The smart cruise blog
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Top 7 Reasons to Book an Alaska Cruise Balcony
Views from the balcony of Majestic Princess while sailing the Inside Passage. You already know why cruising is the best way to explore The Last Frontier and like the fact that you can get up close and personal with the most spectacular, remote destinations while only having to unpack once. But what kind of stateroom should you pick when you finally book a once-in-a-lifetime voyage like this?
Is an Alaska cruise balcony really worth the splurge? We think yes. 100% YES. Read on to see our top 7 reasons why.
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2023 New Cruise Ships: See What’s on the Horizon
Brilliant Lady The best thing about a new year is all the new releases that come with it, and cruise enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to with 2023’s new cruise ships right on the horizon. With the best new cruise ships coming from Celebrity, Norwegian, Carnival, MSC, and Virgin Voyages, there are 5 more reasons to hit the high seas this summer. Read on to see what’s got us excited about these new ships in 2023!
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Cruise to St. Thomas and Check Out These 5 Experiences
View of Magen’s Bay from Drake’s Seat in the port of St. Thomas Year after year, travelers can’t resist the allure when they cruise to St. Thomas (the second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands). And with its bucket-list adventures and drool-worthy beaches, it’s no wonder why. Whether you’re a sun worshiper, snorkeling lover, shopaholic, or nature enthusiast, there’s something for you in the port of St. Thomas.
Take in the island scene with an epic drive, unlike any other, and create your own island tour by renting a car as soon as you get off the pier. Or you can expect to find plenty of cabs eagerly waiting for you.
No matter how you’re getting around, be on the lookout for some million-dollar views while riding along the curvy Skyline Drive Road. And get ready to hit the brakes when you get to Drake’s Seat; the most scenic overlook on the island, where you’ll want to get your fill of selfies in. Read on to learn more about what you can do when you cruise to St. Thomas.
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National Plan a Vacation Day: Save on Your Summer Cruise
National Plan a Vacation Day is right around the corner, and the savings have already started for early bird vacation planners. This year, it falls on January 31st, and many cruise lines are offering special deals for anyone looking to book their summer vacation in advance. You get great savings on your voyage, and as a result you’ll have something to look forward to get you through the winter — it’s a win-win!
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New Carnival Ship Alert! Carnival Celebration Ship Review
As of November 2022, there is a new Carnival ship sailing the seas and whisking passengers off to popular Caribbean destinations. This new ship, called Carnival Celebration, has all the attractions and amenities that Carnival is known for and is an exciting new addition to their fleet. We recently got an up close look at what this ship has to offer, and we’re here to spill the tea on the newest circus-at-sea. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
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Cruise Glacier Bay: What to Expect at Glacier Bay National Park
Crown Princess at Margerie Glacier One of the best ways to experience the natural wonder of untamed Alaskan wilderness is to cruise Glacier Bay. For cruise enthusiasts, it is one of the most beautiful destinations to cross off of your travel to-do list, but it isn’t like most other places that cruises typically stop. If you are unsure of what to expect or what to plan for on a cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, read on to get a better idea of what you will see at this magnificent bay.
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Royal Caribbean Dining: 5 Best Specialty Restaurants
If you enjoy the high-end specialty restaurants you find on big cruise ships, Royal Caribbean dining offers some of the best options at sea. There is a lot of competition on these ships though, and only so much time to check out every place. To help you decide which spots you want to dine at while you are on your cruise, we’ve got a few of our top picks for the best Royal Caribbean restaurants to experience.
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Celebrity Cruise Guide: What Makes Celebrity Stand Apart
There are few cruise lines that can match a Celebrity cruise in terms of lavish luxury and timeless elegance. These ships are top of the line and world renowned for the exotic experiences that they whisk their passengers away to all across the globe. To help you decide if this level of luxury is the type of cruise you want for your next cruise vacation, here’s a few of the ways that Celebrity cruises set themselves apart from other cruise lines.
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River Cruise Guide: What to Expect
Avalon Visionary in Germany on the Rhine River When we talk about vacation cruises, most people don’t immediately think about a river cruise. Typically they think of the massive ships that boast endless onboard entertainment that ship people to Caribbean islands or other popular beach locations. But river cruises offer a very different experience from their ocean sailing sisters, complete with their own perks and drawbacks. If you are unsure if a river cruise is right for you, check out this guide of what to expect when you take a river cruise.
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Bahamas Private Island: What to Do at Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Beach Half Moon Cay is one of the most popular Bahamas private islands you can visit, and it is easy to see why. It is owned by Carnival Cruise Line, but it is visited seasonally by Holland America as well. To get there, you will have to book with one of these cruise lines and be prepared to ride a tender boat to shore, as there isn’t a port to dock at on this wild island. With pristine beaches and untouched nature, there is quite a bit to do at Half Moon Cay.