take you on a cruise

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Take You on a Cruise

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Lyrics submitted by Interpolnyc , edited by TheBronze , Humeanbeing

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Best song on Antics. Love the ocean/nautical symbolism.

This is NOT about rape. He's trying to convince this girl, not rape her. He's trying to persuade this girl that he is so wonderful, wants to offer her a future of marriage and children. Even if it's bullshit. If it is about a cocktail waitress, then it's far less dreamy than I pictured. But this is what it is to me:

He's stealing this woman away, reminds me of Rose's fiance on Titanic, but less of an asshole. "Tears drown in the wake of delight" - reluctance and sorrow will turn to joy.

"There's nothing like this built today/You'll never see a finer ship in your life" - there's no one like him these days, if she passes him up she's going to regret it.

"Along the way, the sea will crowd us with LOVERS (not rubbers - those lyrics are completely wrong) at night" - we'll have our options for infidelity. We'll be surrounded by temptation.

"An anatomy of kisses and a teacher who tries": Ultimately, what they will be - what they will be made of, one is more experienced "Who knows how we'll disappear" - breaking up/leaving someone is inevitable, it's a question of how

"I am a scavenger between the sheets of union" - he's like a sex vulture - he picks up whatever girls he can, whatever action he can get. The way he sings it makes me almost pity him.

"An anatomy of kisses and a future of lies" - again, reminds me of infidelity.

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I actually think Camarogirl67 here is spot on. <br /> <br /> Even if it is a cocktail waitress he's trying convince (I think Paul from Interpol stated it was, however, Paul is known for making complete bollocks up in interviews) it's not really the main point. But the main point being "infidelity". :)

its about a guy on a cruise ship who sucks at being romantic and getting girls so he starts hitting on a cocktail waitress. "make money like fred astaire" - he's rich. "pitbull in time" - aggressive. "baby don't you try to find me" emotionally, he's shallow. "i am a scavenger between the sheets of union", easily the greatest line. this guy scavenges for girls, and sex, "between the sheets of union". sheets= bedsheets, union = sex.

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the bit where it goes 'i am the scavangerrrrrr'

man that sends shivers down my spine

I agree with kid-44. I really dont think it's about rape or prostitutes. There really is no right meaning because every one interperets it diffrently. I'm sure the words mean something different for paul, daniel, sam, and carlos. I'm sure they dont think it all means the same.

Here's what i think. I think this is one of their most beautiful songs, and is the closest thing i think is a love song for them. Here's why:

"Baby won't you try to find me Baby won't you try to fight Baby won't you try to find me Maybe it will be alright"

That means he DOES want her to find him. The 'won't' isn't really for negitivity it's like 'why wouldn't you?' I think he realizes that he should give her a shot and it might just turn out better than he thought.

"Along the way Tears drown in the wake of delight"

I think this means that they will become happy and all the sorrow will start to go away due to this new thing.

"There's nothing like this built today You'll never see a finer ship in your life"

Ship, in my view, is himself, and just overall personality. and how he can be geniune and caring (there's nothing like this built today part) Because these times, i see alot of people easy and in it for the lust. and i think he's saying how much of genuine person he is compared to the average person.

"I am the scavenger Between the sheets of union"

I do agree he's talking about sex here, but i think he's trying to find that specific person, and he's been around and couldnt really find the person

"Lately I can't tell for sure, whether machines turn anyone"

I think this is saying that he can't tell anymore between women. If they're fake, geniune or whatever. (i know i should back this up more, but for my own sake, i wont - long day).

"I see that you've come to resist me... I'm a pitbull in time"

She is unsure if she should leave with him and be with him, which will make him go a bit wild if she keeps him waiting which can lead to anger

"White Goddess, Red Goddess, Black temptress of the sea, you treat me right"

I think these lines are saying (and i am refering to what paradigmshift said) that no matter what the case is (happiness - white), (love/passion - red), or (anger/negativity - black), they will be alright and nothing can get inbetween their love at the moment.

"Oh my love we are sailing to Norway Oh my love we're leaving tonight"

I think here, he's at a point where he'll leave everything with her to start a new life and he wants it right away.

That's how i interpret some parts of the song. and i'm sticking with that.

most of these comments are pretty spot on, my interpretation is more of a conglomerate of them all.

i think it is about a guy who is in love with a woman he cant have, because she is married/in a relationship. the telling line is the "scavenger between the sheets of union." he is trying to convice her that the "grass is greener" on the other side, so to speak; that he is better than what she has now. it is so certain that he is worth leaving her current love for that he says "baby there is no need to fight." she also resists him at every turn, even though she is probably doing it on purpose, or playing hard to get, hence the meaning of the "pitbull" line and the "temptress" lines, (white black and red being the album's colors). she teases him but in the end, they do sail away (to Norway) which is just a play on Norweigen Cruise lines im pretty sure.

"Take You on a Cruise" by Interpol appears to be a metaphorical song that explores themes of escapism, relationships, and the search for freedom and happiness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both physically and emotionally, as the narrator seeks to escape the confines of their current situation.

At the beginning of the song, the narrator describes themselves as "timeless like a broken watch" and a money-maker, referencing Fred Astaire, which suggests a sense of disillusionment or detachment from the traditional constraints of time and material success. They invite someone ("you") to join them on this journey, acknowledging that resistance may be present, but that it is not what holds them back. Instead, it is the "circles inside," perhaps alluding to emotional and psychological limitations or patterns.

The chorus describes the journey as a form of delight, with tears drowning in its wake. This suggests that the escape is a powerful and overwhelming experience, offering a temporary release from pain or sadness. The metaphor of a cruise ship represents a temporary sanctuary from the trials of daily life. The narrator emphasizes that this kind of experience is rare and unparalleled, emphasizing the uniqueness of their proposed adventure.

The bridge of the song adds complexity to the narrative, introducing the idea of machines and questioning their impact on human connection. It suggests a fear of losing genuine emotional experiences amidst a technologically driven world.

The outro brings forth a new element: the mention of goddesses and temptresses of the sea. These mythical figures can be seen as both alluring and potentially dangerous forces that the narrator encounters on their journey. It adds an additional layer of mystique and intensity to the overall narrative.

Overall, "Take You on a Cruise" portrays a longing for escape, both physically and emotionally, as the narrator seeks to break free from the limitations and routines of life. It speaks to the desire for adventure and the pursuit of temporary respite from the complexities of existence.

My stupid interpretation:

I feel like its about a man who is in a secret relationship with his professor (I feel like the professor is married), and she knows it's wrong so she tries and resists him. At the same time, he is another relationship with someone who he has fallen out of love with and thinks about his professor while with her. In the end, all he thinks about is his professor and he wants her to sail with him somewhere far away so they don't have to feel guilty anymore and finally enjoy each other without regret. Some lines that lead me to this interpretation:

I see that you've come to resist me I'm a pitbull in time

She has come to resist him because she feels guilty for being with him. He's aggressive in trying to make the relationship work.

The anatomy of kisses and a teacher who tries Who knows how we'll disappear? Would you like to be my Misses and in future with child? You know we can't get back from here But we can get away

This is what leads me to believe he is in a secret relationship with his professor. Instead of teaching him information in the classroom, she shows him her kisses and love. He fantasizes how they will leave and be happy together, finally feeling guiltless. He also fantasizes about being together married and with children. They both know they can't have that where they are at, so the ultimate solution is to get away.

Baby don't you try to find me Baby don't you try to fight Baby don't you try to find me Lady it will be alright

This is the professor talking to him, telling him to give up on me and stop fighting for the relationship, because it will never work. But he reassures her that everything will be alright.

Along the way Tears drown in the wake of delight There's nothing like this built today You'll never see a finer ship in your life We sail today Tears drown in the wake of delight There's nothing like this built today You'll never see a finer ship or receive a better tip in your life

He's telling her that they will find ultimate bliss with each other if they leave. The ship could be a metaphor for their relationship, and it could also be meant literally; leaving on a ship and starting a new life.

I am the scavenger between the sheets of union Lately I can't tell for sure whether machines turn anyone (The anatomy of kisses and a teacher who tries...would you like to be my Misses and in future with child...)

When having sex with his other woman, he feels no connection or is not turned on by her. He feels like they are machines in the relationship that can't turn each other on. He is thinking about his secret relationship during sex and fantasizing about his professor.

I also feel like this verse be directed at his professor: Like Idliketo said, she could be married and hes is like a scavenger because he is making love to her on her husband's bed. Calling himself a scavenger is degrading because he feels guilty but cannot help himself (direct quote from idliketo).

White goddess, red goddess, black temptress of the sea You treat me right Black goddess, red goddess, white temptress of the sea You treat me right White goddess, black goddess, red temptress of the sea You treat me right (Oh my love, we are sailing to Norway)

This is his ultimate confession to her. He compares her to a goddess and that she makes him happy and treats him right (unlike his other woman). In the end, he is either still fantasizing about leaving with her to Norway, or she finally decides to be with him so they sail to Norway.

Pretty crazy and stupid, I know.

This song talks about red, white, and black in the "white goddess" part, and those are the only colors you see on the album art.

I dunno, I just thought that was pretty cool, like conceptual continuity.

In my previous comment I meant to say that I thought he was saying "Sailing to Norway" but I forgot to. I think i'm right.

P.S. that "Scavengerrrr" part gets me everytime!

Why Norway? What do they want there?

First I have to say that Interpol must be a bit fond of Norway because of the "We are sailing to Norway"-line, but they also wrote a song entitled with the name of a Norwegian traveller, Leif Erikson, the first person to discover America. That is also ship-related, too. Not that it have to mean something, just something I would like to point out.

Also, what can the line mean? Well, Norway is (officially) the best place to live in. It could be a metaphor of a relationship going well, or it could mean that he wants to start a new life there with his love. Norway might also be considered a very remote country (though there are countries more remote), so he just simply wants to sail forever with her. But Norway is also (somewhat falsely) considered a very cold country, but I don't know what you might get out of that.

Haha. All this out of one line, how great.

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Cruise Packing Tips

• >> Cruise Essentials – 50 Brilliant Things to Bring on a Cruise

Cruise Essentials – 50 Brilliant Things to Bring on a Cruise

Cruising is so much fun and thinking about what to bring on a cruise is one of the best ways to create some excitement before your trip. Putting together your cruise essentials can start a few months before you set sail. Allow yourself enough time to get all the things to bring on a cruise ordered online, out of storage and packed up ready to go.

Whether you’re a new cruiser wondering what the essential items for a cruise are or an experienced cruiser looking to freshen up your cruise essentials packing list, we’re sure you’ll find something useful on our cruise essentials list! What to take on a cruise depends somewhat on the destination, how light you prefer to pack and the duration of the cruise. All of the things to take on a cruise we’ve listed below are useful items but it’s up to you to decide what cruise travel essentials you’ll pack for your trip.

Start thinking about cruise essentials to pack and laying them out on a spare bed or in a storage box in a quiet corner of your house. Use our cruise essentials checklist to mark off items as you find or purchase them.

You don’t need to purchase every single one of the cruise ship essentials we’ve mentioned but a lot of these items are very helpful. We have covered cruise packing essentials to organize your luggage, useful items for organising your stateroom, essentials to take on a cruise to avoid seasickness

• 1.1 Our Top 10 Cruise Essentials
• 1.2 More Essential Items to Take on a Cruise
• 1.3 Essential Cruise Accessories for Organizing Your Cabin
• 1.4 Cruise Wardrobe Essentials
• 1.5 Cruise Packing Essentials

Cruise Essentials

Our Top 10 Cruise Essentials

These are the top 10 essentials to pack for a cruise. Everyone should have these items (or a variation of them that suits your needs):

• Waterproof phone case – FFor keeping your phone, cash and sailing card safe when you’re swimming or at the beach
• Lanyard – For wearing your cruise card around the ship
• Seabands / Seasickness medication
• Highlighters – For highlighting your daily cruise schedule
• Lysol disinfecting wipes or Lysol to Go spray – For sanitizing your cabin on arrival
• Powerstrip without surge protector – Surge protectors are not allowed on board
• Conditioner – You’ll be swimming a lot and they often don’t have it in cabins
• Sunscreen / Aftersun  – Bring a spray sunscreen for your body, a face sunscreen and aftersun lotion
• Bathing suit coverup / UV swim vest
• Packing cubes – For organizing your suitcase

More Essential Items to Take on a Cruise

• Ginger candy
• Downy Wrinkle Release (travel size)
• Travel coffee cup
• Refillable water bottle
• Earplugs or portable sound machine – If you’re a light sleeper or in case of noisy neighbors
• Travel alarm clock
• Wine bottle – One 750 ml bottle per adult depending on cruise line you’re with
• Wine bottle protector
• Soda – 12 cans per person depending on cruise line you;re with
• Tide to Go – Stain remover pen for emergencies
• Tide pods – Carnival has laundry rooms on board if you need them
• Travel laundry sheets – For handwashing laundry in your room if necessary
• Hand sanitzer – Travel size
• Beach towel clip
• Rain poncho
• Travel umbrella
• Anti-chaffing balm
• Small first aid kit
• Portable speakers
• Refillable perfume atomizer
• Tea bags or instant coffee if you’re fussy about what you drink
• Antacid tablets
• Download a few Netflix shows or movies to your ipad

Tip: These cruise essentials make great gifts for your travel companions or to give to cruise lovers over the holidays.

Essential Cruise Accessories for Organizing Your Cabin

• Small dry erase board – Magentic ones are useful for the outside door of your cabin
• Magnetic hooks
• Ziploc bags
• Plastic document wallet
• Bungee cord – For holding open your balcony door
• Overdoor shoe organizer – For adding additional storage in your room
• Post It notes

Tip: Keep all these items to take on a cruise packed in a storage box for any future cruises you take. It will make packing for a cruise easier next time!

