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.
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8 things Disney Cruise Line does backwards
In many ways, sailing with Disney Cruise Line is unlike any other line.
Cruisers used to sailing with lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival will quickly discover how different the overall experience is. For example, they don't have any liquor-based drink packages. Plus, there are no flexible dining times, so you'll eat in one of the main dining rooms at the same time each evening.
Curious as to what else Disney does differently? Here's a list of 8 things Disney Cruise Line does backward compared to other mainstream lines.
Read more: 8 things Disney Cruise Line does backwards
Is it normal to feel the cruise ship rocking?
New cruisers typically wonder whether they'll feel the ship rocking. Most ships are designed to be stable, but the level of motion depends on factors like the ship's size, weather, and location at sea.
However, it's normal to feel some movement, including slight vibrations. Thankfully, there are some strategies veteran sailors employ to minimize discomfort.
Read more: Is it normal to feel the cruise ship rocking?
Here are the best Black Friday cruise deals of 2024
Black Friday is traditionally associated with savings on everything from clothing to electronics. The travel industry is no different! If you want to save money on a future cruise vacation, look no further. We've been scouring the internet for the best cruise deals from all the major cruise lines.
Just like retailers, cruise lines offer up Black Friday sales, and many start well before Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. You can expect discounts on cruise fares, extra onboard credit, and free add-ons!
We'll update this page as cruise lines roll out their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for 2024, so check back often! Here's a breakdown of the best bargains at sea!
Read more: Here are the best Black Friday cruise deals of 2024
Carnival Cruise Line's new passport rule
Carnival Cruise Line has released new passport rules for guests sailing to Panama.
While some itineraries require a valid passport, some cruises permit a government-issued photo ID and a certified copy of a birth certificate as acceptable travel documentation.
However, all passengers sailing on a round-trip Carnival cruise to Panama must now carry a valid passport to be allowed ashore.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line's new passport rule
Princess cancels third cruise in a row on Regal Princess
Regal Princess has been stuck in Galveston after canceling three cruises due to technical issues with its power generators.
The Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 sailings were canceled because of issues with one generator. Though Princess Cruises seemed confident that the problem was resolved, the Nov. 10 voyage was also canceled due to an issue with a second power generator.
Read more: Princess cancels third cruise in a row on Regal Princess
The 15 Best Gifts for Travelers, According to Cruise Experts
With the holidays right around the corner, you might be wondering what to get your cruise-obsessed family member or friend. Even if they don't have an upcoming vacation, your gift might inspire them to reach out to their travel agent and start planning their next adventure!
Five cruise experts gave their recommendations for the perfect gifts for cruise lovers. From basics like packing cubes to innovative sleeping masks with Bluetooth connectivity, here's what should be on your radar this holiday season.
Read more: The 15 Best Gifts for Travelers, According to Cruise Experts
I paid $60 per day to see if Princess Cruises' inclusive package was worth the cost
Recently, Elizabeth decided to try Princess Cruises' Princess Plus package.
With mainstream cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean charging upwards of $60+ per day for their drink packages, Princess' inclusive package seemed like a steal, as it included alcoholic beverages, internet access, gratuities, and more.
Read on to see if she saved money with Princess Plus compared to purchasing all her add-ons individually!
Read more: I paid $60 per day to see if Princess Cruises' inclusive package was worth the cost
What it's really like in a $500-a-night, 185-square-foot stateroom on a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line isn't known for affordable fares. However, when Elizabeth saw a fare advertised for less than $2,000, she didn't hesitate to email my travel agent.
The 3-night cruise came out to $1,585.78, including taxes, port fees, and gratuities, for two people. While onboard, she stayed in a standard interior cabin.
Despite sailing on a ship over 25 years old, she found the cabin spacious and thoughtfully designed. Not only was there an abundance of outlets but the stateroom had a shower-tub combo and premium toiletries.
Read more: What it's really like in a $500-a-night, 185-square-foot stateroom on a Disney Cruise
Guide to staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin
If you don’t want to stay in a windowless inside stateroom or splurge on a suite, consider a balcony cabin on your next Carnival cruise.
With a balcony cabin, you have access to the fresh air and ocean views at any time on a private verandah. Additionally, you can check out the scenery and weather from your cabin without venturing to the top deck.
Read more about the pros of staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin in our post.
Read more: Guide to staying in a Carnival cruise balcony cabin
Celebrity Cruises reveals new 'Project Nirvana' ship class
Celebrity Cruises has announced that a new ship class is in the works.
Last week while at the CruiseWorld conference in Fort Lauderdale, Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises, announced a new class of ships for the cruise line. Currently under the code name "Project Nirvana," few details about the new ship class have been released at this point.
Read more: Celebrity Cruises reveals new 'Project Nirvana' ship class
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.
