The Ultimate Guide to Bidding for Upgrades on Your Cruise
Everyone likes the idea of getting a good deal on an upgraded cabin, and a lot of cruise lines now offer this opportunity through a bidding process. There are a lot of mysteries about how this works and what the secret to winning an upgrade bid is, so we’re going to help clear this up. We’ll explain the bidding process, share some reasons cruise lines like this system (and they’re not all the reasons you’ll expect), and tell you what to do and what not to do in order to maximize your chances of winning an upgrade on your next cruise...
Video: If you've canceled a cruise because of coronavirus (or if it's been canceled for you), you've likely been given a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) but it may not be clear how those work. There are also a ton of wild price drops lately, largely related to the pandemic situation. In this video, we make sure you understand what your options are, so you're prepared to make the most out of your next cruise bookings.
Some like paying as you go, others swear by drink packages and other pre-paid amenities. While Virgin Voyages works a bit differently, you may be able to have a few drinks (or more) without breaking the bank. Here's how...
Like department stores, airlines, and even gas stations, some cruise lines have their own credit cards promising perks and savings for cardholders. We looked at a few of these offers and found there are far better deals to be had if you’re looking to save money and get benefits from using a credit card for travel. We’ll break down the benefits, the cost, and tricks you might find helpful in using credit card perks to save money on your next cruise...
Bringing extras with you on any trip can mean baggage fees and other inconveniences, and we're often struggling to pack less - not more. There are, however, some items you can bring along which could save you money. In many cases they're even things you already have at home...
Whether sipping a fruity drink by the pool or enjoying a pint at a pub, alcoholic beverages are ubiquitous with cruising. The cost of those drinks can certainly add up, but in the past 10-15 years, some cruise lines have started serving up unlimited drink packages and other options which allow you to better manage your bar tabs and even coffee expenses. The cost, benefits, and restrictions can vary by cruise line, so let’s explore the overall concept of beverages packages, and some of the things unique to the offerings on each cruise line...
Whether you want to share your vacation memories as they happen or you're looking to be able to keep in touch with those back home, many of you have asked questions about staying connected while cruising, and there is no single answer. In the past couple of years cell phone carriers have made international roaming a bit more palatable, but cell phone roaming rates on ships are still completely impractical, at least for calls and data. What are your options if you want to stay in touch while cruising? We've got 11 tips to keep you connected without breaking the bank...