msc cruises canada excursions

LOGIN or MANAGE YOUR BOOKING

MSC Excursions

Find your excursions.

Visit what’s important – you won’t miss a thing Quality - all tours provided by certified partners Expert multilingual guides – all carefully selected No Stress – let us take care of everything Safety – the highest safety standards Dedicated excursions – for everyone 

MSC Protectours

Discover msc's sustainable shore excursions.

MSC Shore Excursions

One of the many pleasures of a cruise is discovering new and interesting places, for yourself, with friends or family. It’s why we have re-designed our MSC Shore Excursions, allowing you to safely and smoothly go ashore to explore, discover and enjoy new experiences. Let’s go! 

Whether you prefer adventure, nature, culture or history, we’ve designed something for you and the whole family.

From Culture & History and our breathtaking Scenic Routes , to our Active & Adventure tours and the discovery of Natural Wonders, to Sea & Sun’s relax, our Something Special experiences and our Accessible Tours, you can enjoy the treasures of each destination in your preferred way. We’ve also established the Excursions Explorer Package and MSC Bike Adventours, which are unique to our line and available on selected MSC Cruises' itineraries. 

Choose your MSC Cruise Excursion online and take advantage of our pre-boarding rates. Bookings can be made up to 4 days prior the cruise departure date. 

For full Terms and Conditions, please  click here

WHY AN MSC EXCURSION?

Choose MSC Excursions Because

Quality and Value

Experience the highlights of each destination on meticulously planned excursions, guided by skilled and qualified local tour guides*. 

Comfort and Convenience

From transportation to and from the ship, to seeing the sights, our tours are designed to make your day of exploring as carefree as possible. Just select the tour of your choice and let us take care of all the details. 

Peace of mind

When you choose an MSC excursion, you can relax in the knowledge that all our tours are operated by carefully selected partners who can easily make contact with your ship throughout the day.

* Tours can be provided in 5 languages (ENG-DEU-FRA-ESP-ITA) and depends on the availability of guides. The final language will be confirmed on board during the cruise

Active & Adventures

Head ashore in search of adventure! Opportunities for sport and fun range from trekking and snorkelling to kayak tours and 4x4 vehicle adventures.  The active choice.   Book now the new Bike Tour available!

Explore the city centre with a guided tour and soak up the local scenery with a comfortable coach ride. The easy way to get to know your destination.

Culture & History

Learn all about the history and culture of your destination, with visits to must-see locations and guided tours of key sites. The ideal route to local knowledge.

Scenic route

Admire your destination in total comfort, with a scenic coach tour taking in the best views and the main places of interest. The relaxing road to discovery.

Take your children on a journey of discovery, with a special programme for kids. The perfect family trip.

Natural wonders

Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of your destination. Your passport to the wonders of the natural world.

Something special

Pursue your interests in new places! From gastronomic tours and guided shopping trips to religious visits, there’s a world of pastimes and passions to explore.

Sea & Sun

Treat yourself to some pure relaxation, basking on a beautiful beach or enjoying the stunning views on a scenic boat trip. A winner for sea and sun lovers.

Easy & Accessible

Leisurely explore the best each destination has to offer, in small groups, on tailor-made itineraries for slow walkers and people with limited mobility. Find out more !

Easy & Accessible Excursions

Explore each destination at your own pace

From slow walkers , to  wheelchair  and  scooter  users  who wish to leisurely explore each destination, Easy & Accessible Excursions are designed to help you visit and discover each destination in  total comfort!

EXCURSIONs TO OCEAN CAY MSC MARINE RESERVE

Nature made it Beautiful, we made it Unique

Booking number

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Mon-Sun 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST

EASY & ACCESSIBLE EXCURSIONS

Explore each destination at your own pace.

Our Easy & Accessible Tours make exploring comfortable for everyone!

These tours allow slow walkers , wheelchair , scooter users and any guests that like to leisurely explore , to visit the best each destination has to offer on easy tours created just for them. Through specifically selected itineraries and specially designed tours, guests will be able to enjoy step free routes at their own pace, experiencing the wonders of our destinations in total comfort . Special needs vehicles will be available to accommodate small groups , and tours itineraries will always include access to special needs restrooms.

Please note that vehicles and their wheelchair & scooter requirements (width, height, weight) vary from tour to tour so make sure to carefully check the specific requirements within each tour description .

Book now and ensure yourself a spot as limited seats are available!

