While it's unlikely that you'll ever be given a personal tour of the Captain's living quarters onboard a cruise ship, TikTok user Kookie (@cruisingwithkay) had the opportunity last year while onboard Radiance of the Seas!

You might notice the next time you price out a cruise vacation, the final price will be easier to determine.

The value of a cruise has always been one of the key selling points of this kind of vacation, but often fees and extra costs were left until the final checkout process.

Beginning on July 1st, the major cruise lines will begin including the cost of port expenses, taxes and other fees in the price that potential passengers see. This includes Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.

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

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, best known for having the most fun ships at sea. Although the cruise line operates a large fleet with vessels of all sizes, Carnival’s Excel Class offers an unparalleled cruising experience.

Cruises remain a popular vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. For one price, you'll be transported to different ports of call, and while onboard, you can take advantage of complimentary dining, entertainment, activities, childcare, and more. 

Whether you're trying to plan a cruise on a budget or stretch your vacation fund as far as possible, some money-saving tips can help make cruising more affordable. 

After sailing solo on Celebrity's newest ship, I was excited to be onboard Celebrity's first-ever sailing to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's award-winning private island in The Bahamas.

After taking four cruises by myself, it’s unlikely to be something I do again.

From sharing laughs with friends and family over dinner, exploring romantic ports of call with a loved one, and partying on the pool deck with a group of friends, cruising is a vacation experience that caters to groups traveling together.

Yet although the vast majority of cruisers travel with others, there are some passengers onboard traveling solo, whether they prefer solo travel or just couldn’t find anyone to come with them.

Carnival Jubilee is the latest Texas-sized cruise ship to debut for Carnival Cruise Line. She is the third ship in the Excel Class, preceded by Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. As the newest “fun” ship, Carnival Jubilee packs a punch when it comes to entertainment, dining, and onboard thrills.

After 20 cruises to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Mexican Riveria, I decided it was finally time to explore a cooler and more rugged region: Alaska. 

I knew it would be far different than sailing to the tropical Caribbean. I'd be trading in my flip-flops and sundresses for sweatshirts and jeans. In return, however, I'd be in the midst of jaw-dropping landscapes, sailing through dramatic fjords with snow-capped mountains, icebergs, stunning greenery, and more.