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20 Best Cruise Blogs to Follow Today

Last updated on January 28th, 2024 at 03:43 pm

Back with 20 blogs, up from the 15 cruise blogs that we started with back in 2015!

For readers who LOVE cruising as much as we do, you likely use your free time (or work time…) searching for the best deals on cruises , reading about new ships or new ports, and tweaking your budget to allow for that next cruise.

We love reading and researching our next cruise as much as you do, so in order to help you find the best, most useful and most interesting cruise information out there we have compiled a list of 20 Best Cruise Blogs that you should check out, bookmark and read often.

***If you’re not into reading and you would rather watch a video, check out the Best Cruise Vlogs here. ***

1.)    cruisemaven.com – Have a fear of flying or want to avoid hectic airplane travel? This blog is for you!

Cruise Maven aka Sherry Laskin Kennedy is an avid cruiser who has traveled around the world and avoided taking a plane since 1995! Not only does she point out all the various places you can go on a cruise, but she dives into helpful tips for river cruises and train travel.

2.)   cruisehive.com – Started in 2008 by Emrys Thakkar, a former Carnival Cruise Lines employee, this site is full of helpful cruise tips, ship info, a cruise forum, videos, and more.

3.)   avidcruiser.com/blog – Operated by experienced cruiser, Ralph Grizzle. He’s been on over 200 cruises and operates a number of cruise-related websites.

He offers an expert opinion and features blog posts, videos, ship reviews, and more. His Youtube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/avidcruiser  is full of helpful videos to help you make decisions about your next cruise.

4.)   cruiseaddicts.com – Run by John Shallo, Cruise Addicts is an online community for those who love cruise travel. Ship/Cruise reviews, cruise tips, cruise forum, and much more.

Their Twitter account is full of deal alerts, helping you find some of the best deals that might only be available for a short period of time.

5.)   eatsleepcruise.com – A husband and wife duo with 10+ years of cruising history. Despite their different personalities, they both share a passion for vacationing and cruising . Their website features honest reviews, ship info, cruise excursion information, and more.

6.)   cruisemiss.com  – CruiseMiss aka Danielle embarked on her first cruise in 2007 and has hooked ever since. She writes insightful, in-depth posts from her travels in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe & Scandinavia.

7.)   chriscruises.com  – Chris Owen is somewhat of a legend in the cruise world. He’s certified as a Master Cruise Counselor and currently contributes to a number of large online publications like examiner.com.

He’s rated in the top 10 cruise bloggers worldwide and the content on ChrisCruises.com is not to be missed.

8.)   cruisereport.com – Chris Dikmen and Rickee Richardson are the faces behind CruiseReport.com which has been online since June 2002!

Chris provides technical oversight of the site which features blog posts, reviews, pictures, port reviews, and much much more. Because the site has been online for so long, it has so much information that for those planning a cruise, this site is the ultimate find!

9.)   cruzely.com – This website has quickly gained traction as a premier resource for cruise information, cruise tips, parking, hotels, and more. With daily updates, there’s plenty of information to keep you coming back each day to indulge in your cruise addiction.

10.)   cruisefever.net – Started in 2011 by 2 brothers, the site is operated by a staff of 2 – Ben Souza and Jonathan Mark.

Ben has written more than 500 articles about cruises and currently cruises more than 5 times per year. The site is full of ship info, port details, reviews and has a vibrant community on Facebook with over 80,000 likes. The site has updates on a daily basis and if you’re not currently following them, you should be.

11.)  cruisemummy.co.uk – Cruisemummy is written by cruise expert, Jenni who has worked in the travel and cruise industry since 2015. This blog is full of TONS of useful information to help you plan your cruise. Based in the UK, the insight provided by her blog is invaluable and should have made this list a few years earlier than now!

12.)   yourcruisegirl.com – Ola and her 70-year-old mother share their cruise stories and info on this blog that began in 2018. You can follow along on their travels through Instagram and Facebook. This blog has tons of valuable cruise info for both new and seasoned cruisers alike.

13.)   allthingscruise.com – AllThingsCruise, launched September 2009, is an independent travel enthusiast website, currently staffed by Heidi Allison-Shane, Cynthia Boal Janssens & Renee Goyeneche as well as a number of guest contributors. The site is jam-packed with reviews, ship and destination information, and more.

14.) cruiseradio.net  – Cruise Radio had been around since 2009 and features a wealth of information, videos, and a Podcast to help you with your cruise planning. Often reporting live from a cruise ship, this is an entertaining and helpful blog.

15.) lifewellcruised.com – Directly from the blog – “I’m Ilana. I’m an avid cruiser and have been giving out insider tips for more than 10 years!” Definitely, an informative cruise blog that you should check out!

16.) shipmonk.co.uk – Dave Monk is a professional journalist who began writing about cruising all the way back in 2005. He was voted best blogger in the Cruise International Awards 2016, and has been a full-time cruise blogger since.

17.) profcruise.com – Started by retired College Professor, Sarah, this humorous cruise blog is easy to read, interesting, and engaging. It features insightful information on various cruise ships and destinations.

