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What is the Boarding Process on a Cruise Ship?

Get tips on how to prepare for your cruise ship adventure. Learn what to pack, documents needed, and essential must-dos before boarding.

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A great journey begins with the exciting and distinctive experience of boarding a cruise ship . You will find yourself entering a world of luxury, exploration, and relaxation as soon as you walk aboard the gangway and set sail on this floating paradise. You'll be greeted by a welcoming ambiance, first-rate service, and a wealth of amenities designed to make your trip exceptional from the moment you step foot on the ship.

The process of boarding a cruise ship

Knowing what to anticipate upon boarding a cruise ship can increase your anticipation and make sure you make the most of your time on the wide seas, whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-time visitor.

Check-in and documentation

You'll go through an airport-style check-in process at the cruise terminal. Prepare your trip documentation, such as your passport, cruise ticket, and any required visas. You will also receive a boarding card and a room key card from the cruise line, which will serve as your travel companions for the voyage.

Security and Screening

You will walk through a metal detector and have an X-ray machine scan your luggage. Being patient and following the staff's directions will speed up the procedure. You will continue to the ship's gangway after clearing security.

Gangway and Welcoming Aboard

Your cruise vacation officially starts when you cross the gangway, so it's a wonderful time. The staff will greet you pleasantly when you board the ship, and you can hear some music or smiles. This is an excellent chance to take some priceless pictures and get excited about your adventure.

Navigating the Ship

The size of certain cruise ships may resemble floating cities. Upon boarding, you typically get a map of the ship to help you navigate. Spend some time looking over the layout, finding your cabin, and identifying key locations like the dining rooms, lounges, and entertainment areas. When transferring between decks, elevators and stairwells are your closest friends.

Also Read:  How to Check-In for a Cruise?

Safety Drill

All passengers must participate in a safety drill, often known as the muster drill before the ship sets sail. This crucial drill ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. The location of your muster station should be noted on your hotel key card, so pay great attention to the crew's instructions and that as well.

Setting Sail

As the ship pulls away from the port, head to an outdoor deck or a viewing area to witness the breathtaking moment of departure. The vast water stretches out in front of you as you watch the city skyline gradually disappear. Your cruise trip officially begins with this magical event.

First-Day Activities

It's time to start the onboard activities once the ship arrives. Many cruise lines provide a range of entertainment alternatives. You might be seen relaxing by the pool, participating in sports and competitions, attending live performances, or checking out the ship's amenities. For a calendar of events, check the ship's daily bulletin.

Dining Options

You will have a wide variety of dining options because food is a significant component of the cruise experience. The majority of ships have a variety of dining options, from informal buffets to formal dining rooms. Even specialist restaurants with distinctive cuisines are available on some cruise companies. If necessary, make reservations in advance and be willing to try different foods while traveling.

Evening Entertainment

The entertainment options on a cruise ship make the evenings lively. There is something for everyone, including live music events and Broadway-style productions. For those who wish to dance the night away or test their luck, some ships also provide themed events, dance clubs, and even casinos.

A magical entrance to a world of wonder and exploration, boarding a cruise ship is much more than just a means of transportation. From the grandeur of the ship's architecture to the breathtaking vistas of the open ocean, every moment of your cruise journey is a testament to the meticulous planning and attention to detail that cruise lines invest to provide an extraordinary experience. Prepare to be pampered, delighted, and mesmerized by the countless activities, excellent dining experiences, and immersive locations that await you as you set off on this journey. Therefore, boarding a cruise ship promises a pleasurable trip that will stay in your recollections for years to come, whether you're setting sail for far-off destinations or simply looking to unwind in opulent surroundings.

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11 Cruise Boarding Tips You Need to Know

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All You Need to Know About the Cruise Boarding Process

As you prepare for your cruise, you probably have some questions about the cruise ship boarding process. If it’s your first cruise, you may want to know the specifics, like exactly what happens and what you can expect on embarkation day.

I’ve been cruising for awhile, and the truth is, sometimes those of that have cruised a fair amount, forget what its like to do this for the first time.

This occurred to me recently when my clients asked me some cruise questions that I had glossed over.

Things like:

How do I get to the cruise port?

Can my luggage get lost if I leave it with the porters?

Is it better to arrive at the ship early or later?

What can I expect when boarding my cruise ship?

and more…

So, I wrote this to cover the A-Z of the cruise boarding process, and answer every question first time cruisers may have about this. If you still have a question at the end, please leave it in the comments section and I will answer it, and possibly even include it in this post.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full  disclosure policy  for details.

What to expect from the cruise boarding process

1. cruise ship boarding passes.

Before you even arrive at the cruise ship on your cruise embarkation day , there are some steps you need to take.

Make sure to complete your online check in and print out your cruise boarding documents. I recommend getting this done about 2-4 weeks before your cruise. In this way, if you notice any little issue, you still have time to get it fixed.

To do your online check in, simply have your cruise reservation number on hand and go on your cruise line’s website. Then follow the instructions until you can print out your cruise documents. This only takes about 15-30 minutes, so don’t put it off.

2. Cruise ship luggage tags

Once you’ve completed your online check in and have printed out your cruise documents, you’ll be able to print out your luggage tags. Yes, your luggage tags will printed on be a piece of paper, but we’ll get to this in a minute.

On the luggage tag, you will see the cruise ship, sail date and your cabin number. Once your luggage is on the ship, it will be delivered to your stateroom.

If you’re wondering how these printed paper luggage tags will stay on your luggage, you’re not alone. There are instructions on how to fold and staple them so that they hold up and don’t rip. Overall, they’re actually pretty good and surprisingly sturdy.

However, if you would rather not worry about this and travel with a stapler, I recommend buying and using reusable plastic luggage tag holders, which are made to fit the printed cruise luggage tags. Beware that some are only good for specific cruise lines, due to size.

3. Cruise ship luggage restrictions

Cruise lines really don’t restrict how much luggage you can bring, although they do have guidelines. Most cruise lines suggest you limit your luggage to one or two pieces per passenger, with a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs.

That being said, your luggage won’t be weighed so don’t over-stress about it. However, you don’t want your luggage to be too heavy. If you’re flying in, just follow the airline’s guidelines. If you’re driving the port, use some common sense (you or the porters need to carry it).

On a 7 day cruise, 1 suitcase per person will be more than enough. I overpack (really I do) and we can do it! Here’s my easy and simple packing list that may be helpful.

4. Cruise line prohibited items

Obvious items that you are not allowed to pack or bring on your cruise include weapons and illegal drugs. I’ll let you check the cruise line’s website if you need more info on that.

Less obvious items that are not allowed on your cruise include irons, clothes steamers and candles as they are fire hazards. Power bars with surge protectors are also prohibited and will be confiscated.

5. Cruise carry-on luggage

In addition to your checked luggage, you’ll want to bring along a carry on bag of some sort. You’ll want to make sure that you keep your valuables and electronics in your carry on, as well as medications and anything that you may need for the first few hours of the cruise.

I have an entire post that goes into a ton of detail, so if you do want to know more its a good reading suggestion.

Recommended: Cruise Carry on Packing Tips

6. What time should you plan to arrive at the cruise port?

Although cruise lines may give you  recommended boarding time, you can usually board your cruise ship anytime between about 11 am and 2 hours before your ship is due to leave the cruise port. So plan on arriving at the cruise port within those times, possibly a little bit earlier if you need to park at the cruise port.

My personal recommendation is to plan on arriving at the cruise port early, so you can get on board as soon as possible, and fully enjoy the first day of your cruise vacation.

These days the embarkation process is much quicker and better organized than years ago, so don’t worry too much about long lines. Arriving between 12-1 will likely be the busiest so plan accordingly.

7. What to expect when arriving at the cruise port

You may be arriving by taxi, uber, hotel or cruise line shuttle (if you’ve flown in on the day of your cruise). You can also drive to to the cruise port and park on site in secure parking garage.

No matter how you arrive, be sure to have your cruise boarding documents and passports/government issued ID on hand. There may be security as you enter the port area and this will be requested.

If you drive in on your own, you’ll find ample parking on site. Check with your cruise port for parking rates (as they vary) and other specific information.

Luggage drop off

Once you are at the cruise port, you’ll notice that there are several cruise terminals. Your ship’s berth or terminal will be clearly indicated on signs and local drivers will be well aware.

I will let you in on a little secret. It is soooooo exciting when you see your ship for the first time – so look out for it! Heck, take a picture.

As you arrive at your ship’s terminal, it may be well organized chaos, but these folks know what they’re doing. You’ll be guided to drop your luggage with the porters before entering the building for check in. It’s a good idea to have a few small bills on hand as its customary to leave a small tip.

I’ve been asked before if this is secure and yes it is. Plus, your luggage is being put directly onto your ship so don’t worry – you’ll see your luggage again in a few hours when it’s delivered to your cabin.

Important: Remember to keep your cruise documentation, passports and ID and carry on with you. Do not give it to the luggage handlers in the midst of the excitement.

Luggage screening process

There is a screening process and luggage will be scanned and xrayed. In some cases suitcases may be opened so make sure not to lock them. Don’t pack any prohibited items to avoid any issues.

8. Cruise ship boarding security

Yes! Time to board your cruise ship! Almost…

Before you are officially allowed onto your cruise ship, you’ll go through a cruise ship boarding security as you enter the cruise terminal. The security check is similar, but less intrusive then at the airport. Basically they’re scan your carry on bags and any other items you have with you, and you’ll walk through a scanner as well.

9. The cruise check-in process

Checking into a cruise ship is way more fun than boarding a plane! Plus, cruise port staff is so helpful at guiding you to check in quickly, give you directions and answer any questions you may have.

There will be several check-in stations and usually some roped off lines where you’ll wait to check in. We have rarely had a long wait, and usually arrive before 11 am.

Once at the check in desk, you’ll need to show your cruise documents and identification, as well as to secure your credit card on the reservation for any additional expenses.

You’ll receive cruise cards which will be your stateroom key, onboard credit card and personal ID. In this way you can put away your cash and other identification while you’re on the ship.

I LOVE this! It’s so freeing not to have to walk around with cash and a purse or wallet. Cruising is the best!

To note: some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises, are beginning to use a new technology and system rather than a cruise card. However the basic check in process is the same, although you’ll likely find it even faster. If you’re cruising with Princess, you can read about our Ocean Medallion cruise experience .

10. Boarding your cruise ship

With your cruise cards in hand, you’ll be boarding your cruise ship soon! There may be a short wait, but there is lots of seating.

Tip: You’ll often receive a little folded cruise ship map along with your cruise card. That’s super handy to help get around for the first few hours on the ship, or day if you’re like me ;-).

Boarding time

This is always an exciting time for us that just never goes away. When we are finally called to board, we hop up like its our first cruise !

As you head towards the enclosed gangway (in most cruise ports), you’ll pass the ship’s photographer’s who’ll encourage you to take a boarding photo. We often still take a photo, as for us its a great souvenir. However, you can simply pass by and opt not to have a photo take.

As you enter your cruise-ship, you may have a quick photo taken as the security scans your cruise card.

And voila – welcome aboard – you’re on your cruise vacation!

11. What to do when you first get on your cruise ship?

Keep in mind that often the cabins are not ready for passengers, and are off limits until about about 1 pm. However, you are able to go around the rest of the ship and grab some lunch, which is what most people do.

Want a Tip? Research your ship ahead of time and find out what restaurants, other than the buffet, are open for lunch. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds and try out a restaurant while it’s still a well kept secret. We did exactly this on our recent Regal Princess cruise when we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Alfredo’s .

Recap: 11 cruise boarding tips you need to know

We’ve gone through the cruise boarding process; from doing your online check in, to embarking on your cruise ship.

Have you cruised recently? Are you going a cruise soon? Let me know your tips and ask me any questions (I respond to every comment).

Happy Cruising!!

If you enjoyed this, you may want to know more about what happen’s next. Read this post to get some great embarkation day tips.

P.S. If you found this post helpful, I’d really appreciate if you’d share it on social media so others can see it as well. Thanks so much!!

Let’s connect:

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20 Comments

Is there an advantage of putting funds on my cruise card or does it just link to my credit card?

Great question. I can’t see any benefit as it will link to your credit card in any case. If you don’t want a large bill at the end of your cruise, you could prepay your gratuities.

You can also purchase onboard credits, or sometimes family members may want to gift you onboard credits, which are used like cash on board. Do check on the terms and conditions if you do this, as I’m not sure if they funds would be refunded if you don’t use it all.

Hope that answered your question.

Enjoy your cruise!

I have gift cards. Do I present these with my credit card?

I’m not sure what the gift cards are, I’m sorry. I haven’t see these before.

If they are OBCs (on board credits), they will appear on your account.

If they are cruise gift cards, please call the cruise line to verify how they can be redeemed.

Have a great cruise!

Can you pay on your bill daily at the end of the night so the bill won’t be big at the end of cruise (cash payment)

Yes absolutely. That’s a great idea to make it more manageable!

I brought the drinks package ans I also paid for wine at the table for fine wines .. I can say that princess was best for this aa I often travel with cunard and just 6 bottles of my fave pouilly fume was 350 dollars plus tax where as princess 788 dollars allowed me ays hassel free unlimited ans my poulliy fume was only 24.14 dollar on board. Per bottle no hassle perfect cruising no stress .chef table was beautiful and wine tasting perfect trips out and the spa was great I used the wonderful deposit system to book asia on new majestic next year. Love cruising

So glad you enjoyed your cruise! Your Asia cruise sounds like a dream!!

I checked in on the Royal Caribbean app. Do I have to print off the pass or can I just show it on my phone?

Hi Jennifer,

While I’m not familiar with the specifics of the RC app, it’s a good idea to print the boarding passes. Most cruise lines do ask you to and it does make boarding go more quickly.

If in doubt, I suggest calling Royal Caribbean (customer service) directly for the answer to your question.

I’m going on my first cruise February 28, 2020 is a credit card required or a must have? I have a bank debit card ( ATM/ Debit) and a Chime card both with VISA logos are these allowed? I’m cruising on Carnival cruise line.

You a use a debit card, however my understanding is the cruise line will put a sort of hold on it. For your specific situation, it’s best to check with the cruise line and perhaps even your bank, as I’ve heard that it can take a few days after the cruise for the hold to be lifted in some cases.

Have a great cruise,

I leave on my dream 14 day cruise for Iceland in about 80 days. I have been watching the NEWS to see if the virus stops all travel. I booked it over a year ago. Now I hope We can go. I do not know, will wait and see. Hope your cruising is good. NCL texted me saying if I want a full refund, would give it to me up until 2 days before we board. If we go will we be on an almost empty ship. Fun is meeting new and interesting people and seeing things new to me. Will let you know what happens. Love your articles. Keep doing them please.

Hi Russell,

That cruise itinerary sounds amazing! Fingers crossed that in 80 days this virus is behind us! I agree a bit of wait and see at this point doesn’t hurt.

Thanks so much for your kind words! I really do appreciate it 🙂

Hi. Thank you so much for all of your articles, videos, and packing list! My arrival time at the terminal is 9AM … on NCL Bliss. What time will we be allowed to board?

Hi Jeanette,

That’s hard to say. Our experience was that boarding started around 11:30 or so on a past NCL cruise, however it may be different on your cruise. Enjoy!!

My sister and I are traveling together and she booked the Carnival Caribbean cruise. Will I have to heck in or just her?

