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5 things I learned will change how I cruise in 2025

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While I consider myself a seasoned traveler and cruiser, this year pushed me to new limits, and each voyage had its own challenges and rewards. 

In 2024, I sailed on 11 cruises to destinations such as Alaska, The Bahamas, and Europe, spending more than 50 days away from home. I explored new-to-me cruise lines and discovered different ports of call. Still, I have some tried-and-true routines that never fail me. 

For example, I never choose later embarkation times. I love being one of the first onboard, as I can get settled and enjoy a quieter lunch before the crowds arrive. 

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Additionally, I enjoy attending the game shows held by the activities team. They're also a great way to bond with other guests and step out of my comfort zone. While sailing on Sun Princess earlier this year, for example, I won the "Yes or No" game by avoiding answering questions with "yes or no" for three minutes. 

While every cruise was a win in its own way, I learned valuable lessons that will change how I cruise in the future, such as embracing spontaneity. 

Loyalty isn't as important as I thought

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Growing up, my family exclusively sailed with Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. However, as I've begun to fund my own cruising addiction, I've learned the value of branching out to other lines. Last year, for example, I finally sailed with Carnival Cruise Line aboard their brand-new Excel Class ship. I also boarded an MSC cruise for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise. 

This year, I continued to broaden my horizons and explored even more options, starting with Celebrity Cruises. The premium line is part of Royal Caribbean Group, so I matched my Diamond status to Celebrity's Captain's Club and enjoyed perks like free laundry, a complimentary happy hour, discounted Wi-Fi, and more. 

Though the status match makes it easy to enjoy exclusive benefits, what stood out was the elevated experience Celebrity offers, including twice-per-day housekeeping and a high level of personalized service. 

Read more: 17 things I wish I knew before stepping foot on a Celebrity cruise ship

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After Celebrity, I set sail with Princess Cruises for the first time. Initially hesitant that the crowd would be too old compared to family-friendly lines, I was quickly proved wrong. While there were fewer families on board, I found the atmosphere surprisingly energetic and welcoming.

I was also impressed by Princess' Medallion technology and the line's inclusive packages. For just $60 per day, I received a drink package, Wi-Fi, two casual specialty meals, two complimentary fitness classes, gratuities, and more. With competitors charging over $80 for their drink packages, I wouldn't be afraid to forego loyalty benefits to sail on Princess again. 

For example, though I get four free beverages per day on Royal Caribbean sailings, I still have to account for Wi-Fi and gratuities, which cost upwards of $35 per day. 

Read more: I Have Sailed on 5 Cruise Lines—These Cruise Loyalty Programs Have the Best Savings and Perks

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I'm excited about my 2025 adventures! Throughout the year, I'll be sailing on three new-to-me lines. The first is Margaritaville at Sea, followed by Norwegian Cruise Line in August, and Virgin Voyages in September. 

Though there are benefits to sailing with one specific company and climbing the ranks of each line's loyalty programs, I've become more interested in seeing what makes each line unique. Each cruise line offers its own blend of service, atmosphere, dining, and entertainment, and I get as much joy from discovering new experiences as I do from accumulating loyalty points. 

The most expensive drink package isn't always necessary

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Cafe Select Coffee Card on Vision of the Seas

This year, I also learned that sometimes the most basic drink package is more than enough. While on a 5-night cruise to Bermuda aboard Vision of the Seas, my friend and I split the cost of Royal Caribbean's coffee card, which allowed us to enjoy specialty coffee beverages for a fraction of what they'd cost individually or as part of an unlimited drink package.

As my friend isn't a huge drinker, the exorbitant cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package didn't make sense; however, we're both fans of quality coffee and weren't looking forward to the mediocre complimentary brews. The Cafe Select Coffee Card turned out to be the perfect compromise! 

Because we split the coffee card, my out-of-pocket cost for seven coffees was just $18.29—a figure that breaks down to approximately $2.61 per drink. I thought this was a steal considering my go-to drink at Starbucks is around $7.00! 

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Specialty Coffee on Vision of the Seas

Combined with my four daily Diamond drinks that allowed me to enjoy top-shelf cocktails, the coffee card was a great deal that enhanced my time onboard Vision of the Seas without needing an expensive beverage package. Instead, we splurged on a specialty meal at Izumi and a fun snorkeling excursion that took us to two shipwrecks. 

