9 Major Cruise Trends for that Will Affect Your Cruise in 2025

[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limted time). Details here: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner/

[@vickygentry3164]

We have some friends that cruise all the time. They take quite a few back-to-back short cruises. They are gone right now on one. They will take a 5-day cruise and then a 4-day cruise on the same ship. They try to book it far enough ahead where they can even get the same room. They don't even have to pack up all their stuff if they have the same room. She said they have to get off the ship and then they turn around and walk back on and activate their new cards. Basically they are now on a 9-day cruise.

[@kylegray738]

Yes, it's a fun way to extend a cruise. The walk-off/ turn around is smooth; we had the Diamond Concierge escort us the whole way. My sister and I did book months ahead to be sure and get the same cabin. I would do it again.

[@Ariel_Villarreal]

Definitely would love to see a video on cruise deals and how to find them…thanks for all your videos and content

[@LifeWellCruised]

You got it!

[@shordae]

Me too 😊

[@tduck828]

Same but she's not a TA and thats almost always how you get upgraded perks.

[@kellyanderson6245]

Cruising has gotten so pricey vs what it used to be. Need the deals!

[@jesslopez0619]

me me me too!

[@susanpopper7778]

First cruise, 20 days starting in Rome, ending in Venice! I’m so excited!

[@ginasimpson645]

Wow! What an experience! Can I ask what country you are from? Here in Australia, we can access these cruises but with flights etc it adds so much to the cost/time factors. Having said that, have an amazing time 🌻❤️🌻

[@susanpopper7778]

@ we are in the US, Phoenix area. We will fly to Philadelphia, then onto Rome.

[@robintranchina6588]

What a great experience for first time cruisers! We have been cruising since 2003 and have never been to Rome. Congratulations!

[@ArvenJohnVelasco]

@@susanpopper7778which cruise line? If I may ask? Thanks

[@susanpopper7778]

@ Majestic Princess.

[@tinastraychek1117]

I used to like the 4 day out of long beach. However, on my last one I fecided...NEVER again. The shorter the cruise, the cheaper the price. With that , you get the rowdy, load, rude and obnoxious people.

[@ValerieD777]

I did a 4 day cruise out of Long Beach... It was marvelous (our very first and only cruise) but I agree. Loud and rowdy people... Kinda a let down but what do you do when you're cruising with the whole family? Buying a cruise for 1 or 2 isn't bad but for 6 people, it's rough! I'd love a video on finding good cruise deals!!

[@pagaporvista569]

we're doing our first 3 day cruise on NCL this month, we usually sail 7 days.

[@stonefly69]

True with Carnival cruises, too.

[@donnacowell7415]

Yes I’d like videos on how to save money when planning a cruise and also on board.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Great suggestion

[@JoeineKriekel]

Yes please on a video on how to save $$$! Love your videos

[@smvsspould]

I just want to say your channel is a really warm positive space that gets me excited for cruises, I've been watching a few of your videos for a few weeks and just recently subscribed 😊 I've cruised a few times with my family but now having my first proper job and having my own "adult money" saved, its so good to spend it on cruises! Thank you for what you do Ilana! Love from the UK

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@smvsspould awe I appreciate your comments!! I’m excited for your upcoming cruise

[@amydawson1279]

Would love to hear about how to find discounted cruises and how to cruise as an individual. Most ships don’t make it easy & we are expected to pay for double occupancy even though there’s only 1 traveler. Thanks. Love your videos!

[@michaelhoffman2194]

Thank you. I would like to see a video on the percentage of cruisers that have experienced difficulties in obtaining refunds owed to them after their voyage and some tricks and tips on how to stimulate the process of getting a prompt refund. It shouldn’t take MONTHS to get reimbursed and, I’ve been assured my refund is being processed! This is a Major cruise line too!!

[@elizabethsnyder5074]

I am willing to pay a premium for the ship within a ship, if it provides expedited services - embarkation, debarkation, room service, drinks, food and entertainment. I don’t like fighting crowds or lines, but once I’m where I want to be and have what I want, I don’t mind being in the middle of the party crowd. I also typically don’t mind kids and families, but when parents aren’t engaged and the kids are screaming, crying or splashing in the hot tub, it’s no longer fun for me. As such, I like an adults only pool and hot tub - so I will pay for that too. I know this makes me sound old and crotchety, but, it’s my vacation and I work too hard to not have what I want. I just consider the extra costs as the “insurance package” to ensure I have a good time. If it means I cruise less, I’m okay with that.

[@patjesten4763]

Try the Norwegian Haven.

[@russellpeterson2536]

My wife and I like the Haven on NCL. We often will look at short sailing dates. Now we are looking for Haven suites and are much cheaper closer you get to sailing date. We start looking after the final payment dates. Down side is you get the leftover rooms and have to pay for it when you book it. Rooms are not the one I would pick, but the cost savings of 3-4 thousand for a 7 day cruise makes up for it.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@russellpeterson2536 wow, that’s a good tip

[@pagaporvista569]

we cruised in the haven for a big birthday last year - it was wonderful!!! so worth it but maybe not every time. i will keep the last minute booking for the prices, typically the haven is booked as others bid for the upgrades. we never won our bid.

[@jeldisney22]

Yes! I love cruising on Utopia and introducing cruising to those who are leery with a short cruise on a megaship! I have said for the last 10 years that that is what was missing. Plus if you have animals and don't want to leave them that long or are taking care of elderly parents, it's perfect for a getaway. In addition, if I want to try the suite class it is much more affordable than doing a 7 nighter. So happy Royal listened to that trend!

[@countryislandgirl]

Another comment I have is about ships leaving from the North eastern United States. I tried an RCI Cruise out of New Jersey about 10 years ago. What I found was that it took about three rays of travelling on the way down to get warm and another three on the way back that became cooler and cooler as we reached New Jersey. Because I live in Canada I really like having a very warm start to my cruise and it for it to continue to be warm until I get back to the southern cruise board. So I will not be taking any cruises that leave from northern eastern US again. Although I can understand for those that live there, it is very convenient because they can drive.

[@Rnkristin]

Yes! Would love a video about finding cruise savings

[@judis4900]

As a fellow Canadian in Ontario, we always take a 7 day or longer cruise. Travel to the airport, and flying in to port city a day prior is tiring in itself. This year we were in West Palm Beach for 6 weeks and decided to do a last minute, 4 night cruise on Celebrity out of Fort Lauderdale. It was an easy 45 minute drive to the port, park in a parking garage and on the ship 90 minutes later. Loved the cruise. On disembarkation day we were off the ship and back to our place in West Palm by 9am. Short cruising is definitely fun if you live close to a port.

[@lteht6919]

First cruise in 15 years in one week, been watching your videos to get ready! Thanks for the great inside ideas and help.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for watching & have an amazing cruise 🛳️👏

[@sams3015]

Ooooh I’d love to hear after how it compares to 15yrs ago

[@lindatierney-ne6nc]

Our last cruise was in 2008, Alaska on HAL. 41 more days until our Panama Canal cruise, also HAL.

[@ZezeDouglas]

Enjoy. It had been 12 yrs for me and I enjoyed the Icon back Nov. So worth it.

[@sandraschehl7032]

I agree with the coolcations. That’s all I’m interested in. Not all of us are beach people!

[@FrancesErickson]

We really enjoyed the ship in a ship concept as we have sailed quite a bit and now that we are older we enjoy the more peaceful and quiet cruises. It just seems to be much more relaxed. Not to say that we do not go on the larger cruises that have all the other options but this is a good for us when we need the recharge.

[@jasoncooperpcola]

I did a 3 day cruise in July 2022. I will never do another one unless its two of em back to back. I drove 7 hours from Pensacola to Port Canaveral. I got off the ship feeling like I just boarded the day before on the drive home. Now this is just my experience. I am Platinum on Carnival with it being almost 50% on 5 day and 50% on 8 day sailings. Everyone will have a different experience. Im sure if I was living in Port Canaveral I would love those short sailings!

[@SpookyEng1]

We are also in the Pcola area and feel the same. I would like to see more itineraries from Mobile and New Orleans. I hate spending more time getting back and forth to the port than on the cruise!

[@jasoncooperpcola]

@SpookyEng1 I would like to see new cruise lines also. But New Orleans and Mobile is an entirely different class of cruisers vs Galveston, Miami and Port Canaveral. Because of that I dont think these other lines will consider these ports.

[@Hawkman007]

I live in SoCal and will use the shorter cruises to have mini-vacations and fly up the loyalty ranks. I like the option to drive a short distance, get on board and relax with minimal travel, packing or planning.

[@ms.naturalize6168]

I live within 45 min from 2 ports, so short cruises are ideal for me; especially for a weekend get-a-way!

[@anitaclue9868]

@@ms.naturalize6168very nice!!

[@monymony68]

Norwegian has added San Diego as a departure port on a few of their itineraries in 2026 with NCL Jade and NCL Star. Since I live in San Diego, this was an exciting change for me. I hope they add more and I would love to see other cruise lines try San Diego too.

[@pagaporvista569]

good to know! i haven't done a west coast/mexico cruise yet!

[@VonnaBlessed]

I live in San Diego as well...excited!

[@cadmando18]

I can't wait to go on my next cruise this year. We try for one every year on Royal Caribbean. We love watching this channel to make sure we know as much as possible which helps us have the best time possible. Thank you for what you do!! We can't wait to try new ports and new destinations.

[@lisalopez4731]

Lisa from Melbourne Australia here. I had a short 3 night Seacation on the Coral Princess in Dec 2023 and loved it! I hadn’t cruised for a very long time and now I am absolutely hooked on Princess in particular.

[@grannyoffive1313]

Thank you so much for all your informative videos… We love the ship within a ship concept… Although it is definitely more expensive… Now that we are in our early 70s we seem to be gravitating to that type of cruising but not always… Going on MSC seashore yacht club on 19 January for one week… Then departing and we will drive to Tampa to embark on celebrity constellation… Looking forward to both🚢🚢

[@jarleyblanca5901]

My very first cruise was 3 days on the Grand Princess from SF to Vancouver, BC. It was a great itinerary for me to start off with as a first time cruiser and I enjoyed it very much. I watched your videos when I was preparing for my first cruise. Now I'm heading on my second cruise on the Ruby Princess next month for 5 days.

[@tedwalford7615]

As far as cruises using ports closer to customers, I'm holding out for something closer to Denver. Perhaps they could widen the Colorado River some?

[@tinawimberley5035]

I haven't tried a short 3-4 day cruise, only because the 12-14 hr. drive for us would not make it worth it. If we already lived in Florida, yes, we would try it.

[@neutrino78x]

can't fly in like 2 hours? 🙂

[@tinawimberley5035]

@@neutrino78x yeah, we could, but we like to drive & can get there in a day so it's cheaper.

[@JRCinKY]

Likewise. So far away, need to stay a few days.

[@kathypaltan1428]

@@tinawimberley5035 we live in New Hampshire and when we cruise in winter from Florida, we need to fly down a day or two early due to possible Nor’easter snowstorms. Can’t risk missing the ship. A 3-4 day cruise would be wonderful if we lived in FL, especially if you booked last minute because you might get good deals.

[@wondrafuladventures]

We did a 4 day on the Celebrity Reflection and it was lovely. Also cheap, two people in a balcony with drinks for $800. This was in September. It was a short get away but we enjoyed it.

[@grahamdrummond2412]

What a great price

[@wondrafuladventures]

@grahamdrummond2412 it was, we never travel last minute but this time it worked.

[@lisaaschermann5237]

Going on a cruise after honeymoon 35 years ago!! Hopefully my husband doesn’t get seasick. Watching all your videos to get prepared. Wish us luck

[@tduck828]

Have fun!! I get seasick easy and love bands for your wrist or meclizine.

[@cynthiagreenhill5283]

meclizine aka bonine the best. Start him nite before at bedtime then take each night at bedtime. Can take another dose during day if rough seas and have breakthrough nausea. Learned on my first cruise 15 years ago

[@lottiel3418]

My husband is going on his first cruise in April too. I’m hoping he likes it so we can have more vacations in the future that are easier to plan and have a large variety of destination options. Good luck. A friend of mine who was a nurse on a cruise ship told me NOT to use the behind the ears medicine for sea sickness. She saw some really bad outcomes from the use of it. I heard seabands and gravel with ginger work the best. I personally have had really good experiences with seabands.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@lisaaschermann5237 fun!! I like Bonine for seasickness prevention. I have a video on seasickness with more tips too :)

[@bradytidwell7597]

Get the prescription seasick patches and start using them a couple days before your cruise

[@KarenHartt]

I did a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas on NCL, and it was great. I have to fly, but flew I to Ft. Lauderdale and took a town car to our hotel in South Beach. We loved our eco tour excursion in Freeport!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Great video, Ilana! I find the growth of the luxury world fascinating - I've not done a huge amount of 'luxury' cruising, but would LOVE to explore this segment of the market more!

[@carriebudner1182]

I love the 3-4 day cruises for my family. It's a great way to enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank. My kids love Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

[@nrs525]

I would love a video about cruise discounts!

