equipment, giving it a more moody feel. It’s more like the trendy SoulCycle-type places.

Tip: Virgin Voyages does not sell bottled water. Bring your own reusable water bottle to carry around on the ship. While you can refill it in many places, my favorite was the dispenser in the gym which never had a line and the water felt extra chilled.

The gyms were busy, both about half full. On most of the other cruises I’ve been on, it’d be pretty empty if I went to the gym mid-morning. Most of the times I walked by the gym on this cruise, it had a good amount of people in it; I’m not sure if it’s because it gets such prime real estate on the ship, or if it’s just more common among Virgin Voyages sailors.

Virgin Voyages also includes all fitness classes in your cruise fare. Some of the most popular are the 1980s VHS Workout and the Bungee Class. You can sign up for these classes using the Virgin Voyages app as soon as you board the ship (and you should because they quickly book up). If you can’t get into a class, you can always show up a few minutes before and see if there are no-shows. Virgin Voyages charges a $10 fee (which goes to charity) if you sign up for a class and don’t attend, but there’s still some slots usually. I talked to a few people who signed up and were just too tired to go from being out the night before.

I ended up doing cardio, grabbing an elliptical looking out at the ocean. While working out, I got to see a rain shower in the distance, creating a huge rainbow across the sky.

Art Scavenger Hunt on Valiant Lady

After the gym, I showered and headed to the Art Scavenger Hunt. It was run by The Artist in the Happenings cast. With this activity, you get a list of art you must find on the ship and take a picture with it. Then, when you’re done, you head back to the meeting point to see if you won.

The hunt started at the top of The Roundabout. The Artist held up a QR code and had everyone scan it with their phones to download a PDF of the 20 items. I’ve never seen that on a cruise line before; they usually hand out papers, but it made sense here. On other cruise lines, you have to pay for internet, but on Virgin Voyages, everyone has internet included in the cruise fare so it’s easy to have people download things.

We looked at the sheet and started making our way around Valiant Lady. Rather than going in order from 1 to 20, we looked through them all and proceeded to go around the ship methodically, front to back, from left to right. That cut down on our travel time.

It’s funny; it was day four on the ship, and there were still things we had never noticed or hadn’t seen. Some of the questions were puzzling, but we got them all and rushed back. We were the first to return, and we had them all right, so we won a pin from The Artist (each Happenings cast member has their own pin, which you can collect over the sailing).

Overall, it was a fun experience, but I would have preferred more structure. For example, on Carnival’s art scavenger hunt, you had exactly 45 minutes to hunt, then everyone would come back and show all the photos together to find out the winner. In this case, we were told to come back when done, so we finished in 35 minutes but people could have taken an hour and not realized they lost.

The Dock for Live Music

After we won the scavenger hunt, we headed to The Dock to relax. We spent some time here during Scarlet Night, but didn’t get to see it during the day.

Located at the aft of Deck 7, The Dock has a great view off the back of the ship. The area has a variety of seating options, from tables and bar seating to daybeds. It’s a much more subdued area than the pool and sun decks, providing a perfect space to relax. Today, The Dock had Ohana Duo performing a set mid-day, so we grabbed a seat to listen to them.

The Dock has Mediterranean snacks available throughout the day. You order from a server in the area, and they bring the food out shortly after. It also has a full-service bar.

I ordered the Orange Blossom & Blackberry Sangria, which was refreshing and light. For snacks, I got the Grilled Shrimp and Fire-Roasted Chicken Thigh. The portions are small here; it’s much more like tapas or snacks than a full meal. They were tasty, though, and hit the spot. The shrimp was tender, and the chicken thigh was flavorful.

As we relaxed in the area, I couldn’t help but take note of the really poor job Virgin did with planning the seating. They put the most uncomfortable wooden chairs and tables at the part closest to the rear railing. The seating was incredibly low to the ground, making them hard to get in and out of, and they hurt to sit in. I don’t know if they purposely made them uncomfortable so people wouldn’t hog them all day, but in the hour we were in The Dock, these chairs were mostly empty, while all the rest of the seating was mostly used.

Another disappointing part of The Dock is it could have been bigger. Norwegian’s newest ship class, the Prima Class, uses a similar structure as the Lady Class ships, and they have a full wrap-around promenade called “Ocean Boulevard.” It is at least double the size, with two infinity pools as well. Virgin could have made this space bigger if they put the lifeboats under the promenade like Norwegian did.

Lunch at The Galley

After my snack at The Dock, it was time for a proper lunch from The Galley. I started with a Toasted Crunch PB&J Brioche from Hot off the Press. It was an elevated version of the childhood classic and really hit the spot. I ordered from the counter, and it took four minutes for them to call my name.

Then, I walked over to Bento Baby, where I grabbed a premade box with a Spicy Tuna Roll. It wasn’t the highest-end sushi, but it hit the spot. It made me miss the days when other cruise lines used to offer sushi like this for free (Royal Caribbean had a “Jade” section on some of their buffets and Carnival offered a different sushi roll each afternoon).

I finished with some snacks from the sweets and bread counter. They had a delicious garlic focaccia topped with cheese; in fact, I liked it better than The Pizza Place. They also had some nice desserts to choose from.

Arcade, Popcorn, Pretzels

With nothing on the agenda that struck my fancy this afternoon, I took it easy, lounging around the ship.

First, I went to the Arcade. Valiant Lady has a vintage arcade onboard, and in true Virgin Voyages fashion, it’s completely free. It’s located in a small room off The Social Club and has old-school games like Street Fighter II, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, NBA Jam, and racing games. This afternoon, the Arcade was full. People were having a lot of fun playing the games, but the space could have been bigger.

While I was by The Social Club, I got some snacks. During this cruise, I enjoyed the snacks available nearly all day here. The popcorn was made fresh and tasted delicious, and the hot, soft pretzels were very tasty. Snack food is where most cruise lines seem to fall short, but Virgin does it so well. They kept impressing me And, as always, these are all included (want pretzels on a Royal Caribbean ship? That’s $4. Popcorn on a Carnival ship? That’s $3).

Relaxing in the Cabin

After my snacks, I took a quick afternoon nap. While in the cabin, I decided to look at the TV, which I hadn’t turned on yet. The TV is controlled with the tablet located in the room and had a large selection of free things to watch. The TV show section was pretty slim, but they had quite a few movies to choose from. I just had to click on one, and it instantly started streaming to my TV.

I also took this time to play around with the lights in the cabin. Using the tablet, you can change the light levels or the temperature in the room, but I swear I read online that you could also adjust the colors. So far this cruise, I couldn’t figure out how to do it. Then I finally figured it out; you have to swipe up from the room control menu, and then it gives you color presets. It’s pretty poor UI design; I’m very tech-savvy and knew the lights could change, and it took me four days to find the setting. I can’t imagine the average cruiser finding it on their own. With one press, the lights would adjust to different colors and levels. It really transforms the atmosphere of the room.

Pre-dinner Drinks at Draught Haus

Before dinner, we decided to get pre-dinner drinks at the Draught Haus. If you like beer, this bar is the place to go onboard as they have the largest selection of draught and canned beers.

It’s located in the corner of the upper level of The Roundabout and could easily be missed. It has an odd setup. It’s not laid out as a dedicated bar but more of a beer counter with general seating in The Roundabout.

We walked up and ordered some beers. Virgin Voyages has their own beer made in partnership with Wynwood Brewing Company, which we wanted to try. We asked earlier in the week, and the bartender, Nicholas, said he was waiting for delivery. When we asked this time, it still hadn’t arrived, so Nicholas went out of his way to go to a different bar where he knew it had already been delivered to get one for us. We didn’t ask him to, and it wasn’t necessary, but it was such a nice touch.

Tip: If someone on the staff goes above and beyond for you during your stay, make a note of their name and the place where it happened. You’ll receive a post-cruise survey via email and if you mention them, they get bonuses.

As we were enjoying our beers, the captain came on the loudspeakers to say that because Hurricane Rafael had slowed down, we weren’t able to make it to Bimini tomorrow. We’d wait it out in our current position, and once the hurricane passed, we’d make our way above Cuba and back to Miami. He said we’d have high winds tonight, but tomorrow, we’d be back to smooth sailing by noon. To make up for it, they were having a free champagne pool party tomorrow.

Dinner at The Wake

For dinner this evening, we had reservations at 7 PM at The Wake. This restaurant is Virgin’s version of a steakhouse and is the largest restaurant on the ship, seating around 300 people. You check in at the back of Deck 7 and then proceed down the stairs to the restaurant itself. You’re immediately struck by the large, gold-accented light fixtures and the height of the space as you descend down to your table.

Tip: The Wake has large windows overlooking the ship’s wake. For the best experience, find out when sunset is during your sailing and book during that time.

We had no wait to check in and were immediately shown to our table in the middle of the dining room. The design felt like Art Deco meets a classic elevated steakhouse. The restaurant was pretty full; it was the busiest restaurant I’d seen yet.

Our waiter promptly came over to greet us and took our order. He brought us a pull-apart garlic bread that was absolutely amazing. It came right out of the oven; you could see the steam coming off each piece as you pulled it off the loaf.

I started with the Roasted Bone Marrow appetizer. That’s something I never would have ordered at home, but I figured I’d give it a shot since it was included. That’s one of the things I love about cruising—getting to try things you normally wouldn’t since you don’t feel you’re wasting money on them. Overall, I wouldn’t get it again. The marrow didn’t have much flavor; it was just a texture that I spread on toast. I don’t have anything to compare it to, so I don’t know if it’s how it was prepared that was the issue, but I didn’t like it. I also tried the Corn Custard and Black Bean Salad. The flavor was good, but the texture was odd, almost gelatinous. It definitely wasn’t as good as the corn appetizer I had at Pink Agave on the first night (read about that here).

For dinner, I got the filet mignon with the tarragon salsa verde. The steak was cooked perfectly (I go for medium rare) and the salsa verde added a great punch. For a side, I got the twice-baked potato, which was terrific. It came with a cheese sauce that felt like a cross between a traditional bearnaise and a mac and cheese. I could have eaten another one of those. I also got the creamed spinach, which was OK but nothing out of this world. They also served a roasted garlic bulb on the side, which I loved and used to spread on the remaining bread we had.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable meal. Our waiter, Komang, was attentive despite the restaurant being very busy, and the food was top-notch. The atmosphere felt elevated without being pretentious. The timing was also just right; the entire meal took 1 hour and 10 minutes.

I’m usually not a big fan of steakhouses, especially not on cruise ships. Over the summer, I tried Norwegian’s Cagney’s Steakhouse and was less than impressed, especially considering it was an extra $60. I had a similar experience with Royal Caribbean’s Chops Grill, which didn’t seem elevated enough to be worth the extra $55 – $65. On the other hand, The Wake was included in the cruise fare, which probably helped lower my perception of the value I needed out of the experience.

Sip Lounge

After dinner, we headed to the Sip Lounge, the dedicated champagne bar located at the front of Deck 7. The lounge has an interesting setup. The bar area is long, with a main walkway winding through it with vertical dividers visually breaking up the space without making it feel smaller. The bar is at the far end against an interior wall, making it a long walk from some of the tables. It has a good design and does a good job incorporating a major thoroughfare into a bar space.

This evening, the Irish violinist Meg LaGrande was playing. She had repeating pedals so she could add three or four music tracks and mix them together for a full sound. She was incredibly talented, like a cross between Florence and the Machine and Lindsey Stirling without the acrobatics.

All sailing, I had been impressed with how good the live performers were; they blew the “entertainment” I saw on the Norwegian Viva this summer out of the water. Part of the reason is that Virgin Voyages’ featured artists sign on for shorter runs, sometimes as few as four weeks, so you get different artists who have careers on land but might not want to dedicate three or four months at sea.

The acoustics in the space were good. The violin player was all the way at the front of the bar, and we sat all the way at the back. We couldn’t see her, but we could hear her perfectly.

Shake for Champagne

While we were there, I decided to use the app’s Shake for Champagne. From anywhere on the ship, you can shake the app, and they’ll bring you a bottle of Moët champagne for $105.

Even though we were sitting right next to the Sip Lounge and could have easily ordered it, I had a Shake for Champagne as part of my Splash of Romance package and that was the only way to get it.

In 12 minutes, I saw a server with a red bucket strapped to her with a bottle of champagne and holding two glasses. She noticed me from my picture in her phone and brought it over. She placed it on our table, opened the champagne, and poured it for us.

I didn’t think this option would be too popular, but the waitress said people use it often in the evenings. This evening was pretty light at this point, so our 12 minutes was quick; usually, it’s closer to 25 to 35 minutes, she said.

Around the World With the Diva

For the show this evening, we saw “Around the World With the Diva”. We showed up around 15 minutes before the performance and had no problem getting a good seat. I have to say, I thought they designed the theater a little too small initially, but so far, we never had a problem getting a seat. By the time the show started, the Red Room theater was about 90% full.

