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. Things I Don't Pay Extra for on Carnival Cruises To Save Money
Cruises can be an amazing way to take an affordable vacation!
However, like with most vacations, there are always additional add-ons that can increase your spending if you are not careful. Now, that is not to say that you shouldn’t treat yourself here or there, but rather that you keep an eye out for what is actually worth your money. Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth has cruised on Carnival enough to know where she should be saving her money.
From specialty dining to shore excursions and more, here is a list of things that she won’t pay extra for on her Carnival cruises.
Read more: Things I Don't Pay Extra for on Carnival Cruises To Save Money
2. Taking the train to your cruise is the new hot trend to combine a land and sea vacation
One of the trickiest parts of planning your cruise is figuring out how you are going to get there.
Luckily for some Florida residents, this just got a whole lot easier! Brightline’s new high-speed train service between South Florida and Central Florida offers daily service. This means that there is now an easy and convenient way to get to and from Port Everglades and Port Miami for a cruise!
Whether someone is flying to Florida or a resident, Brightline's train service allows for an easy way to get to your ship, and early adopters who tried the train are raving about how much better the experience is.
Read more: Taking the train to your cruise is the new hot trend to combine a land and sea vacation
3. Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning
Similar to staying in a hotel, cruise ships have cabin stewards who are responsible for ensuring that guests’ cabins stay clean and tidy throughout the voyage.
These cabin stewards will also make every effort to ensure that your special requests (such as separating the beds or providing you with fresh ice), are accommodated. They can be seen as your go-to person when on your sailing! Depending on which line you're sailing with, they may ask you if you would prefer to get your cabin serviced in the morning or evening.
If you can't make up your mind, here are some reasons why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning.
Read more: Why you should get your cruise cabin serviced in the evening instead of the morning
4. What is free on Half Moon Cay?
Some of the most popular ports with cruisers are the cruise lines’ private islands.
Carnival Corporation’s private island, Half Moon Cay, located in The Bahamas offers cruisers clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. While Carnival does offer shore excursions for your day at Half Moon Cay, there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy your day on the island without spending extra.
Here is a breakdown of everything free on Half Moon Cay.
Read more: What is free on Half Moon Cay?
5. Can I bring weed on a cruise?
With weed being legalized in many places, you may be wondering if you can bring it on your next cruise vacation.
Since marijuana still remains illegal at the federal level, it is prohibited on cruise ships as terminals are considered federal facilities. Even once sailing, regardless of operating in international waters, cruises visit multiple countries that are subject to local laws. If found with marijuana in a country where it is prohibited, you can face legal consequences imposed by the local authorities.
Though you can certainly bring weed on a cruise at your own risk, you don't want your vacation to come to an abrupt end because you thought the rules would not apply to you.
Read more: Can I bring weed on a cruise?
6. Norwegian Cruise Line just ordered four massive cruise ships
Norwegian Cruise Line is busy planning for the future!
They recently announced four new ships that are scheduled to enter service between 2030 and 2036, in addition to the announcement of the construction of a multi-ship pier at their private island in The Bahamas! These four new ships will be the largest, most efficient, and innovative within NCL’s fleet.
Here is what we know so far about these new ships.
Read more: Norwegian Cruise Line just ordered four massive cruise ships
7. The surprising reason Carnival expects your cruise ship to visit less ports
When planning a cruise vacation, one of the important decisions you will make is deciding which itinerary you want to sail on.
Typically for a 7-night Caribbean cruise, you will visit at least three ports of call, sometimes even reaching up to four. However, according to Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President, CEO, and Chief Climate Officer, you may start to see sailings visiting fewer ports of call to save fuel and reduce emissions. If you want to visit more destinations, you will have to start looking at taking longer cruises.
Read on to see what other benefits this new change has for the cruise line.
Read more: The surprising reason Carnival expects your cruise ship to visit less ports
8. 10 lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time
Sailing on a new-to-you cruise line can be a daunting experience!
Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently returned from a 5-night sailing onboard Carnival Elation with her partner, Sarah. While Elizabeth has sailed with Carnival previously, this was Sarah’s first experience. In fact, this was only her second cruise in general. While onboard, she realized that there were certain things that she wished she had known ahead of time.
Here are 10 things she learned after trying Carnival for the first time.
Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time
9. Pros and Cons of a Disney Cruise
Disney cruises are known to bring magic to the seas!
Cruise.Blog writer Hayley recently had the opportunity to sail on Disney Fantasy as her first introduction to the cruise line. Being an adult with no children, she was interested to see what the cruise line had to offer, as they are known to be marketed towards families. After completing her sailing, she fell in love with Disney Cruise Line, but like with any vacation, she figured out some pros and cons.
From her experience, here is what you can expect when planning and setting sail on a Disney Cruise.
Read more: Pros and Cons of a Disney Cruise
10. Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
Like with any form of travel, there are risks to be considered when embarking on a cruise vacation.
Luckily, you can rest assured knowing that cruise lines stay on top of implementing safety protocols and health procedures intended to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable vacation. However, you should not disregard common sense. It is important to exercise caution, both on the ship and off.
Here are 14 simple safety tips to help make sure that you have a safe cruise.
Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
11. 2024 Cruise Travel Trends: Bookings, Value, & Destinations
If you have ever met a cruise enthusiast, you know that you won’t have to convince them to book another cruise.
In fact, most of these enthusiasts have often tried to convince friends and family to take the leap and book their first sailing. A recent study, titled From Shore to Ship: Attracting the Next Wave of Cruisers, examined the first-time cruiser. The study revealed insights into the mindsets of prospective cruisers, shedding light on what may convince them to finally take the plunge and book their first cruise.
Read on to learn more about the findings in this report!
Read more: 2024 Cruise Travel Trends: Bookings, Value, & Destinations
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.
