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Texas Treasure Casino Cruises - Casino Cruises – Texas Casinos, Port Aransas

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Enjoy their unique entertainment experience that includes high-energy casino action, fine dining and live entertainment while you cruise the Gulf of Mexico in the spacious luxury of their grand ocean liner.

A warm and friendly environment awaits you as you enter the most exciting casino in all of Texas. You will find your favorite Slots among their 460 machines, which includes Reel and Video, Video Poker, Multi-game and Multi-line). They offer hot-slot action from 25 cents to $5.

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Aransas Pass new destination for Pride of Texas Casino ship

After efforts to bring his Pride of Texas Casino Ship to Corpus Christi failed, Vidal Conde is now hoping the Aransas Pass city council is receptive to the idea. According to Conde, he has purchased property in Aransas Pass and he is ready for his casino ship and hotel to open. Conde wants to dock his Pride of Texas Casino on land located along Conn Brown Harbor in  Aransas Pass, Texas .

Conde has purchased $1 million worth of land along State Highway 361, which passes through Aransas Pass and Port Aransas near Corpus Christi. But before he can begin construction, he needs to obtain permits from the Army Corps of Engineers. Conde wants to build a permanent boat dock along with a hotel next to the Aransas Queen Casino ship. In May 2015, former Jacks or Better cruise ship, the Aransas Queen, received final approval from the Coast Guard and made her maiden voyage into international waters out of Aransas Pass.

Aransas Pass’ city manager, Sylvia Carrillo, says the city wants to ensure the project is a good one. She added, “We are not in the same position as Corpus Christi with tickets being sold and the project not coming to fruition, so we still have a lot of due diligence before we let Mr. Conde gets some space down on the harbor,” as reported by KIII 3 News .

The cruise ship’s maiden voyage that was set for January of this year was sold out with 1,000 tickets being purchased, but the launch date had been postponed more than once since the original date set in October 2014. At that time, Conde said they were expecting the casino ship to be in Corpus Christie within 60 days, or at least by the first quarter of 2016. However, Corpus Christi Marina officials said at the time, Conde had not submitted any application to obtain a permit to lease the marina. Since that plan failed, Conde has switched gears and is now focused on launching his Pride of Texas Casino ship out of Aransas Pass.

Since the Aransas Queens maiden voyage last May, the new casino has been the subject of a flurry of questions, especially considering only the Texas Lottery; pari-mutuel wagering, charitable bingo, pull-tabs, raffles, and one Native casino are permitted in the state. The Texas Treasure Casino Cruise was the last cruise ship to operate out of Port Aransas, and that casino last sailed in 2008. Once a ship reaches international waters, which happens approximately 45 minutes from shore, Texas gambling laws are of no consequence.

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WILD WEST ADVENTURE

Cruises out of texas.

Sparkling skylines, dreamy deserts, balmy beaches — everything's bigger in Texas.

On your Texas cruise vacation, you can have it all. Start your day trip before or after your cruise gazing up at sparkling skyscrapers, and end it with sunset cocktails on the beach. Have an urban adventure exploring food trucks and art museums, then head out to a cattle ranch and trade your baseball cap for a cowboy hat. Whatever you do, make sure to come with an empty stomach. From meaty Texas BBQ and steaks to sumptuous Tex-Mex favorites, the only thing bigger than the Lone Star State itself is the appetite you'll need to savor all its flavors. Cruises out of Texas set sail from Galveston to discover the western Caribbean, from Mexico's famed Riviera Maya to Central American treasure troves like Belize and Honduras.

THE BEST AND BOLDEST SHIPS FROM TEXAS

The only thing better than the exciting destinations you can reach from Galveston is the world-class cruise ship that takes you there.

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Things to do in the Lone Star State

In a state as big as Texas, planning an adventure is guaranteed — and so is assortment on things to do. Cruise travelers visiting will love the energy of Austin and the art museums of Dallas-Fort Worth, while the true western enthusiasts can look forward to riding toward the setting sun. After all west Texas has more desert than most other states have total land!

