Carnival Cruise Line’s announcement of the new Carnival Rewards program, set to replace the long-standing Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) program in June 2026, has sparked a wave of reactions among loyal cruisers. The shift from a days-cruised-based loyalty system to one driven by spending has left many questioning how…
For those planning a cruise, the term “guaranteed stateroom” often appears during the booking process, typically accompanied by a sometimes very attractive price point. As an experienced cruiser who has booked guaranteed staterooms multiple times—whether through casino offers, which almost always assign guaranteed rooms depending on the promotion, or for…
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, set to open in July 2025, is a new exclusive destination located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, just 20 miles east of Freeport. Spanning 65 acres, this resort is designed exclusively for Carnival guests, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and…
Cruising is all about kicking back, exploring new places, and maybe treating yourself a little something special. But those onboard shops can be a sneaky trap for your wallet. I’ve seen enough cruise ship stores to know some purchases just aren’t worth it. Here’s my rundown of the top five…
In case you haven't noticed, the Port of Galveston is absolutely booming. This Gulf Coast port is quickly becoming a major hub for cruise lines, with more ships docking year-round to meet the skyrocketing demand for Texas-based sailings. Galveston has long been a departure point for western Caribbean getaways, but…
As the calendar flips to June 1, the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins! This six-month period, running through November 30, is a time when tropical storms and hurricanes can form, potentially impacting cruise itineraries. However, with careful planning and an understanding of how cruise lines manage these conditions, you can…
For any type of travel, loyalty programs are a fantastic way to get additional perks to enhance your travel experience. Like airlines, rental car companies, and even railroads, cruise lines each have a loyalty program with different ways to earn points/status and a bunch of perks. The MSC Voyagers Club,…
If you’re planning a cruise, you may be wondering, or stressing out over, whether a Real ID is required to set sail. With ever changing travel regulations, it’s a valid question. This article clarifies what a Real ID is, when it’s required, whether it’s necessary for cruises in the United…
Royal Caribbean just dropped episode 2 of their new Behind the Crown & Anchor video series and in this episode they're pulling back the curtain on their announcement about Perfect Day Mexico. This episode takes us deeper into the features of this new private destination, set to open in fall…
For many cruisers in Central and South Florida, Brightline has become a go-to option for traveling to cruise ports in Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. As someone who has taken Brightline’s PREMIUM class multiple times to cruise ports as well as trips to Orlando from Boca Raton, I have…
