Tanner Callais
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Articles by Tanner Callais
A Year of Cruises… For Just $2,499? This Line Is Offering Exactly That
For many people, a single cruise can cost upwards of $2,500. How about more than a year of cruises for that amount? Margaritaville at Sea is offering an annual cruise membership that lets you sail nearly as much as you want across its fleet from now through 2027. Image courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea. It may seem far-fetched, but one cruise line is offering exactly that. For those that love sailing, it might be the deal of a lifetime.
Carnival Is Making Huge Changes to Drink & Wi-Fi Packages That You Have to Know
Two of the more popular things people spend money on during their cruise are drink packages and wi-fi. Now, Carnival is making some major changes to how you buy both — including on how they are priced and introducing a new drink package option — that could have an impact the next time you set sail. Here’s what’s happening… Carnival Introduces “FunPack” Bundles In a press release on Wednesday, Carnival announced the introduction of “FunPacks” for its cruises.
Celebration Key Versus CocoCay: Which Cruise Line Destination Is Better?
When it comes to cruising, it’s two major players that come to mind for most people: Royal Caribbean and Carnival. And when you think of these two cruise lines you likely envision their massive ships. However, they compete across private destinations as well. Namely, each has a large flagship destination that’s the gem in their portfolio of private ports. Carnival offers Celebration Key. Royal Caribbean has Perfect Day CocoCay.
Hurricane Isaias May Disrupt Cruises. Here Are the Ships That Could Be Impacted
The Atlantic hurricane season has been extraordinarily quiet, but that’s looking to change. In late September Hurricane Polo in the Pacific and a nor’easter combined to disrupt some cruises. Now, a new system spinning up in the Gulf of Mexico looks to not only cause an impact to cruises sailing through the area, but it is also taking aim at a popular U.S. port in New Orleans. Hurricane Isaias currently sits roughly 180 miles north of Progreso and about 450 miles south of New Orleans.
What I Wish I Knew About Sea Days Before I Sailed
The cruise line, the cruise ship, the ports of call, schedule, price… there are a lot of factors that go into why passengers book a specific cruise. I doubt that days at sea ever factor into the equation. That’s despite the fact that most cruises have at least one of these days, and it adds up to a major portion of your time on vacation. So after more than 30 cruises, what do I wish I knew about sea days before I started?
Two Massive Weather Systems Cause Havoc to Cruise Schedules
Normally by this time of year, there’s at least been a couple of hurricanes that cruise ships have had to navigate around. Well, it’s been an extremely quiet hurricane season, but Mother Nature isn’t going out with a whimper. Instead, two massive weather systems are creating havoc for not just those in the path of the storm, but also for cruise schedules.
What’s the Latest Your Flight Should Arrive Before a Cruise?
Flying in for your cruise? You’re definitely not alone. Cruises leave from every part of the country that has a coastline, so it’s likely you have a port within driving distance. But that doesn’t mean every port offers the same cruise options. If you fly in the day of your cruise, you have to be sure to arrive in time to catch the ship. We’ve got the suggested arrival times below. Want the biggest and newest ships? Then you’ll need to sail from Florida. Want to sail to Alaska?
Report: Royal Caribbean in Talks to Buy Sandals Resorts in $6 Billion Deal
How about a cruise company that’s not just a cruise company… but an entire vacation company? That seems to be a possibility following report that cruise giant Royal Caribbean Group is in discussions to buy land-based vacation company Sandals Resorts International. The Financial Times reports that Royal Caribbean and Sandals Resorts are in talks to sell the company to the cruise line. The possible deal was reported by the Financial Times on Tuesday afternoon.
10 Surprising Things I Wish I Knew About Daily Life on a Cruise
When you’re on a cruise ship, it’s not just like any another vacation. You eat, sleep, and play on the ship. It’s literally your home away from home. So there’s actually a day-to-day life onboard that most people don’t realize when they first start cruising. So what do I wish I knew about daily life on the ship before I ever sailed? These things are definitely what you should be aware of… The Schedule Is ON TIME When you see a time listed on the daily schedule, don’t think it’s a suggestion.
11 Wild Cruise Ship Facts Most People Don’t Know
There’s no arguing, cruising is pretty crazy when you think about it. Where else do you have five-thousand people, take them hundreds of miles around in the water on a ship with go-karts, waterslides, and fine dining? And then at the end of the week, pick up a new five-thousand people to do it all over again? The logistics of cruising lead to some unbelievable facts that most people don’t know.