18.) officialcruiseguru.com – Written by Diane Tierney, an experienced travel writer based in Canada. Her work has been published in many professional publications including the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, and National Post, as well as a number of other media outlets.

19.) emmacruises.com – Previously the website was cruisingisntjustforoldpeople.com, now known as “Emma Cruises”. In 2021, Emma a UK-based cruise blogger left her full-time job to devote time to her blog and Youtube Channel. She’s active on social media and writes from first-hand accounts of travelling on various cruise ships and cruise lines.

20.) shouldbecruising.com – Brand new to the list for 2023. Starting out being terrified of cruising, the author, Carrie Ann, has been converted into a cruise lover! She shares all kinds of helpful tips and info on her website.

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

About Jonathon Hyjek

Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he's not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire - a story for another day!)

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Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like sailing on Virgin Voyages for the first time

With a nighttime show called "Never Sleep Alone" that awards golden condoms to participants, an onboard tattoo parlor and in-room music and lighting settings with options like "get it on" and "hangover mode," adults-only Virgin Voyages clearly caters to a kid-free crowd. Still, I had no idea what to expect as I stepped onto Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady .

Leading up to its maiden voyage in 2021, Virgin Voyages marketed itself as the cruise line for vacationers who otherwise weren't interested in traditional cruising. It aimed to appeal to those who were young and hip, wanted to party and craved an atmosphere without little kids running around.

Up until recently, I'd only ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line — and with my kids in tow. However, the Virgin Voyages concept has intrigued me since it launched.

Could Richard Branson's edgy Virgin Voyages truly be a perfect match for trips without kids? Or, would I feel completely out of place and overwhelmed by the rock star attitude featured throughout the cruise line's ships?

There was only one way to satisfy my curiosity — I booked a sailing on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

Would the four-night cruise from Miami , with stops in both Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, impress me enough to consider Virgin Voyages for future trips? Here's what I took away from the experience — and whether I'd cruise with Virgin Voyages again.

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

There's a surprisingly diverse crowd on board

Like many people, I went into my cruise expecting most passengers (or "sailors," as the line calls them) to be millennials based on the flashy marketing I've seen from the line. Much to my surprise, though, there was a fair mix of people on my sailing.

Sure, there were millennials in their late 20s, 30s and even early 40s — including me, as I fall within the oldest bracket for that generation — but for every 27-year-old on board, there was also someone close to 70 years old like the cruise line's founder, Richard Branson.

Last year, Tom McAlpin, the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, told TPG's resident cruise expert Gene Sloan that on early sailings of Scarlet Lady, the average passenger age was in the 50s, with plenty on board in their 60s and 70s. Based on my trip, I'd say that is still a pretty accurate representation.

After a few days on board, it became clear that what passengers had in common wasn't the age listed in their passports but rather the shared desire to have a good time. For the most part, my fellow cruisers were a diverse, inclusive and vibrant group of vacationers who were all eager to strike up conversations with others, regardless of age.

Related: First look: 10 things I love about Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady cruise ship

The adult-oriented persona isn't as extreme as you might expect

While there is a "Scarlet Night" celebration featuring lots of red lights and sailors donning their best scarlet-colored attire, the atmosphere on board is far from what you'll find in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

The entertainment we experienced fell somewhere between PG-13 and R, though we admittedly headed to bed by 11 p.m., so perhaps offerings leaned more X-rated as the night went on.

There were a couple of shows that I wouldn't want to see with, say, my parents, such as the previously mentioned "Never Sleep Alone." During that event, participants were awarded golden condoms that granted access to a post-show VIP party. However, those adult activities were easy to spot on the agenda, so you could easily skip them if you wanted a more tame cruise experience.

Beyond the evening entertainment, the vibe was similar to what you'd find in Las Vegas . The pools, restaurants, spa, casino and exercise classes all featured plenty of skimpy outfits and adult-oriented jokes and innuendos, though you could avoid anything that was too outside your comfort zone.

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Dining options are plentiful (albeit hit or miss)

As far as I'm concerned, cruises are for eating — and Virgin Voyages offers numerous places to dine on Scarlet Lady.

In addition to featuring more than 20 grab-and-go spots and traditional sit-down eateries, there's the large Galley venue with various vendors arranged in a way similar to what you'd find in a food court or buffet.

Given all the options available, there were more places than we could try on our first Virgin Voyages cruise. Still, we sought to sample as much as possible during our four-night sailing.

If you're looking for a traditional sit-down experience, six onboard restaurants accept reservations for dinner: The Wake (which serves steaks and seafood), Razzle Dazzle Restaurant (a contemporary venue with vegetarian and American fare), The Test Kitchen (a laboratory-style eatery), Pink Agave (where gourmet Mexican cuisine is on the menu), Extra Virgin (an Italian-inspired venue) and Gunbae (which specializes in Korean barbecue).

