toni love cruise

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Sweepstakes

Behind the scenes with Fox's ''Love Cruise''

The new sexed up reality show has 16 singles battling it out for the best mates and a cash prize

It doesn’t take long for a signature moment to arise on Fox’s upcoming reality vehicle, ”Love Cruise.” Aboard the S.S. Mandalay, mere minutes after casting off from St. George’s, Grenada, it’s time for the first coupling of ”Cruise”’s 16 singles. The eight women wait in an expectant clutch while eight men stand across the main deck in a semicircle. At the signal from host Justin Gunn, the ladies stride over to claim the male of their choice for the journey’s first two days of companionship.

When the dust settles, a pair of forlorn looking dudes are left twisting in the wind, unchosen (while two of their hunkier peers balance a babe on each arm). A faint groan escapes from the crew of Bunim Murray Productions, the vérité pioneers behind MTV’s ”The Real World” and ”Road Rules.” After an uncomfortable silence, producer Kathy Wetherell looks over her shoulder at head honcho Jonathan Murray and cracks, ”This is great TV…if you’re a whore.” A few seconds later, she shakes her head, shrugging, ”I’m going to hell.”

Oh sure, but if the ability to provoke a healthy sense of sadistic, voyeuristic glee is crucial to any successful reality show (and it is), ”Love Cruise” could be poised to take the form to mortifying new heights — or depths. A brainstorm of Fox Television Entertainment chairman Sandy Grushow (who had the idea last summer during a shipboard vacation with his wife), the seven week series debuting early next year marries the winner take all gamesmanship of ”Survivor” to the agonized mating dances of ”Blind Date” by pitting seafaring singles against each other in the pursuit of true love — and a massive wad of cash.

”It was like ‘Melrose Place’ on the sea,” says Toni (Bunim Murray prefers to keep their contestants on a first name basis with the outside world), a 27 year old cast member and bartender from Chicago, two months after the production wrapped. ”There was drama, there was love, there was everything.” Coexecutive producer Bruce Toms has another analogy: ”It’s high school. You know, choosing a partner and being rejected — it’s a very prom kind of thing.”

That might be true — if proms were attended by half dressed, randy twentysomethings. Though press were allowed on board for only the first two days (and then only incognito in crew uniforms), this intrepid observer couldn’t help but overhear a barrage of salty talk, like the following exchange: She: ”Hey, are you going to grab my t– again?” He: ”If you put it in my hand…” Man overboard!

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy .

• Seasons & Episodes

TV Listings

• Cast & Crew

Love Cruise: The Maiden Voyage

Sixteen sexy singles sail the Caribbean, vying for cash and possible romance in this reality series from the creators of 'The Real World.' Each player picks a different shipmate to spend 48 hours with to test their compatibility. Every three days, a member of each sex is voted off to 'Loser Island' (Aruba, actually). The last couple aboard win $200,000 and a cruise around the world.

Loading. Please wait...

My cable/satellite provider:

There are no TV airings over the next 14 days. Add it to your Watchlist to receive updates and availability notifications.

Cast & Crew See All

Justin gunn, latest news see all, hotel's toni sings unreal.

She's mud-wrestled a dork, cried enough crocodile tears to fill up the Great Lakes and swapped more spit than a kissing-booth attendant during Fleet Week. Yet hot-tempered Toni Ferrari tells TV Guide Online that none of her experiences on Love Cruise or Paradise Hotel could have prepared her for what she heard at the recording sessions for thefishbowl.com's Christmas album, Holiday in the Fishbowl: Performed by the Reality TV Singers. What gave her such a shock? Her own voice! "Madonna's career is safe," she says with a laugh. "When [American Idol runner-up] Nikki McKibbin started to sing, I felt like a dying cat in the recording booth. I sound like ["Goldfinger" belter] Shirley Bassey on a really bad day!" So, if the buxom bruiser isn't itching to make an appearance on TRL, why subject unsuspecting music lovers to her renditions of "Deck the Halls" and "Let's Make Christmas Real This Year" — esp

Popular Shows See all shows

China: Nature's Ancient Kingdom

Ghetto fights: street chaos, july 4: exploding the myths, mr. citizen.

Love Cruise: The Maiden Voyage

From "Real World" creators Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim, Fox's latest reality series, "Love Cruise," involves a group of twentysomething singles sailing in the Caribbean, seeking a love connection -- and the $200,000 prize. Sort of a "Blind Date" and "Gilligan's Island" meet "Survivor."

By Steven Oxman

Steven Oxman

• ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Review: Broadway-Bound Musical Needs to Take a Cue From Miranda Priestly and Get Meaner 2 years ago
• ‘Paradise Square’ Review: Broadway-Bound Musical Premieres in Chicago 2 years ago
• Regional Theater Review: ‘August Rush’ 5 years ago

From “Real World” creators Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim, Fox’s latest reality series, “Love Cruise,” involves a group of twentysomething singles sailing in the Caribbean, seeking a love connection — and the $200,000 prize. Sort of a “Blind Date” and “Gilligan’s Island” meet “Survivor,” “Love Cruise” has the men voting the women off and vice versa, with the votes not being kept secret — two twists that promise some particularly humiliating emotional carnage. Oh, and let’s not forget the bikini briefs. Somehow, it all sounds perfectly logical as counterprogramming to the other networks’ fall launches of sitcoms and dramas.

Cruise director Justin Gunn, aka our television host, oversees this “crew” of voyaging voyees (until now, the word “voyeur” had no opposite, but this social phenomenon demands that we create a term for those compelled to be watched — voyee will do for now). At first, Gunn seems like a friendly male Julie from “The Love Boat,” jovially arranging a “speed dating” round robin, where each guy spends a few minutes with each gal. But then he turns evil, asking the women to stand by the man they want to bunk with for the next two days, a recipe for very public rejection.

The best-looking and the least glamorous immediately become the focus in this first episode. Several women crowd around Anthony, a heavily tattooed James Dean-like hunk and aspiring screenwriter. Nobody picks Michael, the Jewish lawyer who used to be obese. Lisa, the successful but very insecure management consultant, ends up with him, and her bruised ego becomes the subject for a good while thereafter. Darin, meanwhile, chooses big-breasted personal trainer Toni — a proud, walking advertisement for plastic surgery — over model Gina, who gets catty with feline quickness. Let the games begin!

Those voted off the boat are banished to “Loser Island,” otherwise known as Aruba. While the first episode doesn’t go into the intricacies of the game, the show’s Web site fills us in on a couple of other factors — that those banished can be brought back (for drama’s sake, I suppose), and that the winners of individual competitions will actually have the power to switch the votes of the majority.

“Love Cruise” doesn’t get under way with the adrenaline charge that “Boot Camp” did, but it looks to hold more continuing interest than that show, which, severely lacking in sex appeal, quickly disintegrated into high-volume dullness. And “Love Cruise” is certainly not as overtly tacky as “Temptation Island” — it’s OK to root for these participants to hook up, since they’re all single. It certainly won’t challenge “Survivor” as the tops of the field, but “Love Cruise,” which carries the optimistic subtitle “The Maiden Voyage,” doesn’t look like the show that will sink the genre either, and, depending on how it plays out, may survive to sail again.

Fox; Tues. Sept. 11, 9 p.m.

• Production: Taped in the Caribbean by Bunim/Murray Prods. Executive producers, Jonathan Murray, Mary-Ellis Bunim; co-executive producer, Bruce Toms; supervising producer, Bonnie Bogard; producer, Kathy Wetherell. Directors, Michelle Millard, Gretchen Warthen, Lilla Fiumi, Ben Salter.
• Crew: Camera, Mark Jungjohann; production design, Randy Franks; supervising editor, Ben Salter; editors, Donald Bull, Kevin Gleason; music, Christopher Brady; additional music, Ramin Sakurai, Bob Durham; casting, Laura Korkoian, Luis Barreto, Georgia Archer. 60 MINS.
• Cast: Host: Justin Gunn.

More From Our Brands

Sean combs’ attorney: home raids were ‘excessive show of force’, in l.a.’s highland park, a tudor time capsule is available for the first time in decades, ncaa push to ban prop betting is a complex wager, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, constellation: noomi rapace weighs in on finale’s startling closing image — plus, could there be a season 2, verify it's you, please log in.

clock This article was published more than  22 years ago

'Love Cruise' Sank. Can Networks Keep 'Reality' Shows Afloat?

