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.
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I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships
Within the past six months, Elizabeth sailed on two of Royal Caribbean and Carnival's oldest ships: Vision of the Seas and Carnival Elation. From the overall atmosphere to the quality of the dining and cabin experience, one clearly came out on top.
On both cruises, she stayed in interior cabins, opting for the cheapest stateroom possible. Here's her comparison of these cheap cabins and why one was better.
Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again
Cruise ships can't return home because of Hurricane Helene
Guests onboard MSC Seashore were alerted they were unable to return to Port Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday, September 26.
Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas is also stuck at sea. The ship is now scheduled to arrive in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, September 29.
Similarly, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Elation were unable to return to Tampa and Jacksonville on Thursday, September 26.
Read more: Cruise ship can't return home because of Hurricane Helene
13 things that surprised me on my first Carnival cruise
Over the past two years, Hayley has sailed on multiple cruise lines. However, there was one major cruise brand that she hadn’t tried: Carnival Cruise Line.
What would a Carnival cruise actually be like? How would it compare to her experiences with other cruise lines? Hayley had many questions going into it, so she was excited to finally find out for herself.
These 13 things surprised Hayley on her first Carnival cruise.
Read more: I tried my first Carnival Cruise. 13 things that surprised me
Cruise ships change courses as Hurricane Helene tears through the Gulf
The following ships have been affected by Hurricane Helene and experienced altered itineraries:
- Carnival Paradise
- Carnival Valor
- Carnival Horizon
- Carnival Breeze
- Carnival Glory
- Carnival Elation
- Wonder of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- MSC Seascape
- MSC Seashore
- Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady
- Disney Fantasy
Read more: Cruise ships change courses as Hurricane Helene tears through the Gulf
I have loyalty status with four different cruise lines, but one is by far the worst
Loyalty pays off if you’re someone who cruises frequently. All major cruise lines offer loyalty programs that reward travelers for continuously choosing to vacation with their brand.
Allie has loyalty status with four cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises. Although each loyalty program has its own benefits, some perks and amenities are more lucrative than others.
Here’s how the loyalty programs compare, along with the best perks that save her money time and time again.
Read more: I have loyalty status with four different cruise lines. One program is by far the worst
Royal Caribbean suddenly bans this essential travel item from its cruise ships
Guests are no longer allowed to bring multi-plug outlets on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Power strips and surge protectors have never been allowed onboard.
Concern over the new policy change has resonated across the internet among cruisers who feel the policy change is troubling and unnecessary.
Read more: Royal Caribbean suddenly bans this essential travel item from its cruises
Is a drink package worth it on Carnival?
If you’re planning to go on a Carnival cruise, you might wonder if you should purchase Carnival’s alcoholic drink package, known as the CHEERS! Package. You’re not alone if you’re considering whether or not the package is worthwhile.
After booking a 4-night cruise on Carnival Valor, Allie was surprised to see the drink package reasonably priced. For two people, the package was only $660.32 for a weekend cruise to Mexico.
Here's whether she thought the drink package was worth it.
Read more: Is a drink package worth it on Carnival? I tried it to see whether it was worth $80 per day
Royal Caribbean accidentally leaked the Broadway show it will add to its new cruise ship
According to Royal Caribbean Productions' Facebook page, the company is holding auditions for Back to the Future: The Musical in London, England. The musical promises to bring a nostalgic and energetic experience to Star of the Seas' entertainment lineup.
Though Royal Caribbean hasn't made an official announcement, the audition post states all performers hired for Back to the Future will also perform in an original production show on Star of the Seas, totaling 6-8 weekly performances.
Read more: Royal Caribbean accidentally leaked the Broadway show it will add to its new cruise ship
Hidden perks of booking an oceanview cabin
Oceanview cabins on a cruise ship offer a great balance of comfort and affordability. While you won't be able to step outside onto a private balcony, you'll be able to take in the passing views from your window, allowing natural light to illuminate your stateroom.
Here are five perks of booking an oceanview cabin.
Read more: Hidden Perks of Booking an Oceanview Cabin
I spent $1,780 on a budget cruise to Bermuda
From exploring Hamilton's quaint, colorful streets to visiting two shipwrecks on a snorkeling excursion, Bermuda is an island Elizabeth can see herself visiting again via cruise ship.
Here's how much Elizabeth spent on her Royal Caribbean cruise on Vision of the Seas, including airfare, excursions, and specialty dining.
Read more: I spent $1,780 on a budget cruise to Bermuda on an old cruise ship. It was worth the money
Best rooms on a cruise ship
After picking the perfect cruise ship and itinerary, you must decide what stateroom you want. From interior cabins to expansive suites, you will have a lot of choices.
You'll also need to pick where you want your stateroom to be located. Cabins are available all over the ship, from the lower decks near the gangway to the uppermost decks just steps away from the lido deck.
Here's how to pick the best stateroom on a cruise.
Read more: Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
Angie Vognild
Angie Vognild has a love for cruising, with her first cruise at just one year old. Since then, she has traveled to nearly 40 countries and been on over 30 cruises. Her favorite cruises were to the Holy Land on Odyssey of the Seas in 2022 and Japan on Spectrum of the Seas in 2019.
