first cruise ever

The History of the World’s First Cruise Ship Built Solely for Luxurious Travel

At the turn of the 20th century, a German Jewish shipping executive had an innovative idea for a new revenue stream: the cruise

Daryl Austin

Shipping magnate Albert Ballin had a vision. He saw a future of leisurely sea travel available to anyone willing to pay the price of a ticket. The late-19th century director of the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft (HAPAG), or Hamburg-America Line, knew the future of the company rested beyond shipping cargo across the Atlantic.

The Jewish son of a Danish immigrant took over his father’s immigration agency in 1874. But he became part of Germany’s elite (an odd fit because corrosive attitudes towards Jews were already taking shape) when he transformed the family business into an independent shipping line, earning the attention of HAPAG executives who hired him in 1886 and made him their general director in 1899.

One of his first orders of business after assuming the leadership role was to commission the first purpose-built cruise ship the world had ever known: the Prinzessin Victoria Luise .

“The Hamburg-America Line was the world’s largest shipping firm at the time,” says Peter McCracken, a librarian at Cornell University and publisher of the vessel-research database ShipIndex.org . “As its general director, Ballin was responsible for maintaining that position and for moving the company forward.”

Over the previous decade, Ballin oversaw the expansion of the passenger arm of the company by retrofitting freight ships into barely acceptable cruise liners to some success. Though some HAPAG executives initially balked at the idea (“Germans will travel out of necessity, but they would surely not submit themselves to the hazards and discomforts of a long voyage just for the incidental fun of it,” one colleague told him,) Ballin proceeded anyway.

He began in January 1891 by repurposing the Augusta Victoria , one of the ocean liners in the company’s fleet, into a leisurely cruising vessel for wealthy tourists. What’s more, he knew he needed to offset losses during the winter months, when fewer freight orders came through and frozen waterways made sea travel dangerous. Daniel Finamore, associate director of exhibitions at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, says that Ballin understood the company needed “to maximize use of their large ships” by “organizing pleasure cruises to Caribbean ports and warmer climates during winter.”

Ballin soon realized, however, that the Augusta Victoria had significant limitations when it came to pleasure exclusions at sea. Passengers had to tolerate unsightly machinery, restrictive deck space, and a lack of onboard amenities. The ship itself was too large to navigate into the smaller ports near popular tourist destinations. And the austere sleeping accommodations were undesirable for high-minded first-class passengers, too, all of which made the Augusta Victoria a temporary measure. Scientific American reported at the time that “the venture was looked upon...as somewhat of an experiment.”

His innovation was recognizing the appeal of luxury sea travel designed specifically for the experience of the journey.

By 1899, Ballin hired the shipbuilder Blohm & Voss to construct a vessel specifically outfitted for what he had in mind. In the Prinzessin Victoria Luise, he had a 407-foot, 4,419-ton vessel with twin-screw engines that could cut through the water at a speed of 16 knots. (About 19 miles per hour; the Titantic’s top speed was 23 knots.) In 1971’s The Sway of the Grand Saloon: A Social History of the North Atlantic, author and historian John Malcolm Brinnin described the ship as having “the white hull of a yacht, a long clipper stem and bowsprit, buff-colored funnels.”

In February 1901, Scientific American highlighted that the vessel was “designed for a class of service which hitherto has been performed by the regular ships of this company...the first vessel of her kind to be built purely for yachting [leisure cruising] purposes.”

Brinnin gives Ballin full credit for the accomplishment: “The real breakthrough in pleasure cruising, at least as the 20th century would come to know it, was...the single-handed gesture of Albert Ballin,” he wrote in Grand Saloon .

Indeed, James Delgado, the former director of NOAA’s Maritime Heritage Program, and senior vice president of SEARCH , a marine archaeology program, acknowledged Ballin’s contributions as well and says there is consensus that the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was the “first purpose-built, non-private excursion ship: what we call ‘cruise’ ships today.”

Named by Ballin after the German emperor’s only daughter, the Victoria Luise boasted a large gymnasium, a social hall, a library, a smoking room, a palatial art gallery surrounding the dining room, spacious promenade decks, a ballroom for dancing, a darkroom for amateur photographers and 120 unusually commodious first-class only staterooms—each equipped with elegant European furnishings, brass beds and double-light portholes that were opened when the ship was in warm climates. “It was Ballin’s intention that the style and service (on board) should be commensurate with the finest European hotels,” says Bruce Peter, a design historian at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland and author of Cruise Ships: A Design Voyage .

“There was no consideration for accommodating lesser fare passengers or freight,” Delgado explains, “just cruising in style in well-appointed cabins with good food and visiting different ports.”

After launching from Hamburg on June 29, 1900, the Victoria Luise ’s first cruise lasted 35 days and explored ports in the West Indies and Venezuela. Subsequent Victoria Luise cruises sometimes followed the same route, at times changing destinations across the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas and beyond. “The vessel sailed to Norway and the Baltic in summer, to the Mediterranean and to the Caribbean in winter,” Peter says, noting ”the four ever-popular cruising regions.” Over the years it docked in ports in New York, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, the North Cape in Norway and St Petersburg.

“Every port had well-planned shore excursions,” says Finamore.

Even though the superrich already had yachts of their own “none were available for public bookings,” Finamore explains—and Ballin knew he’d need to market to a wealthy clientele in order to make the venture a success. To that end, he requested that engineering journals refer to the Victoria Luise as a “cruising yacht.”

The Victoria Luise made leisure cruising available to people who couldn’t afford “the upkeep and maintenance, let alone the expense of building such vessels,” Delgado says. Adds Peter, “There was a strong desire among the very wealthy to emulate the style of royals and emperors.” Its popularity opened the doors to many additional such vessels being commissioned by HAPAG officials; with other popular shipping lines of the day following suit. (Including the White Star Line, the navigation company responsible for commissioning the Titanic .)

The deck of the Victoria Luise boasted a permanent awning framework that provided shade and shelter while nearby musicians entertained guests. Inside, “a string quartet would play from the dining saloon balcony at dinner,” Peter says, and “local performers would be brought onboard to give the passengers a taste of the exotic when in specific ports.”

In addition to entertainment, passengers expected decadent cuisine on board and enjoyed it in abundance, though not without great effort. “Fine-dining on a ship such as this was a particular challenge,” Finamore says. “Everything on a broad menu offering multiple courses had to be planned, stored, preserved and prepared on board.” Menu selections aboard one Victoria Luise cruise included beef broth with farina dumplings and roast duck and whortleberry soup. To celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday at sea on February 12, 1906—either as a nod to the ship’s American passengers or just an excuse to throw a party, or both—the chef offered selections of fried halibut in Russian sauce, or Strasbourg goose in jelly, while the ship’s band played John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” from the surrounding balcony.

Fine-dining and lively entertainment were no substitute for good seamanship, however, and the majesty and tranquility of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was short-lived. While on a Caribbean cruise in December 1906, it crashed against an uncharted ridge off the coast of Jamaica. Captain H. Brunswig had had tried to enter the harbor without aid and had incorrectly identified the Plumb Point Lighthouse for the lighthouse at the port he was due at, the Port Royal Lighthouse. To make matters worse, Peter says, “the shape of the seabed off Jamaica had been changed by a recent volcanic eruption, so the charts the captain depended on were wrong.”

Though no passengers were harmed when the ship ran aground (everyone was rescued by the following morning), Brunswig retreated to his cabin after the evacuation and ended his life with a pistol . ”I cannot account for his act except on the theory that his pride was crushed by the accident, and that he believed that only death would wipe out what he regarded as his disgrace,” an HAPAG executive said at the time. A New York Times article of a few days later said the captain had been “one of the best known and most reliable commanders in the company’s service.” His death came as a shock to colleagues. “Though he was clearly to blame,” McCracken says, “his steward and other officers later said that they certainly did not expect him to commit suicide.”

The ship itself tragically shared its captain’s fate. After pounding waves were seen “breaking over her pitilessly,” as a Jamaican news article said at the time, the vessel quickly became a total loss and was soon “abandoned and left to her fate.” As Brinnin wrote in Grand Saloon: ”The sea had claimed one of its prettiest prizes.” Upon hearing of the loss of his ship, Ballin commissioned a replacement vessel to be built by the same shipbuilder, which he named The Meteor.

After the crash of the Victoria Luise and the subsequent crash and sinking of the Titanic and the Lusitania four and then eight years later, the world of leisure cruising slowly came to a halt. “With the start of World War I and the following Depression, the concept of an excursion or cruise ships would not be reborn until after World War II,” Delgado says.

“Modern cruise ships owe a huge debt of gratitude to pioneers like Albert Ballin,” McCraken says. “His contribution to maritime history—particularly as the father of modern leisure cruising—is incalculable.”

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Daryl Austin | READ MORE

Daryl Austin is a journalist based in Utah. His work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, Kaiser Health News, Discover Magazine, and LiveScience.

The Story of the First Cruise Ship: SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: July 19, 2021  - Last updated: September 1, 2022

Ocean liners have been carrying passengers across the sea since the 1840s. But the first cruise ship built for pleasure cruising wasn’t launched until the turn of the 20th century. Here’s the story of the SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise , a revolutionary ship with a tragic fate.

SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise  was a German passenger ship, built for the Hamburg-America Line, also known as HAPAG. She is considered to be the first purpose-built cruise ship.

Launched on June 29, 1900, she sailed with HAPAG until December 16, 1906 when she was accidentally grounded off of Port Royal, Jamaica.

But why was the first cruise ship built? And why was this groundbreaking luxury liner abandoned? Find out the real story of the first cruise ship , illustrated with vintage photos of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise .

Why was the SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise built?

In 1886 Albert Ballin—today considered the father of modern cruise ship travel—joined Hamburg-America as the manager of its passage department.

Ballin immediately realized that in the winter months the company’s flagship vessel, the ocean liner Augusta Victoria , sat idle. Passengers didn’t want to travel in the North Atlantic in frigid conditions.

At this time, people traveled on ocean liners not as a vacation, but as a means of getting from one place to another.

Although he was criticized by his peers for the unusual decision, Ballin chose to send the Augusta Victoria on a 58-day pleasure voyage from Germany to the Mediterranean. This cruise would include shore excursions at various ports of call, and Ballin and his wife would be among the passengers.

From January to March 1891, the ship cruised from Cuxhaven, Germany to Southampton, Gibraltar, Genoa, Cairo, Jerusalem, Damascus, Constantinople (now Istanbul), Athens, Malta, Naples, and Lisbon before returning to Hamburg.

The journey was a success, and Ballin planned to offer more cruises through HAPAG, though at the time they were often called “pleasure voyages” or “excursions”.

The Augusta Victoria may have hosted one of the first cruise voyages, but she wasn’t a cruise ship. Like the other ocean liners of her day, this ship was built for speed and had very few amenities on board.

Ocean liners in the HAPAG fleet were all multi-class vessels, designed to limit premium deck space to first-class passengers, with restrictions on those staying in second- and especially third-class areas of the ship. This wasn’t the best setup for the wealthy clientele Ballin hoped to attract.

Deck space on these ships was also sheltered, to protect those on board from the elements when sailing in the North Atlantic—not exactly what you’d want for a pleasure cruise in warm weather.

Ballin firmly believed that only a ship specifically designed for vacationers would work for his vision, and that these new ships could spend the entire year cruising.

In 1899 Ballin became managing director of Hamburg-America. Just a few months later he commissioned Blohm & Voss , a German shipbuilding and engineering company, to construct his first cruise ship.

She would be named after Kaiser Wilhelm II’s seven-year-old daughter, Princess Victoria Luise of Prussia. The ship, christened Prinzessin Victoria Luise by the Countess von Waldersee, was due to launch on June 29, 1900.

How was the SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise different from other ocean liners of the time?

As he hoped to attract wealthy travelers looking to adventure in style, Ballin made sure that the Prinzessin Victoria Luise looked nothing like a utilitarian ocean liner.

The design of his new ship looked more like a private yacht—with her slim hull, rounded stern, and clipper bow enhanced with decorative carvings and a figurehead of her namesake princess.

Painted in all white (which helped keep the ship cool in tropical climates as well as give her a more elegant look) she sported two masts and two slim funnels positioned amidships.

Once on board, passengers noticed that the luxurious interior spaces included amenities designed to pass the time at sea during leisurely voyages.

Reportedly in consultation with Germany’s kaiser, who had become his personal friend, Ballin included a library, a small gymnasium, and even a darkroom so amateur photographers could process their travel photos.

(Once the finishing touches were completed on the ship, the kaiser made a formal inspection and was said to be unhappy that Victoria Luise was slightly longer than his own royal yacht Hohenzollern!)

Also unlike the ocean liners of the time, Prinzessin Victoria Luise had all first-class staterooms—passengers on this new type of ship were no longer segregated by class.

However, there were no cheap fares to be had. Prices for these cruises, which lasted 14 to 33 days, ranged from $75 to $175 and up. (That’s equivalent to $2,315 to $5,403 in today’s money. The average yearly salary in the US at the time was only $449.80, so only the wealthy could afford to cruise.)

The ship had very little space for transporting mail or cargo—it was designed solely for the enjoyment of passengers.

Albert Ballin wanted his ship to be more like a “floating hotel” for his wealthy guests. Her 180 passengers would be served by 161 crew members, a passenger-to-crew ratio that was unheard of at the time (and only rivaled today by the most luxurious all-inclusive cruise lines ).

How big was the first cruise ship compared to modern cruise ships?

Prinzessin Victoria Luise ‘s hull was 52.2 feet wide (15.9 m) by 407.5 feet long (124.2 m). She measured 4,409 gross register tons (GRT).

If you compare Prinzessin Victoria Luise to Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Sea s (the largest cruise ship currently in operation at 236,857 GRT), you could fit almost fifty-four of her inside!

But for the time, she was a considerable size if you take into account that the largest ocean liner sailing in 1900 (the RMS Oceanic ), was only 17,272 GRT.

We’d consider a cruise ship of that size today to be tiny!

Where did the first cruise ship sail?

Originally, the plan for the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was to kick off with a 135-day grand world cruise for her maiden voyage.

The very first cruise ship would have left Hamburg on August 28, 1900, sailing eastbound around the world until she reached San Francisco. At that point, the passengers would disembark, travel by train across the United States, and return to Hamburg by ocean liner.

In 1900 construction on the Panama Canal hadn’t yet begun (that started a few years later in 1904) and sailing around the southern tip of South America would have added weeks to the journey.

A second group of passengers would embark at San Francisco and cruise in the reverse direction back to Hamburg.

But, neither world cruise ever sailed. Apparently, a strike at the shipyard delayed construction, and the Prinzessin wasn’t completed until December of that year.

Instead, the ship’s rescheduled maiden voyage from Hamburg stopped at Boulogne in France, Plymouth UK, and then sailed to New York to begin her first pleasure cruise.

On January 26th 1901, passengers embarked on a round-trip itinerary visiting several islands in the West Indies.

