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. I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival Elation. It was small and windowless, but for $145 a night, it was a great deal — take a look
One of the best feelings is knowing that you caught a great deal on a vacation.
Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently snagged a spring break cruise vacation for only $145 per night. After sailing on some of Carnival Cruise Line’s newer ships, such as Carnival Celebration, Vista, and Conquest, she decided to shake things up and try a cruise on one of their oldest class at sea. This brought her to look for a good deal on Carnival Elation.
Take a look inside what cabin, which was the cheapest available when she went to book!
2. 14 things I loved and hated about Carnival Jubilee
Recently cruise news has been taken over by all of the new, and large, ships launching.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee recently set sail in December 2023, making waves for cruisers. Cruise.Blog writer Allie recently had the opportunity to sail aboard this ship to find out exactly what set it apart from others in Carnival’s fleet. Even though she is no stranger to cruising Carnival, with sailing out of Galveston and during Spring break, she wasn’t sure quite what to expect.
After returning from her sailing, she shares with us the 14 things that she loved and hated about Carnival Jubilee.
Read more: 14 things I loved and hated about Carnival Jubilee
3. Why Chantal made the switch from Royal Caribbean to MSC!
As most cruisers know, it can pay off to have loyalty to a specific cruise line.
Even though she had enjoyed four cruises on Royal Caribbean, Cruise.Blog writer Chantal recently became an avid MSC Cruises fan. This change was shocking, even to her, as she really enjoyed her sailings aboard Royal Caribbean ships. However, she couldn’t resist the incredible value that MSC cruises provide.
She shares with us exactly why she broke up with Royal Caribbean and is now loyal to MSC Cruises.
Read more: Why I left Royal Caribbean for MSC Cruises
4. 10 Ways To Make Your Cruise More Extravagant
One of the best selling points of a cruise vacation is that it can be an affordable vacation option!
However, if you are looking to splurge or celebrate, there are ways that you can make your cruise even more lavish. That is the beauty of cruising, as you can customize it to fit your vacation wants and desires! Whether it's booking a large suite or splurging on a fancy dinner, there are plenty of ways to take things up a notch.
Here are 10 ways to make your next cruise more extravagant!
Read more: 10 Ways To Make Your Cruise More Extravagant
5. Everything you need to know about Florida's northernmost cruise port!
While Florida is known for having a host of cruise terminals, one that often gets left out of the conversation is Jacksonville.
This small port in the northern part of the state is a great option for those who don’t want to make the extra five-hour drive down to Miami, thus dealing with less traffic. However, you will be more limited in ship options and itineraries when sailing from Jacksonville.
Here is everything you need to know about Florida's northernmost cruise port.
Read more: Guide to Jacksonville Cruise Port (2024)
6. I took a spring break cruise on Carnival's smallest ship. Here’s why I wouldn’t do it again
Spring Break is a popular time for the cruise ship industry!
With cheap cruises and plenty of itinerary options available, it is no wonder why. Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently boarded a spring break cruise on Carnival Elation out of Jacksonville, Florida. While she had cruised over spring break before, it had been almost a decade prior. Without recent experience, and also knowing Carnival’s notoriety around spring break cruises, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this sailing.
After 5 nights onboard, here is her recap of her experience on Carnival Elation.
Read more: I took a spring break cruise on Carnival's smallest ship. Here’s why I wouldn’t do it again
7. Norwegian Cruise Line dress code: what to wear on a cruise
With a fleet of 19 ships, it is no wonder why Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the biggest in the cruise industry.
Cruise.Blog writer Hayley has sailed with NCL many times, which has given her some valuable insight into how the cruise line operates and what to expect once onboard. One of the most frequently asked questions by new cruisers is what they should pack. This can be a tricky question because it depends on not only your vacation style, but also which cruise line you are sailing with.
Hayley shares with us her tips and tricks for packing for upcoming Norwegian Cruise Line cruises.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line dress code: what to wear on a cruise
8. The one thing we all hate about cruises that no one talks about
When it comes to cruise vacations, there is so much to love!
From exciting ports to delicious food, jaw-dropping entertainment, and more, there is no question as to why cruising is as popular as it is. However, as with all vacation types, there are always some areas where guests would like to see improvements. One of the things that most cruisers can agree on hating is the toilet paper. As Cruise.Blog writer Allie wrote, “The toilet paper on a cruise ship might as well be replaced with sandpaper.”
Here is the reasoning behind why cruise ships use this toilet paper, and if you have any alternatives.
Read more: The one thing we all hate about cruises that no one talks about
9. What is free on a cruise?
Cruises are known to be a great, affordable vacation!
With most cruise lines offering a wide range of amenities in their base fare for passengers to enjoy, many cruisers find that they do not need to add on any extras. However, because each cruise line operates differently, some may find themselves questioning exactly what is included in their base fare price. This is important as it can help them make the most of their cruise vacation while staying within their budget.
Here is a breakdown of what is actually free, or included, on a cruise.
Read more: What is free on a cruise?
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.
