How big is the biggest cruise ship? What actually happens when a ship sounds a Code Alpha? How do crews manage a vessel that size? These are the cruise facts worth knowing – gathered from years of sailing, researching and asking the awkward questions
I recently sailed on Windstar’s Star Pride. She and her two sister ships, Star Breeze and Star Legend, were lengthened between 2019 and 2021. They added an extra 50 staterooms, accommodating 100 more passengers. They also added an infinity pool … Read more
One of the things I find most surprising about cruising isn’t the food, entertainment or destinations — it’s how well I sleep when I am onboard. I regularly sleep better on cruise ships than I do at home, and I’m … Read more
The largest cruise ships in the world are Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class ships. Think Star of the Seas, Icon of the Seas and the newest ship, Legend of the Seas. Another ship, Hero of the Seas, is on order and is … Read more
Many people assume the only way to avoid children on a cruise is to book an adult-only cruise ship or cruise line. Even on mainstream cruise lines, the number of children onboard can vary hugely, depending on the itinerary, timing … Read more
Cruise ships seem to be getting bigger and bigger. Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian seem to be launching massive new ships almost on an annual basis. The ships are like floating resorts, with varied entertainment, many eating options, water parks, … Read more
I’ve been on 84 cruises so far – and have more planned, booked and paid for! People often assume I must be bored with cruising by now, and I only cruise because I have to – it’s my business. Nothing … Read more
I often see cruise ads on television or YouTube, but what they are advertising doesn’t seem to bear much resemblance to the cruising I know and love! Often, they focus on high-octane excitement, waterslides, go karts, flashy entertainment, and perfect … Read more
Step 1: Choose Where To Cruise Where you choose to cruise will have a huge impact on your cruise experience. It’s not all about beaches and hot destinations! You might want to take a cold-weather cruise to Norway or an … Read more
I keep seeing news stories about people “falling” from cruise ships. I always wonder “What on earth were they doing to manage that?” I am sure I am not alone in that reaction! Anyone who has ever taken a cruise … Read more
Cruiseline excursions can be great in some situations. If you are a first-time cruiser, a nervous traveller, or are a long way from home in an unfamiliar country, they can be the perfect solution. Most of the time, I either … Read more
It was a totally normal, relaxing afternoon onboard Fred.Olsen’s Borealis. I was on what Fred. Olsen calls a “Mystery Cruise.” Passengers had no idea where the five-day journey would take them – they only found out when the ship arrived … Read more
Most of us know that cruise ships are dismantled, and much of their construction materials are sorted and sent for recycling. But what happens to the ship’s contents? All those fixtures and fittings that are too good to be thrown … Read more
The cruise industry tracks the number of cruise ships sailing to the Caribbean and also the volume of passengers visiting the region. Numbers reached record levels in 2023 and 2024. The Caribbean has the largest share of global cruise itineraries. … Read more
When I first set foot on a cruise ship, way back in 2005, my eleven-year-old mind was blown by all the amazing food and drink options, the entertainment, and the many things I could do onboard that I couldn’t do … Read more
Cruise ships are like floating hotels, and with thousands of people coming and going each week, it’s no surprise that the lost and found departments are always busy. From sunglasses to suitcases, you’d be amazed at what gets left behind … Read more
I am really too young to remember a time when smoking was allowed in pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK. Up until 2007, in the UK, smoking in restaurants and bars was fine, but in 2007, a blanket ban … Read more
Most cruise ships today restrict smoking, but did you know one ship once banned it completely? Carnival Paradise, the world’s first fully non-smoking cruise ship, set sail in 1998 The total cruise ship smoking ban didn’t last long, though. Here … Read more
Many people dream of river cruising, but it can be expensive and out of reach for many. The “bargain” prices you see advertised are usually the lowest category of cabin, often called “water level” or “underwater” cabins. Don’t worry, you … Read more
When I first started cruising, I was always puzzled by the Friends of Bill W. events I found on the daily schedule. Who is Bill W.? Why does he have so many friends, and how does he get everywhere? I … Read more
Imagine eating your dinner in a cruise ship dining room, and all of a sudden your waiter jumps on a table and starts dancing! That isn’t a one-off thing when you sail with Carnival Cruises, it’s a daily occurrence! In … Read more