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Maximise every day and night of your cruise. Before you set foot on board, you can line up all your shore excursions, speciality dining reservations, entertainment, spa appointments and more. Having everything pre-arranged means less time coordinating and more time enjoying. After all, you're on holiday.

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90 Days Before Your Cruise

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90 days before your cruise and you have come to the right place to learn what you need to make your cruise a trip of a lifetime. We are so excited to help you navigate the days leading up to your cruise.  Now if we are excited, we can’t even imagine how excited you are! You will be out to sea, sailing the ocean blue in less than 90 days!  We want nothing more for you than fair winds and smooth sailing!

You have come to the 90 days before your cruise page.  But this is just the beginning!  We really suggest you start skimming through all of the days right now! Then you can make sure during the 30 day countdown before your cruise that you have accomplished all that you need to, stress-free!

START HERE!!

Do your Online Check-In and Book Your Cruise Shore Excursions now!

It may seem early but take it from us, the best shore excursions book up fast.  So we really want you to go to the Online Cruise Check-In page and get started.  Then go right to   Day 28 Shore Excursions and Cruise Packages to get a jumpstart on the other cruisers. It is so much fun to see all of what is offered on each port.   It is the first porthole into the amazing cruise you will have. Not to mention, this far in advance there are often early booking discounts. Go as soon as you can to Day 28 , and read everything you need to learn about booking your shore excursions for your upcoming cruise.

Start the vacation before your ship leaves! Then make it last for days after! Don’t book your flights until you read this post. You will thank us later!

Steamer Trunk or Suitcase?

Consider travel insurance.

There is a whole boatload of reasons to consider Travel Insurance, AKA Trip Cancellation Insurance. We dedicate a day on your countdown to it. Day 27 Cruise Travel Insurance . Read about it and see if it is something that will bring down your stress before and during for your trip. If you have not paid in full for your cruise yet, your Travel Agent may be able to add it to your booking.  All of the cruise lines offer it before final payment.  You may also get a quote and book it directly with a Travel Insurance company .

Pre Cruise and Post Cruise Experiences

With only three months to go before your cruise, it is time to start thinking about extending all of the fun! There are so many options for pre cruise or post cruise experiences. Especially if you are flying to another part of the country or the world to catch your ship. Most likely your travel agent has discussed these opportunities with you. But if not, let us share with you all of the many options for a pre or post cruise!

If you are flying to another state or country to set sail on your high seas adventure, doesn’t it make sense to arrive a few days early or stay a few days after to take advantage of what that city has to offer? Port of Miami! How about a few days at South Beach? Or a day excursion to Little Havana? Or a side trip to the Florida Keys! Galveston?

Fly in early and take a tour of NASA’s Space Center in Houston. Orlando? Disney World! Los Angeles! Disneyland, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood! How about a day in Seattle to visit the Pike Place Market? Sailing out of New Jersey? Spend a weekend in NY and see the Big Apple! Broadway Shows!

Foodies and Cruising

Are you a foodie? Come in early and taste the local specialties. I mean who can miss Stone Crab in Florida? Oysters or beignets in New Orleans? New York pizza?

BIG CLUE! We always suggest booking your flight to arrive one day before your cruise just in case of any travel issues! We never want to think it could happen. But it can! Weather! Planes breaking down. Oversold flights!

Our goal for this website is to help you have a stress free cruise. Well, the first step is to get there stress free! So spend that extra few dollars to come in the night before the cruise and enjoy the port city you are sailing from. Then wake up and have a locals breakfast and head off to board the ship for the cruise of a lifetime!

Get your luggage now

You are 90 days before your cruise.  It is now time to make sure that you have the correct luggage for your trip.  Whether you are traveling within the US to catch your ship or out of the country there are many things to consider. Take a look at our  Cruise Luggage page  for all of the most important information.  It really gives you a world of things to think about.

• What size luggage is the best to take aboard the ship? 
• How many pieces do the ships allow you to bring?
• Where are they stored once you set sail? And remember if you are traveling out of the country to board your ship there is so much more to consider.
• How large can your suitcases be? Are you going to be traveling by train or bus and who is carrying your luggage? The last thing you want is to throw our your back or pull a muscle before you even get aboard! 

