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. What I wish I knew before my cruise about my cruise ship cabin
Your cruise ship cabin is more than just a place to sleep, it is essentially your home away from home while on vacation.
Also referred to as “staterooms,” they differ from traditional hotel rooms, as they are tailored to the cruise experience, meaning they're a blend of comfort and functionality. Your cabin will be your retreat while on vacation, and it is helpful to know what to expect before boarding. Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth has learned a lot about staterooms over her years of cruising, and some knowledge would have been helpful before taking her first cruise.
Here are 16 things you should know about your cruise ship cabin!
Read more: What I wish I knew before my cruise about my cruise ship cabin
2. I sailed on my first Celebrity cruise. I didn't like the entertainment, but it's my new favorite cruise line
When it comes to cruising, brand loyalty impacts a lot of traveler’s plans.
Once you are familiar with and enjoy a certain brand, it can be nerve-wracking to try out a new one. Cruise.Blog writer Allie’s husband, Luke, had only sailed with Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line until recently. For their summer vacation, they decided to try Celebrity, which is considered a premium cruise line with a heavy emphasis on modern, relaxing experiences.
Luke shares his thoughts on his experience venturing to Celebrity Cruises, and why he might hesitate going back to Royal Caribbean in the future.
3. 9 Reasons You Could Get Banned From A Cruise Ship
While vacations are meant for relaxation and fun, there are still certain rules you need to follow.
This is especially true when it comes to cruising, as the ship’s specific rules are designed to keep all passengers safe. These rules also help foster a positive onboard environment. Like with most rules, if you do not follow them, or break them, there can be consequences.
From theft to engaging in dangerous behavior, here are 9 reasons guests have been banned from cruising.
Read more: 9 Reasons You Could Get Banned From A Cruise Ship
4. I spent $4,200 on a deluxe porthole balcony cabin on Celebrity Apex. It featured a modern design but lacked storage
Picking out the right cabin for your cruise vacation is one of the most important aspects of the planning process.
Cruise.Blog writer Allie recently returned from a 7-night Norwegian Fjord sailing onboard Celebrity Apex, where she and her husband sailed in a Deluxe Porthole Balcony Cabin. Due to the beautiful scenery of this itinerary, they felt it would be worth the splurge for a cabin with a balcony, allowing them to take in the sights from the comfort of their stateroom.
She shares a look inside their $4,200 cabin, and her thoughts on if it was worth the splurge.
5. 24 Do's and Don'ts for your Carnival cruise in 2024
There is still plenty of time to book your cruise vacation for 2024!
If you are thinking about, or planning to take a Carnival cruise this year, there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. You want to make sure you make the most of your time while onboard, and these tips can help you do that. From accommodations to online check-in, making sure you are prepared will help you have a smooth sailing.
Here is our list of 24 do’s and don’ts to ensure you are prepared for your Carnival cruise in 2024.
Read more: 24 Do's and Don'ts for your Carnival cruise in 2024
6. I take over 10 cruises a year as a cruise reporter. I always book a specialty restaurant — even though it costs extra money
One of the best parts of the cruising experience is the food!
Cruise Blog writer Elizabeth has taken 10 cruises in the past year to various destinations. Her favorite way to enhance these sailings was to indulge in specialty dining while onboard. While she used to save money and only eat at the included restaurants, she now understands the appeal of these upcharge dining experiences and chooses to include them in her travel budget.
Here is her reasoning behind booking specialty dining when sailing on a cruise ship.
7. 8 Things you can bring on a plane, but not a cruise ship
Most travelers are familiar with the restrictions on what you can pack when traveling by plane, but may not know the rules for traveling by cruise ship.
No one wants to be the person who gets pulled aside during check-in for smuggling something onboard, or even accidentally bringing something they didn’t know was prohibited. Cruise ships have a list of banned items due to safety and environmental concerns that are allowed on an airplane.
When preparing for your next cruise avoid packing these 8 items allowed on planes but not cruise ships.
Read more: 8 Things you can bring on a plane, but not a cruise ship
8. 13 Travel Hacks To Make Getting to Your Cruise Ship Easier
When it is finally time to begin your cruise vacation, the last thing you want is something to slow you down.
Embarkation day is full of excitement, but before you can officially board your cruise ship and start your vacation, you will need to go through the physical check-in process. Cruise lines have figured out how to streamline this process to get passengers onboard quickly, but there are certain steps you can take to be prepared. Between navigating busy airport terminals and lengthy car rides, there are several strategies to make your embarkation experience smoother.
Here is our list of 13 hacks to make getting to your cruise ship easier.
Read more: 13 Travel Hacks To Make Getting to Your Cruise Ship Easier
9. 11 foods you must eat on a Carnival cruise
When it comes to cruise food, Carnival Cruise Line knows what they are doing.
From all-you-can-eat buffets to formal main dining rooms, burgers, and everything in between, Carnival does not lack variety in terms of food available to their cruisers. Cruisers sailing on Carnival ships know that they are in for a treat when it comes to finding something to eat - in fact, it can be hard to come back without having gained a few pounds while onboard.
Whether you're looking forward to your next sailing or have no idea what to expect, here are 11 dishes that should be on your radar on your next Carnival cruise.
Read more: 11 foods you must eat on a Carnival 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.
