Welcome to CruiseHabit, your destination for honest cruise reviews, news, tips, group cruises, and more. From Virgin Voyages to Cunard, from the Caribbean to the Rhine River. we help you navigate the world of cruising with a focus on ship tours, dining, and travel gear.  Make sure you check out the CruiseHabit YouTube channel for more!

The Truth About People Who Get Left Behind by Cruise Ships

Last person approaching ship from a cruise pier.Vacation time and money is precious - and no one wants to waste it.  Sometimes, however, it’s not easy to know what decisions are best for your budget.  Do you buy the cheaper phone charger, or the one that costs more because you expect it to last longer?  Do you book a shore excursion through the cruise line, or do you ‘risk it’ and go with a third party?  I can’t guarantee that the gas-station phone charger you bought for $7 will last, but I can explain why booking a shore excursion outside of the cruise line is probably not nearly the risk you think it is and why you won't be a 'pier-runner'...

Can't Make Dining Reservations on Virgin Voyages (or other lines): Don't Panic

Billy looking at phone in front of Scarlet LadyI spend a lot of too much time on Reddit, and one of the most common points of stress I see on there and in my inbox is from Sailors panicking because they’ve logged into the Virgin Voyages app and found that every single dinner reservation for their cruise is "Sold Out." I’m here to help you navigate this, but first, take a deep breath, as I promise you’ll not go hungry on Virgin.

Booking a Cruise is About to Get More Complicated for Some

Virgin Voyages Ship at Sea It seems cruisers are in a constant struggle with themselves, complaining about being "nickel and dimed" with add-ons, while often being averse to higher fares that include amenities or services they may not want to pay for.  Now, a cruise line that had simpler fares as a cornerstone of their brand is shaking things up.  Will guests lament the complexity, or appreciate the options?

When the Disney Formula Isn’t Worth Melting For

Donald Duck and Disney Fantasy in front of Norwegian FjordsMay 2025 marked my first time experiencing the distinct, undeniable magic that comes with unpacking your bags on a Disney Cruise Line (DCL) ship. From my first steps aboard the Dream, I felt transported into that special universe which inevitably brings out my inner child. Throughout the whole trip in the Caribbean, DCL showcased its impressive ability to adapt that specific immersive feeling for a crowd ranging in ages. Whether you are stepping into a beautifully curated dining room or spotting a character interaction that feels entirely unscripted, the storytelling feels almost flawless. 

$100 Back on Carnival for Amex Cardholders, Plus Big Points Bonuses on Luxury Lines

Carnival ship wtih Amex LogoEvery month American Express, Chase, and other credit card issuers come up with new offers for their cardholders when they make purchases at select merchants.  If you're a cruiser with the right card, then May 2026 might be a good time to pay for a cruise.

Not every Amex cardholder has the same options, so you'll need to check on the American Express website once you've logged in.  Look under Amex Offers & Benefits and be sure to click to add the offer you want to your card before you make the purchase, and verify the terms (and expiration date) ahead of time.

A New Restaurant Is Coming to Virgin Voyages, and It’s Not a Cuisine We ‘Sea’ on Many Ships

__alt__If there is one thing Virgin Voyages has consistently nailed since the Scarlet Lady first touched water, it’s the food. From a new take on casual dining without buffets, to cuisine made a la minute that actually rivals what you’d find in a major city. Until now, however, one of my favorite cuisines was missing...

Star of the Seas May Be the Star, but You Can Sail Other Royal Ships for as Little as $53/pp/Night!

Savings beyond the Star of the Seas Royal Caribbean DealsIn just a few weeks, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Star of the Seas, sails on her maiden voyage and we love checking out new ships - in fact, we have multiple videos from the maiden voyage of Star's sister, Icon of the Seas.  The reality is, however, that maiden voyages on megaships are often pricey, and cruise lines don't provide fun and relaxation exclusively on their newest ships, even if it's what we often show off. 

Below we wanted to share a few sailings coming in at fantastic prices, on some Royal Caribbean ships that may not be the newest, but still have a lot to offer.  As always, if you're interested in these or any other cruises, please help support CruiseHabit by filling out the purple form down below to get a no-obligation quote from our friends at Touring and Cruises Travel - they really are the experts in helping you plan and save.

MSC World America Maiden - Vlog Series, Including Ocean Cay

Billy in front of MSC World America at PortMiami - vlog thumbnailSee what it was like on the maiden voyage of the MSC World America.  See if this new ship is something you might enjoy, or even a game changer . You can find these on the CruiseHabit YouTube channel, along with updates on our other social channels, all linked here.  Additionally, you can find an embedded playlist of MSC World America vlogs below...