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☆ I've sailed on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian ships. Here's which was my favorite — and how to choose the right cruise for you.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

AdvertisementI've been on Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean's newer cruise ships. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderWhen a few rounds of foosball and ping-pong have worked up your appetite, you'll have 16 dining venues to choose from. AdvertisementNorwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Cruise Line has 18 cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise LineIt's the only cruise line on the list with a semi-inclusive "More at Sea" — formerly known as "Free at Sea" — promotion. The company operates 28 cruise ships, several of which are the biggest in the world.

Persons: Bauer, Griffin, Brittany Chang, It's, Guy, you'll, Finnbarr Webster, Norwegian Luna, Prima flaunts, Pieter De Boer, Firenze, There's Organizations: Royal, Firenze, Costa Cruises, Grill, Cruise Line, Cruise, Norwegian Aqua, Prima, Seas Locations: Royal Caribbean, roundtrip Port Canaveral , Florida, Bahamas, Brittany, Norwegian, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Jacksonville , Florida, Haven, CocoCay, Mexican, Los, Ensenada, Mexico

☆ I went on an ultra-luxury cruise that sails with up to 68 passengers at a time. I loved it, but it's not for everyone.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Jill Schildhouse | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours delivered just that on my recent nine-day Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia on the Scenic Spirit. Jill SchildhouseOne of the biggest trade-offs when sailing on an ultra-luxury small ship is the limited variety of venues and amenities compared to megaships. On my Mekong River cruise, Scenic brought in local performers to share traditional dance and music, offering a close-up view of the region's culture. After just one day on our river cruise, staff knew the names, preferences, and go-to drink orders of many guests. AdvertisementAlthough I received this cruise complimentary from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, the rate for my sailing would have been about $7,075.

Persons: I've, —, who's, riverboats —, Jill Schildhouse, There's, I'd Organizations: Service, Cruises, Tours, Luxury Cruises Locations: Vietnam, Cambodia

☆ I've been on every Norwegian cruise line — here's how the 3 brands with very different prices compare
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates three brands: Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania. Norwegian Cruise Line: Family-friendly affordabilityNorwegian Cruise Line invited me on a complimentary four-night Norwegian Prima voyage in 2022. AdvertisementRegent Seven Seas Cruises: The priciest ultra-luxury optionRegent Seven Seas invited me on a three-night "christening sailing" for its one-year-old Seven Seas Grandeur. Regent Seven Seas invited me on a complimentary three-night Seven Seas Grandeur sailing in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' most luxurious cruise line, Regent Seven Seas, serves dishes like beef tenderloin topped with seared foie gras.

Persons: —, Brittany Chang, Prima —, mary, Bulgari, Pablo Picasso, bocce, toiletries Organizations: Cruise Line Holdings, Regent Seven, Service, Norwegian, Cruise, Cruise Line, Prima, Oceania, Oceania Vista, Beverage, Seven Seas, Business, Regent Seven Seas Locations: Oceania, Norwegian, Whittier , Alaska, Vancouver, British Columbia, Oceania Vista, Italian, New York, Rhode Island, Bermuda, Caribbean, San Juan , Puerto Rico

☆ Meet these retired sisters in their 60s who live on cruises full-time. They've already spent over 1,500 days at sea.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-14 | by ( Jill Schildhouse | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Both sisters are retired and single and have collectively spent 1,500 days at sea so far. Each already booked their spots on 2025 Holland America Line cruises that are over 100 days long. "I kept taking cruises of longer lengths — 30 days, then 45, then 80, and learned I liked long stretches at sea," Johnston told Business Insider. Although the sisters don't always travel together, they've collectively spent over 1,500 days at sea — many of them on Holland America Line ships. Without all of that, I have a lot more money to spend on travel," Johnston told BI.

