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 watched two people get left behind on a cruise. Here’s how it played out by the minute
Although Allie has been on nearly 50 cruises, she recently witnessed something she had never seen before: leaving behind late passengers in a port.
All but two passengers made it back before the ship's scheduled departure in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Over the course of 45 minutes, she watched a play-by-play of what happens when passengers get left behind in port.
Read more: I watched two people get left behind on a cruise. Here’s how it played out by the minute
Carnival is testing a change to how you order food
Guests dining at one of Carnival's specialty restaurants may notice an updated menu.
Carnival's onboard steakhouse, a brand staple found on nearly every ship in the fleet, is testing a new menu to see if it speeds up service and reduces food waste. The test menu is available on Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, Vista, Horizon, Sunshine, and Glory.
Read more: Carnival is testing a change to how you order food
Hurricane Helene's aftermath forced a last-minute canceled cruise
Though Hurricane Helene has come and gone, the impacts of the catastrophic storm continue to be felt, even in the cruise industry. After leaving passengers in limbo, Carnival Cruise Line announced they canceled the September 26 sailing onboard Carnival Paradise from Tampa, Florida.
Read more: Hurricane Helene's aftermath forced a last minute cancelled cruise
Carnival Cruise Line Drink Menu and Prices
If you’re looking for drink prices to plan for your upcoming Carnival cruise, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your complete guide for what you can expect to spend on cocktails, wine, beer, liquor, and more during your cruise.
Our blog should give you the best idea of what you can expect to spend on drinks while cruising with Carnival Cruise Line.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Drink Menu and Prices
I sailed on my first Royal Caribbean cruise
Sydney went on her first cruise on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas to Bermuda.
Overall, she had a great time and can't wait to plan her next cruise, but there were a few things that could have been improved.
Read more: I sailed on my first Royal Caribbean cruise. I liked the activities but didn't enjoy all the food
Norwegian Cruise Line introduces "More at Sea" program
The days of worrying about adding a drink package, specialty dining, and other extras to your cruise fare are over, at least for one cruise line!
Norwegian Cruise Line has upgraded their popular "Free at Sea" program to offer a more enhanced and streamlined experience for passengers. From premium cocktails to delicious specialty dining, Norwegian is honing in on the concept of "more," focusing on more onboard offerings, more places to explore, and more value.
Read more: A major cruise line changed its fares so there's less nickel and diming
How do you run a cruise ship? I toured the secret places where the crew work
On her recent voyage aboard the Norwegian Jade, Hayley had the rare opportunity to venture behind the scenes, gaining a glimpse of the inner workings of a cruise ship that are typically reserved for the crew.
Hayley explored the ship's kitchens, stepped backstage at the theater, marveled at the colossal laundry operations, and even got a peek inside the crew-only relaxation areas, including the elusive Crew Bar.
Read more: How do you run a cruise ship? I toured the secret places where the crew work
I stayed in Carnival's cheapest, $290-a-day cabin on one of its oldest ships
Hayley was curious to see what the cheapest stateroom on Carnival Valor would offer.
This interior stateroom originally cost $1,066 for two people for a 4-night cruise. However, this particular sailing was shortened due to Hurricane Francine. Hayley and Allie were refunded $189, bringing their voyage to a total cost of $877 for two people for three nights onboard.
Royal Caribbean's new travel item ban means you need this for your cruise
In addition to electrical extension cords—including power strips and surge-protected strips—Royal Caribbean's website now includes "multi-plug outlets" as banned items.
This shift in policy requires guests to adapt their charging strategies or risk having their ability to charge electronics limited. It's more important than ever to pack European power adapters to utilize all available charging options.
Read more: Royal Caribbean's new travel item ban means you need this for your cruise
Port strike is happening but what about cruise ships?
The U.S. port strike went into effect on Tuesday, impacting ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. It's the first coast-wide International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike since 1977, with 45,000 unionized dockworkers raising their pickets.
Long story short: the longshoreman strike won't affect cruise ship passengers.
Read more: Port strike is happening but what about cruise ships?
Celebrity unveils a new world cruise and expanded routes
The 2026-2027 season for Celebrity Cruises is poised to be unforgettable, featuring over 600 cruises to more than 280 destinations across 70 countries on all seven continents.
Celebrity Cruises just announced a brand-new world cruise that will take passengers on a 110-night voyage across the globe, sailing to 55 destinations across 15 countries. In addition, the upscale cruise line has unveiled expanded routes to Asia, Europe, and South America.
Read more: Celebrity unveils a new world cruise, and expanded routes to Asia and South America
How much is a 7-day cruise in 2024?
The price of a cruise depends so much on your choices. Everything from the cruise line to the cabin and sail date can impact your total cost.
Start with the base fare, which usually includes your cabin, meals, and onboard entertainment. From there, you can account for specialty meals, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and more.
Read more: How much is a 7 day cruise in 2024?
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.
