EatSleepCruise.com https://eatsleepcruise.com/ Sea the World One Port at a Time Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:30:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://eatsleepcruise.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png EatSleepCruise.com https://eatsleepcruise.com/ 32 32 71567049 Princess Cruises Announces Its Biggest-Ever Alaska Season For 2026 https://eatsleepcruise.com/princess-cruises-alaska-season-2026/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/princess-cruises-alaska-season-2026/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:30:12 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88392 Princess Cruises has announced its biggest-ever Alaska cruise season, which will include eight ships and 180 cruise departures.

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Princess Cruises has announced its biggest-ever Alaska season for 2026, highlighted by the debut of the newest ship in its fleet, Star Princess. The expanded Alaska program features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations.

For the first time, guests will have the opportunity to explore Alaska aboard a Sphere class ship as Star Princess sails her first summer season in Alaska, offering beautiful wildlife and glacier views. Star Princess will be the second ship in the Sphere class after Sun Princess, and is set to launch in fall 2025.

Bookings open on August 1st with the “Better Than Best Price Guarantee,” offering the best rates and 120 percent of the price difference as onboard credit if a lower rate is found before final payment. This promotion ends on September 2nd.

Princess Cruises Upcoming Alaska Season Marks 55th Anniversary

Highlights for Princess’ 2026 Alaska season include:

Eight Ships Sailing in Alaska

In 2026, travelers will be able to choose from 180 departures from five ports aboard eight ships. Options include:

Voyage of the Glaciers

Discovery, Grand, Coral, and Island Princess will offer seven-day journeys to view two Alaska glaciers, and Princess takes more guests to Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. These itineraries are combinable for guests to indulge in a 14-day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure.

Inside Passage

Guests can enjoy seven to 20-day cruises and up to four glacier-viewing experiences when they sail the Inside Passage and visit the highest-rated Alaska destinations and lesser-known gems from convenient homeports, including weekend departures from Seattle (Ruby and Star Princess), San Francisco (Ruby Princess), Vancouver (Emerald Princess), and Los Angeles (Emerald Princess).

Longer Sailings

Guests who want to spend more time with Princess this Alaska season can opt for a 20-day Ultimate Alaska Solstice on Ruby Princess sailing roundtrip from San Francisco, and a 16-day Inside Passage on Emerald Princess roundtrip from Los Angeles.

star princess
Star Princess

Adventures Ashore

Princess gives guests the chance to expand their cruise experience with shore excursions. From “Cook My Catch” fishing for dinner, flying on a helicopter through mountainous views, watching breaching whales, and more, guests have a plethora of excursions to choose from.

‘North to Alaska With Princess’ Program

The award-winning “North to Alaska with Princess’ program enriches each Alaska cruise with cultural and educational activities including naturalist talks, a planetarium Northern Lights experience, and a fresh local Alaska seafood menu. In addition, the popular Junior Ranger program for young cruisers ensures guests of all ages enjoy their Alaska cruise as they explore the state’s rich history.

Cruisetours

Combining a cruise with a land tour is a great way to maximize an Alaska vacation, including the chance to visit Denali National Park and beyond. The 2026 season includes over 20 cruisetour options.

One highlight is the 15-night National Parks Tour, perfect for those who want to seamlessly get their National Parks Passport stamped. Guests will adventure to five of Alaska’s parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. The experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights ashore, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

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Have you ever taken a voyage with Princess Cruises to Alaska? Does the line’s 2026 Alaska season appeal to you and if so, do you think you’ll book? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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MSC Cruises Details New Outdoor Family Space on MSC World America https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-world-america-the-harbour-family-space-detailed/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-world-america-the-harbour-family-space-detailed/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:06:28 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88385 MSC Cruises has announced details on the new outdoor family space, called The Harbour, that will be on its upcoming ship MSC World America.

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MSC Cruises has announced details on the attractions and experiences that will be in The Harbour, a brand-new outdoor space specifically designed for kids and families on MSC World America. The ship is set to launch in April 2025 with a range of new and reimagined venues and concepts tailored for the U.S. market.

