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When to Book Your Cruise for the Best Price
The sweet spot for booking most cruises is 60 to 90 days before departure. This gives you the best balance of cabin selection and pricing without the early booking premium or last minute panic. Cruise lines release their initial pricing 12 to 18 months out. Those early prices look tempting but they are designed to…
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Cruise News Roundup
Royal Caribbean just announced their Icon of the Seas will skip its planned stop in Perfect Day at CocoCay for the next three weeks due to pier construction delays. The ship will head to Nassau instead. If you booked specifically for that private island experience, this probably stings a bit. Celebrity Cruises rolled out new…
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The Drink Package Math That Will Shock You
Most people buy cruise drink packages because they think they’ll save money. The cruise lines count on this delusion. Here’s the reality. Royal Caribbean’s deluxe beverage package costs about $70 per person per day. That means you need to drink $70 worth of alcohol daily just to break even. At $12 to $15 per cocktail,…
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The Specialty Dining Trap Most Cruise Lines Hope You Fall Into
Cruise lines want you to believe their specialty restaurants are worth the extra charge. Sometimes they are. Most of the time you are paying premium prices for food that is barely better than the main dining room. The Italian restaurant charges $45 per person for pasta dishes that cost $18 at Olive Garden. The steakhouse…
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River Cruising Versus Ocean Cruising
River cruising and ocean cruising are as different as a cozy bed and breakfast versus a Vegas resort. Both involve floating and eating. That’s where the similarities end. Ocean cruises offer scale and variety. You get multiple restaurants, Broadway shows, rock climbing walls, and pools. Ships carry 2,000 to 6,000 passengers. You dock at ports…
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Virgin Voyages Still Trying to Figure Out What It Wants to Be
Virgin Voyages launched with big promises about disrupting cruising. Three years later, they are still working out the kinks. Their adults-only concept remains their strongest selling point. The ships look fantastic. Modern design, clever use of space, and restaurants that actually serve good food. The crew energy feels genuine rather than forced. Wi-fi works better…
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Why Curaรงao Deserves Your Attention Right Now
While everyone fights over Caribbean cabin prices this winter, Curaรงao sits quietly in the southern Caribbean with better weather and fewer crowds. This Dutch island stays outside the hurricane belt and maintains steady 80-degree temperatures year round. Most cruise passengers spend their day wandering Willemstad’s colorful downtown. The Instagram-famous pastel buildings are nice enough. But…
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The Real Cost of Your Cruise Vacation
That $500 cruise fare isn’t what you’ll actually pay. Most first-time cruisers get sticker shock when they see their final bill. Start with gratuities. Budget $15 per person per day for standard service. That’s $210 for a week-long cruise for two people. You can adjust up or down, but this covers your room steward, dining…
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Cruise News Roundup: New Ships, Port Changes, and Policy Updates
Three stories worth knowing about if you cruise regularly or plan to book soon. Royal Caribbean announced their newest Oasis class ship will debut in 2026 with a completely redesigned Central Park area. The ship will feature more dining venues and fewer gimmicky attractions. This matters because Royal has been listening to passenger feedback about…
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Royal Caribbean Just Killed the Cruise Buffet
Royal Caribbean announced they’re eliminating traditional buffets on new ships starting in 2025. Instead of the free-for-all Windjammer experience, you’ll order from stations with actual menus. This is either brilliant or catastrophic depending on your cruise style. The chaos of buffet diving is gone. No more wondering if that sneeze guard actually works. No more…