On March 9th, she left on her second cruise, sailing from New York to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

For the next several years, Prinzessin Victoria Luise cruised year-round (with the exception of six transatlantic crossings), also adding Baltic cruises to her schedule.

What were accommodations like on the first cruise ship?

All of the passenger cabins on the Prinzessin Victoria Luise were first-class staterooms, decorated with sumptuous fabrics and rich wood furnishings accented with brass.

The Emperor’s Suite , custom-built for Germany’s kaiser (though there’s no evidence he ever sailed in it) was complete with a private bath and toilet.

All staterooms had sinks with running water, but if you weren’t in a suite you’d need to confer with the bath steward to schedule your bathing time.

The space-saving bunk bed concept (popular on ocean liners of the time), was abandoned when designing Victoria Luise ‘s staterooms.

Instead, side-by-side beds made for a more elegant boudoir. The ship also offered single staterooms for solo travelers.

All cabins on the first cruise ship were complete with electric lights, a ventilation fan, and a state-of-the-art electric paging system to allow passengers to summon the room steward.

Amenities aboard the Prinzessin Victoria Luise

Prinzessin Victoria Luise ‘s lavish art-nouveau interior was opulent, with gilded detail work on every wall, crystal-paned domes to let in the light, and plush furniture and carpets in rich colors throughout the ship. Decorative live plants and cut flower arrangements augmented the beauty of the furnishings.

But the guest amenities on board the Prinzessin Victoria Luise were what made her stand out from the typical passenger ship of the time.

Albert Ballin’s dream of creating a floating hotel came to life on his ship—with a range of communal spaces to socialize, read, exercise, or just relax and enjoy this new cruise experience.

The Prinzessin Victoria Luise featured a gymnasium, what we’d consider a very small exercise room today! The gym included a stationary bicycle, a rack of Indian clubs (also known as exercise pins), a mechanical horse, and various other fitness contraptions of the period.

For gentlemen passengers, there was a vast smoking room—ladies were not allowed! This would have been a social hub for the men of the ship, where they could relax with a cigar and play cards, chess, or checkers.

But guests of any gender could enjoy getting to know their fellow cruisers in the Main Cabin, a light and airy room with a domed roof and skylight. Upholstered armchairs and sofas arranged around tables invited conversation.

The open decks, sheltered by a removable tarpaulin, were the perfect place to read the newspaper or gaze out at the sea.

Prinzessin Victoria Luise also had a popular promenade deck, so passengers could take the air and enjoy the view on a leisurely walk around the ship.

The ship also featured a music salon, a ladies’ parlor, and a well-stocked library. The onboard darkroom for amateur shutterbugs was likely the first one included on a passenger ship.

What were meals like on the first cruise ship?

On Prinzessin Victoria Luise , meals were served in the elegant dining room, an opulent atrium-style space with galleries brightened by a stained-glass rosette skylight.

Dinner on the Prinzessin was a lavish eight-course affair. Unlike on today’s cruise ships, diners didn’t have a choice of dining time, or a choice of what they wanted to eat!

But from the look of one surviving menu I found, guests on the ship weren’t exactly going hungry.

From the dinner menu on the evening of Friday, March 1st 1901, we see that cruisers began their meal with cannelons à la Prinzessin , which would be small mincemeat rolls or pastry rolls with rice and fruit.

The soup course was beef broth or soup à la Reine , a chicken and rice soup with cream.

Then on to the fish course, with fillets of fish à la Regence . This would have been a very elegant preparation for fish at the time—vintage recipes in this style often topped the buttered fish fillets with a creamy sauce, truffles, and lobster or crayfish.

Next was the meat course, roast beef American-style. Roast turkey followed, accompanied by preserves and salad.

If anyone still had room in their bellies, dessert that evening was strawberry ice cream and macaroons, followed by cheese, fruit, and coffee.

The tragic fate of SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise and her captain

On the moonlit evening of December 16, 1906, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was entering Kingston Harbor in Jamaica. But sadly, she would never leave.

According to a New York Times article published later that month, the crew and several passengers told the story of what happened that fateful night.

Captain H. Brunswig, hoping to beckon a pilot to help him navigate the harbor, displayed the ship’s night signals. When no one responded, the captain decided that entering the harbor was too dangerous and he had better set off to nearby Port Royal to sit at anchor for the night.

He guided the ship toward Port Royal, spotting the two red lights he thought would guide him into the safety of the harbor there. But the captain misread the lights and sailed directly toward the lighthouse at Plumb Point.

At about 9:30 PM, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise suddenly stopped—grounded on a reef in the shallow water.

Captain Brunswig sent a boat ashore to report the accident, then returned to his cabin where he took his own life.

All of the passengers (none of whom were injured) stayed aboard the ship that night, unaware of the captain’s suicide.

The next morning, the third officer and fifteen members of the crew set off to Plumb Point, where they created a line of boats two feet apart, all the way to the ship. The crew handed the passengers from boat to boat until they all reached the safety of the shore.

What happened to the SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise after the wreck?

Soon after the Prinzessin ‘s grounding, two nearby ships came to her aid. Both the German cruiser Bremen and the French training ship Duguay-Trouin offered assistance, with the Bremen attaching lines in an attempt to tow the ship off of the rocks.

But the Prinzessin wouldn’t budge. She had suffered significant damage during the grounding—her engines were dislodged and the frame plates shattered.

A storm that blew through the area just after the accident battered the ship, damaging the hull even more as it listed and took on water.

The Merritt & Chapman Wrecking Company also attempted to recover the ship. However, in January of 1907 (a little less than a month after the Prinzessin ran aground) Kingston, Jamaica was hit with a massive earthquake.

Estimated to be about a 6.2 Mw magnitude, the quake killed hundreds, injured thousands more, and leveled 85 percent of the buildings in the city.

Recovery of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was abandoned.

Have you ever heard of the first cruise ship, SS Prinzessin Victoria Luise ? If you could go back in time, would you like to sail on her, or do you prefer modern cruise ships? Let me know in the comments below!

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Jean-Guillaume

Tuesday 19th of September 2023

Thank you for this article and all this research! It is fascinating. I read somewhere that the captain had decided to arrive several hours early (and above all, at night rather than during the day!), but I can't find the source. And all I don't understand why he decided that (if it's true...), have you heard about this part of the story?

Hi Jean-Guillaume, I'm so glad you enjoyed my article about the Prinzessin Victoria Luise! It's been a few years since I first published it, but I do recall finding so many rumors during my research about the Captain's decisions that day. He did arrive in the evening, so if that was just a few hours ahead of the planned schedule, he'd still be arriving in the middle of the night! The theory I chose to go with, backed up by reports from the officers on board, is that he was going to set anchor in the safety of the harbor at Port Royal until daylight, but he just misread the lights.

I have your email from your comment submission, so I'm going to send you a link to all of my sources in a Google sheet. I only included sources that I actually used for the article, but there are quite a few on my list. If you find anything to substantiate the rumor, I'd love if you'd comment back and I'll amend the article!

Monday 13th of February 2023

I have a piece from that ship so I was interested in reading about her. The piece I have must have been from my grandparents as I have no history of it or where it came from. Enjoyed your article very much.

Thursday 9th of March 2023

@Carrie Ann, Like JC, I also have an original item related to the ship's first cruise. Mine’s a souvenir type hand fan detailing the West Indies cruise 1901. I don’t know if this would have been acquired on board or was promotional material at the time. Nice to read the article.

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

Hi JC, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about the story of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise ! It's so neat to hear that you have a piece from the ship - I'd love to see a photo of it, and maybe include it in my article for other readers to enjoy. My email is carrieann [at] shouldbecruising.com (just replace the [at] with @) Thanks so much for stopping by!

Tuesday 30th of November 2021

What a great job you did of bringing the story to life. I could almost see myself on the ship.

Hi Ava, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed reading about the first cruise ship! I'd love to time travel and see her myself :)

Monday 2nd of August 2021

I love the history! Thank you for detailing this 😊😊

Tuesday 3rd of August 2021

Hi Shafinah, Thanks for reading! I'm fascinated by the history, too :D

Ashlee Fechino

Sunday 1st of August 2021

What an interesting read. I had no idea. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Ashlee, thanks so much for stopping by and reading about the first cruise ship!

Who Invented the First Cruise Ship?

By Anna Duncan

From the days of grand luxury liners to the modern sleek and speedy cruise ships, the cruise industry has come a long way. Today, there are over 400 cruise ships in service around the world, transporting millions of passengers each year. But who invented the first cruise ship?

The first modern cruise ship was created by Knut Kloster, a Norwegian businessman and founder of the now renowned Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). In 1966, he had a vision to create something truly unique – a floating hotel with all the amenities of home that could take travelers on an unparalleled voyage.

Kloster’s vision was realized when NCL launched their first ship in 1966 – the MS Sunward. This revolutionary vessel featured a pool, restaurants, casino, nightclubs and even an onboard shopping mall – all unheard of at that time!

It was also equipped with stabilizers to reduce motion sickness and provide a smoother ride. The MS Sunward set sail from Miami to Nassau in the Bahamas and was an instant success.

Since then, NCL has gone on to become one of the largest cruise lines in the world with over 25 ships in its fleet. Kloster’s idea revolutionized how people travel and has made cruising one of the most popular vacation choices for travelers all over the world.

7 Related Question Answers Found

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What was the first cruise ship? Origins, Features, Evolution

The first cruise ship, Origins, Features, and Evolution: The allure of cruise ships has stood the test of time, captivating the fascination of adventurers seeking luxury and exploration on the high seas. However, the genesis of these magnificent vessels can be traced back to a period when leisurely maritime travel was an emerging concept. Exploring the origins of the first cruise ship sheds light on the modest beginnings that paved the way for today’s flourishing cruise industry. During the 19th century, the advent of steam-powered ships revolutionized oceanic travel, primarily serving commercial purposes. Yet, amidst this utilitarian landscape, a shift began as these vessels started accommodating affluent travelers seeking leisurely experiences. This marked the nascent stage of what would later evolve into the opulent world of cruise ships.

Origins of Cruising

Transatlantic travel underwent a significant transformation in the middle of the 1800s, largely thanks to industry titans like the Cunard Line and the White Star Line. These companies spearheaded the shift from functional transportation to lavish, leisure-focused journeys. Opulent accommodations and luxurious services defined these voyages. They attracted a niche market of affluent travelers seeking comfort and indulgence. This transition marked a crucial juncture. Oceanic travel ceased being just transportation. It transformed into an experience tailored to delight and entertain passengers.

Transition to Leisure Travel

The emergence of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise , in this era of shifting perceptions represented a significant leap in maritime history. This ship, which the Hamburg-America Line commissioned and launched in 1900, served solely as a symbol of the shifting tide. It signified a departure from the traditional cargo-focused ships, signaling a new era of opulence and pleasure at sea. The creation of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise heralded a paradigm shift. It envisioned a vessel that transcended transportation boundaries. The ship embraced the concept of a floating luxury hotel. It enticed passengers with an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication.

Your Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise!

The Emergence of the Pioneer

In this era of transformation, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise emerged as a groundbreaking innovation. This vessel’s commission by the Hamburg-America Line marked a turning point in maritime history. Launched in 1900, it was purposefully designed to cater exclusively to leisure travelers, marking a departure from traditional cargo-focused ships.

Key Features of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise

Crafted meticulously at the esteemed Blohm & Voss shipyards in Germany, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was an engineering marvel of its time. Its dimensions were impressive, spanning 407 feet in length and boasting a design that epitomized elegance. With accommodations comprising 120 luxurious cabins, the ship could host up to 220 passengers, each space meticulously designed to exude opulence. Beyond its sheer size, the vessel was adorned with a myriad of lavish amenities.

The ship’s library, adorned with rich woodwork and plush seating, offered passengers a sanctuary for literary indulgence amidst the ocean expanse. The gymnasium, equipped with state-of-the-art exercise apparatus, catered to the fitness inclinations of travelers seeking to maintain their routines while aboard. Meanwhile, the smoking room provided a refined space for socializing and relaxation, adorned with intricate decor and comfortable furnishings. For the photography enthusiasts aboard, a dedicated darkroom facilitated the development of captured memories, fostering a sense of creativity amidst the journey.

The Maiden Voyage

The Prinzessin Victoria Luise embarked on its maiden voyage on June 5, 1900, from Hamburg, Germany. It set sail across the North Sea, initiating a historic journey. The inaugural voyage was meticulously planned. It aimed to offer passengers a glimpse of maritime delights and cultural richness at each port of call. The itinerary included stops at vibrant cities like London and Oslo. This invited travelers to explore bustling hubs before returning to the ship’s comfort and luxury. As the Prinzessin Victoria Luise navigated the waves, passengers reveled in the novelty of a voyage designed solely for pleasure and leisure. They indulged in the blend of opulence and exploration offered by this pioneering vessel.

Impact and Legacy of the first cruise ship

The successful voyage of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise left an indelible mark on the maritime landscape, revolutionizing perceptions of oceanic travel. It propelled the evolution of cruising as a leisure pursuit, reshaping the narrative from utilitarian voyages to alluring, experiential journeys. This watershed moment in maritime history laid the foundation for the exponential growth of the cruise industry, inspiring numerous shipping companies to embark on the construction of luxurious liners dedicated to leisure voyages. The legacy of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise endures as a testament to the transformative power of innovation, igniting a passion for exploration and luxury that continues to enthrall travelers on modern-day cruise ships.

Evolution of the Cruise Industry

In the wake of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise’s triumphant voyage, a wave of transformation swept through the maritime world. The success of this pioneering vessel spurred a frenzy among shipping companies to meet the surging demand for leisurely ocean travel. Consequently, the early 20th century witnessed an unprecedented surge in the construction of purpose-built cruise ships. These luxurious liners, designed explicitly for pleasure cruises, emerged with a focus on offering unparalleled comfort and extravagant amenities to discerning passengers.

The proliferation of these opulent vessels transformed the cruise industry into a realm of unparalleled sophistication and indulgence. From the opulent salons to the expansive deck spaces adorned with lounges and entertainment venues, these ships aimed to cater to every aspect of a traveler’s desires. Elaborate dining experiences featuring gourmet cuisine and extravagant social gatherings became the norm, elevating the onboard experience to new heights. Moreover, diverse itineraries catering to foreign destinations around the globe enticed travelers seeking adventures and cultural explorations. The evolution of the cruise industry mirrored the changing desires of passengers, encapsulating the essence of luxury, comfort, and exploration on the high seas.

The first cruise ship: Conclusion

The Prinzessin Victoria Luise stands as an emblem of innovation, heralding a new era in maritime history. Its maiden voyage marked the genesis of an industry that has flourished beyond expectations. The cruise ship concept has evolved significantly since its inception. It has become an all-encompassing experience for modern-day travelers. This evolution captivates travelers with sophistication, comfort, and exploration. Understanding the pioneering spirit of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise is crucial. It helps us appreciate the remarkable development of the cruise industry. The industry has come a long way from its modest beginnings. Today, opulent and breathtaking ships grace the seas. Travelers continue to embark on voyages aboard these floating palaces. They owe a nod to the legacy of the Prinzessin Victoria Luise. This vessel set sail on an unforgettable maiden voyage. It shaped the course of leisure travel on the high seas for generations to come.

