Feature

When people think of cruises, they often think about unlimited food, and while that's true, the dining experience onboard a cruise ship differs from land-based restaurants. 

You, for instance, will not receive a check at the end of your meal. While it might seem a bit foreign, all you have to do is say thank you and leave! No need to worry about having anything billed to your onboard account— Unless, that is, you choose to dine at one of the ship's specialty restaurants or order a premium selection in the Main Dining Room. 

Have you ever wondered how far a cruise ship can travel in a single day?

Whether you're on the highway driving to the supermarket or about to board an airplane to travel hundreds of miles in just a few hours, the speed of various modes of transportation is something that's thought about almost daily. 

Modern cruise ships can travel upwards of 400 or 500 nautical miles per day, equating to roughly 575 miles on land. Of course, this actual number varies based on the specific ship and weather conditions, which can substantially slow a ship down. 

Sometimes when on a cruise, I will see another ship in the distance. Curosity always gets the best of me, and I begin to try and figure out which ship it is. If they're close enough, I might be able to tell from the funnel— it is impossible to mistake Disney or Carnival's funnels! Usually, though, they're too far. Even if I can see, it is fun to learn where the ship is heading. Is their cruise almost over, or did they just depart? 

In 2023, we shared a ton of tips, tricks, and reviews ranging from family-friendly cruise lines like Royal Caribbean to luxury lines such as Viking Cruises. There were countless cabin tours, ship reviews, and other pieces written to benefit future cruisers. Some articles, however, came out on top. 

Below is a recap of our 10 most-read articles of the year. While cabin tours were the most popular across the board, readers were also curious as to how they could beat chair hogs and the pros and cons of cruising solo onboard Norwegian Cruise Line. 

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. 

Cruise ships are a foodie's heaven. There's something for every craving, whether it's late-night pizza, a juicy steak, seafood, or salad for those looking for a lighter option. 

Even so, cruise lines aren't typically known for their high-quality food. While that's not to say you won't have delicious meals, not everything offered will be the same quality you would expect in fine-dining restaurants. 

If you are someone with a sensitive stomach or simply want to avoid some of the worst options, here's a list of 5 foods you should never eat on a cruise. 

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.