Read more: I sailed on my first Royal Caribbean cruise. I liked the activities but didn't enjoy all the food

Last-minute deals aren't dead

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As a full-time travel writer, I often argue that waiting for last-minute deals is no longer worth it. Earlier this year, I booked a last-minute cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent for $2,879.50. Not only was the cruise fare steep but I also had to spend around $800 on a flight from Charlotte to Fort Lauderdale. Though I had a great time onboard, the pricey experience left a sour taste for last-minute bookings. 

Fast forward to November 2024, I saw an unbelievable deal for a 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas for just $417.18 per person, including taxes, port fees, and gratuities. 

Though airfare was still costly, I utilized credit card points to pay for one roundtrip flight on American Airlines, which meant my dad and I paid just $574.16 for our flights to Florida, or $287.08 each. Considering how expensive flights from Charlotte usually are, this felt like a steal, especially since we booked just a few weeks before departure. 

Read more: I paid $830 for an unexpected last-minute cruise deal. I didn't have time to plan, but it was worth the cheap cost

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Our interior cabin was cozy, but since we were only onboard for four nights, we were not planning on spending much time in our stateroom. And because we paid so little for our fare, we splurged on add-ons without worrying about the cost, including two specialty meals, admission to CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark, and an excursion to Blue Lagoon Island in Nassau. 

While last-minute cruises require flexibility, I have a newfound appreciation for them. Next year, I'm blocking out a few weeks in November and December for spontaneous getaways. With the right deals, last-minute cruising is a great way to explore new destinations and make memories with loved ones without breaking the bank. 

Approach older ships with caution

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Vision of the Seas docked in Bermuda

In 2024, I sailed on three cruise ships all launched within one year of each other in the late 1990s. Despite being nearly the same age, the experiences on each were drastically different, and moving forward, I'd be hesitant to book a cruise on an older vessel unless the itinerary was out of this world. 

For example, my primary purpose for selecting a cruise on Vision of the Seas wasn't the ship. Instead, I wanted to visit Bermuda for the first time. Moreover, I chose a 3-night cruise on Disney Magic solely to call at their new private destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. 

Because these sailings were destination-focused, the inevitable limitations of the older ships didn’t bother me as much. However, I wouldn't choose to sail on Carnival's Fantasy Class ships again, especially if I'm cruising to ports I've previously visited, as was the case on my Carnival Elation cruise. 

Read more: I sailed on 11 cruises this year. This was my least favorite because of the bland food and cramped bathroom

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Compared to my experiences on Royal Caribbean and Disney's older vessels, I was disappointed by Carnival Elation, particularly when it came to the Main Dining Room and overall maintenance. 

The ship felt more dated, with less attention to upkeep in areas like the cabin's bathroom. While that's not to say Vision of the Seas and Disney Magic didn't show signs of wear and tear, the updates and attention to detail made a noticeable difference. 

Overall, however, I prefer the ambiance of newer ships which have more of the amenities I've come to appreciate. Though I won't immediately say no to a voyage on an older ship, I'm far more likely to weigh the pros and cons of the vessel's age versus the itinerary before booking. 

Read more: I sailed in tiny interior cabins on old Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. I'd only book one again

It's okay to prioritize certain ports

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In July, I took my second-ever European cruise. This, however, was my first to the Greek Isles. My last European getaway was around the Mediterranean to places like Marseille, France; Palermo, Sicily; and Valencia, Spain. Since I had never stepped foot in Greece, I wanted to maximize my time ashore and went overboard booking shore excursions, neglecting to remember how draining the summer heat is. 

Kuşadası, Turkey, wasn't at the top of our list, so instead of forcing ourselves to go on our booked tour to Ephesus, we prioritized resting and recharging for our 9-hour excursion in Naples to Sorrento, Italy, and Pompeii. A busy schedule combined with temperatures around 95°F and above can quickly lead to burnout. In our case, we thought it was better to better to take a step back. 

I wish we had thought ahead, though. We lost the money paid for our excursion since we decided to cancel at the last minute. In the future, I'll be more mindful of balancing activities with downtime to avoid overbooking myself. Though it’s tempting to cram in as much as possible, especially when you've traveled abroad, it is important to listen to your body, so you can enjoy your must-do tours to the fullest. 

Read more: I went on a 7-day cruise to Europe. Here are 12 things that surprised me the most

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