Feature

From the launch of Royal Caribbean's first Icon Class ship to the brand-new Disney Treasure, 2024 is going to be quite the year for the cruising industry.

Fans of the intimate experience that accompanies luxury cruising will rejoice with the launch of Silver Ray and Explora II, which will transport passengers to unique destinations like Hvar, Croatia; Praia da Vitoria, Azores; Nafplion, Greece; and Lipari, Aeolian Islands.

2023 was a big year for Cruise.Blog! Between eight staff members, over 380 days were spent onboard cruise ships that sailed to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South Pacific, Antarctica, the Panama Canal, and South America.

Additionally, not all cruises were on the same cruise lines, as we had the opportunity to report on lines ranging from Royal Caribbean to Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises. 

If you're new to cruising, you might not be aware of the cruise duck tradition. While a relatively new phenomenon, hiding ducks on a cruise ship is a fun activity that connects cruisers from across the world. You might, for instance, find a duck hidden by a couple in West Virginia, even though you're from Los Angeles. 

Before a cruise, passengers will purchase (or craft) ducks to hide around the ship for others to find. Oftentimes, there will be a note attached that states the duck's origin. 

When it comes to how you spend your hard-earned money and PTO, you want to ensure that you return home feeling as though your vacation choice wasn't a disappointment. From selecting the wrong stateroom to waiting to book shore excursions, many mistakes can negatively impact your cruise experience. 

No matter what cruise ship you are sailing on, you'll have access to an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Of course, there will be other complimentary options, too, such as the main dining room, which is where you can indulge in three-course meals each night for dinner. Buffets, however, are popular for their convenience and variety. 

You don't have to worry if you are craving a simple salad but someone else in your travel party wants a heartier meal; there's something to satisfy all cravings and desires. 

The sinking of the Titanic is one of the most well-known maritime disasters in history. When launched in 1912, she was the world's largest cruise ship; however, she did not hold that record for long. 

While en route to New York on her inaugural voyage, she struck an iceberg that damaged the hull of the ship, causing the deaths of over 1,500 people as the vessel sank beneath the freezing cold waters of the Atlantic.

Traditionally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday allow shoppers to save money on things from brand-new electronics to vacations! While many Black Friday cruise sales began well before Thanksgiving, many have continued after, too. 

Many travel companies will extend deals to the Tuesday after, as that day is commonly referred to as "Travel Tuesday." Airlines, hotels, and even cruise lines tend to have deals to entice customers to book with them. 

Discounts for cruises range from lower cruise fares to onboard credit, cheaper deposits, free add-ons, and more. 

As one would expect, cruise ship captains are given nicer living quarters compared to other crew members. 

During his time onboard as Captain of Harmony of the Seas, Captain Johnny Faevelen posted a video on his TikTok (@captainjohnnyfaevelen) to give people a peek into what his living quarters were like.

A cruise vacation is meant to be a chance to kick back, relax, and escape from your mundane everyday routine. 

Like with school, work, and nearly every hobby and activity in life, there are unwritten rules that we must abide by while on vacation. 

After losing a game, it is unsportsmanlike to be rude to players on the other team. Similarly, if you run into an issue on your cruise, you wouldn't want to be rude to guest services or other passengers. 

Here are the unspoken rules of behavior and etiquette on a cruise ship.