msc cruise uk check in

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 18 | Sun 10 - 16

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

LOGIN or MANAGE YOUR BOOKING

Web check-in

Complete your web check-in NOW! Check-in online is available up to 24 hours before your cruise departure date. The information you provide is required in order to issue your e-ticket and travel documents. If you have booked your cruise directly with MSC Cruises, please print your e-tickets before embarkation, otherwise please refer to your Travel Agent to get a copy.

Please note that:

Planning to sail with us soon? Click here find out more about our enhanced Health & Safety measures and our new, even safer onboard experience. 

Enter these details to start the web check-in:

I confirm I have read the Privacy Policy of MSC Cruises S.A. and the general service conditions available in the website footer

Booking number

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Mon - Fri 9 - 19 | Sat 9 - 17.30 | Sun 10 - 16

Thank you for visiting MSC Cruises

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

Cruising from Southampton with MSC Cruises (2022 Guide)

MSC Cruises’ growth in Southampton has been somewhat meteoric over the last few years.

From just offering a few summer cruises back in 2017-8, to now offering all-year-round voyages from their own new cruise terminal, there is something on offer for every cruiser on a variety of different MSC ships.

IMPORTANT: Please stick to your embarkation times – this helps the flow of passengers through the terminal and onto the ship. Ignoring embarkation times leads to large queues and increased wait times.

Introduction to MSC Cruises UK

MSC Cruises operates from the Port of Southampton for its voyages. During the ‘Return to Cruising’ in 2021, MSC offered multiple embarkation ports additional to Southampton – these included Liverpool and Greenock (Glasgow).

In 2022 MSC Cruises will again offer a packed cruise programme with their flagship, MSC Virtuosa .

All cruises will depart from Southampton and whilst open to other nationalities this time around, embarkation will only be at the Port of Southampton and specifically, at their brand new cruise terminal – the Horizon Cruise Terminal .

In this guide, we will cover how the cruise terminal works and the embarkation and disembarkation procedures for sailing with MSC Cruises from Southampton.

MSC Cruises Southampton FAQ

What cruise terminal does msc use in southampton.

MSC Cruises sails from the Horizon Terminal in Southampton , located at Dock Gate 10 located off West Quay Road.

Where does MSC sail to from Southampton?

During the Spring/Summer, MSC Cruises sail multiple itineraries from Southampton. Including 7 and 12-night voyages to Norway, Canaries, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the Winter, MSC Cruises offer weekly roundtrip voyages from Southampton to Northern Europe.

Where can I park my car when sailing with MSC from Southampton?

You can park your car directly at the Horizon Cruise Terminal. A 2-minute walk to the cruise terminal before you board the ship.

What Covid-19 requirements are there when sailing with MSC from Southampton?

MSC Cruises UK has the latest requirements for passengers sailing from Southampton at this link . The section for UK-based cruisers sailing from Southampton is labelled: Covid-19: Measures to embark for UK Residents & Non-Schengen Countries

Which MSC cruise ships sail from Southampton?

During the Spring/Summer of 2022, MSC Virtuosa will sail from Southampton. For Winter 2022/23, MSC Preziosa will offer weekly voyages. In Spring/Summer 2023 MSC Grandiosa will offer 2-14 night voyages.

How much luggage can I take?

The benefit of cruising is generally fewer limits on luggage. However, you will need to make sure that each bag/case is under 23KG – this is so that the people handling them can do so safely. Whilst the maximum cases are meant to be four per cabin, you can usually take one or two more if you are going on a much longer voyage – especially for repositioning or a world cruise.

Which cruise terminal does MSC Virtuosa sail from?

The Horizon Cruise Terminal – Dock Gate 10, Southern Road leads to Herbert Walker Avenue, where the car park and terminal are located.

Horizon Terminal Southampton

Located at Dock Gate 10, Southern Road is the new Horizon Cruise Terminal – a joint partnership between MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

This is the main terminal for MSC Cruise departures – it is signposted as ‘Dock Gate 10’ or ‘Horizon Cruise Terminal’ on West Quay Road, Southampton. The postcode for your sat nav is SO15 1HG.

Horizon Cruise Terminal offers short stay and long stay parking. Drop-off facilities by car or taxi are also available at the port.

The short stay and long stay car park are both signposted and port staff are on hand to guide you to the correct car park or drop-off. You must book long-stay parking before arrival.

Taxis are available from just outside the front of the cruise terminal.

MSC Cruises Parking in Southampton

MSC Cruises have their own parking in the Port of Southampton at the Horizon Cruise Terminal which is located on Southern Road, Southampton (SO15 1HG).

• The parking is safe, secure and located on the Port of Southampton property
• You take your keys with you after parking
• The car park is locked after all passengers have arrived and the ship has set sail – it is monitored by CCTV and the port
• Parking for Back to Back voyages is available
• Blue Badge parking spaces are located nearer the front for easier terminal access
• Luggage trolleys are on hand
• Arrive anytime before your cruise ticket boarding time

Simply book your parking online for your cruise and then print out the parking voucher you are emailed.

When you drive to the port, follow directions to Dock Gate 10 and Horizon Cruise Terminal (SO15 1HG) – simply put the parking voucher on your dashboard and you will be directed by the car park staff to exactly where you park.

There are luggage trolleys on hand to take your luggage to the terminal and baggage drop-off area.

Cruise car parking can be booked directly via AB Parking .

MSC Cruises Covid-19 Requirements from Southampton

The requirements for passengers embarking MSC Cruises in Southampton are updated frequently and the only place you should be looking for official updates is on the official website – but make sure you are reading the correct section for you and your voyage.

• MSC Cruises Health & Safety Measures page
• Make sure you read the section labelled: COVID-19: MEASURES TO EMBARK FOR UK RESIDENTS & NON SCHENGEN COUNTRIES

Breakdown summary at this time ( 6th August 2022 )

• NEW: All passengers aged 12 or over must be fully vaccinated OR read other requirements
• Boosters are recommended, but not required.
• A lab-certified negative Covid-19 test is required for boarding (Ages 2+) – this must be taken no more than 48 hours before your boarding time. Example: Embarkation time of 11am Saturday – test must not be taken any earlier than Thursday 11am.
• Please read the MSC Cruises Health & Safety Measures page for the full details.

MSC Cruises Embarkation in Southampton

After arriving at Horizon Cruise Terminal (whether by car, taxi or other means) you will need to drop off your luggage – this is usually just your case(s) that you would usually check-in if you were flying. Hand luggage and suit carriers can be taken inside the terminal (or anything else, as long as you can carry it through the terminal, security and onboard the ship without help).

Baggage drop-off

Make sure you print out the luggage labels that are on the PDF that MSC Cruises sends you when you have ‘checked in’ online (your travel agent may send them if you didn’t book direct) – you can print out as many labels as you wish. Just attach them to your case before you hand them over to baggage drop-off. If you lose a label, forget one or need an extra one – just ask – you can get one at the baggage drop-off area.

Make sure your check-in luggage doesn’t weigh more than 23KG per case/bag – this is for the health and safety of the baggage handlers and the crew on board who will deliver your luggage to outside your cabin door for you.

Note: Do not put your passport in your check-in luggage – you need it next!

Initial Check-in

( Important: Since April 2022 the rules have changed regarding face masks in the terminal – they are not mandatory anymore)

At check-in, you’ll be asked to show your passport, cruise ticket, MSC health form (which is in your cruise ticket), Covid-19 test result and vaccination/proof of recovery certificates (if applicable).

You can show digital insurance/vaccination proof if needed on your phone – however, some people have said that reception in the terminal isn’t great – so feel to print out them beforehand, or save screenshots on your phone (make sure they are clear!)

Cruise ship security is much like airport security – apart from there is no limit on liquids (ie toiletries, etc) – MSC’s policy is not to bring drinks or food onboar d, but of course, you can bring some snacks/drinks for yourself or your children whilst you are boarding without issue.

Everything will go through the x-ray machine and you will walk through an x-ray scanner – belts, watches, etc will be placed in a tray via the machine.

Covid-19 Testing (no longer conducted at the port)

Important: Since late April 2022 – Covid-19 testing at the port is no longer conducted. However, you must still have a valid negative Covid-19 test that was taken within 48-hours of your embarkation time.

After security, you head up the escalator to the waiting area. A brief check of your paperwork follows (cruise ticket).

You will be assigned a group number (sticker or piece of paper) which you will need after the final check-in – this will be your waiting area number.

Final Check-in

After arriving in this area, you go to the long check-in desk at the rear of the cruise terminal. Here, a customer relations agent will take your cruise ticket and passport from you briefly, only to check. They may also ask to see your insurance details and take a copy of your vaccination history too.

They will ask to take a photo of you – this photo will be uploaded to the ship and used to confirm your purchases in shops on board and allow you entry to/from the ship.

You will then be handed your cruise card – this states which deck and cabin you are located on and also your dining time. Additionally, it will also be a different colour card based on the MSC Voyager Club status you have. Initial first-time passengers are blue cards.

Sometimes, you are given the option to register a credit or debit card here – but you can actually do this on board and have 48 hours from embarkation to do this at one of the many automated machines around the ship (more details about those in your cabin).

You then sit at the numbered waiting area until your group is announced to board the ship.

There are free refreshments (bottles of water) handed out by the MSC crew if you wish and also toilets available.

Boarding the ship

When your group is called you head to the doors at the rear of the waiting area which is signposted – your cruise card will be checked and you follow the signs to the ship. The walk can be quite lengthy as the gangway is a series of ramps to allow wheelchair/mobility access. However, there is no rush and you can enjoy views of your ship as you walk along them.

As you approach the ship you’ll cross one final gangway onto the ship and you will need only your cruise card from here. A member of the ship’s security team will ask for your card which they will scan and they will check your photo (just taken) matches you – you are then free to enter the ship.

On arrival, you will find a number of MSC crew waiting to greet you – they can help direct you to lifts and/or your cabin if you need help. Generally, cabins are not ready until around 12:30-1pm PM on the day of embarkation.

You are free to use any of the bars, restaurants or other facilities on the ship from the moment you board!

MSC Cruises Back to Back sailings from Southampton

If you are booked on a back to back cruise on the same ship with MSC Cruises you will need to visit the Guest Relations desk during your first cruise and confirm the procedure with them.

Generally, you will be required on the day of your second cruise to visit Guest Relations and settle your bill for your first cruise and they will re-check you in without you needing to leave the ship (this is only applicable in Southampton – other ports, such as Miami may differ) – this is usually done between 9-10am.

They will take a copy of your passport and vaccination record again and issue you a new cruise card for the second cruise duration (and take a new photo of you).

You will then need to visit the Medical Centre for a free Covid-19 LFT test which they will do for you – Guest Relations will phone ahead and confirm it is free and the result will be told to you and uploaded to the system so that the ship knows you are Covid-19 clear.

Other than that, everything else continues as normal – one thing to note is if you have an existing internet package is that it does not run out until midnight on your last day (your first day on your next cruise) – so you will need to use the same login information until midnight.

If you are parking at the Horizon Cruise Terminal for a Back to Back cruise – let them know when you arrive, you will be directed to park in a slightly different area (of the same car park) so that your car isn’t left in the way when everyone leaves from the first cruise!

MSC Cruises Disembarkation in Southampton

Disembarkation is very easy with the Horizon Cruise Terminal.

As standard practice on all cruises, the luggage that you do not wish to carry off will be collected from outside your cabin by around 1am on the last night of your voyage. You will be given labels to put on your luggage on the final day and you can visit Guest Relations if you need any more.

Depending on your MSC Voyager status or your MSC Cruise Experience (Bella, Fantastica, etc) you will be assigned a disembarkation time and a place to meet for this.

Simply follow the instructions on the letter in your cabin and make sure that your cruise balance is ZERO . If you are even in credit by 0.50 GBP/0.50 EUR you will be denied leaving the ship until you collect the balance from Guest Relations! Visit there before you leave the ship!

MSC Cruises UK Facebook Group

We hope you have found this guide useful – if you want to ask a question about MSC Cruises in the UK or any of their ships – we run the largest network of MSC Cruises Facebook Groups with thousands of helpful past cruisers in them.

The groups are unofficial but offer advice on each ship, itineraries and tips and tricks for getting the best out of your MSC Cruise. Each group is dedicated to a specific ship or speciality and you’ll find many trip reports, photos and videos to enjoy before your voyage!

• MSC Cruises UK Forum
• MSC Virtuosa Forum
• MSC Grandiosa Forum
• MSC Preziosa Forum
• MSC Yacht Club Forum

You’ll find links to all the other MSC Cruises groups we run in any of those groups!

Also read: MSC Virtuosa Southampton Cruises

Similar Posts

Viking Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

MSC Meraviglia Live Voyage Introduction

MSC Meraviglia makes Maiden Call in Oslo

MSC Cruises Signs the Travel & Tourism Declaration on Illegal Trade in Wildlife

New MSC Cruises Bike Excursions – Discover New Roads

Day 0 – Pre-departure Day

• MSC Cruises

First Time on MSC: Question About Check-In Time

By stormy_weatherman , October 23, 2021 in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

stormy_weatherman

Hi everyone! Next month I'll be sailing on MSC for the first time (Divina for 3 nights). I have been on 13 cruises total so far, but have to admit I'm having a bit of trouble understanding the check-in process for MSC.

I completed all of my check-in online and just received my e-ticket. No where during the process was I able to select a check-in time at the port, yet on my ticket it states 3 PM (and the ship sails at 6 PM). Any idea why it is so late? Did I miss the part where I select my own time? Can you show up early without being turned away? Thanks in advance for helping this MSC newbie! 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I’m on Divina next month as well and have had a 3 pm check in time since I paid in full. No you didn’t miss anything they assign the time.  I plan to arrive around 12-12:15 after we drop off our rental car.  They won’t turn you away.  First time on Divina in 2019 I also had a late check in time. We showed up 4 hrs before it and they never said a word. 

22 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: Why not just work with the cruiseline, abide by their system and then enjoy your cruise.

I know folks in at least a dozen cabins that are going on our Nov 11th sailing on Divina, and all have been given 3PM check-ins, some have booked early and some, as late as Thursday.

Based on my statement above and others here on this board, abiding by their rules may net the same hordes that you mention above.

I was also on a cruise in September, albeit Carnival.

The check-in time on our boarding passes was 11:30-12:30.  Which we adhered.

There was a sign for people who were early to go wait elsewhere, (outside?)  no one was there, yet literally hundreds of people were jammed trying to check in.

I doubt we all had the same time.

We always follow the rules, but not this time.

I only live about an hour away from Port Canaveral and will have another couple in the car with us, also with a 3PM.

I am in no hurry, we will get there when we get there, and it will be before way earlier than 3PM.

Witnessing MSC's paperwork and computer bumbles first hand, I doubt even they have a handle of what is going on.

If MSC wants an orderly embarkation, they need to review their internal procedures.

@Couple-Somerset

Yes seriously!

I see you live in the UK so I’m not sure how you can comment on your experience with what’s happening with FL embarkations on Divina at the moment.  Folks from the UK are not welcome on MSC Divina until 11/8th correct?  Have you somehow sailed on Divina recently?

The MSC ships in FL aren’t packed like sardines like I have read about some of the ships in your area. Divina has been sailing with less than 50% capacity. There are no lines.  Have you read the boards here about Divina’s boarding process since they began sailing again? Nobody speaks of “hundreds being forced to wait outside” as you mention. Was that Divina? No. 

I have explained our situation with having to return our rental car by noon to MSC reps (since the rental car agencies don’t stay open late on Sundays) and each one of them have told me the boarding time is a guide, they don’t always adhere to it especially now that they can’t sail at full capacity and that we won’t be turned away.   

Our boarding "time" for Divina was 3pm; we arrived at 11am.  Onboard with glass of champagne in hand by 11:30.  I am, for one, not going to lose basically 1/2 a day of my holiday to board at 3pm. 

To note, however, there is no longer priority embarkation for Black/Diamond status (which we were keeping in our back pocket if we had to).    

23 minutes ago, Fla Mike said:   I know folks in at least a dozen cabins that are going on our Nov 11th sailing on Divina, and all have been given 3PM check-ins, some have booked early and some, as late as Thursday.

Correct we booked on July 2nd with another couple and I did the bookings for both of us and linked our reservations.  Our paperwork immediately showed a 3 pm arrival and our friend’s showed a 12:15 arrival. 🤔

So even though our paperwork both showed we were “traveling with” each other they issued us different embarkation times. Typical MSC.   

Our friends ended up cancelling and they still get emails about bidding on an upgrade and their embarkation time being changed by minutes.  If they hadn’t gotten their refund already I’d be concerned. 

1 minute ago, Morgsmom said: Our boarding "time" for Divina was 3pm; we arrived at 11am.  Onboard with glass of champagne in hand by 11:30.  I am, for one, not going to lose basically 1/2 a day of my holiday to board at 3pm.    To note, however, there is no longer priority embarkation for Black/Diamond status (which we were keeping in our back pocket if we had to).    

Exactly.  We have Diamond status as well 

In Sept., Meravigila out of Miami was a walk on. NO crowds just walk in!

6 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: IF people wish to arrive prior to their allocated time, I really do hope they will respect the staff if they do have to wait and not, as is so often the case, rush to CC to complain about it. That's only fair isn't it.

Thank you for the bold font attempt to chastise those of us who have experienced first hand the illogical nature of MSC's onboarding times.

Ours was changed no less than 4 times in 4 separate emails leading up to our last voyage.  As such we recognized (correctly in our opinion) that they had no idea what they were doing with regards to this aspect of the process. 

We printed out the one with the earliest time in case someone at the port asked.  They did not.   As indicated earlier, I am not willing to get on my high horse and lose a half of day of holiday to show that I boarded when one of my four emails asked me to.

For Divinia, many of us had 8:59 pm up until week of sailing when ship was leaving at 5pm.  Then got no less then three emails, texts, online boarding times all different last couple days.

If their systems can't get it straight then I'd say go with time that suits you best.

Thanks to all of you who provided helpful responses!

As I stated, this is my first time with MSC. I'm not trying to cheat any system or arrive any earlier than I'm supposed to. HOWEVER, when the cruise line gives you very little guidance on the matter, does not let you pick or choose your own time, and you literally have to search your documents to find your arrival time - it warrants questions! 

Also, very suspicious it seems like a lot of Divina cruisers have 3 PM check-in times. If we all adhered to that, it would create a huge mess at the port!

sverigecruiser

19 hours ago, Couple-Somerset said: Seriously?   What is the point in them issuing times and spreading out the Covid safety process if everyone is going to ignore it.   Why not just work with the cruiseline, abide by their system and then enjoy your cruise.  

Maybe the cruiseline shall also work with their customers and let people pick a time? Everyone may not get the time they want but many will.

If we get a late time for our cruise next summer we will still arrive early. If they tell us to wait we will wait.

7 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said:   I have also experienced MSC (and two other cruiseline) boarding processes this year. I'm back on MSC in a few weeks too.   If I had been given 4 different times, I would go with the final one I received.   Things change all the time at the moment - and we must simply change with them. Just as Covid testing requirements seem to change almost weekly.   IF there is no line when you get to check-in, staff are obviously not going to cause upset by making you wait until your allocated time - and I think that is what many of those arriving early have experienced.   BUT, I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too. I don't really care if you don't agree with me - just don't whinge if you are "inconvenienced".    

I honestly don’t understand how msc is in business. Just had 3 weeks on grandiosa and a trauma ward in rikers island would have been more peaceful.  

3 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too.

No one that has responded is complaining that they will have to wait, and no no one is arguing about THAT, (bold, caps).

The point that is being made is that MSC obviously has no clue about their own boarding procedures, and if we all arrived at the 3PM time we have been given the mass chaos that you would have us avoid, will actually happen.

Kind of apocalyptic.

If we are told to wait, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT , (bold, caps).

We'll just go to the bar down the street and have a few while we wait and laugh about it.

1 hour ago, Couple-Somerset said:   I have also experienced MSC (and two other cruiseline) boarding processes this year. I'm back on MSC in a few weeks too.   If I had been given 4 different times, I would go with the final one I received.   Things change all the time at the moment - and we must simply change with them. Just as Covid testing requirements seem to change almost weekly.   IF there is no line when you get to check-in, staff are obviously not going to cause upset by making you wait until your allocated time - and I think that is what many of those arriving early have experienced.   BUT, I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too. I don't really care if you don't agree with me - just don't whinge if you are "inconvenienced".    

Nobody on this thread is arguing except you. 🤷🏻‍♀️

3 hours ago, Fla Mike said: If we are told to wait, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT , (bold, caps). We'll just go to the bar down the street and have a few while we wait and laugh about it.

Where?  What bar?

40 minutes ago, lilalila said: Where?  What bar?

How about Grill's Tiki Bar .

But of course depends on your cruise date

• 2 weeks later...

