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Cruise week report: Hurricane lessons, Princess cabin, Carnival review, and more!

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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 work remotely from a cruise ship all the time, and a lot more people are doing the same thing

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As a full-time writer, Elizabeth enjoys working from anywhere with reliable Wi-Fi. She can be found working around the globe, from local coffee shops to airport lounges. Her favorite "workcation," though, is on a cruise ship!

With so many amenities available, balancing work and leisure on a cruise is easy! During the morning, she'll set up shop on the adults-only deck, letting the ship become her playground at night. Even better, she doesn't have to worry about cooking or cleaning. 

Read more about why she loves working remotely from a cruise ship and intends to keep embracing this lifestyle. 

Read more: I work remotely from a cruise ship all the time, and a lot more people are doing the same thing

I ate at 6 specialty restaurants on Princess’ newest ship. Here’s how they rank

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During Elizabeth's recent cruise on Princess Cruises' newest and largest ship, she ventured from the included dining options in favor of their specialty restaurants to elevate her culinary experience.

She spent 8 nights onboard the 177,882 gross registered ton ship, dining at Love by Britto; The Catch by Rudi; O'Malley's Irish Pub; Makoto Ocean; Alfredo's Pizzeria; and Umai, Princess' first Teppanyaki restaurant. 

Each offered a unique twist that set it apart from standard cruise fare. However, the experience was not without its highs and lows.

Read more: I ate at 6 specialty restaurants on Princess’ newest ship. Here’s how they rank

Best hurricane lessons after Hurricane Milton, according to cruise experts

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Earlier this month, Hurricane Milton became the second-most intense Atlantic hurricane recorded over the Gulf of Mexico. The massive storm impacted many cruise ships, ranging from revised itineraries to delayed departures and canceled sailings.

With over one month until the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ends, four cruise experts—including Tony from La Lido Loca and Don Terris from Don's Family Vacations—took the time to share their number one tip for traveling during this unpredictable time of year.

Read more: Best hurricane lessons after Hurricane Milton, according to cruise experts

I cruised on one of Celebrity's newest ships at sea. I enjoyed the food but missed Royal's entertainment

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Guest writer, travel agent, and proud mom Jenn Greene shared her experience onboard Celebrity Beyond, one of Celebrity Cruises' newest ships at sea. Part of the award-winning Edge Series, Celebrity Beyond's innovative design and luxurious amenities redefined the cruise experience. 

Greene explored the ship’s stunning spaces, from the Rooftop Garden Grill to the creative and visually stunning shows in Eden. 

Read more about her time on this year's Celebrity Cruises' President's Cruise!

Read more: I cruised on one of Celebrity's newest ships at sea. I enjoyed the food but missed Royal's entertainment

I tried Carnival's Conquest class for the first time. Here's what impressed and disappointed me the most

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As one of the most popular cruise lines in the industry, Carnival Cruise Line operates a large fleet of 27 ships across eight different classes of vessels. 

Allie's no stranger to the Carnival experience, having sailed with Carnival since high school. Most recently, she embarked on her first Conquest Class ship, Carnival Valor. While on the short cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana, she had time to explore the bars, restaurants, entertainment, activities, and more. 

Here's her review of her first Conquest Class sailing. 

Read more: I tried Carnival's Conquest class for the first time. Here's what impressed and disappointed me the most

I sailed in a 200-square-foot room on Princess Cruises' newest ship. Take a look inside my cabin

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Elizabeth had the opportunity to be one of the first to sail onboard Sun Princess from North America. Even though she was only in the cabin for a short 3 nights, she was grateful not to be stuck in a tiny, windowless interior stateroom. 

Her Premium Deluxe Balcony Cabin was not only modern and refreshed, but the attention to detail set this stateroom apart from others she's stayed in, from the abundance of outlets to the automatic floor lightning and Dry Bar hair dryer. 

Take a look inside her balcony stateroom! 

Read more: I sailed in a 200-square-foot room on Princess Cruises' newest ship. Take a look inside my cabin

Why book a windowless inside cabin on a cruise ship

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If you want to stretch your vacation budget as far as possible, you may have interior cruise ship cabins on your radar. These windowless rooms offer significant savings compared to oceanview and balcony cabins.

Though you'll miss out on scenic views from the comfort of your room, inside cabins provide the same essential amenities as other standard rooms, including comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, and more. Plus, many cruisers prefer enjoying the ship's amenities and ports of call, rather than staying locked away in their stateroom.

Still not convinced? Here's our guide to booking inside cabins, where you can learn everything from the typical size of interior rooms to the price difference between inside and balcony cabins! 

Read more: Why book a windowless inside cabin on a cruise ship

5 things I liked better about Princess than Carnival, after my first Princess cruise

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Though Elizabeth has been on over 20 cruises, it wasn't until recently that she stepped foot on a Princess ship. Since Princess and Carnival are owned by Carnival Corporation, she expected to discover similarities between the two cruise lines. 

However, from the moment she boarded the ship, it was clear the experience would be a far cry from the laid-back atmosphere Carnival Cruise Line is known for. 

Here are 5 things Elizabeth preferred when cruising with Princess Cruises compared to Carnival. 

Read more: 5 things I liked better about Princess than Carnival, after my first Princess cruise

15 things Carnival veterans always do (and you should too)

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Allie has been on eight Carnival cruises, starting in high school with her first-ever "FUN" ship voyage on Carnival Destiny. Since then, she's cruised on ships as old as the now-scrapped Carnival Ecstasy to the brand-new Carnival Jubilee. 

Having sailed with Carnival for over a decade, she shares veteran tips and insights to help fellow cruisers make the most of their time onboard. 

Read more: 15 things Carnival veterans always do (and you should too)

Carnival is copying Royal Caribbean's playbook with a change to short cruises

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As part of Carnival's 2026-2027 schedule, three Conquest Class ships—Carnival Conquest, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Glory—will increase the cruise line's position in the short-cruise market with more visits to Celebration Key, the cruise line's newest private destination slated to welcome passengers in July 2025. 

The announcement comes after the success of Utopia of the Seas' inaugural season. Royal Caribbean's new Oasis Class ship sails exclusively on 3- and 4-night voyages to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's award-winning private island in The Bahamas.

Read more: Carnival is copying Royal Caribbean's playbook with a change to short cruises

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