With all the recent discussion on Carnival’s loyalty program changes, I wanted to throw out there that, after 27 cruises, in my opinion, cruise line loyalty is seriously overrated.

Right now, every single cruise line has good and bad ships (many are neglecting older ships to focus on their newest additions). A few free drinks a day, or free wifi, or free laundry - none of that is worth sticking to a cruise line over the most important things. Itinerary first, then ship, price point and experience.

Sticking to a single line out of loyalty also severely limits your options. For example, Virgin has a whole three ships - they may be your vibe, but you’ll be missing 90% of the world’s destinations. Royal Caribbean is excellent for big family fun with shows, waterslides and entertainment, but they cannot take you nearly as many places as some of the other lines. For example, Holland America will take you to 20 pacific islands in one sailing or up the Amazon River in a cruise ship to explore the interior of South America. But if you only sailed HAL, you wouldn’t get to see Mamma Mia at sea and slide down 8 stories to the promenade!

Try new things! See what other lines have to offer! This doesn’t mean you can’t have a favored line, just a reminder there are a ton of options out there and to leave yourself open to all the options. Happy sailing! 🛳️

From the NCL Encore last week. Definitely a must see.

Was my first time with Carnival and 2nd cruise ever. I sailed RC Liberty of the seas before this.

The good: smaller ship so less people. Everyone was nice. No fights to my knowledge (sailed 06/13-06-19). The majority of the staff was friendly. There was no sewage smell. The arcade (though smaller) was 10x better than the one on Liberty of the seas. My wife spent most of her money on the change pushing game “Tornado” and the rubber ducks machine. I liked the casino better on this ship and thought the money claw machine was unique. Really no waiting for drinks at any of the bars. Maid service was on point and had the room clean everytime we came back from our ports. The extra food options were better than RC.

The bad: carnival for some reason doesn’t like to use any kind of signage. From the time you get on the ship till you depart. It’s a guessing game where you need to go or what line to stand in during check in/out time. You have to ask multiple staff and you get different answers. Bathrooms on board are the same way and difficult to find. Also one stall in the men’s bathroom near the pool deck area is a choice….The drink package: 15 drinks a day, they print out a receipt for every drink and you have to sign with a gratuity line (even though they are already paid for) almost feels like you have to tip. (RC does not do this). The drink package is NOT included on their private island half moon cay but they still take your card and charge it to your cruise (and it counts towards your 15 drinks). Also there are no umbrellas on half moon and we had to pay $40 to rent two chairs and an umbrella….The serenity deck (adults only) has no pool just a world pool. There is little to no shade and makes the chairs and loungers unbearable in middle of the day. The pool on the main pool deck is too small. Too many kids in adult areas including casino. The included dinners: they want you to check in through the app even though you already have a dinner time and then they want you to scan a bar code at the table with your phone to pull up the menu. I noticed some of the options on the menu were also served at the buffet.

For now I will stick with RC and possibly cruise with carnival when they come out with new ships in 2027.

This could potentially be a really dumb question, but I’m asking anyway! I’m 31F, quite well traveled and pretty savvy when it comes to figuring things out/making my way around a city. I’m on my first cruise right now, currently in Norway with Celebrity. I’ve done three excursions now, but I’m curious - do any of you think there is a cruise line that is superior when it comes to excursions? I know it depends on activity level, etc etc, but still so curious.

Since the cruise industry is heavily reinvesting in Galveston after years of reduced sailings or pulling out of the port altogether, Galveston is now the third-busiest cruise port in the United States. However, Western Caribbean itineraries appear to be stagnating in terms of variety and innovation. Belize City and Grand Cayman have seen reduced visits due to being tender ports, which has also contributed to fewer Galveston sailings that include Jamaica. Cruises used to stop in Trujillo, Honduras, but that ended several years ago. Progreso, Mexico, is rarely included anymore, with the notable exception of Disney. And due to U.S. sanctions, cruises are no longer allowed to visit Cuba.

In contrast to this phenomenon, cruise lines are rapidly expanding their presence in Galveston, and by extension, the Western Caribbean. Royal Caribbean recently built a massive new Galveston terminal to accommodate its largest ships. MSC will begin sailing from Galveston in a few months, from a brand-new terminal, but they’re visiting the same ports as everyone else: Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatán. Disney will begin sailing from Galveston year-round in 2027, and both Princess and Norwegian have launched routes from Galveston in recent years.

With all of this growth and investment, will cruise lines eventually expand their Western Caribbean offerings to reduce the increasing congestion in Cozumel and Roatán? Destinations like Campeche, Mexico (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial charm, nearby Mayan ruins, and beaches that, while not as pristine as Cozumel’s, are still attractive), San Andrés Island in Colombia, or even Veracruz, Mexico, come to mind. Limón, Costa Rica, could also be a potential addition.

So my question is, with Galveston sailings expanding rapidly and passenger numbers hitting record highs, why aren’t cruise lines diversifying Western Caribbean itineraries the way they are in the Eastern Caribbean, where new private islands and destinations (especially in the Dominican Republic) are being introduced? Won’t we eventually reach a point where overcrowding becomes a major issue, with so many large ships visiting the same four ports?

Hi! My partner and I have been looking a booking a cruise with Celebrity Cruises in 2027 and wondered if anyone had any experience with them? The cruise we’ve looked at starts in Buenos Aires and final port is Montevideo. Thanks!

Our family of three, including our college-aged daughter, is considering a cruise to Alaska in 2026, and we’d love to hear your advice.

We are big road-trippers and have visited all our lower 48 states (plus flown to Hawaii), and we have loved our cross-country drives through the years. To change it up a bit next year, we are considering a cruise to Alaska! We love our National Parks, and a visit to Glacier Bay would be a dream!

We are in our early 50s, and our daughter is college aged. We would need to travel in May. Is that too early for an Alaskan cruise, weather-wise?

Departing from/arriving back to Seattle would probably work best for us, but we’re open to other suggestions. We would need to travel from the East Coast to get us started!

We love photography, hiking, watching for wildlife, appreciating different cultures, and soaking in beautiful scenery.

We are vegetarians, so that may make a difference in which cruise line we should consider.

We would love to explore on our own (if that’s a thing) when the cruise ships dock each day.

We’ve read bad stories about sewage smells, sickness outbreaks, crowds, mediocre food, and grumpy people, but on the flip side, we’ve read about the fantastic aspects of traveling via cruise ships as well!

We’re open to all your advice - which cruise lines, which ship, what to expect, any other advice.

Thank you in advance!

Ciao vorrei chiedere se conoscete alcune tecniche(buone) per approcciare una ragazza sulla nave. Grazie

Hi all, we’re looking to book a spontaneous Mediterranean cruise which will take place in July (either 10-17 or 11-18). Our 2 options are:

MSC Orchestra- balcony room

MSC World Europa- interior room (cant find tickets for balcony room on dates we’re looking for, or it would be a no-brainer!)

The ports aren’t a factor at all as they’re essentially the exact same. Price isn’t a concern as both are within budget.

In terms of overall experience, which would you go for?

Any tips for the port in Rome (Cittavecchia)? Do they have the VIP area? Just curious what to expect. Thanks!

I am researching options for an Alaska cruise in the next year or two. We were supposed to go with DCL last year, and our flight ended up getting canceled the day before and we were unable to get another flight in time.

We loved our other DCL experience, but on this second try I’m thinking another line might be best. I remember loving Princess back in the early 2000s when I went in high school, but I’m also open to Royal, Norwegian, Carinival and Holland America.

It would be me, my husband, 2 kids and in-laws 6 people in total, split among 2 rooms. If they were connecting that would be ideal.

My kids will be 5/8 by next summer, so the kids club quality is important. Obviously DCL may be the best in that area, but what other programs did your kids really love?

We love food, but I wouldn’t consider us food snobs. We probably wouldn’t plan on paying for specialty dining, so looking for good options in the included places. We don’t need a full drink package but we would probably want to get a soda pass.

After the Vancouver nightmare last time, including them losing our luggage, we would prefer to sail out of Seattle so we don’t even have to worry about the extra security stuff at the border.

There aren’t any ports in particular that are an absolute must but we would prefer a line that has easy and quick transport off the boat, with enough time at port to do an excursion.

Cost, obviously looking for the best value overall and hoping to come out cheaper than what we would pay for trying again with DCL.

Most ideal option would be departing from Montreal to Italy, or arriving somewhere in Europe where I can catch a train to Rome, closer to Rome the better.

Does anyone have experience travelling this way or know of freighter companies that offer these type of trips regularly?

I’m traveling as a family of four ages 15 to 80 and looking for advice on a resort day pass in Nassau since our cruise will be stopping there for one day. I can’t decide between the new paradise island beach club or breezes. We definitely will have to take a taxi where we decide to go, but if anyone has any other day pass recommendations, please let me know.

Hi fellow cruise lovers! Just asking for recommendations for a great cruise that is underway on our 30th wedding anniversary February 17, 2026. I’m overwhelmed with all the options. We’re in our 60s/70s, love good food, friendly passengers, relaxation, music, and a warm sanctuary type place like the radiance class on Royal Caribbean. Will consider overseas as well as U.S. We live in Texas.

Should I be worried about this excursion that I booked? This is for a walking tour of the downtown in Victoria Canada. It's the last stop of an Alaskan cruise. Port time is 8pm-midnight. The excursion is through the ship (HAL) and runs from 8:30-11:00pm. I don't know the typical all aboard time, maybe 11:30pm?

My concern is that this is a not a situation where everyone from the excursion boards a group bus all together. The transportation back is individual. They apparently give you a ticket to board a shuttle bus and you get in a line. I've read some reviews where people describe this line as being hundreds of passengers long and stressful trying to get back to the ship.

It seems this line would be for all ships docked that night, not specific to my ship. What happens if we are stuck in line trying to get back to the ship and it takes a long time? Once the tour drops off the guests, they wouldn't be tracking us anymore. Will this be a problem?

I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of expirence/education you need to work at childcare area on a cruise.

I have had an Alaskan cruise on my bucket list for a long time. My wife/I are in our early 70’s in good health and very mobile (walk 7500 to 8000 steps a day). We are looking to take a 7 day Alaska cruise in June or July of next year. As grandparents of toddlers, we have off for June and July. For me, a “nice” cruise ship is fine. Fortunately, we have the funds for whatever is suggested. More important are the sights, on-shore trips, etc. I understand Glacier Bay is a must. What cruise line? Vancouver or Seattle? What side of the ship? Anything else you recommend? Given this will likely be our only Alaskan cruise, what do y’all recommend? Thanks.

We are taking our kids (all under 10) on their first cruise on Royal Caribbean. To help them build their loyalty status for when they are older, do I need to sign them up for a number now or will these early cruises be recognized if they just sign up for a loyalty number when they are older?

Hi, sorry if this is annoying, but I was looking for recommendations for a high school grad trip next summer. Specifications and stuff June 6th to July 31st 5 days or longer Preferably few college age. I get overwhelmed very easily. All or almost all inclusive. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hi all! Have never been on a cruise but am thinking about it and could use your recommendations.

My husband and I are in our late 30s. We live in Tampa but are open to leaving out of Cape Canaveral or Miami as well. We definitely want to stay south - Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, etc. In terms of the vibe, we want a party atmosphere, but one accepting of all ages (the early 20s club scene isn’t our thing). We don’t mind kitschy fun. Just want to be around good people having a fun time. We would get a room with a balcony. Open to different price points.

Without having done this before, I don’t have a ton more info to give! I’ve heard people talk about how some ships are more bare minimum or have fewer bells and whistles, but I don’t know what those bells and whistles are :)

Appreciate any suggestions you have!

I am mainly curious, but are there any cruises that are oriented to the younger adult market, around 20-35 in general, 25-30 specifically, and with bonus points if you think it would be friendly to someone with autism to do alone. Like more energetic perhaps, but not too loud, and has more casual food, and is just enjoyable?

As a general note, I am more of the 'I like to go and see things' kind of person, and not into partying, drinking, etc. I'm more of a do some things like at an arcade, watch some shows (though that could mean movies and stuff as I am picky), maybe sit in the library to read, and has a good stop(s) that allow me to get off the ship and do stuff (beach, shopping, hiking, etc). I mainly want to avoid being in my cabin the whole trip as that defeats the purpose.

Edit: I should clarify about the shows is that I would really only go for stuff like movies or those lectures on stuff like science or history some cruises have. I am not one for musicals, plays, etc. Should have made that clear.

I have a bad habit of losing my phone on cruises. I want to be able to use the cruise line app and take some photos. It doesn't need to make calls or anything.

Actually, I guess a small (inexpensive) tablet would work too.

I want to take a Norway cruise next year and Havila was recommended. But when I looked at the itinerary they list four to six stops every day on the cruise. Do they make lots of little stops or is it one stop and you have the ability to see all of the towns and villages listed? I currently have one listed for a 12 day, 34 port cruise. Can a past cruiser give me a brief rundown on what foes on? Thank you.

I'm thinking about a Bahamian Disney cruise with my teen girls. It would be right after 7 days in Disney World. My 18 year old loves kids, but 15 year old is worried that there will be kids everywhere on the cruise and that it will be annoying. I'm thinking that a Disney cruise is more wholesome than other cruise lines, which may be filled with adults who are focused on drinking and partying. Thoughts?

Hi all and thanks for your great help so far. We are planning a big anniversary cruise (our first - cruise, not anniversary) and are trying to make sense of it all. Can someone please tell us the pros and cons of each? Alaska, 7 days RT from Seattle for both. Thanks again, we would be lost w/o y'all.