Traveling to and from your vacation destination is rarely the highlight of your trip. Between flight delays, traffic jams, and the overall hassle of travel, it is easy to feel drained before stepping onboard a cruise ship. 

Similarly, after non-stop fun onboard, from long days spent ashore to indulging in delicious three-course meals each evening and staying awake for lively entertainment, returning home can sometimes feel even more exhausting! 

Disney cruises are expensive compared to family-friendly lines like Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, and Royal Caribbean. However, you get a lot for your money, including high-end entertainment, character meet-and-greet opportunities, thoughtfully designed cabins for family, and a friendly, helpful crew.

Even so, you'll need to find ways to cut costs to get the most out of your Disney cruise vacation budget. Sometimes, the base fare alone for a family of four can top $5,000 or $6,000, especially if you're trying to cruise during the peak season in a balcony. 

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

Could you imagine living on a cruise ship for 274 days? Well, that's what a handful of passengers lucky enough to sail onboard Royal Caribbean's first-ever world cruise have been doing since December. 

The voyage, however, hasn't been without its drama. Sharing the 90,090 gross registered ton (GRT) Serenade of the Seas with nearly 2,500 other guests is like living in a small town, after all! 

Cruising remains a favored choice for travelers seeking a memorable vacation experience, as they offer a unique blend of complimentary amenities, exploration, and relaxation. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the trends shaping the cruise world do as well, reflecting changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. 

Every year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) releases its "State of the Cruise Industry Report," which provides insight into the current trends, facts, and forecasts regarding the industry. 

Cruises are a popular vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. The base fare includes many amenities, from accommodations to unlimited food, entertainment, transportation between ports of call, and more. Rarely, however, are cruises all-inclusive. 

Add-ons like shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi can substantially increase the price of your vacation before stepping foot onboard, so you'll want to understand what is and isn't included before booking your cruise. 

This spring, I embarked on one of the most unique cruise sailings I have ever been on: a 12-night Transatlantic voyage abroad Norwegian Epic from the United States to Europe. 

The cruise consisted of 11 days at sea and only one port stop, making it the longest stretch I've ever spent at sea! Prior to the journey, I was curious to see what 11 days in the middle of the Atlantic sea onboard a cruise ship would be like. Would I find it relaxing or boring? 

Up until my first Celebrity cruise, my entire portfolio was comprised of family-friendly cruise lines that primarily target families with children and teens. Now in my mid-20s with no children of my own, I was ready for a change of pace. 

Holding Diamond status within Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, graduating to their sister line Celebrity Cruises made the most sense, as I was able to match my status and immediately become an Elite Captain's Club member before ever stepping foot on a ship. 

Drinking water and staying hydrated on a cruise is very important. Most cruisers are spending their day out in the sun with a cocktail in hand. This is especially true if you spend most of your days at the beach or exploring ports of call throughout the warm, sunny Caribbean or Mediterranean.