• After over 25 cruises, I know how to book the best cabin on a cruise — and which I prefer to avoid.
• Cabins in the ship's rear or on the bottom two decks can feel rocky during sea days.
• I avoid rooms next to elevators, below gyms, or above theaters to reduce my risk of noisy neighbors.

After going on over 25 cruises, I've learned what I really value and dislike on my sailings — especially when it comes to where I sleep.

First of all, even though it can save me money, I don't let the cruise line choose my room, as it can result in me being stuck with cabins near noisy venues or with obstructed views.

Instead, I make strategic choices and consider a few crucial factors when choosing my ideal stateroom location.

Here are the cruise rooms I always try to avoid booking.

Cabins at the back of the ship can have great views but major drawbacks.

The aft, or ship's rear, provides perfect panoramic views. During one Western Caribbean Princess Cruises, I upgraded to a suite in the ship's aft.

Although the wraparound balcony was beautiful, it was super rocky, especially on sea days. Plus, these rooms tend to be noisier because they're usually near the ship's engines.

While sailing in the back of other ships, I've experienced engine noise and vibration, particularly when entering and exiting ports of call.

I don't book cabins one or two floors above a theater, nightclub, or live-music venue.

Although it may seem convenient to be near onboard entertainment hot spots, the risk of pulsating noise isn't worth it for me.

To determine where these sorts of venues are on a ship, check the cruise line's website or conduct a quick internet search for "[ship name] deck plans."

It feels too risky to book any cabins beneath sports courts, a pool, or a gym.

Soundproofing can vary from poor to excellent, depending on the cruise line, ship, and ship's age.

Although most cruisers hear occasional noise from neighboring cabins and in the hallways, the sound can feel near-constant if you're situated near highly trafficked public spaces.

I never book near recreational areas because the dribbling of basketballs and pounding from running can sometimes be heard within the cabins directly below. I also avoid rooms beneath the gym because some people like to drop their weights.

Lastly, I skip staterooms one floor below the pool so I don't need to worry about hearing music from concerts or the sound of deck chairs scraping across the floor.

I'll skip oceanview rooms on the same deck as running tracks or lifeboats.

On many decks with running tracks, passersby can easily see into your room, so you have to remember to keep the curtains shut, which defeats the purpose of having a porthole or window.

I also never book oceanview rooms on the same deck as lifeboats because they can obscure the view.

When I sailed on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady, I was given a complimentary upgrade from interior cabin to one with an obstructed-view sea terrace. It was nice to have natural sunlight streaming into the room, but I'd never pay extra for a view of the lifeboats.

You won't catch me choosing a stateroom on the bottom two decks of a ship.

Cabins on the lower levels of a ship tend to cost less than higher ones, but that discount usually comes with drawbacks. I don't book these because they're often more subject to engine noise and extreme ship rocking.

If I had to choose a room on a low deck, I'd pick one midship where there tends to be less motion.

I wouldn't book staterooms in the bow of the ship.

I never book staterooms in the forward because they can be too close to the anchors. A cruise ship typically has at least two at the bow, one on the starboard (right) and one on the port (left).

On some ships, passengers close to the anchors can hear when they're dropped.

The top deck isn't for me.

I don't book staterooms on the top deck — it doesn't matter what type they are.

Although these rooms tend to have the best views, they're usually adjacent to noisy and high-traffic areas like the buffet and pool.

I avoid staterooms directly across or right next to the elevators.

Elevator banks are high-traffic areas on cruise ships, especially on embarkation, port, and disembarkation days. Although it's convenient to be near them, the noise risk isn't worth it.

Instead, I book staterooms that are five to 10 cabins away from the elevators, so I'm midship and close to the elevators.

Generally, I try to choose midship cabins on the middle decks.

For me, a midship cabin on a ship's middle decks is ideal for avoiding excess noise and rocking.

Many ships divide their decks into thirds, and the midship cabins tend to be the most expensive (probably because they're quite desirable).

To save money while reaping the benefits, I try to book the first room on either side of the midship — the difference is only a few feet.

• I spent two weeks on a luxurious Explora Journeys cruise exploring the Mediterranean with friends.
• When broken down, we spent about $480 a person per night for an ocean-view suite.
• The ports were great to explore, and we had delicious meals and fun experiences on board.

Having previously visited Greece and enjoyed it, I wanted to explore more of the Adriatic with some friends and family for my 40th birthday.

Since we'd be traveling during peak season, flights and hotel rates were quite high. So, I decided to look into a luxury cruise instead — it seemed like an especially good value if we wanted to see multiple places.

I ended up booking a two-week itinerary throughout Greece and the Adriatic Riviera with Explora Journeys, a luxury line from the MSC Group. Our ship stopped in places like Italy, Montenegro, and Croatia.

Unfortunately, this exact itinerary no longer seems to be available, though similar ones can be found on the Explora Journeys website.

I shared an ocean-terrace suite with one other person, and we each paid about $480 a night. Our fare included all of our food and drinks (except for one meal at a specialty restaurant), gratuities, and port charges.

Here's what our experience was like on a luxury sailing with Explora Journeys.

The ship felt impressively big.

We began our cruise in Piraeus, Greece, and the process was quick and easy.

Within minutes of arriving at our ship, we were brought on board and given Champagne.

Every cabin on this ship is a suite.

When booking our spots on the 813-foot-long ship, we could choose from three tiers of cabins: suites, penthouses, and residences. Residencies are the highest tiers and can come with butlers and private jacuzzis.

My roommate and I were happy with our 377-square-foot, entry-level ocean-terrace suite, which had two twin beds, a balcony, a walk-in closet with a dressing room, and a lounge area.

My favorite feature was the heated floor in the bathroom.

The heated floors were a nice touch in our fairly spacious bathroom.

I also loved the sizable walk-in shower, strong water pressure, and ample counter space.

The room featured a Dyson hairdryer and other solid amenities.

The dressing room was spacious, with ample storage and a vanity area complete with a light-up mirror.

