The first ship in the class will be named Carnival Destiny. It is a tribute to the original Carnival Destiny, which sailed from 1996 to 2013. When it debuted, it was the first passenger ship to exceed 100,000 gross tons. In 2013, Carnival Destiny underwent a multimillion-dollar refurbishment that gave it a new name. It is currently sailing as Carnival Sunshine and is technically the oldest ship in Carnival’s fleet.

Today’s steel cutting happened on the 30th anniversary of when the original Carnival Destiny first sailed from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, the very shipyard where the new Carnival Destiny will be built.

Record-Breaking, But Not Necessarily in a Good Way

While the new Carnival Destiny will be big, it will not break any size records like its namesake did. When looking at gross tonnage, it will be the sixth-largest ship in the world when it debuts, outsized by Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class and newer Oasis Class ships.

But it will break records for the number of guests onboard. At maximum capacity, the ship is expected to hold 8,000 guests. That’s 5% more than Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, the current record holder at 7,600 guests. Holding more people while having less gross tonnage may prove to be a downside.

What Will Carnival Destiny Be Like?

Even with this announcement, we don’t know a lot about the Ace Class Carnival Destiny yet. Carnival has said it will hold an event with more details in November.

At the press conference during the steel-cutting ceremony, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy gave us a few more hints, though.

She said the Ace Class ships “are designed to change how guests will experience the sea while on their cruise. We like to say they’ll have ‘More Sea to See.’”

• It will be the most outward-facing ship in the Carnival fleet
• More ocean views across more spaces
• A reimagined Lanai Deck
• More than 4.5 acres of glass
• The most sea-view balconies at sea
• 70% new concepts across dining, beverage, and entertainment

Looking at the render that was provided, it seems the ship takes a lot of inspiration from Carnival’s previous class of ships, the Excel Class, which includes Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. You can see the three-story windows on the side where Grand Central is located on those ships, although what is inside has yet to be revealed.

The exterior promenade, the Lanai Deck, also called Summer Landing on the Excel Class ships, has been expanded. It looks like it will have more bars and restaurants along it, and while it is hard to see in the render, a 360-degree spinning holographic display at the ceremony seemed to show pools along the aft section of the Lanai Deck. Unfortunately, according to the renders it does not wrap around the whole ship like on the Vista Class.

Seeing the ship’s design, we can now confirm that it will not have a split-superstructure design. So far, every cruise ship over 200,000 gross tons has widened the ship and added open interior spaces in the middle lined with cabins. This creates areas like Central Park on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Class ships and the World Promenade on MSC’s World Class ships. But Carnival is going with a traditional cruise ship design. It will be interesting to see how this impacts how crowded the ship feels, as the split-superstructure design has so far been credited with making these massive ships possible without feeling cramped.

You might notice that there are no top-deck attractions yet. That is standard for early renders, and we can expect things like ropes courses, water slides, and other attractions to be added to future renders.

Three Ace Class Ships Coming

Carnival Destiny will be the first Ace Class ship and will debut in 2029. Carnival has two others on order, set to debut in 2031 and 2033. Their names will be released at a later date, along with their homeports and itineraries.

Carnival has been preparing for these ships for a long time, though. With all its recent improvements, including the new piers at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, as well as Terminal F at PortMiami, Carnival has said these facilities will be able to accommodate the new, larger ships.

Why Not Carnival Ace?

Project Ace was Carnival’s internal name for the project that developed this class of ship. Usually, when a ship is revealed to the public, the name of the first ship also becomes the name of the class. For example, Carnival Vista is part of the Vista Class, and Carnival Dream is part of the Dream Class.

But with its most recent class, the Excel Class, Carnival’s internal name, Excellence Class, became the class name. The reason is likely because Carnival Corporation has been reusing these ships across multiple brands it owns. The Excel Class is not exclusive to Carnival and is also used by AIDA, Costa, and P&O Cruises.

In fact, the first ship in the class was not built for Carnival but for AIDA Cruises. AIDAnova debuted two years earlier, and it would have been odd to call them “Nova Class” ships when only one of the cruise lines had a ship with “Nova” in its name.

John Heald was the first cruise director onboard Carnival Destiny. Sixty-five of the original Carnival Destiny crew members are still serving with the line.

Carnival Destiny Will Be Sailing the Caribbean

The press release confirmed that the ship will sail in the Caribbean. It will visit destinations in the Paradise Collection, including Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

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The first ship to undergo the Celebrity Renewed transformation was Celebrity Solstice, and the changes have been well received by many early guests. Now, we know the next ship to receive a major modernization will be Celebrity Reflection, and the changes are even bigger this time.

The newly upgraded Celebrity Reflection will set sail on March 15, 2027, with 13 new spaces and experiences coming to the ship.

Reimagined Pool Deck

The pool deck on Celebrity Reflection will be redesigned as the Celebrity Pool Club, similar to the space found on the newer Celebrity Xcel. Expect lots of bright orange accents, more comfortable seating, additional shade, and new activities.

The redesigned pool deck will also have two dedicated bars, providing more places to grab a drink without leaving the area.

Orange Peel Bar & Grille

Celebrity is adding a new poolside food and beverage concept called Orange Peel Bar & Grille. The new complimentary venue will serve smash burgers, frozen cocktails, and casual food designed for a relaxing day by the pool.

Tacos del Sol

Tacos del Sol will be Celebrity’s first dedicated fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant. The casual, open-air eatery will feature a build-your-own taco station with a variety of fillings, toppings, and other options.

The Grand Plaza

The Grand Foyer on Celebrity Reflection will be transformed into The Grand Plaza, taking inspiration from the central gathering spaces found aboard Celebrity’s newer Edge Class ships. The redesigned space will feature a centrally located Martini Bar and a massive suspended chandelier. The chandelier will become part of the entertainment, with light shows and performances taking place throughout the evening.

Sunset Park Replaces The Lawn Club

The Lawn Club will be removed and transformed into Sunset Park.

