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. 15 things I loved and hated about Norwegian Epic
If you were to spend 12 nights onboard a cruise ship, you would have plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny of the ship.
Cruise Blog writer Hayley recently had that opportunity, as she sailed on Norwegian Epic on a 12-night transatlantic sailing from Florida to Italy. As a frequent Norwegian Cruise Line passenger, she was excited to see how Norwegian Epic compared to some of the cruise line’s other ships. Thanks to the lengthy voyage, she had plenty of time to scope it out and see what she liked and disliked.
From food to embarkation, entertainment, and more, read on to find out the 15 things she loved and hated about Norwegian Epic.
Read more: 15 things I loved and hated about Norwegian Epic
2. Going on the same cruise ship twice. Is it boring the second time around?
Have you ever wondered if it was worth it to sail on the same cruise ship more than once?
Cruise Blog writer Elizabeth had repeat sailings on both Symphony of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas in 2023. However, she wasn’t worried that she would be bored or find the sailings repetitive, even though both Freedom cruises were visiting the same ports. From booking varying cabin categories to sailing with different companions, she ensured that each trip was unique.
For those looking to book a cruise on a ship they've already sailed on before, here are some tips to make sure that you have distinct experiences.
Read more: Going on the same cruise ship twice. Is it boring the second time around?
3. 11 bathroom hacks for your cruise ship cabin
Standard cruise cabins are typically known to be on the smaller side.
Of course, the same goes for the bathrooms inside these cabins! While cabin bathrooms are designed to maximize functionality with the little space they have, cruisers still have to be creative to optimize the space. Common hacks you will see seasoned cruisers use are surge-free power cords and magnetic hooks, but there are plenty of other things you can bring and do to make the most out of the space you have.
From tips to increasing storage to DIY laundry solutions, here are 11 bathroom hacks for your cruise ship cabin.
Read more: 11 bathroom hacks for your cruise ship cabin
4. I'm happily married but ditch my husband to go cruising. It might be strange, but it works for us
Cruising is a wonderful option for travelers of any age and families alike.
Cruise Blog writer Allie has been cruising since she was a child, and while she is now happily married, she actually cruises frequently without her husband. While seemingly unconventional, due to her husband’s career and their differing travel goals, her cruising separately has worked out well for them.
Here is why she typically ditches her husband to go cruising - and why you should consider doing it too.
Read more: I'm happily married but ditch my husband to go cruising. It might be strange, but it works for us
5. Is Carnival Jubilee worth the hype? My honest review
Recently many major cruise lines have debuted new and innovative ships.
Carnival Cruise Line is no exception, as their newest vessel, Carnival Jubilee, recently began service. Cruise Blog writer Allie returned from a 7-night sailing onboard this new ship, which features over 20 restaurants, a roller coaster, new entertainment, and more. As a sister ship to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, Allie was interested to see what set Jubilee apart, and if it was worth the hype it was receiving.
After returning from her sailing, she shares with us her honest review of if Carnival Jubilee was worth it.
Read more: Is Carnival Jubilee worth the hype? My honest review
6. Cruisers claim they were "degraded" for sneaking a washing machine onboard a Carnival ship
When you think about cruisers smuggling items onto their cruise vacation, a washing machine probably isn’t what first comes to mind.
Well, recently that was the case! Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, took to Facebook to respond to an inquiry he got from a previous guest onboard Carnival Valor, a Conquest Class ship that debuted in 2004, who tried to smuggle a portable washing machine. The guests claimed that they were “treated like criminals and degraded” when the washing machine was caught during embarkation.
Read more to find out what the cruisers claimed happened, and John Heald’s response.
Read more: Cruisers claim they were "degraded" for sneaking a washing machine onboard a Carnival ship
7. Diver leaps from 55 feet in the air on Royal Caribbean cruise ship
If you are familiar with Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Icon Classes, then you most likely know about the unique AquaTheater venue onboard.
The AquaTheater is home to Royal Caribbean’s unique water shows, with a multitude of diving platforms and the deepest pool at sea. One performer, Ginni van Katwijk, took to social media to give a behind-the-scenes look into the adrenaline-fueled stunts that high divers perform onboard some of the world's largest cruise ships.
Take a look at her making the daring dive from 55 feet into the 17-foot pool.
Read more: Diver leaps from 55 feet in the air on Royal Caribbean cruise ship
8. Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Dining Explained
Cruises are known for their multitude of food options onboard for passengers.
From buffets to main dining, pizza, ice cream, and more, it seems that the food is something that a lot of cruisers look forward to on their vacations. I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of having someone else prepare meals and handle the cleanup? Norwegian Cruise Line takes a different approach than other cruise lines when it comes to onboard dining: Freestyle Dining.
If you aren't familiar with Freestyle Dining, here's a helpful guide, so that you know how to make the most out of your Norwegian cruise!
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line Freestyle Dining Explained
9. 11 Things You Should Never Do on Embarkation Day
When the time has finally come for your cruise vacation to begin, you will have to go through the embarkation process.
While embarkation day is the highly anticipated start to your vacation, there are things that you want to ensure you're prepared for so you can board your cruise as smoothly as possible. For instance, you will want to plan your travel to arrive with enough time that you will make it to the port! You will also want to know what you can and can’t bring onboard, so you don’t get held up with prohibited items.
Here, we break down 11 things you should never, ever do on embarkation day.
Read more: 11 Things You Should Never Do on Embarkation Day
10. I spent 5 nights in a cabin on Celebrity Reflection that cost $2,000 — here's what my inside stateroom looked like
Cruise Blog writer Elizabeth recently had the opportunity to sail on Celebrity Cruises’ first ship to dock at Perfect Day at CocoCay!
The sailing was onboard Celebrity Reflection, which is a part of their beloved Solstice Class of ships. She had previously sailed on the new Celebrity Ascent, so she was eager to see what made this class of ships a fan favorite. She ended up booking an inside cabin that came in at a cost of $2,000 for two cruisers.
She shares with us what was included in this fare, and what the inside of this $2,000 cabin looks like.
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.
