Gratuity charges. Like death and taxes, it’s something that cruise passengers simply can’t avoid. But it does help take the sting out of the payment — which can be hundreds of dollars for a cruise — when you understand what they are and how they work. Gratuities — also known as service charges — can add on hundreds to your Carnival cruise. It helps to know … [Read more...]
Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
Taking a trip on Norwegian Cruise Line? While you might have already paid for your vacation, there’s one more expense to consider: gratuities (or “service charges” as NCL calls them). Cruise gratuities are simply a fact of cruising. The payments go toward staff members providing service, including your room steward and dining staff. While some see these tips as forced payments, … [Read more...]
Princess Cruise Live Blog (Day 4): One of My Most Memorable Port Days EVER
Note: I am currently sailing on my first Princess cruise ever aboard Discovery Princess on a 4-day trip from Los Angeles to Mexico. During these daily updates I’ll provide details on the experience and share what it’s like. You can read other days here: Live Blog (Day 1): Sailing the “Love Boat” for the First Time Ever Live Blog (Day 2): A Busy Day in One of … [Read more...]
Princess Cruise Live Blog (Day 3): Sailing, Swimming, and Singing
Note: I am currently sailing on my first Princess cruise ever aboard Discovery Princess on a 4-day trip from Los Angeles to Mexico. During these daily updates I’ll provide details on the experience and share what it’s like. You can read other days here: Live Blog (Day 1): Sailing the “Love Boat” for the First Time Ever Live Blog (Day 2): A Busy Day in One of … [Read more...]
Princess Cruise Live Blog (Day 2): A Busy Day in One of America’s Prettiest Cities
Note: I am currently sailing on my first Princess cruise ever aboard Discovery Princess on a 4-day trip from Los Angeles to Mexico. During these daily updates I’ll provide details on the experience and share what it’s like. You can read other days here: Live Blog (Day 1): Sailing the “Love Boat” for the First Time Ever Today saw the ship dock in San Diego, where we got to … [Read more...]
Princess Cruise Live Blog (Day 1): Sailing the “Love Boat” for the First Time Ever
Note: I am currently sailing on my first Princess cruise ever aboard Discovery Princess on a 4-day sailing from Los Angeles to Mexico. During these daily updates I’ll provide details on the experience and share what it’s like. The pool deck of the Discovery Princess. It’s large and open, but the California weather (while fantastic) is a little cool to be sunbathing or swimming in … [Read more...]
Worth It? 15+ Questions & Answers About the Carnival CHEERS! Drink Package
If you’re taking a cruise aboard a Carnival ship, then chances are that you’ve seen mention of the CHEERS! beverage package. And you’re likely wondering if it’s worth the money. Carnival’s drink package — CHEERS! — makes it easy to enjoy yourself on the ship. For one set daily price you get just about any drink included. Put simply, this package is an … [Read more...]
Revealed: How Much Cruise Companies Earn Per Passenger
How much money do cruise companies make per passenger? Well, after more than a yearlong pause due to the pandemic, cruise lines are back to sailing completely full on many routes and are seeing revenues per passenger set new marks as the public gets back to traveling. And because many cruise lines fall under the umbrella of large public companies with shares that trade on the stock exchanges, we … [Read more...]
Good Deal? Everything to Know About Norwegian’s “Free At Sea” Sale
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” deal is one of the most appealing cruise line offers out there. But is it a good deal? It is worth buying? And what details should you know when you book? Sailing a Norwegian cruise? The line’s Free at Sea offer provides perks to sailing, but there is fine print to know. While cruise passengers have gotten used to shelling out plenty of … [Read more...]
Port Canaveral Cruise Parking Discounts, Coupons, & Deals
There’s good news and then better news for people parking at Port Canaveral. First, the good news is that compared to the vast majority of ports, parking at Port Canaveral is a deal. For instance, while the Port of Miami charges $22 per day for most cruise parking (and up to $28 for some Royal Caribbean cruises), Port Canaveral charges just $17 per day. And independent lots that are just a … [Read more...]
Galveston Cruise Parking Discounts, Coupons, and Promo Codes
Looking for a discount on cruise parking in Galveston? What about a promo code to save a few extra bucks? You’re in luck. Galveston is by far the best port in the country when it comes to inexpensive cruise parking options. Because of the port’s location on the backside of island, there are several lots in the immediate area. The high amount of competition keeps rates low. Parking for … [Read more...]
Is Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay Worth It? Pricing at $161 Per Person Seen
Anyone who reads Cruzely knows that we are big fans of CocoCay. The Royal Caribbean private island recently underwent a $250 million renovation (opening up as a revamped destination in 2019) that took it from a sleepy spot in the Bahamas to a complete destination. Visit today and you’ll find everything from white sand beaches to the Caribbean’s largest pool to ziplines, … [Read more...]
Port Canaveral Cruise Parking (Where to Park) Options, Prices, and Map
Looking for Port Canaveral parking during your cruise? The good news is that you’ll have plenty of choice across all price ranges. Port Canaveral offers a number of parking options, whether you want the convenience of parking right at the port, or the savings of an independent lot. These days, Port Canaveral has turned into one of the busiest — and most popular — ports in the … [Read more...]
18 Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Cozumel
Cozumel is without a doubt one of the most popular cruise ports in North America. Each year literally millions of cruise passengers — and other visitors — call on the Mexican island. Cozumel is one of the most-visited cruise ports in the world, and there’s a lot that you can do for free or cheap. As you would expect with such a popular destination, the tourist industry around … [Read more...]
Icon of the Seas’ $75,000 Cabin Already 55% Booked… A Year Before it Sails!
There’s been plenty of buzz about the arrival of Icon of the Seas — the newest ship from Royal Caribbean. And based on comments from executives, it seems some higher-end cruise passengers are especially excited about the new ship. The Ultimate Family Townhouse on Royal Caribbean offers three-stories and tons of space… and a price tag of roughly $75,000 a week. When the ship … [Read more...]
Explained: Duty-Free Shopping on a Cruise (Is It Worth It?)
When it comes cruising and duty-free shopping, don’t feel alone if you’re left confused. The labyrinth of regulations and rules regarding what is taxed and what isn’t can give you a headache. At the same time, however, you can use these rules to your advantage and potentially save money on things like alcohol, cigarettes, and other pricey goods that are for sale in the duty-free … [Read more...]
Which Airport You Should Fly Into for a Los Angeles Cruise?
Flying into Los Angeles for your cruise seems simple, but the truth is that the number of airports in the area can make it difficult to figure out which is best for you. Should you just fly into LAX (the largest airport) or would you be better off using a smaller location closer to the port? In total there are five major airports in the Southern California area, each with their own pros and cons … [Read more...]
Should You Prepay Gratuities on a Cruise?
Not sure whether you should prepay your gratuities before your cruise or wait until you’re on the ship? It’s a common question. Paying early offers some benefits, but it also means more money out of your pocket before you even get on the ship. At the same time, it can seem strange to pay gratuities before you’ve actually received service. Our opinion? We are fans of prepaying … [Read more...]
The Beginner’s Guide to Hooking Up on a Cruise
Sunshine. Alcohol. Swimsuits… Is there a better combination for a having a romantic encounter? Yes, actually. Add all those elements and then combine them on a cruise ship where everyone will be together for several days, all having a similar experience. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that hookups can and do happen on a cruise. Call it love, call it romance, call it a one-night … [Read more...]
Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest brands in North America, sailing from ports all over the United States to destinations in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. Put simply, if you want to take a cruise from a port near you, then there is a good chance that Carnival either sails from there or sails to there. (More recent ventures into Australia and Europe also give … [Read more...]