The crowning glory in the vessel’s Family Aventura district, The Harbour is a brand-new outdoor park designed to connect guests to the ocean. There, families will be able to come together to enjoy activities, soak up the sun, enjoy delicious bites, and relax. In the evening, live musicians will offer performances for parents, while kids and teenagers can continue to enjoy the attractions that remain open.

msc world america the harbour family area
(Rendering courtesy of MSC Cruises)

The Harbour Aquapark

The Harbour Aquapark features an impressive range of water slides, plus a splash area. The 90-degree vertical drop slide is a thrilling experience, where guests will freefall through a trapdoor to the decks below before twists and turns bring them to the splash zone. There’s also a raft slide with virtual reality technology and a dueling slide to race friends.

Jaw Drop @ The Spiral

A striking architectural masterpiece, Jaw Drop takes riders through the jaws of a shark and spiraling down 11 decks through the heart of the World Promenade. The stainless-steel dry slide spirals through dark and light segments offering glimpses of sea views out the back of the ship.

MSC World Europa Begins Summer Sailings in the Mediterranean
The Jaw Drop @ The Spiral on MSC World Europa

Rock Climbing Wall

An adventure for kids, little ones can enjoy climbing the vibrant rock wall as they attempt to navigate different handholds and footholds to see how far they can get.

High Trail Ropes Course

Offering the ultimate challenge, the two-level ropes course will span over 6,000 square feet and be enriched with two Sky Rails similar to a zip line.

The Harbour Light House

A thematic playground for kids modeled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island, this lively safe haven is filled with a slide and play stations designed to spark imagination and physical activity.

msc world america the harbour lighthouse playground
(Rendering courtesy of MSC Cruises)

The Harbour Bar & Bites

Those looking to take a break from all the excitement can opt for The Harbour Bar & Bites, offering a selection of convenient quick and easy bites as well as drinks, all ready to order to pick up and go.

Family Dwelling Area

Guests can make their way to the family dwelling area, which features comfortable seating and shade to sit back and relax while taking in the ocean views.

Cliffhanger

Announced earlier this year, the unique Cliffhanger attraction is the only over-water swing ride at sea, featuring four-seat swing towers over 160 feet above the ocean, propelled back and forth for a one-of-a-kind thrill.

msc world america cliffhanger swing
(Rendering courtesy of MSC Cruises)

Together with the Doremiland kids area and Sportsplex, The Harbour forms the ship’s Family Aventura district — becoming the go-to destination for kids and families aboard MSC World America.

Comments

Are you excited about MSC’s new mega ship class soon coming to the United States? Which attraction/feature most appeals to you in The Harbour space? Drop us an anchor below and share your thoughts!

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Crystal Announces Release Dates For Its 2026 Cruise Itineraries https://eatsleepcruise.com/crystal-cruises-announces-2026-itinerary-release-dates/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/crystal-cruises-announces-2026-itinerary-release-dates/#comments Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:46:36 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88380 Crystal has announced the release dates for its 2026 cruise schedule, which is when the voyages open for booking — both later this year.

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Crystal has announced the release dates for its 2026 itineraries as a prelude to the official launch. This provides guests with plenty of advanced notice to plan their next Crystal cruise.

After spending the first part of the year in Africa and Asia, including the enchanting cherry blossom season in Japan, Crystal Symphony will return to the U.S. for the first time since 2019 for a season in Alaska, followed by Canada and east coast sailings. The ship will close out the year with holiday sailings in the Caribbean.

Following her world cruise, Crystal Serenity will remain in the Mediterranean and northern Europe. Then she will embark on a transatlantic voyage which will eventually cross the Panama Canal to explore countries along the Pacific Coast of Central and South America before bringing her to California for the holidays. Serenity will then kick off the 2027 World Cruise from San Diego.

Crystal Serenity Completes Sea Trials

On August 27, 2024, individual cruise segments for the first two calendar quarters will begin rolling out for Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. In the first week of December 2024, all remaining 2026 itineraries for both ships will be available to book.

