We share lots of cruise updates and advice on Cruise Blog, 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 our recent articles.
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I sailed on Royal Caribbean's two largest cruise ships. They were surprisingly different
Calista recently returned from a short cruise on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. Earlier this year, she sailed on the revolutionary Icon of the Seas.
The two feature some of the same new Royal Caribbean amenities, such as destination elevators, huge water slides, ice skating rinks, and marvelous Aquashows. However, the mega-ships came with surprising differences in everything from cabins to dining.
Read more: I sailed on Royal Caribbean's two largest cruise ships. They were surprisingly different
Seabourn vs Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Both Seabourn Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer unparalleled luxury experiences with exceptional service, meticulously curated itineraries, world-class dining, and high-end accommodations.
If you’re used to sailing with mainstream companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC Cruises, consider this your guide to help you learn the ins and outs of these two upscale lines.
Read more: Seabourn vs Regent Seven Seas Cruises
I’ve been on 9 Norwegian Cruise Line sailings: here are my favorite ships and itineraries
Hayley has been on 9 Norwegian cruises on various ship classes and to different regions. While she's come to love the Norwegian brand, not every adventure can be a home run.
Read more about which ships and itineraries hold a special place in her heart!
Read more: I’ve been on 9 Norwegian Cruise Line sailings: here are my favorite ships and itineraries
Sailing Carnival Valor from New Orleans: My Review and Surprises Onboard
This year, Allie's sailed on Carnival ships departing from Charleston, South Carolina; Galveston, Texas; and more. When she discovered a cheap cruise aboard Carnival Valor from New Orleans, just four hours from her home in the Florida Panhandle, she jumped at the opportunity to test out Carnival's Conquest Class.
In this post, she gives an in-depth review of her experience, ranging from dining to entertainment, the drink package, and more.
Read more: Sailing Carnival Valor from New Orleans: My Review and Surprises Onboard
How 25,000 meals a day are made on Princess' largest cruise ship
Eating is arguably one of the best parts of taking a cruise. From massive buffets to indulgent multi-course meals in the Main Dining Room, there's something for everyone to enjoy. While passengers only see the dining areas and final presentation, the true culinary magic happens in the kitchen, AKA the galley.
Onboard Princess' newest cruise ship, 253 chefs are responsible for making over 20,000 meals daily. Take a look inside the galley on Sun Princess!
Read more: How 25,000 meals a day are made on Princess' largest cruise ship
I chose an inside cabin on my recent Royal Caribbean cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved my little cave
Last month, Elizabeth set sail on her first-ever cruise onboard a Vision Class ship. The 5-night cruise departed from Baltimore, Maryland, and headed to Bermuda. To help cut costs, she opted to book an interior stateroom, the cheapest cabin on the ship.
While she missed natural light illuminating the room each morning, the tiny inside cabin had perks. In addition to saving money, the stateroom's location at the forward of the ship on Deck 3 meant she had easy access to the Centrum and its surrounding amenities, including Cafe Latte-tudes, the Main Dining Room, Masquerade Theater, and Casino.
One thing seasoned cruisers wish they packed for their cruise
Packing for a cruise doesn't have to be overwhelming. However, you don't want to underpack and realize you left something essential at home halfway through the trip.
It's best to approach packing for a cruise carefully. There's a fine line between overpacking and being prepared! Don't know where to start? In this blog, we share what cruisers wish they had packed.
Read more: One thing seasoned cruisers wish they packed for their cruise
Want to book a cruise ship balcony cabin? Here’s what you need to know
Private balconies give passengers a front-row seat to soak up the mesmerizing ocean views while on their cruise. Who wouldn't wake up to wake up to the gentle sound of waves or a new port of call? As such, balcony cabins are among the most popular staterooms on any cruise ship.
In this blog, we share everything you need to know about cruise balcony cabins.
Read more: Want to book a cruise ship balcony cabin? Here’s what you need to know
Celebrity Cruises Suite Perks Explained
Celebrity Cruises' suite program offers an unparalleled experience with luxurious accommodations and top-tier amenities. From the 2,850-square-foot Iconic Suite to the more modest Sky Suites, each suite provides guests with an elevated level of comfort.
Though many benefits are standard regardless of which suite you book, some have premium perks—including complimentary specialty dining and exclusive sleepwear.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises Suite Perks Explained
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.