Tip: Virgin Voyages used to have you schedule shows ahead of time. Now, for the main shows, it’s first-come, first-served. You shouldn’t have a problem if you get there 15 minutes or so ahead of time (30 minutes if you want the absolute best seat).

“Around the World With the Diva” feels like a cross between a drag show and a comedy show. The Diva, Virgin Voyages’ resident drag queen, headlines this performance. Unlike other drag shows, The Diva actually sings all the numbers herself; she’s not lip-syncing. You’re not going here for outstanding vocal performances, though, but for the fun and comedy in it. There was dancing and jokes, and she invited audience members for some “interviews.” Overall, it was definitely something unique but totally in line with the Virgin brand. The audience seemed to enjoy it.

On the Rocks Bar

We finished with a nightcap at the On the Rocks Bar at the bottom of The Roundabout. This time, the live music was listed as being at the “On the Rocks” stage instead of “The Roundabout” stage. This meant about 70% of the people could see them perform.

The bar was full; this was definitely one of the hot spots to be at night if you weren’t looking for a show or dance party. Even being full, within less than a minute of sitting down, a waiter came over and took our order, and we had our cocktails within three minutes. The service was so friendly and quick onboard.

Day 4 Wrap Up

Overall, Day 4 was chill and relaxing, and it was great to enjoy Valiant Lady. I was disappointed that we were losing our next stop, Bimini, making it a 5-day cruise with three sea days, but since this was meant to be a totally relaxing vacation, I figured that’d be OK.

Follow Along on Our Caribbean Adventure on Virgin Voyages

Valiant Lady – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Miami

Valiant Lady – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Sea Day

Valiant Lady – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Costa Maya

Valiant Lady – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Sea Day

Valiant Lady – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Bimini

5 Hits and Misses on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

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• Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package
• Free at Sea Plus
• Soda Package
• Unlimited Starbucks Package

Below is a full breakdown of the details, but we also created this handy chart to help you quickly see the difference between the packages.

Norwegian Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package

The Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package is the alcoholic drink package you can get if you book a “Free at Sea” offer (or if you previously booked a “More at Sea” cruise fare). It gives you access to a large selection of cocktails, wine, and beer at most venues on the cruise ship.

What’s included in Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar package?

Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar Package includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass, beers, soda, and energy drinks. Below is a list of included beverages.

What’s not included in the Unlimited Open Bar package?

• Drinks on the Connoisseur Collection (you’ll receive a $15 discount on these items)
• Premium Energy Drinks (Red Bull)
• Bottles of water
• Ice bars
• Starbucks
• Flights, tastings, or liquor experiences*
• Room service
• Bottled wine*
• Mini bar purchases
• Fresh squeezed juices
• Wine dispenser
• Vending machines
• Specialty coffee

*A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), wine and spirit experiences, tastings or flights purchased on board.

See full terms and conditions

What does Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar package cost?

The cost of the package is typically $89 per person per day plus 20% gratuity.

If you choose this perk as part of your “Free at Sea” cruise fare, the cost varies depending on cruise length.

You are able to opt out of this offer when booking if you’re not a big drinker.

Is Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar Package worth it?

If you’re getting the Unlimited Open Bar Package as part of a “Free at Sea” promotion, each guest in the cabin would need roughly 2 – 3 alcoholic drinks a day to break even. However, if you’re paying full price for the drink package, it’s closer to 8 – 14 drinks a day per person to get your money’s worth. Our Drink Package Calculator will run the numbers for you based on what and how much you drink. 

Norwegian Free at Sea Plus

In December 2025, Norwegian reintroduced “Free at Sea Plus,” a more all inclusive upgrade to the Free at Sea package. The cost of the package is $49.99 per person per day on top of the fees already paid.

Free at Sea Plus Drink Package Benefits

• Includes Top Shelf Liquor
• Includes Starbucks
• Includes standard and premium bottled watters
• Includes fresh squeezed juices
• Includes premium energy drinks (Red Bull)
• 40% off bottles of wine
• Drink package works on Great Stirrup Cay

Additional Free at Sea Plus Benefits

Free at Sea Plus doesn’t just upgrade your drink package though, instead it includes several benefits.

• Includes daily gratuities (normally $20 – $25 per person per day)
• 50% off additional specialty dining
• Upgrade to unlimited streaming Wi-Fi (1 device at a time)

You can learn more about Free at Sea Plus here.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s soda package

For guests who don’t drink alcohol or guests under the age of 21, Norwegian has a soda package available. With this package, guests can have unlimited sodas around the ship. These used to be two different packages (one for adults and one for children), but in mid-2022 Norwegian combined them into one package.

What does Norwegian’s soda package cover?

The soda package includes Cola, Diet Cola, Lemon Lime Soda, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Orange Soda & Soda Water.

What doesn’t Norwegian’s soda package cover?

The package excludes basically everything but soda. This will not include juices, milkshakes, bottles of water, etc. 

What does the Norwegian’s soda package cost?

Guests who get the package will pay $12.50 per person per day plus 20% gratuity.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Unlimited Starbucks package

Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package was introduced in mid-2022 and was specially made for coffee lovers.

What doesn’t Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package cover?

The Unlimited Starbucks Package includes all the made-to-order drinks you can get from a Starbucks, including classic coffees, teas, and Frappuccinos.

What does the Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package cost?

The Unlimited Starbucks Package now costs $16.50 per person per day (plus 20% gratuity). The Unlimited Starbucks Package does not include canned or bottled drinks, food, and merchandise. This package works at any Starbucks on a Norwegian ship as well as on Great Stirrup Cay.

Restrictions on Norwegian’s Drink packages

All of the packages above have similar restrictions. The biggest restriction is that the package must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom. That means if it’s two adults in a cabin, both will need the package. Likewise, if you’re going to be getting the soda package for children, all the children in the cabin must get the package.

Sharing of the packages with other guests is prohibited. That being said, guests are allowed to get two beverages per person per transaction. 

Where can the Norwegian Drink packages be used?

The Norwegian drink packages can be used in the ship based restaurants, bars, and lounges. They also cannot be used at Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.

