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Victory Casino Cruises

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FEEL THE EXCITEMENT. EXPERIENCE THE VICTORY.®

855-go-victory (855-468-4286).

Cruise to Victory 7 Days a Week!

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Victory Casino Cruises is the most authentic Las Vegas-style casino experience in Florida, featuring 5-hour casino cruises on the Atlantic Ocean departing from Port Canaveral, FL at terminal B2.  Enjoy over 600 of Florida’s loosest slots and the best selection of casino table games, including Craps , Roulette , Blackjack , EZ Bac , 3-Card Poker , Let It Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em , plus Sports Book bets on all of your favorite sports!

Hungry?  Indulge at our Atlantic Cafe or select your favorites from our à la carte menu.  Sign up for the Victory Card to start earning points towards meals, drinks, boarding, gift shop items and more!

With four decks of gaming excitement and party fun, live entertainment at Dolphin Deck bar, and weekend DJ dance parties featuring our very own V-Girls in Club V , Victory has got it all!

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Victory Casino Cruises

Hours updated over 3 months ago

Review Highlights

“ Advice- Card games the lower denomination tables fill up before ship leaves dock so get there early if that's your desire for the night. ” in 101 reviews

“ We came out fr the CBS Survivor Meet and Greet but still got some time in in the craps table and roulette . ” in 13 reviews

“ I found one machine on the top deck at the bar across from this dancefloor, furthest left on the bar, that was a 9/5 JOB. ” in 18 reviews

Location & Hours

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180 Christopher Columbus Dr

Terminal B-2 Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral, FL 32920

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Welcome Aboard! Victory Casino Cruises is America’s Best and Biggest Casino Cruise Ship! Four decks of Vegas-style casino action...40,000 square feet...five hour cruise on the Atlantic Ocean with great food and FREE DRINKS while gaming!! Non-smoking decks on 1 and 4. You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble and 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Bus Schedule Information on our website. If when you join us, you find anything less than the best experience, please reach out to the manager on duty or our Cruise Director, Steve. We want our guests to be happy with their visit to our casino. Make your reservations online, print your boarding pass and bypass the lines at ticketing to get right on the ship! Visit our Website for details on pricing and our sailing schedule! …

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We were on last year and loved it when Rocky and Rollers were on so when are they booked again?

Hello Denise! Rocky and the Rollers will be here 11/26 and then 2 times in December. They join us 2 times per month. More info on our website! www.victorycasinocruises.com

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Overall rating

317 reviews

My fiancée and i went on the sunday day cruise . Nice boat and cruise . Boat is not huge . Older crowd wich is fine . If you dont gamble This probably wont be a good thing. There are no other activities . Besides sitting and watching the ocean. We did well playing Slots and blackjack . There is probably a different vibe on the evening cruise . As i saw They had a dance floor amd dj area . Not operating in daytime . Restrooms and Common areas clean . It is a older vessel Groupon has discounted tickets .

See all photos from Fabian M. for Victory Casino Cruises

It used to be fun. Then COVID happened and everything changed and went downhill. Food used to be delicious. I was served a greasy cod fish sandwich on a stale roll. My husband's Philly cheesesteak sandwich had spices on it that had no business being cooked with it. How can anyone mess up a cheesesteak? The fountain drinks - self-serve - tasted like they outlived their expiration dates. Getting a good cup of coffee was also impossible. We used to be able to order food from the bar on the 4th deck and enjoy our meals outside while cruising back to the port. Not anymore. Now players are confined to eat their food indoors on the first deck, while sitting under freezing A/C vents. Overall, the experiences from Victory made me drive the extra hour to Tampa and play at the Hard Rock Casino. If it wasn't for the hardworking staff, we would've gone to Tampa a lot sooner.

My BF and I went here for the first time last night. It was our first time gambling, and didn't really know what we were doing. One of the dealers, Gino (from the UK) was extremely helpful and patient with us. He helped us learn how to play BlackJack, and we had a great time?

The Victory Casino Cruise gets a bad rap because very few accept the fact that the casino has a statistical probability against you winning. Go with the intention of having a fun afternoon gaming and if you win ...great. Remember to Set a limit and pace yourself. The boat went out to sea at 10am and returned at 4pm. We started out finding seats in the open air deck area and enjoying the live music. 45 minutes in you can start gambling. On the way back you stop gambling about 45 minutes before docking. We spent that time listening to an entertainer that played excellent music and was skilled at getting people on the dance floor. The food was mediocre/poor quality to me but many others loved it. The full priced drinks are superior to the free drinks and the blackjack table is hands down the best experience.

