We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week.
1. This cruise hack works, but the internet thinks it's totally unnecessary
TikTok is quickly becoming a favorite place for people to look up life tips and hacks.
While some tips and tricks are well known, some may not be worth your time or money. One that has been gaining traction recently is one that applies to cruising and making your vacation more enjoyable. One viral cruise hack that was posted by Cruising Insiders has been gaining a lot of traction online.
The user refers to this sponge hack as “the ultimate cruise cabin hack” that will “make your cruise so much easier.”
Read more: This cruise hack works, but the internet thinks it's totally unnecessary
2. 15 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers (2023)
If you are planning your first cruise vacation, you may be overwhelmed with what to pack.
Of course, you want to make sure that you have everything you need without overpacking, as storage space on cruises tends to be limited. Unlike vacations on land, you cannot easily run to a drugstore to pick up things you may have forgotten, such as medication or pajamas.
Here are 15 packing tips for first-time cruisers to help you pack the most efficiently.
Read more: 15 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers (2023)
3. We sailed on the Disney Fantasy and thought these things really stood out about the ship!
When it comes to cruising, the ship is just as much the destination as the ports you will visit.
Disney Cruise Line is known to bring magic into their ships wherever and whenever they can. They are masters at keeping their guests amazed, wowed, and on the hunt for new things to see and explore. Hayley recently sailed aboard Disney Fantasy for a 7-night sailing and was able to take in everything onboard for the first time herself.
Here are 12 hidden details onboard that she discovered, so you can best prepare for your own sailing onboard this fun and magical ship!
Read more: 12 hidden details that can be found onboard Disney Fantasy
4. I've been on 15 cruises, but my first Virgin Voyage was different from any other. Here are 12 things that surprised me
Having cruised 15 times in her life, Nicole is no stranger to the cruising world.
Though she has sailed many times, she had yet to try out a Virgin Voyages cruise, until recently. Being intrigued by the marketing and promotions they had, she decided to try sailing with Virgin to see if the cruise line was as good as they marketed. She booked a 4-night sailing onboard Scarlet Lady with high expectations.
Here are 12 things that surprised her about her first cruise with Virgin Voyages.
5. What Do Pink Flamingos Mean?
If you are planning an upcoming cruise, you may be interested in decorating your stateroom door.
Cruise door decorations are a popular tradition that many cruisers take part in. While most cruise door decorations don’t have hidden meanings, there are some that you would want to be aware of prior to purchasing.
What about pink flamingos? What's the secret meaning behind these wading birds? Keep reading to find out!
Read more: What Do Pink Flamingos Mean?
6. 17 Tips and Tricks About Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package
One of the most popular cruise add-ons are drink packages.
Drink packages are a great way to save money or not worry about a large bill at the end of your vacation because they allow you to prepay for your drinks. Norwegian Cruise Line offers their cruisers several options when it comes to drink packages. Those who are considering cruising on NCL should consider the cost of the package versus buying drinks a la carte to help stretch their dollar the farthest.
Here is what you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages!
Read more: 17 Tips and Tricks About Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package
7. Disney Cruise Line celebrates 25th anniversary with magical offerings: Here's what it looks like
This year, Disney Cruise Line has hit a big milestone: celebrating their 25th Anniversary!
In traditional Disney fashion, they are providing some exciting and unique offerings to celebrate this anniversary. 2023 is the only time that guests sailing onboard Disney Cruise Line will be able to experience the fun events, entertainment, and offerings provided for this special anniversary.
Hayley recently returned from a 25th Anniversary sailing onboard Disney Fantasy and was able to experience some of this magic for herself.
Here is a glimpse into what this unique cruise experience was like.
Read more: Disney Cruise Line celebrates 25th anniversary with magical offerings: Here's what it looks like
8. Cruise gift cards: What you need to know before buying
If you are planning to cruise soon or know someone who is, a cruise line gift card may seem like a great idea.
Travelers know that every dollar matters and gift cards can traditionally help with budgeting. Before you go out and purchase a cruise gift card, you should know a few important points. Gift card features and benefits vary among the major cruise lines, so it is a good idea to take a moment to carefully review what is being purchased to determine if it is the right gift.
Here are some of the essential points to consider before buying a cruise gift card either for yourself or someone else.
Read more: Cruise gift cards: What you need to know before buying
9. 10 Best Adult Cruise Lines (2023)
When it comes to selecting the right cruise line to travel on, you have plenty of options!
While a lot of cruise lines are geared towards family-friendly fun, you sometimes want to take a vacation and not be surrounded by other children. If you are looking to take a relaxing adults-only trip, there are certain cruise lines that you may be leaning more toward. Of course, we’re not saying that you can’t sail on any cruise line and have a wonderful experience, but some cruise lines tend to attract more adult guests.
Here are the 10 best cruises for adults.
Read more: 10 Best Adult Cruise Lines (2023)
10. What it's really like in a $417-a-night, 169-square-foot stateroom on a Disney Cruise
Have you ever wondered what it is like to sail onboard Disney Cruise Line?
DCL is known as being one of the more expensive mainstream cruise lines in the industry. Hayley recently returned from a sailing on Disney Fantasy, where she stayed in an interior cabin costing $2,722. The interior staterooms are often the most affordable stateroom cabin onboard any cruise ship, and while this was true onboard the Disney Fantasy, this room also had some great features and amenities for its guests.
Here is exactly what's included when sailing onboard the Disney Fantasy in the most affordable room available.
Read more: What it's really like in a $417-a-night, 169-square-foot stateroom on a Disney 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.
