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. Tourist Traps To Avoid On A Cruise
When it’s finally time for your cruise vacation, you want to ensure that you get the most out of your experience.
Unfortunately, in a lot of cruise ports, travelers can find plenty of tourist traps. These are not only a waste of money but time, too! Luckily, there are ways to make sure that you don’t feel ripped off while you’re on vacation.
Here are some tourist traps you should avoid on cruises, and how you can make sure that you don't get roped into any.
Read more: Tourist Traps To Avoid On A Cruise
2. Celebrity ships by size: From biggest to smallest
Celebrity Cruises has an impressive fleet, with ships suited to multiple styles of cruisers.
Celebrity’s ships cater to two markets. First is the traditional, mainstream style of cruising with sizable vessels that operate globally. The second is three small Xpedition ships that sail exclusively to the Galapagos islands, the largest of these three holding just 100 guests. Luckily for cruisers, there are plenty of ships in between as well to choose from, ensuring that they have the cruise vacation they are looking for.
Here's a breakdown of all Celebrity ships from biggest to smallest measured by gross registered tonnage (GRT).
Read more: Celebrity ships by size: From biggest to smallest
3. I stayed in a $2,554 studio cabin on NCL Epic, and it was one of the best sailing experiences I ever had
Have you ever wanted to take a solo cruise?
Luckily for you - certain cruise ships cater to solo travelers! Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic features Studio Staterooms that are designed with one person in mind. This is a great option instead of paying for a double occupancy stateroom when sailing solo. Cruise.Blog writer Hayley recently had the chance to try out one of these staterooms on her 12-night Transatlantic cruise.
She shares with us an in-depth look into what the Studio Staterooms are like onboard Norwegian Epic and everything that's included in the price.
4. I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare
When it comes to cruising, it is hard to beat the excitement of stepping onto a brand-new cruise ship.
Recently there has been an influx of new cruise ships in the market. Cruise.Blog writer Allie had the opportunity to check out the newest ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises. These ships all debuted within the last year and had a lot of hype around them, especially the world’s largest cruise ship Icon of the Seas.
Allie shares with us how the ships and onboard experiences compared to one another.
5. I spent $20 at NCL's Ice Bar, and it was the best-kept secret on Epic
One of the best parts when it comes to cruising is all of the different onboard experiences that are available.
Of course, these can vary from cruise line to cruise line, and even ship to ship within the same cruise line. However, there is always something fun for cruisers to experience. Cruise.Blog writer Hayley recently sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic and found what she thinks is the best-kept secret onboard: the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar. This frozen bar is a unique experience, where guests are given a colorful parka and gloves to wear before entering the 17-degree Fahrenheit venue.
She shares with us what visiting this bar entails and if it is worth it.
Read more: I spent $20 at NCL's Ice Bar, and it was the best-kept secret on Epic
6. I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back
When you think of cruise ships, it is easy to think of the newest and largest ships that have debuted.
However, there are plenty of older ships that are still in service across multiple cruise lines! Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently had the chance to try out Carnival's newer and older ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Elation. Of course, she knew there would be notable differences in the sailing experience due to the size and age of the ships, but she still wasn’t sure what to expect once onboard the Elation.
She shares why she probably won’t be booking another cruise on Carnival’s older ships.
Read more: I tried Carnival's older cruise ships and never want to go back
7. Can I share my Carnival beverage package with someone? What you need to know
Drink packages of cruises are one of the most popular add-ons.
On Carnival Cruise Line, these packages can cost as much as $74.95 per person, per day, which can inflate your cruise budget quickly. With that package, cruisers can receive up to 15 alcoholic beverages a day and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks such as specialty coffees, mocktails, and more. Due to the high price of these packages, many cruisers wonder if they can purchase the package for one person, and share with another to offset the cost.
Here is why you shouldn’t risk sharing your drink package with others on your next Carnival cruise.
Read more: Can I share my Carnival beverage package with someone? What you need to know
8. Pregnant woman medevaced from cruise ship highlights health risks of cruising while pregnant
When it comes to cruising, cruise lines take travelers’ health and safety seriously.
This is especially the case when it comes to cruising while pregnant, as pregnant passengers are not permitted to sail past 23 weeks pregnant. This week, a 25-year-old pregnant woman was medically evacuated from the Disney Fantasy after experiencing pregnancy-related health complications. It is unknown how far along in the pregnancy she was at this time.
Here is the information we currently know about the situation.
Read more: Pregnant woman medevaced from cruise ship highlights health risks of cruising while pregnant
9. MSC Cruises’ latest network shift features 9 new routes launching summer 2025
Frequent cruisers know that their favorite cruise line’s itineraries can become repetitive.
Luckily for MSC fans, they have recently unveiled their summer 2025 itineraries for the North American market and are switching up their stops. Some of these itineraries will even feature overnight stays at Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas. MSC will have four ships sailing from U.S. homeports, including the largest ship built for North America: MSC World America.
Read more to find out the details of these new itineraries.
Read more: MSC Cruises’ latest network shift features 9 new routes launching summer 2025
10. New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises
There is nothing worse than pricing out a vacation just to find hidden fees tacked on at the end.
Luckily for Carnival Corporation passengers, they won’t have to worry about this soon. Due to California’s new consumer protection law, starting on July 1, 2024, the price must include many components of the current taxes, fees, and port expenses that are left out. This is intended to provide passengers with a clear and final price upfront, instead of running into surprise fees later in the booking process.
Here is everything you need to know about this new law, and how it will affect pricing.
Read more: New law forces Carnival Cruise Line to change advertised price for cruises
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.
