Posts

Minding Your Cruise Ship Manners

Boarding a cruise ship once again – or, for the very first time – will be exhilarating and exciting. But amid the joy, remember the time-honored rules of cruise etiquette that help make everyone’s time at sea more enjoyable.     Don’t reserve lounge chairs. A common breach of etiquette is the “reserving” of lounge chairs on deck; that is, spreading your belongings across several lounges so that you can your companions can sit together later in the day. This rude practice is so widespread that some cruise lines now have policies against it; if you try it, the crew may remove your belongings to the lost and found.   Don’t party too hard. Just as on land, drinking too much alcohol on a cruise can lower inhibitions and cause problems: being too noisy, hurting yourself or others, or setting the stage for...

Sailing in a Spectacular Suite

It’s been proven over and over again that you can enjoy a wonderful cruise in any category of cabin; even the simplest inside cabin has everything you need to rest and relax between activities, dress up for dinner, and get a great night’s sleep.   Still, if your budget allows it, sailing in a larger cabin does have advantages. And if you’re looking for a truly luxurious, simply over-the-top cabin for your next cruise, here’s a look at some of the most stunning and creative suites at sea.     Each of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships have a Royal Loft Suite, where a giant window wall frames a two-deck-high view. The stylish interiors vary a bit between ships, but include spacious living and dining areas, and lofted main bedrooms with a window-wall view (don’t worry, there are blackout drapes for when...

Previewing the New Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line is preparing for the delivery of its fifth ship, the Disney Wish, set to be the first in its new Triton class. The ship is expected to begin cruising in summer 2022, with up to 4,000 passengers on board. The cruise line hasn’t released all the details yet, but here’s a preview of what we’ve heard about the new addition to this popular fleet. First, how the ship will move is a sign of the times. In keeping with the trend toward more eco-friendly propulsion systems, the Disney Wish will be the first in its fleet to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) for power. The Disney Wish will showcase another important design trend: the move to fewer inside (that is, windowless) cabins. About 90% of Disney Wish cabins will have a view to the outside; just 10% will be inside cabins. Plus, about 70% of the outside cabins will have private verandahs. Disney Wish cabins are being designed with families in mind, with features like extra storage space. While we haven’t seen the actual ...

Selecting Your Cruise Ship Cabin

Selecting a cabin for your next cruise is a little like choosing a home: you should consider location, size and price. After all, your cabin will be your home while you’re on the ship.     Let’s start with location, which can have a big effect on your cruise enjoyment. The first thing to know is that “inside” cabins are very nice, but they don’t have windows (although some ships use technology to create virtual windows). If you want natural light, choose an “outside” cabin; but, the size of your window may depend on the deck your cabin is on. On lower decks, there may be a porthole or small window, while mid-level decks and higher often have larger windows, or some sliding doors that open to balconies.     ...
Contact-Free Technologies for Your Next Cruise   Long before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the cruise industry was working on new technologies to make cruising more convenient. For example, cruise line apps have made it easier for passengers to check the daily activity schedule, message each other onboard, pull up deck maps, make spa reservations, and more. But now that the whole world is more aware of the risks that come with a highly contagious virus, cruise line apps are valued for more than the convenience they deliver: they also make a cruise more contact-free.   You can expect to see other contract-free technologies on future cruises, such as facial recognition technology. These systems scan faces to quickly recognize you as they get on or off the ship, el...

Make the Most of Your Time on Board

A cruise ship does much more than get passengers from one port to another; it’s a self-contained entertainment complex, too, with loads of options for fun, relaxation and education. So, how can you make the most of your time onboard?   Our advice is to learn about your ship before you embark. The cruise line’s website has lots of information about the layout and features of the ship and the activities available during your cruise. When you know more about what’s onboard, you can make a plan. Here are a few things to consider:   With the exception of some river cruise ships, most ships have a swimming pool – and often more than one – surrounded by lounge chairs. It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon there with a good book and a refreshing drink. And, your s...

Indulge in Your Interests on Themed Cruises

Do you have a hobby you love, or an interest you want to explore? Ask your professional travel advisor about themed cruises that can immerse you in activities you enjoy, with the added attraction of visiting an exotic port or two. There are themed cruises on topics as diverse as dance, motorcycles, scrapbooking, holistic therapies, food and wine, sports, cats – and many more.   Lots of themed cruises focus on music. There’s a week-long Jazz Cruise on the  Celebrity Summit , scheduled to depart Miami in January with more than 100 jazz musicians on board and ready to perform. The ship will call on the beautiful islands of Curacao and Aruba, too. And that’s just one example; other music-themed cruises will surround you with the sounds of rock, country, hip-hop, soul, classical, disco, and other genres.   Some themed cruises are based on popular television sh...