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Carnival Conquest - A Unique Touch of French Impressionism in the Caribbean - Photo & Video Tour

Carnival Conquest

Recently we had a chance to tour Carnival Conquest in Port Everglades and were rather surprised to experience a ship that is very different than any other we've been on.  We'll share some of what stood out on Carnival Conquest, along with a number of pictures and video so you can get a feel for the ship's unique look.  At the end we'll offer up our take and even talk about who we think might really appreciate Carnival Conquest... read more

Virgin Voyages to Building it's 'Sonic Identity', Feature Record Shop, Private Karaoke Lounge, and Curated Musical Performances on First Ship

Voyage Vinyl record shop on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages has been teasing out the many things that will set them apart from traditional cruise lines and their latest announcement is no different (though it's not quite tattoo parlor on a ship different).  Today they've announced that their first ship, Scarlet Lady, will feature an onboard record shop called Virgin Vinyl, a private gaming and karaoke lounge called The Groupie, and curated music and performances by up-and-comers as well as industry trendsetters. read more

The Best Time to Cruise - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 16

Cruise Pricing and Promotions ExplainedPlanning a cruise requires a lot of decision making.  Some things come down to preference, but if you're looking for the cheapest time of the year to cruise Alaska or the Caribbean we can help.  After analyzing thousands of price points across the year, we go over the most economical and most expensive times to sail, as well as why the time of year matters.

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Norwegian Sky Emerges From Three-Week Drydock with New Lounges, Starbucks, Sushi Bar, and More

Spinnaker Lounge on NCL SkyNorwegian's most senior vessel, Norwegian Sky, has come out of an extended dry dock in Freeport with extensive changes and additions to public areas and staterooms.  Sky may not be the biggest or flashiest ship in their fleet, but guest feedback remains positive, and after reading about some of the changes, including a Starbucks, sushi restaurant, revitalized staterooms, and more, she just may make it on to your "need to cruise" list. read more

Shipboard Internet Gets Faster & More Affordable on More Ships

Princess MedallionNet - High-Speed Internet at SeaMedallionNet, Princess Cruises' high speed shipboard internet/WiFi service, part of the Ocean Medallion program is itself picking up steam.  While available only on Regal Princess just months ago, the service, allowing guests fast and affordable internet access, as well as a number of guest experience enhancements, is now available on four Princess ships, and will soon be available on a total of ten ships - nine of them before the end of 2019... read more

A 'Fare' Price - Cruise Pricing & Promotions Explained - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 15

Cruise Pricing and Promotions ExplainedCruise pricing can require a lit bit of explanation, but sales and promotions can be even more confusing.  Some promotions aren't combinable, sales can take percentages off rates that aren't easily found, and different packages offer different levels of value depending on what you're looking for.  Whether you're hunting for the best deal, or just trying to understand how much a cruise will cost you, we'll try and make it a bit easier to understand.

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Virgin Voyages - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 14

Eden on Celebrity EdgeOver the past couple years we've had the opportunity to watch a new cruise line emerge.  With details of Virgin Voyages trickling out at a pace that leaves us constantly wanting more, we thought we'd take this episode to share what we know so far about Sir Richard Branson's first dive into cruising.  We talk about who is behind the line, what the ship will be like, the things that make Virgin Voyages so different - and even tattoos.  Check out the links below for photos, renderings and more information. 

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First Glimpse of Virgin Voyages Prices

Today Virgin Voyages allowed previously deposited guests to start booking passage on Scarlet Lady, the lines first ship.  As we've anticipated, the experiences Virgin has been promising look to come at a premium set of prices, though it's important to consider what is included.  Interestingly, there are still some big unknowns, including stops on itineraries marked, "Secret Location"... read more

Carnival Mardi Gras - Carnival Enters the Big Ship Games

Carnival Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line has for many years been the most popular cruise line around, carrying millions of passengers and promising a fun experience and celebratory atmosphere - “the fun ship”.  In recent weeks however, the line has revealed a number of details about what will be their largest ship to date, and it shows the line is looking to compete in new ways. Let’s dig into the ship’s details, some photos, discuss what makes it unique, and even talk history before getting Billy’s take... read more

How much for a pint? Cruise Line Drink Prices Compared

How much is beer on a cruise ship?

Wondering how much to budget for the bar on your next cruise?  Prices for beer, wine, and spirits vary wildly, but we put together some data to make comparing alcohol prices at sea a bit easier.  Keep in mind, cruise lines adjust pricing frequently. The same drink on the same cruise line can be priced differently between ships or even different sailings on the same ship.  Some of the price differences may surprise you... read more