Norwegian Viva Mediterranean Cruise Day 4 Overview

• Norwegian Viva Freestyle Daily – Day 4
• Breakfast at Indulge Food Hall
• Arriving at Galataport Istanbul
• Taking the T1 Tram to the Tourist Area
• Basilica Cistern: An Ancient Wonder
• Blue Mosque And Hagia Sophia
• Lunch at 7 Hills Restaurant in Istanbul
• Visiting Sultanahmet Meydani
• Authentic Hookah Bar Experience
• Exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
• Back on the Norwegian Viva: Snacks and Indulge Food Hall
• Dinner at the Commodore Room
• Ocean Music Fest in the Viva Theater
• After Hours on the Viva

Norwegian Viva Freestyle Daily – Day 4

Breakfast at Indulge Food Hall

Since we had a full day ahead of us, we wanted to get a good breakfast in. We returned to the Indulge Food Hall to get breakfast. Again, the restaurant was nearly empty, providing a relaxing experience. As I mentioned in our Day 2 blog, finding where different breakfast items were on the first day was a bit of a struggle. But coming back here the second time was much easier; you understood where everything was. We grabbed our food and headed to the Indulge outdoor dining section to enjoy the views of Istanbul as we ate. 

Arriving at Galataport Istanbul

The ship docked at Galataport Istanbul, a relatively new cruise port right at the edge of the city. We arrived promptly at 9 AM, and they announced guests could leave from Deck 4. We didn’t have an excursion booked; our group would explore the city on our own. That allowed us to take our time with breakfast and leave the ship around 9:30 AM. 

We didn’t encounter any lines and could walk right off the Viva. The cruise port is massive, so it took a bit of walking to get out (it’s the first underground cruise terminal in the world). On our way out, we had to have a mandatory Istanbul card to exit. Norwegian provided this card in our staterooms the night before. According to the document, it took the place of our passports for Istanbul and let us scan in and out of the cruise terminal with a QR code. 

Taking the T1 Tram to the Tourist Area

We wanted to see a few sites in the tourist area called Sultanahmet Square. It’s about a 50-minute walk from the cruise terminal to that area, so we decided to try the local transportation system. Right next to the cruise terminal is the T1 Tram, which will take you to Sultanahmet. 

We could see the tram line on the main street as soon as we exited the cruise terminal. Unfortunately, it didn’t look like there were any ticket machines there. We had to walk about 5 minutes to a stop where two ticket machines were waiting. There, a line of cruise ship passengers stood at the machines, trying to figure them out. They were pretty confusing about what you needed to buy and how to get it. Some helpful locals were working the screens for people (mainly because they needed tickets themselves and wanted to speed up the line). They really should have put separate machines in the cruise terminal so they didn’t clog up the lines for the locals. The cost was 17.70 Turkish Lira, but we used a credit card and it came out to around $0.60.

Tip: Turkey was our only stop that didn’t use the Euro; they use the Turkish Lira. ATM machines are available right across the street from the cruise terminal, but we decided to use our credit cards and the euros we had. Since we were doing all tourist stuff, they would accept Euro, usually at a worse exchange rate, but we were talking low dollar amounts so we didn’t care. 

Basilica Cistern: An Ancient Wonder

Our first stop was the Basilica Cistern. It’s a massive underground cavern built 1,500 years ago that the city used to catch run-off water and provide fresh water to its residents. The Basilica Cistern is used for tours and has art installations throughout the walkways. 

We purchased tickets in advance through the facility’s official website (see the link here). The cost for tourists was 880 Turkish Lira, or about $27 per person. When purchasing, you choose your date but don’t have to pick a time, which gives you a lot of flexibility. 

Tip: Beware aggressive sellers. About a block away from the Cistern, a man approached us and asked what we were looking for. We said the Cistern, and he pointed to it in the distance, trying to help us out. Then, he asked what time it was. We said 10:15, and he said, “You just missed the 10 o’clock tour. They run every hour, why don’t you come to my store to see Turkish Carpets.” It was an outright lie; there are no timed tours there. We politely declined. Then, again, as we got closer, another man approached us, trying to get us to go to his store to purchase a rug (the store was nowhere near the place). 

Once inside the Cistern, we could appreciate the magnitude of this facility. It’s longer than a football field and 30 feet high, supported by 336 stone columns. Color-changing lighting illuminated the space, providing an eerie, otherworldly glow. We followed the metal walkways over the shallow water to take in the art installations and the whole space. 

In the Basilica Cistern, I noticed there wasn’t a ton of signage. Without a tour guide, it made it hard to understand what exactly we were looking at and what it was used for. An audio guide was available, but you’d have to access it on your phone and have your own headphones. Overall, we spent about 30 minutes exploring this ancient underground reservoir.

Tip: If you like audio guides, bring headphones with you. Many attractions offer audio guides along with your entry ticket, but you have to access them on your phone and use your own headphones.

Blue Mosque And Hagia Sophia

After the Cistern, we headed across the street to Sultan Ahmet Park. The expansive public square is nestled between two huge mosques, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Police patrolled the area, which seemed to keep the pushy merchants at bay. 

The red building at the north of the square was the Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 360 AD, it was used as a Christian Church for over a thousand years before being converted to a mosque. Now, it’s also a museum, charging a 25 euro admission. 

Instead, we headed south to the massive Blue Mosque, formally known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Much more recently built in 1616, this grand building is still used for work but is open to guests. The Blue Mosque is free to enter but is closed during prayer times, which can vary daily, usually around 1 PM and 5 PM.

The Blue Mosque is currently undergoing renovations, but we made our way through the scaffolding to the entrance at the rear. The line was outside the building but moved fairly quickly. We waited on line less than 5 minutes. 

Tip: For places of worship, you must dress appropriately. For men, that meant no shorts. For women, they must wear a head covering and no shorts or skirts. Before you entered they had a booth handing out head covering and leg covering you could borrow if you weren’t dressed appropriately. The men were okay in our group because it was a cool day, and we had pants on, but the women had to get head coverings. 

As we entered, we had to take off our shoes before stepping foot on the plush carpet. Then we turned the corner, and my jaw dropped as I entered the expansive space. The domed ceiling was adorned with blue and gold tile and artwork. Massive candelabras hung from the ceiling, providing illumination along with light through the windows. I’ve been to a lot of churches and historical sites, but never something that looked like that. The Islamic and Byzantine styles of decor were so unique to me. 

Since we didn’t have a tour guide, we spent about 15 minutes walking around and taking in the beauty of the inside of the building. Tour guides around us explained the historical significance to their groups; it’s another time a tour guide or audio guide might have helped me better understand what we were looking at. 

Lunch at 7 Hills Restaurant in Istanbul

For lunch, we headed to Seven Hills Restaurant, known for its rooftop dining with panoramic city views. A few weeks before the cruise, we made reservations online so we wouldn’t have to wait long. It was a humid day, and the sun was in full force; I wouldn’t have minded eating inside, but the views were too good to pass up. 

While people are waiting for tables, they stand in a corner of the rooftop, and the staff puts out bread so they can feed the seagulls. The location in between the two mosques and the birds flying around creates amazing pictures but also makes dining much less enjoyable (a bird pooped on our table during our meal). 

Here, we tried Raki, Turkey’s national drink. Also called “lion’s milk,” this clear liquor is made with grapes and anise. As you add ice or water to it, it gets cloudy, and the flavor profile changes. Tasting it, I got the familiar licorice taste of ouzo and a kick from the alcohol (ouzo is usually around 37% alcohol; this Raki was 45%).

The prices here were higher than we saw in Greece, but that’s not surprising considering this was the epitome of a tourist place. We ordered several dishes to share with the table. Overall, it cost us $33 euro each for the food and one cocktail per person.

Visiting Sultanahmet Meydani

After lunch, we made a short walk to Sultanahmet Meydani, a large public square where an ancient hippodrome (race track) once stood. Here, we saw a few structures left over from the old days, but mostly, it was just a large, open public space. 

Authentic Hookah Bar Experience

Some people in the group wanted to try an authentic hookah bar while we were there. We pulled up a random one on Google Maps and headed there. It was tucked into an alley, consisting of an outdoor space with benches and chairs under awnings. It was genuinely authentic; I only saw one other group of tourists in the place.

I’d never been to a hookah bar and was surprised by the crowd. I always assumed it was more of a social activity, but a majority of the patrons were single men sitting on their phones while enjoying hookah for 15-20 minutes. It was around lunchtime, so maybe they were on their lunch breaks, as many seemed to be dressed for work.  

I was feeling under the weather that day, so I avoided hookah and instead opted for apple tea, which Istanbul was known for. It tasted like a cross between apple cider and a really light tea (we brought some apple tea powder home as a gift).

Exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

It wouldn’t be a stop in Istanbul without visiting the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling labyrinth of shops and stalls. I read about it before the cruise but never saw pictures or videos, so I didn’t know what to expect. I was kind of disappointed when we entered and saw that it was basically a massive indoor mall. 

The place was bustling with activity, with local vendors offering everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Most shops here offered the exact same things, so there wasn’t much “shopping” to do. We also had to be careful, as if you showed any interest, you’d get high sales pressure. At one point, while my friends were in a shop, I was chastised for not wanting to buy something from a vendor while I was in the walkway. “You’re supposed to buy things here,” he said.

That’s not to say there wasn’t anything to see at the Grand Bazaar. We saw several stores with beautiful Turkish lamps on display. We also saw tons of Turkish Delight. I’ve had Turkish Delight in the States before, but nothing like what was here. It’s a dessert made with gel and sugar for a unique, almost taffy-like texture. Here, vendors would cut and sell rolls of it rather than prepackage boxes (they had those, too, if you wanted). I wasn’t prepared for all their varieties: hazelnut, blueberry, cinnamon. We bought a kilo of different types to sample later that day. 

Back on the Norwegian Viva: Snacks and Indulge Food Hall

Since the Grand Bazaar was halfway back to Galataport Cruise Terminal, we opted to walk the rest of the way. It was a pleasant walk, basically just through a busy metropolitan area. It was 4:30, and we had to be back on the ship at 5:30, so we had plenty of time for the 20-minute walk. 

Overall, Istanbul was my least favorite port on this trip. While it was nice to see the culture and sights, the pushy salesmen trying to take advantage of tourists were off-putting. At no point did I feel unsafe, but it just made me uneasy. 

Since the cruise terminal is so large, it takes about 15 minutes to walk through it and then head back onto the ship. We headed up to Indulge Food Hall / the Soleil Bar to grab some cocktails and munchies while we tried our Turkish Delight. The Turkish Delight was really tasty, I could see why the kid in “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” sold all his siblings out for this dessert. Our food we ordered from Indulge was delivered quickly. and was quite tasty. 

This area proved to be one of my favorite parts of the ship, a great place to relax and snack with amazing views. When I first saw this space when I sailed on the sister ship, the Prima, I had this cruise in mind, and I could picture this group enjoying the Mediterranean landscape while hanging out together. It turned out just like I imagined it.

Dinner at the Commodore Room

We went back to our rooms to change and get ready for dinner and agreed to meet at 7:30. We met at the Metropolitan Bar, which was hosting a trivia. It was an odd time for it, and the host was on a loud microphone that kind of killed the vibe for pre-dinner cocktails. We ended up just heading to Hudsons main dining room.

When we arrived, the hostess told us there were no tables available and that we should go down one level to the Commodore Room, the other main dining room. We would have known that if the app had waitlists, but because they weren’t using the virtual queues on our sailing we had to go to one room to be redirected to the other. The menu is the same in both dining rooms, so we didn’t really care.

The Commodore Room is much less grand than Hudsons. Instead of the panoramic windows, you get port holes, some obstructed by lifeboats, and it’s much louder in the space. It’s much more like what you’d see in a standard cruise ship main dining room, while Hudsons feels like specialty dining in atmosphere. 

Again, service was lacking here. Our waitress barely engaged in conversation and started the meal by bringing four dinner rolls for the five of us. We had to request to see the wine list, and then when we tried to order a wine off the list, the staff seemed confused by our specific orders. Out of the three wines we chose, only two were correct. 

For dinner this evening, I started with the French Onion Soup, which was really disappointing. That soup is known for having copious amounts of caramelized cheese on top. Norwegian’s version uses a gruyere cheese crouton instead, so it feels more like onion soup with a crouton. It was very disappointing compared to the fantastic version Royal Caribbean offers.

Thankfully, my entree made up for it. I got the Hawaiian Pork Belly with Sweet Soy Drizzle. It was delicious. The presentation looked very high-end, and the pork belly was perfectly crispy while still tender. While I am not usually a yam fan, it worked perfectly with the soy drizzle.

Nothing leapt out at me for dessert. I found it odd that two of the three featured desserts that day had cheese in them (ricotta and cream cheese). I ended up going with the chocolate cake with no sugar added. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was.

Ocean Music Fest in the Viva Theater

We ended the evening by going to “Ocean Music Fest” in the Viva Theater. Norwegian described the event as “the ultimate jam session” filled with “all your party favorites.” It wasn’t overly descriptive, but my guess was it was something like a variety show meets a music festival. 

Tip: On the Viva, on “Beetlejuice” and “Press Your Luck” require reservations. Everything else is first-come, first-served. 

This time, the Viva Theater setup was slightly different. The stadium seats didn’t extend all the way to the stage, leaving floor space between the seats and the stage. Rather than the pub-style tables they had during Icons, this floor was meant to be a “general admission” or dance floor setup. The problem is that no one wanted to be the center of attention on the dance floor; people clung to the sides. 

This show featured the musicians we’ve seen around the ship performing at the bars and lounges. It was nice to see them getting the big stage, as there was some good talent there, but the way the show was written didn’t highlight their voices or styles. When they perform their sets in the bars, they get to adhere to their styles. Here, Norwegian shoehorned them into arrangements and songs that didn’t really highlight their strengths. 

Also, the whole concept as a whole didn’t make sense. What do these songs have in common?

• Fighter by Christina Aguilera
• We Built This City by Starship
• So What by Pink
• Semi-charmed Life by Third Eye Blind
• Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
• Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
• Rolling In the Deep by Adele
• Levitating by Dua Lipa

Can’t figure it out? Neither can I. There wasn’t a story or even a theme I could make out. Also, it was just the different performers from the ship; there weren’t dancers or choreographers to enhance the performance like other production shows on cruise ships. 

The cruise director and her staff were in the general admission area, engaging with the crowd and trying to get them to dance. They were trying hard, probably harder than I ever saw cruise entertainment staff work, but people didn’t want to do that. The one exception was orange shirt guy. At one point, a very drunk older man in a bright orange t-shirt drunkenly stumbled to the general admission area and tried to talk to a female singer while she was performing her song. The cruise director noticed and expertly guided him to the side. He later returned, planting himself feet from the female singer and staring, swaying back and forth like a weeble wobble kid’s toy. Later on, another drunk man was dancing by himself in the middle of the floor, having the time of his life as the crowd watched. If anything, the people-watching was good for this show.

Our seats were on the side of the stage, the upper level, so we got a good look at the crowd. I felt bad for the performers; the first 10-15 rows were filled with people with arms crossed and stone faces. In the back, people were dancing and singing along, but I doubt the performers could see it. It was a shame because people enjoyed it, but the people who got there early got the closer seats to sit there and be unamused.

Norwegian should either describe the show better to weed out the people who won’t enjoy it or pull the seating all the way out and get rid of the standing room, as it doesn’t seem to work with these crowds. 

Overall though, the show kind of highlights a problem with Norwegian’s entertainment. Due to budget cuts, they’ve removed big production shows (at least the Viva had Beetlejuice) and replaced them with cheaper shows using in-house musicians, but the execution is flawed. Carnival does something similar, but they do it well. They take the bands and vocalists who perform in their big shows and have them also perform at the bars and lounges around the ship, but they make sure it suits them. The brass section plays big band music; the strings play acoustic string pop, etc. Instead, Norwegian takes these talented performers and shoehorns them into a show they made that doesn’t really fit them.

After Hours on the Viva

After the show, the Viva Theater transformed into a “Rock and Roll Party.” Like many of the Viva parties, it was sparsely attended. I’m unsure if it’s because it’s a Mediterranean cruise or the crowd on this specific sailing, but they really struggled to get parties going. It could be the schedule too; we had nine busy port days and one sea day, so people weren’t as likely to want to party into the night. Perhaps these are better attended when the Viva is doing Caribbean cruises out of Puerto Rico. The entertainment staff was doing everything they could to engage people, so it’s not something you can blame them for.

We ended up turning in to get ready for our next day in Mykonos, Greece.

Follow along on our Mediterranean Adventure

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Pre-cruise – Athens

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Athens

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Santorini

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Kusadasi

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Istanbul

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Mykonos

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Sea Day

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Messina

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 8 – Naples

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 9 – Florence

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 10 – Nice

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 11 – Rome

5 Hits and Misses on Norwegian Viva

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Tip: Look above and below your cabin before booking. Do not book this room (cabin 15704) unless you get up at 6 AM every day. Although I couldn’t tell on the deck plans, it was directly below the free weights section of the gym, and people would work out and drop weights and causing the room to shake.

Norwegian Viva Mediterranean Cruise Day 2 Overview

• Norwegian Viva Freestyle Daily – Day 2
• Breakfast in Indulge Food Hall
• First Stop: Santorini
• Tendering to Santorini
• Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Excursion
• Santorini Cable Car
• Getting from Fira to Oia
• Charming Oia?
• Alternate excursions: The Fira to Oia Hike
• Surfside Cafe Buffet on the Viva
• Santorini Sunset and Indulge Views
• Icons Show in the Viva Theater

Norwegian Viva Freestyle Daily – Day 2

Breakfast in Indulge Food Hall

We headed to Deck 8 to have breakfast at the Indulge Food Hall where they offered grab-and-go options throughout the space. Each stand has a different breakfast component, but It’s a bit of a challenge to figure out what food is where because all the signage is set up for lunch and dinner. For example, if you want toast, you go to the Seaside Rotisserie stand; if you want fruit, you go to the Latin Quarter truck. By the end of the cruise, you got a feel for what was where.

I would 100% recommend the Indulge Food Hall for breakfast over the crazy buffet. Most guests didn’t realize it was an option, so there were plenty of tables inside and out. It was so quiet and peaceful having breakfast while overlooking the caldera. Most basic breakfast options were available here: cereal, toast, fruit, pancakes, bacon, sausage, and egg bites.

Tip: For the best food experience on a cruise, always look at the schedule for alternate dining venues. The buffet is often the most chaotic and frustrating experience on a cruise, and most modern ships offer alternatives that people don’t seek out. In this case, it was Indulge Food Hall; on Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, it’s the Solarium Bistro; on Carnival’s newest ships, it’s Guy’s Pig and Anchor. Seek these spaces out for a more relaxing experience.

First Stop: Santorini

Santorini is a small island in the Aegean Sea. It was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, which destroyed most of the island and left a large caldera. Because of this, it’s speculated that Santorini inspired Plato’s story of Atlantis.

I visited Santorini on a previous cruise in 2008, and the stunning blues and bright whitewashed buildings in the volcanic caldera were still etched into my memory. Times have changed, though, and Santorini went from a gorgeous Mediterranean paradise to a logistical nightmare. The port can’t accommodate the number of ships and guests that visit the island now. This day, three other ships were also at Santorini, each having to tender all guests to the pier (Santorini can’t accommodate large ships at the dock). The four ships brought close to 9,000 passengers; that’s nothing, though, during the summer, it can be as many as 20,000 guests trying to get ashore.

Santorini has two main places to visit, Fira and Oia. Most cruise tenders will let off at the Skala Pier at the old port of Fira. It’s at the foot of a massive hill, and very little is located at sea level. To get to the town of Fira, guests must either take a cable car or ascend the 580 stairs.

The weather was less than ideal during my visit to Santorini, which probably colored my experience a bit more negatively. The temperature was only around 71 degrees, and it was raining intermittently. The skies were often gray and dreary. For the photos in this post, I kept them as originally shot, rather than tweaking the settings and adding filters to make them more Instagram-worthy. This way, the photos reflect our real experience, not Instagram perfection.

Tendering to Santorini

As mentioned earlier, to get to Santorini, you must take a small boat, or tender, from your cruise ship to the port. While the ride itself takes about 10 minutes, the queue can take hours to get everyone off the ship. Rather than have guests line up and wait for hours, Norwegian has guests pick a tender group, and that’s when they’re called down to board. You don’t choose when you want to leave, but select the order you want to get off. Those in the Haven or who have booked an excursion through Norwegian do not need to worry about getting a tender number.

Tip: On the Viva, you select your tender time using the touch screens in the elevator lobbies. Availability opened a day or two earlier than the port you wanted to tender at.

They started the tender process at 7:45 AM, and by 8:20, they were up to group 6. After that, it slowed down considerably because the excursions also began getting off the ship. The last group I heard get called was group 9 at 10:00 AM, but I know they had at least 20 tenders that could be booked, so they were still going for awhile after I left.

Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Excursion

I chose to book the “Volcano Hiking” excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line. This 2.5-hour excursion included a hike on an “active” volcano, then a trip to oceanic hot springs for a dip. The cost was $85 per person, with $50 off the first guest, thanks to the Free at Sea promotion.

The night before the cruise, we received our excursion ticket in our cabin. It indicated we should meet in the Commodore Room dining room at 9 AM. The morning of, we tried to get to the Commodore Room, but the line was winding through Deck 6 of the ship through the casino. Most excursions met in this room, which was not big enough to accommodate everyone. People were getting very antsy and frustrated, one of many times where the Viva struggled due to a lack of available meeting spaces.

We started by boarding a wooden ship and headed to the volcanic peak in the middle of the water. It was a short 15-minute ride to the island. The boat had three bathrooms, and they told us that none were available on the island so to go before we left.

Norwegian describes the excursion as “challenging,” so I wasn’t sure how much of a workout it’d be. Overall, if you can’t take the stairs on the cruise ship for more than a couple of flights, you shouldn’t attempt this excursion. The rough gravel pathway was steep at parts, and it was about a 3/4 mile hike taking us about 30 minutes. The guides let people stop when needed and people could head back to the boat if they couldn’t make it any further up.

The drizzle would come and go, causing me to overheat in my waterproof jacket. At some points, we could see vents with steam escaping from beneath us, but overall, it felt much more like a regular mountain hike than a volcano hike. On a beautiful day, I could see this being an impressive view, but today, it was underwhelming.

After we hiked back down, the boat took us to the “hot springs” so we could go swimming in them. They were located near a cliff of volcanic rock about 20 minutes away. Those guests who didn’t wear their bathing suits were able to change in the bathroom on the boat.

My original intent was to swim in the hot springs, but ultimately I decided not to. It was only 71 degrees out, and the ocean water was 65 degrees. The hot springs were far under usual hot tub temperatures, only 85 degrees that day. They were located quite a swim away, so I’d have to jump into the cold water, swim about 50 yards to the “hot” springs, and then swim into the cold water to return to the boat. Because we had a whole afternoon planned, I decided not to bother, as I was afraid I would be freezing the rest of the day.

Only about 1/3 of the people on our boat opted to swim to the springs. The area had no place to dock, so the ship dropped anchor and people could jump or climb in. They provided noodles for people who wanted them, and we watched as people swam away and disappeared behind some rocks where the springs were. The shock on people’s faces as they hit the cold water confirmed that I was right to skip this part. I could see it being a lot of fun if it was a hot day, but this just wasn’t a good day for Santorini.

Santorini Cable Car

We finished our tour at 1 PM but still had a full day ahead of us; the last tender didn’t leave until 9 PM. Our original plan was to pay $30 per person to get a speedboat to Oia, avoiding the stairs and cable car altogether. Then, it’d provide a private bus back to Fira, where we’d have to get down ourselves. Several vendors offer this service right at the old dock, but in all my research, no one mentioned that they stop at a certain point in the day. At 1 PM, the last speedboat left, so we had to wait in line for the cable car.

The Santorini cable car is $6 per person each way, so it’s relatively modest, but the line can get long. People have reported waiting as long as 2 to 3 hours during peak summer sailings. For us, there was a 40-minute wait to get onto the cable car to go up and 30 minutes to get back down. The ride itself is quick, taking only four minutes, but these trams can only hold 36 guests at once, and the staff doesn’t ensure that all the cabs are filled. We witnessed a time when the cars were sent up, and one cabin only had one person in it, rather than the maximum capacity of six.

Getting from Fira to Oia

Once we got up to Fira, the small, narrow, and winding streets that I found charming on my last trip were jam-packed with wall-to-wall people. Navigating was nearly impossible, and people bounced off each other as they stumbled between shops selling the same touristy goods.

We planned to take the “local bus,” which I had read about in my research, to get to Oia. I used Google Maps on the phone to look for the route, only to come up empty-handed. It turns out the “local bus” isn’t really a public bus, so Google doesn’t have the timetable and stops in the Maps app. We had to walk about 15 minutes to find the bus station “Main Local Bus Station Hub,” where we could board a large motorcoach. The roads here could get confusing and the signage was lacking.

The staff and process here were less than ideal. The cost was 3 euros per person each way, paid directly in cash to the driver. Of course, there were no signs indicating that. Instead, we stood in line at the ticket counter for five minutes just to have the woman working there point and say, “Go there.” The buses lacked signage indicating where they were going or how anything worked, but thankfully, we found it.

The large bus zoomed back and forth through curves and hills, taking us to the tip of Santorini island. We arrived outside a cannabis shop in a parking lot, and they opened the doors. We assumed this was the stop since everyone was getting off, but there was no announcement.

When it was ultimately time to return, we went to the same parking lot, got in line, assumed it was the only bus, and took it back. Thankfully, we were right, but the staff provided no help or information. While the local bus served its purpose in this case, I’d avoid this bus if you’re apprehensive about using public transit on your own.

Charming Oia?

Oia is often described as a quaint little town at the tip of Santorini. It’s filled with whitewashed houses seemingly carved into the cliffside with winding pathways connecting them. It was still hectic here, but much less packaged than Fira. The sun was trying to peek out, but the constant drizzle was wearing on me.

We wandered around for a bit, looking at some shops and enjoying the views. On a sunny day, I could see how this little town would be perfect for enjoying the panoramic views of the Santorini caldera, but it was a dull, grey mess on this day. At one point, we visited a local bar to get a drink, but we left after 15 minutes of the staff completely ignoring us.

After we had enough, we headed back to Fira, where we wandered the streets a bit before taking the cable car back down to get the tender back to Viva.

Alternate excursions: The Fira to Oia Hike

Three people in our group skipped an excursion and instead did the coastal walk from Fira to Oia. It’s a 6.5-mile journey that takes roughly 3 to 5 hours. A helpful website run by Santorini Dave gave them all the information they needed before they left.

Because of the wait for the cable car, they decided to walk up the stairs to get to Fira and start their journey. Overall, they said the climb wasn’t horrible, but the stairs were slippery, and I got to hear the comical retelling of how a donkey pushed by them and then aggressively farted in one of their faces. Overall, they said the scenery was beautiful even with the poor weather, and the hike was worth it, but it wasn’t as flat as Santorini Dave suggested in his blog.

A Surprising About-face for Santorini

It was really shocking to me that one of the highlights of my last Mediterranean cruise became one of my least favorite ports on this one. It’s a sign of tourism gone wrong, with just too much being pushed on too small of an island. If the weather had been nice, it might have made the day more enjoyable and allowed me to appreciate the natural beauty of the island.

Surfside Cafe Buffet on the Viva

Since we were on shore pretty late, we didn’t want to have a formal dinner. Instead, we went to the Seaside Cafe, the Viva’s main buffet.

The buffet on the Viva is very poorly designed. It’s a small venue, grossly undersized for the number of passengers on board (there’s seating for only 238 of the 3,099 guests onboard). Compounding that problem is the main walkway to get from midship to aft goes directly through the buffet right where the food lines are. Also, while other cruise lines have switched to food stations that are islands and located around the buffet to avoid long lines, Norwegian went with a standard linear design making lines a problem. At breakfast and lunch, it’s chaotic. It was an incredibly poor design choice and I don’t know who at Norwegian thought this design was a good idea.

That being said, at dinner the buffet was only a quarter full and the lines for the food stations were non-existent. They had a selection of pasta, roast meats, salads, and desserts. The food was very good, but nothing was outstanding. Carnival does pizza better, and Royal Caribbean’s bread tastes much more fresh. Compared to my sailing on the Prima in October, the food has notably deteriorated, but it was still as good, if not better, than offerings on some other cruise lines.

Santorini Sunset and Indulge Views

Santorini is known for its spectacular sunsets, with the sky turning near orange as the sun sinks beneath the horizon. Because the ship was facing the sun, many of the balconies and publicly available viewing spaces wouldn’t have a good view of it. Instead, we found a spot up on Deck 19, a small sun deck that’s rarely used on the ship, that provided the best view. A few large clouds obstructed the full view of the sunset, but it was still beautiful.

After the sunset, we all headed down to Indulge Food Hall to catch up and share our separate adventures. We grabbed a round booth in the outdoor area so we could enjoy the gentle sea breeze and the magnificent views. We just wanted some light snacks/bites, so Indulge was perfect for that. Their dinner selection had quite a few options that weren’t available at lunch, and all of the dishes we ordered arrived within 5 minutes.

Icons Show in the Viva Theater

To finish the evening, we decided to check out the Icons show at the Viva Theater. Norwegian described the show as “a concert experience featuring the songs of musical legends (icons) from the last six decades.” It didn’t require reservations, but we arrived around 20 minutes early to get a good seat.

Tip: On the Viva, only “Beetlejuice” and “Press Your Luck” require pre-reservations which open when you check in for your cruise. All other shows are first come, first serve. There wasn’t much of a problem finding a seat for theater shows (Syd Norman’s and the Improv Comedy Club were totally different stories).

The Viva Theater has excellent sight lines for more seating and can hold 627 passengers. The vibrant LED screens and lights allow the space to transform completely; it’s one of the places where the Viva shines.

The Viva Theater is impressive and one of the better implementations of a flexible theater that I’ve seen. It has stadium-style traditional theater seats, but they can fold down completely and pull back to allow different setups. At night, it’d be used as a dance club. For this performance, the seats were about halfway out, and the bottom floor had pub-style seating for a more casual, immersive viewing experience.

Tip: If you want a cocktail for your show, enter the theater on Deck 6 and stop at one of the bars (there’s one on each side). While waiters provided cocktail service in the theater before the show, there weren’t enough going around, and getting your own on the way in was better.

About 10 minutes before the show, the theater was pretty full, with even the floor seats filling up. The lights went down, and the music started. The set list featured songs from icons across all ages like Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, and Lady Gaga. Unlike Royal Caribbean, they didn’t use some unknown, custom musical arrangements and weren’t trying to win awards for the best “message;” they were going hit after hit after hit, and the audience loved it.

Because it jumped between decades, the show had something for everyone. The floor was getting into it, with people dancing and singing along, and the theater was full of energy. The singers were very talented, but you can tell they were instructed to pull back on the high notes to preserve their voices; there were few “money notes” in any of the songs. It’s an odd choice, seeing that these performers weren’t in many productions over the 10-day sailing. In comparison, when I was on the Carnival Celebration, they had one of their singers perform the incredibly difficult “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, hitting the high notes perfectly and blowing crowds away (follow along on that cruise here).

Unfortunately, the ending was a bit anticlimactic. The last “icon” the show featured was Ricky Martin, which, while famous, wasn’t as big a hit with this crowd. It’s one of the times where you could tell this ship spends six months of the year sailing out of Puerto Rico. Parts of the entertainment program were clearly meant for that market and not tweaked for entering the European market.

After the show, we all decided to turn in for the night. It was a long day in port with lots of walking and we’d have an early start the next morning in Kusadasi.

Follow along on our Mediterranean Adventure

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Pre-cruise – Athens

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 1 – Athens

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 2 – Santorini

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 3 – Kusadasi

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 4 – Istanbul

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 5 – Mykonos

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 6 – Sea Day

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 7 – Messina

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 8 – Naples

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 9 – Florence

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 10 – Nice

Norwegian Viva – Cruise Blog - Day 11 – Rome

5 Hits and Misses on Norwegian Viva

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