The Best of Both Worlds

The volume of things to do in Texas is certainly one of the best reasons to take a cruise vacation getaway from Texas. Begin your travels in the heart of Space City learning the history of NASA at Space Center Houston, then explore the Museum District for exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts or Children's Museum.

Double Take on Texas Culture

Enjoy the best Texas has to offer to cruise travelers. Immerse yourself in the history of The Alamo or experience the culture of downtown San Antonio River Walk before exploring a whole different side of history with a walking tour of the most haunted places in Austin.

An Entire Other (Hill) Country

Drive into the Hill Country, and take a dip in the otherworldly Hamilton Pool Preserve. Have more time? Continue all the way southwestward and camp in Big Bend National Park, the finest exemplar of desert majesty Texas has to offer.

Game changing OASIS CLASS MEETS TEXAS PRIDE

Texas is the perfect jumping-off point to the top-rated shores of the Western Caribbean . Wander to places like Mexico , the Bahamas , and even Honduras . All on 7-night adventures  onboard Harmony of the Seas®.

Caribbean Dreams

It's hard to say goodbye to Texas — and harder to choose just where you'll sail to when you leave. Book cruises from Texas to Mexico, and dock at captivating ports like Cozumel and Puerto Costa Maya, as well as stop in postcard-worthy Roatán, Honduras.

Explore CRUISES TO WESTERN CARIBBEAN

BEST CRUISES FOR TEXAS GETAWAYS

It’s time to reset adventure to a whole new level on the biggest, boldest ship to ever sail from Texas — Harmony of the Seas® . Twist, shout and let it all out down the tallest slide at sea. And when the sun goes down, the night heats up with AquaTheater spectaculars and the Broadway hit Grease. All while unlocking luxurious Western Caribbean destinations onboard this unmatched Oasis Class ship .

Explore Cruises from Galveston

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO An insider's Guide to Texas Day Trips

The Texas tourism board wasn't kidding when they said the Lone Star State was "like a whole other country." Enjoy award-winning art museums and mouth-watering meals in dynamic cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Before your cruise take a walk on Texas' wild side, whether you camp on the beach in Galveston Island State Park, create a cowboy experience at a cattle ranch, or sunbathe along its hundreds-of-miles-long coastline.

If you do happen to plan your Texas vacation during the "winter" (a term that's relative around these parts) months of January and February, just pack a jacket — and an umbrella. While temperatures in Texas rarely fall below freezing — especially not in coastal Galveston — you never know when a scattered shower will pass. Likewise, make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water during Texas' long summer, which can begin setting in as early as April and can linger until October or November.

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Whether you are looking for brisket, sausage or ribs, here's where to go for the best Texas BBQ in restaurants across the state.

9 Things to Do in Galveston with Kids | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Here's a list of our favorites.

[Infographic] Top 5 Museums in Galveston

Headed to the Texas Gulf Coast? Whether or not you stop there before cruising, these are the top five museums in Galveston you should check out.

Best Galveston Fishing Trip Ideas

When taking a cruise out of Texas be sure to put a Galveston fishing trip at the top of your vacation bucket list. Discover the best fishing spots.

Rainforest Pyramid | Moody Gardens

Travel tip when planning a Galveston vacation, don’t miss your chance to visit Texas’ Rainforest, Aquarium, and Discovery Pyramids in Moody Gardens.

Galveston Top Rated Attractions and Tours

From the historical Galveston Ghost Tours and the Taste of the Strand Tours to bird-watching at the Bolivar Flats and visiting the historical Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion. Here are Galvestons top rated attractions and tours you dont want to miss.

Best Cruises From Texas

Royal Caribbean offers plenty of great itineraries to choose from if you’re looking for an unforgettable cruise from Texas. Keep reading to discover the best spots.

Texas Vacation | Cathedral Architecture

Uncover the most beautiful cathedral architecture in Texas as you plan a vacation getaway before your cruise out of Galveston.

Visiting Texas Rancher’s History Firsthand

What do ranchers do? Take a moment to make the most of your visit to Galveston. Uncover adventurous things to do on Texas ranches along with their history.

