Cruising is one of the most unique vacation types one can choose to take. The aspect of boarding a floating vessel full of limitless entertainment, dining experiences, fun times, and gorgeous ocean views doesn’t even scrape the service of what a cruise vacation can be. Traveling via cruise ship means you only have to unpack once. This is something we have commented on at least once a day, and have said how we find it incredibly helpful.

The Celebrity Ascent cruise ship is one step closer to being built.

At the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, Celebrity Cruises celebrated a milestone on Wednesday as it welded a ceremonial coin to a massive steel docking block forming the ship’s keel, officially marking the beginning of construction on the fourth ship in the Edge Class - Celebrity Ascent. 

The forming of the ship’s keel officially marks the beginning of construction on the fourth ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘freestyle’ approach to cruising means that guests are free to choose the exact cruise experience they desire. So far aboard the Norwegian Getaway, we have seen fellow passengers embracing this mindset as they take their vacations at their own pace. NCL’s branding empowers guests to take charge of the vacation they want, and customize their experience as they see fit.

When it comes to travel, I’ve slowly become more loyal to certain brands. As someone who loves to cruise and travel the world, I’d rather spend my money with companies that have earned my loyalty and continue to provide positive experiences. 

I’ve learned the hard way that you normally get what you pay for. 

Good evening from the Norwegian Getaway! Current location: somewhere in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

I sit writing this next installment of the live blog at the Sunset Bar, it is relatively late at night, around midnight. There are a few passengers still wandering about the ship, but its pretty quiet, and this spot makes for a comfy spot to document our first full day at sea, and our third day aboard Norwegian Getaway.

If you're going on a cruise, you probably don't need to get a pre-departure negative Covid-19 test.

Most cruise lines have dropped the requirement to get a negative test, but the protocols can change at any time.  Even in 2023, we're seeing some Covid test requirements creeping back in.

Covid protocols have been changing since cruise ships restarted cruises, which has steadily seen primarily protocols eroding away in conjunction with falling Covid cases counts and less fatal variants.

Sleeping on a cruise ship is a unique experience. The ship gently rocks, and in combination from all the excitement from the day before, had me falling asleep quickly last night. The indoor stateroom beds aboard Norwegian Getaway are comfy, and the bedding feels luxurious, even in this, the most affordable room.

I am ecstatic to be writing this blog post from aboard the Norwegian Getaway! As I write this live blog, I am currently sitting in our surprisingly spacious indoor cabin, reflecting on all of the events and experiences of the past 14 hours.

Our morning began at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott at the Orlando International Airport, where we awoke and made our way down to the complimentary breakfast. After enjoying a light breakfast consisting of fruit, pastries, eggs, and coffee, we hopped in the car and began the drive to Port Canaveral.

Tomorrow I will journeying to Orlando, Florida where I will be waiting to board the Norwegian Getaway for the first time! This will be my first sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line and I am very excited to experience all the ship has to offer, as well as share my observations with all of you.