Last August, I was able to sail on Disney Cruise Line onboard the beautiful Disney Fantasy. As an adult with no children, I was curious how this family-friendly cruise brand would appeal to me. 

After spending 7 nights onboard, I fell in love with everything the line has to offer. However, as with any travel experience, there are some pros and cons to embarking on a magical Disney cruise. 

Whether you've been loyal to one cruise line for some time or are new to the industry, stepping foot on a new-to-you line can be daunting. 

My partner, Sarah, and I recently returned from a 5-night spring break cruise onboard Carnival Elation, a Fantasy Class ship that debuted in 1998. Although I've had prior experiences with Carnival, it was a first for my partner. During our time onboard, she kept track of things she wished she had known beforehand. 

If you take a 7-night Caribbean cruise, you'll likely visit at least three ports of call. Those sailing to the Western Caribbean tend to be able to cram four stops into a weeklong itinerary. However, according to Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corporation's President, CEO, and Chief Climate Officer, you may start to see sailings visiting fewer ports of call to save fuel and reduce emissions. 

Norwegian Cruise Line has begun planning for the future, announcing four new ships scheduled to enter service between 2030 and 2036, as well as the construction of a multi-ship pier at their private island in The Bahamas. 

The new ships, which are part of a new and unnamed class, will be the largest, most efficient, and innovative within NCL's fleet. They'll be built in partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, who was responsible for the construction of Norwegian Prima and Viva. 

Nestled in the Bahamas is Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation's private island that boasts crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and an array of attractions. Though not as large as Perfect Day at CocoCay, spanning just 50 acres, you're sure to enjoy your day on the island, as it offers a unique charm and is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. 

When your cabin steward introduces themselves on the embarkation day, they may ask if you want your cabin serviced in the morning or evening. It will be up to you which timeframe aligns with your plans and preferences. 

Getting to your cruise ship is the part of the planning process no one relishes planning, but it's gotten a whole lot easier in Florida.

In a state not well known for public transportation, Brightline's new high-speed train service between Central and South Florida has become a breath of fresh air for residents and tourists alike.

As someone who cruises frequently, I've found that by avoiding certain add-ons, I'm able to save a significant amount of money on each of my Carnival cruises. 

I don't fully restrict myself, either. What's the point of going on vacation if you can't indulge a little? While the base fare includes a lot, there are certain experiences that I'm willing to splurge on since they make my cruise more memorable. 

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