Celebrity Cruises is known for being a higher-end cruise line, and for a long time, it was one of the few major lines I hadn’t sailed. That’s all changed. In the past year I’ve sailed Celebrity multiple times and gotten a feel for what it does well, what it doesn’t do as well, and some ways that it’s completely different than what I expected. So what do I wish I knew … [Read more...]

Norwegian Cruise Line is saying goodbye to one of its most popular offerings, but it’s actually something we think passengers are going to appreciate. That is, if they are also ok with also paying significantly more in gratuity charges. For years, NCL’s “Free At Sea” offer has been a staple of the cruise line. Now it’s going away and being replaced with “More At … [Read more...]

Sitting just 65 miles off the coast of Miami in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay (pronounced Ocean “Key”) is an absolute gem in the lineup of private islands run by major cruise lines. Ocean Cay is the pride of MSC Cruises, which calls on the island for extended visits, including overnight stays. If you’re sailing from the East Coast, the odds are high your cruise will have a stop … [Read more...]

Rhapsody of the Seas was built in 1997 — a completely different era for cruise ships. Since then, they’ve grown in size dramatically, as seen with Wonder of the Seas docked alongside at CocoCay. Above is Rhapsody of the Seas. It was built in 1997 — 27 years ago. That was the same year that Titanic (the movie) premiered. Just the next year Bellagio in Las Vegas opened. It’s … [Read more...]

It’s a little-known secret, but one of the easiest ways to get free money on your cruise. If you own shares of your favorite cruise company stock, then you can get up to $1,000 in onboard credit just for being an investor. If you’re an investor in the cruise lines, then you can get onboard included with your trip… just for owning shares. Here’s how it works… Several … [Read more...]

As the days roll closer to the opening of Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line continues to reveal more details about exactly what passengers can expect. Carnival revealed there will be dozens of spots to eat and drink around it’s new Celebration Key destination, including Gill’s Grill, a sit-down restaurant serving Caribbean seafood and more. Image courtesy of Carnival. Already we … [Read more...]

Officially the storm isn’t even a hurricane yet, but it is already impacting cruises and more impacts could come very soon. Helene is on track to skirt the tip of Mexico before aiming at the Florida coast. The projected path is already having an impact on cruises. Tropical Storm Helene, which is currently building strength in the western Caribbean, shows the potential for rapid … [Read more...]

We all want to go on vacation to disconnect, but that doesn’t mean you want to be completely cut-off from everyone. After all, it’s nice to keep in touch with people back home. Perhaps just as importantly, you also want to keep in touch on the ship with others that you’re traveling with. When you’re on a cruise, it’s a great way to disconnect, but let’s be … [Read more...]

One of the most popular “extras” that many passengers pack with them on a cruise (and something we always suggest bringing) is now listed as a prohibited item on Royal Caribbean. Outlet adapters like this one that plug in to provide more space have long been a popular item to pack for a cruise. Royal Caribbean’s website now shows them as banned. In a major update to their FAQ … [Read more...]

NCL’s newest ship hasn’t even arrived and already the cruise line is giving its fans a taste of what’s coming next. Norwegian Cruise Line just unveiled it’s next ship, Norwegian Luna. The 3,550 passenger ship is scheduled to start sailing in April 2026. Rendering courtesy of NCL. Norwegian Aqua is set to debut in March 2025 and will be the newest ship in the NCL fleet. It … [Read more...]

If you’ve looked for an affordable cruise, then there is no doubt that you’ve run across MSC Cruises. MSC is a new cruise line to many passengers, who likely notice the amazingly low fares. But what’s it really like and is it worth it for your vacation? The cruise line is a global powerhouse with a fleet of more than 20 ships. That puts it in the ballpark of major household names … [Read more...]

Nothing says summer like hitting the beach and getting some sun and water. And what better way to get to the beach during the summer than with a cruise? Taking a cruise in the summer can’t be beat. But prices can be high. That’s why we scouted out some of the best summer deals. With a cruise, not only can you travel in style to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but you … [Read more...]

Celebrity Cruises is known for offering a luxury experience, with a line that caters to those wanting to sail and have a great time, while also enjoying a higher-end atmosphere. If you’ve never sailed Celebrity before, then there is still a lot that should feel familiar if you have sailed another cruise line. If you haven’t cruised before, then know that you’re about to enjoy a … [Read more...]

If you’re cruising nearly anywhere in the western Caribbean, then there’s a good chance your ship is going to stop in Cozumel. In fact, when it comes to ports outside the United States, Cozumel is at the top of the list (alongside Nassau). Each year literally millions of cruise passengers make a stop at the Caribbean island. On the island there is a ton for passengers to see and do. … [Read more...]

At Cruzely, there’s no doubt that we are “pro cruise.” To us, there is no better value in vacationing. And with the ability to combine a resort-style stay while also visiting multiple destinations — and getting to enjoy the sea — cruises offer something that you simply can’t get anywhere else. But we are also not blind to the fact that cruising — while … [Read more...]

With millions of passengers sailing the cruise line each year, Carnival’s VIFP Club lists as one of the most popular loyalty programs in the industry. No matter your status, the program offers perks to being a member. And with it being free to join, why wouldn’t you take advantage? Sailing on a Carnival cruise? Here’s everything to know about the VIFP loyalty program from the … [Read more...]

If you’re booked on a Carnival cruise, then you’ve no doubt been tempted with offers for the cruise line’s Faster to the Fun (FTTF) package. Of course, you’ve likely also wondered just what it is and if it’s actually worth the cost. With Carnival’s Faster to the Fun program, you pay a fee and receive a ton of benefits designed to reduce waits and make your … [Read more...]

The newest feature on Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay is a spot called Hideaway Beach. Hideaway Beach is an adults-only spot on CocoCay. I recently visited to get the lay of the land and see if it’s worth the admission fee. When the cruise line spent hundreds of millions of dollars to renovate the entire island a few years ago, they included everything you could imagine. From a sleepy spot … [Read more...]

When it comes to cruise line private islands, frankly there is CocoCay… and then everything else. There’s a ton of things to do at Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay, and many things cost money. However, we’ll tell you how to have a full day on the island without spending anything at all. A few years ago Royal Caribbean spent hundreds of millions of dollars to completely reinvent … [Read more...]

What’s the significance of August 20th in cruising? How can three feet save you thousands of dollars? And what’s the secret message in the hallway carpet that most people will never notice? I’ve come up with some cruise tips that are a bit strange and frankly, most people have no idea about them. But they are all true, and you don’t want to miss them.  That said, … [Read more...]