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. Top 5 things I like better about Carnival Cruise Line than Royal Caribbean
Being two of the biggest mainstream cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line attract millions of passengers each year.
Of course, each cruise line has their own unique style and attracts a specific passenger base to sail with them. Carnival focuses on being the "Fun Ships," offering casual dining and a lively atmosphere, while Royal Caribbean is known for their mega-ships with exciting onboard entertainment and thrills for the entire family. Writer Allie grew up sailing onboard Royal Caribbean ships but recently had the opportunity to sail onboard Carnival.
She wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but she ended up walking away liking certain things that Carnival had to offer better than Royal Caribbean.
Read more: Top 5 things I like better about Carnival Cruise Line than Royal Caribbean
2. Ready to pick the perfect cruise for you? There's more to think about than you might think
With seven different mainstream cruise lines and over 100 ships to choose from, when it comes time to book your first cruise, you may find yourself overwhelmed.
While there are many things to consider when booking your cruise, one of the best places to start is narrowing down when you can and would like to sail. This will help narrow down which destinations are available, as some are only available seasonally.
We have gathered all of the best tips that will help you choose your first cruise, from duration to destination, and everything in between.
Read more: How to Choose Your First Cruise
3. Are guaranteed staterooms worth the risk? Here's everything you need to know about being assigned a random room on a cruise ship
When going to book your cruise, you may notice you have the option to book a guaranteed stateroom.
Before selecting the cheaper fare, you should know what a guaranteed stateroom is. These rooms will be assigned at random by the cruise line closer to your sail date. The guarantee portion is that you are guaranteed a room in chosen category (i.e. Interior, Balcony, Suite, etc). The downside, for some, is that you have no control over where your room is located.
So, are booking these rooms worth it? We break down everything that you need to know.
4. Tropical Storm Idalia disrupts major cruise line itineraries. Here are the major changes so far.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic and Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30.
This is especially important to know if you are planning on booking a cruise during this season in those destinations. This week, Hurricane Idalia swept through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Many people wonder what happens when a tropical storm or hurricane is in the same vicinity of a cruise ship. Luckily for cruise passengers, the cruise lines are experts at navigating away from these storms and keeping everyone safe.
Here is how Idalia has disrupted cruises so far.
Read more: Tropical Storm Idalia disrupts major cruise line itineraries. Here are the major changes so far
5. Upside Down Pineapple: What it really means
Often times when on a cruise, you may see doors decorated by the passengers.
There is one that stands out from the rest, though: the upside down pineapple. This symbol is more than just a cute tropical decoration. If you happen to see one of these, it is because the cabin's passengers are trying to convey a very specific message, one that has nothing to do with fruit.
Read more to hear about what exactly this unique decoration means and how the trend got started.
Read more: Upside Down Pineapple: What it really means
6. I tried the cheapest Disney Cruise line cabin I could find and here's how it went
When it comes to Disney vacations, "cheap" isn’t a word you usually think of.
Writer Hayley recently went on one of Disney Cruise Line’s 5 ships, Disney Fantasy, for a 7-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. She booked the cheapest and most affordable room category onboard: a standard inside stateroom cabin.
Here is what she thought of the cabin and how it went during her sailing.
Read more: I tried the cheapest Disney Cruise line cabin I could find and here's how it went
7. Best cruise booking perks you can get for free
When planning your next cruise vacation, there are ways to save hundred of dollars!
Cruise lines can offer plenty of perks when booking, ranging from big ticket items like a drink package to cabin upgrades. When purchased individually, these can greatly increase the cost of your cruise, so it is a great value to have them included when booking.
Here is a list of common, as well as unexpected, benefits that you can get when booking a cruise and whether or not they're actually "free."
Read more: Best cruise booking perks you can get for free
8. Cruise ship cabin stewards: who are they and what do they do?
If you haven’t cruised before, you may be wondering how housekeeping works while onboard.
Cruise ship housekeepers are referred to as cabin stewards and are different from those you would find in a hotel. Essentially, their job is to ensure that your “home away from home” is maintained throughout the duration of your cruise. Like other crew members you’ll meet on your sailing, they are also working hard to ensure that you have everything you need for a perfect sailing.
Here is everything you need to know about cruise ship cabin stewards.
Read more: Cruise ship cabin stewards: who are they and what do they do?
9. Top things I loved and hated about my Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe
After sailing over 30 times, writer Allie can confidently say that European cruises are her favorite.
From the food, culture, history and more, European cruises are the perfect way to travel within Europe without having to unpack and repack your suitcase. Typically when it comes to European cruises, the destinations are the star of the show, rather than the ship you are sailing on.
After sailing on a 12-night itinerary from Rome to Israel onboard Odyssey of the Seas, Allie shares the top things that she loved and hated about her European cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Read more: Top things I loved and hated about my Royal Caribbean cruise in Europe
10. Disney Cruise Line Vs. Norwegian Cruise Line
With all of the different cruise lines out there, it can be hard to narrow down which is the best fit for you and your travel party.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are two of the most well-known cruise lines in the industry, and writer Hayley has been able to sail on both recently. While they are both great cruise lines, they each offer distinct amenities and offerings to their passengers that should be taken into consideration when determining which is the best fit.
Hayley goes over everything you need to know to make an informed decision if you are choosing between Disney and Norwegian for your next cruise vacation.
Read more: Disney Cruise Line Vs. Norwegian Cruise Line
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.