Tours for everyone

Where to find easy & accessible excursions.

• Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Charlotte Amalie (St Tomas), USA
• Cozumel, Mexico
• George Town, Cayman Islands
• Isla de Roatan, Honduras
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Roseau, Dominica
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Best New Shore Excursions

MSC Cruises’ Easy & Accessible tours have been awarded as Best New Shore Excursions for the 2020 Porthole Cruise Editor-in-Chief Awards.

enrich your cruise and make it even more special

Book online and get advantage of our discounted prices vs. onboard prices!

Who can book the Easy and Accessible shore excursions?

How are the easy & accessible shore excursions different from other regular shore excursions.

Easy & Accessible excursions are unique in that they offer:

• Completely step-free tour routes
• Wheelchair Accessible vehicles
• Shorter distances
• Slower pace
• Accessible restrooms with wide doors along the route
• Professional and compassionate tour guides experienced in working with senior and limited mobility clients

What type of vehicles are used for the Easy & Accessible shore excursions?

How can i trust that these tours are fully accessible, how big are the groups for the easy & accessible shore excursions, how will the guide assist me with my mobility needs, what can i expect from my easy & accessible shore excursions, how do i make sure my mobility equipment isn't too big or too heavy for the excursion, in which destinations can i book easy & accessible shore excursions, when should i book my easy & accessible shore excursion, can i cancel my booked easy & accessible shore excursion, why is a minimum number of participants required, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 17.30 | Sun 10 - 16

YOUR MSC Excursions

Can a day trip last a lifetime? With our incredible range of shore excursions, they can. Whether you prefer adventure, nature, culture, or history, you can create lifelong memories for yourself and the whole family. Discover the rich backgrounds of your destinations with a Culture & History excursion, experience breathtaking views on a Scenic Route , get an adrenaline hit with an Active & Adventure tour, relax in the beauty of Natural Wonders , kick back in a Sea & Sun’s Relax , enjoy a Something Special experience.

We’ve also created the Excursions Explorer Package , MSC Bike Adventours , and MSC PROTECTOURS – a series of environmentally conscious excursions – all of which are attentively selected (available on selected MSC Cruises itineraries).

Choose your MSC Cruise Excursion online to take advantage of our pre-boarding rates. 

Please note the excursion programme only provides an overview of the tours that can be arranged in each port and final tour descriptions and prices will be confirmed on board. Shore excursion programme and itineraries may vary depending on local conditions and/or any unforeseen events in relation to the timing on the day of the tour and / or subject to change based on local regulations or other restrictions. To find out the excursions available for your cruise, please log in by clicking here .

WHY CHOOSE OUR EXCURSIONS

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

• Get inspired Discover our excursions programme
• Already booked? Add excursions to your cruise!

We're constantly updating our wide selection of shore excursions for all interests to make your cruise holiday an unforgettable experience. Some tours may also be available at embarkation or disembarkation days, while during at sea days you can enjoy on board activities.

Our best selection of excursions

• Select category

Clear Filters

SCENIC ROUTE

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Sort by duration

• Category: SCENIC ROUTE
• Duration: 9 hour(s)
• Code: CIV03
• See details
• Add to my cruise

• Duration: 5.5 hour(s)
• Code: CIV09

• Category: CITY TOUR
• Duration: 3.5 hour(s)
• Code: GCA36

• Category: CULTURE AND HISTORY
• Duration: 4 hour(s)
• Code: KAT01

• Code: NAP01

• Duration: 5 hour(s)
• Code: PIR04

Some excursions are very popular and therefore availability cannot always be guaranteed. We therefore strongly advise to book in advance.

For all destinations, tours can be provided in 5 languages (ENG-DEU-FRA-ESP-ITA) depending on the availability of guides. The final language will be confirmed on board during your cruise

Only for South America destinations, tours can be provided in 6 languages (ENG-DEU-FRA-ESP-ITA-POR) depending on the availability of guides. The final language will be confirmed on board during your cruise

MSC Bike Adventours

Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve Excursions

Responsible Shore Excursions: MSC Protectours

Easy & Accessible Excursions

Excursion Explorer Package

Excursions categories

Enrich your cruise.

Book online and get advantage of our discounted prices vs. onboard prices!

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

SHORE Excursion Explorer Package

Make the magic last a little longer.