Galveston Camping: 10 Tips to Before You Go

Take a moment to make the most of your Galveston camping trip. Uncover the best campsites, when to visit, and adventurous things to do as you camp.

Best Things to Do on Your Galveston Day Trip

Planning to visit Galveston? Here's how to plan the ultimate Galveston day trip, whether or not it is before or after a cruise out of Texas.

Galveston Historic District: 9 Things to Do

The Galveston Historic District is a busy port city that is bursting with history and excitement. Explore some of the best things to do on the Strand.

Galveston to Caribbean Weekend Getaways

Start your western Caribbean weekend getaway from Galveston and visit the different attractions in Texas before or after your cruise vacation.

9 Galveston Vacation Must Know Facts

Galveston vacations are totally underrated. This charmingly fascinating Texas beachside town is teeming with history and tons of interesting facts.

Vacation the Best Beaches in Galveston

Planning a Galveston beach vacation? From the best beach spots to hotels, restaurants, and shopping, your beach trip to Galveston starts here.

Best Restaurants in Galveston

Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

If you're in Texas in March, don't miss the beautiful bluebonnet flowers that line just about every road in the state.

Thrill the kids at theme parks like Six Flags Over Texas in Dallas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.

Stop for a Kolache , a Czech-inspired fruit pie that's Texas' ultimate roadside pick-me-up.

Bold Flavors Tastes of Texas

Texas is a foodie paradise, no matter what you're craving or how big your appetite is. Tear into tender barbecue, test your taste buds with dangerously spicy Tex-Mex or eat a steak the size of your plate.

The Beauty of Brisket

Barbecue can tie together your Texas travel, if you let it. Make sure to enjoy at least one plate of brisket, slow-smoked beef breast meat as famous for its melt-in-your-mouth texture as it is for the crispy layer of skin. Trim your meal with authentic Texas Fixin's like fried okra and baked beans, then wash it all down with a towering glass of sweet tea, and finish it off with a slice of pecan pie à la mode.

Queso Cravings

Order chile con queso cheese on your trip, but try not to think of it as a mere appetizer. With spicy pico de gallo and crumbly chorizo mixed into its creamy cheese, queso is a meal in itself and maybe even its own food group. Other Tex-Mex classics include burritos, chimichangas and breakfast tacos (in case you can't wait until lunch or dinner to get your fix).

Two Takes on Steak

You simply can't eat too much meat on your Texas getaway. Stick your fork into a juicy T-bone, a tender and flavorful loin steak that's rightly the claim to fame of the Texas steak world. Not a purist, or just seeking something more decadent? Order chicken-fried steak, which is exactly as over-the-top as it sounds.

RELATED PORTS

As hard as it'll be to say farewell to Texas, your next adventure is waiting onboard your vacation cruise. Board cruises from Texas to the Caribbean, for example, to head toward the glimmering ports of Belize City, Belize and Falmouth, Jamaica. Or consider Panama Canal cruises from Texas, stopping at the paradise beaches of Yucatan, Cozumel, Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico, or at Honduras' hidden gem of Roatán.

Roatan, Honduras

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Belize City, Belize

George Town, Grand Cayman

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Falmouth, Jamaica

Cozumel, Mexico

Key West, Florida

Banana Coast (Trujillo), Honduras

Mazatlan, Mexico

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Manzanillo, Mexico

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If You Want to Gamble in Texas, This Casino Boat is Your Best Bet

By Jeanne Lyons Davis June 22, 2017 Published in the July 2017 issue of Houstonia Magazine

Image: Courtesy of Jacks or Better Casino

It wasn’t the most auspicious start for the Jacks or Better Casino boat . On April 15, only a week after its very first jaunt, the 155-foot yacht—which, conditions permitting, takes daily trips out of Galveston and into federal waters, where gambling is legal—scraped against a marker, causing an estimated $40,000 in cosmetic damage and knocking the ship out of commission for weeks.

We took a ride on the Jacks on May 5, the day it resumed operations. Captain Dave Kendrick, who’s been a licensed captain since 1997, gave us a tour of the bridge, the room from which he steers the ship.

