The demand for cruise vacations is higher than ever, so you shouldn't be surprised to see higher fares than two or three years ago. Still, it's possible to find a good deal if you know where to look.

Carnival is one of the most popular cruise lines in operation. Though their new Excel Class ships are pricey, they offer other ships and itineraries for cruisers looking to enjoy a much-needed getaway without breaking the bank. 

Building on the success of its two current ships, Margaritaville at Sea has announced plans to expand its fleet with a third vessel set to launch in 2026. 

The relatively new cruise line launched its first ship, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, in 2022. Paradise initially set sail in 1991 for Costa Cruises as Costa Classica, before being renamed Costa neoClassica in 2014 and finally leaving the Costa fleet in 2018 when sold to Bahamas Paradise as Grand Classica. 

For many passengers, the buffet is the first stop to start their morning aboard a cruise ship. However, did you know you can get free room service delivered to your cabin?

Food is readily available on all cruise ships, from the buffet to the Main Dining Room and quick service grab-and-go options. 

While the buffet has endless breakfast options and the MDR's quality is higher with freshly plated meals, one of my favorite ways to kickstart my day on a ship is with room service.

Even after 9 visits, Royal Caribbean's private island remains one of my favorite places to visit on a cruise — and it keeps getting better. 

In 2019, the cruise giant spent millions of dollars renovating CocoCay, transforming it into “Perfect Day at CocoCay,” a resort-style destination packed with new attractions, an upscale beach club, and other upgraded amenities. 

Whether lounging on one of the complimentary beaches or paying for admission to the exclusive waterpark, there's something for everyone. 

Though vacation is about relaxing and taking a break from your everyday life, it's important to remember that you're sharing the cruise ship with thousands of other guests. As such, there are specific rules cruise passengers must follow to help maintain a safe and positive environment. 

Breaking the rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to a permanent ban from the cruise line. 

One Reddit user invited cruisers to share their unpopular opinions, starting with how they thought balcony cabins are a waste of money. 

Many guests can't imagine cruising in a tiny windowless interior cabin, while others argue that balconies are overpriced. 

The truth is, other cruisers can't tell you how to spend your money. What you consider "worth it" might not even cross someone else's mind. 

Whether you've sailed on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Disney, you've likely seen cabin doors decorated with fun magnets.

Door decorating has been a popular cruise tradition for years. It adds a personal touch to your stateroom, makes it easier to find your cabin, and is a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations. 

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, including a tour of a controversial balcony cabin on the world's largest cruise ship and a major drink package change coming to Princess Cruises. 

For busy bees who want to stay updated on all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest overview of our recent articles. 

One curious cruiser took to Facebook to ask what others typically tip their tour guides in Alaska, sparking a heated discussion.

Tipping is a controversial topic, whether in a restaurant, bar, or cruise shore excursion. At the end of the day, there’s no universal rule. The right amount depends on the service received, tour length, and budget.