My friends were particularly excited that cabins come with a quality Dyson hair dryer, as some cruise lines restrict the wattage you can use for these devices.

There were also nice touches throughout the room, like wireless charging pads for cellphones built into the nightstands.

Our cabin host also ensured our complimentary minibar was fully stocked with coconut water, ginger beer, Belvedere, and other items throughout our trip.

I loved that our terrace had a daybed.

All cabins come with private outdoor spaces. Ours had a comfortable daybed and a table with two chairs.

The ship has multiple restaurants, but Fil Rouge was my favorite.

The ship had numerous dining options, from a pan-Asian eatery to a steakhouse. Fortunately, meals atmost were included in the cost of our cruise fare.

My favorite was Fil Rouge, as I thought its French-inspired menu was very well executed. Standout dishes included crab cakes, escargot, lobster thermidor, veal Wellington, and daily soufflés.

My second-favorite eatery was the ship's only added-cost dining room.

Meals at the onboard Italian-inspired eatery Anthology were not included in our cruise fare, but we headed there for my birthday.

We participated in its seven-course tasting experience for 140 euros a person, plus an extra 60 euros each for wine pairings. It wasn't cheap, but we paid for it with onboard credits that came with our booking.

Our food was excellent, with bites featuring Oscietra Royal caviar, lobster, truffle, and A5 Japanese wagyu.

There were also bars and lounges on board.

We had plenty of spots to hang out in on the ship, from a whisky bar to a mixology lounge.

My favorite was Lobby Bar, which was centrally located on the ship. Some of my friends preferred the Explora Lounge, which served afternoon tea and offered sweeping views of the ocean.

I also liked the onboard spa, high-end retailers, and pools.

I had two incredible massages at the onboard spa, which was fantastic. Much to my surprise, going there didn't cost me extra — on most cruises, travelers must pay for spa access.

There were also numerous pools and jacuzzis on board and some seriously high-end retailers. We looked through luxurious pieces from brands like Cartier and Piaget, and my friend was even able to purchase a Rolex.

Still, the ports really made this cruise.

Our cruise stopped in numerous places throughout Greece, Italy, Croatia, and Montenegro.

The Greek island of Paros was a highlight for me. Its beaches were truly stunning, and I loved how authentically Greek the towns felt.

We also particularly loved Dubrovnik in Croatia. As my friends enjoyed shopping for leather goods, I relished walking through the walled city made even more famous by HBO's "Game of Thrones."

My favorite experience, though, was visiting the walled city of Kotor, Montenegro, and spending the afternoon at nearby Nikki Beach.

Overall, my Explora Journeys cruise gets high marks from me.

I was really impressed by the service, amenities, and rooms on this cruise.

Plus, we stopped in so many places and our small ship spent a decent amount of time docked in each. I really felt like I could take my time experiencing every city because we'd typically arrive at port very early in the morning and sometimes leave as late as 11 p.m.

As the MSC Group continues to grow Explora Journeys by adding new itineraries and ships, I think it will become a really prominent player in the luxury-cruise space.

• I'm a frequent cruiser who's been on over 50 voyages, and I never book balcony rooms on ships.
• Most balconies fit two people, so my family of three can't even comfortably sit on them together. 
• Balcony rooms also tend to be expensive, and I'd rather spend money on other amenities.

When my son was a toddler, he climbed on a chair and tossed a TV remote off of our hotel room's balcony. It happened so quickly that I didn't have time to stop the remote from falling 10 stories into the bushes — even though I was inches away from him.

Thankfully, I was able to grab my kid and lock the balcony door before he did any real damage, but at that moment, I swore off booking rooms with balconies at hotels and on cruises for good.

Now, I've been on more than 50 cruises, and my son has grown into a responsible, risk-averse tween. But after staying in a wide variety of room types, I've felt no desire to give balcony rooms another try for a host of reasons, most of which aren't safety-related.

Balconies aren't nearly as idyllic as I imagined

When my son was little, I dreamed of tucking him in for a nap and slipping out to my cruise cabin's balcony to read a good book and enjoy the fresh air. However, there were problems with this plan. 

For starters, his bed was right next to the balcony door on many cruises, making it all but impossible to slip in and out of the room without waking him. Also, I had no way of hearing him call for me when I was on the balcony with the door shut.

As he grew older, I still found cruise balconies to be impractical, but for different reasons. They generally only have enough room and seating for two, meaning my family of three was unable to comfortably sit on the balcony together. 

When my husband and I had the room to ourselves, the ship's movement meant it was often too windy to spend time in our outside space. Every time we opened the balcony door, it created a wind tunnel in our stateroom that sent objects flying through the air.

Sometimes, our neighbors smoked cigarettes or talked loudly from their adjacent balconies, interrupting what would've otherwise been a peaceful, private experience.

Many cruisers prefer to explore the ship rather than sit on a private balcony

Throughout my decades of cruising, I've noticed that many of my fellow passengers don't seem to use their balconies to the fullest, either. Many people prefer to be out of their rooms enjoying onboard amenities or lounging by the pool, leaving their balconies mostly empty.

On a somewhat recent voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, I paid close attention to the ship's rooms with interior balconies. They face inward, making it easy to peep at how often passengers use them.

I saw people briefly step out on them before leaving their rooms to explore, but for the majority of my seven nights on the ship, these balconies appeared eerily vacant. Although they offered perfect views of onboard entertainment, I hardly saw anyone spending time on them. 

However, I did see passengers use the interior balconies to hang-dry wet towels and swimsuits. That certainly seems practical, but it hardly seemed like a worthy use of this costly space.

Of course, I was only observing the interior balconies, and cruisers with ocean-facing balconies might use their outdoor spaces more frequently.

Balcony rooms are usually some of the priciest on the ship

Though pricing for balcony rooms varies between cruises, they're almost always one of the more expensive cabins on a cruise.

On some ships, booking a balcony room can cost hundreds of dollars more than the base-level accommodations, and I can think of a lot of ways I'd rather spend money on vacation.