“We recognize that our loyal guests are eagerly awaiting the release of our 2026 itineraries,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “Our team has been diligently working to craft the most exceptional and unforgettable travel experiences for our guests, from experiencing Japan’s stunning Cherry Blossoms during peak season to a complete solar eclipse in Western Europe. We are confident that the upcoming itineraries will exceed expectations and provide unparalleled adventures for all.”

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Are you planning to book a 2026 voyage with Crystal this year when the itineraries are released? What destination most appeals to you for a luxury cruise? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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Holland America’s Chef Morimoto to Join Guests on ‘Majestic Japan’ Cruise https://eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-chef-morimoto-joining-japan-cruise/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-chef-morimoto-joining-japan-cruise/#respond Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:32:03 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88376 Holland America's Chef Masaharu Morimoto will join guests during a segment of the line's upcoming 'Majestic Japan' voyage later this year.

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Passengers cruising on the Holland America ‘Majestic Japan’ Legendary Voyage are in for an exclusive experience. The line’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Masaharu Morimoto will be joining the Westerdam voyage to visit his hometown of Hiroshima, Japan. Chef Morimoto will be on board a portion of the 53-day voyage from September 24 to 30, 2024 offering special experiences, a culinary demonstration, and a “coffee chat” where guests will be able to get to know the chef in a more intimate environment.

A highlight of Chef Morimoto’s time on board will be three Morimoto By Sea pop-up dinners in Pinnacle Grill, where guests will have up-close access to the chef while they dine. Morimoto By Sea — a standalone venue on Nieuw Amsterdam and a pop-up on the line’s other 10 ships — is a multi-course dinner with signature dishes created by Chef Morimoto that celebrate Holland America’s Fresh Fish Program. Other experiences with Chef Morimoto are still being planned.

chef morimoto holding a fish holland america
Chef Morimoto (Photo courtesy of Holland America)

“I am excited to sail on board a Holland America Line cruise that puts such a deep focus on my home country of Japan, its unique local ingredients and visits my hometown,” said Chef Morimoto. “To be able to share my passion for fresh fish while visiting a place that means so much to me will be memorable for not only the ship’s guests but for me personally.”

Holland America ‘Majestic Japan’ Legendary Voyage

Departing September 1, 2024, the 53-day Majestic Japan voyage will set sail for Alaska, Japan, and Hawaii roundtrip from Seattle, Washington. The journey visits 21 total ports and extensively explores the beauty of Japan during the fall months with 13 calls throughout the country. Overnight visits include Yokohama (Tokyo) and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chef Morimoto will embark Westerdam on September 24th at Osaka and sail to Kochi, Sakaiminato and Toyama before debarking at Kanazawa on September 30th. The ship will visit the chef’s hometown of Hiroshima on September 26th.

The three options for guests to book while Chef Morimoto is sailing are:

  • 53 days (full cruise), roundtrip Seattle, September 1 to October 24
  • 51 days, Vancouver to Seattle, September 3 to October 24
  • 34 days, Yokohama to Seattle, September 21 to October 24

A fourth bookable segment, prior to the chef’s visit, is a 19-day segment from Seattle to Yokohama from September 1st to 21st.

Morimoto By Sea

Whether at the standalone venue on Nieuw Amsterdam or at a pop-up experience in Tamarind or Pinnacle Grill, Morimoto By Sea’s menu features inspired cuisine for a broad range of palates. The dishes served there — and across all venues on Holland America’s ships — are sourced from a global network of ports to serve fresh fish on board.

The experience, offered for a cover charge, include a multi-course menu along with Chef Morimoto’s exclusive alcoholic beverages that complement his dishes.

Cruise-only fares for the full 53-day Majestic Japan cruise start at $7,894 per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are now included in all cruise fares.

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Are you booked or are you planning to book the Majestic Japan voyage for this year? What’s your favorite specialty restaurant experience on Holland America Line? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Launches ‘Kids’ Sail Free Promotion https://eatsleepcruise.com/virgin-voyages-announces-kids-sail-free-offer/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/virgin-voyages-announces-kids-sail-free-offer/#respond Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:36:04 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88371 Adults-only cruise line Virgin Voyages has launched a 'kids sail free' offer without compromising its adults-only atmosphere on board.

