do saga cruise ships have a casino

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Cruise Ship Casino Games Guide (Games Offered, Minimums, Payouts & More)

When night falls on a cruise ship, there’s arguably no more popular place to be than in the ship’s casino. The atmosphere is buzzing, people are shouting with every win (or groaning with every loss!), and the energy can be off the charts.

It’s the place to be in the evening, if you like to gamble. And if you’ve been to a casino before, then there’s a lot that’s going to be familiar. But if you’ve never been to a casino on a cruise ship, then there are some things that will definitely be a little different that you may not notice at first — especially when it comes to the games offered.

The traditional games are all there, including slot machines and blackjack. There are also some things that you wouldn’t expect in a casino, including games like the crane machine and coin pusher machines.

To help you get acquainted, let’s dive into the games you’ll find in a cruise ship casino, and what to know about them.

Slot Machines

If there is a most popular game in a cruise casino, it would be the slot machines, without a doubt. Any ship’s casino will be filled with rows of them and during the busy periods in the evenings, you’ll find most of them taken up by players.

The games offered are similar to what you’d find in a land-based casino. In fact, many of your favorites are likely to be onboard, including names like Lobstermania, Cleopatra, and Quick Hit. We will say that the large slot machines (e.g. those that are full experience like Wizard of Oz or Monopoly with rumble seats and more) usually aren’t found on cruises. We think that’s due to the size of the machine that may simply take up too much space on a cruise ship.

Denominations will vary, but penny machines seem to take up the lion’s share of what’s available. Often you can change the denomination right at the machine. Minimum bets tend to be around $0.40 – $0.50 cents per spin, with the ability to bet several dollars per turn.

Video Poker

Another machine that you’ll find in any cruise casino is video poker. That said, the number of machines and the poker games available are significantly fewer than you might be used to seeing.

In our experience, there is usually a bank or two of the machines, but not much more than that. Denominations are typically $0.25, but some machines may let you change that amount. Jacks or Better is always available, and often you can change the game at the machine. Even so, you may or may not find some of the variations such as Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, multi-hand machines or machines that play with a multiplier. It will depend on the ship, but just know in general things are more limited.

As for payouts, video poker on a cruise will almost always offer lower pay tables than the optimum “9/6” machines. We find that they usually vary between 6/5 to 7/5, which increases the house’s take over the long term.

While machines take up the largest portion of the cruise ship casino floor, table games have a healthy showing. That includes roulette, which always seems to be a popular game on the ship.

Cruise ships offer double-zero roulette. There are all your traditional bets, including individual numbers, red/black, even/odd, as well as sections of the board. There is also usually a video board that offers up stats on recent rolls so you can get a feel for how the table has been running.

Minimum bets are usually $5 overall, but may be $10 in some cases.

Blackjack is another popular table game, and in the evenings you’ll see these tables plenty busy with players.

The rules are just like you find on land. Games are normally played with multiple decks (though we have seen single-deck games) and allow for doubling down. Traditionally dealers are required to hit on soft 17.

While blackjack payouts will vary based on table minimums, normally you’ll find 6:5. Higher limits will see the traditional 3:2 payouts for blackjack.

Minimums normally start at $5 (or $6 to make blackjack payouts easier) and go up from there. You likely won’t see minimums higher than $10-$25 on your cruise.

One more thing to note is that a number of the blackjack tables available also have side bet options available if you are so inclined.

Texas Hold ‘Em has boomed in popularity over the last decade or two, and that includes on cruise ships. Most cruise ships will have a poker table on the casino floor.

Unlike a typical casino, however, it’s not a situation where you can just walk in, sign up and start playing poker. Given the limited number of players on a cruise, games are normally announced ahead of time, not “sit and go.”

Keep an eye out on the daily planner for when a game is starting. Then just head down to the casino a little early for details on how to score a seat to play.

Like to throw dice? Cruise ship casinos all offer at least one craps table and sometimes two. We will say that the tables seem to be fairly slow during the day, but definitely see plenty of action in the evenings. So grab a drink, squeeze into an open spot and make some new friends at the table.

You’ll want to check out the table before you play as different ships will have different betting spots that pay differently. For instance, you’ll often find the “Big 6 | Big 8” bets. This large area pays you even money if there is a six or an eight rolled on the table. But if you simply “place” the same bet with a dealer, then you’d earn 7-to-6 ($7 on every $6 bet). Casinos place these “Big 6 | Big 8” in order to lure in bets with a higher house edge. Field bets often pay double for both 2 and 12, instead of paying triple for 12.

Odds bets can vary, with many ships allowing only 1X odds with others offering 3X-4X-5X. In general you will find $5 minimums, but don’t be surprised if that’s slightly higher at $10 as minimums do seem to be creeping up.

Scratch-Offs & Lotto

We’ve never been to a casino other than a cruise ship that offers its own scratch-off tickets. But sure enough, head to the cashier and you’ll see several options for these games to purchase.

Typically there are a handful of tickets available and they are cruise line branded. For instance, we played one game on Carnival that offered prizes of up to $30,000 and/or the chance to instantly win a cruise.

Just like on land, don’t expect great odds on these lottery tickets. Still, they are a fun way to play and come in affordable denominations. We bought one for $5.

In addition, many cruise casinos offer lotto-style drawings where you can buy a ticket and win if your numbers match. Look to your daily planner for the drawing times.

Other Games

As you can see, cruise casinos have plenty of well-known and favorite games. But there are some others that you should know about that you’ll see and typically don’t find in land-based casinos.

Crane Machines: Remember those arcade cranes you’d find and try your luck to grab a cute stuffed animal? You’ll often find those same machines in a casino, with the chance to grab stacks of cash. There are also other games like the “Keymaster” where you position a key in the hole to win the cash prize.

While these might look like games of skill, it’s well-publicized that they can be set to only win sometimes  by only allowing enough grip strength to occasionally pick up a bundle of cash. Keep this in mind when playing.

Coin Pushers: Remember the carnival (like the fair, not the cruise line!) that featured tokens you’d drop in to push even more over the edge? Well, they make an appearance on cruise ships only this time using quarters. Drop in a quarter and hopefully you can push more over the edge than you used… along with folded cash and other prizes stacked on top.

These games seem to be extremely popular on ships. One tip is to know that often the landing platforms for the coins have slots in the side of the wall. So not only can coins go over the edge and into your pocket, but they can be pushed to the side where they are no longer in play.

Other Table Games: We mentioned the most popular table games like roulette and blackjack. However, there are likely to be a number of different table games. What’s available will vary from ship to ship. We’ve seen Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Baccarat, and others. The good thing is that cruise ships are great places to learn these sorts of games as minimums are typically low and there are few other players.

More on Cruise Ship Gaming:

• 12 Must-Have Cruise Casino Tips to Know Before You Play
• Cruise Ship Casino Gambling: Everything to Know Before You Bet

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Cruise Q&A: Beginner’s guide to Saga Cruises

Author: [email protected]

Published on: 19 October 2017

Updated on: 13 November 2020

Booking your first cruise can be a stressful and intimidating experience. Deciding where and when to go, is only the beginning of it. How do you pay? What sort of cabin should you choose? How do you find out about hidden extra costs? Do I need to pack any formal clothes? There is quite a

Booking your first cruise can be a stressful and intimidating experience. Deciding where and when to go, is only the beginning of it.

How do you pay? What sort of cabin should you choose? How do you find out about hidden extra costs? Do I need to pack any formal clothes? There is quite a bit to consider. But fear not, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions to make the process as easy as possible.

How old do I need to be to travel with Saga?

From relaxing hotel stays and scenic river trips, to cultural escorted tours and memorable ocean cruises, the varied collection is a perfect choice for anyone over 50 (a travelling companion can be over 40).

How much of a deposit will I have to pay?

