Travel trends, week 44: solo cruising, Carnival cruises and shore excursions

Are solo cabin deals on Norwegian and MSC actually worth it?

New this week

Travelers who usually sail as couples want their own cabins for a quick trip with friends. They’ve noticed Norwegian and MSC solo rates look friendlier than Royal Caribbean’s, and they can’t tell if a low rate is a sale or normal, or what the wifi and drink add-ons really cover.

Here’s what I’d look at: the full price with every add-on you’d actually use, not the headline. Wifi minutes and drink limits can differ from what you assume, so get the inclusions in writing before you commit. For how single-cabin pricing tends to work, my solo cruising guide is a good start.

Next step: Tell me your sailing and cabin plans

Will we like Carnival if we loved Royal Caribbean?

Holding

Royal Caribbean regulars are eyeing Carnival, some with a toddler in tow and some planning a big birthday group. Others are sorting out how a kids-sail-free offer counts a third or fourth guest in a cabin, and a few are hunting for an advisor who actually answers.

My take: Carnival is a looser, livelier ship than Royal’s more polished feel, so decide whether that energy is what you want. Ask how any child promotion prices each guest in a cabin, and get it in writing, since the rules shift. My guide to choosing a cruise line helps you compare the vibe.

Next step: Find your line with the Cruise Match quiz

Should I book an excursion at every port on a first cruise?

Moved up

First-timers are filling every port day with tours because they may never sail again, and then wondering if that leaves any time to enjoy the ship. Others want a trustworthy operator for a snorkel day or a resort stay far from the sights.

I get the instinct, but I’d leave at least one port day open. The ship is part of what you paid for, and a lazy beach morning beats a rushed tour. Pick the one or two stops you care about most and book those. This list of first-time mistakes covers what I see people overdo.

Next step: Ask me about the ports on your sailing

Allure of the Seas or MSC World America for a first cruise?

Holding

Two ships keep landing side by side on first-cruise shortlists, a Royal Caribbean Oasis class ship and a newer MSC. Others are weighing Royal ships against each other by port and class, and the fare gap between lines is part of the pull.

I’d ask what you’ll do on a sea day before comparing price. Royal’s big ships have a lot of variety in one place, and MSC World America leans modern and busy. A lower fare means less if the ship doesn’t match your mood. If MSC appeals, we have a sailing open, and I’m glad to compare it with Royal for you.

Next step: Match your ship with the Cruise Match quiz

What should I sort out before my first cruise sets sail?

Holding

People about to take a first cruise are asking everything at once: what a Mexico run feels like, how a big family can afford a week at sea, and which ship has slides without being overwhelming. A few already feel behind.

Nobody is behind. Start by writing down what a good sea day looks like for everyone going, then check which departure port you can reach without stress. That narrows the ship list quickly. If you’d like company on the decision, this is how I walk first-timers through it.

Next step: Try the Cruise Match quiz for your first sailing

Is a destination wedding cheaper once guests’ costs are counted?

New this week

Wedding quotes for fifty or more guests are landing with per-person totals that include flights, and couples can’t tell if that’s normal. Some are weighing a destination wedding against a big hometown one, and others want to elope or manage a room block.

In my experience a destination wedding often shrinks the guest list, which is usually where the savings come from, but the cost moves to your guests. I’d compare the all-in cost per person with flights, and ask each resort what a group needs to qualify for perks. Start earlier than feels necessary. Here’s how we work on weddings and groups.

Next step: Send me your guest count and resort ideas

Which all-inclusive works for kids of very different ages?

New this week

Families are searching for all-inclusives that fit toddlers, grade-schoolers and teens at once, plus grandparents in some cases. The wish lists are long: water slides, a short airport transfer, room setups where everyone sleeps, and a size that doesn’t require a bus to the pool.

I’d rank the must-haves first. For little kids, the transfer and the sleeping setup usually matter most. For teens, a couple of real slides and a walkable resort do the work. Ages shape the answer more than the brand does. You can see the brands we work with on our all-inclusive resort partners page.

Next step: Send me your kids’ ages and travel window

Does a travel advisor add anything on a Norwegian booking?

Holding

Some Norwegian sailors had a longtime advisor who knew their cabin side, packages and quirks, and now they’re looking for a new one. Others are first-timers asking whether booking through an advisor beats booking direct when the base price looks the same.

Fair question. The fare is often similar, so the difference is the person behind it: someone who remembers your preferences, watches for changes and picks up the phone when plans shift. I can’t promise a discount, and I wouldn’t trust anyone who does. Here’s how I work with Norwegian clients.

Next step: Tell me how you like your cabin set up

Which is easier with a toddler, a cruise or an all-inclusive?

New this week

Parents of one- and two-year-olds are comparing ship cabins and resort rooms, asking about connecting rooms, shade on the beach, stroller use and separate sleeping spaces. A few are also nervous about tender ports and long excursion days with a baby.

Both can work. What decides it is sleep: where the child naps, where you sit once they’re down, and how short the trip to the room is. Resorts give more space, ships give more built-in options. I’d keep plans light either way. My family review of Icon of the Seas shows how a big ship feels with kids along.

Next step: Share your child’s age and I’ll narrow it down

Where should first-time all-inclusive couples honeymoon?

New this week

Engaged couples are picking honeymoon resorts without ever having stayed at an all-inclusive, often with a firm budget and a short trip. Most want adults-only, good food and a nice beach, and a few want a wow-factor room.

Start with how you want to spend the days: pool and quiet, or out exploring. A short honeymoon is mostly about the room and the pool, so spend there and skip the extras. Read recent first-hand reviews on food, since it swings between resorts. My adults-only all-inclusive guide is where I’d begin.

Next step: See how I plan honeymoons