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Check FAQAbout Melinda
Melinda Crow is a journalist based in Waco, United States of America. Author of four Falcon Guides, including the newest editions of Camping New Mexico and Camping Colorado. Her freelance writing, combined with her passion for travel has taken her to 35 U.S. states and 30 countries spread across four continents. Her writing, primarily about soft adventure and culinary travel, has appeared in regional and national magazines and online on Travel Pulse, MSN Travel, Forbes, Yahoo Travel, The New York Post, Fox News, and her own website, FirstRead.me.
Portfolio
Do Cruise Ships Have Wi-Fi and 6 Other Things You Need to Know About Internet at Sea
Cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, with varying quality and pricing structures across different cruise lines. Internet packages range from basic social media access to premium plans that support streaming. Cellular services are available but can be costly, with some carriers offering specific cruise plans. Each cruise line has its own set of Wi-Fi packages and apps to enhance onboard connectivity and manage cruise activities. Notable cruise lines mentioned include Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Virgin Voyages, and Windstar.
The 11 Most Popular Cruise Ships in Alaska: A Comparison
The article compares the 11 most popular cruise ships in Alaska, highlighting their unique features, itineraries, and onboard experiences. Celebrity Solstice is noted for its sophisticated atmosphere and dining options, while Norwegian Encore offers a variety of entertainment and dining choices. Holland America Koningsdam provides a traditional cruising experience with top-notch service and food quality. Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas cater to families with a range of activities and dining venues. Carnival Luminosa combines Italian flair with Carnival's fun atmosphere, and Discovery Princess offers inclusive pricing and local cuisine. Cunard's Queen Elizabeth brings elegance and a premium experience, while Regent Seven Seas Explorer provides all-inclusive luxury. Viking Orion emphasizes exploration with extended itineraries and premium amenities.
What Are the ABC Islands?
The ABC Islands in the Caribbean, comprising Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, offer diverse experiences for travelers. Aruba is known for its beaches and desert landscapes, Bonaire for its diving and wind sports, and Curacao for its cultural richness and vibrant architecture. Various cruise lines, including Carnival, MSC, and Royal Caribbean, frequently visit these islands. Aruba and Curacao are independent countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire is a special municipality. The islands feature a mix of languages, including Dutch, Papiamento, and English, and offer a range of activities from beach relaxation to off-road adventures.
The best time to cruise to the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a year-round cruise destination with each season offering unique advantages. Winter is favored for its moderate fares and quieter crowds, especially in early December. Spring offers near-perfect weather but comes with spring break crowds. Summer is ideal for family vacations despite higher fares and crowded conditions. Fall provides low prices and low occupancy but comes with the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. Each season has its pros and cons, making it important to choose based on personal preferences and travel plans.
Caribbean Cruise Deals: Your Ultimate Guide
Caribbean cruise deals are abundant, with mainstream and luxury cruise lines offering year-round itineraries. To find the best deals, consider factors like cruise length, embarkation port, cabin category, and additional perks. Seasonal sales, such as wave season and Black Friday, often provide significant discounts. Evaluating total costs, including travel to embarkation ports and potential add-ons, is crucial. Flexibility in travel dates and cabin choices can also lead to better deals. Expert tips include subscribing to deal alerts, considering older ships, and exploring various embarkation ports.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Cruises
Viking, Virgin Voyages, and Saga Cruises are highlighted for their adults-only, all-inclusive cruise offerings. Viking offers comprehensive inclusions such as shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and meals, with a minimum age of 18. Virgin Voyages provides a high-energy experience with inclusions like nonalcoholic drinks and fitness classes. Saga Cruises caters to passengers over 50 with inclusive meals, drinks, and fitness classes. Other luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea offer extensive inclusions but are not strictly adults-only.
Your Guide to Major Cruise Line Age Policies
Cruise line age policies vary significantly across different cruise lines, with specific rules regarding the minimum age to cruise, cruising alone, leaving the ship, and accessing certain shipboard venues. The article details the age policies for 14 major cruise lines, including Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Marella, MSC, Norwegian, P&O, P&O Australia, Royal Caribbean, and UnCruise Adventures. These policies cover aspects such as the minimum age for infants, age requirements for solo travelers, and age restrictions for various onboard activities and facilities.
Royal Caribbean drink packages, with prices and inclusions
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages to enhance the cruise experience, ranging from water packages to all-inclusive beverage plans. These packages are priced per person, per day, and include options like the Classic Soft Drinks Package, Refreshment Package, Deluxe Beverage Package, and Cafe Select Coffee Card. The article provides detailed information on what each package includes, their costs, and tips on the best time to purchase them. It also discusses the value of these packages based on individual drinking habits and cruise itineraries, helping travelers decide if a drink package is worth it for their specific needs.
Wi-Fi and Internet Packages
Cruise ships offer various Wi-Fi and internet packages, with significant improvements in recent years. Pricing and availability differ by cruise line, with options ranging from basic social media access to premium plans for streaming. Some cruise lines provide complimentary basic Wi-Fi for certain guests, while others offer discounts for pre-cruise purchases. Each cruise line has its own app or onboard planner to help passengers manage their cruise experience, often without requiring a Wi-Fi plan.
What happens if your cruise is canceled, or you get bumped?
Cruise cancellations and overbookings, though less common than in airlines, can occur due to maintenance, safety issues, fleet changes, or charter sales. Passengers may receive refunds, future cruise credits, or alternative bookings as compensation. Travel insurance can help cover nonrefundable expenses, but policies vary. Planning for potential cancellations by choosing refundable travel arrangements and having a backup plan can mitigate disruptions.
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