Last Chance? A Much-Loved Cruise Discount That Saved Hundreds Has All But Disappeared
The same exact cruise on the same exact ship and the same exact cabin… but in this case for hundreds less than retail if you knew a “secret” discount. For years cruisers have enjoyed a way to buy discounted cruise gift cards via AARP membership. Or at least, that was the case. Now, the popular advantage that used to be a go-to for lots of travelers has all but disappeared, forcing more cruisers to pay full price for their trip.
A Gluten-Free Cruise? One Luxury Trip Is Cutting ALL Gluten From Food Onboard
In what is being called an industry first (and we have no reason to doubt it!), Oceania Cruises has announced that it will host an entirely gluten-free sailing. A special 12-day sailing aboard Oceania Vista will be completely gluten-free across the ship. Image courtesy of Oceania Cruises Yes, according to the cruise line every onboard venue and restaurant will “offer entirely gluten-free menus.” This includes everything from restaurants to room service and even the ship’s bakery.
10 Weird Cruise Tips I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed
There are cruise tips... and then there are the tips that normally don't get discussed because, well, they are a bit weird. Maybe they are a little off-color, maybe they go against the grain, or maybe they just aren't widely known. No matter, they are all things you don't normally hear but you need to know for your next cruise. Let's dive in... Don't Expect It To Look Like The Ads You'd never see a pool deck like this on a cruise advertisement, yet it's a common sight.
I Just Sailed MSC’s Biggest Ship. It Was NOT What I Expected
At 216,000 gross tons, 1,093 feet, 22 decks and up to 6,700 passengers, MSC World America is the absolute biggest ship in the MSC fleet. It’s also the largest ship from any cruise line not named Royal Caribbean. I just got off the ship and having sailed MSC multiple times before, I felt I had a good idea of what was coming before I even set foot onboard. But I can tell you that when it came to sailing the biggest ship in the fleet, there was plenty that I didn’t expect.
The Beginner’s Guide to Carnival Rewards: How it Works in Simple English
For years, Carnival had a simple loyalty plan for passengers. Its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program awarded one point for every night sailed. The more points earned over years of cruising, the higher status earned, and the more benefits awarded. Passengers cruising Carnival now earn points and stars via spending rather than being rewarded for the number of nights sailed. Now the cruise line has completely transformed its program. The Carnival Rewards program takes the place of the VIFP scheme.
Carnival’s Controversial New Loyalty Program Starts Today (Why Some People Might Love It)
Despite pointed pushback from passengers, Carnival has officially rolled out its new loyalty program today. The old “VIFP” program is now out, replaced with the all-new Carnival Rewards. The new program, which now puts most of its emphasis on how much you spend with the cruise line instead of how many nights you sail, has been in the works for over a year.
12+ Things to Do on an MSC Cruise (And It’s Just a Start)
If you have an upcoming cruise on MSC, then prepare to be a busy during your vacation. We’re not saying that you can’t relax on the cruise, but there are going to be tons of things on the ship to see, do, and experience. Below, we have just the start of what you can do on the ship, but there is one thing to note. Like other lines, MSC offers a wide variety of ships that range from older, smaller vessels all the way to some of the largest cruise ships in the world.
A 5th Terminal? Galveston Says in Talks With Royal Caribbean for ANOTHER Cruise Dock
Royal Caribbean’s Terminal 10 opened in 2022, but already the port and cruise line are in talk for a second dock on the island. This would be Galveston’s fifth cruise terminal. With its fourth cruise terminal opening less than a year ago, the Port of Galveston shows no signs of slowing down. The port has announced it is in talks with Royal Caribbean to construct a fifth cruise terminal on the island.
Drinking Age on a Cruise: Can You Drink Under 21?
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. There’s no getting around it. If you want to buy booze, you have to be of legal age or face some serious consequences. But what about on the drinking age on a cruise? Do you still have to be 21? After all, we’ve all heard of “international waters” — a magical place just a few miles offshore where the normal rules don’t apply, right? Doesn’t that mean if you are under the legal drinking age, but not in the U.S., that you can live it up?
