It's important to prioritize rest between exploring new ports of call and enjoying the ship. However, cruise ship beds aren't always the most comfortable. I find most beds on the firm side, and getting a good night's rest can be tough if you're used to a softer mattress. 

Many cruisers won't sail without a drink package. Rather than paying for each drink individually, drink packages let you pay a daily price for an unlimited or a set number of beverages. They're great for convenience and to help establish a budget before embarkation. 

We share lots 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 look into a Grand Terrace Suite on Margaritaville at Sea's Islander and cruise ship tipping do's and don'ts. 

For those busy but who want to stay updated on all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest overview of our recent articles. 

Holland America Line's Eurodam has reported a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on its current sailing with over 70 passengers ill onboard. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Eurodam has 79 sick guests onboard its current voyage which departed on February 18, 2025. 9 crew members are also reportedly ill. 

The outbreak was reported to the CDC on February 23, 2025. 3.8% of passengers and 1.1% of crew members reported gastrointestinal symptoms. There are 2,057 guests and 834 crew onboard.

Have you ever dreaded disembarkation day, wishing you could stay onboard for another cruise? Many cruisers may find solace in booking a future sailing, but for those who aren't ready for the excitement to end, a back-to-back cruise can be the perfect solution. 

Instead of packing for a weekend or weeklong getaway, you can extend your vacation without the hassle of booking multiple flights or worrying about finding a hotel between voyages.

Most people have heard of cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian. However, there’s a relatively new player in the market: Margaritaville at Sea.

Margaritaville at Sea launched its first ship, the Paradise, in May 2022. A year later, the ship underwent a massive two-week dry dock before re-entering service in June. However, the cruise line launched another vessel in June 2024: Margaritaville at Sea Islander. 

You aren't forced off the ship on port days. Whether you've been to that specific destination before or want a rest day, you're free to stay on board when your ship is in port. 

In fact, staying on the ship is a great way to enjoy the amenities with fewer crowds. Additionally, some ships offer special activities and deals for those who remain onboard. For example, if you want a relaxing afternoon in the spa, you can often save money by booking a treatment on a port day. Alternatively, you may want to enjoy the pool deck with fewer crowds compared to a busy sea day. 

In addition to the base fare, cruisers must budget extra for gratuities, or tips for crew members. 

Gratuities are divided to help cover the cost of everyone who works to make your vacation special, including cabin stewards, dining and culinary services staff, the guest services team, and others who work behind the scenes and contribute to the overall cruise experience.

Many first-time cruisers are confused about how tipping works onboard cruise ships and may find themselves asking questions like, "who do you need to tip onboard?" and "do you have to tip on a cruise?"

There’s no secret formula to determine the cheapest time to book a cruise. As much as we’d all love to have a crystal ball, there’s no way to accurately predict how cruise prices fluctuate.

For many, booking a cruise vacation requires careful budgeting. Costs can quickly add up, from the base cruise fare to shore excursions, internet packages, specialty dining, airfare, and more. Not to mention, cruise fares have continuously increased over the last few years.