All About Cruises

Author: Cruise Director

  • Sailing Safely in 2023: Assessing Cruise Risks from Covid to Piracy

    Sailing Safely in 2023: Assessing Cruise Risks from Covid to Piracy

    As the world slowly regains its footing after the pandemic, many of us are eager to set sail on our next adventure. Cruising has always been a popular choice for vacationers, offering relaxation, entertainment, and a chance to explore multiple destinations in one trip. But as we venture forth in 2023, you might be wondering: how safe is it to take a cruise this year, considering risks such as Covid and piracy?

    How Safe is a Cruise from Covid?: Enhanced Health and Safety Measures

    The cruise industry has been hard at work to ensure the safety of its passengers, implementing strict health protocols and guidelines in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Most cruise lines require proof of vaccination and/or a negative Covid test result before embarking, significantly reducing the risk of infection onboard. Additionally, ships are equipped with advanced air filtration systems, frequent sanitation procedures, and have onboard medical facilities to handle any emergencies.

    Many ships have also reduced their capacity to allow for better social distancing, while some even offer contact tracing technology to quickly identify and isolate any potential cases. While masking is now optional in many places, you can always wear a mask when indoors or in crowds, helping to ensure that your cruising experience is as safe as it is enjoyable.

    For a more comprehensive dive into how to keep yourself safe from Covid on a cruise see our article 7 Ways to Keep Yourself Safe from Covid While on a Cruise.

    How Safe is a Cruise from Piracy?: A Rare but Real Concern

    Although a far cry from the swashbuckling tales of yore, piracy does exist in some parts of the world. That said it’s important to note that incidents involving cruise ships are extremely rare. In fact, according to the International Maritime Bureau, no cruise ships have been hijacked in the last decade.

    Cruise lines are well aware of the potential risks and take numerous precautions to ensure passenger safety. Ships are equipped with advanced surveillance systems and trained security personnel to monitor any suspicious activity. Additionally, cruise lines avoid known piracy hotspots and adjust their itineraries as needed based on the latest intelligence.

    Tips for Staying Safe on a Cruise

    While cruise lines are doing their part to keep passengers safe, there are a few steps you can take to further minimize your risk:

    • Research your cruise line: Choose a reputable cruise line with a strong track record of safety and adherence to health guidelines.
    • Stay informed about your destinations: Familiarize yourself with the safety conditions and any travel advisories for the countries you’ll be visiting.
    • Follow onboard safety guidelines: Adhere to the COVID-19 protocols set by your cruise line and attend the mandatory safety drills.
    • Stay alert and report suspicious behavior: While enjoying your cruise, remain vigilant and report any unusual activity to the ship’s crew.

    So, as you plan your 2023 cruise adventure, rest assured that the industry has made significant strides in ensuring your safety at sea. With proper precautions and a bit of common sense, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and worry-free voyage. Bon voyage, fellow cruisers!

  • How to Find the Best Cruise Deals: Our Top 5 Tips

    How to Find the Best Cruise Deals: Our Top 5 Tips

    Do you know how to find the best cruise deals? Cruises can be a fantastic way to explore new places, enjoy great food and entertainment, and relax in style. However, finding the best cruise deals can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you find the best cruise deals.

    Below are our top 5 tips for finding the best cruise deals. Some of them may be obvious, others are not, but regardless it’s good to have it laid out for you, which is why we wrote this article! :~)

    How to Find the Best Cruise Deals

    Tip #1: Be Flexible

    First, it’s important to be flexible with your travel plans. If you have some flexibility in terms of dates and destinations, you’re far more likely to find a good deal. Cruise lines often offer discounts for certain dates or routes that they’re looking to fill up, or which are underbooked. Be sure to check out different cruise lines and travel agencies to find the best deals. You can also consider traveling during the off-season when prices tend to be lower.

    And if you have complete flexibility some of the best cruise deals are repositioning cruises. Also called a “repo cruise”, a repositioning cruise is basically when the cruise line needs to move a ship to a new port, and rather than sailing empty they try to recoup some of the cost of the move by selling bookings a deeply discounted rate. For example, Norwegian features their repositioning cruises here. You can read more about repositioning cruises here.