I understand the appeal of balconies and love the views they offer. However, I can usually get the same views for less money by booking a porthole room. Plus, I've found I look out of the portholes more often than I ever stepped onto my balconies.

This story was originally published on April 3, 2023, and most recently updated on January 8, 2025.

• My husband and I skipped Thanksgiving this year to visit our 7th continent together.
• Our kids, who've visited 25 countries with us, supported our dream and followed our trip virtually.
• It was a trip we'll always remember, and we saw unbelievably gorgeous sights.

My husband and I just marked a significant milestone by visiting our seventh continent together: Antarctica. During the past 20 years, our mutual love for exploration has taken us to every corner of the globe, but our recent journey to this vast, icy desert feels distinctly different.

Once a destination reserved for scientists and the most intrepid travelers, Antarctica has become more accessible in recent years thanks to expedition voyages offered by various companies. We embarked on an extraordinary 11-day adventure to Antarctica with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Here's what it's like to visit Antarctica and why we're glad we saved the "frozen" continent for last.

Each day was an adventure

The flight itinerary included a 24-hour, two-connection route from the US to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We spent one night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, which has fantastic views of the town and the Beagle Channel.

The following morning, we ventured briefly to Tierra del Fuego National Park. In the early evening, we boarded our vessel, ready to set sail on an exciting seven-night voyage.

Though Antarctica's harsh conditions left my fingertips frozen daily, setting foot on its pristine, glacial landscapes filled me with an unexpected sense of warmth and wonder. The awe of being immersed in such a stunning setting made every challenge worthwhile.

Each day was a thrilling adventure. We boarded zodiac boats to reach remote bays for morning and afternoon excursions, engaging in various activities from serene kayaking to invigorating hikes. Between these outings, we gained a deeper understanding of the continent's unique ecosystem and marine life through expert-led presentations on various topics, including (of course) penguins. We learned that penguins can take up to 10,000 naps per day, each lasting about 4 seconds.

Throughout the trip, we had close encounters with these adorable creatures. We watched them porpoise through the cerulean waters, gracefully leaping in and out with remarkable agility. On land, we watched them waddle and slide on their bellies up and down the "penguin highways" — well-worn paths carved by penguins walking the same routes between the ocean and their colonies.

When not on an excursion, we made the most of our time aboard the ship. The main lounge was a delightful place to unwind, socialize with fellow travelers, and enjoy incredible views. Although I experienced some queasiness while crossing the infamous Drake Passage, we were fortunate to have traversed the "Drake Lake." Our expedition leader said we were blessed with some of the calmest seas he had ever seen.

We also enjoyed meal options like butter confit lobster tail and a special Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cranberry sauce, and gravy.

We saw plenty of beautiful sights, but 5 stood out

One of the highlights of the trip was when the ship parked on a bed of fast ice at Charlotte Bay. We disembarked and walked directly on the ice, observing a small group of penguins.

Cierva Cove has jaw-dropping scenery befitting a postcard. There, we marveled at the dynamic interplay between the ocean, icebergs, and floating sea ice.

We also kayaked in Chiriguano Bay, a protected inlet on the southern end of Brabant Island in the Palmer Archipelago. Paddling with the backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains was so calming.

Portal Point is a stunning, rocky outcrop northeast of the Reclus Peninsula, with dramatic mountain ranges and glacial tongues. It's one of those places you have to see to believe.

And finally, Deception Island's volcanic terrain starkly contrasted the icy landscapes found elsewhere in Antarctica. The island features warm sands and geothermal waters along its coast.

It's a trip we'll always remember

At the end of the cruise, we embarked on a nonstop flight from Teniente Rodolfo Marsh Martin Airport, located within Chile's Antarctic base on King George Island, to Puerto Natales, Chile. The flight provided a seamless and scenic transition from the frozen wilderness back to the verdant landscapes of the South American mainland.

Our trip to Antarctica was undoubtedly our most unforgettable trip to date. The rare privilege of navigating this phenomenal landscape, leaving footprints where few ever will, was a challenging physical journey and a profoundly emotional one, too. It left us with an enduring connection to a world that is both formidable and incomparable in its beauty — a place that will forever occupy a special space in our hearts.

• There are still things I hate about cruises, even after more than 50 sailings.
• Cruises can require lots of planning and limited port time, which kills spontaneity.
• Loyalty programs can make it hard for those of us without status to make reservations.

After more than 50 sailings, it's clear that I love cruises and keep coming back for more.

However, even as a cruise enthusiast, there are still some things that drive me nuts about this form of travel.

From pricey upcharges for specialty dining to limited port time, here are my top gripes with modern cruising.

Trying to get poolside lounge chairs and seats at crowded events can feel like an Olympic sport.

Although it's understandable that cruises are limited by space and can only provide so much seating in each venue, the lack of chairs in many ships' most popular areas continues to be a source of frustration for me.

On every cruise I've been on, you've got to get up pretty early in the morning if you want a deck chair by the pool.

Passengers stake their claim on loungers with towels and personal items — often before sunrise — meaning that if you snooze, you lose your opportunity to soak up the sun.

Finding a seat can also prove challenging at popular onboard events, like trivia, where I've often seen participants resort to sitting on the floor.

Planning is often required if you want to make the most of your trip.

Gaining access to other in-demand cruise activities can be an equally daunting task.

Although I enjoy the Broadway-style shows found on most modern cruise ships, these incredible performances naturally draw big crowds.

To manage them, many cruises require travelers to reserve their seats weeks before a ship departs — if you miss the booking window, you could be out of luck. I've found spots can fill up quickly for popular shows.

A similar process is common for specialty dining venues at sea. In many cases, coveted extra-cost eateries have run out of reservations long before I boarded the ship.

Whenever I did snag a sought-after reservation, I hated having to plan the rest of my day around one meal.

On cruises, I prefer a more laid-back spontaneity, and having to book things so far in advance spoils my sense of freedom.

Loyalty programs can create a system of "haves" and "have-nots."