Every guest needs to check in. However please check the requirements on your cruise line website and cruise documentation to be sure

Hi Ilana. My hubby and I are part of a group doing a 10- day Alaskan cruise on NCL this August-Sept. We haven’t cruised since 1990-91 when we got married, so we’re very excited! So much has changed. We have been watching cruising videos online and Life Well Cruised is our absolute favorite! You leave no stone unturned. You mention that the cruise line may need to open luggage during the screening process, so we should leave it unlocked. Our luggage has built-in TSA locks. Do you know if NCL has TSA keys like the airlines do, or should we unlock the bags before we drop them off with the porters? Thank you!!

Very exciting! TSA aproved locks (like those built into luggage) shouldn’t be a problem. To be sure you can check the cruise line wesbite, but I use luggage like this without an issue

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How To Board A Cruise Ship?

Boarding your cruise ship will be the most important step of your cruising holiday! Check out this article below to find out how.

On Arrival At The Cruise Terminal

The arrival and check-in process for a cruise ship can be chaotic, but it’s usually organized. Your cruise line will let you know when to arrive at the port, usually from late morning to mid- afternoon.

It’s possible to show up at any time. Usually the busiest time for boarding is between noon and 2 p.m., so we recommend arriving just before or after that window.

If the passengers from the previous cruise are still disembarking, you’ll have to wait around. You also shouldn’t cut it too close; understand that if you arrive after check-in has ended, even by just a few minutes, you likely will not be allowed to board.

You should be aware that if you arrive after check-in has ended, you won’t be allowed to board the ship.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing to do is locate your boarding documents . If you don’t already have them with you, make sure they’re ready ahead of time.

Once you’ve located these items, head over to the embarkation desk where you’ll need to present yourself in person. The staff there will ask you some questions about who you are and what type of cabin you want on the ship. They may also take down information such as your passport number and contact details.

Once all of this paperwork is taken care of, you’ll receive an electronic ticket which allows you access to the ship. This means you no longer need to carry paper tickets.

Security Clearance Before You Board The Cruise Ship

Your final task is to go through security screening. Cruise ships use metal detectors to screen guests entering their premises. These devices look for weapons, explosives, drugs, and other contraband.

They scan each passenger individually, so everyone must pass through the machine. It takes only seconds to complete, but it does mean you might get delayed while waiting for others to clear customs.

After passing through security, you’ll be given instructions regarding where to meet your crew members. Crew members are responsible for helping you settle into your stateroom once onboard.

How Do I Get On The Cruise Ship

Once you have checked in and have your cruise card , you’ll be escorted off the pier onto the boat. Once aboard, you’ll be shown to your room by the onboard crew members, either using the elevators and staircases.

Most cruises offer several different types of cabins: inside, balcony, suite, mini-suite, and ocean view. Each one offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You would have selected the type of cabin when you booked the cruise with your cruise line or Travel Agent.

Inside cabins are typically smaller than suites, but they come equipped with more amenities like televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

Will I Have To Carry The Suitcases When I Board The Cruise Ship?

When you board the cruise ship you will not have to carry any luggage. Your bags will be delivered directly to your room upon arrival. However, you can choose to bring along personal belongings such as clothing, toiletries, etc., depending on how long you plan to stay onboard.

Will My Cabin Be Ready When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Your cabin may not be ready when you board In fact, most people find that their rooms aren’t fully furnished until around two hours before departure.

Wait For The Announcement For When Cabins Are Ready

Dropping off your stuff and putting valuables in a safe feels great. If you packed your swimsuit or gym clothing, you can go swim for rest of the afternoon. The cabin steward can introduce you to their services and give you a tour of your cabin. After you’ve boarded, your luggage will be on it’s way. You can either place it in your room or outside. It’s a good idea to unpack before the muster drill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What deck do you enter a cruise ship on.

You enter a cruise ship from the main deck level. Most cruise lines allow passengers to walk up and down stairs between decks during embarkation. Some cruise lines also provide special areas called “stairways” where passengers can wait for boarding without having to climb stairs. Stairs are usually located near the front entrance of the vessel.

The first time you step foot on a cruise ship, you’re going to feel overwhelmed at all the new things you see. Don’t worry! We’ve got some tips to help make sure everything goes smoothly.

Does It Get Crowded When You Embark On A Cruise Ship?

Yes, there is always a crowd waiting to get on board. This is normal and expected. There are many reasons why this happens. First, you need to remember that these ships were built specifically for cruising. They are designed to accommodate large numbers of guests comfortably. Second, most cruise lines require reservations for specific dates and times. Third, if you book early enough, you might even score an upgrade. Fourth, sometimes cruise lines add extra capacity to accommodate last minute cancellations. Fifth, some cruise lines hold back certain sailings so they don’t overcrowd their vessels. Finally, some cruise lines only sell tickets online because they want to avoid crowds.

Due to the recent pandemic, people will now be given dedicated times to board the cruise ship to stagger everyone boarding.

Do I Have To Show Identity When I Board The Cruise Ship?

Children ages 5-17 must present proof of parental consent. Passengers age 17 and older must produce valid photo identification.

Do I Need Travel Insurance To Board A Cruise Ship?

No, travel insurance isn’t required to board a cruise ship. However, we recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption coverage while booking your vacation package. Trip interruption coverage protects against unexpected events like illness, injury, natural disasters, terrorism, war, riots, civil unrest, strikes, weather conditions, acts of God, government restrictions, political instability, labor disputes, accidents, fires, theft, loss of property, quarantine, detention by immigration authorities, and other similar occurrences.

Trip cancellation coverage provides compensation for missed itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.

Edit: Due to the recent pandemic, travel insurance is now required for most cruise lines to cover repatriation costs if needed.

When Is The Best Time To Board A Cruise Ship?

The best time to board a cruise ship depends on what type of cruise line you choose. If you have booked a private cabin or suite with balcony, then it’s probably better to arrive when the ship docks in port rather than before. Otherwise, arriving as close to departure as possible may work out well. For example, if you plan to depart from Miami, Florida, USA, then you should try to arrive around noon to ensure you catch the ship right after lunch.

What Documents Do You Need To Board A Cruise Ship

You’ll need to bring along all documents listed below. These include passports, visa requirements, health certificates, immunization records, etc. Some cruises also ask passengers to provide additional documentation such as birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, court order, adoption papers, medical history, military discharge papers, police record, social security card, driver’s license, passport photos, etc.

Passport – Required for international travelers.

Visa – Required for foreign nationals traveling outside of North America.

Immunizations – Recommended but not mandatory for those who are healthy.

Health Certificate – Must be provided within 72 hours prior to sailing.

Medical History Form – This form can help determine whether someone has any pre-existing conditions that could affect his or her ability to safely participate in activities onboard the vessel. It includes questions about previous illnesses, surgeries, hospital stays, medications taken, allergies, pregnancy status, family members’ medical histories, current vaccinations, blood types, etc.

Marriage License – Only necessary if you’re getting married during the voyage.

Divorce Decree – Only necessary if you’ve been divorced recently.

Court Order – Only necessary if you were convicted of a crime.

Adoption Papers – Only necessary if you adopted a child recently.

Military Discharge Paper – Only necessary if you served in the armed forces.

Police Record – Only necessary if you had an arrest warrant issued against you.

Social Security Card – Only necessary if you don’t already have one.

Driver’s License – Only necessary if there was a reason why you didn’t receive a US Passport.

Birth Certificate – Only necessary if you haven’t received a new passport yet.

Photo ID – Bring photo identification showing name, date of birth, address, and signature.

Photocopy of your passport – Photocopies aren’t accepted by some ports so make sure you get copies made at home.

What Are The Requirements For Boarding A Cruise Ship?

If you want to travel aboard a luxury liner like Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line or Holland American Line, then you will likely find yourself having to meet certain criteria. In most cases, these rules apply only to first time guests. However, they might change depending on what type of cruise line you choose. Here is a list of things you must know:

The minimum age requirement varies between different lines. If you’re under 18 years old, then you won’t qualify for many cruises unless you have parental consent. On RCI ships, children ages 5 through 12 require special permission from their parents. Children younger than 4 cannot join HAL ships. NCL requires that kids be 6 years old or older.

Children Under 2 Years Old Can Be Brought Onboard With Their Parents

On all major cruise lines, babies up to two years old can come along with their parents as long as both adults hold tickets. You’ll need to provide proof of insurance coverage for them. They also need to stay below deck until it’s time to disembark. Babysitting services may be available onboard.

Carry Your Own Documents

You should bring your own documents when boarding a cruise ship because you won’t always be able to access the ones you carry. Make sure you keep photocopies of everything important including passports, visas, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, criminal records, health certificates, immunization forms, etc.

Bring Cash And Credit Cards

Cash and credit cards are not allowed onboard any cruise ship. This includes debit cards too. It’s best to use cash instead since you can exchange money at the port where you arrive. Also, you could lose your wallet while traveling.

Can You Board A Cruise Ship With A Cold?

You can board a cruise ship with a cold but you shouldn’t expect much help from crew members. Most people who work on cruise ships are just doing their job. Some staff members might even refuse to serve you food or drinks. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your vacation! Just remember to take care of yourself during your trip. Take plenty of rest days and drink lots of water. Don’t forget to eat healthy meals every day.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you further. Try to avoid crowds whenever possible. Stay away from places where germs spread easily such as public restrooms, elevators, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, casinos, movie theaters, etc. Keep your hands clean and wash frequently. Use hand sanitizer before touching anything.

What Is Security Like When You Board A Cruise Ship?

Security measures vary by company. For example, Royal Caribbean has an extensive security system in place. Passengers enter through one checkpoint and leave through another. The same goes for Carnival Corporation. Other companies like P&O Cruises don’t seem to have any kind of security whatsoever. So if you want peace of mind, make sure you check out each individual cruise line’s website beforehand.

Do I Need A Boarding Pass For A Cruise Ship?

If you’re worried about safety aboard a cruise ship, there is no reason to worry. There are strict rules regarding what passengers can and can’t wear. Crew members will inspect luggage thoroughly before allowing anyone into the cabin. If they find something suspicious, they will confiscate it immediately. In addition, some cruise lines offer free baggage storage facilities so you don’t have to lug around heavy suitcases.

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Boarding a Cruise Ship: What First-Time Cruisers Can Expect

Firsts are always exciting, from your first love to your first job. While your very first cruise is also an exciting event, for those new to cruising your first ocean voyage can also come with a bit of anxiety from not knowing what to expect when you first arrive at the cruise port to when you're welcomed aboard.

Our friendly and knowledgable CruiseInsider experts are behind you every step of your journey and are always there to answer your questions, ease your trepidations and ensure you're prepared to board your ocean liner.

To help you set sail smoothly, we've compiled insight and information from actual experts so you can begin your cruise vacation with confidence knowing exactly what to expect when you board the cruise ship.

What to Expect

While there are some similarities to air travel, boarding a cruise ship is generally a lot less stressful and far simpler for the average traveler. Depending on the cruise line, size of the ship/number of passengers, and how efficient the boarding process is, embarkation can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

How to Get There

If you’re flying into the port city, plan to arrive at least a day early in case of flight delays that could cause you to miss your ship. Many luxury cruise lines include transfers from the airport or your hotel directly to your ship as part of the fare, which means there's no need to rent a car or pay for a cab.

If you’re driving to your embarkation location, add plenty of extra time for unexpected delays like traffic and be sure that you find out about parking in advance. Some cruises even include port parking, so you won’t have to worry about long-term lot fees and, like airports, can leave your car there safely until you return.

When to Arrive

While boarding times and procedures can vary significantly depending on cruise ship, your stateroom category, or your status with that cruise line, but boarding typically begins in the late morning and continues until about an hour or so before departure.

You’ll be given a window of time in which you can begin boarding the ship, as some cruisers like to maximize their time on land before boarding while others like to be the first onboard to eat, explore or enjoy the pre-cruise festivities. Arrive too soon and you may have to wait in the cruise terminal until your group is cleared to board. While most cruise terminals are pretty sparse in terms of amenities, it's better to arrive early and plan in advance. If you get there after check-in has ended – even if it’s only a few minutes late – there’s a good chance you won’t be able to board the cruise ship at all.

Insider Tip:  It may be a quicker check-in process toward the end of the boarding window after most passengers have already boarded, but don't cut it too close!

What you’ll need to bring.

One of the keys to a less stressful first-time cruise experience is to double check that you have everything you’ll need to get onboard before you leave home (then check again as you close the front door.)

Depending on the cruise line, the type of voyage you're on or the destinations you'll visit , there may be other documents required too – all of which our advisors will inform you on – but the essential documents that first-time cruisers will typically need include:

• Your boarding documents, which will either be mailed to you in advance or printed at home.
• Your luggage tags. Sent by the cruise line or printed by you at home, they are usually color coded and correspond to your stateroom.
• Passport and/or driver’s license, depending on your particular cruise.
• A credit card. Cruise ships are "cashless societies" that require a valid credit card for onboard purchases, so don't forget your form of payment.

Luggage and Security

When you reach the cruise terminal, you’ll be welcomed by baggage porters. They’ll tag your bags if you haven’t done so already. Most cruise line provide the luggage tags as part of your cruise documents, and you'll want to attach them yourself before you get to the port.

Once checked, the porters will bring your bags onboard and the cruise line will deliver them directly to your cabin later that day. Since your bags may show up at your cabin after you do, it’s important to put anything you might need for that first day such as prescription medications, a bathing suit, change of clothes and boarding documents, in a small carry-on or backpack that can stay with you.

Unlike airports however, you won't have to remove your shoes or laptops and such. There is also no “3-1-1” rule that requires liquids to be less than three ounces or to be placed inside of a clear bag. There are many prohibited items you can't bring on board including weapons, drugs, alcohol or flammable items, but for a smooth security experience, it’s best to also avoid questionable objects like scissors, pepper spray or anything that could spark a fire other than lighters – none of which are allowed on a cruise ship.

Boarding the Ship

After dropping off your luggage and going through security, you’ll need to fill out a form that states whether anyone in your party has been ill recently. Preventing the spread of germs is paramount aboard every cruise ship and no one is going to send you home if you cough or sneeze in the check-in line, but as a matter of course, all cruise lines require passengers to answer the questionnaire which asks if you’ve been sick or are experiencing any symptoms of illness over the past week.

Insider Tip: We don't recommend cruising at all if you're experiencing any serious or contagious sicknesses or gastrointestinal illnesses – vomiting, diarrhea, nausea. Not only will you be miserable onboard or spread that to others, it also means you could be denied boarding altogether.

After you've checked in and cleared the first checkpoint, your picture will be taken for security purposes and you’ll be given a cruise card which serves as your ship's ID, your room key, boarding card and onboard credit card.

Then you'll head towards the ship. On your way there, photographers will be on hand asking you to pose for a picture. These photos will be available to buy onboard later, but there's no obligation to pose for this photo-op or to purchase anything, so we recommend capturing this fun memory of your first-ever cruise!

You'll then follow an elevated ramp called a gangway right to the ship. A member of the ship's security crew will typically check you in via your newly issued cruise card. As you enter the ship, typically near the main atrium, there will be excitement in the form of smiling staff, live music, champagne or cocktails, finger foods or other fun activities.

Now, your first cruise experience has officially begun! Time to enjoy the welcome celebration, start exploring the ship on your own or head off your cabin to unpack or unwind once your category has been "cleared".

If you have any worries or concerns about boarding a cruise ship for the first time that we didn’t address here, please contact our CruiseInsider experts at 1 (877) 734-6858 to learn more.

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Boarding Requirements & Checking In FAQs

Check-in up to 48 hours before you cruise, check-in for my cruise, boarding requirements.

