We share a lot 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.
Want this roundup delivered directly to your email inbox? Sign up for our Cruise Blog Newsletter!
Suite Life: Is Upgrading to a Cruise Ship Suite Worth It?
When deciding on a cruise ship cabin, most passengers opt for one of the three standard categories: inside, oceanview, and balcony.
However, some guests may want to splurge on a suite to enhance their onboard experience. Cruise ship suites offer a range of perks that justify the high price tag, from priority embarkation to spacious accommodations.
In this post, we investigate whether a suite is worth the extra cost by breaking the perks down by cruise line.
Read more: Suite Life: Is Upgrading to a Cruise Ship Suite Worth It?
I spent 8 days on Princess Cruises’ newest mega-ship. I liked the food but didn't enjoy the cramped venues
Having cruised on lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Celebrity, and Disney, Elizabeth decided to embark on a fresh adventure and sail on Princess Cruises' newest ship, Sun Princess, during the vessel's inaugural voyage from North America.
She spent 8 nights onboard, exploring the ship's amenities, dining options, entertainment, and more. She reported that Sun Princess surpassed her expectations in nearly every way!
Read more about what she loved while onboard, as well as a few shortcomings—namely the small venues.
7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship
From exploring new ports of call to soaking up the Caribbean sun on the pool deck during a day at sea, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy on a cruise. While onboard, however, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping.
There's nothing wrong with visiting the duty-free shops onboard, but it's important to think twice about your purchases.
Here are 7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship, including useless specialty cups and overpriced medications.
Read more: 7 things you should never buy on a cruise ship
5 signs your shore excursion is a bad idea
Many travelers book cruises to explore different ports of call across the globe, from the tropical Caribbean to the culturally rich Mediterranean.
However, excursions come with additional costs that can add up quickly. Some tours cost hundreds of dollars per person, so you want to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
Here are 5 signs your chosen excursion is a bad idea.
Read more: 5 signs your shore excursion is a bad idea
Meteorologist explains why hurricane threat to cruise ships is dropping by the day
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet, but one Meteorologist shares why cruisers can finally sigh of relief.
From Hurricane Beryl to Oscar, the storms have wreaked havoc on the cruise industry, with dozens of ships having to alter their itineraries. In some cases, sailings have been canceled because of port closures and delayed returns.
Though not out of the clear, Meteorologist Craig Setzer took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain why the threat of another major hurricane slamming into Florida, where many cruise ships depart from, is dwindling.
Read more: Meteorologist explains why hurricane threat to cruise ships is dropping by the day
Two cruise lines are trying Alaska, and it will shake up the industry
Those looking to explore The Last Frontier on a cruise ship will have more choices starting in 2026, with MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages announcing their inaugural sailings to Alaska.
MSC Cruises will bring MSC Poesia, a Musica Class ship launched in 2008, to Seattle, Washington, while Virgin Voyages plans to deploy their newest ship, Brilliant Lady, on a series of 7- to 12-night itineraries departing from Seattle and Vancouver.
Read more about the latest in Alaska cruise news in our post!
Read more: Two cruise lines are trying Alaska, and it will shake up the industry
4 things Princess does better than Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises are two of the leading mainstream cruise lines offering a premium experience compared to Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian.
While you can't go wrong with a cruise on Celebrity or Princess, each appeals to different tastes and travel styles. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, too.
Here are four areas where Princess Cruises excels, making it a standout choice for certain travelers.
Read more: 4 things Princess does better than Celebrity Cruises
Best Cruise Cabins for Families
Cruise ship cabins aren't known for being spacious, so how do you deal with cramming a family of four, five, or six into a single stateroom?
To maximize space, some families prefer to book connecting cabins. However, some lines have roomy options that comfortably accommodate larger families within a single cabin.
Here's our roundup of the best cruise ship staterooms for families!
Read more: Best Cruise Cabins for Families
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.
