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. The biggest cruise rip-offs that you should avoid to save money
When it comes to traveling, there is one thing everyone wants to avoid: wasting money.
Cruising is no exception! While cruises can often be a great way to take an affordable vacation, there are still certain areas where you could end up spending money when you didn’t need to. In fact, it’s easy to feel as though you’re being nickel-and-dimed by the cruise lines, even after you’ve made your final cruise payment. Things like Wi-Fi, spa treatments, art auctions, and even bottled water can all rack up a huge bill. This is especially true if you’re sailing with a family, as the expenses can quickly multiply.
Here are the biggest cruise rip-offs that you should avoid to ensure you aren’t wasting your money.
Read more: The biggest cruise rip-offs that you should avoid to save money
2. Norwegian cruise ship in Africa being investigated for potential cholera outbreak
One Norwegian cruise ship was quarantined off the coast of Africa as the vessel was being tested for a potential outbreak of cholera, which is a bacterial disease typically caused by contaminated water.
On February 25th, guests who were set to depart Norwegian Dawn into the island of Mauritius were denied entry. This was due to the spreading of a gastrointestinal illness that was occurring onboard, with supposedly upwards of 100+ infected guests according to reports from passengers onboard the ship.
Guests on the currently impacted itinerary and subsequent delayed cruise have received a future cruise credit from Norwegian Cruise Line due to the unfortunate situation.
Read more: Norwegian cruise ship in Africa being investigated for potential cholera outbreak
3. 19 things to do on a cruise that don't involve eating, drinking, or gambling
Cruises are often depicted as a vacation spent eating, drinking, and gambling.
However, this can be far from the truth! While these activities are available for most cruisers, there are plenty of other things to do while onboard. This is one of the many reasons that cruising appeals to a diverse range of individuals, as there is something for everyone to enjoy while sailing.
If you aren't convinced that cruising is for you, here's a list of 19 things to do that don't involve eating, drinking, or gambling.
Read more: 19 things to do on a cruise that don't involve eating, drinking, or gambling
4. Did you know these cruise lines include airfare?
When it comes to cruising, it is tough to beat a more convenient vacation.
After all, your lodging is constantly traveling, allowing you to visit multiple destinations on just one trip! However, before stepping on board, you will have to ensure that you arrange your transportation to the cruise. If you live far enough away that you have to travel to your embarkation port via plane, it can be tricky to try to find a cost-effective plane fare. While it’s true that most cruise lines don’t include airfare in the base price of your cruise, there are a few that do.
Here are 4 cruise packages that will include the airfare in your total cruise price!
Read more: 4 Cruise packages with airfare included in the price
5. There are some aspects of a Disney cruise that might not appeal to all vacationers
Disney Cruise Line is known for creating magical memories at sea for their cruisers.
However, there are certain aspects of sailing on a Disney cruise that are not appealing to all cruisers. While you are sure to have a great time while sailing with them, there are certain things, like loyalty perks, that fall short compared to other cruise lines.
From flexible dining to drink packages and more, here are 5 things that Disney Cruise Line is doing wrong.
Read more: 5 things Disney Cruise Line is doing wrong
6. Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Which cruise line to take?
As two of the most popular cruise lines in the industry, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line have a lot to offer!
They are both home to large cruise ships, offering plenty of attractions, entertainment, and activities at an affordable price. It can be hard for cruisers to narrow down which cruise line they would like to sail with. Even with all of these commonalities, Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have some very distinct differences you should know about.
Here you can find a comprehensive overview so prospective travelers can decide which cruise line to take.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line: Which cruise line to take?
7. 9 things you have to book in advance for cruise vacations
When it comes to cruising, the biggest choice you’ll have to make is deciding which ship and itinerary you want to sail on!
However, the choices don’t end there. Once you have your vacation booked, you will want to ensure that you have everything else planned, so you can have the most memorable trip possible. For instance, you don’t want to wait to board the ship just to find out the excursion you were excited about has sold out, or that you can’t get the reservation time you wanted at a specialty restaurant.
To make the most out of your time onboard, here are 9 things you have to book in advance for cruise vacations.
Read more: 9 things you have to book in advance for cruise vacations
8. I booked the cheapest Royal Caribbean suite for $4,000 and couldn’t believe how many perks it included. Take a look inside
Have you ever wondered what it is like to travel in the suite life onboard a cruise?
Writer Calista recently returned from a sailing onboard Allure of the Seas, where she had the opportunity to experience a suite cabin for the first time. She was interested to see how this suite would compare to an inside or balcony cabin and if it was worth the upgrade. When looking at her options, she ended up booking one of the cheapest suites she could find: a 1-bedroom Grand Suite stateroom in the Sky-Class category.
Here is what her experience in the suite life was like and her thoughts on if it was worth it!
9. 12 sneaky ways cruise lines get you to spend more money
There is nothing worse than realizing that you overspent on a vacation.
When it comes to booking a cruise, oftentimes the rate that you are being shown isn’t the amount that you will end up paying. While some of these extra fees are unavoidable, such as port fees and taxes, there are plenty of other optional charges that you’ll find such as Wi-Fi and excursions. Of course, not all of these add-ons are necessary; however, you still want to ensure that you have a memorable vacation.
Here are 12 sneaky ways cruise lines get you to spend more money.
Read more: 12 sneaky ways cruise lines get you to spend more money
10. I have been on Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest and newest ships: Here are my top 10 tips
When it comes to cruise ships, it seems that all of the hype lately is on the newest and biggest ones!
Cruise.Blog writer Hayley has had the opportunity to sail on both the oldest and newest ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. While they, of course, are different from one another, she was also surprised at what each ship had to offer. Surprisingly, some of her favorite experiences have been on the older vessels,as the most unique ones have taken place on the newest ships.
Here are the tips and tricks she’s learned while sailing Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and oldest ships.
Read more: I have been on Norwegian Cruise Line’s oldest and newest ships: Here are my top 10 tips
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.
