Tag: SNN Cruises

Here’s a fun fact: my first cruise as an adult was a spring break sailing with friends back in 2002 on the then-called Carnival Triumph. So when we were invited to sail on Carnival Sunrise for a press event to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, it felt like a reunion of sorts for me. Of course, a lot has changed on the ship and with me over the course of the last 24 years.

With regard to the ship, Carnival Cruise Line invested nearly $200 million into a complete transformation of the vessel. New name, new venues, but still lots of FUN. And for me, well, a few extra pounds, some gray hairs, and a wife.

Boarding this 5-day cruise on Carnival Sunrise, this time with Heidi, we set out to explore the ship and two of Carnival’s newest private destinations. Does a multi-million dollar makeover actually make an older ship feel like a newer one again? 

Upgrades to the Casual Dining on Carnival Sunrise

If there’s one area where Carnival Sunrise surprised us, it’s the food. 

The casual dining lineup on Carnival Sunrise is impressive, with the same variety you find on Carnival’s largest ships and even some completely new-to-us options. On a 5-day cruise with only one sea day, we honestly ran out of time before we ran out of options. In fact, there were a few things we wanted to try and never got the chance.

Trying to think back to my first cruise on this ship, the only daytime eateries I can recall are the buffet and a pizzeria (maybe there was a poolside grill, too?). 

Now, there is Guy’s Burger Joint, which remains one of the best complimentary burger joints at sea. Carnival Sunrise is even testing out breakfast burgers at Guy’s. BlueIguana Cantina serves Mexican food, and I am not sure which is better, the shrimp burritos for lunch or the hearty breakfast burritos. Both of these eateries are found on the lido deck.

When it comes to the Lido Marketplace, it’s your typical cruise ship buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also home to Carnival Deli (portside) that makes sandwiches to order, like a buffalo chicken sandwich. Unique to Carnival Sunrise is Lucky Bowl located on the starboard side of the buffet. Serving Asian takeout flavors like orange chicken and noodle dishes, this reminded us of the noodle bar at JiJi Asian Kitchen on select Carnival ships.

Like other vessels in the fleet, Cucina del Capitano is open every day and offers a complimentary pasta bar at lunch. 

Pizza is available throughout the day near the Tides pool. In the morning, Pizzeria del Capitano serves as a bagel bar. This new offering, Bagels @ Sea, is set to debut fleetwide. It features a variety of bagels with different spreads, as well as breakfast sandwiches. It was a great alternative to the often busy buffet for breakfast.

Finally, there is also a Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, which is only open for lunch on embarkation day and sea days.

Were there lines everywhere during peak times? Yes. But we never waited long enough for it to be a real issue with so many options spread across the ship. 

Carnival Sunrise Outdoor Decks

I honestly can’t remember what the pool deck on Carnival Triumph looked like 24 years ago. Although, I do remember there was one little waterslide that I actually got stuck on and had to scoot myself the rest of the way down. 

That isn’t an issue anymore, as Carnival Sunrise has a complete WaterWorks park for the kids. With multiple slides, a kiddie area, and a drench bucket, it is certainly an upgrade. 

This June cruise had many families on board, including large parties of graduates. So the two main family pools were often rather busy. 

The main pool in the middle of the ship on Deck 9, as well as the Tides Pool aft on the same deck, were adequate for a ship of this size. With sun loungers on multiple decks near the pools, you could find a spot to relax with a little planning. 

During the day, the main pool hosted typical Fun Squad events, a DJ, and movies on the big screen. Carnival also offers Dive-In Movies at night, in between the deck parties. 

Traveling with just the two of us, Heidi and I prefer the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, which is forward on Deck 12. While it only featured one whirlpool, it did offer plenty of loungers and daybeds to escape the rest of the crowds (and kids) a few decks below.

While we didn’t have time this sailing, the Serenity Retreat is conveniently located near the Cloud9 Spa thermal suite.

Aft on Decks 11 and 12 are the Sports Deck facilities. This includes a sports court, a small ropes course, a jogging track, and some tabletop games. There is also a mini golf course.

This area feels pretty compact, but for families with little kids or those looking for some more active onboard fun, it gets the job done. I had plans to test out some of the activities, but with the 90-degree heat, I never did. 

The Nightlife and Entertainment on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise has a complete lineup of nightlife and entertainment.

All I can remember from my last trip was the packed piano bar and the multi-deck nightclub. According to John Heald, who was apparently the cruise director when I sailed in 2002, those venues have been completely reconfigured.

Grabbing a Drink

Aft on Deck 5 is Piano Bar 88, a tight venue hosting live piano music that features karaoke sets along with sing-along classics. Adjacent is the RedFrog Pub, with live music and the cruise line’s signature brews.

These venues are located nearby to our favorite spot, the Alchemy Bar. This Carnival staple shakes up signature cocktails, like Heidi’s favorites: Forty is the New Twenty or Cucumber Sunrise. Vlad and the rest of the expert mixologists always had a remedy to cure our ailments. We even took part in an up-charge mixology class here.

The Heroes Tribute Bar next to the casino is the sports bar, serving signature cocktails. There’s also the Sunrise Bar serving as the central hub in the atrium.  

On the outdoor decks, you can use your Cheers beverage package for signature drinks at BlueIguana Tequila Bar or sip a Caribbean-inspired cocktail from the RedFrog Rum Bar. There’s also a bar near the Tides Pool and one in the adults-only Serenity.

But perhaps our favorite spot to grab a drink on Carnival Sunrise was the Java Blue Cafe on Deck 5. We made twice-daily stops for our favorite espresso-based beverages. If you’re a java lover like us, make sure to ask for a punch card and you will get a free coffee after purchasing 6 drinks.

Catching a Show

Comedy shows for all ages were held essentially every day at the Limelight Lounge. It does take a little work to find this venue. You need to use the mid-ship (or aft) stairwell to find it. At night, this venue often turned into the nightclub. 

The Liquid Lounge is the ship’s main theater. The setup is less than stellar, as the sightlines are not ideal when compared to more traditional theater layouts on newer ships. We did not make it to all the performances in the main theater, but we did manage to catch most of them.  

Soulbound is Carnival’s Motown-infused musical. This Playlist Productions show brings supernatural themes to life with a digital backdrop, costumes, and stage props. We’ve seen this production before and think it’s better than your typical cruise revue show. 

The main theater was also home to a personal favorite, Deal or No Deal, as well as the always comical Love and Marriage Game Show and a few late-night comedy shows. 

Most nights, the pool deck came alive with a themed party. From the White Hot Night Party to the 80s Rock-N-Glow Party, Cruise Director Dean and the rest of the FUN Squad donned their themed attire and got everyone involved in the line dancing. Well, everyone but Heidi and I who watched from the sidelines. 

The Main Dining Room

Given we had a few specialty restaurant reservations, we only ate in the main dining room twice during our 5-day sailing. And the experience was exactly what we expected.

The Radiance Restaurant is the two-story main dining room midship on Decks 3 and 4. If you opt for traditional dining, with a set dining time and table assignment, this is your spot each evening. During our sailing, the early seating was 5:30 PM and the late seating was 7:45 PM.

We had Your Time Dining in the Sunshine Restaurant, which is located aft on Decks 3 and 4. Using the Carnival Hub app, we checked in and never waited long for a table. 

There’s also an Express Dining option with a more limited menu that’s designed to get guests in and out of dinner in under an hour.

Even though we had two different service teams during our meals, they were both friendly and attentive.

Interestingly enough, I could have sworn that one night we sat at the exact same table in the Sunshine Restaurant on Deck 4, where I dined with my college buddies 20+ years ago.

Some of our dining highlights included the Night 1 menu’s Szechuan shrimp, which was crispy fried shrimp in a tangy sauce with white rice. Heidi enjoyed her spaghetti carbonara and Girod Street salad from the Night 3 menu as well.

Some of our other selections were not as memorable. But there is one constant on every Carnival ship and that’s the chocolate melting cake. It always delivers!

For a ship that features so many casual options, the main dining room holds its own. It is a solid choice for those who want a slower, more personalized dining experience in the evening. 

Before you ask, yes, Carnival is rolling out new fleetwide MDR menus. However, Carnival Sunrise does not have the new menus yet, nor has the cruise line indicated when they will make their way to this ship.

Specialty Restaurants

During this sailing, we dined at three of the up-charge restaurants on Carnival Sunrise: Cucina del Capitano, The Chef’s Table, and Fahrenheit 555. There’s also the more casual Seafood Shack serving classic favorites like fried shrimp, lobster rolls, fish & chips, and steamed lobster, as well as Bonsai Sushi featuring several sushi and sashimi selections, as well as noodle bowls and Japanese small plates.

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival Cruise Line’s traditional Italian restaurant. The price to dine here is $24 per person (+20% gratuity) or $11 for kids under 11 years old. The menu features favorites like Nonna’s meatball, burrata, calamari, various pasta dishes, chicken parm, and mile-high gelato pie in a rustic-themed venue. While still a solid dining option, the entire experience wasn’t as memorable as our sailing on Carnival Vista last year.

The Chef’s Table is an exclusive dinner hosted by the executive chef. This experience includes an elegant, multi-course meal with selections not found anywhere else on the ship, and exquisite service. This intimate meal is priced at $124 per person +20% gratuity. The meal starts with four small plates from the Chef’s Reception then progresses with seven additional courses including lobster, sole, venison, and wagyu. While it’s a very filling meal, be sure to save some room for the Chocolate Forest dessert.

Fahrenheit 555 is Carnival Cruise Line’s signature steakhouse. The cover charge at this venue is $52 per person (+20% gratuity) or $15 for kids 11 and under. The menu at Fahrenheit 555 features upscale offerings like shrimp cocktail, oysters, and premium cuts of beef. I’m glad I ordered the filet mignon; it was a generous portion and perfectly seared to my requested medium-rare temperature. For those who don’t eat beef, other entree selections include chicken, lobster tail, and dover sole. And you can’t skip the dessert here either!

Our Carnival Sunrise Stateroom

I would be lying if I said I remember the oceanview cabin I had on Carnival Triumph 24 years ago. But, it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the stateroom was pretty similar to the balcony cabin Heidi and I had during our recent sailing on Carnival Sunrise. 

We stayed in cabin 6281. This starboard side stateroom was right next to the forward elevators, which was one of the biggest flaws (but more on this in a minute). This category 8B balcony room has a typical setup. Immediately entering the room, the bathroom was on the midship wall (to the right), and the closet on the forward-facing wall (to the left). 

Stepping further into the room, the sleeper sofa was immediately following the bathroom, across from the desk. The queen bed was positioned closest to the balcony. Similar to other classes of Carnival cruise ships, there was a hinged door out to the balcony, not a slider. 

The closet had three doors, one with a full clothes bar; one with an overhead shelf, the safe, and a lower clothes bar; and the third with shelves (also housing the life jackets). While not an ideal setup, there was adequate storage for our clothing.

The sofa wasn’t the most comfortable and didn’t feature any toss pillows. The desk was pretty typical with two storage shelves off to one side and some lower drawers and cabinets off to the other side where we stored some of our packing cubes.

For a cruise ship stateroom, the bathroom was a typical size. However, it was pretty dated and still had a dreaded shower curtain.

For a 5-night Bahamas cruise, the stateroom was functional. It was clean and pretty well maintained, but it lacked the modern amenities we appreciate on newer cruise ships — like outlets. There were only two USB and two 120V outlets on the desk. Halfway through the cruise, we actually discovered a USB outlet tucked behind the pillows on the bed. 

Overall, the biggest issue we had with the stateroom was the noise. Given it’s location right off the atrium, it often sounded like we were in the middle of the atrium party. Perhaps this would have been fine for my college-aged self but it certainly wasn’t ideal this trip when I was trying to sleep at 11 PM.

Visiting the Bahamas on Carnival Sunrise

While it was fun to get back on the ship I first sailed 24 years ago and reminisce, this trip was all about Carnival’s Paradise Collection of exclusive destinations. It included three stops in the Bahamas: Nassau, Relax Away Half Moon Cay, and Celebration Key.

Among the First to Visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

The highlight of this trip was the cruise line’s first stop at the updated RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. This private island is home to 2.5 miles of beautiful beach. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line call at this destination. Although, Holland America Line won’t return to the island until October. By then, renovations to the south side should be complete. 

Now, Carnival ships will call at the north side of the island, offering a new dedicated experience. This expansion is beyond the former Half Moon Cay and includes a new pier, over 4,700 umbrellas (now free), and close to 10,000 sun loungers. Having been to every cruise line’s private island, RelaxAway Half Moon Cay has always been one of the best. And it still is! The destination boasts crystal clear water and white powdery sand. Plus, the crescent-shaped cove means the waters are reasonably calm year-round. 

The new pier offers two berths and can accommodate Carnival’s largest ships. But for the first few months, the cruise line is limiting calls to one ship per day. 

We spent the entire day exploring the new updates. The tram system offers two routes with six different stops. This made getting around a breeze. Of course, guests can also take the Payapa Pathway and walk from the Welcome Plaza to the different stops along the beach. 

The Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar is a massive buffet with an open layout and ample covered, shaded seating.  It has a pretty typical island barbecue; although, we did like the addition of a nacho bar. There is a second buffet, Orchid Beach Grill & Bar, but it wasn’t open during our visit.

Each of the island’s six sections (Avocado, Guava, Pineapple, Lime, Mango, and Arrival Plaza) also offers a bar. Each bar features a similar menu, with at least one signature drink. Unfortunately, the Cheers drink package does not work on Half Moon Cay.

As with any cruise line private island, there are beach rentals and upgrades, too, like clam shells, day beds, and cabanas. There are shore excursions available to book as well, like snorkeling and horseback riding. And Carnival even added additional horses to ensure more guests can trot along the beach during this bucket list adventure.

This new stretch of Relax Away, Half Moon Cay is just that — the perfect relaxing beach day! This is in contrast to Carnival’s other exclusive destination, Celebration Key, which offers a more fun and lively atmosphere.

A Cloudy Day at Celebration Key

Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama Island, opened just under a year ago. We were also on the first cruise to stop at that brand-new destination. So, we were happy to get back and see what had changed since that visit. 

While we had a bright, sunny day at Half Moon Cay, the weather did not cooperate at Celebration Key.  Battling the elements, we debarked shortly after the ship was cleared.

Since our last visit, the cruise line has added additional berths. Now, up to 4 ships can call at this massive resort. During this stop, we shared Celebration Key with only Carnival Freedom. 

We love the destination’s easy-to-navigate layout. The largest freshwater lagoon pool in the Caribbean is surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and a variety of bars and restaurants. If you prefer the beach, there’s plenty of sand too at both the family-friendly Starfish Beach and the more adult-focused Calypso Beach.

The Island Eats meal credit system is still in effect as well. This means each guest gets one complimentary meal throughout the day. We did notice a couple new food trucks in both Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon and a new dining stall in the Captain’s Galley Food Hall serving Chicken & More. Plus, Island Eats was upgraded to offer guests a 40% discount off an entree at sit-down restaurants vs. the previous 25% off. There’s also new zero-proof slushies at Lagoon Bar East, near Guppy Grotto.

Another noticeable change is the quiet re-zoning of the adults-only section of Calypso Lagoon. The space now claims to be 13+ instead of 18+. But, much like our first visit, we saw no enforcement of the posted age restriction. 

The up-charge Pearl Cove Beach Club still remains 18+ though. This adults-only area offers an infinity pool with a swim-up bar and great views. Plus, there are different access packages, some that include a drink package and food credit. 

While cloudy and rainy most of the day, the weather didn’t stop everyone from enjoying the destination’s amenities. Junkanoo parades, water slides, the Lokono Cove shopping area, and the various swim-up bars saw more patrons as the weather improved later in the day. 

Having visited both, we can confidently say that Celebration Key and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay are distinctly different experiences. So, finding an itinerary that stops at both is a great option!

A Welcome Returned to Carnival Sunrise

This takes us back to the original question: does a multi-million-dollar makeover actually make an older ship feel like a newer one? After five days onboard, our answer is mostly yes.

The casual dining lineup surprised us the most. Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Lucky Bowl, and the new Bagels @ Sea gave us more options than we could finish in five days. For food alone, Carnival Sunrise punches well above its age. The main dining room and specialty restaurants held their own, too.

Even if the hardware showed its age in some places, the outdoor decks delivered. WaterWorks, Serenity Retreat, the Sports Deck, and the two pool areas gave families, couples, and everyone in between a space to enjoy.

Unlike newer ships in the fleet, there were fewer signature bars which did mean more lines and crowds at the more popular ones like Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar. The Liquid Lounge main theater design also fell short when compared to newer ships. Not to mention, our balcony stateroom lacked the modern touches and upgrades we now expect at sea.

Additionally, the ship’s layout was a bit confusing, which is typical of older ships, and many of the venues felt small and crowded. But that didn’t stop Cruise Director Dean and the rest of the FUN Squad from delivering all the energy and activities that Carnival guests have come to know and love.

So, who is Carnival Sunrise for?

If you want a fun, food-forward cruise at a great price, this transformed ship delivers. If you are chasing the newest bars, latest staterooms, onboard thrills, and elaborate production shows, you will notice the gaps on this 27-year-old ship.

Carnival Sunrise is not the Triumph I remember from 2002, and that is a very good thing!

Comments

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The post I Sailed the Same Ship 24 Years Apart – Here’s My Honest Carnival Sunrise Review appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

With more than 100 cruises under our belts, we’ve sailed on every major cruise line so you don’t have to — from the mega-ships of Royal Caribbean to the destination-focused voyages of Viking. We know where each line shines, where it falls short, and more importantly, which type of traveler it’s best suited for.

The truth is, there’s no single “best” cruise line. The right one depends entirely on what you’re looking for — whether that’s the most thrilling onboard experience, the best value for your family, a sophisticated adults-only escape, or a destination-immersive journey. Choosing the wrong line for your travel style can make or break your vacation, even on a beautiful ship.

That’s where we come in. In this complete cruise line comparison guide, we break down the 10 major cruise lines, covering the pros and cons of each and who each one is best for. We’ve also included quick-reference guides to help you dig deeper into each line, and head-to-head comparisons to help you narrow down your choices.

Cruise Line Comparison at a Glance

Carnival Cruise Line

Known for: Fun Ships, budget-friendly pricing, great casual dining

Carnival Cruise Line has built its reputation as the “Fun Ships,” offering affordable cruises with a lively atmosphere. Operating one of the largest fleets in the industry, Carnival provides accessible cruise vacations for families and groups.

✓ Pros

• Lots of itinerary options from U.S. homeports with 75% of U.S. population within driving distance including Miami, Galveston, Long Beach, Seattle, and 15+ other ports
• Lots of family-friendly activities including waterslides, ropes courses, suspended cycling SkyRide, BOLT roller coaster, mini-golf, arcade, and basketball courts
• Visits Half Moon Cay private island and new Celebration Key on Grand Bahama with lagoon pools, waterslides, and adults-only beach club
• Plenty of included dining options like Shaq’s Big Chicken, Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que, BlueIguana Cantina, pizza, & more
• Lots of programming for kids through Camp Ocean (ages 2-11), Circle “C” (tweens), Club O2 (teens), and Dr. Seuss partnership
• Affordable cruise pricing as one of the cheapest cruise lines, making cruising accessible with competitive fares vs Royal Caribbean and Norwegian
• A wide range of cabin categories including Cloud 9 Spa staterooms, Family Harbor with dedicated lounge, and fun Havana staterooms with pool deck access
• A large adults-only sundeck called Serenity Retreat with plush loungers, daybeds, clamshells, hammocks, hot tubs, and wading pools (all free)
• Very present and engaging cruise directors and entertainment staff creating high-energy atmosphere with activities and deck parties

✗ Cons

• Can be more of a rowdy or party atmosphere especially on shorter cruises, spring break, and peak summer season
• Lots of kids onboard with discounted fares for 3rd and 4th guests making it budget-friendly for families
• No adults-only dining options with all specialty restaurants welcoming kids
• There aren’t many exotic itineraries (mostly Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Europe)
• No solo/studio cabins unlike Norwegian which offers dedicated solo accommodations eliminating single supplements
• No “ship-within-a-ship” complex like Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club (Loft 19 on newest ships is just a private sundeck)
• Stateroom is only made up once per day vs twice daily on some cruise lines
• Some ships feel dated especially Conquest and Spirit-class with bright colors, orangey wood, and dated pool deck designs compared to newer Vista and Excel classes
• Drink package limits of 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period

Celebrity Cruises

Known for: Modern luxury, sophisticated elegance, elevated dining

Celebrity Cruises has carved out a distinctive position as a premium brand with a reputation for its refined atmosphere, innovative ship design, and elevated dining experiences. With a fleet of 15 ships sailing to destinations across the globe, Celebrity appeals to travelers, particularly couples, seeking elegance without the premium price tag of luxury lines.

✓ Pros

• Only mainstream line in Galapagos with Celebrity Flora expedition ship
• Modern luxury at accessible pricing, bridging mainstream and luxury experiences
• Outstanding culinary program with Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, & more
• Adult-focused sophisticated atmosphere with fewer kids and quieter spaces
• Loyalty reciprocity with Royal Caribbean & Silversea
• Elevated accommodations across fleet with modern design and quality finishes
• Exceptional spa and wellness focus with AquaClass staterooms and thermal suites
• The Retreat ship-within-a-ship experience with private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck
• Expanding into river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker
• Non-smoking casinos fleetwide eliminating pervasive smoke smell
• Drink packages still unlimited with no daily limits on alcoholic beverages

✗ Cons

• Limited activities for kids and multi-generational families
• Higher price point than mainstream lines, typically 30-50% more expensive
• Lack of thrilling attractions & high-energy entertainment like waterslides or race tracks
• Limited casual dining options beyond buffet and Mast Grill (no pizza window, pub, or cantina)
• All Included package less comprehensive than Princess or HAL
• Less tech and smart features, no wearable medallions or smart elevators
• Infinite verandas may not suit everyone preferring traditional outdoor balconies
• Varied quality across ship classes with dramatic differences between Millennium and Edge class
• No dedicated private island destination (only occasional stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay)

Disney Cruise Line

Known for: Family excellence, character experiences, rotational dining

Disney Cruise Line provides magical cruise vacations with the same attention to detail found in Disney Parks. Known for providing some of the best family vacation experiences in the world, Disney Cruise Line caters to kids and kids at heart.