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What Was The First Cruise Ship?

Ever wonder how the world of cruises got started? Discover what the world's very first cruise ship was.

Stefan Kristensen

People have been enjoying pleasure trips on boats for centuries. Look at any point in history, and we are positive that you will find people heading to far-flung destinations purely for the fun of it. However, these boats weren't cruise ships. They weren't built with passenger comfort in mind. They may have had places to eat and some cabins, but they weren't passenger-focused. Most people on these ships would have been stuffed together with various pieces of cargo and mail.

The cruise ship is a much more recent phenomenon. In fact, it has been around for just over 100 years. The first proper cruise ship was launched in 1900. This was at a time when people were really starting to consider exploring the world. Obviously, the launch of that cruise ship really changed the way that people traveled although, of course, with the advent of the aircraft a few decades later, cruise ships probably didn't quite take off the way that people expected them to.

The Earliest Cruise Ships

On this page, we are mostly going to discuss the very first purpose-built cruise ship. However, cruising for leisure wasn't necessarily a revolutionary idea at that point. A lot of companies had been trying to profit from making passengers' lives more comfortable while traversing large parts of the sea. Take the SS Savannah, for instance. It was the first steam-powered ship to cross the Atlantic. It made for a much smoother ride for the passengers, although it was still, at heart, a freight ship.

Enter, Albert Ballin. In the late 19th Century, Albert Ballin was at the helm of the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft shipping company. Because that can be quite a mouthful, we are going to refer to it as the HAPAG, for short.

At the time, the HAPAG was the largest shipping company in the world. It was ferrying freight everywhere. Chances are, if you had an international delivery in the 19th Century, it would have passed through one of their ships.

Of course, Albert Ballin was a visionary. While he was making a ton of money off of freight, he wanted to take a few risks. He wanted to make a little more cash. Actually, scratch that. He wanted to make a lot more cash.

Albert Ballin, in his time, noticed that ships were getting a lot more pleasurable to ride on. He also noticed that people were more willing to travel longer distances via boat, mostly because everything was becoming a bit faster. So, he had the rather bright idea of creating cruise ships.

Now, at the start, he didn't build cruise ships from scratch. Albert Ballin was smart, but he wasn't stupid enough to invest a ton of cash in something that may not have worked out. So, he decided to start changing some of his freight ships into cruise ships. They weren't the most comfortable ships in the world, but with the amount of passengers he was able to pick up, he realized that he was onto something. This leads us onto his next bright idea.

Enter...The Prinzessin Victoria Luise

Albert realized that while his current cruise ships were probably good enough for passengers, he realized that he could make them a touch more pleasurable.

In 1899, he called in the team at Blohm ; Voss. He told them exactly what he wanted. They probably laughed because something like this hadn't been done before. Then, they realized that he was deadly serious and knuckled down with their work.

The result? The Prinzessin Victoria Luise. The world's very first cruise ship.  Measuring 407-feet long, the yacht-shaped vessel was able to cut through the water at a whopping 16 knots, which was surprisingly fast at the time.

The vessel was clearly designed for the richer folk out there. However, it boasted much of what we enjoy on cruise lines today. This includes:

• Promenade Decks
• Countless rooms (this ship was mostly first class)
• Dining areas

The best part? It didn't feel like a retrofitted freight ship. Reports at the time suggested that this was essentially a hotel on the sea, and that is what Albert intended. He had no time for the cheaper tickets on these boats. He wanted the most luxurious experience possible.

Sea trials for the vessel took place in 1900, and the very first cruise happened in 1901. The ship traveled around the world, mostly through South America, but it stopped at many major ports throughout South America, North America, and Europe in its short lifespan. The ship really leaned into the cruising life too. The company set up excursions at many of the destinations (another modern cruise ship staple), to grab even more cash from the pockets of the rich tourists.

Around this time, other companies really started to see the benefits of cruise ships, and they started to copy these ideas. The cruise ship world had really taken off.

The End Of The Very First Cruise Ship

Sadly, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise was only on the waters for around 6-years. The ship run aground in Kingston, Jamaica. Thankfully, no lives were directly lost in the sinking of the ship (it took a while to sink), but the captain of the ship committed suicide on the boat as a result of the sinking. He was later to be found at fault for the loss of the ship.

The cruise ship industry continued to hobble along for the next couple of years, although the loss of the Titanic made people somewhat dubious of it. Then we had World War I which, of course, stopped most pleasure cruises. However, when the world wars were over, the world of cruise ships took off again...and it was more popular than ever before.

The cruise ships that we have today owe their popularity to the vision of Albert Ballin and his attempt to tackle something no other company was willing to tackle. His first cruise ship wasn't around long, but it certainly caused massive waves in the industry.

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Cruising The Past Cruise News

Coulter’s steamlined modern department store miracle mile los angeles, the prinzessin victoria luise – world’s first cruise ship..

Posted by: Michael Grace July 13, 2009

The Prinzessin Victoria Luise was the world’s first cruise ship.

Cruise Ship History and Cruising The Past – The Prinzessin Victoria Luise was the world’s first cruise ship.  Built for the Hamburg America Line, she was launched on June 29, 1900 and served as a cruising passenger ship until December 16, 1906 after being accidentally grounded off Jamaica.

Credit for many of the photos seen here are through the courtesy of The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives – The Future of Our Past.  This wonderful website is one of the largest private archives of historical documents from the 1800s through 1954.  Click here to visit this wonderful website.

Photos of the ship and her public rooms – as seen in Scientific American.

With cruises targeted toward wealthy travelers, the Victoria Luise was designed to look more like a private yacht than any of her commercial counterparts. She had a trim hull 52.2 feet wide by 407.5 feet long.

What must have been the first cruise passengers as seen aboard the Victoria Luise.  They were rich Europeans and Americans – pioneers!

She was painted all white with two masts, one fore and aft, and two tall, slim funnels amidships.

She had a rounded stern and a richly decorated clipper bow, with bowsprit, ending in a figurehead of the German princess.

Onboard, she also did not look like other commercial vessels of the time. She contained 120 cabins, all first class. All staterooms were luxuriously appointed. Reportedly, Ballin instituted some interior modifications recommended by the Emperor.

There was also a library, a gymnasium, and a darkroom for the development of film by amateur photographers. Pushing all this at a steady 15 knots (28 km/h) were quadruple expansion steam engines. After fitting out, the Kaiser formally inspected the vessel and was unhappy that it was slightly longer than the royal yacht Hohenzollern.

Despite their increasing success, these early cruises, called “excursions”, were difficult to plan with existing ships. Constructed as ocean liners, they did not meet the requirements of the pleasure-seeking market. They offered few amenities aboard.

This became apparent during long stretches at sea. Furthermore their construction as multi-class vessels also proved a hindrance as such vessels provided restricted access to deck space. Whatever deck space there was, was mostly sheltered, and designed to accommodate the rigors of the North Atlantic instead of the seas of more southern climes. Ballin believed that only a vessel specifically designed for cruising would be appropriate. Furthermore, such a vessel could spend the entire year doing so.

In 1899, Ballin became director at HAPAG and months later, in 1900, commissioned Blohm & Voss to construct such a ship to be named after Kaiser Wilhelm II’s daughter. The ship was launched on June 29, 1900 and christened Prinzessin Victoria Luise.

She was a revolutionary ship for the times but her career was short lived.

Prinzessin Victoria Luise left on her maiden voyage on January 5, 1901 from Hamburg, stopping at Boulogne, Plymouth, and finally reaching New York on January 17. She would depart New York on the 26th to the West Indies for her first cruise. Her second cruise, to the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, commenced from New York on March 9. Other cruises would take the ship to the Baltic. She would be used almost exclusively for cruising as she had limited cargo or mail capacity. Yet, she would be diverted from cruising on six occasions to make complete transatlantic crossings.

Almost five years after her debut, her illustrious career came to an end while on a West Indian cruise. On the night of December 16 the ship departed Kingston when her commander Captain Brunswig mistook the lighthouse at Plumb Point for that at the westernmost point of Port Royal. Heading north at 14 knots, the ship hit and climbed onto the rocks bow first at about 9 o’clock in the evening. In an attempt to dislodge the ship, the engines where put full astern to no avail.

The crew quickly calmed panicked passengers who were safely disembarked the following morning. The captain remained on the vessel after the evacuation, retreated to his cabin, and shot himself. A German Admiralty court found him negligent in May of the following year.

Salvage operations commenced immediately after the grounding. Within days, continued buffeting by waves and a storm pushed the ship broadside of the shore with a sharp list to port. Inspection revealed major structural damage to her frame and keel plates. Her engines had been displaced during impact and her port side was filled with 16 feet of water. She was declared a total loss on December 19.

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The beginnings of leisure cruising and the first cruise ships in the world.

Sometimes the point of a journey is not only to transport yourself from one location to another; some journeys are made purely for pleasure.

If the goal of traveling is pure pleasure, is there a better way to enjoy yourself than taking a boat and cruising the oceans and seas? For those who aren’t seasick, leisure cruising is the right choice. Leisure cruising wasn’t created for fast transportation.

It is meant to do just the opposite; to slowly take you on wonderful tours around the globe and show you the beauty of the seas while making you feel comfortable and entertained.

At the beginning, leisure cruising was a privilege reserved only for the richest. Today, with many ships available around the world, it has become more affordable for all of us.

Leisure cruising wasn’t created for fast transportation. It is meant to do just the opposite; to slowly take you on wonderful tours around the globe and show you the beauty of the seas while making you feel comfortable and entertained. At the beginning, leisure cruising was a privilege reserved only for the richest. Today, with many ships available around the world, it has become more affordable for all of us.

First of all, “cruising by boat” is defined as a lifestyle that involves living for extended time on a vessel while traveling from place to place for pleasure. Cruising refers to trips of a few days or more and can extend to round-the-world voyages. So when did this kind of traveling begin?

According to some sources, the first cruise ship was an Italian vessel called  Francesco I, built in 1833.

After a marketing campaign had been made about its journey, it sailed from Naples in June 1833. Francesco I, boarded by many European nobles, authorities, and royal princes, sailed to many important ports of the time, including Catania, Syracuse, Malta, Corfu, Delphi, Athens, and Constantinople.

  Passengers were treated to lavish meals, excursions, guided tours, and organized parties to make their journey enjoyable. Although this trip apparently belongs to the pleasure cruise category, it was only available to European aristocracy and thus, was not commercial like the others that followed in the next decade.

The actual beginnings of leisure cruises can be traced back to 1822 and the foundation of the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

At the start, the company operated only shipping lines (under the name Peninsular Steam Navigation Company), and in 1837 they received a contract for mail delivery between England and the Iberian Peninsula. Three years later, they received a new contract for delivering mail to Alexandria, Egypt, Gibraltar, and Malta.

Three years later, they received a new contract for delivering mail to Alexandria, Egypt, Gibraltar, and Malta. These contracts opened new possibilities for the company, and in 1844 they started offering passenger services also.

The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O Cruises) advertised boat cruises from Southampton to places like Gibraltar, Malta, and Athens.

Those journeys laid the foundations for modern cruise holidays. Because of these pioneering tours, P&O Cruises are recognized as the world’s oldest cruise line. They also made the first round trips to Alexandria and Constantinople. The company flourished towards the end of the 19th century when ships became more sophisticated, larger, and luxurious.

Famous for the popularization of leisure cruises were a series of tours made by a German ship called  Augusta Victoria in the Mediterranean and the Near East. In 1891,  Augusta Victoria took Albert Ballin (a German shipping magnate and the owner of the ship) and 240 other passengers on a pleasant journey through the Mediterranean Sea.

Albert Ballin’s company (Hamburg-America Line) was also the first one to send ships on southern cruises when cold winter weather made it difficult for ships to cross the Atlantic.

Many other companies followed this example and some even utilized their ships for summer transatlantic crossings and winter cruising.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the first ship made solely for the purpose of pleasure cruising was built. The Prinzessin Victoria Luise (Hamburg-America Line) was completed in June 1900 and sent on her maiden voyage to New York on 5 January 1901.

She was one of a kind. All of her 120 cabins were first class and luxuriously decorated (with some instructions from the Emperor himself).  Prinzessin Victoria also had a library, a gymnasium, and a darkroom for the development of film by amateur photographers.

Unfortunately, five years later the ship was accidentally grounded just off the coast of Jamaica. The captain locked himself in his quarters and shot himself.

Soon, many of the transatlantic ships (such as the Titanic ) started to offer services that were inspired from the leisure cruising business.

In 1906, there was a total of seven luxury liners in service. Some of the more famous were  City of Paris, Campania, Lucania, Majestic, and Teutonic.

With the development of large passenger jet aircraft in the 1960s, the majority of intercontinental transport moved from ships to planes.

The Ocean liner trade slowly started to loose their customers. The 1980s brought a big change in the ocean liner niche.

Companies lie Cunard Line moved their focus on people who wanted to spend their time at sea and specialized their ship  Queen Elizabeth II  for luxury transatlantic cruises.

This was the rebirth of pleasure cruises. The journeys were advertised as a vacation and the ship as a floating hotel, not just a vessel for transportation.

Did you know this about the Titanic: Wreckage of the RMS Titanic expected to disappear by 2030 thanks to hungry bacteria

Other companies followed this innovation and soon fleets of huge mega cruisers started to appear, a trend that still continues today.

A History of Cruise Ships: From Past to Present

11th April 2014

For over 100 years, people have been using cruise ships to travel. As one of the longest-standing methods of travel – find out have cruise ships have changed and grown over the decades.

Nothing can beat being on a cruise ship. With numerous restaurants,forms of entertainment available and numerous destinations across the world. It doesn’t matter if you want a full blown adventure through the wildlife of Alaska, or to chill and soak in the sun on a mediterranean cruise , there will always be a cruise tailored for you. Modern luxury liners provide journeys through many different countries and ports. The history of cruise ships and the way technology has moved forward is what makes today’s ships so popular as a holiday alternative.

Where did it all start though? People are so used to jumping on a cruise ship and ending up in a location that they don’t even consider the technological advances that have occurred over the years.

Would you believe me if I told you that it started off because of the need to deliver mail?

The Original Ships

The birth of leisure cruising started with the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company way back in 1822. Three sailors, Captain Richard Bourne, Brodie McGhie and Arthur Anderson started with a steam service between London, Spain and Portugal. This journey is better known as the Iberian Peninsula.

In the year of 1837, they managed to win the first contract to deliver mail. It wasn’t until 1840 that the company started to deliver mail. They began to deliver mail to Alexandria, Egypt, via Gibraltar and Malta. They did such a good job that they were incorporated in the Royal Charter.

Four years later in 1844, the first passenger cruises were introduced. They advertised sea tours to different destinations such as Athens, Malta and Gibraltar, all starting at Southampton . This was the birth of modern day cruises as we know them today.

Later on the company introduced round trips to destinations such as Alexandria and Constantinople.