Cruise Wardrobe Essentials

• Aqua shoes – If planning on an excursion that requires them
• UV swim vest
• Bathing suit coverups
• Packable sunhat or sunvisor
• Cheap sunglasses you can wear in the ocean or pool

For a full list of cruise clothing essentials for your specific cruise type, check out our cruise packing lists . We go into great depth on the cruise essentials clothing you’ll need for the various cruise types.

Tip: Read our guide to  fun things to bring on a cruise for more ideas!

Cruise Packing Essentials

These packing essentials to bring on a cruise will help you organize your luggage.

• Travel wallet / organiser
• Packing cubes
• Cruise luggage tags
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Garment bag
• Laundry bag or pop up hamper
• Prescription medication organizer
• Folding backpack
• Cooler – 12 can, soft sided
• Travel toiletry bottles
• Wet-dry bag – For traveling home with wet swimsuits

What do you think the best items to bring on a cruise are? If you’ve got any questions about what to take on a cruise ship or want to share your ideas on the best things to bring on a cruise, leave us a comment below.

If you want to chat more about what to bring on a cruise ship, you can join our Facebook group to chat with other cruises. It’s a great way to get ideas on the best things to take on a cruise.

Still need help? Take our FREE email course!

If you still need help deciding what to pack for your upcoming cruise, sign up to take our short email course. You'll learn what to wear on a cruise, what little cruise essentials can really help, how to pack your bag, what the best suitcase to take is and what to leave behind. Sign up now. It's totally FREE!

We created Cruise Packing Tips to share our extensive knowledge on how to pack for a cruise. As seasoned cruisers who loves to pack just the right amount for each trip, we will help you get your cruise packing list down to a fine art.

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Meaning of Take You On A Cruise by Interpol

"Take You on a Cruise" by Interpol, from their album Antics, released on September 27, 2004, delves into the concept of a man using his perceived sophistication and charm to seduce a cocktail waitress. The lyrics suggest a narrative of manipulation and shallow intentions, portraying the protagonist as someone who may seem sophisticated on the surface but is ultimately driven by base desires. The song's upbeat tempo and high energy level contrast with its somewhat low valence and danceability scores, reflecting the darker undertones of the protagonist's actions. This song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superficiality and objectification in relationships, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection and respect.

This meaning interpretation was written by AI. Help improve it with your feedback

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Cruise packing list: 56 essentials chosen by experts.

This cruise packing list includes all of the essentials – plus items you didn't know you needed.

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Ensure you have these cruise essentials for your vacation at sea.

Packing for any trip takes some planning, but cruise vacations present a unique challenge – particularly due to limited stateroom storage space and sparse (or overpriced) options for purchasing accidentally forgotten items.

To help you decide what to pack for a cruise, we've curated a list of essentials recommended by cruise experts who regularly sail the high seas. Download the U.S. News Cruise Packing List pictured above to reference while you pack, and read on to learn more about the recommended items and where you can purchase them if needed.

• For packing and planning
• For travel and embarkation day
• For the cabin
• For the ship and shore excursions

Find your perfect cruise

Carry-on bag

Regardless of whether you bring checked luggage, you'll need some type of carry-on bag . Since checked bags need to go through security as they do at airports – and because you may need to wait for your stateroom to be ready, just like at a hotel – you'll want to be able to access any necessities pre-cruise. These might include a swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the pools; medications; a bottle of water; and your smartphone, of course. You'll also want to keep your credit card, passport, and any other important documentation or valuables close by. A carry-on backpack works especially well since it can double as a day bag for shore excursions.

Checked bag

While you'll likely want to bring a checked bag, consider sharing one with your ship mate(s) to maximize stateroom storage space. Or, consider bringing medium-sized luggage, such as the The Medium by Away , for checking in.

Read: The Best Checked Luggage Options

Garment bag

Courtesy of Halfday

While many cruises are less formal these days, a garment bag can still be handy for keeping select garments wrinkle-free (since clothing irons are prohibited on cruise ships). Top-rated options include the The Garment Duffel by Halfday and the Briggs and Riley Baseline 22" Carry-On 2-Wheel Garment Bag , both of which double as traditional luggage. If you pack your luggage right, you can make this your only suitcase, in addition to a carry-on bag.

Packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags

Packing cubes are one of the best ways to organize your belongings for travel – especially in a tight cruise ship cabin. Top-rated options include the Veken packing cubes on Amazon (usually priced around $20) and all of the Pack-It Sets by Eagle Creek. The Pack-It Starter Set is especially ideal for cruising since it includes a garment folder designed to minimize wrinkles in clothing. Some cruisers also swear by vacuum-sealed bags , even though they can be a bit more tedious to pack.

Carry-on caddy

Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer at The Points Guy, recommends a carry-on caddy , particularly if you're flying to your embarkation point. "I have a fabric sleeve that slides down over the telescoping handle on my carry-on to provide pockets for my passport, phone, coffee – all the things I used to have to juggle during check-in."

Digital luggage scale

The compact Etekcity scale – approximately $10 on Amazon – can weigh bags up to 110 pounds and help you avoid overweight baggage fees.

Read: Carry-on Luggage Size and Weight Limits by Airline

Bungee cord

"Especially for travelling with the family, I use a bright-green bungee cord to strap multiple pieces of luggage together," says Aaron Saunders, senior editor at Cruise Critic. "It's a lifesaver when boarding trains or disembarking ships, particularly when you ' re maneuvering a stroller and a little one around, too."

Luggage tracker

Courtesy of Apple

A luggage tracker isn't just useful for air travel. Attach one to your checked cruise luggage to see when it has arrived in your stateroom (or if it's stalled at security). Chris Gray Faust, executive editor at Cruise Critic, doesn't go anywhere without her Apple AirTag after her luggage got stuck in Vancouver for over a week last June. "My AirTag use has expanded beyond my checked luggage, too. I also have AirTags in my handbag, my carry-on, my keychain and my wallet."

Cruise insurance

Due to the unpredictable nature of travel, cruise insurance can be a wise purchase ahead of your voyage. Travel policies can cover unforeseen expenses such as trip interruptions and medical emergencies.

While a passport is often required for cruising, rules can vary depending where you're traveling. Determine whether you need a passport for your upcoming cruise ; if you do, triple-check that you have it packed the day of departure.

Credit cards and local currency

When cruising internationally, consider getting small amounts of each country's currency to have on hand in port. Depending where you go, some local markets may only accept their own country's currency, not U.S. dollars or credit cards. It's also nice to leave cash gratuities for cab drivers, tour guides or servers; in the European Union, 1- and 2-euro coins are convenient and appropriate tips. In ports with vendors that do accept credit cards, be sure to carry a Visa or Mastercard , as some shops and restaurants do not take American Express .

RFID wallet

It's important to protect your travel documents with an RFID wallet like the TIGARI Passport Holder or the ZOPPEN RFID Travel Passport Wallet , the latter of which can hold multiple passports for a family. "Thieves and hackers can steal your credit card information just by using skimming devices," explains Jill Schildhouse, a cruise expert and U.S. News contributor who always travels with her RFID wallet. "And because your wallet wasn't even touched, you won't know it happened until you see your credit card statement."

Read: The Top Passport Holders and Wallets

Medications

Pack more than enough of your prescription medications as well as any over-the-counter medicines you'll need, just in case you encounter an itinerary change or travel delay. While some travelers find it easiest to bring personal medicines in their prescription bottles, others find travel pill boxes to be especially helpful for organization. The Sukuos Weekly Pill Organizer is a well-rated option, with detachable boxes for each day as well as compartments for morning and evening medications.

Sheet masks

Since flying can be so drying for the skin, Faust likes to use sheet masks. "My first step the night before I board (because you should always fly in a day early) is to hydrate with a sheet mask (usually from a Korean brand like Ballon Blanc or FaceTory )," she says. "If I'm meeting up with a friend, I bring an extra sheet mask so our trip starts out feeling a bit like a spa day!"

Magnetic hooks

A surprising fact: Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means you can optimize your storage space by hanging some of your belongings on magnetic wall hooks. The hooks are perfect for holding bulky coats or boots if you're traveling to a colder climate. You can also use them for wet gear on expedition ships and adventure cruises, or for drying out bathing suits after days at the beach or pool. Purchase a set of magnetic hooks for less than $10 on Amazon .

Like hotels, cruise ships can only provide so many hangers. Bring a few extras from home or pick up a pack from your local dollar store. You might also try packable hangers .

Wrinkle release spray

Whether or not you bring a garment bag, a travel-size bottle of wrinkle release spray, such as Downy Wrinkle Releaser spray , is useful to have on board. If you combine a spritz or two with the steam from your shower, you should be able to smooth out some of the wrinkles in your clothing.

Laundry detergent

"If you don't want to pay for laundry service or spend precious time in the self-service laundry room, bring a small bottle of laundry detergent like Woolite to wash key items in the sink: underwear, bras, quick-dry hiking shorts, bathing suits, etc.," recommends Schildhouse. "Every cruise ship shower has a retractable clothesline you can extend to drape the clothes over while they dry. This can also help cut down on the number of items you need to pack."

Over-the-door organizers

Over-the-door organizers with clear or mesh pockets allow you to find your feminine hygiene products, makeup, jewelry and other small items quickly – without having to hunt through multiple drawers or a tight stateroom closet. It's a good idea to purchase a two-pack like this option by Simple Houseware Store (available on Amazon), since you can also use one to store shoes and maximize floor space.

Courtesy of Poo-Pourri

It goes without saying, but to say it anyway: A toilet spray like Poo-Pourri is a must for your cruise packing list. Any smell – pleasant or not – will travel quickly in small staterooms with small bathrooms. Buy a small bottle to keep in your cabin.

Shampoo and conditioner

Cruise experts agree it's best to bring your own shampoo and conditioner in travel-size bottles, as most cruise ships don't provide separate shampoo and conditioner anymore; instead, they offer all-in-one dispensers. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief at Cruise Critic, likes to pack her shampoo and conditioner in the popular Cadence Capsules , noting she also uses them for another essential: sunscreen. "These capsules are easy to fill, never leak and have clear labels, which you can customize," she says.

Wine or Champagne

Most major cruise lines allow each guest to bring one to two bottles of wine or Champagne on board, while some luxury cruise lines allow even more than that. Disney Cruise Line also gives guests the option to bring a six-pack of beer instead of wine or Champagne. Be sure to consult your cruise line's policies when packing for your trip.

Read: Cruise Line Drink Packages

If you plan to bring wine or Champagne, you'll likely need a corkscrew . While some cruise lines may prohibit corkscrews, others allow them onboard; check your cruise line's policy before sailing. Bringing wine with a twistable cap may be a good alternative.

Portable humidifier

Cruise ship cabins can feel dry – especially in the colder months. A portable humidifier like the GENIANI Erie (less than $25 on Amazon) can provide some relief. At about half a pound, this USB-powered device will fit neatly into your checked bag or carry-on luggage. The travel humidifier features two mist settings and has an automatic shut-off option, plus a night light to help you see around your cabin in the dark.

International travel adapter or converter

You'll likely need a travel adapter, since cruise lines homeported in international locales may have different electrical sockets and voltage strengths than you're used to in the U.S.

McDaniel recommends the OneWorld65 Travel Adapter . "I've used a lot of different travel adapters over the years, but this is my favorite. It charges up to six devices at once, has USB and mini-USB options, and works in over 200 countries," she says. "While many cruise ships have U.S. outlets, most usually also have European outlets. This adapter lets me take advantage of that outlet I'd otherwise ignore." She also notes that while cruise lines are getting better about having more outlets on their ships, it never feels like enough to keep your phone, camera battery, tablet, watch, headphones/earbuds and laptop charged (times two or more if you're traveling with others).

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sound machine

Cruise experts agree a sound machine can be helpful for blocking out the sound of late-night partiers returning to their staterooms (or your snoring spouse). Schildhouse likes the LectroFan Micro 2 for cruising. "It plays non-looping white noise and doubles as a speaker to play tunes while you get ready for dinner."

Tech organizer

Courtesy of Bagsmart

A tech organizer like the BAGSMART electronics organizer case – available on Amazon for about $20 – can store all your cables, plugs, SD cards and earphones in one zippered, compact bag that will fit easily in your carry-on luggage. Despite its small size, it can also hold bulkier items like a small laptop charging cord.

First-aid kit

A first-aid kit is a good thing to have on hand no matter where you go. You can make your own using supplies you already have at home, or buy a premade first-aid kit on Amazon for about $20. While all cruise ships have medical facilities, it's useful to have these items with you on shore excursions, especially those involving active adventures.

Hand sanitizer

Regularly washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer is essential to staying healthy while traveling, especially on a cruise ship. Stock up on a few travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer (less than $2 each at Walmart) ahead of your trip. If you're looking for something with less alcohol that's also less drying, check out Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer .

If you're a parent, you know that your infant or toddler needs a very specific size – and in some cases brand – of diapers, which may very well be unavailable to you on your cruise ship or in the ports of call. Bring more than enough diapers to play it safe at sea.

Most cruise lines also require that non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers wear swim diapers in the children's water play areas. For the sake of sanitation, kids must be toilet-trained to use the pools on cruise ships.

Read:  The Best Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Many cruisers like to personalize their cabin with stateroom door decor. Not only is it a fun tradition, but decorating the door can make it easier to locate your room, too. You can find lots of fun decor ideas on Pinterest as well as Amazon .

" Duct tape is a life-saver in many situations," says Kosciolek. "I primarily use it to attach my printed luggage tags, but it's also great for mending clothing issues on the fly and fixing broken luggage until you can get it back home."

