best caribbean cruise app

The best cruise apps to streamline your vacation at sea

For better or worse, you'll be hard-pressed to go just about anywhere on today's cruise ships without your smartphone in hand. Major cruise lines have embraced the cell phone as a necessary travel accessory, and they've built out the app technology to go with it.

Nearly all major cruise lines feature their own apps with basic functionality that lets cruisers peruse deck plans and daily schedules. The more advanced ones feature a sleek digital embarkation process, cabin unlocking capabilities and plenty of opportunities to reserve dining and shore excursions.

The most cutting-edge apps at sea are where you'll find travel technology at its best: think ordering Champagne with the press of a button or having a fresh pizza delivered to you anywhere on the ship.

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Whether you're angling for new towels while still in the pool or ready to order breakfast in bed from under the sheets, the best cruise apps will get you what you need quickly and easily. Here are our favorite cruise line-specific apps, as well as a few third-party apps that cruise fans will definitely want to download.

Note: Nearly all of these apps can be found on Apple's App Store or via Android Apps on Google Play. Be sure to download your cruise line's app onto your phone or tablet and log in to your account before you set sail. Once on board, opt for your phone's airplane mode and hop on the ship's Wi-Fi. Cruise line-specific apps will be free to use on board — no Wi-Fi package required.

Carnival HUB app

No matter where you are on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, there can be a pizza headed your way with just a few taps of the Carnival HUB app . Just mark your exact spot on the ship, take a selfie to identify yourself, and your order will be there shortly. The delivery is $5 but the pizza with unlimited toppings is free.

The HUB app is useful for perusing menus throughout the ship, reserving your seat for select mainstage shows and booking a ride on the new BOLT roller coaster on Carnival's Mardi Gras cruise ship. Onboard chat is available through the app for an additional $5 per person, limited to passengers ages 13 and over.

Celebrity Cruises App

The Celebrity Cruises App brings a smart-home sensibility to sea on Celebrity Cruises ' Edge-class ships (Celebrity Edge, Apex and Beyond). The app transforms your phone into a handy remote that controls your cabin's TV, room temperature, lighting options and window shades. Having clearly labeled, easy-to-dim lights at your fingertips is an understated luxury that we wish all ship cabins had.

Other winning app features found fleetwide include a digital key to get into your stateroom (not available on Celebrity Reflection), free in-app chat to connect with your group on the ship and an easy dinner reservation system.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Cruise Norwegian app

Norwegian Cruise Line 's Cruise Norwegian app has a rare and coveted feature for traversing the high seas: onboard-only phone calls, voicemails and messaging. It's a premium feature but at $9.95 per person, per cruise, the convenience of communication is worth the nominal price. Rates for calls off the ship start at $0.79 a minute. If your communication style is through gifts, the app can help with that, too: a few taps sends wine, flowers and specialty treats to any cabin on board.

CruiseMapper

Locate a cruise ship anywhere in the world in real time and then explore it with the free CruiseMapper app . The app is the most comprehensive cruise ship tracking app available, pinpointing nearly every major passenger ship at sea on all oceans, rivers and lakes at its exact location. Learn more about each ship with deck plans, cabin details, itinerary schedules and reviews.

Cunard Line's My Voyage

Cunard's My Voyage app is most useful as an onboard digital planner for your days at sea. A few features from the app that add some convenience to your getaway include virtual queues for restaurants, so you can grab a pre-dinner cocktail instead of waiting in line, and virtual restaurant reservations for those that want to plan ahead. If you're not feeling up to snuff, the app's telehealth feature will get you seen by the onboard medical team without having to leave your cabin.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

Disney Cruise Line Navigator app

Disney Cruise Line has built one of the most robust app experiences at sea. The most helpful resource on the Navigator App is the onboard live chat feature that connects passengers to crew members including guest services, the port excursions team and the dining team. If your questions are a bit more than you can type, just request a one-on-one in-person meeting and the app will tell you where and when to show up. The app also features a free chat system featuring Disney emoticons, adding a touch of fun to your onboard communications.

Holland America Line Navigator app

Convenient, time-saving features are the main draw of Holland America Line 's refreshed Navigator app . Most exciting is the ability to order coffee, food or in-stateroom service from the app anywhere on the ship. If you're angling for a snack, simply fire up the app, place your order and within minutes your food will be ready for pick up at the ship's New York Deli & Pizza eatery.

The app also has a useful way of organizing your itinerary, providing you the convenience of selecting and saving activities you want to take part in to help you better plan your day. That itinerary will also include any dining reservations and shore excursions you've booked.

Mobile Passport Control

A must for any passengers cruising internationally, the Mobile Passport Control app (now known as the CPB MPC app) allows eligible passengers to upload their passport and customs declarations for digital screening. While the app and digital upload are not required to pass through customs, completing the steps on your app helps streamline your entry into the US. Consider the logistics of a large ship with thousands docking at a U.S. port, all required to go through customs at the same time, and you'll be glad you have this free app ready to help cut down on your overall wait time.