Your cruise price covers dining at all of these spots, plus the quick bite options on the ship. However, some restaurants offer buy-up options labeled as "treat yourself" dishes that cost extra. For example, a half-dozen oysters at The Wake are going to set you back an additional $20, but the steak and clam chowder are 100% included.

Besides the main restaurants, there's the previously mentioned Galley, where you can savor everything from sushi roll bento boxes to 24-hour diner food. It is a hybrid of a grab-and-go and dine-in experience, meaning how you order will vary depending on which station you visit.

Additionally, you'll find casual spots that serve ice cream, pizza, poke bowls and more. You can also order room service; the food is complimentary, but there's a $5 delivery fee.

While I appreciated the array of options at our disposal, I found the quality of the food and service to be hit or miss. Some restaurants I loved so much that I went back a second time; at others, I took a solitary bite of food before deciding to move on.

For example, the tuna poke bowl I excitedly tried at the Sun Club Cafe was patently awful, and the sushi rolls at The Galley were disappointing, reminding me of what I'd find in my Texas grocery store.

Similarly, The Wake was lackluster, to say the least. While some fellow cruisers we met enjoyed the restaurant, it was extremely underwhelming during our visit, serving the worst shrimp and grits I've ever had. Not to mention, the service was slow and seafood options were surprisingly limited for a restaurant that claims to specialize in steak and seafood.

It wasn't all mediocre, though.

Gunbae's Korean fare was not only delicious but served in a setting that was an absolute blast to experience. It really captured how Virgin markets itself by offering staff-led drinking games and communal seating that encourages socializing. We had such a great time there that when we walked into a quiet and sparsely populated restaurant on our last night, we turned around and went back to Gunbae for a repeat experience that was just as memorable as our first visit.

Pink Agave was another standout restaurant. It didn't offer as much of a party vibe as Gunbae, but it still felt lively and served a solid selection of Mexican dishes.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

The cabins are decent but could be improved

Unless you splurge on a pricy RockStar suite , you'll be placed in a cabin that looks modern but otherwise seems fairly standard, other than the fancy mood lighting.

Our Sea Terrace cabin was spotless and stayed true to the modern theme featured throughout the ship, but it wasn't the most comfortable spot on the whole.

While we enjoyed the red outdoor hammock that was shockingly comfortable and not merely a cute, Instagram-worthy gimmick, as well as the selection of in-room movies, which ranged from the original "Top Gun" to newer releases like "Elvis," the rest of the cabin left a lot to be desired.

The bathroom was quite small, to the point where it bordered on being a claustrophobic experience.

The bed was also rather hard and uncomfortable for my personal tastes, so much so that by the last night of our trip, I was ready to return to my more inviting setup at home.

Additionally, unlike Disney Cruise Line, where cabin attendants make it a point to get to know you and your preferences, Virgin Voyages lacked the same personalized service. I never interacted with a person in charge of our cabin, as it would be serviced while we were out (after pushing a button that sent the request to the crew) by a person that, to us, remained nameless and faceless.

Related: Virgin Voyages to debut cruise loyalty program in 2023, with temporary perks available now

The private beach club is top-notch

While other ports of call vary based on the sailing, a constant for Scarlet Lady is a stop at its private beach club in the Bahamas.

Situated on the island of Bimini, this spot was, in a word, fabulous.

Although it's not quite a private island like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, that doesn't really matter. You'll feel like you're in an exclusive setting after taking the open-air tram from the ship's dock to the modern, beautiful beach club.

The club offers a couple of large pools, ample lounge chairs and towels, plenty of bars and a picture-perfect beach. A swim-up bar would have been nice, but that's being picky.

During your visit to the club, any drinks you order are charged to the ship, so bar tab credits you have during your cruise will work here, too. The food, which ranged from snapper steamed in a banana leaf to a salad featuring Bahamian mango and macadamia, is included, though some dishes were better than others. I loved mixing the curry, rice and snapper I ordered all together to create a pretty tasty bowl.

On-island entertainment is available as well, though I can't speak to what happened as the afternoon wore on, as we hit our sun quota by midday. However, rumor has it there was a pool float party that occurred after our departure.

Related: Virgin Voyages hopes to draw cruise newbies like me: Here's my first impression from its first sailing

You won't find the usual cruise experience on board

Virgin Voyages does not simply give its amenities and activities quirky names — like "Lick Me Til Ice Cream" for the onboard ice cream shop. The overall experience is a bit different than what you'll come across on traditional cruise lines.

To start, there are no drink packages — and that was a big complaint I heard on the ship from folks who were used to sailing with other lines that offer unlimited drink inclusion options . Instead, Virgin Voyages offers a bar tab that you can load before you sail. Sometimes bar tab credit is also included with the sailing as part of a promotion.

Blessedly, there are no keycards and associated lanyards to keep up with but rather adjustable bracelets that look like friendship bracelets from middle school. Unlike the ones from your childhood, these have built-in technology that opens your cabin door, allows you to charge things to your account and more.

There are also no set dining times, restaurant rotations or dress codes, though you can — and should — make dinner reservations. As a result, you can dine at whichever restaurant you prefer at a time that works for you.

Other than the cabin cleanings, the crew was more noticeable, too. We saw crew members on the basketball courts, eating in The Galley and just generally out and about around the ship even when they didn't appear to be on the clock, which helped create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, we didn't have to worry about extra tips, taxes or fees. Tips for the crew, spa services and more are factored into your cruise price, so what you see on the menu really is what you can expect to pay.

Another noticeable (and welcome) difference was how laid-back the line was with announcements and disembarking. Outside of a welcome announcement from the captain on the first day, we didn't hear another peep. On the last day, you just had to be off the ship by a respectable 10:45 a.m., so you could still go to a workout class, play some air hockey and have brunch without feeling rushed to depart.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Bottom line

Despite some underwhelming aspects here and there, such as some design choices we didn't love and a very crowded pool area, we had a great time.

The late-night spicy ramen, social atmosphere and fun ports more than made up for any hiccups. For us, it was like a four-day long party without the hangover.

In fact, we had such a great time that before disembarking Scarlet Lady, we put a $300 deposit down on a future Virgin Voyages sailing so we could receive $900 in discounts and credits the next time around.

It's safe to say that overall, the cruise was absolutely worth it — and one we can't wait to do all over again.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Sun Princess Cruise Ship Review: What We Love—and What Needs Work

May 8, 2024

Sun Princess , the latest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, is the line’s largest ship to date, weighing in at 177,882 gross tons and able to accommodate 4,300 passengers. By comparison, the company’s Discovery Princess , which made its maiden voyage in 2022, is a mere 145,000 gross tons and can sleep almost 1,000 fewer cruisers. 

Sun Princess , the first in the line’s Sphere class of ships, is a 21-deck, next-level Love Boat with an innovative design aimed at bringing the outdoors inside and connecting passengers to the sea—and giving them some spectacular views. 

Additionally, the ship’s grand total of 30 dining and drinking venues outnumber the food-and-beverage offerings on any other Princess vessel, while a number of upgrades to suites, staterooms, entertainment, and kid-friendly attractions seem geared toward attracting more families and expanding the line’s appeal to a younger, hipper demographic. 

To find out what works—and what needs work—on Sun Princess , I took a weeklong cruise (at the invitation of the cruise line) from Rome to Barcelona, where the ship had its naming ceremony in April 2024. 

Read on to find out where the Sun shines brightest—and where its light is dimmed.  

Sun Princess Quick Facts

Launched : February 2024 Passengers : 4,300 (double occupancy) Crew : 1,600 Size : 177,882 gross tons, 1,133 feet long, 139 feet wide Booking : Princess.com , 800/774-6237

1. The ship’s unique design—and dazzling views

The ship’s most striking design elements are its two “sun-inspired” concepts:

• a nine-deck-tall bubble in the middle of the vessel ( visible on the ship's exterior ) that has lots of windows to give wraparound ocean views and centers on the Piazza (pictured at the top of this story), an open and airy central atrium that spans three levels; 

• and the Dome  (pictured above), a glass-enclosed structure that sits at the top of the ship and is being dubbed the first-ever geodesic dome at sea.

Due to its placement and design, the multilevel glass dome (decks 17 and 18) shows off expansive ocean views from its indoor and outdoor areas, where you’ll find cushy lounge chairs, an indoor-outdoor pool, and the Sea View Bar . Outdoors, the spacious terrace also offers seating with a view, and because the terrace is partially covered, there’s shade that makes this a perfect spot for relaxing during days at sea.

You’ll find some of the best views from inside the ship around the Piazza, including at International Café (deck 9), Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7), Alfredo’s Pizzeria (deck 9), and Makoto Ocean (deck 8), a new collaboration with renowned Japanese chef Makoto Okuwa. 

Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows at Horizons , the beautifully designed main dining room (decks 6, 7, and 8), supply a look at the ship’s wake from the back of the vessel. Step out onto the Wake View Terrace (deck 8) and you’ll feel like you’re in an exclusive area (though it’s not), with loungers, a bar, and an infinity pool suspended over the back of the ship. 

2. Elevated staterooms and suites

As visually appealing—and view-enhancing—as the spherical atrium and geodesic dome are, it’s worth noting that the ship’s interior décor has a more modern and upscale feel than other Princess ships, thanks in part to a subtle color scheme with natural wood tones in staterooms and suites . 

I stayed in a Cabana Mini-Suite (pictured above),   a new stateroom category for Princess that comes with a larger balcony than the next cabin category down (Deluxe Balcony) as well as more space (329 square feet compared to 235) and a few other perks, such as access to an exclusive outdoor lounge area on deck 9. At lower price points, there are Premium Oceanview and Interior staterooms, neither of which have balconies. (And at the other end of the price spectrum, Princess has launched with this ship a new set of luxury accommodations and amenities the line calls the Sanctuary Collection .)

Passengers on previous Princess ships will note that changes on the Sun involve   closets (no longer walk-in) with frosted glass doors, lots of storage, plenty of hanging space, and large drawers. You’ll also find a plush robe and slippers inside. 

In the bathroom, another welcome addition awaits: a glass door to the shower—goodbye, shower curtain! Bath and skin care products are by Beekman 1802. 

On the tech front, there are plenty of U.S. electrical and USB/USB-C outlets in the room. A thoughtful touch you’ll discover after dark: a motion-detecting nightlight. 

3. Tech that works

While we’re on the subject of staying connected, the Wi-Fi on Sun Princess was some of the fastest and best I’ve experienced at sea. Glitches were nil and I never had trouble doing anything online that I wanted to do—a first at sea for me. 

That said, connectivity comes at a price. The line’s MedallionNet Wi-Fi is available to purchase pre-cruise for $24.99 per device per day. For four devices, the cost (pre-cruise) is $44.99 per day. That's competitive with what you'll find on other cruise lines . 

[It might be more cost-effective to purchase a package such as the Princess Plus option, which goes for $60 a day per person and comes with Wi-Fi for one device, a beverage package, and other perks.]

In addition to being impressed with the quality of the Wi-Fi, I found that Princess’s Medallion technology worked flawlessly. I was “Ocean Ready” when I checked in, having completed my paperwork on the Princess app days before, so it took just minutes to receive my Medallion—a quarter-sized, wearable doodad (pictured above) to be used in many of the ways that key cards are employed on other ships.

The device makes ordering stuff like lattes or glasses of wine seamless (you don’t have to hand over a card every time), and you don’t have to fumble around in your pockets or handbag for a key to get into your stateroom, either; as long as you’ve got the Medallion on you, the door will unlock automatically as you’re coming down the hallway. 

4. New flexibility in complimentary dining

The ship’s complimentary dining venue—the three-level Horizons (pictured above)—features a unique and new-to-Princess flexible dining concept, offering guests a choice among traditional, reservable, or walk-in anytime dining.

Americana Diner on deck 8 is the anytime option, serving casual comfort food such as an all-day breakfast, old-fashioned chipped beef on toast, buffalo wings, chicken parmigiana, pub-style fish and chips, burgers, milkshakes, and apple pie. 

Alternatively, guests can have the classic cruise dining experience, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same table with the same dining companions for every meal, on deck 6. For a quiet evening for two, make a reservation on deck 7 for a leisurely meal amid the space’s panoramic aft views from two-story windows. 

The three new complimentary dining options have been such a hit that Princess is rolling out this enhancement across the fleet. 

5. Exciting new specialty restaurants—and solid standbys

Sun Princess maintains an impressive roster of new dining venues for cruising foodies along with longtime Princess faves, such as the Crown Grill steakhouse (deck 7), where I had one of the best meals of my cruise, thanks to well-prepared staples such as surf and turf and baked Alaska with cherries jubilee.

A fun addition is the line’s first Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, Umai Teppanyaki (pictured above; deck 8), which shares space with Umai Hot Pot . Lively meals here are overseen by talented, spatula-wielding chefs whose bag of showy cooking tricks don’t overpower the fresh, flavorful results. 

Another favorite: The Catch by Rudi (deck 9),   a collaboration with award-winning master chef Rudi Sodamin, the line’s head of culinary arts. The menu features fresh seafood and showstopping desserts, such as a piled-high croquembouche.

On the other side of The Catch, The Butcher’s Block by Dario is a carnivore’s delight, with one meat course served after another—the Florentine steak is the mouth-watering highlight—engineered by Dario Cecchini, the “world’s most famous butcher.” 

Dining at any of the specialty restaurants comes at an additional cost unless you’ve sprung for the Princess Premier package, which includes a dinner at two specialty restaurants and a long list of other amenities, including Wi-Fi for up to four devices, a premium beverage package, reserved seating for theater shows, unlimited fitness classes, and more. The package costs a pricey $80 per day per person, so before you purchase make sure you’ll actually use the various components to make it worth your while. 

6. A magical evening at Spellbound

Sun Princess 's immersive dining-and-entertainment experience is an exclusive collaboration with L.A.’s Magic Castle, a club for expert magicians and their most devoted fans. On the ship, the evening begins with dinner in a private room at the back of the Horizons dining room. Afterward, guests are led by a caped and top hat–sporting gatekeeper through a nondescript door into a seabound version of the Magic Castle, a sexy and mysterious space where bartenders serve elaborate cocktails in cages and smoky boxes as a wandering magician performs close-up card tricks.

After drinks in the lounge, guests are ushered to a performance area for a display of more masterful magic from a headliner "handpicked from around the world," according to Princess (performers change about once a month). The top-notch skills of the magicians, the inventive drinks, and the overall floating-speakeasy vibe add up to an experience that's mesmerizing in every sense of the word. 

The price for the evening, including dinner, drinks, and entertainment, is $149 per person—not too bad, considering all that you get. There are three seatings each night and space is limited. I recommend booking one of the earlier seatings, at 5pm or 7pm, so you can linger at the bar after the show.

