royal caribbean cruises for one person

Best Royal Caribbean Singles Cruises 2024

If you’re a solo traveler looking to set sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might be wondering which ships in the fleet are best suited for your solo traveler needs.

Here we share our suggested Royal Caribbean cruise ships whether you’re looking for high-energy activities and a party scene through to a mature solo traveler seeking relaxation and luxury, we, recommend the ideal ships for your preferred traveling age group.

Find out which Royal Caribbean ships have solo cabins and tips for avoiding the Royal Caribbean single supplement fee and more.

Are Royal Caribbean Cruises Good for Singles?

While popular with families and kids, Royal Caribbean cruises can be an excellent choice for singles looking for a fun and adventurous vacation. 

With a variety of onboard activities, entertainment options, and excursions to choose from, Royal Caribbean offers plenty of opportunities for solo travelers to meet new people.

One of the best things about Royal Caribbean cruises is that there is something for everyone, regardless of age and interests.

Whether you want to spend your days lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or trying out new activities like rock climbing or zip-lining, there’s always something to keep you busy.

Not all ships have single staterooms, but we have highlighted those that do, and in some cases, double occupancy is cheaper.

Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships for Singles

The best royal Caribbean ships for you will likely depend on your age or the age of the passengers you prefer mixing with.

While not steadfast rules, below we have highlighted the most popular classes of royal Caribbean ships for various age groups.

Singles Under 30

Quantum-class ships are a great choice for singles under 30, offering a range of activities and entertainment options that cater to a younger demographic. 

With features like indoor skydiving, bumper cars, and a surf simulator, these ships provide plenty of opportunities for adventure and excitement. 

The ships also have a variety of nightlife options, including clubs, bars, and live music venues, which make them ideal for socializing and meeting new people. A

Additionally, the Quantum-class ships have staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers, which can be a great option for those looking for privacy and convenience.

Overall, the Quantum-class ships offer a fun and energetic atmosphere that is well-suited to younger singles looking for a lively and engaging cruise experience.

Ships in Quantum Class

• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas

All 3 ships in Quantum class offer single cabins.

Singles in 30’s 

Two of the best Royal Caribbean ships for singles over 30s to 40 are the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Odyssey of the Seas, and Spectrum of the Seas might be more appealing as they offer even more than the Quantum class.

These two ships are more technologically advanced and able to offer a wider array of amenities and entertainment options that cater to the interests of solo travelers, including but not limited to:

• North Star Observation pod
• Playmakers Sports Bar
• Ripcord by iFly skydiving
• Teppanyaki restaurant

The Odyssey of the Seas sails in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, offering a wide range of amenities that appeal to solo travelers, such as two open-air, resort-style pools and the first fully-immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea – Virtual Adventure Zone. 

Meanwhile, the Spectrum of the Seas primarily sails in Asia, providing a unique cultural experience for passengers with regional flavors in restaurants like Sichuan Red and Noodle Bar.

Ships in Quantum Ultra Class

• Odyssey of the Seas
• Spectrum of the Seas

Both ships offer single cabins.

Singles 40’s to 50’s 

The Oasis Class ships from Royal Caribbean are also great options for those looking for an exciting and memorable cruise experience. 

The Oasis Class ships are some of the largest in the world, offering plenty of amenities and activities to keep solo travelers entertained.

The Oasis Class ships also offer plenty of opportunities for socializing and meeting new people. The ships have a number of bars, lounges and dining areas where travelers can enjoy a drink and strike up a conversation with other passengers.

Ships in Oasis Class:

• Allure of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas

Only Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas offers solo staterooms, none of which include a balcony option.

Overs 60’s (Seniors)

The Royal Caribbean Radiance Class is an excellent cruise option for senior singles looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. 

With a smaller ship size, guests can enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing them to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy a range of activities without feeling overwhelmed young families or large groups on some of the large ships.

Despite its smaller size, the Radiance Class still offers all the signature features that Royal Caribbean is known for, including exceptional dining options, top-notch entertainment, and luxurious accommodations. 

Guests can enjoy the stunning views from the ship’s outdoor pool, relax in the soothing spa, or take part in a range of activities like dance classes, trivia games, and more.

In addition to its many onboard amenities, the Radiance Class also offers a range of exciting shore excursions, from sightseeing tours to cultural experiences and adventure activities. 

Ships in Radiance Class:

• Brilliance of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas

All 4 ships in the Radiance class offer solo cabins.

How To Book A Solo Cabin On The Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean currently has 12 ships in the fleet that offer solo cabins

You can book solo staterooms just the same as any other room but you should try and book early as numbers are limited and they sell out quite quickly

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Solo Cabins

Below we have a table of all Royal Caribbean cruise ships which offer solo cabins.

We have bolded the class and individual shipsof any we have named above as being best for singles of any particular age group

These are ideal for solo travelers in that you don’t have to pay a “single supplement fee,” although it’s worth pointing out they aren’t always the cheapest rooms on the ships, and there might well be some cheaper-priced double occupancy rooms even with the fee.

Also, bear in mind there aren’t many solo staterooms available, so look to book early if these are your preferred choice.

Related post: Cruise Lines With Single Cabins – A list of all ships with single staterooms.

How To Avoid The Royal Caribbean Single Supplement Fee?

A single supplement fee is a charge that cruise companies impose on solo travelers who book stateroom intended for double occupancy. 

The fee is designed to compensate for the fact that the Royal Caribbean will be receiving revenue throughout the duration of the vacation for only one person, rather than two.

However, there are 3 ways to avoid or potentially reduce the royal Caribbean single supplement fee.

Book a solo cabin

These don’t incur the single supplement fare, although worth reminding you that these won’t necessarily be the lowest-priced staterooms available.

Crown and Anchor Society Points

 If you have 340 or more of the Royal Caribbean loyalty points you can get a reduced price on the single supplement fee.   You’d only have to pay 150% extra rather than 200%.

Some Royal Caribbean cruises that are underbooked will wavier the single supplement fare as a form of discount to entice more solo travelers to book.  These will be more likely on the generally less popular sailings.   

Book for two – sail as one

This is my favorite hack to implement or recommend to others.

The single supplement fee is so high because it doesn’t just want to cover the costs of a second person booking the room it also aims to cover any profits Royal Caribbean would make from the person spending on the ship or in the casino for example.

One way to possibly get around this, is simply check the price for a single cruiser and then check the price with a second guest.

Often you’ll find its cheaper to pay for the second guest that won’t even be going on the cruise.

As the person paying for both reservations, when they don’t turn up on embarkation day you’ll be refunded their port fees and taxes and you’ll still be rewarded with the extra Crown and Anchor points .  

You also have the advantage of booking typically booking a much large room.

Chartered Singles Cruises on Royal Caribbean Ships

If you are a single person who would particularly like to mix with other singles it might be worth considering a chartered singles cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship.

A chartered singles cruise is a type of cruise ship vacation that is organized specifically for single individuals. The cruise is typically organized and promoted by a travel company or event organizer.

On a chartered singles cruise, all of the passengers are single and looking to meet new people. The cruise typically includes a variety of onboard activities, such as group dinners, parties, and excursions, designed to encourage socializing and help passengers connect with one another.

You can find out more in our Best Singles cruises to Hook Up post.

Meeting Other Singles

If you’re traveling solo on a cruise and looking to meet new people, there are several ways to do so. 

One great option is to join a “roll call” for your particular sailing which you can typically find on Cruise Critic or Facebook. This will allow you to connect with other solo travelers and find out about any planned gatherings onboard.

Check for any meet and greets events that are often held at bars or other social areas on the ship and can be a great way to break the ice and connect with other passengers.

To Conclude

As you can see, even though Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer solo cabins on every ship, there are still a wide range of suitable options for every age group and Royal Caribbean cruise experience.

If you have cruised solo and have any particular recommendations or tips please let us know in the comments.

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The 13 best solo cruises for 2024 (no supplement fare).

Set sail for a solo adventure at sea.

The Best Solo Cruises

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Relax by the pool, attend shows, dine with new friends and more on your next solo cruise.

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise alone or you've been on solo cruises before, single travelers will find more options than ever when it comes to cruising solo. Many cruise lines offer single staterooms with the same amenities as other cabins, at a price similar to what you'd pay with double occupancy fares. You'll also find special promotions where the single supplement fee is reduced or waived, making it more affordable to reserve a spacious stateroom or luxurious suite with even more amenities – including personalized butler service, an added perk of booking with many luxury lines .

If you're ready for a maritime adventure, an extended vacation or simply a quick getaway from home, these top cruise lines offer some of the best options for solo travelers on waterways around the world.

Lines with solo accommodations and waived fees

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship in the industry to feature studio accommodations for solo travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this category on nine of the 19 ships in its fleet, including the newest ship, Norwegian Viva. These cabins, at an average size of 100 square feet, are designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. They have no single supplements – and studio rooms on board Norwegian Bliss even boast virtual windows.

Guests of the studios get access to the private Studio Lounge. In this exclusive space, you can socialize with other solo travelers and enjoy complimentary refreshments. There are also singles meetups throughout the voyage and plenty of fun-filled onboard activities to mingle with like-minded cruisers. Solo travelers can check out all the fun for singles on Norwegian Viva this winter on a cruise to the Caribbean , or in spring 2024 as the ship sets sail for the Mediterranean .

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers interior and balcony solo cabins for single cruisers on its Meraviglia-class ships: the MSC Meraviglia, Bellissima, Grandiosa, Virtuosa and the newest vessel in the fleet, MSC Euribia. The second-newest ship, MSC World Europa, has 28 cabins – 10 Studio Interior and 18 Studio Ocean View staterooms – designed specifically for solo travelers. MSC World America, set to debut in 2025, will also feature the solo studio staterooms.

During voyages with MSC Cruises , single cruisers are invited to a complimentary, hosted cocktail party to mix and mingle with other solo travelers. The daily program is also an excellent source to discover additional activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet other cruisers. You'll have onboard special events like the themed 70s-inspired Flower Party and the White Party, where the ship is decked out in festive white decor and guests don their best white attire. In addition, there are various sports tournaments, or you can show off your culinary expertise during a MasterChef competition.

MSC's Caribbean and Bahamas cruises departing from Miami and New York City feature an overnight visit to Ocean Cay, the line's private island and marine reserve. While there, singles can participate in fun-filled evening activities like a Champagne Sunset Cruise or a glow paddleboarding excursion in the lagoon, then attend the lively Luna Libre Party and the lighthouse show.

Find an MSC Cruises itinerary on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's newest ships each offer 12 solo cabins to accommodate single travelers: the Pinnacle-class Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Konigsdam. These ocean view staterooms range in size from 127 to 172 square feet and feature the same amenities as the double occupancy cabins but with a double bed. The cruise line's Single Staterooms are priced for one person. If a guest chooses to book a different stateroom, single supplements for double occupancy cabins are as much as 100% over the standard fare, depending on the voyage and the cabin category.

Long committed to solo travelers, the line offers many activities where guests can meet other singles such as wine tastings, cocktail mixers, exercise classes, daily quizzes, sports challenges and more. If you're a solo traveler and a member of AARP, Holland America is now the exclusive cruise benefit provider to AARP's members. Solo cruisers will have access to an AARP member-only onboard credit that ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the itinerary and stateroom category.

For itineraries, Holland America's Alaska cruises and cruisetours are perfect for solo travelers, offering many opportunities to connect with fellow cruisers. Another favorite for singles is the line's fall voyages sailing from Boston to Québec City or Montreal.

Explore Holland America Line deals on GoToSea.

Royal Caribbean International

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International features studio staterooms on select ships that range in size from 101 to 199 square feet. These solo accommodations include interior rooms, virtual balcony staterooms and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. The cabins do not carry the single supplement fee singles encounter when booking other types of staterooms, making them an attractive option when traveling alone.