“I was the captain during the accident,” he said, addressing the incident in his matter-of-fact manner. “It’s the first time that has ever happened in my career. We were coming in at 11:20 p.m., and I lost sight and confused the markers. When I figured out what was happening, it was too late…. There’s no good excuse for it, but things happen, and I’m thankful nobody got hurt.”

The incident certainly didn’t deter 60 passengers from paying $15 a pop to board the sleek vessel the day we went out. They resembled your typical casino crowd, which is to say most were Baby Boomers or older, many were wearing Crocs, and more smoked cigarettes than didn’t.

We wandered up to the top deck of the boat from the bridge. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The ship glided past shrimp boats casting their nets and container ships heading to port. Seagulls and pelicans followed in our wake, hoping to catch an early lunch.

Although it was a beautiful scene, few were taking it in. Instead, they were inside, having already claimed their seats on the mostly windowless gambling floors, ready to play.

Each trip the Jacks takes out into the Gulf of Mexico lasts seven hours—an hour and a half each nine-mile trip into federal waters, plus four hours of gambling—and the best days to go out, particularly for the seasickness-prone, are when the water’s nice and calm. The ship offers two floors of colorful Vegas-style slot machines and card tables where up to 150 passengers can play games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat (pending Coast Guard approval, the capacity could jump to 300).

“I’m excited to try this,” one woman also enjoying the view, Kim Walden, told us. Walden owns a beach home in Galveston and, she confessed, loves gambling. She and her husband not only frequent commercial cruise lines (which all have casinos), but regularly travel to Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas’s Native American reservations. She was excited, she said, to try something closer to home. “It’s nice that finally we have something practically in our backyard.”

Largely due to antiquated Bible Belt politics, gambling in Texas is illegal, with the exceptions of the lottery, horse and greyhound racing, reservation casinos, and casino boats like the Jacks or Better , which offer single-day gambling trips without having to meet the old requirement of first calling on a foreign port. These boats have served towns along the state’s coast, including Galveston, ever since being legalized in 1989, but before the Jacks ’ arrival, the Oleander City had done without for a couple of years.

We wandered inside, and, finally, the moment arrived. The captain announced we were in federal waters and that tables were open. Immediately, a symphony of dings, pings and slot-machine tunes filled the air.

As we watched the action, we thought of a point Henry had made while we chatted inside the bridge. “Many people are traveling to Louisiana to gamble,” he’d said. “Why not keep that money in Texas?”

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Port may gamble on replacement ship

Coming back? SOUTH JETTY FILE PHOTO The Texas Treasure gambling ship could be gone from Port Aransas for good, but an official from the Port Authority of Corpus Christi says that if the gambling ship doesn’t return another one may take its place.

Port of Corpus Christi Executive Director John LaRue said he is not holding his breath for the return of the Texas Treasure casino ship to Port Aransas.

If the ship does not eventually return to Port Aransas, the Port of Corpus Christi will seek another casino ship to take its place, LaRue said.

“It’s kind of set up for the day cruise, with the facility that’s there,” LaRue said. “But that wouldn’t exclude us from looking at other uses.”

The pool of casino ships available for replacement is small, he said.

The Texas Treasure went into dry-dock for repairs in May and has become embroiled in a legal tangle between the vessel’s owners and operators.

“I wouldn’t say we’re optimistic it will be back,” LaRue said, speaking of himself and the port in general. “It seems when something like that gets caught in that sort of legal action, with the ship being turned back to its owners and damages (involved), that’s not a positive thing. I hope I’m wrong, though.”

While the ship is owned by a business called Discovery Dawn, it is operated by an entity known as Corpus Christi Day Cruises. According to published reports, court documents show that Corpus Christi Day Cruises has turned the vessel over to Discovery Dawn and that the ship has damaged backup generators.

Corpus Christi Day Cruises has gone to federal court to keep Discovery Dawn from claiming funds on reserve in case of damage to the ship.

Attorneys for the ship’s owners and operators could not be reached for comment. Pat Beam, attorney for Corpus Christi Day Cruises, has been quoted in published accounts as saying that he didn’t know if the Texas Treasure will continue operating in Port Aransas.