Boarding Requirements for COVID-19 or other pathogens

Get Onboard

Getting Onboard How do I get to my Port/Terminal? Brightline

When can I check-in online or in the app?

Online Check-in is available 45 days before your cruise and remains avaiable up to 3 days before you cruise.

App check-in is available 45 days before your cruise and remains available until the morning of your sailing (not available on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration or Celebrity Xpedition).

Once you have completed the Check-In process online or in the app, you will receive an Xpress Boarding Pass. This indicates that you successfully completed the check-in process for yourself and those guests listed on your Xpress Pass.

Log in to your Guest Account and click "Start check-in" or download the app to begin.

If you've already booked, log in to your Guest Account.

Download the app here

Do I need the Celebrity Cruises app if I've already checked-in online?

Yes, your app allows you to access your digital boarding pass, complete a required health questionaire, and begin the required safety briefing (Muster 2.0). It's also a great resource while you cruise to help you manage your itinerary and experiences like shore excursions, as well as chat with other guests on your reservation. If you have app notifications enabled, you can also receive essential cruise travel updates and emergency messaging.

What is the Health Questionnaire and how do I complete it?

The health questionnaire is part of our online check-in process and can be completed in the app or on our website. Guests will be asked whether or not they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, whether they have received a vaccine booster, whether they have entered or passed their 23rd week of pregnancy, and if they have any specific symptoms in the last 24 hours. These questions help us ensure the safety of our guests, crew, and the communities that we visit.

What is Muster 2.0?

Muster is an important, mandatory safety breifing in which guests are educated to emergency protocols onboard.

If I check in online can I view my Xpress Boarding Pass on the mobile app?

Yes, so there is no need to print one out on sail day. Your mobile Xpress Pass is accessible via your account.

Can I add my boarding pass to Apple Wallet, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet?

You can add your boarding pass to Apple Wallet. Samsung Pay and Google Wallet are not available yet.

Can more than one guest check in at a time on the Celebrity Cruises app?

For check-in, it’s one guest on the reservation at a time. However, one guest can check in everyone on the same reservation. Be sure to have all passports and travel documents handy.

How do I check in children on another reservation using the Celebrity Cruises app?

You must be at least 21 years old to add children. Link your reservation to the child’s reservation on the app - you'll need the child’s name, reservation number, and stateroom number - and then complete check-in for the child..

Do I have to provide a photo during online check-in?

No, you can choose whether or not to provide a photo during the online check-in process. If you do not provide a photo during online check-in, you will be asked to take a photo at the port before boarding the ship. This photo will be used for your Seapass account and security purposes onboard.

What languages are available for check-in?

Check-in on the app is available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish. Spanish, Portuguese, and English are available on Celebrity.com's check-in experience.

How far in advance can I check in on the Celebrity cruises app?

You can check in on the app between 45 days and the morning of your sail day. Once you're outside that window, you can check in at the terminal on your sail day.

*App not available on Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Xploration or Celebrity Xpedition.

Am I required to set up an onboard expense account during check-in?

Yes, all purchases and services must be paid for using an onboard expense account. One account may be used for everyone in the group or individuals can set up their own accounts.

How do I change my onboard expense account payment method?

You are required to add a credit card to complete check-in. For your convenience, you can update the credit card associated with your account in the Celebrity Cruises app. You can also change your payment method online, at the check-in counter on your sail day, or onboard at Guest Relations.

What happens if my battery dies on my mobile device at the pier so I can't access my Xpress Pass?

Our check-in counter staff at the terminal will be happy to look up your reservation.

Do I have an option to upload a photo from my mobile device in addition to taking a photo?

The choice is yours - either take one with your phone during check-in or browse to a photo saved to your device.

Are there any specifications/restrictions/requirements for the type of picture I can take when I check in on the app?

Just follow the guidelines you’ll see when you're checking in: No hats, no angle shots, no closing your eyes, nobody else in the photo, and smile.

What do I have to know about scanning my passport during mobile app check-in?

It’s simple. Just follow the guides you see during the check-in process. You’ll see when your passport has been scanned and accepted.

Can any guest check in on the app, regardless of travel document requirements?

Yes, if you have a reservation, but without travel documents your check-in will not be complete and you'll have to finish at the terminal.

How do I know which fields are mandatory when checking in on the app?

If you skip a field required for check-in, you’ll see a message asking you to provide information for that field when you try to continue to the next screen.

Do you have deck maps on the app?

Yes. Simply tap on the ship icon in the upper left corner, then tap on the Deck Maps button. You can tap on any activity in the Daily Planner to see its location.

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Boarding Requirements for COVID-19 or Other Pathogens

Am I required to take a COVID-19 test or be vaccinated prior to embarking on my cruise?

All travelers are welcome to sail regardless of vaccination status and will no longer be required to provide proof of pre-departure testing to board.

As destinations around the globe adapt their health and safety protocols, we continually evaluate and update our own requirements as new information becomes available.   If you’re currently booked on a cruise vacation with us and have provided an email address, you will be advised of the latest requirements leading up to departure. Be sure to register your guest account so that we may reach you.

Are there any innoculation or vaccination needs for my sailing?

As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended but in some circumstances they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. For certain destinations, additional vaccination for COVID-19 or other pathogens may be required.

Other informational resources can be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control  and Prevention's Traveler's Health website or toll free at 1-877-FYI-TRIP, and the World Health Organization website.

What health screening measures are being taken at the terminal on boarding day?

During check-in, you will be asked to complete a health attestation. If you attest to or show signs of a fever, cough, or fatigue, you will be directed to a secondary screening.

How do I know where the port is?

Yes we do. We have collapsible wheelchairs for our guests to use free of charge onboard each of our ships. They are on a first come, first serve basis and based on availability.

If you've already booked, log in to your Guest Account

How do I know when to get to the terminal?

During check-in, you're required to select an arrival time. One of the benefits of app check-in is that your arrival time is listed on your mobile Xpress Pass. Please arrive during your selected window to avoid delays at the terminal.

Do you offer transportation from the airport to the pier and back?

Most ports will offer for-purchase transportation to and from the pier on the day of sailing and returning. Guests will need to meet the flight parameters for airport transfers on the same day that the cruise leaves and returns to be eligible. Transfers are subject to availability but will be open for purchase up to 5 days prior to sailing.

What happens if I arrive outside of my scheduled check-in time?

Please select the best available check-in time that will work for your party. These are staggered to offer the best possible check-in experience and help us to avoid unnecessary delays in boarding. That being said, if you must arrive outside your scheduled time, please check your Guest Documents to make sure that you complete the process before the "All Aboard Time".

Can Suite Guest Get Onboard Early?

Boarding times (Embarkation) will vary according to port, itinerary, and/or ship, and may even vary by sail date due to operational situations like Coast Guard drills, etc.Guests who have completed the on-line check in, are member of our Loyalty programs, or who are reserved in Suites or Concierge Class (Celebrity) may use priority embarkation lines at the pier terminal, where available.

How do I get my luggage to my stateroom?

If you check your luggage with a porter, your checked baggage should be delivered to your stateroom within a few hours of setting sail if tagged properly.

Does Celebrity Cruises send luggage tags or should I print them?

While we no longer mail bag tags to guests, we do make them available guests electronically via Guest Account (click "View Your Documents"). That way, you can print as many as you would like prior to joining the ship. If you are unable to print your bag tag, we will have luggage tags will be available at the pier for guests who prefer to use this service at the terminal prior to boarding. It takes just a few minutes to acquire the tags and fill out your information with the porter. Please make sure you know your stateroom number and room location, as reflected on the guests XpressPass.

How do I get to my Port/Terminal?

Port Of Miami

"Port of Miami – Dodge Island

1015 N. America Way

Miami, FL 33132

Port of Miami website

Parking Information

To learn more about parking rates, payment methods, or disabled parking permit rates and exemptions, please visit the PortMiami Parking page for the latest information.

Terminal Information

Terminal A is the home terminal for all Oasis Class vessels when sailing out of PortMiami. All other ships, please consult your email communication and directional signage once you arrive to PortMiami.

From Miami International Airport (7 miles):

Via Port Tunnel: Take 836 East through the toll. Continue onto FL836 E/I-395 E, then keep right to merge onto MacArthur Causeway.

Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs to your pier terminal.

Via Port Bridge: Take 836 East through the toll. Exit at US1 N.E. 2nd Avenue/Biscayne Boulevard, proceed straight through one light, and then turn right at the second light onto Biscayne Boulevard (US1).

Stay in your left-hand lane and turn left into the Port of Miami on N.E. 5th Street.

Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal. From Ft. Lauderdale International (26 miles):

Via Port Tunnel: Take I-95 South to Exit 2D toward I-395 E/Miami Beach. Merge onto MacArthur Causeway.

Use the left 2 lanes to take the exit towards Port of Miami Tunnel and follow the signs for your pier terminal.

Via Port Bridge: Take I-95 South to Exit 3B, N.W. 8th Street.

Turn left onto 5th Street and continue straight until you reach the Port of Miami entrance.

Drive across the bridge and follow signs to your pier terminal.

Bus Information

Our Florida Bus Program is provided by Cruise Connection of Florida. For rates, availability and pick up locations, please contact our Reservations center at (800) 327-6700.

* All rates and prices are subject to change.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles."

Port Everglades

1850 Eller Drive

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Fort Lauderdale (Everglades) Cruise Terminal:

From Fort Lauderdale International Airport (5 miles):

Exit the airport and follow signs for I-595 East/Port Everglades. Continue to the last exit on I-595 East and follow the signs to Port Everglades. This will automatically take you to the Port Everglades security entrance. From there, follow the directional signs for your designated ship's pier terminal.

From Miami International Airport (30 miles):

Take 836 East to I-95 North.

Exit I-95 North at 595 East.

Follow 595 to the end; then follow the Port Everglades signs.

After dropping off your checked luggage at the pier terminal with the porters and cruise line representative, proceed to the appropriate parking garage for that terminal. Rates are $15 USD per day for the regular vehicles and $19 for the oversized vehicles (rates subject to change without notice by the Port Authority). For additional information or vehicle size restrictions, please contact USA Parking at (954)468-3680.

Security at the Pier

Please expect delays related to security and immigration procedures when arriving at the pier to board the ship. These procedures have been designed for your safety and all attempts will be made to expedite you through the process as quickly as possible.

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

Our Florida Bus Program is provided by Cruise Connection of Florida. For rates, availability and pick up locations, please contact their Reservations center at (800) 327-6700.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port Canaveral

Port and Terminal Information

Port Canaveral Orlando is located at 445 Challenger Road. There are multiple terminals in Port Canaveral for Celebrity Cruises Ships.

Cruise Terminal #1

9050 Discovery Road

Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920

Cruise Terminal #5

9245 Charles M Rowland Dr

Cruise Terminal #6

9241 Charles M Rowland Dr

Before arriving to the port, check your cruise documents to make sure which is the Terminal your ship will be departing from.

Once you have arrived at Port Canaveral follow the signage throughout the port to your ship's terminal assignment.

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida Cruise Terminal:

From Orlando International Airport (MCO):

Apporximately 45 minutes west of Port Canaveral.

Take the North exit from the airport, staying to the right on SR 528 East.

Take SR 528 East all the way to Port Canaveral.

Upon approaching the port area, follow the signs indicating Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals.

From Melbourne International Airport (MLB):

Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) south of Port Canaveral.

Exit east (left) out of the airport onto NASA boulevard and follow to U.S. Highway 1.

Turn left (north) onto U.S. Highway 1.

Travel approximately 20 minutes on U.S. Highway 1 passed the intersection of S.R. 520 in Cocoa about one mile to the S.R. 528 exit.

Exit and travel east on SR. 528 for approximately 10 miles, crossing the Indian River, Nerritt Island and the Banana River to reach Port Canaveral.

From Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB):

Approximately 1 hour northwest of Port Canaveral.

Exit the airport south to the Central Florida Greenway (Toll Road 417).

Go south 23 miles to S.R. 528 (the Beach line Expressway) eastbound exit.

Go east (37 miles) to the Port.

From Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX):

Located about 20 minutes from the Port in Titusville FL.

Exit and drive east three blocks

Turn south onto U.S. Highway 1 to the Beach line Expressway (S.R. 528) and follow this east to the Port.

From Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB):

Located about 75 miles north of Port Canaveral.

Take I-95 south to S.R. 528 East and follow to the Port

Port Canaveral no longer offers pre-paid parking. Please pay to park at your cruise terminal's designated parking area and simply take a short walk to your ship; no need for shuttles. RV parking is available at each cruise terminal.

3 Nights/4 Days - $68.00

4 Nights/5 Days - $85.00

5 Nights/6 Days - $102.00

6 Nights/7 Days - $119.00

7 Nights/8 Days - $136.00

8 Nights/9 Days - $153.00

Disabled Parking spaces are available and the fee is waived for vehicles transporting certain persons who have disabilities that:

Have special equipment, such as ramps, lifts, foot or hand controls for use by a disabled person

Display a Florida Toll Exemption Permit as explained in s. 316.1964, Florida Statutes

Display a Florida Disabled Veteran (DV) license plate issued under s. 320.084; s. 320.0842; or s. 320.0845, Florida Statutes

Parking agents will not grant parking waivers for any other reason than the ones listed above.

*Rates May Vary based on seasonality, day fo the week, time of booking, length of stay and availability.

Port of Cape Liberty

4 Port Terminal Boulevard

Bayonne, N.J. 07002-5038

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Cape Liberty, New Jersey Cruise Terminal:

From Newark International Airport (9 miles):

Exit the airport, following signs to the NJ Turnpike.

Take the NJ Turnpike to exit 14A.

Pay toll at exit and continue straight (after traffic light onto bridge) onto Route 440.

Follow signs for Route 440 South.

Continue on Route 440 South to Port Terminal Blvd.

Turn left at Port Terminal Blvd. (there is a traffic light at the intersection).

This is the entrance for the "Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor" or the old "Military Ocean Terminal Bayonne."

Continue straight and approach the guard gate.

Continue past the guard gate and follow the signs to the cruise terminal.

From NJ Turnpike north or south:

From NYC, via the Lincoln Tunnel:

Take the Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey.

Follow I-495 West to the NJ Turnpike/I-95.

Take the NJ Turnpike south to Exit 14A - Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From NYC, via the Holland Tunnel:

Take the Holland Tunnel to New Jersey.

Take the NJ Turnpike west to exit 14A. Follow directions above from Exit 14 A.

From the West, via I-80:

Take I-80 East to I-95 South

Take the NJ Turnpike south to Exit 14A- Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From the west, via I-78:

Take I-78 East directly to the NJ Turnpike.

Take the NJ Turnpike east to Exit 14A- Bayonne. Follow directions above from Exit 14A.

From the east/Staten Island/Long Island:

Take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge into Staten Island.

Take I-278 West.

Take Route 440 North to and over the Bayonne Bridge.

Continue on Route 440 North approximately 3 miles.

Make a right into the Bayonne Ocean Terminal.

From the Bronx/Connecticut/New England:

Proceed to and across the George Washington Bridge.

Follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike/I-95 South.

From Westchester County:

Take I-684 South to I-287 West

Take I-287 West to I-87 South.

Follow signs to and over the George Washington Bridge.

From Rockland County:

Take the Palisades Parkway South to I-80 West.

Follow signs for the New JerseyTurnpike/I-95 South.

Transportation

Take the PATH Rapid Transit System train from Manhattan to Jersey City or Hoboken.

Outside the PATH Station, take the NJ Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train to Bayonne.

Get off at the 34th Street Station in Bayonne.

