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 a suite on the brand-new luxury line Explora Journeys, tips on changing or canceling a Royal Caribbean cruise, and more.
For those busy but want to stay updated on all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest overview of our recent articles
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I paid over $3,000 for a suite on a Carnival cruise. Unfortunately, it wasn't much better than a standard cabin
Because Elizabeth cruises at least 9 or 10 times per year, she usually sails in standard cruise ship cabins. However, she splurged on a suite aboard her Caribbean cruise on Carnival Vista, paying nearly $3,600 for a 5-night cruise.
It was her first time staying in a suite on a cruise ship, and she was looking forward to the extra space and amenities. The suite was more expensive than a balcony cabin, so she expected the higher price to reflect a noticeable difference in comfort and perks.
Instead, the overall experience wasn't much different than her cruises in standard staterooms.
Another norovirus outbreak hits a cruise ship, CDC says
Carnival's Holland America Line reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on a recent sailing with over 100 ill passengers onboard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Holland America Line's Rotterdam has 152 sick guests onboard the voyage that departed on February 2, 2025. 17 crew members were also reportedly ill.
The outbreak was reported to the CDC on February 7, 2025. 5.8% of passengers and 1.8% of crew members reported gastrointestinal symptoms. There were 2,614 guests and 969 crew onboard.
Read more: Another norovirus outbreak hits a cruise ship, CDC says
I paid $6,000 for a suite on an ultra-luxury cruise line. It was a better deal than one of the cheapest cruise lines at sea
MSC Cruises is known for its low prices and budget-friendly offerings, but that is changing with its new luxury brand, Explora Journeys.
As a fan of MSC Cruises and, in particular, its incredible Yacht Club suite-only area, Chantal was excited to try this new offshoot of the brand, hailed as an upscale spinoff with top-notch service and food.
Great reviews and an enticing itinerary made the decision a no-brainer, and she booked her first Explora Journeys cruise sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. Here are her thoughts after spending a week onboard Explora Journeys’ first ship.
Carnival Cruise Line passengers want to reopen closed port in the Caribbean
Cruise ships are prohibited from visiting one country in the Caribbean. However, U.S. travelers hope the restrictions will eventually be relaxed.
President Obama eased travel restrictions to Cuba in 2016, so certain U.S. cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival, began offering voyages to Cuba. Before that, the country had been largely off-limits to American tourists.
However, it wasn't a permanent change. Though the port has been closed to cruise ships for over five years, Carnival passengers are pushing for the reopening of Cuban ports.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line passengers want to reopen closed port in the Caribbean
I'm a new cruiser who has sailed on five different lines after avoiding cruise vacations for over 20 years. I loved Celebrity, but Carnival wasn’t my vibe
Since her first cruise in October 2023, Sarah has sailed on five different cruise lines. As a kid, she only went on land vacations.
Her parents never spoke about cruises, so they never crossed her mind. So, when she went on her first cruise, she assumed all lines would offer a similar vibe but was wrong.
Now, having sailed on five different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Disney, and Carnival, she understands why each has loyal followers.
How to change or cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise
Whether you need to adjust your travel dates, switch itineraries, or cancel your cruise, Royal Caribbean has rules about making adjustments to your reservation.
Generally, as long as you cancel your cruise before the final payment date, you won't lose your entire cruise fare. After the final payment date passes, you will be subject to a cancelation fee, which varies depending on how far in advance you cancel.
If you need to change your travel dates or switch itineraries, there's usually a rebooking fee applied. You will also have to pay the difference in fare.
Read more: How to change or cancel a Royal Caribbean cruise
Carnival Cruise Line Check-In Process
Carnival requires all guests to provide them with their check-in information by completing the online portion and selecting their arrival appointment no later than midnight Eastern Standard Time before their cruise date.
The multi-step online check-in process is easy and takes just a few minutes. It will go even quicker if your passport (or other travel documentation) and credit card are readily available.
On embarkation day, you will complete the check-in process at the terminal. Port agents will verify your travel documentation, and you will pass through a short security check.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line Check-In Process
What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest ship?
Norwegian ships aren't as large as mega-monsters like Icon of the Seas. However, NCL's modest fleet offers impressive amenities and great itineraries worldwide.
However, the cruise line recently placed a $9 billion order for new cruise ships much larger than its current fleet, coming in at over 225,000 gross registered tons (GRT). Currently, NCL's largest ship, Norwegian Encore, measures less than 170,000 GRT.
Norwegian Encore comes in at 169,116 gross registered tons (GRT) and is 1,094 feet long in overall length. This impressive ship is capable of hosting 3,998 guests and accommodating about 1,735 crew members.
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.