The ocean was rough sailing on my day and had to sign a waiver. Staff was great, drinks relatively cheap, and the food was good. Had trouble activating my free slot play but the attendants guided me through the process. Slots and VP were super tight. and the customers were mostly crusty old curmudgeons, some of whom reserved machines with their players card while not seated (even though it's not allowed). Didn't do any of the tables but not a lot were open due to low attendance. Go with friends and have fun regardless.

This was a bad casino cruise. The boat was rocking way too much when it was parked. The food is fake: like I ordered a burger and it wasn't real beef or meat. Literally all the machines are the same, the slot machines are programmed to take all your money. The employees have quite an attitude if you ask them a question. Mainly Caucasian audience, but there was different cultures on the boat so why not play a mix of music. The bathrooms are nasty, you will feel extremely exhausted and just wanna go home after 2 hours. Do not go to this boat unless you know how to play in a casino or have friends that can show you and if you're okay with getting sick. The only highlight was seeing NASA launch a rocket

Rocket while on casino cruise

Have not been on this casino cruise since before Covid hit. Before the pandemic, they had a buffet that was great and worth getting the Groupon. You had the two well drinks, the buffet and $10 credit for the slots or what you wanted to use it for. Now.... no buffet... you get an option of "a la carte" which means, a burger, a sandwich, quesadilla, wings or a salad. Actually, it's not too bad. I had the wings which were pretty big and came with with 3 pieces of celery and my choice of ranch or blue cheese. My wife chose the Philly Cheesesteak and it had good amount of meat and cheese. So, for the Groupon, you get a good meal and the soft drinks and coffee are free refills during the voyage. You can purchase upgrades for your meals and the prices are moderate. We came on Memorial Day, not a normal operating day for them, but it was nice to get out. Water was choppy and the boat moved A LOT. They do warn you about that and when they are going to turn in the water. As for the casino, a lot of people love it.. depends on your "poison", but people do win money. We signed up for the bingo, but if there are not enough people signed up, they refund you your entry. Go on their website to see the special days with music or more money winning options. UPDATE: when the ship is getting close to Port, do not head for the exit. They use wristband colors to tell you when to come up to get ready to disembark. It's better to stay on deck 1 and have a soft drink or coffee while you're waiting to be called.

A fun day out with friends and family. We ate a breakfast sandwich($6) before the cruise left. After the boat goes out 3 miles the games and slot machines begin. There are 3 bars throughout the boat, including a sports bar and one outside with a DJ. $15 and $25 craps, $15 back Jack, roulette and poker games. There's a video roulette game on the same floor as the dance floor . They also have bingo and slot tournament. There's usually fun games where you can win. FreePlay and lots of specials if you call ahead and ask. For lunch there's various sandwiches and salads which are all around $12-$15 nonalcoholic drinks for free. And alcoholic drinks are free while you're gambling. So if you're in central Florida, this is a good place to go.

Dressed up for costume contest. Won $100 free play

Well the slots are very tight. I sat at a black jack table and say next to some loud drunk people. The woman told me why don't you have a drink ( alcohol) I suppose but I said no I felt very wobbly because the boat was making me sick . I didn't want yo fall because I broke my arm and leg a year and a half ago and it took the longest time to bounce back. The food is expensive and it wasn't that good. I'm glad I left with a lot if money in my purse. Then you have to wait a ridiculously long time to board and unboard. They take people by wrist bands. Thank God my group was the first to leave. I needed wheelchair assistance but the people were very kind and I tipped them. The toilets were nasty and you couldn't flush the toilets! I WON'T be back there

I was mislead, and honestly it feels as if it was done with malicious intent. If not, then treated with the "well you're on the ship now." If you have a coupon that reads "$10 slot credit," to me that sounds like $10 slot credit. Attached is the coupon that I used with the fine print. Nothing on there read anything about having to spend another $40 dollars more for "8 credit points," or whatever. I was expecting to spend a good amount as everything seemed wonderful! However, after informed of that little surprise, I didn't spend another dime. One of the workers even informed me that they themselves didn't know about that fact until after a couple of months working for this company. That was pretty revolting. Taking the bad with the good, if you're weary about being on a boat then this is where to start. The captain notifies passengers via intercom every step of the way. The ship does rock around a little bit, but there are plenty of places to get fresh air. Also, they do keep it relatively cool. I believe it was 65° outside and honestly it was about the same temperature inside (*Update, found a thermostat that was locked at 50°). If you're planning on drinking, then this is a safe haven. Drinks were good, food was good, and the staff was amazing. If you're well informed prior to departure, then this spot is the place for you.

