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Spa Basics for Cruise Passengers

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In addition to exploring a different part of the world, a cruise can be an opportunity to try new things – like a spa treatment. Many cruise ships have lovely onboard spas; if you’ve never enjoyed a spa treatment before, why not try one? Here’s a quick look at what to expect. Spas are peaceful and luxurious spaces designed to support relaxation and wellness. Treatments are usually in four categories: massages, facials, body treatments, and hair/nail services. On a cruise, the size and scope of the spa may reflect the overall size of the ship. On a smaller ship, the spa may have a small (but still luxurious) treatment menu, while spas on larger ships may have numerous treatment options and special features like heated loungers, hydrotherapy pools, or a cafĂ© serving healthy cuisine. As a first step, ask for a spa tour; some offer regular tours while passengers are boarding the ship and throughout embarkation day. The tour will familiarize you with the facility, staff, and treatment...
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Great Sleep at Sea

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A cruise vacation promises a break from daily life, and many passengers take advantage of the opportunity to rest, relax, and catch up on sleep. Breathing sea air, dining on delicious food, exploring ports, and doing some laps in the pool or on the Promenade Deck can all contribute to a good sleep – but, the most important contributor may be the comfort of the bed in your cabin. Of course, what’s comfortable is a little different for everyone, but the quality of the mattress usually plays a role. Cruise lines, like high-end hotels, install mattresses they hope will be pleasing to most of their guests. And, you may be absolutely delighted with the bed in your cabin, just as it is. But if you’re not, there may be ways to adjust. First – even before you make your cruise reservation – ask your professional travel advisor about cruise lines with special bedding programs. For example, Princess Cruises has its own Princess Luxury Beds. They have individually wrapped coils, which help mini...
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Get Ready for the New Cruise Ships

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The high seas will welcome several new cruise ships during 2026; here are just some of the vessels that are preparing to give you a new cruise experience. March will bring the launch of the eighth ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, the Disney Adventure . The new ship will homeport in Asia, offering three- and four-night cruises from Singapore. Up to 6,700 passengers will enjoy new spaces like the Disney Imagination Garden, an open-air performance venue. The second ship in Norwegian’s Prima Plus Class, the Norwegian Luna , will set sail from Miami in early April, cruising the Caribbean with up to 4,224 passengers. Like its sister ship, the Norwegian Aqua , the Luna will have lovely open-air spaces; unique features include a rocking Elton John tribute show. June will see the debut of a new ship from Viking Ocean Cruises. The Viking Mira will accommodate up to 998 guests and will sail itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Viking also plans to introduce another shi...
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Discovering India by Cruise: A Journey of Sights, Culture & History

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Embarking on a cruise that stops at one or more of India’s vibrant ocean ports offers an unforgettable introduction to this vast and captivating country. Renowned cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Oceania, and Celebrity regularly call at iconic Indian ports like Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Chennai. Whether as part of a broader regional itinerary or a dedicated India-focused voyage, these port visits open the door to a world of unique experiences. 🏙️ Mumbai: A City of Contrasts Home to over 20 million people, Mumbai perfectly blends glamor and grit. This dynamic metropolis juxtaposes sprawling slums with glittering high-rises, creating a cityscape like no other. Dive into the bustling spice markets, marvel at ornate temples, and explore colonial-era monuments. Don’t miss the Gandhi Museum to learn about India’s independence movement. For something truly unique, visit Dhobi Ghat—an enormous open-air laundry where hundreds manually wash clothes for hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and hom...
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A Wave of Cruise Popularity

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According to the AAA, 21.7 million U.S. residents will set sail on an ocean cruise during 2026, an increase of 4.5% from 2025. If you want to be among the 21.7 million, we’re in the midst of a wonderful opportunity to make a cruise reservation – Wave Season. Wave Season is an annual extravaganza of deep cruise discounts and special promotions. This “wave” of tempting cruise deals was originally a way to engage travelers during a typically slow season – January through March – for cruise reservations. Now, cruise fans eagerly await the arrival of Wave Season. A consultation with your professional travel advisor is your best bet for sorting through Wave Season deals, but here are some things you may want to look for. Fare discounts. Wave Season brings some of the deepest discounts of the year on cruise fares. Some discounts take the form of a substantially reduced fare; some are buy one, get one free; and some are free fares for the third and fourth occupants of a cabin. Suite di...
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Cruise Ship Pool Etiquette

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Many cruise ships have at least one pool for passengers’ enjoyment, and many have more (Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas currently boasts the most – seven pools – in addition to an onboard waterpark). You can usually find a ship’s main pool on the Lido Deck, often flanked by hot tubs. Most cruise ship pools are relatively small and shallow, which means no diving. Lap swimming can be a challenge, too; to maintain a lap swimming routine while cruising, look for a ship with a dedicated lap pool. Whatever the number of pools on your ship, some simple rules of etiquette apply to them all. Here’s a quick overview. Poolside furniture cannot be reserved. Pools are usually surrounded by chaise lounges, as well as tables and chairs for poolside dining. Pool area furniture is for the use of all passengers and cannot be reserved. If you place your belongings on a chaise or table to “reserve” it for later, your things will probably be gone when you return. If a crew member moves them, they a...
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Exploring Iceland

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With a magnificent landscape that has everything from glaciers to volcanoes and rugged fjords to shimmering hot springs, Iceland is an amazing island in the North Atlantic that may be best explored by cruise ship. Several popular, luxury, and expedition cruise lines visit Iceland from May to October. Itinerary options include regional voyages, departing from Europe or North America, which visit ports in destinations like the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada or Greenland in addition to Iceland. You can also take a flight to Iceland, then board a cruise ship that will sail around the island. Iceland’s scenery is enchanting. For example, runoff from Iceland’s glaciers feeds an estimated 10,000 waterfalls. Some spectacular waterfalls are easily accessible by bus tour, but you can also take an adventurous hiking or ATV excursion to see even more. About 10% of Iceland is covered by pristine glaciers, some of them concealing active volcanoes. Tour boats can take you to view the outflows o...
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