The one thing to consider is to invest in a good set of luggage. It will always pay for itself in the long run.  Shauna learned this after throwing out many a cheap piece of luggage after only a few trips. Not to mention the wheels! 4 Multi-directional wheels are the only way to go!

Cruising out of Europe

If you are cruising out of Europe and making your flight arrangements remember that you will lose on average 9 hours in time changes. Most flights you take will arrive in Europe the next day. Make sure you plan for this when making your hotel reservations and transfer to the ship.

We cannot stress more that you should fly into Europe 2 days before your cruise. This also gives your body a chance to acclimate to the time changes. You definitely do not want to get on your ship and go right to sleep! Come in early and use that time to get over your jet lag. Then hit the sites of some of the most beautiful ports in the world!

For European, Asian and other cruises where you will need to fly a long way think about breaking up your pre and post cruise experiences. With Europe, you have so many countries within a few hours away from one another by train or short flight it is definitely worth doing a nice land excursion after your cruise.

With 90 days before your cruise, you can plan out your perfect vacation!

Our Favorites for Pre and Post Cruise Adventures

1. Sailing out of Rome? Spend two days in Rome before you sail. See the Vatican, Colosseum, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Then on your return, take a train from the port to Florence for a few days, then on to Venice! You can fly back to the US from Venice! With about 5 days you can see so much of Italy! Not to mention taste test gelato and pizza from the South of Italy all the way to Venice!

2. Sailing out of Miami? We always love to spend 2 nights in South Beach . Talk about relaxing in the sun before you ever board the ship?! It will truly get you in the vacation frame of mind. If you love culture, then go to Little Havana and get a taste of one of the most beautiful cultures and people to put their stamp on Florida. If you have time after your cruise, rent a car and go to the Florida Keys!

3. Sailing out of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in New Jersey? It’s a must to hop over to Manhattan and feel the amazing energy of this city. Culture at every turn! Museums, theater, food, nightlife! Transportation between the ship and the city is so easy why wouldn’t you?

4. Sailing from Barcelona? Fly into Barcelona and out of Paris! Definitely spending a few days in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona before your cruise is a must! The architecture, history, and nightlife is extraordinary. Then after your cruise grab a quick flight or train to the South Of France! Do a five-day trip and see Nice, Marseille, Cannes, and Monaco. Then fly up to Paris for 2 days and back to the US. Si, Oui, and OMG!

With three months before your cruise, you have some time to get creative and turn what was just a 7 or 10-day adventure into a vacation you will remember for a lifetime.

Be sure to check with your Travel Agent for changes in pricing in your favor and possible cabin upgrades as they become available.

While it is 90 days before your cruise, be sure to look at all of the important info on our 60 days until your cruise page and start reading up on your 30 Day Cruise Countdown here !  The earlier you start to get ready for your cruise the better off you are.

Our Luggage Tips and Ideas

1. For any trips where we will be spending a few days either before or after your cruise, we love to have a carry on suitcase for the clothes we plan to wear. It is so much easier than digging through your suitcase looking for something to wear and then repacking to board the ship two days later.

2. Read up on the Luggage Page about TSA locks , luggage scales , luggage tags , luggage straps and more. We really make use of all of these things to protect our luggage and to make sure they get to all of our destinations properly. No one likes losing luggage right before their cruise!

Here is to smooth sailing and a cruise of a lifetime!

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Double the cruise credits, double the love

For a limited time only! Purchase Princess Plus® or Princess Premier® at least two days before you sail, between August 1 through December 1, 2024, and we’ll double your cruise credits and you’ll also move up through Princess Captain’s Circle® faster.

Are you already booked? Please log in to add Princess Plus or Premier Package to your booking.

Level up – faster.

Double the love. Double the credits.

After your first cruise.

After completing 3 cruises or 30 cruise days.

After completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days.

After completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.

Why Purchase Before Sailing?

Convenience – get on board and get to the fun. It’s already attached to your booking and available to be used. No need to wait in line.

Peace of Mind – enjoy your vacation without checking your folio or worrying about overspending on fees. 

Know your trip cost – By bundling Princess Plus/Premier with your fare, you will know what your full trip cost is and not have to worry about things you’ll cover later like drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.  

More Value  - These packages are different than the stand-alone Plus and Premier Beverage Packages because they include MORE like Wi-Fi, gratuities, casual dining, fitness classes, premium desserts and photo packages.

