Cruise News & Clues 11.4.25

We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!

11/5/20255 min read

Welcome aboard our latest wave of cruise news and clues! We’ve scoured the seas of social media, cruise groups, and online articles to bring you the best of what’s making waves. With so many tips, tricks, and Q&As floating around out there, we’re here to help you navigate the chatter and find the real treasures. Let’s dive in.

11.4.25

Cruise News

Clues & FAQs

General Q&A:

  • I’m considering booking a large group cruise (25-50 or more). What are some things to consider specifically for groups? Ask the cruise line group planner? Which cruise line offers the best group perks/planning/options?

    • When planning a large group cruise, it’s best to coordinate through the cruise line’s group department or an experienced travel agent. Each cruise line offers different perks, and travel advisors know which lines offer the best ones.

  • I'm going on (insert cruise line here) for the first time. What tips do you have to share?

    • Join the FB group for the specific cruise

    • YouTube the ship to watch a ship tour and tips

    • Don't let other people's opinions influence you, enjoy it!

Celebrity/Royal Q&A:

  • What is the difference between Points Choice and the loyalty match they already have?

    • If you usually sail with Celebrity but take a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can now choose to have your points added to your Captain’s Club account instead of Crown & Anchor. Unlike status matching—which aligns your benefits—you’ll now be able to decide which loyalty program you want to earn points in.

Disney Q&A:

  • If I buy gift cards for my kids to use while they are on board to purchase things for themselves, can they use the physical gift card to pay, or do we have to load them onto our account at Guest Services?

    • You can use the physical gift cards without loading them onto anything, or apply them as onboard credit toward excursions, spa treatments, merch, and other onboard fun

  • I am looking at the photo package. How has everyone’s experience been with it? Are you glad you purchased?

    • Yes, well worth it, especially if you have taken all of the special effects pictures.

    • No, I didn't want to stand in those lines.

    • Most claimed they received hundreds of pictures and would buy the package again.

  • If part of our group has booked a concierge level room and others haven't, are we able to sit together for dinners?

    • Yes, link your reservations and request to be seated together. Those without concierge won't be able to take part in their specific perks and offerings.

MSC Q&A:

  • I have heard some people talking about "booking" entertainment shows, but on the website that is not an option as it says it's open to everyone. Do we need to book seats for the shows or are they first-come, first-served?

    • Once onboard, you can book through the app. You are booking a virtual seat to ensure capacity.

    • There is a standby line that lets people in about 5-10 minutes before the show starts, after everyone who has booked arrives.

  • I need to avoid the smoking areas on the ship. Are there places to go where you have to walk through a smoking area to get to?

    • Yes, on some ships you have to walk through the casino to enter the smaller theater

NCL Q&A:

  • What are the best shows in the NCL fleet?

    • Revolution on Aqua is the best I’ve seen on NCL

    • Six and Jersey Boys on Bliss

    • Choir of Man

  • At Great Stirrup Cay, are the loungers free? Does NCL provide free food there, or do we have to buy it?

    • Free loungers and food, no free alcohol after March 1st, 2026

  • Is it perfectly acceptable for a solo passenger to eat at one of the specialty restaurants alone?

    • Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable for a solo passenger to dine at any of the specialty restaurants. Cruise lines are accustomed to accommodating solo travelers, and their staff will ensure you feel welcome and comfortable.

    • Yes, I've done it several times

Royal Q&A:

  • Guaranteed connecting rooms, how thin are the walls? Do you hear everything your neighbor is doing?

    • You can't hear anything and it's locked.

  • General thoughts about buying anything substantial from jewelry stores or watch stores on the ships?

    • I bought a necklace recently. I brought it home to my jeweler, and it is not the quality they represented.

    • My husband does jewelry as a hobby and would tell you if you like it and it makes you happy, buy it, but never expect jewelry to be an investment because, apart from very rare pieces, they depreciate by about half as you walk out the store.

    • Do not buy any jewelry on cruises or ports - buy from your local home jeweler - if you have an issue, you have no recourse.

    • I only buy watches on the ship if it's a good price, you just have to look out for which days they go on sale.

    • It’s all relative and everyone has their own opinion.

    • I’m a jeweler. Repairing cruise ship jewelry is a decent stream of revenue for me.

    • I have bought several pieces of jewelry from the cruise ship and from Diamonds International. I had a ring appraised when I got home. It was appraised for $1,325.00 more than what I paid for it on the ship. I never pay what they ask. They usually come down 60%-75% off the first price that they give.

Virgin Q&A:

  • Are prepaid service gratuities new? Does anyone know the scoop on this?

    • They now sail out of CA. That state has "transparency laws"; they must detail the charges for consumers. Remember, gratuities have always been included; they just weren't itemized.

  • How often does housekeeping come in to make beds, provide a turn-down service, refresh towels, etc.?

    • Once a day is standard; there is no turndown service. You may request additional services.

Please remember, the above Q&A are what cruisers have posted on social media forums. Facts, opinions, charges, policies, etc., may change. Please refer to your specific cruise line or your travel agent to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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