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When most people think of cruise ships, they think of vacations with friends and family. What happens, though, when there are no passengers onboard? It is true-- sometimes, crew members get to sail on an empty cruise ship!

As Hurricane Lee continues to strengthen, cruise lines are forced to adjust their plans. In some cases, they have already modified entire itineraries!  

On the morning of September 8, Hurricane Lee reached Category 5 strength, which is the highest category on the Saffir–Simpson scale. The day before, it was a Category 1. A few hours after reaching Category 5 status, the storm did weaken back into a Category 4. As of the morning of September 11, the storm is now a Category 3. 

Today's cruise ships are built to withstand intense weather conditions. Plus, cruise lines actively monitor the weather to avoid storms if possible. That being said, you have probably wondered how many cruise ships have sunk at one point or another. 

There’s nothing quite like a poolside drink on a cruise - you're on vacation after all! For many people, cruising and boozing are nearly synonymous. However, purchasing alcohol onboard a cruise ship can add up quickly.

Whether you choose to buy drinks individually or splurge on a drink package, alcohol onboard a cruise can bust your budget. Drink packages can cost as much as $1,000 for two people on a 4-night sailing. Sometimes, the drink package can cost even more than the cruise itself if you snag a cheap cruise fare.

Before you book your cruise, you need to make sure that you are getting some sort of perk thrown in for free, such as drinks, gratuities, or onboard credit. These benefits can save you hundreds of dollars on your upcoming cruise and can help make your vacation more affordable!

Cruise booking perks are meant to incentivize travelers to book a cruise over a land-based vacation, as well as with one specific line over another, like Carnival instead of Royal Caribbean. 

Sometimes a fun activity is getting lost on your cruise ship to explore. This can include taking on various decks and admiring the thoughtfully decorated cabin doors with stickers, whiteboards, and other personalized decorations. 

As you continue your stroll through the cruise ship hallways, you may notice a constant, a popular sticker that seems quite tropical and typical: an upside-down pineapple. 

Upon first sight, the sticker looks normal, but the message and meaning that comes with it is nowhere near as innocent as it seems.

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. 

There are so many things you can do on a cruise ship, so to some, the ship is as much a destination as the ports of call. 

If you are looking to make the most out of your time onboard, consider an itinerary that includes a few sea days. It will be difficult to get the full experience, especially on larger ships, if you do a port-intensive cruise and only are onboard at night.