Related: Here's what you need to know about new Mobile Passport app CBP MPC

MSC for Me app

Whether you're planning your MSC cruise or already on board, the MSC for Me app can help you out. The app lets you keep in touch with your group via free in-app chat, book special events and restaurant reservations, and purchase drink packages, shore excursions and specialty dining opportunities.

The MSC for Me app is only available on MSC Cruises ' "smart" ships: MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Splendida and MSC Virtuosa. If you're traveling on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Virtuosa, the app can also connect to a Bluetooth speaker in your room so you can set the mood with your favorite tunes.

Princess Cruises' MedallionClass app

Princess Cruises ' MedallionClass app has more functionality than many of the cruise line apps on this list. Use the app to order just about anything on board to just about anywhere, from food and drinks to merchandise. Restock your cabin with a few taps on the app for complimentary bathrobes, pillow options, towels, face masks, hangers and ice. Use the app to highlight activities you're interested in to create your own personalized itinerary. Keep in touch with your party through in-app messaging and location tracking via the ship's Medallion devices (more on those shortly).

If you're angling for a bit of gambling poolside or anywhere else on the ship, power up your app when the ship's at sea to wager virtual money in practice mode or real money on the app's casino. If you're looking for less-expensive thrills, PlayOcean turns the app into a digital scavenger hunt through the decks of the ship.

The app also helps to expedite the boarding process before your trip with passport uploading, a security photo and the option to pre-order your free Medallion device (a quarter-sized, wearable RFID device) that will be essential to your cruise experience.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises app

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has a less-conventional app that is most useful when in port. Built with shore excursions in mind, Regent's app provides amplification of your tour guide through the ease and comfort of your own device. Whether you're using your own headset or just holding the phone to your ear, it's nice to move at your own pace without needing to vie for a spot right in front of the tour guide.

Royal Caribbean App

The Royal Caribbean App helps save time navigating Royal Caribbean 's large-scale ships. Favorite features on the free app include the option to scan in your passport and proof of COVID-19 vaccination for expedited boarding, complimentary in-app group chats and easy dining and activity reservation access. Check the daily schedule to find fun things to do, in-app deck plans to figure out how to get there and your onboard bill to make sure all the fun you're having isn't taking you over budget. You can also watch safety videos on the app instead of gathering en masse for a muster drill.

Seabourn Source app

The Seabourn Source app is an encyclopedia of knowledge about your Seabourn ship. Start your meal planning ahead of time with daily menu updates from all the onboard dining venues, keep track of the daily activities and entertainment options available, and browse and book shore excursions. The app is a great resource to track your time in port, with detailed port arrival and departure times, ensuring a timely return to the ship.

Shipmate app

The Shipmate app by CruiseLine.com is a third-party cruise app that helps you count down to your next cruise with helpful user reviews, photos and a chat feature. Save all your previous cruises to keep track of where you've been while exploring the app's cruise deals to figure out where you're headed next. The app's Photos Section is a favorite feature, with user-uploaded photos to explore the ships from every angle. The app also features plenty of independent tour options in most ports with competitive rates and a guarantee that you'll be back to the ship on time.

Viking Voyager app

Viking 's free Viking Voyager app is excellent. The line's robust digital presence caters to tech-savvy passengers with features that include live TV (CNBC, BBC News, MSNBC, Fox News, Smithsonian, Sky News, National Geographic and others) and weather forecasts for upcoming ports help you plan accordingly. Timely reminders for your reservations on the cruise make sure you don't miss a spa appointment or dinner reservation. The app also features an art guide to explore the onboard art collection and learn more about the many original paintings, sculptures and photographs throughout the fleet.

Virgin Voyages' Sailor App

You'll find Virgin Voyages does everything with a bit of panache and its Sailor App is no exception. Once on board, open the app and shake your phone to reveal a secret button that, with just a simple press, will send a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial your way on nearly any deck. Be careful, though: That shake will cost you $95 for the bottle of bubbly. A few other features include virtual queues for the ship's restaurants and the round-the-clock access to chat with the guest services team instead of standing in line .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Best Cruise Apps for Trip Prep and to Use While On Vacation

Apps are a part of our daily lives so why shouldn't you have the coolest apps to use preparing for and onboard your cruise?

These are NOT Cruise Line apps. Many of the popular cruise lines have their own apps these days, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, MSC, Holland Line America, Azamara, and Viking Cruises.

But these are apps that we recommend for trip planning – no matter the cruise line or type of cruise – for enhanced trip planning and prep and for use while you're aboard and in ports.

All screenshots are from the Apple iOS App Store.

Disclosure: This post has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

One of the greatest things about being on the water, most likely far from light pollution, is the ability to see the night sky with all its stars.

It's more fun to be able to spot constellations! Night Sky is a magical app that you hold up to the sky, and it maps out the constellations for you. It's INCREDIBLE.

What's more, is that it connects the stars with lines that create constellations and overlays shapes on them. So, for example, Orion actually looks like a man with a sword, not just a stick figure.

