If you cruise often, you might find yourself getting into a routine of doing the same things over and over again. After sailing on over 40 cruises - mostly with the same cruise line - I have my go-to activities, restaurants, and routines onboard. Having a routine on vacation is not a bad thing, but variety is the spice of life!

Does age really matter for a cruise ship?  I’ve sailed on MSC’s oldest and newest ships in the Caribbean and found some major differences between the classic ships and newcomers in the fleet. 

Price, size, service, itineraries, and amenities all vary between ships, especially when comparing the senior ships of the fleet to the newly launched stars. 

Amidst the excitement of exploring new ships and ports of call, it's easy to overlook potential mishaps. Having been on nearly two dozen cruises, you would think I would have learned how to avoid making rookie mistakes. That, however, couldn't be further from the truth. 

When planning a cruise to Alaska, many opt to sail during the warmer months of June and July. June, for instance, is when the summer rains are minimal, and it's light nearly all day long. It's also when many national park roads open, allowing you to venture to places like Denali. 

Jill and Jay Campbell, a couple from Garden City, South Carolina, embarked on a cruise around Africa but found themselves stranded after their independent excursion ran late. 

Last week, the Campbells and six other passengers were enjoying a tour in Soa Tome and Principe, a tiny island off the coast of Western Africa, when they realized it was running longer than expected. They voiced their concerns to the tour operator and were met with reassurance, as the guide claimed they contacted the ship to let them know that they'd be running late. 

If you are packing for an upcoming cruise, whether it's your first or you're a seasoned sailor, it's important to pack the right items to make your voyage as comfortable as possible. 

While basics like clothing, toiletries, and valid travel documentation are essential, there are additional items that can enhance your onboard experience, especially when it comes to your cabin. 

In January, I set sail onboard Norwegian Dawn for one of the weirdest itineraries offered by a mainstream cruise line. Far from the likes of Nassau and Cozumel, my cruise departed from a tiny African island in the Indian Ocean. Most had never even heard of the island of Mauritius before booking this cruise.

Having been on nearly two dozen cruises, I've learned to always pack one essential item to enhance my cabin experience: a standard USB cord. 

Cruise ship cabins, although smaller than standard hotel rooms, try to pack as many essentials and conveniences into the limited space as possible; however, they typically fall short in the number of available charging options. Typically, standard outlets are exclusively found near the vanity, leaving those who prefer to charge their phones beside the bed at a disadvantage. 

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