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. 10 Things to avoid if you want a cheap cruise
Cruises are often a great way to vacation without breaking the bank.
However, depending on your travel preferences, the cost of your cruise can add up. With the strong demand for cruising over the last few years, cruise fares seemingly keep increasing as well. Not only that, but the add-ons that are available for your sailing can also easily blow your budget out of the water if you’re not careful.
Rather than daydream about taking a cruise you think you cannot afford, avoid these 10 things to cruise for as little as possible.
Read more: Things to avoid if you want a cheap cruise
2. Couple booked 51 back-to-back cruises instead of retiring to a nursing home
Often times when your cruise is coming to an end, you will find yourself wishing that you could just stay onboard and keep sailing.
Well, for an Australian couple, they did just that. Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, spent over 450 days—longer than many of the crew members—aboard Princess Cruises' Coral Princess. This was the result of booking 51 back-to-back sailings on the same ship, claiming it is cheaper than a retirement home.
Read more about their experience living on a cruise ship.
Read more: Couple booked 51 back-to-back cruises instead of retiring to a nursing home
3. What Is a Turnaround Day on a Cruise?
When it’s finally time for you to disembark from your cruise, it’s also embarkation day for the next set of cruisers sailing on your cruise ship.
For the crew members onboard, this is known as turnaround day. With limited time between sailings, crew members need to efficiently use their time to restock and supply the ship for the new passengers waiting to get onboard. To ensure that everything gets done, cruise lines have elaborate schedules with tasks assigned to specific teams, from the culinary staff to cabin stewards.
Here is everything you need to know about what goes on during turnaround day.
Read more: What Is a Turnaround Day on a Cruise?
4. Best advice for a first cruise, according to frequent cruisers
If you have never cruised before, you may be overwhelmed with what you need to know before stepping on board.
Luckily for you, experienced cruisers are happy to share their tips and tricks, so first-timers can have the smoothest sailing experience possible. Of course, these cruisers aren’t immune from making mistakes, but you can learn from their lessons.
We have compiled a list of advice shared with Cruise.Blog to help you prepare for your first cruise adventure and avoid common pitfalls.
Read more: Best advice for a first cruise, according to frequent cruisers
5. I got a free cruise in the ship casino. Here's what it really cost me
Have you ever wondered how you can cruise for free?
Well, one way is to utilize the casino rewards programs. Graham Bernard and his wife Jodie recently experimented to see how much they'd have to gamble on Royal Caribbean to reach Prime status within the cruise line's Club Royale Rewards Program. Of course, like with many things, “free” still comes at a cost.
Here is a breakdown of what their “free” casino cruise cost them.
Read more: I got a free cruise in the ship casino. Here's what it really cost me
6. 5 things that Royal Caribbean does better than Carnival Cruise Line
When it comes to cruising, two of the biggest names are Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean.
Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are major competitors with one another, offering family-friendly vacations. However, they both do have distinctive vibes and other differences between them. With Carnival priding itself on having a fleet full of “fun ships,” Royal is emphasizing innovation and building the world’s largest cruise ships.
After decades of cruising, here is Cruise.Blog writer Allie’s opinion on 5 things that Royal Caribbean does better than Carnival.
Read more: 5 things that Royal Caribbean does better than Carnival Cruise Line
7. New Cruise Ships On Order
Cruise lines are always staying competitive with each other, and many times that means launching new ships.
Between 2024 and 2028, over 25 new ships are expected to enter service across the globe! Some of these new ships are highly anticipated, and others are being kept under wraps for the time being. Regardless, there will be no shortage of cruise ships for you to choose from in the coming years!
Here's a list of cruise ships making their debut this year and beyond.
Read more: New Cruise Ships On Order
8. Is Norwegian Cruise Line good? 10 surprising reasons I think NCL is worth it
With so many popular cruise lines, you may be wondering what sets Norwegian Cruise Line apart.
Cruise.Blog writer Hayley has sailed with NCL 7 times within the last two years and has a great feel for what the cruise line is all about. With 19 ships in their fleet, they have a wide array of offerings, ensuring that cruisers can find a ship to suit their travel preferences.
Over the past couple of years, Hayley has learned quite a few tips and tricks on making the most of your Norwegian cruise, as well as why she thinks everyone should consider an NCL cruise!
Read more: Is Norwegian Cruise Line good? 10 surprising reasons I think NCL is worth it
9. Here's what you should do with your dirty buffet plates, according to Carnival Cruise Line
When it comes to eating on a cruise ship, the buffet is a staple.
Offering all-you-can-eat meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s no wonder why so many cruisers flock to the buffet for their meals. While you are responsible for bringing the food you select to your table, many cruisers are left wondering what to do with their dirty dishes when they are done with them.
Here is John Heald’s, Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador, guidance on this question.
Read more: Here's what you should do with your dirty buffet plates, according to Carnival Cruise Line
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.