Guests will no longer have to worry about areas of real grass being roped off while they recover from the hot Caribbean sun. Instead, Celebrity will replace the real grass with artificial turf and add comfortable seating, games, and new gathering spaces throughout the area.

The redesigned outdoor area will provide more places for guests to relax during the day while also serving as a social and entertainment space in the evening. Enjoy movies under the stars, live music, and activities throughout the day and night.

Sunset Park Cafe

A new dining option will also be added to the ship’s upper decks. Sunset Park Cafe will offer casual, bistro-style dining for breakfast and lunch, providing another outdoor dining option with expansive ocean views.

The Parlor

This hybrid gaming space and bar first debuted aboard Celebrity Solstice as part of its Celebrity Renewed transformation.

The Parlor is an elevated sports and gaming lounge featuring hundreds of classic board games, billiards, darts, and other activities. Large-screen TVs will also make it a good place to watch live sporting events.

The venue will feature a full-service bar along with bar bites available for an additional cost.

The Parlor will replace the Conference Center and the Future Cruise Vacations desk.

Boulevard Lounge Replaces Celebrity Central

Similar to the changes made aboard Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Central will be transformed into Boulevard Lounge.

With seating for approximately 125 guests, the venue will feature entertainment and activities throughout the day, including karaoke, live music, game shows, and interactive programming.

The venue will also feature Celebrity’s popular dueling piano performances.

Boulevard Bar Replaces the Entertainment Court Bar

The Entertainment Court Bar will be upgraded and transformed into Boulevard Bar.

The redesigned venue will offer a more distinctive cocktail menu and a more refined atmosphere. Its location near Boulevard Lounge will make it a convenient place to grab a drink before or after a performance.

Trattoria Rossa Replaces Qsine

This new specialty restaurant first debuted aboard Celebrity Solstice and serves what Celebrity describes as Roman-inspired cuisine.

Guests can expect traditional Italian dishes with modern touches, including fresh pasta and updated takes on classic recipes.

Trattoria Rossa will replace Qsine.

Fine Cut Steakhouse Replaces Tuscan Grille

Tuscan Grille will be transformed into Fine Cut Steakhouse, Celebrity’s signature steakhouse concept found aboard its Edge Class ships.

The restaurant will offer dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and impressive ocean views.

The addition brings one of the most popular specialty restaurants from the Edge Class to Celebrity Reflection.

Bora Replaces The Lawn Club Grill

In a surprising move, Celebrity is also adding Bora to the ship.

The new dining venue first debuted aboard Celebrity Xcel and is a Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant. Located on the upper decks, it offers an open-air setting for an al fresco meal, day or night. Bora has also become known for its sea day brunch, which includes a customizable Bloody Mary bar.

The restaurant will replace The Lawn Club Grill.

The Retreat Sundeck

Celebrity Reflection will receive a new sundeck exclusively for guests staying in The Retreat, complete with comfortable seating and an oversized hot tub.

The exclusive outdoor area will replace the existing Solstice Deck and provide suite guests with a dedicated place to relax away from the ship’s main pool areas.

The Retreat Lounge

The modernization will also transform Michael’s Club into a dedicated The Retreat Lounge.

The redesigned space will provide guests staying in The Retreat with an exclusive lounge, personalized service, comfortable seating, drinks, and assistance from The Retreat team.

Updated Staterooms and Expanded AquaClass

Celebrity has also confirmed that every stateroom aboard Celebrity Reflection will be updated as part of the modernization.

The cruise line has not yet revealed the full scope of the changes, but the announcement says all rooms will receive a more stylish, refreshed look. Suites in The Retreat will also be updated as part of the expanded suite experience.

Celebrity will add more AquaClass staterooms, giving additional guests access to spa-inspired amenities such as massaging showerheads, aromatherapy diffusers, in-room yoga mats, upgraded robes and slippers, and a pillow menu. The ship’s exclusive Blu restaurant will also be expanded to accommodate the additional AquaClass guests.

My Take: Celebrity Is Doubling Down on Modernization

I sailed on Celebrity Reflection in March, and while I was originally reluctant to book the ship because of its age, I was pleasantly surprised by its condition. The ship was absolutely beautiful and clearly very well maintained.

That said, it was built during a different era, and cruise lines have learned a lot since then. With these changes, Celebrity is incorporating more modern cruise ship trends into its older ship designs.

Many of the planned changes directly address issues I brought up in my Hits and Misses article. I was incredibly disappointed by the lack of functionality of The Lawn Club, and the new Sunset Park seems like a much better use of the space.

I also love the new included dining options, an area where Celebrity has always been a bit behind some of its competitors. Sunset Park Cafe, Orange Peel Bar & Grille, and Tacos del Sol will go a long way toward giving guests more options while also helping reduce crowding in the buffet.

I was surprised by the proposed changes to the atrium. Celebrity has not released a rendering of the redesigned space yet, but the current area felt underutilized when I was onboard. It will be really interesting to see how Celebrity combines the older design style of Celebrity Reflection with features inspired by the more modern Edge Class ships.

The Parlor was a more expected addition, but it could go a long way toward bringing more activities onboard and giving guests additional ways to stay entertained throughout the day.

Overall, I am excited to see the new Celebrity Reflection. While I almost never book the same ship twice, these changes might make me reconsider. I had an amazing cruise aboard Celebrity Reflection the first time, and these changes address many of the few complaints I had about the ship. An already great ship could soon be even better.

Follow Along on our 4 Day Bahamas Sailing on Celebrity Reflection

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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One of the changes that makes the new ship stand out is its Asian flair. From the 40-foot-long stainless steel dragon suspended 30 feet in the air to the Asian-themed decor in the Family Harbour district, the Asian theme can be seen around the ship. Now MSC has revealed more about a new specialty restaurant on board.

Pan-Asian Venue Replaces La Pescaderia Fish Market and Paxos

With the debut of MSC World Asia, MSC is introducing a new pan-Asian restaurant. It will be located on the World Promenade on Deck 8. On MSC World Europa, this space is home to La Pescaderia Fish Market. On MSC World America, it is where Paxos is located.