7. Expertly mixed cocktails at a huge variety of bars

The fact sheet for Sun Princess lists 12 different bars, but that doesn’t include one of my favorite spots, O’Malley’s Irish Pub (deck 7). It’s classified as a restaurant since it serves pub fare, including bangers and mash, a Guinness-braised beef stew, and drunken mussels. Situated just off the Piazza, the space is handsome and the food is hearty, but perhaps the best thing about O’Malley’s is that it's glass-enclosed, so you can enjoy your traditional Irish fare with a side of traditional Irish music without being disturbed by noise from the lively atrium.

I’m also a fan of the sophisticated air and ocean views of  Bellini’s Cocktail Bar (deck 7) for a glass of champagne or a well-made Aperol spritz. For more complicated cocktails, the expert mixologists at Good Spirits at Sea (pictured above; deck 7) prepare tasty drinks inspired by destinations around the world during the space’s Cocktail Experience. Check the ship’s daily schedule for times. 

Outside, some of the best spots to toast the view are the Wake View Terrace Bar (deck 8), the Sea View Terrace (deck 17), and the Sun Bar (deck 18).

1. Noise levels in The Piazza 

With the focus on attracting a younger demographic and new-to-cruising guests, Princess has amplified the amount of games and entertainment in the Piazza, installing a three-story LED screen, pumping out lots of music, flashing a lot of lights, and scheduling activities around the clock. 

Throughout the day, this area hosts game shows, dance classes, Zumba classes, live music of all genres, parties, a silent disco, and much more. Seating along the glass periphery on all three levels of the Piazza makes it easy to watch, listen, and play along. 

But all this action makes a lot of noise—and the commotion can feel inescapable, especially when you’re trying to have lunch at Alfredo’s Pizzeria during a dance class (one, two, cha, cha, cha), or enjoy a quiet pre-dinner cocktail at Crooners (where the live music at the bar has to compete with the noise from the Piazza), or eat your sushi in peace at the specialty Makoto Ocean restaurant.

2. Not enough seating in the Princess Arena

The Princess Arena (deck 7) is the line’s most technologically advanced theatrical space, offering three different configurations for shows (the ship's April 2024 naming ceremony is pictured above). But since the venue can accommodate only 990 spectators, it fills up quickly when the ship is at its full capacity of 4,300 passengers—well over four times the number of people the theater can hold.  

The only production show that was ready for our sailing, Vallora, A Pirate Quest , was sold out when we arrived about 45 minutes before the performance, so we (and many other guests) were turned away. Two nights later, we took advantage of the reserved seating that comes with the Princess Premier package so we could catch the swashbuckling production. That worked, but even with the package, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis—and when seats are gone, they’re gone. 

That means that if you have your heart set on seeing a popular show during your cruise, you could be out of luck, especially when the full slate of productions isn’t available.

In addition to Vallora , future passengers can expect two new shows— Stage Struck and Viva La Música , neither of which was ready during my voyage—and Fiera! , a reimagined Princess staple. 

3. Not enough seating in The Dome and Princess Live!, either

The same seating issue applies to The Dome, where evening acrobatic performances are staged by Québec’s renowned Cirque Éloize. This space has seating capacity for just 250 people, leading to more potential for disappointment—and cramped quarters. On the night I attended, crew members brought in extra chairs to squeeze in more people, but that can make things feel crowded and create terrible sight lines. My view of the performers, for example, was almost completely blocked by the person seated in front of me. 

Similarly, the venue on deck 7 known as Princess Live! (pictured above) often has only standing room available for its lineup of live music, comedy, trivia, and lectures. Not to mention that the spot’s close proximity to the Piazza means that punchlines are often drowned out by noise from the ship’s central gathering area. 

4. Smoke from the casino

To an unusual degree, cigarette smoke wafting down the corridor from the casino (deck 8) toward the Piazza was an issue on my sailing. Many guests commented on the noxious smell—something I don’t recall encountering on other cruise ships. Maybe Princess needs to take a second look at the ship’s air filtration systems? 

5. The Eatery is congested.

With the ship at full capacity, I found The Eatery buffet (deck 9) to be congested, especially in the morning on port days when everyone was trying to grab breakfast before getting off the ship. Finding a place to sit can be challenging. Pro tip: Try looking near The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (pictured above) at the back of the ship. Seating options should be better on warm days when more passengers opt to eat outside on the deck. 

To avoid the morning madness in The Eatery, consider room service, especially if you have an early excursion. If you have a leisurely morning planned, go for breakfast in Horizons. You can also grab a quick bite and a latte or cappuccino at International Café. 

Related : 10 Tips and Tricks for Dining on a Cruise

With Sun Princess , the cruise line is making a stronger push to appeal to families with kids. A central piece of the strategy is a top-deck activity zone called Park19 (decks 19 through 21). 

