Drink packages are divisive among cruisers. Some love their convenience, while others think they're a waste of money and encourage unruly behavior. 

Growing up, drink packages were non-negotiable for my family — I can't tell you how many virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris my sister and I sipped on while sailing through the Caribbean! Because of my childhood experiences, having unlimited access to beverages on vacation quickly became one of my favorite parts about a cruise. 

Cruisers sailing aboard Margaritaville at Sea's newest ship reported receiving free drinks while playing in the casino. 

Most cruise lines only reward players with so many points through their respective casino loyalty programs. However, Celebrity Cruises offers complimentary beverages to cruisers actively playing in the casino, and it seems Margaritaville at Sea is following suit. 

MSC Cruises' new luxury line just announced a new loyalty program with an enticing status match offer. 

Explora Journeys, which launched its first ship in 2023, has redefined ocean travel with its super yacht-inspired vessels. However, compared to other lines, including its sister-brand MSC Cruises, it lacked a loyalty program to reward return cruises for choosing to sail with them over competitors. 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two of the most recognizable names in the cruise industry. Both mainstream cruise lines focus on offering affordable, family-friendly vacations across their expansive fleets. However, after sailing on the newest ships from both cruise lines, I’m convinced that one mega-ship stands out as the better choice.

Carnival’s CEO is optimistic about the cruise industry’s resilience, despite concerns over a recession.

Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President, CEO, and Chief Climate Officer, spoke during Seatrade Cruise Global 2025's State of the Global Cruise Industry Keynote about the company's Q1 financial results.  

He admitted they had a good quarter, but the bookings were more inconsistent than usual. "It was choppy...There were highs. There were lows as we went through the quarter," he said. 

Margaritaville at Sea is giving away free 7-night cruises on its newest ship, the Islander. The catch? They're only available to eligible heroes. 

Expanding on the line's successful "Heroes Sail Free" program, Margaritaville is releasing new offers ahead of Heroes Month in May. These include free staterooms for two on 7-night Caribbean sailings, fundraising events, and dedicated onboard tributes with community-building partners. 

MSC World America has finally arrived in, well, America! The newest cruise ship at sea sailed into Miami, Florida, on Monday, April 7, ahead of its 7-night inaugural voyage on the 12th. 

As part of Carnival Cruise Line's "Innovation Itinerary," a five-year plan to sail the most "FUN" fleet at sea, create more compelling experiences and destinations, and build more loyalists, Carnival is set to unveil a revamped loyalty program that will enhance the experience for repeat cruisers.

I took my first Carnival cruise and not everything went to plan. Although some things went right during my trip, I definitely made a few mistakes along the way.

As a seasoned cruiser, I felt overconfident while boarding my first sailing with Carnival Cruise Line. I expected my 4-night cruise aboard Carnival Firenze to go off without a hitch, but that’s not exactly what happened.