While the food is often one of the most anticipated aspects of a cruise, you don't have to eat until you feel ill. I'm for all indulging on vacation; however, balancing enjoyment with moderation is important. 

Some of the newest ships at sea have more dining options onboard than before. Icon of the Seas, for example, has 27 different venues to choose from, ranging from the fast-casual El Loco Fresh to the opulent Empire Supper Club.

Cruise ships are famous for the endless food choices onboard, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of a cruise ship buffet. My most recent cruise, however, left me questioning whether the convenience was worth the chaos.

Despite the latest and greatest ships offering nearly a dozen dining options, from the traditional main dining room to innovative food halls, many passengers—including myself—still prefer the laid-back atmosphere of a buffet.

Hurricane Beryl has caused at least 10 cruise ships to adjust their itineraries to keep passengers out of the storm's path. 

At 8:00am AST on Monday, July 1, Beryl had strengthened into a powerful Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 130 mph and is moving to the west at 20 mph. Not only is Beryl the strongest storm the Windward Islands have seen since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, but it's also the earliest Category 4 storm in the Atlantic Ocean and the only Category 4 hurricane in June on record. 

Booking shore excursions on your cruise can provide lasting memories with unforgettable experiences. On any given sailing, guests have many options to choose from when it comes to shore excursions. Caribbean itineraries provide a variety of experiences that guests can book directly with the cruise line.

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.

From all-you-can-eat pizza to endless sweet treats and gourmet meals in the Main Dining Room, there's no denying the food is one of the best parts of a cruise. 

Carnival ships don't lack variety, either. Everything from poolside burritos to soft-serve ice cream cones and delicious French toast during SeaDay brunch is available to satisfy all cravings. Truthfully, it's hard not to come back weighing a few more pounds than when you boarded! 

Embarkation day is full of excitement; there's nothing quite like seeing your cruise ship in person for the first time! While waiting in the terminal isn't the most thrilling activity, cruise lines have streamlined the boarding process to get passengers onboard as quickly as possible. 

For most, however, the adventure begins before arriving at the cruise port. Between navigating busy airport terminals and lengthy car rides, there are several strategies to make your embarkation experience smoother. 

Did you know there are certain items allowed in your checked baggage for air travel that are prohibited on cruise ships? While you may not encounter issues in the airport, cruise lines have a longer list of banned items due to safety and environmental concerns. 

Nobody wants to be embarrassingly pulled aside during the physical check-in process because they're trying to smuggle something onboard—even worse, something they didn't know was prohibited! 

Though we're about halfway through the year, it's not too late to plan your 2024 Carnival cruise! Whether you're seeking a short Bahamian getaway or a sailing cruise to The Last Frontier, there are plenty of opportunities to experience unforgettable moments at sea on one of Carnival's "Fun Ships." 

Even if you're a devout Carnival cruiser, there are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when planning your 2024 cruise to help you make the most of your time onboard and minimize pre-cruise stress.