Once on board the ship, solo cruisers will have countless options to engage and socialize with other travelers. When it comes to dining with Royal Caribbean , make a reservation at the Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki for an entertaining meal with new friends, or join fellow foodies for the intimate Chef's Table experience (the dining venues vary by ship). Singles can also participate in onboard activities like trivia contests, drink seminars, escape rooms, dance classes and pool parties.

If you need more thrills to stay busy and to meet people, Royal Caribbean's ships feature world-class shows and entertainment alongside adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions. If you're sailing in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and chat with other passengers at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Luxury line Atlas Ocean Voyages offers single cruisers 183 square feet of beautifully appointed space in solo accommodations that come without single supplement fees. These ocean view staterooms feature a queen bed, a panoramic picture window, a private spa bathroom with a rain shower and body jets, a stocked minifridge replenished daily with personal favorites, and other luxurious amenities. Single guests can also book other stateroom or suite categories with single supplements starting at 50% of the double occupancy price.

The line's three intimate yacht-style cruise ships – World Navigator, World Traveller and the new World Voyager, whose inaugural season begins in Antarctica in November 2023 – are all-inclusive . Meals at all the dining venues, premium beverages and wines, gratuities, culturally immersive excursions, and more are included in the fare. With fewer than 200 guests on board, there's an atmosphere of conviviality on these ships – especially when exploring remote destinations with like-minded and adventurous travelers during expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Celebrity Cruises

Tim Aylen | Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' new Edge-class ships offer some of the best options for solo cruisers. The line's two newest vessels, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent (set to debut in late 2023), each boast 32 single staterooms with an Infinite Veranda. In addition, Celebrity Apex has 24 solo cabins, and Celebrity Edge features 16 staterooms for individual guests. These one-person accommodations offer a minimum of 131 square feet of space and the same upscale amenities you'll find in other category staterooms on their ships. Solo guests can look for special promotions where the single supplement is waived on select Celebrity voyages throughout the year.

Once on board the vessel, check out the daily program for activities conducive to meeting others – like wine tastings, cocktail-making classes and more. You'll also enjoy thrilling top-notch entertainment around the ship in The Theatre, The Club and Eden. A few popular cruises for singles are the line's Caribbean and Mexico itineraries on Celebrity Beyond.

Book a Celebrity Cruise on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

The hip vibe on board the adults-only Virgin Voyages ships is ideal for solo cruisers looking to meet other travelers. Its superyacht-style ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady – offer 40 interior cabins ranging in size from 105 to 177 square feet. There are also six Sea View staterooms with portholes boasting between 130 to 190 square feet of space. These Insider and Sea View cabins are designed and priced for single travelers, with amenities like high-tech mood lighting and roomy rain showers. The line also runs promotions where solo cruisers can book double occupancy staterooms without paying a single supplement.

Activities and festival-like entertainment around the ships foster fast friendships. Diners will enjoy the interactive experience at Gunbae, the lively Korean barbecue venue. The "grog walk" is a fun pub stroll where solo sailors can join fellow mates while sipping and snacking their way through all the signature bars. For even more fun, check out the evening shipwide events such as the themed Scarlet Party, which features live music and immersive experiences. The line also hosts meetups for singles throughout each voyage.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Avalon Waterways

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways' river and small-ship cruises traverse waterways around the world, including in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The company waives the single supplement on a selection of staterooms, including its Panorama Suites, on select European and Asia departures. The company recommends booking early as the specially priced cabins do sell out. Solo travelers make up about 10% of the passengers on this river cruise line .

Avalon's fleet of Suite Ships operates in Europe and Southeast Asia and features cabins with a minimum of 172 square feet. About 80% of the staterooms are Panorama Suites, which have 200 feet of living space, beds with a view and the river cruise industry's only open-air balcony. With Avalon excursions, solo cruisers have opportunities to meet like-minded guests during immersive tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, yoga or fitness classes, biking or hiking trips, and more. Single guests can choose to dine at tables for just two people or ones that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Read: Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Two single occupancy staterooms are available on four of AmaWaterways' river cruise ships: AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaLyra and AmaCello. These accommodations do not have single supplement fees. Solo cruisers can also book staterooms with a 20% single supplement on select sailings in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that this pricing does not apply to certain stateroom categories and suites.)

With the friendly, small-ship atmosphere, solo cruisers will find it comfortable to socialize with other passengers and the crew. Onboard activities and immersive excursions also create opportunities for fostering friendships, especially among like-minded travelers. Excellent options for solo cruises include themed sailings centered around music and wine or the magical Christmas markets itineraries along the Danube, Rhone and Rhine rivers.

Explore AmaWaterways deals on GoToSea.

Lines with discounted supplement fares

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's special offers for solo travelers include reduced single supplements of 25% to 50% of the double occupancy rate on select sailings. The line's four midsized sister ships – carrying no more than 700 passengers – are mostly all-inclusive. Amenities included in the cruise fare include most meals; standard spirits, wines and beers; bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty teas and coffees; shuttle service in port; gratuities; and complimentary AzAmazing Evenings ashore or Destination Celebration experiences on the ship. Dining at the two specialty restaurants is an additional cost unless guests have accommodations in the Club World Owner's Suites, Club Ocean Suite or Club Continent Suite.

Single guests on Azamara cruises will find events during the sailing and venues around the ship where you can mix and mingle with other solo travelers and chat with the friendly crew. Intimate and culturally immersive excursions also create opportunities to meet passengers with similar interests. Azamara Onward, the latest ship, boasts the new Atlas Bar, a great spot to meet other travelers.

For itineraries, Azamara's signature "Country-Intensive Voyages" are a favorite of solo cruisers, including the 10- or 11-night Greece Intensive Voyage. For an extended sailing, check out the festive 12-night Carnival in Rio Voyage, which features a stop in Rio de Janeiro during the city's famed Carnival.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Cunard Line

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Cunard Line features dedicated solo staterooms on its three ships, priced at approximately 166% to 174% of the equivalent double occupancy cruise fare. Guests can choose between a spacious Britannia Inside or Britannia Oceanview cabin, or opt for a larger stateroom with a single supplement. For a little "me time" pampering while on board, solos will appreciate 24-hour room service, complimentary Penhaligon's toiletries and a chilled bottle of sparkling wine. Single guests will also be invited to get-togethers. You can either dine alone at venues around the ship such as the main dining room or choose to share a table with other passengers.

With an international mix of travelers, single cruisers will find many opportunities to meet and chat with others, especially during a Transatlantic Crossing. During the sailing, you'll find many enriching and relaxing activities that encourage socializing. According to Cunard , there's a sense of camaraderie and a passion around the voyage – and the unique travel experience of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Find a Cunard Line cruise on GoToSea.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Luxury line Silversea Cruises offers 25% single supplements on various voyages throughout the year, including expedition cruises to destinations like the Galápagos Islands , Antarctica and the Arctic, and Greenland. The line's all-inclusive fares include luxurious ocean view suites, gourmet dining, complimentary wines and spirits, gratuities, onboard enrichment and entertainment, shore excursions, and more. Solo travelers will even have personalized butler service to indulge their every whim.

The line's fleet of a dozen intimate ships, carrying no more than 728 guests, offers a clubby atmosphere perfect for meeting solo and like-minded travelers. Single guests will also have the opportunity to engage with other solo passengers during a welcome reception with Champagne at the beginning of each voyage. Popular itineraries for Silversea's single cruisers include its Transoceanic journeys, a bucket list trip for many cruisers .

Explore Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has special offers throughout the year where solo cruisers can take advantage of reduced pricing equal to double occupancy fares or discounts on the single supplement starting at 25% above the double occupancy fares. These rates are available on select voyages, including expedition cruises. Frequent solo cruisers and members of the luxury line's Seabourn Club Diamond Elite will also find reduced single supplements on Diamond Elite Single Supplement Sailings. In addition, club members receive invitations to exclusive events, where they can meet and mingle with fellow cruisers. Solo passengers are also invited to sit with the ship's officers, crew and entertainers at dinner – and there are hosted get-togethers for single travelers.

Solo cruisers will enjoy beautifully designed oceanfront suites and all-inclusive amenities on board Seabourn 's intimate ships. These perks include world-class dining; complimentary premium wine and spirits; a spa and wellness program in partnership with Dr. Andrew Weil; included gratuities; and the line's enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations. Single cruisers looking for an extended holiday will enjoy longer voyages on the line's newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit.

Compare Seabourn cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has visited destinations around the globe on nearly every type of ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, traditional masted sailing ships and intimate river ships on the Mekong River. She used extensive research and experience as a solo cruiser to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Party Cruises
• The Top Transatlantic Cruises
• The Top 3-Day Cruise Itineraries
• Solo Travel for Women: The Best Places and Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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These 8 cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

If you're new to cruising, you might not know that cabins on most ships are designed for a minimum of two people.

This means the lines expect each room to bring in revenue in the form of at least two cruise fares. If you choose to sail by yourself in a stateroom meant for two or more, you're almost always charged the double-occupancy rate (the fare for one person plus a "single supplement"), meaning you'll pay two full cruise fares even though it's just you in the room.

With solo cruising on the rise, cruise lines are beginning to take notice by adding accommodations for one to their newest ships. Some have even outfitted older vessels to offer accommodations for solo travelers. Although they can be pricey, single cruise cabins usually represent some savings versus what you'd pay for a voyage in a cabin meant for two.

These are the best types of cabins for solo cruisers to book across the major cruise lines.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

Royal Caribbean's studio staterooms

Royal Caribbean boasts the most single cruise cabins of any line, with about half of the ships in its fleet housing at least two. However, the most impressive are Super Studio staterooms with balconies, found on Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas.

Reaching up to 199 square feet with 55-square-foot balconies, these cabins are outfitted with a mix of bedding types and plenty of space for one person.

Oceania's Concierge Level Veranda staterooms

Vista, Oceania Cruises ' newest ship, offers six 270-square-foot solo cabins. Dubbed Concierge Level Veranda staterooms, they all have balconies and entitle cruisers staying in them to Concierge Level amenities. This includes free laundry service, room service from the dining room menu, exclusive keycard-only access to the dedicated Concierge Lounge , priority embarkation and a complimentary bottle of Champagne.

The cabins also each include an ultraluxurious Tranquility memory foam bed, a seating area that overlooks a private balcony and ample storage space.

Oceania plans to add solo cabins to four more ships in its fleet in late September 2022. Each of the four vessels — Regatta, Nautica, Insignia and Sirena — will have 14 solo oceanview cabins.

Celebrity's Infinite Veranda solo rooms

Cruisers looking for a little bit more space on a line that falls somewhere between Royal Caribbean and Oceania will have luck with Celebrity Cruises ' Infinite Veranda solo cabins. Unlike traditional balconies, Infinite Verandas extend the overall square footage of the cabin, featuring a window that raises and lowers with the push of a button.

Passengers can find 16 of these 131-square-foot staterooms on Celebrity Edge, 24 on Celebrity Apex and 32 on Celebrity Beyond.

Norwegian Cruise Line's studio cabins

Norwegian was a forerunner in the solo accommodation space, introducing its studio cabins on Norwegian Epic in 2010. The rooms are on the small side at roughly 100 square feet. They're also insides on most ships, so there's no view. But, they're great if you're not planning to spend much time in your room. Plus, the lines new-builds will have a larger number of single cabins moving forward, as well as a larger variety of cabin types that include ocean view room with windows and balcony accommodations.

What's unique about NCL's studios is that they allow occupants access to the studio lounge, where they can meet other cruisers sailing alone and partake in daily snacks. Studio cabins are available on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, Pride of America, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

Cunard's oceanview Britannia Single staterooms

Three ships in Cunard 's fleet offer solo cabins, but only one — the iconic Queen Mary 2, which most often sails transatlantic voyages between London and New York — has 15 that feature ocean views. The line's Britannia Single staterooms are anywhere from 178 to 183 square feet in size, and they include large windows and single beds.

Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria each have nine single cruise cabins, but they're a mix of oceanviews and insides with no view at all.

Holland America's oceanview single cabins

From its Alaska itineraries to the impressive music scene on its newest vessels, Holland America might be more up your alley. In its lineup of accommodations, HAL includes 127- to 172-square-foot solo cabins on Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and the new Ryndam.

Each of the single rooms on these ships has an ocean view and a twin bed.

Virgin Voyages' Solo Insider and Solo Sea View Cabins

Virgin Voyages is new to the cruise industry, but it knows what's up. Positioning itself as a hip anti-cruise line, it has built its vessels — Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady — to include 46 cabins for single passengers, 40 of which are insides and six of which provide rare forward-facing views of the sea.

They're a bit small at just larger than 100 square feet, but these Solo Insider and Solo Sea View rooms are cleverly appointed with full-sized beds and sleek, stylish furniture, decor and bathrooms.

MSC's solo inside rooms for one

MSC Cruises has undertaken a shipbuilding boom, rapidly increasing the size of its fleet in a bid to make itself the largest cruise line (in terms of number of ships) by 2030. As the line's ships grow in size and amenities, they have begun to add cabins for solos. Currently, MSC Meraviglia , MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Bellissima are outfitted with rooms for one.

However, they are all insides with a single bed and roughly 129 square feet of space.

Bottom line

Cruising solo may sound like a daunting feat, but many cruise lines are making it easier and more enjoyable. Here, I showed you my favorite solo cruise cabins. Each offers a unique experience for the solo cruiser that won't break the bank.

Ultrawealthy cruising: See inside Royal Caribbean's most extravagant upgrades and a $100,000-a-week cabin on its Icon of the Seas

• Cruise giants are putting more "pay-to-play" amenities on their new ships.
• Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has high-end upcharge options like a $200-per-person dinner. 
• See what a vacation on the world's largest cruise ship is like for affluent travelers.

Are you looking to ball out on your weeklong vacation aboard the world's largest cruise ship ? Get ready to pay $200 for dinner and $100,000 for a cabin.

Vacations-at-sea can be a fairly affordable vacation option. With most cruise lines, your base fare already includes accommodations, unlimited food, endless activities, and the opportunity to see several destinations in one go.

But as more " pay-to-play " amenities show up on board, the more pricey these floating vacations could become. And there's likely no better example of this than Royal Caribbean's new world's largest cruise ship.

Forget tiny interior cabins and dinners at the buffet. On the 9,950-person Icon of the Seas, affluent travelers could have a vacation that rivals even the most luxurious small-ship cruise .

Guests interested in luxuriating in one of Icon’s 179 suites will be paying a minimum of $4,614 per person for a weeklong sailing.

The mega-ship's high-end suites range from 402 to 2,523 square feet, balconies included.

Some come with sweeping views of the AquaTheater . No need to scramble for the best seats when you can watch the show's divers, synchronized swimmers, and aerialists from your couch.

Others, like the floor-to-ceiling window-lined Icon Loft, are spread across two floors.

Guests in the most luxurious suites also get Starlink WiFi, laundry services, the best seats for on board shows, and a "Royal Genie" to help plan their trip.

But few compare to Icon’s most expensive cabin, the 2,523-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse.

Guests in the three-floor floating mansion get to wake up to sweeping ocean views and coffee on one of the three balconies.

The bottom floor has an open-air patio that opens into Icon's Surfside neighborhood.

The two bedrooms — one with a bunk bed — are back inside on the top floor.

Looking to watch a movie or flex your karaoke skills? Slide down to the second floor, where you can do just that at one of the several lounges.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told Business Insider that travelers have been 'quickly' reserving the giant cabin for an average of $100,000 a week.

But a cruise ship worker stationed at the Ultimate Family Townhouse in January told BI that some guests have been snatching up the multilevel townhouse for a whopping $200,000 a week, noting that the playground-like cabin was mostly booked for 2024.

The keycards to these plush suites also open up another exclusive side of the ship: the Suite Neighborhood.

Only guests staying in suites can access the 60,924-square-foot retreat and its two restaurants, sundeck, hot tub, pool, and bar.

The list of exclusive restaurants doesn’t end there, of course.

More than half of the Icon of the Seas' 28 eateries come at an extra cost.

Some are more affordable, like Izumi at the Park's grab-and-go sushi window. For $10, hungry travelers can pick between seaweed salad and edamame, plus two choices of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls.

Cruisers craving a formal, upscale dinner could instead reserve the rabbit-slinging $200-per-person Empire Supper Club.

The price is comparable to high-end, on-land Michelin-starred restaurants.

Empire Supper Club's American fare dinner flexes eight courses, a cocktail pairing, and live jazz. Appetizer options include butter-poached langoustine with Osetra caviar. For the main course, the aforementioned rabbit leg and loin could be a bun-tastic choice.

The latter will be paired with a New York Sour — not a hoppy beer.

There are 18 other places to drink on the ship. As usual, none are complimentary.

Expect to front New York City prices without a beverage package: The popular Rye and Bean bar serves coffee and tea-infused cocktails ranging from $12 to $14.

Looking for a pampering? Like alcohol, spa treatments are rarely complimentary on cruise ships.

Vacationing can be stressful. At the mega-ship's spa, guests can unwind with an almost $150 25-minute facial or a nearly $180 50-minute Swedish massage.

Or, book one of the exclusive casitas to relax with unobstructed ocean views.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to BI's request for casita pricing on Icon of the Seas. But for context, a casita on the cruise line's older Symphony of the Seas mega-ship can cost about $360 per day during a sea day.

Amenities like the six-slide waterpark and mini-golf course are complimentary to all guests.

But the same can't be said for Crown's Edge , one of the ship's most distinctive amenities.

Travelers must don a bulky jumpsuit and harness before they face their fear of heights at the thrilling agility course.

The half-walking, half-ziplining route, which leaves its sweaty-palmed participants dangling 154 feet above the ocean, could be completed in a minute or so.

That's $49 down the drain in one minute.

And why stop there when you can splurge during port days too?

Icon of the Seas will dock at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island for all 2024 sailings.

As expected, the Caribbean getaway is full of upcharged activities.

Travelers with young children might want to drop $100 per head for an afternoon at the waterpark.

Meanwhile, those without kids can pay between $39 to $89 per person for a boozy day at the adult-only Hideaway Beach .

Nearby, the more exclusive beach club could be almost triple that cost.

A weeklong trip on the new world's largest cruise ship could quickly become an ultra-luxurious vacation.

But even travelers looking to spend modestly might be shocked by the new ship's prices.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told investors in 2023 that Icon's inaugural season had commanded more bookings at "materially higher rates" than any of its previous ship launches.

Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told BI in late 2023 that new cruise liners generally command a 20% to 50% pricing premium.

Three months before Icon of the Seas' launch , he estimated the new vessel was priced at a premium of "at least 50% if not more."

At the time, the least expensive 2024 itinerary had started at $1,820 per person for an interior cabin.

Pricing has since increased by $17. That's $262 per person, per day, for a windowless stateroom.

And no, it doesn't come with access to the Suite Neighborhood.

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• Royal Caribbean International

More $/Person with 3 in the room vs 2?

By DiscoingGD , May 1, 2018 in Royal Caribbean International

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My buddy and I went on the Oasis last year in early October, booking it only 2 months in advance, and had a blast. We want to go again this year, so thinking ahead we are trying to book 5-6 months in advance for any week in Sep-Oct. I was checking prices, which were somehow worse even though we're farther out, when we have a third person that now wants to come. I thought that could only help our cost/person, but it in fact went up from the price of 2 people in the same cabin.

I checked different weeks and different room classes, but it's more money/person with 3 people in a cabin. Looking at the cost breakdown, the third person is the cheapest, but guests 1 and 2 magically have a higher cost than if it was only 2 of them. What sort of tomfoolery is this? I haven't been on a lot of cruises, but I've priced a bunch and this is the first time I've seen this.

Also, off-topic, but should I wait and try to book closer to cruise-time? I thought Sep-Oct. was the slow season, so maybe I'll have a shot at a better deal. What do you guys think? Thanks for your time!

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It is odd pricing. I was doing mock booking for an Harmony cruise in April 2020 and 2 cabins were cheaper than a quad by over $200. So, the only answer is that there's a premium for any cabin that accommodates 3 or more. Also, with the neighborhood promo, get an extra $100 (NF fare), lunch and bottle of wine.

Solution, get a 4th and book 2 cabins.:D

... Also, off-topic, but should I wait and try to book closer to cruise-time? I thought Sep-Oct. was the slow season, so maybe I'll have a shot at a better deal. What do you guys think? Thanks for your time!

There's really no predicting price trends.

papaflamingo

If you book now and the price goes down before final payment you can reprice the cruise and lower your rate.

Royal Caribbean, like most other cruise lines, has started categorizing cabins based on occupancy, location on the ship, and size of balcony. So a cabin that has the capability of 3 or 4 is sometimes priced higher. It's no "tom foolery," it's marketing. These are more desired cabins so they can command more of a premium. Other cruise lines have been doing this for years.

Same situation with pricing for the Anthem cruise we did last month with our two grand kids.

It was less costly to go with two balcony guarantees than selecting one balcony cabin that could accommodate four. We ended up with connecting D4 cabins in a good location on deck 13.

ARandomTraveler

It sounds like you’re wondering why the 3rd person can’t just be added on for the same per/person cost as the first people? I believe that when you add a person to the reservation, it reprices everyone to the current rates. The only time a passenger change can be made without it affecting the current booking is when you remove a third/fourth passenger or swap a passenger. Your cruise is being repriced for a higher rate because it’s just more expensive to book that cruise now than it was several months ago when you originally booked.

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Unfortunately this is nothing new. Even when my kids were smaller 20 yrs ago, at times first 2 passengers would be $899ea, second 2 in cabin $1299ea. Just have to check back ltr though no guarantee prices will drop, may go up. Or check different dates or book 2 cabins as may be cheaper...

It sounds like you’re wondering why the 3rd person can’t just be added on for the same per/person cost as the first people? I believe that when you add a person to the reservation, it reprices everyone to the current rates. The only time a passenger change can be made without it affecting the current booking is when you remove a third/fourth passenger or swap a passenger. Your cruise is being repriced for a higher rate because it’s just more expensive to book that cruise now than it was several months ago when you originally booked.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I don't think that's the case. I think he is comparing current prices of 2 vs 3 in a room.

Host Jacquelyn

Yes, I have first hand experience with this! We cruise with 2 adjoining rooms - One with 2 people and one with 3. At one point, the room for 2 was $2,200 total,and the room for 3 was $4,800! It was more than double the price for the same room, only 3 people.

What I was told was that the room categories that accommodate 3 are different. So a room for 2 may be a "2J", and a room for 3 is a "1J". They are essentially the same room. No rhyme or reason why the price per person would be that much more, but the agent told me that there was a promo on the "2J" and not on the "1J".

As you know, pricing is completely unpredictable. Keep watching and the price may come down

Thanks for the quick responses. I've noticed that when choosing 2 vs 3 people, the room numbers you can choose are different, even though they have the same square footage and furnishings in them. Like someone above said, they're technically different room classifications, which I think is a bit of trickery on their part. Anyway, I guess I need to make another friend before September so I can get 2 rooms.

Another piece that can happen is if the ship is getting full, there may be some places where they cannot fit more than 2 per room in the muster station that the room is assigned to. If you have a ship with lots of 3+ rooms booked, you may end up with limited options, which then causes higher prices.

Most the time it is cheaper with 2. There are not as many cabins that fit 3-4. If u book last minute it is very cheap for 2, but u will not even find a cabin available for 3-4.