Get the Princess Plus or Premier Package Today and Double Your Cruise Credits!

Frequently asked questions.

For a limited time, guests who add the Princess Plus package or Princess Premier package to their cruise booking will have that cruise count twice towards loyalty level tier achievement in the Captain’s Circle loyalty program.

Guests sailing on any Princess cruise that departs between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 who add the Princess Plus package OR the Princess Premier package to their booking.  The Princess Plus or Princess Premier package must be added to the booking at least 2 days prior to embarkation day.  All guests, (this includes all U.S. and all non-U.S. resident guests) who meet these criteria are eligible.

ANY guest who purchases Princess Plus or Princess Premier package at least two days prior to sailing and who sails during the sailing time period (August 1 – December 1, 2024) qualifies and will have their cruise and # of days cruised count double towards their Captain’s Circle level achievement.

There is no promo code to enter.  Any booking that sets sail between August 1 and December 1, 2024 which has also added either a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to the booking at least 2 days prior to applicable embarkation date will automatically have their cruise credits doubled.  Cruise credits are how each Guest’s Captain’s Circle tier level is achieved.  Both cruises taken and cruise days count towards calculating a guest’s loyalty tier and both will be doubled for eligible guests.  A guest’s cruise credits will appear on their “My Princess” page, on the Captain’s Circle tab within a few days of completion of their cruise.

For reference, current Captain’s Circle Tiers are:

Example:  Guest is booked on a 7-night cruise that sails on August 1, 2024 and the guest adds Princess Plus to their booking.  That one cruise will count as 2 cruises and 14 cruise days towards their Captain’s Circle tier qualification.

Within 2-3 days after the completion of the cruise.

Cruise credits refer to the number of cruises that a guest has sailed with Princess and/or the number of days cruised with Princess and are used to determine the guest’s Captain’s Circle loyalty level. 

We value your loyalty and thank you for being a loyal Princess Guest.  While you are already at the highest level of Captain’s Circle, your cruise credits continue to be tallied (and celebrated such as being recognized as the most traveled guest at the Captain’s Circle party onboard).  All guests, including Elite-level guests, who meet the promotional criteria will have their cruise credits doubled. 

Yes!  (And smart choice!  Enjoy getting the most out of your cruise!)  Note that an email will be sent in mid-July to guests who already purchased Princess Plus or Princess Premier and who are sailing between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 to advise that they are automatically included in this offer.

Captain’s Circle is Princess’ loyalty program which provides loyal guests with increasingly more benefits and perks the more they sail with Princess.  For more details about the program, please visit: Princess.com/CaptainCircle

Princess Plus and Princess Premier are packages which include beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and many other benefits.  Both packages provide significant savings.  Click here for details on each .

Terms & Conditions

Loyalty Accelerator Terms:  The Loyalty Accelerator “Offer”  is only available to legal residents of US/DC, Australia, & Canada and allows a guest booking an eligible cruise with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to receive double cruise credits for such booking. To be eligible , guest must book on, or upgrade to, Princess Plus or Princess Premier package no later than 2 days prior to embarkation on a Princess Cruise departing between 8/1/2024 and 12/1/2024. Upon completing the eligible cruise, the eligible guest will receive the credits. Doubled credits shall be automatically deposited into guest’s Captain Circle account after completion of eligible cruise sailing. All Captain’s Circle™ and Princess Plus and Princess Premier terms and conditions apply (including that Captain’s Circle tier calculation and doubling only applies to cruise portion of the trip). Offers and their parts (if any) are not substitutable. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any errors, including technological or other errors. PCL may change or revoke Offer at any time.

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6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Venture on the water to explore Beantown's waterfront, maritime history and more.

Courtesy of City Cruises by Hornblower

Boston is the most populous city in New England – and for good reason. This Massachusetts metropolis may host modern shopping, dining and cultural attractions , but Boston is built upon a rich American tapestry created over the centuries that's still visible in its quaint neighborhood streets and stone houses. The city's historic harbor along the Massachusetts Bay set the scene for a significant portion of Boston's story; once the site of Revolution-era protests like the Boston Tea Party, this body of water is now primarily used for revelry. No visit to Massachusetts' capital city would be complete without some time on Boston Harbor.