Persons: Jo Johnston, Elaine Durham, —, Johnston, they've, They've, — Johnston, wouldn't, Durham, would've, she's, — they've, I've Organizations: America Line, Service, Business, Holland America, Holland America Line's, BI Locations: America, Holland, Durham, Barcelona, Europe, Canada, New England

☆ This woman has been on 17 cruises in the past year. Here are her 9 tips for first-time, budget, and solo cruisers.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-29 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

So far, she's been on 17 sailings — 11 with Norwegian Cruise Line and some back-to-back — since she left the US one year ago. If you're a first-time, budget, or solo cruiser, Thomas has nine suggestions for you, from sailing solo to finding the cheapest cruise. Thomas suggests travelers wanting to achieve loyalty status should test two or three companies before settling on a favorite. In 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced solo interior, ocean view, and balcony cabins on top of its existing "studios" designed for single travelers. Norwegian Cruise LineSome cruise companies charge solo travelers a "single supplement" fee to compensate for lost revenue on dual occupancy cabins.

Persons: Shirene Thomas, —, Thomas, Villa Vie's, she's, Brittany Chang, Taylor Rains, she'll, there's, Pieter De Boer, it's, Jason Liberty Organizations: Villa, Service, Cruise Lines International Association, Sea Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cruise, Cruise Line, Firenze, Business, Facebook, Royal, upcharges, Royal Caribbean, Oasis Class, Seas Locations: Wilmington , North Carolina, Norwegian, CocoCay, —, New Orleans, Barcelona, Florida's Port Canaveral

Popular content creators Matt and Abby Howard denied online speculation that they left their young children alone in a cruise ship cabin while they left for dinner. In a video addressing the incident Monday, the couple sat down and told viewers this assumption was false. A spokesperson for Matt and Abby Howard declined to add further comment. In her weekend Instagram story, Abby Howard had written that it “became apparent” her young boys weren’t enjoying the cruise, which made it so that she and her husband couldn’t either. In their video on Monday, Abby Howard thanked those online who expressed worry for their children’s safety.

Persons: Matt, Abby Howard, ” Matt Howard, Abby Howard’s, “, weren’t, couldn’t, ”, “ We’re

☆ I took my first cruise on one of the largest ships of its kind. Booking the wrong room was my biggest regret.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

It was back in April 2022 when I booked a room on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's 18-deck Wonder of the Seas. Higher decks in the middle of the ship feel calmer and more stable, they said. Some cruise ship cabins can be rockier than others, like those situated at the front of the shipThe author's room was at the front of the ship. Joey Hadden/Business InsiderCruise passengers prone to motion sickness should book a room in the middle of the ship to feel the least amount of rocking. I wish I'd researched how the location of a cabin can affect the amount of motion you feel while the ship is moving before booking my cruise.

Persons: —, Joey Hadden, I'd Organizations: Service, Business

Those are just some of what fans of Disney cruises can expect on board the upcoming Disney Adventure, according to details announced Tuesday by Disney Cruise Line. Like other Disney cruises, Disney Adventure will have characters on board, entertainment based on Disney songs and viewings of its most popular movies. Other Disney cruisesDisney Adventure joins Disney Cruise Line's fleet of five ships, alongside two others — the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny — that are on the way, according to the release. The AquaDuck water coaster aboard a Disney cruise ship — the Disney Dream — in Nassau, Bahamas. Matt Stroshane | Disney Cruise Line | Getty Images

Persons: Pixar's, Sarah Fox, Matt Stroshane Organizations: Disney, Disney Cruise, Marina Bay Cruise, Pixar, Marvel, Asia, Disney Adventure, Disney Treasure, Getty Locations: Asia, Singapore, Marina, Moana, Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Nassau, Bahamas

☆ How the cheapest interior and balcony cabins on Carnival's new cruise ship compare — and why the pricier one is worth it
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Never again will I think of my parents as 'snobby' for wanting the more expensive accommodation (sorry, Mom and Dad). Carnival Firenze is Carnival Cruise Line's 27th ship. After my stint in the ship's interior accommodation, I now understand why balconies are the most popular cabin category. For Firenze's cheapest itinerary in 2024 — a four-night roundtrip voyage from Long Beach, California, to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico — a dual-occupancy interior cabin starts at $359 per person. That's a $160 difference — and well worth the extra cash.