[@terrybenton4553]

Good morning, Ilana. Like you, we are not fans of short cruises due to travel time/distance. Our very first cruise, just to try cruising, was a 5 day on the Disney Dream. We were hooked, and nothing less than 7 nights since. That is, until this cruise. We are leaving southern Utah today and driving to Port Canaveral for a 7 night on RCCL Wonder of the Seas departing next Sunday. Since we were going to be over there, we decided to do a pseudo back-to-back. We return on Sunday on the Wonder, then we're leaving Monday on a 5 day on Utopia. Get to see a different ship, different ports, and 2x to Cocoa Cay. We wouldn't travel that far for just a 5 day cruise. I know we're driving distance to the California ports and even Galveston, but you can only do so much Mexico!

[@anitaclue9868]

Ditto!! 5 is way too short for the travel time we have to invest. Would definitely take advantage of shorter cruises if we lived closer to port😅

[@high-pov2670]

I go on cruises to get snapshots of different cultures and different countries. You don't get that on the private islands. I enjoy them, but I feel like I'm missing something. I once took a lot of short cruises, but I have sworn off them after witnessing several outbursts and personally being aggressively harassed two times. That's never happened to me on 6 day or longer cruises.

[@meddyven]

Ilana, short cruises have never been my thing, simply because I love getting on the ship, falling into relaxation mode, and before you know it, the cruise will be over. Cruising takes me away from the real world, and I crave numerous ports, activities and multiple days of 7 to 10, to make it a memorable vacation. Plus meeting new people and having interesting experiences with them, make it more worthwhile on longer voyages.

[@AnnetteHarness]

We took our 1st cruise last fall. It was 5 day, 4 night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico that was a gift from our children. It was just the right length. Traveling without grandkids, with our oldest & her in-laws, meant concentrated time together. As the old saying says, fish & guests still k after 3 days.

[@Mfels16]

Definitely recommend a shorter cruise at least 4 days though.We flew in a day early and did Disney and made a week out of it .We did get an extra day due to hurricane but even still 4 days felt like enough on utopia to see the shows I wanted and eat specialty restaurants every night.

[@mikef2950]

We went on the Celebrity Encore for a 5-day cruise to Key West and their out island last Sept 2024. It was a great trip, the food was excellent and even the weather wass good, considering it was in the middle of hurricane season.

[@us4damons]

Our first cruise was on RCL 2 years ago. We loved it! We did four nights just because it was our first cruise we weren't sure how it would go with myself my husband and our two children in their twenties. We all had a great time but we definitely left feeling like we could use a couple more days so we're taking a second Cruise in May on MSC, for 7 nights. We can't wait. Also people commenting that the yacht club is a little more expensive, that's an understatement. It's literally thousands more when I booked the balcony room for us four adults it's 2200 down to $2,000 with my son's military discount. The yacht club was going to be over $9,000. That's a huge difference.

[@monicadepoy5157]

Appreciate the financial disclosure?

[@CruisingEngineer]

We did a B2B on the Disney Dream (3-night, 4-night) because we hadn't sailed on the Dream yet, and the first leg bumped us up to the Platinum level. It was great, easy processing, and we had the same stateroom for both cruises. We want to try a Side-by-Side to do Wish and Treasure soon. Timing is everything.

[@elizabethsnyder5074]

What is a side by side cruise?

[@Fam-G-Thrills]

Taking my very first cruise in October on Princess.Then trying the aft suite with my kids for there first on Carnival in summer 2026. So love how you can book so far ahead and gradually save towards the trip.

[@LifeWellCruised]

That's a great idea, I love saving up for a vacation!

[@MidgeBorsilli]

I would love a video on cruise deals and where and how to find them!

[@lindabradford9591]

Me too!

[@AristLiakos]

We hadn’t cruised for a long while until our 2024 Mediterranean cruise and at that time, we took a friend’s advice and booked on the NCL Epic in the Haven. We now have 4 more cruises booked on NCL ships in the Haven. Two of them being Transatlantic cruises on the Epic with the second Transatlantic being a back to back with a Mediterranean cruise following the TA. To say we love the ship within a ship concept would be an understatement! So far, we will only cruise on NCL ships with a true Haven area.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@AristLiakos wow! Thanks for sharing

[@curbappeal1010]

I'd like to see a video about using a travel agent to book a cruise. I've never used one and don't know the process and benefits of using one but may want to try in the future. Thanks!

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s a great idea

[@dking1362]

Yes! I would really appreciate this. Also, please include how to find a good one! Thank you!