One way to secure early access to the popular bookings I mentioned above is to earn status.

Major lines have loyalty programs that reward repeat cruisers with perks, including the ability to book offerings earlier than other travelers.

Unfortunately, this can create an unbalanced system and make it tough to want to experiment with different cruise lines.

Even as a seasoned cruiser, I don't have amazing loyalty perks with most lines because I've sailed with so many different ones.

My highest status level is with Disney Cruise Line, so I tend to book its ships whenever possible so I can have a leg up in securing my top choice of port adventures, dining options, and more.

I'd love to branch out and try other cruise lines, but the barrier to entry for a first-timer can be steep.

Cruises offer limited time in each port, which can make some experiences feel rushed.

There's nothing I love more than leisurely days spent soaking up the culture of the place I'm visiting.

From sipping coffee and people-watching at a café to wandering through a town center, I adore taking in a destination's simple pleasures as much as its major tourist attractions.

However, this type of unhurried exploration is rarely possible on a cruise. When I set off to explore a port, I know I must be back on the ship at a certain time. That deadline looms over my head throughout my visit.

Time is of the essence when you're only docked for a few hours, and I feel pressured to make the most of my limited sightseeing time.

Although this frenetic pace is not my ideal way to see a new city, I've learned to embrace it somewhat and treat my cruise stops as a sampler — a highlight reel of what that locale has to offer.

This helps me determine which cities I want to come back to in the future to explore more thoroughly.

• We went on similar cruises with Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas and the Norwegian Breakaway.
• When comparing the cruises on food, app, and overall service, Royal Caribbean was our winner.
• Norwegian had epic entertainment but didn't blow us away in many other categories.

In recent years, my husband and I have discovered the joy of cruising. We now average two cruises a year.

To determine our preferred cruise line, we took similar cruises on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line to compare the food, service, entertainment, and other amenities that matter to us.

In April 2023, we sailed on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas for 10 nights from Galveston, Texas. Nine months later, in January 2024, we cruised on the Norwegian Breakaway for seven nights from New Orleans.

Both cruises to the Western Caribbean visited the same three ports: Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, with multiple sea days.

For us, there was a clear winner. Here is my cruise-to-cruise comparison.

We preferred Royal Caribbean's main dining room and buffet — but both lines had impressive specialty restaurants

As a plant-based eater, I appreciated the vegan options in the main dining room and at the expansive buffet on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas.

We were also delighted with the themes of each evening's meals, such as Caribbean, seafood, and French nights, and found the food delicious.

For my husband's birthday, we splurged on specialty dining at Giovanni's Table and were treated like royalty in the intimate venue with an Italian-inspired menu.

In my opinion, the Norwegian Breakaway's included dining options were less impressive with fewer tasty vegan options. We did, however, enjoy dining at its specialty restaurant Moderno.

The upscale, lively Brazilian steakhouse had an epic salad bar overflowing with options such as briny olives, specialty salads, mushrooms, beans, and more. My husband also loved its plentiful skewers of various meats.

We had fun on both ships, but Norwegian impressed us more with a big-name show

Though both lines offered comparable daily entertainment, Norwegian really excelled with its evening shows.

Its onboard Broadway production of the musical "Six" was a standout. It featured an all-female cast and orchestra in a fabulous performance.

The nighttime entertainment we experienced on the Royal Caribbean ship felt professional and high-quality — its parade of flags with dozens of crew members celebrating their countries was especially cool. We didn't get to see a big-name act or Broadway-level performance, however.

We much preferred the fitness center on Radiance of the Seas

Being a personal trainer, my husband enjoys using the fitness center when we cruise.

Debuting in 2001, Radiance of the Seas is one of the older ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet — but with ample windows and panoramic views, its fitness center felt modern enough and enjoyable to use.

It was also laid out in a way that made moving around the facility and using the free weights and machines easy.

On the Norwegian Breakaway, which debuted in 2013, the fitness center was broken up into separate rooms, which made it feel more cramped.

The area for fitness classes usually had the lights off during our visits, which made the whole space seem dark. We found fewer weightlifting options and cardio machines as well.

We found Royal Caribbean's app to be easier to navigate

Both cruise lines have their own apps. We became great at navigating Royal Caribbean's to check in early, book dining reservations, and find activities to do on board.

For us, Norwegian's app felt clunkier and more challenging to use.

After a few days, we gave up on its app entirely. Fortunately, Norwegian provided paper copies of a daily itinerary each evening, so we used that to plan our onboard activities instead.

We were surprised by how much we preferred Royal Caribbean's service

We were shocked to find our experience with service to be so dramatically different between the two cruise lines.

On every Royal Caribbean cruise we've been on, including this one, our cabin attendants have introduced themselves on embarkation day, provided a business card, and greeted us warmly whenever we crossed paths.

On this Norwegian sailing, we didn't know who our cabin attendant was until the fifth day when they delivered extra towels.

In general, we felt the crew on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas paid much better attention to detail than the crew on the Norwegian Breakaway.

For example, in Royal Caribbean's main dining room, staff scraped the crumbs off the table between courses. Small touches like this make a huge impact.

We also found crew members we encountered on Royal Caribbean cruises — servers, entertainment staff, cabin stewards — to be more friendly and open to engaging with and conversing with guests.

Norwegian crew members we encountered were professional and nice but didn't seem particularly interested in chatting or connecting with us.

It may have just been our experience — and this probably isn't a big deal to many travelers — but we wondered whether this was just a difference between the cruise lines when it comes to culture and staff expectations.

Overall, we can't wait to sail with Royal Caribbean again

In the end, though both cruise lines offered enjoyable experiences, Royal Caribbean's attention to detail, superior service, and overall atmosphere made it our clear winner.

We plan to book with the line more frequently and build loyalty there as we continue our cruising adventures.

• I spent over 30 days with four cruise lines this past year, and I learned some travel tips for 2025.
• I'm done assuming interior cabins are the cheapest rooms on cruise ships.
• In 2025, I'll try to better take advantage of seasonal sales and credit-card offers.

