Feature

Have you ever wondered what cruising will be like in 70 years? On March 29, the MEYER Group released a cruise ship concept for what they believe the future of the industry could look like in the year 2100. 

The MEYER Group is an international consortium that has three shipyards located in Papenburg and Rostock, Germany, as well as Turku, Finland. 

If your upcoming cruise itinerary includes a stop at a cruise line private island or destination, you have probably noticed that many have cabanas that you can rent for the day. While the type of cabana and included amenities vary, you can expect each to provide a reserved area just for you and your travel companions. 

Everyone pictures their cruise vacation with blue skies, calm seas and a drink in hand. You’re planning to relax and rejuvenate while sailing on a cruise. No one wants to think about some of the unpleasant things they might encounter while on a cruise.

Cruising is the best way to take a much-needed vacation, but you might encounter some surprisingly nasty problems. Those new to cruising might be surprised by a few of the gross things that you can experience on your cruise. If you cruise often, you likely already know about these problems.

The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations not just for its white stands and crystal clear waters, but because there are activities that everyone can enjoy. 

You do not have to go to the Caribbean and just lounge on the beach; although, you certainly can do just that! No matter what you choose to do, you will want to ensure that you get the best cruise shore excursion value. 

Living in Florida certainly has its perks, such as the sugary, white sand beaches and unbeatable weather year-round. As a Florida resident myself, it almost feels like a vacation that never ends (except when I have to panic-purchase bottled water and gasoline during hurricane warnings).

But, some of the not-so-obvious perks of living in Florida include living close to major tourist attractions, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the world’s busiest cruise ports. 

How does tipping on a cruise work? Are tips included? Should you carry cash around to tip individual crew members? Should I prepay gratuities or not?

These are all common questions for someone looking into booking a cruise for the first time. Without doing the proper research, you may be shocked when you receive your statement at the end of your vacation. 

While booking the right cruise ship is essential to making sure that you have a great vacation, you also need to think about how you are going to spend your days in port. The destinations are just as important as the ship! 

Once you have placed the deposit, you can start to talk with your travel party about what kinds of excursions everyone wants to do. If you are going to Jamaica, maybe you will want to spend the day at Dunns River Falls. Perhaps you would rather find a culturally immersive tour. The options are endless! 

When preparing for your next cruise, you should make sure that purchasing a cruise lanyard is on your list of things to do. 

Cruise 101 is knowing that your plastic cruise card will be your lifeline once you board the ship; there is no need to carry cash, other forms of identification, or credit cards. 

Today, cruise lines are constantly striving to outdo themselves. They want ships that are bigger, better, and more technologically advanced than anything else at sea. Of course, the definition of "bigger and better" varies from cruise line to cruise line. Regardless, they want their ships appeal to all cruisers by packing them full of different fun activities.