It's not trickery.

Rooms that hold 2 people don't have a sofabed or pullman for the 3rd and/or 4th person. Often, a double occupancy room has a chair or a sofa that does not convert.

So they may be the same square footage, but they are not classified the same. Triple/quad rooms almost always have a premium attached to them. You can't add a third/fourth to a double occupancy room, so you need to change categories and that generally means more money. Sometimes the third person is much less, other times, if the ship is selling very well for triple/quad bookings, that third person may be hundreds more than passenger 1 and 2.

It's just the way it is. And it's almost always the same on any line. Like anyplace else, rooms that hold multiple people are less available, and therefore more money.

Now you have the right idea. Like others have said, there is no rhyme or reason, other than the cabin you desire may be more desired by others, therefore, cruise lines jack up the price of the first two guests in that cabin to more than cover the lower rate for the 3rd and 4th in the cabins.

My best example of this was where we had a family cabin booked for my family of 6 on the Independence of the Seas. We had one the previous year and liked it (it had about 330 square feet in total). I booked this for the Independence, then checked prices later and switched to three cabins holding 2 per cabin including adjoining doors between two of the cabins. We ended up getting 3 bathrooms instead of 1, doubling our square footage, and saving $400. It pays to be a savvy shopper (and also to have an extra friend).

By the way, 3 in a cabin always seems to be the worst deal. 4 in a cabin is the cheapest, followed by 2, finally followed by 3.

CruiseGal999

My buddy and I went on the Oasis last year in early October, booking it only 2 months in advance, and had a blast. We want to go again this year, so thinking ahead we are trying to book 5-6 months in advance for any week in Sep-Oct. I was checking prices, which were somehow worse even though we're farther out, when we have a third person that now wants to come. I thought that could only help our cost/person, but it in fact went up from the price of 2 people in the same cabin.   I checked different weeks and different room classes, but it's more money/person with 3 people in a cabin. Looking at the cost breakdown, the third person is the cheapest, but guests 1 and 2 magically have a higher cost than if it was only 2 of them. What sort of tomfoolery is this? I haven't been on a lot of cruises, but I've priced a bunch and this is the first time I've seen this.   Also, off-topic, but should I wait and try to book closer to cruise-time? I thought Sep-Oct. was the slow season, so maybe I'll have a shot at a better deal. What do you guys think? Thanks for your time!

Let me just ask ... were you thinking you could split the cost of 2 people by 3 people and that would be that? It sounds like it.

There are a lot of cruise lines that offer specials (discounts) on 3rd & 4th passengers. So, passengers 1 & 2 pay full fare and passengers 3 & 4 (if there is a 4th) pay a highly reduced fare.

We just cruised on the Oasis. Person 1 and 2 were $752 each, and persons 3-5 were $219 each.

We booked our Oasis cruise months in advance. My room with 3 was $3500, and the other (connecting, same size, right next to eachother, etc) was $2200 for 2 people. We therefore paid more per person with 3 in a room as compared the price per person in a room with 2 people. Called and was confirmed by RC. This appears to be a RC practice, as it did not happen on the other cruise lines that we have sailed (or perhaps a very, large ship issue).

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Oh I see, I think you’re right.

To clear up some confusion, I did not book anything yet and I did not think a third person would be added for free. To round some numbers here, when I looked up an Oceanview Balcony for 2, the charges were $1100/person before fees, discounts and whatnot. When I looked up the same Oceanview Balcony for 3, the third person was indeed cheaper @ $400, but Guests 1 & 2 were now $1500/person.

I realize now, but not then, what some of you were saying about the room categories. Because a sofa bed is in an otherwise identical room, it becomes a different category (I think it was 8D vs 6D in my case). I still call it trickery though! Anyway, glad to hear I'm not the only one that ran into this. As you might have seen in my other post, I started looking at other ships and found that the Harmony, which goes out of Ft. Lauderdale, is actually cheaper for 3 people, so we may book that instead.

One other thing to look at. The RCI site gives Non-Refundable Deposit prices by default. But some have reported that if they book two rooms, at the same time, the default changes to refundable.

Check that the site is not doing this for the 2 versus 3 booking.

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What happened to the Royal Caribbean cruise missing person?

For six days now the family of an American tourist suffering from dementia have been desperately searching for him after he went missing in Cozumel, Mexico.

66 year old Edward Solomon (who also goes by the name Brad) was last seen around 1-1:30 p.m. on April 3 in the Passion Island area after the Royal Caribbean cruise ship stopped at the popular tourist spot in Cozumel. Solomon suffers from frontotemporal dementia, this can affect behavior, speech and even one’s ability to walk although it does not affect a person’s memory. Speaking with WCBD-TV Solomon’s daughter, Savannah Miller spoke about how worried everybody was due to his diagnosis.

“We know that no matter where he was he would have difficulty understanding what was going on and communicating his needs due to his dementia. I think everyone just immediately became so terrified for his safety.”

According to an article from People , he was actually wearing an AirTag with a GPS that works up to 33 feet from his wife’s phone. The AirTag obviously keeps track of his location in case he wanders off by himself. At the time of his disappearance he was also wearing a white T-shirt, gray socks, sunglasses, and a blue hat.

Have there been any updates on Edward Solomon so far?

Local police have swept the area and have been keeping an eye out for Solomon but unfortunately he has yet to be found. However, there have been several leads and eye witness reports in the last few days. Mexico News Daily reported that a taxi driver claimed to have picked up an American tourist matching Solomon’s description around 2:30 p.m. and he dropped him off on a road with beach access. The same day another witness claimed to have seen him in the evening.

There was also a tip regarding another supposed sighting around 6 p.m. on Sunday when someone said they had seen Solomon in a large grocery store. However, Miller told Fox News that it did not lead to anything, “After three hours of driving and walking the surrounding areas, we were not able to find him.”

The family have received support from multiple different sources, a Facebook group for friends of the family have also set up a GoFundMe to “help relieve any upcoming financial burdens.” Within four days, they received 284 donations totaling over $22,000. They have also been in contact with the U.S. embassy in Mexico, as well as the U.S. Consulate.

Tomorrow will mark a week since Edward Solomon disappeared, the family have urged anyone in the area with any information that could be useful to contact the Cozumel police.

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A cruise ship dancer from the Big Apple has been arrested in Florida for allegedly possessing and distributing child sex abuse material — with victims as young as 2 years old engaged in sexual acts with adults.

Jamaal Wade, 26, of Washington Heights, was arrested by US Marshals in Broward County on Sunday and charged with receipt, possession and distribution of child porn, WPLG reported .

It was not immediately clear if the arrest was made before or after a cruise.

“Wade distributed files containing sexually explicit images of minors from/on a computer in New York, New York via the Telegram messaging application,” states a complaint filed by the Southern District Court of New York obtained by The Post.

The victims were described as “prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age.”

An investigation was launched in October after federal agents seized the phone of a user of the messaging app Telegram. Wade allegedly sent that person child sexual abuse material depicting victims as young as 2.

The recipient told authorities he had gone to Wade’s Manhattan apartment to view the illicit material with him. He “also provided the username of an Instagram account used by Jamaal,” the filing says.

In January, the person sent the covert FBI employee eight videos “depicting male children between the ages of approximately four and eight years old engaged in sexual activities, including oral and anal penetration, with adult males,” it adds.

Wade also told the man he had been arrested in Detroit for conduct “while on tour.”

Detroit police records confirmed that he was arrested on Feb. 18, 2020, after being accused of molesting an 11-year-old boy. It was unclear whether he was convicted.

The suspect has allegedly admitted in online chats to molesting a boy while “on tour with a performance group.”

During the probe, a federal agent began chatting with Wade, who sent them several videos of young boys being raped and sexually abused, according to the court filing.

He also mentioned working on cruise ships as a dancer, though the document does not mention which company.

But in a 2020 profile posted by a staffing site , Jamaal Wade is described as having worked for both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines, as well as on stage.

In a March 22 chat, Wade reportedly told the FBI agent that he had “brought his ‘collection’” of child sexual abuse material “on board the ship.”

He was charged with ​one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

He could face up to 20 years behind bars on each count if convicted.

As of Tuesday, Wade remained in the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach awaiting extradition to Manhattan, WPLG reported.

The Post has reached out to Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines for comment.

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Crying Myself to Sleep on the Biggest Cruise Ship Ever

Seven agonizing nights aboard the Icon of the Seas

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Updated at 2:44 p.m. ET on April 6, 2024.

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MY FIRST GLIMPSE of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, from the window of an approaching Miami cab, brings on a feeling of vertigo, nausea, amazement, and distress. I shut my eyes in defense, as my brain tells my optic nerve to try again.

The ship makes no sense, vertically or horizontally. It makes no sense on sea, or on land, or in outer space. It looks like a hodgepodge of domes and minarets, tubes and canopies, like Istanbul had it been designed by idiots. Vibrant, oversignifying colors are stacked upon other such colors, decks perched over still more decks; the only comfort is a row of lifeboats ringing its perimeter. There is no imposed order, no cogent thought, and, for those who do not harbor a totalitarian sense of gigantomania, no visual mercy. This is the biggest cruise ship ever built, and I have been tasked with witnessing its inaugural voyage.

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“Author embarks on their first cruise-ship voyage” has been a staple of American essay writing for almost three decades, beginning with David Foster Wallace’s “A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again,” which was first published in 1996 under the title “Shipping Out.” Since then, many admirable writers have widened and diversified the genre. Usually the essayist commissioned to take to the sea is in their first or second flush of youth and is ready to sharpen their wit against the hull of the offending vessel. I am 51, old and tired, having seen much of the world as a former travel journalist, and mostly what I do in both life and prose is shrug while muttering to my imaginary dachshund, “This too shall pass.” But the Icon of the Seas will not countenance a shrug. The Icon of the Seas is the Linda Loman of cruise ships, exclaiming that attention must be paid. And here I am in late January with my one piece of luggage and useless gray winter jacket and passport, zipping through the Port of Miami en route to the gangway that will separate me from the bulk of North America for more than seven days, ready to pay it in full.

The aforementioned gangway opens up directly onto a thriving mall (I will soon learn it is imperiously called the “Royal Promenade”), presently filled with yapping passengers beneath a ceiling studded with balloons ready to drop. Crew members from every part of the global South, as well as a few Balkans, are shepherding us along while pressing flutes of champagne into our hands. By a humming Starbucks, I drink as many of these as I can and prepare to find my cabin. I show my blue Suite Sky SeaPass Card (more on this later, much more) to a smiling woman from the Philippines, and she tells me to go “aft.” Which is where, now? As someone who has rarely sailed on a vessel grander than the Staten Island Ferry, I am confused. It turns out that the aft is the stern of the ship, or, for those of us who don’t know what a stern or an aft are, its ass. The nose of the ship, responsible for separating the waves before it, is also called a bow, and is marked for passengers as the FWD , or forward. The part of the contemporary sailing vessel where the malls are clustered is called the midship. I trust that you have enjoyed this nautical lesson.

I ascend via elevator to my suite on Deck 11. This is where I encounter my first terrible surprise. My suite windows and balcony do not face the ocean. Instead, they look out onto another shopping mall. This mall is the one that’s called Central Park, perhaps in homage to the Olmsted-designed bit of greenery in the middle of my hometown. Although on land I would be delighted to own a suite with Central Park views, here I am deeply depressed. To sail on a ship and not wake up to a vast blue carpet of ocean? Unthinkable.