As a frequent cruiser, I learn a little something from each trip.

In the past 12 months, I've spent 30 days at sea on four different cruise lines exploring the Eastern and Western Caribbean and Central America. From those sailings alone, I've learned numerous time- and money-saving travel tips.

Here are a few pieces of cruising advice I'll be taking with me into 2025.

I'm no longer going to assume an interior stateroom is the cheapest option.

I almost always book an interior stateroom because I don't spend a lot of time in my cabin and like saving money.

Although this is often the cheapest option, I learned this year that it isn't always.

In September, my father and I booked a last-minute cruise on the Disney Wish. We almost booked one of the many interior cabins available until I discovered a deluxe ocean-view stateroom with a verandah for over $100 cheaper.

Turns out, it's wise to compare costs on different ships within the same cruise line.

When I booked my sailing on Margaritaville at Sea's Islander in July, I assumed my trip on this new ship would be more expensive than its older one.

After all, the Islander is much nicer and has more amenities than the budget cruise line's Paradise ship that I sailed on in 2023.

Much to my pleasant surprise, my trip on the newer ship cost less. My total per night for an interior stateroom was $93 on Islander compared to $165 on Paradise.

Even though I'm a seasoned cruiser, joining online travel groups can still be helpful.

I haven't always been on top of joining and checking cruise-line and voyage-specific Facebook groups, but I think I will from now on.

Many of these online groups contain a wealth of information, even for seasoned cruiser like me.

You can find information on how cruise lines compare, photos of what staterooms actually look like, and practical advice for troubleshooting a slew of issues.

After missing some sales and promotions, I plan to keep a better eye on my inbox and mailbox.

By ignoring emails and promotional mailers about sales, I missed out on complimentary add-ons like drink packages and free WiFi in 2024.

Even if I'm not sure when or where I want to cruise next, I plan to actually look at seasonal sales and offers in 2025 — especially those that require low deposits or have flexible rules for payment.

I wish I'd stayed on top of my credit-card offers, too.

In the past year, I learned the value of enrolling in loyalty-match programs to score upgrades, onboard credits, and more. However, I'd forgotten to use offers from my American Express Blue Sky credit card.

Now, I've started to check and use monthly offers each time I make my credit-card payment.

After all, just a few years ago, I was able to use an AmEx offer to get hundreds of dollars back when using my card to pay for a Princess Cruise.

Next year, I'll try not to forget to put important booking deadlines in my calendar.

When I book a cruise, I only pay the deposit. I put the due date for the final payment on my calendar, but I usually forget to mark anything else.

In 2025, I want to better track important milestones, like the first day I can book onboard experiences and shore excursions.

Because I forgot to do this in the past few months, I missed out on booking my first-choice Holland America Line excursion in Curaçao and didn't get to reserve a beach cabana on Disney's Castaway Cay.

Some of my embarkation days were wasted this year, so I want to start making the most of them.

Moving forward, I want to take full advantage of each ship's embarkation day by boarding as early as possible.

I've learned to pay attention to each cruise line's check-in procedure to see when I can select an early port arrival time.

On Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, travelers who have completed online check-in can begin selecting arrival times 21 days before their sail date. Some cruise lines include early boarding in add-on packages or offer it via loyalty programs.

Specialty dining will no longer be part of my cruise plans.

When I sail on a new cruise line, I splurge for specialty dining because I want to try every restaurant. However, more often than not, paying extra to eat in these places hasn't been worth it.

In the past few months, I found myself particularly disappointed by the mediocre food at Asian-themed specialty restaurants at sea — especially ones serving sushi.

Plus, the specialty steakhouses are usually worth skipping because many cruises serve steak at least once in the main dining room at no extra cost.

Before I book any cruise, I'm going to start looking into the ship's age.

When I've booked cruises in the past, I've focused on the price, ports, and length of a sailing. Moving forward, though, I'm going to look up the age of a ship to avoid disappointment.

For most cruise lines, older ships tend to be smaller with fewer amenities, even if they've been recently refurbished. Plus, the ship's age can influence everything from stateroom size to ports of call.

If there was one phrase that captured the vibe and theme of 2024 — at least in the transportation sector — it was “business whiplash.” Legacy automakers changed direction on their all-EVs-or-bust strategy, startups pivoted, and some Silicon Valley VCs and executives adjusted their views on a changing political landscape in which they now are […]

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• As a frequent traveler, I've spent many days in interior staterooms on different cruise lines.
• My interior cabin on the Holland America Line's Rotterdam had a lot of amenities and felt luxurious.
• I love the beds on Princess Cruises ships, but my Norwegian Cruise Line studio was the best value.

As a frequent cruiser, I always book interior cabins. They're often the most economical option, though they aren't identical across cruise lines.

So, I compared my recent interior cabins on Holland America Line's Rotterdam, Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway, and Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess.

Here's how the spaces stacked up — and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

One of my interior cabins was on Holland America Line's Rotterdam.

Last December, I sailed on Holland America Line's Rotterdam for a 12-day Panama Canal cruise that cost $849 plus $460 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

My rate included a $25 onboard credit but no gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The above rate was for my half of the cabin, which I booked to share with a friend. Had my original reservation been for one person, I would've paid a higher rate for the same cabin.

The cabin had a decent amount of space, especially compared with ocean-view rooms on the ship.

My 160-square-foot cabin featured two wardrobes, a queen-size bed, a desk, and a minibar.

It was only about 15 square feet smaller than some ocean-view staterooms on the ship, which start at 175 square feet.

The large bathroom was a highlight.

This bathroom is one of the largest ones I've experienced on a cruise.

I liked that it had a walk-in glass shower as big as ones I've seen in nice hotels on land and a ton of storage around the vanity, shower, and toilet.

I had a lot of amenities and basics in my cabin.

The number of in-room amenities was impressive and included a mini refrigerator, a safe, a makeup mirror, a hairdryer, robes, beach towels, and an umbrella.

