It starts the moment that you book your cruise. That low headline cruise fare suddenly doubles when two people are added… followed by hundreds more in port taxes and fees… and even more money with the addition of gratuities. Cruise ships aren’t just big… they are big business. To give you an idea of the financials, we broke down the revenue and expenses for Royal Caribbean … [Read more...]
Map: How to Get to the Free Beach in Nassau (Cabbage Beach)
Not sure how to get from your cruise ships to Cabbage Beach in Nassau? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Cabbage Beach is near the cruise port, features golden sand and beautiful water. Unfortunately, it can be a little tough to get there if you don’t know the way. We explain how to get to the beach, below. The beach sits right near Atlantis on Paradise Island. This is island … [Read more...]
Why Cheap Cruises Are Dead (For Right Now)
For years, cruises have been known as a cheap getaway — somewhat to the chagrin of the cruise companies. While low fares may draw passengers in, more revenue makes investors and cruise executives happy. Cruising has been known as an affordable vacation, but the cheap deals — while still around in some places — seem to be getting harder to find. Before the pause in cruising … [Read more...]
Complete Guide to Cruising from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
When it comes to departure points for a cruise, it’s hard to beat Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is one of the most active cruise ports in the United States, serving ships from nearly every major brand. Here’s what to know before you arrive. With nearly 4 million cruise passengers each year, Port Everglades comes as one of the busiest ports in … [Read more...]
Carnival Reveals BIG New Details About Celebration Key (New Private Island)
For months, we’ve shared everything we know about Carnival Cruise Line’s new private destination — called Celebration Key. The spot sits just off the coast of Florida near Freeport in The Bahamas and promises to be the ultimate playground for cruise passengers. New Celebration Key reveals from Carnival include a massive “sandcastle” with waterslides and one of the … [Read more...]
Can I Bring my Pet on a Cruise?
For many people, their pet is the most important thing in their life. Pets offer companionship that can be found nowhere else and many people consider them not pets, but family members. No wonder many people take their pets seemingly everywhere from the grocery store to even traveling with them. Can you bring your dog or cat (or other animal) on a cruise? The answer is almost always no, except in … [Read more...]
Icon of the Seas (World’s Biggest Cruise Ship) Makes Inaugural Cruise This Weekend
The biggest story in cruising is finally reaching its most important milestone. This weekend, Icon of the Seas — the new ship from Royal Caribbean and the largest cruise ship on the planet — sets sail on its first official cruise. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship — Icon of the Seas — makes its debut with paying passengers, marking a new era in cruising. Image courtesy of … [Read more...]
Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise (What It’s Like)
When it comes to cruising, there is nothing quite like sailing to Alaska. It’s difficult to explain exactly what it’s like to sail to the 49th state, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and amazing natural beauty. That’s because no matter how many photos or videos you see, it simply doesn’t do it justice. Thinking of taking a cruise to Alaska? We’ve covered what you … [Read more...]
Answered: What’s the Cheapest Time to Take a Cruise?
One of the biggest draws in cruising is that it can be an affordable vacation. Sail the right time of year and some itineraries can be had for as little as a couple of hundred dollars. Cruise fares — even for the same itinerary — change throughout the entire year. That’s why we’ve analyzed prices to determine the cheapest time to sail. In return, you get your room, meals, … [Read more...]
Nearly 200 Major Crimes Were Reported on U.S. Cruise Ships Last Year. Here’s the Most Common Offense
Think of a cruise and it’s likely you think of sitting poolside, eating in the dining room, visiting exotic ports, playing in the casino, or watching a show in the evening. Crime may be the last thing on your mind during a cruise. Your overall chances of being a victim are low, but incidents do occur on cruise ships. We have the latest data on 2023 crimes below. For the vast majority of … [Read more...]
22 Cruise Secrets You’ll Never Forget
From the truth about cruise sales, to why some ships take out an entire deck in the middle of the ship, and even a clever trick to never get locked out of your room, there’s a lot to learn about sailing before you take a cruise. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 22 cruise secrets that you want to know — and more importantly — you’ll never forget once you … [Read more...]
How to Watch the Super Bowl on a Cruise
Taking a cruise during the Super Bowl and wondering about watching the game? The good news is that you’ll have no issue catching the show while on your vacation. Even if you are in the middle of the ocean, you can still watch the Super Bowl aboard the ship. Just because you are on a cruise doesn’t mean you have to miss the game. In fact, watching on a cruise may end up being more … [Read more...]
Explained: Differences Between a Suite and Balcony Cabin on a Cruise
If you’re shopping for a cruise, then you’re no doubt running into enough options to make your head spin. Modern cruise ships have seemingly endless room combinations, but they actually fall into one of four main categories: interior, oceanview, balcony, and a suite. Suite cabins provide the highest-end experience on the ship, with more space, more amenities, and more access across the … [Read more...]
The $3.4 Million PER DAY Cruise Ship? Estimating How Much Icon of the Seas Earns
It has taken the crown as the largest cruise ship on the planet, earning major buzz with a look that’s unlike anything else at sea. Coming in at an estimated cost of roughly $2 billion, the ship represents a significant investment from Royal Caribbean. But the brand-new Icon of the Seas also looks to be an enormous money-maker, generating an estimated $3.4 million per day based on analysis … [Read more...]
Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…
Cruises to Alaska offer an experience like none other… but the price tag can be considerable as well. That’s not to mention things like the the cost of airfare to get to the port or the prices for pricey excursions. In short, it can be considerably more expensive that sailing to the Caribbean. Alaskan cruises offer the ability to see a dramatic landscape and visit remote cities like … [Read more...]
MSC Cruises Sailing from Texas Starting 2025
For months the Port of Galveston has hinted at a new deal for a fourth cruise terminal that would bring MSC Cruises to Texas. MSC — a major global cruise line making inroads in the United States — announced they will sail from Galveston, Texas starting November 2025. It’s now official. MSC, a global cruising powerhouse but that only sails only from Florida and New York in the … [Read more...]
Icon of the Seas Arrives in Miami for the First Time
If you follow cruising at all — or try to watch an NFL game the past few weeks where commercials have aired constantly — then you’ve no doubt heard the buzz surrounding Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. The new ship sets the mark as not only the new largest cruise ship in the world, but also sets a completely new bar as to what’s possible at sea. Now for the first … [Read more...]
12 Things You Didn’t Know About Cruise Cabin
Your cruise cabin may not be much in terms of size (a typical room is between 160-200 square feet), but it’s your own personal sanctuary on the ship. Your cabin is the one spot on the ship that’s your own private space. If you’re a first-time cruiser, then there are likely things you don’t know about the room. Your cabin is where you’ll sleep, relax, bathe, get ready … [Read more...]
Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise?
One of the biggest questions we hear is whether or not you need a passport to cruise. It seems like a simple question, especially if your cruise is going to Alaska. After all, you are likely leaving from the United States, visiting the United States, and returning back to the U.S. Do you need a passport to cruise Alaska? In many cases, no, but it’s still highly recommended. Alas, not … [Read more...]
Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist: 80+ Things To Bring (Printable)
Need a checklist in order to pack for your cruise to Alaska? We have you covered. Sailing to Alaska is like no other vacation. In fact, even if you’ve cruised before to somewhere like the Caribbean, what you pack to visit this region of the world can be very different. A packing checklist can be a huge help in figuring out what to take on your Alaskan cruise. We have more than 80 items to … [Read more...]