If you'll be in Beantown during the warmer months, consider boarding a schooner for an hour or two of sightseeing. Cruises on the harbor offer a range of historical tours, romantic dinners, unique brunches with friends or even the chance to spot some endangered whales. Whether you opt for a tall ship or a smaller vessel, soak in city views and enjoy your time on the water with the following top Boston Harbor cruises.

Boston Harbor City Cruises by Hornblower – Boston Harbor Whale Watch Cruise

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $50 Duration: 3-4 hours

Hornblower's City Experiences brand offers a wide variety of land-based and on-the-water tours. One of the most popular options is its whale watching cruise, which it operates with the New England Aquarium . From Boston's Central Wharf, you'll head to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's most active marine sanctuaries. Whales in the region include humpbacks, minke whales, the endangered right whales and more. You can also try to spot sea birds, dolphins and other marine life. Travelers say the boat tour is great fun and most report seeing whales on the trip.

Tours generally run daily from spring through fall. Exact departure times vary by season. You'll want to arrive at least 15 minutes early and take some medication if you're prone to motion sickness. If you plan to pair this cruise with a trip to the aquarium, you can book a combo ticket to save a bit of money. Boston Harbor City Cruises also runs a variety of dinner cruises.

Check prices & availability on:

Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships – Boston Harbor Day Sail

Price: Adults from $55; kids from $35

Duration: 90 minutes

Board a schooner from the Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships and sail Boston's historic harbor in fitting style. Your tour begins by embarking on the Liberty Star, which boasts a 76-foot mast. The crew is happy to answer questions about Boston during the sail, but know that there is no narration during the tour. Travelers delight in both the tour and the boat, noting excellent views.

The fleet sails Boston Harbor from summer through early fall. Sails typically depart several times each day in the afternoon; however, specific times may vary depending on the day of the week. You can also hop onboard for a brunch cruise, a fireworks cruise or for the yearly USS Constitution turnaround sail.

Classic Harbor Line Boston – Northern Lights Sunset Cruise

Courtesy of Classic Harbor Line Boston

Price: From $45 Duration: 2 hours

Along this evening tour, you'll be treated to skyline views as the sun dips below the horizon. During the journey, you'll also learn a little about Boston's history and its best sites such as Fort Independence, the USS Constitution , Old North Church's steeple and more. Refreshments are available for purchase onboard. Travelers approve of the cruise – especially the gorgeous ship – and its staff.

Departure times and days vary depending on both the sunset and the season. Keep in mind that ticket fees will be slightly higher in the high season. The company also hosts a number of themed and food cruises, such as holiday cruises and a trip that focuses on beer and barbecue.

Boston Duck Tours

Price: Adults from $52.99; kids from $37.99

Duration: 80 minutes

It's nearly impossible to visit Boston and not run into one of its renowned Duck Tours. This type of amphibious automobile was originally created as a military vehicle for World War II. The vehicles used today by Boston Duck Tours are uniquely designed to roll past city sights like Boston Common , the Old North Church and the Fanueil Hall Marketplace before or after launching into the Charles River for views of the Cambridge and Boston skylines. Past customers remember these unique tours as one of the best parts of their visit – and as a special draw for kids, the tour guides may allow children to briefly steer the boat in the water for a particularly memorable experience.

Trips depart from the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and the Prudential Center; tour prices are the same regardless of departure point. Tours run in the warmer months, usually from late spring to fall. It's a good idea to book online in advance to secure your preferred tour time.

Massachusetts Bay Lines – Boston Harbor Moonlight Cruises

Courtesy of Massachusetts Bay Lines

Price: Adults from $28; kids from $15 Duration: 90 minutes

Referred to locally as Mass Bay Lines, this company runs an after dark cruise that travelers say has excellent views of the city lit up. If you're in need of refreshment, you'll find drinks (including alcohol) and snack onboard for purchase. For an extra special evening, sign up for a Full Moon Cruise, which takes place once per month from May to October.

Tours run a few times a month and generally start at 9 p.m. The company also runs daytime harbor cruises and themed cruises that welcome dogs onboard.