Hey folks... Just wanted to provide an update to my original question/concern. I received updated boarding documents yesterday (so 8 days prior to sailing) and they have updated my embarkation time to 10:30 am. I did nothing on my end, this was done automatically. So it seems they are addressing the late embarkation times, albeit at the last minute. Hope this helps someone else!

3 hours ago, stormy_weatherman said: Hey folks... Just wanted to provide an update to my original question/concern. I received updated boarding documents yesterday (so 8 days prior to sailing) and they have updated my embarkation time to 10:30 am. I did nothing on my end, this was done automatically. So it seems they are addressing the late embarkation times, albeit at the last minute. Hope this helps someone else!

Thanks for the update! A number of us on Divina have had our times pushed up. Mine went from 3pm to 12:30pm to now being 11:30 am.  Have a great time!

Our time changed from 3 pm to 1:30 pm.  Will keep checking.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 3 hours ago

LauraS · Started 7 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Find a Lawyer
• Ask a Lawyer
• Research the Law
• Law Schools
• Laws & Regs
• Newsletters
• Justia Connect
• Pro Membership
• Basic Membership
• Justia Lawyer Directory
• Platinum Placements
• Gold Placements
• Justia Elevate
• Justia Amplify
• PPC Management
• Google Business Profile
• Social Media
• Justia Onward Blog

This docket was last retrieved on April 25, 2024. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER .

Use the links below to access additional information about this case on the US Court's PACER system. A subscription to PACER is required.

Access this case on the Florida Southern District Court's Electronic Court Filings (ECF) System

• Search for Party Aliases
• Associated Cases
• Case File Location
• Case Summary
• Docket Report
• History/Documents
• Related Transactions
• Check Status

Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.

Why Is My Information Online?

Subscribe to Justia's Free Newsletters featuring summaries of federal and state court opinions .

• Bankruptcy Lawyers
• Business Lawyers
• Criminal Lawyers
• Employment Lawyers
• Estate Planning Lawyers
• Family Lawyers
• Personal Injury Lawyers
• Estate Planning
• Personal Injury
• Business Formation
• Business Operations
• Intellectual Property
• International Trade
• Real Estate
• Financial Aid
• Course Outlines
• Law Journals
• US Constitution
• Regulations
• Supreme Court
• Circuit Courts
• District Courts
• Dockets & Filings
• State Constitutions
• State Codes
• State Case Law
• Legal Blogs
• Business Forms
• Product Recalls
• Justia Connect Membership
• Justia Premium Placements
• Justia Elevate (SEO, Websites)
• Justia Amplify (PPC, GBP)
• Testimonials

Protect Your Trip »

6 top transatlantic cruises for 2024.

Journey across the Atlantic while enjoying all the amenities at sea.

The Top Transatlantic Cruises

Courtesy of Cunard Line

Sailing from New York to England on Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is just one of many transatlantic offerings in 2024.

Transatlantic cruises are unique when you compare them to traditional cruises most people book for family trips and romantic getaways. These voyages tend to be longer in general, and they have more built-in days at sea and offer a lot more time on board as a result. Repositioning cruises that include a transatlantic crossing tend to attract more retirees and travelers who just want to relax and enjoy their ships' amenities, especially since fewer days in port means fewer excursions and more time doing nothing at all.

That said, the fact that transatlantic cruises can last as few as seven nights means they may fit in your plans more easily than you may think. There are also some benefits to transatlantic crossings that may not be obvious, including lower nightly rates, more onboard credit, and more time to kick back and relax at a floating luxury resort in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're curious which transatlantic cruises are best for 2024, here are six top picks with different cruise lengths, itineraries and unique destinations to explore.

Explore cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Cunard Line

Date: Departs May 5, 2024

Departure port: Brooklyn, New York

Starting price: $2,449 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 7 to 18 nights

In May of 2024, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 vessel will offer three different transatlantic crossings of various lengths. Choose from a seven-night sailing from Brooklyn, New York , to Southampton, England; a nine-night sailing to Hamburg, Germany ; and an 18-night round-trip sailing that departs from Brooklyn and crosses the Atlantic twice on the way back to its starting point. This unique combination of itineraries lets you cross the sea and tailor your trip to how long you want to be away from home.

The 18-night itinerary is especially interesting, since it lets you depart from the United States and arrive back in Brooklyn in the end with stops in both England and Germany, as well as plenty of sea days in between. Luxury cruise line Cunard is known for its elegant design, lush amenities and upscale feel, and the Queen Mary 2 is one of the line's most luxurious ships. Highlights on this exclusive vessel include the Royal Court Theatre, a casino, gala evenings, an onboard spa and a vast library. The Queen Mary 2 holds up to 2,691 guests with 1,173 crew to cater to your every need.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Date: Departs March 24, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Starting price: $5,949 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 21 nights

Seabourn is offering a 21-night transatlantic cruise from Miami on Seabourn Quest in March 2024 that offers a diverse range of ports of call before ending its voyage in Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands . Departure from Miami is followed by nine days at sea. Then, you'll enjoy multiple stops in the Canary Islands – including Santa Cruz de La Palma and San Sebastián de La Gomera – as well as stops in Praia and Mindelo the Cape Verde archipelago.

This journey with Seabourn makes it possible for travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote tropical islands in the world. The Canary Islands are known for their white sand beaches , volcanoes and lush greenery; similar landscapes can also be found in Cape Verde's coastal towns and villages. Seabourn Quest, a smaller ocean vessel, accommodates just 229 guests.

MSC Cruises

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Date: Departs Nov. 8, 2024

Departure port: Southampton, England

Starting price: $769 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 16 nights

The MSC Virtuosa from MSC Cruises is repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean in November 2024, which gives travelers the chance to enjoy a lengthy transatlantic crossing with plenty of unique ports. This sailing departs from England with eight sea days plus stops in France, the Azores of Portugal, St. Maarten , Antigua and Barbuda, and Martinique . The ship ends its journey in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

The MSC Virtuosa is a larger cruise vessel that boasts an impressive grand promenade with a LED dome ceiling, dedicated clubs for children and teens, an onboard spa, a lavish casino and the luxurious MSC Yacht Club section of the ship. This vessel holds a maximum of 6,334 passengers at once.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

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

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Date: Departs July 5, 2024

Departure port: New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn)

Starting price: $4,098 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 31 nights

Princess Cruises also offers its share of transatlantic sailings on various vessels. Its 31-night crossing from New York to Barcelona, Spain , on Island Princess in July 2024 is jam-packed with exciting destinations to explore. This lengthy transatlantic voyage has only 13 sea days with planned stops in Canada's Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Spain, Portugal and Morocco before the journey ends in Barcelona.

This intriguing sailing experience with Princess takes passengers to eight different countries in the span of a month. Island Princess is a nice ship for a long sailing because of its smaller size, with just 2,200 passengers and 900 crew. But the ship is also large enough to have a huge selection of included and specialty dining options, a Vegas-style casino, a sports court, a large central atrium for gathering, and several pools and hot tubs to enjoy.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Date: Departs April 11, 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Starting price: $760 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 12 nights

Celebrity Cruises is offering a 12-night sailing on Celebrity Equinox in April 2024 that starts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and ends in Lisbon, Portugal – making it possible for travelers to enjoy eight relaxing days at sea. What's interesting about this sailing is its stops along the way, which include the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda; Porta Delgada in Portugal's Azores archipelago; and Porto in mainland Portugal.