In the latter half of the 19th century, there was a major expansion in development. Larger, more luxurious ships were built to accommodate the rapidly expanding market.

Some historians speak of a ship, the Francesco I, that flew the flag of the the two Sicilies as the first cruise ship. Built in 1831, it sailed from Naples early June 1833. The ship was boarded by royal princes, authorities and nobles from all over Europe. In just under the space of three months the ship had sailed to Taormina, Catania, Syracuse, Malta, Corfu, Patras, Delphi, Zante, Athens , Smyrna and Constantinople.

Passengers were entertained with guided tours, dancing, card game and parties. This journey was strictly for the aristocracy of Europe. Normal people were not allowed to board the ship. They did this so that they would only get upper class people on these sorts of journeys.

The German ship, Augusta Victoria, cruised the Mediterranean and the near East from 22 January to the 22 March 1891. With 241 passengers, the popularisation of cruises was shown to a wider market. This ship was the first liner that was designed with twin propellor design. This made it one of the fastest ships at that time. One of the passengers, Christian Wilhelm Allers, wrote an illustrated account of this journey .

The Augusta Victoria was one of the first ships that introduced the concept of a “floating hotel”. The interior design was designed like an old fashioned hotel. A reception was surrounded by palm trees, and there was a sleekly designed smoking room designed for passengers.

Up to this point, all the ships that had done cruise style voyages were standard ships that were not exclusively designed for this purpose. They had very basic designs, and entertainment usually considered of a smoking room. Most activities would be done on the deck.

The Prinzessin Victoria Luise was the first to be designed purely for luxury cruising. At the time cruises were targeted towards wealthy travellers. Because of this the ship was designed to look like a private yacht rather than a commercial ship.

Onboard, the ship contained 120 cabins that were all first class. All of the rooms were made to be luxurious. There was also a library, a gymnasium, and a darkroom for the development of film by amateur photographers.

With the act of luxury cruising becoming more popular, the market expanded massively. Transatlantic cruises became very popular.

To compete with an ever expanding markets, cruise liners started to incorporate even more luxuries. Fine dining and luxury service are just a few of the ways that companies attempted to convince people to choose their cruise liners.

It wasn’t until later in the 19th century, that Albert Ballin had the idea to send transatlantic ships out to places like the North Atlantic during the winter seasons. Weather conditions would be worse than the normal crossings in summer. Other companies instantly took advantage of this and built their very own specialized ships. They were specifically designed for the easy transformation between summer crossings and winter cruising.

Modern Luxury Cruisers

The introduction of large commercial jet aircrafts in the 1960s caused people to switch from ships to planes. This sent the ocean liner business in to a decline.

The ships were not designed well enough for the modern age. High fuel consumption, the inability to dock at shallow docks and windowless cabins with no regard to comfort put passengers off the idea of cruises.

By 1986, ocean liner services aimed at passenger were cancelled, other than the exception of transatlantic crossings operated by the British company Cunard Line. They catered to a niche market of people who appreciated several days at sea.

Cunard has an attempt to shift the focus of passenger travel to cruising with a high entertainment value. They pioneered this by pioneering the luxury cruise line, the Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner. International celebrities were hired to provide entertainment acts onboard the ship. The crossing was cleverly advertised as a vacation in itself.

The Queen Elizabeth 2 marketed one class cruising. This meant all passengers had the same quality facilities as each other. The kick started the market as the idea of luxury cruises become a popular idea on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 1970 television show, Love Boat, made the idea that a cruise was a romantic getaway for couples popular. Ships built in the late 1980s and started to break the size record held by other ships. The Sovereigns were the first “mega ships” that were built. They pioneered the idea that cruise ships should be built to include a multi story atrium with glass elevators.

Cabins were made that had the luxury feature of a private balconies instead of oceanview cabins. Other ships started to use similar ideas to convince people to choose their ships.

With veranda suites becoming much more popular with people, the more recent cruise ships have been designed to maximize the amount of rooms with this feature.

1975 – 1980 cruises offered features like deck chairs and games such as shuffleboard as a way to get people interested in sailing. After 1980, even more activities were introduced such as arcades and discos. City sized ships have numerous activities that people can take part in.

Cruise Ship Organisation

On board facilities.

Modern cruise ships are organized to be floating hotels by having hospitality staff as well as the addition to the ship’s crew.

In older ships it was traditional that the ships would organise two dining services in a day, one for morning breakfast and the other for evening dinner. People may have been required to dress in formal attire to match the style of food that was being served.

The majority of modern ships allow people to dine whenever they want. Besides numerous restaurants there are often casual buffet style places to eat that are open 24 hours. The food normally varies throughout the day, ranging from breakfast to late night snacks. This can range from delicious sandwiches, to carefully crafted cakes, the list of foods go on and on.

A lot of modern cruise ships have special restaurants that require you to play an extra charge for. These restaurants are often of the highest quality, offering meals that are not available in the standard dining places.

Cruise ships also feature numerous bars and nightclubs for passenger entertainment.

The majority of modern cruise ships feature facilities such as casinos, fitness centers, spas, shops, theatres, Libraries, Swimming pools, Cinemas, hot tubs, lounges, gyms, pool and ping pong tables.

The naming of ships

It isn’t unusual for ships to have activities like bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, miniature golf course, arcades, surfing simulators, basketball courts and chain restaurants that are available for use throughout the day.

Most older cruise ships have had more than one owner. It isn’t unusual that some ships will have a new name once they have been purchased by another owner.

Utilisation of cruise ships

Cruise ships have more uses than just being a mode of overseas transport. A shortage of hotel accommodation occurred during the 2004 summer olympics. They ended up mooring a number of cruise ships to provide accommodation for tourists.

A similar case was during September 1, 2005, when hurricane Katrina devastated new orleans. Three cruise line vessels were brought in to house the numerous evacuees.

In 2010, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupted, shutting down UK airspace. The newly completed cruise liner, Celebrity Eclipse , was used to rescue 2000 British tourists that had been stranded in Spain. They started the journey on April 21 and returned to the English coast on April. The owners did it out of goodwill and did not charge any of the passengers.

Caribbean cruising

The Caribbean cruising industry is one of the largest in the world. Over 45,00 people from the Caribbean are directly employed into the cruise industry. Over $2 billion is made to the Caribbean islands. More than 17,457,600 cruise passengers have visited the islands.

The Caribbean is one of the most popular tours in the world. With numerous islands to visit, foods and sights to see, there isn’t any wonder why these cruises do so well.

Stability advances

The design of cruise ships has changed at a rapid rate throughout the years. One of the major changes has been moving passenger cabins from inside the hull to the main structure. This has allowed more balconies to be added to rooms. It also makes cruise ships top heavy, making them safer to sail on long journeys.

One of the main selling points of cruise ships is to allow the maximum comfort that can be had. Many passenger ships use stabilizers to reduce the rolling you may get in rough weather. This is for the sole purpose of passenger and crew comfort, it does not contribute to the overall stability of the vessel. Ships do have to fulfill stability requirements even without stabilizer fins to legally sail.

Why should you go on a cruise?

The answer is simple. Cruise ships are one of the most adaptable holidays you can have. Over 20,335,00 people go on cruises in a year. With over 60 destinations to choose from the possibilites are endless.

One of the best points of a cruise is having so much to do. There is no way that you could ever be bored. You are in control of what you want to do. With so many activities on a cruise ship, ranging from meals to arcade games, you can be as active as you want to be. Prefer to relax? The majority of liners have many sun beds you lie back in and soak in the rays. Some activities are aimed at younger children. Child entertainers, discos and water slides all provide hours of entertainment to keep a little one occupied. Waking up in a different country, laughing at the various comedians that appear at the theatres, trying your hand at a climbing wall or just having a dip in the pool. Going on captains diners while everyone dresses up, discos and champagne evenings. If these activities don’t make you want to go on a cruise then nothing will.

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57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers

Taking your first cruise? The only thing that can match the excitement of an upcoming vacation is the overwhelmed feeling that comes with trying to navigate and plan for your first trip.

From embarkation on cruise day to dining to shore excursions, everything you do on a cruise is just a little different than any other vacation you’ve ever been on. That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up a boatload of tips — 57 to be exact — that will help you know better about what to expect come cruise day.

From the basic details of cruising to how to save some cash — and much more — we’ve got everything you need to be confident and enjoy your trip the second you reach the port.

Note:  This article contains links to Amazon that are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

1. Don’t Worry About Cash on Board; Everything Is Paid Through Your Room Key

When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. But it does a lot more. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.

No matter if you’re buying a drink or a souvenir on one of the ships, you’ll use this card to pay. The only time you’ll use cash is when you are off the ship in port. This is much more convenient than having to carry around dollars. Just be sure to keep a close hold on your card!

2. Interior Cabins Are Fine For First Time Cruisers

Wondering if you should get an interior cabin or a balcony room? Don’t sweat it. Balconies are great, but there are some big advantages for interior cabins . As a first-time cruiser, it’s doubtful you’ll be spending much time in your room anyway as you’ll want to be out and about exploring. Having an interior cabin is a cheaper way to get on your first sailing without breaking the bank.

3. Balcony Rooms Are Worth It

As we just said, interior cabins are great for first-time cruisers who are usually out around the ship the entire trip. But if you do decide to spring for a balcony room, it’s well worth it.

This is especially the case if you’re the sort of person who likes to take your time getting ready in the morning while sipping on a cup of coffee or just having your own private space to take in the view. Having the fresh air — and the million-dollar views — from your balcony is worth the extra cost if you want to pay a little more for your trip.

4. There Are No Body-Scanners Like at the Airport

Who isn’t turned off by the intrusive security at airports these days? From having to empty water bottles, to taking off shoes, to raising your hands and being scanned by a machine, it’s awful. Thankfully, cruise security is much more like flying used to be. You’ll step through a metal detector and your bags will go on an x-ray machine. The security process takes just a few seconds. There aren’t highly intrusive screening measures in place (at least yet).

5. Don’t Show Up to Board When It’s Not Your Time

When you prepare for your cruise, you’ll either be assigned a boarding time or you get to choose one. Cruise lines designate a boarding time to avoid having everyone arrive at the port all at once. When boarding is open, many people try to get there as early as possible, leading to long lines to get on the ship. Spreading out passengers helps to keep any person from having to wait too long.

What you don’t want to do is try to show up before your boarding time. Sure, you might be able to board early, but there’s also the likelihood that you’ll be asked to wait until your designated time. That means you’ll just be hanging outside the terminal until allowed inside.

6. Passports Are Better Than Birth Certificates

One nice thing about cruises is that many trips allow you to sail with only a birth certificate and photo ID (if they begin and end in the same port). If you don’t have a passport, you can still leave the country and don’t have to go through the hassle and expense of obtaining one.

Even so, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it come in handy should you need to leave the ship early due to an emergency, but it can also save you time. These days many ports use facial recognition matched with your passport for entering the country. Snap a photo and you’re on your way home. Those with birth certificates sometimes still wait in line to be checked by an officer.

7. Don’t Worry About Changing Money in Port

Headed to the Caribbean? It’s likely you’ll visit several countries — with several different currencies — within just a few days. The good news is you don’t have to think about converting currencies at each port. The ports you visit thrive on tourism and make things easy for tourists. They will all gladly accept U.S. dollars, and often take credit cards. Just bring some smaller bills for your port days and you’ll be all set.

8. Take Advantage of Drink Policies to Bring Things On

When you get on a ship there is no shortage of places to spend money. That’s why we suggest passengers take advantage of any chance they have to save.

Case in point: Carnival and Royal Caribbean — two of the biggest players in cruising — allow you to bring on 12 cans of non-alcoholic drinks . 

Considering that soft drinks are about $2-3 each on a cruise, that can save you a nice chunk of change.

9. Order Multiples in the Main Dining Room

Most people don’t realize it, but the cruise lines will often bend over backwards to make you happy. Case in point: You can order multiple items from the dining room menu.

So say you want an appetizer, but can’t choose between two of them. Don’t choose. Instead, just order them both.

This makes it a great way to try dishes that are out of your comfort zone. If you don’t end up liking it, then there’s no big loss since the dining room food is included.

10. Yes, You Can Bring (Some) Alcohol on Board

Cruise lines know that people want to let loose and have a drink (or ten!) on the cruise. That’s why they charge high prices for their booze. Still, most cruise lines allow you to bring aboard some alcohol when you embark at the start of your trip. It’s very restrictive in that it’s typically only a bottle or two of champagne. Still, we recommend taking advantage as it’s much cheaper than buying drinks once on the ship.

11. Do the Math Before Booking the “All You Can Drink” Packages

If you’ve been tempted by the drink packages, do the math before you buy it. Drink packages seem like good deals, but the rules can make them quite pricey. For instance, many cruise lines force each person in a cabin to buy the package if any passenger buys it. As well, you have to buy the package for the entire cruise.

That means even on days when you are in port (and not on the ship for most of the day), you’re still paying for the package. Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead.

For many passengers, they are actually better off buying drinks individually . (Use our Drink Package Calculator to see if you’re better off with a package.)

12. Take Your Time, Reduce the Lines

Want to board first? Want to be first off the ship? Great, hope you like standing in line. Today’s ships carry more than 4,000 passengers at a time. That means there are usually lines for everything, especially right when they open like when it’s time to board the ship. We’d suggest simply taking your time and don’t worry about being anywhere right when it opens. It will mean you spend less of your vacation waiting around and more time enjoying your trip.

13. Parking at the Port is Convenient, But There Are Cheaper Options

If you’re driving to the cruise port, then you should know that it doesn’t get any more convenient than with the official port parking lots. They are typically right at the cruise terminal, so you unload and head right to check-in. Of course, they charge for that convenience.

If you search for parking lots near the port , you can usually find independent lots that are nearly as convenient, but at a sharp discount to parking at the port. These lots almost always offer a free shuttle to drop you off right at the ship as well.

14. Many Hotels Offer Free Cruise Parking

Plan to stay in town the night before your cruise? If you’re driving in, look for a hotel that offers a cruise parking special . As an incentive to attract guests, many hotels (especially in smaller port cities like Galveston) offer free parking if you stay a night with them. It’s an easy way to save a bundle, but only if you planned to stay the night anyway. It’s typically not worth it to stay just to get free parking.

15. There’s No Bill to Sign (or Tip to Leave) in the Dining Room

Tipping is a fact of life on a cruise. And cruise lines have included gratuities with your cruise fare or charged daily to your account, so they are taken care of automatically. That means when you eat in the free restaurants on the ship like the buffet and the main dining room, there’s no bill to pay or tip to leave.

It can feel a little “wrong” the first time, but when you are done with dinner you simply get up and walk out.

Now, this doesn’t go for specialty restaurants that are a fee. If you eat there you’re expected to sign the bill, and the gratuity is tacked onto the price.