The Apple App Store proclaims it's a “planetarium in your pocket.” But it's a ROBUST one. You can go to “Night Sky tonight” and learn about the sky above you from sunrise to sunset. You can even set notifications for things like when Mars is rising or find local stargazing locations in your area.

There's an Aurora Borealis mapping feature in the premium paid version of that app that could be worth upgrading to, alone, especially on a polar cruise.

This cruise app is particularly cool if you're in another region of the world and you want to understand what's happening in outer space above where you are at the time. (As opposed to usually being in another geographical location, at home.)

And guess what? Its core functionality will still work even if you're not on wifi or don't have cell service!

Download for iOs.

Unavailable for Android.

App cost : Free with optional upgrades. (Annual subscription: $39.99, monthly subscription: $5.99)

Storage space : 1.2GB (so make sure you have the room before you install it!)

Tripsy Travel Planner

This is a great cruise app if you want the trip to be in your pocket. Cruises make it incredibly easy to see what's going on daily with a cruise navigator, announcements, and of course – no need to navigate the ship yourself.

But what about things to remember if you book days before or after that? Or do you venture away from the cruise group in port for your own plans?

Keep track of your trip details with Tripsy. It's one of the best cruise apps for travel planning that needs to be done on your own.

Insert information like your flight times, hotel reservations of where you're staying before and after your cruise, restaurants, excursions, and more.

We love that it breaks down our itinerary into the dates of the trip, and any documents we need to upload for it (premium version feature), highlights lodging, and has different folders for things like restaurants and tours, all neatly organized in a simply app design. Another cool premium feature is being able to forward reservations to the app, and it's automatically added to your itinerary for you.

They have an inspiration depending on where you're traveling (like if you're departing from Barcelona and need some inspiration in this coastal Spanish city).

We always share our trip itineraries with family and friends – both for fun and safety. You can do that from within Tripsy in a few very simple steps with this premium app feature. (The receiver must have the app installed to see your itinerary.)

Download for iOS.

App cost : Free with optional upgrades. (Monthly subscription: $4.99)

Storage space : 55.7MB

PACK: Packing Checklist

I don't go anywhere longer than overnight without writing a packing list . One of our suggestions for the best cruise app helps you be successful on your cruise with smart preparation before your cruise.

You simply create a packing list (say for a “ river cruise “) and then add items from “suggested” (which we usually do) or create your own category.

The upgrade to the premium features was a no-brainer for us. The one-time fee of $2.99 allows us to increase quantities (because who takes one pair of underwear on a trip?) and duplicate packing lists so we're not reinventing the wheel each time.

When you go to pack (which is always in our Cabin Zero backpacks because we're obsessed with them), you simply check the items off the digital list as you pack them. When you do so, it puts a line through the item to check it off and adds a green check mark to indicate the item is packed.

App cost : Free with optional upgrade. (Premium features: $2.99)

Google Maps

Most people have a Google Maps app on their phone. But if you don't – especially if you're an iPhone user because you have to specifically install it on iOS software – you need to for this VERY pro traveler tip:

You can save maps offline for a majority of popular areas to visit around the world!

We recommend downloading all the maps you want to have offline access to (like for each port you're going to visit) before you leave strong wifi in your home.

The maps stay in your offline downloads for one year unless you manually delete it, so you should be fine to do this task before your trip.

Here's how to do it:

• Open the Google Maps app.
• Type in a location, like “Barcelona, Spain”.
• When it pulls up the area, go back to the search bar, delete Barcelona, and write “OK Maps”.
• It will then ask you if you want to download the area within the rectangular box that comes up on the screen.
• Click download.

Your map will be accessible when you open the app and will locate where you are within the area, even offline (as long as the map for the area was downloaded). There won't be a need to search for Barcelona, for instance, if you're standing in Barcelona. It will automatically show up.

Google Maps will even track your location on the map offline – which is a lifesaver for way-finding in a new area.

To manually locate the downloaded map in the app, simply tap your profile photo, located on the search bar. Then go to “Offline Maps.” You'll see a list of downloaded maps, most likely named “Map 1,” “Map 2,” etc. You can rename them to correspond to the location name, but it's not necessary.

Download for Android. (Though if you have an Android, it may already be pre-loaded on your phone.)

App cost : Free

Storage space : iOS: 9.2MB; Android: 6.1MB

Cruise Ship & Port News Lite

This app is pretty straightforward. It aggregates cruise news in a feed and allows you to choose from a general one or categories, including:

• Top Cruise News
• Cruise Ports
• River Cruises
• Cruise Tips
• Itinerary Changes

Major cruise lines are listed as categories if you want to filter by that instead.

It pulls news from certain websites it probably has predetermined in the backend of the app, including Cruise Hive, The Points Guy, Royal Caribbean Blog, CNN, TravelPulse, The Washington Post and the like.

One you select the piece of news you want to read from the list in the app, you can click “open” for it to take you directly to the website where the article is posted. You then read the article on your phone's internet browser.

It's one of the best cruise apps, simply if you're a cruise lover and want to be in the know about industry news no matter the day, even if you're not at sea.

