Would you ever spend the night on a haunted ship? I did—and survived—but I’m not rushing to do it again.

If you're in Long Beach, California, it's hard to miss the Queen Mary ship across the water from downtown. The historic ocean liner, which was originally launched in 1936, has been permanently docked in the city since transatlantic operations ceased in 1967. Now, the vessel operates as a floating hotel.

When cruise passengers arrive at the terminal, they trust porters to safely transport their larger pieces of luggage to the ship. Though bags won't be immediately available outside the cabin, guests expect to find them within hours of embarking. The last thing anyone wants to hear is that the cruise line has misplaced their suitcases. 

We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, 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 the recent articles and updates we've shared. 

Just like within the airline industry, it's not uncommon to hear about cruise lines overselling voyages as a buffer for last-minute cancelations. Unlike flights, however, moving passengers to another sailing isn't easy. 

Though being booted off a flight can derail plans, your entire vacation, whether a 3-night getaway to The Bahamas or weeklong sailing around the Mediterranean, will likely be ruined if you're denied boarding at the terminal. 

The internet is full of tips and tricks for how to improve your cruise vacation. You can find helpful information online from fellow cruisers on just about every aspect of cruising. With so much advice available, it’s hard to know which tidbits are actually useful or which are overhyped.

Cruise ships operate on a tight schedule and have strict all-aboard times for guests. If you delay your return, you may have to sprint down the pier in a desperate attempt to catch your ship before it sets sail. Known as "pier runners," the frantic dash serves as a reminder of the consequences of spending too long in port; however, it's also a spectacle for those onboard. 

The demand for cruising is at an all-time high, with companies such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian reporting record-breaking bookings. 

"We are hitting records on top of previous records, which clearly tells us the strength and demand we have been building is continuing into next year and beyond," said Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer during the company's 2024 second-quarter earnings call. 

St. Maarten is one of the most well-known cruise ports in the Caribbean. Often a stop on 7-night itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean, its popularity stems from the stunning beaches, vibrant towns, and diverse culinary scene. 

Even if you've been before, there are numerous activities to keep guests with varying interests satisfied during their visit. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach day, cultural tour, or unique experience at the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, St. Maarten offers something for everyone. 

Though it's not uncommon for cruise passengers to spend time on their private balconies, it's rare to see guests drag bedding outside. However, TikTok user @naomijaneadams did just that on her recent sailing to Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions.