Having taken over 20 cruises, I'm no cruise novice. However, even as a veteran sailor, I learn something new on each cruise.
From new destinations to different ships and cruise lines, no two experiences have been the same. Even when I've sailed on the same cruise ship, I have discovered something new, whether it's a new food, activity, or excursion.
So far this year, I've been on six cruises across three cruise lines: Carnival, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean. My travels aren't coming to an end, either. By December, I'll have been on Vision of the Seas, Sun Princess, and Disney Magic.
While I'm looking forward to my future cruises, it's nice to take time to reflect on the experiences I've had so far this year. From booking my first last-minute cruise to sailing to Alaska in an interior room, here are six lessons I've learned this year.
1. Carnival's sensory kit is a huge asset that can help those prone to sensory overload make the most of their vacation (Carnival Conquest)
Though this wasn't my first Carnival cruise, I was able to see Carnival's sensory kit in action while sailing on Carnival Conquest in January. It proved incredibly useful for my friend who typically needs extra support to help manage sensory overload.
From the noise-canceling headphones to the fidget tools, she was able to navigate the excitement around the ship, including the loud sailaway party, random outbursts in the Main Dining Room, and the myriad of sounds in the casino from the various slot machines, making her time onboard far more enjoyable.
Seeing the positive impact the kit made on my friend's first cruise made me appreciate Carnival's commitment to creating a more inclusive and accommodating environment for all passengers.
Sensory kits are offered on every ship in Carnival's fleet; however, the quantities are limited. If you think having a kit will impact your cruise experience, head to Guest Services as soon as you're onboard. You will have to place a deposit, but it will be refunded when the kit is returned on the last night of the cruise.
Read more: I stayed in the cheapest cabin on Carnival Conquest
2. It's important to plan your cruises ahead of time, especially if you want a desirable cabin and lower rate (Celebrity Ascent)
Gone are the days when cruisers can bank on great last-minute fares. When I found a new-to-me itinerary on Celebrity's newest ship in February, I jumped on the opportunity to sail on Celebrity Ascent within months of her launch.
Initially, however, the cruise was sold out, but I did not give up hope and kept checking the website to see if any cabins opened up. Thankfully, a Prime Oceanview Stateroom on Deck 3 became available. I emailed my travel agent and was confirmed within minutes!
However, the fare was more expensive than I imagined, coming in at $2,879.50 with gratuities. In comparison, my fiancée and I paid $4,990.32 for a cruise on Celebrity Ascent in July, breaking down to $2,495.16 per person.
The price not only included gratuities but also a Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi. Plus, we had an infinite veranda, so we had a larger cabin with a floor-to-ceiling window that could be lowered to let fresh air in.
I'm usually a stickler for reserving cruises as far in advance as possible, and I learned my lesson about the risks of booking at the last minute. Not only are you subject to higher rates, but there's no guarantee there will be any availability, especially if you're eyeing a certain cabin category.
3. Smaller ships provide a great opportunity to relax (Carnival Elation)
To set the record straight, I prefer mega-ships. I enjoy the seemingly endless dining options and constant activities. However, after cruising on Carnival Elation, I understand the appeal of smaller ships. With fewer amenities, it's easier to kick back and relax without the pressure of ticking items off your must-do list.
I enjoyed the cruise at a more leisurely pace and appreciated not feeling like I was "wasting the day" by spending time in the same spot on the lido deck.
I still had fun, too! From late-night dance parties underneath the stars to sing-a-longs in Duke's Piano Bar and fun days relaxing at Carnival's private island, there wasn't a dull moment on my 5-night cruise.
I also found there were fewer opportunities to spend extra money on smaller ships. On Carnival Celebration, for example, I spent $15 to ride the roller coaster, and I was tempted to pay for the specialty teppanyaki restaurant (it was completely booked, though!).
In comparison, Carnival Elation only had one sit-down specialty restaurant: Chef's Table. And there weren't any extra-cost activities that were unique to the ship.
4. Sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay on a Celebrity ship allows guests to experience the award-winning island on a more adult-focused cruise (Celebrity Reflection)
Prior to April, the only way to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay was on a Royal Caribbean ship. While Royal strives to deliver memorable vacations, the onboard experience caters more to families with an array of activities like water slides, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and more.
As a 20-something-year-old without kids, the family-focused amenities on Royal Caribbean ships can be overwhelming at times. Of course, that didn't keep me from sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay, as the island remains one of my favorite destinations.
Unlike other private islands, CocoCay offers guests a slew of amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. From an upscale beach club to a massive freshwater pool, the new adult-only beach, great snorkeling opportunities, and more, the island provides experiences that appeal to families and adults.
Having sailed to CocoCay on Celebrity Reflection, I can attest that it's a perfect formula: passengers seeking an adult-oriented escape while also enjoying everything the island has to offer may do so on one of Celebrity's upscale ships.
While there are pros and cons to each cruise line, I'm far more likely to return to CocoCay cruising with Celebrity, as I'm in my mid-20s with no children. The onboard atmosphere of Celebrity Cruises more closely aligns with what I'm seeking to get out of my vacation, rather than being surrounded by families with young children or partiers on 3- and 4-night cruises.
Read more: I spent 5 nights in a cabin on Celebrity Reflection that cost $2,000
5. Research each port thoroughly and book the right excursions (Quantum of the Seas)
In May, I embarked on my first-ever cruise to Alaska. The Last Frontier had been on my bucket list for a while, and I'm glad I was able to visit the state with my dad. However, we wish we would have spent a little more time researching each port of call.
Though we thoroughly enjoyed the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and lunch at the Skagway Brewing Company in Skagway, we would have preferred to book a whale-watching tour in Icy Strait Point, freeing up our afternoon to explore downtown Juneau and grab fresh crab legs for dinner.
Icy Strait Point is a relatively new cruise port, and there's not much to do in the port area itself. It's not like Skagway or Juneau where you can easily walk to local shops and restaurants.
The town of Hoonah isn't far, but there's not much there other than a small brewery and a few restaurants. Plus, unless you're willing to talk for thirty minutes or so, you'll have to pay $5 for the shuttle.
In retrospect, booking a whale-watching tour in Icy Strait Point and splitting our time in Juneau between the Mendenhall Glacier and the downtown area would have been a better use of our time, not to mention more enjoyable!
Read more: 27 First time Alaska cruise tips
6. European cruises aren't as relaxed as I thought they'd be (Celebrity Ascent)
Having sailed on Celebrity Ascent a few months before my European cruise, I was excited to board the ship again, albeit in a different setting. While I wouldn't say my first experience on Ascent was akin to the party-like atmosphere of Carnival ships, it was far livelier than I expected. However, I attributed it to the itinerary.
I (foolishly) assumed that because the nature of my Greek Isles cruise was port-intensive, the evenings would be more low-key, with an emphasis on relaxing in the upscale bars.
The first night, we stayed up later than planned to attend an ABBA sing-a-long in The Club. Thankfully, the next day was a sea day, or we would have struggled to keep our eyes open on an excursion!
From silent discos in the Grand Plaza to energetic deck parties and acrobatic shows in Eden, I was surprised by the amount of late-night programming onboard.
While we stayed awake for as many activities as we could, we never made it to a show in Eden. It seemed silly to go to bed around midnight when we had 9-hour excursions as early as 7:45am!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
