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. 13 things I loved and hated about Carnival Conquest
Sometimes when searching for a vacation, you find a deal that is just too good to pass up.
Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently found one of these deals for a sailing onboard Carnival Conquest. While she has cruised on other Carnival ships in the past, they were both newer and larger, so she wasn’t sure what to expect from this ship. But at just over $800 for two people, including gratuities, she knew she should book the cruise and find out for herself.
Here is everything that she loved and hated after spending 4 nights onboard Carnival Conquest.
Read more: 13 things I loved and hated about Carnival Conquest
2. How does a standard interior stateroom on Norwegian compare to a family interior stateroom?
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its forward-thinking cabin design.
In fact, NCL offers a large variety of stateroom cabins and accommodations for almost any group of travelers, ranging from families to solo travelers. Our writers have been able to sail on ships as new as Norwegian Viva to some of the oldest in the fleet, giving them ample opportunities to compare how these interior rooms stack up. They've even had the opportunity to stay in a family interior stateroom!
Here's an overview of how the staterooms are compared, including a comparison of the cabins’ size, amenities, storage, and suitability for families.
Read more: How does a standard interior stateroom on Norwegian compare to a family interior stateroom?
3. 8 mistakes I saw people make on my Carnival cruise
When it comes to any type of vacation, the last thing you want to do is make mistakes.
Cruising is no exception to this. Whether you are a first-time or well-seasoned cruiser, there are certain things that you want to be aware of, so you don’t waste precious vacation time. Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently spent 4 nights onboard Carnival Conquest and couldn’t help but notice common cruising mistakes occurring, most of which could have easily been avoided!
From forgetting medication to waiting in line for food, here are 8 mistakes she saw people, including herself, make!
Read more: 8 mistakes I saw people make on my Carnival cruise
4. This old Norwegian Cruise Line ship is one of my favorites: Here are 10 reasons why
It seems that all of the focus on the cruise industry lately is on the newest, and largest, ships.
However, there are still plenty of older ships in service! While cruisers are torn on what types of ships they prefer (new vs. old, big vs. large), smaller and older ships still offer a great vacation. After sailing onboard one of Norwegian's oldest ships, Norwegian Star, Cruise.Blog writer Hayley quickly became fond of the vessel.
Here is why this voyage became one of her favorite cruises, and why it was largely due to the great itinerary and awesome ship.
Read more: This old Norwegian Cruise Line ship is one of my favorites: Here are 10 reasons why
5. Everything We Know About Carnival's Celebration Key
There is a brand-new port coming to The Bahamas next year!
Carnival Cruise Line is busy working on their newest port, Celebration Key, which is slated to open in July 2025. This port will be a private destination, meaning that other cruise lines won’t have the option to visit. However, unlike Half Moon Cay, it is not a private island. Instead, this port and destination is on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, the same island where Freeport is located.
Here is a breakdown of everything we know so far about Celebration Key.
Read more: Everything We Know About Carnival's Celebration Key
6. Have you ever wondered where and how today's cruise ships are built? We got you covered!
With the newest cruise ships seemingly taking on the form of a floating city, you may be wondering where they are built.
It’s no surprise that cruisers are interested in the construction process of the cruise ships themselves, especially with all of these new, groundbreaking, and jaw-dropping ships being launched. In fact, it's rather interesting, especially when you think about how only a handful of shipyards are equipped to handle these massive projects.
Here is everything you need to know about where cruise ships are built and what the construction process and timeline look like.
Read more: Where are cruise ships built?
7. Going on a cruise soon? Check out our planning checklist before setting sail!
Every type of vacation requires some type of planning to be involved.
Cruising is no different! Even though a cruise vacation is one of the easier, more convenient forms of travel, there is still a bit of planning you will want to do to ensure you have the best vacation possible. Rather than saving important tasks until the last minute, we've created the best pre-cruise planning checklist to ensure that you don't miss any steps!
Here is everything you should be prepared with before sailing.
Read more: Pre-Cruise Planning Checklist
8. Are cruise drink packages worth it?
When you imagine a cruise vacation, you may be thinking of a tropical drink in hand while sailing along.
While there's a lot included in your cruise fare, alcoholic beverages usually will cost you extra, especially if you are sailing on a mainstream cruise line. One of the biggest questions amongst cruisers is wondering if the drink package is worth the purchase. These packages are not a cheap investment, so we understand why many people wonder if they are worth the cost.
In this guide, we break down specific considerations that go into whether or not you should purchase one, including itinerary, drinking habits, and more.
Read more: Are cruise drink packages worth it?
9. Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay: Which should you choose?
Oftentimes when sailing in The Bahamas, you’ll find that one of your ports is the cruise line’s private destination.
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have popular private islands within The Bahamas that are loved by their cruisers. Royal’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival’s Half Moon Cay can only be visited when sailing on one of their respective ships. While these islands are similar, they are not identical. Each has unique offerings, so you will want to do research before settling on a cruise line.
Here is your ultimate guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay compared to Half Moon Cay.
Read more: Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay vs Carnival's Half Moon Cay: Which should you choose?
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.