"As a parent, I like to bring lanyards with sleeves so my kids can wear their keycards and not lose them," says Erica Silverstein, senior cruise editor at The Points Guy. "We hang them on the magnetic hooks I put on the wall, so they don't get lost in the cabin either."

Courtesy of Sea-Bands

If you're prone to (or think you may be prone to) motion sickness on cruise ships, put a pair of Sea-Bands on your cruise packing list. These soft wristbands use acupressure to prevent and minimize nausea and vomiting on board, and they are a reusable, drug-free alternative to traditional anti-nausea medications. You can purchase Sea-Bands on Amazon or at most drugstores.

If you need something a bit stronger than Sea-Bands (or to use in conjunction with them), Dramamine remains a tried-and-true solution for both preventing and treating sea sickness. Choose the Less Drowsy formula to avoid getting sleepy, and consider the chewable tablets (dye-free) if traveling with kids who are prone to queasiness. Many travelers like Bonine as a remedy for sea sickness as well.

Mix-and-match clothing

Pack a variety of mix-and-match items, also known as a capsule wardrobe, for your cruise. To do this, choose a base color – black or navy blue – for your wardrobe. Next, pack plain, neutral-colored items, then add a few patterned items to the mix. Remember to include a variety of styles (T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits) and also consider reversible clothing and outfits that can easily transition from day to night.

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime, Formal Nights & More

Sports jacket or blazer

Adam Coulter, executive editor of Cruise Critic UK & Australia, recommends packing a sports jacket or blazer. "While cruise lines are getting more casual, what happens if you get that last-minute invite to meet the captain, or there's a meet and mingle where you want to look put together? A jacket will always elevate your elegance (even if you're wearing a T-shirt underneath)," he says. If you're in need of a travel blazer, Bluffworks has some well-rated options; the Gramercy , in particular, gets great reviews.

Themed party attire

Some cruise lines host themed voyages or parties on select nights where passengers can dress up to participate in the fun. You'll want to review your cruise itinerary before you go so you're prepared for the festivities. Bring your buccaneer gear if you're sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line; ships host fun events like Pirate Nights, pirate-themed dinners and a "Pirates in the Caribbean" show. On "The Love Boat"-themed cruises offered by Princess Cruises , pack your platform boots, glittery dresses, bell-bottom pants and halter tops for the line's 1970s-inspired disco party on the deck. No matter the theme, you can't go wrong with a couple of captain hats .

Read:  The Top Party Cruises

Travel wrap

A travel wrap is a versatile accessory that's useful for any trip – even more so on a cruise ship where it can get chilly when the sea breeze picks up. Available in nearly 10 different colors, J.Crew's Oversized Cashmere Wrap is a timeless staple, albeit a bit of an investment; for something less expensive but well rated, try this off-brand pashmina shawl on Amazon .

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

If you're cruising to a cold weather destination such as Alaska , you'll need something heavier than a travel wrap, but not so bulky that it requires additional luggage. Consider a packable jacket that folds easily and compactly; travel experts highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket .

Read: Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items

Packable hat

If you're headed to the Caribbean or another warm weather destination, you'll want a beach hat to protect your scalp and face from the sun. This packable straw hat by FURTALK (available on Amazon for about $25) is a stylish women's option that features a broader brim and offers UPF 50 sun protection. For more recommendations, browse the best beach hats in a variety of styles.

Comfortable walking shoes

Courtesy of Allbirds

Even if you never step foot off the ship, there is still plenty of walking to do between bow and stern. Closed-toe shoes or sandals with straps are safer than flimsy flip flops when boarding a slippery tender into port (if your ship can't dock directly). Check out our recommendations for the most comfortable walking shoes , which include the popular Allbirds Wool Runners and the Birkenstock Mayari , a modern twist on the classic sandal.

Water shoes

Depending on your scheduled shore excursions, you might also need a pair of water shoes. For something that's both functional and fashionable, we like the Crocs LiteRide 360 Pacer . While not totally waterproof, the Native Jefferson is a water-friendly, versatile option.

Versatile heels

"Over the years, I've learned that the key to avoiding overpacking is to bring one neutral pair of low heels that match every single eveningwear outfit I've packed – from flowy pants to dresses," says Schildhouse, who loves her Rockport Tabitha 2-Strap Heeled Sandals . "They have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing heel so you can dance the night away in the club, and a 3-inch block heel with traction to keep you steady on your feet even if the ship's rocking a bit."

Reusable water bottle

A reusable water bottle is useful for filling up at water and beverage stations on your cruise ship; it's also a necessity for shore excursions.

Bathing suit

Pack a couple of swimsuits for the pools, hot tubs and any shore excursions.

Swim cover-up

Another must-have for your cruise packing list is a swimsuit cover-up or two. These are great for wearing over your bathing suit during days at sea, as well as on excursions – especially if you're going on a Caribbean cruise . Amazon sells a variety of stylish, affordable cover-ups, and you can never go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt .

Dry bags are useful for shore excursions where you're likely to get wet but don't want the same to be true for your phone, camera and other precious items. "I use the Outdoor Research Unisex Dry Isolation Pack   and have never had so much as a drop of moisture enter it, which is important for me – it keeps my cameras, documents and important items from getting wet," says Saunders, adding that it functions as a great everyday backpack when it's not raining.

If you need more than one dry bag, cruise expert Brittany Chrusciel recommends the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag Set . "Having these dry bags, in a variety of sizes, means I can bring all my gear along during a Zodiac cruise or snorkeling excursion without having to worry about it getting wet."

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is also essential, especially if you plan to take photos. The Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches (available in a two-pack) come with a lanyard so you can both protect your phone and wear it around your neck. They are compatible with most smartphones.

"I like to bring collapsible pails, small shovels , inflatable beach toys, a floppy Frisbee or other things to entertain the kids on the beach if we're going to a private island or beach destination," says Silverstein. "If you can inflate your own inner tube, you don't need to rent a floating mat."

Beach towel

"Although cruise lines provide guests with towels to take off the ship on excursions, they are often bulky and sometimes small," explains Chrusciel. "The Surfer Towel folds up to nearly nothing, so it takes up almost no room in your suitcase and is super convenient to pack in a day bag. What's more, its quick-drying technology means that the lightweight fabric won't be soaking wet when you need to pack up for the day and head back to the ship."

Towel clips

"Even though giant plastic towel clips shaped like a flamingo are a bit cringey, they make it easy to find your spot in a sea of sun loungers," says Chrusciel. "They also solve a common cruise problem: keeping your towel securely fixed to your chair while reading or sunbathing."

Reef-safe sunscreen

Courtesy of Badger

When choosing a sunscreen, look for something that's reef-safe; not only are these sunscreens safer for the environment, but they're also better for you . The active ingredients in reef-safe sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of both. Top-rated mineral sunscreen brands include Think , Badger and Raw Elements , all of which also sell lip balm with sunscreen (another essential at sea).

After-sun lotion

You'll want an extra dose of moisturizer if you've been basking in the sun. COOLA makes an after-sun body lotion that cools and hydrates the skin with aloe vera, agave and lavender oil. Previous buyers rave about this lotion, noting they appreciate that the scent isn't overpowering. If you prefer a spray, try this option by Pacifica .

A good book

Sea days are the perfect time to kick back and relax with a book you've been meaning to read. Find an oceanfront lounge chair in a shaded area on the pool deck, or grab a cup of tea and settle into a quiet nook indoors. There's no need to pack more than one book, however, as many cruise ships have libraries.

What not to pack for a cruise

Power strip.

Many cruise lines do not permit power strips as they present a fire hazard, while others allow them as long as they are non-surge-protected. Instead of a power strip, purchase a portable charger such as this highly rated one by Anker , which can power up multiple devices at once. This can be especially useful for shore excursions. When packing for your cruise, also think about your luggage: If it has an included charging port, you may not even need to purchase an additional charging block.

Weapons and restraints

Firearms, handcuffs and the like are not permitted on cruise ships. This rule also includes toy guns on most cruise lines.

While most major cruise lines allow guests to pack a limited amount of wine or Champagne per person, they do not permit hard liquor. Of course, those of age can purchase cocktails at any of the bars on board.

Household appliances

Irons and steamers are not permitted on cruise ships, which is why the aforementioned garment bags, wrinkle release spray and packing cubes are recommended for keeping clothing tidy and neat. Coffee makers and mug warmers are also prohibited.

While you can technically bring you own, it's not necessary as hairdryers are available in every bathroom on most ships.

CBD and marijuana

CBD that's derived from hemp and contains 0.3% THC or less is legal at a federal level. However, each state interprets and enforces this law differently; for example, many states require a prescription for it. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines continue to ban CBD in any form.

Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, which means you cannot bring it on a cruise ship – even if you're legally able to purchase it in your home state for recreational or medical use.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

For the U.S. News Cruise Packing List, travel writers Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross tapped leading industry experts for their cruise essentials. They regularly update this checklist with new and useful items to pack.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Cruise Lines
• The Best Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Travel Gear

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Things to Take on a Cruise: 50 Must-Have Items to Pack

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What are the essential things to take on a cruise is one of the questions I get asked a lot.

Having sailed on many cruises with different cruise lines I have years of experience of what to pack and what can most definitely be left behind!

Here is a guide to all the things which are either essential to pack, cool things to pack, or just downright fun to pack!

Your Ultimate Cruise Packing List Guide starts here!

MUST-HAVE ITEMS TO TAKE ON A CRUISE

What to pack for the beach and the cruise ship pools, essential items to pack for a cruise if you can bring drinks onboard, things to bring to keep you healthy on a cruise, travel essentials for safety, clothes to pack for a cruise, things to pack to make laundry a breeze on a cruise, things that are nice to take on a cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Here are the essential things which we think are must-have items that we bring on every single cruise. We don’t leave home without these! These are the items that we bring with us every cruise sailing whether it is a short 3-day journey or a longer cruise where we will be on the ship for weeks at a time.

Packing Cubes are really the absolutely essential travel item that I always take with me no matter what.

They make packing, organization, and even unpacking so much easier.

There are many different types available but I like this Set of Packing Cubes with Laundry Bag & Shoe Bag . This set is a good value and will make such a huge difference to your packing.

When you arrive in your stateroom you can easily unpack and know where everything is.

We all tend to have a lot of things that need charging now. Some cruise ships have a lot of outlets, but really on most ships I have sailed on, there are never enough.

I always take a Power Strip but you have to be careful to take the right one. If it is not Cruise Approved it will be confiscated and returned to you at the end of the cruise.

This Power Strip with USB Cruise Approved is one of my favorites as it has a 5-foot power cord with 3 outlets and 3 USB ports.

On the same theme, you always seem to run out of phone power just when you really need it.

This 2 Pack Portable Charger is reasonably priced and works well.

Cruise-Approved Power Strip Options

You can use hooks and clips for hanging things up on the wall such as bags, to-do lists, and hats. These do the job really well.

Magnetic Hooks Heavy Duty Extra Strength for Hanging are always useful things to pack on a cruise ship. Your stateroom is just one big magnetic space – and it is a really efficient use of space to take advantage of this.

I also always take a Reusable Water Bottle with me when I sail on a cruise.

It is so useful for many things including getting your morning coffee, taking to the gym, and taking with you when you are out and about in a port.

This Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw is a good one as it has a good capacity and is perfect for both hot and cold drinks.

This is well insulated and actually keeps your drink cold – even in those very hot destinations where it is so important that you keep hud

You will need to carry your cruise card everywhere with you. The easiest way to keep it safe and easily accessible is by having a lanyard.

Some cruise lines give these out when you board. However, sometimes they don’t so I always make sure to take my own.

This 2-Pack Cruise Lanyard combination is good value.

Most cruises sail in places with great weather year-round so you are likely to want to use the swimming pools onboard. If you are sailing in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, or Europe you are also likely to want to spend some downtime at the beach. Here are some things to take on a cruise for the pool and the beach.

Always have a great tote bag to pack with pool and beachwear. Then it is easy to keep organized.

Often on a cruise, your luggage doesn’t arrive until late in the day to your stateroom on embarkation day .

So it’s a good idea to take your swimming tote with you so that you can use the pools on the ship when they are quiet.

One of my favorite tote bags is this Disney Mickey & Minnie Mouse Icon Print Zipper Travel Bag .

I sail mostly on Disney cruises so this is the one I usually take with me.

However, if you aren’t a fan of the Mouse (it’s OK I understand) then this is a really good Large Waterproof Beach Tote Pool Bag with lots of choices for different designs.

I recently discovered these fabulous Cooling Towels . I use them all the time now at home in the summer, at the gym at the Disney theme parks and I always take them on cruises.

The concept is really simple and they work so well at keeping you cool in hot weather. You just wet them with cold water and you are good to go.

Beaches can be uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous places to walk on with bare feet.

No one wants to end up with a cut foot from stepping on a sharp object on the sand or stones. Even Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay is pretty rough on your feet!

The easy and inexpensive solution is to always bring Water Sports Swim Shoes . These are available in a variety of styles and sizes so there is a pair for all members of the family.

A swimsuit cover-up is essential to get you from the water back to your stateroom.

This Women’s Bathing Suit Swimwear Beach Cover Up is ideal for the beach or the pool and doesn’t take up too much space in your bag. There are lots of different colors to choose from.

If you are in the sun you really should be wearing a hat as well as sunscreen.

The great thing about this Women’s Beach Sun Straw Hat does not only offers UPV50 protection, but it is also foldable so ideal to pack it in your cruise suitcase.

Men need sun protection too so check out this Super Wide Brim Sun Hat to keep them safe from the rays.