The Celebrity Equinox accommodates a maximum of just 2,852 passengers at once, so this Celebrity vessel is a solid choice for travelers who want just the right size ship instead of a smaller vessel or a megaship. There are also plenty of onboard features to keep you happy and entertained as you float across the Atlantic Ocean, including The Casino, The Lawn Club with outdoor games like bocce ball and croquet, The Martini Bar, the adults-only Solarium and more.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Dates: Departs Oct. 24, 2024

Departure port: Barcelona, Spain

Starting price: $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees)

Cruise length: 14 nights

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is hosting a transatlantic voyage in October 2024 that departs from Barcelona, Spain, and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This vessel will make stops in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Cartagena and Málaga in Spain, then spend eight days at sea. After that, enjoy a day in Nassau in the Bahamas before the cruise drops passengers off in sunny Florida.

Interior staterooms on this Royal Caribbean sailing start at just $876 per person (plus port taxes and fees), which works out to around $60 per night, per person. The Oasis of the Seas megaship can hold a total of 6,771 guests and 2,109 crew, so it's an enormous vessel – to put it mildly. This size may not be ideal for travelers who want a more intimate cruising experience, but it's perfect for cruisers who want plenty of space to spread out and endless activities to take part in. Oasis of the Seas boasts 20 different restaurants and cafes, 11 bars and lounges, a variety of pools and whirlpools, a rock climbing wall, the AquaTheater diving and entertainment venue, mini-golf, a casino and plenty more.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Solo Cruises (With No Supplement Fare)
• Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials Chosen by Experts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best florence tours.

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The 10 Best Cruises for Teens in 2024

C ruises make the perfect family vacation, especially when traveling with teens. Teens can mix and mingle with others their age in teens-only clubs, play games, listen to music, or grab a pizza and watch a movie under the stars. If your tweens and teens need more action-packed fun to keep them entertained, some cruise ships act like floating amusement parks with zip lines, racetracks, roller coasters, ice skating rinks, laser tag, waterslides and more.

The following lines offer the best cruises for teens and tweens, along with their parents.

Raw HTML : GTS form Travel

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers plenty of family fun and activities for teens on its ships, including sports tournaments, waterslides and a family disco. On select ships, you'll also find the full-size MSC Formula Racer simulator, an interactive XD cinema, a virtual reality experience, zip lines and an arcade room. The Young Club programming by MSC Cruises offers daily activities for 12- to 14-year-old tweens, while teens 15 to 17 can participate in sports and dance competitions as well as video game tournaments at the Teen Club. Older kids can also participate in fun themed events, karaoke, piloting practice at the Drone Academy and flash mobs – and there's a teens-only disco.

On MSC Seascape , teens can stay busy in three new concept spaces. "Future" features a state-of-the-art technology area with the latest-generation consoles, VR and video screens for hours of entertainment. "Chill Out" is just as it sounds – a place to hang out, chat, and play foosball and pingpong. Meanwhile, "Music" is a dance club where kids can choose their own tunes and dance the night away with cool lighting and sound effects. If all that isn't enough, Robotron, the first of its kind at sea, is an amusement park-like ride that combines the thrill of a roller coaster with personalized music and lighting.

MSC World Europa boasts the largest and most engaging kids area in the fleet with an impressive 8,245 square feet of action-packed space. The new Teens Lab features an immersive area for teenagers with more than 20 of the latest consoles, seven VR stations and dozens of video games. Drone Academy 2.0 is a high-energy relay race for drones. There's even more onboard fun at Z Active, a sports program that offers basketball, football and zorb ball alongside two firsts for the line – pickleball and hoverboards. Teens can also take a spin on the bumper cars at the MSC Sportplex.

MSC Euribia – the line's newest ship, which set sail on its inaugural cruise in June 2023 – has a total of 7,500-plus square feet of space dedicated to kids ages 0 to 17. The new Teens Club Extra Space offers three different areas: the Young Club (ages 12 to 14), the Teens Club (15 to 17) and the Teens Lab (12 to 17). Some of the activities include those found on other MSC ships, such as Z Active, Drone Academy 2.0 and the MSC Dance Crew competition. Teens will also have access to new video games; pingpong; World Quest, an interactive game show based on trivia and geography; and Caravaggio, an immersive spy game show about an art heist.

Compare  MSC Cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teens-only venue, Entourage, which caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. This supervised space – available on 16 of the line's 19 ships – keeps teens busy in an adults-free lounge that's filled with video games, movies, music, arts and sports. Teen counselors on Norwegian Cruise Line plan activities and challenges to keep kids entertained throughout the cruise. A list of detailed activities is available on embarkation day so teens can plan out their schedule for the cruise.

Norwegian Prima , the first vessel in the Prima class, features many first-at-sea innovations perfect for entertaining families and energetic teens, including the three-level Prima Speedway. With cars reaching up to 30 miles per hour, this quarter-mile-long racetrack is one of the highest-rated attractions on Prima. Adventurous teens will also want to check out The Drop and The Rush. Billed as the fastest slides at sea, these chutes offer thrill-seekers a heart-pumping 10-story freefall plunge.

If that's not enough action, teens can also play The Bull's Eye, a classic game of darts that uses a video tracking system, or check out Tee Time for a pumped-up version of mini-golf set against a Las Vegas backdrop. In the Galaxy Pavilion, an indoor gaming complex, you'll find more than a dozen attractions, including immersive simulator experiences, escape rooms and the Topgolf Swing Suite – all of which are unique to Norwegian Prima. When it's time to cool off, the Tidal Wave waterslide is another first for the brand, letting guests ride inner tubes to catch the surf.

Norwegian Viva, the second vessel in the Prima class, is set to launch in August 2023. As the newest ship in NCL's fleet, Viva will also feature these exciting high-tech attractions, including Viva Speedway. If you and your teens are fans of the movie "Beetlejuice," you're in for a treat: The Broadway musical adaptation will debut on the new ship.

The line's Breakaway Plus class – Norwegian Escape , Joy , Bliss and Encore – is also popular with families as these ships offer plenty of activities and attractions suited for active teens, such as go-kart tracks, outdoor laser tag and VR games in the Galaxy Pavilion.

Find  Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GoToSea .

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line features two cool spaces dedicated to teens and tweens, who can hang out on comfy couches, watch shows or movies, and play video games. These hangouts, called Edge (for ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17), are available on all Disney Cruise Line ships.

On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream , the space at Vibe also features a private outdoor deck with chaise lounges, wading pools, foosball and more. While indoors, teenagers can mingle with others their age, or just kick back and relax in individual nooks. There's a dance club area for karaoke contests, talent shows and dance competitions. The trendy indoor-outdoor space – at almost 9,000 square feet – is accessible with a teens-only card or DisneyBand+. On the new Disney Wish ship, Vibe has a French twist inspired by a Paris artist's loft with neon signs and funk pop art.

For tweens sailing on Disney Fantasy or Dream, Edge is a bright, loft-style gathering spot – located in the funnel – that has individual computer stations for gaming and a massive video wall for screening television, movies and games. There's also a lit-up dance floor for dance parties. Two nifty features of the space – and its location – are views of the pool decks below as well as three portholes that allow for glimpses of the riders on the water coaster, AquaDuck, as they zoom by.

On the first night of the cruise, kids receive information on what activities and events will be available during their vacation so they can curate a personalized entertainment itinerary. Some fun options throughout the week may include "Gotcha," a game of elimination where one teen will become the ultimate victor. For a special treat – and a bit of pampering – guests ages 13 to 17 won't want to miss an afternoon at Chill Spa, located inside Senses Spa & Salon.

Book a  Disney cruise on GoToSea .

Royal Caribbean International

The newly updated space for teens 13 to 17 years old on Royal Caribbean International vessels is hidden behind a secret speakeasy entrance. The dedicated venue, which has a gaming lounge and music, is a cozy place to hang out to meet other teens on the ship. There's also an outdoor patio where you can relax in the sun or chill out under the stars. Teens will find planned activities throughout the day at the lounge, including sports tournaments, a nightly teen disco and themed parties.

Social 100 is an exclusive new space for ages 13 to 17 on Wonder of the Seas . The outdoor space sits next to the waterslides and boasts a hot tub, lawn games, cozy seating, a selfie area, and a bar serving zero-proof cocktails and shakes. The indoor part of Social 100 features a gaming area, foosball tables, a vending machine and more comfortable spaces for teens to mingle.

Teens have plenty of activities they can do with their families on Royal Caribbean's ships, especially on the new Icon of the Seas, the first vessel in the Icon class. Slated for its inaugural sailing in January 2024, Wonder of the Seas will be the  world's largest cruise ship .  Cruisers of all ages will have endless opportunities for fun with more venues, activities and attractions than you've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Teens and their parents will appreciate Chill Island, a three-level pool deck with the first swim-up bar at sea. The new water park, Thrill Island, boasts six waterslides, including exciting firsts at sea, such as Pressure Drop, the first open freefall slide. If that's not enough to get the adrenaline pumping, teens can check out Crown's Edge – a combination thrill ride, skywalk and ropes course – or other Royal Caribbean favorites like Adrenaline Peak, Sports Court, the FlowRider surf simulator or the reimagined mini-golf course.

If you're hanging out in the new Surfside neighborhood on Icon, a dedicated space for young families, teens will have easy access to the supervised teens-only club, Social 020, from this open-air space.

When you head ashore to Perfect Day in CocoCay, one of the best  cruise line private islands , teen cruisers will find plenty of fun land-based activities like Thrill Waterpark and 1,600-foot-long zip lines. Be sure not to miss another thrilling experience: Up, Up and Away. The helium balloon ride soars 450 feet above the ground to the highest vantage point in the Bahamas , offering incredible panoramic views of the island and surrounding turquoise waters.

Explore  Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea . 

Holland America Line

The Kids Club on Holland America Line offers a fun supervised program for 13- to 17-year-old guests in an adult-free zone known as The Loft. The name is in the process of changing to High Score!, and you'll already find the updated concept on Oosterdam and Eurodam . The line's other ships will change over to the new venue throughout 2024. High Score! is a family game room that serves as a secret getaway for teens by day. In the evenings, entire families can come to play skeeball, board games and join in other activities.

The teens-only space (during the day) on Holland America Line resembles a New York artists loft where kids can listen to music, watch movies, play games and meet and hang out with same-age cruisers. Programs and activities at the current space, The Loft, include themed events, karaoke, a teen disco and nighttime activities such as Poker Night and video game tournaments. Youths can also participate in pingpong, basketball and other teens-only sporting events. If they still need more entertainment to keep them busy, the Kids Club offers origami lessons and watercolor painting as well as competitions in "Mario Kart," air hockey, foosball, pinball and more.

The Kids Club is complimentary for guests. The space is open daily, and you'll also find teen events around the ship. When it comes to dining, there are many teen-friendly dining options – where teens can even enjoy mocktails like nonalcoholic mojitos – at venues throughout the ship.

If you're cruising to Alaska with Holland America or other adventure-filled destinations, look for excursions that will appeal to younger family members like zip lining tours, trail hikes, float trips, helicopter tours and wilderness safaris. Alaska is a teen favorite, especially in Skagway (one of Alaska's top destinations ), where travelers can get a thrill out of dog mushing with a team of Alaskan huskies, taking a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, or going on a rock climbing excursion.

Find  Holland America Line cruises on GoToSea .

360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Princess Cruises

The modern Beach House lounge is the go-to place for passengers ages 13 to 17 to socialize and meet others their age when sailing on a Princess Cruises ship. Fun activities for teens include late-night movies and tournaments where they can challenge their peers in video games or at air hockey, foosball and table tennis. For more energetic activities, join in the fun during indoor dodgeball and basketball games. Or, learn new dance moves from some of the dancers in the crew, then hit the dance floor for one of the competitions. At the "Rock the Boat Party," teenagers can dress up and party the night away with mocktails and new friends on the ship.

"Movies Under the Stars" is one of Princess' signature events. Guests can watch movies, sporting events and concerts while bundled up with cozy blankets on the pool deck outdoors. Teens will enjoy the complimentary snacks – not to mention the special movie nights designed with them in mind, such as "Scary Movie Night." You might even find teen makeovers and glitter tattoos some evenings on the ship.

The line's three newest ships – Discovery Princess , Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess – offer the most activities for teens, but all of the ships in the fleet host youth programs in partnership with Discovery, along with plenty of other family-friendly activities. These offerings include Discovery Family and Animal Planet shore excursions and onboard entertainment like "The Voice of the Ocean," a musical competition.

Parents will be able to keep track of their busy teens anywhere on the ship with the state-of-the-art Princess MedallionClass system. The quarter-size wearable medallion and accompanying app allow guests to personalize their itinerary and locate family members and friends on board.

When Sun Princess launches in February 2024, as the first vessel in the line's Sphere class, it will feature Park19. This top-deck family activity zone boasts many outdoor adventures, including Sea Breeze – the first Rollglider at sea. The ADA-accessible seated ride offers a hang-gliding experience with panoramic views of the ocean and ports of call. Families and teens can also check out the climbing obstacle course, cargo nets and lookout points. The ship also has a recreational court – which offers pingpong, shuffleboard, fitness classes and more – and a splash zone where you can cool off after all the outdoor activities.

Inside Sun Princess, tweens and teens will find two centers just for them: Neon Grove and The Underground. Both spaces offer cozy and colorful areas for young adults to hang out, socialize, and play video games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. They'll also find foosball, skeeball and air hockey on top of planned activities like movie nights, dance parties and scavenger hunts.

Explore  Princess Cruises on GoToSea .

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney offers river and expedition cruises for the whole family; the itineraries span many choices and experiences for tweens and teens with a focus on culture, history, gastronomy and adventure. The river cruises are operated in partnership with AmaWaterways, while the expedition cruises are a collaboration with luxury French cruise line Ponant.

