fell in love on a cruise

5 reasons why I fell in love with cruise travel

I grew up in the 1970s when the television show "The Love Boat" catapulted cruising into a popular vacation option in the U.S. But while I never missed an episode (especially if Charo was on) and enjoyed the show immensely, I never felt an overwhelming desire to take a cruise.

I'm more of a feet-in-the-sand beach type of girl, so the thought of being "trapped" on a large boat with a bunch of strangers did not originally appeal to me -- at all.

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Fast forward to November 2015, when Lauren, my best friend from college, called. She had been trying to get me on a cruise for years. This time, she put her foot down and insisted that I join her and our other friends on a cruise in January 2016.

She chose a five-day Princess Cruises sailing out of Fort Lauderdale. The jig was up for me, so I reluctantly paid for the cruise, booked a Southwest Airlines flight from Baltimore (BWI) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and crossed my fingers.

Related: Complete guide to cruising from Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades

We arrived the day before since we didn't want to take any chances on missing the boat, and stayed at one of those kitschy Fort Lauderdale hotels near the beach. It was a great day.

On embarkation day, I became apprehensive, thinking again about being trapped on a boat for five days. I'm sure if you look closely at the Princess port in Fort Lauderdale, you can still see the faint track marks from my fingernails as I was dragged onto the boat.

Related: Royal Caribbean just figured out how to improve the worst part of cruising

But -- surprise -- I had a wonderful time. I went on a five-day Celebrity cruise in January 2019 and was planning a Norwegian cruise in June before the coronavirus pandemic hit. It was one of the best vacations of my life (and I've been around the world on some great ones).

Now is not the time to take a cruise and most lines aren't sailing. But when you are ready to set sail for the first time, there are many reasons why you might just fall in love with cruising. Here's how this one-time cruise hater was converted into a big fan.

Related: When will cruising resume? A line-by-line guide

A vacation bargain

Considering everything that comes included when you pay for a cruise -- dining, free nonalcoholic beverages and activities, the chance to stay in one room and more -- it can be a real bargain, especially for those who live near or are within driving distance of a port. But if you must fly to a port, you can still snag some great flight deals with proper planning.

Even after adding a drink package (mine cost $299.95 for five days) and the flight, the price can still beat five days at a Caribbean resort.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO shares his plan for a cruising comeback

Opportunities to meet new people

I'm an extrovert, and I like meeting and interacting with new people. A cruise makes that much easier since so many travelers are thrown together in one space. This somehow makes them more open to conversations and even friendships.

One of my favorite memories from my first cruise was spending the day on the cruise line's private Princess Cays island with a bachelorette group from Mexico City. Other people-related highlights stand out. Every evening, we'd go to our favorite bar for a cocktail with bartenders Richard and Randy, who were great. I had afternoon tea with different groups of people every day, which led to me finding a great trivia team.

Plenty of things to do

My biggest fear from the onset was being bored to tears during the ship's days at sea, but there was no need to worry. In fact, there was so much to do, some days I actually went to my cabin to nap and watch endless episodes of "The Love Boat" (hosted by Gavin MacLeod, who played Capt. Merrill Stubing) to recuperate before evening activities.

I walked from one end of the ship to the other every morning. I sat and had long conversations with friends on the covered side decks. I played Mahjong with a group of Jewish grandmothers from Boca Raton. I sat in on an informal chat at the ship's cozy sushi and wine bar about how to set up an LLC. I even caught up on my reading in the ship's library. While I didn't buy anything, I did enjoy the art auctions and lectures.

You haven't really seen stars until you've gazed at them from the top deck of a cruise ship. As a wine lover, I enjoyed participating in tastings from vineyards around the world. The spa the day before we returned home was the perfect way to relax with a massage and facial. I watched the Matt Damon movie "The Martian" on a huge HD screen, lounging on deck chairs with blankets (it got a bit chilly at night), popcorn, hot chocolate and adult beverages. And I danced every night at the ship's different nightclubs.

Related: Stream these 13 movies, television shows to get your cruise ship fix

Drool-worthy food and drinks

Being a foodie, I took full advantage of all the dining options. While I enjoyed eating at the included dining room (where I met people I'm still in touch with), I also took advantage of the specialty restaurants on board.

I'm a huge fan of Los Angeles-based Umami Burger. The chef who founded it, Chef Ernesto Uchimura, created the Salty Dog, a gastropub on Princess ships that features upscale take on comfort food. I had The Ernesto burger made with a ground ribeye, short rib patty and grilled pork belly topped with gruyère cheese, caramelized kimchi, beer-battered jalapeño and charred onion aioli —all on a brioche bun. Drink options included a variety of global wines, international beers and craft cocktails.

When you get a chance to eat at Crown Grill, chosen by USA Today as the "Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses," you don't pass up the opportunity -- even with a $29 surcharge. I had a perfect ribeye steak, served with a loaded baked potato and my choice of specialty salt (Hawaiian black, applewood smoked and Himalayan pink). I was too full to enjoy dessert, but I did enjoy the wine pairings with each course.

You will never starve on a cruise since there are myriad food options available, from hot dogs to haute cuisine.

Bonus: A Global Entry line

We all know how long the lines can get when people are disembarking. On both of my cruises, I was able to glide through, thanks to a dedicated Global Entry line. That quick access even allowed me to catch an earlier Southwest Airlines flight home after my second cruise.

Bottom line

If you've followed TPG's timely cruise coverage, you know most of the world's cruise ships are docked through at least the end of 2020, with some even being relegated to the scrap heap . That being said, cruising will return at some point. If you have a bucket list of travel to go through, you should consider adding a cruise. You won't be sorry!

Related: Exclusive: Carnival Corp. CEO shares thoughts on the future of cruising

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Romantic Cruises

Sail "the love boat" for the most romantic moments at sea.

Best Cruise Line For Romance

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It could be exploring a faraway land or taking in a sunset from your balcony. Dancing the night away in a cozy lounge or enjoying an intimate meal and conversation in an elegant restaurant. Your favorite moment with your soulmate could be anything – or everything – when you choose the “Best Cruise Line for Romance.”*

*2016 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards

Romantic Cruise Destinations

Let a getaway get you closer. And come back more in love than ever… when you sail with Princess to the world’s most romantic locales.

The Caribbean: treasure your time together

Turquoise waters, swaying palms, secluded white-sand beaches: this is bliss. It’s no wonder the Caribbean is our top destination for weddings, honeymooners and couples just craving an escape. With over 30 island ports to choose from, the two of you can sightsee, snorkel, shop… or, yes, just lounge side-by-side. Because sometimes the most romantic thing you can do together is nothing at all.

The Mediterranean: timeless places, priceless moments

Where will you write the next chapters of your love story? Swimming Corfu’s sparkling waters; cozied up in a Venetian gondola; people-watching in a Paris café; biking the Tuscan hills; or strolling the streets of Rome? Let the destination experts take you to these enchanting settings. You two can take it from there. When you share the world with the one you love, you create memories to share forever.

Hawaii: Paradise found

It’s just the two of you – discovering a hidden waterfall, strolling a black-sand beach under a scarlet sunset, gazing up at a billion gleaming stars. You’re not dreaming. You’re in Maui or Kauai on a relaxing, romantic Princess vacation. Lose yourselves in the natural wonders of Hawaii and you’ll find the true meaning of Paradise: experiencing the perfect place with that special person.

Experiences to Share

Revel in your time together – try something new, explore somewhere extraordinary or simply relax and reconnect.

Entertainment you'll love

See how it takes two to tango in a ballroom dance class. Request the song you call yours from the live band. Test how well you know each other in the Marriage Match Game Show. Get on the Kiss Cam at the Love Boat Disco Deck Party. Learn how to say “I love you” in a different language. Opportunities to bond are everywhere.

A passion for great food

Apologies to Shakespeare, but food is the food of love. Imagine Valentine’s Day without chocolate, or a date without Champagne. Not here. Savor a romantic dinner for two at one of our specialty restaurants or on your private balcony. Sweeten the deal with a chocolate and wine tasting. Play, or rather, eat on!

Romantic escapades

Ride a horse-drawn carriage through Tuscan vineyards. Share a picnic lunch after visiting an active volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Surround yourself with beauty in bloom at the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Rediscover your sense of wonder and why you fell in love in the first place on award-winning excursions.