Calls to the casino ship’s business phone number are greeted by a short, garbled message that sounds like “messages full.” The Texas Treasure’s Web site’s main page contains a message that says, “We are currently out of service for repairs. Please check back soon.”

In May, Beam said plans were for the ship to undergo a routine 30-day dry-dock for repairs.

The Port of Corpus Christi has an active lease agreement with the Texas Treasure for use of the port’s property where the ship docks in Port Aransas.

It’s not known exactly what economic impact the Texas Treasure has had on Port Aransas tourism, said Ann Bracher Vaughan, executive director of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce Tourist Bureau.

However, she said, since the Texas Treasure went into dry dock, the chamber has been getting more than 20 phone calls a day from people asking how to get in touch with the ship and when it will be operating again.

“We are the only community in the state of Texas where you can actually access gambling (due to the casino ship),” Vaughan said. “There are a lot of people in the state of Texas who like to gamble. Not only tourists, but a lot of locals went out on that boat. So, while I’m not sure it was a fantastic economic impact to us, it was one more amenity … in that mix of things people like to do and had as a reason for coming to Port Aransas.”

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TEXAS TREASURE - IMO 6810897

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Description:

Texas Treasure at Corpus Christi, TX, USA September 2006 Casino cruise ship

Vessel particulars

Former name(s):

 -    Island Dawn   (Until 2000 Aug )

 -    Discovery Dawn   (Until 1998 )

 -    Scandinavian Dawn   (Until 1996 )

 -    Scandinavian Sky Ii   (Until 1990 Jul )

 -    Patra Express   (Until 1990 Feb )

 -    St.george   (Until 1984 )

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Ferries - 15 photos

Cruise Ships and Liners built 1961-1970 - 5 photos

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PATRA EXPRESS - MILOS EXPRESS

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Aransas Queen Casino - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

4 cruise ships to book right now instead of Icon of the Seas

If you haven't yet heard about Royal Caribbean 's new ship, Icon of the Seas , where have you been? Currently the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-passenger vessel is a floating haven for everyone from families and friend groups to couples and solo travelers.

It's also breathtakingly expensive , thanks to a recent media frenzy and the rules of supply and demand, which have last-minute bookings at record-high prices for Royal Caribbean.

In fact, the ship is so popular that Michael Bayley, the line's president and CEO, said during a Feb. 1 earnings call that, based on the metrics the cruise line tracks, the response to Icon of the Seas has been three times what it was when the line's now second-most-epic class of ships — the Oasis Class — rolled out its first vessel, Oasis of the Seas, in 2009.

"We've never seen the response that we've seen with Icon," Bayley said. "It's been genuinely unbelievable from every single metric that you would want to look at. The bookings have been phenomenally strong."

With so much attention surrounding Icon of the Seas, cabins are selling well in advance. If you're looking to book a sailing for the summer, you might be either completely out of luck or looking at sky-high prices, even for the most basic accommodations. (It's a larger trend we're seeing across the industry as cruising gains popularity, but it's particularly astounding with Icon.)

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

I priced out the least expensive June 2024 sailing I could find on Icon of the Seas. Fares for the ship's seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas voyage, sailing round trip from Miami, on June 15 start at $3,659 per person, based on double occupancy, for an inside cabin and $4,319 per person for accommodations with a private balcony.

Not only is that wildly expensive, but cabins are selling so rapidly and so far in advance that, when I was gathering prices, fares for both rooms jumped more than $1,000 per person in the span of one hour.

If more than $3,000 per person for an inside cabin or more than $4,000 per person for a balcony room is out of your price range, or you just can't fathom paying that much for something that's not all-inclusive, here are four comparable ships you should consider sailing instead.

Note: Prices listed are base fares and do not include taxes and fees, which are extra. All fares are subject to availability and can change quickly.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's second-largest ship, 6,988-passenger Wonder of the Seas , debuted in 2022 as the newest member of the line's aforementioned Oasis Class. If a newer vessel with incredible attractions — waterslides, an ice skating rink, an AquaTheater with high-dive shows, a carousel and plenty of areas for dining, drinking and shopping — is what you're seeking, Wonder of the Seas can scratch that itch at a more affordable price than Icon can.