✓ Pros

• Only fireworks at sea during the themed Pirate Night festivities
• Included soda and room service with no delivery fees
• Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay private islands, among the best cruise destinations
• No casino means cleaner air and no need to walk through smoke
• Character meet-and-greets throughout the cruise, easier to access than in the parks
• Adults-only sundeck (Quiet Cove) with pool, hot tubs, and bar plus Cove Café
• Exceptional entertainment with Broadway-quality shows and original productions
• Split bathroom concept with two sinks and separate shower/toilet areas in most staterooms
• Immersive kids’ clubs themed to Star Wars, Marvel, Toy Story, and Disney princesses
• Rotational main dining rooms where your servers follow you to three different restaurants

✗ Cons

• Pricey, often $100+ more per person per night than comparable mainstream cruises
• No drink package available, all alcoholic beverages must be purchased individually
• Limited itinerary options, focused mainly on Caribbean and Bahamas
• No observation lounge for viewing scenery
• Tables can be close together in main restaurants and limited tables for two available
• Difficulty securing reservations for specialty dining, spa, and experiences
• Lots of lines for theater shows, character meet-and-greets, and popular activities
• Limited dinner options beyond rotational dining or expensive specialty restaurants
• Too much Disney for some, with constant theming and immersion that may overwhelm casual fans

Holland America Line

Known for: Mid-sized ships, culinary excellence, Alaska and Europe expertise

Holland America Line has over 150 years of history, offering refined experiences on perfectly mid-sized ships. With Dutch heritage influences, HAL has built a reputation for destination-focused cruising across the globe.

✓ Pros

• Focus on culinary excellence with “port to plate” program and partnerships with renowned chefs
• Enriching onboard activities including cooking demos, wine tastings, and expert lectures
• More diverse itineraries with longer stays and overnight ports
• A leader in Alaska cruises with 75+ years expertise and exclusive Glacier Bay access
• “Have It All” package bundles perks for a more all-inclusive experience
• Relaxed atmosphere and comfortable ships without overwhelming crowds
• Focus on live music with B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard
• Half Moon Cay private island, consistently ranked among the best
• Solo traveler options with dedicated solo staterooms on select ships
• Free room service including hot breakfast items, not just continental

✗ Cons

• Demographic skews older, primarily 60+, which may not appeal to younger travelers
• Limited activities for youths and multi-gen groups compared to family-focused lines
• Less energetic nightlife with entertainment winding down earlier than other lines
• No Broadway-style productions, entertainment centers on live music and smaller shows
• Limited casual dining options beyond the buffet and Dive-In burger joint
• Some ships feel dated with older cabin designs and less modern amenities
• Lack of short getaways, most cruises are 7+ days with few 3-5 day options
• Little diversity between ships in terms of design and onboard experience
• Limited tech and smart features compared to competitors’ newer vessels

MSC Cruises

Known for: European elegance, affordable pricing, MSC Yacht Club

MSC Cruises has been steadily growing its presence in North America. With European roots and family-friendly offerings, MSC offers a unique and affordable experience compared to other contemporary cruise lines.

✓ Pros

• Affordable pricing, often the most competitive fares in the market
• Exclusive MSC Yacht Club option with butler service, private restaurant, and priority access
• Ocean Cay private island with 8 beaches, complimentary food, and nighttime light show
• Diverse global itineraries sailing to over 100 countries with flexible embarkation ports
• Some of the best pizza at sea, freshly made and available nearly 24/7
• Status match program honoring loyalty from other cruise lines and hotel brands
• Elegant ships with Swarovski crystal staircases and sophisticated European design
• Family-friendly attractions including waterparks, F1 simulators, and LEGO partnership
• Top-notch specialty dining at lower prices than competitors
• Lively nightlife with energetic White Party and themed events throughout the cruise

✗ Cons

• Lack of casual dining beyond buffet and pizza, limited quick grab-and-go options on most ships
• Drink package limits of 15 alcoholic beverages per day
• Varied ship quality with differences between newest World Class and older vessels
• Confusing experience levels (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea) affecting perks and pricing
• Can’t bring alcohol onboard at embarkation or ports, not even bottles of wine
• Hit or miss main dining room experience with inconsistent food quality and slow service
• Lack of theming in bars and lounges, mostly neutral colors without distinct atmospheres
• Subpar main theater entertainment, productions don’t compare to competitors’ shows
• Crowding with more passengers per square foot than similarly-sized ships from other lines

Norwegian Cruise Line

Known for: Freestyle Cruising, The Haven, solo traveler options

Norwegian Cruise Line revolutionized cruising in the early 2000s with its innovative “Freestyle Cruising” concept, eliminating fixed dining times, formal dress codes, and rigid schedules. With 20 ships sailing globally, Norwegian appeals to travelers seeking flexibility and variety.

✓ Pros

• Free at Sea package includes unlimited drinks, specialty dining credits, WiFi minutes, and shore excursion credits providing excellent value
• Diversity of dining options with 20+ venues including complimentary choices like The Local and several specialty restaurants
• Great Stirrup Cay enhancements including new pier (no more tendering), 28,000 sq ft heated lagoon pool, and Great Tides Waterpark with 19 waterslides opening summer 2026
• The Haven ship-within-a-ship with private sundeck, pool, hot tubs, exclusive restaurant, and lounge
• Perfect for solo travelers with purpose-built studio staterooms eliminating single supplements and Studio Lounge for socializing
• Innovative ship attractions including go-kart race tracks, Aqua Slidecoaster (first hybrid water slide/roller coaster), and elaborate rope courses
• Only line sailing Hawaii year-round with Pride of America offering 7-day inter-island itineraries
• Great thermal suites in Mandara Spa with heated tile loungers, saunas, steam rooms, cold rooms, and hydrotherapy pools
• Loyalty status carryover on sister brands Oceania and Regent Seven Seas
• Freestyle approach with no assigned dining times, no formal nights, and relaxed casual atmosphere

✗ Cons

• Lots of upcharges and nickel-and-diming including charges for second entrees in main dining, mini-golf, and expensive gratuities
• Constant sales pushes and upselling from personal cruise consultants calling frequently and onboard promotions for art, jewelry, spa
• Recent decline in entertainment quality with elimination of licensed shows (Kinky Boots, Six, Footloose) replaced by Norwegian-produced revues
• Limited grab-and-go dining options with most “casual” venues requiring table service and crowded buffet during peak times
• Bottled water & Starbucks specialty drinks not in Free at Sea drink package (only alcoholic beverages and soda included)
• Crowded pool decks with insufficient lounge chairs and small pools for passenger capacity, especially on sea days
• Less programming for kids compared to Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Disney with smaller kids’ clubs and limited teen facilities
• Non-preferred docking locations like Ward Cove in Ketchikan requiring 20-30 minute bus rides to downtown attractions
• Limited complimentary adult-only spaces (Vibe Beach Club requires payment)

Princess Cruises

Known for: Love Boat, Alaska expertise, MedallionClass technology

Princess Cruises has been synonymous with elegant cruising for over 50 years, earning its reputation as “The Love Boat.” With 17 ships sailing to destinations worldwide, Princess is known for its traditional approach and destination-focused experiences.

✓ Pros

• MedallionClass technology with OceanMedallion wearable enabling contactless cabin entry, food/drink ordering from anywhere via app, and personalized service
• Princess Plus and Princess Premier all-inclusive packages bundling WiFi, specialty dining, drinks, gratuities, and shore excursion credit
• Strong presence in Alaska with 50+ years expertise, exclusive Glacier Bay National Park access, and Wilderness Lodges with Denali cruisetours
• Good value compared to other premium lines offering refined experience at mainstream pricing
• Wide variety of global itineraries to 300+ destinations in 100 countries with longer port stays
• More traditional cruise experience with grand atriums, formal nights, afternoon tea service, and enrichment lectures maintaining classic elegance
• Some of the best pizza at sea at Alfredo’s/Gigi’s Pizzeria with made-to-order selections and Tony Gemingnani’s specialty pizzas
• Ultimate Balcony Dining experience with multi-course breakfast or dinner served privately on stateroom balcony (additional fee)
• Top-notch specialty dining including Crown Grill steakhouse, The Catch by Rudi seafood, and Sabatini’s Italian (included in Premier package)
• Movies Under the Stars with large LED screens poolside showing films with complimentary popcorn

✗ Cons

• Fewer bells and whistles lacking surf simulators, go-kart tracks, and water parks found on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships
• Ships can feel dated with half the fleet approaching 20 years old featuring smaller cabins, narrower corridors, and dated décor
• No ship-within-a-ship luxury concept with only new Sphere class offering Sanctuary Collection
• Limited activities for kids and teens with smaller youth programs and facilities vs family-focused lines
• Underwhelming accommodations with standard balconies lacking sofa seating areas and shower curtains instead of glass doors (improved on new Sphere class)
• Fewer dining options with typically main dining room, buffet, poolside pizzeria/burger joint, and International Café vs 20+ venues on competitors
• More subdued entertainment and nightlife with no late-night parties or club scene
• Fewer short getaway options focusing primarily on 7+ day itineraries
• Ships can be difficult to navigate with confusing layouts, disconnected sections, and dining venues not accessible from all staircases/elevators

Royal Caribbean International

Known for: World’s largest ships, innovative attractions, Broadway entertainment

Royal Caribbean International operates nearly 30 ships across multiple classes. Known for pushing the boundaries of cruise ship innovation with groundbreaking amenities and record-breaking vessels, Royal Caribbean has redefined what’s possible at sea.

✓ Pros

• Best entertainment at sea including Broadway productions, ice skating spectaculars, high-diving shows, and more
• World’s largest cruise ships including Icon and Star of the Seas with their own neighborhoods like Central Park with real trees
• Innovative onboard attractions like FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, North Star observation pod 300 feet above sea level, and sky diving simulators
• Perfect Day at CocoCay with tallest waterslide in North America, consistently ranked at best private island
• Strong loyalty program with certain Crown & Anchor members receiving 4-6 drink vouchers daily
• Great for multigenerational groups with Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs, adults-only Solarium, and connecting family staterooms
• Loyalty reciprocity on sister brands Celebrity and Silversea
• Efficient embarkation and disembarkation process despite having the largest ships in the world
• Wide range of cabin categories including Central Park/Boardwalk views, infinite balconies, studio cabins, and multi-bedroom suites
• Drink packages still unlimited including cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffees, soda, bottled water, and smoothies

✗ Cons

• Large ship sizes can be overwhelming for first-timers who may spend days just learning ship layout
• Inconsistent food quality with main dining room varying significantly between ships and night to night
• Higher price point typically 20-50% more than Carnival, Norwegian, or MSC for comparable itineraries
• Lots of families and kids onboard especially during school holidays, spring break, and summer months
• No ship-within-a-ship complex like Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club
• Varied quality across ship classes with older Vision and Radiance class feeling dated compared to Icon and Oasis class vessels
• No option for all-inclusive packages bundling specialty dining, drinks, WiFi, and gratuities like Princess or HAL offer
• Alaska cruises don’t visit Glacier Bay National Park
• Increased focus on private destinations reducing authentic cultural experiences in port

Viking Cruises

Known for: Destination focus, Scandinavian design, enrichment programs

Viking offers ocean, river, and expedition cruises with a focus on destination immersion rather than onboard entertainment. Known for sophisticated Scandinavian design and cultural enrichment, Viking caters to adults seeking learning-focused travel.