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Victory Casino Cruises

• 180 Christopher Columbus Drive Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
• (321) 684-5350 855-GO-VICTORY (468-4286)

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Victory Casino Cruises is the most authentic Las Vegas-style casino experience in Florida, featuring five and six-hour cruises along the Space Coast and departing from Port Canaveral, Florida twice daily, Tuesdays thru Sundays.

  Our cruise ship showcases over 600 slot machines and the best selection of 27 casino games, including Florida’s only “LIVE” roulette and “LIVE” craps tables. Our Sportsbook Lounge, the only sportsbook in the state, will take bets on basketball, football, baseball, soccer, boxing, MMA, hockey, and more. Enjoy superb food, and drinks on all four decks. There is NO SMOKING inside the ship, but SMOKING is allowed at our Dolphin Bar, outside on Deck 4.

Just for playing slots and casino games, you can earn Reward Points for perks like free drinks, free food, free gifts and even dollars taken off your final bill. Discover why Victory is the most authentic, affordable and fun casino experience in Florida!

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15 Things to Know About Victory Casino Cruises Before You Sail

Want to go try your luck spinning the slot machines, throwing the dice, or trying to get blackjack? If you’re in central Florida, one of the most popular choices to gamble is Victory Casino Cruises . Departing daily from Port Canaveral, the boat heads out beyond state waters where it is legal to play casino games.

If you’ve never sailed on the gambling boat, there are quite a few things you might want to know before you book your spot. We recently sailed on the casino cruise and have everything you need to know.

It’s $13 Per Person to Sail

Most casinos are happy to let you in the doors for free. Victory charges passengers $13 per person to board. You can book your tickets ahead of time on the cruise line’s website. As well, many regular players who are members of the casino’s players club can get free boarding vouchers for their play. You can also just show up and book your spot to board at the terminal.

The Gambling Age is 18 Years Old

Head to Las Vegas and you have to be 21 to gamble. On the ship, however, you only need to be 18 to board and gamble. No one under 18 is allowed. If you want to drink on the ship you will still need to be 21 years old, like on land.

Trips Sail 7 Days a Week, Twice Daily

While the departure and arrival times may vary slightly, there is a morning and an evening cruise seven days a week. Most morning cruises depart at 11 a.m. and get back at 4:15 p.m. Most evening cruises leave at 7 p.m. and get back at 12:30 a.m. Sunday cruises depart at noon and return at 6 p.m., while Friday and Saturday night cruises leave at 7 p.m. and get back at 1 a.m.

If You Book Online You Can Skip the Line

As we said, the entry fee for the ship is $13 per person, and you can book your ticket online. One of the advantages of booking early is that you can skip the line that most people stand in to get their tickets. Instead, when you arrive, just enter the terminal and head to the left to the security metal detectors. It can save you a lot of time on boarding.

The Ship Has Four Decks, With Gambling on Each

The Victory has four decks, and each has a different purpose and feel. Deck 1 features the ship’s buffet and ala carte restaurant. As well, there are sports betting terminals here where you can bet on nearly any sport you can think of.

Deck 2 features slot machines, video poker, and table games. Deck 3 is the “Slot Atrium” with nothing but slot machines spanning the entire length of the ship. Deck 4 features the ship’s nightclub, lined with slot machines. There is also an outdoor bar on the back of the ship.

Tables Games Options Are Impressive Considering the Size of the Ship

You might think that a casino boat would only have a few table games. In fact, the Victory has an impressive variety of games. There are several craps tables (the only ones in Florida), roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Let It Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, and more. There are also electronic roulette machines (a real wheel but betting terminals) and even bingo. If you don’t want to play slots or video poker, there is plenty for you to do. All told there are 27 tables. Note that there is no live poker.

It Takes About 45 Minutes of Sailing Until You Can Play

Due to state laws, it’s not legal for gaming until the ship reaches three miles from the shore. That means for the first part of the trip — and again when the ship comes back in — you can hang out on the deck or grab a bite to eat, but you can’t play. The trip out to sea takes roughly 45 minutes until reaching the 3-mile mark. There will be an announcement that gaming is now open.