Hardly anybody this week wanted to watch 16 hot young singles couple on a cruise ship and moan about their hard, hard lives while sunbathing in thongs and jams and drinking mimosas.

And network executives trembled.

Worried that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon may have destroyed viewer taste for some of the more vapid reality programs, many TV suits yesterday were mourning the ratings for Tuesday's debut of Fox's highly anticipated "Love Cruise."

The program is among the subset of reality shows that are about a bunch of good-looking young contestants who laze around and angst about Me as opposed to those reality shows that, say, involve answering multiple-choice questions about pop culture or engaging in wholesome athletic competitions.

"Love Cruise" was rejected in a big way, with only about 6 million viewers tuning in to watch Toni wail about how shy she was before she went out and bought herself a pair of really big breasts, or Lisa break down as she revealed that boys used to bark at her as a child because she was ugly, or Anthony explain that his various tattoos are a defense against life's many cruelties.

And to think that less than eight months ago Fox's first "relationship" reality series, "Temptation Island," opened to a hefty crowd of more than 16 million.

Fox executives, who had toyed with the idea of airing "Love Cruise" right after the "Temptation Island" finale but chickened out because of that whole Ytossie/Taheed baby thing, were kicking themselves yesterday, no doubt while mumbling to themselves,

Of all sad words something, something, something,

The saddest are these: "It might have been!"

But there was solidarity among the networks yesterday; "Love Cruise" numbers were not exactly what any of them wanted to see immediately after a ratings week in which a flag-filled broadcast of the totally retro Miss America Pageant scored a bigger audience than the season finale of "Big Brother 2," the second episode of Jerry Bruckheimer's highly promoted "The Amazing Race" and every single edition of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Nor were the "Love Cruise" stats what the networks were hoping to see one day after their annual Hollywood Radio & Television Society TV season-kickoff lunch/schmoozefest, during which moderator Bill Maher, who was there to grill the networks' programming chiefs about the upcoming season, would insist on asking them whether the terrorist attacks had rendered reality programming a thing of a kinder, gentler yesterday. "A show like 'Fear Factor' can't possibly work now," Maher pronounced to his all-industry audience. "We seem to be a more sober nation."

ABC's programming honcho Lloyd Braun agreed. "I worry about it . . . I'm not sure the country is going to be as accepting of these shows as they were in the past. The pettiness and interpersonal dynamics of people are one of the really interesting parts of these shows. But you have to wonder if, after the events of September 11, people will look at that now and say, 'puhleeze -- we don't care!' " he said gloomily.

Predictably, NBC's Jeff Zucker, who will likely slap summer series "Fear Factor" back on his schedule faster than you can say "Emeril opened to a 10 share," defended the genre.

"I think it would be an overreaction to say this is the end of reality," he said. "The good unscripted shows will endure."

Zucker chose not to define "good unscripted show," perhaps feeling that his lineup, also including "Spy TV" and "Weakest Link," would not stand the scrutiny.

Optimistically, Fox entertainment chief Gail Berman and CBS scheduling guru Kelly Kahl forecast that "purely escapist entertainment" might be just the ticket for weary Americans.

"I think they're escapist, and that's what people may be looking for now," Kahl said.

But that was before the numbers on "Love Cruise" came in, showing that it did a smaller number on Tuesday night among young adults than the season return of that flag-waving military drama "JAG," on old-timers network CBS.

" 'JAG' was big!" marveled one number-crunching network exec to The TV Column yesterday. "It fits in perfectly" with the tone of the country, he explained, "it's very patriotic, a very rah-rah program. Looking at Tuesday in a vacuum, I would've bet money that 'Love Cruise' would do a bigger [young] demo number than 'JAG'!"

The lousy start for "Love Cruise" has more to do with the glut of reality programming than any viewer mood swing in the wake of the terrorist attacks, said one network reality programming executive. But, the executive acknowledged, "Ultimately, we're all going to have to look at and decide what is the mood of the country."

"Maybe reality shows somehow pinpoint and get in on what the new wave is," the executive said. "I'm not sure yet. It's very early on; it's hard to know how long people will feel this way, if there is a way that they feel. I certainly don't think it's a permanent thing."

And just in case it is, Fox is among the networks working on the Next Big Thing: The Western.

Special correspondent Jeff Adler in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Taking on water: Adrian and Melissa on "Love Cruise," which debuted to a mere 6 million Tuesday on Fox.

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Tony and Julie/Separate Beds/America's Sweetheart

• Episode aired May 16, 1981

Julie (Lauren Tewes) has a run-in with a zoologist (Anthony Andrews), who turns out to be a passenger, and they butt heads. A young actress (Alison Arngrim) comes aboard and makes a fool out... Read all Julie (Lauren Tewes) has a run-in with a zoologist (Anthony Andrews), who turns out to be a passenger, and they butt heads. A young actress (Alison Arngrim) comes aboard and makes a fool out of Vicki (Jill Whelan). An estranged husband (William Christopher) and wife (Toni Tennill... Read all Julie (Lauren Tewes) has a run-in with a zoologist (Anthony Andrews), who turns out to be a passenger, and they butt heads. A young actress (Alison Arngrim) comes aboard and makes a fool out of Vicki (Jill Whelan). An estranged husband (William Christopher) and wife (Toni Tennille), one of whom is a neat-freak (Christopher) and the other a slob (Tennille), find themse... Read all

• Richard Kinon
• Ben Joelson
• Gavin MacLeod
• Bernie Kopell
• Fred Grandy
• 2 User reviews

• Captain Merrill Stubing

• Doctor Adam Bricker

• Ship's Purser 'Gopher' Smith

• Bartender Isaac Washington

• Vicki Stubing

• Cruise Director Julie McCoy

• Tony Selkirk

• Becky Daniels

• Carl Mitchell

• Mr. Scott, the Director

• Lynn Mitchell

• Linda Harvey
• Paul Turnbull

• (uncredited)
• Ben Joelson (segment Tony and Julie)
• Art Baer (segment Tony and Julie)
• Si Rose (segment Separate Beds)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

• Trivia Two members of the cast, who the script says "won a free cruise" were contest winners in real life. Paul Turnbull, 28, and Linda Harvey, 17, were chosen among seven million entrants to win appearances on the show, in a sweepstakes sponsored by the Montgomery Ward Auto Club. This is why they only have a brief scene and not a full storyline.
• Goofs Becky's semaphore message is absolute gibberish. She made one correct signal for the letter R. The rest of the positions do not exist.
• Connections Featured in Megyn Kelly Today: Episode #1.257 (2018)
• Soundtracks The Love Boat Written by Paul Williams and Charles Fox Performed by Jack Jones

User reviews 2

• May 16, 1981 (United States)
• United States
• 20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
• Aaron Spelling Productions
• Douglas S. Cramer Company
• The Love Boat Company
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 49 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

• Spring reality TV
• The Traitors
• Survivor 46
• Tournament of Champions

Michael: Ralph and Toni knew each other for five years before the show.

Michael: Ralph and Toni knew each other for five years before the show. Love Cruise ‘s Michael answers questions about the show and reveals what happened behind the scenes. For example, he says, “Toni offered the bribe [to Jeanette] on a day when there was no filming,” and says Ralph and Toni were good friends long before the show aired. He also says Toni is “as insane as she appears,” and reveals what was on his censored t-shirts: Curious George and an Oompa Loompa.

All reality blurred content is independently selected, including links to products or services. However, if you buy something after clicking an affiliate link, we may earn a commission, which helps support reality blurred. Learn more.

About the writer

Andy Dehnart is the creator of reality blurred and a writer and teacher who obsessively and critically covers reality TV and unscripted entertainment, focusing on how it’s made and what it means.

recent articles

view all stories

Discussion: your turn

The writing here is the start of a conversation, and reality blurred values your contributions to that conversation. We’ve created a community that connects people through open and thoughtful conversations about the TV we’re watching, the pop culture we’re consuming, and the stories about it.

To share our perspectives and exchange ideas in a welcoming, supportive space, there are rules for commenting here. By commenting below, you confirm that you’ve read and agree to those rules.

Happy discussing!

