• Shore Excursions Instead of booking directly with the cruise line, consider organizing self-guided tours. With a map and Wi-Fi from a port café, you can explore a new city at your own pace, saving on cruise-organized outing markups. If independence…

  • 1. Prince Rupert, Canada Prince Rupert, often included on Alaskan cruise itineraries, is known for its underwhelming appeal. Despite beautiful natural surroundings, visitors describe an atmosphere similar to a struggling mill town. Downtown offers little beyond basic chain stores. Excursions,…

  • Mega-Ships vs. Small Luxury Vessels The cruise industry is diverging into two main paths: mega-ships and small luxury vessels. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, accommodating around 10,000 people, exemplifies the mega-ship trend, offering numerous entertainment options and activities. Conversely,…

  • 1. Prince Rupert, Canada Prince Rupert, Canada, a frequent stop on Alaskan itineraries, often disappoints cruise passengers. The city’s atmosphere is described as lackluster with unappealing infrastructure. Downtown offers little to entice cruisers, characterized by unremarkable shops and few notable…

  • New Cruise Ships Debuting in 2025 MSC World America MSC Cruises Maiden voyage: April 12, 2025 MSC World America will make a splash in the North American cruise market when it debuts. This 5,228-passenger ship features an exciting new area…

  • Cruise Costs Cruising can be surprisingly affordable. Budget-friendly options include Carnival Cruise Line, where trips start around $300 per person with careful planning. This price typically covers: More upscale lines, like Regent Seven Seas, offer cruises that can cost over…

  • Festive Atmosphere and Entertainment Christmas on a cruise ship offers a range of festive experiences. Ships are beautifully decorated with lights, garlands, and Christmas trees, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Entertainment options include: Cruise lines provide special holiday menus in…

  • 1. Icon of the Seas Icon of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship, offering extensive entertainment options. Features include a record-setting water park and diverse dining venues. The ship effectively manages its large passenger capacity, providing a variety…

  • Royal Caribbean’s New Beverage Policy: Opening Drinks at the Bar Royal Caribbean recently implemented changes to their beverage policy, affecting how alcoholic drinks are served on their cruise ships. The main modification requires: This policy aims to prevent sharing of…

  • MSC Cruises Introduces 15-Drink Daily Cap MSC Cruises has implemented a new policy, effective April 1, capping alcoholic drink packages at 15 beverages per day. This change aims to promote responsible drinking while still allowing passengers a substantial allotment of…