You are now directly across Route 440 from the Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor, which includes the Cape Liberty Cruise Port.

Call one of the three Bayonne taxi cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about two miles east of the Light Rail line.

East Coast regional Motorcoach Program (a service provided by Entertainment Tours) - call (800) 310-9900 for reservations or book online. Please contact Entertainment Tours for rates and pick up locations.

From the Port Authority Bus Terminal, take the 119 bus to Bayonne. The 119 bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard into Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks. When you reach 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, you will be at the closest point on the bus route to the cruise port. Call one of the three Bayonne cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

The 99S bus travels along Kennedy Boulevard into Bayonne and stops on request every three blocks.

When you reach 33rd Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, you will be at the closest point on the bus route to the cruise port.

Call one of the three Bayonne taxi cab companies to drive you to the cruise port, which is about three miles east of Kennedy Boulevard.

A safe and secure parking facility is conveniently located adjacent to the cruise terminal. Parking fees are $30 per day including all taxes*. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. No reservations are necessary and parking is guaranteed.

Oversized vehicles, such as campers and RV’s, that occupy more than one space, will be charged double the normal rate.

The height restriction of the garage is 7’ 4”. There is an open lot adjacent to the parking garage to accommodate vehicles with height restrictions.

Port of Tampa Bay

Please verify cruising intinerary for cruise terminal.

Port of Tampa Bay, Terminal 2:

651 Channelside Drive

Tampa, Florida 33602

Port of Tampa Bay, Terminal 3:

815 Channelside Drive

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Tampa, Florida Cruise Terminal:

From Tampa International Airport (10 miles):

Exit the Airport and follow signs to I-275 North.

I-275 merges with I-4 East.

Take I-4 East to Exit #1 (Ybor City).

Go south on 21st Street, turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60).

Turnleft (south) on Channelside Drive.

Cruise Terminal 3 main entrance is approximately 5 blocks South on Channelside Drive.

Entrance is on the left at Cumberland Street.

In the event of a last minute change in pier assignments, signage will indicate the assigned terminal for your particular ship.

A parking garage is located at 810 Channelside Drive, across the street from Terminal 3. The parking fee is approximately $15 per day (subject to change), and is payable upon entry into the parking area in the form of cash or credit card. For additional parking information please call (813) 905-7678.

Port of Vancouver

Canada Place Cruise Terminal

999 Canada Place

British Columbia, Canada V6C 3T4

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Vancouver, British Columbia Cruise Terminal:

From Vancouver International Airport (16 miles, 45-minute drive):

When entering Vancouver via Oak Street, follow North to Park Drive.

Turn left onto Park Drive and then take a right onto Granville Street.

Follow Granville Street over the Granville Street Bridge and take Seymour Street exit.

Proceed North to Cordova Street.

Turn left and follow two blocks to stoplight, turn right on Howe Street.

Follow straight to ramp entering Canada Place Pier.

From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (162 miles, 4-hour drive):

Leaving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, follow the signs marked Freeways after exiting airport arrival terminals.

Enter Eastbound Highway 518 (also marked I-5) moving into the left lane, and exit to I-5 North.

Proceed North on I-5 to the U.S/Canada Border where you will need to stop and pass through Customs.

From Customs continue North, you are now on Highway 99. Cross Oak Street Bridge, turn left on Broadway, turn right on Granville, cross bridge and move to left lane.

Exit to Seymour Street.

Turn left on Cordova and right on Howe to the pier.

For reservations, information and rates please contact Vinci Park Canada Place, Vancouver at (866) 856 - 8080 or visit the Port of Vancouver website for additional information.

Port of Seattle

Smith Cove Cruise Terminal 91

2001 West Garfield Street

Seattle, WA. 98199

Port of Seattle website

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Seattle, Washington Cruise Terminal:

From I-5 South:

Head north on I-5 and follow signs to the Mercer Street Exit

Take exit 167 (left-side off-ramp) to Mercer Street

Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North (400 feet)

Take a left turn on Valley Street (0.18 miles)

Valley Street bends to the left and becomes Broad Street (0.75 miles)

Turn right to Denny Way (0.32 miles)

Bend right to Western Avenue (0.22 miles)

Western joins Elliott Avenue West (1.18 miles)

Follow signs to Magnolia Bridge

Turn right at 14th Ave West (signal light intersection) (0.14 miles)

Stay to the right and follow ramp joining the Magnolia Bridge (West Garfield Street) (0.35 miles)

Exit right. Follow signs to Smith Cove Park (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal

Turn right at bottom of ramp and follow signs for cruise terminal parking or cruise terminal

From I-5 North:

Head south on I-5 and follow the signs to the Mercer Street Exit

Take exit 167 to Mercer Street (right-hand off-ramp)

Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North ( 400 feet)

Exit right. Follow signs to “Smith Cove Park” (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal

Parking is available via a remote lot at the terminal, which is served by shuttle bus. Space for luggage will be available on the Shuttle. Reservations for parking are recommended. For reservations, parking fee information, and parking lot maps, please log onto the Republic Parking website or call (206) 783-4144, ext. 1113.

Port of Boston

Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal

1 Black Falcon Avenue

Boston, MA 02210

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Boston, Massachusetts Cruise Terminal:

From Logan International Airport (4 miles):

Exit Logan Airport to the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) ($3 toll).

Follow signs for the Ted Williams Tunnel.

From the right lane, take the first exit – Exit 25/South Boston.

At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street.

Continue forward onto B Street.

At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard which turns into Northern Ave.

Continue on Northern Avenue for approx ¼ mile then turn right to Tide Street and an immediate left onto Drydock Avenue.

Follow Drydock Avenue as it turns right at the end of the Boston Design Center.

Turn right again onto Black Falcon Avenue, traveling straight to the stop sign, where you will be directed by Port Officers for either passenger drop-off or to the parking garage.

Long-term parking is available. The city parking garage (EDIC) is located across the street from the Ray Flynn Cruisport. It is a space available, covered facility. The daily fee is $16 per day (subject to charge) and is payable with cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) when you enter the garage.

Prior to parking your vehicle, please proceed first to the cruise terminal for luggage and guest drop off. After parking the vehicle, it's a short walk back to the cruise terminal.

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative, Destination New England at (857) 496-1663 or us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

For additional information on the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal visit the Port of Boston's website.

Port of Honolulu

Port of Honolulu - Pier 2

521 Ala Moana Blvd,

Honolulu, HI 96813

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Honolulu, Hawaii Cruise Terminal:

From Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to pier - 6 miles, approximately 30 minutes:

Go north on Rogers Boulevard toward N Nimitz Highway for 0.1 miles

Turn right onto Highway 92 N Himitz Highway for 5 miles

Nimitz Highway becomes Ala Moana Boulevard

Turn right on Channel Street across from the Restaurant Row area

Once on Channel Street, the cruise terminal is on the right-hand side

From Waikiki to pier:

Travel on Ala Wai Boulevard heading west

Turn left onto Lipeepee Street, then turn right onto Hobron Lane

Turn right onto Ala Moana Boulevard. (Hotels along Ala Moana Boulevard start here)

Turn left on Channel Street (across from Restaurant Row area)

Once on Channel Street the cruise terminal is on the right hand side

Note: If using Google Maps, be sure to search “Pier 2 Cruise Ship Terminal.” Google Maps has mistakenly listed another “Pier 2” that appears 4 miles away from the cruise ship terminal.

No parking information is available.

Port of Seward

Seward Passenger Ship Terminal

Alaska Railroad Dock

Seward, AK 99664

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Seward, Alaska Cruise Terminal:

From Anchorage Airport (130 miles):

Take International Airport Road east until you reach Minnesota Drive.

Take a right on Minnesota Drive and follow the signs to Seward Highway South.

Once on Seward Highway, you’ll travel approximately 130 miles to Seward.

Once in Seward, follow the signs to the Alaska Railroad Dock.

You will also be able to see the ship terminal from the highway on your left as you enter Seward.

For directions to the Hospitality Center in Anchorage please call (907) 278-8070.

Long term parking is not available.

Port of Los Angeles

San Pedro World Cruise Terminal

100 Swinford Street

San Pedro, CA 90731

Celebrity Cruises Directions to the Los Angeles, California Cruise Terminal:

From Los Angeles International Airport

Take the 110 Freeway South towards San Pedro.

Exit at Harbor Boulevard (same exit as the Vincent Thomas Bridge).

Stay to the right - Harbor Boulevard (Do not go over the bridge.)

At the light, cross over the main road, turning right into the "World Cruise Terminal."

Follow the directions to parking and passenger drop-off.

Parking is available for $18 a day. No reservations are required. A shuttle is offered to the cruise ship terminals.

Port of San Juan

Pan American Pier 1 East

Calle Lindbergh

San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Pan American Pier 1 West

Calle Tadeo Rivera

Celebrity Cruises Directions to San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise Terminal:

From Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (8 miles):

Exit the Airport to San Juan taking the middle lane on Baldorioty Ave.

This avenue will take you to New and Old San Juan.

Once you are at the end of the avenue you will find a traffic light.

On the right you will see the Condado Lagoon and on your left you will see the Yacht Club.

This is a one-way road.

Stay in the left lane and follow the signs directing to San Juan or the Convention Centre.

Keep to your left and make a U-turn whenever possible.

After the turn, remain on the right hand side and continue forward past the Yacht Club, Sizzlers Restaurant.

At the corner make a right, continue to the traffic light.

Make a right hand turn at the next right.

Follow the road to the entrance of the pier.

Parking is not available.

Port of Barcelona

Port of Barcelona D'Adossat Terminal

Moll Adossat

1, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Barcelona, Spain Cruise Terminal:

From El Prat International Airport (BCN) to pier (10 miles, about 40 minutes):

Exit the airport and take the road to Barcelona City.

Once there, take the Ronda Litoral Highway and take the exit marked PUERTO.

Turn right and then follow the signs indicating PUERTO.

Ships are berthed at Adossat Terminal (Moll Adossat).

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative Intercruises at +34.93.301 2244 or us at (800) 256-6649 or (305) 539-4107.

** Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles

Port of Singapore

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS)

61 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore

Please verify cruising intinerary for cruise terminal. See below for detailed information on check in, baggage drop off, driving directions and parking at this terminal.

Celebrity Cruises Directions to the Singapore Cruise Terminal:

Coming from AYE (towards Changi Airport)

Take Exit 2 on MCE/Central Boulevard

Keep right towards Marina Boulevard

Turn right at Marina Boulevard to Marina Coastal Drive

Destination is on your left after Marina South Pier

Coming from MCE (from Changi Airport)

Take Exit 3 on MCE/Marina Coastal Drive

Turn LEFT onto Marina Coastal Drive

Destination is on your LEFT after Marina South Pier

For your comfort and convenience we recommend you arrive at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore for ship check-in formalities beginning at the boarding time stated in your cruise documents but no later than 1.5 hours prior to scheduled sail time.

Baggage Drop Off

Porters will be available to receive baggage to be checked prior to check-in at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore.

Parking (DriveCruise – Enjoy a local convenience)

The DriveCruise service allows you to park your vehicle at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore carpark, at a discounted rate.

Public Transport

Board train along the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris or towards Downtown Station if coming from the Downtown Line

Alight at Tanjong Pagar Station (Exit C) or Downtown Station Station (Exit C)

Board bus 402 at bus stop, near International Plaza (03223) or near Marina Bay Financial Centre (03391)

Alight at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore

Board train along the North South Line towards Marina Bay Station

Alight at Marina South Pier Station

Walk 600m alongside the sheltered linkway to Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore

Port of Ravenna

Porto Corsini, Ravenna, Italy

48123 Ravenna RA, Italy

Pier Terminal

Terminal Crociere - Porto Corsini

Airport to Pier Transit Time

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE): 3 hours by bus and 2 hours and 30 minutes by car

Bologna Gugliemo Marconi International Airport (BLQ): 1 hour and 30 minutes

From: Venice Airport

Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE): Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, 30173 Venezia VE, Italia

Take Raccordo Marco Polo to Tangenziale di Mestre/A57.

Take Exit towards Milano/Bologna from Raccordo Marco Polo

10 minutes (9.3 km)

Keep on A13 and RA8 until Comacchio and take the exit from RA8

1 hour and 49 minutes (167 km)

Keep on SS309 and take Via Giovanni Spallazzi and Viale Italia towards Molo S.Filippo in Ravenna

28 minutes (25.7 km)

Arrive to Terminal Crociere – Porto Corsini

48123 Ravenna, RA, Italia

From: Bologna Airport

Bologna Gugliemo Marconi International Airport (BLQ): Via del Triumvirato, 84, 40132 Bologna BO, Italia

Take A14/E45 at San Lazzaro di Savena from Tangenziale nord di Bologna

12 minutes (14.5 km)

Keep on A14/E45 towards SS309 Ravenna

36 minutes (63 km)

Take the exit on SS309 to Via delle Valli/SP112 and Viale Italia towards Via Molo S.Filippo

24 minutes (22.2 km)

Pier Long Term Parking

No long-term parking available at the Port

Port of Sydney, Australia

Overseas Passenger Terminal

West 130 Argyle St

The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

White Bay Cruise Terminal

2041 James Craig Road

Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Sydney Cruise Terminal:

Overseas Passenger Terminal:

The distance from Sydney Airport is approximately 16 kms. Travel time approximately 35 minutes.

Passengers can travel to the Overseas Passenger Terminal by train, bus, ferry, light rail, private vehicle, taxi or rideshare.

The Overseas Passenger Terminal is located on the right opposite the Sydney Opera House.

You can also use Google Maps to help you plan your journey to the new cruise terminal.

White Bay Cruise Terminal:

The distance from Sydney Airport is approximately 19 kms. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.

Passengers must access White Bay Cruise Terminal via James Craig Road via The Crescent.

Passengers can travel to the White Bay Cruise Terminal via coach/bus airport transfers, private vehicle, taxi or rideshare.

There is no long-term parking. The car park is for short-stay pick up and drop off only.

You can also use Google Maps, download a PDF map to help you plan your journey to the new cruise terminal.

A three minute maximum drop off time is permitted and is enforced by Security Staff at the wharf. Parking* is available at the Wilson Car Park.

For further information, please visit the Port Authority of New South Wales website.

* All rates and prices are subject to change. Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port of Southampton

101 Berth, City Cruise Terminal

Southampton S015 1HJ

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Southamption, England Cruise Terminal:

From London Heathrow Airport:

Take A3113 from the airport to M25 (M25 is the London Orbital Freeway).

Follow signs for M3 at junction 12 - join M3.

Head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3, take the M27 following signs Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks.

Dock Gate 10 is the entrance to the terminal area.

From London Gatwick Airport:

Take A23 from airport to junction 9a.

Join the M23 driving to junction 7.

Join the M25 following signs for M3.

Join at junction 12.

Join M3 and head south following signs for Southampton and Southampton Docks.

On leaving the M3 take the M27 following signs for Southampton Docks.

At junction 3 – join M271 and continue to follow signs for Southampton Docks. Dock Gate 10 is the entrance to the terminal area.

Rail Transportation

From London Waterloo Station:

Direct Train Service is available on South West Railways from London Waterloo to Southampton Central Station.

Approximate journey time is 1 hour 20 minutes.

Timetable information can be obtained on the internet at www.rail.co.uk .

Round trip train fair from London’s Waterloo station is approximately $65.00 (35 British Pounds).

The Pier terminal is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the Southampton train station.

Approximate cost for taxi journey is $18.00 (8 British Pounds).