✓ Pros

• No nickel-and-diming with included specialty dining, beer/wine with meals, and WiFi
• Adult-only ships (18+) creating consistently sophisticated atmosphere
• Smaller ship size (930 passengers on ocean, 190 on river) accessing ports others can’t
• Destination-focused itineraries with longer port stays and overnight stops
• Included shore excursion in every port providing introduction to each destination
• Multiple cruising options across ocean, river, and expedition vessels
• Uncrowded, relaxed environment with more space per guest than mainstream lines
• Excellent destination-focused enrichment with expert lectures and cultural programming
• No formal nights, dress code is “elegant casual” throughout cruise
• High crew-to-passenger ratio ensuring attentive and personalized service

✗ Cons

• Higher price point than mainstream lines (though more inclusive)
• Older clientele skewing toward retirees with earlier-to-bed crowd
• Limited entertainment and onboard activities, no high-energy events, shows, or nightlife
• Few short itineraries and limited tropical destinations, most cruises 10+ days
• Not suitable for multi-generational family travel, no children under 18 permitted
• No casino for those who enjoy gaming as part of the cruise experience
• Gratuities not included ($17/day for ocean and expedition, $20/day for European rivers)
• Fewer dining options with typically 5-6 restaurants vs 20+ on mainstream ships
• Lack of variety across the fleet, consistent design means similar experience ship-to-ship

Virgin Voyages

Known for: Adults-only, all specialty dining included, edgy entertainment

Virgin Voyages is one of the newest cruise lines, debuting in 2021 with a mission to revolutionize cruising. Bucking traditional cruise conventions, Virgin offers an adults-only experience (18+) with included dining at 20+ restaurants.

✓ Pros

• Adults-only (18+) creating a sophisticated atmosphere without kids
• All dining is included with no main dining room or upcharges
• Scarlet Night, an entire evening of festivities culminating in massive deck party
• The Beach Club at Bimini, free beach destination for Virgin passengers when docked
• Included fitness classes like HIIT, bungee, spinning, and sunrise yoga
• Balcony hammock in most Sea Terrace cabins, perfect for relaxing with ocean views
• The Manor nightclub, designed like a land-based club with stage, dance floor, and three bars
• Included basic WiFi and basic beverages like soda (no gratuities on drinks or spa either)
• Creative entertainment including Duel Reality, Ships in the Night, and pajama party
• Onboard tattoo shop (Squid Ink) honoring maritime tradition with professional artists

✗ Cons

• No drink package, Bar Tab credit system requires pre-purchase and supplementing
• Daily gratuities no longer included in the Virgin Voyages cruise fare (as of October 2025)
• Cabin bathrooms are tiny, barely room to get ready
• Little diversity between ships, nearly identical design across all four vessels
• Can be pricey despite inclusions
• Lack of thrills and top deck attractions like waterslides
• Limited itinerary options with small 4-ship fleet focused mainly on Caribbean/Mediterranean
• Party atmosphere may not appeal to traditional cruisers seeking calm, relaxing vacations
• Limited poolside space with pools too small for passenger capacity, crowded on sea days

Cruise Line Head-to-Head Comparisons

Narrowed it down to two lines? Our in-depth comparison guides go category by category to help you make the final call. We cover everything from dining and entertainment to cabins, pricing, private destinations, and more.

Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?

Every cruise line offers a unique experience. Here’s the quick-reference version to help you decide at a glance:

• Choose Carnival if budget is your primary concern and you want a fun, casual atmosphere with lots of complimentary dining.
• Choose Celebrity if you want modern luxury and sophisticated dining at prices well below luxury lines.
• Choose Disney if you’re traveling with kids and want the absolute best family experience, or you’re a huge Disney fan.
• Choose Holland America if you prefer mid-sized ships, culinary excellence, and enrichment programs in a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Choose MSC if you want the most affordable option and enjoy European elegance with an international atmosphere.
• Choose Norwegian if you value flexibility, want a ship-within-a-ship option (The Haven), or you’re a solo traveler.
• Choose Princess if you want Alaska expertise, appreciate traditional cruising, or seek a refined experience at mainstream prices.
• Choose Royal Caribbean if you want the biggest ships, best entertainment, and don’t mind paying premium prices for cutting-edge amenities.
• Choose Viking if you’re an adult prioritizing destinations and cultural enrichment over onboard entertainment (and your budget allows).
• Choose Virgin if you’re an adult looking for trendy dining, nightlife, and a non-traditional cruise experience.

Comments

Do you agree with our cruise line comparison? What’s your favorite cruise line? Drop us an anchor below to share which cruise lines you sail with the most often.

The post The Ultimate Cruise Line Comparison: Which One Is Right for You? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Later this year, Carnival Cruise Line will be retiring its current loyalty program (the VIFP Club) and introducing a new one with an entirely different structure: the Carnival Rewards program. Since announcing the change last year, loyal Carnival cruisers have felt uncertainty and had questions about the program.

To help answer those questions and put concerns at ease, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on everything we know about the upcoming Carnival Rewards loyalty program. We’re covering how the transition will take place, how long you’ll get to keep your current status, the new way to earn points, tier levels and benefits, and more.

Quick Summary

• The Carnival Rewards loyalty program will replace the VIFP Club on September 1, 2026
• Guests currently in the VIFP Club must purposely opt into Carnival Rewards in order for their current status progress to carry over
• Carnival Rewards will have two “points” systems: Carnival Rewards Points and Status Qualifying Stars, both of which are based on spend
• There are four tiers in the Carnival Rewards program: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond
• To prevent points from expiring, guests must have an “eligible qualifying activity” on their account at least once every three years
• Diamond tier guests are the only ones that permanently keep their status in the Carnival Rewards program; others must requalify every two years

When will Carnival Rewards replace the current Carnival VIFP Club?

Carnival’s current loyalty program, called the VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person) is still in effect at the time of publishing. However, Carnival Rewards will officially replace this program on September 1, 2026.

How do you sign up for the Carnival Rewards loyalty program?

If you’re an existing Carnival VIFP loyalty program member, you will need to accept the new terms and conditions and opt into Carnival Rewards. Due to privacy laws, guests must opt into and enroll in Carnival Rewards prior to when it launches on September 1. Only then will your current status progress and benefits carry over to the new program.

Those who opt out will not have their current status honored when the new program launches.

If you have not received or lost the email requesting that you opt into the new program, you can request another email here.

For more information, visit the line’s FAQ page on the Carnival Rewards program here.

How do you earn points in the Carnival loyalty program?

Carnival Rewards will have two “points” systems. The first is Carnival Rewards points, which are points that are earned based on spend. This spend includes eligible cruise fares, onboard purchases, credit card activity, and more.

The other points system is Status Qualifying Stars, which determine the progression of your status in the Carnival Rewards program. Stars are also earned based on spend.

Carnival Rewards Points

Carnival Rewards Points are redeemable points that can be used like cash for various Carnival purchases. You earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases. You also earn one Carnival Rewards point for every one casino point remaining at the end of a sailing.

These points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including your cruise fare, pre-cruise packages, onboard purchases, gratuities, future cruises, and more. Carnival Rewards points do not expire as long as there’s activity on your Carnival Rewards account at least once every three years.

Status Qualifying Stars

Status Qualifying Stars determine your tier within the Carnival Rewards program. You earn three Status Qualifying Stars for every $1 spent on eligible Carnival purchases, including cruise fare, pre-cruise packages, and onboard spend. You also earn one Status Qualifying Star for every one casino point earned.

Status is earned over a two-year period and is retained for the following two years. Unlike with the VIFP program, status is no longer lifetime and will require requalification every two years (except for Diamond members who will receive lifetime status).

The more Status Qualifying Stars you accumulate, the higher your status level.

What’s happening with the Carnival Mastercard?

Current Carnival Mastercard cardholders will automatically move to the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard upon its launch in September 2026. The balance of your Fun Points will be converted to Carnival Rewards Points.

Benefits of the new Carnival Rewards Mastercard will include:

• Earn up to 6x points on Carnival purchases, 3x points from your card, plus 3x points through Carnival Rewards
• Earn 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Earn 1 Status Qualifying Star per $1 spent on your everyday purchases, which is up to 4 stars per $1 on Carnival purchases when combined with the 3 stars you earn through Carnival Rewards

What can you use Carnival Rewards points on?

Carnival Rewards points can be used on lots of things — at the time of booking, prior to sailing, and once on board. Think about how airlines operate their loyalty programs. You earn airline miles, which you can use on actual flights. But, you can also use them for things like checked bags, seat upgrades, accessing an airport lounge, vacation packages, and more. Carnival Rewards points work similarly.

Points can be redeemed during the booking process, allowing you to put them towards your deposit or the actual cruise fare. You can also redeem them prior to sailing on things like shore excursions, drink packages, and wifi packages, pre-booked spa treatments, or pre-booked specialty dining.

During your cruise, points can also be converted to onboard credit. From there, the possibilities for using them abound. You can buy gifts and souvenirs in the onboard shops, book a thermal suite pass, play in the casino, enjoy a specialty restaurant, buy drinks and treats, purchase passes for extra-fee onboard attractions, and more.

How many levels are in the Carnival Rewards program?

There are four status levels in the Carnival Rewards program: Red, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

Since Blue will no longer exist in the new program, all current Blue tier guests (those who haven’t yet taken their first cruise with Carnival) will be rolled into the Red tier when Carnival Rewards launches (if they opt into the program).

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Rewards Tiers & Benefits

Red: Upon Sign-Up

Upon signing up for the Carnival Rewards program, you’re automatically enrolled into the Red tier. Red member perks include a free 1.5 liter bottle of water, members-only offers, and a red Sail & Sign card on board.

Gold: 10,000 to 49,999 stars

The second tier in the Carnival loyalty program is Gold, which you achieve upon reaching 10,000 stars. In addition to the Red perks, Gold members receive one free specialty drink on 5+ day cruises, Gold member support, and a Gold member Sail & Sign card.

Platinum: 50,000 to 99,999 stars

Platinum is where the perks really start to kick in on Carnival Cruise Line. In addition to the Gold perks, Platinum members receive complimentary bags of laundry (1-4 bags depending on the length of the cruise), a collectible pin, two complimentary beverages, and preferred seating in the main dining room as well as preferred specialty dining reservations.

Guests also receive early online check-in (16 days), priority check-in, security, boarding, and luggage delivery upon embarkation (as well as access to the Captain’s Lounge where available), and priority tender boarding and debarkation.

Early bag drop-off in stateroom on embarkation day, as well as priority spa reservations, casino cashier line, guest services line, and guest services phone assistance are also perks of being Platinum. Of course, Platinum members also receive Platinum member support and a Platinum Sail & Sign card.

Diamond: 100,000+ stars

Diamond is the highest tier in the Carnival Rewards loyalty program. In addition to the perks that Platinum guests receive, Diamond members are guaranteed their top choice for main dining time (early or late seatings only), 2-5 bags of laundry depending on the cruise length, retail concierge services, and access to a dedicated casino host upon request.

Diamond members also have dedicated member support (sales and service) and receive a Diamond member Sail & Sign card.

Milestone Rewards

In addition to the tiers mentioned above, Carnival Cruise Line offers two milestone rewards to guests based on number of days sailed. Once a guest has reached their first 50 days sailed, they receive a bonus 5,000 points and a special milestone Sail & Sign card.

Every 100 days sailed, guests receive 10,000 points, a commemorative gift, and a milestone Sail & Sign card.

Do Carnival Rewards points expire?

Carnival Cruise Line requires that you have an “eligible qualifying activity” at least once every three years in order to keep your points. The line defines eligible qualifying activity as any activity with Carnival that leads to either earning or redeeming points. Examples of eligible activity include:

• Completing a sailing and earning points from the sailing
• Earning points from a partner transaction
• Redeeming points towards an onboard purchase

Once an eligible activity takes place, the points expiration date extends another three years from the activity date.

Carnival Rewards points never expire for Carnival Mastercard card members.

How long do I get to keep my VIFP status once Carnival Rewards launches?

Diamond

All VIFP Club members who earn Diamond status by August 31, 2026 will be able to PERMANENTLY keep their Diamond status in Carnival Rewards.

Platinum

Guests who are Platinum as of August 31, 2026 will be able to keep their Platinum status through December 31, 2028. Upon launch of Carnival Rewards, all Platinum guests will also receive 10,000 status qualifying stars deposited into their account. That will provide a minimum of Gold status in the subsequent January 2028 to December 2030 cycle and provides a boost towards maintaining Platinum or earning Diamond.

The 10,000 status qualifying stars deposit will be a biennial gesture at the start of each new two-year earning cycle, providing Gold and a head start towards Platinum or Diamond. This deposit is limited to existing Platinum VIFP guests as of August 31, 2026.

Red & Gold

Red and Gold level guests will keep their status for two years, through December 31, 2028, unless their cruise activity, cruise spend, and credit card activity (if they have the Carnival Rewards Mastercard) qualifies them for a higher status earlier.

Does Carnival do status matching?

No, Carnival Cruise Line does not do status matching with other cruise lines.

Comments

What are your thoughts on the new Carnival Rewards loyalty program? What’s your current loyalty status with the cruise line? Drop us an anchor below to share if you’re staying loyal to Carnival Cruise Line or jumping ship.

The post A Guide to the New Carnival Rewards Loyalty Program: New Points System, Tier Benefits, & More appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

We just returned from a Carnival cruise visiting both the brand-new RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key in the Bahamas. Both private destinations were a highlight of the trip but for very different reasons. Each has a distinct vibe — one is a purpose-built resort with a massive lagoon pool, waterslides, and 30+ food and drink options and the other is 2.5 miles of natural, pristine Bahamian beach. Which one is better? That depends entirely on what kind of beach day you want. RelaxAway Half Moon Cay vs. Celebration Key: here’s how they compare.

What Are Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Both Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are privately owned by Carnival Corporation, which means the only way to visit either is on a cruise. Carnival guests at both destinations dock directly at a dedicated pier — so getting ashore at each is simple.

Celebration Key is Carnival’s newest private destination, located on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island about 23 miles from Freeport. It opened in July 2025 and is designed from the ground up to be a full resort experience — a freshwater lagoon, a 10-story sandcastle with dual waterslides, an adults-only beach club, and more food and drink options than most ships. It’s lively, amenity-packed, and built for fun. Carnival ships and Princess ships visit Celebration Key.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is entirely different. Formerly known simply as Half Moon Cay, this crescent-shaped island about 100 miles southeast of Nassau has been a Carnival Corporation destination since it opened in 1997. It recently underwent a major expansion and rebrand as part of Carnival’s Paradise Collection — including a brand-new pier and a fully developed north side experience exclusively for Carnival guests. Holland America ships still visit the south side of the island via tender boats. But the philosophy hasn’t changed: this is a natural beach perfect for relaxation. No pools, no waterpark, no manufactured lagoon.

Beach & Pool Experience

Key Takeaway: If you want a pool and a resort day vibe, go to Celebration Key. If you want a natural unspoiled beach, go to Half Moon Cay. Neither is objectively better — they’re just completely different.

Celebration Key

Celebration Key’s signature feature is its enormous freshwater lagoon — totaling over 275,000 square feet, making it the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. Starfish Lagoon on the east side of the property is the family-friendly pool with a gentle sloped entry, a 10-story sandcastle structure with two waterslides, and a splash pad nearby for younger kids. Calypso Lagoon on the west side has more of an adult energy and a DJ island at the center. There’s also a beach on both sides — Starfish Beach and Calypso Beach — with free loungers and umbrellas available.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay has no pool, splash pad, or waterslides by design. Instead, it has approximately 2.5 miles of beachfront. Think white sand, turquoise water, and over 4,500 complimentary umbrellas and double that number of chairs spread across the sandy shoreline. This is a proper beach day, where guests can swim, snorkel, or simply relax away.

Food & Drinks

Key Takeaway: Food is included at both destinations, but in very different ways. Half Moon Cay offers an unlimited buffet. Celebration Key gives each guest one Island Eats meal credit with 30+ options to choose from — but everything beyond that costs extra. At both destinations, the Cheers drink package does not work.

Celebration Key

Celebration Key has a variety of food offerings spread across the property, from food trucks serving Bahamian tacos, doughnuts, and fritters, to a food hall, Snack Shack locations, and full-service sit-down restaurants including Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, and Gill’s Grill.

The catch is the Island Eats credit system. Rather than an unlimited buffet, each guest receives one meal credit per person — redeemable at a quick-casual venue for a free meal, or as a 40% discount on one entrée at a full-service restaurant.

On the drinks side, there’s no shortage of bars — swim-up bars in both lagoons, the Sunshine Swings Bar, multiple beach bars, and even a coffee shop. However, Carnival’s Cheers drink package does not work at Celebration Key. All alcoholic and specialty drinks are paid out of pocket via your Sail & Sign card.

The menu items we sampled were flavorful and the portions were a good size. We appreciate the variety when compared to a traditional island BBQ; however, you need to go in knowing that you’ll likely spend extra on food.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay keeps it simple. A complimentary, unlimited lunch buffet is available at two locations on the north side — Orchid Beach Grill & Bar and Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar serving burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, nachos, salads, and desserts. There are currently no premium offerings or up-charge restaurants.

There are bars spread across the north side, including Lil’ Tiki Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack, Luna Tide Beach Bar, and Rum Time Bar Shack — each serving a full menu of island-inspired cocktails. Like Celebration Key, Carnival’s Cheers package does not work at Half Moon Cay either. You’ll need to use your Sail & Sign card for beverages.

The RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay buffet is large with lots of stations and seating areas. The items we sampled were definitely on par or slightly better than other cruise lines’ island buffets.

Activities & Amenities

Key Takeaway: Choose Celebration Key for built-in thrills and resort-style amenities and Half Moon Cay for nature-based experiences including the very popular horseback riding excursion.

Celebration Key

Celebration Key was built to keep guests active and entertained beyond the beach and pools. The standout upcharge activity is the Suncastle’s dual racing waterslides — two 350-foot, 10-story slides available for $15 per person for unlimited rides. Sports courts with pickleball, basketball, and volleyball are complimentary, as is the gaming pavilion with table tennis and cornhole. The Guppy Grotto splash pad is free for younger kids.

For those wanting to venture off property, Celebration Key’s location on Grand Bahama Island opens up a range of shore excursions like ATV tours, ziplining, city tours, glass-bottom boat trips, and more.

Cabana and villa rentals are available across both lagoon areas and the beach. The adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club is the premium experience, with an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, elevated dining, and a swim-up bar.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay’s activities lean heavily on the natural environment. Horseback riding is one of the most popular shore excursions on the island and a bucket-list experience. Beyond that, guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and more, or book guided excursions like a stingray adventure, eco lagoon tour, or snorkeling by boat. Cabana and daybed rentals are available at an upcharge, with standard cabanas starting at $799.99 and daybeds starting at $149.99.

On the complimentary side, the beach itself is the main attraction. And unlike Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay does not have an adults-only section.

Comparison Table

Overall Vibe & Pros and Cons

Visiting both destinations on the same cruise made one thing immediately clear to us: these two Carnival private destinations are completely different.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been a Carnival Corporation favorite for years and for good reason. The island’s entire identity is built around preservation and simplicity, and the 2026 expansion has added infrastructure without changing the island’s vibe. The beach is beautiful, the pace is slow, and the experience feels like the Bahamas rather than a theme park. The tradeoff is that if you’re expecting the amenities of Celebration Key, you’ll be surprised by what isn’t here.

Celebration Key is Carnival’s vision of what a private destination can be. It’s lively, impressive, and loaded with amenities. The lagoons are breathtaking in scale, Pearl Cove is one of the best adults-only retreats at any cruise destination, and the sheer variety of food and activities means there’s something for everyone. The tradeoff is that it can feel too loud for those seeking a relaxing day in the sun.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Pros

• 2.5 miles of pristine white sand beach with included chairs and umbrellas
• Unlimited included lunch buffet
• Horseback riding and other nature-focused excursions
• A natural, unhurried vibe
• Maximum of three ships in port with plenty of beach space to spread out
• Pier allows for easy access ashore, no more tendering

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Cons

• No pool of any kind
• No adult-only section
• Cheers package doesn’t work here
• Fewer dining options and bars vs. Celebration Key
• Distance between tram stops/amenities can be significant

Celebration Key Pros

• Massive freshwater lagoon — PLUS plenty of beach space
• A variety of food and drink options
• Pearl Cove Beach Club is an adults-only retreat
• Waterslides, sports courts, splash pad, and plenty to keep everyone busy
• Access to Grand Bahama Island for diverse shore excursions
• Authentic Bahamian touches — local food vendors & craft beer, artisan market, Junkanoo parades

Celebration Key Cons

• Island Eats credit system adds complexity to dining
• Cheers package doesn’t work here
• Feels theme park-like rather than naturally beautiful
• Pier now accommodates up to four ships at a time, which could lead to crowding
• Louder, party vibes can distract from a relaxing day ashore

Which Should You Choose?

Here’s our honest bottom line: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key are built for different travelers on different kinds of days. “Better” all depends on how you define your perfect beach day. Do you want a fun, more active day ashore or a quiet, relaxing retreat?

We loved both of these exclusive destinations and think they complement each other nicely on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. We wouldn’t hesitate to book another cruise visiting both of these Carnival Paradise Collection locales.

Choose RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay if you want:

• One of the most beautiful beaches in the Bahamas
• A simple, relaxed day ashore
• Horseback riding or other nature-based excursions
• The feel of a real Bahamian island rather than a built resort

Choose Celebration Key if you want:

• A pool day with swim-up bars and all the amenities
• The biggest adults-only beach club retreat in the Caribbean
• Maximum variety in food, drinks, and entertainment
• A lively, social atmosphere with music and energy

If you’re on a Carnival itinerary that calls at both — as we were — you’re in for two very different but equally memorable days.

Comments

Do you have an upcoming cruise visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key? Which of these exclusive Carnival destinations do you prefer? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences visiting Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key.

The post RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay vs. Celebration Key: We Visited Both Carnival Destinations on the Same Cruise appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Whether you enjoy pina coladas by the pool, beer at the brewpub, specialty coffee at the cafe or all of the above, cruise drink packages can be economical if you think you’ll consume enough to make the purchase of one worth the expense. But are you using yours correctly?

Even if you’re a seasoned beverage package pro, we’re willing to bet there are still some mistakes you’re making. Here, we’ve compiled a list of ways you might be paying too much, committing etiquette faux pas or simply not drawing as much value as you could be from your investment. We’re also offering some cruise drink package tips to help fix those mistakes.

Not Budgeting for a Drink Package if You Want One

Cruise drink packages are not cheap. In fact, they’re crazy expensive. For the most inclusive options with some of the biggest cruise lines, you could be looking at an extra $100 per person, per day, which amounts to more than $1,200 for two adults on a weeklong voyage – as much as the cost of another cruise.

Some lines then charge an additional mandatory gratuity of up to 20% on top of the cost of the package. Then you’ll have to factor in any additional local taxes that might be levied on drinks you order with your package while the ship is docked in port.

You should work all of this into the bottom line of your vacation budget as you’re planning so you’re not left with serious sticker shock.  

Assuming You Have to Have a Package

Cruise beverage packages are a given for many passengers, but you should never feel obligated to buy one if you’re not a big drinker and don’t think you’ll use it enough to at least break even. At that point, it’s just a waste of money. This applies even if your cruise line includes a drink package in your fare.

Why would you care about opting out if it’s free? Because, as mentioned above, you could still be looking at gratuities and taxes on the estimated value of the “free” package, as is the case with NCL’s Free at Sea promotion, and those can amount to hundreds of dollars. So, if you don’t think you’ll get enough use out of the included package, see if you can choose not to accept it.

Not Knowing What Your Package Covers

One of the best cruise drink package tips is to simply read a package’s list of inclusions ahead of buying it or opting into it if it’s a freebie. It sounds obvious, but we’re always shocked when someone tells us they didn’t know they’d have to pay extra for bottled water, specialty tea and coffee, high-end beer or top-shelf spirits with packages that don’t include them.

If you know what you’re getting into ahead of time, you’ll be less surprised by additional charges, and you can better determine if it would make the most financial sense for you to skip the package and order a la carte, keep a basic package for what you need or upgrade to a premium offering.

Overlooking Other Package Types

If you’re a bigger fan of smoothies, energy drinks or specialty coffee than booze, check to see which other kinds of drink packages your cruise line sells besides ones that include alcohol. Most have coffee packages or punch cards; zero-proof packages that roll smoothies, milkshakes, bottled water and fancy coffees and teas into the equation; and basic soda packages, too. If you can tailor your package to exactly what you want, it could end up costing you less than splurging on one that includes everything.

Not Considering Your Itinerary

One of our biggest cruise drink package tips is this: To best calculate whether or not a cruise drink package is a good financial decision, don’t forget to take your itinerary – specifically, the number of sea days versus port days – into account. If you’ll be spending most of your time ashore, you’re unlikely to draw maximum value from a package, especially one that includes alcohol.

Don’t forget to add cruise lines’ private destinations to your tally because many – including Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Carnival’s Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key, and Norwegian’s Harvest Caye – don’t allow you to use your shipboard alcohol packages when you’re ashore.

Trying to Share Packages

Stop using your alcohol package to order drinks for someone else. We still hear about people trying to do this, and it bothers us. Behavior like that is why most lines now require everyone sharing a cabin to have a beverage package if even one person in the room has one.

Instead, have others in your group plan on budgeting for their own packages or to buy drinks a la carte.

Buying a Package if You’re Traveling With Kids

Think adults are the only ones who must have their own beverage packages if another adult in their cabin has one? Think again. Children sharing the room also are required to have packages – the zero-proof kind. Unless your kids regularly consume an alarming number of soft drinks or your teen downs specialty coffees like they’re going out of style, they shouldn’t need a beverage package of any kind.

When you’re cruising with kids, the only way purchasing an alcohol package for yourself would be worth the cost is if what you’d expect to spend on a la carte drinks without one would exceed the cost of both your package and your kiddos’.

Additionally, if you limit your children’s sugary drink intake, you probably won’t want them to have a drink package. Otherwise, if they’re out and about on the ship by themselves, they can purchase soda, milkshakes and other beverages at any time without your knowledge.

Attempting to Order More Than One Drink at a Time

Most cruise lines won’t allow this if you have a package. It’s to prevent you from sharing with others in your group who didn’t purchase one. Be aware of your cruise line’s policy before sidling up to the bar and having the bartender tell you they can’t fulfill your request. Some cruise lines will make the exception for ordering a bottle of water alongside an alcoholic beverage.

Making Faux Pas With Personal Drinkware

We know Stanley cups are, like, so trendy right now. Although we personally don’t understand the appeal of bringing them on a cruise, lots of people do it. Just don’t ask the bartender to fill your own personal cup, mug or tumbler when you head to your favorite onboard haunt. It’s unsanitary. They’ll likely refuse and, instead, give it to you in one of the ship’s clean glasses from which you can then transfer it if you’d like. The same applies to filling your thermos in the buffet. Use clean glassware at the beverage station and then transfer it to your personal drinkware.

The only time it’s acceptable and actually necessary to use your own cup is if you’re getting soda from the Freestyle machines on Royal Caribbean ships using the cup they gave you. The cups are what activate the machines. Just be sure to wash yours occasionally during your voyage.

Forgetting There’s Other Free Alcohol Onboard

Thinking of skipping the beverage package? There are other ways to score free alcohol and mocktails onboard. When you book a suite with some cruise lines, they’ll give you a complimentary beverage package or amenities like a free welcome bottle of sparkling wine, Champagne or a spirit of your choice.

If a suite isn’t in your budget, check your loyalty status. Some brands offer access to exclusive cocktail hours or lounges where crew serve drinks to attendees. Other lines offer beverage vouchers as perks.

If you don’t have high-tier status, look for events like art auctions or the captain’s welcome reception, which are open to everyone and often serve complimentary alcohol. It also pays to be a joiner, as winners of onboard game shows often receive drink vouchers or bottles of Champagne or sparkling wine as prizes.

Ultimately, you can take advantage of these free drinks in addition to the ones you’re entitled to in the event you do decide to purchase a beverage package.

Exceeding Your Limits

Don’t become so obsessed with getting your money’s worth out of your drink package that you drink to excess. Many cruise lines have daily limits on the number of alcoholic drinks your package will cover. It’s partially to help them save money and partially to keep passengers safe.

Not only can binge drinking be dangerous for you and the people around you, but you could miss out on valuable vacation time if you get sick or find yourself hungover the next day. Take the time to do the math to see if a drink package is right for you. Above all, know your limits, and don’t worry about maxing out your beverage allotment. In addition to being one of the best cruise drink package tips, it’s also solid advice that will help you avoid embarrassing yourself.

Not Hydrating Enough

You might be drinking a ton with your package, but are you hydrating? Alcohol can dehydrate you quickly, especially if you’re sailing someplace warm and aren’t taking in enough other fluids – especially those with electrolytes.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, and consider bringing a 12-pack of your favorite sports drink onboard if your cruise line allows it. A good rule of thumb is to ask for a bottle of water after every alcoholic drink or two.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, only you can decide if a cruise beverage package is right for you. To recap of our cruise drink package tips, remember to calculate the cost of the package, plus any gratuities and taxes you’re likely to be charged. Budget accordingly when planning your sailing, remembering to consider the fact that, if you purchase a package, everyone in your cabin will likely be required to do the same. Also take the length of your sailing and the number of sea days versus port days into consideration to see if the investment is worth the expense.

If you do opt for a package, make sure to know your limits; hydrate between beers, cocktails or glasses of wine; and remember the rules. Don’t try to order more than one drink at a time, don’t order drinks for others who don’t have packages, and don’t ask the bartender to fill your personal drinkware.

Finally, never feel pressured to buy an alcohol package you don’t think you’ll need. There are other ways to find free drinks onboard. Worst case, you can pay a la carte; if you’re someone who only enjoys a couple of drinks a day, this is almost always a less expensive way to go than a drink package purchase is.

Comments

Have you made any of these cruise drink package mistakes? Do you have any other drink package tips or hacks to add to our list? Drop us an anchor below to share whether or not you think a beverage package is worth it on a cruise.

The post 12 Cruise Drink Package Mistakes You’re Probably Making (Do This Instead) appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

This past April, I set sail on my very first transatlantic cruise which took place aboard Virgin Voyages’ ship Valiant Lady. I’ve taken many cruises over the years (in fact, this voyage marked my 20th!), but none were across an entire ocean or as remote as this one.

While I was excited about the brand-new adventure, I was a bit apprehensive as well. What would so many sea days in a row be like? Would I feel safe out in the middle of the ocean with no land or other people anywhere nearby? I’m happy to report that those concerns, while valid, didn’t wind up affecting my experience, and I had a wonderful cruise.

Here’s a full Virgin Voyages transatlantic cruise review of my eastbound crossing, from the dining and lounges to entertainment, activities, sea day experiences, and more.

Table of Contents

The Ship & Itinerary

My transatlantic cruise aboard Valiant Lady departed Saturday, April 25th. Virgin Voyages’ ships — especially its first three — are largely identical. Valiant Lady is the second of the group; debuting in 2022 following the official launch of the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, in 2021. All four ships in the Virgin fleet are strictly adults-only.

Originally scheduled to depart from Manhattan, New York, the departure point for my cruise ended up being at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal instead. It is my understanding that this change was due to Manhattan’s Pier 90 being taken out of cruise service earlier this year. It was a rainy evening as we sailed under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, making for a memorable start to the voyage.

Our cruise would include five full days at sea making our way across the ocean before arriving in our first port: Ponta Delgada, Azores. The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago out in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 900 miles west of Lisbon. Our second port, Funchal, was also on a Portuguese island (Madeira) which we arrived in after another day at sea.

