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. 10 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet
If you have a cruise planned, chances are you will have access to an all-you-can-eat buffet for some of your meals.
While cruise ships are known for having multiple dining options, one of the most popular is the buffet. Buffets are great when people in the same travel party want different types of cuisine or just a quicker option than a sit-down style meal. However, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to cruise ship buffets that you will want to be aware of.
From not washing your hands to bypassing the made-to-order stations, here are 10 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet.
Read more: 10 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet
2. 5 habits of successful cruisers
When the time comes to finally board your cruise vacation, you want to make sure that the vacation is a success.
No one wants to walk away from a trip and feel like it was a disappointment; however, it does happen. Whether it's selecting the wrong cabin to not booking the right shore excursion, little details can add up and make what was supposed to be a great trip into one you’d rather not do again. Luckily for cruisers, the seasoned pros are always willing to share their tips to help ensure that everyone has a great time.
Here are 5 habits of successful cruisers, so you can cruise like a pro even if you've never stepped foot on a ship before!
Read more: 5 habits of successful cruisers
3. I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Norwegian's newest cruise ship. Here's what a windowless cabin on Viva looks like
Norwegian Cruise Line recently debuted their newest ship, Norwegian Viva, in August 2023 sailing in the Mediterranean.
Our Cruise.Blog writers had the opportunity to sail onboard Norwegian Viva’s first cruise departing from the United States before she homeports in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They opted to stay in the cheapest category room available, which was a standard interior stateroom, for a travel party of three. Overall, they were impressed with the room and the layout, including the pull-down bunk bed.
Take a look inside what the cheapest room on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship looks like!
4. I cruised in my first suite on the new Celebrity Ascent: See the spacious cruise cabin
Celebrity Cruises recently launched on their newest ship, Celebrity Ascent, and Cruise.Blog was invited onboard for a quick 2-night media event.
Celebrity Ascent is the fleet’s fourth ship in their award-winning Edge Class. For this sailing, our writers were able to stay in one of the suites in the coveted area known as The Retreat.
Come along as they show you what the inside of this suite looks like and the perks that come along with it.
Read more: I cruised in my first suite on the new Celebrity Ascent: See the spacious cruise cabin
5. 5 foods not to eat on a cruise
When it comes to cruising, it’s a safe bet to know that you will never go hungry.
With all of the different dining options, there is something for everyone. Even so, cruise lines are not typically known for the best quality food. Essentially, you shouldn’t board your ship expecting what you may find in a fine-dining restaurant. That being said, there are still plenty of delicious options on board!
If you are someone with a sensitive stomach or simply want to avoid some of the worst options, here's a list of 5 foods you should never eat on a cruise.
Read more: 5 foods not to eat on a cruise
6. 10 things Celebrity got right with Celebrity Ascent
Hyped up even before her debut, Celebrity Ascent is living up to her expectations.
Designed to be a cut above the rest, Celebrity Ascent is Celebrity Cruises' newest ship. Cruise.Blog writer Allie had the opportunity to sail on her sister ship, Celebrity Beyond last year, where she fell in love with the Celebrity cruising experience. After spending 2 nights onboard this new ship, it’s safe to say she walked away impressed.
Here are the 10 things that Celebrity Cruises got right with Celebrity Ascent.
Read more: 10 things Celebrity got right with Celebrity Ascent
7. Cruise ducks: all about hiding ducks on a cruise ship
If you have ever been on a cruise ship, you may have noticed little rubber ducks hidden around the ship.
While a relatively new phenomenon, hiding ducks on a cruise ship is a fun activity that connects cruisers from across the world. Folks bring these rubber ducks onboard with them, usually with a note attached sharing where the duck is from, allowing the finder to either keep or re-hide the duck. Essentially, hunting for ducks on a cruise is like participating in a scavenger hunt, just without any hints.
Here is everything you need to know about hiding and hunting for ducks on a cruise ship.
Read more: Cruise ducks: all about hiding ducks on a cruise ship
8. The 9 Roughest Seas In The World For Cruise Ships
While most people think about cruising in the calm Caribbean waters, there are plenty of cruises taking place all over the world.
It is important to research the weather of the destination you will be cruising to and from. If you are prone to seasickness or are concerned that certain ports may be missed due to poor weather, you may also want to look avoid sailing in some seas. While there are always certain precautions you can take, such as booking during specific seasons, nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to nature.
Here is a list of the 9 roughest seas in the world for cruise ships.
Read more: The 9 Roughest Seas In The World For Cruise Ships
9. Cruise passengers distraught after being left behind by ship
One of the worst things that can happen to you on a cruise is your ship leaving without you.
Unfortunately, this happened to TikTok user @alexisb639 when going to board a Princess Cruises ship in Long Beach, California. She posted a video to her TikTok account, where viewers can see Discovery Princess pushing back from the pier while Alexis other cruisers are left in a nearby parking lot.
Here is more information on exactly how they ended up in this situation, and how you can avoid it.
Read more: Cruise passengers distraught after being left behind by ship
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.