The Ship Is a Fantastic Vantage Point to Watch Rocket Launches

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the channel from the port is literally right next to the Kennedy Space Center. Rocket launches draws tons of people to the area, and finding a spot to watch the launch can cost money and mean fighting for a spot. However, the ship heads just a few miles out to sea offering a fantastic vantage point with no obstructions like buildings in the way. It’s the perfect spot to have some fun and head to Deck 4 to watch a launch if it goes up while on your cruise.

Limits Are Usually Low

Are you a low-stakes gambler? Good news, you’ll fit right in on the Victory Casino Cruise. With 600 slot machines, penny slots are plentiful, as are quarter video poker machines. During our cruise — which wasn’t very busy — we saw multiple tables with $5 minimums. The highest minimum we saw was one table at $15. Bottom line, you don’t have to bring a huge bankroll to have some fun.

The Ship Could Use Some Updating

If your experience gambling involves the big swanky hotels in Las Vegas or similar venues, then you should temper your expectations. The Victory casino ship is a bit worn and could use some updating. Things like worn carpet are common and in general the furnishings show some age. There is also a bit of rust and wear on spots around the ship itself.

Parking is Free

Many people drive to the terminal and the good news is that parking is free. While parking for a regular cruise is around $20 per day, the casino cruise doesn’t charge. You can park across the street from the terminal and walk right to the check-in area and the ship. It makes it extremely convenient for those coming to the casino by car.

The Terminal is at the End of the Port Complex

Need a little help in finding where to go? There are abundant signs pointing the direction, but the port is at the end of the Canaveral cruise complex, close to the beach. We’ve labeled the map below to give you a sense of where to go:

Transportation Is Available

Don’t want to drive to the port? You’re in luck. Victory has a number of bus routes that will pick you up all over the central Florida area. This includes everywhere from Ocala to The Villages, to Vero Beach to Palm Coast. Rides are also affordable at just $20. Call the company to arrange your spot on the bus.

Get $5 Freeplay with a New Card and Email Address

Want a little freeplay to start your day at the casino? Sign up for the casino card when you get on the ship. It’s completely free and when you track your play on the machines and at the table with the card, you can get casino offers. If you provide your email address when you sign up, you also get $5 freeplay to use on the machines.

Drinks Are Free When Playing

Want to have a drink or two while you try your luck? There is drink service from waitresses that roam the casino floor. Drink service is free while you play (be sure to tip). If you want something from the bar, you will have to pay for that. There is coffee and soda available on Deck 1 if you want to sip something non-alcoholic.

Our Thoughts of the Victory Casino Cruise

As mentioned above, we recently sailed aboard the ship to check it out. So what is our impression of it?

In general, we had a good time. Our cruise on a Monday night didn’t have many people, meaning it was easy to find a place to play without having to fight for a spot at a table or a machine. It was also extremely easy to drive right up to the terminal, park, and board.

We found the machines to be “loose” and came out ahead on our cruise. Slot machines consistently gave good play, even when we ended up losing. Video poker machines were either 7/5 or 6/5 (be sure to check the pay tables to find the best for you), which does leave something to be desired. One thing that stuck out to us was that nearly every game you can think of was available on the ship. Normally smaller casinos offer only some games you might find at a larger venue.

Our biggest complaint is that the ship is definitely in need of some updating. As mentioned above, it definitely shows its age. Wear and tear are evident in many places. Keeping any ship in tip-top shape is difficult given the salt and the sea, so we understand. Still, it would be nice to have a more updated casino to play.

Overall, if you are in the central Florida area the Victory Casino ship is a fun way to spend a few hours… and hopefully make some money.

Have more questions about sailing on a Victory Casino Cruise from Port Canaveral? Let us know in the comments below.

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Is there a nonsmoking area to play and eat?

This article is old. The table minimums are much higher now and the experience has deteriorated. I would recommend searching for updated info.

I dont see anything about activities for those who come along but dont gamble. Is there swimming or anything else to do? Whats the menu. I dont see anything on the website it only mentions a la cart. If someone gets motion sickness at times how does this compare to the normal cruise ships? Thanks

It’s a casino cruise, so there isn’t much to do other than gamble. There is some outdoor seating and a musician sometimes plays. As for motion sickness, this is a much smaller ship than a cruise ship, so you’ll feel the ocean more if there are waves.