After yet another sea day, it was time to visit Tangier, Morocco, marking my very first time in Africa. That evening, our ship sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar, and it was so cool being able to see both Europe (Spain) and Africa (Morocco) at the same time.

As our ship made its way into the Mediterranean, our itinerary continued with visits to Malaga and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The voyage concluded in Barcelona on Saturday, May 9th. All in all, it was a two-week sailing with eight sea days and five ports of call.

Stateroom

I took this cruise with my boyfriend, who celebrated a milestone birthday while we were onboard. We booked a Central Sea Terrace stateroom, which is a balcony cabin located towards the middle of the ship. The central location is ideal for us as it provides quick access to many amenities.

Our stateroom was a standard Virgin Voyages cabin, featuring a queen-sized bed (made of two twin beds pushed together), a chair, a curved desk and mirror, built-in rack and shelves for storage, a safe, and a mini-fridge. For a standard length cruise, the space and storage in the cabin is ample. For a two-week voyage, storage space did seem a bit lacking. That being said, we made it work.

Also in the stateroom is a tablet to control things like the curtains and mood lighting (there are different lighting presets for things like relaxing (zen mode) or taking OOTD photos (photoshoot)), making housekeeping requests, or ordering room service.

If you’ve taken a cruise, chances are you know that cabin bathrooms are tight. Well, Virgin Voyages’ are even smaller. You can basically stand in one singular spot and wash your hands, sit down on the toilet, and take one step into the shower. I’ve taken multiple Virgin cruises so I’ve become accustomed to their tiny bathrooms, but it can still be a bit challenging at times. One pro is that the shower does have a glass door, so at least you don’t have to worry about a shower curtain sticking to your body.

The balcony is one of the best parts of a stateroom on Virgin Voyages. Why? The line’s signature red hammock, of course. While not EVERY balcony cabin features a hammock, the vast majority do, and it’s a memorable perk. We spent many an afternoon hanging around in the hammock, swaying with the ship as it cut through the water across the Atlantic. Also on the balcony were two metal chairs and a small table. The chairs are so-so. They’re metal with zero cushions, and they aren’t the most comfortable.

Overall, our stateroom on this transatlantic cruise was exactly as I was expecting and was a great home base during the two-week voyage.

Dining

All dining is included on Virgin Voyages, which made it extra easy to enjoy all the restaurants the ship has to offer multiple times throughout the sailing. Instead of having large main dining rooms, Virgin Voyages has smaller themed restaurants — most of which would be considered specialty restaurants on mainstream cruise lines.

While I’ve sailed Virgin Voyages multiple times before, I never took a cruise long enough to try all the restaurants in one sailing, and never took full advantage of the casual venues at dinnertime. During this transatlantic cruise, it was nice having more time to truly enjoy the various dining options on board without feeling rushed.

Sit-Down Restaurants

Gunbae

We had one meal at Gunbae, which is the ship’s Korean barbecue venue, and it was actually my first time dining there. You share a circular table with other cruisers around a flameless grill at the center of the table. The experience starts off with a fun drinking game, then you make your menu selections. You choose the appetizers and desserts you want, and they cook all of the entrées for the table, family-style. A chef prepares each entrée one at a time, with selections including mixed veggies, beef bulgogi, and a seafood course.

Overall we had a great experience at Gunbae, from the food and staff to the conversation around the table. If you’re okay with meeting new people and enjoying a lively “experience”-style dinner, I’d recommend Gunbae and would do it again on a future cruise.

Razzle Dazzle

Razzle Dazzle is one of my favorite restaurants on Virgin Voyages. As an important note, though, our cruise was the last sailing on this ship offering a traditional Razzle Dazzle experience in the evenings. Following our voyage, the ship underwent a dry dock to transform Razzle Dazzle into an Indian restaurant called Ariya. By day, the venue will still serve the Razzle Dazzle brunch menu. But by night, it now has a brand-new Indian menu.

Resilient Lady is now the last ship in the fleet still serving the Razzle Dazzle menu at dinner. Since dinner aboard Valiant Lady is no longer what I experienced, I won’t say much aside from the fact that we had dinner here a few times and enjoyed it, as always.

We had brunch at Razzle Dazzle several times throughout the sailing as well. My go-to menu items are the fried chicken sandwich and the açai bowl. Yum! My boyfriend enjoyed the avo toast, nutty gazpacho, and sunny side hash — all of which had a kick to them and all of which were delicious. We recommend the watermelon sesame “cream” as well — just be sure to ask for a half size if you’re not sharing it with 2+ other people! Don’t miss the smoked bacon either — it’s almost candied and one of the best things on the entire menu.

The Wake

Though the name evokes the sea you’re sailing, The Wake is all about steak. Located (of course) at the ship’s aft, we had both dinner and brunch at this elegant venue. The space is beautiful, the service is very good, and the food was excellent.

I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but I’m not a huge steak person. However, my boyfriend did have some steaks, and he gave me his thoughts about them. During our dinner, he indulged in the “Treat Yourself” steak option on the menu, which was a 32 oz. aged tomahawk that comes with a $75 upcharge. Our waiter prepared and served it tableside and it was cooked perfectly, from the temperature to the seasoning and overall flavor. He said he’s had a lot of pricier cuts on land and at sea, but this was the best steak he’s ever had across 60+ cruises.

If you have brunch at The Wake and want a steak, try to make your visit at noon or later. It’s at that time that a supplementary menu is available, which includes a New York strip and a filet mignon. My boyfriend had the filet mignon during our brunch, and said that of the included steaks at The Wake, that’s his favorite. His only minor complaint was that he likes his steaks a bit more seasoned. Don’t miss out on the sauces, either, as the bone marrow béarnaise is the perfect pairing for all of the different cuts.

Two of our favorite things at The Wake, aside from steaks, are the clam chowder and the parker house dinner rolls. To me, they’re must-haves, to the point that one evening we were having dinner somewhere else, but we stopped by The Wake ahead of time just to have cocktails, rolls, and an appetizer.

Test Kitchen

The laboratory-themed Test Kitchen is not a “go-to” kind of place to enjoy over and over throughout a sailing — at least for me. Instead, it’s a unique experience that’s fun to try once or twice over the course of a cruise. A five-course affair, you choose from just two options per course, with mysterious menu items like “corn/truffle,” “tofu,” “beet/cashews,” “lamb rack,” and “strawberry/pistachio.” Unless you have food allergies or ask what each menu item actually entails ahead of time, you won’t truly know what you’re getting until it’s placed in front of you.

I would not consider myself a foodie. Therefore, Test Kitchen is a bit hit-or-miss for me. Some courses were delicious, some weren’t my speed at all. But each time I’ve gone was a fun experience trying interesting textures, food combinations, and presentations, so even I have — and would continue to — go back again. If you or someone you’re traveling with is an adventurous eater, or you want to step a bit out of your comfort zone (after all, it’s free!), I’d recommend giving Test Kitchen a try.

Pink Agave

Pink Agave is Virgin Voyages’ Mexican restaurant, with a moody Latin vibe and traditional, flavorful recipes. Admittedly, my favorite versions of Mexican food are the big, cheesy plates of enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas. Pink Agave is a bit more elevated than my taste, but my boyfriend loves this style of Mexican and it’s his favorite restaurant on Virgin Voyages. The guacamole is one of the best both on land and at sea, and the esquites street corn and papas con chorizo are our go-to appetizers that are consistently delicious.

For entrées, my usual is the salsa verde enchiladas, which are good but not saucy/cheesy enough for my taste. His go-to is the Bistec Marinero en Escabeche, a ribeye steak covered in melted Oaxaca cheese and topped with chile ancho. Not counting the tomahawk steak at The Wake, this is his favorite steak on Virgin Voyages. The cheese and chiles perfectly pack a punch, creating a complex and exciting flavor.

When it comes to dessert, don’t skip it at Pink Agave. Two of the best desserts on the ship can be found here: the tamale de chocolate which is like a chocolate cake-like tamale, and the tacos de chocolate, which are mini tacos with flavors of chocolate, dulce de leche, and cinnamon.

Extra Virgin

The Italian restaurant aboard Valiant Lady is Extra Virgin, and it’s my second-favorite sit-down restaurant after Razzle Dazzle. On this voyage, we had the affettati misti cheese/meat board, the crispy artichoke, braised mini meatballs, potato gnocchi, and the pappardelle al ragu, among other things. While the gnocchi is extra soft and may feel overcooked to some, it was still delicious and we were happy with our meals here. The charcuterie board is small but has a great selection, and we ordered it more than once over the course of our sailing.

Arguably the highlight of a meal at Extra Virgin is dessert — specifically the affogato cart. Exactly as it sounds, if you order affogato your server comes over with a cart loaded with gelato, espresso, and a variety of toppings. Tell them exactly what you want and they prepare your affogato right in front of you. It’s a scrumptious treat and the perfect way to end a rich, satisfying meal at Extra Virgin.

Casual Dining

The Galley

The Galley is Virgin’s food hall venue. Taking the place of a traditional buffet, The Galley’s various food stations allow passengers to walk up, place an order or request something that’s already prepared, and seat themselves. If you place an order for something that has a wait, you’re usually given a buzzer which is very handy. Other things, like sushi, breads, pizza, desserts, fruit, and the special hot meal of the day are either grab-and-go or are already ready.

Tables also have small menus with flags, which you can raise if you need service. You can place a food order with these crew members if you don’t want to get up, or you can order things like specialty coffees and teas and alcoholic beverages.

I found The Galley on this transatlantic cruise to be the best iteration of this venue that I’ve experienced. Crew members were efficient, the food was fresh and well-prepared, and the daily specials were thoughtful and delicious. Some of our favorite specials throughout the sailing included crispy reuben spring rolls, butter chicken, shepherd’s pie, and the Spanish-inspired La Catalana burger.

The only true complaint I have is that the full selection of breakfast stations in the morning don’t open as early as I wish they did on port days. While the classic American breakfast station Diner & Dash is open 24 hours a day, other stations don’t start opening until a bit later. On some port days, the other stations didn’t open until 8 am — just one hour before we had to meet for our excursion.

The Social Club

The Social Club is a diner-inspired counter-service venue located amidst the arcade, the Loose Cannon bar, and a variety of tables for doing puzzles and playing games. The venue also plays host to a variety of activities throughout the sailing like trivia and karaoke. It serves a simple menu of four different hot dogs, soft pretzels, chicken wings, and popcorn. You can also get floats and dirty sodas there, as well as sweet treats like fudge, saltwater taffy, and gummies.

The Social Club is a great place to grab a bite to eat if you’re feeling peckish between meals. We’d stop by for a pretzel, a hot dog, or a piece of fudge and continue on our way. The food is quick and simple, but tastes great and hits the spot when you start to get a bit hungry.

The Pizza Place

Open from midday until late into the night, The Pizza Place is Virgin’s classic quick-casual pizza joint. Instead of just grabbing a slice or two, though, pizzas are served as whole personal-sized pies. With a few varieties to choose from, pizzas are made to order with fresh ingredients and delicious, chewy crusts. I’ve had many pizzas from this venue, and I’ve never had a bad experience.

