While an MSC cruise offers us a chance to get away, relax, and disconnect, you may need to access the internet to keep in touch with family and friends back home. You may even need to check in with work! 

Norwegian Cruise Line was founded in 1966. Their first ship, Sunward, operated as a ferry between Southampton and Gibraltar and was a mere 8,666 tons. It was not until 1971 that they started operating cruise ships that could not carry vehicles. 

Ready to take a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing but want to know the best secrets?

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the biggest names in the cruising industry and is known for their relaxed "freestyle cruising" model. In addition, they offer their guests great itinerary choices around the world, affordable cruise fares, and so much more. 

The day has arrived—the start of your cruise vacation! To no surprised, everyone is eager to board the ship as quickly and early as they can. 

Cruise lines do a remarkable job loading thousands of passengers in a short couple of hours, navigating through the required processes efficiently, but there are a few things that cruisers can do to make embarkation day even better. Similarly, when it comes time to leave the ship, there are some disembarkation day mistakes you should avoid!

Before this year, I had never cruised on a ship I swore I'd never return to. Though every vacation has pros and cons, the experience always has something redeeming, whether it's a great crew or fun activities. However, my cruise aboard Carnival Elation left me feeling frustrated. By the end of the voyage, I was excited to be disembarking in Jacksonville. 

MSC Cruises is reportedly planning significant changes to its popular unlimited drink packages in 2025, capping the daily number of alcoholic drinks at 15. 

The news was first shared in a post on an MSC Cruises Voyagers Club Facebook Group and included a statement issued by the cruise line: "Discover our updated drinks packages to complement your guests on board experience, starting from 18th December 2024 for sailings from 1st April 2025 onwards." 

Just like with hotel and airline loyalty programs, the more you cruise with a specific line, the better perks you'll get when you sail with them. 

While you won't get much when you first start cruising with a new-to-you line, as you climb the ranks, you will find that you can benefit from daily drink coupons, discounts on internet packages, and even a free cruise! 

We share a lot of cruise updates and advice on Cruise Blog, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week. 

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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Royal Caribbean's newest private beach, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, is slated to open in December 2025. The 17-acre slice of paradise will reshape how Royal Caribbean cruisers experience Nassau, one of the world's busiest cruise ports. 

Previously, passengers seeking a beach day had to book a pricey tour to a nearby island or plan their own day at a local beach, all shared by other cruise passengers. Now, guests booked aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to Nassau can splurge on admission to an exclusive beach club just a short ferry ride from the piers.