If there’s one phrase that strikes fear into the heart of any cruiser, it’s this: “Pier runners.” You’ve probably seen the viral videos of people sprinting down the pier, bags flopping, waving desperately as their floating home slowly pulls away. Sometimes they make it. Sometimes… not so much. So, what…
Royal Caribbean’s recent acquisition of the Costa Maya cruise port and adjacent land to build their exclusive "Perfect Day Mexico" destination have sent ripples throughout the cruise industry. While Royal Caribbean's bold move has been well-publicized, a detailed look at future cruise itineraries reveals how the world's biggest cruise lines are…
If your MSC cruise itinerary includes a stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, get ready for a totally different vibe than what you’ll find at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay or Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay. This isn’t a water park with pools and slides or a place you'll…
If you’re planning your next cruise, you’ve probably stuck on the big question: Should I buy a drink package? It’s one of those decisions that can feel like a gamble—will you sip your way to savings, or end up with a pricey package you barely use? As someone who sometimes…
For years, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has been our family’s go-to for vacations at sea. Whether it’s the unmatched service, the familiar magic, or those oh-so-perfect split bathrooms, it’s hard to beat the DCL experience. But we decided to branch out—just a little. For our most recent adventure, we booked…
As summer travel plans heat up, a recent report from Yelp has raised eyebrows among frequent travelers, particularly those setting sail on cruises. Yelp’s Summer 2025 Pest Control Infestation Index highlights a 53% surge in nationwide searches for bed bug extermination services from May 2024 to April 2025 compared to the…
If you’re a cruiser who loves food—or a foodie who loves cruising—there’s one experience on Carnival Cruise Line that you may be considering booking: The Chef’s Table. This is one of those events where fine dining meets behind-the-scenes magic, where every bite is a masterpiece, and where you’re treated to…
By now, you've probably heard of, watched, or tried to avoid watching the Netflix sensationalized "documentary" about the infamous "poop cruise" onboard one of Carnival Cruise Line's ships, the Carnival Triumph. I remember being glued to CNN and social media watching the event play out in real time and wondering…
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…
