When planning a cruise, you have several booking options: directly with the cruise line, through a travel agent, or with a third-party travel website like Expedia.

Most of us are accustomed to booking travel online. While it’s easy to book most of your travel online these days, many cruisers still prefer to make reservations through a travel agent.

As someone who enjoys a few cocktails on vacation, one of the most annoying things about booking a cruise is that alcohol is rarely included. 

For many cruisers, savoring a glass of wine over dinner or a tropical cocktail by the pool is a must-do while onboard. As such, drink packages are among the most common add-ons. However, they aren't cheap.

Following the fourth Wish Class ship's debut in 2027, Disney Cruise Line will launch three smaller vessels that can access more ports of call and support the company's environmental goals. 

How old do you have to be to go on a cruise by yourself?

Growing up, a rite of passage was partaking in Senior Beach Week. After graduating high school, it is customary for graduates to rent a house or condo to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends before going off to college in the fall.

For years, I avoided Carnival Cruise Line like the plague. 

The popular cruise line has been subject to negative stereotypes, especially compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean. Some even refer to it as the "Walmart of the Seas." 

Carnival is often associated with lower-quality food, rowdier crowds, and dirty ships (remember the infamous "poop cruise" incident of 2012?). 

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 the cleanest cruise ships at sea and major mistakes you should avoid making. 

If you are busy but want to keep up with all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest look at our recent articles. 

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As a frequent cruiser, inside cabins help me get the most bang for my buck. While they're often cramped and lack natural light, their value is undeniable compared to pricey balcony staterooms. 

Last year, I stayed in interior cabins on seven different cruise ships, ranging from Carnival Elation to Quantum of the Seas and Disney Magic. 

Annual data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 2024 was the worst year for cruise ship gastrointestinal outbreaks in over a decade. There were 16 reported outbreaks on ships last year, up from 14 in 2023. 

Growing up, my family and I would cruise occasionally, sometimes taking two trips a year, but as my love for cruising has grown, I've started to sail much more often. Last year, my travels reached an all-time high, as I embarked on 11 cruises to places like the Bahamas, Alaska, and Europe. 

I've found that cruising doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, I think it's one of the most affordable ways to travel, especially when you consider how much is included in the price.