According to the cruise line, the venue will provide a “multi-sensory environment, inviting guests on a vibrant culinary journey inspired by the flavors, sights, and sounds of Southeast Asia, and drawing on the energy of bustling street markets across Indonesia, Singapore, South China, Thailand, and Vietnam.”

Guests can sample foods like Singapore-style shrimp, shiitake mushroom fried rice, and a variety of wok-fired specialties. The menu was developed with Chef Xiao Wang, who has roots in Shanghai, and Chef Luca Cesarini, who has worked in Shanghai and Thailand. Together, they worked to bring exotic Asian flavors into dishes guests will love.

The decor also fully immerses guests in Asian artwork and flair. Guests will even pass under the massive steel dragon to visit.

A Three-in-One Concept

What’s unique about this concept is that it offers three experiences in one: a specialty restaurant, a bar and lounge, and a complimentary grab-and-go food concept.

Specialty Restaurant

The extra-fee restaurant has both indoor seating and a casual rooftop terrace overlooking the open World Promenade area. Each meal includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. The food is inspired by communal dining traditions.

Guests can also choose from a curated selection of iconic Asian beers served by the bottle, including Tsingtao, Chang, and Bintang. There will also be a menu of indulgent bubble teas, freshly prepared smoothies, and vibrant fruit juices.

Bar and Lounge

The bar is located within the venue and features a selection of Southeast Asian-inspired signature cocktails. Guests will find unique drinks like scented jasmine mojitos, rose and strawberry daiquiris, and matcha coladas.

Complimentary On-the-Go Offering

For guests who do not want to splurge on specialty dining, they can still stop by and enjoy complimentary grab-and-go Asian street food. The to-go window is designed for guests looking for a quick bite between activities.

They can stop by, pick up food just like they would on the streets in Asia, and try dishes like crispy seafood balls and fluffy bao buns.

One of Many Offerings on MSC World Asia

The pan-Asian venue is just one of the food and beverage options on the ship. In fact, there are over 40 bars, lounges, cafes, and restaurants on board.

Guests will also find returning favorites like Hola! Tacos & Cantina, Kaito Sushi Bar, Butcher’s Cut, and more. The ship will also have an elegant Mediterranean specialty restaurant, with details expected to be announced soon.

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Now, the company is bringing on a new chief marketing officer. But the move also raises a bigger question: what went wrong with Norwegian’s marketing in the first place?

Last Chief Marketing Officer Lasted Just a Year

The previous chief marketing officer, Kiran Smith, lasted just one year at Norwegian Cruise Line. Smith did not have experience in the hospitality industry, but she previously held executive marketing roles at companies like iRobot, Brookstone, and Stride Rite.

During her time at Norwegian, she oversaw a rebranding that moved away from the standard Norwegian blue logo in favor of a new black version, a muted color palette, and more aspirational imagery.

She also oversaw the marketing campaign “It’s Different Out Here,” a callback to a successful campaign the cruise line ran in the 1990s. But times have changed, and the things Norwegian focused on as “different,” such as flexible dining times and relaxed dress codes, are now widely available across many cruise lines.

When we first saw the new campaign, we questioned what they were going for and how effective it would be. Apparently, we were not the only ones. In April, Norwegian announced that Smith would be leaving around her one-year anniversary.

New CMO Is Lee Applbaum

Norwegian’s new CMO, Lee Applbaum, will start on July 6. Applbaum has experience across premium consumer brands. According to Norwegian’s press release, he “served as global chief marketing officer at Patrón Spirits International and later Bacardi, leading the Tequila Patrón portfolio before expanding his scope to include Grey Goose.”

It’s an interesting choice to bring in an outside hire again rather than promote from within the brand, signaling their need to go in a new direction.

What Went Wrong With Norwegian’s Marketing?

During recent earnings calls, Norwegian noted several problems with its marketing. The first was spending. According to the Q1 2026 earnings call, Norwegian spends almost twice as much as its competitors on marketing per bed.

The organization was also extremely siloed, with teams not communicating effectively with each other. That meant Norwegian could be running marketing campaigns for one part of the business while another part needed attention.

For example, the company heavily marketed the enhancements coming to its private island, Great Stirrup Cay. But the problem is that the island’s pier is still not ready, and the waterpark will not open until September.

A clearer example was Norwegian’s confusing ad campaign featuring seamen. One commercial had them asking about wearing “flippy-floppies.” At the exact same time, the operations team doubled down on rules banning flip-flops in the dining rooms. That decision has since been rolled back.

John Chidsey, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, has said the company wants to market to “premium families with kids” going forward. The goal is to maximize occupancy by filling the third and fourth beds in cabins, as competitors already do.

For Applbaum, the challenge will not just be creating a slick new ad campaign. Norwegian needs clearer messaging, better coordination between marketing and operations, and a stronger answer to why guests should choose Norwegian over its competitors. The cruise line has ships, destinations, and loyal fans to build from. Now it needs marketing that actually makes that case.

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Expanded Casinos on Some Celebrity Ships

In an email sent to Blue Chip Club members, the casino program for Celebrity Cruises, the cruise line released some details about upcoming casino expansions. The expansions will start with the Celebrity Beyond.

The updated casino on Celebrity Beyond will now have 9,087 sq ft of gaming space. It will have 285 total slot machines and 15 table games.

Unlike Royal Caribbean’s release, you won’t see a mention of a non-smoking section because on Celebrity Cruises, all casinos are already smoke-free.

Timeline and Exact Details Not Released

While Celebrity did not detail exactly where the casino will be expanded, we can look at a recent upgrade it completed on Celebrity Apex in 2025.

During that update, Celebrity removed a few shops across from the casino and converted the space into more slot machines. While the deck plans have not been updated to show this, we noticed the upgrade when we sailed on Celebrity Apex to the Norwegian Fjords (read about that cruise here).

