Royal Holiday

Perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences available on select cruises is the opportunity to spend a night in an exciting port of call. Paying close attention to passenger response in Europe and Asia, Royal Holiday Cruises-affiliated cruise line Celebrity has recently announced that it will include more overnight stays in select ports of call throughout the Caribbean, including Aruba, Barbados, Cozumel, and St. Maarten, among several others.

The new itineraries announced by Celebrity take full advantage of the many popular Caribbean destinations that provide overnight accommodations. In this way, the company promises to allow cruisers the opportunity to experience a different side of some of the most beloved seaside destinations in the world.

Of course, daytime excursions provide plenty of enjoyment, whether it’s relaxing in the sun, adventuring among ruins and rainforests, sampling local cuisine and music, or wandering historic sites and museums. But overnight stays in port open up a completely new world of nighttime fun and exploration.

It’s easy enough to stay on board and enjoy all the amenities available on the ship, but that means missing out on much of what makes an exotic port so special. These kinds of stopovers are the perfect chance to check out the local nightlife or to explore beyond the port town itself—all without worry of missing the boat.

So how exactly does a cruiser get the most out of an overnight port of call?

Without that curfew to worry about, many cruisers enjoy the classic night out: dinner and a show. Others prefer simply to wander unfamiliar streets, people-watching and relaxing in seaside cafes late into the night. Still others can take advantage of longer shore excursions with hours that conflict with day-only calls.

Getting around need not be a hassle just because the hour is late. Taxi services proliferate in the larger tourist towns where overnight stops are most common. Local buses and trains can be an adventure in and of themselves, but be sure to check timetables to avoid getting stranded after hours. For maximum freedom, of course, renting a car is also a fine way to explore, especially for those with their sights set on more distant attractions farther away from the port.

Cruisers have been paying close attention to Carnival Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line this April as the two companies have rolled out charges for select room service items.

Traditionally, one of the most widely appreciated perks of taking a cruise has been the availability of room service 24 hours a day, at no extra charge. The biggest and most affordable lines have always offered somewhat abbreviated selections on their room service menus, limiting these stateroom meals to sandwiches, soups, salads, continental breakfasts, and other simple fare. It’s also common to see late-night fees on service between, for example, the hours of midnight and 5:00 am. And, of course, tips are always appreciated by room service staff.

Despite these minor restrictions and policies, countless passengers over the decades have enjoyed the convenience and pampering that comes with room service. It goes without saying, then, that frequent cruisers today are watching the news of Carnival’s and Norwegian’s pilot programs with interest—and maybe a little concern.

Earlier this April, Norwegian added a $7.95 “convenience charge” for room service on its newest ships, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway. Similarly, a handful of Carnival ships are experimenting with adding service charges ranging from $4 to $7 on certain room service menu items, including personal pizzas, sushi, and wings. Many other items from Carnival’s traditional room service menu remain free.

While some cruisers are worried about rising costs on their vacations, others have pointed out that these fees come along with expanded offerings. Previously, for example, hot meals were rare on room service menus, while the new systems appear to offer a number of these kinds of heartier options, albeit at an extra charge. Moreover, the service fees typically don’t apply to suite passengers. In addition, cruise lines are always adding new dining, relaxation, and entertainment options all throughout their ships.

It should also be noted that this is not the first time that cruise companies have experimented with charging for room service. When Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess launched, the company added a $3 room service fee across the board. That program quickly ended, though, when passengers complained.

Cruise lines are generally known for listening to their loyal customers’ input, so this likely isn’t the last we’ll hear on this story. For now, it’s time to wait and see how cruisers respond to the changes.