Relax on the best cruise for couples

Leave the hustle and bustle behind in the  Lotus Spa® , your haven away from home. Indulge in a couples’ massage. Primp for formal night — or just a night out — with any of our special salon services. Make the most of days free of obligation, where the only item on your to-do list is enjoying spending time together.

Occasions to Celebrate

Relationship milestones are always worth commemorating, and here you’ll find them treated with the fanfare they deserve.

An Anniversary to remember

Reflect on the road you’ve traveled together in quiet moments and larger-than-life adventures. It’s easy at sea, when you have the time and space to focus on one another. Anniversaries are the most popular reason our guests sail, so we make sure they get their due, offering packages that add a festive touch. Better yet, renew your vows in a personalized ceremony on board.

Princess® perfect weddings (and more to love)

As The Love Boat®, we're all about romance. Come aboard for a wedding ceremony or vow renewal, performed by your ship’s captain! You can't beat the cost and convenience — we handle every detail for much less than land-based venues — or the views.

Embarking on adventure together

Pop the question with a Princess® Perfect Proposal package that makes sure it all goes without a hitch (except the one you want). Planning your honeymoon? The sea is the limit with more than 250 itineraries to 330 destinations.

See the options for your proposal and your honeymoon as well as other romance packages

The joy of the holidays

Sing “Auld Lang Syne” as balloons drop on a New Year’s sailing that kicks off the new year in style. Make this the best Valentine’s Day ever on “The Love Boat,” enjoying events and activities you won’t find anywhere else. When every day is like a holiday, special celebrations occur on an even grander scale.

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Sailing soon to celebrate? Share this page with someone who might want to help commemorate your special occasion.

Sweetheart's Package

Delight your loved one with a romantic gesture like decadent treats and flowers synonymous with passion.

Princess Cruises Gift Cards

Surprise that special someone with a Gift Card, redeemable for romantic experiences.

• Travel Ideas

Couples who fell in love on a cruise

EXOTIC destinations and a relaxed atmosphere make cruises great opportunities to meet someone very special, writes Angela Saurine.

This is Australia’s secret wonder

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IN the 1980s, the popular TV series introduced an entire generation to cruising holidays - and the possibility of a romantic rendezvous at sea.

Fiction has become fact for countless couples who have met and fallen in love on ships. We talk to three couples who formed long-lasting relationships after meeting during a cruise. EMILY AND GREG When Emily Flanagan went on the three years ago she joked with her friends about the prospect of meeting Mr Right during the holiday. On the first day she met her partner Greg Ricketts while having drinks on the top deck. She was on the 10-day South Pacific cruise with three friends and he was with his brother. "I remember looking over and seeing him and we both smiled at each other and he seemed like a really nice guy to talk to,'' Emily, 24, says. They ran into each other again at bingo and started hanging out. "I ended up sitting next to him and he had a great personality and was happy to talk,'' Emily says. "He seemed to know what he wanted out of life.'' For the rest of the cruise the couple were inseparable. "He'd join up with my friends and we'd hang out at the beach on the different islands,'' she says. "I didn't realise we were together so much until I came home and he seemed to be in every second photo with me or in the background. I think we both thought it was just a holiday romance and nothing would happen because we lived two hours away from each other -- me in Sydney and him in Newcastle - but as soon as we got off the ship I sent a message saying it was great meeting and I hoped to see him again some time soon.'' A few days later Greg rang saying he wanted to take her to dinner and he drove to Sydney and back for the date. "He spent more time driving than at dinner,'' Emily says. "After that he'd come down a few nights a week to see me and on weekends I'd go to Newcastle because I thought I'd better return the favour. Then we thought this is something we do want if we're both willing to make the effort.'' After nine months they decided the travel was too hard and Emily decided to move to Newcastle to be with him. They are now living together and have been on two more cruises. Emily says cruises are a great way to meet people, whether it is for a relationship or just new friends. "We made heaps of friends from all over Australia that we still keep in touch with,'' she says. "You see each other every day and you have lots of time on board to spend together and form a bond.''Emily Flanagan and Greg Rickets, who met aboard a Pacific Jewel cruise. Picture: Supplied Wollongong couple Colleen and Warren Barker met on a New Year's cruise on board P&O's in 1985. Warren, then 20, was on holiday with a group of mates, while Colleen, 17, was travelling with her best friend after finishing school. The pair met in a bar when Warren came over and asked them where they were from and invited them to join his friends. After that they spent lots of time together on board, hanging out at dinner and enjoying drinks at the on-deck disco. They spent the day together at Port Vila in Vanuatu and swam in the turquoise water at Mystery Island and Amedee Island. "New Year's Eve was lots of fun,'' Colleen says. "Everyone was on the back deck dancing and waiting for the countdown.'' When the passengers disembarked Warren's friends told his mum that he had met Colleen, and she waved to his parents as she waited for her family to pick her up. "It was only a few days after I got a phone call from him,'' Colleen says. "My friend and I decided to go to Wollongong to see him and meet his family. "Then he came to Sydney and met my family.'' The pair commuted for two years before Colleen moved to Wollongong, getting a work transfer from Westpac Bank. Four years after they met they married and have had three children. They are hoping to go on a cruise to mark their 25th wedding anniversary next year. "People think it's amazing that we're still together because we were so young when we met,'' Colleen says. "When you think back it's like a dream.'' Colleen says meeting people on a cruise is easy because everyone is relaxed. Everyone's there for a good time,'' she says. DEMO AND SHONA Colleen and Warren Barker met aboard the Fairstar cruise ship in 1985. Picture: SuppliedIt's not just passengers who fall in love on cruise ships - relationships between crew members are also common. Demo and Shona Simis knew of each other from working in the industry before meeting on board the in 2001. Demo, who was a DJ, was promoted to deputy cruise director and Shona became cruise director. The pair worked together and began a relationship. "We had a lot of friends on board so we had to keep it hush hush,'' Demo says. Demo planned to propose to Shona in front of 1500 passengers at Carols by Candelight on deck shortly before Christmas in 2004. But the ship was heading into a storm so Demo, 50, went to the bridge to tell the first officer he was about to propose. He relayed the message to the captain, who slowed the ship down to avoid the oncoming rain so he could go ahead with his plan. "Just as the celebrations finished and we walked inside it bucketed down with rain,'' Demo says. "The captain had perfect timing.'' Soon after, Demo became cruise director on the and Shona, 42, left to work elsewhere in the cruise industry. The couple married at Darling Harbour in Sydney five years ago and now live on the Gold Coast. "Cruise ships are a great place to get away from it all and meeting people on a ship is really easy,'' Demo says. "You're free from all the hustle and bustle and you're there to have fun. "It's a different community on a ship.''Demo and Shona Simis who met on the Pacific Sky in 2001. Picture: Suppled

With a population of just 600, this remote group of Australian islands is home to stunning natural attractions – and one of the world’s most unique airports.

The air might be chilly but it’s never a bad time to slap some food in between two bits of bread. And here is the sexiest sandwich in the country.

For those looking for an escape from the daily grind, discover a place with picnics with water views, rooftop cocktails and beaches in the middle of the CBD.

I thought I'd hate my first cruise. Instead, I fell in love with how weird and wonderful it was.

• I'm a no-frills traveler who hates planned group activities, so I thought cruising wasn't for me.
• My first cruise , a five-night voyage with Carnival, changed my mind and I fell in love.
• I loved the people watching and unique performances and can't wait to cruise again. 

With forced fun, luxurious amenities, and schedules, cruises never sounded like my ideal vacation . 

Fancy resorts make me uncomfortable — I'd rather camp on the beach in a sleeping bag (and I have). I prefer hostels over hotels for their lower cost and added opportunities to meet interesting people. I don't like organized fun, and I've gotten into trouble for wandering off every time I've traveled with a tour group.

But I'm a writer and the novel I'm working on is set on a cruise, so I knew I needed to go on one in order to accurately capture the experience. So last March, my husband and I headed to Charleston, South Carolina, and boarded the Carnival Sunshine for a five-night cruise to the Bahamas . 

Much to my surprise, I loved it. Here are a few reasons why.