Parking at the Port of Southampton can be arranged in advance only by calling locally at +44 870-085-6030. There is very limited space available for cars not holding an advance reservation. For directions to the “Long Stay” parking facility, follow the above directions, however enter the Southampton Docks through Dock Gate 8.

Port of Civitavecchia (Rome)

Molo Vespucci, Civitavecchia 00053

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Cruise Terminal:

From Fiumicino International Airport (also known as Leonardo Da Vinci Airport):

Take the Autostada E80/A 12 – Roma-Civitavecchia

Exit at Civitavecchia Sud

Follow the signs to the Sardinia Ferries

Entrance personnel will provide any further details

Once inside the port, signage posted throughout will direct guests to their assigned terminal

Parking facilities are available near the cruise terminals starting at a cost of € 60 EUR for a seven day cruise plus €12 EUR for each additional day (price subject to change without notice) for the duration of your cruise. The parking facility will only accept Euros on arrival and will not accept credit cards or checks. The parking facility is located inside the port area. The parking facility does not offer a shuttle service to the cruise terminal. Based on availability, guests can pay for a taxi to transfer to and from the pier terminal.

Security at the Pier:

For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our local cruise line representative, Aloschi Bros. at +39.06.420.20.498 or us at 1.800.256 6649 or +1.305.539.4107.

Port of Mumbai

Piet Heinkade 27

1019 BR Amsterdam

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Amsterdan, Netherland Cruise Terminal:

From Schiphol International Airport to pier (13 miles):

Exit the airport and take A4 to Amsterdam and then the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north).

Leave the A10 Amsterdam Ring Road (north) at the S114 junction (follow the signs Centrum, Zeeburg and Artis).

Turn left at the end of the exit road. Follow the road until you have passed the Piet Hein Tunnel.

At the end of the tunnel turn right, following the signs for "Centrum and Central Station".

You will pass three traffic lights. After the third light, turn right at the second access road. Entrance to the underground parking area is situated in front of the terminal.

Parking is located underneath the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA). Daily rate is approximately 30.00 Euros.

Port of Amsterdam

Port Rashid (Commonly known as Mina Rashid)

Passenger Terminal 2 / 3

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Celebrity Cruises Directions to Dubai, United Arab Emirates Cruise Terminal:

From Dubai International Airport

Exit Dubai Airport and drive approximately 100 meters to the traffic light.

Turn left and drive for approximately 200 meters.

Head for the flyover showing direction Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi.

Cross Al Grarhour Bridge and follow the directional signs to Port Rashid.

At the Last round about turn right and reach the main cargo gates of Port Rashid.

Drive through the gates and follow the signs to the 'Passenger Cruise Terminal'.

Continue straight past the round about and turn left at the small traffic signal.

Drive straight ahead and you will see the cruise terminal building.

Port of Dubai

Shinko Pier Exhibition Hall 2-5 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 231-0001

The Tokyo, Yokohama Port website:

https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/019/index.html

Take Higashi Kanto expressway from Tokyo's Narita International Airport.

Continue driving on Higashi Kanto Expressway to Tokyo Higashi Kanto Expressway is connected to Expressway Wangan (Bay Shore Route) Line. (B-line)

Continue driving on Expressway Wangan Line to Yokohama through Haneda Airport

Then Across Tsurumi Tsubasa Bridge and Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Turn off expressway Wangan line at Shin Yamashita exit.

After exiting, pass underneath the Expressway

turn left at intersection in front of Yamashita park, then turn right at an intersection the name of Yamashitabashi.

Go straight through Yokohama Marine Tower and Yamashita Park to the Kaigandori-yonchome intersection

Then turn right at Kaigandori-yonchome intersection then you will arrive at Shinko Pier Exhibition Hall.

No Parking info Available

Port of Tokyo

Passenger Terminal

Nudo Baron s/n Almacen Simon Bolivar

Recintos Portuarios

Valparaiso Chile

From Arturo Merino International Airport (SCL)

Upon leaving Santiago airport at Pudahuel take a right onto Highway 68 (Ruta 68) which goes for about 75 miles to Valparaiso and Via del Mar.

Once in Valparaiso, follow Argentina Ave until it becomes Espana Ave.

Go under the railway into the port area

*Short term parking only-- $1 USD per hour

*Celebrity Cruises is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles.

Port of Valpraiso

Wilhelminakade 699

3072 AP Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Port website:

https://www.cruiseportrotterdam.nl

Rotterdam cruise port terminal is built on the Wilhelmina Pier. It is west of Erasmus Bridge, on the south bank of Nieuwe Maas River.

Schiphol Airport Amsterdam is 1 hour from the cruise ship terminal.

The distance to Rotterdam Airport is only 20 min.

The city's Central Station is also located close to the cruise terminal building. You can easily reach the terminal by taxi, tram lines 20/25/30 from the city center, or by Metro. Get off at Wilhelminaplein and walk a short half-block east to the cruise terminal.

*Reserve your parking spot at Q-Park De Rotterdam, a 1 minute walking distance to Cruise Terminal Rotterdam.

For more information, click here.

Port of Rotterdam

Reyjavik Cruise Terminal,

Skarfagarðar, 104 Reykjavik

Main cruise termninal in Reykjavik. 7 minutes drive from city center. 45 minutes from Keflavik airport

*Limited parking available at pier, parking area is located by ferry to videy island.

Port of Reykjavik, Iceland

Av. Rodrigues Alves, 10 Centro

CEP 20081-250 - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brazil

Directions from Rio de Janeiro - INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Follow southwest 160 m

Take the first right, head toward Rd. Itacolomi 23 m

Turn left onto Rd. Itacolomi 88 m

Sharp right on Rd. Itacolomi 1.9 km

Turn right on Rd. Canary Islands 1.9 km

Continue Rd. Galeo 1.4 km

Slight left at Ln. Red / Av. Pres. Joao Goulart 7.5 km

Slight left at Vd. Prof. Mario Henrique Simonsen 230 m

Continue Ac. p / Av Brazil - High Lane 550 m

Continue to Avenida Brazil - High Lane 1.0 km

Slight left at Ac. p / EVD Perimetral 130 m

Continue Vevd. Perimetral 5.3 km

Take Gen. Justo Av 450 m

Take the exit toward the Avenida Beira Mar 120 m

Turn right on Avenida Beira Mar 85 m

Take the ramp onto Av Gen. Justo 650 m

Continue Vevd. Perimetral 1.8 km

Continue Ac. p / Av Rodrigues Alves 350 m

Continue to Avenida Rodrigues Alves

The destination is on your right 11 m

Pier Maua S / A

Avenida Rodrigues Alves, 10 Sade - Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20081-250

Directions from Rio de Janeiro - DOMESTIC AIRPORT:

Follow the southwest Lrg. of World War II Soldier toward Gen. Justo Avenue 50 m

Sharp right at Av Gen. Justo 130 m

Continue Av Alfred Agache 950 m

Continue Ac. p / Av Pres. Vargas 210 m

Continue Av. Vargas 170 m

Slight left at Av. Vargas - Central Lane 34 m

Turn left on Avenida Rio Branco 1.4 km

Turn left to stay on Avenida Rio Branco 110 m

Slight left at Av Beira Mar 600 m

No parking info is available

Port of Rio De Jeneiro

Akti Xaveriou

185 38 Piraeus, Greece

From the Airport Athens Elefterios Venizelos International Airport (Approximately 1 hour:

Head south-west on Attiki Odos/A62, continue onto Leof. Koropiou Aerodromiou.

Turn left onto Leoforo Eyelpidon.

Use right 2 lanes to turn right onto Leof.

Kon/nou Karamanli.

Continue onto Leof. Posidonos.

Continue onto Leof. Apollonos.

Keep left to stay on Leof. Apollonos.

Continue onto Mirkras Asias.

Continue onto Alipedou.

Turn left onto Eth. Antistaseos.

Turn right to continue on Eth. Antistaseos.

Continue onto Dim. Gounari.

Turn left onto Akti Posidonos.

Turn right onto Akti Miaouli.

Enter roundabout and exit at Cruise Terminal.

*Parking is available:Located at 1-6 Akti Miaouli Street, opposite Agios Nicolas Church. The approximate fee is 14 Euros per day (subject to change without notice). The distance to the Cruise Terminal is approximately 150 meters.

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon Cruise Port

The Lisbon Port website:

HomePage | Lisbon (lisboncruiseport.pt)

From Lisbon Airport:

Take the 1st exit onto R.C.

Continue at Av. Berlim on the way to Av. Infante D. Henrique

You will arrive to Doca Jardim do Tabaco Terminal de Cruxeiro de Lisboa 1100-651 Lisboa (20 minutes distance)

Long term parking available https://www.lisboncruiseport.pt/

What is Brightline?

Brightline is your convenient link between Florida’s major cities and cruise ports. Go from station to vacation effortlessly, enjoying a smooth ride all the way.

How do I get from Brightline to my cruise?

Opt for Brightline+ services, designed to take you from train to cruise ship—or vice versa—with zero hassle. Secure your transit arrangements in advance and set the stage for a relaxed, carefree voyage from the moment you step aboard our train. And for our PREMIUM guests, relish in the added luxury of a complimentary Private Ride powered by Uber within a 5-mile radius of any South Florida Brightline station, making your cruise journey smoother than ever.

What are the benefits of Brightline?

Beyond bypassing the traffic, Brightline offers free Wi-Fi, plenty of charging ports, and dining options. Say goodbye to parking fees and car rentals; embrace a seamless, enjoyable travel experience before and after your cruise vacation. Special offers for families and groups are also available, making it easier than ever to get your whole crew to their cruise.

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Prepare for your cruise.

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Depature Day

Departure Day

Don't forget to bring these items, government-issued photo id and passport, if applicable, edocs (one copy per stateroom), luggage labelled with bag tags, credit card for onboard expenses, small bag with essentials.

All E-Docs will be available up to 21 days prior to departure, provided full payment has been received and Online Check-In has been completed. Make sure you bring a printed copy of your eDocs with you to the pier as they will serve as your boarding pass. It is important to download your eDocs ahead of time as they will become unavailable 72 hours prior to sailing. You or your travel professional will be notified via email when your eDocs are ready to be printed. Please reconfirm your flight details.

Transfers & Getting to the Pier

Take the guesswork out of getting to your ship. Get driving directions and arrange for transfers from your airport or hotel ahead of time. And if you are flying in, don't forget to claim your luggage at the airline's baggage claim area.

Embarkation Time

Embarkation time is when you should arrive at the cruise terminal. We ask that you please do not arrive any earlier than one hour prior to the embarkation time noted in your eDocs, because security regulations might prohibit early entrance.

Departure Time

Departure time is when your ship sets sail. We highly encourage you to board no later than two hours prior to the departure time noted in your eDocs. This will give you enough time to complete your check-in at the cruise terminal before boarding; your online check-in must be completed prior to arrival.

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing.

Final Boarding Time: In order to facilitate the embarkation process, the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail . Please note that guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at the port two (2) hours prior to sailing.

Joining or debarking the ship at any time outside of the published embark/debark port is not permitted for the following reasons:

• Itineraries are subject to change without notice.
• Violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), if applicable.

Approval to embark or disembark mid-cruise may be allowed only in cases of emergencies. Please note that embarking or disembarking mid-cruise may result in a violation of the Passenger Vessel Act (Jones Act), resulting in a fine starting at $798 per person.

Boarding Time in Ports of Call: In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship.

Freestyle Embarkation

Getting to Know the Ship

Upon check-in at the cruise terminal, you'll receive your first issue of the Freestyle Daily, which details the day's activities and special events and is a great way to get a feel for the ship. The Freestyle Daily will be delivered to your stateroom every evening, with info to help you plan the following day.

Learn More About Your Ship

Register Kids for Activities

Our handy ship guides feature detailed deck plans, helping you find your way around the ship. You'll receive one at check-in, but you can also download it here.

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Onboard experiences.

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• Gratuities (Tips)
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This Cruise Life

Virgin voyages boarding process.

What a whirlwind of a week on board our first-ever Virgin Voyages sailing. We just debarked Valiant Lady in Miami on Sunday, and are excited to share our thoughts after 8 days on board this $700M Lady ship. For those getting ready to board Valiant Lady out of Miami for the first time, we put together this quick Virgin Voyages Boarding Process – and give you tips on how you can get onto the ship even faster.

Virgin Voyages Boarding Pass: Don’t Panic!

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know the drill. Check in, print your boarding pass or save it to your phone, and head to the terminal. But, like everything else, Virgin Voyages decided to do things different! There are no bar codes, no boarding docs or luggage tags, and nothing in the app (other than your itinerary). Don’t panic! That’s all normal. As long as you’ve checked in and completed your health-screening, you are good to head to the terminal!

Getting to the Port

Virgin Voyages is located at Terminal V in Miami. Both Uber and Lyft recognized the terminal, so getting to the port should be fairly easy. As always, plan for Miami traffic. We checked in on both apps at least half a dozen times embark morning as we didn’t want to miss our early arrival window!

While general boarding started at 2pm, we arrived at the port area just before 1:30pm local time. Because of Virgin’s later embarkation start time, it was much easier to get around, and less chaotic in the port area. Virgin Voyages Terminal V is at the end of the Miami cruise port closest to downtown and the address is 718 N Cruise Blvd, Miami, FL 33132.

We are ON OUR WAY to the port! Virgin Voyages, you’re about to take away these cruisers’ virginity! ❤️ Get your Born Again VIRGIN shirt in our online store soon! Anchors away! ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/ycncc40WG3 — This Cruise Life (@thiscruiselife) November 18, 2023

Bag Drop – Checking Bags

Due to the smaller size of the ship, and the reduced chaos in the port area, the porters were much easier to spot. Unlike other cruise lines, however, the porter asked for our room number. He then wrote our room number on a bag tag that he stapled to the handles of each of our bags.

Cruise tip: Do not remove the bag tag from your luggage as it’s also used for the debark process! The tag does tell you not to remove it for the duration of your cruise, however, we didn’t read that… Thankfully, they’re like airport bag tags; peel back the sticker and you can reattach it to the bag for debark. But just follow the instructions to make it even easier.

Embarkation

From the time I took the below picture (1:32pm) to the time we arrived on board the ship (1:52pm), a mere 20 minutes had passed. This embark process was SLICK!

Because we leveraged Virgin Voyages Match and Sea More Status Match Program, we were able to skip the queues and jump into the exclusive Sailing Club line. Not only did this allow us to get to the terminal right at 1:30 when check-in began, it allowed us to skip all the queues that were already forming for 1:45, 2:00, etc.

Cruise Tip: the “A Splash of Romance” package also provides you with Priority Boarding, so check this out if you don’t qualify for Sea More Status Match.

We joked that Virgin Voyages is the only cruise line we know that employs a “bouncer” to let you into the club. The crew member confirmed our name was on the list, gave me a Virgin Voyages wristband, and sent us into the terminal.

The terminal was still pretty empty at this point, so we skipped all of the empty queue lines inside and made our way directly up the escalator to check-in for passport review.

Passport Review and Check-In

The queue here took longer, but still, maybe only 10 minutes. Check-in was a breeze; the agent reviewed our passports and gave us The Band. Described by Virgin Voyages as, “a sleek wearable technology made from recycled ocean plastic that will unlock voyage adventures for future Sailors,” The Band did not disappoint. From accessing your stateroom, to paying for purchases on board or even on land at The Beach Club in Bimini, this thing was slick. And there’s a series of sayings on each of the bands (I was “Feelin’ Nauti”).

Once we had our newest fashion accessory attached, we headed to the cruise line’s version of TSA Pre-Check. We placed our items onto the conveyor, walked through the x-ray, and collected our belongings on the other side. All in, this process took less than 3 minutes.

