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, including an update on Carnival Cruise Line's supposed food shortage and what happens when a cruise ship sails through pirate-infested waters.
For busy bees who 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've been on over 25 cruises. Royal Caribbean and Carnival are great, but travelers shouldn't overlook this lesser-known cruise line
Elizabeth has been cruising since she was five years old and has been on many of the major lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Disney, Princess, and Celebrity. However, one relatively new cruise line that often gets overlooked but is worth considering is Margaritaville at Sea.
Margaritaville at Sea entered service in 2022 with its first ship, the Paradise, which sails exclusively from West Palm Beach, Florida. Building on Paradise's success, the cruise line purchased another vessel, and after an extensive renovation to bring Margaritaville's laid-back atmosphere onboard, launched the Islander. Though not brand-new, Islander added a larger ship to Margaritaville's portfolio.
Recently, Elizabeth had the opportunity to embark on a 4-night cruise aboard Islander to Progreso, Mexico, from Tampa, Florida. Overall, everything about the experience was pleasantly surprising. While she wasn't expecting an awful cruise, she also didn’t expect it to be as enjoyable as it turned out to be.
I stayed in 2 inside cabins on Alaska cruises. One was $600 cheaper — and I liked it better
Within a month, Jenna cruised to Alaska with Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. She booked interior cabins for both sailings but liked one more than the other.
She typically cruises on a budget and has only ever cruised to Alaska in inside cabins. These tiny cabins are dark and windowless, but they offer the essentials for a comfortable stay, like a bed, vanity, and private bathroom.
After spending 7 nights in each interior cabin, she found things she liked and disliked about both. One cruise line’s cabin, however, was better than the other. Read her recent article to find out which was her favorite!
Read more: I stayed in 2 inside cabins on Alaska cruises. One was $600 cheaper — and I liked it better
Carnival Cruise Line addresses strict alcohol rule
Have you ever wondered why Carnival only allows guests to carry one bottle of wine onboard?
Though it would be nice to bring unlimited alcohol on cruise ships, alcohol sales are where cruise lines make a significant portion of their revenue.
One frustrated guest wrote to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, about their dissatisfaction with the one-bottle policy, and Heald responded by explaining the history behind the annoying rule.
Read more: Carnival Cruise Line addresses strict alcohol rule
Passengers warned to turn off the lights as cruise ship sailed through pirate waters
Cruise passengers aboard a Cunard ship received a chilling warning as they sailed through a region known for pirate activity.
As the 114,000-gross-ton Queen Anne made her way through the Sulu-Celebes Sea on her first-ever world cruise, the Captain informed guests the ship would be operating at a "heightening level of security alertness" as they passed through a piracy-prone area.
The outdoor promenade deck was closed to guests, and passengers were asked to keep their cabin lights off to help reduce the ship's visibility.
Read more: Passengers warned to turn off the lights as cruise ship sailed through pirate waters
I stayed on the ship while docked in port. I see why veteran cruisers say it's the best-kept secret
One of the biggest reasons Allie prefers cruising over a land-based vacation is the unmatched convenience. Cruising makes it easy to see multiple countries, cities, and regions with ease. You can see so much in a shorter amount of time without needing to repack your suitcase or figure out logistics.
So, she is always looking for unique itineraries to visit new destinations. For years, the idea of staying on the ship while in port never even crossed her mind.
On her recent 4-night cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas, she visited two ports of call in the Bahamas, including Nassau and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. She's visited Nassau more times than she can count, so she decided to stay onboard and enjoy the ship instead.
Read more: I stayed on the ship while docked in port. I see why veteran cruisers say it's the best-kept secret
The complimentary Carnival dessert that’s worth ordering every time, according to loyal cruisers
While Carnival isn't known for its Michelin-star food, the cruise line offers a surprisingly delicious variety of cuisine, from tacos at BlueIguana Cantina to juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint and crispy chicken tenders at Big Chicken.
One standout dish that consistently earns praise is the warm chocolate melting cake. Served in the Main Dining Room every evening, the decadent dessert features a rich, ooey-gooey chocolate center that's perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Read more: The complimentary Carnival dessert that’s worth ordering every time, according to loyal cruisers
I sailed in windowless interior cabins on 3 different Carnival cruise ships because they were the cheapest options. Here's how they compared — and which was the best
As someone who's been on nearly 30 cruises, Elizabeth has stayed in her fair share of inside cabins. The windowless rooms are small and lack a view of the ocean, but they're great for budget travelers who want to stretch their budget as far as possible.
Within the past two years, she has begun sailing more frequently with Carnival Cruise Line. Though the line embodies the "fun ship" atmosphere fleetwide, the inside cabin experience varies.
Here's how her inside cabins on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Conquest, and Carnival Elation compared and which was her favorite in terms of amenities and value.
"We’re reliving MTV spring break in 2001”: Celebrity cruisers shocked by rowdy crowd
March is the unofficial beginning of spring break season. College students and young partygoers flock to the warmer weather in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean during this time of the year. Starting in late February and finishing in early April, spring break is a popular time for travel — especially for cruisers.
Unfortunately, one traveler’s 4-night vacation has turned into a “cruise nightmare” after finding themselves surrounded by spring breakers.
Turning to social media, the Celebrity cruiser shared their experience on Reddit, warning others about the rowdy, party-like atmosphere onboard — even on premium cruise lines during this time of year.
Read more: "We’re reliving MTV spring break in 2001”: Celebrity cruisers shocked by rowdy crowd
"This is utter nonsense": Carnival Cruise Line addresses food shortage rumors
No, Carnival Cruise Line isn't running out of eggs.
For months, the U.S. has been grappling with an egg shortage and higher prices. It's led to popular chains, including Waffle House and Denny's, temporarily raising the price of eggs.
However, despite these supply chain challenges, Carnival isn't experiencing the same disruptions.
Read more: "This is utter nonsense": Carnival Cruise Line addresses food shortage rumors
Carnival makes change to safety drill for spring break cruises
A few Carnival guests received an email stating they'd have to complete a mandatory in-person safety briefing on their spring break cruises.
Following the pandemic, many lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Celebrity, introduced e-muster drills as a way to ensure social distancing among guests. Years later, the virtual muster drill remains in place on many cruise lines, offering a more streamlined and efficient process.
However, passengers sailing aboard Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, and Carnival Conquest had to attend an in-person muster drill once again.
Read more: Carnival makes change to safety drill for spring break cruises
Carnival Elation Rooms to Avoid
Choosing the right cabin can make all the difference when planning your Carnival cruise. Some staterooms are more spacious than others, while certain cabins are more centrally located.
Though there are fewer stateroom options on smaller Fantasy Class ships like Carnival Elation, extra research can go a long way to ensure you don't end up with a cabin you regret.
Read more: Carnival Elation Rooms to Avoid
I sailed on Royal Caribbean‘s newest and oldest ships. It almost felt like sailing on two different cruise lines
Royal Caribbean is best known for building some of the most innovative cruise ships at sea. For decades, the cruise line has pushed the boundaries, introducing ships bigger and better than anything seen before. These floating cities are packed with restaurants, entertainment, and high-tech thrills.
Last month, Allie sailed on Utopia of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest and most over-the-top ship yet. As the latest Oasis Class ship, Utopia is packed to the brim with entertainment, restaurants, and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
However, she also sailed on Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship, Grandeur of the Seas. Here’s how the two ships compared—and which one she would prefer to sail on again.
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 traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