Allow me a brief preamble here. The story you are reading was commissioned at a moment when most staterooms on the Icon were sold out. In fact, so enthralled by the prospect of this voyage were hard-core mariners that the ship’s entire inventory of guest rooms (the Icon can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers, but its inaugural journey was reduced to 5,000 or so for a less crowded experience) was almost immediately sold out. Hence, this publication was faced with the shocking prospect of paying nearly $19,000 to procure for this solitary passenger an entire suite—not including drinking expenses—all for the privilege of bringing you this article. But the suite in question doesn’t even have a view of the ocean! I sit down hard on my soft bed. Nineteen thousand dollars for this .

The viewless suite does have its pluses. In addition to all the Malin+Goetz products in my dual bathrooms, I am granted use of a dedicated Suite Deck lounge; access to Coastal Kitchen, a superior restaurant for Suites passengers; complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream (“the fastest Internet at Sea”) “for one device per person for the whole cruise duration”; a pair of bathrobes (one of which comes prestained with what looks like a large expectoration by the greenest lizard on Earth); and use of the Grove Suite Sun, an area on Decks 18 and 19 with food and deck chairs reserved exclusively for Suite passengers. I also get reserved seating for a performance of The Wizard of Oz , an ice-skating tribute to the periodic table, and similar provocations. The very color of my Suite Sky SeaPass Card, an oceanic blue as opposed to the cloying royal purple of the standard non-Suite passenger, will soon provoke envy and admiration. But as high as my status may be, there are those on board who have much higher status still, and I will soon learn to bow before them.

In preparation for sailing, I have “priced in,” as they say on Wall Street, the possibility that I may come from a somewhat different monde than many of the other cruisers. Without falling into stereotypes or preconceptions, I prepare myself for a friendly outspokenness on the part of my fellow seafarers that may not comply with modern DEI standards. I believe in meeting people halfway, and so the day before flying down to Miami, I visited what remains of Little Italy to purchase a popular T-shirt that reads DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL across the breast in the colors of the Italian flag. My wife recommended that I bring one of my many T-shirts featuring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, as all Americans love the beagle and his friends. But I naively thought that my meatball T-shirt would be more suitable for conversation-starting. “Oh, and who is your ‘daddy’?” some might ask upon seeing it. “And how long have you been his ‘little meatball’?” And so on.

I put on my meatball T-shirt and head for one of the dining rooms to get a late lunch. In the elevator, I stick out my chest for all to read the funny legend upon it, but soon I realize that despite its burnished tricolor letters, no one takes note. More to the point, no one takes note of me. Despite my attempts at bridge building, the very sight of me (small, ethnic, without a cap bearing the name of a football team) elicits no reaction from other passengers. Most often, they will small-talk over me as if I don’t exist. This brings to mind the travails of David Foster Wallace , who felt so ostracized by his fellow passengers that he retreated to his cabin for much of his voyage. And Wallace was raised primarily in the Midwest and was a much larger, more American-looking meatball than I am. If he couldn’t talk to these people, how will I? What if I leave this ship without making any friends at all, despite my T-shirt? I am a social creature, and the prospect of seven days alone and apart is saddening. Wallace’s stateroom, at least, had a view of the ocean, a kind of cheap eternity.

Worse awaits me in the dining room. This is a large, multichandeliered room where I attended my safety training (I was shown how to put on a flotation vest; it is a very simple procedure). But the maître d’ politely refuses me entry in an English that seems to verge on another language. “I’m sorry, this is only for pendejos ,” he seems to be saying. I push back politely and he repeats himself. Pendejos ? Piranhas? There’s some kind of P-word to which I am not attuned. Meanwhile elderly passengers stream right past, powered by their limbs, walkers, and electric wheelchairs. “It is only pendejo dining today, sir.” “But I have a suite!” I say, already starting to catch on to the ship’s class system. He examines my card again. “But you are not a pendejo ,” he confirms. I am wearing a DADDY’S LITTLE MEATBALL T-shirt, I want to say to him. I am the essence of pendejo .

Eventually, I give up and head to the plebeian buffet on Deck 15, which has an aquatic-styled name I have now forgotten. Before gaining entry to this endless cornucopia of reheated food, one passes a washing station of many sinks and soap dispensers, and perhaps the most intriguing character on the entire ship. He is Mr. Washy Washy—or, according to his name tag, Nielbert of the Philippines—and he is dressed as a taco (on other occasions, I’ll see him dressed as a burger). Mr. Washy Washy performs an eponymous song in spirited, indeed flamboyant English: “Washy, washy, wash your hands, WASHY WASHY!” The dangers of norovirus and COVID on a cruise ship this size (a giant fellow ship was stricken with the former right after my voyage) makes Mr. Washy Washy an essential member of the crew. The problem lies with the food at the end of Washy’s rainbow. The buffet is groaning with what sounds like sophisticated dishes—marinated octopus, boiled egg with anchovy, chorizo, lobster claws—but every animal tastes tragically the same, as if there was only one creature available at the market, a “cruisipus” bred specifically for Royal Caribbean dining. The “vegetables” are no better. I pick up a tomato slice and look right through it. It tastes like cellophane. I sit alone, apart from the couples and parents with gaggles of children, as “We Are Family” echoes across the buffet space.

I may have failed to mention that all this time, the Icon of the Seas has not left port. As the fiery mango of the subtropical setting sun makes Miami’s condo skyline even more apocalyptic, the ship shoves off beneath a perfunctory display of fireworks. After the sun sets, in the far, dark distance, another circus-lit cruise ship ruptures the waves before us. We glance at it with pity, because it is by definition a smaller ship than our own. I am on Deck 15, outside the buffet and overlooking a bunch of pools (the Icon has seven of them), drinking a frilly drink that I got from one of the bars (the Icon has 15 of them), still too shy to speak to anyone, despite Sister Sledge’s assertion that all on the ship are somehow related.

Kim Brooks: On failing the family vacation

The ship’s passage away from Ron DeSantis’s Florida provides no frisson, no sense of developing “sea legs,” as the ship is too large to register the presence of waves unless a mighty wind adds significant chop. It is time for me to register the presence of the 5,000 passengers around me, even if they refuse to register mine. My fellow travelers have prepared for this trip with personally decorated T-shirts celebrating the importance of this voyage. The simplest ones say ICON INAUGURAL ’24 on the back and the family name on the front. Others attest to an over-the-top love of cruise ships: WARNING! MAY START TALKING ABOUT CRUISING . Still others are artisanally designed and celebrate lifetimes spent married while cruising (on ships, of course). A couple possibly in their 90s are wearing shirts whose backs feature a drawing of a cruise liner, two flamingos with ostensibly male and female characteristics, and the legend “ HUSBAND AND WIFE Cruising Partners FOR LIFE WE MAY NOT HAVE IT All Together BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL .” (The words not in all caps have been written in cursive.) A real journalist or a more intrepid conversationalist would have gone up to the couple and asked them to explain the longevity of their marriage vis-à-vis their love of cruising. But instead I head to my mall suite, take off my meatball T-shirt, and allow the first tears of the cruise to roll down my cheeks slowly enough that I briefly fall asleep amid the moisture and salt.

I WAKE UP with a hangover. Oh God. Right. I cannot believe all of that happened last night. A name floats into my cobwebbed, nauseated brain: “Ayn Rand.” Jesus Christ.

I breakfast alone at the Coastal Kitchen. The coffee tastes fine and the eggs came out of a bird. The ship rolls slightly this morning; I can feel it in my thighs and my schlong, the parts of me that are most receptive to danger.

I had a dangerous conversation last night. After the sun set and we were at least 50 miles from shore (most modern cruise ships sail at about 23 miles an hour), I lay in bed softly hiccupping, my arms stretched out exactly like Jesus on the cross, the sound of the distant waves missing from my mall-facing suite, replaced by the hum of air-conditioning and children shouting in Spanish through the vents of my two bathrooms. I decided this passivity was unacceptable. As an immigrant, I feel duty-bound to complete the tasks I am paid for, which means reaching out and trying to understand my fellow cruisers. So I put on a normal James Perse T-shirt and headed for one of the bars on the Royal Promenade—the Schooner Bar, it was called, if memory serves correctly.

I sat at the bar for a martini and two Negronis. An old man with thick, hairy forearms drank next to me, very silent and Hemingwaylike, while a dreadlocked piano player tinkled out a series of excellent Elton John covers. To my right, a young white couple—he in floral shorts, she in a light, summery miniskirt with a fearsome diamond ring, neither of them in football regalia—chatted with an elderly couple. Do it , I commanded myself. Open your mouth. Speak! Speak without being spoken to. Initiate. A sentence fragment caught my ear from the young woman, “Cherry Hill.” This is a suburb of Philadelphia in New Jersey, and I had once been there for a reading at a synagogue. “Excuse me,” I said gently to her. “Did you just mention Cherry Hill? It’s a lovely place.”

As it turned out, the couple now lived in Fort Lauderdale (the number of Floridians on the cruise surprised me, given that Southern Florida is itself a kind of cruise ship, albeit one slowly sinking), but soon they were talking with me exclusively—the man potbellied, with a chin like a hard-boiled egg; the woman as svelte as if she were one of the many Ukrainian members of the crew—the elderly couple next to them forgotten. This felt as groundbreaking as the first time I dared to address an American in his native tongue, as a child on a bus in Queens (“On my foot you are standing, Mister”).

“I don’t want to talk politics,” the man said. “But they’re going to eighty-six Biden and put Michelle in.”

I considered the contradictions of his opening conversational gambit, but decided to play along. “People like Michelle,” I said, testing the waters. The husband sneered, but the wife charitably put forward that the former first lady was “more personable” than Joe Biden. “They’re gonna eighty-six Biden,” the husband repeated. “He can’t put a sentence together.”

After I mentioned that I was a writer—though I presented myself as a writer of teleplays instead of novels and articles such as this one—the husband told me his favorite writer was Ayn Rand. “Ayn Rand, she came here with nothing,” the husband said. “I work with a lot of Cubans, so …” I wondered if I should mention what I usually do to ingratiate myself with Republicans or libertarians: the fact that my finances improved after pass-through corporations were taxed differently under Donald Trump. Instead, I ordered another drink and the couple did the same, and I told him that Rand and I were born in the same city, St. Petersburg/Leningrad, and that my family also came here with nothing. Now the bonding and drinking began in earnest, and several more rounds appeared. Until it all fell apart.

Read: Gary Shteyngart on watching Russian television for five days straight

My new friend, whom I will refer to as Ayn, called out to a buddy of his across the bar, and suddenly a young couple, both covered in tattoos, appeared next to us. “He fucking punked me,” Ayn’s frat-boy-like friend called out as he put his arm around Ayn, while his sizable partner sizzled up to Mrs. Rand. Both of them had a look I have never seen on land—their eyes projecting absence and enmity in equal measure. In the ’90s, I drank with Russian soldiers fresh from Chechnya and wandered the streets of wartime Zagreb, but I have never seen such undisguised hostility toward both me and perhaps the universe at large. I was briefly introduced to this psychopathic pair, but neither of them wanted to have anything to do with me, and the tattooed woman would not even reveal her Christian name to me (she pretended to have the same first name as Mrs. Rand). To impress his tattooed friends, Ayn made fun of the fact that as a television writer, I’d worked on the series Succession (which, it would turn out, practically nobody on the ship had watched), instead of the far more palatable, in his eyes, zombie drama of last year. And then my new friends drifted away from me into an angry private conversation—“He punked me!”—as I ordered another drink for myself, scared of the dead-eyed arrivals whose gaze never registered in the dim wattage of the Schooner Bar, whose terrifying voices and hollow laughs grated like unoiled gears against the crooning of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

But today is a new day for me and my hangover. After breakfast, I explore the ship’s so-called neighborhoods . There’s the AquaDome, where one can find a food hall and an acrobatic sound-and-light aquatic show. Central Park has a premium steak house, a sushi joint, and a used Rolex that can be bought for $8,000 on land here proudly offered at $17,000. There’s the aforementioned Royal Promenade, where I had drunk with the Rands, and where a pair of dueling pianos duel well into the night. There’s Surfside, a kids’ neighborhood full of sugary garbage, which looks out onto the frothy trail that the behemoth leaves behind itself. Thrill Island refers to the collection of tubes that clutter the ass of the ship and offer passengers six waterslides and a surfing simulation. There’s the Hideaway, an adult zone that plays music from a vomit-slathered, Brit-filled Alicante nightclub circa 1996 and proves a big favorite with groups of young Latin American customers. And, most hurtfully, there’s the Suite Neighborhood.