There is nothing quite like sitting by the pool or lounging on the beach with a good book. I always pack my Kindle when I sail on a cruise.

I do sometimes like a “real” book but when traveling, the Kindle is just so much more convenient.

The new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best design yet and also has the great feature of being waterproof.

This e-reader has up to 10 weeks of battery life – so that it is a long time before you are going to have to worry about recharging!

Water and electronics do not mix so I always make sure to bring a Universal Waterproof Case for Cellphone . It really isn’t worth taking a chance with your cell phone!

Another problem you may have with water is it might rain! Often in cruise destinations, showers are short but significant!

Pack this Windproof Travel Umbrella so you are not caught out in the rain.

Although many cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises have their own drink’s package some also allow you to bring a limited amount of bottles of wine and other soft drinks onboard. Always check the policy of the cruise line with whom you are sailing.

Disney Cruise Lines has one of the most generous alcohol policies as it allows you to bring two bottles of wine or a 6 pack of beer per person over 21.

If you are allowed to bring bottles of wine onboard you need to bring them in your hand luggage.

I have used these Wine Wings Reusable Bottle Protectors for years and never had a problem with any leakages or breakages.

In a bid to be more environmentally friendly, most cruise lines have discontinued the use of plastic straws. Most now use paper straws.

If you are one of the many who don’t like paper straws you can bring your own reusable straws on the ship. These Reusable Silicone Straws are a great option to bring with you.

We all know that keeping healthy anywhere you go is more and more important these days. There are some things that are specific to sailing on a cruise that you will want to pack in your suitcase.

These days there will be a Hand Sanitizer available all over the ship. I do still like to take my own with me so that I can always have it when I need it.

This Hand Sanitizer Gel Infused with Essential Oils is a favorite as it is travel size and also has a clip so you can carry it easily.

I have also recently bought these Travel Size Hand Sanitizer Holder Bottles which are really useful. They have hooks so you can attach them to your bag or lanyard.

You can fill them with a sanitizer, or use them for sunscreen or even hand cream. Just so useful to carry with you or throw into your beach bag.

Sometimes you really just want some soap to wash your hands with. These Mini Portable Disposable Travel Paper Soap Sheets are ideal for when you are sailing. They come in a cute dispenser.

Another recent find that I wouldn’t now be without is this UV Light Sanitizer Bag . I use this a lot at home now too.

It is great to take on a cruise with you as it is easy to sanitize things like your phone and even your toothbrush.

The first thing I do when I arrive at my stateroom is set up this sanitizer (it uses a USB). I put things like the stateroom remote control in there.

I know that cruise lines are very careful and thorough in their cleaning methods, but I do think it is important to do what you can as well.

I always bring these Multi-Surface Antibacterial Cleaning Wipes and use them to wipe down surfaces in my stateroom.

Always use Sun Screen. It will be available on the ship, but at a premium price. So always take your own preferred brand.

If you will be swimming in the ocean always use one that is eco-friendly such as this Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 .

I always make sure that I have some Aloe Vera in my cruise packing bag. I like this Organic Aloe Vera Gel because it is pure without the toxic additives that some brands have. It is great to use on sunburn, stings, and bites.

I also always pack some Sting Stop Gel – it really works quickly if you do get a bite or sting.

Although I am fortunate enough never to have experienced it, seasickness is a real thing for some.

The modern cruise ships have excellent stabilizers so most people do report that they are not affected by motion sickness, but it is always wise to pack some remedies just in case.

I have written a guide to what to do to help prevent and alleviate seasickness. You should always pack a remedy such as Dramamine.

The Dramamine Motion Sickness Original may have you so sleepy you will be fast asleep before sailing away! But the Dramamine Non-Drowsy works just as well. Save the original version if you want to fall asleep on the plane!

If you want a natural solution these Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband work for many people. These Ginger Chews can help a lot too.

It is a good idea to take a Basic Medical Kit with you. I like this Mini First Aid Kit as it has all the essentials and is compact and easy to carry,

How to Pack the Perfect Cruise Carry On

We might not want to think about it, but sometimes things do happen. However, there are many things you can do to minimize the chances of this by traveling smarter. Here are the things we always take with us.

You always want to keep your travel documents safe when you are traveling. This Passport and Vaccine Card Holder Combo is useful for keeping your passport and vaccine card together.

You can choose from lots of different colors.

As a very frequent Disney cruiser, I have this Adventure Awaits Passport Cover inspired by the Pixar movie Up.

I love the design and the fact that it is big enough for more than one passport.

Never ever travel without Travel Insurance . Most of the time you won’t need it, but when you do you will be so thankful that you have it.

When you are onboard your ship you do not need to carry any money with you – all you need is your cruise card. However, when you get off the ship at any port you will need to carry money and possibly travel documents with you.

Therefore you need somewhere safe to carry your valuables with you. I have had one of these Eagle Creek RFID Blocker Travel Money Belt for a long time and it’s easy to wear and comfortable.

If you are looking for a travel purse I like the Travelon Women’s, Anti-Theft Range .

They are reasonably priced and have such features as hidden, slash-proof, Chain Link construction, and an adjustable, cable-reinforced, cut-proof shoulder strap.

Always use a TSA Approved Luggage Lock for your luggage so that Transportation Security Administration screeners can inspect and relock baggage, without damaging the lock.

How to Pack for the Beach – The Ultimate Guide

Here are some ideas for some clothes that you might want to pack for a cruise.

Before you sail make sure that you know your cruise line’s specific dress code. Some cruise lines are definitely more formal than others.

However, many cruise lines have a very relaxed dress code these days.

Just make sure you know what is appropriate for the ship you are sailing on.

I sail mostly with Disney cruises and they have a fairly relaxed dress code , even for formal night.

One of the best things I have bought for any kind of travel is this Large Soft Cashmere Silky Pashmina Solid Shawl Wrap . It is great for dressing up in the evening, keeping warm on deck or your balcony.

I even took it with me on a recent trip to England and it kept me really warm. You can choose from lots of different colors and it’s reasonably enough priced so you can have different colors.

One idea to bear in mind is that to minimize the number of clothes you take, your aim should be to create a capsule wardrobe with key pieces that can be worn with each other.

I spend a lot of time wearing summer dresses on a cruise. One of my favorites is this Women’s Summer Halter Maxi Dress . It is inexpensive, good quality doesn’t crease, and is available in lots of different colors and designs.

This Belted Wrap Short Jumpsuit is another really great outfit to take with you on a cruise.

It is available in lots of different colors, is so comfortable to wear, and goes easily from day to night time.

If you are on a short cruise you probably won’t have to think about this. However, for cruises of 7 nights or more, you will probably need to do laundry. Here are some things that will make it easier to deal with the laundry on your cruise.

Of course, no one really wants to do laundry on a cruise, but sometimes you just can’t avoid it! But it can be made easier if you just pack a few things to make a difference.

Laundry rooms on cruise ships will sell detergent and fabric softener . However, it will probably not be the brand that you like and it will certainly be more expensive than taking your own.

I always take Tide PODS Free and Gentle and put some in a zip lock bag. You can’t easily pack liquid softener but these Wool Dryer Balls are ideal to just throw in your suitcase to use onboard.

Another discovery I made a number of years ago and now always take with me is Downy Wrinkle Releaser . This handy little spray doesn’t take up much space but is wonderful at getting creases out of dresses and shirts.

Perfect for a formal night when you may not want to spend time in the laundry room ironing!

I always bring a laundry bag as well. It helps to keep things much more organized and also means that you have something to carry laundry into the laundry room on board!

This Large Laundry Mesh Bag with Drawstring Closure Bundle with 6 Pack Mesh Wash Bags is particularly good as you can have one large bag and also separate out delicates and socks.

It’s just so much more organized so that everything is sorted according to how it should be washed. Even if you don’t want to do laundry on the ship it means everything is organized for packing when you go home.

Here are some ideas for lots more items that are not exactly essential things to pack on a cruise, but will make it an, even more, self-indulgent and enjoyable experience. Treat yourself!

One thing that absolutely should be on your Alaska packing list is a pair of binoculars. There is so much amazing scenery and wildlife on an Alaskan cruise you will miss out unless you have some.

They are also definitely nice to have on other cruises too. Some of the most amazing moments on the Mexican Riviera cruise have been when I have seen whales and dolphins while sitting and relaxing on my verandah.

The binoculars really don’t have to be expensive – these Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision are very reasonably priced. They are also compact and lightweight enough to easily be packed in your port visit tote bag.

If you want to keep a track of your exercise and fitness levels this Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch is one of my favorite new accessories.

It can be difficult not to put on weight on a cruise – the temptation of all that food can be overwhelming! But you can keep an eye on your step count, heart rate and even track your sleep patterns.

A set of wireless earbuds is also something that is nice to have on a cruise. You can listen to music or maybe an audiobook and be in your own private world.

Earbuds don’t need to be expensive well-known names. These Wireless Earbuds are an inexpensive option with high ratings.

The memories that you make on a cruise are things that you will have with you forever. But to make those memories a bit clearer you will want to have a great camera with you.

If you are going to take a lot of video footage then you really should think about the GoPro HERO9 Camera . It takes amazing photos too.

The OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera is an excellent point-and-shoot camera which is easy to use and produces great results.

I am always looking for ways to make a cruise stateroom more comfortable. At home, I pretty much always have a candle burning, so I looked for an alternative to take with me on a cruise as obviously, no cruise line allows candles because of the fire risk!

I now take a Yankee Candle room spray with me when I travel. One of my favorite selections for a cruise is this Yankee Candle Summer Favorites 3-Pack Concentrated Room Sprays (Sun and Sand, Pink Sand, Beach Walk) . I really love the fragrances included in this pack.

I always take a Dry-Erase Board with me. It’s small enough to be easy to pack but large enough to be able to leave messages for your cruise mates.

Even though many cruise lines are now going paperless, some still have daily schedules on paper. I make sure that I have packed my Highlighter Pens so I can mark activities that we are interested in.

What do you always pack on a cruise? Do you have any tips for others about things to take on a cruise?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Friday 29th of December 2023

Don’t forget magnets. You can use them to hang your lanyards, hats, sunglasses, notes/activities, excursion tickets, door decorations, etc.

Denise Fennell

Monday 25th of July 2022

All great but Downy Wrinkle Release is a must. Who wants to iron or look like you slept in the garment.

Sheri Smith

Friday 15th of July 2022

power pack especially since we need our phones for the DCL app

Maureen Flanigan

Saturday 21st of May 2022

Definitely a water bottle. I bring it everywhere with me!

Monday 18th of April 2022

Dry erase board/marker with magnetics on the back foor your door. This lets you keep track of where everyone is by each person leaving a note.

Texas mother arrested after allegedly leaving young children alone to take a cruise

A Texas woman was arrested after allegedly leaving her children at home alone to take a cruise.

Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, left her 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter by themselves in their Houston apartment to go on vacation on April 4, according to a criminal complaint.

She is charged with abandoning a child with intent to return.

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Deputies with the Harris County Constable’s Office made a wellness check on Tuesday following a call for service. A witness told them that neighbors in the complex were concerned about the safety of two kids left on their own in one of the units. The witness said other residents had seen Williams leaving with bags and luggage and did not see her come back.

“The apartment was in complete disarray and had trash and left-over food all over the unit,” the document said. There was a “very potent smell of urine” inside as well.

“No adults were present supervising the juveniles, and none appeared to have been present since the Defendant’s departure,” the document continued. Deputies also found a camera in the apartment that Williams used to watch and talk to the kids during her trip, and her son had a phone he used to text her.

The document did not specify which cruise line Williams sailed with or where she went. “Deputies tried contacting the Defendant to make the scene, but she was not cooperating and was switching up her story on her whereabouts,” the document said.

The Houston Fire Department was called to ensure the children “were in good health and not malnourished,” and Child Protective Services reported to the scene before releasing the children to their aunt.

An attorney for Williams was not listed.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas mother arrested after allegedly leaving young children alone to take a cruise

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

LIVE UPDATES

Israel-Gaza live updates: Biden calling for G7 meeting after Iran's 'brazen' attack

Over 200 drones and UAVs have been launched at Israel, the IDF says.

U.S. officials confirmed Israel's announcement that Iran’s retaliatory strike has begun.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier said that it launched extensive missile and drone operations against targets in Israel, according to Tasnim, the Iranian news-agency affiliated with the branch of Iran's armed forces.

Six months after Hamas terrorists invaded Israel on Oct. 7, the Israeli military has continued its bombardment of the neighboring Gaza Strip. About 1,200 people were killed in the initial terrorist attack, according to Israeli officials, while Israel's bombing of Gaza has killed more than 33,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.

Latest headlines:

• US helped 'take down nearly all' incoming drones, missiles: Biden
• 'Small number' of Iranian missiles land in Israel: IDF
• Iran warns US to 'STAY AWAY', saying attack is 'legitimate defense'
• Air raid sirens activate all over Israel, no reports of casualties

US Embassy in Jerusalem lifts shelter-in-place order

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem early on Sunday lifted its shelter-in-place order for US government employees after the threat from Iranian drones and missiles "diminished."

But the embassy warned that security in Israel "remains complex" and can change quickly.

"The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents often take place without warning," the embassy said in a security alert .

-ABC News' Christopher Boccia and Kevin Shalvey

Blinken condemns attack

Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Iran's attack on Israel, saying the U.S. doesn't seek escalation but will support Israel's right to defend itself and will protect U.S. personnel in the Middle East.

"The United States condemns Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms," Blinken said in a statement.

He added that he'll be "consulting with allies and partners in the region and around the world in the hours and days ahead."

-ABC News' Shannon K. Crawford

US shot down about 70 Iranian drones in Israel, officials say

Two U.S. officials confirmed that U.S. forces shot down about 70 Iranian drones headed towards Israel.

