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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How much is a 7-day cruise in 2025?
There isn't a set price for a 7-night cruise. The total cost depends on factors like the ship's age, sail date, cabin, and more. Additional considerations include the cruise line and onboard amenities. For example, your overall cost will be less if you aren't looking to spend money on a drink package or Wi-Fi.
Read our breakdown of what to consider for your 2025 or 2026 cruise!
Read more: How much is a 7-day cruise in 2025?
Young couples live permanently on cruise ships for as little as $10K
The rise of long-term cruise options isn't a new phenomenon. However, more younger couples are embracing the idea of living at sea.
Monica Brzoska, 32, and Jorrell Conley, 36, two financially savvy retired school teachers from Tennessee, lived at sea for around $10,000 for eight months. Similarly, a 28-year-old from San Diego signed a 12-year lease for a studio apartment aboard the upcoming MV Narrative for $300,000, breaking down to roughly $25,000 annually or $2,083 monthly.
Read more: Young couples live permanently on cruise ships for as little as $10K
Carnival quietly raises drink package price without warning
Carnival Cruise Line increased the price of its drink package without warning.
Passengers sailing on Carnival cruises now have to pay $88.44 per person, per day, regardless of the sailing's length. However, passengers can still pre-book their drink packages to save 10% off the daily price, coming out to $82.54 daily with gratuities included.
Read more: Carnival quietly raises drink package price without warning
Popular cruise line is raising its internet prices
Carnival Cruise Line hiked the cost of all three internet plans by as much as 22%. The cheapest Wi-Fi plan now starts at $18.70 per day.
The Premium Plan's pre-cruise price rose from $21.25 to $23.80 per day, while the onboard pricing jumped to $28. Depending on when you book, the Premium Plan could be more costly than Royal Caribbean's VOOM Surf + Stream internet package.
Read more: Popular cruise line is raising its internet prices
Icon of the Seas to MSC Seaside: Our favorite ships and itineraries of 2024
2024 was an exciting year for Cruise.Blog writers and editors! Between eight staff members, over 250 days were spent onboard cruise ships that sailed to the Arctic, Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Read about our favorite ships and itineraries, including a voyage to the Arctic aboard Poseidon Expeditions' Sea Spirit and a 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Celebrity Ascent.
Read more: Icon of the Seas to MSC Seaside: Our favorite ships and itineraries of 2024
Carnival Cruise Director shares what it’s like to work on the line's newest ship
The Cruise Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring each guest has a memorable experience by coordinating activities and hosting events.
Kyndall “Fire” Magyar, the Cruise Director aboard Carnival Jubilee, took to social media to show what a day in her life looks like hosting Family Game Night and the Lone Star Tailgate.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Director shares what it’s like to work on the line's newest ship
Royal Caribbean's newest private beach is a huge step forward for Nassau
Royal Caribbean's newest private beach, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, will open in December 2025. The 17-acre slice of paradise will reshape how Royal Caribbean cruisers experience Nassau, one of the world's busiest cruise ports.
The all-inclusive beach club will be divided into three zones: Family Beach, Chill Beach, and Party Cove. Guests will find everything from the world's largest swim-up bar to a zero-entry pool, local artisans, delicious food, and even a multi-level cabana with a slide and private whirlpool.
Read more: Royal Caribbean's newest private beach is a huge step forward for Nassau
Fire reported on MSC Cruise ship causes temporary power loss
A fire broke out shortly after MSC Seashore departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Sunday, Dec. 8.
MSC Cruises confirmed the fire, explaining that it was reported in the emergency generator room. No injuries were reported.
Read more: Fire reported on MSC Cruise ship causes temporary power loss
Cruise ship engine failure strands 4,000 passengers
After being stranded in Japan for four days following engine and navigation issues, MSC Cruises canceled three sailings aboard MSC Bellissima, one of the largest cruise ships in Asia.
Since the ship's call in Keelung was canceled, roughly 1,880 cruise passengers expecting to return to Taiwan were stuck in Japan because of the mechanical failure. Rather than leave guests without aid, MSC Cruises coordinated with travel agencies, airline partners, and the Taiwanese authorities to help arrange return travel.
Read more: Cruise ship engine failure strands 4,000 passengers
I didn't get the hype about cruises. Here's what changed my mind
Have you ever wondered why cruises are so popular? One traveler posed the question on the r/NoStupidQuestions thread on Reddit. The popular post was titled, “What's the appeal of cruise ship vacations?”
The question prompted hundreds of replies from others with nearly 500 comments. Many cruise fans shared their honest opinion about why they love cruising, including some prior skeptics who have since changed their perspectives!
Read more: I didn't get the hype about cruises. Here's what changed my mind
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.