16. Turn Your Phone On Airplane Mode Once on the Ship

There are horror stories after horror stories of people coming back from their cruise with unexpected cell phone charges. The reason is either they use their phone willingly without realizing they are connected to a “roaming” tower or their phone used data without their knowledge for things like updating apps or downloading messages. No matter the reason, you don’t want to accidentally get dinged with a sky-high phone bill. Put your phone on airplane mode before your cruise leaves the shore.

You should also turn on the wi-fi, which will allow you to connect for free to the cruise line’s app.

17. Yes, You Can Hear Through the Walls (So Keep it Down)

If you’re worried about sounds traveling through the walls, you should be. To be clear, the walls are not paper thin, so you won’t hear the cabin next to you watching a TV at a normal volume. But if you are the type that makes a lot of noise (ahem… enjoying your vacation with your partner, perhaps?), then you should try to keep it down. You’ll also be able to hear people in the halls through the door.

18. The Main Dining Room Serves Breakfast and Lunch

Most passengers will eat their dinner in the main dining room, but they actually serve breakfast and lunch there too. The buffet is quick and easy for these meals, but the quality and freshness is usually lower than what you’ll get in the dining rooms. Head over if you want something a little better.

19. It’s a Ship… Not a Boat

It’s not a big deal, but just so you don’t sound like a rookie cruiser, it’s good to understand the terminology. It is a cruise ship that you are sailing on. Calling it a boat during the trip may get you funny looks. 

There’s no real cut-off on what is a considered a boat, versus a ship — other than ships are known as large ocean-going vessels. There’s no doubt that the size and scale of any cruise ship you sail will definitely put them firmly in the “ship” category.

20. Ports of Call Aren’t Always Disneyland

With everything seemingly so perfect on the ship, it can be easy to think that ports of call are perfect as well. To be fair, ports you visit will be pretty safe, especially in the tourist areas. Venture outside of these spots, however, and it’s just like any other place. There are good parts of town and places where you don’t want to venture.

Odds are you won’t find these spots without looking for them, but be aware of your surroundings at all times and don’t do anything like flash lots of cash or wear tons of fancy jewelry.

21. Cruise Insurance? Always a Good Idea to Have

The fact is that most people will never use the travel insurance that they buy. Still, if something goes wrong at sea, it’s a great thing to have. Travel insurance can help cover costs of getting sick or injured in a foreign country, as well as compensate you for travel delays, lost baggage and more. If you’re on the fence about buying insurance, we’d suggest doing so. You can read more about travel insurance and what it covers here .

22. Be Ready for Itinerary Changes

Have your heart set on Cozumel? Can’t wait for that private island? Just know that cruise itineraries can change for any number of reasons. Whether it be an issue with the ship, weather, or even riots in port (yes, this has happened). Often the cruise lines will try to sub one port for another, but it isn’t unheard of for them just to scrap a stop in port altogether. Keep in mind that this is a fairly rare occurrence, but it does happen.

23. Don’t Use Cruise Line Transfers to the Port; They’re a Lousy Deal

If you’re flying in for your cruise, then you’re going to need a ride to the cruise port. Cruise lines are happy to offer this service, for a price. All the cruise lines will offer a shuttle that runs from the airport to the cruise port, but the catch is they are expensive.

For example, Carnival offers a ride from Miami International to the port for about $23 per person, one way. The trip is only about 15 minutes and an Uber costs about $25 for the trip. In other words, a roundtrip on the cruise shuttle would cost $184 for a family of four, but only around $50 with Uber or Lyft.

24. Don’t Waste Time Searching For a Deal; Fares Are the Same on Every Website

If you think you’re going to find some hidden deal, stop stressing. Every cruise website offers the same fares these days . Here’s the results of a recent search we did for an upcoming cruise, pricing it out across several sites:

Our advice? Book directly with the cruise line to cut out the middleman in case there is an issue with your reservation. If you don’t know what cruise line you want to sail, then an aggregator like Expedia can search multiple lines at once.

25. Yes, There’s a Hair Dryer in Your Cabin

Save the space and leave the hair dryer at home. Each cabin comes with a hair dryer for your use. They usually aren’t fancy, but get the job done. Even better, let the breeze on the top deck dry your hair for you (that’s a joke… sea hair is a real thing!)

You’ll normally find it in the built-in console in the main part of the cabin, not in the bathroom.

26. Outlet Adapters Are a Must-Have

From portable fans to laptop and tablet chargers to nightlights to curling irons, the need for outlets in a cruise cabin is always increasing. That’s why we suggest bringing aboard an outlet adapter like this one to plug in and give you more free plugs.

One thing to know — adapters with surge protectors are forbidden. A simple multi-plug adapter is all you really need, and it’s worth its weight in gold.

27. Cabins Get Very Dark; Bring a Night Light

There’s nothing worse than being in an unfamiliar, dark cabin and having to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Save yourself from walking into furniture and stubbing your toe by packing a simple plug-in nightlight . It’s especially helpful if you’re in an interior cabin where there are no windows to provide outside illumination.

28. Every Cabin Comes With a Safe; Use it

When you leave your cabin, be sure to put any valuables in the cabin safe. No, it’s not perfect, but it acts as a good deterrent from crimes of convenience and provides you with a little peace of mind. The safes aren’t that big, but will hold cash, jewelry, phones and passports with plenty of room to spare.

29. Your Balcony Isn’t as Private as You Think

The cruise line might sell it as a private balcony, but there isn’t a whole lot of privacy. Your balcony on your cabin will have walls that shield you from the adjoining cabins, but the walls often don’t go from the floor to ceiling. They can easily be looked under or above, and someone could look around the side of them if they really wanted to. Keep this in mind if you’re out on the balcony when the mood for romance strikes .

30. Drink in Port to Save Cash Versus on the Ship

We all know drinking is part of cruise culture, but the cost can soar quickly. That’s why it’s a good idea to head to port if you want to get your money’s worth. Most of the party bars near the cruise terminals will have drink specials designed to get you in the door. It’s often much cheaper than drinking at a ship’s bar.

31. Taking the Stairs Is Faster If Traveling Only a Few Decks

With upwards of 20 decks on some cruise ships, going up and down via stairs is time-consuming… and tiring. But with so many people using the elevators, it’s common to have to wait awhile before you get one. That’s why if you are only going up or down three decks or fewer, it’s usually faster to take the stairs. Plus, it will help you work off some of those buffet calories.

32. Don’t Stress: Formal Night Isn’t a Big Deal

No, you don’t have to buy a tux or an evening gown for your cruise. You won’t be out of place if you do, but formal night actually isn’t that big of a deal. On these nights, plenty of people dress up, while others just put on a pair of nice pants and a button-down shirt. Our advice? Just keep it a step above poolside casual  (so no shorts or t-shirts) and you’ll be just fine.

33. Don’t Tip Twice! Gratuity Is Usually Automatic

Grab a drink from the bar? Your bill will typically include a gratuity automatically. Keep this in mind and double-check the itemized receipt before you sign as there is often another line for write-in tips. Unless the service was simply above and beyond, there is no reason to give a second tip on your drink.

34. You Get Sunburned Much More Quickly in the Tropics

Everyone tells you to be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen on your cruise, but they don’t tell you why. At lower latitudes the sun’s rays are more direct. The result is that you can get burned being exposed to the sun for as little as 10 minutes if you aren’t used to it. So yes, wear the sunscreen, as well as a broad-brimmed hat to keep the UV rays off you as much as possible. The last thing you want is to look like a lobster on the second day of a week-long cruise.

35. Cruise on Older Ships to Save Money

News stories always hype up the biggest, newest cruise ships, and the cruise lines charge a pretty penny for sailings on these ships. If you’re looking to save money, look for trips that sail on older vessels. These ships are still in great shape (and are often refurbished), but offer fares that are hundreds of dollars less than a similar sailing on a new member of the fleet.

36. Pack as Much as You Want, But Be Smart

Most of us are used to air travel, where you are charged sky-high fees for checking in baggage. Cruise ships are completely different.

There are no fees for luggage and no hard rules for how much you can bring. It’s a nice change of pace from flying, but don’t go crazy. Remember that even though you can bring more on board, you still have to lug all that luggage around. If you’re bringing more than one large bag for a week-long cruise, then you’re packing too much.

37. Don’t Cruise If You Have a Warrant For Your Arrest

Traffic ticket that you never cleared up? Some other run-in with the law? If you have a warrant, don’t think about taking your first cruise. It’s a well-known tactic by law enforcement to check the passenger manifest against those with outstanding warrants. They often let the passengers sail on the cruise, and bust them when they come back . Get it cleared up before and you won’t have anything to worry about.

38. Certain Cabin Locations Are Better For Seasickness Relief

Most people don’t have an issue with seasickness on a cruise as the ships today ride smoothly in the water. But if you are worried about it, then look for a cabin that is as low and close to the middle of the ship as possible.

The action of the waves causes the ship to pitch up and down the most at the end of the ship, with the middle acting as the fulcrum on a see-saw. There’s no guarantee you won’t feel the motion, but it should be better than getting a room toward the front or back of the ship.

39. Avoid Lines By Visiting Guest Services Late at Night or Early in the Morning

Chances are high you’ll need to visit Guest Services as least once during your trip. If you do have to go to ask something about a reservation or your account, try to time your visit to off hours (the desk is open 24 hours a day). Times like just before dinner can see long lines, when you’d rather be out enjoying yourself. Early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and late at night (after 11 p.m.) are the best times to see the shortest lines.

40. Wait For People to Exit the Elevators Before Trying to Get In

Elevators are the heartbeat of the ship. With 4,000 cruise passengers trying to go up and down on more than a dozen decks, elevators are constantly busy, no matter the time of day. That’s why you should always wait to enter only after people have gotten out. It’s polite, but it also makes getting on and off much easier. Just stand far enough back to give people plenty of space to exit — especially given the need for social distancing.

41. Pack a Small Fan For Your Cabin

While every cabin has air conditioning, they don’t have fans of any kind. That’s not an issue if you have a balcony and open your door, but any interior room is going to get a little stuffy — especially if you’re the sort of person that’s used to airflow. Luckily, you can bring aboard a portable fan like this one . As a bonus, a fan makes a great white-noise machine to help drown out any sounds from neighboring cabins.

42. Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship

If you have a pair of cheap flip-flops that you like wearing around the pool, then it’s time to upgrade. Those sandals usually have slick bottoms that get worn down easy. When you hit a puddle, it’s easy to lose your grip and slip. On a ship, there are way too many places where you can slip and fall — especially around the pool. Upgrade to a pair that has a nice rubberized sole with plenty of tread.

43. Make a Copy of Your Passport Photo Page to Carry On You

Think the most valuable thing you’re carrying is the money in your wallet or your purse? Think again. Potential thieves would love to get their hands on your passport. And even if you just misplace it, losing a passport is a major ordeal. That’s why we like to put our passport in our cabin safe and carry a photocopy of the ID page with us in port or just use a driver’s license.

If you run into a situation where you need a passport (rare), this page can serve as ID until you get back to the ship. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about your actual passport getting lost in a port.

44. Your Casino Payouts Can Be Worse Than on Land

If you want to gamble, head to Las Vegas. On the ship the games are the same, but the payouts are usually worse . For example, on most ships blackjack pays 6-to-5 instead of the usual 3-to-2. Craps games heavily limit the amount of odds bets you can make. Head to the casino, enjoy yourself, but don’t think you’re getting a great deal.

45. Always Pack Some Cool-Weather Gear

Even if you are headed to the sunny Caribbean, it’s still a good idea to bring some warm clothes. When the ship is sailing and the sun has gone down, the combination of cooler temps and a strong breeze make it downright chilly on the deck. In addition, many spots around the ship are well air-conditioned, meaning you can be cool indoors as well.

46. Sail During the Summer/Spring Break for Younger Crowds

If you want to hang out with a younger crowd, then the time of year you sail is the biggest factor as to who you will sail with. Ships see younger crowds when school is out — Spring Break, Christmas, and Summer Break.

And if you’re looking to avoid younger folks and have a quieter cruise, then try to sail when school is in session and people are heading back to work. Months of January and February, as well as September and October will see older crowds compared to summer.

47. Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season

The rule of thumb is that cruises are most expensive when school is out. That’s because more people are able to take trips, driving up demand. So if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sail during off-season months like January or October and save some considerable money . The same trip sailing in late January can be 50% the cost of the same sailing that departs at the peak of summer.

48. Shorter Cruises = More Party-Like Atmosphere

If you want to have a calmer, quieter cruise, then look for trips that are seven days or more. Shorter cruises, which are less-expensive overall, tend to attract younger and more energetic crowds. That’s not to say it’s going to be like Mardi Gras, but shorter cruises — especially those traveling during the summer months — will definitely be a bit rowdier than what you’ll see from a week-long trip.

49. Invest in a Good Dry-Bag For Shore Days 

If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, the first image that comes to mind is white, sandy beaches and clear water. But what do you do with your cash, wallet, phone, and anything else you don’t want to get wet?

You can either leave it on shore as you swim or risk it getting soaked in the water. That’s why a dry-bag like this one is a great investment. It’s cheap, compact, and keeps all your stuff safe and sound.

50. Go Ahead, Splurge on Shore Excursions (Worth It)

Your first thought when you see the prices of shore excursions is that they are expensive. It’s not unusual for a shore excursion that is just 3-4 hours run more than $100 per person. But we think this is one spot to splurge on your trip.

Excursions give you a chance to do things you won’t have the opportunity to do anywhere else in the world — from exploring ancient ruins to taking a submarine under the Caribbean . After your trip you won’t remember the money you spent, but you won’t forget the experience you had.

51. Be Prepared for Hundreds in Port Fees and Gratuities

Cruise lines advertise ridiculously low fares. Well, just know that they are just the start of what you’ll pay. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes and port fees, which can run into the hundreds depending on your specific trip. Add to that gratuities, which run about $15 per person, per day. Combined, these fees can add considerably to the cost of your cruise. Be prepared.

52. Keeping in Touch is Expensive (Internet Access)

Want to check email, surf the web, or call/text back home? Prepare to pay. Out at sea, the only communication is via satellite. Every cruise ship will have packages that allow you to call or get web access , but they charge a high price (often around $15-25 per day). There are several work-arounds (such as International plans that will give you cell phone service in port cities or using free wi-fi in ports), but for many people, it might be best just to turn off your device and enjoy being disconnected for a few days.

53. Don’t Even Think About Being Late For the Ship

Check out the video below. Don’t let this happen to you. The departure times for port days aren’t suggestions. You should be back on board by that time and not a moment later. The last thing you want to do is be a “pier runner” or worse, miss the ship altogether.

54. No Habla Espanol? No Problemo.

Many of the ports in the Caribbean and Mexico are Spanish-speaking countries, whereas others may speak Dutch or French. Don’t worry. You don’t have to be multi-lingual to get by. The cruise ports thrive on tourism and they make it as easy as possible for foreign tourists to get around. Practically everyone you encounter will speak English, so you can leave the Spanish dictionary at home.

55. Be Prepared to Have Your Picture Taken

Not the sort of person that likes having your picture taken by strangers? Get ready, because it will start before you even step foot on the ship. It’s big business on a cruise for roving photographers to take pictures of guests having fun. The pictures are then sold in the photo store on the ship.

