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. 7 ways to upgrade your cruise for $125 or less
So, you booked your cruise vacation, what now?
While it is true that your base cruise fare includes many things, such as dining, accommodations, and activities, there are certain add-ons that you may find valuable on your trip. You may decide that you would like to upgrade to speciality dining, or maybe you would like to treat yourself to a salon or spa visit, and of course you can’t forget to check out the many excursions there are to choose from.
With cruises being completely customizable, it is easy to stay within your budget while still splurging on an add-on or two.
Read more: 7 ways to upgrade your cruise for $125 or less
2. Your really dumb cruise line private island questions answered
If you have a cruise booked, there is a chance you may be visiting one of the cruise line's private islands.
Many of the popular cruise lines have their own private islands or destinations, where only guests of that cruise line can enjoy the space and amenities. For first-time cruisers, this can often lead to a lot of questions. You may be wondering if you need to bring a towel with you from the ship or if food is included.
We have gathered the answers to some of the most asked questions to ensure that you understand everything there is to know about cruise line private islands.
Read more: Your really dumb cruise line private island questions answered
3. I paid $900 for the smallest interior cabin on my MSC Seaside cruise — take a look inside
Jenna recently returned from a 7-night cruise on the MSC Seaside, booking the cheapest room available.
As a frequent cruiser, she also would label herself as a budget cruiser. When she found an inside cabin for two adults totaling $1518, or $749 per person, she was excited to see what a stateroom on one of MSC’s relatively newer ships would look like.
Not believing the great deal she found, she could not wait to get onboard and start her vacation. She shares a look inside her small, cheap cabin onboard the MSC Seaside.
Read more: I paid $900 for the smallest interior cabin on my MSC Seaside cruise — take a look inside
4. Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
Celebrity Cruises boasts 15 ships within their fleet, traveling to impressive itineraries across the world.
Celebrity is known for offering more upscale cruises, contrasting the modern thrills that other cruise lines are known for. When sailing onboard a Celebrity ship, you’ll find elegant public areas, modern decor, spacious staterooms, and of course exciting itineraries.
We have broken down all of the Celebrity ships by age from newest to oldest to help you select the perfect ship for your next vacation.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest
5. I only cruised with Royal Caribbean for 20 years. This is why I’m branching out to other cruise lines now.
Allie has been cruising for 20 years, and up until last year, it was almost exclusively on Royal Caribbean.
With some opportunities to try out interesting itineraries and new ships on other cruise lines, she decided to branch out from what she knew last year. She wasn’t sure what to expect from these other cruise lines, being as she was so familiar with the offerings that Royal Caribbean had.
After sailing with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, she is no longer hesitant to book cruises with another cruise line, and she shares why.
6. Cruise boarding times: how early to arrive to the terminal
Once you get closer to your cruise vacation, you will either be assigned a check-in time or select one yourself.
One of the most popular questions we see from cruisers when it comes to check-in is if you have to stick to that check-in time. These arrival times help stagger the large amount of passengers boarding the ship, so there is not a big influx all at once.
So, should you arrive early to the terminal? Is it ok if you are running late? Here are all of the answers to your questions about embarkation day arrival times.
Read more: Cruise boarding times: how early to arrive to the terminal
7. The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise
When you are planning for your next cruise vacation, the last thing you want to do is waste money.
From getting good deals to cruise add-ons, to keeping your eye out for sales, there are a lot of ways where you can save money. However, the most costly mistake is booking your flights the same day as your ship’s scheduled departure. With the number of flights getting delayed and canceled, it can end up costing you a lot of money to try to get to your cruise on time.
Here are our top reasons why you should never book your flight the same day as your cruise.
Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first 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.
