The smart cruise blog
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Onboard spending with Cruises.com Rewards turns your booking into free cruise cash
Onboard spending with Cruises.com Rewards is one of the smartest ways to stretch your vacation budget and enjoy more of the experiences you love at sea. Every time you book a cruise through Cruises.com Rewards, you earn points based on what you spend. Those points then convert into onboard spending, which works like a personal allowance you can use during your sailing without stressing about the extra costs that pile up onboard.
Here is how the earning works. You collect 10 points for every $1 you spend on most cruises. When you splurge on a luxury cruise over $10,000, you unlock a generous luxury bonus that bumps you up to a total of 20 points per $1 spent. The more you sail, the faster those points add up, and the more freedom you have to treat yourself once you step aboard.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how many points your cruise earns, what those points are worth in real dollars, and the best ways to redeem onboard spending. By the end, you will know precisely how to turn your next booking into a deck chair full of perks.
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A Utopia of the Seas cruise makes the ultimate weekend escape
We are thrilled to spotlight Utopia of the Seas as our June Ship of the Month, and honestly, it was an easy call. This Royal Caribbean masterpiece is redefining what a short cruise can be. Whether you have a long weekend to spare or just want a fast, fun escape from your daily routine, a Utopia of the Seas cruise delivers the kind of experiences that usually take a week to find. It is bold, it is big, and it is built for pure vacation joy.
From the moment you step aboard, it becomes clear why this ship has earned a reputation as the best weekend cruise ship on the water today. The scale is breathtaking, the energy is electric, and the variety of things to see, eat, do, and explore is genuinely remarkable. Let us walk you through exactly what makes this ship worthy of its spotlight this June.
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Cruise to Great Tides Waterpark: Your guide to Norwegian’s new Bahamas thrill zone
A cruise to Great Tides Waterpark is about to become one of the most exciting ways to experience the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line. Set on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, this all-new attraction gives vacationers a huge new reason to book a beach-filled getaway: towering slides, a winding dynamic river, family-friendly splash zones, cabanas, swim-up bars, and plenty of ways to turn a port day into the highlight of the entire cruise.
Great Tides Waterpark cabana rentals and day passes are now available starting with Norwegian Luna’s August 29, 2026 sailing, which visits Great Stirrup Cay on September 4, 2026. Here’s what to know before you plan your visit to Great Stirrup Cay’s waterpark.
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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.