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. What is a poop deck on a cruise ship?
Have you ever heard the term “poop deck" and wondered what it meant?
You are not alone! While not commonly heard on cruise ships today, this term originated from La Poupe, meaning the french word for "stern." The stern is the rearmost part of the ship, and the poop deck refers to “a partial deck above a ship’s main afterdeck,” according to Merriam Webster.
Read on to hear more about what the poop deck was used for on working ships.
Read more: What is a poop deck on a cruise ship?
2. The one place I'll never eat at again on Carnival cruises
When booking your next cruise vacation, you may be overwhelmed with the variety of food options available to you.
Carnival Cruise Lines is notorious for their complimentary dining options, especially when compared to other cruise lines. From hot juicy burgers, to fresh pizza, crispy chicken sandwiches, and more, there is never a shortage of food available. However, there is one dining venue that writer Allie has decided that she will no longer frequent.
After her recent sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras in April, she decided that she won’t be eating again at Carnival’s Lido Marketplace buffet and shares with us the reasoning behind that decision.
Read more: The one place I'll never eat at again on Carnival cruises
3. Going on a cruise alone? Here are the 8 best solo cruise cabins
When most people think of a cruise, they probably picture a family vacation.
However, solo cruising is a great way to have a fantastic trip, too! With the wide array of activities available, it is easy to meet fellow travelers while exploring new ports around the world. Planning for a solo voyage requires little bit more forethought than some may think, starting with choosing a cabin.
Here is a list of the 8 best solo cruise cabins, so you can put your money towards other fun cruise-related things.
Read more: Going on a cruise alone? Here are the 8 best solo cruise cabins
4. I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on. This item was a total waste of space
Packing for a cruise can become overwhelming quickly, especially if you are trying to pack with a carry-on and have a limited amount of space.
It is important to be intentional with that you bring on a cruise; however, it is normal to be worried about packing the wrong attire of forgetting something important.
Cruise.Blog Allie recently took a cruise onboard the brand-new Carnival Celebration. For the 7-night Caribbean sailing, she packed a single carry-on. Having cruised with Carnival before, she knew that the line is more casual than others, like Celebrity. She still decided to pack a few evening dresses, though, including one for formal night.
Here's why she regrets doing so!
Read more: I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on. This item was a total waste of space
5. I tried Royal Caribbean's The Key after hearing lots of negative reviews. Here's what I thought about it
Ever since the rolling out of the “The Key” program on Royal Caribbean cruises, there have been many controversial opinions about it.
Writer Angie recently found a good deal for The Key on her cruise onboard Adventure of the Seas. After doing the math and realizing that it would only cost her and her mom an additional $113, as she was already planning on purchasing the internet package, she decided to pull the plunge and purchase it. After reading the list of benefits it included, but also reading many of the negative reviews and opinions about the program, she was eager to get onboard and try them out for herself.
Here is what she thought about The Key on her 7-night Western Caribbean cruise onboard Adventure of the Seas.
6. I crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a transatlantic cruise. Here's what it's like to spend six days at sea
Some of the best cruises you can take are transatlantic cruises.
These are typically repositioning cruises, when they are either beginning or ending their cruise season in Europe. However, when booking this type of cruise, you have to be committed to spending plenty of time onboard, as you sail across the Atlantic ocean.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with Don Goldstein, a retired Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard, about his 15-night cruise onboard Explorer of the Seas from Miami to Rome, which included six days at sea. Here is more about his experience and what you can expect on transatlantic cruises.
7. How to save hundreds of dollars on your MSC cruise with this one simple trick
There is no better feeling than knowing you saved money on your cruise vacation.
MSC Cruises is typically known for their low priced cruises and is becoming more and more popular for those looking to make the most of their vacation budget. While they often offer sales and promotions to help you find a good priced cruise, writer Chantal uses a specific strategy to always make sure she gets the most bang for her buck.
Here is how you can save hundred of dollars on your next MSC cruise.
Read more: How to save hundreds of dollars on your MSC cruise with this one simple trick
8. The absolute worst cruise ship cabins to avoid on any ship
Once you have decided to book your next cruise vacation, the next important step is to figure out which cabin you would like to stay in.
This is a crucial decision, as your cruise cabin will be your home away from home while onboard. There is more that goes into picking the perfect cabin when compared to booking a hotel room. You will want to consider the type of cabin, location, your preferences, and what is near the cabin when you are choosing one.
While most of the cabins onboard are perfectly fine, there are a select few that you should not book. Here are the absolute worst cruise ship cabins to avoid on any ship.
Read more: The absolute worst cruise ship cabins to avoid on any ship
9. I never beat jet-lag on my Mediterranean cruise because of this mistake
There is nothing that quite compares to the culture and history you will find on a European cruise.
Writer Allie has cruised in Europe many times and considers it one of her favorite cruising destinations. She recently found a great deal onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun, sailing from Málaga, Spain to Lisbon, Portugal. She was able to fly standby to get to her cruise; however, it did pose some challenges, even for this seasoned traveler.
She never was able to recover from jet-lag while on this trip and shares how she ended up making this mistake and why she won’t ever do it again.
Read more: I never beat jet-lag on my Mediterranean cruise because of this mistake
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.