    Tip #2: Loyalty Programs Discounts & Promotions

    Be sure to take advantage of loyalty program promotions and discounts offered by the cruise lines. If you’ve traveled with a particular cruise line before, make sure to sign up for their loyalty program. You can earn points or rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future cruises. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotions or sales that cruise lines may offer. These can include discounted rates, onboard credits, or free upgrades. Often their loyalty program members are the first ones to be notified of new promotions.

    Tip #3: Timing is Everything

    When it comes to finding the best cruise deals timing is truly everything. The trick is to either book as early as possible, or to book as last minute as possible. You see, cruise lines often offer early booking discounts to encourage travelers to book ahead of time. If you’re planning a trip well in advance, be sure to check for any early booking discounts. On the other hand, if you’re flexible and willing to wait until the last minute, you can often find great deals on unsold cabins.

    Tip #4: Location, Location, Location

    Make sure to be strategic about your cabin selection. The location and type of cabin you choose can affect the price of your cruise in a big way. If you’re willing to go with a somewhat smaller cabin, or don’t care quite as much about the view from your cabin, you can save substantial money by booking an inside cabin or an ocean view cabin instead of a balcony or suite. Also consider booking a “guarantee cabin”, which means you’ll be assigned a cabin at the cruise line’s discretion, and so at a lower rate.

    Tip #5: Check Package Deals

    You can often save money over all – often a great deal of money – by bundling your cruise with other travel arrangements. For example you can save money by booking a cruise package that includes flights, hotels, and/or tours. And keep in mind that using a travel agent (yes, they still exist) doesn’t increase your cost, they work on commission, and they often know about the best deals.

    Bottom line: finding the best cruise deals requires a bit of flexibility, research, and strategy. By being open to different dates and destinations, taking advantage of loyalty programs and promotions, booking early or last minute, being strategic about your cabin selection, and bundling your travel arrangements, you can find a great deal for your next adventure!

  • The Best Cruises for Kids in 2023

    The Best Cruises for Kids in 2023

    Here is our unbiased round-up of the best cruises for kids in 2023. Cruising with kids can be a fun and exciting way to introduce your children to new places while keeping them entertained. There are so many options for cruising with kids that it can actually be daunting to find the right child-friendly cruises for your family, so here are some of the best cruises for kids in 2023.

    In addition to figuring out the best cruises for your kids (and of course your whole family), it’s important to know some basic facts about cruising with children, and even some of the downsides that may come up with taking cruises with kids (there aren’t many, but there are a few). So we recommend that you also check out our How to: Cruises with Kids and our Some of the Ups and Downs of Cruising with Kids. Ok, here we go!

    Best Cruises for Kids Made Specifically for Kids: Disney Cruises

    Of course, Disney Cruise Line is a no-brainer if you’re looking specifically for cruises aimed squarely at kids. And they have something for kids of all ages. So if you’re looking for a cruise line that’s specifically designed for families with kids, then Disney Cruise Line is definitely the way to go. With character meet-and-greets, themed restaurants, and entertainment that’s not just kid-friendly, but made specifically for kids, so your children will be in a world of magic and wonder. Of course there are also plenty of activities for the parents, so everyone is assured of having a good time!

    But you didn’t need us to tell you that, did you? So here are some cruise lines that you may not have realized have great offerings for the whole family as well.

    Best Cruises for Kids – General Cruise Lines

    Royal Caribbean International

    Royal Caribbean has an extensive range of onboard activities and amenities that will keep your kids entertained for hours on end. From rock climbing walls to water parks, video arcades to ice skating rinks, there’s something for every age and interest. Plus, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program offers age-specific programs for children starting from the wee little ones and going all the way up to older teenagers!

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Cruise Line is another great option for families with kids. Their ships feature water parks, rope courses, mini-golf, and sports courts, and they offer a wide variety of family-friendly excursions at each port of call. Plus Norwegian’s Splash Academy program provides supervised activities and entertainment for kids from ages 3 to 12!

