If you're looking for a chance to save on a Celebrity Cruise, its Black Friday sale is the perfect opportunity to book everything from cruise fares to shore excursions. 

Here at Cruise Blog, our team of editors hit the high seas more often than most people could imagine. With our obsessive cruising habits, we are always on the hunt for the best cruise gear to make our travels more convenient and functional. If a cruise product simplified life, it was well worth the investment.

With the holiday season already here, it’s the perfect time to shop for thoughtful cruising gifts. You’ll be able to take advantage of the best deals of the year with most retailers having massive sales on their most popular items.

Within the past three years, I've sailed on nearly 20 cruises. This may sound like a lot of cruising, but I've gained invaluable insights into what makes a cruise memorable. 

Through these voyages, I’ve come to appreciate the subtle—but significant—differences between river and ocean cruising, especially when it comes to the intimate experience provided by river cruises. 

Carnival Cruise Line has recently tightened its policies, including implementing a new rule regarding controversial door decorations.

While decorating your stateroom door has become an increasingly popular cruise activity, one secret sign for swingers has now been banned from Carnival’s cruise ships. Confirmed by brand ambassador John Heald, the cruise line will no longer allow upside-down pineapples to be displayed on stateroom doors.

I went to Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point for the first time. During my time ashore, I learned a few lessons that will enhance my experience for future visits. 

Growing up, I visited Disney's Castaway Cay on two family cruises aboard Disney Magic and Fantasy. However, I was curious about Disney Cruise Line’s newest private destination, which promised a fresh take on the Disney island experience. 

My recent cruise proved the days of finding last-minute deals aren't gone yet. 

A few weeks ago, I was browsing Royal Caribbean's "Going, Going, Gone" sale and found an affordable 4-night cruise on Allure of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships. The fare, including gratuities, was just $834.36 for two people in a standard interior cabin, or around $417 per person. 

You can't get everything you ask for on a cruise. Just like how ships rotate between theater performances each evening, choices have to be made regarding dining venues. 

While you'll never go hungry on a Carnival cruise, the crew can't keep each restaurant open 24/7. Instead, the HUB app will tell you the hours popular spots, including Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, are open. 

When it comes to mainstream cruise lines in North America, most people would immediately think of Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Patty Vognild and her daughter, Angie, recently went on a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. She is sharing her experience with us in this guest post.

After cruising for over 30 years, I changed things up and had a great cruise experience!