Plus, this cabin had the most electrical outlets I've seen in a cruise room thus far.

Lastly, the cabin had a well-stocked minibar.

The cabin had an expertly curated minibar area featuring a cabinet that included red wine, white wine, rocks glasses, and a stainless-steel ice bucket.

Bottles of Mondavi chardonnay, La Marca prosecco, and premade On the Rocks cocktails were also available for an extra fee.

Overall, my Holland America Line room was classy, and standouts included the well-stocked minibar and massive shower.

My next cabin was on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway.

In February 2023, I sailed alone in a studio cabin on Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway on a six-day Bermuda cruise for $699 plus $283 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

The rate included free WiFi, an unlimited drink package, one specialty dining meal, and $50 toward a port excursion.

Norwegian's studio suites are designed for solo travelers, so I didn't have to pay the single-traveler supplement most lines charge for cruising alone.

If I'd had a travel companion with me and we booked a non-solo interior cabin, the rate per person would've been even cheaper.

The studio felt futuristic and well-designed.

My 100-square-foot studio was packed with thoughtful and stylish futuristic decor, such as cushioned wall panels along two sides of the bed back-lit with strip lighting.

I also loved my porthole "window" that could transform the room from pitch black to colorfully lit. Though I couldn't see the ocean out of it, it made the room feel larger and more cheerful than a standard interior cabin.

This was the smallest room of the three on this list, but I felt the space was used well.

The studio was filled with space-saving furnishings and designs.

For example, the handles on the wardrobes' sliding doors doubled as towel racks.

The bathroom didn't offer much privacy, but I didn't mind.

As this room is designed for solo travelers, the shower isn't separated by a door — it's just across from the bed.

The all-glass tiled shower and separate stall with a toilet felt tiny but manageable.

Lastly, I loved the perks that came with the studio.

My room came with attractive perks, such as access to a private lounge for cruisers in studios.

Plus, my hallway was accessible only by keycard for other people staying in studios, which made me feel extra safe as a solo traveler.

Overall, I found my interior Norwegian Cruise Line studio to be convenient, cozy, and stylish.

I also spent 16 days in an interior cabin on the Caribbean Princess.

In August 2023, I stayed in an interior room on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess on a 16-day sailing to Canada, New England, and Greenland for $1,863 plus $270 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

I sailed with another traveler in this interior stateroom, so this was for my half of the cabin and based on double occupancy.

This rate didn't include gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The room didn't feel particularly special, but it was very comfy.

My 162-square-foot cabin had one large closet, a desk, and a queen-size bed.

The highlight was its famous Princess Luxury Bed, a comfy medium-firm mattress with a plush 2-inch-thick pillow top. It's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on while cruising.

I enjoyed the many in-room entertainment options.

I forgot to photograph it, but the cabin's compact bathroom felt nice and standard compared with others I've had on cruises.

The ship's touchless technology made it easy for me to unlock the stateroom door and request services.

Plus, the in-room entertainment was superior to what I've had on other cruise lines. I could watch movies or live satellite television or listen to music and audiobooks that were preloaded on the TV.

Overall, I found my cabin to be comfortable and quiet, with tons of options for entertainment.

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my studio on the Norwegian Cruise Line felt like the best bang for my buck.

Holland America Line had the most luxurious furnishings and impeccable service, and Princess Cruises had the most comfortable bed and the best in-room entertainment.

For me, though, the all-around pricing and perks of Norwegian Cruise Line's stylish interior studios can't be beaten.

It was the smallest room I stayed in, but it had nearly the same furnishings and amenities as competitors' cabins. Plus, as a frequent solo traveler, the lounge access, the added security, and the lack of a supplemental fee are music to my ears.

Still, I was happy with my cabins on Holland America Line and Princess Cruises — and I'd love to see both lines offer studios in the future.

• The CDC randomly inspects and scores cruise ships to prevent the spread of stomach viruses.
• The average score of vessels in 2024 is 95.9 out of 100 — 85 or less is considered failing.
• The nine dirtiest ships scored between 86 to 89. Two others failed but passed in later reviews.

A "B" is considered a passing grade on most exams.

For cruise ships, scoring an 85 out of 100 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program review is considered a failure.

In 2024, the CDC reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on ships. Most incidents were of norovirus, a highly contagious bug that quickly spreads through tainted food, water, surfaces, or people.

Best not to be a victim. Its main symptoms — vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain — can quickly ruin a vacation.

To mitigate these outbreaks, the CDC conducts random and unannounced sanitary inspections on cruise ships. The public health agency then scores the vessel from zero to 100, with outcomes of 85 or lower considered inadequate.

The review includes checking common spaces like pools and children's activity centers. Obvious issues like vermin and improperly stored food will cost points. As will subtler problems, such as buffet handwashing stations with lights less than 110 lux and produce stickers left where cleaned cooking equipment is stored.

The CDC has performed 151 inspections in 2024, including repeat inspections on 23 ships. The average score is about 95.9. 27 vessels achieved perfect marks, while two failed but later passed in later reviews.

Nine vessels didn't break into the 90s range, including Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's ultra-luxury Evrima:

1. Hanseatic Inspiration — Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, scored 89 (inspected October 28, previously received a 62 on September 29)
2. Carnival Elation — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 89 (inspected March 14)
3. Adventure of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International, scored 89 (inspected January 23)
4. National Geographic Sea Bird — Lindblad Expeditions, scored 88 (inspected July 25)
5. Carnival Miracle — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 88 (inspected April 21)
6. MSC Magnifica — MSC Cruises, scored 86 (inspected May 17)
7. Evrima — Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, scored 86 (inspected February 9)
8. Carnival Breeze — Carnival Cruise Line, scored 86 (inspected March 21)
9. Caribbean Princess — Princess Cruises, scored 86 (inspected March 20)

Crystal Serenity received an 89 on February 2 but was bumped to a 90 seven months later. Similarly, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise received a failing score of 83 on May 1 but passed a subsequent inspection with a 92 on July 2.