To be fair, the photographers are great and it’s a nice way to get a professional photo done to remember your trip. If you don’t want a picture taken, you can just politely decline. And there’s no charge unless you decide to buy the picture.

56. Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port

If you think that bottle of tequila you just bought in Cozumel will make for a fun evening, think again. Just like on embarkation day, you can’t bring on bottles of booze from ports. Anything bought in port will be held on the ship and delivered back to your stateroom the night before you leave.

57. Be Careful, Cruises Are Addicting

You sure you want to take that first cruise? One thing they don’t tell you in all the brochures is how addicting it can be. A week of being catered to, eating great food, and visiting multiple exotic ports is hard to forget when you head back to work after your trip. In fact, many people book their next cruise while on the ship. But let’s be honest… there are worse habits to have than a cruising habit!

Related Articles:

• The Must-Read First-Time Cruise Guide for New Passengers
• 22 Basic Things Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know
• The 8 Things First-Timers Forget to Pack for a Cruise

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My first cruise next week will tender at Phuket with overnight stay. I’m wondering whether tender boat is usually available round-the-clock and will I be able to get back to the ship at midnight on Day 1? Or should I consider booking a hotel onshore? Thank you.

Not sure on that. Only stayed overnight in a port once and there was an “all-aboard” at midnight so they didn’t want you staying out past that time. It will be a cruise line policy, however, so yours may be different.

Where or who do I find out about Port Fees and taxes how much I should budget.

This will all be disclosed prior to buying. You can price the specific cruise online, but normally just factoring in $100-$200 per person is a quick way to figure it.

Ok I’m confused about the alcohol. Because most I have seen allow two bottles of wine per cabin (Either per port or per cruise). But this says you won’t get it until after the cruise?

No, you can bring on bottles of wine/champagne. Anything bought in port will be held until the last day of the cruise and then delivered to your room the last night.

Thank you for explaining that your room key acts more like a credit card on a cruise. My wife and I are planning on taking a cruise at the end of the year as a way to celebrate the coming of the new year. This will be our first time, so these tips you shared will help us make sure we have a great experience during the cruise.

I’m planning my trip first cruise. When choosing a balcony cabin on a large cruise, is it better on the upper decks, middle or lower? There seem to be price differences for different decks. Rom is there no difference? Thank you for infor.

To us it doesn’t really matter. It’s more about where you want to be in proximity to other parts of the ship. For example, most of the indoor amenities (casino, shopping, etc) are in the middle of the ship. Outdoor amenities are on the higher decks. So it’s really about if you mind taking the stairs or elevators to get back and forth.

My favorite part of this article is when you said that booking the balcony room is the best choice. As you mentioned, it is perfect for those who take their time in the morning while drinking a cup of coffee with a view. This is perfect for my husband and me because my husband is way too slow in the morning since he is a night owl. Actually, ever since we were dating, he would never choose to go out in the morning. Thanks!

Wow, it’s interesting that you said that there are no luggage fees in cruises, and we can bring as much as items as we want to. My family and I are going to look for a cruise trip for summer because it has been of our dreams ever since my husband and I got married. Our kids were also very excited when we told our plans with them. We will keep these tips in mind. Thanks a lot!

is there smoking cigarettes on a carnival cruise

Yes there is, but only in designated areas. It’s not allowed in your cabin or on your balcony.

Just returned from our first cruise and I am so glad I read your ‘tips and advice’! They really helped! And yes, they are ‘addicting’! Already booked for this summer out of NYC on a 4 night with new Carnival ship to Bermuda!!! YAY!!

Love to hear you had a great time!

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I just went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me the most about this type of travel

• I took my first cruise on the largest cruise ship ever, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas .
• My seven-night trip was full of surprises, from the size of my room to the quality of the food.
• The port stops were shorter than I expected, and I found myself getting lost on the giant ship.

Until last month, I had never seen a cruise ship in real life.

Until recently, I never considered going on a cruise.

Throughout my life, my travels have been mostly about visiting family in far-away places, as well as budget road trips across the US where I've stayed in campsites, parking lots, and cheap Airbnbs all to photograph the country's most epic landscapes .

I've traveled by car, bus, train, and plane, but boats of any kind were completely new to me.

Then, I took my first-ever cruise on the world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

In April 2022, I went on my first cruise to the Caribbean for a reporting trip. During my seven-night voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; as well as Royal Caribbean's own private island in the Bahamas. 

While I've seen cruise ships on TV and in movies, I couldn't get a feel for how big these vessels were until I saw one for myself. Onboard, I felt as if I were in a small town in the middle of the ocean.

Since this was a totally new form of transportation to me, I experienced a lot of surprises. I learned that cruising is a lifestyle in itself, and while it's not necessarily for me, I can see what draws people to this epic type of vacation time and again.

Read more: Step aboard the world's largest cruise ship, which is so big it has 8 'neighborhoods' spread across 18 stories

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck 8. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced for $3,000.

The ship has 2,867 staterooms, according to Royal Caribbean . 

I booked a midtier room — a step above interior staterooms, which have no window, a step below staterooms with a balcony, and two steps below a suite.

My 179-square-foot cabin came with a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and an ocean view.

I was surprised by how big the sale was with such a big discount. To me, $1,000 feels like a huge difference in price for the same vacation.

Insider paid for the room, per the company's reporting standards. 

Since the room was only 179 square feet, I thought I'd feel cramped. But when I stepped inside, I was surprised at how big it felt.

I thought the stateroom made great use of a small space with plenty of storage for my clothes and other belongings. There were two closets for hanging space and more drawers than I ended up using. 

Read more: I spent 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on the world's largest cruise ship. Take a look inside my cabin.

An attendant serviced my room twice a day — more than I've experienced at hotels or in Airbnbs.

After leaving to start my day each morning, a stateroom attendant cleaned my room. And after I left for dinner each night, they came back to clean up again. Every evening, they brought me fresh towels — sometimes creatively folded — and a flyer featuring the next day's schedule on the ship with the weather, dress code, and any other important information, such as a time change. 

This surprised me because I am used to having my room serviced once a day, if at all, during my stays in hotels, and never in Airbnbs.

I assumed I'd have a small porthole window like I've seen on ships in TV shows and movies. But my rectangular window was much bigger than I expected.

An electronic shade over the window could be brought down during the day to reveal some grand views. I loved waking up after a night at sea to a front-row view of the place I'd be visiting that day. 

While windowless rooms are cheaper, I couldn't imagine staying in a room without one. My oceanview stateroom cost about $300 more than an entry-level room.

My room was located at the front of the ship, and I didn't expect to feel as much movement in my cabin as I did. Later, I learned that the location of your stateroom can impact this greatly.

I booked a stateroom at the very front of deck eight and I felt constant motion in my room.

Some nights were rockier than others. On the roughest nights, I heard and felt a similar sensation to thunder beneath me every few minutes. Loud thumps and heavy vibrations in my room sounded like large pieces of furniture falling down. The first night this happened, I feared the worst, but over time, I realized that this was a normal aspect of cruising — but one I would likely never get used to. 

After talking to seasoned cruisers on the ship, several told me that the front of the ship is one of the worst places to be for feeling motion. Higher decks in the middle of the ship feel calmer and more stable, they said. 

Next time, I'd choose a room in the middle of the ship. 

All cruises mandate a training session for guests on what to do in an emergency. But I was surprised that mine was available to watch on-demand in my cabin.

All I had to do for safety training was watch a couple of videos — either on my room TV or on the Royal Caribbean app — and then check into my assembly station: the area that I was assigned to go to in case of an emergency. At the assembly station, an attendant checked via the Royal Caribbean app that I had gone through the mandatory training.

I was expecting to attend a large safety training session once I got on the ship, so this alternative was a breeze. 

The ship has 24 elevators, but taking the stairs was often faster.

Since there were so many elevators on the ship, I expected them to be a pretty efficient way to get around. But they were often so crowded and slow that I ended up taking the stairs instead. By the middle of my trip, unless I was going all the way up to the pool decks, I always opted for the stairs to save time. 

The ship was harder to navigate than I expected, and I often got lost on my way to specific venues.

The ship has 16 guest decks, and each deck is divided into three sections — forward, middle, and aft. 

It took me a few days to get used to the sections and I often found myself heading to the right deck, but the wrong section of the ship. Luckily, there were maps on every floor, which I used up until the morning I left. 

In the communal indoor spaces, I didn't even feel like I was on a ship, which was unexpected.

If I woke up on deck five of Wonder of the Seas with no memory of my cruise, I'd think I was in a shopping mall. 

Aside from the slight movement of the ship, the indoor decks were so big that as a cruise newbie, it was hard to believe that I was on a gigantic boat in the middle of the ocean. Everywhere I looked, I saw shops, stands, restaurants, and large sculptures, as well as a unique ceiling structure that reminded me of malls I've visited. 

Throughout the trip, I heard more live music than I thought I would, often in the background of the ship's activities.

Aside from music festivals, I've never heard more live music on a trip than I did on this cruise. On the communal decks, musicians played for hours while people relaxed and played around them. I was also surprised by the eclectic mix of genres I heard, from rock to jazz to classical. 

Aside from the music hall where concerts were regularly held, live bands performed on indoor and outdoor communal decks while some people watched and others listened while swimming, relaxing, or walking around. 

I thought formal nights would be enforced more.

I like to be comfy, so I was dreading formal nights going into this cruise. 

I brought one fancy dress with me to wear anytime I needed, but I learned after the first formal night, that the dress code wasn't strictly enforced. People wore a range of outfits from evening gowns to t-shirts. 

For the rest of the trip, I relaxed my interpretation of the dress code, too. 

Some of the best meals I had were included in the rate.

One of the most unique things about cruising is that most meals, snacks, and drinks are all-inclusive as part of the cruise rate.

However, on large ships like Wonder of the Seas, more than a dozen restaurants with specialty offerings like sushi are not included, and incur additional charges, either as a one-time fee or by the dish.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the most delicious and satisfying meals I had were in the restaurants that were included for guests. There were a handful of buffets with all different types of food, and the main dining room served a three-course meal with varying menu items each night. Every single one of my cravings was satisfied by these complimentary options. One of the best meals I had was in the main dining room, where I was seated alone. 

I found that reservations for restaurants and shows on the ship fill up fast, so it's important to plan ahead to do exactly what you want.

The cruise ship was full of activities and restaurants that I could go to any time, but some restaurants, like the specialty ones, and all the shows onboard, required reservations that I made through the Royal Caribbean app.

However, I found that it was often hard to get reservations for the show and meal times I wanted on the day of. So I started making reservations days before each event depending on how popular it was.

For example, the circus-like acrobatic water show in the Aquatheater seemed to be the most popular and hardest reservation to get. I tried to get one on the day of the event but wasn't able to find any availability until a show that was two nights later.

But even with extensive preparations, planning anything on a cruise ship was subject to change.

The excursion I was most thrilled about —  a hot air balloon ride over the Bahamas — ended up being canceled the day of because winds were too high.

It was on the last day of my trip, and with only one day in port, could not be rescheduled. It was the experience I was looking forward to most, so I was disappointed and didn't realize going into the trip that this was a possibility. On a cruise ship, I learned that all plans are subject to change based on things outside of the crew's control, like the weather. 

I thought the port stops would be longer.

Since we were traveling such a long way to each port, I wrongfully assumed we'd spend more time in them. The ship usually docked in the morning around 8 a.m. and left in the early afternoon. 

I thought I'd have time to explore the port for a while after each excursion, but some of my excursions took the entire day, getting me back to the boat just in time for departure. I was also hoping to see what these places looked like at night, but we never departed after sundown. 

Although I got a taste of the Caribbean, I ended up feeling like I didn't have enough time to really get a sense of each individual place. This made me realize that I would probably prefer to vacation in just one place and have time to truly explore it. 

I'm so glad that I finally know what it's like to cruise on a giant ship, but next time, I'll probably take a plane.

Overall, my trip left me in awe. I learned that there's nothing like looking out from the top deck and seeing only the ocean surrounding you.

But next time I want to visit the Caribbean, I'll take a plane to one place and explore it deeply. 

• Main content

• Carnival Cruise Lines

First cruise ever

By 1stresponder2086 , October 13, 2023 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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1stresponder2086

On Dec 9, I’ll be sailing on the Panorama.  For me, it. Is only a 50 minute flight.  Any tips for this ship?  Thank you

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Share on other sites, ilovesailaway.

Basic advice:

Arrive in your depature city at least one day before your cruise begins. Flights can be unreliable.

If you drink, get the package.

Pack some OTC meds including motion sickness meds incase you need them.

When in port make sure you have a solid plan to get back to the ship on time.

Don't read too many reviews... go with an open mind.

Have a great cruise, hope it's the first of many.

LatinaInTexas

Made sure to eat at JiJis. It's a pay restaurant but it's only like $17pp and it's amazing food, so much food, well worth the price.

My suggestions are, after you board, go get the mandatory  muster drill out of the way. Then go have lunch. After lunch, if luggage is in your cabin, unpack. Next take an hour and walk the ship get the layout. Enjoy sail away. The last thing is don’t try to do everything there is to do on the ship, you will never do it all, Pick out things you would like to do each morning from the daily planner. One more thought, pack a change of cloths in your carry on. Luggage sometimes arrives late. First night dinner is super casual. Last, Last honest. Have a great 1st cruise.

ObstructedView2

1 hour ago, 1stresponder2086 said: I’ll be sailing on the Panorama. Any tips for this ship?

Hi @1stresponder2086 🙂

(Click Here) Panorama Ship Features/Public Areas

Butterbean1000

Bring lots of small bills, 1s and 5s for tips.

kona_wahine

The thing that helped me the most was studying deck plans and figuring out where everything is. It’s kind of overwhelming when you first board and not knowing where to go. Head to the lido deck, and if you like Italian find that restaurant up the stairs at lido. We did that on Panorama in February and the food was great and not the massive amount of people. 

On Panorama, don’t miss the Lanai (outside deck areas on deck 5).  Some of the best seating in the ship and never crowded!

Stay away from the railings

I know it's old, but take half the clothes you think you'll need and DOUBLE the money. You'll love the Panorama and its journey down the coast.

Welcome to cruising and to Cruise Critic!!

When you remove half your clothes from your suitcase, put in your patience and flexibility; they go a long way toward having a great experience.

Safe travels - enjoy your cruise!

2 hours ago, Drew B 58 said: On Panorama, don’t miss the Lanai (outside deck areas on deck 5).  Some of the best seating in the ship and never crowded!

Thank you. Just put it on my list

48 minutes ago, glrounds said: I know it's old, but take half the clothes you think you'll need and DOUBLE the money. You'll love the Panorama and its journey down the coast.

2 hours ago, kona_wahine said: The thing that helped me the most was studying deck plans and figuring out where everything is. It’s kind of overwhelming when you first board and not knowing where to go. Head to the lido deck, and if you like Italian find that restaurant up the stairs at lido. We did that on Panorama in February and the food was great and not the massive amount of people. 

