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 a review of Royal Caribbean's adult-only beach (and why it's worth the money), as well as non-negotiable cruise cabin rules.
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.
Sign up for our Cruise Blog Newsletter if you want the roundup delivered directly to your email inbox in the future!
I skipped the free beaches at Royal Caribbean's private island and paid $100 for admission to the adults-only area — I'd do it again for these 4 reasons
Even after 9 visits, Royal Caribbean's private island remains one of Elizabeth's favorite places to visit on a cruise — and it keeps getting better.
In 2019, the cruise giant spent millions of dollars renovating CocoCay, transforming it into “Perfect Day at CocoCay,” a resort-style destination packed with new attractions, an upscale beach club, and other upgraded amenities.
Most recently, Royal Caribbean expanded its offerings at Perfect Day at CocoCay by opening a private adults-only beach available to guests 18+. Elizabeth returned to Hideaway for the second time during a 7-night cruise aboard Icon of the Seas, and she'd pay again for a third visit — here's why.
I avoided one popular cruise tradition for over 20 years. After trying it, I don't think I'd do it again
Whether you've sailed on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Disney, you've likely seen cabin doors decorated with fun magnets.
Door decorating has been a popular cruise tradition for years. It adds a personal touch to your stateroom, makes it easier to find your cabin, and is a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations.
Elizabeth figured that for her 30th cruise, there was no better time to go all out and fully embrace the tradition that she had avoided since her first cruise in 2005, especially since she was sailing aboard the world's largest cruise ship over Easter!
Jimmy Buffett's cruise line reveals plans to expand fleet with brand new ship
Building on the success of its two current ships, Margaritaville at Sea has announced plans to expand its fleet with a third vessel set to launch in 2026.
The relatively new cruise line launched its first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, in 2022. Paradise initially set sail in 1991 for Costa Cruises as Costa Classica, before being renamed Costa neoClassica in 2014 and finally leaving the Costa fleet in 2018 when sold to Bahamas Paradise as Grand Classica.
They expanded their fleet with the Islander in 2024 and are set to welcome their largest ship in 2026. The name and homeport haven't been revealed yet.
Read more: Jimmy Buffett's cruise line reveals plans to expand fleet with brand new ship
4 cheap Carnival cruises where your dollar will go further than mega-ships right now
The demand for cruise vacations is higher than ever, so you shouldn't be surprised to see higher fares than two or three years ago. Still, it's possible to find a good deal if you know where to look.
Carnival is one of the most popular cruise lines in operation. Though their new Excel Class ships are pricey, they offer other ships and itineraries for cruisers looking to enjoy a much-needed getaway without breaking the bank.
In light of growing recession concerns, cruise lines, including Carnival, are focusing on their ability to remain resilient because of the value gap compared to land-based trips. Here's a look at some of the cheapest Carnival cruises to save money and guarantee a memorable family trip.
Read more: 4 cheap Carnival cruises where your dollar will go further than mega-ships right now
"Balcony staterooms are a waste of money" Is this unpopular opinion true?
One Reddit user invited cruisers to share their unpopular opinions, starting with how they thought balcony cabins are a waste of money.
Many guests can't imagine cruising in a tiny windowless interior cabin, while others argue that balconies are overpriced.
The truth is, other cruisers can't tell you how to spend your money. What you consider "worth it" might not even cross someone else's mind.
Read more: "Balcony staterooms are a waste of money" Is this unpopular opinion true?
The 6 non-negotiable cruise rules for what you can't do in your cruise ship cabin
There are specific rules cruise passengers must follow to help maintain a safe and positive environment.
Breaking the rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to a permanent ban from the cruise line.
Ultimately, good manners are about treating others as we’d like to be treated. Here are 6 things you should never, ever do in your cabin.
Read more: The 6 non-negotiable cruise rules for what you can't do in your cruise ship cabin
I tried the lesser-known breakfast option on Royal Caribbean. It wasn’t fancy, but it was convenient — and free
For many passengers, the buffet is the first stop to start their morning aboard a cruise ship. However, did you know you can get free room service delivered to your cabin?
While the buffet has endless breakfast options and the MDR's quality is higher with freshly plated meals, one of Elizabeth's favorite ways to kickstart her day on a ship is with room service.
She decided to skip the busy Windjammer and opt for room service ahead of her snorkeling excursion in St. Thomas on a recent cruise. Given that her 7-night sailing was during spring break, the ship was packed with families, and the buffet was especially crowded in the mornings.
"How do cruise ships float?" answered by a cruise ship captain
The largest cruise ships weigh hundreds of thousands of tons, yet they float effortlessly on the water
As much as we'd like to believe that magic keeps these engineering marvels above the water, there's actually a scientific explanation as to how cruise ships float.
Captain James, a cruise captain working aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, took to social media to explain how, despite their massive sizes and weights, cruise ships can float and travel smoothly across the ocean.
Read more: "How do cruise ships float?" answered by a cruise ship captain
I did these 4 small things before my Carnival cruise, and they made a huge difference
Last week, Elizabeth sailed on her first Carnival cruise to Alaska. Prepping for a trip to the Last Frontier differs from sailing in the sunny and warm Caribbean. However, there are a few smart pre-cruise preparations that make embarkation smoother and help save money, regardless of where you're headed.
In addition to early travel planning, she made sure to reserve her add-ons to secure my spot on popular tours, as excursions in Alaska are typically in more demand than in the Caribbean.
Here are the best 4 things she did before her Carnival cruise that made the experience better and helped save her money onboard!
Read more: I did these 4 small things before my Carnival cruise, and they made a huge difference
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 over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
