Planning a cruise can feel overwhelming. What's the best cruise line? What's the difference between an interior and an ocean-view stateroom? Should I book early or wait for last-minute deals? 

Today's cruise ships are like floating cities with non-stop entertainment, restaurants, and activities all available under one roof. 

We are always sharing the latest cruise news, tips, and advice on Cruise.Blog, and this roundup is your chance to catch up on anything you might’ve recently missed. 

This week, we covered everything from a crew member on Icon of the Seas who stabbed a female coworker before jumping overboard and a review of MSC Cruises' thermal spa. 

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If you’re looking for drink prices to plan for your upcoming Carnival cruise, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your complete guide for what you can expect to spend on cocktails, wine, beer, liquor, and more during your cruise.

You can find the most updated Carnival cruise drink prices and menus in this article. Keep in mind that Carnival also charges an 18% gratuity for drinks that are purchased onboard. 

Guests sailing aboard MSC's newest ship shouldn't overlook the exclusive thermal suite. Featuring heated lounge chairs, a thalassotherapy pool, two saunas, a steam room, and more, it offers a relaxing escape from the ship’s crowded public spaces and amenities. 

I spent time in the Aurea Spa's thermal suite on my recent cruise on MSC World America and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Although it isn't included in MSC's standard cruise fare, the spa sanctuary can be easily justified — it isn't for everyone, though.

The FBI has confirmed it is investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred on a Carnival sailing out of Galveston just days after the agency reported they were investigating a death on the Carnival Dream. 

According to the FBI, the incident happened aboard the Carnival Breeze, a Dream Class ship that launched in 2009. However, it's unclear when the reported assault took place. 

Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay might just be my favorite cruise line private island. Shared by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, the Bahamian islet feels like a deserted island — that is, if you were stranded there with thousands of your party-minded friends. 

The island has colorful wooden cabins, lots of greenery, and a long curve of white sand beach. My favorite thing to do on Relaxaway is walk past all the bars, loud music, and rows of lounge chairs to an area where hammocks hang from palm trees, and I can pull a lounge chair into the shade and read a book or nap. 

Carnival Cruise Line revealed how one of their guests died aboard the Carnival Dream last week. 

On Monday, the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office shared that Euvelester Villarreal Jr., 48, of Rio Grande City, Texas, passed away while the cruise ship was at sea, adding that they have found no signs of obvious trauma. However, they're still waiting on the toxicology results, according to KHOU 11.

Many first-time cruisers wonder when the best time to fly in for a cruise is. After all, cruising is different from land trips when you book your flight for the same day as your hotel reservation. 

With cruises, it’s smart to fly in at least one day before embarkation. Flights can be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather, mechanical issues, or crew issues, and cruise ships won’t wait for stragglers.

Royal Caribbean is loving their return-to-cruise momentum, but they want to do even better. 

During the company's Q2 earnings call on July 29, Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, announced that the number of loyalty members sailing with Royal Caribbean has inched up to 40%.

To build on that momentum, Liberty hinted that future changes are underway to further reward those who repeatedly sail with Royal Caribbean, including a revamp to its credit card program.