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 took my first Celebrity Cruise. Here are the pros and cons of this cruise line
Jodi is no stranger when it comes to cruising!
After sailing with Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Virgin Voyages, she and her friends booked their first sailing on Celebrity Cruises aboard Celebrity Summit. They were initially surprised at the lower cruise fare, especially compared to other cruise lines.
So, how did this ship hold up to this expert cruiser’s expectations? Read more to find out!
Read more: I took my first Celebrity Cruise. Here are the pros and cons of this cruise line
2. Are kids free on cruises? How family cruise pricing works
While cruising is a great form of travel, it has its differences from the hotels you may be used to.
One of the biggest differences, and one that you will notice right away, is that pricing for the cabin is per person, not per room. Of course, this can lead to sticker shock, especially if trying to book a family vacation. However, families will be happy to know that certain cruise lines offer “Kids Sail Free” deals throughout the year.
What do these deals entail? Here is a rundown of how family cruise pricing works.
Read more: Are kids free on cruises? How family cruise pricing works
3. From multi-level cabins to two-bedroom retreats, here's how to pick the perfect Royal Caribbean suite
When it comes to cruise ships, cruisers will have plenty of options of cabins to choose from.
For those sailing with family, they should absolutely consider sailing onboard Royal Caribbean in one of their spacious suites. Not only do the rooms offer more space, but they often have access to perks and benefits that standard cabins do not. Since suites are limited in number on each ship, they are often one of the first categories to sell out.
If you are considering booking a Royal Caribbean suite, here is everything you need to know about their suite program and what splurging on one of these cabins means for you!
4. What you need to know before cruising from this popular UK port!
If you are considering taking a cruise out of Europe, chances are you have seen sailings that leave out of Southampton Cruise Port.
This cruise port is located in Hampshire, England and serves more than two million passengers each year. Home to five passenger terminals, this is the largest passenger port in the UK and also the busiest! With the port being conveniently located to London, there is no doubt why this is such a popular departure port for European sailings.
If you’re sailing from Southampton, we have everything you need to know about one of the biggest ports in Europe.
Read more: Guide to Southampton Cruise Port (2024)
5. 11 things I wish I knew before my first Carnival cruise
Having sailed on over a dozen cruises, Elizabeth is so stranger to life at sea.
While most of her sailings have taken place on Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, she recently had the opportunity to go on her first Carnival Cruise. Coming from a world of other cruise lines, she felt like a cruise novice and was not sure what to expect when stepping onboard her first Carnival cruise.
Here are 11 things she wishes she had known before her first Carnival cruise.
Read more: 11 things I wish I knew before my first Carnival cruise
6. I cruised to Europe with a first-timer. Here's why she might not cruise again.
When it comes to cruising, there are a lot of things that can be overwhelming for first-time cruisers.
Two of our writers recently returned from a 10-night British Isles sailing onboard Norwegian Star and had the opportunity to sail with some friends. One of those friends, Logan, had never cruised before and was excited about the itinerary and chance to explore multiple countries in one trip. Of course, with all vacations, not everything went as planned.
Here’s everything that went right and wrong during their cruise onboard Norwegian Star and why she might reconsider cruises again in the future.
Read more: I cruised to Europe with a first-timer. Here's why she might not cruise again.
7. Ideas for what to wear on a cruise ship formal night
If you are starting to pack and prepare for an upcoming cruise, you will want to ensure that you have an outfit for formal night!
Each cruise line uses different terminology when referring to their formal night (for instance Carnival calls it “elegant night”), but for all of them, it is a great opportunity to dress up, indulge in a great dinner, and take some photos while enjoying the evening's festivities. For those who haven’t cruised or haven’t experienced a formal night, they may be left wondering what they should pack for this night.
We have compiled some great dresses for cruise formal night available on Amazon that won't break the bank and can be worn again for other upcoming functions!
Read more: Best Dresses for Cruise Formal Night
8. Take a look inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters
Have you ever wondered what a cruise ship Captain’s living quarters look like?
During his time onboard as Captain of Harmony of the Seas, Captain Johnny Faevelen posted a video on his TikTok (@captainjohnnyfaevelen) to give people a peek into what his living quarters were like. You might be surprised not to find any bunk beds or tiny showers. Instead, he has an expansive living room with a spacious foyer, as well as a separate kitchen, master bathroom, and even a guest bathroom!
Here is your chance to take a peek inside the decked-out crib that Captain Faevelen lived in while he was commanding Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships at sea.
Read more: Take a look inside a cruise ship captain's living quarters
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.