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Virgin Voyages — an adults-only cruise line that has been only for adults since its launch — has announced a kids sail free promotion. But don’t worry, the line is not ditching its “adults-only” rule.

In a unique twist on popular promotions where cruise lines allow kids to sail free in the same stateroom as two adults paying the full fare, Virgin Voyages is joining in on the fun. Now through August 23rd, if you book a 2024 sailing in a Central Sea Terrace (balcony cabin) or below for two, you can bring the “kids” for free — as long as they’re ages 18 to 26.

virgin voyages multiple ships
(Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

This is the perfect opportunity for parents or guardians to take their high school or college graduate on a celebratory vacation, or just have a fun family getaway without worrying about kids being underfoot.

Eligible cabins include: Central Sea Terrace, The Sea Terrace, Limited View Sea Terrace, The Sea View, and The Insider. XL Sea Terraces and Lock-it-in (guarantee) cabins are excluded.

To take advantage of this offer, you must book by August 23, 2024 and sail between July 23, 2024 and December 31, 2024. It’s available on all ships in all regions, but is subject to availability. Excluded holiday sailings include the December 30th sailing on Valiant Lady and the December 28th sailings on Resilient Lady and Scarlet Lady.

Virgin Voyages Offers New Wave Season Deals

The offer is only applicable for one “child.” If there are two or three “kids,” the second and third must pay the prevailing cabin price. To book using this promotion, you must call Virgin Voyages’ customer service, which the line calls Sailor Services.

Comments

Have you ever taken advantage of a ‘kids sail free’ offer on a cruise line and if so, which one? Would you consider taking advantage of this new promotion from Virgin Voyages? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!

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Carnival Cruise Line Announces New Class of Mega Ships, 3 to Be Delivered Through 2033 https://eatsleepcruise.com/carnival-cruise-line-three-new-mega-ships/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/carnival-cruise-line-three-new-mega-ships/#respond Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:03:51 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88367 Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it will be debuting a new mega ship class, with three ships slated for delivery starting in 2029.

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Carnival Corporation has announced that it has ordered three new mega ships for Carnival Cruise Line. The vessels will be part of a new class, and come in at a whopping 230,000 gross registered tonnes. In comparison, the current world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, is 248,663 gross tons.

The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri provides for the design, engineering, and construction of the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships, which are scheduled to be delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031, and 2033.

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Review
Carnival’s current largest cruise ship, Carnival Jubilee

“We are proud to be known as America’s cruise line with tremendous guest loyalty and an outstanding team that has enabled us to deliver memorable vacations to over 100 million guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “For this next generation ship, we are focused on creating innovative guest experiences that will take Carnival Cruise Line into the future with new FUN features and excitement that we know our guests will LOVE.”

With today’s order, there have been five new ship orders for Carnival Cruise Line announced in 2024. Earlier this year, Carnival Corp. placed newbuild orders for two more Excel-class ships that are set to join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2027 and 2028. The company is also in the process of transferring a total of five ships from sister brands to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet between 2023 and March 2025.

With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the ships will be the largest in Carnival Corporation’s global fleet. They’ll be able to carry almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. Once delivered in 2033, Carnival Corporation will have a total of 16 LNG-powered ships, making up almost 30 percent of the company’s global capacity. The new ships will also feature advanced energy efficiency, waste management, and emission reduction technologies to further reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

“We are excited to join forces with Carnival Cruise Line to debut a new class of ship, which will be the largest cruise ship ever constructed by Fincantieri and the largest ship ever built in Italy. We are proud of the role Fincantieri has played in helping Carnival Corporation secure its position as the world’s largest cruise company and look forward to continuing this success story together,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO, Fincantieri.

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year. Design details and itinerary information for the new ships will be announced in the future.

Comments

Are you excited about Carnival Cruise Line debuting its largest class of ships ever? Are you a fan of mega ships or do you prefer smaller and more modest cruise ships? Drop us an anchor below and share your thoughts about this announcement!

