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. Here are some tips and tricks for having the best nails for your upcoming cruise!
When you get closer to your cruise, there is no doubt you will be thinking of all the ways you need to prepare.
One of the things that you may want to add to your list, is your nails. Getting your nails done, or doing your own prior to cruising is a great way to get into the spirit of vacation, and treat yourself. Don’t worry, there are plenty of options when it comes to having pretty nails for your next cruise vacation.
Here are some tips and tricks for having the best nails for your upcoming cruise sailing.
Read more: Tips, tricks, and ideas for the perfect cruise nails
2. I took my first solo cruise on Carnival Cruise Line. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone
Elizabeth is no stranger when it comes to cruising, and even cruising solo!
After three solo cruises onboard MSC and Royal Caribbean ships, she recently embarked on a solo cruise on Carnival Cruise Line. She spent 7 nights onboard Carnival Celebration, sailing the Caribbean, by herself. This wasn’t just her first solo Carnival cruise, it was her first Carnival Cruise!
During this trip, she got to learn what she loved and hated about cruising with Carnival, as well as think about the pros and cons of cruising alone.
3. I booked a cruise that included an international flight for $160 per day. Was it worth it to cruise during shoulder season?
One thing all cruisers can agree on, is that finding a good cruise deal is the best feeling.
Especially when it comes to European cruises, which are known for bending your budget. However, Cruise.Blog writer Allie found a stellar deal sailing onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star for a 10-night British Isles cruise. For an interior guarantee room, international round-trip flights, and the cruise itself, the cost came out to $1,600.
However, there was a catch to this deal: sailing during the shoulder season. Here’s why she would hesitate to book another cruise during shoulder season and why she won’t be booking airfare with a cruise line again.
4. Royal Caribbean cabin and suite categories guide
When you finally decide to book your cruise, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right cabin.
If you’re planning on sailing with Royal Caribbean, you might be overwhelmed with the choices. Royal Caribbean has not only the largest fleet of cruise ships, but also some staggering cabin types to choose from. You want to ensure that you pick the right “home away from home” to ensure you enjoy your cruise.
Here's the ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabin and suite categories.
Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin and suite categories guide
5. 10 things Disney got right about their private island Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line is one of the biggest names in the cruise industry, and for good reason.
They are known for bringing their magic on board their ships, but also to their private island. Disney’s Castaway Cay is the cruise line’s private island destination, located in The Bahamas. Hayley recently got a chance to experience this island for herself, and after spending some time there she can say that is is one of her favorite cruise line private islands.
Here are 10 things Disney got right about Castaway Cay and why she can't wait to return in the future!
Read more: 10 things Disney got right about their private island Castaway Cay
6. Packing for a cruise isn't easy, so here's what to bring for a week long cruise
When it comes close to board your cruise vacation, you want to ensure that you have packed correctly.
However, not every cruise is the same. For instance, a 7-night cruise in the Caribbean will require vastly different items than a 7-night cruise in Alaska. Confused about what you should pack for a 7-day cruise? We've got you covered.
Here is our list of what you need to pack for your next 7 day cruise.
Read more: What to pack for a 7 day cruise
7. These are the things not to do on a cruise, even if it's not against the cruise line's rules
Taking a cruise vacation is a great way to relax and unwind.
However, you sure do not want to find yourself in trouble while onboard. Similar to school, work and other hobbies, cruising has unwritten rules that we must abide by while on vacation. Just as you wouldn’t be rude to other players in a sporting match, you do not want to be rude to other passengers or guest services while cruising.
Here are the unspoken rules of behavior and etiquette on a cruise ship.
Read more: These are the things not to do on a cruise, even if it's not against the cruise line's rules
8. How are cruise ships built?
When looking at the most recent cruise ships that have debuted, it is astonishing what the engineers can accomplish.
These floating cities will often house extreme entertainment, such as go-karts, waterslides, and even ropes courses. On average, building a cruise ship takes two to three years, from the time the keel is laid to when the ship is launched. This does not include the time it took to design the ship.
This may have you wondering, how exactly are these cruise ships built?
Read more: How are cruise ships built?
9. 20 things I loved and hated on MSC Divina
Chantal recently scored a great deal sailing on an MSC ship.
For only $185 per person, she was able to cruise on four-night Bahamas cruise on MSC Divina. Not only was that fare alone a steal, but it also included Wi-Fi and a drink package! After finding this fare, even though it was a last-minute add on to another trip she was taking, she couldn’t hesitate to book it. She didn’t have the time to research much about the ship, and boarded without many expectations.
Overall, it was a fun cruise experience, and there were a lot of things that she loved about cruising on MSC Divina, but there were definitely some things that could be improved.
Read more: 20 things I loved and hated on MSC Divina
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.