[@kyotecreek1934]

First cruise in 18ish years...sailed 6 times before (Renaissance, Princess, and NCL 4 times)...excited about enjoying my first 14 day Caribbean cruise...Solo but in regular Balcony Stateroom...been watching all your great videos and bought your Ultimate Cruise Planner! Thank you ❤

[@nancyruckman5875]

Just did my first solo cruise on the Sun Princess for a 2 week B2B. It was fabulous and I"m not sure if I'll ever be able to tolerate a cabin mate again! lol

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@kyotecreek1934 have an amazing cruise! Thanks for your purchase ☺️

[@connieledford1745]

Same!​@@nancyruckman5875

[@jeremyeckhause1747]

Thanks, Ilana. Early in my cruise "career" We did one short cruise and i realized that it definitely was not for us. It was by far my least favorite cruise. The benefits of cruising don't get realized (getting in the zone, visiting several places while only unpacking once, knowing some crew, various entertainment) while the downsides remain (lengthy boarding process, luggage and customs, traveling to port) ... Seven nights has been our mini ever since.

[@mattgriffith6116]

Have you ever thought of a short cruise, but do it back to back to see the difference between a 3 and 4 night cruise? Then your flight would be more reasonable for a week. And you could probably work to keep the same room for both times so you don't have to unpack in the middle. You could compare the weekend crowd with the weekday crowd. Just a thought.

[@Pennyeq]

I went on 2 cruises last year. A 7 day to Alaska and a 4 day to the Bahamas. We were on the 5th sailing of the Utopia of the Seas. I wish it had been a 7 day cruise. That ship was so amazing! We are currently booked on the Wonder of the seas and will set sail on Mar 30th. I would love to see a video on the best times and best value to cruise to Europe (Italy and Croatia, Norway, and Northern Europe.

[@AlienFrequency]

We went on a shorter cruise (5 days) last year, on the Carnival Elation. Yeah, it's a smaller, older ship, but still very well kept up and we had a BLAST. For me to get away for the typical 7 day cruise isn't always easy. Once a year is about all I can swing, but that 5 day cruise fit perfect into my schedule. We'd definitely go again.

[@howardgutman6983]

Wanted to make some suggestions about excursions. Frequently the ones you plan are better and more economical than the ship's for several reasons. You can arrange for several places you like, avoid a bad stop taking up your day, leave the ship quicker, and get a lunch at a fine restaurant instead of a group lunch. If a vendor has multiple good reviews and speaks your language, things are usually fine. We worry about outside entities because missing the return could leave your stranded. Here, think of different scenarios. If your next stop is in the same country your downside risk is far less, with maybe a cost of a taxi or train to the next port.

[@NathalieEwanchuk]

Yes to a deals video. ❤

[@oceandreamer1958]

We have been on back to back cruises. Last year, our second cruise was shorter than the first. We found the clientele was very different from the first one. It was more of a “booze cruise”. It was loud with a lot more drunk people. We didn’t enjoy that one as much. But, we are past that time in our lives.

[@crazy4dariver]

Love your content Hun. Love to see Hubby cameos as well. I HATE the huge ships. That's me though

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks so much! Yes, coming in a video hopefully by end of week

[@meddyven]

Royal Caribbean teased about building a new smaller class of ships, to replace their smaller aging fleet, but seem to have tabled that. Not everyone wants to sail the mega ships, due to the enormous passenger size, but also that many exciting ports cannot accomodate them. The problem is, cruise lines are not listening to the cruising public. They think one size fits all.

[@krlost4405]

​@@meddyven economy of scale. I doubt they "don't listen". Is about who speaks louder and costs are speaking louder than what the market can or is willing to pay. Just like container ships that are getting bigger and bigger, the same goes for passenger ships. It is cheaper to operate bigger ships compared to smaller ships. For luxury lines, probably they don't have issue scaling down for customers that don't mind paying more. I cannot say the same for the average income market wanting more exclusive and less congested experiences.

[@davidl.6509]

We have to go luxury to get the cruise experience we used to get on the mainstream cruise lines….