The ship's June 16 seven-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailing from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, will set you back $1,459 per person for an inside cabin or $1,829 per person for a balcony cabin — $2,200 and $2,490 less per person than a comparable voyage on Icon of the Seas.

Symphony of the Seas

If you'd like to save even more while still enjoying the large number of amenities and neighborhood areas the Oasis Class offers (think: shopping, surf simulators , a boardwalk and an open-air promenade featuring thousands of real plants ), the slightly older (2018) Oasis Class vessel Symphony of the Seas could be just the ticket.

You can book a seven-night Bahamas cruise on Symphony of the Seas, departing June 14 from Bayonne, New Jersey, from $1,199 per person for an inside cabin or $1,349 per person for a balcony room — a savings of $2,460 and $2,970 per person over Icon of the Seas' fares.

Carnival Jubilee

If you like the idea of a ship that's even newer and less expensive than Wonder of the Seas and don't mind trying a different brand, Carnival Jubilee is a strong choice. The third in Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class , the vessel, which began sailing in late 2023, features seven zones, mimicking the neighborhoods you'll find on both Oasis Class and Icon Class ships.

The ship offers tons of bars and restaurants, along with a side-facing atrium space that offers sea views by day and shows by night. Activities for both kids and adults include waterslides, miniature golf and outdoor movies, as well as one of only three roller coasters at sea .

You'll have to make your way to Galveston, Texas, to sail one of the vessel's weeklong itineraries, but it's well worth it for the cost savings you'll receive. A seven-night Caribbean cruise on Carnival Jubilee, departing June 15, costs $1,169 for an inside room or $1,539 per person for balcony digs. That's $2,490 and $2,780 per person less than what you'd pay for a comparable Icon of the Seas booking.

Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line is notorious for offering some of the most expensive non-luxury (read: not all-inclusive) cruises in the industry, often setting passengers back several thousand dollars for short sailings of just three or four days.

The line's latest ship, Disney Wish , which is new as of 2022, offers a different layout from others in the line's fleet. The ship features character appearances, innovative and interactive games, an award-winning kids club, excellent food, phenomenal entertainment and some of the best service you'll receive anywhere. Disney adults can even enjoy a no-kids-allowed pool, a sun deck, restaurants and themed bars and lounges.

Despite being the newest, largest and flashiest in the fleet, Disney Wish, which sails from Port Canaveral, is still comparable in price to Icon of the Seas. It's not an apples-to-apples comparison since Disney Wish only sails three- and four-night cruises.

However, you can book both the June 14 three-night Bahamas sailing and the subsequent June 17 four-night Bahamas sailing back-to-back to create a weeklong vacation. In that case, you'd pay $1,289 plus $1,859 for inside cabins (for a total of $3,148) or $1,441 plus $2,344 for balcony accommodations (for a total of $3,785) per person. That works out to be a total of $511 less per person for inside accommodations and $534 less per person for balconies than on Icon of the Seas.

Bottom line

Icon of the Seas is a world-record holder and deserving of the fanfare it's receiving. However, its pricing has it in competition with the likes of much more expensive cruise lines, such as Disney Cruise Line.

If you can't justify shelling out Icon of the Seas prices for a mainstream cruise, you can save a lot by considering other megaships that offer similar levels of dining, entertainment and activity options. Wait until the popularity of this gargantuan new vessel wanes a bit — or until its sister ship, Star of the Seas, debuts in summer 2025 — if you're hoping for more affordable fares on Icon of the Seas or a nearly identical ship.

And, definitely remember to book early — a year or more in advance — for the lowest rates.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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The 7 best cruise ships for kids

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Kids can make or break your family cruise. If they’re bored and hate the food options, they will loudly and repeatedly express their displeasure. Pick the wrong cruise ship, and parents will feel as trapped as if they were stranded on a deserted island … with biting crabs underfoot.

