Cruise News & FAQs 9.16.26

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

NEWS & FAQS

9/16/20265 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.

Cruise News

News & FAQs

Disney Q&A

  • What is the general timeline for getting into cabins, the safety drill, and sail away?

    • Staterooms: usually ready around 1:30 p.m.

    • Safety drill: usually sometime around 3:30–4:00 p.m.

    • Sail Away party: typically shortly after the drill, often around 4:30 p.m.

    • The exact times can vary by ship, port, and sailing, so the Navigator app will have the final schedule once you’re onboard.

    • One important thing: your checked luggage may not arrive at your room right when the stateroom opens, so keep anything you’ll want that first afternoon in your carry-on.

    • Muster won't start until every person from your group is present though. You are at the literal mercy of the other members of your muster group.

  • Will I be able to bring a double stroller to use, with the kids sitting side by side?

    • I brought a stroller for my kids and it fit perfectly under the bed.

    • I never used on the boat and the kids did just fine.

    • I did take it to both islands and I’m so glad I had it for that.

    • Elevators and hallways are VERY tight!

    • The only time we truly felt like it was beneficial that we used it was during debarkation.

    • I think you would have trouble with a stroller like that. If anything, you’d need one of the back to back double strollers.

    • The hallways are VERY narrow, especially with the stateroom attendant carts being out constantly during the day.

    • You would also not be able to get that through your stateroom door without collapsing it.

    • If you’re set on strollers, 2 smaller profile single strollers would probably be better.

MSC Q&A

  • When purchasing sodas, do they come in bottles or cans?

    • Cans, or in a glass

  • Can kids order from the adult menu in the MDR?

    • Yes, and adults can order from the kids menu as well.

NCL Q&A

  • NCL regulars, what’s something you figured out after a few cruises that you wish somebody had told you on your FIRST one? Not the obvious stuff like don’t overpack, I mean the little tricks, shortcuts or things you learned the hard way that actually made cruising better

    • MDR, The Local, O’Sheehan’s, or if your ship has them: American Diner, Indulge Food Hall, or snacks in Observation Lounge for lunch on embarkation day instead of the craziness of the buffet!

    • Follow the fish or triangles, they point to the front of the ship

    • NCL does crepes in the buffet for dinner. On some ships every night. On other ships, occasionally.

    • If you want vodka and lemonade for a drink (because you will not find it at any bars!) Go to the buffet. Go to the 'bar' section at the end and ask for a glass of ice and vodka. Turn around and top off your glass w/ the lemonade that is served out of the juice machine. I get a double, then fill my yeti type thermos w/ it. You can also do this with rum and POG juice (passionfruit / orange / guava juice) from the buffet

    • They keep fresh warm cookies hidden where they scoop ice cream at the buffet

    • I always bring a package of air fresheners to clip on the air conditioning vent and in the bathroom to remove any musty smell in the cabin.

    • We pack disposable coffee cups with lids. The coffee cups on the ship are very small and we like to walk around with our cups of coffee.

    • If you don't use the hangers in the closet, take them down. They will sway with the boat and hit the wall all night long.

    • Keep your keycard from the hotel the night before, and use it to keep your lights and AC on.

    • Bring a rechargeable motion sensor nightlight for the bathroom

    • The casino has snacks late at night

    • To keep in room "fridge" cool, prop open cabinet door with a towel and put a bowl of ice on the freezer tray. So much cooler.

    • Check your bill before you get off. If you have anything to dispute you better get it done on board

    • Ask for two double Bailey’s at the bar before bedtime. Bring them to your room fridge to use as coffee creamer the next morning.

    • If you’re not in The Haven, splurge and get passes to Vibe Beach Club. Totally worth the extra $$$ if you want peaceful not crowded place to go

Royal Q&A

  • Do all the showers have grab bars in them?

    • Most do, yes.

    • A shower chair may be requested, if needed.

  • Can you buy the bingo cards ahead of time

    • Yes, on the app under Onboard Activities.

Viking Q&A

  • If you could give 1 piece of advice to new river cruisers, what would it be?

    • Relax and go with the flow!

    • Rotate your dinner table so that you meet so many wonderful fellow travelers.

    • Take all of the advice you get on Facebook with a grain of salt. Go with an open mind. Don’t overpack.

    • You won't need as many clothes as you think so pack lightly; layers and mix and match.

    • Work with a travel agent .. they can advise you best times to travel, handle all the hassles for you, and help in an emergency.

    • Go on shoulder /off season.

    • In season, you are often stacked boats side by side not allowing you to use your balcony

    • Not all ports will be walk off and into town Sometimes you take a short bus ride to towns center

    • Do an extension before hand! That way if there are any flight issues, you won’t have to worry about about making the cruise on time and you will have time to adjust.

    • Get cancel for any reason insurance. It’s pricy but well worth it if something comes that you are unable to take the trip.

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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