12 Themed Cruises You Should Have On Your Radar In 2024

T aking a cruise is an experience unlike anything else. Days at sea on a ship full of entertainment and relaxation make for a fantastic vacation. But what if you want even more from your cruise? A theme might be what's missing. In addition to all the usual cruise experiences, themed cruises allow fans of a particular artist, lifestyle, hobby (or even animal), to celebrate their passion on the high seas with activities, events, surprises, and sometimes special guests.

There are dozens of themed cruises on offer each year, usually hosted by major cruise lines like Norwegian , Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. But don't let their numbers fool you. According to  Business Insider , themed cruises are rapidly climbing in popularity, and some trips are selling out in record time. That means it's important to find your dream-themed cruise and reserve your tickets as early as possible.

Fortunately, even if they're sold out, most themed cruises will let you join a waiting list, so there's still hope! Here are 12 themed cruises that will set sail in 2024 and are well worth boarding, either now or the next time they hit the high seas.

Read more: Under-The-Radar Beaches You Need To Visit In The Caribbean

The Emo's Not Dead Cruise

If you truly know it's not a phase, the Emo's Not Dead Cruise is perfect for you. Gather with fellow emo fans for four days (and nights) of concerts, activities, and even a private party at Great Stirrup Kay in the Bahamas. Over a dozen bands will perform, including Yellowcard, Senses Fail, and Armor for Sleep. Alongside themed activities like a masquerade ball, cruisegoers can also enjoy surprisingly cheerful activities like a bellyflop competition in the ship's pool.

The first Emo's Not Dead cruise was in 2022. Cruisegoer and emo fan TheReelChris shared highlights on  YouTube , calling it "EPIC." Fans in the comments section agree, with Schecterplayer92 adding, "This was one of the best experiences of my life." With a killer lineup and entertaining activities scheduled, it seems like Emo's Not Dead 2024 will also be a rad experience. The cruise will be hosted on the Norwegian Pearl, leaving from Miami on February 26 and returning on March 1, 2024. But what would an emo-related cruise be without a little sadness? Unfortunately, the cruise is already sold out. If you're interested, you can  sign up for the waiting list  and hope.

Meow Meow Cruise

Some of us know that no matter how great a vacation might be, cats would make it even better. Meow Meow Cruise has solved that problem. While guests unfortunately aren't allowed to bring their own furry friends aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, the four-day cruise will give them their feline fix in plenty of other ways. 

Activities include cat-themed trivia and a scavenger hunt. But the best part may be communing with fellow cat people (many of whom stroll around the ship wearing cat ears). You'll also be able to mingle with real cats -- one of 2024's ports of call is Key West, where you'll find the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and its community of about 60 friendly polydactyl kitties, many of them descended from one of the author's own pets.

It's hard to find reviews for Meow Meow Cruise, but the fact that this themed cruise has been going on annually since 2015 speaks for itself. The 2024 Meow Meow Cruise sets sail from Miami on February 21, with a return date of February 25. Tickets are still available, but to be sure you don't miss out, consider booking right now.

In My Cruise Era

Sure, cruises are great — and cruising is a multi-billion dollar industry — but is anything more popular than Taylor Swift? For those who can't imagine anyone saying "no" to that question, there's no better cruise than In My Cruise Era. While not officially affiliated with Taylor Swift, this themed cruise is a passionate fan homage. Swifties will be able to dress up in their favorite Taylor-inspired looks, exchange friendship bracelets, perform their idol's songs during karaoke sessions, and more. We're also guessing there will be of lots impromptu song breaks throughout the ship from Taylor's extensive catalog.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas will host this cruise, which sets sail from Miami on October 21, 2024 -- which, as People Magazine points out, is one day after the Eras Tour will be in the city. Fans lucky enough to attend the concert can continue their Taylor euphoria for four more days on the high seas. Since this is a new themed cruise, there aren't any reviews, but based on the positive fan vibes from Eras Tour concerts and movie viewings, among other events, we're guessing it's going to be a great time for Swifties. Swifties must agree, since the cruise is already sold out. Cancellations do happen, though, so hopeful fans can join the waiting list.  Contact the cruise's organizers to sign up.

Disney's Halloween On The High Seas

Go on just about any cruise-related blog or website and you'll see that Disney Cruise Line's Halloween-themed cruise, officially called Halloween on the High Seas, is a popular favorite. As you probably expect from Disney, this themed cruise is perfect for a family vacation , so it's not too scary. The cruise is hosted on multiple Disney Cruise Line ships, and each one is decorated with the care and attention to detail you'll find in most Disney-related enterprises. The Pumpkin Tree is the highlight of the decor, with pumpkins that eventually appear on its branches and transform into lit and unlit jack o'lanterns.

Halloween on the High Seas also features Halloween activities (including a trick-or-treating night) and exclusive Halloween-themed desserts. Disney cruises in general are known for their opportunities to meet the studio's beloved characters, and during the Halloween on the High Seas cruises, some of those characters are in costume. Notably, Disney Cruise Line's official site tells us, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow will be dressed as the Sanderson Sisters -- who wouldn't want to see that? 

This magical mixture of whimsy, fun, and exclusive opportunities is the perfect way to cast a spell on Disney fans of all ages. Luckily, Halloween on the High Seas is held during a number of different times in September and October, so you and your family should be able to find a place on board!

The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Sure, Hallmark Channel Christmas movies might be a little on the cheesy side, but let's be honest: lots of us dream of being in one in real life. You can get a little of the real-life Hallmark movie experience by visiting some of the movies' filming locations , but now there's a way to have an even more immersive experience: The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise.

Passengers will get to meet Hallmark Channel movie stars, attend panels and photo ops, and get to see a new Hallmark Christmas movie before its world premiere. Maybe best of all, passengers can take part in lots of Hallmark Christmas movie-inspired activities, including tree lighting and cookie decorating -- all while wearing their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters.

2024 is the first year of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise. It was originally intended to be just one cruise, but a second one was added after the first one sold out. As of now, two Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruises are scheduled for 2024. Both go from Miami to the Bahamas and back and last four days in November. ... And both are sold out. But Christmas is a time of miracles, so if a Hallmark Channel Christmas experience on the high seas sounds like your dream come true, sign up for the waiting list as soon as you can!

Hurtigruten Northern Lights Cruises

Themed cruises are often about fandoms and hobbies. But Norway-based cruise line Hurtigruten offers a themed cruise that's about something even bigger: the Northern Lights . There are several Northern Lights-themed cruises out there, including some luxurious options by Cunard. Unfortunately, the Northern Lights aren't always visible, but Hurtigruten stands out by offering a Northern Lights Promise for cruises scheduled between September 26 and March 31 and lasting longer than 11 days. If the Northern Lights aren't visible during your cruise, they'll give you another one. So if you're serious about seeing the Aurora Borealis, this is the company to choose.

The Northern Lights are the focus of Hurtigruten's eponymous cruises, but there are also other things to do on board, including scientific lectures and photography lessons. There are excursions, too -- notably a dog sledding option. Passengers who've taken one of Hurtigruten's cruises unanimously praise the stunning fjords and landscapes you can admire from the ship and during excursions, not to mention their experiences of seeing the Northern Lights. Some warn that the ships aren't as luxurious or modern as many other cruise ships, primarily because Hurtigruten's ships are also functional vessels intended to transport and deliver mail to various points on the Norwegian coast. Still,  Cruise Critic reviewers like cmolaison praise the friendly crew, the surprising level of comfort, and the "stunning vistas" you'll see, saying he and his family "highly recommend" taking a Hurtigruten cruise.

Cruise & Crop Crafting Cruises

If the perfect vacation for you is a combination of R&R and crafting, you're in luck! There are several crafting-themed cruises. One of the most popular is organized by Cruise & Crop, with ships around the world hosting different crafting- and arts-themed trips. This makes them the most accessible themed cruises on our list, with different price ranges, departure points, itineraries, and ports of call. One thing all crafting cruises have in common, though, is groups of like-minded people exploring their creativity amid the other joys of cruising.

For instance, one of Crop & Cruise's 2024 offerings is a Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, featuring scrapbooking and other papercraft classes taught by artist Barb Warne. The ship departs from Los Angeles on April 19, returning April 26. Many Cruise & Crop cruises sell out quickly, so if this idea has sparked both your wanderlust and your creativity, be sure to check their list of 2024 cruises and reserve as soon as you can.