One official added that one of the U.S. Navy destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean was also able to bring down an undetermined number of Iranian ballistic missiles.

One of the officials said the destroyer shot down three Iranian ballistic missiles.

-ABC News’ Luis Martinez

Shelter in place lifted in some areas of Israel

The Israel Defense Forces Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of Iran's surface-to-surface missile launches using the "Arrow" Aerial Defense System, together with Israel's strategic allies, before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.

A small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure.

Over the past few hours, many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory and intercepted. Dozens of IAF fighter jets are currently operating to intercept all aerial threats approaching Israeli territory.

According to a situation analysis by IDF’s Home Front Command, the residents of the following towns: Northern Golan, Nevatim, Dimona, Eilat-City, Be'er Sheva and Arad no longer need to stay near a protected space.

The IDF said it is deployed on all fronts, prepared, and continuing to defend Israeli territory.

-ABC News' Will Gretsky

Iran has readied over 100 cruise missiles for possible strike on Israel: US officials

U.S. officials continue to see indicators that Iran could be ready to attack Israel with missile and drone strikes.

Iran has readied a large number of missiles for a possible strike, according to three U.S. officials. Two of the officials said that Iran has readied more than 100 cruise missiles for a possible strike. Iran has also readied a sizeable number of drones that could be used in an attack on Israel, according to one official.

The officials said that Iran has been readying the missiles and drones over the last week.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

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Taking Your First Cruise: Everything You Need to Know (Complete Guide)

First time taking a cruise? There’s no doubt that you have questions on how to prepare.

Sure you’ve seen all the pretty pictures on the cruise line website and all the glossy photos in the marketing brochures. But what is it really like to take a cruise?

What sort of things are there to do on the ship? What’s the first day of a cruise like? How do you board the ship? Or tip a waiter? Or get a drink?

Note: This article focuses primarily on sailing the Caribbean/Mexico/Bahamas. If sailing Alaska, then we suggest our article here .

If you’ve never taken a cruise before, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Every year cruise lines around the world welcome millions of new passengers. That means you won’t be alone on the ship in being a first-timer, and the staff will always be happy to help with any questions you have.

As well, no two cruise lines are the same. So even if someone has sailed a number of times on one line, they may still feel like a rookie the first time sailing a different cruise line.

The bottom line? There’s no reason to feel like you’re going to be the only one who isn’t quite sure what to do on the ship. Don’t let the worry of being unsure what to do make you feel self-conscious.

Beyond that, we’ve laid out everything you need to know about taking your first cruise… and how to sail like a pro.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. Cruzely earns a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you.

In This Article...

Overview of Taking Your First Cruise

While we will get into all the details of your first cruise below, let’s start with a general overview. The specifics might vary from line to line, but the general aspects of your trip will be similar.

So what is cruising like?

Truth is, it can be whatever you want it to be. If you want it to be a wild party time with lots of sun, booze, and entertainment, then it can be. If you’re looking for something relaxing and quiet, it can be that too.

Today’s cruise ships are large enough — and offer enough things to do — that no matter what sort of trip you are looking for, you’ll be able to have it on a cruise.

It’s no exaggeration that you’ll find everything from newlyweds on a honeymoon to couples celebrating their 50th anniversary. You’ll also find families, bachelorette parties, and just folks looking to get away for a bit. (Note that some cruise lines cater to different crowds, such as Virgin Voyages, which is adults only.)

While the major cruise lines cater to a wide audience, one thing is for certain. You can expect a lot of people on the ship. Modern ships typically carry around 3-4,000 passengers, with the largest ships carrying 6,000 plus. That means the ship is usually buzzing with activity. But don’t think you can’t get away. Ships are huge, which means there are always quieter spots on the ship if you prefer.

Your Cabin While on the ship, the cabin on the ship is your home away from home. First-time cruisers are always surprised at the size of a cruise cabin. Put bluntly, they are small. The image below is a rather large cruise cabin.

Even so, a cabin will have everything that you need. From your bed to a television, from a closet to a full bathroom (shower only, no tub unless you opt for much larger suites), it offers anything a normal hotel room will have, albeit in a much cozier space. (This also includes things like an in-room fridge, a small safe, and a hair dryer.)

For two adults the size is plenty, but for more than two adults and a kid, we’d suggest looking into two cabins — even though most say they can accommodate up to four people.

Many passengers opt for a balcony cabin , and it’s hard to argue with that plan. While it is a little pricier than the cheapest interior cabins, having your own private balcony is a nice feature. Balconies are normally small, but enough for two chairs and a small table. One other nice feature is that having a balcony gives you access to fresh air, unlike interior or oceanview cabins.

During the trip your cabin will be serviced by the room steward. Each day they will make up the room and deliver things like the daily schedule. They tend to work at the times that most passengers are out of the room (e.g. dinner time), so as not to disturb people. 

The steward will introduce themselves on your first day on the ship, and you can let them know anything you might need. Don’t hesitate to ask if you want something to make your cruise better, or if you have any questions about how things work. They are always more than happy to help.

Food and Drink on a Cruise What’s a cruise without food? And it just doesn’t feel right to hang out poolside without a drink in your hand. On a cruise, there is no shortage of food or drink.

Hungry? These days cruise ships have lots of restaurants — in some cases up to a dozen different places. These range everything from the buffet to the formal dining room to specialty restaurants. There is also usually a 24-hour restaurant or café where you can get something to eat no matter the time.

What’s confusing for many first-timers is that some food is free, and some places are a charge to eat. Apart from the buffet and the dining room, most sit-down restaurants on cruise ships these days have an extra charge for eating there.

Speaking of the buffet and dining room, these spots are where most people will eat their meals. The buffet is open for all three meals. You simply walk in when you’re hungry and grab a plate.

The dining rooms normally assign a dinner time, but many also have “anytime” dining where you just show up and you’ll be seated. Here you get the white tablecloth dining experience. Expect it to take about an hour and a half to eat. (Many people don’t realize you can also eat breakfast in the dining room as well. The food is fresher than that you’ll find in the buffet, with smaller crowds.)

Specialty (extra charge) restaurants offer up more intimate dining, with smaller venues and usually need reservations. Just like on land, the specialty restaurants can vary from Asian to Mexican to Italian, and of course, the ever popular steakhouse.

Thirsty? Alcohol is big business on a cruise, and you’ll know it right away. That’s because there are bars everywhere on the ship. The casino, the pool, the center atrium, and all throughout the ship. You are never more than a few steps from a bar.

While many things are included in your cruise fare, alcohol is not (unless you book a special package). Instead, you will need to buy drinks, and they can be pricey. It’s normally $6-8 for a beer and about $10-14 for a cocktail. One other thing to remember is that gratuity is added (normally around 18%) to the price of each drink.

If you plan on drinking a lot, then cruise lines also sell alcohol packages . These deals allow you to pay one set price each day and drink your fill.

Non-alcoholic drinks are typically a charge too. This includes soda. You can get water, juice, and tea complimentary in restaurants.

Entertainment and Activities Remember how we said that your cruise can be anything you want it to be? That’s because there is always something going on, and it’s a wide variety of things to do. From evening shows in the theater to belly-flop contests by the pool, there’s lots happening. The good news is that it’s often included in your cruise fare.

The most popular entertainment might be the evening theater shows. Some nights this might be a Broadway-style show. Other nights it can be a live game show (spin-offs of “The Newlywed Game” are especially common). But there will be some big event in the theater almost every night.

The theater, however, is just a drop in the bucket of the things to do. There are pools, hot tubs, the casino, spa, waterslides, shopping, sport courts, and more. Newer ships will often have more things to do, including things as crazy as go-karts and a roller coaster or zipline.

In addition to all of those, the staff puts on activities throughout the day. These range from trivia contests to dance parties and everything in between. You’ll get a daily schedule of everything going on delivered to your stateroom the night before or you can view it on the phone app for your cruise line.

Want to just do your own thing? Of course, that’s always popular. Spend some time at the pool, grab something to eat, take a nap… it’s your vacation. Just because there is a schedule of activities doesn’t mean you have to follow it.

Visiting Ports of Call One thing that might surprise first-time passengers is visiting ports of call. For instance, on a 7-day cruise you might have three or four ports of call. But each stop is usually only about eight hours long. In other words, the vast majority of your time is spent on the ship .

When it comes to ports of call, they can vary widely. Cruise line private islands are popular as they are completely for the use of passengers. They have many of the amenities you’d expect on the ship, including loungers, bars, and activities, and many of these items are included for free with your fare. Have a drink package? They usually extend to cruise ship private islands.

Other ports of call are your chance to experience another country. They are completely separate from the cruise ship, and you are free to explore as you please.

Looking for something to do? Cruise lines offer excursions that you can book on the ship (fees apply). Excursions can range from everything from beach days to snorkeling to cultural activities. Or you can simply head out on your own.

One thing to note is that many ports of call have welcome areas right at the end of the dock. This often includes shops, restaurants, and spots to book excursions if you haven’t already. If you don’t feel like going anywhere, these spots offer something to do off the ship.

No matter where you are visiting, be sure to bring your cruise keycard (more on this in a moment), some ID, and a little pocket money.

What to Expect at Embarkation (Boarding)

Embarkation — a fancy word for when you get on the ship — is filled with excitement. So what can you expect as a first-time cruiser?

First, there are a couple of ways that you can start. Many are choosing to check-in online ahead of time. In fact, this is what we recommend if possible. Doing this allows you to fill out required forms, attach a credit card to your account, and more ahead of time. It will greatly speed up the time in the terminal and allow you to board faster.

For those that choose to check-in the traditional way, it will take a little longer, but not too long.

No matter what you choose, when you book your cruise you will have an arrival time. These days many cruise lines have moved to staggered check-in where you are given a 30-minute boarding window to arrive at the port. This helps spread passengers out over time instead of having a big rush right when the ship opens for passengers. Some cruises may simply have a boarding window of several hours, allowing you to arrive at any time you like within that period.

As you arrive at the terminal, there will be a place to check your bags if you want. Porters will load bags onto the ship, and the staff will deliver them to your room later. As a general rule, large heavy bags are good to check, but always have a carry-on with important items like medicines, your passport, and a change of clothes for the first day.

When you enter the port terminal, the first thing you’ll do is enter and show your boarding pass and ID. From there, you will pass through security. Cruise ship security is similar to going through an airport, but not as invasive. After having your documents checked, you’ll place your carry-on bag on an x-ray machine and then pass through a metal detector.

From there, you’ll meet with an agent that will tie up any loose ends needed before boarding, such as a photo tied to your account. If you’ve checked in online, your room keys will likely be waiting in a sealed envelope at your door.

These cards not only act as your room key while on the ship, but also as a credit card linked to your account. Other than the casino, you don’t use cash on a modern cruise ship. Instead, if you want to by anything onboard, you simply swipe your keycard. The bill is settled up at the end of the cruise.

After meeting with the check-in agent, you’re ready to head to the ship as long as the staff is ready to start boarding. If you arrive early, you might have to wait in the terminal until the ship is ready.

Your First Day on a Cruise

The first day on a cruise is actually a bit of a misnomer. The first “day” is more like the first afternoon and evening as boarding generally starts around noon.

For most people, the first stop is to the cabin to drop off their bags and get settled in. This is a chance to find where your room is on the ship and get acquainted with where you’ll be living during your cruise. Note that if boarding early in the day, your room may not be ready yet.

From there, many take the chance to grab a drink and explore the ship a bit. There are also restaurants open where you can get a bite to eat. If you know that you want a drink package, or to reserve your spot in a specialty restaurant, it’s a good time to get those taken care of if you didn’t do so online ahead of time.

On the first day the big event on the ship is the muster drill. By law, cruise ships have to perform this safety drill. These days, it’s largely moved to digital, making it more convenient.

You’ll watch some safety information on your cabin TV or on your phone via the cruise line app. Then, you head to your muster station to check-in and watch a demonstration of putting on a life jacket.

In total the drill takes only a few minutes, and then it’s back to the fun. Don’t try skipping the drill; you sign in with your card and the staff will know who doesn’t show.

Activities are planned throughout the evening, including the sailaway party that’s held on the pool deck. The ship’s casino will open up once the ship is far enough offshore, and of course, bars will have the drinks flowing.

Want to hit the pool? Or grab dinner? The ship is now wide open for you to use. Your vacation has officially started.

What’s Included — and Costs Extra — on a Cruise

One of the most confusing things for first-time cruise passengers is what’s included with your cruise fare. Some people think that cruises are all-inclusive. That’s not usually the case on most lines. In fact, most people spend a substantial amount of money once on the ship. 

The extras you can spend money on range everything from alcohol to restaurants to gambling to souvenirs from the gift shop.

Even so, there are a number of things that are included. Below, we’ve highlighted the major things that are included with your fare, and what’s not.

Note: Some lines have started offering more “all inclusive” fares like NCL’s “ Free at Sea ” that include things like drink packages and wi-fi with your cruise.

What’s Included

Cabin: Of course with your cruise fare, the cabin is included. On the cruise the cabin is your home away from home. While small, it has everything you need for a week or so at sea. As well, you’ll get daily (or twice daily) steward service.

(Most) Food: Along with your cabin, food is the other major item that’s included on a cruise. What’s a little confusing is that not all food is included on most ships. Things like the buffet and main dining room and snacks are free of charge. Specialty restaurants, however, cost extra.

Entertainment/Activities: For the most part, things to do on the ship are included with your fare. So for the evening shows in the theater, just come in and find a seat. The same goes for most other activities onboard. There is a trend toward charging for some special activities like go-karts on Norwegian Cruise Line. As well, things like gambling and bingo obviously have a charge associated.