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Is a Cruise Balcony Cabin Worth It? https://eatsleepcruise.com/reasons-to-book-to-a-balcony-cabin-on-a-cruise/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/reasons-to-book-to-a-balcony-cabin-on-a-cruise/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2020 14:00:00 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=49841 Discover the benefits of staying in a cruise balcony cabin with our 8 reasons to book a balcony stateroom on your next cruise.

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Most cruise ships from all major brands offer a variety of different stateroom categories. These cabin options vary based on factors such as size, amenities, and location on the ship. When picking the right cabin for your next trip, you will need to evaluate these factors to determine the ideal accommodations for you. When asked for cabin recommendations, we often suggest that those new to cruising book a balcony cabin for a cruise.

While we have sailed in all types of cabins, our go-to room category now is almost exclusively balcony cabins. Why, you might ask? Well, here are our seven reasons we prefer a balcony cabin when we cruise.

Is a cruise balcony cabin worth it? (2024)

The Choices

While older cruise ships have a limited number of balcony staterooms, modern cruise ships offer many more options. On recently-built vessels, balcony cabins can be found on many of the passenger decks. Given the popularity of this stateroom category, you are bound to find a balcony cabin in your ideal location.

We tend to prefer mid-ship balconies located on the middle decks. This way, we are never too far away from anything. Do keep in mind that these mid-ship balconies, closer to popular amenities, cost more money. They also tend to sell out more quickly.

When booking a balcony cabin, the least expensive picks tend to be all the way forward (front of the ship) or all the way aft (back of the ship). They also tend to be on lower passenger decks.

However, one of the most popular cruise balcony staterooms are aft-facing balconies. As the name suggests, these balconies overlook the back of the ship, so you can watch the ship’s wake as you sail. These rooms also tend to be larger than a traditional balcony cabin.

With a variety of different subcategories, you will most likely be able to find a balcony cabin in your price range. There are even some balcony cabins that come with added perks like access to the ship’s thermal suite in the spa.

If you are looking to save money, you could opt for a “guaranteed balcony”.

Norwegian Bliss Balcony Stateroom balcony

Guaranteed staterooms allow you to lock in a cabin within a given category at a discounted rate. The catch is that you don’t get to pick your exact cabin location. In our experiences, booking this rate is a great alternative. We almost never receive the lowest tiered balcony rooms when using this approach. We have actually scored some great balcony locations!

The Extra Space

The least expensive cabins are interior staterooms. As the name implies, they are located in the inside of the ship. These cabins do not offer any windows or views of the outside world. These rooms also tend to be the smallest, often around 150 to 180 square feet.

As you would suspect, as you move up in price, you get more in-room square footage. This is true, of course, of balcony cabins as well. For many of the larger vessels, these staterooms are between 180 and 220 square feet. Believe us, this extra square footage comes in handy during the trip.

When comparing the inside of cruise balcony cabins to inside or ocean view staterooms, we tend to find the extra space comes in the “living area” of the cabin adjacent to the bed and the desk.

is a balcony worth it on a cruise

Honestly, you will probably not notice any extra space in the bathroom in a balcony room. For that, you usually need to upgrade to the suite category.

Still, the extra interior space in a balcony stateroom will allow you to store more gear, organize your belongings better, and spread out a bit when relaxing inside your cabin. That is another reason a balcony cabin is worth it when on a cruise.

Of course, there are larger rooms on cruise ships. Although, those more impressive staterooms also come with a much larger price tag.

When evaluating your need for space inside the room, your cruise line will usually offer cabin layouts and deck plans on its website. Just keep in mind that the size of cruise cabins will not compare to hotel rooms on land — in general they are quite a bit smaller.

The Views

There is nothing like watching the waves pass by as your ship coasts to its next great destination. Or, waking up early and sipping coffee as you pull into your next scenic port of call. These memorable moments experiencing nature are part of what we love about cruising.

Yes, it is possible to have these experiences on the public outdoor decks. Still, it is even more enjoyable from the privacy of your own balcony. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that many first-time cruisers book a balcony cabin for a cruise.

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The benefits to having your own private outdoor space to enjoy the surrounding vistas away from the crowds can be priceless. Not to mention, you can use this space to unwind with a book or your electronic device without the noise of the pool deck.