Charles Riverboat Company – Charles River Sightseeing Tours

Price: Adults from $27; kids from $18 Duration: 70 minutes

After cruising through the harbor, why not explore another Boston waterway? Along the historic sightseeing cruise of the Charles River, you'll see some of Cambridge's best sights like Harvard University and MIT , as well as Boston University, and the Back Bay neighborhood. The crew will offer tidbits and trivia during the tour. Tourgoers enjoy the outing and several mention that the company is great if booking a private charter for a large party.

Tours run late May though the end of September at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. If you wish to explore the Boston Harbor and the Charles River in the same trip, consider signing up for the company's Architecture Tour.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Boston Tours
• The Best Hotels in Boston
• The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod
• The Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Tags: Travel , New England Vacations , US Vacations , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Mexico captain Edson Alvarez' potentially tournament-ending injury is a huge blow for the national team, coach Jaime Lozano said after Saturday's 1-0 win over Jamaica in the Copa America.

What's the best temperature to set AC during a heat wave?

As much of the U.S. copes with stifling heat this weekend , air conditioners have been humming, aiding comfort and survival .

But what's the best temperature setting during a heat wave ? And what can you do to help keep your living space cool during the summer heat?

The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to what you find comfortable and provides humidity control, though highlights the fact that the smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower the overall cooling bill will be. 

Other factors to consider include any health conditions of people in the household, how much you are willing to pay for your electric bill and what other cooling methods, such as a fan, you’re using. 

What's the best temperature to set AC during heat wave?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program , which promotes energy efficiency, recommends setting air conditioners to 78 degrees for peak comfort and energy efficiency when you wake up.

But not a lot of people follow that recommendation.

A 2021 Consumer Reports  survey  found people with central air conditioning set it to a median temperature of 72 degrees, considerably cooler than the energy-saving recommendation. None of the survey respondents selected a temperature warmer than 76 degrees. 

In general, Energy Star recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees warmer when sleeping and 7 degrees warmer when away from home.

A programmable thermostat can help regulate these temperatures, Energy Star says. And installing it further from areas that receive cool or heat, like an AC unit or window that takes in sunlight, can help.

HOMEFRONT Do portable AC units work? Pros and cons

Sweltering summer: Relentless heat wave threatens eastern US with record temperatures through the weekend

Should I turn off my AC when I'm at work or on vacation?

It can save you money to turn the temperature up while you're gone, but turning off the system would cost more money. If you'll be gone for a week or more, it would be worth it to turn it off.

For daily travel into the office or even a weekend away, it won't do much to help with bills.

How to keep bills under control while running AC nonstop?

There are other ways to keep your house cooler. Windows can cause significant unwanted heat that’s trapped inside, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency . Here are a few steps to aid cooling:

• Adding window curtains;
• Limiting heat-producing appliances, 
• Checking weather stripping on doors and windows;
• Installing ceiling fans to help circulate air, though don’t use this as a sole cooling device. FEMA warns this can give a false sense of comfort with air flow that doesn’t reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illness.

EPA data suggests energy demand from air conditioning is on the rise. The number of warmer days has increased as the climate has warmed at the same time the number of cooler days has decreased.

Contributing: Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal; Greg Giesen, Delaware News Journal; and Manahil Ahmad, The Bergen Record.

Resort day pass for cruisers: Why I still love the idea despite a disastrous first experience

Editor's Note

It was only after I had settled into my cabana at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, a signature margarita in hand, that I realized I had made a terrible mistake.

It had started out as a lovely day. Sunny and warm. But glancing up through the cabana's slatted wood roof, I spotted something I hadn't considered a possibility when planning the day: storm clouds approaching.

Menacingly dark storm clouds.

The sort of storm clouds that can ruin a beach day in an instant.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

It was at that moment, just minutes after arriving, that I knew: I wouldn't be wasting away again in Margaritaville for the day as I had thought. My grand plans for a fun-filled resort day in the midst of a seven-night cruise were about to be washed out.

And, to steal another line from the Jimmy Buffett song, it was my own damn fault.

When I booked the cabana weeks earlier through ResortPass , at a cost of $324, including fees, I had noted with approval the fine print that said I could cancel for a full refund up until the night before arrival. That's an unusually generous cancellation policy.

If I had just checked the weather forecast the night before, I could have canceled the booking and made other plans. But I didn't, so I didn't see that a monster storm was on the way.

Now all my $324 payment was going to get me and a traveling companion was a good soaking.

Within minutes, the tempest began. My companion and I, as well as everyone else on the beach and around the pool fronting the Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, scrambled for shelter inside the resort's main building.

I can't blame ResortPass, an 8-year-old company that an increasing number of cruisers are using to arrange day visits to beach resorts during cruises.

As I'll explain below, ResortPass gets high marks in my book for its offerings. For a cruiser, it's a useful, if still relatively unknown, tool to arrange a fun day at a beach, pool or water park during a sailing.

The blame for what turned out to be a disastrous day was all on me.

That said, my epic fail, which came as part of an assignment to test ResortPass' value to cruisers (it actually was The Points Guy footing the $324 bill, not me), did point out an important caveat to consider when using ResortPass or another day pass service when cruising: The weather could easily ruin your plans.

You'll want to keep an eye on the weather as the day (and cancellation deadline) for your outing approaches.

It wasn't the only caveat I saw to such bookings (more on that below).

The good news is that after being thoroughly drenched (and spending more than an hour hiding from the storm in a hallway), I was able to salvage part of the day at the resort's small water park. The rains eventually let up. The sun returned. And that gave me a chance to get a good sense of the value that ResortPass offered.

Here's everything I experienced from start to finish during my test of using ResortPass to book a day visit to a resort during a cruise. I conducted the test anonymously — ResortPass wasn't alerted — during a Royal Caribbean cruise from New York to the Bahamas.

The booking process

Booking a resort day pass with ResortPass was a breeze. I simply went to the site's cleanly designed main page, typed in the destination where I wanted one (Nassau in the Bahamas) and marked a date on a calendar. With a single click, I was shown an easily sortable array of resorts and hotels in the area with day passes available.

From there, with just a few more clicks, I locked in a day pass at one of them.

Picking from the list of available properties was the hardest part of the exercise. In all, there were five within a reasonable distance of the Nassau cruise port — an impressive number:

• Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau
• British Colonial Hotel Nassau
• Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar Resort
• Graycliff Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach

What stuck out to me right away was the variety of options at some of the locations. For two of them (the Baha Bay Waterpark and the Courtyard), only a day pass was available. But for the rest, there were additional choices — in some cases, a surprising number of choices. These included spa passes and specific spa treatments, cabana rentals, day room rentals and — at one of the properties — even winemaking and cigar-rolling classes.

The wide variety of options was a pleasant surprise and sent me down a rabbit hole of clicking on the individual pages for each of the options on the site to learn more.

It was one of these additional options — a beachside cabana in addition to a day pass at the Margaritaville Beach Resort — that finally ensnared me (more on this in a moment), and I quickly booked it.

It was a simple process to enter my credit card on the checkout page to complete the booking.

In general, the day pass costs were quite reasonable. For me, and surely for many other cruisers, this is probably the biggest argument for using the ResortPass site instead of booking a beach or pool excursion through a cruise line.

The day passes for Nassau hotels on offer at the site ranged from $70 per adult for the British Colonial Hotel Nassau to $146 per adult for the Baha Mar Resort — the latter notably higher than the others as it included access to the resort's massive water park.

In all cases, there were lower rates for children, typically half the cost of the adult price.

In most cases, the pricing was significantly less than the cost for a beach excursion in the Nassau area offered through Royal Caribbean, which operated the ship that took me to Nassau. Royal Caribbean's Pearl Island Beach Escape, which included just four hours at a private beach in the Nassau area, cost $139 per adult ($89 for children ages 4 to 12). Another Royal Caribbean-sold beach break at the Nassau area's Blue Lagoon Island cost $104 for adults ($74 for children ages 4 to 12).

Even the priciest ResortPass option, the pass to the Baha Mar Resort's water park, was notably less than a similar pass to the Nassau area's Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark offered by Royal Caribbean ($219 for adults; $114 for children ages 4 to 12).

Why I picked what I did

As noted above, the hardest part of using ResortPass to book a day pass was choosing among the available properties. With all the options available, it took some time.

I was able to rule out one of the choices quickly: the Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown. I had stayed there once before boarding a ship in Nassau, and I wasn't impressed. It's a dowdy property with a sorry-looking pool area.

Looking over the others, I also soon ruled out the Graycliff Hotel, which wasn't along a beach. I was looking for a beach experience.

The Baha Bay Waterpark at Baha Mar Resort, with a wave pool, 1,400-foot lazy river and 24 waterslides, looked amazing. But it also was pricey, and I made an assumption that it would be packed with kids — something a quick look at online reviews confirmed. I was looking for more of an adult experience.

That left the Margaritaville Beach Resort and the British Colonial Hotel. The two properties are side-by-side in the same beach area. Both are so close to where ships dock in Nassau that you can walk to them. You see them as you sail in.

In the end, it was the availability of a cabana at the Margaritaville resort that tipped the balance. At $273 for two before fees, it was just $73 more than two day passes to the resort (the latter priced at $100 a piece). That seemed like a great deal for what was clearly a major upgrade.

Compared to the beach and pool cabanas that cruise lines sell to passengers during sailings, it was a steal.

Royal Caribbean, by contrast, was charging $1,199 to $1,399 for cabanas at the Hideaway Beach area of its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , for a visit scheduled the very next day. The Royal Caribbean cabanas were more elegant than what I would get at the Margaritaville resort, for sure. They also came with more amenities and access for up to eight people. But, still, that's an incredible price differential. If I was going to get a cabana experience on this trip, the value option was obvious.

The Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau it would be.

The experience

Getting poured on aside, my day pass experience at the Margaritaville resort went smoothly.

Going into it, I was worried about how the handoff would work between ResortPass and the Margaritaville resort. Would they have my cabana booking on file when I arrived? Would it be a hassle to check in? But such worries were unfounded. It was easy-peasy.

Upon arrival, I told the first employee I saw, a porter at the front door, that I had booked a day pass for the resort, and he pointed me to a check-in window a few steps away. From that point, it was just a handful of minutes until I was lounging in my cabana. The attendant at the check-in window had my name on file, and he quickly ushered me and my companion into the resort's pool and beach area. A pool attendant gave us the choice of a cabana around the pool or along the beach. We picked the beach.

A few minutes later, another attendant stopped by to take our food and drink orders.

As promised on the ResortPass site when we made the booking, the attendant said she would bring us two bottles of water, two sodas and snacks at no charge as part of the cabana rental. Anything above that would be extra.

This being Margaritaville, we promptly ordered two margaritas, which were priced at $14 apiece.

It was soon after the drinks and snacks arrived that we saw the storm clouds in the distance. We then noticed the beach area starting to clear out — not a good sign. What did everyone else know that we didn't?

Just to confirm that things were about to get bad, we also got an unexpectedly quick return visit from the attendant, who said she needed to close out our tab early "because of the coming storm." She might not get another chance to see us, she said, implying that our day at the beach was about to come to an end less than an hour after it began.

It was around then that I remembered the ResortPass cancellation policy. What a dope I had been to not check the weather. That said, I didn't have long to dwell on it. I was soon getting soaked.

For the next hour or so, my companion and I took refuge inside the Margaritaville resort — first in a not-in-use restaurant and then, when a cleaner kicked us out of the restaurant so she could clean, a cluster of chairs in a hallway.

We ate one of the free snacks we had brought with us from our cabana, a bag of Doritos, and watched the rain pour down in sheets. It was truly epic.

All the while, we watched the clock. Our time at the resort was quickly running out.

One major caveat to using ResortPass to book a day pass at a resort during a cruise is that the hours that the day passes are valid don't always align with the hours ships are in port.

In our case, our ship — Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas — docked in Nassau in the afternoon, with the gangway to get off the vessel opening at 1:30 p.m. All aboard time was 7:30 p.m.

The cabana rental sold by ResortPass was for the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Factor in the 20 minutes or so it would take us to walk from the ship to the resort, and that meant that even in the best of circumstances, we would have had about four hours at the cabana.

We knew this going in, of course. But we hadn't factored in the storm. In the end, we only spent about 45 minutes in the cabana. While the storm eventually passed, the cabana was too soaked afterward to enjoy.

I did spend some time after the rain floating in the resort's lazy river and taking a nice walk on the beach, but it was less time than I had expected.

The resort itself was essentially as it looked in the pictures on the site. It wasn't a high-end resort. Its beach area was modest in size and didn't feel particularly private or luxurious. The margaritas? I've had better. But the water was warm, and the sand inviting.

If I'd had kids with me, they would have loved the resort's waterslides and lazy river, which were open to day pass holders.

Our cabana was fine for what it was — a sheet-covered day bed with four posts at its corners, a slatted wood roof and fabric curtains that could be closed around it for privacy. But its location in a high-traffic area just steps from the beach attendant hut, with other beachgoers in lounge chairs all around and a giant beach buggy partially blocking the view of the ocean, wasn't all that inviting.

While it hadn't cost much more to book the cabana instead of booking two day passes (which would have gotten us access to lounge chairs by the beach or pool), I didn't think the cabana was worth the upgrade cost — even for a day with perfect weather.

Bottom line

ResortPass is a solid option for cruisers looking to book a day at a beach, pool or water park during a voyage. As I saw during my test, its site is easy to navigate and lists a wide range of resorts and hotels with day passes available — at least in top cruise destinations such as Nassau in the Bahamas. Its pricing is reasonable, and it has a generous cancellation policy.

The latter could come in handy if, unlike me, you remember to check the weather before your resort day to be sure it's still going to be a good day to do it. It'll also save the day if your ship has to change its itinerary at the last minute, as sometimes happens. In that case, you will be able to cancel your resort day pass without penalty.

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Take the cruise of your racing dreams.

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High octane on the high seas.

Car and cruise lovers, buckle up: Regent Seven Seas will rev up its 2025 Spotlight Voyage with Aston Martin Aramco driver ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, a veteran of more than 100 Grand Prix races. The 10-day circuit aboard the Seven Seas Splendor will make pitstops in Barcelona , Rome and other quintessential European motor racing destinations.

“The Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Aston Martin Aramco partnership was formed on the basis of our shared passion for creating once-in-a-lifetime moments, whether on land or at sea,” says Jefferson Slack, managing marketing director of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team.

One-of-a-kind opportunities abound during this journey, which departs from Barcelona on July 22, during the prime of the 2025 Formula 1 racing season. De la Rosa will not only be a passenger on the all-balcony vessel, but he’ll also serve as host and ambassador, offering an intimate look into the storied history and heritage of motor racing.

Former F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa.

“I am thrilled to host this exclusive Spotlight Voyage aboard with our friends at Regent and even more excited to be sailing from my hometown of Barcelona,” de la Rosa says. “I’ve spent over three decades pursuing my passion for racing in every corner of the globe, and I can’t wait to share this passion and my unique experiences with both Regent and Aston Martin Aramco fans while cruising the Mediterranean on this special voyage.”

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While onboard, guests will engage in lively panel discussions, virtual racing simulations and more led by de la Rosa and Aston Martin Aramco’s top engineers and executives. Aston Martin-led workshops will give passengers insights into luxury automobile design from a non-racing perspective.

Novices and gearheads alike will be in awe of the full-size replica of one of the yet-to-be-revealed Aston Martin Aramco Formula One 2025 race cars, embellished with the Regent logo, displayed on the Seven Seas Splendor’s pool deck.

Other seamless onboard tie-ins between the brands include exclusively designed hats, polo shirts, jackets and reusable water bottles; race-day accessories for sale in the ship’s boutique; themed cocktails and parties; and screenings of racing documentaries in the ship’s theater.

Seven Seas Splendor.

The all-inclusive, carefully curated cruise’s offshore excursions promise to captivate fine-car aficionados, luxury travelers and history buffs alike. Immerse yourself in the rich racing cultures of places like St. Tropez and Monte Carlo . In the latter, for example, you’ll explore Prince Rainier’s car collection, assembled over 30 years in a newly designed display space that’s just a stone’s throw from Monaco’s iconic Formula 1 racing route. Feel the excitement as you continue a walking tour of the track. A panoramic helicopter flight provides an unforgettable aerial view of arguably the most famous stop on the F1 circuit, awash in the beautiful colors of sunset.

Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, underscores the exclusivity of Seven Seas’ high-octane expedition: “This one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime sailing aboard our newest ship will allow luxury travelers to immerse themselves in the world of motor racing and the rich heritage of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team through fascinating experiences and perspectives, all the while enjoying the highest standards of personalized service, unlimited shore excursions and exquisite cuisine on board an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury Regent cruise.”

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