As for timing, it was not provided in the email. Celebrity Beyond appears to be undergoing a dry dock in November 2026, so that would make it the most likely time for the casino expansion.

How Celebrity Casinos Compare

While Celebrity ships all have casinos, they have always seemed to be less of a focus than on other cruise lines. Today’s numbers appear to confirm that.

Let’s look at a similar-size ship, Norwegian Getaway, which is close to the same gross tonnage as Celebrity Beyond. The casino space on that ship is 18,000 sq ft, roughly double the size of the casino on Celebrity Beyond.

Looking at Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, Celebrity Beyond is 9% smaller in terms of gross tonnage, but its casino is 36% smaller by sq ft.

Still, the casinos are larger than Virgin Voyages, which only has 115 slot machines on their ships.

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They’re basically doubling down, removing other entertainment spaces to create larger casinos and dedicated smoke-free areas. Now, they’ve announced that more ships will follow suit.

Oasis Class Casino Expansions

In a recent email from Club Royale, Royal Caribbean’s casino program, the cruise line detailed upcoming casino expansions across three Oasis Class ships.

Ships Getting Casino Expansions

• Allure of the Seas – Summer 2026
• Symphony of the Seas – Fall 2026
• Oasis of the Seas – Fall 2026

These ships will get expanded smoke-free spaces. After the expansion, each will have a total of 29,098 sq. ft. of casino space. To put that in perspective, that’s about six NBA basketball courts worth of slots, table games, and casino space. If you compare it to Royal Caribbean’s older ships, it’s nearly double the size of the newly renovated Liberty of the Seas casino.

Guests will find 38 table games and close to 600 slot machines, with the latest games installed on board.

Expansion Details Are Still Limited

The email doesn’t reveal exactly how Royal Caribbean will expand the casinos on these ships. Previously, most Oasis Class ships added dedicated non-smoking casino space by removing the Jazz on Four bar.

But now that those spaces have already been converted, we can look at the recent renovation of Harmony of the Seas for a clue.

During a dry dock earlier this year, Royal Caribbean removed the small comedy club, The Attic, and the Crown Lounge. The Crown Lounge was moved to Deck 15, replacing one of the teen spaces, while comedy shows that were previously held in The Attic were moved to the Royal Theater so more guests could see them.

That expanded the overall footprint of the casino considerably, creating large casino spaces on both sides of Studio B.

The newest Oasis Class ship, Utopia of the Seas, also has a similar layout, so it seems likely the older ships will see similar changes during their renovations.

Improved Non-Smoking Sections

This change also helped create a clearer divider between smoking and non-smoking areas.

Previously, Royal Caribbean had non-smoking casino sections, but without real dividers, a non-smoking slot machine could be right next to a smoking one. In addition, smoke could still waft through the space. It was a huge design drawback compared to competitors like Carnival and Norwegian, which have true non-smoking casino areas on their newest ships, and Celebrity and Virgin Voyages, which have completely non-smoking casinos.

By adding larger casinos with more clearly separated smoking and non-smoking spaces, Royal Caribbean can better serve both groups. Non-smokers get a more comfortable place to play, while smokers still have a dedicated space instead of being pushed out entirely. It’s a better setup for everyone who wants to enjoy the casino.

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When you hear “private island,” you may think of a secluded and deserted getaway with miles of sand and undeveloped beaches. In reality, they’re small developments on larger islands that provide exclusive experiences for cruise travelers. Almost all the private islands in North America are in the Bahamas, and CocoCay is one of the Berry Islands in the center of the Bahamas archipelago.

Note: only Royal Caribbean and sister-cruise like Celebrity are allowed to stop at this island.

What’s Perfect Day at CocoCay Like?

In the morning, your ship will dock at a pier that can accommodate up to two Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships. No long lines, no bumpy tender rides; just walk right off the boat and onto the island. It makes it so much more convenient to go back to the ship (see why we prefer these types of ports to those with tenders).

With the new Perfect Day, you walk up through a new pier dotted with colorful arches and awnings. You pass by a huge CocoCay sign with water geysers that erupt and lead you to the island. It feels much more like a theme park than it used to, or than other islands do.

A winding path circles the island of CocoCay, taking visitors through many different zones. These zones help spread out the visitors and make the island, which can hold up to 13,000 people, feel much less crowded. A tram is available to help visitors get around the island and get back to the ship if it’s too hot to walk or they have mobility issues.

How Much Does Perfect Day at CocoCay Cost?

There’s no cost to get onto the island itself; just walk off the ship and enjoy. I’ve easily spent a day on the island and didn’t spend an extra dime on shore, which was nice.

Tip: If you have a drink package or Wi-Fi package on the ship, they will extend to the island, which is really nice.

Some attractions and features may cost extra if you are interested in them. You can use your SeaPass card for almost anything on the island, except the Straw Market, so it makes it easy to be cash-free on the island.

Royal Caribbean adjusts the pricing based on specific cruise itineraries and ships. They’re also known to offer discounts upfront as well. The prices below are based on what we’ve seen and heard from other cruisers. For the most accurate pricing and special deals, view your Cruise Planner before your cruise.

Various Costs on Perfect Day at CocoCay

What Is There to Do at CocoCay?

Oasis Lagoon – One of the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas

Filled with over 800,000 gallons of water, Oasis Lagoon was the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas when it was built. That’s the equivalent of almost 60 inground pools! Kids and adults will love this pool, with shallow zone-entry areas for younger children and a swim-up bar with 23 seats for adults. You can find secluded coves with benches, in-water seating, or swim out to one of the three islands in the pool with seating. The pool can hold up to 1,750 people, but it rarely feels crowded because of its size and layout.

For a cool effect, dive underwater and listen to some tunes. You can’t hear them when you’re above water, but as soon as you’re submerged, you’re hit with some energizing Caribbean music.

The loungers and umbrellas are all free. Don’t worry if you forgot your towel; towel stations are available and provide complimentary towels with your room key (just make sure to return it before you head back to the ship).