For ocean cruises, Saga require £200 per person or 15 per cent of the cost of the holiday, whichever is greater, up to a maximum of £1,000 per person.

How do your discounts work?

On all Saga cruises, the company set aside a number of cabins within each grade at a discounted fare, with the highest discount of 35 per cent available on selected grades. These cabins are sold on a first come, first served basis. As cabins are sold, the discount begins to reduce and continues to reduce until those selected cabins are sold.

This means that the earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a greater discount. You’ll find the latest prices on the website. During busy periods for booking holidays, the early booking discounts can reduce rapidly. When promoting new cruises for the first time, Saga contact customers on the advance registration list first, allowing them to secure the cabin of their choice and benefit from the best savings.

What if the price goes up after I’ve booked?

Once you have booked we will not add any additional cost to your holiday unless you select any extras. This is regardless of what happens to fuel prices, exchange rates or any other factors that might influence the holiday cost. So, you can sit back and look forward to your break without the worry of paying more!

What are Inside/Outside Guarantees?

The traditional way to book a cruise is to reserve your cabin number at the time of booking. However, if you’ve decided what type of cabin you want but don’t have a preference for a particular cabin or bed configuration then the Inside/Outside Guarantees could be good for you.

It means that you are guaranteed the minimum grade cabin in the category shown, just not the specific cabin. This will be allocated to you later on, sometimes as you embark the ship. If you choose not to accept your allocated cabin, which could be located anywhere on the ship, this is treated as a cancellation. There is a chance of an upgrade although this is subject to cabin availability and in no way forms part of this offer.

Can you cater for special diets?

Fine dining is an integral part of the cruising experience and Saga can cater for most dietary needs as long as let them know in advance. You can make Saga aware of your requirements at the time of booking.

Are your cruises suitable for single travellers?

There are many reasons why cruising with Saga is a fantastic way to holiday for solo travellers – from the small ships with their sociable and friendly atmosphere to the spacious cabins, fantastic value and onboard activities exclusively for solo travellers.

Is there a loyalty club?

Everyone who cruises with Saga for more than 35 nights is automatically rewarded with free membership of the Britannia Club. This brings an array of benefits, ranging from exclusive special offers, a dedicated booking line and a quarterly newsletter. There’s an extended chauffeur service, priority boarding and even a free cruise depending on your level of membership. There are five levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Sapphire and, for guests who sail over a thousand nights, the prestigious Diamond tier.

So whether you’re already a member of the Britannia Club, or just need a few more nights on board to qualify, choosing your next cruise is another step towards lots of additional delights!

What is the tipping policy?

If you are cruising on one of Saga’s own ships, gratuities and service charges are all included in the price of your cruise, so there is no need for you to budget for these costs once you arrive on board.

Can I pre-book my shore excursions?

We will send you excursion information 6-8 weeks before departure along with prices so you can plan and book your trips ashore in advance. You will be able to do this online.

While we would advise you to pre-book your excursions due to limited availability, it is also possible to arrange these on board through the Travel and Tours office.

How many formal nights can I expect on my cruise?

Not all cruises will have formal nights but generally you can expect 1-2 for every seven nights spent on board. On formal nights, it is impossible to overdress! A glamorous long dress and sequined shrug or pashmina are perfect partners for an elegant champagne dinner and a tuxedo and bow tie are the ultimate in sophistication (although a dark suit or dinner jacket would also be just fine!).

Are there laundry facilities on board?

Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl II have well-equipped self-service launderettes on board. Alternatively, you may wish to use the laundry service for a charge instead.

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Boston (Massachusetts)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-09-04 00:45

Port Boston cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Boston, Massachusetts. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Boston is owned and operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (abbrev MASSPORT). Boston is a major cargo port (the largest in Massachusetts USA), one of the principal East Coast USA ports, and also New England's largest city, with population around 680,000. Flynn Cruiseport Boston supports ~2200 local jobs and annually generates ~USD 136 million in economic activities.

Port Boston (locode USBOS) has been historically important for the city's growth. It was built in the early-18th-century (1710-21) and was originally positioned downtown (the current Long Wharf Pier). After major land reclamation projects, this area is no longer open to commercial shipping traffic, excluding the ferries . Port's main cargo handling facilities are now in the neighborhoods Charlestown, South Boston, East Boston, and also in Everett MA.

MassPort (1956-established) maintains its own police force. Its officers are responsible for law enforcement and physical security at all port terminals and MassPort-owned properties. In 2010, Massport invested USD 11 million to renovate Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.

Port Boston is approx 3 km (2 mi) from Faneuil Hall (Government Center) and Freedom Trail (4 km / 2,5 mi long pathway passing by 16 historic locations). The annual number of visiting/mainly domestic tourists is 16+ million, many of whom arrive on cruise ships. Among the big-ship cruise companies with scheduled calls at Port Boston are RCI-Royal Caribbean, HAL-Holland America, NCL-Norwegian, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Oceania. The USA-flagged ACL-American Cruise Lines is among Boston's regular homeporting companies. ACL offers from the city two very popular roundtrip itineraries:

• 7-night "The Cape Codder Cruise" that visits ports in Oregon (Portland), Maine (Rockland), New Jersey (Camden), Maine (Rockland, Bucksport, Bar Harbor, Bucksport, Boothbay Harbor, Bath), Massachusetts (Gloucester), Rhode Island (Newport), Massachusetts (Oak Bluffs/Martha's Vineyard Island, Provincetown).
• 10-night "Grand New England Cruise" that visits only ports in Massachusetts (Gloucester, Plymouth, Cape Cod Canal, Martha's Vineyard Island, Falmouth, New Bedford, Provincetown).

Port's cruising industry supports 8000+ state jobs and generates ~USD 480 million (annual income). In 2012, the Port handled 117 cruise ship calls (9% increase over 2011) and ~274,000 passengers (plus 100,000+ crew). Of all itineraries, 63 were roundtrips by Boston-homeported liners. In 2013, it handled 116 calls and 382,885 passengers, with economic impact ~USD 50 million (USD 0,94 million in state taxes). In 2014 were handled 113 ship calls, in 2015 - 115 ship calls and nearly 300,000 tourists.

Following the 2-year cruise shipping pause due to the COVID crisis, for season 2022 Flynn Cruiseport Boston handled 128 ship calls (berthings booked by 19 different lines/companies), of which 12 were maiden port calls (first-time visiting vessels) and 310,767 passengers. The homeported vessels were 5 (Norwegian Pearl, MS Zaandam, MS Nieuw Statendam, Celebrity Summit, Voyager of the Seas, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Carnival Legend). Prior to the global pandemic (season 2019/record year), the Port handled 138 ship calls and 402,346 tourists.

On January 16-17, 2022, at Conley Container Terminal docked the Port's largest container ship (so far) - Ever Fortune (2020-built, IMO 9850563, cargo capacity 12000 TEU-containers, owned by EVERGREEN Marine ). The call followed the completion of a USD 850 million project that included Conley Terminal's modernization and expansion, Boston Harbor's dredging/deepening, adding 3x large STS gantry cranes (ship-to-shore), and a new berth. Currently, Conley Terminal can handle large boxships (with max capacity 14000 TEUs) and is New England’s only full-service container terminal that serves 2500+ local traders (importers/exporters).

In 2023, MASSPORT received 149 cruise calls (~16% increase over 2022), of which 58 homeporting and 91 transiting. Flynn Cruiseport Boston reported a 20% increase in cruise passenger numbers (~373000).

For season 2024 (May-November), Flynn Cruiseport reported a total of 169 booked berthings (15% increase over 2023) made by 24 different cruise companies. Of those, 90x were from transiting vessels, 13x maiden visits, 8x homeporting vessels (6x different companies), 16x 3-ship days.