Download for Android .

App cost : Free (option to upgrade to Pro for $4.99)

Tip Check – Calculator & Guide

You'll likely be in another country on land at some point during your cruise.

We always kick ourselves for not remembering to look up a guide to tipping in the country we've visiting. Like when we sat at a restaurant enjoying Dutch food on a cruise point of embarkation in Amsterdam, wondering what to tip our server.

This app eliminates the guesswork.

It has tipping guides for over 69 countries, including the optional $1.99 international upgrade (which we recommend) or upgrade for $4.99 for the additional international tipping guide, unlimited log entries, and to remove ads.

The app allows you to choose the pertinent category for your needs, like if you need to tip a taxi driver versus a restaurant waiter. It even allows you to split a bill with a friend and calculate what your responsibility for the tip between the group is.

App cost : Free with optional upgrades. (Pro version one-time payment: $2.99 – search “Tip Check Pro – Calc & Guide in the app store)

Storage space : 10.2MB iOs; 6.1MB Android

This is one of the best cruise apps if you want to geek out and know wind speeds during your cruise, whether you're on a schooner excursion or an ocean adventure cruise. It gives you “weather where you sail” whether you're the captain or someone else is.

The wind map is one of our favorite features on the app.

You'd need to upgrade to a pro version if you're the one sailing the ship or responsible for reporting the weather to someone in charge. But we suspect ample equipment would be onboard to assist the crew with that.

This is simply the best cruise app available for guests simply to get involved in the fun of being on the water. And a huge part of that is knowing where the wind is going.

App cost : Free with optional upgrades. (Plus: $3.99, Pro: $9.99, Gold: $14.99)

Storage space : iOs: 91.3MB; Android: 18MB

TripAdvisor

We love this app because we always reference it for things to do in a city or where to eat. It's like an international version of Yelp. (We've only found Yelp to be available in limited areas worldwide.)

If you're like us, you want to read what other travelers' opinions are of a location before you decide to go there or book the experience, whether a museum or a spot for lunch. They have great forums too if you want to get involved in asking or answering more detailed questions.

Download for Android.

Storage space : iOs: 258.8MB; Android: Varies by device.

Cruise Podcasts to Get Keep you Enthused about Cruising

We've got the most complete list of Cruise Podcasts for you too!

For further reading check out:

• Outstanding Emerald Destiny River Cruise Food (with Photos!)
• Why are River Cruises So Expensive? Or are They the Best Cruise Value Out There?

Essential Guide to Over 110 Cruise Ship Terms (and Commonly Used Nautical and Boating Jargon)

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Cruise Shipmate & Excursions

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Cruise Shipmate 4+

Reviews, prices & excursions, cruiseline.com, designed for ipad.

• 4.8 • 40.4K Ratings

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Description.

Shipmate is the ONLY Cruise App you can use before, during, and after your cruise! AND it works for every cruise line, not just one. Save and share your entire cruise history and learn everything you need to know about your upcoming sailings. Here are just a few things you can do with Shipmate: -> Meet Your Fellow Cruisers With Roll Calls For Your Specific Sailing -> Check Prices - Find Discount Cruises and Deals -> Countdown to Your Cruise -> Book Port Excursions and Tours -> Set Price Alerts on Cruises -> Learn About Your Ship (deck plans & photos) -> Find Out What to Do In Port (reviews, tips & photos) -> Discover The Best Port Shopping and Deals (apparel, jewelry & more) -> Cruise Ship Tracker - See Where Your Cruise Ship is in the World -> See What’s Happening On Your Ship With Deck Cams -> Write a Review for your cruise and share your experience with the world -> Much More Voted "Best Cruise App," Shipmate has over Two Million Downloads and was the first cruise app ever created! Inside, you'll find boatloads of content for your cruise ship and ports. You'll get to know your vessel top to bottom using our detailed deck maps, and user-submitted pictures. You can visit your ports well before stepping on board with user tips and reviews, so you’re ready to make the most of your limited time ashore. Got a question? Our cruise forums are packed with happy users, eager to share their cruise knowledge and tips. Stop waiting for your cruise. Download Shipmate and start your vacation today! Powered by Cruiseline.com

Version 4.27.12

Smooth sailing with bug squashing and little tweaks!

Ratings and Reviews

40.4K Ratings

Shipmate is the Tool to Use Before you Cruise!

Shipmate is a great app to use to read reviews from numerous cruisers regarding any ship, any cruise line, venues and options to consider before you set sail. Like any review forum, you need to “sift” through the reviews and weed out what you feel are real versus ones that may be biased. Look through the pictures, read the comments, see what others are say and you be the judge as to what you think is accurate. In most cases you’ll find the truth is a bit of every review. Sometimes bad things happen and it gets noted in review, however in many more cases it is all positive feedback. Take the reviews with a “grain of sand” and consider different points of view. Cruises, like any vacation, are what you make them and you can positively or negatively influence your trip based on what your expectations are. So read them, view the pictures, trust and follow your instincts and you’ll be able to make the right cruise vacation for you!

