As a year-round cruiser, I'm no stranger to summer heat. When prepping for a voyage in June, July, or August, I take precautions to ensure I don't overheat while on my long-awaited vacation, regardless of whether it's to the Bahamas, Caribbean, or Mediterranean. 

One cruise passenger unknowingly started a huge debate over tipping cabin stewards in cash. 

John Heald, Carnival's Facebook-famous Brand Ambassador, took to the popular website to ask how other guests felt about giving crew members money as a tip. "Poll time. Things that I have been asked today," he begins, "Spelling thank you out in money."

Royal Caribbean removed one of the free perks of its extra-cost VIP program. 

The Key is an optional add-on that passengers can purchase for exclusive benefits like a private embarkation lunch, reserved seating during theater shows, priority tender access, and more. 

However, an update was sent to guests who bought The Key to let them know one of the best features was dropped. 

I've been cruising for two decades and have sailed on over 20 ships. However, it wasn't until recently that I stayed in a frequently overlooked cruise cabin. 

Most cruisers are die-hard fans of balcony staterooms. While having a private verandah is undoubtedly a huge perk, they aren't the most affordable cabins onboard. 

Similarly, though interior staterooms are often the cheapest option, they lack natural sunlight and are usually the smallest cabins on a cruise ship. 

Two passengers sailing on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas were arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy. 

Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, and Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, of Mexico City were arrested in Miami, Florida, on Friday, March 21, on multiple criminal charges, including lewd and lascivious molestation of a child.

After taking 29 cruises, I thought I had seen every rookie cruise mistake in the book. Yet while cruising on Carnival’s newest ship, I saw passengers making 6 mistakes they easily could have avoided.

Earlier this month, I took a 4-night cruise aboard Carnival Firenze, the latest vessel to join Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. The ship, which originally launched in 2021 for Costa Cruises, was acquired by Carnival in April of 2024. She currently sails from Long Beach, California.

Cruise ships have to feed thousands of people on any given sailing. As such, it's not uncommon to hear concerns about food waste. 

From the Lido Marketplace buffet to the Main Dining Room and fast-casual spots like BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint, plenty of dining options on a Carnival cruise offer generous portions and variety to appease different taste buds. 

It is official! You have just booked your cruise vacation and now you are considering add-ons like excursions, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and more! One of the most popular add-ons is alcoholic beverage packages, but you may not like the cost, as packages can range from $50 to over $100 per person, per day.

This price may seem intimidating. As such, it's common for cruisers to want to sneak alcohol on a cruise. More passengers are inclined to get crafty in their methods of sneaking alcohol onboard the ship, rather than paying for pricey packages.

If you are on the fence about going on a cruise because of having children, look no further! You can still have adult fun and make time for a massage! Royal Caribbean has a wide range of ships in its fleet, 28 to be exact. With the variety of features on each of their ships, Royal Caribbean certainly has a space for your child, regardless of age.

From being a young child who just enjoys playing and having fun, to the teenagers who just want to get away and be around others their age, there are designated areas for certain age groups.