Hello and thanks for an outstanding article! My husband has an itch for casinos and I have one for the water. We’ve been pondering a casino cruise for some time. What airport would we fly into from Phoenix Sky Harbor? What hotels are near the ship? Thanks!

Hi, I’d like some information for transportation from The villages to your location. Thanks Bob

Bob, Cruzely is not the cruise line. You can find more info about their transportation options here:

https://victorycasinocruises.com/transportation/

Is there spots open for next week…my daughter is coming for the week thought this would be fun. So the whole expense for this is $ 28.00 cause we will drive to cruises ship. And we have a coupon for the $28.00 dollars…if I could have someone email me back soon…

Lori — we aren’t the cruise line. You’ll want to contact them directly.

i love gambling on this ship. Its clean, everyone is friendly. i have no complaints, only praises

Have a group of Seniors in Kissimmee that would like to go on the Victory Cruise again. We have gone before, but am not sure if you still have representatives that will work with us? How many people do we have to have for a bus to come in our Manufactured Home Park and transport us to the ship? And what would be the cost?

Eleanor, Cruzely is not affiliate with Victory Casino. You’ll want to contact the company directly to ask.

What if I don’t want to play any game, just enjoying the trip. Is that possible? I mean I only want to enjoy the sea view and some music maybe

Sure. There’s no rule that you have to gamble!

How long does it take to get ocean card? I did have it and was working for the elite. But then had to help friends in Alaska and was gone 3 years. Had to start over when I came back which I understood. But do they still have 3 players cards.

How long is the ship?

Looks to be about 300 feet long.

We sailed on the a.m cruise on St. Patty’s day! Absolutly horrible!!!! They over booked! It was sooo crowded you could not find a machine to play!!! We come often, but this was the worst of the worst! Should of stayed home!!! What were they thinking besides money! No 6 foot distancing here.

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

What i wish i knew about my cruise cabin before i sailed, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — (AP) — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska's capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney's office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the 'late evening" Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office says.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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With 10 weeks before its July 19 debut, the ship will perform hundreds of tests as it travels more than 1,000 miles.

“More than 900 experts, specialists across areas such as naval architecture, engineering, navigation and design, are on Utopia to push the ship to its limits and make sure it’s ready for smooth sailing,” according to a Royal Caribbean news release.

On the list will be confirming expected ship movement through the open water and making sure its navigation systems and engines perform as expected.

Port Canaveral chalks up record month amid growing cruise demand

The ship is taking over the three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries currently being performed by Allure of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, part of a strategy of parking two Oasis-class ships at the Orlando-area port that has led to record passenger numbers.

Each sailing will visit Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas island Little Stirrup Cay, which the company has rebranded Perfect Day at CocoCay. The destination features a water park with 14 waterslides and a massive wave pool, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and the Bahamas and a new adults-only area called Hideaway Beach.

As the sixth Oasis-class ship, the ship is 236,860 gross tons and 1,188 feet long with 18 decks and a 5,668-passenger capacity based on double occupancy. Oasis of the Seas was the largest in the world when it debuted in 2009 followed by 2010’s Allure of the Seas, 2016’s Harmony of the Seas, 2018’s Symphony of the Seas and 2022’s Wonder of the Seas.

All but Symphony have spent some time calling Port Canaveral home.

It’s the first time Royal has assigned the short sailing duties to a ship of that size for its debut.

Port Canaveral head says it’s getting Royal Caribbean’s next new world’s largest cruise ship

It will not become the world’s largest ship because of the debut this year out of Miami of the even larger Icon of the Seas, the first in a new class of ship whose sister Star of the Seas will come online in 2025 and also make its way to Port Canaveral.

For now, though, Utopia of the Seas at No. 2 brings with it the Oasis-class favorites including the Ultimate Abyss dry slide. Utopia’s will be the longest at sea at 295 feet long — 43 feet longer than those on its sister ships. The ship’s outdoor features include eight hot tubs, five pools, three Perfect Storm waterslides, a surf simulator, mini golf, climbing walls and the Splashaway Bay water play area.

It will be home to seven neighborhoods that carve up the ship including the Boardwalk, Royal Promenade and Central Park.

Royal Caribbean details new dining on Port Canaveral-bound Utopia of the Seas

A new dining venue is called Royal Railway – Utopia Station will bring travelers on board a virtual train, offering a thematic dinner experience similar to the new Empire Supper Club that debuted on Icon of the Seas. The railway cars diners sit in will mimic train travel with digital screens showing a variety of destinations with matching cuisine.

The ship will also feature a new poolside food truck with quick bites called The Spare Tire, a walkup window for Japanese restaurant Izumi with Japanese-inspired street food and sweets, a repositioned, two-deck Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and new outside terrace Gio’s Terrazza and the second iteration of the popular Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar that debuted on Wonder of the Seas.

Also on board will be Hooked Seafood, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sorrento’s, Boardwalk Dog House, Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, Windjammer buffet, the main dining room and chef’s table experience.

One of 23 bar options, a new venue called the Pesky Parrot will feature fruit-based cocktails and frozen drinks on the Promenade taking place of the Bionic Bar found on some of its sister ships.

Utopia of the Seas will also be the first Oasis-class ship to run on liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that is among the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce their ships’ carbon footprint. Port Canaveral was the first North American port to home port an LNG cruise ship when Carnival’s Mardi Gras arrived in 2021 followed by Disney Wish in 2022.

For its main show entertainment, new show titles have yet to be revealed, but it will have its three main performance venues with Broadway-style shows at the Royal Theater, a new diving and aerobatic show in the AquaTheater, new ice-skating performances in Studio B as well as comedy in The Attic.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

I work from a cruise ship for 3 months a year. Here's how I stay productive at sea.

• Walter Biscardi runs his travel business remotely from cruise ships for three months each year.
• He said WiFi reliability has improved, but video calls and finding power outlets can be challenging.
• Biscardi recommends Virgin Voyages for remote workers because of the spaces to work and the WiFi.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Walter Biscardi, a 59-year-old travel agent based in Orlando. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I used to work in film, television, documentary, and marketing, and I ran two creative agencies in Atlanta for 25 years.

A few years ago, my wife and I turned my second passion, travel, into " Where's Walter Travel ." We specialize in travel planning services for cruises , group vacations, theme park tours, and company retreats.

We live in an Orlando rental, but I run the travel-planning business from a cruise ship for three months out of the year.

We started taking advantage of our remote working situation after the pandemic

In a few short years of working on cruise ships, I've noticed that more and more people are starting to do the same thing.

We predominantly cruise the Caribbean. Last year, our three months were spread over six different trips on the Royal Caribbean , Oceania , Virgin Voyages , and Carnival cruise lines. If it were up to me, I'd be at sea for six months a year, but my wife prefers three.

This year, we'll be back on Virgin Voyages in June and on the Sun Princess in October. We're planning a few more, too.

WiFi speed and reliability onboard ships have been game-changers

I don't always look for speed but rather consistency and reliability.

Even though the WiFi is reliable on most ships , it's still not perfect, and you need to manage your expectations. The WiFi on ships is satellite-based, so the signal will be slower if there's a lot of cloud cover. Rain may also temporarily cut it out completely.

The WiFi signal in rooms can be weak. When I get on board, I walk around public places, look at the ceiling, and find the repeaters , which amplify the router's signal . I park myself under a repeater to work, so at least I know I'm getting the fastest signal.

Video calls can be dicey, but voice calls over WiFi work well

Most of my work is using emails, social media apps, and a web browser, so I don't tend to have problems. The upload speed is the most difficult thing about working on a cruise ship.

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Working from a cruise ship might not be for you if you're required to upload a video to YouTube or be on video for 100% of your Zoom calls. Zoom with video turned off works well. I post TikToks all day, but uploading to YouTube will fail almost every time.

Turn off your cell service on the ship, even if you have unlimited roaming overseas. Phones use satellite maritime cellular, and it's ridiculously expensive. I've heard of people who have come home with $1,000 cellular bills because they didn't turn off their roaming.

I can typically make most of my calls over WiFi, but you won't be able to on some ships. Texting from ship to land usually works well if you're using the same type of phone as the person you're messaging, but when you're texting cross-platform, sometimes it doesn't work.

Finding power outlets can be challenging

Typically, if you need to put in a full day of work connected to power, you need to stay in your room. One tip to finding power when you're looking around public areas is to see where they plug in the vacuum cleaners.

I strongly recommend bringing a powerboard with multiple USB sockets. I have one with 10 USB connections, so I can charge my phone, GoPro, and other devices simultaneously.

