With Royal Caribbean doubling down on Icon Class and more mega ships coming over the next few years, it feels like cruising is going even further in that direction. So quick one… Would you rather:

Mines was 35 nights and I remember before we did it, people kept saying I would get bored after a week or two which couldn’t have been further from the truth. If anything, the longer ones are the ones that feel the most relaxed because you’re not constantly trying to fit everything in. I still get asked how much this cruise cost… would it be worth sharing? (Sailed from Barcelona to Singapore) I think people massively underestimate how different a 7 night cruise feels compared to something longer. Would be interesting to hear what everyone else has done because I know there is a mix in here.😊

I feel like cruise gratuities are becoming one of the biggest talking points in cruising lately, especially as prices continue to creep up across the board.💰 I completely understand why they exist and the role they play for crew. I also think a lot of people, especially first-time cruisers, are shocked when they see how quickly the extra costs add up once gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality dining all get added on. Some people prefer prepaying everything upfront so the cruise feels “done” before they board, while others would rather keep that flexibility onboard. One thing newer cruisers should know is that gratuities are often automatically added throughout your holiday, whether that is daily service charges or extra gratuities added onto drinks and speciality dining onboard, so it is always worth factoring that into your budget before you travel. Very interested where everyone sits on it now. Do gratuities bother you, or do you just see them as part of cruising at this point?😊👇

Hey everyone 👋 Firstly, a massive welcome to all the new members who have joined recently… so good to have you here. For anyone new, I’m Katrina, I have done 35+ cruises and this space is all about helping you get more from your cruises, whether that’s tips, planning help, or just learning from other people who love cruising as much as you do. Quick life update… we have officially sold our home in Scotland and are now travelling full-time, and right now I am based in Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾 (for a little while) It is definitely different from cruise life (a bit more thinking involved 😅), but I’m loving it so far. Slower pace, amazing food, and it’s exciting being closer to cruise ports that open up completely new itineraries we have never done before. Cruising is still a huge part of our life, this is just a new chapter alongside it. Would love to get to know you all a bit more, how many cruises have you been on?👇

We are now one week into our 15 night transatlantic on Odyssey of the Seas, and I thought I would share a few honest takeaways that you don’t fully understand until you’re actually onboard. We have done transatlantic cruises before, so none of this surprised us, but it’s very different when you are living it day to day. The biggest one is the pace. There is no pressure at all. No port days breaking things up, no alarms, no rushing around trying to fit everything in. You properly slow down, and you actually get time to enjoy the ship rather than just using it as a base between destinations. The second thing is how much the weather impacts your experience. The first few days we had 17ft waves, outside decks closed, pools drained, and everything moved indoors. When that happens, the ship does feel busier in certain areas, especially if people are trying to work or find space to sit. It’s something people don’t always think about. On that note, if you are planning to work remotely onboard, finding sockets can be a bit of a challenge when everyone is inside. We have been absolutely fine because we brought a portable charger, but it’s definitely something I’d recommend bringing. What I have enjoyed most though is the routine. We have fallen into a really nice rhythm with work, gym, food, and then relaxing in the afternoons. It just feels easy, and you don’t feel rushed at all. The crowd onboard feels different as well. It is a lot more chilled, people aren’t in a rush to get anywhere, and the whole atmosphere reflects that slower pace. For us, this is exactly why we love transatlantic cruises. It’s not about ticking things off, it’s about enjoying the time onboard. That said, I still wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. If you like constant sunshine, busy days, and lots of ports, this probably isn’t the cruise for you.😅 But if you want to slow down and actually enjoy the ship, it’s one of the best ways to cruise. I have asked this before I think but we have lots new members… what do you prefer? Busy port days or sea days?!🛳️🌊