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Carnival Cruise Line offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere that’s perfect for families with young children. The ships feature water slides, mini-golf courses, and splash zones, as well as their day camp program called Camp Ocean for kids ages 2 to 11. And of course there are plenty of family-friendly dining options and entertainment venues on each Carnival ship.

    MSC Cruises

    MSC, which stands for Mediterranean Shipping Company, offers a Mediterranean-style cruising experience that’s perfect for families with older kids. The ships feature a wide range of activities, including a water park, sports courts, and a 4D cinema. The Teen’s Club offers age-appropriate programs for teens, and the Mini Club and Juniors Club provide supervised activities for younger children.

    The Best Cruises for Kids are the Ones that Work for You!

    At the end of the day, no matter which cruise line you choose it’s essential to look for itineraries that include ports of call in which you will be interested, which also offer kid-friendly activities and attractions. Keep in mind that each cruise line has age restrictions for certain activities, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.

    Cruising can be a great way to spend quality time with your kids while exploring new destinations. The above cruise lines offer a range of amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained, and each one offers a unique experience. So pack your bags, and get ready for a family adventure on the high seas!

    You can check these cruise lines out here: Disney   Norwegian   Carnival   Royal Caribbean   MSC Cruises

  • Here are Some Great Disney Cruises for 2023

    Here are Some Great Disney Cruises for 2023

    Disney cruises are so much fun, and so well done! Are you ready to experience the magic of a Disney cruise on the high seas? Look no further than a Disney Cruise in 2023! With new attractions and experiences, there’s never been a better time to set sail with Mickey and his pals. These Disney cruises have something for everyone in the family!

    MARVELous Disney Cruises with the Avengers

    First up, the highly anticipated Disney cruise “Marvel Day at Sea” is happening in 2023! Mix and mingle with some of your favorite Avengers superheros and anti-heros, such as Captain America, Mighty Thor, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Thor, Loki and Black Widow during what Disney calls “a heroic day at sea filled with thrilling activities and one-of-a-kind entertainment.”

    Frozen on the Ocean

    The Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder ships have a brand new “Frozen” show for 2023, ‘Frozen: A Musical Spectacular’ (wasn’t Frozen already a musical?) which features all of your favorite characters in real flesh and blood, and songs from the movie!

    Get Pampered at the Senses Spa on These Disney Cruises

    For those who want to relax and unwind, Disney is debuting a brand new luxury spa experience for 2023! The “Senses Spa” features luxurious treatments and services, including a special “Disney at Sea” massage that incorporates the scents of the ocean and a customized blend of essential oils. The Disney Senses Spa is available on the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy.

    What Else is Happening on Disney Cruises in 2023?

    No Disney Cruise would be complete without plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite characters. In 2023, guests can expect to see some new faces, including the characters from the upcoming movie “Encanto”. You’ll also have the chance to participate in character dining experiences, where you can enjoy a meal while interacting with beloved Disney characters.

    And for the little ones, the “Oceaneer Club” and “Oceaneer Lab” will also be receiving updates in 2023. These areas provide supervised activities and play areas for kids, with themes ranging from Marvel superheroes to the world of Toy Story. There’s even a “Star Wars” area where kids can train to become Jedi!

    And let’s not forget about the food. Disney Cruise Line is known for its delicious dining options for 2023. The Disney Wonder is debuting a new restaurant called “Tiana’s Place”, which will serve up classic New Orleans cuisine inspired by the movie “The Princess and the Frog”. You can also enjoy a meal at the “Remy” restaurant on the Disney Dream, which features French-inspired cuisine along with stunning ocean views.

    With all these new experiences and attractions, a Disney Cruise in 2023 is sure to be a magical vacation for the whole family. So pack your bags, grab your Mickey ears, and get ready to set sail on the adventure of a lifetime!

    It all starts here at the Disney cruises website. With all that said, of course, you still need to be aware that Covid is still around, and so be sure to read our tips for keeping yourself safe from Covid while on a cruise.

  • Cruises of Ireland and Scotland

    Cruises of Ireland and Scotland

    We can’t think of a more fitting discussion as St. Patrick’s day is upon us than one about cruising along the Irish and Scottish coastlines. Cruises of Ireland and Scotland’s coasts offer a gorgeous journey along the breathtaking coastlines of Ireland and Scotland, as you explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures of these two remarkable countries. Cruises of Ireland and Scotland offer travelers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean while experiencing the time-honored traditions and folklore of the Emerald Isle and the Land of the Lochs.

    The Allure of Ireland’s Coast

    Ireland, the “Emerald Isle,” is renowned for its lush green landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and intriguing historical sites. A cruise of Ireland typically begins in the bustling city of Dublin, which boasts a plethora of attractions such as Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the famous Temple Bar district. As your ship sets sail along the Irish coastline, you’ll be captivated by sights such as the Cliffs of Moher – a natural wonder rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean – and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic settlement perched atop a rocky outcrop.

    The enchanting village of Cobh, once the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, offers a poignant look into Ireland’s maritime history. Other highlights include the picturesque harbor town of Kinsale, famous for its colorful streets and culinary delights, and the wild, rugged beauty of the Aran Islands, where the traditional Irish way of life has been preserved for centuries.

    Scotland’s Spectacular Shores

    The magical shores of Scotland invite you to explore its awe-inspiring landscapes, ancient castles, and legendary Lochs. Many Scottish cruises depart from the historic city of Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with iconic landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile.

    Your voyage along Scotland’s coast will take you to mystical locations like the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic scenery, ancient castles, and unique wildlife. The Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona offer a serene retreat, with their white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and the sacred Iona Abbey – a significant site in early Christianity.

    Inverness, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, provides access to the legendary Loch Ness, where the enigmatic Loch Ness Monster is said to dwell. Further north, the Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of prehistoric sites, such as the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. Here, the rugged coastline is home to thriving seabird colonies, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

    Enjoy Them Both!

    A cruise of Ireland and Scotland is an unforgettable adventure, showcasing the best these two extraordinary countries have to offer. From the warmth of Irish hospitality to the haunting beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, this journey is an enticing blend of history, culture, and natural splendor. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or a voyage steeped in myth and legend, a cruise along the coastlines of Ireland and Scotland promises an experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

    Two cruise lines known for their cruises of Ireland and Scotland are Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

  • For Added Fun: Cruises with Casinos

    For Added Fun: Cruises with Casinos

    Cruises with casinos have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering travelers the chance to enjoy their favorite games while sailing to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking to try your luck, a cruise with a casino can be an exciting and unique way to experience the high seas.

    One of the biggest advantages of a cruise with a casino is the convenience it provides. With the casino located right on board, you don’t have to waste time and energy trying to find a local casino once you reach your destination. Instead, you can simply head to the casino whenever you’re ready to play.

    Another advantage is the variety of games available. Most cruise ship casinos offer a wide range of games, including slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. This means that no matter what your preferred game is, you’re likely to find it on board. Additionally, many casinos offer lessons and tutorials for those who are new to gambling, making it easy for beginners to learn the rules and get started.

    Of course, one of the most exciting aspects of a cruise with a casino onboard is the chance to win big. While there are no guarantees when it comes to gambling, many cruise ship casinos offer jackpots and other prizes that can be substantial. And even if you don’t hit the jackpot, the thrill of playing and the excitement of potentially winning can make for a memorable experience.

    It’s important to note that while gambling on board a cruise ship can be a lot of fun, it’s also important to gamble responsibly. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Also be aware of the rules and regulations of the casino, as well as any laws that may apply in the jurisdiction where the ship is registered.

    Overall, a cruise with a casino can be an enjoyable and exciting experience for those who love to gamble. With a variety of games to choose from, the convenience of having the casino on board, and the potential to win big, it’s no wonder that these types of cruises have become so popular. So if you’re looking for a unique and thrilling way to spend your next vacation, consider booking a cruise with a casino and setting sail for adventure on the high seas.

    Some cruise lines that offer onboard casinos include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, and Norwegian.

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