Depending on your room category and location, some balcony categories even come with loungers for sun tanning. However, we have noticed that balconies on larger ships seem to be getting a bit smaller, so most only come standard with two upright chairs and a small table.

Booking a balcony cabin for a cruise can be more important in some regions than others. For instance, we think a balcony is a must when sailing in Alaska. We scored amazing photos from our balcony of glaciers and the scenic coastline. The same goes for European trips where you will have the opportunity to view historic landmarks and cityscapes all from the comforts of your cabin.

Why We Always Book a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise

In the evenings, you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset. Or, stargaze with a cocktail in hand. Perhaps you will sail by cities lit up for the night or even a passing cruise ship. Without a balcony cabin, you could miss all these experiences.

A Good Night’s Sleep

For us, falling asleep on a cruise ship is quite easy. With jam-packed days of sightseeing and onboard activities, we usually return to our stateroom exhausted. The gentle rocking of the ship further helps us relax as our heads hit the pillows for the evening.

The soothing sounds of the ocean waves and fresh air creeping in from your balcony door all add to the ambiance. With a balcony stateroom, you have the ability enjoy these outdoor benefits while you sleep.

While the cruise lines do recommend against it, keeping your balcony door partially open while you sleep is a benefit you cannot get in an inside cabin. Even those with an ocean view will not be able to enjoy the fresh air and ocean soundtrack as the porthole windows cannot be opened.

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Do keep in mind that if you leave the door open, this will most likely shut off your in-room temperature control. Most cruise ships have a setting that turns off in-room cooling and heating systems if a balcony door is open. So, if you want to have the a/c on while you sleep, or need some extra heat, don’t leave the door open.

Al Fresco Dining

There is nothing like sipping your morning coffee as you cruise past scenic vistas or pull into your next exciting port of call. It is also quite romantic to enjoy a private, outdoor dinner at sunset with just you and your significant other.

With a balcony stateroom, you can partake in your own private outdoor dining experience any time of day. This is one reason why a balcony cabin is worth it on a cruise.

Now, the easiest (and least expensive) way to enjoy al fresco dining is to grab food from a complimentary restaurant and bring it back to your room. Grabbing some items from the buffet before the sun rises means you are able to enjoy an Instagram-worthy breakfast from your balcony.

Of course, you can also grab some burritos or pizza and a couple of drinks for an outdoor lunch on your balcony without the crowds.

The same goes for dinner. The main dining room may or may not allow you to order menu items “to-go” though. While almost all cruise lines do offer food delivery to your stateroom, room service costs extra on most mainstream lines. It is often a minimal charge, so it might be worth it to you. Some cruise lines even offer special balcony dining experiences with upgraded menus that are available for purchase.

The Fresh Air

Let’s face it, the 2020 global health crisis changed cruising for years to come. While many of the temporary changes have now been eliminated, it did make people more mindful of the air around them and how important it is to have clean, fresh air whenever possible. During that time, many existing cruise ships were renovated to bring only fresh air from outside into cabins. Previously, it was usually a mix of both recycled indoor air as well as air from outside. New ships are being built to intake only fresh outdoor air that circulate through cabins and public interior spaces.

Even still, air is freshest when it’s coming straight through your door into your room. Plus, having a balcony means you’re just a step away from feeling a fresh ocean breeze whenever you want when you’re in your cabin.

Alleviate Seasickness

If you’re prone to seasickness, there are many tips and tricks to helping minimize and alleviate it during a cruise. One of them is to book a cabin towards the middle of the ship on a lower deck, because that area moves less than the higher spots towards the front and back of the ship. But if you’re really looking for some natural sunlight and fresh air, a balcony cabin towards the middle of the ship is a great option as well. (The caveat being that balcony cabins are a bit higher up.)

One thing that can help relieve motion sickness is by looking beyond your immediate surroundings to a fixed point — for cruisers this would be the horizon. This can be achieved much more easily and comfortably by doing so from the privacy of your own cabin. Plus you can lay on your bed while looking outside — which is probably all you want to do when the seasickness hits anyway.