The people watching on cruises is incredible 

As we wandered the ship, my husband and I quickly became enthralled by the other passengers.

We loved overhearing strange conversations and exclamations that we had no context for. One of the most shocking ones involved a woman turning to a friend, or a possible significant other, and shouting, "You're not attractive, and you never will be!"

Were they rehearsing a play? Did she really feel that way? We'll never know. 

While at Bingo one night, we watched a multigenerational family have a meltdown.

The aunt, who had slumped down to the floor, seemed to have taken full advantage of her unlimited drink package . An uncle kept yelling about how he didn't understand bingo. One person, who we suspected might be a son-in-law, kept asking the group, "Isn't this fun? Isn't this so great, guys?" in an increasingly desperate tone. We gave up on marking our Bingo cards and watched them instead. 

Not all of the people watching involved fights. While watching a movie on the pool deck, we listened in on what appeared to be a first date. And since the two left together halfway through, we assumed it went well.

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These vignettes were almost as entertaining as the actual entertainment. Almost. 

The entertainment on the ship was surreal in the best way

Carnival entertainment is delightfully bizarre.

As we left port, dancers burst into a choreographed routine by the pool. Costumed Dr. Suess characters — Cat in the Hat and Sam-I-Am — perched by the DJ and cheered them on. 

During the day, a person dressed as an elephant made out of towels similar to the ones we'd find in our room each night would pop by the pool to pose for pictures.

Every night, the ship's theater put on a jukebox musical , each of which felt like a themed episode of "Glee."   There were Latin nights, rock'n'roll nights, and my favorite, disco night. After each performance, the party continued. 

Our final night on the ship was themed after the '80s and '90s and our cruise director donned his best Richard Simmons cosplay and got unsuspecting men to shake their booties to "Baby Got Back." 

Even dinner included impromptu performances. Without any warning, waiters would leap onto tables, dance for a few minutes, and then go back to serving. According to the announcements I heard, this happened because Carnival is the "fun" cruise line .

As oddball as the performances seemed, they were also quite good. We were surprised by how much we enjoyed them. 

I understand why cruising's not for everyone – but I can't wait to go again

There were aspects of our voyage that weren't great. For instance, trying to find a seat by the pool during the day was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. I also would've liked to spend more than two days in the Bahamas.

But, overall, I thought cruising was perfect . 

I didn't expect the organized fun to be so eccentric, or the cruise goers themselves to be so fascinating. And since the ship was so big, I could wander to my heart's content, just as I do on my other vacations. 

I can't help but wonder if all cruise lines feel as wonderfully weird as Carnival, but I do intend to find out. 

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

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I Fell in Love on My First Cruise

Picture this, ahead of you are soft white clouds floating through a serene blue sky.  There is a gentle breeze, just enough to perfect the temperature of the sun above your head.  Below is a happy blue color with wispy white foam dancing across the deepest blue you have ever seen.  Time exists in the world somewhere, but here there are no past dues, there is no have to, and no memory of a failed to do.  You have found the elusive perfect moment.  Ahhh.

I’m Jenny and my blog focuses on stories about cruising with special tips for the Port of Galveston, and we will help you find a good margarita.  After 20+ cruises on five different cruise lines, I have found that cruising is hard to beat as a vacation destination, hobby, or recreational activity.

Let’s go back to the perfect moment. I started this blog with a story about my first cruise. That moment with the blue sky, warm sun, lovely breeze, and deep blue ocean was in August 2006.  I was sitting on the deck of an older Carnival ship, the Ecstasy, sailing through the Gulf of Mexico toward Cozumel.  The ship décor did not appeal to me.  It reminded me of a tired Las Vegas hotel and the casino was just as smoky.  I shared a small ocean view cabin with my mother and aunt.  Ocean view meant a decent size window that was always hazy because of the salt spray.  I slept in an upper bunk pulled down from the ceiling at night while we were at dinner (once up there it was surprisingly comfortable) and it was my first experience with the infamous suction toilet and clinging shower curtain.  There were plenty of things to make my first cruise a less than perfect first date, but the time spent on the ship, the half day in Cozumel, and the over the top service made for a memorable first date that left me wanting to know more.

Onboard the ship there were activities around every corner offering opportunities to have fun as part of a group and I found places where I could enjoy solitude while watching the ocean pass by.  The entertainment, dining room food and service were competitive with a four-star restaurant on land.  The ship took me to the open ocean with breathtaking vistas and sunsets and a soothing environment.  It was the perfect vacation for me and I knew I had to return for a longer voyage.  I fell in love on that cruise and I still get a thrill when I am counting down for the next one.

I will tell you about the next cruise on my next blog post.  Not to leave you in suspense, I can tell you the love affair continued past 2006.  Until next time, I bid you fair weather and following seas.

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Cruise Ship Crew Romance: Dating on a Cruise Ship

Romance at sea. Watching the sun set over the ocean. The band lightly playing in the background as you watch the sky turn from blue to gold and into stars and shimmering moonlight. It’s a formal night and you are both dressed up. You just came from dinner where you had escargot and lobster. You are drinking a glass of champagne. You’re about to go see a show. Cruise ship romance is oh so romantic. Do cruise ship employees hook up? Do cruise ship crew date? Can cruise ship crew and passengers date? Fall in love and get married? What is it like dating on a cruise ship? All of that and more!

*Disclosure: All views are my own and do not necessarily represent those of my employer.*

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

It may sound incredible to fall in love on a cruise ship. It was portrayed on the aptly named The Love Boat (ad) , in the Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon classic Out To Sea (ad) , and on reality shows like Below Deck (ad) . None of these portrayal’s are quite the reality I experienced. (Although Below Deck might be the closest). I would like to say it’s all a bit more normal than any of that, but it’s anything but normal. Today we are going to dive into what dating is like as a crew member on a cruise ship and what cruise ship crew romance is really like. The below synopsis is based on both my personal experience, my friends experiences, and my observations over the years.

Some Truths about Cruise Ship Romances:

• Passengers and crew aren’t allowed to date. And cruise employees aren’t allowed to hook up with passengers. Sorry, Doc from The Love Boat , you would have been fired many, many times. Seriously, this is not worth getting fired over.
• The crew gossip a lot, mostly about each other.
• Some people might be married and say they aren’t. They will literally have a separate life onboard and at home.
• “Stripe chasers” is a term used for primarily women that are after officers with the most stripes (meaning higher ranking) that they can find. They do this figuring they will get to stay in a bigger cabin and later in life not have to work and get to live the life of luxury. This entire concept is a post for another day because I have a lot of opinions on the subject. Here’s a look to better understand what cruise ship officer stripes mean .
• Pick-up lines aren’t any better when said by someone with an accent. They’re still terrible.

So… Do Cruise Employees Hook Up With Passengers?

I just said it’s against the rules… but does it ever happen?

The short answer is yes. A quick search online will show you all sorts of stories of employees hooking up with passengers. The natural follow up question to this would be – well, how often? How often would be hard to quantify as it’s not commonly discussed.

But, if you are a crew member going to work onboard, don’t do it. If you get caught you will most likely get fired. There are plenty of crew to meet, so head to the crew bar and get your flirt on!

How Does a Cruise Ship Romance Start? How Do You Meet?

Meeting someone is kind of like meeting someone anywhere. You have your bubble of people that you know. And then one day you randomly meet someone in the elevator, or end up sitting with them at lunch when there weren’t any other empty seats.

Maybe you meet at a crew party or like so many great cruise ship romances – you meet in the crew bar (personally guilty as charged with this one). You make googly eyes at each other. You have reviewed the aforementioned truths. It’s decided that neither party is a passenger nor married, no one is a stripe chaser, and they haven’t used a terrible pick up line. And, the lines are quite terrible: “if you come back with me you can sleep in a proper sized bed.” (Officer cabins typically have larger beds. Side note: I saw someone try that pick up line, it didn’t work.)

Cruise Ship Crew Gossip A Lot

Cruise ship gossip can be vicious. Some ships are worse for this than others and others are pretty tame. On a gossipy ship a rumor can start from something as simple as a door shutting in a hallway at an odd time or if you were seen getting out of an elevator together. If you find yourself in the chaos of cruise ship gossip, the best you can do is ignore it. When you first start to make googly eyes with someone the easiet option is to try to play it cool to avoid being a rumor at all. Otherwise it’s like having to be “Facebook Official” after meeting for coffee once.

