Spring Break 2023 Cruise News
Carnival and Norwegian Cruises Go Masks-Optional for Most
WSJ | 03/1/2023 | Major cruise lines including Carnival and Norwegian are loosening onboard mask rules starting March 1st. The same policy goes for Norwegian Cruise Line ships departing from U.S. ports
Spring Break 2023 Cruise Options!
If you are looking for an alternative to Cancun, MX or one of the beaches in Florida for your Spring Break 2019, you might want to consider an "Island Hopper Cruises," a "Crusise & Stay" package from one of the major Spring Break tour operators.
You could also just use Expedia or book directly from one of the many cruise lines with ports of call in the Carribiean or Mexico.
The cruises depart from Port Canaveral a few minutes drive from Orlando with stops in Nassau and CocoCay in the Bahamas and returns to Port Canaveral.
Crusise & Stay" Packages
There are also "Cruises & Stay Packages" that include 4 nights on Grand Bahama Island and other Spring Break destinations.
You depart from Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale. The cruise from the U.S. to Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island takes 3 hours.
After 5 days of fun and sun in the Bahamas you cruise back to Fl. Lauderdale arriving sometime between 9-11pm.
Most tour packages include the roundtrip cruise, roundtrip taxi transfers, hotel in the Bahamas for 5 days. Meals, parties, drinks, cover charges and taxes may vary depending on the tour operator, so be sure to check on the specifics.
Cruise Lines
The major cruise lines offering 3-5 day cruises during Spring Break 2023 are Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean.
You can find a listing of cruises on Expedia that will give you a good overview of many of the cruises available.
Taxes and port charges (the per-passenger port charge for boarding), crew gratuities and the cost of a drink plan are not included in the advertised price and they can really add up. The advertised price of is generally for inside cabins without a view, so you will have to pay more for a room with a view or a balcony.
Cruise pricing is based on double occupancy, two people in a cabin. If three people share a cabin and split the cost, you might be able to save some money.
In most cases, your cruise will include accommodations, basic meals, nighttime entertainment, and most daytime activities, but once you step on board any additional services, drinks or snacks are ala carte and add up quickly.
It is a good idea to set an onboard spending budget for everybody in your group before you leave home and then keep keep track of everything you spend so you are not suprised when you get your final bill at the end of the cruise.
You can check your account at the purser's desk and some ships have Interactive TVs and you can check your account in your cabin.
Carnival Cruise Line Alcohol Policy
Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy
Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy
