The Smart Cruise Blog
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Cruise Shows You Simply Can’t Miss
Aquatheater show on Royal Caribbean ship There’s a lot to love about cruising, but without a doubt, the wide variety of thrilling cruise shows and entertainment tops the list. And unlike in a traditional vacation, this entertainment is included in your cruise fare, so you can enjoy music and dancing to your heart’s content. From Broadway classics to gravity-defying acts, there are tons of shows that will stick with you for a long time. Here are a few cruise shows you shouldn’t miss when you hit the seas for your next sailing.
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Cruise Length: Which is Right for Me?
When you’re new to the world of cruising, it can be a little overwhelming. There’s a plethora of destinations, departure points, and cruise lines to navigate. And what about cruise length? How many nights onboard strikes the perfect balance between budget and quality? In this blog, we’ll cover the different cruise lengths you’ll often see when booking and explore why different lengths of time might be appropriate for different cruisers.
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Disney Wish is a Truly Magical Ship
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on Disney Wish The brand-new Disney Wish from Disney Cruise Line made its inaugural sailing in July of 2022. We experienced this ship firsthand and are so excited to share with you all of the magic on board. From luxurious staterooms to endless entertainment the Disney Wish offers an onboard experience the whole family will love – a wish come true!
The Disney Wish is the first new ship to be released by Disney Cruise Line in 10 years. It is in the Triton class with two more ships being released in 2024 and 2025. This new class of ships offers innovative experiences at sea like cruisers have never seen before. Read on to learn more about our top five favorite things to experience on board!
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The Real Love Boat: 5 Things to Know About the New Reality Dating Show
The romance is heating up with the new reality dating show, The Real Love Boat. Inspired by the long running hit series, The Love Boat, this new spin on the show follows real-life singles on their trip through the Mediterranean to find love on board a Princess Cruises ship. While finding their way through compatibility and chemistry challenges, these singles will couple up and compete for the ultimate prize – love, money, and a free cruise aboard a Princess Cruises ship. Read on to learn more about what to expect with The Real Love Boat.
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Caribbean Cruise Packing Essentials
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when you’re about to embark on a Caribbean cruise. Days spent under the endless sun, delicious food, exploring new ports of call — how can you beat it? To help you make your trip the best it can be, let us suggest a few items you should make sure to pack before you set sail, in no particular order.
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Norwegian Prima Joins NCL Fleet with Send-off from Godmother, Katy Perry
Big news for those following the cruise industry: Norwegian Prima was christened late last month to much fanfare and set off for its inaugural trip departing from Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. The ship is the newest from Norwegian Cruise Line and is the first in its Prima Class, the next generation of NCL ships. Read on for more details about the christening ceremony and find out why this vessel is the talk of the cruise industry.
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Cruise Gratuities 101: What They Are and How to Pay Them
If you’re a frequent traveler, you know tips go hand in hand with good service when you’re on a vacation. It’s normal to tip the waiters, spa employees, bell hops, and cab drivers you encounter on an overland journey, so why would it be any different when you’re vacationing by sea? That being said, cruise gratuities are a little more complicated than you might expect, so it’s worth going over the details for beginners. Let’s outline a few things about tipping on cruises so you’ll be in the know by your departure day.
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Free at Sea with Norwegian Cruise Line Will Get You All The Best Perks
Everyone likes to get something for free. With the Free at Sea promotion from Norwegian Cruise Line, you get more than just a freebie or two — you get a whole host of perks, from complimentary dining offers to free airfare! It’s not uncommon for Norwegian Cruise Line to throw in a bonus or two, but with the special “Take All” promotion, you bag every freebie they have on offer. And that adds up to a lot of money saved over the course of a cruise. However, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled and be ready to book this incredible deal once it appears, as it’s hands-down the best offer you’ll find from Norwegian. So what exactly can you get as part of Free at Sea? Let’s review.
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Last Minute Cruise Deals and Tips on Securing Them
Up until recently, it was fairly common for cruisers to book well in advance of their sail date (sometimes up to a year!) to secure their plans and guarantee their spots. But with the pandemic and the unpredictability of the last few years, last minute cruises have become increasingly popular. That’s because booking closer to the sail date allows cruisers to keep a watchful eye on restrictions and travel when they feel comfortable. Booking last minute can come with a lot of benefits, but it pays to know how to go about it. Below are some tips for securing amazing last minute cruise deals.
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Solo Cruises: Why Cruising Solo is a Great Choice
Solo cruises are more popular now than they have ever been, thanks to the growing number of intrepid travelers of all ages drawn to the fun of this style of travel. You get accommodations, meals, and activities—not to mention trips to several destinations—all for one price. And you’ll never have to dine, play, or explore alone if you don’t want to! With so many potential new friends onboard, you can make connections that will last a lifetime.