Needs Some Work!

Love the Shipmate App but the developers need to do something about the trolls and people who make nasty comments about others who post just because they don’t like the comment. On some posts it gets completely out of hand and I can easily see you losing a lot of users over nasty people calling others idiot, an asshat, etc. The app shows a minimum age of 4+ years but I would not let my 12 yr old on this app because of the nasty, mean comments. There needs to be a button to report these nasty users. Flagging a post as inappropriate makes the users comment disappear while you are under that post. But if you go back out to the main feed then back into the same post, the comment that was flagged as inappropriate reappears. Posters should also be able to remove mean comments of others replying to their posts and have the ability to block those users after reporting them.

There is definitely room for improvement. The photos section is extremely frustrating to try to add additional pictures to will will now ONLY let me take a picture to add it won’t let me add from my phone photos One thing I wish they did was let you review and share the excursion information. It lets you book them but I want to share my review after I have done them and that needs improvement It would also be nice if there was a little more to shipmates so you could search your shipmates and see who would have similar interests that could spark a conversation. As it is now I can see what cruises you have been on and where your from. Bout it. I would rather it have more personal information like what cruise events your interested in, are you traveling as a couple or are you single which would be nice to allow singles to meet on the ship easier or find another couple that may have similar interests. I can see the potential in the shipmates but it has been vastly overlooked and underdeveloped.

Developer Response ,

Hello, Thank you for your review of Shipmate. We appreciate your feedback and will take these suggestions into account as we plan for future upgrades to the app. In regards to your photos, the issue may be that you have not granted Shipmate permission to access your images so that you may add them to the feed. We recommend you visit your App settings - select 'Shipmate' - select the 'Photos' option - and choose Allow Photos to Access 'All Photos'. Please email us at [email protected] if you continue to have issues and we will be more than happy to troubleshoot!

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The developer, Cruiseline.com , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

When choosing to cruise to the Caribbean, images of white sand beaches, cerulean water and plenty of sun often come to

When choosing to cruise to the Caribbean, images of white sand beaches, cerulean water and plenty of sun often come to mind. But how do you know which cruise line offers the best Caribbean experience? To find out, U.S. News used a methodology that factors in each cruise line's variety, number and percentage of Caribbean itineraries, along with approval ratings among experts and travelers, to compile this list of the best cruise lines sailing in the Caribbean. In addition to offering a great Caribbean cruising experience, these cruise lines offer plenty of  deals on their voyages that can be found year-round.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

Find Cruises

Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-468-6732

with a cruise advisor

Disney Cruise Line

Disney's ships sail to ports across the Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Most of Disney's Caribbean cruises stop at Castaway Cay – the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. In addition to offering character greetings and waterslides, the island boasts less-congested beaches and prime snorkeling.

• 4.46 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's diverse Caribbean itineraries make it a star in the eyes of many cruisers. You can sail to spots like the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, or boat around St. Lucia and other islands. Wherever you choose, you'll find a bevy of exciting shore excursions, ranging from swimming with stingrays to rum tasting adventures.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is a well-designed, adults-only cruise line. Ships feature upscale dining, wellness activities and plenty of live entertainment, plus free Wi-Fi access. Caribbean itineraries make stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. Virgin also boasts a private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 3 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is known for its varied island itineraries – stops include Jamaica, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten. What's more, shore activities arranged through the cruise line cater to all types of travelers. Cruisers can zip line through the jungle, strap on scuba equipment and scour the deep-blue sea or just relax on the beach.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Holland America Line

Sailing to destinations like Bonaire, the Bahamas and Honduras, Holland America's ships offer a host of onboard amenities and activities to keep you entertained at sea. Once you dock, you'll be able to participate in fun excursions like sea trek helmet diving, catamaran sailing adventures and rainforest drives.

• 4.14 Overall Rating
• 11 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival brings the party to the Caribbean with its "Fun Ships," cruising to a handful of hot spots like Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic. Families in particular enjoy Carnival's affordable and flexible itineraries: Caribbean cruises range from four to 14 days, and you can find trips for less than $300 per person.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Princess Cruises

Princess caters to all kinds of cruisers, from families to couples to solo travelers. The cruise line also entices passengers with its variety of itineraries, covering popular eastern, western and southern Caribbean destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten, as well as smaller spots such as Dominica and Grenada.

• 4.02 Overall Rating
• 15 Ships in Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line

With 15 of Norwegian's ships sailing to dozens of popular isles in the Caribbean – from Aruba to Curacao to the Cayman Islands – the cruise line boasts a variety of itineraries to suit your fancy. Plus, Norwegian's extensive list of excursions includes offerings like parasailing, swimming with dolphins and snorkeling.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC doesn't tout as many Caribbean itineraries as other lines in this ranking; just seven of its 23 ships (Divina, Magnifica, Meraviglia, Seascape, Seashore, Seaside and Virtuosa) sail to the region in 2024. However, its routes stop in popular ports of call like Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Aruba.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society: The Complete Guide

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has some of the largest ships at sea. The company sails around the globe, offering itineraries for all interests and a handful of world cruises that can last several months.

