Few travel experiences come close to the excitement of stepping foot on a brand-new cruise ship. Similar to driving a brand-new car with all the bells and whistles, the experience of cruising on a newly built cruise ship is unmatched. It’s undoubtedly exciting to see the latest and greatest that a cruise line has to offer.

During a 12-night transatlantic voyage from Orlando, Florida to Rome, Italy, I found perhaps the best-kept secret onboard Norwegian Epic: the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar. 

While devout NCL fans are probably aware of this relatively hidden feature, it's easy to miss if you're new to the brand! In my personal opinion, this venue is a must-see when sailing onboard Norwegian Epic! 

When I took my first Carnival cruise on Carnival Celebration, I was impressed by the modern accommodations, variety of dining options, and an array of onboard activities. Five months later, I found myself boarding one of Carnival's oldest ships, Carnival Elation, for a 5-night cruise out of Jacksonville, Florida. 

Though it was obvious the ship has been well-maintained throughout the years, including an extensive dry dock in 2017, the limited number of dining choices and onboard activities left much to be desired. 

I recently embarked on a 12-night Transatlantic cruise onboard Norwegian Epic and was able to try out one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s famous Studio Staterooms, which are unique cabins designed with one person in mind.

When planning your cruise, you want to make sure you get the most out of your experience. Though you'll likely be visiting some touristy areas, especially if you're sailing to The Bahamas and Caribbean, there are ways to ensure you don't feel ripped off. 

Typically, tourist traps are a waste of time and money. They aren't exclusive to The Bahamas, either. There are plenty to be found all over the world, from the bustling streets of New York City to the crowded floating markets in Thailand. 

While Celebrity doesn't operate the largest cruise ships at sea, you'll find an impressive number of restaurants, bars, cabin categories, and amenities compared to their older ships. 

Whether you're seeking a ship that offers the best of what the line has to offer or an intimate experience that's more focused on the destinations, you're sure to find the perfect ship for your next Celebrity cruise. 

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

You don't have to convince a cruise enthusiast to book another cruise. In fact, there's a good chance they have multiple countdowns in their calendar! Because of their love of cruising, they've likely tried to persuade hesitant friends and family to take the leap. 

From news reports of passengers falling overboard to ships being quarantined due to outbreaks of diseases, one might question if it's safe to go on a cruise. 

While there are inherent risks with any form of travel, you can rest assured knowing the cruise lines have implemented safety protocols and health measures to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. 

That, however, doesn't mean that you can disregard common sense. While onboard your cruise, you must exercise caution, especially when going ashore.