The area was not yet open during my sailing. When it’s complete and passes muster with the regulators at sea, Park19 will feature Sea Breeze, a ride that takes cruisers suspended in harnesses around an electric track at speeds up to 11 mph. Park19 also has a climbing wall that leads to an observation deck with 360-degree views. Additionally, you can try out a ropes course, set the kids loose in a splash zone, or hit a multifunction sports court for fitness classes, ping-pong, and other activities. 

Park19 joins other expanded family offerings onboard, including kids clubs for three different age groups (preschoolers to teens), more connecting staterooms and suites for families traveling together, and a bunch of dining options for younger palates at The Eatery (deck 9) and on the Lido Deck (deck 16). 

Still, Sun Princess doesn’t match the extensive kid-centered activities on other megaships, where you’ll find go-kart tracks, 10-story slides, futuristic arcades, and elaborate stage shows for youngsters. It will be interesting to see whether Princess’s expanded but still comparatively modest pitch for family travelers is enough to compete with rival lines that are better established in the kid-friendly game. 

Altogether, Sun Princess is a good-looking, cutting-edge vessel with many top-notch dining and beverage experiences. The outward-facing design and light-filled spaces feel modern and upscale, and have a way of showcasing the ocean views as more ships should do. 

An effort to liven up the Princess image, though, won't always impress loyal fans of the line. Too often, especially in the central Piazza area of the ship, a nonstop frenzy of activity generates more noise than anything else. And it’s not yet clear whether an expanded slate of kid-friendly activities will be enough to compete with rivals that go all out in that regard.

What’s more, as impressive as the ship’s design is, the crucial matter of providing enough seating in theaters and other performance spaces appears to have been overlooked. While I was on board the ship, Princess announced a delay in the delivery of its next vessel, Star Princess , by about two months. Here’s hoping the delay will be used to address some of the capacity issues in the Princess Arena and The Dome. 

Some relatively small fixes would go a long way toward pushing this next-level Love Boat to, well, the next level.

After sailing in the Mediterranean and Europe this summer, Sun Princess will debut in the U.S. in October 2024 with 7- and 14-day Caribbean itineraries sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Visit Princess.com for more information . 

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Cruise-curious? Your cruise questions answered.

A s veterans of more than two dozen cruises, for work and for pleasure, we’ve learned a few things about the art of cruising. We’ve experienced the bad (sailing in circles off the coast of Spain since it was too rough to land in Mallorca) and the good (cruising past sparkling Paris after dark on the Seine). If you’re a never-ever who’s leaning toward the maybe-wannabe camp, or simply cruise-curious, you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers, thanks to Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic ( www.cruisecritic.com ), the online cruise reviews website. Here’s what to know before booking a cruise, and things we wish we’d known before we sailed.

Not long ago, a cruise arrived in Boston instead of the Bahamas. Amazingly, some folks were miffed. Does this kind of thing happen often?

While itinerary adjustments do happen, a significantly altered itinerary — like the Bahamas to New England in the winter — is extremely rare. Most times if an itinerary requires an adjustment, due to inclement weather or other instances, it will come in the form of a replaced port or extra sea day.

How far in advance should I book?

If you have specific needs or interests — strict vacation dates, specific cabin categories, or you want a certain ship — book as early as possible. You’ll be more likely to get exactly what you want. If you wait too late, those preferences may no longer be available. That’s particularly true now, as cruising is seeing a huge resurgence. Ships are sailing at — or sometimes above — capacity, and demand is through the roof.

If your plans are fluid, and you’re willing to wait a bit to see if fares fall, booking last-minute may deliver some lower base fares. Some lines will lower their prices when the sail date is three months away or less, to fill any cabins that are still available.

Any other advice for getting the best (cheapest) deal?

The period between when a cruise first goes on sale and about a year out from sailing is considered booking “early.” Fares at that time will generally be enticing, and lines may offer incentives like onboard credit, cabin upgrades, or complimentary beverage packages. Even if the fare isn’t base bottom, those incentives help you save a bundle on the overall cost of your cruise.

Another time to find added incentives are during traditional sale dates like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, plus a period known in the industry as Wave Season, from January through March. Lines offer deals and incentives across the board at this time, so you can shop and compare options all at once.

What about shoulder seasons?

Shoulder-season cruises will absolutely deliver more competitive fares. [For example, when the kids are in school and demand is lower.] But sometimes those lower fares are also due to potentially unfavorable experiences — whether it’s Europe in November [see Mallorca, above], or the Caribbean during hurricane season. Check out our guide, the Best Time to Go on a Cruise , for the best time to visit various cruise destinations across the globe.

Is it worth it to spring for the best cabin one can afford, or go for the cheapest cabin available?

The most expensive and the cheapest cabins book the fastest. There are benefits to both. Oftentimes the higher cabin categories, especially suites, come with benefits like access to special restaurants, exclusive pools, and so on. Having that experience is worth the splurge for some travelers.

If you’re looking for more space, or want a cabin with a window or balcony, keep those factors in mind when selecting a cabin, so you’ll be comfortable onboard.

But some people really don’t care about cabin type. They don’t plan to spend much time in their cabin, or they’d prefer to spend their money elsewhere on their cruise, such as specialty restaurants or shore excursions. If that’s you, booking an inside cabin may be a perfect fit.

