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 1-item upgrade you need for a better cruise ship cabin experience (it’s already in your house)
When it comes to cruising, you want to make sure that you don’t forget to pack any essentials!
However, what is considered essential can vary from person to person. One item that we have found benefits most cruisers is a standard USB cord. Charging options are often limited in cruise cabins, most of the time being located near the vanity. However, newer and upgraded ships oftentimes feature USB ports located near the bed.
Here is why you should consider packing a USB cord on your next cruise and other charging options that you may come across.
Read more: The 1-item upgrade you need for a better cruise ship cabin experience (it’s already in your house)
2. I went on one of the weirdest cruise itineraries possible. There were some major challenges, but I would do it again
When you imagine a cruise vacation, you may be thinking of sipping tropical drinks while visiting turquoise beaches.
Luckily for cruisers, there are plenty of cruise itineraries that aren’t beach-focused! Cruise.Blog writer Allie recently went on one of these itineraries: a 12-night African Safari on Norwegian Dawn. While this cruise checked off multiple bucket list destinations for her, it did not come without its own set of hurdles.
She shares with us the different challenges she experienced, and her overall thoughts on this itinerary.
3. 26 Cruise Cabin Essentials You Need To Pack
When it comes to preparing for a cruise vacation, you want to ensure that you have packed all of the essentials.
Seasoned cruisers know that if you forget to pack something, you will either be paying a huge markup to purchase it on the ship or will have to wait until you get into a port to find what you need. To avoid that hassle, it is helpful to utilize a cruise packing list. While basics like toiletries and clothing are given, there are a few items that you may not have thought about when you’re getting ready to sail.
Here is our list of 26 cruise cabin essentials that you need to pack.
Read more: 26 Cruise Cabin Essentials You Need To Pack
4. Couple left behind by cruise ship highlights why booking cruise line excursions is important
While everyone expects their vacations to go according to plan, that is not always the reality.
For cruisers Jill and Jay Campbell, this unfortunately was the case for them when sailing aboard Norwegian Dawn. They had embarked on an African cruise but found themselves stranded after their independent excursion ran late. Due to this nightmare scenario, they watched as their ship departed, and were left responsible for their own accommodations in port.
Here is some more information about why booking cruise line-sponsored excursions is important.
Read more: Couple left behind by cruise ship highlights why booking cruise line excursions is important
5. The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska
When it comes to the best time to cruise, it depends on your destination!
For instance, the Caribbean and Alaskan cruises each have different peak seasons, with the Caribbean being in the winter months and Alaska typically being in June and July. Well, that is what the popular consensus was at least. Thanks to a recent article released by U.S. News & World Report, the best time to cruise to Alaska may not be when you think.
Read on to learn more about what the report entails, and when you should consider booking that Alaskan cruise.
Read more: The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska
6. 12 Annoying Mistakes I've Made on Cruises
Even the most seasoned cruisers can find themselves making mistakes on their cruise vacations.
Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth has sailed nearly two dozen times, yet she still leaves her vacations having learned from a mistake or two. While some of the mistakes she has encountered have been minor, such as not packing enough sunscreen, others, like waiting too long to book a shore excursion, have ended up costing her.
Luckily for us, she has recapped the top 12 most annoying cruising mistakes she’s made, so we can avoid these in the future!
Read more: 12 Annoying Mistakes I've Made on Cruises
7. I sailed on MSC’s newest and oldest ships: Here’s what it's like to cruise on new ships vs. older
Lately, the cruise industry has been buzzing about the newest cruise ships that have debuted.
While these new ships are grabbing headlines, there are still plenty of older ships in service that offer great vacations. Cruise.Blog writer Chantal has recently had the opportunity to sail on MSC’s oldest and newest ships sailing in the Caribbean and discovered some unique differences between the fleet's classic ships and newcomers. No stranger to sailing on MSC, she was interested to learn what the pros and cons of cruising on new and older ships were.
It is important that you select a ship that fits your travel style, and Chantal has gathered what you need to know about these MSC cruise ships
Read more: I sailed on MSC’s newest and oldest ships: Here’s what it's like to cruise on new ships vs. older
8. 5 things I did differently on my cruise that made a huge difference
If you cruise often, you may find yourself getting into a routine once onboard.
Cruise.Blog writer Allie has sailed on over 40 cruises, meaning that she definitely has her go-to activities. However, with all of the different add-ons available for cruises, it can be easy to try new things! She recently returned from a 12-night cruise from South Africa, where she decided to branch out from her usual routine.
Here are the 5 things she did that shook up this sailing, and how it made a huge difference in her cruise experience.
Read more: 5 things I did differently on my cruise that made a huge difference
9. Study reveals that taking a cruise is more affordable than you think
With certain vacations to popular destinations costing families upwards of $500 per person per day, it is no wonder that they are looking for more affordable vacations.
Luckily, cruises are a great way to take a family vacation without breaking the bank! With the base fare including things like unlimited food, accommodations, and entertainment, you won’t have to worry about exceeding your budget or limiting your experiences while onboard. While the total price for a cruise vacation can vary depending on a multitude of factors, such as ship, itinerary, cabin, etc, it is still possible to have it be an affordable family vacation.
Here is how it’s possible to plan a family cruise for less than $4,000 for a family of four!
Read more: Study reveals that taking a cruise is more affordable than you think
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.