The Perks

When you book a cruise balcony cabin, you could receive some additional benefits from the cruise line or your travel agent. Often, cruise lines run special promotions for booking this stateroom category (or higher). Some of the added perks could include free gratuities, onboard credit, WiFi packages, free beverage packages, or specialty dining plans.

These promotions are not guaranteed and can vary based on the cruise line and itinerary.

Still, we try to take advantage of special deals and bonuses when purchasing a qualifying cabin. Perhaps the best part of these promotions is that you can often combine the offerings with travel agent perks or loyalty discounts. Often times, booking a balcony cabin to score these additional perks ends up costing less money than booking a cheaper room and paying for these other items out of pocket.

Viking River Cruise Veranda Stateroom review

Once you have been cruising for a while, you will earn status in the cruise line’s loyalty program. After a certain number of trips, you might qualify for special discounts and promotions. For instance, Royal Caribbean offers Diamond members balcony discounts. These savings are on top of any current rates and promotions from the cruise line.

We have used these discounts and coupled them with travel agent bonuses to get some really amazing deals on several cruises. So, upgrading to a balcony cabin can sometimes pay for itself!

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Three Announced Top-Deck Sun Princess Attractions Will Not Open https://eatsleepcruise.com/sun-princess-top-deck-attractions-will-not-open/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/sun-princess-top-deck-attractions-will-not-open/#respond Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:12:39 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88357 Three previously announced attractions for the top deck of Princess Cruises' Sun Princess are no longer scheduled to open.

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Princess Cruises has revealed that some of the previously announced top-deck features for its new ship Sun Princess will not be opening.

In a press statement, the line said “We regret to announce that Princess is unable to accept delivery of the RollGlider, Coastal Climb, and Ropes Course features within Park19 aboard Sun Princess and those experiences will not be opening.”

Park19 is a three-story family activities area at the top of the ship. The rollglider would have been an overhead track that allowed seated and harnessed riders to reach speeds of up to 11 miles per hour during a 60 to 90 second experience.

sea breeze rollglider sun princess rendering
(Rendering via Princess Cruises)

Coastal Climb was supposed to be a climbing structure where passengers could ascend from deck 19 to deck 20 through a series of obstacles. Once at the top, they’d be able to slide back down to the bottom.

The statement continued, “We are actively evaluating these areas for future recreational opportunities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.”

No reason has been given as to why the attractions will not be opening.

Other attractions and amenities that are currently open and available in Park19 include:

  • Infinite Horizon: Leaning tilt walls that cantilever over the side of the ship, allowing guests to peer out from deck 19 and look down to deck 9 and beyond
  • Hammock Area: Relaxing hammocks that offer a great way to hang out with family and friends
  • Splash Zone: A whimsical splash area with pop jets and a beautiful water sculpture offering a refreshing and relaxing area to chill
  • Recreational Court: This multifunctional sports court offers a number of options including cornhole, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more
  • Jogging Track: A refreshing open-air track where guests can walk, jog, or run at their own leisure and pace
sun princess ship exterior
Sun Princess

Sun Princess is Princess Cruises’ newest ship and the first in its Sphere class. It debuted in February 2024.

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MSC Cruises Debuts Two New Cocktails, Shares Its Most Popular Drinks This Summer https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-cruises-two-new-cocktails-most-popular-drinks/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/msc-cruises-two-new-cocktails-most-popular-drinks/#respond Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:22:21 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88349 MSC Cruises has debuted two new gin & tonic cocktails fleetwide, and also revealed the most popular drinks on its cruise ships.

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MSC Cruises has shared its most popular cocktails, revealing what thousands of cruisers will be sipping on this summer. The line has also introduced two brand-new drinks fleetwide.

