The smart cruise blog
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Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Which Package is Right for You?
Purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package is a great way to save money on a cruise while also helping you budget your vacation ahead of time. If you are planning on spending a lot of time at bars, then a package is practically a necessity. But there are a lot of other kinds of Royal Caribbean drinks, and there are a number of other packages that are more specific in what they get you. To make the most out of your vacation and get the best bang for your buck, it is important to know what the different packages offer. To help you decide, we’ve got the run down on each of the drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean.
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The Black Friday Cruise Sale You Won’t Want to Miss
Bypass the endless lines of holiday shoppers, crack-of-dawn retail openings, and camping out in front of chain outlets — the best Black Friday cruise sale is found here, right at your fingertips. Our biggest sale of the year has arrived, and we want to ensure you get the most out of your Black Friday bucks. Luckily for you, we’ve negotiated special offers just for you and your crew that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out our top Black Friday cruise deals, and how you can land exclusive savings on your next getaway.
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Aurora Borealis Cruise Destinations for 2024
If you’re looking for an aurora borealis cruise, 2024 is going to be your year. Scientists predict 2024 will be a solar maximum. Without getting too science-y about it, that means the sun will be throwing out a lot of the little particles that cause us to see those enchanting lights in the sky. Auroras happen every year, but the solar maximum gives you the best chance to see the northern lights (or the southern lights for that matter). Solar maximums happen on average every 11 years. If you miss out on the 2024 season, you might have to wait until 2035!
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Norwegian Aqua: Breaking Down NCL’s Next Big Launch
Norwegian is releasing another new cruise ship in 2025, with the launch of Norwegian Aqua. This will be the third ship in the Prima class, which launched its first ship in 2022. However, this new Norwegian ship boasts a few new features to set it apart from its counterparts, including larger staterooms and a new water coaster that is the first of its kind. Whether you are an avid cruiser or a first-time voyager, there is plenty here to get excited about. To learn what’s new with Norwegian Aqua, read on as we breakdown all the best features of NCL’s next upcoming cruise liner.
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Celebrity Xcel: Everything We Know About the New Celebrity Ship
A new luxury cruise ship is on the horizon, and it is being dubbed Celebrity Xcel. The newest ship in Celebrity’s fleet launches in November of 2025, and while most details are currently on the down low, there is still plenty to be excited about. Technically a member of the Edge series of Celebrity’s fleet, it is said to truly be in a class of its own with new features that will set it apart from other Edge class ships. If you are as excited as we are for a new Caribbean-bound cruise ship, then read on as we break down everything we know about the Celebrity Xcel.
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Holland America Restaurants: 5 Restaurants That Every Cruiser Should Try
Holland America restaurants are renowned as some of the best dining experiences on the sea. From fast-casual burger joints that exemplify the best of American classics, to fine-dining establishments that elevate cultures from around the world, they really are without equal when it comes to their culinary choices. If you’ve never taken a cruise with Holland America and you need more convincing than that, then join us on a journey through Holland America dining, as we explore our picks for the best restaurant experiences that they have to offer.
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Cruise from Florida, New Orleans, or Charleston: Picking a Port in Southeastern US
Many people cruise from Florida and other southeastern cruise ports every year, making it one of the regions of the world best known for its cruises. This is in large part due to its proximity to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the various other regions that it can reach, like Canada, Europe, and South America. With so many cruise ports that you can depart from, it is important to know what the benefits of each port are, so we’ve got a rundown on each of the ports and what sets them apart from the rest. Not every cruise line sails at each port, so you will need to check if the cruise you want is available there before you book. This is something that you can figure out by talking to a Cruises.com travel agent or by using the search tool on the website.
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Cruise to Princess Cays to Explore the Enchanted Beauty
Picture yourself on a pristine beach, surrounded by soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This dreamy scenario becomes a reality when you cruise to Princess Cays, a private island paradise that’s truly fit for royalty. Read one to embark on a virtual journey to discover the enchanting beauty and captivating experiences that await you at Princess Cays.
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Celebrity Drink Package Breakdown: Is a Drink Package Right For You?
A Celebrity drink package can be a great way to save some cash when taking a cruise vacation. By springing for a package, you can make sure that you don’t overspend while living it up out on the sea. Celebrity drinks are an important piece of the extravagant experience that these cruise ships provide, and you don’t want to miss out because you ran out of funds in the middle of your trip. But knowing if a drink package is right for you depends on if you are actually going to order the drinks that are included, so knowing what each package covers is crucial. To help you decide, we’ve got the breakdown on each of the different beverage packages offered by Celebrity Cruises and what is included in each.
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Royal Caribbean Loyalty Program: Make the Most of Your Cruise Benefits
The Royal Caribbean loyalty program, called the Crown and Anchor Society, is a great way to get extra perks and discounts just for taking cruises that you were going to take anyway. It is easy as pie to join, earns you discounts, gifts, and priority status, and you can take advantage of it while also getting other great deals on your cruises. Whether you are a cruising veteran, or thinking about taking your first cruise ever, this program is not something that you should be passing up on. Read on to find out everything you need to take full advantage of one of the most generous loyalty programs on the sea!