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. Cruise ships sail around Hurricane Debby, but some delayed returns
It is gearing up to be a busy hurricane season in the Atlantic, with four named storms already formed.
Tropical Storm Debby disrupted at least 3 cruise itineraries before intensifying into a hurricane later in the week. Before making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on August 5, travel plans in and around Florida and the Caribbean were disrupted. Cruise lines ensure that the safety of their passengers and crew remains the top priority when it comes to storms of this size and will alter itineraries as needed. As the storm strengthened into a Hurricane, even more itineraries were disrupted.
From shortened sailings to missed ports and delayed returns, here are all the changes that Hurricane Debby impacted.
Read more: Cruise ships sail around Hurricane Debby, but some delayed returns
2. Is a Celebrity drink package worth it? I tried it to see whether it was worth the money
When it comes to cruise add-ons, drink packages are some of the most popular.
While most cruise lines aren’t all-inclusive, many offer drink packages that allow their passengers to prepay for their drinks before boarding. However, they tend to come at a steep cost, with some costing upwards of $80 per person, per day. This poses a frequently asked question amongst cruisers: is the drink package truly worth the cost? Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently sailed with Celebrity Cruises twice, where she had the opportunity to test out the Classic and Premium Drink Packages.
After trying them out, here are her thoughts on which drink package offers the best value for their customers.
Read more: Is a Celebrity drink package worth it? I tried it to see whether it was worth the money
3. I Went To Disney's New Cruise Destination, Lookout Cay, and I think it might be my new beach bliss
Disney Cruise Line recently began welcoming cruisers to their newest destination - Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Cruise.Blog guest writer Sylvia Pinegar had the opportunity to sail to Lookout Cay for the first time. As she spent her day on the island, she was able to get a good feel for what it had to offer guests. While she absolutely loved this private destination, she did notice that there were areas of improvement too.
From kid-friendly fun to character events and tram transition, Sylvia shares her experience at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Read more: I Went To Disney's New Cruise Destination, Lookout Cay, and I think it might be my new beach bliss
4. I spent $425 per night to sail in the cheapest cabin on Carnival's oldest ship
When it comes to selecting a cruise vacation, there are many factors to choose from.
Cruise.Blog writer Allie has sailed extensively and has recently started sailing with Carnival Cruise Line. While her recent sailings on Carnival have been on their newest Excel Class of ships, she found a last-minute sailing on Carnival Sunshine, Carnival’s oldest ship. She was interested to see how the oldest ship compared to their newest ones, and if it was worth the price tag of $1,700 for an interior cabin.
After disembarking from her 4-night cruise, she shares the good, bad, and stinky parts of her $425 per night cabin onboard Carnival Sunshine.
Read more: I spent $425 per night to sail in the cheapest cabin on Carnival's oldest ship
5. Royal Caribbean is upgrading one of its mega-ships with $100M+ improvements
If Royal Caribbean didn’t wow their customers enough with Icon and Utopia, they have big plans for Allure of the Seas as well.
Scheduled to undergo a $100M+ renovation in early 2025, this Oasis Class ship, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, is about to get many of the beloved features and enhancements that Royal Caribbean guests have come to know and love. She will be entering her dry dock in March 2025 and begin sailing as an updated vessel on April 11 for her European season.
From new restaurants to waterslides, entertainment, and more, here is everything you can expect to find on the newly renovated Allure of the Seas.
Read more: Royal Caribbean is upgrading one of its mega-ships with $100M+ improvements
6. I've spent 135 days traveling by cruise ship. It's the best mode of transportation for 6 simple reasons
Having taken fifteen cruises over the last two years, Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth seems to always be at sea.
She calculated that she had spent 135 days on a cruise ship throughout her lifetime, ranging from 3-night getaways to The Bahamas to sailings through Europe. After all of these trips, she is firm in her stance that cruising is a great way to travel. Everything she needs is under one roof, and she doesn’t need to travel to find dining or entertainment.
If you are on the fence about taking a cruise, she shares with us her 6 simple reasons to consider cruising from someone who has spent over 18 weeks on a cruise ship.
7. Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues 77 migrants off the coast of Greece
Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas rescued 77 migrants in the Ionian Sea during a 7-night Greek Isles cruise.
Guests onboard Odyssey have taken to social media to share videos of the incident, where Greek authorities alerted the ship of an overcrowded sailboat in distress. TikTok user @AileenCD shared a four-minute video from Odyssey, where the ship's lifeboat is seen approaching a small sailboat and helps guide it to the side of the 169,300 gross registered ton vessel. Other videos and photos depicted more from the scene as well.
Here is everything we know about this situation.
Read more: Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues 77 migrants off the coast of Greece
8. Crocs on a cruise ship stirs up dress code dispute
For some guests, cruises are a great opportunity to dress up for formal dinners.
However, cruise lines have recently dialed back their stance on what constitutes formalwear. While still maintaining dress codes, formal nights have turned into “dress your best” nights, which allows for a larger selection of outfits. Even so, some passengers take offense to others' clothing options. After receiving harsh comments regarding their decision to wear flip-flops on formal night, one Carnival guest reached out to the cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, for clarification.
Here is what Heald had to say, and what other cruisers weighed in with.
Read more: Crocs on a cruise ship stirs up dress code dispute
9. I tried Guy Fieri’s burger joint on a Carnival cruise, and it’s one of the best burgers at sea
One of the staples of Carnival Cruise Line is the ever-popular Guy’s Burger Joint.
Many cruisers would argue that these are the best burgers at sea. The burgers are known for their bold flavor and array of toppings, making for a mouthwatering meal. Cruise.Blog writer Allie recently had the opportunity to try out this beloved venue on her recent Carnival Sunshine sailing.
She shares her experience on whether the hype was worth it and what you can expect from Carnival’s roadside burger shack at sea.
Read more: I tried Guy Fieri’s burger joint on a Carnival cruise, and it’s one of the best burgers at sea
10. 10 tips on how to pack for your first Alaska cruise
Like with any vacation, it is important to ensure you pack the right essentials.
While cruising in the Caribbean may be an easy itinerary to pack for, cruises to other regions can prove to be more difficult. Cruise.Blog writer Hayley recently returned from her first Alaska cruise onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Prior to sailing, she had researched what she could expect weather-wise in the middle of summer. However, she found conflicting information, stating that while it can be warm, she should also expect it to be cold.
After going through the complicated decision of what to pack, she shares with us what she found useful after returning from her Alaska sailing.
Read more: 10 tips on how to pack for your first Alaska cruise
11. Amazon's Having a Massive August Sale — Save Over 50% on Essentials for Your Next Cruise
If you have an upcoming cruise planned, you will not want to miss out on this sale.
While Amazon recently had its well-known Prime Day event, they have also unveiled a massive summer sale which is great for those looking to buy new luggage and travel accessories. It is important to ensure that you have the right essentials packed when cruising, as you won’t be able to go out and purchase items that you forget easily. Amazon’s newest sail has some of our favorite cruising must-haves for over 50% off, so you can be sure you have what you need.
Here's our round-up of the best items for your next cruise.
Read more: Amazon's Having a Massive August Sale — Save Over 50% on Essentials for Your Next 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.