Cruise itineraries to and from Boston MA

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Boston:

• 7-day Boston to Canada cruises are one-way itineraries visiting ports in both Canada and USA's New England. The list of visited USA and Canadian ports includes Maine (Bar Harbor), Nova Scotia (Halifax, Sydney), New Brunswick (Saint John), Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown), Quebec (Gaspe, Saguenay, Quebec City, Montreal).
• 7-day Bermuda cruises from Boston visit Kings Wharf exclusively, with 2 overnight stays in port.
• Ships repositioning to the Caribbean depart from Boston and dock in turnaround USA ports in Florida ( Fort Lauderdale ) or Louisiana ( New Orleans ).
• Ship relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) - Transatlantic crossings between USA and Europe often visit ports in the UK (including British Isles), Iceland, Greenland, Canada-New England, or Bermuda, combined with Southern European ports (Portugal's Azores, Spain's Canaries, Mediterranean).

Today, 100+ voyages start here each year. The most popular destinations are Europe, Bermuda, throughout the USA East Coast (Eastern Seaboard). Boston port's cruise terminals welcome 250,000+ tourists per year.

Boston cruise terminal

Boston cruise port terminal is called Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Boston has a great geographical location and a deepwater harbor, which has made it a commercial port since the early-17th-century.

Black Falcon cruise terminal

Boston’s Black Falcon terminal is located in South Boston Waterfront, 2 mi / 3 km away from Boston downtown. The terminal is named after a 440-ft / 134 m long Norwegian merchant ship Black Falcon which caught fire on Nov 2, 1953. At the time, the terminal was a US Army Base. The building is large, converted to a terminal in 1986. The 2010 refurbishment doubled the terminal's capacity by simultaneous handling embarking/disembarking passengers.

In November 2021, at the Terminal was installed a new PBB/passenger boarding bridge (enclosed passageway extending from the terminal gate to the cruise liner). Since 2017, Boston Harbor is annually dredged (by the US Army Corps of Engineers), thus deepening the Reserved Channel (depth 8 m / 27 ft, width 305 m / 1000 ft, length ~4,8 km / 3 mi) and expanding the Turning/Swinging Basin (radius 526 m / 1725 ft).

• address: "1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States"
• location - 10 min drive distance from BOS (Boston Logan International Airport, via Ted Williams Tunnel), and 3 mi / 5 km (within 15 min drive distance) from Boston’s Back Bay shopping areas.
• GPS coordinates - 42°20'35.0"N+71°02'01.1"W
• phone number +1 617-330-1500
• Parking: indoor parking garage with 5 levels, $15.00 per day (Port Authority subject to change). There is no need of long-term parking advance reservations.

Statistics show that ~70% of all Canada and New England cruise ship tourists leaving from Boston arrive here by air. Approximately 95% of Bermuda cruise passengers or repositioning cruise ship passengers (going to the Caribbean) live in or near Boston (within a 4-hour drive).

Flynn Cruiseport Boston can be accessed from the airport, the subway, also via taxis, buses and even ferries . If you prefer walking to the facility, the distance is ~30 minutes via Northern Avenue, Boston Harborwalk (a scenic esplanade that follows Boston Harbor's shoreline/beaches, piers, wharves) and the Old Northern Avenue Bridge.

Means of transportation at the Passenger Terminal include taxis and buses, as well as the cruise line's bus shuttle service.

Cruise ship terminal directions & parking

From North (driving south on I-93) - drive Inside Tip O’Neill Tunnel, take Exit 23 (Purchase Street). Turn left onto Seaport Blvd and continue straight (changes to Northern Ave). At the end of Northern Ave, turn right on Tide Street, then make an immediate left onto Drydock Ave. Follow Drydock Ave and turn right on Black Falcon Ave. Follow the signs to the cruise ship terminal.

From South (driving north on I-93) - take Exit 20 to I-90 (Logan Airport). Inside the tunnel, take Exit 25 (to South Boston). At the traffic lights continue forward onto East Service Drive. At the next traffic light turn right onto Seaport Blvd (changes to Northern Ave). At the end of Northern Ave, turn right on Tide Street, then make an immediate left onto Drydock Ave. Follow Drydock Ave and turn right on Black Falcon Ave. Follow the signs to the cruise ship terminal.

From West (Turnpike MA, driving eastbound on I-90) - follow the Turnpike MA toward Logan Airport. In the tunnel take Exit 25 (to South Boston). At the traffic lights continue forward onto East Service Drive. At the next traffic light turn right onto Seaport Blvd (changes to Northern Ave). At the end of Northern Ave, turn right on Tide Street, then make an immediate left onto Drydock Ave. Follow Drydock Ave and turn right on Black Falcon Ave. Follow the signs to the cruise ship terminal.

From Logan Airport (driving westbound on I-90) - when exiting the airport, follow the signs to enter Ted Williams Tunnel (toll charge). Take Exit 25 (to South Boston), stay in the right lane. Turn right onto Congress Street, then turn left onto B Street. At the next traffic light turn right onto Seaport Blvd (changes to Northern Ave). At the end of Northern Ave, turn right on Tide Street, then make an immediate left onto Drydock Ave. Follow Drydock Ave and turn right on Black Falcon Ave. Follow the signs to the cruise ship terminal.

Convenient parking is available at the BRA-EDIC garage (close location to the terminal).

Boston port also has facilities to handle cargo ships ( container carriers and bulk vessels).

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - USBOS.
• opened in 1986 (first season - 13 cruise ships, 11,723 passengers)
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deepwater berths

The cruising season runs from late April through late October/November.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Boston in the early morning (7 or 8 am) and depart from Boston in the late afternoon (4, 4:30 or 5 pm).

Boston tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

The State House: the red-bricked house designed by the first professional architect in America, Charles Bulfinch.

Park Street Church: part of the abolitionist history, built in 1810.

Old South Meeting House: the place where Benjamin Franklin was baptized.

King’s Chapel Burying Ground: the first cemetery of Boston, dates from 1630. Mary Chilton, John Winthrop and Hezekia Usher (famous colonists) are buried there.

Old Corner Bookstore: built as an apoth ecary shop in 1712. The place where Thoreau, Emerson, Hawthorne and Stowe books were printed.

Paul Revere House: the oldest Downtown Boston house, dates from 1680. Home of Paul Revere from from 1770 to 1800.

Old State House, Boston Massacre Site: enjoy great exhibitions of historic artifacts in those famous museums in Boston.

Old North Church: dates from 1723, the oldest worship place in Boston.

Old Granary Burying Ground: Paul Revere, John Hancock, James Otis and Samuel Adams are buried there.

Boston Red Sox: the legend Boston team, founded in 1901.

Harvard Square: a place that you have to visit on your trip to Cambridge.

Faneuil Hall: a historic complex that comprises buildings and serves as a mall.

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Cruising Solo? List of Every Cruise Ship that Has Solo Cabins

It may not seem fair, but solo cruisers have to pay extra for the person they are not bringing on the cruise.

With a charge known as the single supplement fee, cruise lines charge the same rate as if the cabin has two people staying in it.  This means that per-person-charge should be doubled to get the actual price.

It makes financial sense for the cruise lines but makes it harder for single travelers to justify going on a cruise alone when they have to foot the bill for someone who is not even there.

Cruise lines have always operated on a double-occupancy business model and staterooms are typically configured for two guests.

I get asked all the time, “Which cruise ships have solo cabins?”

Thankfully, there are now many cruise ships with cabins made just for solo cruisers, with more newer ships adding this feature.

These solo cabins — sometimes called studio cabins — do not have the single supplement charge, giving lone cruise enthusiasts a level playing field.

If you want to cruise solo, this list is for you.

*This article has been updated since its original publish date.  It will stay updated as new ships with solo cabins are added to cruise lines.

Related: 10 things you should never do in your cabin

Cruise ships with solo cabins

We have compiled a list of every mainstream cruise ship that has solo cabins.

Keep in mind that some cruise lines do not have cabins for single travelers.  For instance, Carnival, Princess, and Disney do not currently operate any ships with solo cabins .

Also, in most cases solo cabins are interior staterooms, with some occasional ocean view cabins available.

Royal Caribbean ships with studio cabins

Royal Caribbean has solo cabins on 12 cruise ships.  Their accommodation options include an inside studio stateroom, virtual balcony staterooms, and a super studio ocean view stateroom with a balcony. These rooms vary in size from 101 to 199 square feet.

Harmony of the Seas is the only Oasis-class vessel with studio cabins, and all of the Quantum-class ships with the line have cabins for solo travelers.  Virtual views in some interior cabins have vertical TV screens that simulate a view outside the ship.  The new Icon of the Seas does not have solo cabins.

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Solo Cabins

Norwegian was one of the first mainstream cruise lines to introduce solo cabins to their ships. The studio cabins on these ships are about 100 sq. feet and come with a double bed.

The idea with Norwegian Epic was such a hit that the line kept integrating solo cabins into its Breakaway-class vessels.

Studios on Norwegian ships also come with access to a special lounge for single cruisers, and these solo cabins sell out pretty fast when bookings open.

Porthole Magazine has crowned Norwegian as the “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers” for 6 years in a row.

*Norwegian Epic has more solo cabins that any other cruise ship at sea.

MSC Cruises ships with solo cabins

A select few MSC ships have studio cabins.  While the typical size bed in these cabins is a twin-size, many of these staterooms offer 130 square feet of space.    The couch doubles as a bed, maximizing the space in the already fairly spacious stateroom by industry standards.

Celebrity Cruises ships with solo cabins

The solo cabins on some Celebrity Edge-class vessels are a whopping 140 square feet.   Some of these single cabins can also be booked as twins as they have sofa beds for a second person.

The solos cabins on Edge-class ships with Celebrity are located on forward deck 6. They are the same size as the other Infinite Verandah cabins except without the couch.

*Celebrity Silhouette is a Solstice-class vessel that was recently retrofit with the solo cabins.

Related: 15 things people always forget to pack on their cruise

Holland America Line ships with solo cabins

Holland America offers solo cabins on just a handful of ships. The square footage available to solo cruisers ranges from 127 to 172.  They are about identical to regular ocean view cabins and are generally located forward on the Main Deck.

Cunard cruise ships with solo cabins

There are currently three ships in Cunard’s fleet with a fourth being added in 2024. Queen Mary 2 had 15 single cabins added to the vessel during a recent dry dock. The area now used for solo cabins was formerly part of the casino and photo gallery on board.

Virgin Voyages’ solo cabins

Virgin has built their recent ships with solo cruisers in mind.    The solo cabins are over 100 sq. feet and are mostly interior, with a few that have forward-facing sea views.

Related: 12 things you can still get for free on a cruise ship

Costa cruise ships with solo cabins

P&o cruise ships with solo cabins, fred olsen cruise ships with solo cabins, saga cruises.

There are two ocean cruise ships in Saga’s fleet and both have plenty of solo cabins for cruise passengers to choose from.   The UK-based cruise line caters to passengers 50 and older on its 1,000-passenger vessels.

There are four different types of solo cabins available:

• Standard single cabin with balcony
• Superior single cabin with balcony
• Deluxe single with balcony
• Single suite with balcony

Oceania solo cabins

Luxury line, Oceania, has also embraced solo cruise travel, now with four ships in the fleet that cater to cruisers traveling alone.    Oceania’s new ship, Vista, debuted in 2023 and also has solo cabins.

Final thoughts

Even if you go on a cruise by yourself in a standard cabin, you will not have to pay port fees and gratuities for the second person.

And with the high demand for studio cabins, you should always at least compare the price of a standard room with the solo cabin to see if you’re actually saving a substantial sum.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

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Virgin Cruises: Everything You Need To Know About Setting Sail

W hen it comes to big, international cruise lines, Virgin Voyages is the new kid on the block, and the company seems to like that reputation. Founded in 2014, Virgin Cruises cultivates a youthful, streamlined, come-as-you-are atmosphere. There is no dress code. No children are allowed onboard. Very little about the ship is exclusive or labeled "VIP." Best of all, their cruises are generally more affordable than for other big-name lines.

That logo probably looks familiar if you've ever spent time in a major airport or mall. "Virgin" started as a music distributor in London way back in the 1970s, and the jazzy red sign has lured passersby into Virgin Records stores for decades. The Virgin Group trademark has gradually expanded into other industries as well, including Virgin Hotels, British airline Virgin Atlantic, and even the satellite-launching Virgin Orbit. Cruise ships may have seemed like an inevitable investment, but Virgin has stayed true to its rock-and-roll roots.

Your idea of a cruise may consist of canasta glasses and shuffleboard, but these excursions aim for a hipper demographic. Virgin Voyages are an excuse for adults of all ages to chill out, get fit, eat well, and party hard — and enjoy free WiFi the whole time. Virgin Voyages even messes with the traditional cruising lingo to distance itself from other lines. The vessels are known as "Lady Ships." Passengers are "Sailors." Land-based tours are "Shore Things." Not sure what to expect on your maiden — er, Virgin — voyage? Here are some tips to get you acclimated.

Read more: 15 Reasons You Should Never Take A Cruise

Virgin Is For Adults Only

While there are many great cruise lines to book for your next family vacation , Virgin Voyages is for adults only, which means any parents are required to treat themselves and leave the kids at home. On the one hand, you won't have to watch your language or worry about tripping over toddlers in the corridors. The 18-plus age limit attracts a wide range of people, from teens traveling independently for the first time to music-loving Gen Xers to retirees looking for something a little different. That said, Virgin "Sailors" typically skew younger than passengers on other cruise lines, so you're more likely to run into groups of twenty-somethings eager to get their party on. Entertainment options can be more risqué and freewheeling than on, say, a Disney cruise.

The diverse array of bars is a huge draw for Virgin, and as with many cruises, sailors who are 18 or older are permitted to buy and consume alcoholic drinks w hile at sea . When you reach the port, the usual national laws apply, which means under-21 teetotaling in the United States. 

These Ships Are Big

As of this writing, Virgin Voyages has a fleet of three "Lady Ships," with a fourth slated for later in 2024. The design of each vessel takes inspiration from the "superyacht" craze, which generally translates as a narrower, sleeker design and bright, modernist decor. Note that these ships are pretty big, even for cruise ships, with 1,404 cabins and suites that can accommodate up to 2,762 Sailors on a single voyage. Add to that total 1,150 crew members, and you've got a pretty bustling ship.

Cruise ships can come in bigger sizes, including the largest-ever Icon of the Seas , but if you don't like crowds or are looking for something more bespoke, consider looking elsewhere. The advantage of a 110,000-ton ship is the impressive range of onboard activities, including pools, bars, restaurants, a casino, a spa, multiple fitness options, and a full bill of live entertainment, so you'll never want for something to do. 

Virgin Has Sailaways Around The Globe

Virgin Voyages has grown steadily in the past decade, and the Lady Ships now cover much of the globe, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and a Transatlantic passage. Most Americans will depart from Miami, as this will be the most convenient port to reach by plane, and the Virgin Voyages headquarters are also based in Plantation, Florida, so it's home turf. That said, more ambitious travelers can find sailaways in more far-flung locations, from Athens, Greece, to Sydney, Australia.

Itineraries can last from a few days to two weeks. Many Sailors may enjoy the idea of crossing the Atlantic by ship, and because the Virgin brand was originally founded in the United Kingdom, the seaside British city of Portsmouth is a popular place to start a journey, especially if you're interested in Northern Europe. Virgin Voyages left less of a footprint in Africa and South America, but the company's rapid growth and imminent fourth ship may extend its reach. Stay tuned.