One of the joys of cruising is the chance to discover enchanting new destinations in comfort and style. At each port of call, our excursions offer you the most memorable experiences in the most fascinating places, accompanied by experienced, professional personnel. To get more for less from your time ashore, why not take advantage of our Excursions E xplorer Package? The package comprises three of the best excursions * available on each cruise at one very attractive price. Please note that this is a limited availability offer and is valid only on selected departures**.

*Excursions Explorer Package cannot be modified or refunded. In the event of one or more excursions being cancelled by MSC Cruises, the offer is not applicable to other excursions different from those included in the package.

**The Excursions Explorer Package is available on selected departures for the following destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, MSC Grand Voyages, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, Caribbean, Cuba & Antilles, South America.

Please see below for an example of the Excursions Explorer Package:

For all our destinations, the term “Children” refers to Guests between 2 and 13 years old, while “Adults” refers to Guests of 14 years and over.

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Mon - Fri 8:00am - 7:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm (AES/DT) Closed on Public Holidays.

Saint John (Canada) cruise

A One-of-a-Kind Natural Microcosm

Excursions & activities.

• Select category

Sort by duration

We're constantly updating our wide selection of shore excursions for all interests to make your cruise holiday an unforgettable experience. Some tours may also be available at embarkation or disembarkation days, while during at sea days you can enjoy on board activities.

TRAVEL TO THE Saint John, New Brunswick CRUISE TERMINAL

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

• MSC Cruises

MSC - Shore excursions package

By Ryan82 , November 14, 2022 in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

Hi all. I read on MSC's UK website they sometimes offer a  Excursions   E xplorer   Package.   The package comprises   three of the best excursions * available on each cruise at one very attractive price.  

I've never seen this available on any of my recent bookings. I appreciate it says available on selected departures so might just be everything we've booked doesn't feature this option.

Has anyone taken advantage of this, and sorry if it's a dumb question but how have you booked it? Does it show up somewhere in the logged in area?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I would be interested in this. 

@Ryan82 can you post the web page link where you found this. I will investigate further.

Hey @nuvolablue

On the UK website 👉 https://www.msccruises.co.uk/cruises/excursions/excursion-explorer-package

I noticed a similar option in excursions for my January Divina cruise. It’s likely a way to compete with Viator and other sites that offer a combination package for each of the ports on an itinerary.  

It looks like they pick one of the most popular excursions at each port. The price for the combination is about 15% / $ 32 cheaper than booking each excursion separately. That gives passengers an incentive to book and likely more revenue for MSC since many who may normally book independently will book the combination now through the ship.  

On 11/14/2022 at 3:43 PM, Ryan82 said: Hey @nuvolablue On the UK website 👉 https://www.msccruises.co.uk/cruises/excursions/excursion-explorer-package

Okay thanks.

Not available for my Red Sea cruise:

**The Excursions Explorer Package is available on selected departures for the following destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, MSC Grand Voyages, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, Caribbean, Cuba & Antilles, South America.  

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Thursday at 08:52 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 07:30 PM

LauraS · Started June 25

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

STORM IN A TEACUP: BRITS DEMAND PERFECT CUPPA WHEN ABROAD

• 75% of holidaymakers admit to getting stressed when they go abroad in case the quality of tea isn’t up to standard, new research from msc cruises reveals 1 • a polite 45% of brits admit that they would still drink an awful cup of tea • guests sailing from southampton on board msc virtuosa can enjoy the perfect cup of tea at sea, with specially sourced british tap water and an extensive library of tea.

London, UK, 2 July 2024: Three-quarters (76%) of British travellers declare that tea never tastes the same aboard which has left 51% bringing their own tea bags when they leave England and 37% going as far as bringing their own kettle, mug – and even their own sugar bowl, research from MSC Cruises reveals 1 . There is a lot more that goes into making the perfect cuppa than some boiling water, a standard tea bag and a drop of milk.

Showing British customers that they know tea is a serious matter, MSC Cruises has launched an extension to their leading onboard tea offering. Introducing the MSC Tea Library: filled with nearly 100 types of tea – such as PG Tips, Tetley, Clipper, Yorkshire Tea , Twinings and even supermarket own brands – as well as dozens of varieties of milk, sugar, sweeteners, mugs, cups, teapots, tea cosies and more. And to top it off, authentic tap water from the hardest water in London to the softest water in Dundee, to make sure it’s just like home.

A firm favourite with British travellers and a home away from home, MSC Virtuosa has arrived back to UK shores with sailings from Southampton this summer. What’s more, guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club can take advantage of afternoon tea daily – following popular demand from Brits, MSC Cruises increased the frequency from weekly to daily on board MSC Virtuosa . 

