Once gratuities and add-ons like drink packages and shore excursions have been added to your cruise fare, it’ll be hundreds of dollars more than the advertised price. Thankfully, cruise lines have begun including port fees to give guests a clearer indication of the total cost of their cruise upfront.

Though cruise fares might seem a little higher than one year ago when scrolling on the line’s website, the transparency helps potential sailors gauge the full cost of the cruise from the start, rather than later in the booking process.

Last week, I had the privilege of sailing on the Norwegian Jade, my second ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel Class. Built in 2006, the Jade has been sailing for nearly two decades, but it’s far from obsolete. 

It’s always interesting to experience how older ships compare to the newer, flashier models in Norwegian’s fleet. While there’s a lot to love about the Norwegian Jade, there are also a few areas where the ship’s age is starting to show. 

Here’s a breakdown of what I loved—and what I didn’t—about this cruise experience.

You don't want to start your cruise vacation by being denied boarding because you tried to smuggle something prohibited onboard the ship. 

Even if you're still allowed onboard, you may have to speak with security to clear up the issue and have the item confiscated until disembarkation day. 

One family from New York was left heartbroken when an unexpectedly delayed flight caused them to miss their much-anticipated cruise vacation. Narrowly missing the ship’s departure time, the devastated family watched their ship sail away without them.

Carnival Spirit collided with a small piece of ice sailing through the Tracy Arm Fjord, home to the twin Sawyer Glaciers, while on a 7-night cruise in Alaska. The Spirit Class ship struck the ice on September 5, and, fortunately, the impact caused minimal damage. 

Carnival has adjusted itineraries on eight ships departing in 2025 and 2026. 

Cruise lines have the right to tweak your itinerary, sometimes years ahead of sailing. Sometimes, they'll swap ports or simply adjust the hours in port. Either way, it can be frustrating, especially since cruise lines don't legally have to provide compensation, as per the cruise contract. 

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.

Carnival Cruise Line is best known for a few things in the cruising industry. First, the cruise line has some of the most fun ships at sea with nonstop activities and parties from the moment you step onboard. You can anticipate a lively crown onboard, creating a very upbeat atmosphere during your Carnival cruise.

So far this year, the cruise industry has welcomed 6 ships, and there are no signs of construction slowing down anytime soon. There's just as much to look forward to next year, from state-of-the-art superyachts to some of the largest ships ever built. 

Fans of luxury cruise lines will appreciate the Ritz-Carlton's upscale ship featuring 226 suites with private terraces and unprecedented space ratios for guests at sea. There's also MSC World America and Norwegian Aqua on the more affordable end, and families will love the action-packed Star of the Seas.