I say hurtfully because as a Suite passenger I should be here, though my particular suite is far from the others. Whereas I am stuck amid the riffraff of Deck 11, this section is on the highborn Decks 16 and 17, and in passing, I peek into the spacious, tall-ceilinged staterooms from the hallway, dazzled by the glint of the waves and sun. For $75,000, one multifloor suite even comes with its own slide between floors, so that a family may enjoy this particular terror in private. There is a quiet splendor to the Suite Neighborhood. I see fewer stickers and signs and drawings than in my own neighborhood—for example, MIKE AND DIANA PROUDLY SERVED U.S. MARINE CORPS RETIRED . No one here needs to announce their branch of service or rank; they are simply Suites, and this is where they belong. Once again, despite my hard work and perseverance, I have been disallowed from the true American elite. Once again, I am “Not our class, dear.” I am reminded of watching The Love Boat on my grandmother’s Zenith, which either was given to her or we found in the trash (I get our many malfunctioning Zeniths confused) and whose tube got so hot, I would put little chunks of government cheese on a thin tissue atop it to give our welfare treat a pleasant, Reagan-era gooeyness. I could not understand English well enough then to catch the nuances of that seafaring program, but I knew that there were differences in the status of the passengers, and that sometimes those differences made them sad. Still, this ship, this plenty—every few steps, there are complimentary nachos or milkshakes or gyros on offer—was the fatty fuel of my childhood dreams. If only I had remained a child.

I walk around the outdoor decks looking for company. There is a middle-aged African American couple who always seem to be asleep in each other’s arms, probably exhausted from the late capitalism they regularly encounter on land. There is far more diversity on this ship than I expected. Many couples are a testament to Loving v. Virginia , and there is a large group of folks whose T-shirts read MELANIN AT SEA / IT’S THE MELANIN FOR ME . I smile when I see them, but then some young kids from the group makes Mr. Washy Washy do a cruel, caricatured “Burger Dance” (today he is in his burger getup), and I think, Well, so much for intersectionality .

At the infinity pool on Deck 17, I spot some elderly women who could be ethnic and from my part of the world, and so I jump in. I am proved correct! Many of them seem to be originally from Queens (“Corona was still great when it was all Italian”), though they are now spread across the tristate area. We bond over the way “Ron-kon-koma” sounds when announced in Penn Station.

“Everyone is here for a different reason,” one of them tells me. She and her ex-husband last sailed together four years ago to prove to themselves that their marriage was truly over. Her 15-year-old son lost his virginity to “an Irish young lady” while their ship was moored in Ravenna, Italy. The gaggle of old-timers competes to tell me their favorite cruising stories and tips. “A guy proposed in Central Park a couple of years ago”—many Royal Caribbean ships apparently have this ridiculous communal area—“and she ran away screaming!” “If you’re diamond-class, you get four drinks for free.” “A different kind of passenger sails out of Bayonne.” (This, perhaps, is racially coded.) “Sometimes, if you tip the bartender $5, your next drink will be free.”

“Everyone’s here for a different reason,” the woman whose marriage ended on a cruise tells me again. “Some people are here for bad reasons—the drinkers and the gamblers. Some people are here for medical reasons.” I have seen more than a few oxygen tanks and at least one woman clearly undergoing very serious chemo. Some T-shirts celebrate good news about a cancer diagnosis. This might be someone’s last cruise or week on Earth. For these women, who have spent months, if not years, at sea, cruising is a ritual as well as a life cycle: first love, last love, marriage, divorce, death.

Read: The last place on Earth any tourist should go

I have talked with these women for so long, tonight I promise myself that after a sad solitary dinner I will not try to seek out company at the bars in the mall or the adult-themed Hideaway. I have enough material to fulfill my duties to this publication. As I approach my orphaned suite, I run into the aggro young people who stole Mr. and Mrs. Rand away from me the night before. The tattooed apparitions pass me without a glance. She is singing something violent about “Stuttering Stanley” (a character in a popular horror movie, as I discover with my complimentary VOOM SM Surf & Stream Internet at Sea) and he’s loudly shouting about “all the money I’ve lost,” presumably at the casino in the bowels of the ship.

So these bent psychos out of a Cormac McCarthy novel are angrily inhabiting my deck. As I mewl myself to sleep, I envision a limited series for HBO or some other streamer, a kind of low-rent White Lotus , where several aggressive couples conspire to throw a shy intellectual interloper overboard. I type the scenario into my phone. As I fall asleep, I think of what the woman who recently divorced her husband and whose son became a man through the good offices of the Irish Republic told me while I was hoisting myself out of the infinity pool. “I’m here because I’m an explorer. I’m here because I’m trying something new.” What if I allowed myself to believe in her fantasy?

“YOU REALLY STARTED AT THE TOP,” they tell me. I’m at the Coastal Kitchen for my eggs and corned-beef hash, and the maître d’ has slotted me in between two couples. Fueled by coffee or perhaps intrigued by my relative youth, they strike up a conversation with me. As always, people are shocked that this is my first cruise. They contrast the Icon favorably with all the preceding liners in the Royal Caribbean fleet, usually commenting on the efficiency of the elevators that hurl us from deck to deck (as in many large corporate buildings, the elevators ask you to choose a floor and then direct you to one of many lifts). The couple to my right, from Palo Alto—he refers to his “porn mustache” and calls his wife “my cougar” because she is two years older—tell me they are “Pandemic Pinnacles.”

This is the day that my eyes will be opened. Pinnacles , it is explained to me over translucent cantaloupe, have sailed with Royal Caribbean for 700 ungodly nights. Pandemic Pinnacles took advantage of the two-for-one accrual rate of Pinnacle points during the pandemic, when sailing on a cruise ship was even more ill-advised, to catapult themselves into Pinnacle status.

Because of the importance of the inaugural voyage of the world’s largest cruise liner, more than 200 Pinnacles are on this ship, a startling number, it seems. Mrs. Palo Alto takes out a golden badge that I have seen affixed over many a breast, which reads CROWN AND ANCHOR SOCIETY along with her name. This is the coveted badge of the Pinnacle. “You should hear all the whining in Guest Services,” her husband tells me. Apparently, the Pinnacles who are not also Suites like us are all trying to use their status to get into Coastal Kitchen, our elite restaurant. Even a Pinnacle needs to be a Suite to access this level of corned-beef hash.

“We’re just baby Pinnacles,” Mrs. Palo Alto tells me, describing a kind of internal class struggle among the Pinnacle elite for ever higher status.

And now I understand what the maître d’ was saying to me on the first day of my cruise. He wasn’t saying “ pendejo .” He was saying “Pinnacle.” The dining room was for Pinnacles only, all those older people rolling in like the tide on their motorized scooters.

And now I understand something else: This whole thing is a cult. And like most cults, it can’t help but mirror the endless American fight for status. Like Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, where different-colored sashes were given out to connote rank among Raniere’s branded acolytes, this is an endless competition among Pinnacles, Suites, Diamond-Plusers, and facing-the-mall, no-balcony purple SeaPass Card peasants, not to mention the many distinctions within each category. The more you cruise, the higher your status. No wonder a section of the Royal Promenade is devoted to getting passengers to book their next cruise during the one they should be enjoying now. No wonder desperate Royal Caribbean offers (“FINAL HOURS”) crowded my email account weeks before I set sail. No wonder the ship’s jewelry store, the Royal Bling, is selling a $100,000 golden chalice that will entitle its owner to drink free on Royal Caribbean cruises for life. (One passenger was already gaming out whether her 28-year-old son was young enough to “just about earn out” on the chalice or if that ship had sailed.) No wonder this ship was sold out months before departure , and we had to pay $19,000 for a horrid suite away from the Suite Neighborhood. No wonder the most mythical hero of Royal Caribbean lore is someone named Super Mario, who has cruised so often, he now has his own working desk on many ships. This whole experience is part cult, part nautical pyramid scheme.

From the June 2014 issue: Ship of wonks

“The toilets are amazing,” the Palo Altos are telling me. “One flush and you’re done.” “They don’t understand how energy-efficient these ships are,” the husband of the other couple is telling me. “They got the LNG”—liquefied natural gas, which is supposed to make the Icon a boon to the environment (a concept widely disputed and sometimes ridiculed by environmentalists).

But I’m thinking along a different line of attack as I spear my last pallid slice of melon. For my streaming limited series, a Pinnacle would have to get killed by either an outright peasant or a Suite without an ocean view. I tell my breakfast companions my idea.

“Oh, for sure a Pinnacle would have to be killed,” Mr. Palo Alto, the Pandemic Pinnacle, says, touching his porn mustache thoughtfully as his wife nods.

“THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S your time, buddy!” Hubert, my fun-loving Panamanian cabin attendant, shouts as I step out of my suite in a robe. “Take it easy, buddy!”

I have come up with a new dressing strategy. Instead of trying to impress with my choice of T-shirts, I have decided to start wearing a robe, as one does at a resort property on land, with a proper spa and hammam. The response among my fellow cruisers has been ecstatic. “Look at you in the robe!” Mr. Rand cries out as we pass each other by the Thrill Island aqua park. “You’re living the cruise life! You know, you really drank me under the table that night.” I laugh as we part ways, but my soul cries out, Please spend more time with me, Mr. and Mrs. Rand; I so need the company .

In my white robe, I am a stately presence, a refugee from a better limited series, a one-man crossover episode. (Only Suites are granted these robes to begin with.) Today, I will try many of the activities these ships have on offer to provide their clientele with a sense of never-ceasing motion. Because I am already at Thrill Island, I decide to climb the staircase to what looks like a mast on an old-fashioned ship (terrified, because I am afraid of heights) to try a ride called “Storm Chasers,” which is part of the “Category 6” water park, named in honor of one of the storms that may someday do away with the Port of Miami entirely. Storm Chasers consists of falling from the “mast” down a long, twisting neon tube filled with water, like being the camera inside your own colonoscopy, as you hold on to the handles of a mat, hoping not to die. The tube then flops you down headfirst into a trough of water, a Royal Caribbean baptism. It both knocks my breath out and makes me sad.

In keeping with the aquatic theme, I attend a show at the AquaDome. To the sound of “Live and Let Die,” a man in a harness gyrates to and fro in the sultry air. I saw something very similar in the back rooms of the famed Berghain club in early-aughts Berlin. Soon another harnessed man is gyrating next to the first. Ja , I think to myself, I know how this ends. Now will come the fisting , natürlich . But the show soon devolves into the usual Marvel-film-grade nonsense, with too much light and sound signifying nichts . If any fisting is happening, it is probably in the Suite Neighborhood, inside a cabin marked with an upside-down pineapple, which I understand means a couple are ready to swing, and I will see none of it.

I go to the ice show, which is a kind of homage—if that’s possible—to the periodic table, done with the style and pomp and masterful precision that would please the likes of Kim Jong Un, if only he could afford Royal Caribbean talent. At one point, the dancers skate to the theme song of Succession . “See that!” I want to say to my fellow Suites—at “cultural” events, we have a special section reserved for us away from the commoners—“ Succession ! It’s even better than the zombie show! Open your minds!”