The best cruises for kids take advantage of ships with endless fun for the under-18 crowd, plentiful dining that appeals to both young palates and bottomless teen tummies, accommodations and ship services that keep families in mind, and opportunities to meet and hang out with peers. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, “Best cruise ever!” by the end of the week.

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

Find the top ship for your next trip with our list of the seven best cruise ships for kids (and their parents).

Disney Wish

No one is surprised that kids are highly entertained on a Disney cruise — but what might be surprising is how much there is for adults to do and enjoy , too. That’s especially true on the new Disney Wish , which debuted in the summer of 2022.

Disney Wish has four kids clubs divided by age, but the main Oceaneer Club for 3- to 12-year-olds has an all-new and exciting grand entrance. Kids get to enter the club by slide — and once inside, can explore the club’s spaces themed to “Star Wars,” fairy tales, Marvel and Disney Imagineers.

Along with the kids club on Disney Wish, junior cruisers will find two movie theaters with first-run Disney movies, Broadway-caliber shows featuring Aladdin and the Little Mermaid and dining experiences themed around Arendelle from “Frozen” and the Worlds of Marvel .

In addition to a “Star Wars-” themed bar and adults-only fine dining restaurants, adults will appreciate the little touches on Wish that make family cruising easier — split bathrooms in most cabins, a drop-off nursery, a splash area for toddlers and restaurant staff members who will offer high chairs and puree baby food.

Disney Wish sails short three- and four-night trips from Port Canaveral , Florida (near Orlando) that include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island , with its family beach, supervised child care, splash pad and strollers to borrow.

Related: How to save money on the cost of a Disney cruise  

A nearly identical sister ship, Disney Treasure , will debut in 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

It hasn’t even launched yet, and we’re already confident that Royal Caribbean ‘s new Icon of the Seas , soon to be the largest ship afloat, will be one of the top cruise ships for kids. Kids will never be bored on a ship with a six-slide water park, wild ropes course, surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, sports court and Surfside — a half deck of play spaces and restaurants devoted to little kids and their families.

Kids (and parents) who like a good show can gasp as ice skaters land jumps on a rocking ship, and acrobatic divers flip and splash in the AquaTheater, now up high on the ship under a glass dome. Don’t miss pizza and parades on the Royal Promenade, Icon’s indoor shopping strip.

The ship will also have innovative new family cabins and suites, some with separate kids’ rooms, to better accommodate guests of all ages. The Ultimate Family Townhouse will be a massive three-floor living space with a screening room, karaoke machine, in-suite slide and a backyard that leads out to the Surfside family neighborhood.

Related: 5 best Royal Caribbean ships for kids

Icon of the Seas will sail weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning in January 2024.

Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore has a more grown-up vibe than many of the family-focused ships on our list, but its onboard attractions make it a huge hit with teens. Its top decks lure older kids with one of the biggest go-kart tracks in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and an open-air laser tag arena ideal for shooting matches under the stars. A huge virtual reality playground features rides and games that blow the standard cruise ship arcade out of the water.

Note to parents: Cruiselong passes for the go-kart race track , virtual reality games and laser tag do not come cheap. Be prepared to pull out your wallet to keep the teens happy.

At night, teens can feed their growing bodies with tacos, hibachi and barbecue, plus 24/7 burgers and comfort food at The Local. Afterward, they’ll agree to be seen in public with their parents at a show as cool as “Choir of Man.” It’s an easy concession, as they know they can always escape to the teen club, Entourage, to hang out with the cool kids late at night.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Norwegian Encore spends its summers in Alaska and winters in the Caribbean, with a handful of Panama Canal and Pacific Coast sailings in between.

Carnival Celebration

Passengers and crew members on Carnival Cruise Line ships come ready to meet new friends or share a laugh, a story and a drink with their shipmates. Social kids will fit right in and love the line’s huge, new ship Carnival Celebration . They can make friends at the Family Harbor Lounge, Camp Ocean and Dr. Seuss Bookville; older kids will enjoy the teen and tween clubs conveniently located near Guy Fieri’s burger stand and the video arcade.