Timeless Classics

Some cocktails are simply synonymous with tropical and cruise vacations, and it’s no different aboard MSC Cruises’ ships. These classics are top choices among guests right now:

  • Aperol Spritz: This Italian classic remains a top choice, offering a mix of Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water, garnished with an orange slice.
  • Margarita: Especially popular in the U.S., this refreshing cocktail is crafted with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
  • Piña Colada: This popular tropical cocktail combines light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, garnished with a slice of pineapple.
  • Strawberry Daiquiri: This classic cocktail is the ideal summer treat, featuring rum and strawberry puree.
  • Mojito: A favored staple, a mojito combines rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, capturing the essence of summer in a glass.
strawberry daiquiri msc cruises cocktail drink
(Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

The Cocktail of the Moment: Gin & Tonics

  • Elderflower GT: Combining a mix of fruity and floral notes, this trending cocktail blends BUSS N°509 Elderflower Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic, dehydrated orange peel, a cinnamon stick, and cloves.
  • Passion Fruit 0.0 GT: For those preferring a tasty alcohol-free alternative, this cocktail combines BUSS N°509 passion fruit 0.0 gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, Fever-Tree light tonic, dehydrated lemon, passion fruit, and coriander seeds.

New cocktails include:

  • Jasmine & Rose G&T: This flavorsome choice features Bloom pink gin infused with real rose petals and jasmine flowers, creating a smooth and sophisticated taste with floral notes and a touch of sweetness, garnished with dehydrated grapefruit and fresh rosemary.
  • Skinny Lemongrass & Ginger G&T: This fresh cocktail is made with a refreshing blend of Whitley Neill lemongrass and ginger gin, Fever-Tree aromatic tonic, fresh lime juice, and honey syrup, garnished with dehydrated lemon and fresh ginger.
skinny lemongrass ginger gin and tonic msc cruises
Skinny lemongrass ginger gin and tonic (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

A range of variations on the classic summer cocktails can be found on board, including many more alcohol-free options to suit the preferences of all guests. All MSC ships allow passengers to enjoy whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum tastings, as well as cocktail demonstrations.

Guests can also treat themselves to a range of the line’s Food & Beverage concepts such as the Helios Wine Bar on MSC Euribia, an immersive digital experience for the next generation of wine lovers.

The Gin Project on MSC World Europa is a must-stop shop for gin aficionados with more than 70 craft gins on offer, while MSC Starship Club features Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea on MSC Virtuosa. For beer enthusiasts there’s the Masters of the Sea microbrewery on MSC World Europa, which gives guests the opportunity to enjoy beer made on board from desalinated seawater.

paradiso cocktail msc cruises world europa
A cocktail from Paradiso on MSC World Europa (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

MSC Cruises’ new ‘World’s Greatest Bars’ program serves up something special for guests by bringing some of the most acclaimed and award-winning bars ashore to the line’s ships as pop-ups for a six-month extravaganza. The program, which started this past April, will be available this summer with the Paradiso pop-up on MSC World Europa and Sips on MSC Euribia.

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Holland America Announces ‘Save on Sunshine’ Promotion, Offering Discounted Fares & Free Gratuities https://eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-save-on-sunshine-promotion/ https://eatsleepcruise.com/holland-america-save-on-sunshine-promotion/#respond Fri, 19 Jul 2024 17:17:31 +0000 https://eatsleepcruise.com/?p=88345 Holland America Line has announced its new 'Save on Sunshine' offer, which includes discounted cruise fares, free gratuities, and more.

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Holland America is enticing travelers to plan ahead and book a warm-weather vacation for this winter with its new “Save on Sunshine” offer. The special promotion, which begins today, features up to 40 percent off fares, free gratuities, and 50 percent reduced deposits.

Save on Sunshine is available on select departures from September 2024 through April 2025 and features cruises and back-to-back Collectors’ Voyages ranging from four to 58 days long. Sailings to destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Tahiti, the Pacific Coast, South America and Antarctica, Hawaii, and the Panama Canal are included in the promotion. Bookings must be made by August 20, 2024 to take advantage of the offer.

Holland America 2024-2025 West Coast Cruises Open for Sale

Save on Sunshine is combinable with Holland America‘s “Have it All” premium fare. When booking with this package, guests receive a Signature Beverage Package, shore excursion and specialty dining credits, and a Wi-Fi Surf Package.

Taxes, fees, and port expenses are now included in all cruise fares. Save on Sunshine is not valid on Grand Voyages or sailings that are three days or shorter.

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