There are a few ways to avoid the gossip and drama all related to keeping things on the down-low. You make sure you don’t leave the bar together, instead using the “5 minute rule” (one person leaves, the other waits 5 minutes and then leaves). If you want to go ashore together you meet somewhere instead of leaving the ship together to avoid the prying eyes of the officers on the bridge and the security guards on the gangway.

If you keep your ear open you start to figure out who the people that really spread the gossip and rumors are. Over time you learn to avoid them. At some point you realize you’re not avoiding them to stay out of rumors but instead simply because they are toxic people.

Do Cruise Ship Employees Hookup? Is It the Hookup Culture that Some Shows Would Have You Think?

No…and yes? It depends on who you are and what you are looking for. But, do cruise ship employees hookup? Absolutely. Is it the hookup culture that it’s known for? If you want it to be, it certainly could be. A whole lot of people traveling to exotic locations around the world? What part of it would not lead to a hookup culture?

It can get a bit complicated and love triangles are a thing. Like very much a thing. It’s much more fun to be on the sidelines and watch it all happen but I’ve ridden in some elevators that had some uncomfortable sexual tension and romantic history. There are so many stories of cruise ship employees hooking up it’s not even funny. Let’s grab drinks sometime and I could tell you some stories (but then wouldn’t that make me no better than the gossips?)

Biggest piece of overall advice is to have some sort of idea what you’re looking for in a relationship or a love connection. Are you looking for a cruise ship romance (and maybe a forever kind of person), or are you looking for something short term? Figure out what you want and then communicate and talk about it. Also, condoms are free from the medical department. Have fun and you do you but be smart.

Cruise Ship Dating Can Be A Lot of Togetherness…

Say you’ve found that person that you actually are interested in and want to date. Once you’re ready to be “ship official” cruise ship dating is super weird. Either you are on a work schedule where you see each other literally all the time, or you’re on completely opposite work schedules and hardly ever see each other.

The cruise ship dating paradox: one week together onboard is like one month together on land, one month = one year. – life experience –

If you have work schedules that line up you are susceptible to the cruise ship dating paradox: one week = one month, one month = one year. The reason for this is that in one week you might eat lunch with them three times, dinner four, drinks six times, go see a show, and have a formal evening at a fancy steak house. In between all that then go somewhere incredible – nothing like being able to go on dates in places like Bora Bora , Honolulu, Sydney , Puerto Vallarta, Bali, etc to move the romance along.

It is easy to fit the equivalent of 16 dates into one week, more if you really wanted to. Cruise ship romance can be a lot of togetherness. This can also either make you really like each other, really hate each other, or give you a completely false idea of what a real long term relationship with that person will be like.

Or, Your Schedules Don’t Line Up At All

If you’re on very different work schedules it can be staying up late or waking up early to try to see them. It can be a lot of effort to see them at all. If they’re on the night shift and you’re on the day shift it can be even more challenging. Those times you will basically get to spend lunch together and that’s about it. Either that or you might find yourself napping constantly to try to make up for the missed sleep of trying to see each other.

Usually these cruise ship crew romances fall into three (well, sort of four) categories:

You find that all the togetherness doesn’t bother you. It’s exciting, it’s fun. You live and work in the same little floating world and everything seems fabulous. But, what happens when one of you is scheduled to go home? On a ship there are people coming and going constantly, and from countries all around the world. When someone goes home you can find yourself getting into the “big relationship questions” very early in a relationship. It’s always great to have to decide to either commit to someone long term or break up entirely within a few weeks of going out, right?

Sub-Category: Sometimes It Isn’t a Match or It’s Just a Hookup – Don’t Read Too Much Into It

Dating on a cruise ship is not so different than dating on land. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t. Cruise ship romance is sometimes not romance at all. Sometimes you think you’re into someone and then when you hang out a bit and realize that even though you leave in one week you’d rather not spend your time with them. Or maybe you’re super attracted to them and…that’s it. That’s all there is to the relationship is attraction. And, much like on land, (although it is so much harder to not see them!), it’s best to let it go. It wasn’t meant to be – it’s time to move on.

Cruise Ship Relationship Category I: ‘Til Gangway Do Us Part”

You agree that the relationship won’t go any further than that contract. Once one of you leaves the ship or goes across the gangway, you are done. You keep the memories. One of you goes home. The other is still onboard… for most likely another onboard romance. C’est la vie. So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye…

Cruise Ship Relationship Category II: Long Distance

Possibly with the “promise” of seeing each other on land, but not sure you’ll do your next contract together. I’ve seen this either result in a slow fizzling out of a relationship or turn into marriage and everything in between. You find out just how much they likely by whether or not they’ll fly around the world for you. And, I would walk 500 miles…

Cruise Ship Relationship Category III: Big Life Commitments After Not Much Time Together, AKA – Line Up Your Next Contracts Together

This is the big one. If you line your next contracts up together and break up before hand you are stuck on the ship with your ex. If you don’t line them up and stay together you end up on different ships and facing a very challenging long distance situation. Such massive pressure so early in a relationship. ‘Cause I want it all, or nothing at all…

The first option is fairly self-explanatory. The second option can go a few ways. Let’s say you go with that last option. You fly to see each other and you line up your next contracts together and things start to get serious. So, what’s next? Take a look at Living Together on a Cruise Ship to find out!

Cruise Ship Romance Can Be Great

Finding love at sea can be great and certainly a ton of fun. It’s not as simple as it is made out to be in the movies and can definitely be as messy and complicated as portrayed on some shows like Below Deck.

But, would we have it any other way?

Want to know what happens when things get serious? Take a look at other posts about cruise ship romance:

Cruise ship crew romance is taken to new levels when you live together onboard . Small spaces and literally being stuck on a boat = getting to know your partner in new (and oh-so-fun) ways.

Don’t let the haters fool you, cruise ship dating can lead to happily ever after . There are tons of happy couples that met onboard. While it’s great it’s still not quite as simple as a fairytale…

Similar Posts

Five Perks of Working on a Cruise Ship – From a Former Crewmember

There are a lot of perks of working on a cruise ship. Here we take a look at the top five. You see pictures of crew members partying, exploring the world, hanging out on a beach, and helicoptering onto glaciers. That can’t possibly be reality. Can it? As a former crew member that has done…

10 Things To Know Before Working On a Cruise Ship

Working on a cruise ship is a great, often life-changing experience. When you join a cruise ship as a crew member there are parts of life that are different than most anything you’ve experienced before. There are so many things to know before working on a cruise ship and so many things I wish I…

Do Cruise Ship Crew Get Days Off?

Working on a cruise ship can seem like a dream – traveling the world and then getting months off for vacation in between contracts. But in all that time they’re at sea, sometimes for 8 or more months, do cruise ship crew get days off? And, what happens if they get sick, do cruise ship…

Reframing Some of the Misconceptions of Cruise Ship Officer Perks

Sometimes in life it can be a little too easy to think the grass is greener on another side. That job is better, my job is worse, etc. I recently ran into someone with a bit of this attitude in a Facebook group. He had some opinions about cruise ship Captains and Officers “only” working…

Oh, Ship Internet, You Are Frustrating

I have a friend that I met my very first week onboard ships. We weren’t great friends at first, but about a month after I came onboard the ship was in wet-dock and we discovered a mutual love of board games. Since then we make a point to see each other at least every year…

One Week Without the News

I recently finished two books. “The Art of Thinking Clearly” by Rolf Dobelli, translated by Nicky Griffin, and “The Four Hour Work Week” by Timothy Ferriss. This is not only indicative of how much time I have on my hands with all of these sea days, but is also great as I’ve met one of…

Ohhhh so many truths to this!! Love it!

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12 Most Romantic Things You Can Do on a Cruise

Looking for romantic ideas for your next cruise? Whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just a chance to get away for a vacation with someone you love, there are plenty of reasons that romance may be in the air on your trip.

The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of your cruise when it comes to being sweet with your significant other. While many people think of thousands of people on a cruise ship with little quiet time or room for themselves, that’s not the case. There are plenty of areas and ideas to get away from the crowds and make the most of time with the person you love.

With that in mind, we have a dozen ideas of romantic things you can do on your cruise to get that spark that comes from spending time with someone special on vacation.

Order a Bottle of Champagne for the Room

Is there anything that sets the mood better than two people sharing a bottle of champagne? You can bring your own on a cruise, but if you forget — or you just want something a little more romantic — then you can order a bottle of bubbly from the ship and have it delivered to your room.

From there it’s up to you how to enjoy the bottle. Drinking it out on the balcony is an obvious choice, but there’s no wrong way to enjoy champagne when you’re with someone that you love.

Get Dressed Up for Formal Night

What’s more romantic than getting all dressed up and enjoying a elegant meal? For busy folks, the opportunity to just sit and have a nice meal is a luxury — much less enjoying it while dressed to the nines.

The good news is that on a cruise, you’ll have formal nights. Week-long cruises typically have two, while shorter cruises will have one. These nights give you a chance to forget about the real world for a bit and have an opportunity to get fancy. There’s not much that looks sharper than a man all dressed up, or a woman in an evening gown. And with many others on the ship taking part, it helps to really set the atmosphere.

Take a Romantic Walk Outside in the Evening

The pool deck during the day is a hive of activity. There are people everywhere, music bumping, and events taking place. In the evening, the mood completely changes.

As it gets to dinner time and after, the ship is normally setting sail for the next port while the sun has gone away. That means it’s darker and cooler than during the middle of the day. As well, after dinner the number of people around the top decks of the ship is dramatically lower.

This makes it the perfect romantic place for a stroll. There are fewer people, the weather is much more comfortable, and it’s a chance to spend some quiet one-on-one time with the person you love.

Have a Couple of Glasses of Wine in the Bar

Cruise ships are well-known for having lots of choices when it comes to places to get a drink. And each of those bars has a personality. So a bar by the pool may be tropical with fun music, but another tucked away may be much more quiet, dark, and romantic.

Find a bar that has the sort of atmosphere that allows for two people to talk and spend some time sharing glasses of wine. There’s little that’s as nice as enjoying some quiet conversation in your own little private booth where it feels like you’re the only two people on the ship.

Take in the Sunset on Your Balcony

We’d say that there is nowhere on the ship as romantic as your cabin’s balcony. The space is usually small, with enough room for a couple of chairs and a table. But that just makes it feel cozy. It’s your own private spot to take in million-dollar views.

One romantic thing to do is sit on your balcony and take in the sunset in the evening (a glass of wine during this time is an added bonus). And unlike a hotel, the ship moves. So if your balcony doesn’t offer a sunset view on the way out from port, when the ship turns around to head home, you’ll be able to take advantage.

Two Words: Couple’s Massage

If you want to really feel like you’re on vacation and also have a romantic time with a partner, then check out a couple’s massage. Every cruise ship you sail will have a spa where there are all sorts of services available. This includes anything from basic massages to thermal suites to salons and more.

But if you want to create a spark, you can book a massage for you and your significant other. There, you can spend time together while you also get a rub-down, which should put you both in an amazing mood for the rest of the day — if not the rest of the cruise.

Spend Time in the Adults-Only Sections of the Ship

Many ships these days have adults-only sections of the pool decks, and in our experience, it’s one of the best-kept secrets. These spots aren’t around the main pool, but instead are situated on a top deck either forward or back.

Perhaps it’s the location, but few people seem to take advantage. If you’re looking for a romantic spot, they are ideal. For example, Carnival ships have the Serenity area that’s only open to people 21 years and up. Here there is no pool, but there are hot tubs, loungers, and some amazing clamshell beds that give lots of privacy. In addition, any time we have visited there have only been a handful of people there.

If you’re looking for a spot with more privacy, it’s hard to beat.

Buy a Surprise Gift From the Shops

Who doesn’t like a surprise gift? If you want to get on the good side of your partner and put them in a romantic mood, what about a little gift? The cruise ship will have all sorts of stores selling everything from candy to souvenirs to jewelry and watches.

Give them a line that you’re going to do something boring like stand in line at Guest Services and then sneak away to pick them up something they’ll love. And it doesn’t even have to be something tangible. You could also book an excursion they wanted or a spa treatment to allow them some time to pamper themselves.

Stay In and Order Room Service

Sure you could get all put together and then head down to dinner with everyone else, but sometimes it’s romantic just to have dinner alone with each other… in bed. Room service is available on cruise ships, and there is a wide range of what you can order. Whether you want to just have dessert delivered to the room or an entire meal, you don’t even have to get out of your pajamas to get something to eat.

Another suggestion? Try dinner on the balcony, giving you the chance to dine with a private sea view.

Upgrade to a Suite Cabin

When it comes to romantic cabins, there’s no argument that a balcony room is much more romantic than an interior cabin. But if you want to really step things up, opt for a suite. These rooms are larger and often have other upgrades and perks, making you feel like a VIP. Spend enough money and you can even opt for a room with lots more balcony space and large tubs instead of tiny showers in a cramped bathroom.

You can still have a romantic time without a suite, but it’s the equivalent of springing for a Mercedes instead of driving a family sedan.

Get in a Couple’s Workout

For some people, there’s nothing quite to set the mood like getting in a good workout with your partner. It can make you feel more attractive to work those muscles and build up a nice sweat. If you fall into this category, then you’re in luck.

Cruise ships have well-equipped gyms and often they are uncrowded. You and your significant other may even feel like you’re in your own private gym. You can get a workout and then head back to the room to see about getting a shower if you’re looking for romance.

Enjoy a Quiet Dinner in a Specialty Restaurant

Not much is more romantic than a classic quiet dinner. Now on the ship most spots are pretty lively for meals. The buffet and main dining room are going to have lots of people and don’t really have a romantic atmosphere.

But scope out some specialty restaurants. Ships will have a number of options to choose from. Since these are paid restaurants that cost extra, the crowds are normally smaller. Your trip, however, might have some more cozy “date night” options that would have a better atmosphere if you’re looking to dine somewhere more private.

One tip is to try the specialty restaurants earlier in the trip. It doesn’t always hold, but it seems like the restaurants get busier later in the cruise when more people are wanting to try something new.

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Falling in love with the ocean

Like pretty much everyone, I saw Leonardo and Kate’s romance blossom on the White Star Line’s Titanic but nothing could prepare me for my own romance on-board the Norwegian Getaway.

I’m not talking about a stolen moment with my husband, I’m talking about a different kind of love story. Recently, I fell in love with cruising, with sailing, with the ocean and more.

I was so excited for my first cruise experience. I was to be one of the privileged few to be invited onto the Norwegian Getaway in its inaugural journey out of Southampton. Even the horrendous journey down from the Lancashire borders hadn’t quelled the twirls in the pit of my stomach, those first butterflies of a new relationship, a first date with ‘the one’. After screeching into the car park (imagine a car chase scene from your favourite cop show and you’re about there), we’d finally made it and there she was.

I could imagine how her size would be off-putting for some, but to me it was almost a comfort – I guess I was a little nervous and dare I say, trepidatious about getting on a vessel (the closest I’ve ever been is a ferry to France and Ireland). So then we boarded and wow, as a first-time cruiser, the Getaway really took my breath away. The interiors and the colours seemed almost garish going off the artist impressions but magnificent in real life.

Powerful emotions swept over me as we sailed out of Southampton. As the bright lights of the dock gradually disappeared, I could sense that my life had changed. It sounds corny but my thoughts went back to all the other thousands of people who have ever left the dock with the same feeling and felt overwhelmed to the verge of tears. This was the second ‘moment’ of the trip – a realisation settled over me; this is special.

And so the ‘first date’ began properly. After the early small-talk of a trip to the cabin and safety presentations we got down to the nitty-gritty.

We start by getting to know one another. For us it meant a tour; a no-holds-barred route around all the nooks and crannies, the decks with the pools, outdoor nightclub, kids play areas, the video arcade and the bars on the outside decks. We stole a moment away, the ocean and I. I sneaked away from the group and got some fleeting moments under the moon with the waves crashing against the ship, the wind in my hair and a chill down my neck. As the moon started to disappear behind the January clouds, there was a blackness – a darkness like I’ve never experienced and suddenly the 145,000 tons felt like nothing. I’m not ashamed to say I was scared. We felt small with the globe to explore and the future a blank canvas. Such a romantic view of the world … I shook it off, and continued my exploration.

So, as I write this, I’m wrapped up warm with the spray in my face (and don’t tell the boss, but a little on the laptop). The January wind’s whipping round my face and through my hair and I can’t help but wonder how soon I can see her again… Share this:

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The story that proves solos find love on a cruise ship

When solo cruisers natasha jobin and terry moseley met in the crooners bar on their first formal night aboard caribbean princess, love was the last thing on their minds..

But the path of true love never runs smooth. Perhaps it was the fresh sea air. Maybe Cupid was also on board. But somehow, something clicked – and before they knew it the two solo sailors were booking up things to do together.

The year was 2016. The happily married couple have been cruising together ever since, with four planned for the future – including an anniversary voyage on the Caribbean Princess this September to celebrate their relationship.

Ms Jobin, 49, had been cruising solo cruising since 2012. Mr Moseley, a 70-year-old who has been twice widowed told Cruise Passenger magazine he had pretty well given up on the search for love.

“I thought I would never ever meet anybody again,” he said in a video link from his new home in Canada, where he moved to be close to his new partner.

In fact, the romance almost never happened. He got on board Caribbean Princess as he wanted to go to Boston to see the Red Sox baseball team, and see Norway, as that is where his father was stationed in World War II.

“My excursion in Norway was cancelled, so I spent most of the time on the ship. It was the formal night that evening,” says Mr Moseley.

He was disappointed with his dinner company at his allocated table. So he headed to Crooners Bar where he ran into Natasha, who had made new friends from Texas.

“I had a James Bond cocktail and Natasha was just seated next to me and I asked ‘what’s that?’ and that’s how the conversation started.”

“We hit off and I just asked her: ‘what are you doing for lunch tomorrow?’” says Mr Moseley, whose smooth patter seems to have won his new wife’s heart.

For the rest of the cruise they found that they had plenty in common as they caught up over many meals and went on three shore excursions in Iceland together.

They also met up at the International Café on a few nights thanks to the rough seas. “The sea was very heavy at the time, it was very windy, I’m a former Royal Canadian Navy Officer so I’m used to it, but he’s not!” says Ms Jobin.

Ms Jobin said she was bowled over by Mr Moseley’s accent. “And of course I fell in love with the British accent,” she said.

Ms Jobin lived in Quebec City and Mr Moseley in Columbus, Ohio. But they talked on the phone and texted many times a day after the cruise.

Finally, two weeks later, the, love-struck Mr Moseley visited Quebec City two weeks after the cruise and proposed.

Their story is not unique. Fresh sea air and good food led 14 per cent of cruise passengers to admit they have found romance on the waves.  And 41 per cent said they were still with the partner they met, with 12 per cent eventually marrying.

The study questioned 2,058 adults who had sailed the world’s seas over the past three years. Those who found love were most likely to have gone on their cruise with friends.

The chances are lower for lone travellers like Mr Moseley and Ms Jobin.

The survey, conducted in the UK, found the Caribbean was top destination for love (34 per cent), followed by Hawaii on 25 per cent, and the South Pacific on 23 per cent. The Mediterranean accounted for 12 per cent and the Baltic 8 per cent.

The research was carried out by independent online cruising agency www.bonvoyage.co.uk.

“If you go with the expectation of finding a soul partner, you’re going to be really disappointed. If it going to happen it will happen,” was Mr Moseley’s advice.

And he added: “I fall in love with Natasha more every day!”

When C ruise Passenger asked readers about their experiences.

Reader Vicky Elvins wrote: “Met my partner 2 years ago on a Princess Cruise around Asia. He’s a widower 85yrs old. I am a single 68-year-old.

“He has done 90 cruises in his life and now has a lovely lady to take along with him. My first relationship in 30!!!! years.”

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How I overcame my fears as a fat traveler and fell in love with cruises

"as i counted down the days to the cruise, i started getting nervous. would the ship be accessible for me", by chaya milchtein.

"A Fatty's Guide to Traveling and Eating the World" is a monthly travel and food column here at Salon that’s dedicated to helping travelers of all sizes find adventure

Growing up, my dad was one of those "travel hackers." He knew his way around miles and points like the very best of them. So, despite being impoverished and one of many, many siblings, we traveled a bit — nowhere far, just going to New York for school or Seattle to visit my grandmother. Because of the "travel hacking," our flights were always a hot mess. 

We'd fly halfway across the country in the wrong direction or take flights with three stopovers. And when we finally got to our destination, we would take buses, trains and walk to get to wherever we laid our heads. Travel would take all damn day and late into the night. Despite all this, I fell in love with traveling. But the hassle of getting to the destination? That still irks me to this day.  As a fat person, traveling gets complicated . 

And the logistics are still a nightmare, just a little bit of a different nightmare. 

So when I had the opportunity to take a cruise, I was (understandably) skeptical about the whole thing, but decided to give it a go anyway. Life is all about trying new things, isn't it? After spending a lot of time on the Princess Cruises website, I selected an eastern Caribbean cruise on the Regal Princess . Eight days, four ports and it all started in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

As I counted down the days to the cruise, I started getting nervous. Would the ship be accessible for me? Would the excursions work out? Would I feel trapped in the middle of the ocean?

But, as it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. Cruising was one of the least stressful ways I've ever traveled and I fell in love.

We stayed at the Hilton in the Fort Lauderdale Marina on the night before we boarded, which was perfectly situated just minutes from the ship. It was only at dinner that night that I finally started getting excited. Dinner, by the way, was at the Boatyard , right in the marina. While the food wasn't the best I've ever had, the vibe was immaculate. We sat outside and listened to the music and the sound of the waves and laughter. A perfect way to relax and destress before our cruise began.

After a great night's sleep, we were off to the races. Getting to the ship was easy. Local hotels offer a shuttle service that will take you directly to the terminal. Once we got there, I was met by porters that took our luggage. If you're taking a shuttle or would like your baggage handled for you, be sure to bring small bills to tip the porters . Not only is this simply the right thing to do, but they are pretty forward about being provided a "donation" (their words, not mine).

The boarding process was seamless and very quick. 

We scanned my QR code, showed our passports and got our medallions. We were then herded into a waiting room where we waited for the Coast Guard to finish a drill with the staff on the ship. The medallion is your key card, wallet and way back onto the ship at each port. It comes on a lanyard, but there are wristbands and clips available for purchase if a lanyard isn't your style. 

The room, service and internet 

After sailing on Sail Croatia this summer, I was expecting a very tiny room, but the balcony room we were staying in was small but had more than enough room. The small bathroom, while cramped, did allow for comfortable use of the toilet and shower , as long as you shower alone. The bed was somehow both soft and firm, allowing for a very comfortable sleep during the cruise. 

Expert tip: If you travel with a spouse or share a room with a friend, bring a very long charger since outlets are on one side of the bed.

The star of the show was our balcony. It was completely private, with balconies on either side blocked off, so there was no visibility. Only once during the entirety of the cruise did we even hear someone else, but they were right next door to us. The balcony definitely made the room very special, and we spent a lot of time sitting there, gazing out into the ocean, watching the sunset and taking in the views as we pulled into our four ports. 

Squish Factor: The balcony chairs were a little squishy, but if you ask your room steward, they will assist with arranging different chairs. Our room had a step-up into the bathroom, but if you need a room without it, ADA rooms are available. 

Staying connected was critical for me, as I was working, keeping in touch with home and planning to live post on social media. Initially, the internet was excellent, but as the cruise went on, the internet became progressively worse. At about day three, I stopped posting Instagram stories because it would take all day for them to upload. It was still good enough to answer the occasional email and use Whatsapp, but very slowly. 

I cannot say enough how incredible the service is on every level. No matter where you are on the ship, you can use the Princess app to order food and drinks (including the alcoholic ones ) to be delivered directly to you. But, there were plenty of waiters more than happy to take your order at any time, and they usually came fast if you were in the shared spaces of the ship. 

On-board food

There is a lot of food at all hours on the Regal Princess. Our favorite casual dining on the ship was at the buffet, open from early in the morning until late at night. The menu and features are ever-changing, so you'll always find something you like to enjoy. The hashbrowns, which we topped with cream cheese and lox , were a favorite at breakfast time. For lunch, the rotisserie chicken was a highlight, always perfectly cooked, well-seasoned and served fresh. 

Of the three specialty restaurants aboard, our favorite, by far, was Sabatini's Italian Trattoria . The Italian restaurant serves a four-course dinner for an additional $25 per person. Get the spaghetti and meatballs , cheese soup and tiramisu for dessert.

Expert tip: We had to dig a little bit to find the food that we liked. I suggest trying a little bit of a lot of things on your first and second days until you find what suits you. The sushi was a bit odd compared to what we were used to, and we had raw chicken in the main dining room on the first night, but other than that, we had a great food experience. 

Ports of Call

I might write this column every month, but I make travel mistakes, too. And, when it came to our first two ports of call, I really bungled it. None of the ship's excursions spoke to me, so I decided to hire a private guide in the Dominican Republic and a guide to take us on a hike in the Puerto Rican rainforest. In the Dominican Republic, our driver crashed the car just two hours into the day (with us inside). Luckily, we were blocks away from our guide's home, and she made us lunch, which was fantastic ! In Puerto Rico, the "easy" hike — which I confirmed prior to booking — started with a vertical climb up wet, muddy rocks, something we just couldn't do. 

Luckily, things took a turn for the better when we got to St. Kitts. The Scenic Railway Ride & Circle Island Drive was an incredible excursion, relaxing and only a few hours long. Known as the "Last Railroad in the West Indies," the train used to be used to transport sugar cane from the plantations to the factory. The narrow double-decker train now slowly makes its way around the island as the tour guide tells you about its past and present and greets every person it passes. The views were unmatched, and the cane sugar cookie that was gifted to us was incredible!

Squish Factor: Getting up to the second level of the train requires going up a very narrow staircase.

I was really looking forward to the last port before heading home, Sint Maarten. I had booked an excursion through Princess to take a spin around the island on individual Rhino boats . Each Rhino had a weight limit of 400 pounds, so we booked two of them. This was wildly exhilarating! It took a while to figure out how to control the Rhinos, but once I did, we had such an amazing time. 

Squish factor: The Rhinos typically hold two people but have a weight limit of 400 pounds. You can book them individually, which is what we did. At the end of the excursion, you can buy the photos they took of you (which I suggest), but the price is per Rhino. The owner gave us a small discount for buying the photos of both of our Rhinos.

We asked the driver to drop us off in the center of Philipsburg and walked over to Uncle Bob's Place , an indoor restaurant serving traditional Caribbean food. The service was slow, but I'd happily wait for good food, which Uncle Bob's delivered in spades. Thanks to the crispy baked chicken and oxtail, with rice and peas and salad, our lunch was fantastic!

Entertainment, the Spa, and the Casino

You're going to spend a lot of time on the ship, but there's no shortage of entertainment (and food — but we covered that). I must say, it wasn't what I was expecting from the few cruise vlogs I've come across. But despite the lack of a loud boisterous dance club, rock climbing, an ice bar or a water slide, we had so much fun!

There are comedy shows, game shows, live music, dance lessons, bingo and so much more! We loved the game shows and tried to make as many as we could. Trivia was a little underwhelming, mostly because the topics were completely unknown to us. Bingo and Princess' version of "Deal or No Deal" were so much fun but they do carry an additional fee. If you'd rather enjoy the sun and the stars, there are a few different open-air pools and quite a few hot tubs designed for two to five people. 

Squish factor: The two venues that held most of the game shows, trivia, and other entertainment were theater-like venues with small seats. At the end of every row, you can find a seat without arms or can request assistance from the staff in arranging other chairs.  

For Vegas-style slot machines and table games, the onboard casino has everything you'll need, including a full bar, and is open late into the night.

In case you're really looking to sink into that relaxation, the Regal Princess has a full spa and salon, complete with almost any treatment you can think of. Book your spa treatments before the cruise for the best prices! A couples scrub and the massage was $299 total prior to the cruise, but $499 if you book on board. Also, don't book for the afternoon of the first day aboard. The spa has an open house, so it's loud, which is distracting, and the captain came on the loudspeaker for about five minutes during the treatment.

I enjoyed the chocolate treatment, which included a mask and full body massage, which left my skin so soft! My wife isn't into chocolate, so she booked a seaweed wrap, which was done on a water bed, and absolutely loved it. We both got the fire and ice pedicure, which included a leg massage. The color options were limited, but the experience was fabulous. I also got a haircut, and while I didn't have high hopes for my super curly short hair, it turned out really good! 

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Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator and journalist who writes about cars, plus size fashion, queer life and love, and sometimes, food and travel. Her work has in Real Simple, Parents Magazine, Xtra Magazine, Al Jazeera, Shondaland and others.

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Share this article, stay updated, 5 romantic cruise destinations you’ll fall in love with.

What could be more romantic than setting sail for an adventure of a lifetime with the one you love? Whether you’re gazing at a dazzling sunset from our ships or experiencing your perfect piece of paradise on shore, a Holland America Line cruise creates a picture-perfect setting for your next romantic getaway.

Here are five romantic cruise destinations to consider:

The rugged wilderness and dynamic glaciers of Alaska will melt the hearts of adventurers and nature lovers alike. Derived from the Aleut word “Alyeska,” or “Great Land,” Alaska offers vast expanses that are unparalleled.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the vivid blue icebergs of Glacier Bay National Park . Travel deep into Denali National Park on an Alaska cruisetour to see the Big 5 (bears, caribou, wolves, moose and Dall sheep) foraging freely in their natural habitat. Retrace the steps of prospectors as you trek the Chilkoot Trail. Cross the Arctic Circle into the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” Whichever adventure you choose, you’ll have a chance to see more Alaska glaciers and experience more wildlife with Holland America Line than any other cruise line. And dependent on when you embark on an Alaska cruise , you may even see the Northern Lights . Though never guaranteed, they are a sight to behold.

Speaking of Northern Lights, Norway is equally magical. Take a trip to Skjolden for your chance to travel down the Romantic Road, which winds through idyllic villages before delivering you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Urnes Stave Church, the oldest of its kind in Norway.

Skjolden also is gateway to three famous national parks, some of Norway’s highest waterfalls, and Jostedal Glacier, the largest of its kind on the European mainland. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, fishing, or even walking with llamas, Norway will capture your heart.

You can’t say romance without Rome, and a visit to the Eternal City in Italy could bring out the romantic in anyone. Do as lovers have done for centuries and visit the picturesque Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Steps. Toss coins into nearby Trevi Fountain. Stroll the city’s cobblestone streets, seeking out a quiet café to enjoy an afternoon espresso or gelato.

Visit the ancient sites of the Colosseum, Pantheon, or Vatican City. Whatever you choose, enjoy “la dolce vita,” or the sweet life, on a Mediterranean cruise with a port of call in Civitavecchia so you can spend a day in Rome.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Italy, and for good reason. Its dramatic, sheer coastal cliffs, dotted with pastel-colored fishing villages and secluded beaches make it one of the most charming places you’ll visit. Spend time snorkeling or kayaking.

Hike the Path of the Gods. Visit the Emerald Grotto. Sample the exquisite seafood. The natural splendor of this breathtaking locale makes it the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

The Caribbean

Speaking of sun-kissed beaches, the Caribbean may be calling your name if you find your bliss in warm tropical breezes. With its wondrous waterfalls and vibrant coral reefs, the Caribbean offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. A Western Caribbean cruise is just one example.

Satisfy your thirst for adventure with a heart-pounding plunge on the Bobsled Jamaica , or zip-line through a tropical forest. Delight your inner poet with an excursion to Greenwood Great House , the family estate of famed English romantic poet Elizabeth Barrett. And don’t forget Half Moon Cay , our private island in the Bahamas that has won the Porthole Cruise Magazine’s Best Private Island award for 20 consecutive years!

These are just some of the romantic destinations that await you and your loved one. Which cruise destination would you like to escape to for a romantic getaway? Share in the comments below.

Article by Lori Wildrick

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Everyone you know is going on a cruise

­­­ Lots of people will be getting their sea legs this summer.

Ports have been packed with cruise ships over the last few years, as vacationers flock to ever larger vessels and operators race to accommodate a surge in post-pandemic bookings — many of them from first-time passengers. The industry expects even more this year.

Benjamin Xiang, a San Francisco-based flight attendant, went on his first cruise last August, setting aside his reservations about “cruise people” and a type of trip he’d imagined would be “not my travel style.”

Taking advantage of a Virgin Voyages promotion that let him use credit card points to cover the $2,500 bill, Xiang booked a weeklong, all-inclusive, adults-only cruise from Barcelona, with stops at Mallorca, Ibiza and along the French Riviera.“I invited my best friend, we prepaid a $600 bar tab, and we were like, ‘We’ll just hang by the pool, read a book or something,’” said Xiang, 35. “Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.”

He’s among the many cruise newbies who’ve helped power the industry’s recent growth. Some 27% of cruise passengers over the past two years have been first-timers, up 12% from the prior two-year period, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a trade group.

Turned out we partied every single night and had a blast.

Benjamin Xiang, 35, San Francisco

“Will I go back? I think yes,” Xiang said. “Will I pay this time? Yes.”That’s exactly what cruise operators are hoping for, and so far they’re getting it: 82% of all cruisers say they’ll book again, CLIA’s latest report found.

After welcoming 31.7 million passengers last year, 7% more than in 2019, the industry expects volumes to swell to 34.7 million by the end of 2024. Experts say a combination of newcomers, repeat bookers and younger travelers are powering the uptick.

Like Xiang, many first-time cruisers are groups of friends traveling together, said Jennifer Klaussen, who owns Sundari Travel in Malibu, California.

“Once they get on a cruise and realize it’s not what they thought it would be, they’re usually interested in future cruises and diverse destinations,” she said, adding that newer operators have managed to “reduce the stigma associated with cruising — that it’s only for the elderly.”

Passengers under age 40, including kids, made up around 42% of cruisegoers last year, up from 35% in 2019, according to CLIA. While the average age of a cruise customer is 46 industrywide, millennials now make up nearly the same share — 22% — as baby boomers and Gen Xers, who each comprise 24%.“The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, “whether that’s a big, new ship with eye-catching attractions for families, or more bucket-list-worthy experiences like sailings in the Galapagos or Antarctica.”

The cruise industry has been hard at work to launch new ships and experiences that are attractive to a younger, newer demographic.

Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic

Amenities don’t hurt either, said Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer at Virgin Voyages, which began sailing only in 2021, as the cruise industry rebounded from the pandemic. “Millennials and Gen Z love the fact that everything is included. Think meals foodies would love, tips covered, Wi-Fi to stay connected and a ton of fitness classes,” he said.Vessels are getting bigger to handle the growing demand.

In January, Royal Caribbean Group launched Icon of the Seas — currently the world’s largest cruise ship, with 20 decks, 40 restaurants and room for more than 7,000 passengers and 3,000 crew members.

The company, meanwhile, reported a 16% increase in new cruisegoers between this year and last across its various cruise lines. Nearly half of all Royal Caribbean guests are millennials or younger, CEO Jason Liberty said on the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

Similarly, Norwegian Cruise Lines CEO Harry Sommer told CNBC earlier this month, “We appeal obviously to older customers, but millennial and Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment of our cruising right now.”

Cruises generally aren’t cheap, though, and Sommer noted that the company’s target customer is middle- or upper-income. As consumer spending cools down across much of the economy, Americans are adjusting their summer vacation plans to fit their budgets.The share of travelers put off by steep prices hit 32% in Deloitte’s annual summer travel survey , up sharply from 24% last year. But more affluent vacationers still seem eager to shell out on everything from first-class airfare to luxury train trips , as the industry continues to push premium offerings .

“More higher-income travelers are headed to cruises,” whereas “lower-income travelers are going camping,” the Deloitte report, released Tuesday, said. (“RV trips are up across the board,” it added.)

That doesn’t mean cruise passengers aren’t paying attention to price.

Jaclyn Groh will be going on her first cruise in March 2025, sailing around the Caribbean. The 34-year-old therapist and social work professor at Ohio State University in Columbus typically takes her family on boat trips on a lake, beach visits, “and of course the occasional Disney adventure for the kiddos,” said Groh.

While some of her friends have done family cruises, she’s never been interested in the largest cruise ships because they seem “overwhelming.” But in shopping around for a vacation next year for just her and her husband, Groh said her travel agent’s description of the packages available won her over.The smaller Explora II vessel she opted for has a “boutique feel that we love,” she said. And it’s priced about the same as the resort in Curaçao where the couple will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this fall. That week on land will run about $6,500, while the cruise comes to about $6,700.

“The price seems very reasonable for all of the inclusions, and yet with the cruise we will get to experience so many new locations and excursions,” said Groh, who’s looking forward to “a perfect combination of resting in luxury and adventuring.”

Harriet Baskas is an NBC News contributor who writes about travel and the arts.

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He fell ill on a cruise: Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill

by Bram Sable-Smith, KFF Health News

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure—a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International.

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms, cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required him to pay his medical bills before exiting the ship—even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure—seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding, "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts , including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said.

Royal Caribbean International did not respond to multiple inquiries from KFF Health News.

Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration—and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disk golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott, chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps, like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said—there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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He fell ill on a cruise. Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill

Vincent Wasney was billed $2,500 by the ship's medical center.

This is a KFF Health News story .

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides, and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

MORE: Without Medicare Part B's shield, patient's family owes $81,000 for a single air-ambulance flight

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure -- a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the   cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International .

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms , cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean   does not accept   "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required he pay his medical bills before exiting the ship -- even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

MORE: Surprise medical bills are on the rise, study finds

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure -- seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding: "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts, including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

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Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said.

Royal Caribbean International did not respond to multiple inquiries from KFF Health News.

Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration -- and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

MORE: Democrats and Republicans come together to end surprise medical bills

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a   GoFundMe campaign   that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disc golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott, chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

MORE: People in these 5 states are more likely to see a surprise bill for out-of-network care

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however; Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps , like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said -- there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

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A passenger fell off the world’s biggest cruise ship and died

On the first leg of a seven-night voyage from florida, a man fell from a deck of icon of the seas and was pronounced dead after a two-hour rescue mission.

A man died after falling from the deck on the world’s largest cruise ship , Icon of the Seas last week. The massive vessel had just started a seven-night cruise from Miami, Florida, when the man fell from one of its 20 decks , sparking a two-hour rescue mission.

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The 1,200-foot long Icon of the Seas set sail from Florida on May 25 bound for its first stop at Honduras, reports the Royal Caribbean Blog . However, just a day after departing U.S. soil, the ship was forced into a dramatic rescue mission after an unnamed passenger fell from one of its decks.

The passenger reportedly plummeted into the Gulf of Mexico, sparking a two-hour rescue mission that involved crews from the ship as well as U.S. Coastguard officers. Rescue boats from the Royal Caribbean-operated cruise liner were quickly deployed to recover the man. As Royal Caribbean Blog reports:

The incident allegedly took place in the morning on Sunday, prompting an immediate rescue mission from the vessel. According to guests onboard Icon of the Seas, a small rescue boat was launched from Icon of the Seas to search for the overboard guest. Guests online stated that Icon of the Seas halted its course for approximately two hours to complete the search and rescue mission. Crew members took swift action while the ship maintained its location for the duration of the rescue mission.

However, while crews were able to recover the man after he fell from the ship and bring him back onboard alive, he reportedly succumbed to his injuries and died as a result of the fall. In a statement shared with Jalopnik, the U.S. Coastguard said:

The Coast Guard assisted in the search for a man who fell overboard the cruise ship Icon of the Seas. The cruise ship deployed one of their rescue boats, located the man and brought him back aboard. He was pronounced deceased. Beyond assisting in the search, the U.S. Coast Guard did not have much involvement in this incident.

Jalopnik has reached out to Royal Caribbean, which operates Icon of the Seas , for a statement about the death onboard its ship.

Royal Caribbean launched Icon of the Seas earlier this year, with the 7,600-passenger ship undertaking its maiden voyage in January. The ship, which is roughly 1,200 feet long and requires a crew of almost 3,000, features a water park onboard, an ice rink onboard and the largest swimming pool aboard any cruise ship.

A version of this article originally appeared on Jalopnik .

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