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.

Last week, I sailed on my 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. 

For example, you don't want to wait until the last minute to make your travel arrangements, as you'll end up paying more for flights and accommodations. 

The largest cruise ships weigh hundreds of thousands of tons, yet they float effortlessly on the water. 

For example, Icon of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, measures over 245,000 gross registered tons (GRT). While compared to Icon ships like Vision of the Seas are tiny, they're still large compared to other vessels, coming in at around 78,340 GRT. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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?

Food is readily available on all cruise ships, from the buffet to the Main Dining Room and quick service grab-and-go options. 

While the buffet has endless breakfast options and the MDR's quality is higher with freshly plated meals, one of my favorite ways to kickstart my day on a ship is with room service.

Even after 9 visits, Royal Caribbean's private island remains one of my 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. 

Whether lounging on one of the complimentary beaches or paying for admission to the exclusive waterpark, there's something for everyone. 

Though vacation is about relaxing and taking a break from your everyday life, it's important to remember that you're sharing the cruise ship with thousands of other guests. As such, 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. 

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.