Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Carnival Vs Royal Caribbean: Which Budget Cruise Line Is Best?

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If you're looking into taking a cruise, you have likely compared Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Both offer unique amenities, but which is better?

10 Things That Are Unexpectedly Expensive On Cruise Ships

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:30:00 +0000

If you've never been on a cruise before, you might not realize how quickly charges add up. Here's what you should watch out for if you're trying to save money.

The Best Cruise Ship Water Parks And Rides, Ranked By Innovation And Thrill Factor

staff@islands.com (Kusumita Das) — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Cruise ships sailing the open seas also have a way for guests to enjoy water adventures on deck. Here are our recommendations for the best water parks and rise.

The Most Common Mistakes You'll Want To Avoid At All Costs While Booking A Cruise

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:30:00 +0000

While a cruise might be a great way to unwind, all of the steps leading up to your trip might be more challenging -- but not if you avoid these mistakes.

5 Bans That Will Affect Popular Cruise Ports In 2026

staff@islands.com (Sarah Joseph) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:15:00 +0000

If you're looking to take a cruise in 2026, you will want to take a look at this list of port bans that are taking effect in some popular destinations.

5 Once-Thriving Cruise Lines That No Longer Exist

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:45:00 +0000

If you've ever wondered what cruise vessels and companies came before today's fleet, these are five cruise lines that once flourished but are now nonexistent.

The 5 Best Caribbean Private Islands Owned By Cruise Lines, According To Reviews

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Planning a Caribbean cruise? Reviews from travelers reveal which cruise line private islands stand out for beaches, food, amenities, and activities.

5 Code Phrases You Never Want To Hear On A Cruise Ship

staff@islands.com (Jenna Busch) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Not all cruise ship announcements are routine. Some signal serious situations at sea, from medical issues to security concerns to even engine failures.

The Unexpected Meaning Behind If Staff Says 'Charlie Charlie Charlie' On A Cruise

staff@islands.com (Jen Theriault) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:45:00 +0000

Cruise ship staff use several insider codes to relay important information, including "Charlie Charlie Charlie," also known as a "Code Charlie."

Alaska's Once-Thriving Cruise Line Will Never Sail Again

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 01:04:39 +0000

This Alaskan cruise line has shut down operations, ending Inside Passage sailings. Here's what it means for booked travelers and small-ship Alaska cruising.

These 5 Cruise Lines Have The Best Crew Members, According To Travelers

staff@islands.com (Emily Frantz) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:45:00 +0000

Although dining and entertainment matter much on a cruise line, many say that service matters most. Here are five cruises lines with highly-rated crew members.

Cruise Passengers Should Leave This Common Item On The Ship At Mexico's Ports To Avoid Huge Fines

staff@islands.com (Kirtana Menon) — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 02:00:00 +0000

A new law just went into effect in Mexico, so if you're taking a cruise to any port there, leave this item on the ship or risk getting a huge fine on shore.

A First-Of-Its-Kind Sailing Yacht Will Take Guests To The World's Most Remote Destinations In 2028

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Get ready for the best of both worlds -- and views of the whole world -- when this new ship sets sail for sunny locales and frigid glaciers across the sea.

Keep Your Cruise Stateroom Clutter-Free With These Handy Dollar Tree Items While Sailing The Open Seas

staff@islands.com (Kristi Roe-Owen) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:45:00 +0000

You can never be too organized while sailing the high seas, and these handy Dollar Tree items are a fabulous way to keep things in check on your next cruise.

5 Once-Thriving Ports That Are Pushing Pause On Cruise Ship Growth

staff@islands.com (Nikolai Arto) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:00:00 +0000

These once-thriving ports from around the world are finally pushing pause on cruise ships for environmental, societal, and economic reasons. Here's the lowdown.

Common Wardrobe Mistakes First-Time Cruise Ship Passengers Always Regret Making

staff@islands.com (Brandy Jo Hastings) — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Packing clothing for a cruise can be more complicated than just bringing along a swimsuit. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure smooth sailing.

Traveler Feedback Inspired This Popular Cruise Line To Go Adults-Only For Serene Sailing

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

Following comprehensive research, this cruise line is going adults-only in 2026, preserving its calm atmosphere for travelers seeking sophisticated voyages.

Hawaii's Cruise Tax Will Change The Way Visitors Plan Island Vacations (Here's What To Know)

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000

To help combat the effects of climate change, Hawaii has introduced a tax on cruise ships, which may affect how people plan their vacation budget in 2026.

5 Little-Known 'Mind Tricks' Cruise Ships Play On You To Keep You Satisfied At Sea

staff@islands.com (Jonathan Houston) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Going on a cruise is meant to be a relaxing and indulgent vacation experience, and the ships have lots of little psychological nudges to make that happen.

5 Of The Most Persistent Cruise Ship Myths, Debunked

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:25:00 +0000

Many people don't think they'll dislike cruising, but in many cases, it's simply because they've come to believe some of these common myths about sea voyages.