5 hours ago, Ilovesailaway said:   Basic advice: Arrive in your depature city at least one day before your cruise begins. Flights can be unreliable. If you drink, get the package. Pack some OTC meds including motion sickness meds incase you need them. When in port make sure you have a solid plan to get back to the ship on time. Don't read too many reviews... go with an open mind. Have a great cruise, hope it's the first of many.

Well I will be flying in the morning.  But that sounds like Good advice

4 hours ago, ObstructedView2 said:   Hi @1stresponder2086 🙂   (Click Here) Panorama Ship Features/Public Areas       💃 🍹 💃

4 hours ago, skrufy said: My suggestions are, after you board, go get the mandatory  muster drill out of the way. Then go have lunch. After lunch, if luggage is in your cabin, unpack. Next take an hour and walk the ship get the layout. Enjoy sail away. The last thing is don’t try to do everything there is to do on the ship, you will never do it all, Pick out things you would like to do each morning from the daily planner. One more thought, pack a change of cloths in your carry on. Luggage sometimes arrives late. First night dinner is super casual. Last, Last honest. Have a great 1st cruise.

Brilliant info.  Thank you

Pack extra hangers and at least one multi-outlet adapter. 

Pig and Anchor has a lunch buffet outside on sea days.

The craft beer class & brewery tour is cool and you get to drink a lot of beer.

Go to the comedy shows and mainstage acts.

Check out karaoke and trivia.

Enjoy your trip!

1 hour ago, ChuckF said: Pack extra hangers and at least one multi-outlet adapter. 

Forget the hangers, save the luggage space. Ask your cabin steward for hangers. Agree with the adapter, don’t bring one with a circuit breaker, it will be confiscated.

Do NOT pack your travel documents -- passport, boarding pass, birth certificate if used --  in your checked luggage (if you're checking luggage at the pier); make SURE they stay with you during the embarkation process.  Otherwise your vacation will come to an abrupt, sad end.    😮   

Have fun!  We are sailing on the Horizon, Panorama's sister ship, in about 11 hours.  🙂   

3 hours ago, Beav1279 said: Pig and Anchor has a lunch buffet outside on sea days.

This is also open on embark day, but isn't often mentioned as a Lido Buffet alternative so it's usually uncrowded.  

Thank you for all these wonderful ideas.

May1cruiser

-Enjoy the crew, they are amazing

-Many floors are cabins only, this will save time trying to find everything

-half the clothes, agree 100%

-Star gazing is encouraged. Also sunset/sunrise. Very special while at sea. 

6 minutes ago, May1cruiser said: -Enjoy the crew, they are amazing -Many floors are cabins only, this will save time trying to find everything -half the clothes, agree 100% -Star gazing is encouraged. Also sunset/sunrise. Very special while at sea.  -ENJOY!

I have never been able to see the stars on the ship.  Too many lights.

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Princess Cruises welcomes its biggest ship ever with help from a star

It took a star to welcome the sun.

The Sun Princess , that is.

Princess Cruises on Tuesday officially hailed the arrival of its newest megavessel — at 177,882 tons, its biggest ever —with the help of "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and singer presided over a star-studded 19-minute christening ceremony in the ship's Princess Arena theater that included a traditional bottle breaking, with a twist.

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

Serving as the ship's godmother, Waddingham placed a triangular "sun ray" representing Sun Princess into a sun sculpture on stage to trigger the smashing of a huge bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne — a nebuchadnezzar that holds the equivalent of 20 traditional bottles — against the ship's hull.

"As much as theater ripples through my bloodstream, I have the strongest history of maritime in my family," a clearly proud Waddingham said moments before triggering the bottle smash.

She noted that her still-living, 107-year-old grandfather served on convoy ships crossing the Atlantic during World War II. She also grew up boating.

"It's in my blood and in my bones," she added.

Built at the giant Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, Sun Princess is the most notable new Princess ship to debut in more than a decade. Capable of holding up to 5,189 passengers (a record for a Princess ship), it's not only significantly bigger than previous Princess ships but packed with more onboard venues.

The naming celebration came two months after Sun Princess began sailing for the first time with paying passengers, a debut that was unexpectedly delayed by 20 days due to construction issues.

"Sun Princess is incredible. It's the largest, most luxurious love boat ever," John Padgett, Princess president, said at the event, harking back to the line's long-standing tie to the hit television show "The Love Boat" that ran in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Three stars from the show — Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell and Jill Whelan, who played bartender Isaac Washington, ship's doctor Adam Bricker and captain's daughter Vicki Stubing, respectively — were in attendance at the event.

The "Love Boat" stars were seated just a couple rows behind Carnival Corporation chairman Micky Arison and CEO Josh Weinstein.

Carnival Corporation is the parent company of Princess Cruises.

Makoto Okuwa, a James Beard Foundation honoree who designed a sushi eatery for Sun Princess, and Dario Cecchini, a celebrity Italian butcher who created a meat-focused restaurant for the ship, were also in attendance. So was the Brazilian artist Romero Britto, who sat to the right of Arison. Britto's colorful, upbeat art is the theme for the ship's high-end restaurant, Love by Britto.

Other celebrities at the event included model and television personality Tyra Banks, wildlife show host Jeff Corwin, fashion designer and television host Randy Fenoli and mixologist Rob Floyd. British singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield performed her smash hit "Pocketful of Sunshine" among other hit songs on the top deck of the ship after the ceremony.

The biggest Princess ship ever

Under development for more than six years, Sun Princess is the first of the new Sphere Class of Princess vessels. The ships have been designed to be significantly bigger than previous Princess vessels and offer several new-for-the-line features.

First look: Inside Sun Princess, the giant new ship from Princess Cruises

Sun Princess is the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — part of an effort to draw more upscale customers to the brand.

Additionally, Sun Princess offers an innovative new type of "cabana cabin" on the ship's extra-wide 10th deck that features exclusive access to a private deck area. The top deck of the ship also received some unusual-for-Princess sizzle. Passengers will find a glass-dome-topped pool area that transforms into a nightspot after the sun goes down.

Other differences between Sun Princess and earlier Princess ships include the lack of a buffet restaurant on its main pool deck. But don't worry, buffet lovers: There still is a buffetlike venue on the ship. Called The Eatery, it's eight decks below the pool deck, closer to the ship's central piazza and just off its outside promenade.

The ship's main theater, the Princess Arena, also has a new look. Its new-for-Princess, in-the-round shape can be converted into a more traditional proscenium-type theater or a keyhole-type theater to allow for different types of productions.

Among other standout venues, Sun Princess features a secret hideaway for magical performances designed in partnership with the Magic Castle performance venue in Los Angeles.

Related: My strange night out at Princess's new magic-infused night spot

Princess also has revamped its main dining room program with the debut of Sun Princess. It now offers three distinct options for cruisers in its main dining rooms, ranging from a traditional fixed seating experience to a casual, come-when-you-want option that includes quick-served meals and even breakfast for dinner .

The arrival of Sun Princess marks the first time Princess has launched a new class of ship in nearly 11 years. With its debut, Princess now has 16 vessels in its fleet that collectively have room for about 50,000 passengers. That makes Princess the world's fifth-biggest cruise line, behind Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line .

Related: The 4 types of Princess ships, explained

Sun Princess is initially sailing in Europe through the fall. It'll then reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $577 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a seven-night Caribbean sailing.

A second ship in the new Sphere Class series, to be called Star Princess, is on order from the Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in 2025. Its first voyage is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025, and will take place in the Mediterranean.

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9 Best Culinary Cruises for the Most Delicious Trip You’ll Ever Take

The best culinary cruises to book in 2024.

F or many, food is the best part of travel—and I can relate. I've taken cruises all over the world, and they've led to many culinary firsts for me: My first-ever lobster was on a Caribbean cruise when I was just a teenager, my first bite of reindeer came in a cozy bowl of chili during an Alaskan cruise, and my first (and last!) time eating escargot happened on a cruise in the Mediterranean. While these dishes were all parts of the all-inclusive menus on my cruises, I decided to kick things up a notch on the foodie scale by hopping on board the growing trend of special culinary cruises, which feature food and wine in a variety of special ways. These days, you’ll find the best cruises partnering with celebrity chefs, featuring specialty-dining venues and offering excursions filled with meals you’ll dream about long after you return home.

"I helped start the first culinary-themed cruises in the early '90s when I began noticing interest, and today this concept is more popular than ever," says Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts on Princess Cruises and Master Chef for the Holland America Line. "Experiential food and beverage experiences are often some of our most popular activities on board. It is my goal to surprise and delight guests while also educating them and meeting their every gastronomical desire."

Getting hungry yet? We’ve rounded up the best themed cruises for every type of foodie—from seafood lovers and wine aficionados to fans of French, Italian and Spanish cuisine. I’ve been on my fair share of these cruises, including a recent one to the Mediterranean, and trust me when I say these trips may just become your favorites of all time .

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Best for Napa Valley wine pairings

Princess 7-day pacific wine country cruise.

If you love Napa by land , you'll love it even more by sea, and it's now an experience you can have on any Princess Cruises ship sailing North American itineraries. In spring 2023, the cruise line partnered with Wagner Family Vineyards (the producers of Caymus wines), a leader in Napa Valley cabernet, for its five-course Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner. Held two or three times per cruise, it features a dinner for up to 12 guests that could very well be the highlight of their entire vacation. On a recent sailing, which started in Vancouver, British Columbia, and wended its way through San Francisco and Los Angeles, the food was fresh and sophisticated—and tailored to guests’ dietary preferences as needed.

The Winemaker Dinner menu consisted of an amuse-bouche (beef carpaccio or marinated fresh oyster mushrooms), a first course (fresh summer black truffle risotto with 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano), main course (prime beef tenderloin with blossom artichokes or seared king salmon with giant prawn), cheese course and dessert (a beautiful chocolate raspberry creation). Oh, and each course was perfectly paired with the appropriate Wagner wine—including cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and sparkling wine—hand-selected by Chuck Wagner, the owner and winemaker of Caymus Vineyards.

It takes a talented team to pull off an epic meal like that as well as the other offerings on board. "At Princess, we have such a diverse group of chefs, which is a huge benefit to us, as we are able to use their expertise to introduce authentic flavors from all over the world," says Sodamin. "I present food as art—to be created with passion and served with love."

• The food is specifically crafted to complement the tasting notes of the wines.
• Wagner Family Vineyard wines are available at all restaurants on the ship.
• Some Princess Cruise itineraries offer memorable shore excursions to Sonoma wine country.
• There's an additional cost of $140 per person for this experience and a slight upcharge for all Wagner wines at any meal on the ship.

Best for fresh seafood with a celebrity chef

Holland america line 7-day eastern caribbean cruise.

Fans of Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto now have another way to experience his Japanese cuisine beyond his various restaurants around the world: on board the Nieuw Amsterdam . Holland America debuted Morimoto by Sea on Dec. 16, 2023, offering Asian-inspired dishes and beverages from Chef Morimoto, the cruise line's "Global Fresh Fish Ambassador." On this Caribbean cruise , you'll dine on appetizers such as sticky ribs, hamachi tacos, Morimoto fresh-tuna pizza and a sushi plate. Main courses include crispy fried whole-market fresh fish, angry lobster pad Thai, Japanese vegetable curry, and a surf-and-turf with wasabi-mayo lobster and grilled Wagyu kalbi. Watch for pop-up Morimoto by Sea events once per cruise on the fleet's other 10 ships too.

• Holland America's new Global Fresh Fish Program offers more than 80 varieties of fresh fish sourced locally
• The restaurant also highlights Chef Morimoto's exclusive alcoholic beverages, including a rosé and sake.
• The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.
• There's a $55 coverage charge per person, plus an additional 18% gratuity.

Best for French food and wine

Uniworld boutique river cruises 8-day brilliant bordeaux cruise.

The France-based S.S. Bon Voyage is the perfect choice for food and wine–loving cruisers: This Uniworld river cruise is basically a floating boutique hotel designed to immerse guests in French culture and wine. The Southwest France itinerary features the country's beautiful landscapes, wines and culture in Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye and Libourne. On board, head to La Cave des Vins, a specialty dining venue that features a communal table in a private dining room where guests will experience a cooking demonstration and culinary experience that captures the essence of France .

Additional onboard dining experiences include La Brasserie, serving traditional bistro fare, and Le Grand Fromage, offering menus reflective of the local cuisine and prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Excursions take guests into the Bordeaux region for activities such as a walking tour and wine tasting at Saint-Emilion; an artisanal wine tasting at Château de Cazeneuve; and a bike ride tour through the lush Médoc vineyards.

• You'll get to explore one region (along with its food and wine) more deeply, rather than visiting multiple countries.
• The ship holds only 124 guests, for an incredibly intimate experience.
• Six days of excursions are included—and all are hosted by English-speaking local experts.
• It has a higher price point, but it's the most all-inclusive cruise line. (It includes premium spirits and wine, gratuities, wellness classes, airport transfers, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and bicycles and Nordic walking sticks for onshore use.)

Best for local foodie experiences

Windstar cuisines and cultures of spain, portugal and france cruise.

Windstar is the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), the nonprofit culinary arts organization that celebrates, supports and elevates the people behind America's food culture. The Foundation firmly aligns with Windstar's commitment to fresh and local epicurean experiences around the world, as well as efforts to reduce food waste. Join Chef Tanya Holland—this Top Chef Season 15 contestant is known for her inventive take on soul food and was the host and soul food expert on Food Network's Melting Pot—on a 10-day cruise focused on the cuisine and cultures of Spain , Portugal and France. Windstar culinary cruises include a chef-hosted dinner with wine pairing, two cooking demonstrations (with recipes you'll take home!) and a market tour with the chef.

• Foodie-focused excursions include a river cruise with wine tasting in Porto, a vineyards and cellars tour in Bordeaux, and an oyster tasting in Cancale.
• Windstar offers other world-class meals on board, with nightly menus crafted to highlight the regional cuisine and inspired wine pairings.
• The newly remodeled Star Legend carries only 312 guests, and all cabins are suites.
• This cruise has a higher price point than some of the others.

Best for satisfying any appetite

Royal caribbean icon of the seas cruises.

Can you even imagine a single ship holding 40 different dining and drink venues? That's just one of the many impressive things that the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , has to offer. No matter what flavors you're craving—we're talking pizza by the slice, sushi, caviar, oysters, burgers and tacos—you can find it on board.

Royal Caribbean is introducing several firsts on this ship, including the Empire Supper Club, an eight-course journey of traditional American fare (think: Wagyu New York strip steak topped with fresh-shaved truffle) that's perfectly paired with live jazz music. Other newcomers are the AquaDome Market, the line's first food hall with five dining options; a milkshake bar called Desserted; and the Celebration Table, a private 12-seat dining experience with family-style service perfect for commemorating a milestone. In the evenings, grab a cocktail at Dueling Pianos (a first of its kind in the fleet, with battling baby grands), a glass of prosecco at the new walk-up champagne bar Bubbles or a pint at English pub Point & Feather.

