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. Our best cruises of the year: Staff picks of their favorite 2023 sailings
With over 380 days spent onboard cruise ships, 2023 was a big year for our Cruise.Blog team!
With sailings across Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line, it’s safe to say we’ve done our research! We strive to share our experiences, tips, and tricks with you all, and these sailings help us do so.
As the year comes to a close, we asked everyone on the team to share their favorite cruise that they went on in 2023.
Read more: Our best cruises of the year: Staff picks of their favorite 2023 sailings
2. The best stocking stuffers on Amazon for cruisers under $20
With the holiday season being in full swing, you may be looking for some last-minute gift ideas for the cruisers in your life!
Cruisers and travelers alike can always benefit from updated travel-savvy gear, especially to start the new year. Whether your loved one is a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, there's sure to be something that can help them enhance their cruising experience.
If you are looking to snag some great deals, take a look at our list below for clever gadgets and travel-friendly gifts that can be found on Amazon this holiday season
Read more: The best stocking stuffers on Amazon for cruisers under $20
3. Photos show what the smallest room on Celebrity’s newest cruise is like
Celebrity Cruises recently debuted their newest ship, Celebrity Ascent!
Like the name implies, this ship is already making waves in the cruise industry. As the fourth ship in Celebrity's Edge Class, Celebrity Ascent is full of premium experiences with an approachable sense of luxury for her guests. The staterooms aboard this ship are thoughtfully designed and proven to be functional. Even the cheapest stateroom, starting at $649 per person for a 7-night sailing, is a great option for cruisers.
Here is a look at what the inside of the smallest room on Celebrity Ascent looks like!
Read more: Photos show what the smallest room on Celebrity’s newest cruise is like
4. Winter storm delays cruise ships impacting over 10,000 passengers
One thing that you can’t predict when booking your cruise vacation is the weather.
Many cruisers sailing from Florida this past weekend experienced delays or rerouted itineraries thanks to a winter storm. While winter is typically the dry season in Florida, this cyclone-like storm came in off the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday night, crossing over Florida throughout the following hours. Passengers onboard cruise ships detailed the rocky conditions they were subject to, with some guests reporting sailing through waves around 12 feet!
Here is a look into how this storm impacted cruises.
Read more: Winter storm delays cruise ships impacting over 10,000 passengers
5. I cruised to Antarctica in a cabin that costs $1340 per night: take a look inside my lavish, cozy stateroom
Jenna recently had the opportunity to travel to Antarctica via cruise ship!
She sailed aboard the Sea Spirit, a deluxe expedition cruise ship operated by Poseidon Expeditions. She booked a Superior Suite cabin that provided spacious accommodations, along with an exterior-facing window for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The total cost for this suite ended up being $26,790 for two guests, or $13,395 per person, for the 9-night sailing.
She shares with us a peek inside her cabin
6. 10 tasks to start doing now to be ahead of everyone else for your cruise next year
Even if your cruise is months away, there are things you can start doing now to prepare for it!
While we wouldn’t recommend packing your suitcase quite yet if you still have months to go, there are some things you should start thinking about. No one wants to be stressed out at the last minute and have to rush to get their documents or excursions figured out.
Here are the tasks to start doing now to be ahead of everyone else for your cruise next year.
Read more: 10 tasks to start doing now to be ahead of everyone else for your cruise next year
7. I boarded a cruise to Antarctica: here's what it's like traveling to the White Continent on the Deluxe Sea Spirit
Have you ever wondered what it is like to cruise to Antarctica?
Well, look no further! Jenna recently returned from a 9-night sailing onboard the Sea Spirit, a deluxe expedition cruise ship operated by Poseidon Expeditions, with Antarctica as the destination. As you can imagine, getting there is considered quite an adventure as well.
She shares with us her journey traveling to the White Continent and what it was like once she arrived.
8. What’s new for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024
With the debut of a new ship and new itineraries, 2023 was quite the year for Norwegian Cruise Line!
With the 2023 year coming to an end, we are looking forward to the future. What does 2024 have in store for Norwegian Cruise Line? From new itineraries to stateroom categories and more, there is plenty to look forward to when it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line in the new year.
Here's how the next year will shape this major player in the cruise line industry.
Read more: What’s new for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024
9. 7 things that surprised me about my first expedition cruise to Antarctica (there were just 107 guests onboard!)
When you picture a cruise vacation, you may be picturing one of the newer city-like ships that sail to the tropical Caribbean.
Well, there is also another form of cruising that may not be as well known: expedition cruising. Boarding a small expedition vessel gets you up close to the world’s most wild, remote destinations, allowing you to experience these places in a way few others can. Jenna recently returned from her first-ever expedition cruise to Antarctica and enjoyed the experience more than she thought possible.
From active days ashore to intriguing learning opportunities onboard, here are the 7 things that surprised Jenna about her first expedition cruise.
10. 8 Best New Cruise Ships Launching in 2024
2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for the cruising industry!
With the launch of the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas, to the brand-new Disney Treasure, there is no shortage of new cruise ships for travelers to try out in the new year. Fans of the intimate experience that accompanies luxury cruising will rejoice with the launch of Silver Ray and Explora II, which will transport passengers to unique destinations. With all of these different ships debuting, it can be hard to keep track of them all.
Here are the best new cruise ships launching in 2024 that you can look forward to.
Read more: 8 Best New Cruise Ships Launching 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.
