Ready to go on your first cruise? Not sure which line is best for you? If you’re overwhelmed by your choices, that’s normal. After all, there are roughly a dozen cruise lines and hundreds of ships that sail from the U.S., giving you a ton of options. Thinking of a cruise for the first-time? While any line can give you a good time, there are a few choices we’d recommend based on … [Read more...]
What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s Private Island)
If you’re sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise from practically anywhere on the East Coast, then it’s almost assured that you’re going to make a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay — the cruise line’s private island. Now I’ve been fortunate enough to visit this spot countless times, including well before the island was completely transformed into what it is today. So … [Read more...]
Worth It? 15 Cruise Line Drink Package Questions & Answers
Questions about drink packages on your cruise? When it comes to taking a cruise, people like to have a good time, and that good time usually involves alcohol flowing freely. Bars are everywhere on a modern cruise ship, and with people buying drinks, the costs can quickly add up. Drink packages offer up a way to enjoy plenty to drink without having to worry about the budget. But there are a number … [Read more...]
Is it Safe to Cruise During Hurricane Season?
Thinking of taking a cruise during hurricane season? Wondering if it is safe? When it comes to cruising, one of the biggest fears that some people have is being caught up in a storm. Hurricanes can disrupt travel with their damaging effects. Does that mean it’s a bad idea to take a cruise during the season? Occasionally, a ship does get caught in a sudden thunderstorm, and the video and … [Read more...]
41 Must-Do Activities Aboard Royal Caribbean Ships
When it comes to things to do on a cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is arguably the leader in the industry. Whether you’re wanting something relaxing (spa day, anyone?) or something more active (waterslides, rock climbing, and more), the cruise line offers more to do than anyone out there. Royal Caribbean is well-known for big ships with tons to see, do, and experience. If you’re planning to … [Read more...]
NCL Welcomes Its Newest Ship — Norwegian Viva — to Fleet
Norwegian Viva is officially part of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. In an announcement earlier today, the cruise line said it has taken delivery of its newest ship in Italy. Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the cruise line’s Prima class, has officially joined the NCL fleet. It begins sailing with passengers on August 10. “Delivery marks an important milestone for Norwegian Viva, … [Read more...]
Everything to Know About Cruise Ship Pools (Depth, Ages, Accessibility & More)
Think of a cruise and likely one of the most vivid images will be the top deck, bathed in sunshine, people enjoying themselves, and right in the middle is a crystal-clear swimming pool. Pools are the centerpiece of any cruise ship, and while they have certainly evolved in what they offer since the early days of cruising, the formula is largely the same. Sunny days, warm weather, and electric blue … [Read more...]
The Best Time to Book a Cruise (Save Money, Better Cabins)
When it comes to booking a cruise, everyone wants to get a good deal. And the truth is that you can get the same exact cruise for hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dollars less just by sailing during the right part of the season. Wondering when to cruise for the best deal? We highlight the best time to sail and the best time to book your trip to save the most. So when is the best … [Read more...]
38 Must-Do Things on a Carnival Cruise Ship
Wondering what all you can do on your Carnival cruise? Think of a cruise and you likely envision exotic ports, hitting the beach, or splashing in the clear blue water of the Caribbean. The truth is, however, the vast majority of your time on a cruise is actually spent on the ship. Consider that on a 7-day cruise, you might have three ports of call. Each of those port days consists of about eight … [Read more...]
Should I Buy Cruise Insurance? Complete Guide to Coverage
A step-by-step guide to cruise insurance, what it covers, and if you need it. Note: Cruzely.com nor the author is an insurance professional. Be sure to review any policy and ask your insurance company any questions you might have. We are an affiliate of InsureMyTrip, linked below. We receive a small commission if you buy travel insurance through the links included in this article, at no cost … [Read more...]
Gratuity Calculator & Tipping Amounts for Major Cruise Lines in 2023
Want to know what you’ll pay for gratuities on your cruise? It’s definitely smart to budget ahead of time as the cost of these charges can be hundreds of dollars. Gratuities are a fact of cruise life. Below, we have an easy calculator that will tell you how much you’ll pay in these charges for your trip, depending on cruise line. On a cruise, gratuities (also known as service … [Read more...]
Must See: 5 Wild New Cruise Ships Set to Make Their Debut
If there is one constant in cruising, it’s that every year you can expect new ships that offer an experience bigger and better than ever before. From larger ships to the newest restaurants, groundbreaking experiences at sea, and even more luxurious cabins for passengers, every new ship pushes the bar of what’s possible at sea just a little higher. And while there was a slow-down in new … [Read more...]
Getting to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port Without a Car (Port Transportation)
Flying into New York for your cruise? Or maybe you simply don’t want to deal with the headache and expense of dealing with parking your car. No matter the reason, if you’re needing transportation from area airports or hotels to Cape Liberty, then we have you covered. There are a number of ways to get to Cape Liberty for your cruise, including a taxi, Uber, and public … [Read more...]
Everything to Know About Alcohol & Drinks on a Cruise (Costs, Rules, & More)
For many people, it’s not a cruise unless they are enjoying themselves with a drink in their hand. After all, what’s more relaxing than hanging out poolside with a cold beer or tasty cocktail? Drinking is popular on a cruise. Below was have everything to know about costs, rules, and more… Of course, cruise lines are happy to help. Bars are everywhere on a cruise ship, and the … [Read more...]
New Orleans Cruise Parking (Where to Park) Options, Prices, and Map
Parking for a New Orleans cruise doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you want the convenience of parking at the port or you want to save money by using an outside parking lot, there are options for you. That said, there aren’t as many cruise parking options in New Orleans as you’ll find in other places like Galveston or Port Canaveral. Still, with official port parking, … [Read more...]
Answered: Can I Watch Netflix on a Cruise?
Want to watch Netflix while you take your cruise? You’re not alone, and the good news is that if you want to binge your favorite show while in the middle of the ocean… it’s possible. Want to watch Netflix while on your vacation? Here’s the best advice on how to do just that… The funny thing is, you could watch every cruise commercial ever made and you’d never … [Read more...]
Luggage and Baggage Rules for Taking a Cruise (How Much Can I Bring?)
How much luggage can I bring on a cruise? Can I bring shampoo? Can I bring drinks or alcohol? What about food? Will my bags be searched? If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might have a number of questions about what you can — and can’t — pack for a cruise. The good news? The rules surrounding cruise luggage are far simpler and more straightforward than what you’ll … [Read more...]
Carnival Ship Ends Trip Early (And Shortens Next Cruise) Due to ‘Technical’ Issue
A shipload of passengers received an unwelcome end to their cruise — and thousands more have had their upcoming cruise adjusted — following a ‘technical’ issue impacting Carnival Pride. Carnival Pride had one cruise end early and another shortened following an issue that seemed to impact propulsion. The ship returned to port in Kiel, Germany for assessment. The ship, which … [Read more...]
11 (Surprising) Things Not Allowed on a Cruise Ship
Swimsuit? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Hoverboard? Wait, what? You can’t pack that! When you’re packing for your cruise, most things you need to bring are obvious. There are those few items, however, that some people want to pack that aren’t allowed on the ship. If found, they will be confiscated and either tossed… or held for safekeeping until the end of the … [Read more...]
Worth It? Everything to Know About Specialty Dining on a Cruise
Not sure what to expect when it comes to specialty dining on a cruise? That’s understandable. After all, these restaurants operate a little differently than others on the ship. Fortunately, we can walk you through any major questions you have, including if they are worth booking or not. Gone are the days when all food on the cruise was free. Now, many spots — like Giovanni’s on … [Read more...]