Grounds Club

Grounds Club (and Grounds Club Too located in The Galley) is the ship’s coffee shop. A case of bakery items such as muffins, sweet breads, and cookies are complimentary, and they were awesome. We often walked away with a couple cookies, even when we weren’t planning to get any, and they always tasted fresh.

Specialty coffee and tea costs extra on Virgin Voyages. However, if you have status in the Sailing Club loyalty program, you’ll get one or two free specialty coffees/teas per day. We went to the Grounds Club just about every day, and were overall happy with our drinks.

Virgin Voyages uses Intelligentsia coffee, which we really like. I will say that my mileage did vary with the iced lattes I got. I’d always get some kind of flavored syrup, like mocha or caramel. The strength of those flavors seemed to vary a bit day by day, probably depending on who was working. I’d say I consistently had better mochas during my cruises on Scarlet Lady.

Bars and Lounges

There is a bar to suit just about anyone’s taste and style on Valiant Lady. You have the large, plush On the Rocks bar located at the bottom of The Roundabout atrium which plays host to a variety of live music sets. There’s also the nautical-themed pub The Loose Cannon, the glamorous Sip champagne lounge, The Dock House lounge, and The Dock outdoor deck space with bar at the aft, among others.

On every Virgin cruise I’ve taken, including this one, our usual spot to grab a drink was The Dock (if it’s daytime/nice outside) or The Dock House (if it’s evening or chilly/rainy outside). Located adjacent to each other, these spaces exude a laid-back coastal style, with lots of cushy seating and conversation areas. Throughout the afternoon, they serve a Mediterranean-inspired light bites menu with things like grilled shrimp, goat cheese polenta, and hangar steak.

For a few set hours, the menu switches to “Opa Hour,” with things like a mezza platter, lamb sausage skewer, and a selection of Greek sweets available. Opa Hour happened to include my favorite cocktail at The Dock House, the “Kleo Patra” made of kleos mastiha, lemon, and basil. Late-morning through early evening it can be difficult to find a good spot to sit at both The Dock and The Dock House, but it’s well worth it if you do. This is a great spot to hang out on board.

Other bars that I particularly enjoyed on board include The Loose Cannon (so many good cocktails here and I love the theming!) and On the Rocks (settle in here to enjoy some live music). Just note that Virgin Voyages does not have traditional drink packages like most other cruise lines.

Sea Day Activities

As with any cruise, you can do as little or as much as you want during sea days. However, if you want to do a lot, there was always something happening on our transatlantic cruise. Examples of common activities include trivia, live music, cruiser meet-ups, fitness classes, bridge classes and tournaments, karaoke, challenges and quizzes, and dance classes. We spent most of our time at sea doing our own thing, hanging out on deck or in various lounges.

We did participate in what the line calls “Summer Camp Arts & Crafts,” which was making bracelets or keychains with embroidery thread. It’s a nice activity to pass some time, and I got a cool handmade keychain out of it. But I wish the line was a bit more inventive with their summer camp-themed crafts, and had a wider rotation of the actual crafts that are done. They also had designated times during the sailing where they’d put up a big paper mural that guests could color in together. That looked fun, but the mural wasn’t very long so people were a bit on top of each other trying to color it.

Something that’s special about a transatlantic crossing on Virgin Voyages is that there are guest speakers that come onboard to talk about their area of expertise. We attended a show put on by a former submariner, Eric, who was in the British Royal Navy. His show was very educational about what it was like to be train for, live, and work on a submarine, but also lighthearted — full of jokes and quips about his experiences at sea. Another guest speaker was one of the co-founders of Virgin Atlantic, David Tait, talking about what it was like to help build an airline.

Entertainment

There are lots of ways to stay entertained during a transatlantic crossing aboard Valiant Lady. Live music is easy to find around the ship, with guitarists and vocalists playing in venues such as On the Rocks (the bar in The Roundabout atrium), The Dock House, and Sip champagne bar. We caught musicians here and there, and all were good at engaging with the crowd and very talented.

There were several shows and parties in the theater, including the dinner variety show It’s a Ship Show, UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING which is part show, part dance party, the Around the World with the Diva travel-themed drag show, and The Magnets a capella group, among other events. I’m not generally a huge theater show person, so I didn’t attend much during this sailing. However, we did see Around the World with the Diva which was funny, a bit raunchy, and overall a great time.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Virgin Voyages cruise review without talking about Scarlet Night. On our transatlantic voyage, Scarlet Night happened on day 9, the evening following our day in Funchal, Madeira. Scarlet Night is really more like Scarlet evening AND night. Activations happen all around the ship, as various public venues transform into red hues and octopus tentacles start appearing in different places. There’s a photo station, a glam station, live music, a signature red cocktail, and more. The party truly kicks off with an event in the Roundabout atrium that includes music, dancing, and competitions. Then, everyone gathers on the main pool deck for the Scarlet Night party. It’s the best cruise ship party I’ve ever experienced and you can’t miss it if you take a Virgin cruise.

Spa Thermal Suite

Though I’ve sailed Virgin Voyages before, I’d actually never experienced the line’s thermal suite in the spa — until this sailing. In fact, we spent not one, but two afternoons enjoying the various amenities that included a salt room, steam room, sauna, mud room, hot and cold plunge pools, and a room temperature pool.

Overall, the thermal suite was great. I’m a big fan of spa thermal suites, and have tried them on multiple cruise lines over the years. On Valiant Lady, my favorite experiences were the salt room, sauna, mud room, and hot tub. The room temperature pool was a great size and made for a nice area to talk with fellow passengers, but I wish it was just a bit warmer. It was cold enough that it was uncomfortable to get into, and I really was wishing the spa had a large hot tub-style pool instead. The hot tub that WAS there was tiny and could only comfortably fit 1-2 people.

Surrounding the room temperature pool were chairs with foot rests. They are small, upright chairs that don’t have very high backs, which to me didn’t make for a very good place to relax. So really, the only place to truly lay back is on the heated marble hammam benches, which are located off to the side with porthole ocean views. More like layered platforms than benches, this area is where you can put down a towel and fully lay down to relax. Of course, you are literally laying on marble, which means this isn’t the comfiest option either.

How do transatlantic cruises differ from Caribbean sailings on Virgin?

It probably goes without saying that things are even more laid back than usual on a transatlantic cruise vs. a Caribbean cruise with Virgin. There’s more time to spread major events out, so you won’t have Scarlet Night just two nights after the pajama party. Guests tend to spend more time indoors on transatlantic cruises than in the Caribbean too, particularly during the crossing. This is largely due to weather, which on my crossing varied widely between cold, drizzly and windy to warm and sunny. It’s also because there’s just more time. Sun-seekers who might want to soak up every ray of sunshine possible in the Caribbean will have more time to alternate between being outside and enjoying indoor amenities/activities.

The average passenger age skews a bit older on longer sailings, which goes for transatlantic voyages as well. In line with that, The Manor nightclub is less attended than on shorter cruises, except on themed nights like Scarlet Night where you’ll find a bigger crowd.

Progressive trivia can be found on longer sailings such as a transatlantic cruise, where the same teams play and accumulate their points throughout the voyage (the prizes are bigger, too!). You’ll also find more specials in the restaurants, both sit-down and at The Galley. And as mentioned, The Galley had some really outstanding specials that we were able to enjoy.

In the pre-cruise realm, guests are able to have more bookings per restaurant ahead of time than they would on a shorter cruise.

Of course, many of these differences are not exclusive to a transatlantic cruise; they would apply to any voyage that’s longer than average. However, they are things we noticed on this sailing that aren’t typical of the Virgin Voyages experience.

Why take a transatlantic cruise on Virgin Voyages?

One of the biggest selling points of Virgin Voyages that may be an even BIGGER pro during a transatlantic crossing is the fact that the line is adults-only. The elevated, adult-focused atmosphere is perfect for kicking back and relaxing during sea days without worrying about kids being underfoot or doing cannonballs into the pool.

Virgin’s balcony hammocks are also a huge plus. What better time than on an ocean crossing to sway in your hammock as you read a book, hang out with your travel mates, or close your eyes and listen to the waves? If you’re considering a transatlantic cruise with Virgin, we highly recommend you book a balcony cabin and make sure it’s one with a hammock.

I also love the more inclusive nature of Virgin. While it’s not considered an “all-inclusive” line, it IS “more” inclusive than mainstream lines and offers great value. Things that many other lines charge for like wifi, soda, fitness classes, and all dining is included in the fare. If you pre-purchase a Bar Tab for drinks, it’s pretty easy to walk off a Virgin Voyages cruise having spent little to nothing while onboard if you so choose.

Who should take a transatlantic cruise with Virgin Voyages?

In my opinion, a transatlantic cruise aboard Virgin Voyages is great for young adults (and those who are young at heart!) who don’t mind longer voyages with lots of time at sea. Our sailing had a wide variety of ages represented onboard, with people from all sorts of backgrounds and walks of life. Virgin Voyages does create a bit more of a trendy and party-like atmosphere than most cruise lines so if you’re looking for a quieter, more refined cruise, another line might be a better option.

While the age demographic of transatlantic cruises tend to skew much older on other cruise lines, the difference isn’t as pronounced on Virgin Voyages. On mainstream cruise lines, you’ll find that the demographic difference between a standard Caribbean cruise and a transatlantic cruise is quite noticeable. While I did notice more older passengers on the transatlantic than I did on my previous Bahamas and Caribbean sailings with Virgin, there was still a large number of younger/middle-aged guests.

If you’re looking for a longer vacation without a higher price tag, transatlantic cruises, or any repositioning cruise, should be on your radar. These cruises (more sea days, less ports of call) usually offer significantly lower per-day fares.

Virgin Voyages Transatlantic Cruise Review: My Overall Thoughts

I had a fantastic time on my Valiant Lady transatlantic cruise. While I was a bit disappointed that it started off so chilly and we couldn’t spend much time outside, we stayed cozy inside, enjoying the ship and our fellow passengers. During the times when it was warm, it was fun to head outside and see everyone gathered, eager to soak up the sun and enjoy the endless ocean views.

I know I didn’t mention our ports much in this review, but they were fantastic. We did hiking excursions in both the Azores and Madeira, and they were two of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done. We visited a blue-drenched ancient city called Chefchaouen during our call in Tangier, Morocco, and explored on our own during our port calls in Spain. I hadn’t been to Europe in years, so being back again — and in all new places — was a real treat for me and a huge highlight of the cruise. And of course, my first time visiting Africa was a highlight as well.

I was a bit apprehensive about taking a ship all the way across the ocean, but I’m so glad I did. Lots of people on our sailing had done transatlantic crossings before, and now that I’ve done one I can see why they came back. It was relaxing, beautiful, and so much fun. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I’m excited at the thought of potentially doing crossings on different cruise lines and ship sizes in the future. If you’re considering a transatlantic cruise, I say jump in and do it. You won’t truly know for yourself until you try, and chances are if you love being on the ocean, you’ll love crossing one. I know I do.

Comments

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The post I Took a Virgin Voyages Transatlantic Cruise – Here’s What It Was Really Like appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.