Cruise week report: What it's like to spend 11 days at sea, regretting Royal Caribbean, cabin attendant questions, and more (2024)

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. 20 questions to ask your cruise ship cabin attendant

When it comes to cruising, cleaning your cabin is just grazing the surface of what a cabin attendant is responsible for.

While yes, they are in charge of daily turndown service, they can also help you with much more. They can help assist in accommodating special requests, which, in certain circ*mstances, can help you avoid a lengthy Guest Services line. They are also there to ensure that you are having the best possible experience while onboard your cruise vacation.

From extra bathrobes and pillows to a printed copy of the ship's daily schedule, here are 20 questions you should ask your cabin steward.

Read more: 20 questions to ask your cruise ship cabin attendant

2. One loyal Carnival cruiser took to social media to share his regret of trying Royal Caribbean for the first time.

When it comes to cruisers, brand loyalty can run deep.

That was the case for a loyal Carnival cruiser, Isaiah Jennings, who took to social media to share his instant regret of deciding to try Royal Caribbean for the first time. While Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line are two of the major players in the cruise industry, they also have their unique set of offerings that can appeal to different types of cruisers. For instance, Royal is aimed at offering the ultimate family vacation, whereas Carnival claims to have the most fun ships at sea.

Here is why Jennings regretted trying a Royal Caribbean ship after seeing a Carnival ship pass by.

Read more: Man regrets trying Royal Caribbean after seeing Carnival ship pass by

3. You may wonder whether you can drink the tap water in your cruise cabin. Here’s your answer

When you’re on vacation, it is important to remember to stay hydrated!

When it comes to cruising, most cruisers generally spend their day with a co*cktail in hand, especially if cruising to a warmer climate. Because of this, it is easy to get dehydrated while onboard. While ships will sell bottled or canned water onboard, they can be expensive. That often leaves cruisers wondering if they can - or should - drink the tap water in their cruise cabin.

Let’s explore the safety of cruise ship water, including whether you should be hydrating with tap water during your voyage.

Read more: Is the tap water safe to drink on a cruise ship?

4. Elizabeth wishes she knew these things before cruising on Celebrity for the first time.

Even the most seasoned of cruisers can find there are things they wish they would have known before their cruise vacation.

Cruise.Blog writer Elizabeth recently went on her first Celebrity Cruises cruise vacation. While no stranger to cruising, most of her cruises up until this point had been on Royal Caribbean, with a few other cruise lines sprinkled in. As Celebrity is known for offering more sophisticated and upscale experiences, she was interested to see how it compared.

While she thoroughly enjoyed her time onboard Celebrity, there are certain things she wishes she would have known to maximize her trip.

Read more: 17 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship

5. I crossed the Atlantic on a 12-night cruise. Here’s what it's really like to spend 11 days at sea

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend 11 days at sea?

Cruise.Blog writer Hayley recently returned from a 12-night Transatlantic sailing where she did just that! She boarded the Norwegian Epic from Florida to Italy, spending 11 days at sea with just one day in port. This was the longest stretch she had ever spent at sea, and she was excited to find out what spending that much time onboard a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic would be like.

Here is her experience of what it is like to go on a Transatlantic cruise and whether I found it to be too many days at sea or not.

Read more: I crossed the Atlantic on a 12-night cruise. Here’s what it's really like to spend 11 days at sea

6. ​​12 Surprising Things That Aren’t Included in Your Cruise Fare

Cruises can oftentimes be a convenient and affordable vacation.

The base fare not only includes your accommodations, but also food, entertainment, and travel between ports of call. However, cruises are rarely all-inclusive, and if not careful, you can end up spending quite a bit more than your base fare. That is because add-ons like drink packages, internet, shore excursions, and more can substantially increase your vacation budget.

Here are 12 unexpected things that aren’t included in your cruise fare that you should be aware of.

Read more: 12 Surprising Things That Aren’t Included in Your Cruise Fare

7. 15 trends in cruising you should know about

Cruising is a popular vacation choice, as it blends together complimentary amenities, exploration, and relaxation.

Like many industries, the travel industry is continuing to evolve, and cruises are no exception. Every year, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) releases its "State of the Cruise Industry Report," which provides insight into the current trends, facts, and forecasts regarding the industry.

From younger generations being drawn to cruising to solo cruise travel, here are 15 industry trends you should keep in mind if you're planning an upcoming cruise vacation.

Read more: 15 trends in cruising you should know about

8. Man who tried 274-night world cruise shares 20 lessons

Royal Caribbean launched its 274-night world cruise in December 2023.

Serenade of the Seas is hosting nearly 2,500 guests on this voyage, and it has not been without its drama. Reddit user Bruin144 shared his thoughts on lessons they learned while spending 150 days on the Ultimate World Cruise, visiting destinations like Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, Argentina; Valparaiso, Chile; Lima, Peru; Hawaii; Auckland, New Zealand; Bali, Indonesia; Hong Kong, China; and more.

Here are some of the lessons that he has encountered so far on this sailing.

Read more: Man who tried 274-night world cruise shares 20 lessons