[@jenblackburn8692]

I binge watched your videos to prepare for our Utopia of the a seas. Thank you for so much helpful info. You asked about length of cruise. I thought I would still prefer a 7 day but we were ready to get off after 4 days. We aren’t sure if we could handle a 7 day. Felt like we would get bored. However, I was sick most of the time so that could have played into it. The shows on Utopia are hands down the best shows on any ship I have been on. It makes me only want to cruise Royal Caribbean but as much as I thought I was tired of Carnival…I kind of missed their entertainment in terms of other activities they have going on. I wasn’t impressed with the additional activities Royal offered but the shows definitely took the cake. I would love another video on how to save

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

Not a fan of short cruises. Tried another one last year and it just felt like I had just got settled in and it was time to pack up. We are doing a 4 day Utopia and getting off to go on a 7 day Wonder this Spring, but typically like 7 or 8 day cruises. Love your channel!! Thank you

[@susancurtis6305]

Clientele for the shorter cruise tend to be younger and wilder in my experience with Carnival

[@LifeWellCruised]

So true

[@tammystreasures8766]

Exactly!

[@jlawrence0181]

Last month, I tripped on a sidewalk in Bonaire and broke my arm. I was medically embarked in Curacao and sent home. In addition, I missed the HAL cruise that was the second of my back-to-back cruises. I am a healthy person and most would say that I did not "need" travel insurance. My medical costs, repatriation costs, the missed cruise refund is approaching $7k. My insurance with Generali Global for the cruises cost about $240 for 19 days at sea. And the support in getting us hotels, first class airfare, and the like was invaluable.

[@tr5234]

Short cruises (

[@DiazIncorporated]

West Coast has some great 3, 4 & 5 day options. We avoid weekends and do them Monday-Friday. We live in California so no added flights make these a quick & easy getaway. Sad that Celebrity pulled out of the L.A. port. So we’ve been sticking to Royal for these itineraries lately. L.A. to Vancouver L.A. to Cabo L.A. to Ensenada

[@brigittes5955]

I'm sailing on Celebrity for a jazz cruise from LA to Vancouver in September '26. Is it possible that those cruises have become charter sailings?

[@danielodonoghue3529]

Short cruises are ideal to "test out" a new line. We have done 4 day sailings with Celebrity and Princess to see if we like the offerings.

[@deniseberg3135]

Yes, I would absolutely like to know about how to find good deals on Cruises. 15:07

[@aguptill1]

Thanks so much for all the tips, news updates etc! For us, we have to travel from Nova Scotia so the longer cruises are what we book. Two weeks minimum. GRAMMY G from Nova Scotia! Happy cruising! 🛳️🌴🏝️🏖️😎

[@heatherspaperplayroom]

Since winning a bid on a ship within a ship we won’t go back to normal sailing, lol. We love the NCL Haven experience. Well worth the extra cost!

[@vanessafagan2512]

Short cruises are great if you live close to a cruise port. I'm in Texas, and only about 4 hours from Galveston, so a quick long weekend getaway is very appealing! I wouldn't do a short sailing if I had to fly into a port city or drive for a full day

[@markt9805]

I recently sailed on a Norwegian cruise line vessel that stopped at the private island, great stirrup key. I did an excursion on a kayak, and we visited a portion of the private island that only the kayak tour goes to. The guide told us that Norwegian has plans to develop that part of the island in the next few years and the initial plans are for it to be some sort of an amusement park. Apparently, right now the focus is building the dock and other infrastructure and the current portion of the island that’s used, but there are plans to develop other parts of the island which is actually very large compared to the Royal Caribbean Coco cay Island, which neigbors the NCL island but which is almost completely built out.

[@robinwyatte9292]

Went on my first cruise last June and have fallen in love!! Going in my second soon for my 70th birthday. I would love to see more about cruise deals and anything you have about sailing from Galveston or New Orleans. It is a long drive from Missouri to Florida so would love to use a closer port.

[@LovingAlmostEveryLine]

Celebrity Retreat was amazing! But love the midsize ships better than mega.

[@TheGersh18]

My wife and I did NCL’s Haven a few months back and just booked a cruise in the MSC Yacht Club. It’s definitely an experience and if you can afford it I recommend trying it out. I felt the two biggest benefits were priority everything, no waiting in lines or worrying if you’ll get access to something you’re looking forward to and a very comfortable private area to get away from the crowds. The Haven restaurant also had the best food on the ship, I’d say better than the specialty restaurants. I’m curious now how the Yacht Club will compare.

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@TheGersh18 that’s awesome! As someone who “hates” lines & queues I also appreciated that aspect of YC. Curious to know your thoughts

[@francescabaca1722]

Difrutarán mucho con l'ós privilegios Yacth Club. Lo experimentamos en el MSC W Europa, por el Meditettáneo y fue increíble🎉🎉

[@JohnSimpson-r5d]

I just took our whole family (17 people) on Harmony of the Seas. ‘First cruise for most. I decided not to “cut corners” and had several Specialty Dinners for those who wanted them. They actually don’t make sense since great dinners are already included but they liked the times for their “private” dinners.

[@itsallaboutme6875]

I would love to see a video on ways to enhance your work experience while traveling on a cruise ship

[@ceceliamoreno1845]

Viking, virgin, explora and celebrity retreat. You hardly mention these. Way better experience for the price. These products have always been the norm for their companies.

[@joyporter1720]

Hi Ilana, I love watching your videos. I think your presentation is really good and you make issues that may occur not a big deal which I appreciate. I’m not lucky enough to be able to fly but I feel I’m there with you - so thank you. I’ve been on a few cruises, mainly from Southampton which isn’t too far away from where I live but I always check your videos in case you review one of the cruise lines I want to sail with for tips and hacks 🙂💖💖

[@wompa70]

The Utopia Station dinner was a lot of fun.

[@kylegray738]

Another great video,thanks!! I have done 3,4,7,9,12, and one 7-night back to back (14 days total, same ship, same cabin). My preference is a longer cruise; however, the 3 and 4 night cruises really fit our budget at the time. It also helped that we could drive to the LA port and get a hotel cruise package ( San Pedro) the night before that included the room, breakfast, parking, and shuttle to and from the pier. I do have planned a 15-16 day RT Hawaii (Princess) cruise from San Francisco in April 2026 and am really looking forward to that with my sister & niece. We splurged on a Reserve Mini-Suite that will add some nice extras to this longer cruise. We also booked a hotel package through our travel agent so that we will have Princess transfers from airport to hotel, a night at the hotel, and then transport to the pier. If I did another short cruise I don't think I would go for less than 4 nights.

[@jeffreywagner5234]

We are sailing on Utopia and Icon this spring, we are doing “Side-to-side” cruises- since we have to fly to Florida. Then maybe we will be done with the mega ships. Yes, would love to see cruise deals! 🚢

[@harborspringsgirl]

I love the private islands. It’s just a nice stop and add on stop ! Great food too!!

[@roburb73]

I'm all for the ship within a ship concept! We've been in the Retreat several times and roll be trying the Haven in June. It's all worth the money to be able to avoid larger crowds and have better service.

[@spacepilot12]

I live in New Mexico, so ports close to home is not an option. That’s okay as I’ve been able to fly to 20 US and International ports to cruise. My closest, Galveston Texas has been expanding, adding ships and cruise lines over the past few years. I will be on the first Galveston cruise of the MSC Seascape this coming winter. I’m doing more Northern cruises too lately such as Scandinavia, Alaska, and NE Canada. They have definitely been popular. The Princess bundle with gratuities, drinks, Internet etc. is a good idea.

[@debbieserwe2242]

If I could afford it on every cruise I would do the "ship within a ship" Did the Haven once and really enjoyed it.

[@debraweaver7416]

We've done a 4- day and a 5-day before, with a few days exploring the port for each. We live on Missouri, so flying is usually a necessary added expense. However, we have a 5-day scheduled in November out of Galveston, so we're driving and checking out sights along the way.

[@stormbringeram]

Cruises in 2025 cost much higher than previous year and the cost of a Princess Alaska cruise in May 2025 trend much higher for balcony or deluxe balcony by a good margin. A video on saving money on a cruise is a great idea... Thanks

[@DCYote1]

When I lived in California, some work friends and I would take a 3-4 night cruise to Mexico frequently. If you can split the cost and live in the area, and don't mind rooming with friends, it is a very economical way to have a sort of mini vacation.

[@FrCharlesButler]

We did a 3/2 on Margaritaville a couple of years ago, only because it was part of a Land/Sea vacation package. We really enjoyed ourselves. We had even more fun on debarkation day jumping off the ship in Ft Lauderdale, collecting our car, then racing south to Miami where we embarked on the MSC Seascape for a two week back to back of the western then eastern Caribbean. We wouldn't do a 3 or 4 day cruise by itself, because the travel time to get there is just too long.

[@kayteoliver3530]

I’d love to see a video on how to get the best deals. I’m intrigued about the ship within a ship concept. I booked a Yacht Club Deluxe Balcony cabin on MSC Seashore after watching your review of Yacht Club on Seascape and am excited to try that out. We are also booked in Yacht Club on MSC Euribia in United Arab Emirates out of Dubai in 2026. We were going to do Aurea class but went to Yacht Club after your video 😂 I’ll let you know what we think and how the 2 compare after we travel! Thanks for all you do for us, Illana! Happy New Year to you, Frank and Ethan! 🎉

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@kayteoliver3530 lol, you’ll have to let me know how you like it. Your cruise sounds amazing

[@lisawinn1118]

My first cruise is in May going to Italy and Greece. So excited!🙂

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@lisawinn1118 Amazing!!

[@g.belanger8302]

I’m sad about Half Moon Cay, as currently the northern side of the beach is very quiet, but once the big Carnival ships show up, that will be gone, and there will be at least twice as many people on that beach in general. Bummer. It’s the only cruise line island that I actually like.

[@anitaclue9868]

Ditto!!! It’s magical as it is….

[@JulieThompson38]

My thought on ship within a ship is it creates separation. If they want more luxury, go on SilverSea or other luxury lines.

[@lottiel3418]

I would like to hear about how you shop for cruise deals etc as my husband and I are just going on his first cruise and my second after 13 years to see if cruising is a better fit for us as opposed to beach destination land vacations. A video discussing how to find deals would be very beneficial. I have started my cruise essentials kit for my Alaska cruise as well as hopefully future cruises from your videos detailing the essentials to bring to maximize the enjoyment of our cruise experience. Cross your fingers he likes our Alaska cruise..🤞. Love all your videos and especially appreciate the 101 series. Thank you!!!!

[@cathybaumfeld8107]

Cruise deals, repositioning cruises, and how to find these would be great information. I really enjoy your content. Thank you

[@elwoodervin3878]

Love the ship within the ship concept. That is appealing since we have migrated to smaller ships.

[@DRoth2150]

I like how Princess does ship within a ship with The Sanctuary Collection. It doesn't require a full suite. I don't need a full suite when it's just two people when I travel but want that ship within a ship experience.

[@awildasuriel4114]

Im going on my first cruise on August. So excited

[@olivebio]

Have a Great time ❤

[@Kidcomeback92]

@@awildasuriel4114 I’m cruising in August as well. Not my first, however!

[@LifeWellCruised]

So exciting!!

[@shordae]

Have a awesome time you will love it 😊

[@bethsilcox727]

Ship within a ship concept, yes indeed I would love to do it.

[@jonnabrusseau2641]

Norway is planning to cancel cruises that are NOT completely electric really soon. Cruise lines are obviously pushing back, but Norway is concerned at the environmental impact of cruise ships in the fjords. Even the supposedly greener ships that explora use fall short of Norway’s standards. It could be that many are flocking to the fjords because it may not be an option later.

[@lauriem986]

I would LOVE to see a video about deals and how to find them. As retirees with a modest fixed income - and still has a large mortgage and children with children in other states- we want to travel more by really have to budget each year. Thank you for offering. I get the most info from your channel.

[@SassyGrkGrl24]

We did a 3 day and 4 day and they go by way to fast and you really don't get to relax much. We love 7 day or more cruises.

[@MsLatrice5]

The Haven is amazing!

[@bobettern]

I would appreciate money saving videos on ways to save money when planning a cruise. Like you, I live quite a distance away from the cruise ports, so I prefer to fly. To make cruising more worthwhile, I usually look for and book the longer 7 to 8 day cruises. The shorter cruises are just a "tease" !!

[@maganvampire08]

Can't wait to go on Icon of the Seas this September coming soon. This vacation will make up for what happened to myself and my family last year. Travel insurance really saved our butts last years. Between my uncle caught the new COVID while in Jamaica, delayed our flight from Detroit, missed our flight going home from Detroit to Cleveland, didn't get the notification about our flight till we got to Detroit airport, our flight was already booked for next day instead of catching last flight that night, stayed at nice hotel inside the airport but the food and drinks were pricey. I was also happy the flight company paid the hotel and meals. I'm blessed my uncle and auntie made it back to the ship just in time before it left. Lucky there was special medicine that my uncle had to take every morning to get better. What really nice was our head waiter from Freedom of the Seas, he was so worried about them and he will prepared their meals for them when we leave the main dinner room. With my nurse skills she'll check on him. This year our cruise trip will be even better then last year.

[@timdineen6491]

Hi Ilana, thanks for the videos. We often take 4-day cruises out of Orlando. It works for us because we live in Atlanta, so drive not too bad. We find that 7-day are sometimes a bit long and we're getting tired of the ship by the end. We like to go down to Orlando and stay at area resorts for a day or two before and after the cruise. Best of both worlds.

[@LunaLight95]

We always look for a cooler location for our cruise, since we live in a tropical beach setting. We've done alaska, northern canada, iceland, greenland and North Europe