Persons: Brittany Chang Locations: Long Beach , California, Catalina, Ensenada, Mexico

☆ I always book rooms near staircases on cruises. If you pick the right part of the ship, your vacation will be way better.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Asonta Benetti | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

And with cruise ships getting bigger to the point where a new world's largest one is crowned almost every year, there are even more rooms to choose from when booking a trip. Because I've learned that if my cabin is located near staircases in just the right way, my cruise is way more enjoyable and efficient. AdvertisementThe perks of this placement are so good that I only book cabins near staircases now and will continue to do so for every cruise I take. AdvertisementThe convenience of a cabin near stairs is unmatchedThis cabin placement is just convenient. To find your ideal cabin, review the ship's deck plans before you book.

Persons: —, I've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Deck

☆ I stayed in Carnival's cheapest, $90-a-day cabin on its new ship. It was ugly and windowless but shockingly spacious.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I booked the cheapest interior cabin for my four-night cruise on Carnival's new Carnival Firenze. It was ugly, dated, and lacked decor, but shockingly spacious. Interior staterooms in Carnival's newest ship start at $90 per person per day in 2024. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . So imagine how grumpy I was when I had to book a windowless interior cabin for my most recent sailing — on my first Carnival cruise, no less.

Persons: —, I'm Organizations: Service Locations: Carnival's, staterooms

☆ Margaritaville at Sea failed a surprise health inspection due to too many people in hot tubs and concerns about food safety
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Monica Humphries | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewOn May 1, CDC officials boarded Margaritaville at Sea, a Jimmy-Buffet-themed ship that welcomes 1,680 passengers, for an unexpected health inspection. In the inspection detail report, officials noted food and drink concerns as well as crowded whirlpools. Beyond food and drink, the officials noted that whirlpools often had six guests, although they're designed for a maximum of four people. Previously, the MSC Seaside failed with a score of 67, Business Insider reported last spring. In the past two years, multiple Business Insider reporters have boarded the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise ship, and their reviews have been mixed.

Persons: —, whirlpools, they're, Patrick Connolly, Norwegian Joy, Margaritaville, Brittany Chang, Lauren Mack, staterooms, Mack Organizations: Service, CDC, Sanitation, Business, Margaritaville, USPH, MSC, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty, Vessel Sanitation, Disney, Summit, MSC Seascape, Silver, Norwegian Pearl, Paradise Locations: Oceania, Rotterdam, Norwegian

☆ Princess Cruises is taking a page out of the ultra-luxury cruise industry with new all-inclusive, $3,000 cabins
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Princess Cruises says its new Sun Princess and upcoming Star Princess will have all-inclusive cabins. It's a stark contrast to the high-end cruise industry, where all-inclusivity is often considered the standard. In 2024, Sun Princess' Sanctuary cabins start at more than $3,000 per person for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in mid-December. Princess CruisesThe cruise line says its next ship, Star Princess, which will debut in late September 2025, will also carry the Sanctuary Collection. Following in the footsteps of high-end, all-inclusive cruise lines could be a wise decision for Princess.

Persons: who've, —, Princess, Cruises Organizations: Cruises, Service, Princess Cruises, Carnival Corp, Regent Seven Seas, Princess Premier, cabanas, MSC Cruises, HX, Hyatt, Marriott Locations: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Caribbean

☆ I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships, the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: —, Royal Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Royal Caribbean's

☆ I only book a Disney cruise if it's going to the company's private island, Castaway Cay
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Megan Dubois | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewCruise bookings are predicted to reach record highs this year, but not all itineraries are created equally — especially if you're looking to sail with Disney Cruise Line. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call. AdvertisementCharacters usually meet in the morning from around 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., but exact times can always be found on the Disney Cruise Line app. AdvertisementAnd, before I head back to the ship, I stop at the Castaway Cay post office to send postcards back home. Megan duBoisThe postcards I use can be found in the desk drawer of Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and are free to take.

Persons: —, I've, Megan duBois, Megan duBois Castaway, it's, Mickey, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Megan duBois There's Organizations: Service, Disney Cruise, Disney, Business Locations: Bahamas, Castaway, Megan duBois Castaway Cay, Disney

☆ 10 things I wish I'd done differently on my first cruise, from booking a better room to avoiding specialty restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I'm prone to motion sickness, and I unknowingly booked a room where movement on the ship felt the strongest. The front of the ship from the stateroom window. It was a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms with no window, a step below staterooms with a balcony, and two steps below a suite. Since it was at the very front of deck eight, I felt constant motion in my room. Next time, I'd choose a room in the middle of the ship.

Persons: Joey Hadden, I'd

☆ I've been on more than 50 cruises. Here are 7 things that aren't worth paying extra for.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My interior stateroom felt similar to the ship's more expensive accommodations — the only difference was that there was no window. Interior rooms aren't glamorous, but ours felt just as comfortable as some of pricier cabins. The cabin felt very similar to the ship's more expensive staterooms, but it didn't have a view. The upside to having no windows was that the space was pitch-black at night, allowing us to sleep like babies. Looking out at the ocean would've been nice, but my family and I were rarely in the room during daylight hours.

Persons: Amanda Adler

☆ 5 upgrades that are always worth the money, according to someone who's been on 50 cruises
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Megan Dubois | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

The number one upgrade I pay for on any cruise is a balcony cabin. I like being about to hang out on my private balcony when I want some quiet time. Megan duBoisWhether I'm headed to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or the Bahamas, I always pay extra for a balcony cabin on a cruise. I love that I can walk outside and see the ocean at any time. It's different on every cruise, but balcony cabins typically cost at least $100 to $200 more than interior staterooms.

Persons: Megan duBois, I'm Locations: Caribbean, Bahamas

☆ I've been on more than 50 cruises. Here are the 9 things I never buy on board.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Amanda Adler | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Balcony staterooms come with too many caveats to justify the higher price, so I opt for staterooms with portholes instead. My family prefers a porthole stateroom to a balcony stateroom. I've found that balcony seating is rarely as spacious as the lounge chairs elsewhere on the ship. But the lack of space is just one of my gripes with balcony staterooms. Besides, the ship has plenty to explore, so get out of your room and enjoy everything your cruise has to offer.

Persons: portholes, Amanda Adler, I've

☆ I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Sarah Gilliland | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAutomatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. Sarah GillilandThe standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom. I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship. Sarah GillilandYou can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms.

Persons: —, who's, I've, Sarah Gilliland Organizations: Service, Business, Cruise, Disney Cruise, Disney, Royal, Royal Caribbean's Symphony, Cruises Locations: Royal Caribbean

☆ Royal Caribbean's cruises have never been this popular. Good luck booking one of it's giant ships.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Royal Caribbean Group has half the number of available cabins right now than the same time in 2023. AdvertisementGood luck booking your dream Royal Caribbean vacation this year — the cruise line's giant ships are running low on cabins amid a spike in demand. Trade group Cruise Lines International Association estimates 36 million travelers will cruise in 2024 — a 14% increase from 2023. Cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas will spend the majority of their trip at sea. Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise giant starting 2024 with exceptionally busy ships.

Persons: —, Brittany Chang, you've, Jason Liberty, Pieter De Boer, Josh Weinstein Organizations: Royal Caribbean Group, Service, Trade, Cruise Lines International, Cruise, Cruise Line Holdings, Carnival Locations: Caribbean, Brittany, Royal Caribbean

☆ I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst rooms to book for your trip.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Sharon Waugh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise. BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISEOcean-view rooms are only worth it if the windows aren't obstructed. Obstructed ocean-view roomsPartially obstructed ocean-view staterooms have a window that's usually at least a little blocked by a lifeboat. Although many people book these rooms because they're slightly cheaper than ocean-view rooms, the view ends up being more obstructed than expected most of the time. Adjoining rooms with other partiesSome cruise ships have adjoining staterooms with an internal door separating the two neighboring cabins.

Persons: Sharon Waugh, Drake, staterooms, I've, It's, Debbie Ann Powell, Shutterstock Staterooms, Extroverts Organizations: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal, Cruises, NCL, Port, Disabilities Locations: Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, staterooms

☆ Yacht-see! Wayne LaPierre takes witness stand as NRA corruption-trial jury views photos of luxury ships he enjoyed on vendor's dime.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Wayne LaPierre took the stand Friday in the NRA corruption trial in New York. A photo of the deck of the yacht "Illusions," shown at the NRA civil corruption trial in New York. NRA leader Wayne LaPierre arrives at his civil corruption trial in New York. A photo of the yacht "Illusions," shown to jurors in the NRA civil corruption trial in New York. A photo of the "Grand Illusion" shown to jurors in the NRA corruption trial in New York.

Persons: Wayne LaPierre, corruptly, LaPierre, —, Jonathan Conley, Susan, Conley, Brendan McDermid, David McKenzie, McKenzie, Laura, Sandy Hook, he'd, Sandy Hook's, Mr, YachtCharterFleet.com LaPierre, Lyme, He's, Wayne LaPierre's, Nick Suplina, Letitia James, Kris Brown, Brady, Brown, Wayne, Joel Cohen Organizations: Service, NRA, Partners, Associated Television, Gun Safety, New York Locations: New York, Manhattan, Bahamas, staterooms, York, Caribbean, McKenzie, Dallas, Orlando

☆ I always book the interior cabins on cruises — and it's not because I'm cheap
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Lauren Mack | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I'm a frequent cruiser who's been on more than 25 voyages, and I always book interior cabins. Interior cabins on cruises are for anyone who wants to travel smarter. Plus, interior cabins have fun features you don't get in exterior onesLauren MackTechnology has helped make interior cabins feel comfortable instead of claustrophobic. I've enjoyed the one-way window into the ship's corridor in Norweigan Cruise Line's interior cabins. AdvertisementDisney Cruise Lines' interior rooms feature "magic" portholes, where footage featuring surprise character visits is displayed on a porthole-shaped monitor.

Persons: who's, —, I've, Lauren Mack, you've Organizations: Service, Holland America Line's, Lauren Mack Technology, Disney Cruise Lines Locations: New York, Holland, Holland America Line's Rotterdam, Norweigan, Caribbean

☆ I sailed on two Norwegian cruises — one that's $685 a night and one that's $130. Here's how I think they compare.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The cruise giant oversees three brands: mass-market Norwegian Cruise Line, premium Oceania Cruises , and ultra-luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line's Prima — the traditional option with splashy, family-friendly amenitiesThe Norwegian Prima was the first of six Prima class vessels. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderIn October 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line invited me on the Norwegian Prima's non-revenue inaugural sailing. Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur — the ultra-luxury option with ultra-expensive faresThe Seven Seas Grandeur joined Regent's fleet in 2023. Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises couldn't be more the oppositeThere are no go-karts in sight on Regent Seven Seas' ships.

Persons: —, Prima, Brittany Chang, Viva's, Chartreuse, filet mignon, who've, Pablo Picasso, would've, What's Organizations: Service, Cruise Line Holdings, Business, Cruise, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian Cruise, Cruise Line, Norwegian, Starbucks, Norwegian Prima, Regent Seven Locations: Norwegian, Brittany, New York City

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