Star Trek: The Cruise

For seven days and nights every year, thousands of Star Trek fans gather to be a part of a fandom extravaganza at sea. Star Trek: The Cruise is an experience that features celebrities aboard (2024's guests include LeVar Burton and Wil Wheaton, among many others), costume and cosplay events, and lots of fun activities. 

But what makes Star Trek: The Cruise truly unique is that audience participation is very much encouraged. Passengers and celebrity guests are all considered the crew of one great, big, intergalactic vessel. Passengers get to interact with the guest stars in events like karaoke battles, and stars share parts of their earthly lives with Q&A sessions and even glimpses at other projects they may be involved in.

The first Star Trek: The Cruise was held in 2017 and since then it's been a fan favorite. Star Wars and cruising aficionado Aaron Bossig writes on  Trek Movie.com that many fans go on the cruise every year, and proudly wear t-shirts from the previous ones. He calls Star Trek: The Cruise "an extra special convention experience." 2024's edition will be held on the Mariner of the Seas, departing from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 22 and returning on February 29.

Literature Festival At Sea

Once a year, aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, passengers can mingle with writers, poets, journalists, and critics in a full-blown literary festival in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Literature Festival at Sea invites writers in all genres to host round table discussions, participate in Q&As revolving around their work and areas of expertise, host workshops, and converse with passengers.

Whether passengers want to participate as much as possible or just attend a few events, the Festival seems to be an excellent addition to a typical Queen Mary 2 voyage. On TripAdvisor , passenger Artemis C writes of her experience at a previous Literature Festival at Sea that "the whole week was a joy". 

2024's lineup features crime novelists, journalists, historians, and more, for what's sure to be a fascinating week of discussion and discovery. If you'd like to combine an elegant transatlantic cruise and a literary experience, 2024's Literature Festival at Sea will take place from November 13-20, departing from Southampton, U.K., and arriving in New York. Cunard has also launched an Australian Literature Festival at Sea, scheduled from December 11-16, 2024, on the Queen Elizabeth, which departs from and returns to Sydney. 

Chefs Making Waves

Many cruise lines are proud of their food offerings. Some cruises feature dishes created by world-famous chefs, and others even host food and wine festivals. But no culinary cruise event seems quite as, well, fun, as Chefs Making Waves. This culinary-themed cruise will set sail for the first time in 2024. Onboard will be a number of beloved celebrity chefs, including Anne Burrell and the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. Cooking demos and, of course, food tastings of all kinds (including sit-down meals, desserts, and street food) are on the menu. Best of all, Chefs Making Waves is an all-inclusive cruise, so everyone can eat and drink without having to pay extra!

There will be all of the usual cruise-related fun, from swimming to excursions, to help you work up an appetite. There will also be unique games, with some of the chefs participating in events like bingo and a celebrity chef sing-off. If this sounds like an awesome cruise, you're not the only one who feels that way. Chefs Making Waves will take place from March 25-29, departing from Miami with excursions in Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas ... and it's already sold out. But you can still  sign up for the waiting list . With a little luck, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious, themed cruise experience.

Soul Train Cruise

Imagine a festival with a lineup featuring some of the best soul and R&B acts of all time. Now imagine it's on a relaxing cruise ship. This dream is actually reality -- it's called the Soul Train Cruise. The popular themed cruise will be celebrating its 11th year in 2024 and the lineup is on fire. Dozens of groups and artists will perform, including The Temptations, Boyz II Men, and En Vogue. Passengers can also learn how to dance like people did back in the old school days of Soul Train's TV show, with lessons from some of the show's actual dancers. There will also be wine tastings, Q&A's, comedy shows, and a lot more.

With all of this on offer, it's no surprise that the Soul Train Cruise is sold out. But sign up on the waiting list and keep your calendar free from January 27-February 3, and you may get lucky. If you do, the cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, with ports of call in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and St. Maarten.

The Gothic Cruise

The Gothic Cruise is an annual event held on an ordinary cruise ship. Goths mingle with "norms" but have their own private events on board, mostly DJ sets and concerts. There's also a masquerade ball, with Goths decked out in their finest Victorian-style garb ... as long as it meets ship safety requirements, that is. The cruise's website specifies that simulated weapons aren't allowed and notes that hoop skirts are fine for the ball but not in the ship's dining areas, "due to the close proximity of the tables". And yet, the Goth community thrives on these cruises -- and even gains norm fans along the way. 

In a Porthole Magazine article about the Gothic Cruise, longtime attendee Spike Pittman says that many mainstream passengers are wary of the Goths at first, "But by the end they're begging to get into our private events." Some even book their future cruises to coincide with the Gothic Cruise, even if they don't plan on attending every event. 

The Gothic Cruise has been held since 1989. Cruising doesn't seem very Goth, but in the end, the article points out, it comes down to what all themed cruises offer: a sense of community (in this case, one that often stays up all night and sleeps during the day). If this moves your little black heart, the 2024 Gothic Cruise will be held on the Norwegian Escape (but book through the Gothic Cruise's website for private event access), departing from Orlando on March 2, and returning March 9.

Read the original article on Explore .

• Headliners Skip
• Destinations Skip
• EXPERIENCE TYPE Skip
• Travel Dates Skip

TRAVELER SUPPORT

Mexico Cruise

Enjoy & Explore: Mexican Riviera Cruise with Tony Evans

Nov 9 - 16, 2024.

STARTING AT

PER TRAVELER

SPECIAL GUESTS

OR BOOK BY PHONE

855 448 7226

• HEADLINERS & GUESTS
• DESTINATION & ITINERARY
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

Join this unforgettable Christian cruise to Mexico with The Urban Alternative

A note from dr. tony evans.

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce that we are taking a cruise to the beautiful Mexican Riviera and we invite you to join us! Our seven days together will be a time of renewal and exploration as we enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the West Coast of Mexico. 

Throughout the cruise, we’ll experience powerful teachings, encouraging messages from Chrystal Evans Hurst and uplifting music from Anthony Evans, Jr. We will also find moments of pure relaxation as we soak in the beauty of God’s creation. We’ll visit exciting and vibrant Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta ports and take in the hospitality and elegance of the Holland America Koningsdam. 

This is our first trip to the Mexican Riviera and we can’t wait to enjoy it with you. So join us November 9 – 16, 2024, for this fantastic voyage filled with God’s Word, God’s people and God’s glorious creation. It’s going to be a trip you’ll never forget. 

Serving the Kingdom,

Chrystal Evans Hurst

Anthony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans, a respected evangelical leader, has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 40 years, growing the congregation to over 10,000 members. He's the founder of The Urban Alternative, reaching 2,000 radio outlets daily in 130+ countries. The first African American to earn a doctorate of theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has authored over 100 books and was the first African American to publish a full-Bible commentary and study Bible.

Chrystal Evans Hurst is a vibrant Christian author and speaker, deeply rooted in faith from her upbringing by Dr. Tony and Lois Evans. A gifted writer of Kingdom Woman and The 28-Day Prayer Journey, she's a beacon of encouragement, guiding women to fulfill their potential in Christ. As a speaker, Chrystal's energetic style resonates deeply, while her blog, Chrystal’s Chronicles, offers personal insights into her spiritual journey. A dedicated wife and homeschooling mother of five, Chrystal embodies the Christian values she teaches, making her a relatable and inspiring figure in the Christian community.

Anthony Evans has been a transformative figure in Christian music for over a decade, using his melodic voice to deliver faith-driven messages. His groundbreaking album Back To Life shatters conventional stereotypes of worship. A dedicated worship leader and songwriter, Evans collaborates with top songwriters, turning the gospel into a relatable narrative.

Epic Beaches and Endless Sunshine

Discover pristine beaches and perpetual sunshine on a Christian cruise to Mexico. Delve into the remnants of ancient civilizations and savor some of the hemisphere's most delectable cuisine. Visit renowned destinations of the Mexican Riviera—Cabo and Puerto Vallarta—as you travel with fellow believers. You’ll grow closer to God while enjoying the vibrant culture of Mexico’s sun-kissed Pacific coast.

