Today's newest cruise ships are all the rage with ice skating rinks, rollercoasters, go-kart tracks, waterparks, and more. However, newer isn't always better. Last year, I sailed on three old cruise ships built in the 1990s for Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney, and my experiences couldn't have been more different. 

For example, my cabin aboard Vision of the Seas felt like it was stuck in the 90s with outdated decor and a noticeable lack of outlets. In comparison, my interior stateroom on Disney Magic also had a nostalgic charm but greater attention to detail. 

The best first-time cruisers have questions about everything, ranging from the cabins to onboard activities, port of call, and dining. 

Dining is especially important because nobody wants to end up on a ship with food they don't like. Not only that but the cruise ship dining experience differs from land-based restaurants. 

For one, most meals are included in your cruise fare, but some specialty restaurants are an extra charge. Plus, you will have to decide whether you want to eat at the same time each evening or opt for the flexible dining option. 

Is it always worth paying extra for a balcony cabin, or could booking the most affordable interior cabin be the smarter choice? In my experience, opting for the cheapest option can be the better decision.

Which rough seas should you avoid on your next cruise? 

Cruise ships travel all over the world, from the tropical Bahamas to the icy waters of Alaska. As a result, ships navigate through various climates, meaning your packing list will look different depending on your destination. 

Taking a Disney vacation is exciting whether it's the one of the world-class theme parks or aboard one of Disney's magical cruise ships! At sea, however, you won't find endless attractions like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Expedition Everest. 

Instead, Disney figured out how to bring the excitement from one of their theme park attractions to their cruise ships with the launch of the AquaDuck on Disney Dream. This unique water coaster travels around the aft of the ship and is included in your cruise fare! 

Disney Cruise Line is set to increase the daily recommended gratuities for all passengers regardless of cabin category.

Disney will raise the daily gratuity rate to $16.00 per person, per night for standard cabins, up from $14.50, and Concierge staterooms to $27.25, up from $23.50. It is the same amount for all passengers, including children and infants. 

Of all the cruise ships I’ve sailed on, few compare to Celebrity’s Edge Class ships. Even after 50 cruises, these revolutionary cruise ships continue to be my favorite vessels to sail on.

Cruising is a unique and exciting way to travel because you can explore different places while enjoying the comforts of a floating resort. After spending the day ashore in places like St. Maarten, Skagway, and Mykonos, you return to the ship for a multi-course dinner in the dining room and lively entertainment. 

However, even the most seasoned travelers can make silly mistakes. One crew member, Lucy, took to YouTube to share common first-time mistakes she's witnessed passengers make. 

There's an unlimited amount of food included in your cruise fare. Most cruise ships have a dining room that dishes up three-course dinners and an all-you-can-eat buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Between the two, the buffet is the more casual of the two eateries. Even on formal night, you'll find people showing up in basic t-shirts and shorts, rather than in cocktail dresses or sports jackets. However, cruise ship dining, even in the grand dining rooms, is far more casual than it was decades ago.