Virgin Is Pretty Affordable

Virgin has earned a reputation for quality and competitive pricing. Cruise lines travel everywhere, and their pricing is also all over the map; you can find bargains that undercut the most generic airport hotel, or you can spend a literal fortune on luxury accommodations and add-ons. Virgin lies somewhere in the middle, with some passengers reporting total pricing of as little as $133 per day.

Virgin also doesn't push extravagant VIP packages on its Sailors, and with rare exceptions — such as Richard's Rooftop — most Sailors receive egalitarian treatment. Almost all dining aboard is included, so you don't have to worry about paying for individual meals. This means you have extra cash to use on Shore Things, merchandise, and other optional treats. One of the most pleasant surprises is that Virgin Voyages will calculate your gratuities into the total price, so you don't have to expect a hefty (and unexpected) bill at the end of your trip. Rest assured that all crew members receive tips. 

You're With The Band

It's standard practice for cruises to come with a scannable key card for opening doors and making purchases, but Virgin cleverly markets this item as "The Band." More than just a card or a fob, The Band has a catchy name and even catchier design, like a Space Age version of hippie bracelets. The Band can be worn in lots of different ways, though most people will probably wrap it comfortably around their wrists.

This accessory is your room key, your payment method, and your casino card, all wrapped in one. The Band's best gimmick is its Shake for Champagne delivery; you shake it rigorously, and a bottle of bubbly will be delivered to you. Virgin even has a savvy environment tie-in: The Band is fashioned from recycled plastic waste rescued from the sea. If you're not sure exactly how much six grams of plastic is, imagine cutting a water bottle in half, and that's how much litter you've repurposed.

Virgin Doesn't Have A Luggage Limit

Unlike airlines, which may weigh every bag you bring on the plane and measure your suitcase to the inch, cruise lines tend to be much more relaxed about luggage limits. Virgin is no exception: Staff won't cut you off at a precise size or weight, and all they ask is moderation. Because of Virgin's history in the music business, they even encourage you to bring musical instruments, as long as they're portable and can fit through an X-ray machine at the security checkpoint. You can even bring up to two sealed bottles of wine, though beer and spirits are not allowed.

Virgin has the usual list of restricted items, most of which are obvious, such as firearms, wet cell batteries, and Hoverboards. When packing for your next cruise vacation , note that clothing irons are not permitted, along with drones; keep this in mind if you're fantasizing about epic aerial videos of the ship easing into port.

There's A (Very Important) App

All major cruise lines have their own apps, which can expedite reservations and customize a passenger's experience without involving a crew member or an 800 number. Virgin Voyages describes its app as a kind of virtual concierge, and it becomes useful long before you board the ship. The app will walk you through your itinerary, itemizing every event and option you can expect on a given day. You can reserve your Shore Things excursions through the app, learn about the different dining options aboard, book a spa visit, or order room service. Whether you're looking for a prompt delivery of fresh towels to your cabin or a snorkeling experience four days from now, all you have to do is tap your way through the app.

Pre-brooking can be really helpful, as time can be disorienting on any ocean-bound vacation — just be sure to  check the cruise ship calendar before booking a cruise . Cleverly, the Virgin Voyages app can also be a social experience by scanning other sailors' assigned QR codes and connecting them to your account. This allows families and groups to coordinate dining and activities together.

There's A Bar Tab System

Virgin Voyages doesn't have the kind of drinks package you'll find on other cruise lines, but it does have Bar Tab, a credit system that you can pay for in advance. That credit goes by the pseudonym "Sailor Loot," and as you buy premium beverages on your Bar Tab, you earn free drinks later on. This translates to a $10 bonus when you spend $100, $25 when you spend $200, and so on. You can easily set this up on the Virgin Voyages app or through the company's hotline.

The catch is that you have to set up and purchase your Bar Tab account at least 24 hours  before  you sail. This system isn't necessary to purchase drinks onboard, but if you're the kind of traveler who likes special benefits, make sure your Bar Tab is ready to use by the time you walk up that gangplank. You're also welcome to use this system to buy drinks for other people, so groups may consider pooling their resources.

The Ships Embrace Accessibility

In a perfect world, every deck on every cruise ship would be easy to navigate, no matter how passengers get around. No ship is perfect, but Virgin Voyages seems to take a special interest in accessibility: Wheelchairs can be brought aboard or rented from a partner company, Scootaround, and each ship is outfitted with wheelchair-accessible cabins. Pool lifts help disabled swimmers in and out of the water, and all public venues have accessible seating. Sailors who are deaf or hard of hearing can request a visual alert kit and assistive listening devices in many of the ship's venues, among other useful tools. Sailors who are blind or have other vision challenges will find braille and tactile signage and can ask for a guided tour.

While regular pets aren't permitted aboard, service animals are, and leashed dogs can be brought into most public spaces and eateries. Just remember that animals aren't always permitted on land without special permission from the host country, so it's important to research each port's legal requirements.

You Can Select A Cabin Type

In short, you can pick your cabin type , and Virgin will usually assign you a specific unit. Each cabin comes with WiFi, eco-conscious construction, and 24-hour room service. Along the ship's edges, you can select from a Sea Terrace which has a balcony, or a Sea View with a porthole. Interior lodging is cleverly branded as "Insider" cabins, which have no windows at all but can accommodate up to four people. If you're quick to reserve, you may also secure a pair of connecting cabins.

Cabins are all equipped with rain showers, hair dryers, adjustable lighting, and both European and American-style electrical sockets. For travelers in a higher tax bracket, Rockstar Quarters can provide you with up to 2,147 square feet of space, and a variety of Suites may include marble bathrooms and brass highlights. These accommodations are best booked through a Virgin Voyages agent.

There's Plenty To Eat

You could argue that Virgin Voyages are like giant floating food-halls. The 20-plus dining venues are known as "eateries," and you won't find a single buffet among them. Eateries are designed to feel like sit-down restaurants, many of them casual and diner-style, others upscale and showcasing global cuisines. Some samples: Razzle Dazzle offers elevated pub food in a casual setting, Pink Agave gives the Michelin treatment to classic Mexican fare, and Gunbae (Korean for "bottoms up") serves up gourmet barbecue. Many eateries specialize in shareable plates, perfect for families or groups of friends. The eateries are also packed with plant-based and allergy-sensitive fare.

Reservations aren't required, but you can reserve a table on the Virgin Voyages app and may consider them for culinary hot spots. To make the process as painless as possible, all these eateries are free of charge, and service charges are already included, so you can walk in and out without even thinking about the check.

The Merchants Are Unique

The Virgin brand started as a record store, so it's no surprise that Virgin Voyages would corner the market on retail. This row of luxury stores is known as "High Street," a common British expression for the shopping district. The shops specialize in luxury items, such as up-market fashion, cosmetics, and, yes, music. But you can also find everyday toiletries at The Essentials, and reasonably priced bottles of wine at the onboard liquor store. Virgin merchants are known for consistent pricing, which isn't always the case on cruise ships that use flash sales to draw in customers.

The most "metal" thing you can do on a Virgin Voyages ship is get yourself a tattoo, and the Squid Ink studio is open for business on every Lady Ship. This is a very professional outfit, and many Sailors will like the novelty of getting some artwork done at sea. As a result, you will probably want to reserve your session in advance, and you can expect to pay what many customers would consider premium prices.

The Entertainment Is World Class — And Off-Beat

Leave it to a company that started as a record shop to drum up epic live performances. Most large cruise ships are respected for their Broadway-caliber shows, which is no small feat in the middle of the ocean. Predictably, Virgin likes to host unusual programming, such as the ship-wide Scarlet Night event, which covers the entire ship in red costumes and lighting, featuring circus performers and live instrumentals. There's also the wildly avant-garde Untitled Dance Show Partything, the immersive theatrical experience Persephone, and a wide range of stage performances in The Red Room. Each night, you'll have fresh opportunities to join a dance party or sing karaoke.