If you're sailing on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise itinerary, for example, guests can choose between various exciting excursions. While you're docked in Strasbourg, France , for the day, teen-friendly options include a tour of the Black Forest, complete with a toboggan run and a visit to a woodworking museum. Another choice here is to visit Germany's Europa-Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park located between the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. In Melk, Austria, on the Danube itinerary, families can go for a bike ride along the Danube River, hike to the castle in Dürnstein or visit a family-run apricot farm.

Another great feature of these cruises is that teens can opt to have dinner and evening get-togethers with same-age cruisers, so they don't have to dine with their parents or younger siblings every night. Adventure Guides also curate special activities for teens like game shows and pool parties.

In destinations like Antarctica, the Adriatic and the Galápagos Islands , expert naturalists lead tours during these bucket list trips. You might even find a bit of Disney storytelling woven into the presentations by the Adventure Guides.

Keep in mind if you have younger kids as well as teens that children need to be 5 or older to sail on the river cruises. For the Galápagos Islands expedition cruises, the minimum age for Junior Adventurers is 7, and for expeditions to the polar regions, kids need to be 10 years of age or older.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration, which launched in November 2022, is the line's newest Excel-class ship. It features an expanded family and youth program, including its offerings for teens. The line also rolled out the new program fleetwide in spring 2023.

The Carnival Cruise Line teen programming at Circle "C" is for tweens ages 12 to 14, while Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. In these venues you'll find entertainment like themed dance parties – and even a Carnival prom – as well as video games, movies and karaoke. Circle "C" stands for "Cruise, chill and connect," and that's what teens can do in this colorful, contemporary space with engaging counselors. New activities include anime drawing lessons and pop culture games at Circle "C." Older teens can foster new friendships while engaging in Japanese crafts and authentic tea ceremonies at Club O2.

Teens will appreciate Carnival's onboard water park, Waterworks, which includes a splash park and slides. Carnival Panorama even has the trampoline park Skyzone. Teenage passengers won't want to miss the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT, on Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras , Celebration and the upcoming Jubilee, scheduled to launch in December 2023.

For even more action, Vista-class ships feature Skyride. This two-lane, bike-like ride is suspended above the top deck of the ships and extends out over the ocean. More indoor fun can be found at Thrill Theater (on Horizon and Vista ), an immersive cinematic experience where you'll feel the seat rumble, the wind blow through your hair and even a spritz of water during the action-packed video.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea .

Celebrity Cruises

This line's Teen Club features activities focused on kids 13 to 17. Some of the events offered for teens in the Camp at Sea program on Celebrity Cruises range from video game tournaments and sports competitions to culinary classes and silent disco parties. Teen cruisers can even book glass-blowing classes on Celebrity Solstice , Equinox and Eclipse . The offerings for young passengers are similar at either The Basement on Edge-series ships ( Edge , Apex , Beyond and Ascent, set to launch in November 2023) or at X Club on Solstice- and Millennium-class ships. Note, however, the line's three Galápagos expedition vessels do not have the teen venues. Families who need accessible accommodations, activities and programs will also find autism-friendly cruises on Celebrity.

When it comes to pampering, Celebrity's spas offer spa menus for 13- to 17-year-olds. Teens can book facials that are designed for young sensitive skin or have express pedicures and manicures. When you're ready to relax, schedule a two-by-two massage, where parents and kids can have a side-by-side treatment.

Celebrity also offers family-focused excursions that highlight cultural attractions, wildlife sightings and adventure. Some of these tours include seeing gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins in the Falkland Islands; taking an aerial tram through the treetop canopies of a rainforest in Costa Rica ; and going on a small culinary or sightseeing group excursion in Europe and other destinations around the world. On Caribbean sailings – especially when school is out for summer or on holidays – Celebrity has additional family-friendly shore excursions on its five- and seven-night sailings.

Find a  Celebrity Cruises deal on GoToSea .

Cunard Line

Cunard Line offers programs and activities for passengers ages 13 to 17 years old in its Teen Zone. This dedicated space is a place for teens to hang out with cruisers their own age and play video and team games, table tennis, and more. On the first day of the cruise, you'll find an activity program for young guests delivered to the stateroom so your teens can plan out their vacation experience, which may include entertaining theme days, deck sports, quizzes and dancing at the disco.

Teens on Cunard Line can participate in the activities around the ship, hit the pool for a dip, practice their putting or try their hand at croquet. If you're sailing on Queen Mary 2, those interested in science, wildlife and the solar system can watch up to four 3D films a day (on sea days) in the largest planetarium at sea.

Compare  Cunard Line cruises on GoToSea .

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She's sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, traditional masted sailing ships, and expedition vessels in Antarctica and the Galápagos. Pratesi covers the travel and cruise industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Lines That Let Kids Sail Free
• The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers
• The Top Adults-Only Cruises
• Cruise Packing List
• Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

More winners from Hot List 2024

See all Hot List 2024 winners

The best new hotels in the world

The best new restaurants in the world

• MSC Cruises

First Time on MSC: Question About Check-In Time

By stormy_weatherman , October 23, 2021 in MSC Cruises

Recommended Posts

stormy_weatherman

Hi everyone! Next month I'll be sailing on MSC for the first time (Divina for 3 nights). I have been on 13 cruises total so far, but have to admit I'm having a bit of trouble understanding the check-in process for MSC.

I completed all of my check-in online and just received my e-ticket. No where during the process was I able to select a check-in time at the port, yet on my ticket it states 3 PM (and the ship sails at 6 PM). Any idea why it is so late? Did I miss the part where I select my own time? Can you show up early without being turned away? Thanks in advance for helping this MSC newbie! 

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I’m on Divina next month as well and have had a 3 pm check in time since I paid in full. No you didn’t miss anything they assign the time.  I plan to arrive around 12-12:15 after we drop off our rental car.  They won’t turn you away.  First time on Divina in 2019 I also had a late check in time. We showed up 4 hrs before it and they never said a word. 

22 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: Why not just work with the cruiseline, abide by their system and then enjoy your cruise.

I know folks in at least a dozen cabins that are going on our Nov 11th sailing on Divina, and all have been given 3PM check-ins, some have booked early and some, as late as Thursday.

Based on my statement above and others here on this board, abiding by their rules may net the same hordes that you mention above.

I was also on a cruise in September, albeit Carnival.

The check-in time on our boarding passes was 11:30-12:30.  Which we adhered.

There was a sign for people who were early to go wait elsewhere, (outside?)  no one was there, yet literally hundreds of people were jammed trying to check in.

I doubt we all had the same time.

We always follow the rules, but not this time.

I only live about an hour away from Port Canaveral and will have another couple in the car with us, also with a 3PM.

I am in no hurry, we will get there when we get there, and it will be before way earlier than 3PM.

Witnessing MSC's paperwork and computer bumbles first hand, I doubt even they have a handle of what is going on.

If MSC wants an orderly embarkation, they need to review their internal procedures.

@Couple-Somerset

Yes seriously!

I see you live in the UK so I’m not sure how you can comment on your experience with what’s happening with FL embarkations on Divina at the moment.  Folks from the UK are not welcome on MSC Divina until 11/8th correct?  Have you somehow sailed on Divina recently?

