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 spent 3 days on Disney’s oldest cruise ship. I loved the fast service and theater shows but didn't enjoy the lengthy in-person muster drill
From character parties to immersive rotational dining rooms and high-quality production shows, the Disney cruise experience was just as magical as Elizabeth remembers.
Here's what she thought about her 3-night cruise on Disney Magic.
I tried the drink package on four different cruise lines. Celebrity's drink package impressed me, but the others were disappointing
Allie tried different drink packages on four cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises. The first two drink packages were splurges while the latter two were included in the price of her cruise.
Here’s how the experiences compared across the cruise lines, including the cost she paid, drink options, package inclusions, restrictions, and policies.
Carnival abruptly bans this item from its cruises and customers are fuming
Carnival Cruise Line has added a new cruise essential to its prohibited items list: Bluetooth speakers. The surprising move has left many customers fuming over the change, while some are praising the cruise line for the move.
As mentioned on the cruise line’s website, all guests onboard must be able to hear important announcements made on the vessel. Because speakers can cause noise disruption, they're now banned by Carnival because of potential interference with safety announcements.
Read more: Carnival abruptly bans this essential travel item from its cruises and customers are fuming
I sailed on Princess' newest ship. I liked the fast-casual dining and entertainment but would change the tiny bathrooms and venues
Elizabeth just sailed onboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises' newest ship. While it offers exciting features and innovations, a few aspects didn't quite meet her expectations.
From the tiny entertainment venues to the slow service, she didn't love everything about her cruise.
Two Royal Caribbean ships slammed with damaging winds during transatlantic crossing
Two ships crossing the Atlantic encountered unprecedented weather, with one ship dramatically tilting and causing extensive damage onboard.
Explorer of the Seas encountered a rogue storm while sailing from Barcelona to Miami, causing dramatic listing, onboard injuries, and damage. Similarly, Odyssey of the Seas faced a powerful storm with 50-knot winds and 6-7 meter waves, prompting the captain to warn passengers of potential listing as the ship maneuvered to avoid the worst conditions.
Read more: Two Royal Caribbean ships slammed with damaging winds during transatlantic crossing
Carnival shuts down cruise operations from East Coast port
Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular tourist destination. It's also home to a port used by Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Sunshine, homeported in Charleston, will be repositioned following its December 30, 2024, sailing, as Charleston didn't renew its agreement with Carnival. Cruisers can no longer take advantage of Charleston as a pre- or post-cruise destination in 2025.
Read more: Carnival shuts down cruise operations from East Coast port
I loved my 7-night Alaska cruise, but these 15 things could have made it even better
Hayley embarked on her first Alaskan cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line in July, and it quickly became one of her favorite cruise experiences.
However, there were a few things she would’ve done differently after the fact. Here are 15 things she learned from her Alaska cruise that could have made the trip even better.
Read more: I Loved My 7-Night Alaska Cruise, But These 15 Things Could Have Made It Even Better
6 things Royal Caribbean does better than Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are two of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea. From included youth programming to state-of-the-art amenities and spacious cabins, both lines are ideal for families looking to create lasting memories at sea.
Here are 6 things Royal Caribbean does better than Disney Cruise Line that you should be aware of before booking your next cruise vacation.
Read more: 6 things Royal Caribbean does better than Disney Cruise Line
These are the best cruise lines for every type of traveler
U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings of the best cruise lines for all travelers. The rankings highlight 18 of the most popular cruise lines in six categories for the 11th year.
Check out the 2024 Best Cruise Line Rankings now.
Read more: These are the best cruise lines for every type of traveler
What I like and what I'd change about Utopia of the Seas
As a fan of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class, Calista eagerly anticipated her cruise on Utopia of the Seas.
While Utopia of the Seas presents some thrilling new features, there were aspects of the ship she didn't like. Here's what she enjoyed and what she would change about this vessel.
Read more: What I like and I'd change about Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas
How to avoid loud rooms on your cruise
When choosing your stateroom, it’s important to consider how close it is to high-traffic or noisy areas of the ship, especially if you’re a light sleeper or traveling with young children.
Before selecting the first available cabin, follow these tips to avoid loud staterooms on your cruise vacation.
Read more: Noise-Free Cabins: How to Avoid Loud Rooms on Your Cruise
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.