What the cruise lines have said

A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd told Business Insider that Hanseatic Inspiration's initial lower score was a "very unfortunate incident" that didn't reflect the company's operational standards. "We have been consistently meeting strict hygiene requirements worldwide for many years with exemplary results," they said.

Following the inspection, the cruise line addressed the ship's "operational aspects" to meet its quality standards, as showcased in the vessel's follow-up passing score in October.

The spokesperson said lingering issues are "being addressed and will be completed in a timely manner," and the company will continue to improve its "quality management processes" particularly with regard to the requirements of the CDC."

Similarly, a spokesperson for MSC Cruises told BI in October it had implemented an "improvement plan" on MSC Magnifica according to the CDC inspector's suggestions. Many of the changes were immediate and only needed "minor" efforts, it said. The cruise line said that it believes Magnifica's score "is not a true reflection of the ship as it is today" and would "welcome any future inspection."

MSC noted that many of its ships frequently achieve above 90, including the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seashore, which both received perfect marks in 2024.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Lindblad Expeditions, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Princess Cruises didn't respond to a request for comment.

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The former CIA counterterrorism officer John Kiriakou looks at counterterrorism scenes in movies and TV and breaks them down for realism.

Kiriakou explains the counterterrorism efforts done to directly address the September 11 attacks — commonly known as 9/11 — such as the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, which ultimately led to his killing, in "Zero Dark Thirty," featuring Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, and Chris Pratt; and the CIA's interrogation techniques — such as waterboarding and sleep deprivation — to detainees, such as the Al-Qaeda members Abu Zubaydah and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, in "The Report," starring Adam Driver. He breaks down the plausibility of weapons used by terrorists, such as the use of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nerve agents, in "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation," with Tom Cruise and Simon Pegg; and the cyberterrorism attack in "Skyfall," featuring Daniel Craig and Judi Dench. Kiriakou looks at more counterterrorism strategies, such as the drone attack in "Homeland" S4E1 (2014), starring Claire Danes; and the collaboration of intelligence agencies in "Body of Lies," featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crow, and Oscar Isaac. He also reacts to the depiction of other real-life terrorist attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks in "Hotel Mumbai," starring Dev Patel; the Munich Massacre, which involved the Palestinian militant organization Black September, in "Munich," with Daniel Craig and Eric Bana; and the depiction of the hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814, which landed in Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan — then a stronghold of the Taliban — in "IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack" E5 + E6 (2024).

Before 9/11, Kiriakou served as a counterterrorism operations officer in Athens, Greece; and after the 9/11 attacks, Kiriakou was appointed chief of counterterrorist operations in Pakistan, where he oversaw a series of military raids on Al-Qaeda safe houses, resulting in the capture of numerous Al-Qaeda members, including leading the raid that captured Abu Zubaydah — who was then believed to be Al-Qaeda's third-highest-ranking member. He left the CIA in 2004, and in 2007, he went public with his information about the CIA's "enhanced interrogation techniques," a program of systematic torture of detainees. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of revealing information that identified a covert agent. He went on to become a senior investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a terrorism consultant for ABC News. He has written various books and teaches and speaks around the country, focusing on the CIA, terrorism, torture, and ethics in intelligence operations.

You can follow Kiriakou on LinkedIn:

Here is a link to Kiriakou's books.

• I spent three nights on Royal Caribbean's new Utopia of the Seas in mid-November.
• The world's second-largest cruise ship is operating short voyages to appeal to first-time cruisers.
• It's overwhelming, overstimulating, and great for cruise-curious travelers who might like action-packed ships.

Utopia of the Seas' list of amenities sounds like a holiday carol: 27 eateries, 18 bars, eight hot tubs, five pools, three waterslides (and a partridge in a pear tree?).

The new 5,668-guest ship's activities are the gifts that keep giving — maybe overwhelmingly so.

Royal Caribbean launched its 28th cruise ship, the world's second-largest, in July. Despite its gargantuan stature and equally sized list of amenities, Utopia is only operating three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida.

If you've traveled on Royal Caribbean's giant Oasis-class vessels, the new ship should feel familiar. If it's your first time on a cruise, Utopia will have succeeded in luring new guests — and you'll likely be overwhelmed.

This was my third Royal Caribbean cruise. Yet, even I was engulfed by its semi-controlled chaos.

The sprawling pool deck has three pools, a children's water playground, and three waterslides.

The music was loud, the unclaimed lounge chairs were sparse, and the waterslide lines were long.

I was especially partial to the two racing slides.

The third option, a toilet bowl-shaped slide, closed for maintenance halfway through my four-day voyage before I could attempt it.

Otherwise, I didn't spend much time at the pool deck. It was too chaotic, and I hated simmering shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers in the overloaded hot tubs.

The mega ship clocks in at 1,188 feet long. Plenty. of room for fun and games.

Lots of those activities are near the pools.

There, you'll find a mini golf course and playground, both great for kids. Or, head to the sports court for events like pickleball and basketball. (The ping pong tables are separate, wind-proofed behind glass walls.)

The surf simulator has viewing platforms for those who want a show.

Be wary of the zipline — you could spend more time in line than on the slow-moving ride. And if you don't look up upon landing, you might break your glasses (as my sister did).

At least the racing dry slides are foolproof (sorry, Ashley).

The slide's twists and turns spit riders out onto the wood-planked Boardwalk.

The neighborhood offers family-friendly activities reminiscent of a beachside pier: a carousel, a kid's netted climbing wall, arcade games, a Johnny Rockets, and a sports bar.

Splurge on sweets from the candy store. Then, sweat out the sugar high at the two rock climbing walls.

Revisit the Boardwalk in the evening for 'Aqua80too.'

The ship's Boardwalk area is anchored by the water-based Aquatheater, home of the swim, dance, dive, slackline, and tightrope-walking "Aqua80too" show.

The unforgettable performance, named after its nostalgic 1980s soundtrack, is as chaotic as the pool deck at 1 p.m., especially if you sit in the splash zone.