Amenities on the Ship: Except in a few rare cases, you have full run of the amenities on the cruise ship when you pay your fare. Want to go hang by the pool? Or maybe you want to work up a sweat in the gym? Or just enjoy many of the public spaces on the ship that are perfect for people watching? They are all available.

Room Service Breakfast: Room service used to all be free, but is trending toward being a charge. Even so, most lines will let you order breakfast for free.

Not Included Gratuities: So far we haven’t mentioned gratuities , but they are a big expense for a cruise. Cruise lines charge a daily set amount per passenger that is then passed on to people like the room steward and the waitstaff in the dining rooms. Amounts vary by cruise line, but normally gratuities run around $16 per person, per day. So a couple sailing for a week would pay about $200+ in gratuities. This amount can be prepaid when you buy your cruise, or it is charged daily to your onboard account.

Specialty Restaurants: While plenty of food is free, ships these days have a number of specialty restaurants that charge extra for you to eat. These are smaller restaurants that focus on one type of food. While the lineup varies by line and ship, the restaurants that charge are usually the sit-down eateries, with the exception of the main dining room.

Room Service: As mentioned above, you can normally get free room service breakfast, but cruise lines are moving toward charging for other items. So if you want a late-night snack or just want lunch in the cabin, expect to pay. (Don’t forget to tip the person bringing your food a couple of bucks.)

Drinks: Apart from tea, coffee, water and juices, expect to pay for drinks. This includes non-alcoholic beverages like soda, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. Some cruise lines let you bring on a small amount of non-alcoholic drinks and a bottle of wine/champagne , so be sure to take advantage to save money.

Internet: The good news is that the Internet is available on cruise ships, so you can check email, keep up with social media, and in some cases even stream Netflix . The bad news is that it can be pricey. There are different service levels available, but it’s not unusual to pay $15-25+ a day for wi-fi access.

Excursions: Want something to do when the ship is in port? That’s an extra cost. Excursions can be booked before you sail, or you can wait until you get on the ship. There is always a spot where you can go and ask questions about different offerings and book your outing.

What to Pack for Your First Cruise

What to bring with you on a cruise is always a big question. In fact, we’ve covered it in detail on Cruzely with the following articles:

• 39 Useful Things to Pack for a Cruise
• Cruise Packing Checklist: 85 Items to Bring (Printable)
• What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

We will assume that you know to pack a swimsuit and a toothbrush for your cruise. Here are a few other things that first-time cruisers might not think to bring but are helpful on a cruise…

Outlet Adapter On your first cruise, it won’t be on your mind about plugging in electronics. But it will be after you sail. While the problem isn’t as big on newer ships where more outlets are included, many older ships have only one or two spots to plug anything in. So if you want to charge your phone and use a hair straightener, then it’s one or the other.

The solution is to pack an inexpensive outlet adapter that provides several plugs in a single space. They can be bought for about $5 on Amazon and are a lifesaver on a cruise.

Nightlight Cruise cabins — especially interior rooms with no windows — can get extremely dark at night. Combine that with an unfamiliar space and you’ll no doubt be bumping into things if you need to get up to use the restroom in the middle of the night.

Instead, pack a small nightlight that you can plug in to provide a some illumination. They aren’t big and won’t take up much room in your luggage.

Poo-Pourri Ok, let’s get real for a moment. Whoever you share a cabin with, you’re going to know them very well after your cruise. Cabins are small and the smells from the bathroom can linger.

That’s why it’s a good idea to bring some air freshener or some Poo-Pourri . This spray isn’t an air freshener, but instead you spray it over the water in the bowl before you go. Your cabinmate will be thankful that you brought it.

Copy of Your Passport/Birth Certificate For sure you need your real passport or birth certificate with you. But we suggest keeping them in the cabin safe during your trip so that they are secure. Instead, make a color copy of the front page of your passport or your birth certificate and bring this into port with you when you go.

You typically don’t have to show your documents in port. Instead, your cruise keycard and a photo ID (like a license) are asked for. Having a copy of your passport or birth certificate are simply nice to have in case you need it. They will provide something to show any officials in a pinch, and you can keep your real documents safe on the ship.

Towel Clips Towel clips are cheap and worth their weight in gold. If you cruise, you’ll no doubt spend some time catching some sun. But many people don’t realize that when the ship is underway there is a constant breeze as the ship moves. That means your towel will be whipping around.

Clips help secure the corners of the towel down instead of flying around at your feet and around your face.

Wrinkle-Release Spray Pack anything into a suitcase — even if only for a few hours — and you’re going to get wrinkles, no matter how careful you fold. As well, due to fire risk, irons aren’t available in cabins. You’ll need to send your items down to the laundry room to get them pressed. 

Instead of that hassle, just pack some wrinkle-release spray . You simply spray it on the wrinkles, smooth them out, and they vanish. 

OTC Medicines First, any cruise ship will have a small store where you can pick up small items that you might have forgotten at home. But they are expensive (we’ve seen cold medicine for $17 a bottle) and not open around the clock. So if you have a stomachache in the middle of the night or a headache, you don’t want to have to wait… or pay tons of money. 

Instead, bring a little of all types of over-the-counter medicines so that you have whatever you might need no matter what comes up.

Hand Sanitizer Unfortunately, it’s a new world we live in. Even without the pandemic, things like . Even so, you should take matters into your own hands, literally.

There will be sanitizer stations all around the ship, but bringing your own means you’ll always have it ready.

Click here for more on what to pack for a cruise .

Disembarkation at the End of Your Trip

Unfortunately, the saying is that all good things must come to an end. That includes your cruise. Don’t think, however, that disembarkation — getting off the ship — is as simple as just hopping off when the ship returns home. There’s a procedure to get thousands of passengers and luggage off the vessel, and it can take a couple of hours from when the ship arrives.

Actually, the disembarkation process begins the night before your cruise. At that time you’ll want to put any bags (with the provided luggage tags) you won’t carry off yourself outside your room. The staff will pick them up, and your bags will be waiting for you in the terminal when you get off the ship the next morning.

On the morning that your ship arrives in port, the ship will first be cleared by the officials. Only then will the ship allow passengers to leave. From there, the ship will call groups to disembark, typically starting with those that are carrying off all of their luggage.

The pace of disembarkation depends on what is going on in the terminal. Passengers need to go through the return process, which involves showing citizenship before they are allowed to leave.

In recent years technology — including passport scanners and facial recognition software — have made this faster at ports that have the latest devices. Even so, those sailing with a birth certificate or ports that still require manual checking of documents can take longer.

In all, the time to get off the ship can vary widely. Some people will get off within 15 minutes of the ship letting passengers exit while others might not get their turn to leave until 2-3 hours after arrival.

Helpful First-Time Cruise Tips

Need tips for your first cruise? We have dozens and dozens aimed at first-time cruisers here . As well, we’ve included some of our favorites below.

Take Advantage of Drink Policies Some cruise lines (such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival) allow you to bring on a small amount of non-alcoholic drinks with you when you board . So you can bring on some sodas, juices, teas, or anything else that you like. Take advantage. If your favorite drink isn’t something that’s sold everywhere, then it may not be on the ship. You can also save some money versus buying your drink of choice on the ship.

As well, cruise lines allow you to bring on bottles of champagne or wine (usually one bottle per adult) free of charge. If you’re a wine drinker, there’s no reason not to bring on a bottle to avoid the bar prices.

Know the Ins and Outs of Drink Packages Before Buying Alcohol is big business on a cruise, and it’s not unusual to spend hundreds on it during the course of a sailing. To help you budget, cruise lines offer “all you can drink” packages. With these deals, you pay one set amount each day and then get to have (almost) whatever you want from the bar.

But before you jump at the deal, you should know some of the details. Most importantly, if you buy the package, you have to buy it for the entire cruise. If there is a day that you don’t want to drink or you are in port (packages only work on the ship and on some private islands), then you likely won’t get your money’s worth.

As well, many cruise lines make every adult in the cabin buy the package if one adult does. This is likely to limit “sharing” of packages (which is against the rules). But if you have one person who drinks and another that doesn’t, then it could waste a lot of money to get the package.

For more on drink package rules, see our article here .

Many Hotels Have Free Cruise Parking One of the big attractions to cruising is that many people live within driving distance of a port. Instead of having to fly for a Caribbean vacation, you can drive to the port and then hop on a ship.

Of course, that means you need a place to park your car. Parking is always available at the port, but can be expensive. Instead, many hotels near cruise ports offer free or cheap parking if you stay with them the night before your cruise. It’s an easy way to save $100 or more if you plan to stay the night before anyway.

See our list of hotels with cruise parking here .

Don’t Go Naked on the Balcony First-timers (and frequent cruisers for that matter) often have the same idea — why not enjoy the fresh air on the balcony… everywhere?

It’s tempting with your own private space and a million-dollar view to maybe get some sun on places where the sun doesn’t shine, but just know that balconies aren’t as private as you think. Cabins are close together and there is only a small wall separating each balcony. As well, glass railings can actually reflect the view of one balcony to another.

If you do decide to fully enjoy the balcony on your first cruise, it’s best to wait until night… and make sure the lights are off.

Pack a Passport, Not a Birth Certificate One good thing about cruising is that you can visit a foreign country with only a birth certificate and a government-issued ID . If your cruise leaves and returns from the same port, then you can likely sail without a passport. That can save you the time and money of getting one.

However, it’s much smarter to sail with a passport. Not only does it give you more flexibility if something happens and you have to fly home in the middle of your cruise, but it can also save you time.

Many homeports are moving toward passport scanning to help passengers disembark more quickly. You walk up, scan the passport, take a picture and then head on your way home. But if you have a birth certificate, you still need to wait in line to meet with a Border Patrol agent, which can take half an hour or more.

Pack Sandals With Tread Those cheap foam flip-flops that cost about $3 and wear out in two weeks? Toss ’em. Instead, be sure you wear something that has a decent tread.

You’ll spend a lot of time walking on the pool deck of your ship where everything from kids splashing to passing rain showers can make the walk slippery. The last thing you want to do is hurt yourself on your vacation. Making sure your sandals have some grip is an easy way to avoid accidental slips on the ship.

Always Pack a Little for Cool Weather Of course cruises go everywhere, but the Caribbean is the biggest cruise hot spot in the world. And when you think about sailing there for the first time, you likely picture tons of sun, warm water, and swimsuits.

But at night on the ship, it can get cool. As the sun sets things cool off, but also the ship will be sailing at night, adding a stiff breeze. Even indoors the air conditioner can be chilly. It’s smart to pack something for those breezy nights like a light jacket and some long pants. If you only bring tank tops and shorts, you’re going to get cold.

Get Back to the Ship Early Whenever you head into port, the staff will make it very clear when the “all-aboard” time is for your return. This isn’t a suggestion. YouTube has tons of videos of “pier runners” — people running back to the ship as it is about to depart. Cruise ships have a tight schedule, and if you think you can arrive fashionably late to get back on the ship, think again.

Instead, always be back to the ship half an hour before the all-board time. This gives you a little extra cushion should something come up, but also ensures you should be back well before the ship departs and you turn into a YouTube viral video.

Try not to Schedule a Flight Home Before Noon Each year millions of cruise passengers fly into port cities to start their cruise. That means they will also be flying back home.

Now, no one wants to spend hours and hours just waiting in an airport, but it’s important that if you are flying, try not to schedule your flight before noon . Yes, it is possible that you will make a noon flight in plenty of time, but you don’t want to risk missing your plane home.

Cruise ships arrive back in port early in the morning, but it can be several hours before everyone is off the ship. As well, you then have to get to the airport, get through security, and find your gate. A departure time of noon or later gives you plenty of time so you don’t have to stress if there is a delay getting to the airport.

Formal Night Doesn’t Mean Tux (But It Can!) Formal night poses one big question: What do I wear to dinner? The answer is likely much more lenient than you expected.

First things first, if you want to wear a tuxedo and a formal evening gown, you won’t be out of place. Some people do. But if you want to simply wear a nice shirt/pants (men) or a nice blouse (women), then that’s perfectly acceptable and won’t be out of place.

In fact, the only rules are things like shorts and tank tops aren’t allowed. 

Don’t want to get dressed up on your cruise? That’s ok, too. Formal nights are only a couple of nights on a week-long cruise . If you don’t want to participate, you can just eat somewhere other than the main dining room during those nights. While you’ll see people dressed up around the ship, formal night only applies to dinner. You’re not expected to be dressed up if you are just around the ship. ( See more details about formal night here .)

Things That Surprise First-Timer Cruisers

When you sail for the first time, there is so much that is new. At the same time, cruising is very different from any other vacation. Combined, that leads to plenty of surprises.

See our full list of things that surprise first-time cruisers here .

Gratuities on Every Service We’ve discussed the daily gratuities that are charged to your account. But there are other gratuities on the ship. Any time you buy a drink, or a meal, or get a spa service — any sort of service that’s delivered by a staff member — you can expect an extra charge on top of the menu price.

This extra charge normally runs 18-20% (rates vary by cruise line) and is automatically applied. So if you order a cocktail with a $10 menu price, expect it to actually cost you about $12.

One other thing to note is that even after this gratuity is applied, your receipt that you sign will have a line for an additional tip. You aren’t obligated to give more, but if you’re happy with your service, it’s there to show your appreciation.

How Stable the Ships Are On the Water Worried about seasickness? It impacts some people, but if you are thinking the ship will be rocking and rolling the entire time, think again. Most days you’ll likely not even notice you are on the water.

Thanks to the size of cruise ships and stabilization features, the sailing is normally smooth. There are definitely times when you feel the ship move, but apart from a few outlying cases, chances are it will be clear sailing for your cruise.