Guests can enjoy a tasty cuppa while taking in the beautiful scenery of Northern Europe, The Med and The Norwegian Fjords, which will hit the spot as nearly six in 10 (58%) believe drinking British tea abroad can improve the overall experience when travelling.

The British stereotype of politeness certainly rings true too, with 45% of Brits admitting that they would still drink an awful cup of tea. A quarter (40%) would even express their gratitude to the person who has made it. However, a very confident 8% would refuse to drink it all together.

Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales and Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland said: “Brits are very particular about their tea, and they should be. When it doesn’t taste right abroad, it can change the whole experience. It might be that the tea bags are wrong, or the water tastes off or it might be that UHT milk – it’s very hard to replicate the components that make the perfect cuppa when you’re not at home.”

For a limited time, tea lovers boarding MSC Virtuosa this month will no doubt be impressed with the variety of botted British tap water to suit their preferences. Whether accustomed to very hard tap water from London, moderate water from Birmingham or soft water from Dundee, MSC Cruises knows that even the water can affect the taste. During the trial, guests can peruse the endless range of British tea brands in the impressive handmade Tea Library, from Yorkshire Tea to Tetley, PG Tips to Twinning and even Asda supermarket must-haves.

Antonio Paradiso added: “We’re always listening to our customers to ensure their sailing experience is truly remarkable and if this trial is successful, we will roll it out during 2025. The trial is an extension of a previous survey amongst our fans to find out which tea bag they wanted when cruising with us to inform the tea brands we offer on board. We want our guests to feel like they’re in a home away from home when sailing with us, which is why we have always taken tea seriously on board MSC Virtuosa and perfected even the smallest of details so that our guests can sit back and relax with their perfect cuppa, whatever their tastes.”

TOP 10 THINGS THAT RUIN A CUPPA ACCORDING TO BRITISH TRAVELLERS:

• Too much milk
• Too short brew time
• The wrong temperature water
• The wrong type of milk
• Too long brew time
• Different-tasting tap water
• Too much sugar
• Too little milk
• The wrong tea brand
• Too little sugar

Diana Perez, a professional tea sommelier from The UK Tea Academy , who has partnered with MSC Cruises, has shared some top tea tips for Brits abroad:

• Cold milk please : Brits tend to agree on the use of cold milk instead of hot milk to keep the flavour as fresh as possible, but in Europe you could be served hot, so best to specify
• Milk first: Adding the milk first is known to allow for a better and more balanced combination of all the elements in the cup
• Keeping cool: Green tea can be considered ‘cooling’ and great for warmer weather, the perfect choice for a hot day in the Med
• A powerful digestive: If a lot has been eaten at the buffet, a peppermint tea will help improve digestion and soothe the stomach
• MSC Virtuosa offers travellers the chance to explore Northern Europe, The Med and The Norwegian Fjords this summer with sailings from Southampton without the hassle of a flight.
• A choice of 10 different dining venues, over 250 brands in the retail space, world-class theatre shows, five swimming pools as well as adventurous shore excursions and relaxation and wellness facilities, Brits will find everything all in one place for the ultimate cruise holiday.
• Enjoy a 7-night sailing around the beautiful Iberian Coast visiting ports throughout Spain and France on 22 June 2024 from £599 pp or a 7-night sailing around Northern Europe on 6 July from £699 pp.
• For those looking for a longer holiday packed with sun and culture, sail for 14 nights around The Med and Iberian Coast on 13 or 27 July 2024 from £999 pp or sail the Iberian Coast, Canary Islands & Madeira for 12 nights on 10 August from £1,399.
• All sailings on board MSC Virtuosa are available to browse and purchase here .

1 One Poll Survey of 2,000 people commissioned by MSC Cruises in May 2024

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Protect Your Trip »

Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

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

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• Celebrity Ascent Review
• Crystal Symphony Review
• Cruise Packing List
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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

You May Also Like

Best monterey whale watching tours.

John Rodwan and Ann Henson July 1, 2024

Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

6 Top Transatlantic Cruises for 2024

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

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

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

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

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

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

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

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

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

Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

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

Cruise length: 21 nights

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

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

MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

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

Cruise length: 16 nights

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

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

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

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

Cruise length: 31 nights

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

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

Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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

Cruise length: 12 nights

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

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

Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

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

Cruise length: 14 nights

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

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

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report