• This ship sails the Eastern and Western Caribbean, so some excursions will offer rum tastings, Caribbean food tours and lunches the local way.
• Each cruise stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island, which offers a slew of restaurants (most of which are complimentary) and bars (if you've purchased a specialty beverage package for your cruise, it will apply here too).
• You'll also find Royal Caribbean restaurant staples on board, including Sorrento's Pizza, Sprinkles ice cream, Chops Grille and Giovanni's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar.
• You'll have to pay extra for certain dining venues, as well as all alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees.
• It's more expensive than most Royal Caribbean cruises because it's a brand-new ship.

Best for sushi with a celebrity chef

Crystal 14-night cruise from athens to rome.

Crystal is already known for its high-end and award-winning culinary experiences—and now it's brought one of the most legendary chefs in the world on board. Behold Umi Uma, a restaurant created by Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa for Crystal's Serenity and Symphony ships. This innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine features delectable dishes like a crispy rice cake with spicy tuna tartare, Nobu-style lobster tacos, grilled Australian Wagyu beef fillet steak and Nobu-style black cod. Or choose the Sushi with Connoisseur, which features various sushi, sashimi and rolls.

Certain itineraries—for instance, the Athens to Rome Mediterranean cruise —make foodie excursions a priority, with a tasty street food tour of Izmir, a cooking class in Mykonos, olive oil tastings in Crete, a pizza tasting in Naples and wine tastings in Turkey. Between the onboard offerings and seaside activities, this is truly one of the most well-rounded culinary cruises.

• Two complimentary reservations for two people on voyages 12 to 22 days in length, and unlimited free visits for guests staying in Crystal Penthouse or Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites.
• There are 11 distinct dining options on board, including 24-hour in-suite dining service.
• There's nearly one staff member per guest, and the crew will know you by name.
• Reservations above the complimentary allotment are $50 per person.
• It has a higher price point than some other cruises on this list.

Best for Mediterranean excursions

Viking iconic western mediterranean cruise.

Some people take cruises for the at-sea experience; others use it as a mode of transportation to get where they want to go. While every minute on board a Viking ship is spectacular, the real magic happens off the ship on this Western Mediterranean itinerary through Spain, France, Monaco and Italy. Because the Viking Saturn is a small ship (930 guests), it can dock overnight in some ports, which means you can enjoy authentic dinners and nightcaps in town.

On this particular cruise, you'll have that experience in Barcelona (paella and a flamenco show, anyone?) and again in Florence (you're in the famous Tuscan wine region, so have a glass or two of Chianti with your pasta). Shore excursions include cooking in a Tuscan castle, dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, food and wine trails through Tuscany, and "The Kitchen Table," where you'll join the ship's executive chef for a tour and shopping experience through the local market (you'll gather the ingredients that the chef will prepare for you back on board).

• Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner; plus, you have access to complimentary 24/7 room service.
• Onboard dining options include regional cuisine and locally sourced ingredients, as well as food-and-wine pairings at The Chef's Table specialty restaurant.
• You get one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.
• It's pricey, but a lot is included in the rate.

Best for Michelin-starred dining

Celebrity 7-night spain, france and italy cruise.

Great meals and wine are a part of any Celebrity sailing—it was voted best cruise line for food and dining by Cruiseline's Member Choice Awards in 2022 and holds an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for 2023. Each ship has myriad complimentary dining venues inspired by global and regional flavors, alongside specialty restaurants ranging from seafood and oyster bars to Paris-style bistros. And at the helm sits Celebrity's Global Culinary Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud, who holds many culinary accolades from the James Beard Foundation, as well as multiple Michelin stars.

His onboard restaurant, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, features a menu that gives guests a taste of the places that have inspired him around the world, such as 5-Spice Duck Pithivier, Brazilian Moqueca and Risotto au Homard. He has also designed signature dishes for Luminae, the cruise line's private dining experience included for all guests of The Retreat. (Guests who book these suites have access to premium amenities, such as free drinks and Wi-Fi and access to a private sundeck and lounge.)

• Celebrity Ascent is the fleet's brand-new ship (it debuted Dec. 3, 2023), and it's the most innovative in the Edge series.
• There are 32 distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges on board—including 14 cafes/bars/lounges, eight specialty restaurants, four main dining restaurants, four complimentary casual dining venues and two exclusive restaurants.
• This itinerary hits some of the most fantastic foodie cities in Europe: Barcelona and Valencia, Spain; Nice, France; and Portofino, Florence and Rome, Italy .
• A cover charge applies for dinner at Le Voyage.

Best for vegan food

Carnival cruises.

Calling all plant-based diners who love to cruise: A new vegan menu is currently available on Carnival Freedom in Port Canaveral, Florida, and Car nival Horizon in Port Miami—and will soon be implemented fleet-wide in a phased approach. Carnival chefs created recipes for each of their dishes to be prepared without the use of animal products, and the proteins included are made from meat substitutes. Look for tempting options such as Hawaiian Salmon Poke made with plant-based salmon, Spaghetti Carbonara with vegan bacon, Grilled Tofu Steak, and Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana. For dessert, try the Cappuccino Pot de Crème or Key Lime Velvet Cake. Off the ship, the Caribbean is no stranger to plant-based foods, from rice and beans to perfectly ripe tropical fruits, so you'll have plenty of options there too.

• One of the most affordable cruise lines , with four-day Bahamas cruises starting under $250 per person.
• Meat eaters shouldn't miss celebrity chef Guy Fieri's mouthwatering burgers at Guy's Burger Joint.
• Adult beverages can be found on the Lido Deck at RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
• The vibe tends to be rowdier on Carnival cruises.

About the expert

• Executive Chef Rudi Sodamin is the head of culinary arts on Princess Cruises and Master Chef for Holland America Line.

The post 9 Best Culinary Cruises for the Most Delicious Trip You’ll Ever Take appeared first on Reader's Digest .

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Norwegian Cruise Line Launches 2024 Europe Season: New Homeports, Endless Adventure and Unmatched Value

This Year, NCL Offers More than 100 Immersive Europe Itineraries from 13 Homeports Across Nine Ships, Including Its Newest Prima Class Vessels

Company to Launch First-Ever Summer Season of Sailings Between New York City to Reykjavik, Iceland Beginning July 2024 

NCL Delivers an Incredible Value-for-Money Travel Experience with Inclusive Vacation Enhancing Benefits with its Free at Sea Offer

• Norwegian Viva - Aerial - Lisbon Norwegian Viva in Lisbon during her first call on Aug. 19, 2023
• Norwegian Escape - Santorini - Composite
• Norwegian Prima in Reykjavik, Iceland
• Norwegian Star - Aerial Norwegian Star at sea Pacific Coast

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, launched its 2024 Europe travel season on April 19, 2024 with the arrival of Norwegian Epic to its seasonal homeport of Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, before embarking on a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy voyage.

During this summer travel season, guests embarking on NCL cruises in Europe will have the opportunity to choose from 101 distinctive itineraries with 38 roundtrips and 63 open-jaw sailings, calling to 140 captivating ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and the Atlantic Coast.  Additionally, guests can fully explore highlight destinations such as Istanbul, Turkey; Florence (Livorno), Italy and Reykjavik, Iceland with select itineraries offering overnight calls. Cruises will be departing from 13 homeports with New York City; Le Havre (Paris), France; and Oslo, Norway being three brand new options for NCL voyages to Europe.  The Company will have a total of nine ships 1 in region, including its newest innovative vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , as well as Norwegian Escape , which returns to Europe following its first successful season in 2022.

With an average of 10 hours in port, guests can explore at their leisure or choose from a wide range of shore excursions designed to provide guests with an in-depth experience of each destination. For more immersive experiences, NCL offers a unique collection of shore excursions including, Beyond Blueprints, where guests uncover the design secrets and stories of Europe's most iconic architectural landmarks; Gourmet Tours, designed for the foodie-driven traveler allowing them to go behind the scenes of local cuisines; and Go Local, a selection of excursions inviting guests to unveil the everyday rhythms and customs of life in destinations. Guests aiming to spend even more time in Europe and dive deeper into the rich history of the region can take advantage of NCL's expanding Cruisetours program, a pre- or post-cruise-option that includes roundtrip flights, hotel stays, transportation and excursions. Cruisetours are currently available in 10 European destinations, such as Istanbul, Turkey; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; Reykjavik, Iceland; Rome and Venice, Italy, amongst others.

“As we return to Europe for this season, our goal remains consistent—curating unmatched and captivating experiences for guests to immerse in Europe’s most iconic and sought-after destinations, while delivering value for them to maximize their journey with us,” says David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “In fact, we have found that cruising to Europe with NCL offers up to 40% 2  more value than a similar land-based vacation, making it not just a memorable experience, but a cost-effective one. There is still time for guests to book that last-minute trip to Europe with NCL and enjoy the beauty of waking up in a new destination nearly every day.” 

Not only does a NCL cruise in Europe offer a great value when compared to a similar land-based vacation with comparable services and inclusions 2 , but it also provides a significantly enhanced experience with a variety of offerings to enjoy on board, including high-production value entertainment; up to 20 world-class dining options; and a wide array of shipboard activities suitable for the whole family, from thrilling races on the only three-level racetracks at sea to serene moments in the award-winning Mandara Spa ® .  Moreover, with NCL's Freestyle Cruising philosophy, guests have the freedom to tailor their vacation experience to their preferences, with no fixed schedules or dinner times.  NCL’s freedom of choice and value proposition invites guests to explore the world while enjoying the convenience of unpacking just once and waking up in a new and exciting destination almost every day.  Plus, with NCL’s Free at Sea offer, guests can customize their vacation even more to their desires by receiving value-enhancing vacation perks such as specialty dining, unlimited beverage package, shore excursion credits, free airfare for the second guest, and others.

As we return to Europe for this season, our goal remains consistent-curating unmatched and captivating experiences for guests to immerse in Europe's most iconic and sought-after destinations, while delivering value for them to maximize their journey with us. In fact, we have found that cruising to Europe with NCL offers up to 40% 2  more value than a similar land-based vacation, making it not just a memorable experience, but a cost-effective one. There is still time for guests to book that last-minute trip to Europe with NCL and enjoy the beauty of waking up in a new destination nearly every day.  

Itinerary highlights for NCL cruises in Europe include:

Norwegian Star Sails a Series of Open-Jaw Sailings to Iceland, Greenland and Canada

Norwegian Star, the only ship in NCL's award-winning fleet equipped for polar navigation, which makes it possible for it to reach ports above the Arctic Circle.  As such, the ship will be the first in the NCL fleet to offer a new summer series of breath-taking and port-rich 12- to 14-day open-jaw sailings between New York City and Reykjavik, Iceland with calls to Akureyri and Grundarfjordur, Iceland; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and St. John's (Newfoundland) and Halifax, Canada. These itineraries will embark in July and August 2024.

Explore the Blue and White Greek Isles with Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway will homeport in Athens (Piraeus), Greece on June 25 embarking on seven- to 10-day Greek Isles roundtrip itineraries . Each day, the ship will moor at a new port allowing guests to explore bucket-list destinations like Istanbul, Turkey; Iraklion, Santorini and Mykonos, Greece as well as hidden gem Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey. Select departures include overnight stays in Istanbul giving guests more than 24 hours to visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Norwegian Viva’s Cruises to the Mediterranean

Between May and November 2024, NCL's newest ship, Norwegian Viva, offers guests a selection of nine, 10- and 11-day open-jaw voyages cruising the Mediterranean. These unique itineraries feature a different embarkation and disembarkation port in sought-after destinations such as Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, allowing travelers the opportunity to plan an extended vacation either pre- or post-cruise. 

Almost No Days at Sea Onboard Norwegian Escape’s Mediterranean Sailings

Norwegian Escape will be the Company's largest vessel in Europe this season at nearly 165,000 gross tons. The ship will homeport in Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Trieste (Venice), Italy sailing eight- to 10-day roundtrip sailings in the Western Mediterranean calling to a sun-kissed port each day as well as seven- to 11-day open-jaw sailings with stints in Italy, Greece and France with only one day at sea.

Additionally, NCL cruises in Europe are already on sale through December 2025 giving guests the chance to plan and book their next summer getaway early.

For more information about the Company's award-winning 19-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit  www.ncl.com .   

1 Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Viva.

2 For the comparison, Norwegian Cruise Line compared the total prices for Fly-Cruise-Packages on peak season sailings onboard Norwegian Escape (Italy, France and Spain) to 4-star hotels in Spain and Italy. The comparison accounted for total prices including roundtrip flights from the U.S. to Spain or Italy, transfers at the destination, staterooms (incl. balcony with sea view), all-inclusive board or Free at Sea upgrade as well as service charges/tips.

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Walt Disney World restaurant earns first-ever Michelin star

The chef de cuisine 'cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics,' Michelin's judges said.

• Marie Rossiter
• April 23, 2024

For foodies traveling to the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World’s Victoria and Albert’s restaurant has long been a go-to restaurant. The upscale restaurant has won numerous awards , including 24 consecutive AAA Five Diamond Awards and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

Over the years, though, one of the culinary world’s most prestigious honors, the Michelin star, has eluded Victoria and Albert’s — until now.

On April 18, Victoria and Albert’s was one of nine Florida restaurants to earn a Michelin star from the panel of anonymous inspectors who judge each restaurant based on its atmosphere, service and food.

MORE: Disney World foods so good they’re worth the trip on their own

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by Michelin for the innovative dining experience our team brings to life here at Victoria and Albert’s,” said Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers in a statement shared by the official Disney Parks Blog . “Everybody on our team earned this Star, from our stewards to our culinarians to our pastry chefs, and we hope to inspire future generations of culinary professionals to follow their dreams.”

The official Michelin statement about Victoria and Albert’s spoke highly of Sower’s culinary skill, saying “Chef Matthew Sowers cooks with contemporary verve and draws on influences spanning from Asia to the Nordics.”

Other standout qualities from the judges included Victoria and Albert’s “‘sandwiches’ made with venison carpaccio and red cabbage, and bold sauces like cherry-cola bordelaise.”

Restaurants can earn from one star to three stars based on their evaluation. One Michelin star is awarded “to restaurants using top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard.” Fewer than 200 U.S. restaurants earn a one-star Michelin rating, so winning this accolade is a major accomplishment.

Known for its wine list of more than 500 varieties and a constantly changing menu to reflect the freshest and finest ingredients, Victoria and Albert’s offers guests three dining experiences, including a meal in the traditional dining room, an expanded menu offering in Queen Victoria’s Room or a luxurious, intimate dining event at The Chef’s Table.

Up to six people can embark on a 3-hour culinary tour around the world customized to the guest’s preferences. Prices for this unique experience start at $425 per guest, not including an optional wine pairing ($210 per guest) or zero-proof pairings ($145 per guest).

The restaurant is located in Walt Disney World’s Grand Floridan Resort. Reservations must be made in advance online or by calling 407-939-3862 . This experience books up quickly, so leave plenty of time to make your reservations. Victoria and Albert’s is only for guests ages 19 and up and requires semi-formal or formal attire.

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