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Royal Caribbean reveals Star of the Seas and how it will be different from Icon of the Seas

Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's second Icon Class cruise ship, but this new cruise ship is anything but a copy of the first ship.

Instead, Royal Caribbean identified a series of focal points to help evolve Star of the Seas and offer guests a similar yet new product. 

101 best things to do on a cruise

From exciting roller coasters to thought-evoking trivia events and robot bartenders capable of crafting unique libations created by you, cruise ships are filled with activities to keep passengers busy. 

You won't have to worry about being bored, that's for sure! If you're debating whether or not you'd have fun on a cruise, here's a list of 101 of the best things to do! 

Offerings vary by ship and cruise line, so you'll want to research which ship is best for you before booking.

I've booked guarantee cruise ship cabins 16 times. It saved me money, but it's not worth it

Cutting corners to save money on a cruise vacation can be worthwhile, especially if you’re trying to stretch your budget. There are many ways to cut costs when planning a cruise, such as booking a cheaper cabin or forgoing a drink package.

Moreover, cruising continues to be one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel. Although costs have certainly increased over the last few years, there is great value in cruising with meals, entertainment, transportation, and accommodations included in the base cruise fare.

How controversial cabins on Celebrity's newest and largest cruise ship compare — and why one was clearly better

Measuring 140,600 gross registered tons, Celebrity Ascent isn't a small expedition ship. The vessel can hold 3,260 passengers at double occupancy and has over 1,400 crew members onboard. 

Is Princess Plus Worth it?

Unless you are sailing on a luxury cruise line, your cruise fare is not going to be all-inclusive. 

Outside of complimentary food and beverage options, accommodations, entertainment, and transportation between ports of call, you will be responsible for paying for cruise add-ons. These range from specialty dining experiences to drink packages, shore excursions, spa treatments, and more. 

Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, have begun to roll out different types of fares meant to make your cruise more inclusive. 

Cruise week report: Passenger overboard, Royal’s newest party ship, cruising to Greece, and more!

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.

5 tips for navigating political conversations on a cruise

Navigating political conversations on a cruise can be difficult. Nobody wants to argue with friends and family while on vacation; however, political topics are more likely to arise with the 2024 presidential election nearing. Though avoiding all controversial topics is the best way to keep the peace, sometimes it's impossible to steer clear of political discussions altogether.

Why you should think twice before carrying your own luggage off your cruise ship

As your cruise draws to an end, you will have to begin thinking about disembarkation. Though self-disembarkation is appealing, as you won't have to worry about placing your luggage outside your cabin or waiting in long queues the morning of, it comes with its own set of challenges. 

Hauling your bags off the ship means you're responsible for navigating them through the terminal, making the experience less convenient and more physically demanding than having the cruise line transport your luggage for you. 

Carnival cruise ship passengers forced to evacuate Grand Turk early due to bad weather

Carnival passengers visiting Grand Turk on Wednesday had to leave earlier than expected due to unfavorable weather caused by Hurricane Ernesto. 

John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, shared a message on Facebook for Carnival Magic guests on the island. "This is an update for Carnival Magic guests only. If you are ashore in Grand Turk, please return to the ship by 2:30 PM," the post reads.

"Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate this evening, and the ship will have to sail earlier than planned."

BlueIguana Cantina restaurant guide

Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fast-casual dining options, ranging from juicy burgers at Guy's Burger Joint to complimentary Mexican fare at BlueIguana Cantina, a vibrant restaurant that's a favorite among cruisers for its laid-back atmosphere on the lido deck. 

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