Finally, I visit a comedy revue in an enormous and too brightly lit version of an “intimate,” per Royal Caribbean literature, “Manhattan comedy club.” Many of the jokes are about the cruising life. “I’ve lived on ships for 20 years,” one of the middle-aged comedians says. “I can only see so many Filipino homosexuals dressed as a taco.” He pauses while the audience laughs. “I am so fired tonight,” he says. He segues into a Trump impression and then Biden falling asleep at the microphone, which gets the most laughs. “Anyone here from Fort Leonard Wood?” another comedian asks. Half the crowd seems to cheer. As I fall asleep that night, I realize another connection I have failed to make, and one that may explain some of the diversity on this vessel—many of its passengers have served in the military.

As a coddled passenger with a suite, I feel like I am starting to understand what it means to have a rank and be constantly reminded of it. There are many espresso makers , I think as I look across the expanse of my officer-grade quarters before closing my eyes, but this one is mine .

A shocking sight greets me beyond the pools of Deck 17 as I saunter over to the Coastal Kitchen for my morning intake of slightly sour Americanos. A tiny city beneath a series of perfectly pressed green mountains. Land! We have docked for a brief respite in Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis. I wolf down my egg scramble to be one of the first passengers off the ship. Once past the gangway, I barely refrain from kissing the ground. I rush into the sights and sounds of this scruffy island city, sampling incredible conch curry and buckets of non-Starbucks coffee. How wonderful it is to be where God intended humans to be: on land. After all, I am neither a fish nor a mall rat. This is my natural environment. Basseterre may not be Havana, but there are signs of human ingenuity and desire everywhere you look. The Black Table Grill Has been Relocated to Soho Village, Market Street, Directly Behind of, Gary’s Fruits and Flower Shop. Signed. THE PORK MAN reads a sign stuck to a wall. Now, that is how you write a sign. A real sign, not the come-ons for overpriced Rolexes that blink across the screens of the Royal Promenade.

“Hey, tie your shoestring!” a pair of laughing ladies shout to me across the street.

“Thank you!” I shout back. Shoestring! “Thank you very much.”

A man in Independence Square Park comes by and asks if I want to play with his monkey. I haven’t heard that pickup line since the Penn Station of the 1980s. But then he pulls a real monkey out of a bag. The monkey is wearing a diaper and looks insane. Wonderful , I think, just wonderful! There is so much life here. I email my editor asking if I can remain on St. Kitts and allow the Icon to sail off into the horizon without me. I have even priced a flight home at less than $300, and I have enough material from the first four days on the cruise to write the entire story. “It would be funny …” my editor replies. “Now get on the boat.”

As I slink back to the ship after my brief jailbreak, the locals stand under umbrellas to gaze at and photograph the boat that towers over their small capital city. The limousines of the prime minister and his lackeys are parked beside the gangway. St. Kitts, I’ve been told, is one of the few islands that would allow a ship of this size to dock.

“We hear about all the waterslides,” a sweet young server in one of the cafés told me. “We wish we could go on the ship, but we have to work.”

“I want to stay on your island,” I replied. “I love it here.”

But she didn’t understand how I could possibly mean that.

“WASHY, WASHY, so you don’t get stinky, stinky!” kids are singing outside the AquaDome, while their adult minders look on in disapproval, perhaps worried that Mr. Washy Washy is grooming them into a life of gayness. I heard a southern couple skip the buffet entirely out of fear of Mr. Washy Washy.

Meanwhile, I have found a new watering hole for myself, the Swim & Tonic, the biggest swim-up bar on any cruise ship in the world. Drinking next to full-size, nearly naked Americans takes away one’s own self-consciousness. The men have curvaceous mom bodies. The women are equally un-shy about their sprawling physiques.

Today I’ve befriended a bald man with many children who tells me that all of the little trinkets that Royal Caribbean has left us in our staterooms and suites are worth a fortune on eBay. “Eighty dollars for the water bottle, 60 for the lanyard,” the man says. “This is a cult.”

“Tell me about it,” I say. There is, however, a clientele for whom this cruise makes perfect sense. For a large middle-class family (he works in “supply chains”), seven days in a lower-tier cabin—which starts at $1,800 a person—allow the parents to drop off their children in Surfside, where I imagine many young Filipina crew members will take care of them, while the parents are free to get drunk at a swim-up bar and maybe even get intimate in their cabin. Cruise ships have become, for a certain kind of hardworking family, a form of subsidized child care.

There is another man I would like to befriend at the Swim & Tonic, a tall, bald fellow who is perpetually inebriated and who wears a necklace studded with little rubber duckies in sunglasses, which, I am told, is a sort of secret handshake for cruise aficionados. Tomorrow, I will spend more time with him, but first the ship docks at St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is more charming in name than in presence, but I still all but jump off the ship to score a juicy oxtail and plantains at the well-known Petite Pump Room, overlooking the harbor. From one of the highest points in the small city, the Icon of the Seas appears bigger than the surrounding hills.

I usually tan very evenly, but something about the discombobulation of life at sea makes me forget the regular application of sunscreen. As I walk down the streets of Charlotte Amalie in my fluorescent Icon of the Seas cap, an old Rastafarian stares me down. “Redneck,” he hisses.

“No,” I want to tell him, as I bring a hand up to my red neck, “that’s not who I am at all. On my island, Mannahatta, as Whitman would have it, I am an interesting person living within an engaging artistic milieu. I do not wish to use the Caribbean as a dumping ground for the cruise-ship industry. I love the work of Derek Walcott. You don’t understand. I am not a redneck. And if I am, they did this to me.” They meaning Royal Caribbean? Its passengers? The Rands?

“They did this to me!”

Back on the Icon, some older matrons are muttering about a run-in with passengers from the Celebrity cruise ship docked next to us, the Celebrity Apex. Although Celebrity Cruises is also owned by Royal Caribbean, I am made to understand that there is a deep fratricidal beef between passengers of the two lines. “We met a woman from the Apex,” one matron says, “and she says it was a small ship and there was nothing to do. Her face was as tight as a 19-year-old’s, she had so much surgery.” With those words, and beneath a cloudy sky, humidity shrouding our weathered faces and red necks, we set sail once again, hopefully in the direction of home.

THERE ARE BARELY 48 HOURS LEFT to the cruise, and the Icon of the Seas’ passengers are salty. They know how to work the elevators. They know the Washy Washy song by heart. They understand that the chicken gyro at “Feta Mediterranean,” in the AquaDome Market, is the least problematic form of chicken on the ship.

The passengers have shed their INAUGURAL CRUISE T-shirts and are now starting to evince political opinions. There are caps pledging to make America great again and T-shirts that celebrate words sometimes attributed to Patrick Henry: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” With their preponderance of FAMILY FLAG FAITH FRIENDS FIREARMS T-shirts, the tables by the crepe station sometimes resemble the Capitol Rotunda on January 6. The Real Anthony Fauci , by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., appears to be a popular form of literature, especially among young men with very complicated versions of the American flag on their T-shirts. Other opinions blend the personal and the political. “Someone needs to kill Washy guy, right?” a well-dressed man in the elevator tells me, his gray eyes radiating nothing. “Just beat him to death. Am I right?” I overhear the male member of a young couple whisper, “There goes that freak” as I saunter by in my white spa robe, and I decide to retire it for the rest of the cruise.

I visit the Royal Bling to see up close the $100,000 golden chalice that entitles you to free drinks on Royal Caribbean forever. The pleasant Serbian saleslady explains that the chalice is actually gold-plated and covered in white zirconia instead of diamonds, as it would otherwise cost $1 million. “If you already have everything,” she explains, “this is one more thing you can get.”

I believe that anyone who works for Royal Caribbean should be entitled to immediate American citizenship. They already speak English better than most of the passengers and, per the Serbian lady’s sales pitch above, better understand what America is as well. Crew members like my Panamanian cabin attendant seem to work 24 hours a day. A waiter from New Delhi tells me that his contract is six months and three weeks long. After a cruise ends, he says, “in a few hours, we start again for the next cruise.” At the end of the half a year at sea, he is allowed a two-to-three-month stay at home with his family. As of 2019, the median income for crew members was somewhere in the vicinity of $20,000, according to a major business publication. Royal Caribbean would not share the current median salary for its crew members, but I am certain that it amounts to a fraction of the cost of a Royal Bling gold-plated, zirconia-studded chalice.

And because most of the Icon’s hyper-sanitized spaces are just a frittata away from being a Delta lounge, one forgets that there are actual sailors on this ship, charged with the herculean task of docking it in port. “Having driven 100,000-ton aircraft carriers throughout my career,” retired Admiral James G. Stavridis, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, writes to me, “I’m not sure I would even know where to begin with trying to control a sea monster like this one nearly three times the size.” (I first met Stavridis while touring Army bases in Germany more than a decade ago.)

Today, I decide to head to the hot tub near Swim & Tonic, where some of the ship’s drunkest reprobates seem to gather (the other tubs are filled with families and couples). The talk here, like everywhere else on the ship, concerns football, a sport about which I know nothing. It is apparent that four teams have recently competed in some kind of finals for the year, and that two of them will now face off in the championship. Often when people on the Icon speak, I will try to repeat the last thing they said with a laugh or a nod of disbelief. “Yes, 20-yard line! Ha!” “Oh my God, of course, scrimmage.”

Soon we are joined in the hot tub by the late-middle-age drunk guy with the duck necklace. He is wearing a bucket hat with the legend HAWKEYES , which, I soon gather, is yet another football team. “All right, who turned me in?” Duck Necklace says as he plops into the tub beside us. “I get a call in the morning,” he says. “It’s security. Can you come down to the dining room by 10 a.m.? You need to stay away from the members of this religious family.” Apparently, the gregarious Duck Necklace had photobombed the wrong people. There are several families who present as evangelical Christians or practicing Muslims on the ship. One man, evidently, was not happy that Duck Necklace had made contact with his relatives. “It’s because of religious stuff; he was offended. I put my arm around 20 people a day.”

Everyone laughs. “They asked me three times if I needed medication,” he says of the security people who apparently interrogated him in full view of others having breakfast.

Another hot-tub denizen suggests that he should have asked for fentanyl. After a few more drinks, Duck Necklace begins to muse about what it would be like to fall off the ship. “I’m 62 and I’m ready to go,” he says. “I just don’t want a shark to eat me. I’m a huge God guy. I’m a Bible guy. There’s some Mayan theory squaring science stuff with religion. There is so much more to life on Earth.” We all nod into our Red Stripes.

“I never get off the ship when we dock,” he says. He tells us he lost $6,000 in the casino the other day. Later, I look him up, and it appears that on land, he’s a financial adviser in a crisp gray suit, probably a pillar of his North Chicago community.

THE OCEAN IS TEEMING with fascinating life, but on the surface it has little to teach us. The waves come and go. The horizon remains ever far away.

I am constantly told by my fellow passengers that “everybody here has a story.” Yes, I want to reply, but everybody everywhere has a story. You, the reader of this essay, have a story, and yet you’re not inclined to jump on a cruise ship and, like Duck Necklace, tell your story to others at great pitch and volume. Maybe what they’re saying is that everybody on this ship wants to have a bigger, more coherent, more interesting story than the one they’ve been given. Maybe that’s why there’s so much signage on the doors around me attesting to marriages spent on the sea. Maybe that’s why the Royal Caribbean newsletter slipped under my door tells me that “this isn’t a vacation day spent—it’s bragging rights earned.” Maybe that’s why I’m so lonely.

Today is a big day for Icon passengers. Today the ship docks at Royal Caribbean’s own Bahamian island, the Perfect Day at CocoCay. (This appears to be the actual name of the island.) A comedian at the nightclub opined on what his perfect day at CocoCay would look like—receiving oral sex while learning that his ex-wife had been killed in a car crash (big laughter). But the reality of the island is far less humorous than that.

One of the ethnic tristate ladies in the infinity pool told me that she loved CocoCay because it had exactly the same things that could be found on the ship itself. This proves to be correct. It is like the Icon, but with sand. The same tired burgers, the same colorful tubes conveying children and water from Point A to B. The same swim-up bar at its Hideaway ($140 for admittance, no children allowed; Royal Caribbean must be printing money off its clientele). “There was almost a fight at The Wizard of Oz ,” I overhear an elderly woman tell her companion on a chaise lounge. Apparently one of the passengers began recording Royal Caribbean’s intellectual property and “three guys came after him.”

I walk down a pathway to the center of the island, where a sign reads DO NOT ENTER: YOU HAVE REACHED THE BOUNDARY OF ADVENTURE . I hear an animal scampering in the bushes. A Royal Caribbean worker in an enormous golf cart soon chases me down and takes me back to the Hideaway, where I run into Mrs. Rand in a bikini. She becomes livid telling me about an altercation she had the other day with a woman over a towel and a deck chair. We Suites have special towel privileges; we do not have to hand over our SeaPass Card to score a towel. But the Rands are not Suites. “People are so entitled here,” Mrs. Rand says. “It’s like the airport with all its classes.” “You see,” I want to say, “this is where your husband’s love of Ayn Rand runs into the cruelties and arbitrary indignities of unbridled capitalism.” Instead we make plans to meet for a final drink in the Schooner Bar tonight (the Rands will stand me up).

Back on the ship, I try to do laps, but the pool (the largest on any cruise ship, naturally) is fully trashed with the detritus of American life: candy wrappers, a slowly dissolving tortilla chip, napkins. I take an extra-long shower in my suite, then walk around the perimeter of the ship on a kind of exercise track, past all the alluring lifeboats in their yellow-and-white livery. Maybe there is a dystopian angle to the HBO series that I will surely end up pitching, one with shades of WALL-E or Snowpiercer . In a collapsed world, a Royal Caribbean–like cruise liner sails from port to port, collecting new shipmates and supplies in exchange for the precious energy it has on board. (The actual Icon features a new technology that converts passengers’ poop into enough energy to power the waterslides . In the series, this shitty technology would be greatly expanded.) A very young woman (18? 19?), smart and lonely, who has only known life on the ship, walks along the same track as I do now, contemplating jumping off into the surf left by its wake. I picture reusing Duck Necklace’s words in the opening shot of the pilot. The girl is walking around the track, her eyes on the horizon; maybe she’s highborn—a Suite—and we hear the voice-over: “I’m 19 and I’m ready to go. I just don’t want a shark to eat me.”

Before the cruise is finished, I talk to Mr. Washy Washy, or Nielbert of the Philippines. He is a sweet, gentle man, and I thank him for the earworm of a song he has given me and for keeping us safe from the dreaded norovirus. “This is very important to me, getting people to wash their hands,” he tells me in his burger getup. He has dreams, as an artist and a performer, but they are limited in scope. One day he wants to dress up as a piece of bacon for the morning shift.

THE MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE TITANIC (the Icon of the Seas is five times as large as that doomed vessel) at least offered its passengers an exciting ending to their cruise, but when I wake up on the eighth day, all I see are the gray ghosts that populate Miami’s condo skyline. Throughout my voyage, my writer friends wrote in to commiserate with me. Sloane Crosley, who once covered a three-day spa mini-cruise for Vogue , tells me she felt “so very alone … I found it very untethering.” Gideon Lewis-Kraus writes in an Instagram comment: “When Gary is done I think it’s time this genre was taken out back and shot.” And he is right. To badly paraphrase Adorno: After this, no more cruise stories. It is unfair to put a thinking person on a cruise ship. Writers typically have difficult childhoods, and it is cruel to remind them of the inherent loneliness that drove them to writing in the first place. It is also unseemly to write about the kind of people who go on cruises. Our country does not provide the education and upbringing that allow its citizens an interior life. For the creative class to point fingers at the large, breasty gentlemen adrift in tortilla-chip-laden pools of water is to gather a sour harvest of low-hanging fruit.

A day or two before I got off the ship, I decided to make use of my balcony, which I had avoided because I thought the view would only depress me further. What I found shocked me. My suite did not look out on Central Park after all. This entire time, I had been living in the ship’s Disneyland, Surfside, the neighborhood full of screaming toddlers consuming milkshakes and candy. And as I leaned out over my balcony, I beheld a slight vista of the sea and surf that I thought I had been missing. It had been there all along. The sea was frothy and infinite and blue-green beneath the span of a seagull’s wing. And though it had been trod hard by the world’s largest cruise ship, it remained.

This article appears in the May 2024 print edition with the headline “A Meatball at Sea.” When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic.

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The Best Weekend Cruises From Florida

A few days beneath swaying palms can change your life.

By Robert Schrader | Published on March 18, 2024

There's only one thing better than a trip to the Sunshine State — and that's the wide variety of weekend cruises from Florida that allow you to mix a sailing with a little time in Florida itself. Whether you're a couple looking for a few days of palm-shaded romance or a family seeking a fun-filled trip during which the kids can blow off some steam, it's hard to resist the allure of setting sail from Florida's many ports to even more idyllic spots further out to sea. Best of all, cruising is a relatively all-inclusive option no matter which sailing you choose, with transportation to various ports, food, entertainment and your place to stay all part of the fare.

The options for weekend cruises from Florida are diverse, even if you only have a small number of days at your disposal. Florida has four ports — Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando (Port Canaveral) — that you can choose from based on which is most convenient and which offers the best combination of ship and itinerary for you. Cruise to The Bahamas in just a few days or stretch your vacation to reach Mexico's storied Yucatán Peninsula or the beautiful shores of the eastern Caribbean. Read on for a variety of options to help determine your best choice.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Couples

From the sugary sands of The Bahamas to the steel drums of Jamaica and the pink flamingos of Aruba, a weekend cruise is one of the most ideal weekend vacation ideas because of the opportunities for couples to relax together. The best part? No matter your budget, there's an option perfect for you and your significant other.

Only have three nights to spare and a more limited budget? You can fly to Fort Lauderdale and cruise to The Bahamas — and still pack in a ton of excitement onboard and off. Starting in summer 2024, you can sail on the brand new Utopia of the Seas SM , the largest, most action-packed ship to sail weekend cruises from Florida , where you'll find that the onboard amenities (17 waterslides, eight pools and a soul food brunch among them) are only the beginning. At Royal Caribbean's private island resort experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the overwater cabanas offer peace and privacy for couples and are worth the splurge for those looking to carve out some space of their own. Settle yourself and your partner in your own paradise as you watch the sun set over the sea from your lounge chairs, and end the day by ordering dinner for two brought right to your table by the ocean.

If you've got seven nights to spare, you and your beloved can travel further afield to the western Caribbean. Cruise on Symphony of the Seas®  to San Juan, Puerto Rico where the only thing more romantic than snorkeling through the seawater hand in hand is the warmth in your partner's eyes as you clink margarita glasses. Back onboard, book a table for two at Jamie's Italian for Tuscan-inspired fare followed by an evening of cocktails and dancing.

With five nights, you can look at western Caribbean options on Independence of the Seas®  out of Miami. On one sailing, you can sign up for a shore excursion in George Town, Grand Cayman that will let you swim with the stingrays — while holding hands, of course. On yet another, you'll head to Falmouth, Jamaica where you can also snorkel — or just find a local hangout and feast on jerk chicken together to the beat of local reggae music.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Families

If you're a family with children looking for a weekend cruise from Florida, you'll also be spoiled with choices. For families with children of all ages who only have three nights, the best option is The Bahamas, where the three-night sailings minimize the amount of time you'll have to pull the kids out of school. What's more, the ease of relaxing at Perfect Day at CocoCay is unparalleled for beach-loving kids and parents. You can sail on Allure of the Seas® , Independence of the Seas® or Utopia of the Seas SM  from Orlando and maybe even add on a day at a theme park before heading home. Trying to save money? Allure of the Seas® and   Independence of the Seas® offer great bang for your buck.

If the flight routes work better for you, choose a sailing out of Miami on Allure of the Seas®, Freedom of the Seas® or Independence of the Seas® or out of Fort Lauderdale on  Oasis of the Seas®, Liberty of the Seas® , Rhapsody of the Seas® or Symphony of the Seas®. If you want to really indulge, Symphony of the Seas®  is home to The Ultimate Family Suite, a decadent two-story stateroom that has a hot tub on the balcony and a slide between the two floors.

Searching for long weekend vacation ideas for travel with small kids who aren't in school yet or can easily miss a day or two? You've got plenty of choices if you're sailing from Florida. The five-night western Caribbean cruise on offer from Miami on Oasis of the Seas®  is a good bet for families seeking long stretches of sand and palm trees. This sailing calls on the beaches of Falmouth, Jamaica (home to river tubing and hikes to waterfalls as well as sun-kissed shores) and Labadee (a Royal Caribbean private destination, where the beaches are perfect for young sun worshipers to build their first sandcastles). Onboard, families can hit the waterslides together — then share stories of their day over St. Louis-style spare ribs at Portside BBQ SM  or carnitas tacos at El Loco Fresh ® .

If you're traveling with older kids who have time off for holidays or can afford to be out of school for a few days, you should consider a four- or five-night cruise, potentially from Orlando on Voyager of the Seas® . Choose a sailing to the eastern Caribbean on this ship, and older kids can take advantage of hiking and horseback riding in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Alternatively, on a cruise from Tampa on Serenade of the Seas®  to the western Caribbean, Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula — with its impressive Maya ruins — might make history lovers out of even the most indifferent teens.

If you're sailing with high school or college students who are academically focused, you'll be pleased to learn that all Royal Caribbean cruise ships offer fast Wi-Fi packages, which means they can access assignments, take remote tests and even participate in class via Zoom if necessary. This allows you to indulge in one of the longer weekend cruises from Florida without your child falling behind in school.

Weekend Cruises Out Of Florida For Singles

One of the best parts about being a solo traveler is flexibility. For example, if search for "last-minute vacation deals this weekend," chances are good that you'll be able to take advantage of any great rates that fit your personal schedule, without having to factor other people in. Living in the era of remote work (and fast onboard Wi-Fi) increases your freedom: You can often stretch a "weekend" to four or even five days, unlocking a larger number of sailing options, whether you cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa or Orlando. For travelers who like to meet new people, there's always that option on a cruise. One tip to remember: Whatever ship you choose, ask the maître d' in the main dining room on the first day to seat you with other solo travelers to help you make connections straightaway.

With that in mind, why not go the more indulgent route and treat yourself to a five-night sailing? Serenade of the Seas®  sails from Tampa to Cozumel and Costa Maya, both of which are in Mexico.

On six-night sailings on Adventure of the Seas®  out of Orlando, you can visit Puerto Plata, which you can think of as your gateway to the merengue, beans and rice and golden strands of sand in the Dominican Republic.

And, on five-night western Caribbean cruises out of Tampa on Radiance of the Seas® , Mexico will be a highlight. While some solo travelers stay in Cozumel — snorkeling, scuba diving or seeking out tacos and piña coladas — others head farther afield to see the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá or the decadently relaxing eco-chic spas of Tulum, for example. Onboard, you can unwind after dinner in the English-style pub or the Champagne bar, depending on your preference. Whatever you choose to do, it's a joy to base the decision entirely on your own interests when you set sail as a solo traveler.

Written By ROBERT SCHRADER

Robert Schrader is a writer, photographer and one of the web's original travel bloggers. In 2009 he launched his blog  Leave Your Daily Hell , which has taken him to nearly 100 countries, and has since spun off niche sites focused on Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Italy. Robert seeks to inform, inspire, entertain and empower travelers through his work, which has been featured in in-flight magazines and digital media outlets around the world. He's excited about travel's post-pandemic rebirth, and in particular the cruise industry's comeback!

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6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

T ransatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

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Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

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