Virgin Voyages ships are the most friendly for remote workers

The galley on a Virgin Voyages ship is set up like a coffee shop, with easily accessible power and USB sockets at the table. There are dozens of outlets, as they're inviting people to bring their laptops and work from the ship.

I usually upgrade to the premium WiFi option, which can cost anywhere from $19 to $39 per day on most lines, but Virgin only charges $10 per day to upgrade.

I work in an office at home, so working on a cruise is a big change

I operate at sea as I do on land, with the same office hours available to my clients other than when I know we're going on an excursion.

Cruise ships are comparable to remote working spaces, but they offer so much more. On a cruise, almost everything is included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, entertainment, and most amenities.

If I want to take a break from work, I go to the pool. When I finish for the day, I'll go to the theater to see a show.

Meeting places are usually free on a cruise ship. Generally, all you have to do is reserve a conference room. AV facilities are usually included too, although you may have to pay a setup fee.

Remember to be respectful — many people are on board for a vacation. I've been out by the pool and seen people taking business calls on speakerphone, which is ridiculously annoying.

I suggest picking at least one port on every cruise and make it a 'ship day'

About 75% of people will get off the ship at any port, so staying on board feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

Activities like the pools will still be open, and the spas will often discount their services by 20-40% on port days.

Of course, I still recommend getting off and exploring as much as possible — that's what cruises are for.

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New cruise company explora journeys is a potent luxury contender.

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The Explora I cruise ship, built in 2023 for just 922 passengers, sails past downtown Manhattan.

The arrival of enormous ships, like the 7,000 passenger/3000 crew member Icon of the Seas, is an effective way to promote the cruise industry. But cruise companies are also launching smaller vessels designed to give passengers more individual attention, like the new EXPLORA I from Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA I, launched in 2023, is a sleek 63,000-ton ship designed for just 922 passengers, each housed in an oceanfront suite. Another important number is 1.32 to 1. This represents the crew to passenger ratio, showing the line’s commitment to passenger service.

Ship staterooms start with the Ocean Terrace suites, at 377 square feet. They feature amenities such as a king bed, a chaise lounge day bed, and big glass doors that make it true ocean front view. Bathrooms include European walk-in showers, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. The ship also has some 67 penthouses from 462 to 763 square feet, and the Ocean Residences, from 750 square feet up to 1600 square feet.

The EXPLORA I has 12 bars and lounges, and 64 cabanas on deck for guests, with multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa has a dry sauna, a steam room, Himalayan salt treatments and more, for “the gift of ocean wellness,” which also includes workouts with free weights, 30-minute yoga classes, Pilates, and rowing machines.

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Explora Journeys, said to be the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, is part of the MSC Group. The Italian owners made their private yacht a model for the type of service they planned to deliver. EXPLORA Iis the first of a planned six ships, with EXPLORA II set to arrive in August 2024.

Along with many travel agents, a key market for Explora Journeys, I was invited on an introductory cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. Destinations enroute included San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Michelin-star awarded Chef Claude Le Tohic, and staff at Anthology Restaurant on Explorer I.

Focusing on luxury, Explora’s rates are all-inclusive, including gratuities, alcohol and its powerful Wi-Fi service. A handful of amenities, such as Anthology Restaurant, which features a rotating cast of Michelin-star chefs , have an additional price.

For the cruises themselves, the prices we found range from a ten-night journey from Barcelona to Barcelona for $3,835 (via Gibraltar, Seville, Madera, etc.) to a 44-night extravaganza “connecting continents” from Vancouver to Barcelona via the US West Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean for $18,450.

The Explora experience began at the Port of Los Angeles, a warehouse-sized building reminiscent of a bus terminal. However, Explora Journeys made check-in fast and almost fun, with friendly representatives using data tablets to check us in at small tableclothed tables, rather than at the clerk’s counter.

The commitment to meeting passenger needs shows up everywhere, such as in the availability of 24-hour room service. The restaurants were uniformly excellent, and the fast elevators quickly whisked you from deck to deck. Yet after a couple of days, I really enjoyed taking breakfast in my cabin, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and vats of coffee.

EXPLORA I was full of such experiences. I watched a chanteuse descending the staircase into the grand Lounge Bar singing jazz standards. Later, I smoked a Winston Churchill Petit in the fragrant cigar lounge at midnight.

The grand Lobby Bar on Explora Journeys new cruise ship Explora I.

Explora Journeys is based in Geneva, so when I laid a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the blackjack table I was politely told to use my room card or change money at the cashier’s booth—euros only.

The friendly casino kept drawing me back. Of course, I ended up losing all my cash, but made $200 last the entire six -day cruise. The dealers seemed much more concerned if I was having a good time than those in Las Vegas.

The service was excellent, with barmen opening “closed” bars to pour drinks. Even when the crew didn’t fully understand a request, they gave it their all. In one lounge, I asked for a martini with blue cheese olives, aka ‘Maytag olives.” The server apparently rustled about the ship and returned with a small plate containing 4 ounces of blue cheese. I did not have the heart to tell him and instead, ate the evidence.

The ship has a well-equipped gym, but I also ran the marked jogging track on Deck 12 in my gray sweats in the wind, feeling like I was in CHARIOTS OF FIRE. I practiced hitting a pickleball over the net on the sports court and shot some 3-pointers.

Later, I sat in one of the EXPLORA I’s warm whirlpools directly overlooking the sea. The ship is said to have more water on board than any other.

The ship was so relaxing, in fact, that many passengers chose to stay on board during port days, taking advantage of massages and other services. Understood, as with cruising, the journey is really the destination.

A view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California, ... [+] United States on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But they missed out on Explora Journeys well-organized excursions. In San Francisco, I took a coach tour into Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge. The intrepid bus driver drove us safely over a zig-zagging road full of bicyclists to Muir Woods.

The guide told us about the history of the redwoods, how 95% of the old giants were cut down, and how they were saved at national parks like Muir Woods. Once we got there, he left us alone with our thoughts, to walk the easy trail and admire the trees.

The intrepid bus driver found a parking spot at the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay for selfies of the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorably, we had sailed under the bridge on EXPLORA I’s journey into the city.

I particularly enjoyed the day we spent in Astoria, Oregon, a port city on the Columbia River where it flows into the Pacific. Founded in 1811, Astoria is a destination I might never have encountered if it were not for the cruise. Astoria got its name from wealthy New York entrepreneur John Jacob Astor, who monopolized the booming fur trade.

Our excursion brought us majestic views of the river dividing Oregon and Washington. We investigated the less-than-luxurious dwellings at the Lewis and Clark Fort where that expedition lived. At the Maritime Museum, we learned about the treacherous currents of the Columbia and the salmon cannery industry that once dominated the town.

Lunch at the Mediterranean Yacht Club with its fish, humus and other Mediterranean food was a treat. I enjoyed a great ribeye in Marble, the amazing steak restaurant on board. The fresh pizza on board was also great. Late at night, I thanked the servers who stayed open just for me, pouring a shot of Macallan before bed.

An Ocean Terrace Suite on the cruise ship Explora I. The entry-level suite is 374 square feet and ... [+] includes a terrace with a chaise lounge and a bathroom with heated floors.

The EXPLORA I makes a strong effort to keep the passengers entertained, with Broadway hits in the Journey Lounge, and individual performers in others. (I loved “Better Shape Up” from GREASE performed with just a guitar accompaniment). There are three Steinway pianos in different lounges. Explora also has alternate entertainment like silent discos, a tough trivia game, a cooking experience and “luminaries” on board to talk about various topics.

Cruise expert Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor at Cruise Critic , says, “Explora Journeys is an entry into the luxury cruise world. Backed by the private shipping company MSC, the line has the money and ambition to fine tune its product to attract those guests who might normally choose a high-end resort or hotel, as opposed to a cruise.”

Before launching Explora Journeys, the founders interviewed 20,000 luxury travelers and 250 travel advisors. Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, said the idea was to “build a ship that’s like a private yacht. An intimate ship, with many, many spaces.”

What resulted, said Austin, is something “that doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, it feels like a luxury boutique hotel.” In terms of onboard shopping, “We have Piaget, Cartier, Panerai and the only Rolex watch store at sea.”

According to Austin, just 4% of luxury travelers cruise. But “after 8 months of operating, we are seeing cruisers on second and third cruise.” He added, “There is no more stunning view than when you sail into a port, as opposed to catching a taxi from the airport. Ultimately, having 6 ships will allow us to discover the world together. We call it the Ocean State of Mind.”

The new cruise ship EXPLORA in the Mediterranean.

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Museum and Exhibition Center

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Museum and Exhibition Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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