The smart cruise blog

 

  • Disney Lookout Cay: The New Private Destination at Lighthouse Point

    Aerial view of lighthouse point with beaches, people and activities.

    Disney Cruise Line is hard at work with another new attraction for cruisers to get excited about called Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. This is a private beach retreat in the Bahamas that only passengers on select Disney cruises will have the chance to enjoy. This tropical paradise promises to be a vibrant and colorful addition to Disney’s repertoire and is just one more reason why Disney is one of the most exciting cruise brands on the sea. If you are as excited as we are about this new destination, read on to get the lowdown on what is coming with the impending opening of Disney Lookout Cay.

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  • How to Cruise for the First Time: A Beginners Guide to Planning a Cruise Vacation

    sunset cruise in water with view from top deck showing pool and waterslides

    Learning how to cruise for the first time can be a little daunting, as there are a lot of questions that need answering. How do you stay within a budget? What things will you need to bring? Which cruise package should you select? These can be tough questions if you have never had to plan a cruise for yourself. But if you break it down into a few simple steps, you will find that it is not as hard as you may have thought. In this article, we will go over what you need to do and what you should consider any time you are booking a cruise vacation. These steps are easy enough for anyone, but remember that a Cruises.com travel agent can help guide you through to make cruise planning even easier!

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  • Take a Cruise! 10 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Cruise Vacation

    Why cruise? We'll let you know the top reasons to take a cruise in our blog.

    If you have never been on one before, this is your sign to take a cruise for the first time. It is a common misconception among cruising newbies that cruises are just boring boat rides and a slower way of getting to a destination. That could not be farther from the truth, as cruise ships are a worthy vacation destination in and of themselves. If you don’t know what we are talking about, read on to see why taking a cruise vacation is so darn exciting!

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  • Expedition Cruise Explainer: What to Expect During an Adventurous Cruise

    Take an expedition cruise to the Galapagos island.

    An expedition cruise is quite a unique experience offered by some cruise lines. These are the types of cruises that are perfect for nature lovers and adventurous explorers who want to visit areas of the world that are difficult to reach by other means. If you are considering taking one of these cruises, you probably have some questions about what to expect. To give you a helping hand, we’ve got the breakdown on what goes on on one of these cruises and why you should definitely book one for your next vacation!

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  • 5 Famous Cruise Ports That Were Popularized by TV and Movies

    Famous tv ports, ocean with clouds blue sea

    Famous cruise ports usually become famous because of their natural beauty or distinct culture. But in the modern age of mass media consumption, a recent avenue to fame has come to these exotic locations thanks to movies and television. Being the filming site of a famous or well-loved production can elevate a destination’s vacation credibility by attracting fans who want to stand in the same spots that their favorite actors/characters stood while filming. This kind of global attention can make tourist destinations out of previously unknown spots, or it can take an already known destination and elevate it to a new level of favoritism. If you want to visit the filming locations of some of your favorite media, read on to explore 5 famous cruise destinations that were popularized by TV and movies.

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  • West Coast Cruises: The 7 Regions for a Cruise from the Coast

    Trees with water and rocks on the Mexico island. West coast cruises can take you many places including Mexico.

    There are a lot of destinations available to passengers on west coast cruises. Oftentimes, Caribbean and Europe cruises get all the attention, but a cruise from the west coast of the USA has just as much to offer. Whether you are sailing to the arctic wonderland of Alaska, down to the tropical beaches of Central America, or all the way across the Pacific to Asia, each destination is as inspiring as the last. If you are looking for a cruise on the west coast, we’ve got the breakdown of each region you can travel to to help you pick your next adventure.

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  • Onboard Spending and the Best Ways to Use It

    young and elder couple sitting on deck drinking wine and mixed drinks bought with onboard spending

    During your stay at sea, consider your cruise ship your home away from home. With your daily necessities covered by the cruise line, onboard spending (also known as onboard credit) is a cruise-issued pass attached to your account that allows you to pay for all the extras that make a vacation memorable.

    Luckily, special deals can help offset these costs before you embark on your voyage. Cruise lines often provide generous onboard spending offers (and many exclusive to Cruises.com!), which help you get what you want on board without digging into your vacation budget. But what’s the best way to use this extra cash?

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  • Cruises for Toddlers: Which Cruise Line is Right For You?

    Royal Caribbean is perfect for cruises for toddlers.

    When taking a family vacation with a very young child, it is incredibly important to know which are the best cruises for toddlers. There are a lot of things to compare, from amenities to attractions, that can be difficult to figure out going through each cruise line one by one. You’ve probably thought to check if they have any daycare services, but have you considered if the entertainment will be suitable for the whole family? Cruises have a wide variety of dining options, but will they be ready to deal with your pickiest eaters? To answer these questions and more, we’ve got 5 of the best family-friendly cruise lines to help you along your path to taking a cruise with a toddler!

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  • 5 Princess Restaurants That Every Cruiser Should Experience

    Restaurant with hanging glass and tables when visit Harmony

    The exceptional dining offered at Princess restaurants is a cut above the rest, even by cruise line specialty dining standards. The entire Princess experience is designed to make you feel like royalty, so it is fitting that their specialty restaurants bring the same opulence and exquisiteness that exudes from every corner of the ship. Whether you want to have a romantic candlelight dinner with your partner, or you just need a place to hang out with newly made friends in a casual environment, Princess cruise dining has an elevated restaurant experience that is sure to exceed your expectations.

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  • Celebrity Loyalty Program Breakdown: Is the Captain’s Club Right For You?

    The Celebrity loyalty program offers so many benefits for cruisers.

    The Celebrity loyalty program is a passenger club that offers a lot of extra benefits and discounts to members who remain loyal to Celebrity. It is called the Celebrity Captain’s Club and members can gain points simply by taking cruises that will allow them complimentary amenities and services, plus additional access during their cruises. While some loyalty programs offer few rewards and seem to be mostly about recognition, Celebrity offers quite a few benefits that will surely make you feel like an actual VIP. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, read on to get all the info on why the Celebrity loyalty program is so amazing!

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