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While ships have been a popular mode of travel for centuries, cruise ships as we know them today have existed for far less time. 100 years ago, you would not have seen a mega-ship with roller coasters, surf simulators, or go-karts onboard! 

Ready to save money on a cruise vacation during Black Friday? We've been scouring the internet for the best cruise deals from all the cruise lines.

Just like retailers in 2023, cruise lines offer up Black Friday sales and many begin well before the actual day.  Some lines start offering sales well before Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and there can be deep discounts available for bargain hunters. 

You'll find discounts on the cruise fares, extra onboard credit, and free add-ons.

We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week.

If you are busy but want to keep up with all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest look at the recent articles and updates we've shared

If you are thinking ahead to your next cruise vacation, you might be thinking about how you want to decorate your stateroom door. It does not matter if you're staying in an inside cabin or a luxurious suite, stateroom door decor is a popular cruise tradition that a lot of people like to take part in! 

Whether you are going on a cruise or want to help someone pay for their cruise, buying a gift card or certificate towards a cruise line may seem like a great idea.

Every dollar helps, whether the money goes towards the cruise fare or buying a popular add-on, such as a drink package, spa treatment, or shore excursion. 

When planning the best cruise vacation, there are some things that you will want to do to ensure that nothing goes wrong. While there are some things that are out of your control (i.e., weather), you do not want to make a mistake that will ruin your cruise. 

Wouldn't it be awful if you returned to the port after a fun day ashore only to realize that your ship departed thirty minutes prior? What about if you decided to cram your entire family of four in a stateroom to save a little extra money, just to end up tripping over each other and arguing the entire time?

What's the difference between sailing on newer cruise ships and older ones?

Today, there is a ship for every type of traveler, whether you are seeking a low-key vacation or one jam-packed with non-stop action. In general, the newer the ship, the better amenities it will have. 

Those who prioritize the destinations rather than the ship will not care too much about this; however, travelers who see the ship as a destination will want to sail on the latest and greatest.

The major cruise lines dominate the market, but they are not without their flaws.

Similar to airlines, hotels, or theme parks, there are aspects to appreciate, but also areas where improvement is needed. It's important to remember that no cruise line is perfect; they all have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

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!