Similar to airline and hotel brands, cruise lines also have loyalty programs, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Its Crown and Anchor Society rewards repeat cruisers interested in maximizing their onboard perks. Here’s what you need to know about the loyalty program and why “It pays to be loyal to Royal" as the cruise line says.

How do you earn points for Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?

After completing your first cruise, you will earn points every time you sail with Royal Caribbean, accruing one point for each night you’re on board. You'll earn double points per night if you stay in a suite. The more points you earn, the higher your elite status.

Note that elite status earning requirements are based on lifetime point accrual — not a calendar year like most other loyalty programs.

Don't worry if you forget to sign up; taking your first cruise automatically enrolls you in the program. However, you will need to create a Crown and Anchor login to view your online account, which will help you keep track of the points you earn.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

Can you earn points with a Royal Caribbean credit card?

Even though Royal Caribbean has its own co-branded credit card , you can’t use it to help you reach Crown and Anchor elite status. Instead, the points you earn by spending with the card can be used to enhance your cruise experience.

You can redeem points for onboard credits, cruise discounts, room upgrades and companion fares. The only way to earn points toward Crown and Anchor elite status is by sailing on a cruise.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Crown and Anchor Society elite status levels

There are six elite status levels in the Crown and Anchor loyalty program. As an added benefit for those who cruise with their family, children younger than 18 automatically hold the same status as their parents (with the exception of the Pinnacle Club tier).

Here’s what you can expect to receive at each tier of the Crown and Anchor Society.

Gold is the first elite status tier, which you'll reach after earning 3 points. As a Gold member, you receive:

A newsletter with advance notice of new ships, itineraries and special deals.

Exclusive rates on some sailings and itineraries.

Access to a private lounge with continental breakfast before departure.

One additional cruise point for each night when paying a single rate in a double occupancy stateroom.

Discounts on Wi-Fi, spa, food and beverage options.

Platinum is the next elite status, which members reach after accruing 30 points as a member. In addition to all of the Gold perks, as a Platinum member, you’ll receive:

Exclusive rates on balcony and suite staterooms.

Reciprocal status with Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club.

A special onboard event on sailings five nights or longer.

Robes in the cabin.

Laundry discounts.

» Learn more: Tips for getting the best deal on your next cruise

Once you reach 55 points, you move to the Emerald tier, which provides all the perks of Gold and Platinum plus these additional things:

Welcome water in your stateroom (two bottles per adult).

Lapel pin to recognize your Emerald status.

Now you’re starting to crack the code on special perks with Royal Caribbean. Once you earn 80 points, you reach the Diamond level and receive the benefits of all the lower status tiers plus these extras:

Chef’s choice welcome gift on sailings five nights or longer.

Four complimentary drinks per day.

Priority waitlist for shore excursions and spa appointments.

Access to the Crown or Silver lounge with complimentary snacks and nightly happy hour.

Priority waitlist for preferred seats in the main dining room.

Four daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

One day of free Wi-Fi.

Plus, a commemorative crystal block is awarded when you accrue 140 points and again for every 70 points afterward.

Diamond Plus

The Diamond Plus level is for serious cruisers since it kicks in once you’ve earned 175 points. It comes with all the perks of the lower tiers as well as these benefits:

Dedicated call center for reservations.

Choice of a special in-room amenity, such as wine, strawberries or cheese plate.

Five complimentary drinks per day.

Deluxe beverage package discounts.

Priority seating at entertainment venues (theater, Ice show and AquaTheater).

Two days of free Wi-Fi.

One free laundry service on sailings five nights or longer.

Complimentary add-on spa treatment. 

Five daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

Although still in the same elite tier, for members who have earned at least 340 points, there are even more benefits:

Lunch and wine with an officer on sailings seven nights or longer.

Upgraded bathroom toiletries.

Reduced single supplement cruise fare.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

Pinnacle Club

Once you accrue 700 points, you’re awarded Pinnacle Club status. This is the highest tier you can earn, and it includes all of the benefits of the lower tiers plus:

Specialty dining discounts, exclusive daily breakfast and access to a private restaurant.

Free Wi-Fi for one device for the entire sailing.

Six complimentary drinks per day.

Personalized lapel pin.

Complimentary cruise.

Another complimentary cruise for each additional 350 cruise points earned.

Six daily complimentary nonalcoholic drinks for kids.

The free cruises are a great bonus, and the first two cruises earned (at 700 and 1,050 points) are eligible for a balcony stateroom on a seven-night Caribbean sailing. You can also choose to redeem a $2,400 credit toward another cruise. The cruise must be taken within one year of earning it, and the ship must have been sailing for at least one year.

Any additional complimentary cruises earned can be redeemed for a junior suite stateroom on a seven-night Caribbean sailing or as a voucher for $3,200 on any other sailing. They’re not valid during the holidays or peak summer months, and the member has to pay taxes, fees and port surcharges.

Are there any Crown and Anchor partner benefits?

There are several partner perks that Crown and Anchor Society members can take advantage of when they’re not sailing. Here’s what you can expect:

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

Go immediately to the car without stopping by the counter at certain locations.

Choose cars from the Gold Plus area at select locations.

MGM Rewards

MGM elite tier status match.

Celebrity Cruises

Elite tier status match (for Crown and Anchor Platinum level and higher).

» Learn more: How Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines differ

Is it worth joining the Crown and Anchor Society?

When sailing with Royal Caribbean, it is worth joining the loyalty program — after all, you’re automatically enrolled after your first cruise. Once you reach elite status, you’ll enjoy plenty of perks, which increase the more you sail.

After reaching Platinum level, you’ll enjoy elite status perks on Celebrity cruises. While you can’t spend your way to elite status with the Royal Caribbean credit card, using it can provide discounts on your next cruise. And any time you sail, you can get closer to the next tier of the Crown and Anchor Society program.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's 2 largest cruise ships. They were shockingly similar for the $1,000 difference

• Royal Caribbean operates many of the cruise industry's biggest ships.
• Icon of the Seas  launched in January, dethroning its predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, as the world's largest.
• Here's how the two mega-ships compare in size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship darling, was deemed a success before it was even built.

In January, the highly anticipated vessel — complete with more than 40 bars and restaurants, a six-slide waterpark, and a waterfall — set sail, dethroning its less than two-year-old precursor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's largest cruise ship.

Before its debut, Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, had already repeatedly called Icon its "best-selling product" yet. The company experienced its largest booking day ever when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas more than a year before its launch, it said

Despite all of this fanfare, you might be surprised by how similar it is to its predecessor.

I've sailed on both ships. Let's see how Icon and Wonder compare in six categories: size, neighborhoods, amenities, dining, cabins, and costs.

Both ships stunt the size of their competitors.

Wonder of the Seas debuted in 2022 as the then-world's largest cruise liner, measuring 235,600 gross-tons, 1,188 feet-long, and 18 decks-tall. The ship can accommodate up to 9,288 people, including 2,204 crew.

Icon of the Seas is, comparatively, 13,063 gross-tons heavier, eight feet longer, and two decks taller. It can sail up to 9,950 people, including 2,350 crew, although it's 52 feet less wide than its predecessor.

Both vessels feel more like amusement parks than traditional cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean invited me on complimentary, non-revenue sailings on both ships: two nights on Wonder in late 2022 and three nights on Icon in January.

I spent most of my time lost, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

It's no surprise both ships are operating weeklong itineraries this year. Any less, and you might not have time to experience all the activities and restaurants on your list.

Like other Royal Caribbean ships, Wonder and Icon have eight 'neighborhoods' that serve separate purposes.

The new ship shares three of Wonder of the Seas' neighborhoods : Central Park, Royal Promenade, and Suite.

Icon's other five — Thrill Island , Surfside, Hideaway, Chill Island, and AquaDome — are a first for the cruise line.

Many of the ships' amenities overlap, but in differing quantities.

Wonder has three waterslides. Icon has a six-slide waterpark complete with rafting and racing options.

Both have increasingly popular cruise amenities like decks-long dry slides, mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, and playgrounds.

But instead of Wonder of the Seas' zipline , Icon of the Seas has Crown's Edge, a thrilling agility course with a small zipline that leaves travelers dangling 154 feet above the ocean.

Wonder’s Boardwalk neighborhood was my go-to.

Boardwalk delivered exactly as it had promised: an open-air space grounded by wood-planked floors, a hot dog stand, a sweets store, and kitschy, colorful decor.

Icon of the Seas' Surfside , designed for families with young children, felt like its closest dupe.

Both neighborhoods had a carousel, an outdoor playground, and family-friendly dining. But Surfside was more toddler-friendly, as suggested by the children's water play area and nighttime story readings.

On to entertainment: Both mega-ships have ice skating performances and exciting multi-disciplinary shows at the AquaTheater.

But travelers who enjoy musicals at sea will want to stick to Icon.

Unlike its predecessor, the new ship shows a rendition of Broadway hit "The Wizard of Oz" — Munchkins, a puppet Toto, and a 16-piece live band included.

The layout of Icon's amenities were better than its cousin.

Some of Wonder of the Seas' enticing outdoor amenities — like the surf simulator, zipline, and mini-golf course — are clustered on the deck above and away from the pools and water slides.

This layout might be difficult for parents with children who bounce from one activity to the next. Wouldn't it be easier to have all of these outdoor extras near each other, or at least on the same deck, for parental supervision purposes?

This is where Icon of the Seas excelled: All its exciting open-air activities were adjacent.

The rows of pools flowed perfectly into Thrill Island's waterpark , rock climbing walls, mini-golf course, and Crown's Edge.

The best part? The adult-only Hideaway — which flexes an infinity pool club with a DJ — is right behind Thrill Island, creating a clear separation between parents and their children without being too far from each other.

'Free' options like the buffet and build-your-own tacos and burritos bar are available on both ships.

But you won't find the larger vessel's five-stall food hall or mini-golf-adjacent finger food stand on Wonder.

As expected, Icon of the Seas has more dining options than its predecessor, although there are some overlaps.

Wonder of the Seas has 11 bars and 21 dining venues (9 complimentary and 12 upcharged).

Icon of the Seas has eight more bars, four more complimentary restaurants, and three more specialty dining choices.

Nor will you find the new ship’s plush $200-a-person Empire Supper Club on any other cruise liner.

The multi-course dinner, paired with cocktails and live music, stunts the cost of either vessel's other dinner options.

But if you love Johnny Rockets, you’ll be disappointed by Icon of the Seas.

Restaurants like the popular burger chain and Southern comfort-inspired Mason Jar are only on Wonder of the Seas. Fine by me: My fried chicken at Mason Jar was as dry as a desert.

The younger ship doesn't have Wonder's robot bartender-armed bar either. It does, however, have new watering holes with dueling pianos and live jazz.

Surprisingly, Wonder of the Seas has 65 more cabins than its new cousin.

But several of Icon's 28 stateroom categories are a first for the cruise line.

This includes the new family infinite balcony cabin, which has a small bunk bed nook for children.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony stateroom on both ships.

My Wonder of the Seas' cabin was 20 square-feet smaller than the one on Icon. But my bathroom on the latter was so tiny, I accidentally elbowed the walls at almost every turn.

Sailing on the world's largest cruise ship doesn't mean you'll have the world's largest cabin after all.

Wonder and Icon are both operating seven-night roundtrip itineraries from Florida to the Caribbean.

In 2024, Wonder of the Seas is scheduled for year-round sailings from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , starting at $700 per person.

Icon of the Seas is spending its first year in service operating nearly identical itineraries but from Miami instead. The cheapest 2024 option is $1,786 per person.

That's a difference of more than $125 per person per day.

"Bookings and pricing for Icon of the Seas can only be described as 'iconic,'" Naftali Holtz, the CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in February.

Icon of the Seas’ name speaks for itself.

If your family is looking for a jam-packed kid-friendly cruise with enough amenities to stay entertained for a week, both ships are a great option.

But if you're a seasoned mega-ship-cruiser looking to experience something new, Icon of the Seas is your best bet.

They may be similar, but no other behemoth cruise liner has a waterpark for children and a pool club for adults just dozens of feet from each other.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) is Attracting Investor Attention: Here is What You Should Know

Royal Caribbean ( RCL Quick Quote RCL - Free Report ) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Over the past month, shares of this cruise operator have returned -0.9%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which Royal Caribbean falls in, has lost 1.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.

Earnings Estimate Revisions

Here at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Royal Caribbean is expected to post earnings of $1.30 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +665.2%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $10.01 points to a change of +47.9% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.7%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $11.74 indicates a change of +17.3% from what Royal Caribbean is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.1%.

With an impressive externally audited track record , our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates , has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Royal Caribbean.

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Projected Revenue Growth

While earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

In the case of Royal Caribbean, the consensus sales estimate of $3.64 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +26.3%. The $15.94 billion and $17.27 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +14.7% and +8.3%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise History

Royal Caribbean reported revenues of $3.33 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +27.9%. EPS of $1.25 for the same period compares with -$1.12 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.38 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -1.34%. The EPS surprise was +10.62%.

The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates three times over this period.

Without considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.

While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S) and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.

The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an An is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Royal Caribbean is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

Bottom Line

The facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Royal Caribbean. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.

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Swing ride 160 feet above the water coming to MSC Cruises' new ship in 2025

MSC Cruises’ new ship will have a swing set on board – but not the kind you’d find on a playground.

Cliffhanger, a new ride launching on forthcoming U.S. flagship MSC World America next year, will allow guests to swing out over the ocean 160 feet above the water, the cruise line revealed Tuesday. The four-seat ride uses mechanical arms to lift guests beyond the 22-deck ship’s edge, where they are propelled back and forth.

The line is billing the attraction as the only over-water swing ride at sea. MSC Cruises USA President Rubén A. Rodríguez said Cliffhanger is a “natural next step,” following attractions on its other ships like Seascape’s Robotron .

“It’s the first time we’re taking thrill-seekers out past the deck and over the water, and we know they’ll love it,” he told USA TODAY in an email. There will be an added charge for the ride, but pricing details were not yet available.

Cliffhanger will be part of Family Aventura, one of seven districts on the 2,614-stateroom ship. The area also features The Harbor, an outdoor park area with a high ropes course, a playground inspired by the lighthouse at the line’s private Bahamas destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and more.

Other districts on the ship include Galleria, home to dining venues, shopping and games “at the heart of the ship,” and Zen Area, an adults-only zone at the vessel’s stern where guests can enjoy music, catch some sun and take a dip in twin pools, according to an earlier news release .

Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you?

World America will debut in April 2025 and spend its inaugural season sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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