Feature

2024 was a huge year for the cruise industry! 

With ships like Icon of the Seas, Disney Treasure, Utopia of the Seas, and Sun Princess making their grand debut, the Cruise.Blog team made it our mission to sail on as many new ships as possible to determine whether they're worthy of your hard-earned money and vacation time.

I've been on 20 cruises within the past two years, but no matter how many times embarkation day rolls around, I feel the same jitters as I did when I first started cruising! However, I've learned a thing or two that helps make the first day of any cruise vacation more enjoyable.

For example, certain cruise lines require you to print your boarding pass ahead of time. Forgetting can lead to unnecessary stress and delays at the terminal. 

Have you ever incorrectly called a "cruise ship" a "boat" just to be corrected by a nearby naval enthusiast? You aren't alone. Many believe "cruise ships" and "boats" are synonymous and can be used interchangeably. 

The difference isn't just a matter of terminology. It's about respecting the vessel's size, design, and purpose. Cruise ships, for example, are massive, multi-deck engineering marvels capable of carrying thousands of passengers and crew. They're decked out with restaurants, pools, theaters, and more, all meant to keep the guests entertained during their voyage.

If you've been on a cruise recently, you understand the feeling of your vacation passing in the blink of an eye. While it's important to live in the moment, photos can help us relive unforgettable moments and capture details we might otherwise forget. 

The most memorable cruise photos of 2024 ranged from breathtaking aerial shots to pictures that showcase the variety of destinations you can visit on a ship, such as Alaska and Norway. 

Travel insurance is important for more than just protecting against lost luggage or flight delays, especially for trips like cruises. 

A good insurance plan can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies at sea. One couple learned the hard way when they embarked on their honeymoon cruise, only to have their dream vacation become a headache due to a sudden medical issue. 

While I consider myself a seasoned traveler and cruiser, this year pushed me to new limits, and each voyage had its own challenges and rewards. 

In 2024, I sailed on 11 cruises to destinations such as Alaska, The Bahamas, and Europe, spending more than 50 days away from home. I explored new-to-me cruise lines and discovered different ports of call. Still, I have some tried-and-true routines that never fail me. 

Just like with hotel and airline loyalty programs, the more you cruise with a specific line, the better perks you'll get when you sail with them. 

While you won't get much when you first start cruising with a new-to-you line, as you climb the ranks, you will find that you can benefit from daily drink coupons, discounts on internet packages, and even a free cruise! 

2024 was an exciting year for Cruise.Blog writers and editors! Between eight staff members, over 250 days were spent onboard cruise ships that sailed to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Australia, and Asia. 

We also tried different cruise lines, ranging from Princess Cruises to Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean—all in the name of research, of course. 

You don't have to be retired or ultra-wealthy to live on a cruise ship. In fact, more and more younger couples are opting for life at sea. Who wouldn't want to wake up to an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet before exploring a new destination or lounging by the pool? You don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning, either, and no, it isn't too good to be true.