If you don't require throbbing music or explosions of glitter, no problem. There's a very traditional casino and a video arcade stocked with vintage games. And if you need a more holistic alternative to all that rockstar living, you can join a yoga session or group workout in one of the fitness centers.

Read the original article on Explore .

The 6 types of MSC Cruises ships, explained

The MSC Cruises fleet has grown enormously in recent years. As recently as early 2017, the line had just 12 ships in operation. But it's been adding new cruise vessels at a blistering pace, and it now operates 22 vessels. Three more are on the way in the next few years.

As a result of the growth, MSC Cruises recently passed Norwegian Cruise Line to become the world's third-biggest cruise brand when measured by passenger capacity. Only Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are bigger.

Like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival, MSC Cruises operates a wide range of ship styles and designs. The line's newest ships are among the largest ever built by any line. Eight MSC Cruises vessels rank among the world's 20 biggest cruise vessels . But not all MSC Cruises ships are supersized. MSC Cruises also operates quite a few relatively smaller, intimate vessels.

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Indeed, four MSC Cruises ships are less than a third the size of its biggest ship (the recently unveiled MSC World Europa ) and rank among the smallest of cruise ships operated by the major mass-market lines. That means you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking the perfect MSC Cruises ship for you.

The good news for those of you trying to get a handle on all the options is that the 22 ships in the MSC Cruises fleet can easily be bunched into just six groups of vessels that have similar amenities. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

These six groups, made up of ships constructed around the same time to the same basic design, are known in cruise industry lingo as "classes," and each has its own look and feel.

An introduction to MSC Cruises ships

As noted above, MSC Cruises is now the world's third largest cruise line, after several years of rapid growth. Not including pulldown bunks and pullout sofas, the line's 22 ships have 77,832 berths — about 24,000 more than Norwegian's fleet. And the growth won't be slowing anytime soon. Three more giant new MSC Cruises vessels are on order for delivery over the next few years that will add another 15,000 berths.

At its current pace of growth, MSC Cruises soon could pass Carnival to become the world's second-biggest line.

The grand dame of the MSC Cruises fleet is its recently unveiled MSC World Europa. At 215,863 tons, it's the biggest MSC Cruises ship ever built and the first of a new series of so-called World Class vessels that are nearly as big as Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships and soon-to-debut Icon Class ships (the world's biggest cruise ships).

Related: The ultimate guide to MSC Cruises ships and itineraries

The next-biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet are its also-recently-unveiled Meraviglia Class vessels: MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia. Similar in design, these five ships aren't quite as big as MSC World Europa, but they're right up there when it comes to size, amenities and passenger capacity.

MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia, which debuted in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively, are a tad longer than MSC Bellissima and MSC Meraviglia and are considered a subset of the class known as Meraviglia Plus. They each can hold 4,842 passengers at double occupancy — 6,334 passengers if every last pulldown bunk and pullout sofa is filled.

The other two Meraviglia Class ships, which date to 2019 and 2017, respectively, can carry more than 5,600 passengers with every berth filled.

In addition to these five giants, MSC Cruises also operates four large Seaside Class ships that each have a total capacity of 5,336 to 5,632 passengers.

Add those in, and MSC Cruises operates 10 of the world's 35 biggest cruise ships.

The line also operates four somewhat smaller Fantasia Class vessels that can each hold around 4,400 passengers at maximum occupancy.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on an MSC Cruises ship

Together, the 14 World, Meraviglia, Seaside and Fantasia Class vessels make up MSC Cruises' big-ship fleet. The line's remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are considerably smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,700 to 3,200 passengers.

The eight smaller ships, which in general are the line's older ships, allow MSC Cruises to offer itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of the World Class or Meraviglia Class vessels, although even the biggest MSC Cruises ships are still designed to be able to call at most ports around the world.

The smaller ships also appeal to a subset of MSC Cruises fans who are willing to give up some onboard amenities in exchange for intimacy. They're also usually less expensive on a per-day basis.

In addition to all of the above, MSC Group — the line's parent company — has announced plans for yet another class of big ships to start arriving later this decade, though there have been few details released. MSC Group also is developing a series of small luxury vessels that'll operate under a separate brand to be called Explora Journeys.

World Class

Ships in class: MSC World Europa (2022); MSC World America (coming in 2025); unnamed (coming in 2026); unnamed (coming in 2027).

Size: 215,863 tons.

If you love nothing better than a big, bustling resort with every sort of amusement known to humans, this is the MSC Cruises ship class for you. Currently, only one ship is sailing, but another will debut soon, with two more on the way.

While not quite as big as Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class and Icon Class vessels (the world's largest floating megaresorts), the World Class ships are not far behind in grandeur and amenities. They are bigger and more amenity-filled than any vessel you'll find at such rival big-ship lines as Norwegian, Carnival and Princess. Only Royal Caribbean has ships of the same scale.

Unveiled in the final days of 2022 (so close to year's end that we considered it a new vessel for 2023 when we listed the year's most exciting new ships ), MSC World Europa can hold up to 6,762 passengers — almost as many as can fit on Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis Class vessels — and that's a big deal.

This is the first time in the 14-year history of the record-breaking Oasis Class series that a vessel has come close to the Royal Caribbean ships in passenger capacity or size. MSC World Europa offers a major new option for cruisers who love being on the biggest, most amenity-packed vessels.

At 215,863 tons, MSC World Europa is about 4% to 8% smaller than the five Oasis Class ships. But by one measure, it's even bigger. MSC World Europa is 21 decks high — three decks higher than the Oasis Class vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking the right cruise for you

As for its onboard offerings, MSC Cruises took a page from Royal Caribbean's playbook by breaking down the public areas of MSC World Europa into districts. They include an adults-only "Zen district" and a separate "family district" that houses as many as 10 new kids' facilities. There also is a central interior promenade with entertainment, shops and bars.

Additionally, MSC World Europa has six pools and 14 hot tubs, making it one of the most pool-covered ships at sea. The watery offerings include an Aquapark with multiple waterslides that integrate virtual reality technology. There is also a family sun deck.

MSC World Europa has 13 dining venues, including the new-for-the-line Chef's Garden Kitchen (an outlet focused on microgreens) and La Pescaderia, a traditional seafood grill with alfresco seating. In a twist, the ship has three separate buffet restaurants, each with its own ambiance.

Drinking spots include a two-deck English-style pub dubbed Masters of the Sea Pub, which serves beer made on board. There's also a new gin bar, a first for MSC Cruises.

MSC World Europa is just the first of at least four World Class vessels that MSC Cruises plans to unveil over the next few years. The next ship in the series, MSC World America, is due in 2025 and is scheduled to be deployed in Florida . Two more World Class vessels are scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027.

Seaside Class

Ships in class: MSC Seaside (2017); MSC Seaview (2018); MSC Seashore (2021); MSC Seascape (2022).

Size: 153,516 to 170,412 tons.

Looking for a megaship specifically designed for cruising in warm-weather locales such as the Caribbean? The ships in this class could be the answer.

The four vessels in MSC Cruises' Seaside Class feature layouts with lots of outdoor spaces for sunning, strolling and bar-hopping.

Each of the Seaside Class ships boasts an unusually broad, uncovered, outdoor promenade on Deck 8 that offers close contact with the ocean and a Miami Beach-like pool area at the back of the same deck that's surrounded by loungers. Another pool and lounge area at the top of each ship is connected to the lower pool area by glass-enclosed elevators.

The latter pool area at the top of each of the ships is, notably, topped by dual zip lines that run from funnel to stern — at 345 feet the longest at sea. A third pool area is located at the top of the ship toward its center (this one with a closeable roof), and there's a fourth pool area in the ship's exclusive suite area, the MSC Yacht Club.

