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. I sailed on the oldest and smallest Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. Here's how it went
Today’s newest ships each seem to be competing for who can be the biggest and the best of them all.
In fact, some of these new ships can be compared to floating cities boasting amusement park like attractions, green spaces and multiple different venues. However, these aren’t the only ships that you have to choose from when you want to plan your next cruise vacation. Cruise writer Allie recently sailed on two of the oldest, and smallest ships in service, and was surprised with both sailings.
Here's how her experiences sailing on the oldest and smallest cruise ships for two of the most popular cruise lines in the world compared with one another.
Read more: I sailed on the oldest and smallest Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. Here's how it went
2. I have never stayed in a balcony room on a cruise because they're expensive and impractical
One of the most important parts of planning your cruise vacation is choosing which stateroom category you want to stay in.
When sailing onboard a cruise ship, your cabin can be thought of as your “home away from home”. However, not all cruise ship cabins are created equally, especially when it comes to prices. Different cabin categories across a ship can range in hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. And of course, you will want to take into account your travel preferences when making this decision.
Cruise writer Hayley has only ever cruised in interior cabins, and shares with us why she thinks these interior staterooms might be the best option when considering a cruise vacation.
Read more: I have never stayed in a balcony room on a cruise because they're expensive and impractical
3. What Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have in common and what makes each different
When you begin planning your next cruise vacation, chances are that you will come across sailings on both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
These two cruise lines are some of the biggest cruise lines in the industry. Not only do they both offer a large fleet of ships to choose from, and sail to and from various destinations, but they have more similarities than you might imagine. If you are considering a cruise and are stuck choosing between these two lines, you may be wondering which one will better fit your travel style.
Cruise writer Hayley has sailed on both of these cruise lines, and helps break down how they compare to one another.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean comparison
4. Guide to staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin
If you are planning a Carnival Cruise in your future, you may be wondering what cabin type is best for you.
Carnival Cruise Line not only offers a wide variety of ships, but on each ship they also have a wide variety of staterooms to choose from. Balcony cabins are becoming more and more popular throughout the last decade, and for good reason. Not only do you get access to exceptional views, but you also are able to get fresh air at any time.
Still, you may be left wondering if it is worth it to splurge for a balcony cabin, and if so, what is the right balcony to choose. Here’s your ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line’s balcony staterooms.
Read more: Guide to staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin
5. What's it like to go on a Disney cruise as an adult without kids? I loved the escape it offered
Disney Cruise Lines is known for attracting families.
However, if you wanted to experience sailing on this cruise line without kids, would it be worth it? Cruise writer Hayley recently returned from a sailing onboard Disney Fantasy, where she sailed without any kids. She was interested to see exactly what this cruise line provided for adults to enjoy and how they can partake in the magic.
She shares her experience of what Disney Fantasy offered for adult guests, and those passengers looking for an awesome cruise vacation with Disney without children!
Read more: What's it like to go on a Disney cruise as an adult without kids? I loved the escape it offered
6. I forgot to check-in for my cruise. Why I won't make this mistake again
Once you finally book your cruise vacation, there is still some planning that needs to take place.
One of the most important pieces of planning is checking in for your cruise. Similar to boarding an airplane, checking in for your cruise is where you will confirm your documents and emergency contacts. You will also be prompted to fill out a health questionnaire. The process for check-in is simple, but remembering to do it may not be.
Cruise writer Allie recently experienced exactly what happens when you forget to check-in for your cruise, and shares what that looks like with us.
Read more: I forgot to check-in for my cruise. Why I won't make this mistake again
7. Carnival Cruise Line cabin guide: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites
So, you have finally narrowed down which Carnival Cruise Line ship you want to sail on - now what?
Well, arguably the next most important piece of planning is choosing your stateroom. This cabin will serve as your home base while onboard your cruise, and you want to ensure you pick something that is comfortable for, and fits the needs of your travel party. However, you may be overwhelmed with the amount of options to choose from as Carnival Cruise Line offers many different types of stateroom categories.
Here is everything you need to know about cabins onboard Carnival Cruise Line, so you can confidently choose the best cabin for you.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line cabin guide: interior, oceanview, balcony, and suites
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.