Traditional Beach Fun on Chill Island or South Beach

More of a beach person than a pool person? Check out Chill Island or South Beach. With beautiful turquoise waters and soft sand beaches, it’s the perfect way to enjoy your Caribbean vacation.

Stop by South Beach and visit the sports courts. They have traditional basketball courts, beach volleyball, cornhole, and more. Because this beach is further away than the others, it’s usually easier to find lounge chairs here if you get to the island later in the day.

Chill Island is what used to be the main section of CocoCay before Royal Caribbean built Perfect Day. It’s a better section to visit if you’re interested in snorkeling or water sports. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent some there for between $22 and $27. Personally, I recommend bringing your own if you’re interested in snorkeling. I paid the same price to get one from Amazon (see the snorkel) and I’ve used it at least three times since then. When I go on a regular cruise excursion, I just use what the vendor provides, but since this is just right off the boat, it’s easy to bring your own. While you’re there, swim out to the floating bar for a cocktail in the middle of the ocean.

Harbor Beach Offers a Quiet Lagoon

Play Areas for Kids – Splashaway Bay & Captain Jill’s Galleon

Splashaway Bay keeps the kids busy with five mini water slides, two dumping buckets, countless fountains, water cannons, and pools. It’s a great way to help your kids get all the energy out. It’s right by Thrill Waterpark, but it is complimentary.

If it’s a cooler day or your kids just don’t like being splashed as much, try the splash area called Captain Jill’s Galleon. Shaped like a traditional pirate ship, it has a tunnel slide and scramble net. It’s right by the pier, so your kids won’t have to wait long before going crazy.

Tip: Kids swim vests are available in case you forgot to bring swimmies (or you want to save room).

Grab Some Food While on the Island

Feeling hungry while at Perfect Day? You have the choice of three venues that offer complimentary food: Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shacks.

Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill are two large, self-serve buffet-style venues. If you’re looking for traditional beach food, like burgers, hot dogs, and fries, you won’t be disappointed. They also have a salad bar, pre-made sandwich station, and taco bar. It’s usually open from around 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, but that depends on the sailing.

If you don’t mind paying extra for some food, stop by Captain Jack’s, a cool themed bar with specialty drinks and wings. You don’t pay admission here, so you can just stop by for a drink and play some bar games or swing on the swing seats. The food pricing is a la carte.

Grab a Refreshing Cold Beverage

Perfect Day at CocoCay has a lot of bars dotted around the island. You never have to walk too far to try a refreshing Daiquiri or Bahama Mama.

If you have a beverage package, you can use it at any of the bars or restaurants that Perfect Day at CocoCay. That’s a huge benefit since you’ll be there for quite a few hours and you can have many cocktails while relaxing. It’s a nice change compared to Carnival or Princess, who make you pay for drinks on their private islands, even if you have a drink package.

If you don’t have a drink package, the drinks cost the same on land as they do onboard. That’s about $7.25 for a beer or $11 for a standard cocktail like a Hurricane or Bahama Mama.

Want to see if the drink package is worth it for you?

Thrill Waterpark (additional cost)

While not the island’s main attraction, the Thrill Waterpark is the first thing anything notices about the island, mostly because of its colossal slide tower. The unique-looking and colorful structure houses the tallest water slide in North America, Daredevil’s Peak, as well as several 6 other body slides.

You enter the waterpark by using your SeaPass card to enter. You can come and go as often as you’d like over the course of the day.

Tip: complimentary lockers are available for guests in Thrill Waterpark.

Once inside, you have 13 different water slides to choose from as well as the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and an adventure pool with swings, ropes, and obstacles for kids to try. Free lockers are available in the park so that you can store your towels, cell phones, and other personal belongings easily.

The park can get crowded from late morning until mid-afternoon. Get there before 10 am to beat the lines. The biggest attraction is the record-breaking Daredevil’s Peak, which can have lines of up to an hour. For the rest of the water slides, the wait is usually 10 to 30 minutes per slide, which is on par with other water parks I’ve attended.

Noticeably absent is a lazy river. It seems like every waterpark has one (the one in Atlantis Bahamas is excellent), but this one does not. Also, the freshwater pool and kids splash areas are actually outside of the waterpark, so it’s weird. In essence, you’re just paying to ride the water slides or use the wave pool. If you have younger kids who just want to splash around, save your money and use the free facilities.

Costs will vary, but here are some ballpark costs. Be on the lookout for bundles with the zip line to save money or Thrill Waterpark Cabanas, which may make it cheaper (those cabanas include admission for up to 6 people).

• Full-day Thrill Waterpark Admission $44-$99 per person depending upon the season
• Children aged 0-3 are free
• Thrill Waterpark and Zip Line Bundle $99-$179

Up, Up and Away Hot Air Balloon (additional cost)

Get a unique perspective of CocoCay by flying up in its signature hot air balloon. Just like the Thrill Tower, you see this gigantic balloon in many of the ads for CocoCay. Up to 30 guests can get in and slowly rise 450 feet in the air for a beautiful view. The balloon only runs in good weather with low winds, so don’t get your hopes up too high. Because of this issue, you can’t pre-reserve tickets for it and instead need to book when you arrive on the island.

Pricing is usually between $39 – $99 for ages 13 and up and $24 – $64 for ages 4 to 12.

Zip Line (additional cost)

If you want a bit of a thrill, try out the zip line on Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s over 1,600 feet long and has three segments lasting 20 seconds each. Riders must be between 50 and 300 pounds, and closed-toe shoes are required.

The prices for a standalone zip line run from $79 – $139 per person, but we’ve seen packages where you can get it along with the waterpark or hot air balloon for as low as $10 more. Personally, it doesn’t seem worth the steep standalone price, but for a small add-on, it can be fun for a thrill seeker.

Coco Beach Club (additional cost)

This beach club is the premier private island experience. If you want to go all-out and spend your day in the lap of luxury, try the Coco Beach Club. You can get day passes which include access to a premium beach, clubhouse, infinity pool, the exclusive restaurant Grille at Coco Beach Club, beach chairs, and umbrellas. They also have cabanas here, both on the island and the only overwater cabanas in the Caribbean.

The cost for a day pass can range between $54 – $99 per adult and $34 – $69 for children 4 – 12. Children 0 to 3 years old are free.

You can also book private cabanas in this area. The beautiful overwater cabanas, for up to 8 people, can range from $949 to $1,549 which includes admission to the beach club.

Hideaway Beach (additional cost)

Hideaway Beach is the only adults-only section at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It first opened in 2024 in a whole new part of the island previously unused by guests. This area includes a large heated infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and hundreds of loungers, and a calm lagoon to cool down in.

To get there, guests can take a dedicated tram from the Arrival Plaza for a quick 3-minute ride. Once there, guests don’t really have to leave for anything.

Hideaway Beach has two grab-and-go restaurants. Snack Shack serves similar items to the ones found on the rest of the island, but it also has special dishes like ceviche and coconut shrimp. The area also has Slice of Paradise, the one place at Perfect Day at CocoCay for pizza, and it also serves empanadas. Both of these options are completely complimentary.

The area also has several bars, including a huge swim-up bar, On the Rocks, a shaded bar area overlooking the water with live music, and several smaller bars.

Guests who want to upgrade can also book cabanas in this area. There are two types of cabanas. The Hideaway Cabana typically costs around $1,599 and includes passes for up to eight adults. The Hideout Cabana typically costs around $1,739 and includes access to a dedicated infinity pool available only to The Hideout cabana guests. It also includes passes for up to eight adults.

The cost for a day pass can range between $50 and $104.

Cabanas and Daybeds (additional cost)

While there are tons of free loungers and umbrellas available, some people prefer to upgrade to daybeds or cabanas. If you’re with a family or a group, it is nice to have a set meeting place that’s just yours to relax and enjoy. Cabanas typically come with complimentary bottled water and a safe to use.

When you book online, you have a choice of where to pick your cabana. It’s not just about location, but what you want to do and how you want to spend your time on the island. The Oasis Lagoon cabanas are usually louder and busier since they’re close to the pool. Thrill Waterpark Cabanas usually include admission to the park for up to 6 people. Chill Island and South Beach Cabanas typically include snorkeling gear and floating mats. Cabanas give you access to a cabana concierge who can help you get drinks, towels, food, etc.

Tip: If your whole family will be going to the Thrill Waterpark, check out one of their cabanas. The cabanas come with admission for up to 6 people, so it can be cheaper than buying admission separately. Just be sure to book early!

If you are considering a cabana or daybed, book early using your Cruise Planner! They fill up quickly, especially during peak season or when there are two ships at the island on the same day. Usually, pre-booking will always get you a better price as well. If you do ever see it go on sale after you book, give them a call, and they’ll usually offer you a credit. 

Here is the price range of some of the items. Again this will vary depending on demand and time of year. 

• Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $199 – $569 for 4 guests
• Oasis Lagoon Cabana: $499.99 for 8 guests
• Chill Island Cabana: $499.99 for 8 guests
• Thrill Waterpark Cabana: $299.99 for 6 guests

Beach Rentals (additional cost)

Want to float on the ocean on a comfy foam mat? Or maybe you want to kayak or jet ski across the beautiful blue waters. You can rent these while you’re on the island to add some adventure to your day.

Sea-Doos / Jetskis are usually around $110 while kayaks are around $43. If you prefer to snorkel, you can rent equipment for that as well at around $22 – $37 per person (or bring your own).

Straw Market

The Straw Market offers traditional, handmade Bahamian crafts. This area is one of the only things on the island you will need cash for, as these vendors aren’t employed by Royal Caribbean.

How to Book Activities?

The best way to book these activities is by using your Cruise Planner, either the website or through the app. Since Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, the cost, discounts, and bundle promotions can change often.

Tip: Booking usually opens 6 months before your cruise. Book early; things sell out quickly. Also, Royal Caribbean usually uses dynamic pricing, which means things will be more expensive as they get full.

Is CocoCay Right for You?

As always, there’s no clear answer; everyone has their own tastes and opinions. Before I first stepped foot on the island, I was afraid it would feel like a massive theme park. But on my first visit, I realized I was wrong. Yes, it’s developed, but Royal Caribbean has painstakingly planted thousands of plants and designed the areas so everyone can find what they’re looking for, whether that’s peaceful relaxation, a thrill, or a party vibe.

You might like Perfect Day at CocoCay if…

• You have kids
  • There’s tons to do on the island that don’t require extra money. Little kids love just swimming and playing in the sand; here, they can do that at no cost. 
• You’re with a group
  • Planning excursions with a group is such a hassle. With Perfect Day, you just walk off the boat and enjoy.
• You like waterparks
  • How can you say no to trying the tallest water slide in North America?
• You don’t like spending a lot of money on excursions
  • There are lots of ways to spend money on CocoCay, but you don’t have to. If you just want to relax by the beach or in the pool, you don’t have to spend a single penny, and food is included. You won’t find that in many other excursions at other ports. 

You might not like Perfect Day at CocoCay if…

• You want to learn about local culture, cuisine, architecture, or history.
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay is basically the equivalent of a theme park. Most people who work on the island live on the island, so you won’t be sharing culture. There are no visiting museums or historical points of interest either. 
• You don’t like outdoor or sun-based activities
  • While there are many opportunities for shade on CocoCay, you have to walk in full sun to get to them, and there’s no air conditioning. If you prefer being indoors or excursions in air-conditioned buses to museums, then you won’t like CocoCay.
• You like to shop
  • There is a small Straw Market on the island, but if you like to go to different stores to find deals and tax-free merchandise, you won’t find much to do here.
• You like to find secluded getaways not many people know about
  • This island is not a “hidden gem”; it’s a very well-known beach getaway visited by almost every Royal Caribbean ship sailing in the Caribbean.  

Follow Along on Our Visits to Perfect Day?