Worship with Anthony

Sing praises to God amongst His beautiful creation all week long with world-renowned gospel singer Anthony Evans.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. onboard with complimentary lessons, tournaments and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Private beach camel safari

Enjoy an unforgettable experience on a private beach. It’s more than just a camel ride—you’ll also enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch and nature walk.

Whale watching paradise

See breathtaking breaches, tail flukes and even calf sightings of humpback and gray whales. A must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Vacation-Inspired Flavors

Experience unforgettable flavors led by world-class chefs. With poolside burgers, fine dining and quick bites, the cuisine onboard will satisfy any craving.

Personal Insights with Chrystal

Hear from one of your favorites, Chrystal Evans Hurst, as she offers relatable stories and personal insights into her spiritual journey.

INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES

Your enchanting exploration of authentic cuisine, natural wonders and a vibrant local culture awaits! Mexico will captivate you with its beauty, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality.

7 - DAY ITINERARY

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Enter your email address to download this event's brochure

Accommodations, holland america's koningsdam.

Step aboard, where you'll find yourself enveloped in a world of unparalleled experiences. Set against the backdrop of understated elegance, fresh blooms and a multimillion-dollar art collection, your journey will be defined by an array of activities designed to captivate and engage.

No detail has been overlooked, from lavish staterooms offering plush comfort to expansive, airy spaces that beckon you to explore. Your tastebuds will delight in the culinary artistry featured in the many dining options. Indulge in elegantly presented dinners in the main dining room and savor bountiful feasts on decks that redefine luxury dining. The ship's devoted crew, embodying the essence of five-star service, will ensure your every desire is met with a smile.

Your voyage on this world-class masterpiece invites you to relax and enjoy every exceptional experience.

Ship's Registry: The Netherlands

Deck 1 - Main

Deck 2 - plaza, deck 3 - promenade, deck 4 - beethoven, deck 5 - gershwin, deck 6 - mozart, deck 7 - schubert, deck 8 - navigator, deck 9 - lido, deck 10 - panorama, deck 11 - sun, deck 12 - observation.

• Less ocean movement and proximity to Lower Promenade dining and entertainment.
• Conveniently close to Deck 2 entertainment.
• The Atrium is a three-deck-high, open-floor-designed midship area that features a magnificent glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling.
• Experience smoother seas on this deck.

• Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of prime steaks, seafood and wine.
• Named for Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, Rudi’s Sel de Mer is an intimate brasserie featuring classic French dishes reimagined with contemporary flair, including oysters on the half shell, fruits de mer, salt-crust baked branzino and steak frites. Conclude your dinner with a classic dessert and fine French cheeses.
• The Dining Room is the flagship dining experience and is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.
• World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.
• Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard at The Shops.
• Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the Billboard Onboard Room each night.

• G rand Dutch Café is the perfect spot to connect with friends over a cold drink, coffee, or other Dutch specialty beverage and a snack. There are made-to-order Dutch specialties for heartier appetites, from open-faced herring sandwiches to apple-and-bacon pancakes.
• Visit the Art Gallery , an expansive onboard gallery space exhibiting works by emerging artists curated from the destinations visited by the ships.
• Head to Guest Services if you have any questions or concerns.

• Ideal for entertainment lovers, the Casino, Grand Dutch Café, The Dining Room and The Shops await one deck down.
• One deck from the World Stage.
• Get easy access to Plaza eateries.

• Reach the whole ship easily from this peaceful middle deck.
• A variety of cabins are available on this deck plan; see accommodation descriptions for details.
• There are no amenities or public spaces on this deck.

• Get easy access to the Lido Market, Fitness Center and Greenhouse Spa & Salon located two decks up.
• Conveniently close to the Upper Deck . Exclusive to suite guests, Neptune Lounge is a private place to relax, socialize and enjoy personalized concierge service.
• Enjoy complimentary refreshments, a relaxing seating area and access to Wi-Fi for a small charge.

• You’re never far from R&R on this deck. Lido deck pools, the Fitness Center and Greenhouse Spa & Salon await above.
• Conveniently close to Lido Market and restaurants.
• The Bridge (command center) navigates the waters from here.

• Sea View Pool is an adults-only pool with the perfect spot to get some sun and watch the world sail by.
• Lido Market is a casual modern marketplace that offers the widest range of food options onboard for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack. Watch your favorite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.
• Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared. Indulge your sweet tooth with a classic European gelato (ice cream) at Gelato , made fresh onboard each day by chefs trained at the Carpigiani Gelato University. Choose from among 12 delightful flavors, two of which are rotated daily.
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon is a heavenly retreat that nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world. Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

• Explore traditional cuisines of Southeast Asia, China and Japan at Tamarind.
• Nami Sushi offers a tempting array of sushi rolls with an homage to the ocean views you'll enjoy, created by master sushi chef Andy Matsuda.
•  At New York Deli & Pizza , choose from various scrumptious nine-inch thin-crust pies. Named for New York’s famed five boroughs, the signature pizzas are made to order and topped with only the finest ingredients.
• Club HAL's Kids Club offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by full-time, professionally trained staff.
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon is a heavenly retreat that nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

• The Sun Bar and Sun Deck are the perfect outdoor spaces for those who would rather soak up the sun and relax away from the often crowded pool areas.
• Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, courts and jogging tracks with amazing top-deck views at the Sports Courts.
• Take in the spectacular sites and capture the best photos from this deck.

• The Retreat is an outdoor area that is perfect for guests looking for a quieter, more luxurious place to rejuvenate during their cruise. Enjoy the wonderful views and take in the relaxing atmosphere in private cabanas, lounge chairs, sun beds and exclusive bar service.
• Sip elegantly prepared espresso drinks and nosh on fresh pastries from Explorations Café as you take in fantastic views.
• Enjoy cocktails and sunsets with panoramic views at Crow's Nest.

ROOM OPTIONS

Interior Staterooms

Ocean View Staterooms

Family Ocean View Staterooms

Verandah Staterooms

Deluxe Spa Verandah Staterooms

Vista Suites

Single Ocean View Staterooms

Signature Suites

Neptune Suites

A nice starter option for those wanting an inside cabin. These charming staterooms feature a host of modern functional details such as bedside USB ports, plush Euro-Top mattresses and premium massage shower heads. Two lower beds convert to one queen. Approximately 143-225 square feet. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A good choice for those wanting a window in their cabin. These comfortable staterooms feature a sitting area and two lower beds that convert to one queen. Some have additional sofa beds or upper beds. Approximately 175-282 square feet. All prices are based on double occupancy.

The best choice for families wanting amazing views. These cabins offer two lower beds (convertible to queen-size), an upper bed, a sofa bed/sitting area, vanity area, two bathrooms, and exclusive spa treatments—all in approximately 222-231 square feet of comfort. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A great selection for those wanting a balcony. These relaxing staterooms feature a sitting area, private verandah and floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two lower beds that convert to one queen and some have additional sofa beds or upper beds. Approximately 228–405 square feet including verandah. * All VH cabins have a partially obstructed ocean view. All prices are based on double occupancy.

The best choice for those seeking serenity. These luxurious, light-infused staterooms feature thoughtful spa amenities including yoga mats, a premium massage showerhead and access to spa treatments at the nearby Greenhouse Spa & Salon. They also include floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area, a private verandah, and two lower beds that convert to one queen. Approximately 228-405 square feet, including verandah. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A wonderful choice for cruisers desiring the views and extra space of a balcony, these beautiful cabins include luxurious twin beds (convertible to queen-size), a teak-lined verandah, a sitting area and vanity area, frameless glass shower doors in a private bathroom, a private balcony and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Total space is 260-356 square feet including verandah. All prices are based on double occupancy.

Perfect for guests traveling solo, these comfortable staterooms feature a cabin window and a bed with plush Euro-Top mattress, plus a premium massage showerhead and other modern amenities. Approximately 127-172 square feet.

An upscale option for small families or cruisers wanting additional space and amenities, these remarkable cabins offer two lower beds (convertible to a king-size bed), a single murphy bed, a sofa bed, a bathroom with dual-sink vanity, a full-size whirlpool bath and shower, a sizable sitting area and the extraordinary views of a private balcony. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of natural light, these suites range from 393–400 square feet including verandah. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A luxurious choice for passengers wanting extra space and spectacular views, these are among the largest staterooms on the ship, offering two lower beds that convert to a king-size bed, dual-sink bathroom vanities and a full-size whirlpool bath and shower. (Some suites have a shower-only option.) These also feature a large sitting area, a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows in 465–502 square feet including verandah. Also included is access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private haven offering personal concierge service. All prices are based on double occupancy.

