For passengers, cruise lines are all about relaxing, having fun, and enjoying a memorable vacation. But for cruise companies and investors, it’s big business. Each year cruise lines take in billions of dollars in revenue and rake in billions in profit, all in the course of providing passengers with a great time. But to bring in all that money takes an army of workers, enormous sums spent on the … [Read more...]

While keeping passengers healthy has always been a priority for cruise lines, never has the issue been important than today.  Viking Ocean Cruises took top marks in cleanliness. With the health crisis and the suspension of sailing, you should know that cruise lines are serious about cleanliness. Any sort of incident — whether a virus or not — would lead to a flurry of headlines and negative … [Read more...]

Experienced cruisers know a thing or two when it comes to sailing. But if you’re a first-timer or maybe just cruise casually, then there are plenty of “secrets” that you may not realize about taking a cruise. From little-known things about money spent on the ship to drink package rules to items tucked away in that cruise ticket contract that you agree to when you purchase a ticket, there are … [Read more...]

Vaccines and cruising have been a hot-button issue as cruise lines try to return to sailing from the United States. For months cruise lines have been hesitant to make a blanket policy one way or another — either requiring vaccines for all passengers or stating that they won’t be a requirement. But slowly cruise lines have announced that at least some cruises will require passengers be vaccinated … [Read more...]

According to an article from CNBC, CEOs of Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. met virtually with the CDC and the White House’s COVID team to discuss their desire to resume sailing. This meeting, which took place on Monday, was reported to be “encouraging.” A source told CNBC that the cruise lines argued that by sailing fully-vaccinated trips and … [Read more...]

It’s no exaggeration to say there is an “arms race” when it comes to building new cruise ships. With interest in cruising booming over the past decade, cruise lines continue to plan and build new ships  — and each one seems to be bigger and better than the one before. Whereas a decade or two ago you might enjoy a ship with a pool and a rock-climbing wall, new ships today have everything from … [Read more...]

When you cruise, the vast majority of your time is spent on the ship. Considering that ports of call are stops that usually last about eight hours or so, even three ports of call on a seven-day cruise adds up to just one full 24-hour day where you can get off the ship. In other words, your cruise ship can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. Finding a ship that fits your style … [Read more...]

These days, every major cruise line has something special for its passengers — a private island. Who hasn’t dreamed of having their own slice of paradise with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and where you can be waited on hand and foot? But now cruise line islands are much more than just a spot with a nice beach and water. The companies have poured tremendous amounts of money to transform … [Read more...]

Looking for a cheap cruise? We’re talking really inexpensive — cheaper than many flat-panel TVs and less expensive than a new couch. In other words, cruises so cheap that it’s more affordable to take a vacation than to be a couch potato. The great thing about cruising is that there is something for everyone, from luxury lovers to penny-pinchers. You can go first-class if you want, paying up for … [Read more...]

Before the crisis, cruising was in a boom. The number of passengers and ships grew steadily as passengers were drawn in by the appeal of a great value on a vacation, combined with exotic locales and ships that are more and more like theme parks. For all the appeal of cruising, however, there have always been concerns among some surrounding health and wellness. With thousands of passengers in a … [Read more...]

For weeks, we at Cruzely have told you about the ongoing tensions between the cruise industry and the CDC over the resumption of cruising. The cruise industry has stated in certain terms that it wants to resume sailing this summer, and that the CDC’s current Conditional Sail Order is burdensome and outdated. Now, the state of Florida is putting its weight behind the industry. Florida Governor Ron … [Read more...]

When it comes to affordable vacations, it can be hard to beat cruising. Yes, you can spend as much as you want (including tens of thousands of dollars on the fanciest rooms, if you feel so inclined). But on the other end of the spectrum you can spend very little to get a great vacation. Case in point: Our list of cruises under $300. In that list you’ll find a dozen trips that can take you to some … [Read more...]

Today, Carnival Corporation — the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Princess, and others — held a quarterly update to give investors insight the status of its business. In that call, the cruise company covered not just financial numbers, but also many hot topics in cruising, including comments regarding the CDC’s instructions on a return to sailing, its position on requiring vaccines, and … [Read more...]

For weeks, Cruzely has kept you informed of the tensions rising between the cruise industry and the CDC on a return to sailing from the United States. After months of no real progress, a report from Bloomberg says that the CDC could allow U.S. cruising to resume by the middle of summer. This response comes after Carnival Cruise Line hinted today that it may be the latest to move cruises … [Read more...]

The cruise industry continues to be on hold, with Carnival announcing an extension of its pause through June 30, 2021. Previously, trips had been available in June — including the inaugural sailing of its hotly-anticipated new ship, Mardi Gras. “We know that this is very disappointing to our guests who continue to be eager to sail, and we remain committed to working with the Administration and … [Read more...]

Call it drama on the high seas. Over the past two weeks, the cruise industry has taken a noticeably sharper tone in calling for the CDC to open up sailing again from the United States. The health agency, which issued a “No Sail Order” back in March 2020, has left cruise lines and passengers (along with the tourist industry that depends on them) in limbo regarding when cruises can return. That … [Read more...]

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that while it continues to wait on the U.S. CDC to return to sailing from the United States, it will start cruising this summer from ports in the Caribbean and Europe. “Over a year after we initially suspended sailings, the time has finally come when we can provide our loyal guests with the news of our great cruise comeback,” said Norwegian Cruise Line’s … [Read more...]

In a letter sent to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (parent of several lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line) asked for a restart of its ships in the United States beginning July 4. As part of that restart, Norwegian says that it will require all guests and crew to be vaccinated at least two weeks before boarding. While other lines have made mention of vaccine … [Read more...]

When it comes to drinking on a cruise, people know how to let loose. In fact, our survey showed that nearly 90% of people spend at least some money on alcohol during their trip. Even more surprising is that greater than 20% spend over $200 on alcohol during their cruise. The honest truth is that it’s pretty easy to spend a lot of money on drinks. Cruise ships have a captive audience that’s ready … [Read more...]

There is good news and bad news about sailing from Port Canaveral. The bad news? The port is pretty far from major airports like Orlando International. It’s about a 45-minute drive. That means if you’re flying in for your cruise, you’ll also need to find transportation to the cruise terminal. The good news? Port Canaveral is a destination all in of itself. From casino boats to the Kennedy Space … [Read more...]