Read our blog when we visited Perfect Day on Star of the Seas

Read our blog when we visited Perfect Day on Celebrity Reflection

Want to stay up-to-date on Perfect Day and other Royal Caribbean News?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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

Buy on Amazon

Cruise Ship Coloring Book for Kids (Carnival Edition)

Price not available

Ages

3-5 years old

Cruise Line

Carnival

Buy on Amazon

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

Price not available

Ages

6-8 years old

Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean

Buy on Amazon

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

Price not available

Ages

6-8 years old

Cruise Line

Carnival

Buy on Amazon

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, 40LBS+ for Home, Kitchen, Workplace, Office and Garage, Pack of 8

• 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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A ropes course is similar to an obstacle course, but you’re usually anywhere from 20 to 30 feet in the air. You’ll find rope bridges, swinging steps, and narrow platforms that you have to wind your way through. These courses challenge you both physically and mentally as you figure out the best way to complete each obstacle.

Throughout the course, you’re clipped into a harness that travels along with you, so if you fall, you can climb right back up. You’ve probably seen these on TV or in movies, and maybe you’ve even tried a few land-based ropes courses before. But doing one at sea brings a whole new level of complexity.

The First Ropes Course at Sea

When Carnival Magic debuted in 2011, it brought the first ropes course at sea. It featured two 230-foot courses suspended over SportsSquare on Deck 12. The course was directly over the mini-golf area, which made it feel even more thrilling.

It was an immediate hit, and now several cruise ships across different lines offer some type of ropes course. See the list below.

Carnival’s SkyCourse

Carnival has its SkyCourse on many of its ships. Typically, these courses have around 20 obstacles, and the course itself is suspended above SportsSquare. For each obstacle, you can choose the beginner or intermediate route. That means you can do the course twice and have a different experience each time.

On Carnival’s Excel Class ships, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, Carnival takes the thrill to another level by adding a zip line element to the course. You step off a platform and glide over the side of the ship to another platform. It looks absolutely terrifying or thrilling, depending on how you look at it.

Norwegian Ropes Course

Some Norwegian Cruise Line ships also have ropes courses. Norwegian’s courses are bigger than Carnival’s, with roughly 40 to 100 elements depending on the ship. The largest-at-sea ropes course is on Norwegian Escape.

Norwegian’s course is known for The Plank, where you walk out on an 8-foot beam that extends off the side of the ship, putting you high above the waves below.

Norwegian is also bringing back ropes courses on its newest ships. It will add an 82-foot ropes course to Norwegian Aura, the fifth Prima Class ship when it debuts in 2027 and also the sixth, yet-to-be-named Prima Class ship.

MSC Ropes Courses

Not to be outdone, MSC Cruises has also introduced ropes courses on some of its newer ships. The type of course depends on the ship.

Himalayan Bridge

Himalayan Bridge was MSC’s first take on a ropes course, debuting with MSC Meraviglia in 2017. This skywalk is suspended roughly 195 feet above sea level and includes a series of obstacles with different route options. You’ll find this style of ropes course on select Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus Class ships.

High Trail Ropes Course

MSC’s World Class ships are the line’s biggest yet, and when MSC created these massive ships, it wanted to think big, including with the ropes course. On MSC World America, the cruise line worked with RCI Adventure Products to introduce the High Trail Ropes Course.

This two-level Sky Trail includes two Sky Rail zip line sections, one of which is nearly 100 feet long, along with 25 different obstacles. The top platform sits about 25 feet above the deck and more than 250 feet above sea level.

Cost for Ship Ropes Courses

One nice thing about ropes courses on cruise ships is that they’re free! A ropes course on land can vary between $20 and $100 depending on the course’s length and complexity, so it’s great to have access to one at no extra cost. Why not try it on your next cruise and see what all the fuss is about? It’s another way to make your cruise a memorable experience.

On Carnival and Norwegian, you don’t have to make a reservation; just walk up during operating hours and get on line. On MSC, check the app once you’re onboard. Reservations may be used to help manage the queue, but the course is still included.

Requirements for Cruise Ship Ropes Courses

Requirements vary by cruise line and can sometimes vary by ship, so always check the posted rules once you’re onboard.

Generally speaking, you must be at least 48 inches tall to go on the ropes courses from any of the cruise lines. For Carnival, there is a 300-pound weight limit, or 275 pounds on Carnival Vista. For MSC, there’s also a 300-pound maximum.

Closed-toe shoes are required. It’s also highly recommended that you wear a T-shirt or clothing that protects your skin from the harness and ropes (MSC requires a T-shirt).

Also, no cameras or phones are allowed on the course, so station a friend or family member nearby to take pictures of your daring experience.

My Experience on Carnival Horizon’s Ropes Course

I’ve tried the SkyCourse on Carnival Horizon; see the cruise blog here. It definitely pushed me to my limits. While it’s much shorter and less complicated than some ropes courses I’ve tried on land, it has the added complexity of the ship swaying and the ocean breeze pushing you around.

I tried it on day 1 of the cruise, shortly after the muster drill, and there was no line at all. On other sea days, there was a bit of a wait, but it was usually no more than 10 or 15 minutes.

The staff got me suited up in the harness and explained how it worked. Each obstacle had two options, usually an easier one and a harder one. And with that, I was off. Some obstacles were relatively easy, but others left my heart pounding as I tried to figure out how to cross. The swaying of the ship didn’t make it any easier. Of course, the harness would catch me if I fell, but that didn’t stop the fear.

The course itself took about 15 to 20 minutes and was a lot of fun. The area had lockers you could use for your loose belongings, which was really helpful since you didn’t have to run back to the cabin.

One of the great benefits of a ropes course at sea is that you get some spectacular views while you’re up there trying to make your way through the obstacles. Seeing miles of blue water while you’re walking the course is very relaxing, and, surprisingly, it was less scary than seeing people playing mini-golf in SportsSquare below me. The most humbling part was when my heart was pounding as I stood on a platform, getting ready to cross an obstacle, while a 10-year-old just flew right over it with no problem.

