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Eastern vs. Western Caribbean Cruises

If you're new to cruising, one of the most classic go-to places for a warm-weather getaway is the Caribbean. But, because the region is divided into three areas -- Eastern, Western and Southern -- choosing an itinerary can be daunting.

Here, we'll guide you through the main similarities and differences between two of the three Caribbean sub-regions -- eastern and western -- so you can choose the destination that's best for you.

CDC posts comments from the public on cruise ships restarting

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already posted on its website over 3,000 comments from the public on what and how they think cruises should resume.

The CDC has been collecting feedback from the general public on concerns and viewpoints related to passenger cruise ships resuming operations.

After the CDC extended its "No Sail" order that prohibits cruise lines from operating cruises in North America, the CDC began asking for comments.

Compare: Norwegian vs. Disney Cruise Line

If you're considering a Norwegian cruise versus a Disney cruise, your head is likely spinning as you mull over the major differences are, like fleet size, price and appearances by Mickey and friends.

Whether you're a parent planning to bring your brood onboard or an adult with no kids to speak of, we'll help you compare these lines on things like cabins, dining and activities.

You will have to take a COVID-19 test to go on a Costa Cruise

Costa Cruises announced today it is the latest cruise line to require a negative COVID-19 test in order to go on their ships.

When Costa begins sailing again in September, the cruise line will perform antigenic COVID-19 swab tests on all guests.

Costa plans to resume sailings with cruises from Trieste, Italy, and announced on Tuesday it is the first cruise company to earn the Biosafety Trust Certification from RINA.

Cunard cancels cruises into Spring 2021

Cunard announced on Tuesday that due to the current pandemic, the cruise line has cancelled its sailings well into 2021.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe spoke in a video posted to Cunard's website to convey the scope of the changes, "After very careful consideration and reviewing the latest guidance, we simply do not feel it would be sensible to start sailing again with our current schedule so we have reviewed future itineraries."

Queen Elizabeth

The Queen Elizabeth will have her sailings cancelled up to up to March 25, 2021.

MSC Cruises delays restart of cruise ship in Italy

MSC Cruises announced on Monday it was delaying MSC Magnifica’s scheduled restart due in Italy due to guests cancelling their cruises.

The cruise line issued a statement that said MSC Magnifica will now start up in about 4 weeks.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card: What's the Difference?

To passport or not to passport? Fewer than half of American citizens have them; if you're someone who doesn't, you'll want to consider obtaining one before going on a cruise. 

Sure, you can travel on a closed-loop sailing -- one that leaves from and returns to the same U.S. port -- with just your birth certificate and a driver's license, but a passport offers more peace of mind in an emergency.

Carnival's next cruise ship will be named Carnival Celebration

Carnival Cruise Line announced on Friday that the name of its Excel-class cruise ship that will debut in 2022 will be called Carnival Celebration.

When the Carnival Celebration debuts, she will sail from PortMiami in November 2022.

Excel class rear view

Compare: MSC Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean

The atmosphere of a cruise line can truly make or break your vacation experience, which is why it's so important to choose a line, ship, and sailing that are right for you.

If you're looking for a breakdown of Royal Caribbean vs. MSC Cruises, we can help. Below we've compared these two brands so you can make an informed decision, based on key areas like food, cabins and, of course, price.

Carnival hacked by ransomware attack

Carnival Corporation announced it was the victim of a ransomware attack that may have resulted in guest and employee information being compromised.

The ransomware attack occurred on August 15 and the incident was noted in a SEC financial filing.  The SEC filing didn’t say how many people’s personal information may have been accessed, and spokesman Roger Frizzell said in an email that the company wasn’t releasing any information other than what was in the securities filing.

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