From here, we headed toward the ship. One quick tap of The Band to the handheld devices at the terminal door, and we were cleared to board!

First 24 Hours Onboard YouTube

We talk more about the Boarding Process in our First 24 Hours Onboard review on YouTube and provide additional images of the port area, terminal, security check-in process, etc. Plus, we share our thoughts after 24 hours on board Valiant Lady.

Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Boarding Process

This was probably the easiest embark we’ve had in a long time. The later boarding time allowed the chaos of the Miami cruise port to die down and the benefit of Priority Boarding is HUGE. I highly recommend reviewing the Sea More Status Match or A Splash of Romance packages. If neither of those apply, keep in mind that booking through Rocky also gets you Priority Boarding.

I’m thankful that there were experienced Virgin Voyages sailors there who guided us to the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club line, otherwise, we would have likely gotten into the longer queue. Keep this in mind if you have Priority Boarding. But don’t try to fake it. The “bouncer” has a list and checks it twice to confirm you’re on it. It was odd that there were no boarding passes or indicators in the app; the employee checking names on a paper list seemed dated, but it actually added to the experience creating the bouncer vibe we joked about.

You can tell the terminal is new. It still has that “new cruise terminal” smell! Everything was clean, crisp, and in working order. Even the bathrooms were pretty!

Check-in took about 10 minutes to get through the queue, and passport review was easy. We received The Band for our wrists and headed through security screening before tapping our wrists on the handheld devices.

All in, 20 minutes from getting to the terminal to being on the ship was amazing, especially considering it was all new and we were taking a TON of pictures and videos.

Excited to hear your thoughts and experiences on Virgin Voyages embarkation process in the comments below!

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Explained: What It’s Like to Go Through Cruise Security

Anxious about security for getting on your cruise? Don’t worry. If you can handle airport security, then going through the cruise line’s process will be easy in comparison.

In fact, while every port does things a little differently, going through cruise security is much easier than airport lines. From less intrusive screening to no body scanners to being able to pack liquids, cruise security will remind you of how flying used to be.

For more details, here’s what you can expect come cruise day…

Going Through Cruise Ship Security

Just as with flying on a plane, boarding a cruise ship requires a security check. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, the first thing you will do is line-up to pass through security.

The first stop you’ll make is a security agent who will check your boarding documents and your passport/birth certificate to ensure that you’re an actual passenger. You’ll approach with your entire party, so it’s easiest for one person to have all the documentation in hand to give the security agent.

One thing you will notice is that port security doesn’t have the familiar blue uniforms you see at airports. That’s because they are private security teams — not the TSA or other government agency. 

After having your documentation checked, you’ll next line-up for the x-ray machine and metal detector.

All of your carry-on luggage will go through the x-ray machine, which looks just like what you’d encounter at the airport. You do not have to remove liquid items or laptops from your bags . However, if the security agent screening bags through the machine sees liquid bottles (such as your carry-on wine bottle or cans of soda) then they will flag them for additional screening.

Additional screening for your liquids involves taking them to a side table where an agent will visually inspect the item. If your liquids look like they have been tampered with or if it’s clear they contain alcohol you’re not supposed to bring, then they won’t hesitate to confiscate them.

As for your person, you will go through a metal detector. We have yet to go through a port that has the body scanners that have caused so much controversy at airports. This means you can keep things in your pockets, as long as is isn’t metal. You also do not have to remove belts or shoes. If you pass through the metal detector and it beeps, then an agent will come over and pass a wand to find the item on your body. We have yet to ever see a pat-down going through cruise security.

Once you’ve passed through the metal detector, you simply pick up your bags from the x-ray machine and you’re finished. Then it is on to the check-in area to meet with an agent, who will ensure you have your onboard account setup, have your required travel documents, and provide your room key. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Cruise Security

While we covered some of these topics above, below we answer some of the most commons questions you might have about going through security for a cruise.

How Long Does It Take to Get Through Security? You might worry about long security lines at an airport causing you to miss your flight. There’s no concern for a cruise. Passing through the security line normally only takes minutes as there are usually several lines and passengers move through quickly. Remember, the cruise lines want you to enjoy your vacation, not start it off with standing in a long line to board!

Do I Have to Remove Liquids or Laptops? No. If you have things like small shampoo bottles or your computer in your carry-on luggage, they can stay in your bag. One exception is that large liquids might be asked to be removed from the bag to inspect to make sure that they aren’t being used to bring on alcohol. 

Do I Have to Remove Belts or Shoes? Unlike intrusive airport screening, cruise security is much more relaxed. You don’t have to remove clothing like shoes or belts. Instead, you simply walk through the magnetometer. If it beeps, you will have additional screening to see what the cause is. 

What Can I Not Take Through Security? When it comes to what you can bring with you, it pays to have some common sense. Items like weapons aren’t allowed. Neither are drugs allowed, including marijuana even if traveling in a state where it is legal. Cruise ships follow federal law in this regard . You can bring liquids that are allowed on the ship, such as water/soda for many lines, or bottles of wine/champagne. However, alcohol that’s not allowed (such as beer or liquor) will be confiscated.

How Cruise Security Differs From Airport Security

To sum things up, here are some major ways that cruise security is different than security at an airport:

No TSA Agents The blue-uniformed folks known through airports nationwide are not around. Instead, private security guards perform the check-in.

No Liquid Rules Cruise lines have rules about how much alcohol or soda you can bring on a ship, but there are no rules about only carrying 3 ounces of liquids. So things like shampoo and sunscreen are perfectly fine to take through security and don’t even have to be taken out of your bag.

No “Body Scanner” Know those scanners that you step into and put your hands up? They aren’t at cruise terminals. You just walk through a metal detector. That also means you don’t have to take everything out of your pockets. You just take out whatever might set off the detector.

No Pat-downs Worried about being patted down like you are a criminal? Don’t worry. We’ve never seen anyone being patted down for a cruise. They are looking for metal objects. If someone sets off the metal detector, then a wand will be used to find the object.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 44 must-have alaskan cruise tips, tricks, and secrets, cruise anxiety these facts may calm your biggest fears, how to get from the fort lauderdale airport (fll) to the miami cruise port, 41 must-have tips for cruising with babies, toddlers, or small kids (from someone that’s done it), complete guide to using your phone on a cruise (carnival, royal caribbean & more), gratuity calculator & tipping amounts for major cruise lines in 2024.

I’m concerned about cruise ships. The people who were just arrested for having 175 lbs of marijuana in their suitcases, and their luggage was already on the ship. Seems like cruise ships are just asking to have a terrorist come on board. There are a lot of people on cruise ships, and being in the middle of the ocean would be scary enough, but to end up like the Titanic would be worse. I think they need to change their policies to better protect the passengers and crew. In my opinion.

It’s good to learn that while you do go through an x-ray machine, you don’t need to remove liquid from you bags. My husband and I would like to go on a cruise next summer. Maybe it would be good to have a walk-in x-ray scanner for my husband’s clinic, too.

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Virgin Voyages Help & Support for Port Information

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Port Information

We understand that not everyone can drop off their luggage at their exact arrival time. So, to make things more convenient for our Sailors, we'll start accepting luggage at Terminal V from 9 AM onwards.  If you decide to drop off your luggage early, please keep in mind that you should return to the terminal no earlier than 15 minutes before your chosen arrival time. We want to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth check-in experience for everyone.  Just a friendly reminder, there won't be any seating available outside the terminal, and access to the terminal will be limited to Sailors at their scheduled arrival time, which you selected during the check-in process on the Virgin Voyages App. Arriving early doesn't mean you'll get in early, so please plan accordingly.

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Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship

Editor's Note

When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, it became the third ship in the line's Excel Class , closely mimicking sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Although there are more similarities than differences among the three, Carnival has still found a way to make Carnival Jubilee innovative and fun by tweaking a few of the offerings.

The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster. The biggest differences on the newest iteration are in two reinvented zones, Currents and The Shores; respectively, they take the place of The French Quarter and La Piazza on Mardi Gras , and The Gateway and 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration .

On my voyage, the ship carried 5,676 passengers, plus crew. This meant it wasn't at capacity, but it still felt loud and crowded, and often was fraught with lines. However, the service was generally excellent, with an exceedingly friendly crew.

The vessel is also a ton of fun, featuring two new shows (one with a football tailgate theme and the other with an onboard wedding plot), plenty of daily activities and so many fantastic dining options — many of them free — that it'll make your head spin.

Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing.

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

Carnival Jubilee overview

Carnival Jubilee is a megaship, coming in at 183,521 tons and carrying up to 6,631 passengers at full capacity. It's tied with Carnival Celebration for the title of the largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull.

Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles). True to the rumors about Southern hospitality, the people on my cruise were some of the warmest and most polite I've ever encountered; fellow passengers were saying "excuse me," allowing others to go first in line and generally being more courteous than I've found on sailings from other places.

The ship is divided into six zones, where passengers can find a mix of bars, restaurants, live performances, water-filled fun and exhilarating activities like a ropes course, minigolf and, of course, the Bolt roller coaster . Here's a bit about each zone.

Carnival Jubilee zones

Grand Central: This bustling area rises up three decks — decks 6, 7 and 8 — and replaces the traditional atrium found on older Carnival vessels. The focal point is Center Stage, a starboard-side (on your right when facing the front of the ship) secondary theater that's home to events like bingo during the day and song-and-dance performances at night.

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino.

Currents: Currents is one of the other main social hubs on Carnival Jubilee. It starts on Deck 6, just aft of Grand Central and features two new bars. The Golden Mermaid has gilded decor and a custom-designed mural depicting mermaids and lots of hidden Easter eggs (look for SpongeBob SquarePants references). Meanwhile, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., is a bar based on the fictional character Dr. Inks — an octopus with academic credentials. Both bars have excellent drink menus.

Also in the space is Emeril's Bistro 717, a New Orleans-style, for-fee eatery developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For a better view, head up one deck to the Alchemy Bar.

The Shores: If the Currents zone is the underwater-themed area of the ship, The Shores on Deck 8 is what you get when you pop your head above the metaphorical surface. Inspired by boardwalks and beaches, The Shores offers two walk-up food counters: Beach Buns (Carnival Deli on other ships) and Coastal Slice (the equivalent of Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano). Offset by colorful, blinking carnival-style lighting, the venues all but scream, "Step right up!"

Other venues in the area include the Marina Bar for cocktails and coffee, complimentary Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano and for-fee seafood eatery Rudi's Seagrill, created by food pop artist chef Rudi Sodamin.

Summer Landing: From The Shores, continue aft on Deck 8 to reach Summer Landing. It's an indoor space that encompasses Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a Guy Fieri barbecue joint with its own microbrewery and live music; the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which honors members of the military; and soft-serve ice cream.

Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space.

Lido: A mix of food and fun, the Lido zone fans out on decks 16 and 17 around the ship's main Beach Pool, which serves as the center of the action. Around and above it, you'll find outdoor movies, dedicated teen hangouts, a video arcade, a two-story version of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, cruiser favorite BlueIguana Cantina, extra-fee Seafood Shack and Street Eats street food.

On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

The Ultimate Playground: If you're looking for alfresco thrills to keep you busy, The Ultimate Playground is the place to be. It comprises a miniature golf course, a basketball court, a ropes course and the line's signature WaterWorks water park, all of which are free.

Of course, the highlight of this zone is the Bolt roller coaster. It's an added-fee experience during which passengers (one to two people per ride) zoom twice around the track on a motorcycle-style vehicle that allows you to throttle up or down to a speed that suits you.

What I love about Carnival Jubilee

Grand central.

Grand Central is one of my favorite spots on board. Although it's often loud, busy and difficult to navigate, especially on sea days, it's a prime place to sit and people-watch. I found myself gravitating there repeatedly to enjoy coffee or a snack from the nearby JavaBlue Cafe while watching the cast from that night's show rehearse at Center Stage — something you can't usually do on other ships.

Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks, Ph.D., bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste; however, you won't want to miss the presentation, which involves a giant bubble atop the drink. It pops when you poke it, leaving behind a tiny poof of smoke.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the Crimson Catch (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur, white cranberry juice and Swedish Fish candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

It's not unusual for the line at JavaBlue to snake around the corner and down the hall at peak times. The staff members try their best to keep things moving, but if you don't feel like waiting 10-15 minutes for a cuppa, head upstairs to Deck 8's Marina Bar instead.

There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time. If you're feeling more like a cocktail, you can grab one of those, too. On my sailing, the bartenders were phenomenal and even remembered that I prefer non-dairy milk with my lattes.

Bolt roller coaster

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost.

What I don't love about Carnival Jubilee

There's no easy way to say this: The ship almost always feels crowded. If you want to enjoy it when it's not, you'll have to stay on board during port calls just to find some space to yourself. Many restaurants and walk-up counters have near-constant lines, particularly at the complimentary venues during peak dinner times every evening.

It's so common for JavaBlue to be backed up throughout the day that an easy-to-miss sign directs passengers to other locations where they can grab a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, lines at the onboard deli and pizzeria counters frequently snake so far down Deck 8 that they block the entrance to seafood restaurant Rudi's Seagrill. One night, as I was dining at Rudi's with some of my travel companions, we joked that the lines were dangerously close to melding with the line for the nearby guest services desk.

And it isn't just a problem with dining. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation. The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows.

My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15.

Most other places on board seem to be excessively loud. Even on port days, when most passengers are ashore, the public areas are filled with loud music that makes it hard to find a quiet escape. Some of it is understandable. After all, Carnival vessels are known as the Fun Ships, but some of it seems unnecessary.

One example is the Dr. Seuss-themed Seuss-a-palooza Parade that makes its way through the Currents zone once per sailing. I happened to be sitting at a table in the area when the festivities kicked off. I decided to stay to see what it was all about, and I'm sorry I did. As costumed Dr. Seuss characters arrived, Carnival staff asked the children to scream solely for the sake of screaming. Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through.

The excessive upselling

Combining noise with the annoyance of hawking alcohol, the roving waiters visited every table at Chibang! — the ship's hybrid Mexican-Asian restaurant — one night while I was having dinner there. Their goal was to push Rumchata shots on everyone. Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere.

One afternoon later in the sailing, two different crew members approached me a total of six times in less than half an hour while I was having lunch on the Lido deck. The first five times, I simply said, "No, thanks." After the sixth time, I had enough and told them nicely but firmly to stop asking me. I found the high-pressure sales tactics excessive and irritating when all I wanted to do was eat my meal in peace.

The inconsistencies

Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The first couple had to do with differences between the Carnival HUB app and the daily Fun Times printed schedule. On one occasion, the app said Seafood Shack opened half an hour earlier than it did, while the paper version of the daily schedule had the correct information. Another time, the printed daily had the wrong theater show listed for that night; the correct one was posted in the HUB. On another day, the printed schedule was missing part four of a four-part show, which did show up on the agenda in the app.

In terms of food and drinks, I had a strange experience at Chibang! when I ordered spring rolls. Usually, they don't have meat in them, nor was meat listed as an ingredient on the menu. When the waiter took my order, he said, "Spring rolls with chicken." When I asked him about it, he said he could request for them to be made without it, but that doesn't explain why something with meat in it wouldn't have meat in its list of ingredients. If I were a vegetarian or vegan, it would have concerned me.

As for drinks, I ordered a Snapping Pop at Dr. Inks., Ph.D. It was completely different — different color, different taste and different presentation — from what I received when I ordered the same drink on a sailing two months prior. I was told the drink had to be changed for several reasons. However, the old ingredients were listed on the menu, meaning passengers weren't getting what they thought they ordered.

Carnival Jubilee cabins and suites

Carnival Jubilee offers cabins in the usual varieties: insides with no windows or balconies, ocean-view accommodations with windows, balcony cabins with outdoor veranda space and suites that include additional perks. These include priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; and extra square footage.

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time.

The second special cabin type is the Havana Cabana. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area.

The third type is Cloud 9 Spa cabins. With calming seafoam green and yellow decor alongside extras like Elemis toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, these are some of the most relaxing cabins on any ship. These guests also receive priority spa appointments and free access to fitness classes and the onboard thermal suite.

Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above.

Excel Suites, Carnival Jubilee's highest-level accommodations, receive all standard suite perks plus additional ones. These include complimentary access to the private sun deck at Loft 19, priority cabana reservations at Loft 19, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at most extra-fee restaurants, free room service, upgraded toiletries, fruit and sparkling wine upon embarkation, a free soft drink package, free in-room movies, an in-cabin coffee machine and complimentary laundry service .

Standard amenities in all rooms include a queen bed that converts to two twins on request, bedside shelving with reading lamps and USB outlets, a desk and vanity area, a sofa or chair, a closet and drawers for storage, a safe for valuables, a house phone and a hair dryer.

Bathrooms feature a toilet, sink and shower with a door instead of a curtain. Complimentary toiletries are basic: bar soap for handwashing and dispensers of shampoo and shower gel mounted on the wall in the shower.

On my sailing, I stayed in a balcony cabin, which was elegantly decorated in neutrals with blue accents. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space. I appreciated touches like ample vanity mirror lighting, adjustable shelving in the closets and a surplus of USB outlets throughout the room, including near the vanity and beside the bed.

Speaking of the bed, it was exceptionally comfortable, and I was excited to find that the TV across from it had a sizable selection of free movies (as well as newer releases for a fee). The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill.

Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

I also would have liked a taller table on the balcony, but it only had room for two chairs (not lounger-style) and a small drinks table.

Carnival Jubilee offers 82 accessible cabins in a mix of types and categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite, as well as rooms in the Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa categories.

Within those 82 options, there are fully accessible accommodations with access to both sides of the bed and rooms that are fully accessible with single-side access to one side of the bed, which work well for passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. Ambulatory-accessible rooms provide accommodations for people who walk with the help of assistive devices like canes or walkers.

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

There are no solo cabins on Carnival Jubilee.

Cabin cleaning is limited to once per day. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day.

Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Carnival jubilee food.

One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive. You'll find more free options on Carnival ships than on just about any other fleet's vessels, and they're actually tasty. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in the cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge.

Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times. If you make a reservation through the app, you'll receive a notification to report to the host stand when your table is ready.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten.

The ship has two main dining rooms: Atlantic Restaurant (Deck 6, mid) and Pacific Restaurant (decks 6 and 7, aft).

One of them is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.)

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

I very much enjoyed an omelet with hashbrowns at Sea Day Brunch and salmon during the formal night dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. I also had a wonderful time at two special events — complimentary afternoon tea and an extra-fee Dr. Seuss-themed Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast — held in the Atlantic Restaurant.

Tip: If you're a vegetarian or a fan of Indian food, don't miss the daily Indian dish on the main dining room menu.

The buffet is the other free food option that's a staple on just about any cruise.

On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety. The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board.

A little-known fact is that, at least for the inaugural season, passengers can dine at Mexican-Asian restaurant Chibang! and the Italian Cucina del Capitano, both on Deck 8, for free. Cruisers with YTD can eat there for dinner anytime; those with set seating can dine there after 7:45 p.m.

At Cucina del Capitano, I was exceptionally pleased with the spaghetti carbonara I ordered. The nachos and spring rolls are don't-miss items at Chibang!

Unfortunately, both the service and atmosphere at Chibang! are lacking. The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships.

The former bakes several different types of pies nearly around the clock, and they're scrumptious. The latter whips up hotdogs, soups and a variety of sandwiches. (I was pleasantly surprised by the grilled ham and cheese.) Lines for both counters are often long, but I promise it's worth the wait.

Two great staples in the ship's outdoor Lido zone are the BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16), where you can find yummy tacos and burritos throughout the day, and Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 17), which is the place to grab some of the best burgers at sea via Carnival's partnership with chef and TV personality Guy Fieri.

The breakfast burritos at BlueIguana are fantastic. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Guy Fieri isn't the only celebrity affiliated with Carnival's free food.

Shaq's Big Chicken , a restaurant backed by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal (who is also Carnival's CFO, chief fun officer), is perfect if you have a hankering for some fried chicken. In addition to chicken strips, sandwiches and fries, the counter-service venue also serves breakfast. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken and biscuit combo with fries.

If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks.

Breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones, are complimentary; cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes and cheesecake cost extra.

As a sucker for soft-serve ice cream, I was a frequent visitor to the three soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines on decks 8, 16 and 17. At some point, I lost count of how many cones I ate.

Since there are no toppings, I recommend you snag a bowl of dry Froot Loops from the buffet during breakfast, and stash them in your cabin to mix with your ice cream later. Or grab cookies from the buffet for a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

I missed Fresh Creations, a salad station in the adults-only sun deck area on Deck 18, and Street Eats, a set of three street food-style walk-up windows on Deck 16 near the main pool. The walk-up windows include Steam Dream, which serves dumplings; Time Fries, offering creative takes on french fries; and Sizzle, a grill that specializes in kebabs and other dishes.

Extra-cost food

My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named. Simply walk up to order at the counter, have a seat and a waiter will take over from there.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). The food was fabulous, and the service was friendly. My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward.

The food item I most recommend you try when sailing on Carnival Jubilee is an order of beignets at Emeril's. Pillows of soft fried dough coated in powdered sugar with chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping are $5 for an order of six.

My second favorite experience was a calm, quiet and uncrowded lunch at Bonsai Sushi on Deck 8. I partook in edamame ($3) and a California roll ($8). It was fresh, tasty, filling and reasonably priced.

Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

I wasn't overly hungry when I sat down, but the $49 cover charge ($15 for kids) would also have included a soup or salad and a dessert if I had wanted them.

No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse . On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. I went with a 9-ounce filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids).

My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

The first one opened late, and despite my order being the first one of the day, it still took more than 20 minutes to be served. I chose a single crab cake for $15. When I received it, the bun was soggy, and no garnishes or sauces were offered until I went back to the counter to ask for coleslaw and tartar sauce, neither of which helped the flavor.

It didn't hold a candle to the crab cake from Rudi's, and I ended up abandoning most of it.

Room service, which comes with a la carte fees (except for free Continental breakfast), set me back almost $20 for a chicken quesadilla, chicken fingers with curly fries and a chocolate chip cookie, which I ordered sometime around 2 a.m.

Everything arrived quickly and at the right temperature. The fries and cookie were great, but the chicken fingers were rubbery and full of gristle. When I tried to order the quesadilla without chicken, I was told they were already made, which seems strange. Shouldn't room service be made to order?

Again, I couldn't fit every single restaurant into my time on Carnival Jubilee, so I missed out on Bonsai Teppanyaki, where chefs grill your food right in front of you, complete with corny jokes. I also missed Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, another Guy Fieri creation that serves barbecue fare, wings and microbrewed beer made right on the ship (lunch is free). I couldn't make it to Chef's Table, an exclusive multicourse small-group dining experience that's the most pricey meal on board, either.

Carnival Jubilee bars

Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers beverage package that includes alcohol.

My favorite bar on Carnival Jubilee is the Marina Bar in The Shores zone on Deck 8. It offers a menu of adult beverages, but it also serves the same specialty coffees you'll find at JavaBlue, which often has a long line.

This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made.

Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone.

The Golden Mermaid is a nod to treasures one might expect to find under the sea, and a mural on the opposite wall depicts underwater scenes, including mermaids. (For some "Where's Waldo"-style fun, try to spot a miniature likeness of the ship, a pair of custom sneakers and references to SpongeBob SquarePants.)

The menu of drinks is noteworthy, too, featuring names like From Far Seas and Atlantis Potion. My favorite, though, is A Pearly Bubble — a blend of gin, St. Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, lime juice and dragon fruit that's as much for show as it is for taste.

The second new bar is Dr. Inks, Ph.D. In addition to a fun selection of cocktails — some of which involve candy — the bar's theme is tied to an animated octopus named Dr. Inks. She has a Ph.D., pet butterflies and extensive collections of both books and fashionable eyewear. Every so often, she'll appear on the screens above the area to chat.

Cruiser-favorite Alchemy Bar — where white-coated apothecaries prescribe drinks to heal what ails you (try the Cucumber Sunrise) — and the bar at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse returned to Carnival Jubilee after finding success on other Carnival ships.

Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz. I tried a bacon Manhattan, but the taste wasn't my favorite. I also wasn't impressed with how long it took a bartender to ask for my order, especially since it wasn't particularly crowded.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave.

I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board.

Other outdoor bar options include The Watering Hole near Summer Landing on Deck 8, the Serenity Pool Bar on Deck 18 in the adults-only area and the Loft 19 Bar on the exclusive Loft 19 sun deck. (Access is free for passengers booked in suites or anyone who reserves a cabana for anywhere from $250 to $500 per day.)

Back inside, Deck 6's Piano Bar is where passengers can order a tipple while an onboard pianist tickles the ivories. Make your way up a deck, and you'll find the Limelight Lounge, which serves as a secondary performance space and trivia outpost.

Go one deck farther, and you can choose between the Havana Bar, which serves Latin-themed cocktails, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which has a special menu of drinks dedicated to military members.

Carnival Jubilee entertainment

Carnival jubilee activities.

Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino, play bingo, enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, go on a digital scavenger hunt, mingle at a deck party, play minigolf, take a dance class, learn towel folding, or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage.

If you show up during "Soundwaves Jukebox," you'll see synthesizer-like graphics pulsating to the music on the giant screens above the space.

"Change the Currents" will allow you to view underwater scenes from different areas of the world, including the Arctic and swampy Everglades; other experiences take you on an underwater adventure in a submarine and display ocean-themed artwork drawn by kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Some of my personal favorite pastimes on board included trivia, pool deck movies, for-fee culinary classes and a particularly relaxing massage. (Watch out for discounts early in your sailing or on port days.)

In addition to treatments, the Cloud 9 Spa offers salon services and a thermal suite — access to which is free with the purchase of a pass or a spa treatment — with a thalassotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, a sauna and two steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools.

There's the Havana Pool (private access for cruisers staying in Havana Cabanas) and the Patio Pool, both on Deck 8 (the latter with hot tubs); the Beach Pool and Tides Pool on Deck 16 (also with hot tubs); and the Deck 18 adults-only Serenity Pool (with hot tubs). There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary by sailing, but on my voyage, they were $500 per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility.

On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids.

Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Additional activities for youngsters take place in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club , which splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11).

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group.

Camp Ocean also has an interactive space wall, where astronauts lead kids on virtual expeditions, complete with a ceiling that lights up like the night sky to show the constellations.

Kids can also attend Build-A-Bear workshops, march along in a Dr. Seuss-themed parade led by the Fox in Socks and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and listen to the Cat in the Hat read stories.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces. Activities here are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. Plus, an onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Jubilee shows

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel.

Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. "Celestial Strings" is a mix of classical and modern pop instrumentals partnered with ethereal costumes and sets; "Soulbound" is a song-and-dance performance with a Victorian steampunk vibe, set in what feels like New Orleans, during which a soul-stealer tries to mess with a twisted love story.

Another excellent show is "Rio Carnival," which occurs at Center Stage in the Grand Central zone instead of the main theater. Although the first half felt a bit shaky and slightly boring to me, the second half redeemed it all, featuring a parade of dancers and aerialists dressed in flamboyant costumes synonymous with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

The ship's two new shows are just OK. The first, "Dear Future Husband," is a song-and-dance theater show with a plot that involves a couple taking their closest friends on a cruise for a combination bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding. Musical numbers befit the wedding theme and include Bruno Mars' "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the performance, a "reception" (read: dance party with a DJ and visits from the cast) is held in one of the ship's public areas. When I saw this show several months ago, the reception was in the Limelight Lounge. On this more recent voyage, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., served as the reception location.

The second new show is the "Lone Star Tailgate." Drawing on Texas' love for all things football, Carnival has created four indoor/outdoor "quarters" of fun to mimic the four quarters of a football game. When I sailed, the first quarter, which is all about pool deck games for kids, was held on one sea day, and the other three were held on another sea day.

The second quarter involves pool deck games where passengers have to dress up in football gear to complete team races.

During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities.

The third and fourth quarters occur in the Summer Landing zone; passengers can rope hay bales, participate in a hot wing-eating contest at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and follow it up with music from a live band.

Don't miss the audience participation-style game shows like "Family Feud Live," "Deal or No Deal" and the "Love & Marriage Show." The first pits two family teams against one another to guess popular answers to survey questions; the latter tests couples to see how well they know one another, often resulting in hilarious answers.

Other entertainment during my sailing included several day and nighttime comedy acts, an absolutely phenomenal magic show (be sure to arrive at the Punchliner Comedy Club at least 30 minutes early or you won't find a seat) and "We Are One," a farewell show that focuses on togetherness.

Carnival Jubilee itineraries and pricing

Through at least April 2026, Carnival Jubilee offers two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of its Galveston home port on a regular rotation. Both types of sailings begin and end in Galveston and visit Mahogany Bay in Roatan and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico with three sea days mixed in. The only difference between the two itineraries is the order in which the port calls and sea days occur.

At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Jubilee

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise?

Carnival Jubilee passengers will automatically have $16 per person per day added to their onboard bills. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one simultaneously unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium (everything from the Social and Value packages plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day or $175 for a week). Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Carnival Jubilee is also the first ship in the fleet to offer 5G cellphone connectivity, which means faster speeds when you connect using your cellphone's plan. But be warned: If you don't have a special plan that allows you to connect at sea without roaming, you could be looking at hefty fees when you return. Generally, it's best to keep your phone in airplane mode when you sail.

Related: 5 things to know about cruise ship Wi-Fi

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 mid-ship on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed on the starboard side of the casino, but it's for cigarettes only. All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Related: Cruise line smoking policies

Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. There are no self-service laundry facilities, though. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry

Electrical outlets

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp.

The currency on Carnival Jubilee is the U.S. dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. The only time you might want to have some bills handy is for tipping your room steward, bartenders, room service delivery people, luggage porters or shore excursion guides.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Jubilee.

Carnival Jubilee does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Jubilee.

Each weeklong cruise will schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms, men are expected to turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Passengers who wish to avoid dressing up can enjoy dinner in any of the casual eateries aboard.

Related: What to wear on a cruise – all about cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first.

However, it offers new ocean- and beach-themed zones, delicious food, creative cocktails, friendly crew members, comfy cabins, outdoor thrills, Texas charm and a marquee packed with fun daily diversions and nighttime shows. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• 5 ways cruise lines are nickel-and-diming worse than ever
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Norwegian Cruise captain refused to let eight passengers who were late reboard ship

Passengers, who have since rejoined vessel, missed scheduled departure time from São Tomé and scrambled to reunite with ship

Eight cruise passengers had to scramble to reunite with their cruise ship after being left behind in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The passengers, including a pregnant woman and a paraplegic traveller, missed their scheduled departure time from the island of São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea, about 250km off the coast of Gabon, after disembarking the Norwegian Dawn to take a local tour.

