There are countless activities to try on a cruise ship, from ice-skating to surfing simulators, but perhaps no activity is as controversial as the onboard art auction.

Most mass-market cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line, offer art auctions on any given sailing. These auctions are held by Park West Gallery, a commercial art gallery claiming to be the world’s largest art dealer. The gallery partners with cruise lines, working with over 90 ships around the world.

New fees will add to the cost of a Carnival cruise in 2025.

In addition to cruise fares, passengers are responsible for gratuities, port fees, and taxes. Combined, they can easily add another $170+ to your total cost. 

However, many ports are increasing their tourist tax to combat over-tourism and alleviate the environmental and social impacts. This is something that neither Carnival nor other cruise lines have any control over. 

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 things you shouldn't wear on a cruise ship and why you should book a cruise with a travel agent. 

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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I sailed on Celebrity's newest cruise ship twice. The first was a 7-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, and the second was a weeklong cruise around the Greek Isles. Though I preferred the latter's itinerary, the expensive cabin wasn't worth it on a port-intensive itinerary. 

Although cruising is generally considered very safe, it’s always best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

When people think of booking a cruise, they typically have their mind set on the sandy beaches of the Caribbean or the vibrant culture of Mexico. However, have you thought about switching things up and sailing somewhere a little cold?

Alaska might just be the perfect cruise destination for your next vacation. Rather than swimming with dolphins, you can visit cute sled dogs and observe the cracks and crevasses in massive glaciers.

Whether you’re buying a drink at the bar or thanking your cabin steward for excellent service, gratuities are now a standard part of cruising.

Royal Caribbean and Carnival are two of the most popular cruise lines in operation with, collectively, over 50 ships at sea. Though I've been sailing with Royal Caribbean since I was 10, I recently began my journey with Carnival to explore why the "FUN" ship brand attracts millions of passengers annually.

Both lines offer unique experiences and cater to different styles of cruising. Royal Caribbean, for example, is known for its innovative and jam-packed ships. 

Who wouldn't love to save money on their upcoming vacation? 

Cruises are an affordable way to travel thanks to their relatively inclusive fares. Everything from accommodation to food and entertainment is included in the price. 

While there are opportunities to spend extra on things like shore excursions and drink packages, it is easy to create a budget and stick to it.