Put it all together, and the Seaside Class vessels have the highest ratio of outdoor space per passenger of any of the MSC Cruises ships, according to the line.

As is typical for the biggest megaships, Seaside vessels also have a wide range of restaurants, bars and lounges. Among nine distinct eateries are two main dining rooms, two buffet eateries, a pan-Asian restaurant, sushi bar, Teppanyaki eatery, American steakhouse and seafood restaurant. There are more than a dozen bars.

Related: Don't miss these loyalty perks when sailing with MSC Cruises

All of the ships also have a water park with waterslides and a hanging bridge feature, a sports court, Formula 1 race car simulators, virtual arcade games and bowling and an XD cinema (featuring 3D movies plus immersive special effects, such as moving seats).

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, theater and library with a pool table.

Measuring 153,516 to 170,412 tons, the Seaside Class ships are a tad smaller than the biggest MSC Cruises ships (see the World Class, above, and Meraviglia Class, below).

MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview can carry 4,132 passengers at double occupancy (5,336 passengers with every berth filled).

MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape are slightly bigger versions of the first two ships in the series that are part of a subclass called Seaside EVO (EVO stands for "evolution"). They each can hold 4,540 passengers at double occupancy (5,877 with every berth filled).

Meraviglia Class

Ships in class: MSC Meraviglia (2017); MSC Bellissima (2019); MSC Grandiosa (2019); MSC Virtuosa (2021); MSC Euribia (2023).

Size: 171,598 to 181,541 tons.

Until late 2022, these were the biggest ships in the MSC Cruises fleet, and they're still giant by any standard. If you're a fan of big, bustling resorts that are loaded with all sorts of amusements, they should be on your short list among MSC Cruises vessels, along with the World Class ships.

Nineteen decks high and 1,036 feet long, the first two ships in the Meraviglia Class — MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima — are chock full of 30 bars, lounges, eateries and snack outlets (so many there's little chance you'll get to them all on a single sailing).

The next three ships in the series — MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Euribia — offer even more outlets. They are slightly stretched versions of the first two ships, a subclass of the series known as Meraviglia Plus.

All five of the vessels are built around a grand interior promenade that's home to restaurants, bars and shops. The promenade is covered in an innovative "digital sky" made with LED screens.

All of the ships also have a giant pool deck, a water park and a sprawling amusement area with race car simulators, a flight simulator and an XD cinema.

What you won't find on the Meraviglia Class ships is intimacy. These are vessels that can carry as many as 6,334 passengers when every berth is filled. They each operate with up to 1,704 crew members. That means you could be sharing your vacation with more than 8,000 people.

Fantasia Class

Ships in class: MSC Fantasia (2008); MSC Splendida (2009); MSC Divina (2012); MSC Preziosa (2013).

Size: 137,936 to 139,400 tons.

Back in 2008, when the ships in this series began debuting, they were among the biggest cruise vessels in the world, and they still are relatively large by cruise ship standards — if not quite as big as the latest MSC Cruises ships.

While no longer on the list of the top 20 biggest cruise vessels — indeed, they barely crack the top 60 these days, thanks to a flood of bigger ships in recent years — they offer a classic big-ship experience with lots of restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions.

On each of the Fantasia Class ships, you'll find five separate pools (including one with a retractable roof that is perfect for rainy days), 12 whirlpools, a waterslide, XD cinema, sports court, squash court, Formula 1 race car simulator and extensive children's program areas.

In addition, each of the vessels has a large spa, casino, disco, outdoor cinema and multiple showrooms, lounges and bars.

One notable difference between the Fantasia Class ships and the new Meraviglia Class and Seaside Class ships is that they have fewer dining options. You'll find two main restaurants on each of these vessels, a main buffet, a separate self-service food area with pizza and an American-style steakhouse.

At 137,936 to 139,400 tons, the Fantasia Class ships are about 36% smaller than the line's new MSC World Europa and its coming World Class sisters, a significant step down in size. They're about 23% smaller than the Meraviglia Class ships.

They also carry significantly fewer passengers than the World Class and Meraviglia Class ships. MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida carry 3,274 passengers at double occupancy (4,363 with every berth filled). The slightly bigger MSC Divina and MSC Preziosa carry 3,502 passengers at double occupancy.

Musica Class

Ships in class: MSC Musica (2006); MSC Orchestra (2007); MSC Poesia (2008); MSC Magnifica (2010).

Size: 92,409 to 95,128 tons.

Not sure that you want to sail on a megaship with 6,000 people but still want a vessel with a good amount of features and activities? The Musica Class ships may be the perfect solution.

At 92,409 to 95,128 tons, the four vessels in the series are barely half the size of MSC Cruises' massive Meraviglia Class ships but still big enough that they have a lot to offer.

Each of the vessels has at least four places to eat including two main restaurants, a casual buffet and a sushi bar.

You'll also find two pool areas on each of the ships, whirlpools, a miniature golf course and a sports court. Each of the ships also has a theater, spa, casino and multiple bars and lounges.

What you won't find on the ships, because of their smaller size, are the truly over-the-top family attractions that you'll find on bigger MSC Cruises ships such as giant waterparks with multiple slides and sprawling amusement areas with race car and flight simulators. If you can't live without those sorts of features on a cruise ship, the Musica Class probably isn't for you.

You'll also find a far less diverse array of restaurants.

Each of the Musica Class ships holds a bit over 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (around 3,200 with every berth filled). That's less than half the number of passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

That makes them perfect for cruisers who want to get away from the sort of crowds that are on the biggest megaships without giving up too many of the amenities that big ships have to offer.

Lirica Class

Ships in class: MSC Armonia (2001); MSC Sinfonia (2002); MSC Lirica (2003); MSC Opera (2004).

Size: 65,542 to 65,591 tons.

Dating to the early 2000s, the Lirica Class ships are the smallest at MSC Cruises, and they offer fewer onboard attractions and amenities than is typical for the line's vessels.In general, they appeal to cruisers looking for a more intimate experience on a cruise ship than what you'll find on the big MSC Cruises ships. They also draw cruisers who care more about the destinations they visit on a cruise than onboard attractions.

Along those lines, MSC Cruises often sends some of its Lirica Class ships to South America, South Africa and the Middle East to operate destination-intensive itineraries with abundant port calls. The vessels also often sail voyages in the Mediterranean that are longer than the seven-night trips that are the norm at MSC Cruises. In both cases, the allure of the cruises has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

The Lirica Class ships don't have the big water parks that are common on newer MSC Cruises ships. For the most part, their top decks are lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the early 2000s. All of them have at least two pools and two whirlpools.

Related: Is cruising right for you? Start by asking yourself these 7 questions

In addition to a main dining room and a casual buffet, each of the ships has an outdoor grill and pizza stand near its main pool area, as well as a sushi bar.

Each of the Lirica Class ships holds about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy (around 2,700 with every berth filled). That's less than a third of the passengers you'll find on the biggest MSC Cruises ships.

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• Princess Cruises

When are Casinos Open on Alaskan Cruise?

By SuzieQ521 , March 6, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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We have a couple people in our group who will be spending the majority of their time in the casino but I thought I read somewhere that the casinos are not open as long as the ship is about 12 miles from any Port. Is that true? How does that work given that the Alaskan Ports are so close to each other?

We are doing Seattle-Juneau-Skagway-Glacier Bay-Ketchikan-Victoria-Seattle on the Royal Princess.

Would the casino also be closed all Glacier Bay day? We also don't arrive in Victoria until 7 p.m. so would the casino be open any of that day?

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The casinos are very much closed in Glacier Bay - they’ll typically open about an hour after the park rangers disembark.   

The casino will typically close about an hour before arrival in Victoria and will not reopen before Seattle. 