Another passenger in her 80s was reportedly late to the ship because she was receiving emergency medical treatment on the island.

The vessel, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, arrived in São Tome on Wednesday morning having departed Cape Town for the three-week cruise to Barcelona on 20 March.

The group’s private day excursions on the island ran overtime and, despite the efforts of the local coast guard, which motored the group to the ship before it set sail that afternoon, the captain would not allow the late guests to board.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from Garden City in South Carolina, described attempting to board the vessel after arriving late.

“We have never had an experience like this before,” Jill Campbell told ABC4 News .

“The harbour master tried to call the ship, the captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL, the NCL customer service emergency number. They said, ‘Well, the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is to send them emails, they’re not responding to our emails,’” Jay Campbell added.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way.”

The travellers’ passports were returned to them via port authorities. The group, which reportedly includes two Australians, had to leave their medication, bank cards and other belongings on board. The Campbells said they were the only members of the group with a Visa card and had paid more than $5,000 in their attempts to reach the ship.

They aimed to reboard the Norwegian Dawn in the Gambia the following Sunday but low tides prevented the ship from making the scheduled stop. The group reportedly travelled through six countries and eventually met the ship in Dakar, Senegal, the final west African port call of its journey, according to the cruise line.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included,” Jay Campbell told ABC15 . He described having to take a ferry to get into Senegal, and then a four-hour drive.

Australians Doug and Violeta Sanders were among the stranded passengers.

“It’s been the worst experience of our lives to be abandoned like that in a strange country, can’t speak the language,” Violeta Sanders told Seven’s Sunrise program.

“We have no money, our credit cards aren’t accepted.”

The 21-day cruise is due to end in Barcelona on 10 April.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said it was a “very unfortunate situation” and that it was the passenger’s responsibility to be back on board the ship no later than one hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time.

A Sydney travel lawyer, Anthony Cordato, said passengers needed to heed ships’ tight schedules.

“Terms and conditions would make returning to the ship on time essential,” he said.

“From a consumer’s perspective, it’s harsh but from a ship’s perspective, are you going to hold up the cruise for an hour or two because they were slow to get on board? Are you going to inconvenience 1,000 passengers for the sake of four?”

The cruise company said all eight guests had rejoined the ship.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3pm local time. While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol. Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. Given that these guests were on a private tour and did not return to the ship at the communicated all aboard time, they are responsible for any necessary travel arrangements to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call, per our protocol.

“While the eight guests made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia on April 1, 2024, unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority. We contacted these eight guests regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024.

“Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. As of this morning, all eight guests have rejoined the ship.”

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Spain to deport dozens of cruise passengers after removing them from ship

Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false.

The Spanish government’s office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises , which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil .

Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain.

Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries.

The Bolivians’ visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved.

The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them.

MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers’ documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil.

MSC Armonia, with more than 1,000 passengers reportedly on board, plans to sail to Italy on Thursday, the cruise company said.

Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told The Associated Press on Wednesday she had received reports that some of the stranded Bolivians had been duped into obtaining fake visas but had no further information.

“We have asked the families to indicate who has processed this visa and we have not gotten answers,” she said.

Spain ’s national police were looking into the possibility of a fake visa scam, Duarte said.

MSC Cruises said in a statement Wednesday the Bolivian “passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil ” but Spanish authorities later said the visas were not valid for entry into the Schengen area.

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8 passengers got stuck in port after a late return. What to do if you miss your cruise.

A group of Norwegian Cruise Line passengers was left behind after returning late to their ship in Africa.

Eight guests missed the last tender back to Norwegian Dawn while the ship was visiting the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the line. They were on a tour not organized through Norwegian.

Two guests, Jay and Jill Campbell, told South Carolina’s ABC 15 News their tour went longer than expected. When they returned, the ship was still in port, and the captain declined to let them board despite numerous attempts to reach Norwegian. At one point, they said, the island nation’s coast guard took them to the ship on a boat but told them to return to shore.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us, and then go on the way," Jay Campbell told the outlet.

'I just felt so helpless': Carnival Sunrise cruise ship faces flooding

“When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all-aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol,” the Norwegian spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.”

Since then, the passengers have been scrambling to catch up to the cruise. Here’s what to do if you get stranded during a stop and how to minimize the chance of being left behind:

What happens if I don’t get back to my cruise in time?

Cruise lines warn guests they may get stuck if they don’t return to the ship by the stated all-aboard time.

“While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,” the Norwegian spokesperson said.

Cruise ships are on tight schedules while in port, said Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants. “So if they have to leave at a certain time, they have to leave at that time,” she said. “It could be that there's another (ship) coming in. It could be (that) people aren't going to be there to be working on the pier.”

The Campbells told ABC 15 News that they traveled through six countries for 15 hours to reach Gambia, where the ship was due to stop on Monday. However, the vessel was unable to dock due to low tides. Norwegian said it made the change “due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage.”

“While we share in our guests’ disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

The cruise line authorized them to rejoin the ship in Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday.

Kuther recommended guests who miss their all-aboard time contact the cruise line to let them know and reach out to their travel agent – if they have one – who can help handle the logistics. She said the nearest U.S. embassy may also be able to assist them.

Are travelers responsible for added expenses?

Travelers who do not board their ship in time are generally responsible for getting themselves to the next port of call, according to Kuther.

Travel insurance won't be much good in that scenario, either.

"Typically travel delay coverage/missed connection coverage is due to a delay of a common carrier such as an airline delay or cancellation for a covered reason which causes you to miss your cruise/tour departure," Meghan Walch, director of product at InsureMyTrip, said in an email. "An excursion supplier not getting you back to your cruise in time is typically not covered."

The Norwegian spokesperson said the cruise line is reimbursing the eight guests for their travel expenses from Banjul, Gambia, to Dakar, but Kuther stressed that kind of compensation is “definitely the exception to the rule.”

How to avoid getting stranded

When choosing a shore excursion, Kuther said it’s safest to book through the cruise line or with another vendor that guarantees to get passengers back to the ship on time or to the next port. Travel agents can help guests find those options, or they can ask operators about their policies directly when booking.

Just in case something does go wrong, travelers should bring a credit card or debit card so they have a way to cover any costs they might incur. Kuther typically recommends bringing an ID “because you don’t want to be carrying around your passport,” but if travelers are going on a private excursion without that kind of guarantee, it’s a different story.

“You probably should have your passport with you because you're going to need it to get on a flight to get to the next port, especially if it's in a different country,” she said.

At the very least, it’s a good idea for travelers to have a photo of their passport on hand, and share a copy with someone back home who is easily reachable.

Story continues below.

Cruise insurance: Should you buy it through a cruise line? Maybe not, experts say

She also recommended they make sure their phone or watch is set to ship time rather than the time of the destination, which may be different (the all-aboard time will be on ship time). “So many people get confused with that,” Kuther said.

To be safe, she suggested guests get back to the ship an hour early if they’re exploring on their own or on a self-booked excursion in case they hit traffic or face other issues.

“It's one of those things like, it's not a problem until it's a problem,” Kuther said. She urged travelers not to expect the ship to wait. “If they can, I'm sure they will, but I would never tell someone, ‘Don’t worry about it.’”

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

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded on a small African island after missing a deadline to re-embark

• A couple says they were stranded on an island after missing their cruise ship's boarding time.
• They were on a tour of São Tomé and Príncipe with six others, per US local media. It overran.
• The stranded group flew to Gambia on Sunday, hoping to catch the ship at another port.

A couple says they were stranded on a small African island after they missed a cruise ship 's boarding deadline, according to local media.

Jay and Jill Campbell, from Garden City, South Carolina, described their ordeal with a Norwegian Cruise Line ship in an interview with WPDE, their local ABC affiliate.

Norwegian confirmed to Business Insider that they were denied boarding, saying it was their responsibility to be on time.

The Campbells said they were frequent cruisers, embarking on Norwegian Dawn on March 20 for their third voyage with the cruise line in a year.

However, an excursion last Wednesday with six other people to São Tomé and Príncipe , an island nation of some 220,000 people off West Africa, took an unfortunate turn.

The couple says the tour overran, and its operator informed the captain that eight passengers were running late.

They were refused entry to the ship upon their return, according to WPDE, even though they could still see the ship from the shore.

The ship was anchored, Jay Campbell said, but the captain refused to let them board despite repeated calls and emails by the passengers to the ship and the cruise line's emergency hotline.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard even took the passengers to the ship, but they weren't able to get on and had to turn back, WPDE reported.

In total, WPDE said that nine passengers were not allowed to reenter the ship, including four elderly people and one person who is a paraplegic.

The Campbells told the news outlet that the ninth passenger was late for another reason — an 80-year-old woman who got a concussion on the island and was hospitalized there.

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Most of the stranded passengers didn't have their medication or working credit cards, WPDE said.

The Campbells, who had a working card, said they covered $5,000 worth of expenses for the group in food, toiletries, and hotel bills.

"We have never had an experience like this before," Jill Campbell told WPDE.

The Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement provided to BI by email that eight guests on the tour missed the last tender back to the vessel.

The cruise line said the passengers missed the "all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time." It said it was a "very unfortunate situation" but that passengers were responsible for being on time.

It added that the deadline to return was "communicated broadly" over the ship's intercom, in printed communications, and on posts shown at the exits of the ship.

The elderly passenger who was concussed was returned to the US, where she has made a "safe return," a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said.

According to WPDE, the group flew to Gambia on Sunday, hoping to rejoin the ship at another port.

A spokesperson for the cruise line said that the ship could not safely dock in Gambia due to adverse weather conditions, adding that efforts are being made for the guests to rejoin the ship in Senegal on Tuesday.

Though cruise ships need to stay punctual, ruined-vacation stories like this are a reputational risk and might put people off.

For instance, two MSC Splendida passengers were stranded last summer at an Italian port after arriving too late for departure.

A TikTok video showed the couple waving and begging the crew to wait for them, even though the gangway appeared to have already been removed.

Other passengers may face the stress of becoming stranded in remote locations through no fault of their own. Last September, more than 200 people got stuck in a remote part of Greenland after their cruise ship ran aground.

And last November, passengers were stranded at a Brisbane port after a Royal Caribbean ship was overbooked.

Watch: Stowaways survive 14 days at sea clinging to a ship rudder

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8 Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded on African Island Catch Up to Ship After Traversing 7 Countries

The group of stranded American and Australian passengers included four elderly people, one with a heart condition and a pregnant woman

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Sipa via AP

• Nine Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were reportedly left behind on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe on March 27 
• The group was on a guided excursion that got delayed, leading them to miss the ship’s "all aboard" call 
• A statement from Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that all guests are responsible for returning to the docked ship at the designated call time 
• Eight people were able to catch up to the ship on Tuesday morning after reportedly traversing seven countries.
• One, who had fallen ill before the incident, has safely returned to the U.S.

Multiple passengers were stranded on an island in Africa after their Norwegian Cruise Line ship reportedly left them behind. After several days of uncertainty and a trek across seven countries, they're now back on board the vessel.

On Wednesday, March 27, South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell were enjoying a guided tour on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe located off the continent's western coast, ABC15 News reported at the time. The pair was with six other American and Australian passengers when they realized they wouldn’t make it back to the ship on time due to their tour taking longer than planned.

Though the tour operator contacted the cruise ship’s captain to inform them of the delay, the captain refused to let them back on the still-anchored ship when they arrived at the port because it was after the "all aboard" call, per the outlet. 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard allegedly then took them by boat directly to the ship where the captain again did not permit them to board. 

The group later encountered another stranded passenger, an 80-year-old woman, who was hospitalized on the island after a cruise line tour, the outlet stated. The woman reportedly experienced memory and vision loss due to a medical emergency. 

In addition to the ill passenger, the group also includes one person who is pregnant, one with a heart condition and four elderly travelers. 

The majority of the group left their medications and credit cards on the ship except for the Campbells, who have reportedly paid over $5,000 for food, accommodations, and other necessities for their fellow passengers. 

On Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Angola allegedly arranged for the group to fly to the West African country of Gambia, the ship's next planned port of call, so they could reboard. 

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Unfortunately, the group discovered the cruise ship wasn’t docked at the port in Gambia as planned because it had to spend another day at sea due to low tides. ABC News 4 reports the passengers spent fifteen hours traveling through six countries to make it to the port on Sunday. 

“We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal,” Campbell told the outlet on Monday, marking their seventh country. “We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadn’t been working, but he said no problem, if the ferry is not working we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side. And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, it’s another four-hour drive.” 

In a statement to PEOPLE, Norwegian Cruise Line said, “On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

The statement continued, “While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily print communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

The cruise line added that guests are “responsible for any necessary travel arrangements” to meet the ship at the next port and that they had each of their passports “delivered to the local port agents to retrieve” when they missed their all aboard call.

The group was finally able to catch up to the vessel. They reached Dakar, Senegal, its next port, on Monday night, PEOPLE confirmed.

After what they'd been through, Jill told NBC News in a story published on Tuesday, "We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us." While she allowed that Norwegian technically followed protocol, she says, "I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority."

On Tuesday morning, the eight passengers, less the person who had fallen ill and later safely returned home to the United States, chose to board the cruise. Norwegian confirmed the news to PEOPLE in a statement.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal. We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available,"

The Norwegian Dawn departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day trip that will end in Barcelona on April 10.

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Breaking news, father of florida cruise passenger, 20, who jumped off royal caribbean ship after argument believes his son is still alive: report.

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The father of the 20-year-old passenger who jumped off a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last Thursday in a reportedly drunken, impulsive leap believes his son is still alive nearly a week later.

Francel Parker, dad of missing Levion Parker, told the Daily Sun that he believes his child — whom he called a master diver — is still alive in the waters off the Bahamas.

“As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him. I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive,” Francel Parker said to the local Florida paper Wednesday.

The US Coast Guard called off its search for the North Port man a day earlier.

The younger Parker allegedly jumped off the 18-story Liberty of the Seas around 4 a.m. in front of his helpless dad and younger brother after getting into an argument with his father, witnesses previously told The Post.

But Francel, who runs an AC business in Port Charlotte, told the local newspaper that he wasn’t arguing with Levion and that his son wasn’t trying to take his own life.

He said Levion is a skilled diver who works on a commercial fishing boat, and he is demanding to know how his underage son was given alcohol on the four-day cruise to Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island.

“We don’t drink,” Francel said. “I’d like to know how my son was served so much alcohol.”

Another passenger onboard the cruise who witnessed Levion’s heart-stopping jump said Francel was “fussing at him for being drunk.”

Bryan Sims told The Post that he was hanging out with Levion and his 18-year-old brother, Seth, in the hotel tub of the ship in the early hours of April 4 before they went their separate ways.

After Sims had used the restroom and dried off, he bumped into the brothers and their father near the elevators.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess,” Sims said of the moment before Parker jumped.  

“When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all,” Sims said, calling what he witnessed “surreal.”

Another cruise guest described the frantic chaos that followed.

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” Deborah Morrison told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

Francel told the Daily Sun that he threw six life rings off the ship in hopes of saving his son before the massive vessel was able to come to a stop about 20 minutes later.

Royal Caribbean said it “immediately” launched search boats to look for the 20-year-old and alerted the Coast Guard, which later took over the search.

At least 406 people on major cruise lines and ferries have gone overboard between 2000 and 2024, according to data collected by retired professor and cruise industry researcher Ross Klein.

Death rates among overboard passengers and crew members vary significantly among cruise lines, but even the safest cruise companies were only able to rescue about 40% of people who fall or jump off the ship, Klein told the Washington Post in July.

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