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Icon of the Seas to MSC Seaside: Our favorite ships and itineraries of 2024

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. 

Young couples live permanently on cruise ships for as little as $10K

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. 

17 hidden cruise ship extra charges you should know about (2025)

The convenience of a cruise vacation is hard to beat. Paying one flat rate for accommodations, dining, and entertainment is pretty appealing, right? 

Before you get all excited about the cheap cruise deal you found, there are a few extra charges that you should be aware of. 

I’ve been on cruises all over the world. Here’s the bizarre equator tradition you’ve probably never heard of

Cruises are always full of unforgettable moments to cherish for a lifetime. Whether traveling to a new destination or sailing with loved ones for an anniversary, there is always reason to celebrate!

As someone who has cruised 50 times over the last 20 years, I’ve had my fair share of experiences. In my opinion, one of the most unique and memorable cruise experiences you can have at sea is crossing the equator.

I tried the drink package on four different cruise lines. Celebrity's drink package impressed me, but the others were disappointing

Sipping a fruity cocktail on the top deck of a cruise ship is a quintessential vacation experience for many. In fact, cruising and drinking often go hand-in-hand.

Because of this, cruise lines offer drink packages for guests to purchase both before and during their cruises. For a fixed amount, cruisers can purchase drink packages to enjoy unlimited (or nearly unlimited) alcoholic beverages throughout their vacation. Everything from piña coladas to mojitos, old fashioned, martinis, and more are typically included.

The 15 Best Gifts for Travelers, According to Cruise Experts

With the holidays right around the corner, you might be wondering what to get your cruise-obsessed family member or friend. Even if they don't have an upcoming vacation, your gift might inspire them to reach out to their travel agent and start planning their next adventure! 

We asked well-known cruise experts for their recommendations for the perfect gifts for cruise lovers to make shopping easier. From basics like packing cubes to innovative sleeping masks with Bluetooth connectivity, these are the best holiday gifts for travelers. 

Here are the best Black Friday cruise deals of 2024

Black Friday is traditionally associated with savings on everything from clothing to electronics. The travel industry is no different! If you want to save money on a future cruise vacation, look no further. We've been scouring the internet for the best cruise deals from all the major cruise lines.

Just like retailers, cruise lines offer up Black Friday sales, and many start well before Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. You can expect discounts on cruise fares, extra onboard credit, and free add-ons! 

Bad things that happen on cruise ships

Bad things can happen at sea, even though cruise vacations are a time to relax and recharge from your everyday life. While we'd like to think everything will go smoothly, it's important to be aware of the hiccups that can disrupt your time onboard. 

I’m a teacher who just started cruising. Here’s why it’s my new favorite way to travel

Teachers have a multitude of responsibilities on their plates at all times. As a teacher myself, sometimes all I can think about is when my next vacation is and what I'm going to do.

Growing up, I did not travel much. We went to Florida, Tennessee, or just places surrounding my hometown in Connecticut. The thought of a cruise never came up during family discussions. As I transitioned into adulthood, my fiancée introduced me to the world of cruising, and in October 2023, I started my journey as a cruiser.

Meteorologist explains why hurricane threat to cruise ships is dropping by the day

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season isn't over yet, but one Meteorologist shares why cruisers can finally take a sigh of relief. Historically, by late October, the season's peak begins to taper off, leading to fewer storms. 

From Hurricane Beryl to Oscar, the storms have wreaked havoc on the cruise industry, with dozens of ships having to alter their itineraries. In some cases, sailings have been canceled because of port closures and delayed returns. 

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