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. Why Norwegian Cruise Line may or may not be the perfect fit
As one of the largest cruise lines in the industry, it is no wonder that Norwegian Cruise Line has something for every type of cruiser.
While each cruise line has pros and cons, it is important to know about what these are before booking to ensure that you have the best vacation possible. NCL has a commitment to bringing great cruise vacations to their guests for reasonable prices, but “great” can be subjective! Hayley has cruised with Norwegian Cruise Line multiple times and has been able to gain some insight into what exactly NCL offers to its cruisers, both the good and the bad.
Here are her thoughts on why this cruise line might or might not be the right fit for those looking to book their next cruise.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line: Pros and Cons
2. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or simply want to refresh yourself on cruise dining etiquette, here are 10 mistakes that you'll want to avoid making
For some people, one of the best parts of taking a vacation is that you don’t need to cook your meals.
When it comes to cruising, oftentimes, people will automatically think about the endless buffets and unlimited offerings. While these things are true on most cruise lines, it is important to realize the differences between eating onboard a cruise and eating on land. For instance, at the end of your meal, you won’t be receiving a check unless you booked at a specialty dining restaurant.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser or simply want to refresh yourself on cruise ship dining etiquette, here are 10 mistakes that you'll want to avoid making.
Read more: Top 10 Cruise Dining Mistakes
3. Did you know you can cruise without your parents if you’re 18?
Growing up, a rite of passage was partaking in Senior Beach Week.
However, with most high school graduates being only 18, their options for booking accommodations on a cruise without their parents can be very limited. If you are looking for a way to celebrate graduation or take a trip without your parents, you are in luck. With accommodations, food, and entertainment bundled in one, cruising can allow you to get some of the best bang for your buck.
However, not every cruise line will allow 18-year-olds to book. Here's everything you need to know about the best cruises for 18-year-olds.
Read more: The Best Cruises For 18-Year-Olds Without Their Parents
4. If you have Royal Caribbean onboard credit, be sure to use it wisely!
If you are looking to book a Royal Caribbean cruise during certain promotion periods, there is a chance that you might end up with some onboard credit!
While this credit won’t help you pay off your cruise fare, there are some pretty great ways to spend it. Of course, as with anything that's "free," there are some restrictions as to how you can use it. Some cruisers might not even be aware of what onboard credit means for them.
Here is everything you need to know about onboard credit on Royal Caribbean, and how to spend it.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Onboard Credit & How To Spend It
5. The worst months to cruise the Caribbean
When picturing a cruise to the Caribbean, you may be envisioning sunny days, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters.
While that may be the case for some cruisers, it often depends on when you are cruising to the Caribbean. Certain times of the year will want to be avoided, as you have the best chance of sailing in the best weather. With their seasons being divided into wet and dry seasons, you may already be thinking about which season you want to sail during.
Here are the worst months to cruise the Caribbean.
Read more: The worst months to cruise the Caribbean
6. 11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Royal Caribbean ship
When it comes to cruising, it can be helpful to know insider tips and secrets before getting onboard.
Like with all cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is known for a certain style of cruising. Their ships are also unique to their brand and have offerings that you won’t find elsewhere. Calista recently went on her first Royal Caribbean cruise onboard Wonder of the Seas and was surprised at many aspects of cruising.
Here are 11 things that she wishes she knew before setting foot on a Royal Caribbean ship.
Read more: 11 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Royal Caribbean ship
7. Take a photo tour of a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom onboard the Disney Wish!
When it comes to magical vacations, Disney Cruise Line is at the top.
In 2022, Disney Cruise Line introduced their first new ship since 2012. The highly anticipated vessel, Disney Wish, is currently the largest in their five-ship fleet. Being both the newest and the largest, it was no surprise that many people wonder what the staterooms look like. While they do offer many of the same stateroom categories as the rest of their fleet, there are certain enhancements that cruisers will only find on the Disney Wish.
Here is an inside look into Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah onboard Disney Wish.
Read more: Disney Wish Stateroom Tour
8. How To Get Away With Smoking On A Cruise Ship
If you are on a cruise ship, it is important to know that you cannot pull out a cigarette and lighter wherever you want.
Cruise lines have very specific rules when it comes to smoking onboard. For instance, if you are caught smoking on your balcony, you can face fines upwards of $500. Luckily for those who smoke, there are designated areas onboard for them to do so. Of course, these vary by cruise line and even by cruise ship.
Here is everything you need to know about smoking on a cruise ship and how to successfully get away with it, so you do not end up with a large fine on your onboard account!
Read more: How To Get Away With Smoking On A Cruise Ship
9. I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival Conquest. It was small and windowless, but for $200 a night, it was a great deal — take a look
When it comes to vacationing, finding a great deal is one of the best feelings out there.
Elizabeth recently found one of those great deals: a 4-night cruise to The Bahamas onboard Carnival Conquest for only $200 a night. She had previously sailed on Carnival’s newer ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Vista, so she wasn’t quite sure what to expect when it came to cabins onboard one of the fleet’s older ships. Surprisingly, at 185 square feet, it was one of the more spacious interior rooms that she had stayed in.
Here is a look at what this interior cabin looks like on Carnival Conquest.
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.
