Feature

Most people keep their cruise cards in a lanyard that conveniently hangs around their neck. Some, however, are getting creative and keeping their cruise cards tucked into their bras, drawing criticism from fellow passengers. 

Historically, cruises have a reputation for being cheap getaways for partiers. Although you don't have to search hard to find an affordable weekend booze cruise to The Bahamas, cruising is more expensive today than ever before. 

Within the past two years, cruise lines have reported record demand and rising yields, indicating that they're generating a substantial amount of revenue.

After taking over 30 cruises, I finally had a sailing impacted because of a major hurricane. 

Wanting to combine a visit to New York City with a cruise vacation, my friend and I booked a short 4-night getaway on Norwegian Aqua to Bermuda. We had been looking forward to relaxing on the island's famous pink sand beaches for months, but Hurricane Erin had other plans in mind. 

Over the past three decades, cruise ships have evolved into massive floating cities, eclipsing aircraft carriers. Some are even longer than popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. 

For nearly 20 years, Royal Caribbean has consistently pushed the boundaries of size, amenities, and onboard experiences, holding onto the title of building the largest cruise ships in the world since Freedom of the Seas in 2006 (they briefly lost the title from 2003-2006 when the RMS Queen Mary II launched). 

Although it might not seem important, travel insurance is a must when embarking on a cruise vacation. A good insurance plan provides peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. 

One guest learned just how expensive cruise ship medical centers can be on a recent voyage aboard Norwegian Escape. 

Recently, I returned from my third European cruise. Having primarily sailed throughout the Caribbean as a child, I've become a more destination-focused cruiser in my adulthood. However, instead of exploring the sun-soaked Greek Isles or warm Mediterranean, my partner and I traded in our summer dresses and flip-flops for jeans and sneakers and headed north to Norway. 

Over the past 12 months, I’ve taken five cruises and spent $2,400 on drink packages — and I have no regrets.

Cruise drink packages are expensive, but they're not always a smart investment. Personally, though, I've found that cruising without a drink package feels more limiting. I hate constantly keeping an eye on my onboard statement when I'm supposed to be relaxing. 

In January, Laura Butler, a traveler in her mid-50s, left the "corporate grind" behind to live on cruise ships full-time for around $200 per week. 

"The first reason, and to me one of the biggest reasons [for this lifestyle change], is [the] cost," she said in her first YouTube video, "I have been able to figure out how to travel on cruise ships as [my] home base being less expensive than it is to live on land."