Make time for it — you'll regret missing the thrilling performance.

There's also a figure skating show, 'Youtopia.'

Expect impressive twirls, jumps, and calisthenics.

It was an exceptional step up from the ice show on Utopia's predecessor, Wonder of the Seas, which I left early out of boredom.

Depending on the day, the rink also opens for free skating or transforms into a laser tag arena.

For a more traditional song-and-dance show, book 'All In.'

I rarely enjoy these staple cruise shows. However, "All In"'s unexpected acrobatics and detailed high-tech sets wooed me.

Was it as unique as the other two shows? No — but it was an inspired and feverish take on a tired formula.

That said, I'm tired of hearing covers of Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" on every ship.

Good luck finding a quiet reprieve from Utopia's frenzied energy.

So, you've sent the youngsters to the children's club. Now what?

Well, you're never far from the ship's 16 bars, six of which are in the mall-like Royal Promenade.

The tiki-themed Pesky Parrot is great for frozen drinks and conversing with the animatronic parrot. Or, grab a drink at Rising Tide, a platform that levitates between the Royal Promenade to Central Park throughout the day.

Boardwalk is for excitable children as Central Park is for overwhelmed parents.

Its plant-engulfed benches and restaurants are cocooned from the rest of Utopia, save for the looming echoes from the overhead pools.

It's Utopia's calmest section and a great place to play chess, listen to live jazz, or indulge in a glass of bubbles.

(Most cocktails are about $14. Wines and beers start at about $8 each.)

If the bars aren't enough, the ship also hosts themed parties.

Relive your young 20s with a silent toga and "Royal Kappa Chi."

For a less collegiate affair, lace up your dancing shoes for the cover band-directed Music Hall or the Latin band-led Boleros.

Otherwise, your only option for an adult-only reprieve will be the Solarium.

Utopia has almost no adult-only zones, save for the Solarium lounge's pools and hot tubs.

It's indoors, tucked under a glass-paneled dome. So, if you want to relax without the kids, you'll have to contend with the ever-present smell of chlorine and the lack of unfettered sunlight.

It's located near the Solarium Bistro, a contemporary Mediterranean-Californian restaurant with a breakfast buffet.

Its morning crowds are typically less chaotic than Windjammer, the primary all-day buffet, and El Loco Fresh, the Mexican-inspired buffet with long lunch lines.

The former serves relatively diverse options, such as an Indian-themed night.

You'll have some great meals on Utopia.

I ate most of my evening meals in the main dining room.

The menu rotates daily. Order the prime rib when available — it's one of the best I've had.

Other complimentary venues include the Boardwalk's hot dog stand (pass) and the two cafés (smash, especially the soup at Central Park's café).

Grab a drunk slice of pizza from Royal Promenade's Sorrento's or a mid-swim snack from the poolside Spare Tire.

17 of the ship's 27 dining options cost extra.

They're as small as $6 shave ice and as hefty as $155 per person omakase at Izumi.

Or, splurge on the Japanese restaurant's other options: teppanyaki, sushi, and bento box takeout.

Sit down for a bowl of pasta and glass of wine at the two-deck Giovanni's Italian Kitchen.

The terrace has a great view of the Boardwalk, where you can similarly pay for a burger from Johnny Rockets or wings from the adjacent sports bar.

For American fare, the ship has returning favorites like 150 Central Park (upscale and modern) and Chops Grille (a steakhouse).

Head to The Mason Jar for Southern comfort and Hooked Seafood for coastal classics.

Or, opt for the cruise line's first Royal Railway, an interactive train-themed restaurant that's as hard to book as it is pricey, starting at $120 per person.

You could try a new restaurant and bar every day without hitting any repeats.

The options to pass the time on Utopia are seemingly endless, from the four slides to arcade games to bar-hosted karaoke and trivia.

Not once did I sit still, wondering if I'd run out of things to do.

Instead the opposite — I intermittently retreated to my cabin, overwhelmed with decision paralysis.

If you're a hyperactive child, Utopia will be perfect. If you're seeking a quiet cruise, Utopia could be your worst nightmare.

If your family includes both active children and activity-reluctant parents, the floating summer state fair might still be a great option.

You won't be aboard Utopia longer than four days, enough time for kids to stay engaged with its amenities. It's a great trial run for cruise-curious travelers, especially those who might enjoy giant activity-packed ships.

A four-night Utopia voyage in 2025 currently starts at about $650 per person.

Firearms expert Patrick McNamara rates gun technique in movies.

McNamara talks about recovering ammo on the battlefield in "John Wick: Chapter 2," starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Common. He explains how to handle different types of machine guns in "Rambo: First Blood Part II," starring Sylvester Stallone; and "Pulp Fiction," starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bruce Willis. He critiques James Bond's shooting form in "Die Another Day," starring Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry and Judi Dench; and "No Time to Die," starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, and Ana de Armas. He breaks down how to fire at a moving target in "Deadpool," starring Ryan Reynolds. He discusses firing two guns at once in "The Bourne Identity," starring Matt Damon and Clive Owen. He describes shooting range exercises in "S.W.A.T.," starring Colin Farrell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jeremy Renner; and "Lethal Weapon," starring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. He looks at shooting in dark environments in "Sicario," starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, and Benicio del Toro. He analyzes the reload techniques displayed in "Scarface," starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. He walks us through different sniper positions in "Mad Max: Fury Road," starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Nicholas Hoult. Finally, he deconstructs Tom Cruise's shooting stance in "Collateral," also starring Jamie Foxx and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Patrick McNamara served for 22 years in Army special operations forces. He is president of TMACS, where he trains people in tactical marksmanship.

You can learn more about safe gun-handling techniques from Patrick here:

https://www.youtube.com/@patmcnamara

https://www.tmacsinc.com/

Welcome back to Week in Review. This week, we’re looking at GM’s decision to pull out of the robotaxi business, Google alluding to the existence of multiple universes, and how you can make some serious cash by getting an AI bot to fall in love with you. Let’s get into it. General Motors will no […]

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