The smart cruise blog
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MSC exclusive rates: Call to unlock hidden savings
MSC exclusive rates can help you unlock major savings on select MSC Cruises sailings, including call-only fares offering up to 25% off web rates for Cruises.com Rewards members. These MSC hidden discounts are not available online, which means you will need to call to access them. Here is what to know about how these fares work and which sailings may be worth a closer look.
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2027 Memorial Day weekend cruises: Plan your perfect escape now
Ready to plan the perfect summer kickoff? 2027 Memorial Day weekend cruises offer an unbeatable opportunity to escape your daily routine and hit the open ocean. The late May holiday is ideal for working professionals, couples, and friend groups wanting to maximize their paid time off and enjoy the start of the summer season.
Planning a spectacular ocean getaway requires a bit of forethought to secure the best value, which is why these 2027 cruises are already generating massive excitement. By booking ahead, you can lock in the ideal itinerary, pick your perfect stateroom, and guarantee an unforgettable long weekend. We’re breaking down the absolute best 2027 Memorial Day weekend cruises, from convenient departure ports to sun-drenched tropical destinations. Grab your calendar and get ready to plan your next epic adventure.
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Best summer cruise destinations: Your ultimate travel guide
Summer is rapidly approaching, and it is time to start planning your next great ocean adventure. The warm weather brings a thrilling energy to the cruise world, opening up incredible routes across the globe. Whether you want to lounge on white-sand beaches or explore ancient cobblestone streets, stepping aboard a magnificent ship offers the perfect escape.
If you are currently wondering where to cruise this summer, we have you covered. Finding the right itinerary transforms a standard vacation into a truly unforgettable journey. We put together a quick-hit inspiration guide featuring the absolute best summer cruise destinations. Grab your suitcase and let us dive into the most spectacular regions waiting for you this season.
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2026 Alaska balcony cruise deals: Epic views under $900
Sailing to the Last Frontier offers a wildly majestic, transformative travel experience. Imagine waking up to the thunderous sound of a calving glacier or stepping outside your cabin just in time to see a humpback whale breach the icy, deep blue water. Because the spectacular scenery surrounds the ship constantly, booking a private balcony stateroom is an absolute necessity for this specific destination. Having your own outdoor sanctuary allows you to bundle up, sip hot coffee, and soak in the towering fjords without ever having to fight the crowds on the public decks. Fortunately, securing this premium view does not have to break the bank. You can find incredibly affordable Alaska cruises right now at Cruises.com, featuring stunning balcony options available for under $900 per person. Whether you are searching for roundtrip, northbound, or southbound sailings, these 2026 Alaska balcony cruise deals deliver unmatched value and breathtaking adventure.
To help you plan the ultimate mountain escape, we highlighted three magnificent affordable Alaska cruises that combine spectacular ports of call, premium ships, and massive promotional savings.
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Infinite veranda stateroom: Is this balcony right for you?
Planning your dream cruise vacation is an incredibly exciting adventure. From choosing the perfect tropical destination to picking the ultimate shore excursions, every detail builds anticipation. However, one of the most important decisions you will make is selecting your home away from home at sea. For first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike, stateroom choice shapes the entire voyage.
Recently, a groundbreaking stateroom design has taken the travel world by storm. The innovative indoor-outdoor hybrid design offers a completely new way to experience the open ocean. But is this modern layout the right fit for your unique travel style?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore exactly how this transformative space works. We will highlight the spectacular ships that feature them, break down the biggest benefits, and discuss a few potential drawbacks. By the end, you will know exactly if this modern retreat is the perfect match for your next great getaway.
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Royal Caribbean gratuities savings can turn your budget into fun money
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting, especially when you start imagining all the incredible destinations and onboard adventures that await. But budgeting can sometimes be a challenge. What if you could turn a standard fee into an unforgettable vacation upgrade? You can by taking advantage of promotions that cover your gratuities, turning that cost into “fun money” for your family. Let’s explore how booking your Royal Caribbean cruise with Cruises.com when we pre-pay the cost of gratuities for your first 2 guests can unlock a new world of adventure on your next sailing.
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Holland America solo verandah: The ultimate solo escape on Oosterdam
We are thrilled to introduce a groundbreaking upgrade for independent explorers. The highly anticipated Holland America solo verandah staterooms have officially arrived on the beautiful MS Oosterdam. These stunning Oosterdam solo verandahs are completely revolutionizing how individuals experience the open ocean. Let us dive into exactly why this brilliant new accommodation needs to be at the center of your next great travel adventure.
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Sun Princess: Discover your next great ocean adventure on Cruises.com’s Ship of the Month
Ready to elevate your travel expectations? We are thrilled to feature the breathtaking Sun Princess as our Ship of the Month. If you crave vibrant destinations, unmatched luxury, and groundbreaking design, a cruise on Sun Princess is the getaway you have been waiting for. Having made her maiden voyage in early 2024, Sun Princess is the first ship in the brand-new Sphere class, completely redefining the standard for premium cruising. Though she is the largest vessel ever built for Princess Cruises, accommodating roughly 4,300 guests, her design creates an incredibly intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
A cruise on Sun Princess means stepping into a floating architectural marvel. The designers focused on bringing the outside world indoors, offering sweeping ocean views from almost every public space to keep you deeply connected to the sea. From its grand, light-filled spaces to its intimate, world-class dining venues, every inch of this vessel aims to dazzle and delight. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins in the Mediterranean or relax on pristine Caribbean beaches, this forward-thinking ship serves as the perfect home base for your next vacation.
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Cruise ideas for friends to match your group chat personality
You know the group chat. It has survived years of inside jokes, random memes, and at least a dozen messages saying, “We should totally take a trip together,” that never make it past the planning stage. Taking a group vacation sounds like a dream, but getting everyone to agree on a destination, budget, and daily itinerary often feels like an impossible task. Someone wants to relax by the pool, another wants to hike up a mountain, and your resident foodie is already researching the best local tacos. Luckily, we have the ultimate solution. A group cruise with friends is the absolute best way to travel together because it offers something for everyone. You unpack once, visit multiple breathtaking destinations, and enjoy an endless variety of onboard activities. But how do you choose the right ship and itinerary? We are breaking down the ultimate cruise ideas for friends based entirely on your specific group chat energy.
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Royal Caribbean West Coast cruises you can’t miss in 2026
Finding the perfect itinerary is the secret to an extraordinary travel experience, which is why Royal Caribbean West Coast cruises are generating so much excitement. The highly anticipated lineup of 2026 Royal Caribbean cruises promises unparalleled adventures, from the sun-drenched beaches of Mexico to the towering glaciers of Alaska. Ready to trade your everyday routine for a spectacular ocean getaway? These cruises offer world-class dining, spectacular entertainment, and magnificent ships that will make your upcoming vacation truly legendary. There is an unforgettable journey waiting for every type of explorer, and we are here to help you navigate the very best options for your next big vacation.