Carnival Celebration and its near-identical twin fleet mate, Mardi Gras , are the only cruise ships boasting a top-deck roller coaster called Bolt. (That is until a third sister, Carnival Jubilee, debuts in late 2023.) A ride here is Instagram gold and the ultimate bragging rights for kids on vacation. The coaster dominates the Ultimate Playground area of the ship, where young cruisers can challenge their new friends to miniature golf, waterslide races, basketball and ropes course domination.

Kids who love a good food court can meet up with friends or family at several no-fee, casual eateries, including Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant and a trio of Street Eats venues featuring dumplings, meat on a stick and loaded French fries. All-hours pizza and ice cream will keep the whole family fueled up for the interactive “Family Feud Live” show.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Carnival Celebration sails weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its sister Mardi Gras sails similar Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando). Carnival Jubilee will be based out of Galveston, Texas, and offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises only.

Sun Princess

It may seem odd that two of our top ships for kids haven’t debuted yet. However, like Icon of the Seas, Princess Cruises ‘ new 4,300-passenger Sun Princess will be heads and shoulders above the rest of the fleet in terms of family entertainment. If you’re booking a multigenerational family cruise for 2024 or beyond, you will definitely want to keep this ship in mind.

Sun Princess will be the first Princess cruise ship to feature an expansive upper-deck activity zone that kids will love. Named Park19, it will feature nine fun-in-the-sun activities spanning three decks. The attractions include the Sea Breeze Rollglider (imagine a safer version of hang-gliding from an elevated track), a climbing structure with obstacles and a slide, a ropes course, a splash zone and a sports court.

Inside the ship, Firefly Park will have drop-off kid programming and family play spaces for kids 6 months to 7 years old. Tweens and teens will each have their own hangouts, Neon Grove and The Underground, with cozy lounge furniture and plenty of video and other games.

Related: Which cruise ship cabin category should your family book?

Sun Princess will split its time between Mediterranean cruises out of Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Piraeus (the port for Athens) and Barcelona as well as Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale.

MSC Seascape

MSC Cruises ‘ MSC Seascape is a floating megaresort with something for every type of kid. The ship stands out from its sisters because of its Robotron amusement park-style ride . Three riders at a time buckle into seating attached to a robotic arm, which then twists and turns to fly the riders over the ship and sea.

Water babies will make a break for the Pirates Cove Aquapark, with slides, a splash zone and a rope bridge. Other kids might spend their parents’ money on more virtual fun, indulging in F1 race car simulators, VR motorcycle racing, a 4D movie theater and a video arcade. Family groups can split into teams for sports court competitions or participate in organized games that rely on the latest technology to challenge guests of all ages.

The ship’s Lego-themed Doremi Land kids club has dedicated spaces for babies, kids and teens. The 7,567-square-foot space includes two Lego rooms (one for little kids to play with Duplos, the other with regular Lego bricks for older kids); the area also includes three spaces for teens — a gaming area (with VR options), a hangout with ping pong and foosball and a dance club.

Related: 7 cruise lines where kids sail free

And let’s not forget the line’s amazing pizza (including dessert versions slathered in Nutella) that families are sure to love.

MSC Seascape sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami.

AmaWaterways’ AmaLea

The typical river cruise draws a lot of retirees — except when Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways. The two travel companies have created a river cruise vacation that is fun for grown-ups and kids.

AmaLea is one of the ships AmaWaterways custom-built for these family cruises. Certain twin balcony cabins sleep three, and suites sleep four to accommodate kids, with connecting cabin options for families who need more space. Unlike many river ships, AmaLea has a pool, as well as a surprise kid hit — giant outdoor chess.

While other ships sail the Seine and Rhine rivers, AmaLea travels the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Adventures by Disney makes the most of your time with shore excursions planned to entertain kids and adults, with options for supervised kid activities while parents head out on more grown-up tours. Your family might meet farm animals in Hungary, play hide-and-seek in a palace’s labyrinth maze in Austria and hang around in a treetop playground in Germany.

Related: Best river cruises in Europe

On board, kids’ menus are available, and the occasional pajama party whisks kids away for pizza and a movie while adults linger over dinner.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.