Still, it’s a good idea to bring along some sort of seasickness remedy if you’re worried. It’s better to have it and not need it than to be without.

How You Can Get “Lost” On the Ship Cruise ships are big, and the first couple of days you’ll likely be turned around trying to navigate the ship. Even to veteran cruise passengers, new ships can be a maze to figure out until they get their bearings.

The good news is there are maps everywhere around the ship to help you find your way. They are usually located near stairwells or elevators. As well, the cruise line apps on your phone always have maps of the ship as well. Don’t be embarrassed to stop and look for directions. You definitely won’t be alone!

All the Sales Pitches You’ll See If you think that you’re done spending money once you buy your ticket to cruise, think again. Cruise lines depend on the money that passengers spend on the ship, and they have lots of pitches throughout the cruise.

You’ll get announcements about sales over the ship’s loudspeaker. You’ll get flyers on your door telling you about offers. And the daily schedule will also highlight daily deals.

If you haven’t cruised before, the advertising can be surprising. Just be prepared.

You Can Still Find Quiet Spots on the Ship For all the thousands of people on a cruise ship, you might think that it would be shoulder to shoulder the entire trip.

It couldn’t be further from the truth. In general, cruise ships are no more crowded than a busy shopping center or restaurant. And that’s only certain places at certain times. For example, hit the casino at 10 p.m. and it will be buzzing with activity. But during the afternoon, it will be largely empty.

No matter what time of day, however, you’ll be able to find quiet spots on the ship. The promenades on lower decks tend to be less busy, as do the outdoor areas at the ends of the ship. The pool deck in general is also largely quiet in the evening and nighttime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Cruise

What do I do if I have an issue on the ship? Have bad service? Or maybe an incorrect charge to your account? Or anything else under the sun? Head to Guest Services.

Every ship will have a Guest Services desk that is staffed 24 hours a day. They can help with any issue you have, or at least point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that the lines can get long at the start and the end of the cruise (when people have the most questions about their accounts), so going during off-peak hours will ensure you don’t spend your vacation in line.

When should I schedule a flight back? As mentioned above, if you are flying home then we suggest not booking a flight before at least noon. Ships get in early, but it can take several hours to get thousands of passengers and their luggage off the ship and through customs. Add to that the time it takes to get to the airport, through security, and to your gate before boarding begins.

If you schedule for noon, there’s always the chance you may arrive earlier, but it’s not worth the risk. Having some extra time will make debarking the ship much less stressful instead of having to constantly check your watch.

Do I have to get a passport to sail? For many cruises, a passport is not actually required. Most of your standard cruises that begin and end at the same port — such as a five-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas and back — are known as “closed loop cruises.” These trips fall under a provision that allows you to sail with just a birth certificate and a photo ID (ID is required for passengers 16 year or older).

Even so, it’s a good idea to get a passport. Passports can allow for faster re-entry into the U.S. but are also helpful in the event that you need to head home in the middle of the cruise. You’ll have to jump through bureaucratic hurdles if you need to fly home from a foreign country without a passport.

What’s the difference between cruise lines? Every cruise line does things a little differently, so no two lines are exactly the same. But in general, we find that the experience is largely the same when it comes to the mass-market lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and the like.

These lines have broad appeal, with ships that have something for everyone. There are kids clubs for the little ones, spas, casinos, pools, hot tubs, theaters, and more. Put frankly, if you can’t have a good time, it’s your own fault.

While each cruise line has their devotees, we think you’ll be happy with any of them.

For the differences between each line, you can read more here .

How do I pay my bill at the end of the trip? Ah, the bill. You get to have all the fun on a cruise… but then you have to pay.

When you check in for your cruise, you’ll use a credit card (or cash deposit) to attach to your account. Then, spending on the ship is done via your room keycard, which you use like a credit card on the ship.

At the end of the cruise, you’ll get an itemized bill. Assuming there are no issues, the amount will be charged to your credit card after the cruise. If you do have issues, be sure to see Guest Services before you leave.

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April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

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Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel with hundreds of drones, missiles

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Mohamed Badie, the top leader of Egypt's outlawed Muslim Brotherhood organisation, was once seen as the Khamenei of Egypt and one of the masterminds responsible for the ascend of the organisation to power following the toppling of former President Hosni Mubarak.

Jordan intercepted some flying objects that entered its airspace on Saturday night to ensure the safety of its citizens, a cabinet statement said on Sunday.

Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship

Editor's Note

When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, it became the third ship in the line's Excel Class , closely mimicking sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Although there are more similarities than differences among the three, Carnival has still found a way to make Carnival Jubilee innovative and fun by tweaking a few of the offerings.

The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster. The biggest differences on the newest iteration are in two reinvented zones, Currents and The Shores; respectively, they take the place of The French Quarter and La Piazza on Mardi Gras , and The Gateway and 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration .

On my voyage, the ship carried 5,676 passengers, plus crew. This meant it wasn't at capacity, but it still felt loud and crowded, and often was fraught with lines. However, the service was generally excellent, with an exceedingly friendly crew.

The vessel is also a ton of fun, featuring two new shows (one with a football tailgate theme and the other with an onboard wedding plot), plenty of daily activities and so many fantastic dining options — many of them free — that it'll make your head spin.

Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing.

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

Carnival Jubilee overview

Carnival Jubilee is a megaship, coming in at 183,521 tons and carrying up to 6,631 passengers at full capacity. It's tied with Carnival Celebration for the title of the largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull.

Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles). True to the rumors about Southern hospitality, the people on my cruise were some of the warmest and most polite I've ever encountered; fellow passengers were saying "excuse me," allowing others to go first in line and generally being more courteous than I've found on sailings from other places.

The ship is divided into six zones, where passengers can find a mix of bars, restaurants, live performances, water-filled fun and exhilarating activities like a ropes course, minigolf and, of course, the Bolt roller coaster . Here's a bit about each zone.

Carnival Jubilee zones

Grand Central: This bustling area rises up three decks — decks 6, 7 and 8 — and replaces the traditional atrium found on older Carnival vessels. The focal point is Center Stage, a starboard-side (on your right when facing the front of the ship) secondary theater that's home to events like bingo during the day and song-and-dance performances at night.

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino.

Currents: Currents is one of the other main social hubs on Carnival Jubilee. It starts on Deck 6, just aft of Grand Central and features two new bars. The Golden Mermaid has gilded decor and a custom-designed mural depicting mermaids and lots of hidden Easter eggs (look for SpongeBob SquarePants references). Meanwhile, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., is a bar based on the fictional character Dr. Inks — an octopus with academic credentials. Both bars have excellent drink menus.

Also in the space is Emeril's Bistro 717, a New Orleans-style, for-fee eatery developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For a better view, head up one deck to the Alchemy Bar.

The Shores: If the Currents zone is the underwater-themed area of the ship, The Shores on Deck 8 is what you get when you pop your head above the metaphorical surface. Inspired by boardwalks and beaches, The Shores offers two walk-up food counters: Beach Buns (Carnival Deli on other ships) and Coastal Slice (the equivalent of Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano). Offset by colorful, blinking carnival-style lighting, the venues all but scream, "Step right up!"

Other venues in the area include the Marina Bar for cocktails and coffee, complimentary Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano and for-fee seafood eatery Rudi's Seagrill, created by food pop artist chef Rudi Sodamin.

Summer Landing: From The Shores, continue aft on Deck 8 to reach Summer Landing. It's an indoor space that encompasses Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a Guy Fieri barbecue joint with its own microbrewery and live music; the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which honors members of the military; and soft-serve ice cream.

Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space.

Lido: A mix of food and fun, the Lido zone fans out on decks 16 and 17 around the ship's main Beach Pool, which serves as the center of the action. Around and above it, you'll find outdoor movies, dedicated teen hangouts, a video arcade, a two-story version of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, cruiser favorite BlueIguana Cantina, extra-fee Seafood Shack and Street Eats street food.

On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

The Ultimate Playground: If you're looking for alfresco thrills to keep you busy, The Ultimate Playground is the place to be. It comprises a miniature golf course, a basketball court, a ropes course and the line's signature WaterWorks water park, all of which are free.

Of course, the highlight of this zone is the Bolt roller coaster. It's an added-fee experience during which passengers (one to two people per ride) zoom twice around the track on a motorcycle-style vehicle that allows you to throttle up or down to a speed that suits you.

What I love about Carnival Jubilee

Grand central.

Grand Central is one of my favorite spots on board. Although it's often loud, busy and difficult to navigate, especially on sea days, it's a prime place to sit and people-watch. I found myself gravitating there repeatedly to enjoy coffee or a snack from the nearby JavaBlue Cafe while watching the cast from that night's show rehearse at Center Stage — something you can't usually do on other ships.

Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks, Ph.D., bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste; however, you won't want to miss the presentation, which involves a giant bubble atop the drink. It pops when you poke it, leaving behind a tiny poof of smoke.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the Crimson Catch (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur, white cranberry juice and Swedish Fish candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

It's not unusual for the line at JavaBlue to snake around the corner and down the hall at peak times. The staff members try their best to keep things moving, but if you don't feel like waiting 10-15 minutes for a cuppa, head upstairs to Deck 8's Marina Bar instead.

There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time. If you're feeling more like a cocktail, you can grab one of those, too. On my sailing, the bartenders were phenomenal and even remembered that I prefer non-dairy milk with my lattes.

Bolt roller coaster

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost.

What I don't love about Carnival Jubilee

There's no easy way to say this: The ship almost always feels crowded. If you want to enjoy it when it's not, you'll have to stay on board during port calls just to find some space to yourself. Many restaurants and walk-up counters have near-constant lines, particularly at the complimentary venues during peak dinner times every evening.

It's so common for JavaBlue to be backed up throughout the day that an easy-to-miss sign directs passengers to other locations where they can grab a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, lines at the onboard deli and pizzeria counters frequently snake so far down Deck 8 that they block the entrance to seafood restaurant Rudi's Seagrill. One night, as I was dining at Rudi's with some of my travel companions, we joked that the lines were dangerously close to melding with the line for the nearby guest services desk.

And it isn't just a problem with dining. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation. The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows.

My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15.

Most other places on board seem to be excessively loud. Even on port days, when most passengers are ashore, the public areas are filled with loud music that makes it hard to find a quiet escape. Some of it is understandable. After all, Carnival vessels are known as the Fun Ships, but some of it seems unnecessary.

One example is the Dr. Seuss-themed Seuss-a-palooza Parade that makes its way through the Currents zone once per sailing. I happened to be sitting at a table in the area when the festivities kicked off. I decided to stay to see what it was all about, and I'm sorry I did. As costumed Dr. Seuss characters arrived, Carnival staff asked the children to scream solely for the sake of screaming. Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through.

The excessive upselling

Combining noise with the annoyance of hawking alcohol, the roving waiters visited every table at Chibang! — the ship's hybrid Mexican-Asian restaurant — one night while I was having dinner there. Their goal was to push Rumchata shots on everyone. Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere.

One afternoon later in the sailing, two different crew members approached me a total of six times in less than half an hour while I was having lunch on the Lido deck. The first five times, I simply said, "No, thanks." After the sixth time, I had enough and told them nicely but firmly to stop asking me. I found the high-pressure sales tactics excessive and irritating when all I wanted to do was eat my meal in peace.

The inconsistencies

Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The first couple had to do with differences between the Carnival HUB app and the daily Fun Times printed schedule. On one occasion, the app said Seafood Shack opened half an hour earlier than it did, while the paper version of the daily schedule had the correct information. Another time, the printed daily had the wrong theater show listed for that night; the correct one was posted in the HUB. On another day, the printed schedule was missing part four of a four-part show, which did show up on the agenda in the app.

In terms of food and drinks, I had a strange experience at Chibang! when I ordered spring rolls. Usually, they don't have meat in them, nor was meat listed as an ingredient on the menu. When the waiter took my order, he said, "Spring rolls with chicken." When I asked him about it, he said he could request for them to be made without it, but that doesn't explain why something with meat in it wouldn't have meat in its list of ingredients. If I were a vegetarian or vegan, it would have concerned me.

As for drinks, I ordered a Snapping Pop at Dr. Inks., Ph.D. It was completely different — different color, different taste and different presentation — from what I received when I ordered the same drink on a sailing two months prior. I was told the drink had to be changed for several reasons. However, the old ingredients were listed on the menu, meaning passengers weren't getting what they thought they ordered.

Carnival Jubilee cabins and suites

Carnival Jubilee offers cabins in the usual varieties: insides with no windows or balconies, ocean-view accommodations with windows, balcony cabins with outdoor veranda space and suites that include additional perks. These include priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; and extra square footage.

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time.

The second special cabin type is the Havana Cabana. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area.

The third type is Cloud 9 Spa cabins. With calming seafoam green and yellow decor alongside extras like Elemis toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, these are some of the most relaxing cabins on any ship. These guests also receive priority spa appointments and free access to fitness classes and the onboard thermal suite.

Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above.

Excel Suites, Carnival Jubilee's highest-level accommodations, receive all standard suite perks plus additional ones. These include complimentary access to the private sun deck at Loft 19, priority cabana reservations at Loft 19, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at most extra-fee restaurants, free room service, upgraded toiletries, fruit and sparkling wine upon embarkation, a free soft drink package, free in-room movies, an in-cabin coffee machine and complimentary laundry service .

Standard amenities in all rooms include a queen bed that converts to two twins on request, bedside shelving with reading lamps and USB outlets, a desk and vanity area, a sofa or chair, a closet and drawers for storage, a safe for valuables, a house phone and a hair dryer.

