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Cruise week report: Carnival spring break cruises, MSC Cruise mistakes to avoid, toiletries to pack for, and more!

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We share a lot 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. 8 reasons why Cunard is an expensive cruise line

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When it comes to taking a vacation, price can be a big determining factor.

While not as well-known as cruise giants like Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, Cunard is a cruise line for those looking for a most upscale cruise. They are known for providing a luxury cruise experience, however that tends to come with a more expensive price tag. Of course like any cruise line, Cunard won’t appeal to everyone, but if you are interested in a cruise with traditional elegance and a slower pace, this may be the right cruise line for you.

Here are 8 reasons as to why Cunard is so expensive.

Read more: Why is Cunard so expensive?

2. Is a spring break cruise with Carnival too crazy? I went onboard to find out

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Widely known as one of the busiest, and most expensive times to travel, Spring Break is officially here.

Cruises are especially popular for spring break, as they offer a convenient, cost-effective vacation for all types of people. Carnival Cruise Line is known for their cheap fares, and marketing themselves as the “Most Fun Ships at Sea”, which means that they tend to draw a large spring break crowd each year. You may be wondering, what is it actually like to sail on a Carnival cruise during spring break season, and if the atmosphere is right for you.

Here is our experience sailing during Spring Break on a Carnival ship, and whether we would book it again.

Read more: Is a spring break cruise with Carnival too crazy? I went onboard to find out

3. I Have Sailed on 5 Cruise Lines—These Cruise Loyalty Programs Have the Best Savings and Perks

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Much like other forms of travel, being loyal to certain cruise lines can come with it’s advantages.

Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth has been traveling since the early 2000’s, and has sailed on over 5 cruise lines including MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Over all of these sailings, she has come to learn what she prefers when it comes to certain cruise lines, due to the benefits of their loyalty programs.

From complimentary drinks, to cabin discounts, photographs and more, here are the cruise lines that have the best savings and perks for their loyalty programs.

Read more: I Have Sailed on 5 Cruise Lines—These Cruise Loyalty Programs Have the Best Savings and Perks

4. I tried the most common seasickness hacks to find out what works best

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Cruising is a great form of travel, but it can come with some cons.

One of the major ones that people are concerned about, is motion sickness. Afterall, your accommodations are constantly moving, and the weather can be unpredictable. Cruise.Blog writer Calista boarded her first cruise vacation recently, and quickly realized she was susceptible to seasickness. Luckily, she was prepared and brought along motion sickness remedies so she was still able to enjoy her vacation.

Here is a list of what sea sickness remedies that you should consider for your next cruise vacation.

Read more: I tried the most common seasickness hacks to find out what works best

5. I took my first solo cruise on Celebrity Cruises. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

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Have you ever considered taking a cruise vacation by yourself?

Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently returned from her first solo cruise onboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, Celebrity Ascent. She had previously sailed solo on Royal Caribbean, so while she wasn’t completely new to this form of travel, she still was interested to see how the experience on Celebrity would be. Luckily, her sailing was on the newest ship in the fleet, which gave her a lot to look forward too.

After returning from this cruise, she shares with us the pros and cons of sailing alone on Celebrity Cruises. 

Read more: I took my first solo cruise on Celebrity Cruises. After 7 nights, here are the pros and cons of cruising alone

6. 20 mistakes I saw people make on my MSC cruise

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With ten cruises under her belt, Cruise.Blog writer Chantal is no stranger when it comes to cruising.

However, she still finds that she learns something new on every cruise she takes, and continues to be shocked by the mistakes that other cruisers make. From saving time and money, to making the most of your vacation, there are plenty of mistakes that can easily be avoided. Most importantly, taking the time to prepare for your cruise before boarding will help ensure that you make the most of your time onboard.

Here are 20 cruise ship mistakes to avoid on your MSC cruise.

Read more: 20 mistakes I saw people make on my MSC cruise

7. What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise

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When it comes to taking a cruise vacation, it is important that you pack the essentials that you will need.

Unlike staying at a hotel, when the ship is sailing there isn’t an option to quickly run to a convenience store if you realized you forgot to pack something. This is why it is imperative that you double (and triple) check that you have everything that you will need. This can range from basics like shampoo and conditioner, to seasickness medications and toothpaste.

Here is a comprehensive guide to what toiletries you should pack for a cruise to make sure that you're well-equipped

Read more: What Toiletries to Pack for a Cruise (Packing List)

8. I booked the cheapest balcony cabin on Carnival's newest ship for $2,600. Look inside my 205-square-foot balcony room with 2 closets and a tiny bathroom

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Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, is their most innovative ship yet!

Our team recently spent a week aboard this vessel, sailing for 7 nights in the cheapest balcony cabin they could find. As it was a spring break sailing, the total cost for their Cove Balcony Stateroom was $2,697.30, including prepaid gratuities. Being a new ship, they weren’t sure exactly what to expect from their cabin.

Here is a look inside their 205 square feet cabin, and their thoughts on if it was worth it.

Read more: I booked the cheapest balcony cabin on Carnival's newest ship for $2,600. Look inside my 205-square-foot balcony room with 2 closets and a tiny bathroom

9. 10 Hidden Features on Cruise Ships

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Modern day cruise ships are essentially floating cities, offering plenty of amenities and activities for guests of all ages to enjoy.

While most of these are well known, such as the pools, arcades, promenades and more, some are considered more hidden. From secret theme parties, to interactive art experiences and more, there are more to cruise ships than may first meet the eye.

Here are 10 hidden features on cruise ships that you may have not known about.

Read more: 10 Hidden Features on Cruise Ships

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