From daydreaming about sipping tropical cocktails by the pool and eating endless ice cream cones to researching once-in-a-lifetime excursions, planning a cruise vacation is exhilarating! However, before you get too excited, you must set a budget and figure out how much you’re willing to spend. 

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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Does Carnival have plans to restructure its loyalty program in the future? Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear likely, according to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador.

Cruise line loyalty programs are incredibly valuable, rewarding frequent cruisers for their commitment to a single brand. Similar to airline or hotel loyalty programs, cruisers who repeatedly sail with one line enjoy enticing benefits and lucrative perks. Each major cruise line approaches loyalty rewards differently, tailoring programs to their unique customer base.

Out of the eleven Royal Caribbean cruises I've taken, the majority of them have been on the cruise line's mega-ships. 

I'm familiar with the Oasis and Icon Class—huge vessels with waterparks, movie theaters, and ice skating rinks. Despite the awe-inspiring amenities available on mega-ships, cruisers still enjoy Royal Caribbean's older, smaller vessels. 

It's not too late to book a cruise for 2025. While cruise fares have increased over the last few years, you can still find a great deal by booking in advance, choosing less popular travel dates, or being open to last-minute deals. 

Certain times of the year, such as the shoulder and off-seasons, see more competitive pricing due to less demand. For example, those looking to stretch their budget as far as possible will want to browse early spring or fall sail dates rather than the peak summer months.

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a man believed to have gone overboard from Princess Cruises' Ruby Princess. 

The 72-year-old American man is thought to have fallen off the ship before it arrived in San Francisco on Monday, December 2, following a 5-night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. The vessel arrived around 6:50am. 

According to a statement by the cruise line, officials searched the ship and sourced security videos. However, the passenger, who was traveling alone, was not located. 

Four sailings aboard Regal Princess have been adjusted allowing for engine repairs. As a result, the December 8, January 5, January 12, and January 19 departures have been modified. The Western Caribbean voyages from Galveston, Texas, vary in length—the shortest being the two 7-night sailings on Jan. 5 and 12. 

Changes include canceled ports of call and overnight stays. Princess Cruises alerted passengers just days before the first impacted cruise was scheduled to depart. 

Would you take a short cruise on one of the world's largest ships? 

Recently, I returned from a 4-night getaway on Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship currently ranked 7th among the largest cruise ships in the world. With over 5,400 passengers onboard, Allure is packed with activities, dining options, and entertainment that make you feel like you're vacationing in a floating city at sea. 

After removing a popular appetizer from its Main Dining Room menus in 2023, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the return of escargot. 

Whether you're an adventurous eater or want to step outside your comfort zone at least once, cruising lets you explore different cuisines without the fear of commitment. If you order a dish you don't like, you can simply order something else for no extra charge.