Where Can You Find a Cruise Ropes Course?

Try a ropes course for yourself on any of these ships:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Festivale
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Tropicale
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World America
• MSC World Asia
• MSC World Atlantic
• MSC World Europa
• Norwegian Aura
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Getaway

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The cruise line officially took delivery of Legend of the Seas, the third ship in the Icon Class, at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland. At the same time, construction is underway on Royal Caribbean’s seventh Oasis Class ship, which is being built at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.

It’s an interesting moment for the cruise line. The Icon Class is clearly the future of Royal Caribbean’s biggest ships, but the Oasis Class is not going away anytime soon. Even after the debut of Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is still investing in the ship design that helped reshape modern cruising.

Legend of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean’s Fleet

Royal Caribbean officially welcomed Legend of the Seas during a delivery ceremony at Meyer Turku, the Finnish shipyard that has been building the cruise line’s Icon Class ships.

The handover marks one of the final major steps before the ship welcomes its first guests. Before entering service, Legend of the Seas will head to Cadiz, Spain, where Royal Caribbean will complete final work such as installing furnishings, setting up cabins, and finishing attractions.

The ship will debut on July 4, 2026, with 7-night Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona, Spain, and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.

After its summer season in Europe, Legend of the Seas will reposition to Fort Lauderdale in November 2026. From there, the ship will offer 6-night Western Caribbean and 8-night Southern Caribbean sailings. Every Caribbean sailing is scheduled to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

What To Expect On Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas will have a lot in common with Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, but Royal Caribbean is not making it an exact copy of its sister ships.

The biggest changes appear to be in dining, entertainment, and a few onboard spaces. None of these completely reinvent the Icon Class, but they do give Legend of the Seas its own personality.

The most notable differences include:

• Royal Railway – Legend Station: This immersive dining experience will take guests on a five-course journey along the ancient Silk Routes through China, India, and Italy. The concept first debuted on Utopia of the Seas, but Legend of the Seas will get its own version.
• Hollywoodland Supper Club: The high-end supper club returns with a new theme focused on the golden age of Hollywood, with food, cocktails, and live performances designed around the film industry from the 1910s to the 1950s.
• AquaDome Market: The complimentary food hall will get a refreshed lineup. Creme De La Crepe will return, but Royal Caribbean is adding Seoulmate, Cajun Kitchen, Adobo, La Espanola, and Simply Pressed.
• Two-story casino: Royal Caribbean has said Legend of the Seas will receive a major casino upgrade, with the casino spanning two stories.
• Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: Instead of “The Wizard of Oz” on Icon of the Seas or “Back to the Future: The Musical” on Star of the Seas, Legend of the Seas will get its own major Broadway-style production.
• Updated Surfside: The family-focused neighborhood will return, but the carousel will get a new rubber duck theme, and the dry playscape will be redesigned.
• Updated Lost Dunes: The mini-golf course will return with more challenging holes and a new volcano feature.

Beyond those changes, Legend of the Seas will still bring back many of the core features that define the Icon Class.

Guests can expect eight neighborhoods, including AquaDome, Central Park, Royal Promenade, Surfside, and Thrill Island. The ship will also feature Category 6 Waterpark, Crown’s Edge, FlowRider, Absolute Zero, Swim & Tonic, The Hideaway, and multiple pool areas, including Royal Bay.

That makes Legend of the Seas more of an evolution than a major departure. If you have already sailed Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas, this ship probably will not feel completely different. But the new dining concepts, Broadway show, casino changes, and refreshed family areas should help it stand apart from the first two ships in the class.

Royal Caribbean Is Still Pushing The Icon Class Hard

Legend of the Seas will be the third ship in the Icon Class, following Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. The fourth ship, Hero of the Seas, is already scheduled to debut in 2027.

Royal Caribbean Group also recently confirmed additional Icon Class ships beyond that. A fifth ship is planned for 2028, with the sixth and seventh ships scheduled for 2029 and 2030.

Construction Is Underway On Royal Caribbean’s Seventh Oasis Class Ship

While Legend of the Seas gets ready for passengers, Royal Caribbean is also moving forward with another huge ship.

The cruise line officially started construction on its seventh Oasis Class ship at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France. The milestone was marked with a steel-cutting ceremony, when the first piece of steel was cut for the ship.

Royal Caribbean said the ship name will be announced shortly, and Oasis #7 is expected to debut in 2028.

Royal Caribbean has not revealed specific restaurants, shows, neighborhoods, or onboard features for the new ship yet. When Royal Caribbean went back to the Oasis platform for Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, it made changes like a fully enclosed Solarium and the new The Vue bar. What changes will we see for the next Oasis Class ship?

The Oasis Class Still Has Life Left In It

The Oasis Class first changed the cruise industry when Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009. It introduced Royal Caribbean’s neighborhood layout, including spaces like Central Park, the Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

Since then, Royal Caribbean has continued to evolve the class with ships like Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

For a while, it looked like Utopia of the Seas might be the final ship in the class, especially once Royal Caribbean shifted so much attention to the larger Icon Class. Instead, the cruise line is adding more Oasis Class ships.

That makes sense. The Icon Class may be newer and flashier, but the Oasis Class is still one of the most successful cruise ship designs ever built. It offers huge capacity, familiar neighborhoods, proven venues, and a layout many Royal Caribbean guests already know well.

Royal Caribbean Is Building Both Mega-Ship Classes At Once

The most interesting part of these announcements is not just that Royal Caribbean is taking delivery of another new ship. It’s that the cruise line is now building both of its biggest ship classes at the same time.

Legend of the Seas will debut in 2026. Hero of the Seas follows in 2027. The seventh Oasis Class ship and fifth Icon Class ship are both expected in 2028. More Icon Class ships are planned for 2029 and 2030.

That gives Royal Caribbean a very busy newbuild schedule over the next several years. And that’s not including the upcoming, highly anticipated Discovery Class, which is expected to debut in 2029.

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