We share lots of cruise updates and advice on Cruise Blog, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week, including the cleanest cruise ships at sea and major mistakes you should avoid making.
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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Cruise lines bracing for record-breaking bookings during unprecedented wave season
The cruise industry is preparing for another record-breaking year. Following the success of 2024 with 34.5 million cruisers, industry experts are predicting that 2025 will see even greater growth, with booking numbers surpassing previous highs.
As wave season approaches, cruise lines are optimistic about securing even more reservations for first-time and return cruisers.
Read more: Cruise lines bracing for record-breaking bookings during unprecedented wave season
I traveled on 11 cruise ships last year. Here are the most affordable trips I took
Growing up, Elizabeth and her family would cruise occasionally, sometimes taking two trips a year, but as her love for cruising grew, she started to sail much more often. Last year, her travels reached an all-time high, as she embarked on 11 cruises to places like the Bahamas, Alaska, and Europe.
Cruising doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, Elizabeth thinks it's one of the most affordable ways to travel, especially when you consider how much is included in the price. Read about the most affordable trips she took in 2024.
Read more: I traveled on 11 cruise ships last year. Here are the most affordable trips I took
Passenger jumped off cruise ship after his mom tried to stop him, report says
The passenger who jumped overboard while cruising on Norwegian Epic over Christmas has been identified. Dan McGilvray, 51, of Broomfield, Colorado, vanished after climbing over a balcony and leaping off the ship, bouncing off a lifeboat as he plummeted toward the sea.
His 75-year-old mother Gerda McGilvray witnessed the tragic event and tried to restrain her son. However, she was unable to stop him.
Read more: Passenger jumped off cruise ship after his mom tried to stop him, report says
I sailed in windowless inside cabins on 7 different cruise ships. Here's how they compared — and which was the best value by far
As a frequent cruiser, inside cabins help Elizabeth get the most bang for her buck. While they're often cramped and lack natural light, she argues their value is undeniable compared to pricey balcony staterooms.
Last year, she stayed in interior staterooms on seven different cruise ships. Though the overall experience varied, she consistently found that booking the more affordable stateroom allowed her to allocate more money toward add-ons like excursions and specialty restaurants.
Paradise regained? How cruise lines are making Bahamas cruises better than ever
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley noted that despite the high traffic, Nassau ranks among the bottom 10% of ports in terms of guest feedback.
As such, popular cruise lines are working toward making Bahamas sailings more desirable. Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean have announced plans to expand their offerings, ranging from exclusive beach clubs to new private destinations.
Read more: Paradise regained? How cruise lines are making Bahamas cruises better than ever
Man makes costly $1,300 mistake on his Royal Caribbean cruise
One Royal Caribbean cruiser was hit with an unexpected bill after they forgot to put their phone on airplane mode while on a cruise.
Even though the unidentified guest paid for the Wi-Fi package, they racked up $1,300 in roaming charges during their vacation.
Read more: Man makes costly $1,300 mistake on his Royal Caribbean cruise
I spent 55 days at sea on 5 different cruise lines in the past year. Here are 7 mistakes I won't be making in 2025
Elizabeth spent 55 days at sea on five different cruise lines within the past year, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney. Her voyages took her everywhere from the Bahamas to Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Greek Isles. Sailing on various lines also meant the onboard experience varied.
Even as a frequent cruiser, she learned something from each trip. Read about the cruising advice she is applying to her 2025 travels.
"Deeply concerning": Passenger dies from norovirus outbreak on cruise ship
A passenger died after contracting norovirus aboard a month-long cruise. Alan Forster, 77, passed away from suspected kidney failure after a cruise last October while sailing on P&O Cruises' Arcadia.
Lawyers at Irwin Mithcell claim that one week after reporting his symptoms, Forster collapsed and was hooked up to an IV drip in the ship’s medical center. No other treatment was offered, though.
Read more: "Deeply concerning": Passenger dies from norovirus outbreak on cruise ship
The 29 Cleanest Cruise Ships at Sea, According to a New Report
The CDC routinely inspects ships to ensure a safe, healthy environment for passengers and crew members.
Each year, they release their findings, and in 2024, they reported that out of 151 inspected vessels, 29 received a perfect score.
Read more: The 29 Cleanest Cruise Ships at Sea, According to a New Report
I sailed on my first-ever cruise with Carnival. Some lines were too long, but the price was worth it
One first-time cruiser, Diana, shared her recent experience aboard Carnival Cruise Line on Facebook with fellow travelers.
She sailed on Carnival Glory from Port Canaveral alongside her husband and delved into all aspects of the voyage, from the food to entertainment and excursions.
Read more: I sailed on my first-ever cruise with Carnival. Some lines were too long, but the price was worth it
Cruise ships suffer worst year for stomach bugs in over a decade. Here's what I'm doing to stay healthy
Annual data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 2024 was the worst year for cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade. There were 16 reported outbreaks on ships last year, up from 14 in 2023.
Despite the increasing number of cases, read more about how you can stay healthy on your upcoming cruise vacation while still having a great time onboard.
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.