The MSC ships in FL aren’t packed like sardines like I have read about some of the ships in your area. Divina has been sailing with less than 50% capacity. There are no lines.  Have you read the boards here about Divina’s boarding process since they began sailing again? Nobody speaks of “hundreds being forced to wait outside” as you mention. Was that Divina? No. 

I have explained our situation with having to return our rental car by noon to MSC reps (since the rental car agencies don’t stay open late on Sundays) and each one of them have told me the boarding time is a guide, they don’t always adhere to it especially now that they can’t sail at full capacity and that we won’t be turned away.   

Our boarding "time" for Divina was 3pm; we arrived at 11am.  Onboard with glass of champagne in hand by 11:30.  I am, for one, not going to lose basically 1/2 a day of my holiday to board at 3pm. 

To note, however, there is no longer priority embarkation for Black/Diamond status (which we were keeping in our back pocket if we had to).    

23 minutes ago, Fla Mike said:   I know folks in at least a dozen cabins that are going on our Nov 11th sailing on Divina, and all have been given 3PM check-ins, some have booked early and some, as late as Thursday.

Correct we booked on July 2nd with another couple and I did the bookings for both of us and linked our reservations.  Our paperwork immediately showed a 3 pm arrival and our friend’s showed a 12:15 arrival. 🤔

So even though our paperwork both showed we were “traveling with” each other they issued us different embarkation times. Typical MSC.   

Our friends ended up cancelling and they still get emails about bidding on an upgrade and their embarkation time being changed by minutes.  If they hadn’t gotten their refund already I’d be concerned. 

1 minute ago, Morgsmom said: Our boarding "time" for Divina was 3pm; we arrived at 11am.  Onboard with glass of champagne in hand by 11:30.  I am, for one, not going to lose basically 1/2 a day of my holiday to board at 3pm.    To note, however, there is no longer priority embarkation for Black/Diamond status (which we were keeping in our back pocket if we had to).    

Exactly.  We have Diamond status as well 

In Sept., Meravigila out of Miami was a walk on. NO crowds just walk in!

6 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: IF people wish to arrive prior to their allocated time, I really do hope they will respect the staff if they do have to wait and not, as is so often the case, rush to CC to complain about it. That's only fair isn't it.

Thank you for the bold font attempt to chastise those of us who have experienced first hand the illogical nature of MSC's onboarding times.

Ours was changed no less than 4 times in 4 separate emails leading up to our last voyage.  As such we recognized (correctly in our opinion) that they had no idea what they were doing with regards to this aspect of the process. 

We printed out the one with the earliest time in case someone at the port asked.  They did not.   As indicated earlier, I am not willing to get on my high horse and lose a half of day of holiday to show that I boarded when one of my four emails asked me to.

For Divinia, many of us had 8:59 pm up until week of sailing when ship was leaving at 5pm.  Then got no less then three emails, texts, online boarding times all different last couple days.

If their systems can't get it straight then I'd say go with time that suits you best.

Thanks to all of you who provided helpful responses!

As I stated, this is my first time with MSC. I'm not trying to cheat any system or arrive any earlier than I'm supposed to. HOWEVER, when the cruise line gives you very little guidance on the matter, does not let you pick or choose your own time, and you literally have to search your documents to find your arrival time - it warrants questions! 

Also, very suspicious it seems like a lot of Divina cruisers have 3 PM check-in times. If we all adhered to that, it would create a huge mess at the port!

sverigecruiser

19 hours ago, Couple-Somerset said: Seriously?   What is the point in them issuing times and spreading out the Covid safety process if everyone is going to ignore it.   Why not just work with the cruiseline, abide by their system and then enjoy your cruise.  

Maybe the cruiseline shall also work with their customers and let people pick a time? Everyone may not get the time they want but many will.

If we get a late time for our cruise next summer we will still arrive early. If they tell us to wait we will wait.

7 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said:   I have also experienced MSC (and two other cruiseline) boarding processes this year. I'm back on MSC in a few weeks too.   If I had been given 4 different times, I would go with the final one I received.   Things change all the time at the moment - and we must simply change with them. Just as Covid testing requirements seem to change almost weekly.   IF there is no line when you get to check-in, staff are obviously not going to cause upset by making you wait until your allocated time - and I think that is what many of those arriving early have experienced.   BUT, I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too. I don't really care if you don't agree with me - just don't whinge if you are "inconvenienced".    

I honestly don’t understand how msc is in business. Just had 3 weeks on grandiosa and a trauma ward in rikers island would have been more peaceful.  

3 minutes ago, Couple-Somerset said: I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too.

No one that has responded is complaining that they will have to wait, and no no one is arguing about THAT, (bold, caps).

The point that is being made is that MSC obviously has no clue about their own boarding procedures, and if we all arrived at the 3PM time we have been given the mass chaos that you would have us avoid, will actually happen.

Kind of apocalyptic.

If we are told to wait, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT , (bold, caps).

We'll just go to the bar down the street and have a few while we wait and laugh about it.

1 hour ago, Couple-Somerset said:   I have also experienced MSC (and two other cruiseline) boarding processes this year. I'm back on MSC in a few weeks too.   If I had been given 4 different times, I would go with the final one I received.   Things change all the time at the moment - and we must simply change with them. Just as Covid testing requirements seem to change almost weekly.   IF there is no line when you get to check-in, staff are obviously not going to cause upset by making you wait until your allocated time - and I think that is what many of those arriving early have experienced.   BUT, I still stand by my bold comment that if you arrive before your (last received) allocated time, then do not complain if you have to wait. That surely is sensible and I can't believe people would even argue about it - no doubt those same people will be moaning if they are forced to wait too. I don't really care if you don't agree with me - just don't whinge if you are "inconvenienced".    

Nobody on this thread is arguing except you. 🤷🏻‍♀️

3 hours ago, Fla Mike said: If we are told to wait, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT , (bold, caps). We'll just go to the bar down the street and have a few while we wait and laugh about it.

Where?  What bar?

40 minutes ago, lilalila said: Where?  What bar?

How about Grill's Tiki Bar .

But of course depends on your cruise date

• 2 weeks later...

Hey folks... Just wanted to provide an update to my original question/concern. I received updated boarding documents yesterday (so 8 days prior to sailing) and they have updated my embarkation time to 10:30 am. I did nothing on my end, this was done automatically. So it seems they are addressing the late embarkation times, albeit at the last minute. Hope this helps someone else!

3 hours ago, stormy_weatherman said: Hey folks... Just wanted to provide an update to my original question/concern. I received updated boarding documents yesterday (so 8 days prior to sailing) and they have updated my embarkation time to 10:30 am. I did nothing on my end, this was done automatically. So it seems they are addressing the late embarkation times, albeit at the last minute. Hope this helps someone else!

Thanks for the update! A number of us on Divina have had our times pushed up. Mine went from 3pm to 12:30pm to now being 11:30 am.  Have a great time!

Our time changed from 3 pm to 1:30 pm.  Will keep checking.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 3 hours ago

LauraS · Started 7 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 04:15 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 03:00 PM

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 10:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure