We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from 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 shared.
1. I'm an avid cruiser who always recommends MSC for first-timers. It's barely a step down from pricier competitors — and usually cheaper.
If you have never cruised before, it may seem overwhelming on choosing a cruise line to sail with.
Chantal has sailed on many cruise lines and recommends MSC Cruises for first timers. With MSC having a large fleet of ships, they also offer a wide array of activities, amenities, and entertainment at an affordable price. This major cruise line has managed to stay competitive with other large lines, such as Carnival.
Here are some of the top reasons why you should book with MSC for a cruise, especially for your first time.
2. 15 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Ship Cabin
While cruises are the perfect time to unwind and relax, there are certain rules you will want to be aware of while onboard.
While some of the obvious ones, such as not smoking in the non-designated areas, others may not have come across your mind. To ensure the safety and comfortability of all cruisers onboard, there are certain rules that the cruise lines have when it comes to what you can and cannot do in your cabin.
Here are 15 things you should never do in your cruise ship cabin.
Read more: 15 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Ship Cabin
3. Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
After you have finally decided to book your cruise vacation, you will have to decide which stateroom to choose.
From windowless interior cabins to two-level suites, the options can seem endless. One of the important aspects of choosing a stateroom that can be overlooked is location. Depending on your room category, the decision may be made for you, such as aft balconies.
However, if you have the ability to choose your stateroom location here are our top tips on choosing the best rooms.
Read more: Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
4. Why smart cruisers bring a European power adapter on a cruise ship
One of the most frustrating things that can happen while traveling is realizing there are not enough power outlets for your devices.
Seasoned cruisers know that most of the older ships do not have adequate American outlets to keep up with the amount of chargeable devices travelers bring with them. One of their favorite hacks is bringing with a European power adapter.
Here are our reasons why you should consider traveling with a European power adapter on your next cruise.
Read more: Why smart cruisers bring a European power adapter on a cruise ship
5. My favorite onboard must-do activities with Norwegian Cruise Line
Being one of the biggest names in the cruise line industry, Norwegian Cruise Line knows how to keep their cruisers happy.
From their constant innovation and revolutionary activities found onboard, it is easy to see why they have such a loyal fan base. With the soon-to-be launch of their newest ship, Norwegian Viva, NCL has continued to step up their game again. With never before seen activities onboard their Prima Class of ships, cruisers of all experience levels are sure to be amazed.
Hayley has sailed extensively with Norwegian Cruise Line, and shares her favorite things to do when onboard one of their ships.
Read more: My favorite onboard must-do activities with Norwegian Cruise Line
6. I tried the cheapest Caribbean cruise I could find - here's what it was really like
When Jenna was searching for a cruise on MSC’s website, she found the deal of year: a 7-night sailing onboard MSC Seaside at just $616 per person in July, which is considered peak season.
She did not hesitate to book the cruise, as it was at least $500 cheaper than similar sailings that she came across. Though, she was a little bit skeptical that this cheap fare would come with a catch.
Regardless, she was excited to get onboard and see what it would be like to cruise on the cheapest Caribbean cruise she could find. Here is how her experience went.
Read more: I tried the cheapest Caribbean cruise I could find - here's what it was really like
7. Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
Since cruise ships also serve as your accommodation on your vacation, it is good to know that the staterooms tend to be quite a bit smaller than others you may find, like hotel rooms.
Cruise lines do a great job of packing all of the essentials into a more compact space; however, you may be left needing more. Keeping a cruise stateroom organized can be troublesome for some cruisers, and they are left wondering how to make the most of their space.
Try these 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality on your next sailing.
Read more: Top 25 cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
8. I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Carnival's newest ship for $1,300 - take a look at my tiny stateroom
Allie has sailed with many different cruise lines and has stayed in a variety of stateroom categories.
Recently, she had the opportunity to set sail onboard Carnival Celebration for one of their first inaugural cruises. Being the newest ship in Carnival’s fleet, she was excited to see how their staterooms compared. She was able to book an inside cabin guarantee for just $1,300, meaning she was randomly assigned a cabin by the cruise line.
Once onboard, she was able to see exactly how this stateroom held up and compared to others. Here she shares a look into this tiny cabin.
9. 15 cruise ship rules you shouldn't break
Like most places, cruise lines have certain rules in place to keep their travelers and crew safe.
While some of these rules may be common knowledge, there are other ones that may surprise first-time cruisers. While some people may try to bend the rules, it is important that they are followed, ensuring everyone onboard has a relaxing and safe trip.
Here are 15 cruise ship rules that you should not only know, but also not break.
Read more: 15 cruise ship rules you shouldn't break
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.
