Feature

Did you know that if you gamble enough in your ship's casino, you could earn a free cruise? 

Graham Bernard and his wife Jodie recently experimented to see how much they'd have to gamble on Royal Caribbean to reach Prime status within the cruise line's Club Royale Rewards Program. 

According to his Facebook post, they were able to reach Prime status after 10 hours of gambling and betting $7.25 per spin on the slot machines. While the couple spent $2,260 in the casino, he claims the total value of the Prime status exceeds the cost.

While you're busy preparing to disembark the ship and return home, crew members are already thinking about the next set of guests scheduled to board the same day. Though passengers may think of it as embarkation or disembarkation day, those within the cruise industry refer to it as turnaround day. 

When guests are enjoying their final moments on the ship before getting off, crew and port employees restock the ship with the supplies necessary for the sailing, refueling, cleaning, offloading and reloading luggage, doing laundry, and so much more.

Could you imagine living on the same cruise ship for over one year? Marty and Jess Ansen, a retired couple from Australia, spent over 450 days—longer than many of the crew members—aboard Princess Cruises' Coral Princess, booking 51 back-to-back cruises on the same ship. "We welcome the different captains onboard," Jess told A Current Affair. 

A viral TikTok shows you're never too old for a girls' trip. 

Though cruise lines such as Carnival, Celebrity, and Norwegian have started to implement colorful hull designs, the base of the ship, also known as the superstructure, remains white. Have you ever wondered why? 

According to an article published by Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, the color of cruise ships has to do with the temperature of the vessel. 

Cruising remains a favored choice for travelers seeking a memorable vacation experience, as they offer a unique blend of complimentary amenities, exploration, and relaxation. As the travel industry continues to evolve, the trends shaping the cruise world do as well, reflecting changing consumer preferences and technological advancements. 

Every year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) releases its "State of the Cruise Industry Report," which provides insight into the current trends, facts, and forecasts regarding the industry. 

Brand loyalty can run deep, especially when it comes to cruise lines. Many avid cruisers remain loyal to one specific cruise line, as each brand offers its own unique cruise experience. Trying a new cruise line can be exciting - but it can also solidify your loyalty to one cruise line over another.

Though I love exploring new ports of call and enjoying the ship's amenities, part of my pre-cruise excitement is knowing I'm days away from unloading the dishwasher and making the bed one final time before some time off. 

Instead of being responsible for day-to-day tasks, I know I'll be attended to by friendly crew members, from the Main Dining Room wait staff to my cabin steward. 

With 3- and 4-night sailings during the off-season costing less than $100 per person, per night, they make for a great vacation choice due to their convenience and affordability. 

Traveling with friends, however, can be awkward, especially if you aren't super close to each other. Even if you are, sharing a 200-square-foot cabin (or smaller) can test the strongest bonds.