1 hour ago, SuzieQ521 said: We are doing Seattle-Juneau-Skagway-Glacier Bay-Ketchikan-Victoria-Seattle on the Royal Princess.

Hopefully the ship will go out to sea far enough to open the casino on the last night - Victoria to Seattle. However, please be sure to ask in advance.

We disembarked in Vancouver and the last stop before that was Victoria. The ship didn't go out to sea far enough to open the casino and there was absolutely no notice about the fact so, when I went to the casino to cash out the last night, I found it was closed and nobody could give me my money. I had something like $475 ($425?) in my casino account and was unable to get it out. I had to wait weeks for them to mail me a check.

DallasGuy75219

1 hour ago, SuzieQ521 said: We also don't arrive in Victoria until 7 p.m. so would the casino be open any of that day?

1 hour ago, VibeGuy said: The casino will typically close about an hour before arrival in Victoria and will not reopen before Seattle. 

On Crown last August we were scheduled in Victoria from 6 pm to midnight.  They closed the casino super early (like noon) and it didn't reopen between Victoria and Seattle.

38 minutes ago, Thrak said:   Hopefully the ship will go out to sea far enough to open the casino on the last night - Victoria to Seattle. However, please be sure to ask in advance.   We disembarked in Vancouver and the last stop before that was Victoria. The ship didn't go out to sea far enough to open the casino and there was absolutely no notice about the fact so, when I went to the casino to cash out the last night, I found it was closed and nobody could give me my money. I had something like $475 ($425?) in my casino account and was unable to get it out. I had to wait weeks for them to mail me a check.

Casino does not open sailing from Victoria to either Vancouver or Seattle.

18 hours ago, that said: Casino does not open sailing from Victoria to either Vancouver or Seattle.

Thank you for that information.

Just now, Thrak said:   Thank you for that information.

Have unexpectedly experienced

18 minutes ago, Thrak said:   Thank you for that information.

Also while you are in a Canadian port only one bar per deck is allowed to be open. Weird to me

For Alaskan cruises, cruise lines have an arrangement with Alaska to open the casinos at a certain distance from the ports, and do not have to be as specific distance from the coast.  I believe the actual implementation is an hour away from port, but I could be mistaken on that. 

As noted by others, this does not apply while in Glacier Bay (National park?), and also does not apply once you’re in Canadian waters, or approaching WA state.

As long as we're sorta on the topic, when the casino is "closed" is it "closed" as in "doors closed" or is it "closed" as in "all the machines are turned off, the cashier windows are closed but you can use it as a shortcut" closed?

TIA in advance.

11 minutes ago, phroggie said: As long as we're sorta on the topic, when the casino is "closed" is it "closed" as in "doors closed" or is it "closed" as in "all the machines are turned off, the cashier windows are closed but you can use it as a shortcut" closed?   TIA in advance.

Closed meaning Only Shortcut available 😉

Honolulu Blue

13 minutes ago, phroggie said: As long as we're sorta on the topic, when the casino is "closed" is it "closed" as in "doors closed" or is it "closed" as in "all the machines are turned off, the cashier windows are closed but you can use it as a shortcut" closed?

I've never seen a casino on a cruise ship with closed and locked doors. They tend to be built in places where they're critical thoroughfares to other high traffic parts of the ship.

1 hour ago, phroggie said: As long as we're sorta on the topic, when the casino is "closed" is it "closed" as in "doors closed" or is it "closed" as in "all the machines are turned off, the cashier windows are closed but you can use it as a shortcut" closed?   TIA in advance.

Can still go in and wander around or pass through on your way to the theater but that's it.

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said: They tend to be built in places where they're critical thoroughfares to other high traffic parts of the ship.

Not unintentionally, I'll add.

Quiltartist

Hi folks, does anyone know if the Noordam has  a Texas Holdem poker table? Or Carribean poker table? I was recently on the Neuw Statendam and was surprised, no poker

snoozecrooze

26 minutes ago, Quiltartist said: Noordam

You may want to direct your questions to the Holland America forum just in case.

• 1 month later...

On 3/5/2023 at 8:54 PM, Thrak said:   Hopefully the ship will go out to sea far enough to open the casino on the last night - Victoria to Seattle. However, please be sure to ask in advance.   We disembarked in Vancouver and the last stop before that was Victoria. The ship didn't go out to sea far enough to open the casino and there was absolutely no notice about the fact so, when I went to the casino to cash out the last night, I found it was closed and nobody could give me my money. I had something like $475 ($425?) in my casino account and was unable to get it out. I had to wait weeks for them to mail me a check.

Yes, this exact thing

happened to me on the Sapphire Princess last week. The cruise director told everyone at the show the night before Victoria stop that the casino would be open after we left the victoria port at 111;30 pm or so. They decided last minute to not open at all that night ad I had $500 sitting in my folio. It has been a week since disembarkation and I called the very next day and was told someone would get back to about it. Still haven't heard back

2 hours ago, doxiegal said: Yes, this exact thing happened to me on the Sapphire Princess last week. The cruise director told everyone at the show the night before Victoria stop that the casino would be open after we left the victoria port at 111;30 pm or so. They decided last minute to not open at all that night ad I had $500 sitting in my folio. It has been a week since disembarkation and I called the very next day and was told someone would get back to about it. Still haven't heard back

Sadly it was not a "last minute" decision. It is always closed between Victoria and Vancouver as the ship doesn't go out to sea far enough from the shoreline to make it legal to open the casino. The cruise director gave you bad information. I think we got our money back in something like 4 weeks (might have been 5). Unlike the OBC refund this came in an envelope that indicated Princess in the return address. To be safe, check all supposed junk mail to be sure you don't miss the check. This is a hard lesson to learn but once learned you won't forget.

3 hours ago, doxiegal said: Yes, this exact thing happened to me on the Sapphire Princess last week. The cruise director told everyone at the show the night before Victoria stop that the casino would be open after we left the victoria port at 111;30 pm or so. They decided last minute to not open at all that night ad I had $500 sitting in my folio. It has been a week since disembarkation and I called the very next day and was told someone would get back to about it. Still haven't heard back

58 minutes ago, Thrak said:   Sadly it was not a "last minute" decision. It is always closed between Victoria and Vancouver as the ship doesn't go out to sea far enough from the shoreline to make it legal to open the casino. The cruise director gave you bad information. I think we got our money back in something like 4 weeks (might have been 5). Unlike the OBC refund this came in an envelope that indicated Princess in the return address. To be safe, check all supposed junk mail to be sure you don't miss the check. This is a hard lesson to learn but once learned you won't forget.

Agree that it wasn't a last minute decision and the CD just didn't know what he/she was talking about.

On Crown last year the casino made multiple announcements on day 6 (sea day) and the morning of day 7 (late call in Victoria) that they would be closing around noon on day 7 and would not reopen between Victoria and Seattle, so everyone needed to cash out by noon on day 7.

4 minutes ago, DallasGuy75219 said:   Agree that it wasn't a last minute decision and the CD just didn't know what he/she was talking about.   On Crown last year the casino made multiple announcements on day 6 (sea day) and the morning of day 7 (late call in Victoria) that they would be closing around noon on day 7 and would not reopen between Victoria and Seattle, so everyone needed to cash out by noon on day 7.

Nice. We had zero warning and it was a rude shock to find the casino closed.

4 hours ago, doxiegal said: Yes, this exact thing happened to me on the Sapphire Princess last week. The cruise director told everyone at the show the night before Victoria stop that the casino would be open after we left the victoria port at 111;30 pm or so. They decided last minute to not open at all that night ad I had $500 sitting in my folio. It has been a week since disembarkation and I called the very next day and was told someone would get back to about it. Still haven't heard back

I would not trust the cruise director to know anything about the casino it is not part the entrttainment department 

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