There's plenty happening in the cruise world, so in case you missed any of it, we have a look at all the updates we shared this week.
If you are busy but want to keep up with all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest look at the recent articles and updates we've posted.
1. Everything I loved and hated about my European cruise with MSC Cruises
Recently Elizabeth had the opportunity to cruise on her very first MSC Cruises vacation.
While she has traditionally sailed in the Caribbean and Bahamas, she was excited to book her first European cruise onboard the MSC Seashore to see how the itineraries compare. With this also being her first time sailing aboard an MSC ship, she was interested to see how it stood up to other cruise lines. After hearing negatives reviews about the quality of food and service, she wasn't sure what to expect when she boarded her cruise vacation.
She shares with us everything that she loved and hated about her European cruise with MSC Cruises.
Read more: Everything I loved and hated about my European cruise with MSC Cruises
2. I took my first solo cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. After 5 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone
Have you ever considered taking a solo cruise vacation?
Recently Hayley boarded Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore to experience her first solo adventure onboard a cruise ship. Not only was she sailing on the biggest ship in NCL’s fleet, this was also the longest amount of time that she had ever traveled by herself.
She shares with us the pros and cons that go into cruising alone.
3. 9 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship
One thing that sets cruise vacations apart from the rest is the crew.
From those in housekeeping, activities staff, culinary services and more you are guaranteed to interact with a lot of crew members of various positions during your cruise. They all do what they can to ensure that you have the best overall cruise experience, and some even go above and beyond.
When you find yourself on your next cruise, we recommend seeking out these crew members.
Read more: 9 most important crew members to meet on your cruise ship
4. Viral internet products for your next cruise that you need to look at for Prime Day
This week Amazon had their famous Prime Day sale, and there were great deals to be found for your next cruise!
Even though the majority of the sales have ended, there are still great prices to be found. A big question that new cruisers have, are what items aside from clothing they should pack. Luckily for us and them, TikTok creators have been sharing their favorite items to bring along to ensure that you have the best vacation possible.
We have gathered the best deals on travel products that have gone viral on TIkTok that you should consider purchasing for your next cruise.
Read more: Viral internet products for your next cruise that you need to look at for Prime Day
5. A list of the Carnival ships by age!
As of today, Carnival Cruise Line has over 20 ship in their fleet, with plans to add more by the end of the year.
With this many ships, it can be hard to determine which ship is right for you and your travel party. While the newer ships are jam packed with activities and amenities, the fleet’s older ships can offer a more intimate cruising experience.
To help you plan your next cruise with Carnival, we have broken down their entire fleet by age from newest to oldest.
Read more: Carnival Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
6. 10 things MSC got right with the MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s biggest ship
With 22 decks and a capacity of 6,850 passengers, MSC Cruises MSC World Europa is the 6th largest cruise ship in the world.
Followed only by Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class fleet, the MSC World Europa began a new era for MSC Cruises, featuring new amenities and entertainment never offered by MSC Cruises before. From an 11-deck dry slide, to the waterpark, secret speakeasy bar and more there is plenty onboard to keep cruisers entertained throughout their entire cruise.
After spending a week onboard the MSC World Europa, Jenna share the 10 things MSC got right with this ship.
Read more: 10 things MSC got right with the MSC World Europa, the cruise line’s biggest ship
7. 11 things I loved and hated about my first Princess cruise
One thing that Jenna always finds exciting is booking a cruise on a new-to-her cruise line.
From the food to activities and entertainment, she looks forward to seeing the good and the bad of what different cruise lines have to offer. When looking into Alaskan cruises, she settled on a 7-night sailing on the Royal Princess. While Princess is one of the of most popular American cruise lines, it is also considered a market leader for their Alaskan itineraries.
Having heard excellent things about the cruise line, she was excited to board and experience them for herself. She shares the 11 things she loved and hated during her first ever Princess cruise.
Read more: 11 things I loved and hated about my first Princess cruise
8. Guide to flexible dining vs traditional dining on a cruise ship
When booking your next cruise vacation, you may notice that you have two options to select when it comes to dinner.
You will be able to select either a set time, meaning that you eat dinner at the same time every evening, or you can select a flexible option allowing you to eat when you decide. Before you select one of these options, you should know that there are pros and cons to each. For instance, do you want to have the same wait staff each evening? Do you value the freedom of being able to dine at different times?
We created the ultimate guide to flexible dining vs traditional dining, so you are prepared when you book your next cruise.
Read more: Guide to flexible dining vs traditional dining on a cruise ship
9. New Amex offer could get you hundreds of dollars in points for booking a Carnival cruise
Every now and again we see credit card offers that can help cruisers earn thousands of extra points.
If you are an American Express card holder, and plan to cruise on Carnival Cruise Line in the near future, you may want to go check your Amex Offers. Many American Express cardholders are reporting that they have offers where when spending $1,000 with Carnival Cruise Line they can earn 25,000 Membership Reward points.
Read more to find out where to look for this offer, and what 25,000 points means for you.
Read more: New Amex offer could get you hundreds of dollars in points for booking a Carnival cruise
Nicole Feist
Nicole first fell in love with cruising as a teenager on a family vacation. Since then she's gone on to become a frequent cruiser, and even marrying her husband on a sailing. Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida, you'll find her cruising on the weekends whenever she can.