Is there an advantage to booking with a cruise specialist?

A cruise vacation has many moving parts. It can be a complicated purchase for casual cruisers. Booking with a verified cruise specialist will help navigate that. They can also identify special savings and cost-savings measures. Working with these specialists is generally free-of-charge for travelers — the cruise lines cover the cost of commission.

Also, they provide a trusted pair of hands on the ground. Many times, it’s not just the cruise you’re booking, but also airfare and hotel reservations. Cruise specialists can assist with those bookings, and also assist with delayed or canceled flights and the trickle-down effect of those travel disruptions.

If you tend to get seasick, is an ocean cruise a bad idea?

Most large, ocean-going ships have stabilizers that help to provide the smoothest cruise possible. So, seasickness likely won’t be an issue on a large ship. Cabins located in the middle of the ship tend to be best for the seasick-prone, and outside or balcony cabins offer a way to steady yourself with the horizon or fresh air. Beyond that, look for itineraries with a limited number of sea days. This will mean more time in port, where you’re able to ground yourself.

Should one sign up for shore excursions offered by the cruise line, or DIY?

There are advantages to both. Cruisers often share that shore excursions offered by the cruise line are more expensive, but these [tour operators] are fully vetted by the cruise line. They are trusted entities. And if your ship-sponsored excursion runs late, the cruise line will wait for you to return to the ship. If you book an independent excursion that misses the boarding cutoff, the ship will leave without you.

Conversely, independently-booked excursions can be less costly, and offer a wider array of options. Sometimes they offer a more local touch, too. Many cruisers use our Cruise Critic Roll Calls to book independent excursions with fellow travelers who will be on their cruise, to share the cost. Independent excursions also might mean fewer people participating. Sometimes, ship-offered excursions mean big groups of people, which can be frustrating to some.

Asking for those who aren’t into wearing gowns and tuxedos — are formal nights still a part of the cruise experience?

Good news: The modern cruise experience reflects the interests of today’s traveler. That means many of those more “traditional” cruise elements are gone, or are no longer mandatory. We’re seeing lines become more relaxed about formal nights, either making them voluntary or removing them entirely. And many lines now offer flexible dining, a concept first introduced by Norwegian. You are no longer required to sit with strangers, you can choose where and when you dine.

There are also many more specialty restaurants outside of the main dining room, so dining options are far more varied than on yesteryear’s cruise ships. Hate lines? Look for smaller cruise ships. Want to sail without kids? Consider a line like Viking or Virgin, both of which are expressly for 18-year-olds and above.

Commentary | Commentary: Cruising is bad for environment,…

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Commentary | Commentary: Cruising is bad for environment, but improving

Cruise ships are noted for their hospitality, and everyone knows it’s important to stay hydrated, so this was a nice touch. Cruise ships are also noted for food. From buffets to lounge bars and poolside cafes to fine dining restaurants, every food option is available. At each meal or snack, beer and wine in a bottle are available.

Ever the environmentalist, I got to wondering what they did with all the empty containers. With cruise ships now transporting the population of small towns, the waste is enormous.

My ship, the Pursuit by Azamara, sailed with 664 passengers and a crew of over 300. The Icon, by Royal Caribbean, carries 10,000 passengers plus crew. Cruise ships have been estimated to release twice the amount of CO2 into the atmosphere per person than flying and staying in a four-star hotel.

I dialed the front desk and was pleased to discover that an environmental officer is now required on cruise ships in Europe. Duarte, an articulate man of Polish descent in his 50s, was happy to meet with me and show me what they did with all those plastic and glass bottles. I was pleased to find that the captain can lose his license for failing to abide by the environmental regulations, so they listen to the environmental officer. He also said that regulations in Europe are much stricter than those in the United States.

So, what becomes of the thousands of containers that would otherwise clog landfills and end up in our air, water and soil? They are smashed into pieces or crushed flat. All of the glass bottles used on the Pursuit in one week can be crushed into boxes that make up only 3-4 cubic feet. The plastic bottles are squished into a box the size of 1½ cubic feet.  They are offloaded at each port in recyclable cardboard boxes. From there they can be sent to recycling facilities by the local port officials.

Food waste is finely chopped and discarded, at least 12 miles from shore. Human waste is processed by non-aerobic digesters and treated before being discharged. All of this is good, but not standard practice by all cruise ships.

Railroads emit fewer carbon emissions than trucks and ships. Although I drive an electric car, I took the train to and from my home in Boynton Beach to the Miami airport. In Portugal, the train took us from Porto to Lisbon, in comfort, where we boarded the Pursuit. The next time you plan a trip, think about your carbon footprint and leave the old gas guzzler in the garage.

G. Spencer Myers is an author of eco-political thrillers who lives in Boynton Beach. For more information and to read his blog, visit www.EcoBuzzBooks.com. This opinion piece was distributed by The Invading Sea website (www.theinvadingsea.com), which posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.

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