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. Two more Taylor Swift-themed cruises will set sail in 2024 but don’t expect the singer to be there
A cruise vacation filled with Swifites?
That’s right! A travel agency is organizing more fan-led Taylor Swift group cruises that are set to depart next summer. Just a few weeks ago, they announced the first Taylor Swift-themed cruise, generating a lot of buzz. These cruises are not directly affiliated with the popular singer, but it is not holding back fans of her music when it comes to booking the cruises.
"Bestie Cruise 2024" is going to be held on two different Navigator of the Seas cruises to the Mexican Riveria.
Read more: Two more Taylor Swift-themed cruises will set sail in 2024, but don’t expect the singer to be there
2. The best Black Friday deals on Amazon for cruisers
Black Friday isn’t just for in-person shopping anymore!
If you are interested in some of the best cruise deals you can find on Amazon, look no further. Although most people think of massive discounts on electronics, savvy travelers know that Black Friday is also a great time to prepare for their next cruise.
While Amazon has frequent sales throughout the year, including Amazon Prime Day, you won’t want to miss out on this year’s Black Friday deals.
Read more: The best Black Friday deals on Amazon for cruisers
3. Here are the best Cyber Monday cruise deals of 2023
‘Tis the season of savings!
Traditionally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday allow shoppers to save money on things from brand-new electronics to vacations. While many Black Friday cruise sales began well before Thanksgiving, many have continued after, too. Many of these deals continued to stay well past Monday!
Here are the best Cyber Monday cruise deals of 2023.
Read more: Here are the best Cyber Monday cruise deals of 2023
4. 10 things I wish I had done differently on my Carnival Vista cruise
Even the most experienced cruisers experience hiccups or disappointments on their cruises.
Elizabeth recently sailed on the Carnival Vista for a 5-night cruise. While it wasn’t her first cruise with Carnival, she embarked knowing that there were likely to be a few things she didn’t get right as she is newer to sailing with them. She was shocked with how different this ship was compared to her other sailing on Carnival Celebration.
Here are 10 things Elizabeth wishes she had done differently while sailing on Carnival Vista.
Read more: 10 things I wish I had done differently on my Carnival Vista cruise
5. Norwegian Star review: What is this 20+ year old ship really like?
It seems that these days, the newest cruise ships are all the rage.
However, there are still plenty of cruise ships that are older that are worth sailing on! Hayley recently returned from a 10-night sailing onboard Norwegian Star, which is over two decades old. She wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from a ship this age but found too good of a deal to pass up.
Here are her thoughts about what it's like to sail onboard this 20+-year-old ship!
Read more: Norwegian Star review: What is this 20+ year old ship really like?
6. The 4 Airports Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port (2024)
Port Canaveral is one of the most popular, and the busiest, cruise ports!
Located centrally on the East Coast of Florida, this cruise port is different from the likes of Port Everglades or Port Miami, especially if you’re flying. While you won’t find an airport close to the port, there are four options to choose from within 75 miles. This requires cruisers sailing out of Port Canaveral to take a little more care when it comes to their pre- and post-cruise travel plans.
Here's a guide to the four airports near the Port Canaveral cruise port.
Read more: The 4 Airports Near Port Canaveral Cruise Port (2024)
7. I have been on 4 Norwegian Cruise Line classes and 5 ships: Here’s what I like and dislike about each
Hayley is no stranger when it comes to cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Having sailed on four of the NCL’s classes of ships, she has gained quite the experience and insight into what these ship categories are like. All of these ships have provided excellent cruising experiences and vacations; however, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
She shares with us some of the top differences between these four classes of ships, and what she thinks you should know before sailing.
Read more: I have been on 4 Norwegian Cruise Line classes and 5 ships: Here’s what I like and dislike about each
8. First look: Inside the brand-new Celebrity Ascent
Celebrity Ascent has arrived as the newest, highly-anticipated cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises!
This ship is the fourth vessel in Celebrity’s revolutionary Edge Class of ships. While she is a sister ship to Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Ascent is considered the most innovative cruise ship ever built by Celebrity Cruises. Like her name implies, Celebrity Ascent is a cut above the rest.
Join us as we show you the first look onboard Celebrity’s newest ship!
Read more: First look: Inside the brand-new Celebrity Ascent
9. 6 big changes coming to Carnival in 2024
If you are planning a cruise on Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, there are some things you will want to keep in mind.
Cruise lines often implement changes and additions that sometimes can catch cruisers off guard. Carnival Cruise Line has a few of these planned for 2024. For instance, if you were hoping to visit Celebration Key, you'll have to wait one more year, as this port won't open until 2025.
Here are six big changes you can expect that will impact your cruising experience in 2024 and beyond
Read more: 6 big changes coming to Carnival in 2024
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.
