Cruise News & FAQs 1.19.26

We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!

NEWS & FAQS

1/20/20264 min read

Welcome aboard our latest wave of cruise news and clues! We’ve scoured the seas of social media, cruise groups, and online articles to bring you the best of what’s making waves. With so many tips, tricks, and Q&As floating around out there, we’re here to help you navigate the chatter and find the real treasures. Let’s dive in.

Cruise News

Clues & FAQs

Carnival Q&A

  • Do I have to dress up for theme nights?

    • No, they are optional.

  • In the MDR, are you able to order more than one thing each course?

    • Yes for apps and desserts, most entrees as well, but certain ones sometimes have a $5 charge for additional entrees (lobster, steaks). If you're unsure, ask your server.

Disney Q&A

  • Is theft ever a problem while cruising? What do you do with your card and phone when riding the waterslide?

    • There are little cubbies to tuck your shoes and cell phone in while you wait half an hour for the slide, and in my experience, it's always there when you get back.

    • I have left my phone, wallet and KTTW card in my shoes on the beach with my shirt covering and never had a problem.

    • Some people will get a waterproof bag that you can wear around your neck when you are on the AquaDuck or AquaMouse slides.

    • The staff is pretty strict about having loose items like your phone on the slides.

  • Magic bands, are they worth it?

    • We love using our bands. Our kids can use them for the Oceaneers Club as well.

    • You can adjust the band to fit a child- to an adult.

    • Just make sure you get a MagicBand+ which is the rechargeable variety, as they are the only ones that work on the ships. They also work in the parks.

    • In my opinion, they're worth getting if you're going to keep going on cruises and/or to the parks. Not worth it for a one-time use.

    • They do fit on kiddos wrists, I think at that age mine wore it in the smallest setting, but it fit. They also have 'locks' at the kids club so that it doesn't fall off and get lost if they fidget with it, you can just ask for one and they'll give it to you.

MSC Q&A

  • Are the Fun Passes worth it?

    • Depends on the ship, really. Our first cruise was on the Seaside and it didn’t have much in “arcade” area.

      Seashore has a decent arcade, and my kids enjoyed it. We went to the arcade a lot.

    • We had one fun pass on World America for our family of 2 adults, 2 kids. It was perfect.

    • It was nice to have prepaid for those things ahead of time.

  • Best places to eat?

    • Butchers Cut was a popular choice

    • Yacht Club restaurant if you have a access

    • Pizza and Hola!

    • I didn't book any additional restaurants. The ones included were enough for me.

NCL Q&A

  • Are door decorations allowed?

    • #36 of the "What can't I bring onboard?" list:

      For everyone's safety, Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow paper door decorations, due to their flammable nature. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with our safety policy.

Royal Q&A:

  • Waterpark experiences, would you prefer Baha Bay during port in Nassau OR Thrill Waterpark at CocoCay?

    • My kids all said the thrill waterpark was their favorite thing on the trip.

    • Baha Mar was beyond gorgeous though and I intend on going back. We did all the slides and loved it.

    • My 13 year old loved the water park at Coco Cay...its expensive BUT he spent like 8 hours in it.

  • How do I book a scooter to get around onboard?

    • Go to the Royal Caribbean website and search "Special Needs Form", you can fill it out online and submit it. they’ll give you the numbers for outside vendors. They’ll drop off & pick up at the ship.

    • Be sure you have a stateroom that will accommodate it. You need to charge it overnight & it can’t be left in the hallway.

    • Contact scoot around or needs at see. They rent scooters and power chairs. They also deliver to the ship.

Virgin Q&A

  • How plus-size friendly is VV?

    • Plus size girlie here. I had no problems in the regular sea terrace...next time I want that XL. The regular wasn't an issue, but don’t try bending over in that shower cause it's a no.

    • At Gumbae, request the chair seating as the booths are TIGHT

    • I had no problem besides the bathroom. But even a small person would find that difficult it's really small.

  • We're meat and potato people. Will we have a hard time finding things to eat?

    • The steak in the Mexican restaurant is incredible!!! I liked it even better than the steakhouse.

    • I was not impressed with the food whatsoever.

    • I’m a picky eater too and I loved nearly everything I had. Try it. If you don’t like it, go to the galley and get a burger.

    • My husband struggled big time as he is a very simple eater.

    • There's a steak at most restaurants and the Galley has excellent burgers and fries.

    • There's always pizza!

Please remember, the above Q&A are what cruisers have posted on social media forums. Facts, opinions, charges, policies, etc., may change. Please refer to your specific cruise line or your travel agent to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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