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. Cruise packing list: What to bring on a cruise
You finally pulled the trigger and booked your cruise vacation. Now what?
For starters, you may be wondering what you should be bringing with you onboard. This can vary greatly depending on where you are sailing to. Of course, what you would pack for a Caribbean cruise is going to look quite a bit different than what you would pack for an Alaskan cruise.
Here is a detailed list of everything you need to pack for your upcoming cruise vacation.
Read more: Cruise packing list: What to bring on a cruise
2. How a Holland America Alaska cruise is different from other cruise lines
Sailing on an Alaskan cruise is a fantastic way to take in all of the beautiful scenery there is to offer in this one-of-a-kind state.
John has sailed to Alaska on a variety of ships, including both large cruise ships and smaller expedition vessels ranging from 60-200 passengers. Between the many companies that offer these trips, many potential travelers can be left wondering where they should start their search.
After getting back from an Alaskan sailing aboard Holland America’s Eurodam, it gave him a fresh perspective on what different options a cruise of that kind can offer, and he shares them all with us.
Read more: How a Holland America Alaska cruise is different from other cruise lines
3. I sailed in Carnival's newest and oldest interior cabins - see how they compare
Interior cabins on cruise ships are typically a practical and affordable way to sail.
While you may think that an interior cabin, being one with no window or balcony, would be the same across different ships or cruise lines, that is not the case. Allie has recently had the opportunity to compare staying in an interior cabin on Carnival Cruise Line’s oldest and newest ships.
Here is how the two cabins compared and her thoughts on them both.
Read more: I sailed in Carnival's newest and oldest interior cabins - see how they compare.
4. How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship
One of the best ways to spend your day on a cruise ship is by the pool with a refreshing drink or good book in hand.
However, as experienced cruisers know, finding a chair can be difficult, especially on beautiful sea days. That is because there are individuals who will go up to the pool deck early and “claim” chairs by leaving their items behind.
Rather than using the chairs in that moment, they will leave the area to do other things, such as eat breakfast, get coffee, or go back to their stateroom.
Here are our tips and tricks to beating these chair hogs on your next cruise.
Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship
5. Glacier Bay cruise: 16 ways to make the most of your day in the park
If you are thinking about booking an Alaskan cruise, there is a good chance you are hoping to find an itinerary featuring glacier viewing. One of the best out there is Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve.
With over 1,000 glaciers in this 3.3 million acre park, it is one of the best known spots for glacier viewing. However, not every cruise line and itineraries offer this as a stop. If you are able to book a cruise featuring this spot you want to ensure that you spend your time here meaningfully.
Here are 16 ways to make the most of your day at Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve while on a cruise.
Read more: Glacier Bay cruise: 16 ways to make the most of your day in the park
6. Comparing Disney's Largest and Smallest Cruise Ships: What It's Like to Sail on Each
Disney is known for creating magical vacations, and that applies to their cruise line as well.
With five ships in their fleet, and two more on the way, there are different options for you to choose from when planning your next Disney cruise vacation. From their biggest ship, Disney Wish, to their smaller ships, Disney Magic and Wonder, you may be left wondering what the right ship is for you and your travel party.
Here is an overview of Disney’s largest and smallest cruise ships and what it is like to sail on them.
Read more: Comparing Disney's Largest and Smallest Cruise Ships: What It's Like to Sail on Each
7. 25 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag
When you finally arrive at the cruise terminal to begin your long awaited cruise vacation, one of the first things you will do is drop off your larger pieces of luggage.
From there, it will be a few hours until you see your bag again, as they will go through security and make their way aboard the ship separately from you. With this is mind, you want to ensure that you have everything you might need for that first day in your carryon bag.
Aside from the obvious cell phone and passport, here are 25 items that we think you should always have packed in your carry-on bag.
Read more: 25 items you should always pack in your cruise carry-on bag
8. 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
Cruises are a one of a kind vacation and unlike any land vacation you that may take.
With the ships themselves becoming destination worthy, these city-like floating vessels also transport you to different destinations across the world. And while the ship is also your accommodation for the vacation, the onboard experience is quite different from that of a hotel you may stay in.
Here are the things that are socially acceptable to do on a cruise ship that would feel completely out of place on a land-based vacation.
Read more: 5 things I would never do on land but would do on a cruise ship
9. Is Princess the best cruise line for an Alaska cruise? I booked a sailing to see for myself
Despite Jenna sailing to Alaska every summer, she had yet to sail on the self-proclaimed leader of the Alaskan cruise market.
Princess Cruises puts a large focus on the Alaska cruise experience, offering more than other cruise lines. This includes things such as Alaska-specific guest lecturers, cuisine, and programming. Even after reading glowing reviews about Princess Cruises’ Alaskan sailings, she was not convinced it would be the best experience for her.
After spending a week onboard, here are her thoughts on the good and bad of cruising to Alaska with Princess.
Read more: Is Princess the best cruise line for an Alaska cruise? I booked a sailing to see for myself
10. 6 tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage
There is nothing worse than arriving to your destination and realizing that your luggage is lost.
This is one of the biggest reasons why we suggest flying in the day before your cruise, as it allows you time to solve the problem.
However, when boarding the cruise ship, it is possible that your bags can be misplaced, too. In order to protect yourself against this possibility, there are certain precautions you can take.
Here are 6 tips to help a cruise line from losing your luggage.
Read more: 6 tips to help keep a cruise line from losing your luggage
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.