Book with Confidence

As christians we care that your travels are spiritually significant., top-ranked service with leading industry awards and accolades., over 1,500+ ministries have trusted us to manage their group events., every detail is triple-checked so you can enjoy every moment abroad., mexico faqs.

Please carefully review the details of the Cancellation Policy below, as well as the full Terms & Conditions prior to booking your travel event.

All prices, penalties and change fees are quoted per passenger based on selected occupancy.

If you’re already thinking about what to bring, summers in Mexico are hot and humid, averaging in the 90s. Winters are mild with occasional showers. Below is a checklist to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience. Remember that your luggage will be delivered to your cabin at an unspecified time on the day of departure, so it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you need in a carry-on bag to bring with you.

Packing Checklist

• Casual clothes including pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
• Light sweater or jacket
• Semi-formal clothes or dress clothes for 1-2 evenings, depending on the length of your cruise
• Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
• Light raincoat or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toiletries, in a sealed, clear bag inside your luggage
• Minor First Aid care items such as Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Medications in their original containers
• Hair care appliances (see information on Using Electronics)
• Small bag or backpack for port days; large enough to carry your camera and other personal items
• Passport with separate photocopy

Dining Dress Code

On a typical seven-day cruise, you’ll have two nights of dressing up for dinner or other special events. We suggest a semi-formal dress or skirt and blouse for women and a dark suit for men. The remaining dinners on the cruise are informal—blouse and pants for women; and collared shirt with trousers for men. Remember that T-shirts, shorts or tank tops are not permitted in the dining room.

Packing Tips

Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit. We also suggest keeping your essential toiletries and a one-day change of clothes in your carry-on. Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. It is suggested that you keep a color copy of the information page of your passport inside your luggage if your passport is lost.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

We know how nice it is to have the convenience of home when traveling on a cruise. Bringing your electronics and hair appliances can enhance your overall travel experience. Every cruise ship has plugs that accept U.S. and Continental European devices, and you do not need to bring plug adaptors. Here are some things to know about your electronics before you pack them:

Phones, MP3 Players, Laptops, Cameras & Video Cameras

Most small digital devices have chargers that will fit in the plugs on a cruise ship. One thing to be mindful of is the limited plugs in each cabin; you may want to bring a multi-plug extension cord.

Blow Dryers, Curling Irons & Straighteners

Each stateroom has a hair dryer for your personal convenience. If you prefer your hair appliances, you may want to consider purchasing or borrowing compact and travel-friendly appliances.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

The scenic beauty of Mexico can be enjoyed from onboard the ship and to make the most of your cruise vacation, you can also get out into the local ports. Shore excursions offer something for everyone. Choose from city tours, culinary explorations, shopping outings, cultural activities and more.

Because shore excursions have limited capacity and fill up quickly, we recommend you book early for the best selection on your cruise. Once you’ve booked your Inspiration cruise, check out the customized cruise line excursion list based on your itinerary. Using your cruise booking number, you can easily book shore excursions online as early as 60 days before your trip and up to 3 days before departure, depending on the cruise line.

Visit the cruise line’s website to find information on specific excursions:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International

You may also register for your Shore Excursions once onboard the ship. All shore excursion requests are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Waitlisted requests for sold-out shore excursions will be processed before requests made onboard.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your cruise to Mexico:

We want to help make your trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. We can book motorcoach transfers for you from the airport to your cruise departure port and on your return trip.

Hotel Stays

Remember that you always have the option of arriving earlier or staying later. For example, hotel reservations may be available if you want to arrive a few days early before boarding your cruise or stay a few days after the cruise returns.

As you plan for your upcoming Christian cruise with Inspiration, you may wonder about using money and credit cards during your travels. We’ve made the following recommendations to help you save money, avoid unnecessary fees and focus on an exceptional travel experience.

• Consider leaving all unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Once you determine which cards you’ll bring, remember to notify each credit card company of your intended travel dates and locations to ensure fraud alerts and holds are not placed on your accounts.
• For each card, you’ll want to store the bank’s contact information in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

Almost all Mexican destinations accept U.S. credit or debit cards (debit cards will only work with ATMs, however, as most Mexican businesses don’t have PIN machines). If you plan to use your credit cards, you’ll want to check with each credit card company to determine the international exchange fee for each card. Because the difference of a few percentage points could cost you more (depending on your purchases), we recommend using cards with lower international exchange fees. Using your credit card for large purchases gives you more protection for the items you buy on your trip. You can review your credit card statement to verify all of your purchases.

Mexico’s official currency is the Peso (MEX$), however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most businesses will give change back in U.S. dollars, but it is always a good idea to bring small bills if you get change in Pesos. If traveling with currency other than the U.S. dollar you may exchange money onboard the ship, although we always recommend checking the exchange rate before traveling to a foreign country.

Today’s technology allows you to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable photo or message from your loved ones. On most ships, you should be able to use your cell phone or smartphone to do everything you’re used to doing at home. In addition, mobile phones provide convenient access for emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively and stay in touch.

Before you leave

Contacting your cell phone carrier before your trip will help ensure you can call friends and family back home and eliminate any surprises on your phone bill when you return. Let your phone carrier know your travel plans, including how you plan to use your phone on your cruise. You’ll want to make sure you understand all of the potential charges. Contact your carrier for specific information.

Check with your carrier for international dialing access

You will want to make sure international and cruise package dialing is active on your mobile phone plan so that you can use it in Caribbean ports, and remember that international and maritime roaming rates will apply to calls placed onboard the ship (charges will appear on your phone bill). Because roaming rates can be high on cruises, checking with your carrier for specific cost details before you leave is a good idea.

Aboard your flight and cruise

Your cell phone’s battery life is the key to keeping you connected. Below are some tips for staying powered up on your trip:

• Remember to set your phone to Airplane Mode when you board your flight. You can also do this aboard the cruise when sailing to avoid roaming charges unless you have the cruise ship package with your carrier. This suspends all calling and texting functions but still allows you to play games, use your camera and listen to music, etc.
• On the cruise, you’ll want to charge your phone every night to ensure enough battery life for the next day.
• Try to turn off your phone when you’re not using it. Leaving your phone on all day drains the battery, so it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re on a shore excursion, eating or reading.

Smartphone tips

As one of the most popular communication devices today, smartphones have revolutionized how we connect and the world. We know leaving your smartphone behind for an hour, much less multiple days is difficult. The following tips will help you save your phone’s battery life and get the most out of your smartphone while on the cruise:

• Before your cruise, you’ll want to disable any applications that give you regular updates, such as sports reports and weather updates.
• Disable the Data Enabled or Data Roaming option on your phone and keep it off until you reach your destination. Turn off the function for “Automatic” checking of emails and change the email settings to “Manual” to reduce data roaming charges. During your trip, you can check for email messages when connected to a free, wireless Internet connection, such as in a hotel lobby or Internet cafe while in port.

In-room phones and phone cards

If you choose to not bring your mobile phone, you can stay in touch with others while on your cruise using the in-room phones. Please make sure you understand all of the charges associated with this before you place your call, as the rates can be expensive.

Your cruise vacation allows you to travel without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels, packing and unpacking, and spending valuable time trying to find quality restaurants–all with excellent service dedicated to enhancing your exceptional travel experience.

Each cruise line makes rewarding the excellent service you’ll receive onboard easy. A gratuity of $16-$19 per day (depending on the cruise line and cabin category), per guest for dining and stateroom services will be automatically added daily to your shipboard account. The cruise line also will automatically add an 18% service charge to beverages purchased through your onboard account. Before the end of the cruise, the Cruise Director will address more specific questions regarding tipping procedures.

If you take a taxi to the pier, it’s common to simply round up to the next dollar when paying your tab. The cab drivers appreciate this, and it is considered part of their income. When you arrive at the ship on embarkation day, we suggest tipping the porters at the pier $1.25 per bag when they take your luggage to place it on the ship.

A 15-20% tip for restaurant service workers is appreciated when visiting restaurants off the ship and during shore excursions.

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the cities, beaches and attractions of each stop. Most Mexican ports will have shopping districts within an easily walkable distance from the cruise ship. You’ll also want to take a siesta in the sun, since Mexico is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Other more adventurous activities, like snorkeling a coral reef or swimming with dolphins, are available at many ports. And don’t miss the amazing food!

Articles on how to pack and prepare for your Caribbean Cruise

• 5 Travel-Friendly Fashion Finds
• 9 Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep…Anywhere
• How Not to Lose Things While Traveling—Including Your Passport

Articles with cruising advice

• Magnets on the Cabin Walls (and 10 Other Insider Cruise Tips)
• Pro Tips for Better Travel Photography
• Stay Flexible, Make Friends and Other Pro Tips
• Room Service Isn’t Extra (and Other Cruise Dining Tips)

We hope these suggestions and tips help answer your questions! If you have any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific Time.

WE CREATE EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Call us to book your trip of a lifetime, 800 247 1899, traveler experiences.

“This entire life-changing experience will be with me all of my days on this earth. Thank you Dr. Evans & Inspiration Travel for such a well-planned, exciting, powerful and educating experience.”

Michelle G.

St louis, mo.

“We were totally amazed with the whole experience. The cruise FAR exceeded our expectations. We can't wait for our next cruise!”

Baltimore, MD

“Concerts, comedy, the helpfulness of Inspiration...We loved the whole cast! Best vacation ever. Thank you, Jesus!”

Darrell & Faith C.

St. luis, mo.

“Having experienced other [non-Christian] cruises…they were nice, but you can’t top a Christian cruise. The people you meet are so special; it’s an enormous difference. A little glimpse of heaven.”

Margaret H.

Memphis, tn.

“After traveling with Inspiration, it's difficult to consider going with anyone else! The staff is so friendly and it feels like a family. Thanks for all that you do to help us see the world!”

Chapel Hill, NC

Important information for your journey.

Packing Tips for Mexico

Using your Cell Phone in Mexico

Using Money & Credit Cards in Mexico

Help with Electronics in Mexico

I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 3 routes I'd sail again in a heartbeat and 3 I'd probably skip.

• I've been on 50 cruises (at least six a year), and some routes are better than others. 
• I try to avoid cruises that make stops at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas.
• My favorite cruise I've ever been on was a Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. 

I've taken 50 cruises with family and friends, and I'm always looking to try out new routes with different port stops .

Before I ever book a cruise — which I do about six times a year — I try to find either a new-to-me ship or a new-to-me route. If neither of those options works for my budget or timeframe, I opt for a familiar favorite.

Here are my favorite cruise routes that I'm always happy to book, and the ones I don't need to sail again.

My favorite route is a Mediterranean cruise that starts and ends in Barcelona, Spain.

Mediterranean cruises start and end in various ports of call around Europe, typically throughout the summer sailing season.

Last year, my family and I took a Disney Cruise that started and ended in Barcelona, with stops in France and Italy.

My favorite part of this trip was splitting a day between Nice and Eze in the French Riviera . I was able to walk through cobblestone streets overlooking the ocean while sipping on limoncello.

I love Caribbean cruises along the western ports.

I've taken many western Caribbean routes over the years on Carnival Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line, and they never disappoint.

The route usually includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico, and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. But it may also include ports of call at Falmouth, Jamaica; Costa Maya, Mexico; or Roatán, Honduras.

I always get off the ship in Cozumel, even if it's just to have lunch at a taco shop. Don't get lured into the restaurants right at the docks because the best food is in the spots farther down the main street.

I also love getting off in Roatán. On a recent cruise, I took an excursion to Roatan Island Brewing Company to try different beers made with local ingredients.

I also enjoy routes that only stop at private islands.

Every once in a while, I can find a short three-night cruise on Royal Caribbean or Disney that only visits the brand's private islands.

These short cruises are ideal weekend getaways and go to some of my favorite ports of call, like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney's Castaway Cay.

I love both of these destinations because there's so much to do — you really can spend the entire day at the beach or exploring the various parts of the island. I also love that food and drinks are all provided, so I don't have to return to the ship for lunch.

On the other hand, I don't need to go to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas again.

I love short cruises from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but they often mean stopping at Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas .

I don't really think there's much to see at either stop once you've done it once or twice. If my route includes them, I usually stay on the ship to enjoy the less crowded pool and spa.

The trade-off for these two ports is often getting to visit a cruise line's private island , so I think it's worth it for that. But I don't need to go on another long cruise through the Bahamas.

I'm also not a big fan of Bimini, Bahamas.

Many cruise lines, like Carnival and Virgin Voyages , are now taking cruisers to Bimini for an easy beach day. But if you're not a big fan of chilling at the beach, there's not much else to do on the island.

I’d probably skip cruising to Key West.

I love Key West in the Florida Keys , but as a port stop, it was hard to see a lot of the island and explore beyond Duval Street.

I'd prefer to spend a few days in the destination to explore all that it has to offer instead of making it a cruise stop.

• Main content

Watch: Drone video shows aftermath of Baltimore bridge collapse

NTSB says 56 containers of hazardous materials were on cargo ship

Women's March Madness team faced racial threats

Possible moonshine cave discovered at N.C. NASCAR track

Birmingham-Southern College to close after more than 100 years

Joe Lieberman, former Connecticut senator and vice-presidential candidate, is dead

Ski resort town votes on whether to create more affordable housing

New pressure on White House amid relentless violence in Haiti's capital

Bodies of two missing workers recovered after Baltimore bridge collapse

4 people killed in stabbings in northern Illinois

Ship's data recorders recovered after bridge collapse

Divers recovered 2 victims trapped in vehicle after Baltimore bridge collapse

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman dies at age 82

Disney and DeSantis allies reach settlement in special district fight

$1.13 billion Mega Millions ticket sold in New Jersey

‘It’s pretty much blackwater’: Baltimore bridge divers face zero visibility underwater

Buttigieg: Rebuilding Baltimore bridge won’t be quick, easy or cheap

NTSB chair speaks about Baltimore bridge collapse investigation

CEO Laurie Ann Goldman leads revival of Tupperware brand

Sacramento declares it is a 'transgender sanctuary city'

Video shows maryland bridge collapsing after ship collision.

A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, partially collapsed after a ship collided into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, possibly leaving a number of people in the river below, authorities said. March 26, 2024

Best of NBC News

NBC News NOW

Nightly News Netcast

Nightly news full broadcast (march 27th).

Multiple NYC women speak out on TikTok saying they were punched on streets

Life inside a Haitian orphanage

Baltimore city council president speaks on salvage operation at bridge

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.

POPULAR SHOWS

• The Amazing Race
• America's Got Talent
• American Idol
• Bachelor in Paradise
• The Bachelor
• The Bachelorette
• Big Brother
• Dancing with the Stars
• Flip or Flop
• Hell's Kitchen
• Keeping Up with the Kardashians
• Married at First Sight
• Project Runway
• The Real Housewives
• So You Think You Can Dance
• World of Dance

Toni Ferrari from 'Love Cruise' appearing on FOX's new 'Paradise Hotel' reality series

Related news.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth.

She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way. When she reached the first hills of the Italic Mountains, she had a last view back on the skyline of her hometown Bookmarksgrove, the headline of Alphabet Village and the subline of her own road, the Line Lane. Pityful a rethoric question ran over her cheek, then she continued her way.

Michael Douglas and Tom Cruise’s divorce attorney shares the 5 secrets to making a marriage last

As someone who has been married for 38 years, Marilyn Chinitz knows a thing or two about love. Chinitz also happens to be the one people come to when they’re no longer in love: she’s a matrimonial and family lawyer based in New York at Blank Rome . 

“A lot of couples have a problem that is fixable. But if you have many problems, then the house of cards falls, and that’s when people get divorced,” she tells Fortune .

In the U.S., the average marriage lasts only eight years , and about 40% of first marriages end in divorce.

“You get a divorce because of the totality of lack of communication, loss of interest, distrust, or controllingness. All of a sudden, it becomes insurmountable,” Chinitz says. 

But Chinitz—who has had clients ranging from actors like Michael Douglas and Tom Cruise, to hedge fund managers, private equity founders, and Fortune 500 CEOs—shares the five things she says are key to a loving, lasting marriage.

Find the positives in everything

Chinitz encourages people to look for the best in every situation—even when it’s not easy. “If I look at my own marriage and think about what gave us this long duration—and I hope it continues for many, many years—it’s that I count my blessings. I don’t look at the negatives.”

Communicate clearly, not (too) emotionally

Even if you don’t look at a marriage like a job, it’s still a lot of work. It takes commitment, communication, and trust to make it successful. Chinitz says she communicates at home just as she would in the courtroom—without raising her voice or letting her emotions takeover, and focusing on the topic at hand.

“I can say something in the most effective way without screaming, I can even inject humor, and the response won’t be to push me away,” Chinitz says.

Celebrate love and have fun together

Chinitz says it’s also important to take time to “celebrate” your love .

“You have to find fun ways to celebrate your marriage. I mean, it could be boring after a while,” she says.

Every week, Chinitz and her husband find something new and fun to do together: eat at a new restaurant, take part in a new experience, go to a museum they’ve never visited.

These outings are just the two of them. “I’m a grandmother, I’m a mother. But the kids and grandkids stay home.”

Maintain independen ce

Independence should be a priority in relationships. Chinitz’s husband goes on skiing trips with his friends, and she goes on biking trips around Europe with hers.

“We allow each other to explore different things, then come back and share those things. When we come back, we bring something else to the table, and there’s a greater dialogue,” she says.

Remember you can only control what you can control

Marriage can be challenging, says Chinitz. And it’s crucial to keep perspective on what’s in and out of your control. If you or your spouse gets sick or loses a job, those likely aren’t factors you can control. But the way you react to one another and how you spend your time is. And that reaction, she says, is key to a lasting, loving marriage .

Most Popular

• No products in the cart.
• About Toni Love
• Testimonials
• News & Press
• Class Registration/Hair Loss Conference
• Business Leaders Program
• Membership Group Photos
• Learn More & Join Online
• Graduate Results
• Main Gallery
• Beauty Industry & Business Professionals
• Contact/Jobs

TONI LOVE MEMBERSHIP GROUP

The Toni Love Membership Group To join Toni’s “private” membership group, click here .

The Toni Love Membership Group has been designed for a “like-minded” group of professionals. We want to assist in teaching people how to maximize their business and increase their revenue. Members have access to a private website, monthly conference calls, FREE seminars and much more!!!

FREE Seminar with guest speakers Mr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. and Dr. Willie Bailey

Group members with Mr. James Bronner at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show

Graduate Wade the Barber with other graduates and Toni Love Group Members at the Hair Loss Conference

FREE Seminar speakers:  Ramon and Bettina Brown

FUN Activities for Toni Love Group Members

Toni Love Group Members volunteering at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show and receiving the VIP Treatment

Group Members are receiving instructions to volunteer at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show

Group Members at the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show

Congratulations Graduate and Group Member Angela Jackson (KS) on being hired by HairClub as a Hair Loss specialist. (July 2018)

Enter your keyword

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

'Oatzempic challenge' helped dieters lose 40 pounds in 2 months,...

Parents reserve park benches with threatening note for kid's...

I'm an airline 'nepo baby' — here's what it's like to travel...

Animal-lover rushes sick baby hedgehog to vet -- only to find out...

Twitch's top streamer diagnosed with cancer at 32: 'In a bit of...

Why Utah's ritziest ski resorts are about to get even ritzier

My 7-year-old daughter didn't listen to me — so I cut her hair

We sold everything to live on a cruise ship — now people cook...

This 140-night world cruise includes a $1.7m suite — here’s what you get on the luxe trip.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Ahoy mateys and millionaires!

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, one of the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise lines, announced they will welcome guests on a 140-night world cruise, visiting six continents, 40 countries and 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Fares for the World of Splendor 2027 World Cruise begin at $91,499 per guest climbing up to a record-breaking $839,999 per guest for the decadent Regent Suite — $1.7 million dollars for two guests.

“We have seen continued interest and demand to venture further afield and for longer durations and so we are thrilled to announce that our 2027 World Cruise will take place on board Seven Seas Splendor, offering more luxury travelers the opportunity to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience” Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This will be the first time a World Cruise will sail on board one of our magnificent Explorer-Class ships, Seven Seas Splendor, which was launched in 2020 and offers the highest standards of unrivaled luxury, and featuring the one-of-a-kind, 4,443 square foot Regent Suite.”

The Regent Suite is one of the largest suites ever constructed on a luxury cruise ship.

Guests who book the Regent Suite can choose between two bedrooms — troubled sleepers will want to opt for the Master which includes a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus mattress and bed set-up, worth over $200,000 — lounge in the living room and enjoy room service in the dining room.

When wanting to go into full relaxation mode, weary travelers can pamper themselves in the in-suite spa retreat, which offers a personal sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi, or head out to either of the two private balconies, each of which offers a heated mini pool spa.

The suite is adorned with marble touches, crystal chandeliers, hand-blown vases, a custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano by Dakota Jackson and two rare original lithographs painted by Pablo Picasso.

But guests are likely to be distracted by the 270-degree unobstructed views peering over the ship’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda and glass-enclosed solarium on the fourteenth deck — offering a “Captain’s view” as the ship arrives in each of the 71 ports.

Those staying in the Regent Suite are also offered a dedicated butler and a full bar setup.

Outside the luxurious suite, these cruisers are guaranteed a reservation in any of the five specialty restaurants each night, have access to a private dining room, a complimentary cocktail party for eight, dinner with a senior ship officer and a personal training session.

But the VIP treatment doesn’t stop when passengers step off the ship.

Regent Suite guests will also be provided with first-class airfare for domestic flights — or business class airfare for international flights — roundtrip transportation to and from the airport, priority boarding on embarkation day and access to a personal car, driver and guide in every port along the way.

Setting sail from Miami, the all-inclusive 2027 World Cruise travels to 71 ports visiting the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe before ending in New York.

Guests will travel 35,668 nautical miles across three oceans as well as over 480 shore excursions and 14 overnight stays.

Travelers who aren’t looking to splurge on the Regent Suite can choose from 14 other suite categories starting at $91,499 per guest for a 307-square-foot Veranda Suite.

Those who prefer a slightly shorter journey can opt for a 126-night voyage from Miami to Rome, with fares ranging from $84,999 per guest ,up to $755,999 per guest.

The World of Splendor World Cruise will set sail on January 11, 2027, after a one-night pre-cruise stay in a luxury hotel in Miami and an exclusive pre-cruise gala.

Share this article:

Advertisement

Disney Hits Celebrates Its Third Anniversary with Special Programming All Month Long

It’s a celebration of love, laughter, and the enduring magic of Disney.

This month, celebrate the third anniversary of the Disney Hits channel with new Extra Magic Hour  and  Be Our Guest 4 The Day specials, themed around Disney Cruise Line.

Plus, be inspired by the heartfelt dedications and unforgettable experiences that define the Disney Cruise Line experience from Guests on board the Disney Wish in our Disney Dedication and Favorite Disney Wish Experience. It’s a celebration of love, laughter, and the enduring magic of Disney that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Women on the Disney Wish Extra Magic Hour

Tune in: March 12

Join us aboard the Disney Wish for a special celebration of Women’s History Month. In this empowering episode, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable women who have contributed to the magic of the Disney Wish for Disney Cruise Line.

Extra Magic Hour with the Cast and Crew of the Disney Wish

Tune in: March 18

Step aboard the Disney Wish! Join us as we invite esteemed cast and crew members to participate in a musical journey through the heartwarming melodies of Disney.

Be Our Guest 4 The Day

From planning spectacular entertainment to orchestrating unforgettable youth activities, our cast members work tirelessly to ensure every moment aboard the Disney Wish is filled with wonder and excitement. Four cast members — Cruise Director, Stage Manager, Youth Activities Manager, and Brand Manager — host Be Our Guest 4 The Day , inviting listeners to join these dedicated professionals as they share their passion, expertise, and love for creating magical moments at sea for Disney Cruise Line.

Get Presale Tickets to Mariah Carey’s Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement

Music, sports, news and more.

All in one place on the SiriusXM app