We share lots of cruise updates and advice here, and this is a weekly roundup of everything you may have missed from this week.
If you are busy but want to keep up with all the helpful cruise advice we share, this is an easy-to-digest look at the recent articles and updates we've shared
1. Cruise passenger lashes out on social media after her luggage was lost in the ocean
One of the biggest disruptions to any trip is lost luggage.
However unlike on land vacations, cruise ships only have a small selection of clothing, toiletries and more available for purchase. When you arrive to your ship on embarkation day, cruise passengers trust the porters to safely transport their larger pieces of luggage to the ship. TikTok user Lindsey Hargesheimer realized soon after boarding, that her luggage never made it onto the cruise ship.
She's taken to TikTok to share her experience.
Read more: Cruise passenger lashes out on social media after her luggage was lost in the ocean
2. I paid $267 to spend the night on America’s most haunted ship—take a look inside my spooky cabin
Have you ever considered staying the night onboard a haunted ship?
Cruise Blog writer Jenna recently did! She, her mom, and her sister spent the night aboard the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner operating as floating hotel. The ship has been well-preserved for decades, committed to maintaining the original feel of a 1930s ocean liner. Yet beyond the decor and layout, the vessel has one major difference from an average hotel: she is (supposedly) haunted.
Jenna shares her experience of staying on this haunted ship, and why she isn’t rushing to go back.
Read more: I paid $267 to spend the night on America’s most haunted ship—take a look inside my spooky cabin
3. I visited 16 Caribbean islands on a cruise ship — these are the 3 I'd return to and the 2 I'd skip
When it comes to cruising in the Caribbean, there are plenty of itineraries to choose from!
Cruise Blog writer Elizabeth has been cruising to the Caribbean since she was five years old, and has been to 16 islands. Having sailed to so many islands, she can easily see why this is such a popular tourist destination year-round. From the beaches to the food, the climate, hospitality, and more the Caribbean ha an irresistible allure.
From someone who has sailed to the Caribbean six times in the past two years alone, here are the places Elizabeth is certain to visit again—and two she is okay skipping.
Read more: I visited 16 Caribbean islands on a cruise ship — these are the 3 I'd return to and the 2 I'd skip
4. Cruiser stunned by offensive passenger-made bingo cards
The entertainment options on cruises are endless, but one of the more popular activities is Bingo.
Typically Bingo is a ship-sponsored activity, where passengers hope to win the jackpot, but sometimes cruisers take it into their own hands. A guest sailing onboard P&O Cruises' P&O Azura recently reported finding derogatory "bingo" cards mocking other passengers. Discovered in cabin pigeonholes and other public areas, it seemed to be mocking a variety of cruise ship passengers.
Here is what we know about this situation.
Read more: Cruiser stunned by offensive passenger-made bingo cards
5. Video captures shark at Royal Caribbean's private island
If you have a cruise planned to The Bahamas soon, don’t forget to be aware of your surroundings.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular spot for cruisers. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach day, an adrenaline-pumping afternoon at Thrill Waterpark, or an adults-only getaway at Hideaway Beach, there's an activity for everyone. However, cruisers will want to keep an eye on the warning flags when swimming in the ocean. Recently a video was shared to TikTok, showing a shark swimming close to the shore at CocoCay. Spotted near South Beach’s floating bar, the fin was easy to spot, and track moving through the water.
Take a look at the video, and hear from other cruisers' experiences.
Read more: Video captures shark at Royal Caribbean's private island
6. I sailed on a deluxe expedition cruise to Svalbard. I saw polar bears and indulged in 5-course meals—here's what it was really like
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While most people imagine cruising as sailing to the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean, there are plenty of more excotic and remote locations to sail to.
Cruise Blog writer Jenna recently returned from a deluxe expedition sailing the Arctic. Sailing onboard Poseidon Expeditions’ Sea Spirit, she visited Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Denmark’s Faroe Islands, and Svalbard. While onboard she indulged in 5-course meals, lectures, parties and more. While onshore, the Poseidon team arranged thoughtful itineraries to maximize their time on land, even changing course upon notice of polar bears.
Here Jenna shares her experience on this once-in-a-lifetime excursion.
7. 8 best cruises for foodies on a budget
Cruising is a great time for foodies to indulge in favorites and new dishes.
From nightly meals in the Main Dining Room to fast-casual bites by the pool, the food is one of the most highly-anticipated aspects of any cruise. However, before booking a cruise, it is important to understand each cruise line’s dining approach. For instance, Disney Cruise Line operates on a rotational dining schedule, whereas Virgin Voyages doesn’t believe in the offering massive buffets.
Here our guide to the best 8 cruises for foodies on a budget.
Read more: 8 best cruises for foodies on a budget
8. I spent 7 days cruising through Europe. Here are the items I couldn't have done without
Packing for a cruise can be a stressful experience.
There are multiple packing lists available for cruisers to look at online prior to their sailing, and can oftentimes have conflicting information, or different “must-haves”. Adding in visiting destinations you may not be familiar with, can make it even harder. Cruise Blog writer Allie recently returned from a 7-night European cruise, and went through this same experience.
After completing her sailing, she shares with us the items that she brought that she couldn’t have done without.
Read more: I spent 7 days cruising through Europe. Here are the items I couldn't have done without
9. I spent 11 nights in a $5,000, 226 square foot cruise cabin to the high Arctic—take a look inside my suite on the Sea Spirit
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Cruising is a great form of travel, that can take you to some of the most remote places.
Cruise Blog writer Jenna just returned from an unforgettable cruise to the high Arctic, and she spent 11 nights in a suite that costs over $450 per person, per night. Sailing onboard Poseidon Expeditions Sea Spirit, a deluxe expedition vessel, she stayed in a Classic Suite. At around $450 per night, Poseidon Expeditions’ cruise fare included all food, select beverages, onboard activities, and shore excursions. It also included a pre-cruise hotel stay at the Radisson Blu in central Edinburgh along with transfers to and from the vessel.
Take a look inside Jenna’s Classic Suite cabin on Poseidon Expeditions’ Sea Spirit.
Nicole Feist
Nicole first fell in love with cruising as a teenager on a family vacation. Since then she's gone on to become a frequent cruiser, and even marrying her husband on a sailing. Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida, you'll find her cruising on the weekends whenever she can.
