If you could ask a cruise ship Officer anything, where would you begin? 

yesman_85 posed the question under the r/IAmA subreddit, giving nautical enthusiasts a chance to ask their pressing questions. 

Passengers waiting to embark on a three-year world cruise have been stranded in Ireland for three months after the departure date was delayed due to mechanical issues. 

Initally scheduled to depart Belfast, Ireland, in May, the Villa Vie Odyssey remains docked in Northern Ireland while repairs are made to its rudders and gearbox. 

Some passengers have spent upwards of £680,000 (about $750,000 USD) for the cruise—yet there's no official sail date in sight. 

This weekly roundup brings you the latest cruise news and tips, ensuring you stay updated on everything you might have missed.

If you’re busy but still want to keep up with our valuable cruise advice, this easy-to-digest summary highlights the recent articles and updates we've shared.

Guests onboard Carnival Vista's September 7 were notified that their cruise was canceled due to ongoing propulsion issues, which have affected multiple sailings and led to reduced cruising speeds and itinerary changes.

"Our engineers have been working to address an issue that is limited Carnival Vista's cruising speed," read an email sent by Colleen Oliverio, the VP for Guest Services - Contact Centers.

While mega-ships like Icon of the Seas offer an unparalleled experience with their vast array of amenities and entertainment options, smaller ships have their own unique charm. 

Though you won't find roller coasters, water slides, or countless dining options, the intimate atmosphere, affordable fares, and destination-focused itineraries create a relaxed and personal cruising experience. 

Having taken over 20 cruises, I'm no cruise novice. However, even as a veteran sailor, I learn something new on each cruise. 

From new destinations to different ships and cruise lines, no two experiences have been the same. Even when I've sailed on the same cruise ship, I have discovered something new, whether it's a new food, activity, or excursion. 

Drink packages are one of the most popular cruise add-ons. By purchasing a Princess Cruises beverage package, you can enjoy a fixed number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a set daily price during your sailing. 

Princess' base fare isn't all-inclusive, so while you won't have to worry about paying extra for theater productions or meals in the Main Dining Room, you will need to budget for optional expenses like specialty dining, excursions, and alcoholic beverages. 

Royal Caribbean's nowhere near done with building Icon Class ships. 

The cruise giant announced plans to build a fourth Icon Class ship to be delivered in 2027, with options for a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. 

With 7-night cruises onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas starting at $1,390 per person for an inside stateroom, many may assume that taking a cruise is out of their budget. 

The demand for cruise vacations is so high that the industry has seen a steady increase in pricing over the past few years. Plus, inventory has been selling out further in advance, leading to fewer last-minute deals.