Bathrooms feature a toilet, sink and shower with a door instead of a curtain. Complimentary toiletries are basic: bar soap for handwashing and dispensers of shampoo and shower gel mounted on the wall in the shower.

On my sailing, I stayed in a balcony cabin, which was elegantly decorated in neutrals with blue accents. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space. I appreciated touches like ample vanity mirror lighting, adjustable shelving in the closets and a surplus of USB outlets throughout the room, including near the vanity and beside the bed.

Speaking of the bed, it was exceptionally comfortable, and I was excited to find that the TV across from it had a sizable selection of free movies (as well as newer releases for a fee). The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill.

Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

I also would have liked a taller table on the balcony, but it only had room for two chairs (not lounger-style) and a small drinks table.

Carnival Jubilee offers 82 accessible cabins in a mix of types and categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite, as well as rooms in the Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa categories.

Within those 82 options, there are fully accessible accommodations with access to both sides of the bed and rooms that are fully accessible with single-side access to one side of the bed, which work well for passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. Ambulatory-accessible rooms provide accommodations for people who walk with the help of assistive devices like canes or walkers.

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

There are no solo cabins on Carnival Jubilee.

Cabin cleaning is limited to once per day. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day.

Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Carnival jubilee food.

One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive. You'll find more free options on Carnival ships than on just about any other fleet's vessels, and they're actually tasty. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in the cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge.

Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times. If you make a reservation through the app, you'll receive a notification to report to the host stand when your table is ready.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten.

The ship has two main dining rooms: Atlantic Restaurant (Deck 6, mid) and Pacific Restaurant (decks 6 and 7, aft).

One of them is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.)

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

I very much enjoyed an omelet with hashbrowns at Sea Day Brunch and salmon during the formal night dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. I also had a wonderful time at two special events — complimentary afternoon tea and an extra-fee Dr. Seuss-themed Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast — held in the Atlantic Restaurant.

Tip: If you're a vegetarian or a fan of Indian food, don't miss the daily Indian dish on the main dining room menu.

The buffet is the other free food option that's a staple on just about any cruise.

On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety. The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board.

A little-known fact is that, at least for the inaugural season, passengers can dine at Mexican-Asian restaurant Chibang! and the Italian Cucina del Capitano, both on Deck 8, for free. Cruisers with YTD can eat there for dinner anytime; those with set seating can dine there after 7:45 p.m.

At Cucina del Capitano, I was exceptionally pleased with the spaghetti carbonara I ordered. The nachos and spring rolls are don't-miss items at Chibang!

Unfortunately, both the service and atmosphere at Chibang! are lacking. The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships.

The former bakes several different types of pies nearly around the clock, and they're scrumptious. The latter whips up hotdogs, soups and a variety of sandwiches. (I was pleasantly surprised by the grilled ham and cheese.) Lines for both counters are often long, but I promise it's worth the wait.

Two great staples in the ship's outdoor Lido zone are the BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16), where you can find yummy tacos and burritos throughout the day, and Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 17), which is the place to grab some of the best burgers at sea via Carnival's partnership with chef and TV personality Guy Fieri.

The breakfast burritos at BlueIguana are fantastic. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Guy Fieri isn't the only celebrity affiliated with Carnival's free food.

Shaq's Big Chicken , a restaurant backed by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal (who is also Carnival's CFO, chief fun officer), is perfect if you have a hankering for some fried chicken. In addition to chicken strips, sandwiches and fries, the counter-service venue also serves breakfast. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken and biscuit combo with fries.

If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks.

Breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones, are complimentary; cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes and cheesecake cost extra.

As a sucker for soft-serve ice cream, I was a frequent visitor to the three soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines on decks 8, 16 and 17. At some point, I lost count of how many cones I ate.

Since there are no toppings, I recommend you snag a bowl of dry Froot Loops from the buffet during breakfast, and stash them in your cabin to mix with your ice cream later. Or grab cookies from the buffet for a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

I missed Fresh Creations, a salad station in the adults-only sun deck area on Deck 18, and Street Eats, a set of three street food-style walk-up windows on Deck 16 near the main pool. The walk-up windows include Steam Dream, which serves dumplings; Time Fries, offering creative takes on french fries; and Sizzle, a grill that specializes in kebabs and other dishes.

Extra-cost food

My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named. Simply walk up to order at the counter, have a seat and a waiter will take over from there.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). The food was fabulous, and the service was friendly. My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward.

The food item I most recommend you try when sailing on Carnival Jubilee is an order of beignets at Emeril's. Pillows of soft fried dough coated in powdered sugar with chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping are $5 for an order of six.

My second favorite experience was a calm, quiet and uncrowded lunch at Bonsai Sushi on Deck 8. I partook in edamame ($3) and a California roll ($8). It was fresh, tasty, filling and reasonably priced.

Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

I wasn't overly hungry when I sat down, but the $49 cover charge ($15 for kids) would also have included a soup or salad and a dessert if I had wanted them.

No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse . On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. I went with a 9-ounce filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids).

My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

The first one opened late, and despite my order being the first one of the day, it still took more than 20 minutes to be served. I chose a single crab cake for $15. When I received it, the bun was soggy, and no garnishes or sauces were offered until I went back to the counter to ask for coleslaw and tartar sauce, neither of which helped the flavor.

It didn't hold a candle to the crab cake from Rudi's, and I ended up abandoning most of it.

Room service, which comes with a la carte fees (except for free Continental breakfast), set me back almost $20 for a chicken quesadilla, chicken fingers with curly fries and a chocolate chip cookie, which I ordered sometime around 2 a.m.

Everything arrived quickly and at the right temperature. The fries and cookie were great, but the chicken fingers were rubbery and full of gristle. When I tried to order the quesadilla without chicken, I was told they were already made, which seems strange. Shouldn't room service be made to order?

Again, I couldn't fit every single restaurant into my time on Carnival Jubilee, so I missed out on Bonsai Teppanyaki, where chefs grill your food right in front of you, complete with corny jokes. I also missed Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, another Guy Fieri creation that serves barbecue fare, wings and microbrewed beer made right on the ship (lunch is free). I couldn't make it to Chef's Table, an exclusive multicourse small-group dining experience that's the most pricey meal on board, either.

Carnival Jubilee bars

Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers beverage package that includes alcohol.

My favorite bar on Carnival Jubilee is the Marina Bar in The Shores zone on Deck 8. It offers a menu of adult beverages, but it also serves the same specialty coffees you'll find at JavaBlue, which often has a long line.

This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made.

Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone.

The Golden Mermaid is a nod to treasures one might expect to find under the sea, and a mural on the opposite wall depicts underwater scenes, including mermaids. (For some "Where's Waldo"-style fun, try to spot a miniature likeness of the ship, a pair of custom sneakers and references to SpongeBob SquarePants.)

The menu of drinks is noteworthy, too, featuring names like From Far Seas and Atlantis Potion. My favorite, though, is A Pearly Bubble — a blend of gin, St. Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, lime juice and dragon fruit that's as much for show as it is for taste.

The second new bar is Dr. Inks, Ph.D. In addition to a fun selection of cocktails — some of which involve candy — the bar's theme is tied to an animated octopus named Dr. Inks. She has a Ph.D., pet butterflies and extensive collections of both books and fashionable eyewear. Every so often, she'll appear on the screens above the area to chat.

Cruiser-favorite Alchemy Bar — where white-coated apothecaries prescribe drinks to heal what ails you (try the Cucumber Sunrise) — and the bar at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse returned to Carnival Jubilee after finding success on other Carnival ships.

Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz. I tried a bacon Manhattan, but the taste wasn't my favorite. I also wasn't impressed with how long it took a bartender to ask for my order, especially since it wasn't particularly crowded.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave.

I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board.

Other outdoor bar options include The Watering Hole near Summer Landing on Deck 8, the Serenity Pool Bar on Deck 18 in the adults-only area and the Loft 19 Bar on the exclusive Loft 19 sun deck. (Access is free for passengers booked in suites or anyone who reserves a cabana for anywhere from $250 to $500 per day.)

Back inside, Deck 6's Piano Bar is where passengers can order a tipple while an onboard pianist tickles the ivories. Make your way up a deck, and you'll find the Limelight Lounge, which serves as a secondary performance space and trivia outpost.

Go one deck farther, and you can choose between the Havana Bar, which serves Latin-themed cocktails, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which has a special menu of drinks dedicated to military members.

Carnival Jubilee entertainment

Carnival jubilee activities.

Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino, play bingo, enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, go on a digital scavenger hunt, mingle at a deck party, play minigolf, take a dance class, learn towel folding, or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage.

If you show up during "Soundwaves Jukebox," you'll see synthesizer-like graphics pulsating to the music on the giant screens above the space.

"Change the Currents" will allow you to view underwater scenes from different areas of the world, including the Arctic and swampy Everglades; other experiences take you on an underwater adventure in a submarine and display ocean-themed artwork drawn by kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Some of my personal favorite pastimes on board included trivia, pool deck movies, for-fee culinary classes and a particularly relaxing massage. (Watch out for discounts early in your sailing or on port days.)

In addition to treatments, the Cloud 9 Spa offers salon services and a thermal suite — access to which is free with the purchase of a pass or a spa treatment — with a thalassotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, a sauna and two steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools.

There's the Havana Pool (private access for cruisers staying in Havana Cabanas) and the Patio Pool, both on Deck 8 (the latter with hot tubs); the Beach Pool and Tides Pool on Deck 16 (also with hot tubs); and the Deck 18 adults-only Serenity Pool (with hot tubs). There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary by sailing, but on my voyage, they were $500 per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility.

On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids.

Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Additional activities for youngsters take place in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club , which splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11).

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group.

Camp Ocean also has an interactive space wall, where astronauts lead kids on virtual expeditions, complete with a ceiling that lights up like the night sky to show the constellations.

Kids can also attend Build-A-Bear workshops, march along in a Dr. Seuss-themed parade led by the Fox in Socks and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and listen to the Cat in the Hat read stories.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces. Activities here are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. Plus, an onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Jubilee shows

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel.

Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. "Celestial Strings" is a mix of classical and modern pop instrumentals partnered with ethereal costumes and sets; "Soulbound" is a song-and-dance performance with a Victorian steampunk vibe, set in what feels like New Orleans, during which a soul-stealer tries to mess with a twisted love story.

Another excellent show is "Rio Carnival," which occurs at Center Stage in the Grand Central zone instead of the main theater. Although the first half felt a bit shaky and slightly boring to me, the second half redeemed it all, featuring a parade of dancers and aerialists dressed in flamboyant costumes synonymous with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

The ship's two new shows are just OK. The first, "Dear Future Husband," is a song-and-dance theater show with a plot that involves a couple taking their closest friends on a cruise for a combination bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding. Musical numbers befit the wedding theme and include Bruno Mars' "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the performance, a "reception" (read: dance party with a DJ and visits from the cast) is held in one of the ship's public areas. When I saw this show several months ago, the reception was in the Limelight Lounge. On this more recent voyage, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., served as the reception location.

The second new show is the "Lone Star Tailgate." Drawing on Texas' love for all things football, Carnival has created four indoor/outdoor "quarters" of fun to mimic the four quarters of a football game. When I sailed, the first quarter, which is all about pool deck games for kids, was held on one sea day, and the other three were held on another sea day.

The second quarter involves pool deck games where passengers have to dress up in football gear to complete team races.

During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities.

The third and fourth quarters occur in the Summer Landing zone; passengers can rope hay bales, participate in a hot wing-eating contest at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and follow it up with music from a live band.

Don't miss the audience participation-style game shows like "Family Feud Live," "Deal or No Deal" and the "Love & Marriage Show." The first pits two family teams against one another to guess popular answers to survey questions; the latter tests couples to see how well they know one another, often resulting in hilarious answers.

Other entertainment during my sailing included several day and nighttime comedy acts, an absolutely phenomenal magic show (be sure to arrive at the Punchliner Comedy Club at least 30 minutes early or you won't find a seat) and "We Are One," a farewell show that focuses on togetherness.

Carnival Jubilee itineraries and pricing

Through at least April 2026, Carnival Jubilee offers two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of its Galveston home port on a regular rotation. Both types of sailings begin and end in Galveston and visit Mahogany Bay in Roatan and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico with three sea days mixed in. The only difference between the two itineraries is the order in which the port calls and sea days occur.

At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Jubilee

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise?

Carnival Jubilee passengers will automatically have $16 per person per day added to their onboard bills. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one simultaneously unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium (everything from the Social and Value packages plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day or $175 for a week). Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Carnival Jubilee is also the first ship in the fleet to offer 5G cellphone connectivity, which means faster speeds when you connect using your cellphone's plan. But be warned: If you don't have a special plan that allows you to connect at sea without roaming, you could be looking at hefty fees when you return. Generally, it's best to keep your phone in airplane mode when you sail.

Related: 5 things to know about cruise ship Wi-Fi

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 mid-ship on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed on the starboard side of the casino, but it's for cigarettes only. All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Related: Cruise line smoking policies

Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. There are no self-service laundry facilities, though. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry

Electrical outlets

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp.

The currency on Carnival Jubilee is the U.S. dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. The only time you might want to have some bills handy is for tipping your room steward, bartenders, room service delivery people, luggage porters or shore excursion guides.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Jubilee.

Carnival Jubilee does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Jubilee.

Each weeklong cruise will schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms, men are expected to turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Passengers who wish to avoid dressing up can enjoy dinner in any of the casual eateries aboard.

Related: What to wear on a cruise – all about cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first.

However, it offers new ocean- and beach-themed zones, delicious food, creative cocktails, friendly crew members, comfy cabins, outdoor thrills, Texas charm and a marquee packed with fun daily diversions and nighttime shows. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience.

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