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While most cruise door decorations do not have a secret meaning, the upside down pineapple does. No, it is not just a cute tropical decoration. If you see one, it is because the cabin's passengers are trying to convey a very specific message, one that has nothing to do with dessert. 

Tropical Storm Idalia is already forcing major cruise lines to adjust their plans, in some cases changing the entire itinerary.

Idalia is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, and is expected to take a path through the Gulf of Mexico up to the west coast of Florida. As of Monday morning, Idalia had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph.

Experts are calling for the storm to reach category three status.

Have you ever heard the phrase "poop deck" and wondered what it means? You are not alone!

They are not found as frequently on modern, motorized ships; however, you will find them on sailing ships! 

So, what is a poop deck and what's its purpose? Keep reading to find out!

Before you set sail on your next cruise, there are some rules that you should know about. While some, like rowdy teenagers, might be inclined to try and bend them, these rules are in place for a reason. Everyone onboard deserves to have a safe and relaxing voyage. 

While some may seem like common knowledge, like not skipping the muster drill or sharing a drink package, others are more about being a courteous passenger. Adhering to these rules will help you contribute to a positive atmosphere.  

Keep reading to learn about 15 cruise ship rules you should not break.

Before you leave for your next cruise, you need to make sure that you buy a European power adapter. 

When I cruised on MSC Seashore in June, I was surprised to see that the vanity had a built-in wireless charger in addition to multiple outlets and USB ports. This is a relatively new ship, having set sail in August 2021. I loved all the charging options in my updated stateroom. 

Cruises are unlike any land-based vacation you will ever take. These floating cities have everything you need and more all in one place, which is why they make such great family vacations; they offer a little something for everyone!

Plus, if the ship is not enough of a destination in and of itself, you will be transported to different destinations across the world, anywhere from the snow-capped glaciers in Alaska, to the sunny beaches of the Bahamas and Caribbean, and even the culturally rich cities situated along the Mediterranean. 

When you arrive at the cruise port on embarkation day, you will be greeted by a porter who will assist you with your larger pieces of luggage. 

It will be hours until you see your bags again, so you want to make sure that you have everything important packed with you in your cruise carry-on bag.

While some things make sense, like your passport and cell phone, there are others that might slip your mind. 

Here are 25 items you should always pack in your carry-on bag!

There is nothing quite as annoying as heading up to the lido deck on a sea day just to find empty chairs claimed by towels. 

Nicknamed "chair hogs," these individuals will leave their belongings on one or more chairs near the pool in order to try reserve them for later use. Rather than use them in that moment, they will go do other things, such as eat breakfast, return to their stateroom, etc. 

Whether you are taking your fifth cruise or first, you want to make sure that you do everything to make your vacation as memorable as possible. 

While there's no denying that cruises are a great bang for your buck with everything that is included in the base fare, there are some add-ons that can make your cruise even more special! 

While there are some high-end experiences, such as booking a suite or chartering a yacht for the day while in port, there are ways to upgrade your cruise for $125 or less!