Full List: MSC Cruises’ TV Channel Lineup
We’ll admit it. We love watching TV on a cruise. Lots of people think it’s crazy to go on vacation and watch television. For us, it’s a guilty pleasure. There’s nothing better than spending all day in port, only to come back in the afternoon and have some chill out time while watching the tube before dinner. Truth it, however, that your TV choices on a cruise are pretty limited. Most cruise lines only have a handful of stations to choose from.
10 Weird Cruise Tips I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed
There are cruise tips… and then there are the tips that normally don’t get discussed because, well, they are a bit weird. Maybe they are a little off-color, maybe they go against the grain, or maybe they just aren’t widely known. No matter, they are all things you don’t normally hear but you need to know for your next cruise. Let’s dive in… Don’t Expect It To Look Like The Ads You’d never see a pool deck like this on a cruise advertisement, yet it’s a common sight.
After Dozens of Cruises, This Is the One Room I Refuse to Buy
Over nearly 15 years of sailing, I've taken dozens of cruises, vacationing aboard (nearly) every major cruise line. And in the course of all those months at sea, I've sailed and toured just about every type of cabin a passenger can book. A certain room type is one that I can't recommend if you're paying a full price.
Am I Allowed to Wear a Thong Swimsuit on a Cruise?
Tanner Callais User since Apr 2023 Tanner Callais is the founder and editor of Cruzely.com, a website about everything cruising. He has taken dozens of cruises across cruise lines, allowing him to offer first-hand tips and advice on how to make your trip more successful. www.cruzely.com Travel By Tanner Callais, 13 hours ago Let’s face it. there’s something about a cruise that makes people let loose. Maybe it’s simply the “I’m on vacation” mindset. Maybe it’s the sunshine.
NCL’s 19-Slide Waterpark Debut in Less Than a Month (See the First Photos)
The countdown is on to a major development at NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay. NCL’s new Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay opens on September 4. The waterpark features a staggering 19 slides, cliff jump, four-person slide, and more. Image courtesy of NCL. The private island has been undergoing a major renovation, but the crown jewel is the all-new Great Tides Waterpark.
Must-See Viral Video Shows a Cruise Cabin Flooded With Water POURING From Ceiling
It’s going to take a lot of towel animals to clean up that mess… The video (see below) reports to show a flooded cabin aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. In a scene that no cruise passenger (or cruise line!) wants to see happen to them, a video making the rounds online shows a cabin that’s being completely flooded with water pouring in through the ceiling.
7 (Legit) Ways to Cruise for Free… That Most People Don’t Know
The only thing better than taking a cruise? What about taking a free cruise? And I’m not talking about secretly sneaking yourself onto the ship when no one is looking or other silly (or illegal) tricks. Believe it or not, there are ways for you to cruise for free. And while it’s not some free pass to sail whenever and wherever you want, if you know how to play your cards — or get lucky — then it is possible. We cover some of the most common ways that people score free cruises below.
Revealed: What Cruising Will Look Like in 10 Years
The basics of cruising will never change. The sun, pool, and a drink in hand? For many, it’s the entire appeal of taking a cruise. Everything else on the ship? Well, you only need to look at how big the difference is in cruising today versus just a decade or two ago to see how much things can change. From relatively modest ships with maybe a pool or two, today stepping on a cruise ship is like stepping into a luxurious amusement park. There’s almost nothing you can’t do.
South Beach & Miami Beach Hotels Without Resort Fees
If you’ve been searching for a hotel in Miami Beach or specifically South Beach, then you may have made an alarming discovery: resort fees. Many hotels in Miami Beach charge resort fees. We’ve rounded up a handful that don’t to help you save money. Start to search for a place to stay and you’ll no doubt find that nearly every hotel in the touristy Miami Beach now has these fees tacked on to your total price for the room.
Carnival Reveals the MASSIVE Number of People Visiting its New Private Island in Just One Year
Carnival's Celebration Key has officially been open for an entire year. Already a mind-boggling number of passengers have visited. (Tanner Callais) From nothing to one of the most visited cruise destinations in the world in just a year... that's the story of Carnival's Celebration Key. The beachy spot with massive pools just celebrated its one-year anniversary on July 19, having opened on that date last summer. But Carnival has wasted no time in getting passengers to the destination.
What to Know About Sleep on a Cruise Ship (Beds, Noise, and More)
There’s one aspect of your cruise that’s going to take up the single biggest chunk of your time during the vacation, yet no one really talks about it. It’s not often talked about, but you’re likely to spend more time in your bed on the ship than any other single place onboard. Here’s what to know about sleeping on a cruise. We’re talking, of course, of sleeping. For a weeklong cruise you could spend upwards of 60 hours — roughly one-third of the entire trip — in bed.
How Much The Biggest Cruise Ships (And Cruise Lines) Make Each Day
How much money do cruise lines -- and the largest ships -- make in a day? We calculated an estimate and the numbers are staggering. (Tanner Callais) Step onto a cruise ship, and the first thing that you likely notice is how large and luxurious cruise ships really are. From grand promenades that span multiple decks to ships that measure 20+ stories and more than 1,000 feet long, it's obvious that cruise lines spend a lot of money building the vessels.
How Much The Biggest Cruise Ships (And Cruise Lines) Make Each Day
Step onto a cruise ship, and the first thing that you likely notice is how large and luxurious cruise ships really are. From grand promenades that span multiple decks to ships that measure 20+ stories and more than 1,000 feet long, it’s obvious that cruise lines spend a lot of money building the vessels. In fact, some of these newest ships cost well north of $1 billion to construct. That’s not to include the daily cost of operating and maintaining the ships.
Carnival Unveils its Biggest Cruise Ship Ever… Set to Arrive in 2029
After years of speculation and rumors, Carnival has finally lifted the veil on its newest shipbuild, revealing something that’s bigger than anything ever seen before in the fleet. The new ship — part of an entirely new class — was formally presented in Italy at a special presentation between Carnival and shipbuilder Fincantieri. Carnival fans will know that the cruise line already has two ships currently under construction: Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale.
We Asked AI to Build a Carnival Ship for 30 Years From Now. Here Are the Eye-Popping Results…
What's the future of cruising look like? We asked an AI agent to picture what a modern ship will look like well into the future, and the results are definitely something you want to see. Anyone that's been a cruise fan for more than a few years knows that the pace of innovation with cruise ships is breathtaking. A ship built today offers so much more -- both in size and features -- than one built just a decade ago. And ships built a generation ago? There's simply no comparison.
11 Tips Cruise Lines Really Wish You Didn’t Know
Most cruise tips, the lines don’t care if you know about them or not. But there are certain ones that — while not illegal or against the rules — the cruise lines would definitely prefer that not everyone followed them.
Everything to Know About Disembarkation Day on a Cruise
There’s a moment of every cruise that doesn’t get much publicity, but it’s as inevitable as death and taxes. We’re talking, of course, about the end of your cruise. You may not want to think about the end of your trip and getting off the ship — also known as disembarkation — but there are some things that you will want to know when it comes leaving. When Does Disembarkation Start?
The Complete Guide to Cruising With a Disability
If you have a disability, we’d argue there is no more accommodative vacation than taking a cruise. Cruise lines are extremely conscious about making the accommodations needed for passengers with nearly any sort of impairment. Unlike a resort that could have been built decades ago — before accessibility was a major consideration — cruise ships are relatively modern. That means they can offer ease and comfort not often seen in other venues.
Carnival Clarifies Rules Surrounding a Popular Carry-On Item
With the sun warming things up this summer, Carnival clears up the rules surrounding bringing fans on their ships. As summer heats up, Carnival is making things clearer when it comes to an item that many passengers pack, especially during the warmer months. Anyone that's cruised before knows cruise lines are generally relaxed when it comes to baggage rules, at least in comparison to flying on an airplane.
Answered: How Much Does a Carnival Cruise Cost?
When it comes to cruising, Carnival Cruise Line is among the lowest-priced options in the industry. Whether you’re wanting a quick getaway or you want to go on a longer trip, you’ll find that the cruise line has some of the best fares you’ll find. Wondering how much is costs to cruise aboard Carnival? We break down the prices you can expect to pay. So how much does a Carnival cruise cost? What you’ll pay will vary widely depending on the specifics of your cruise.
Carnival Clarifies Rules Surrounding a Popular Carry-On Item
As summer heats up, Carnival is making things clearer when it comes to an item that many passengers pack, especially during the warmer months. With the sun warming things up this summer, Carnival clears up the rules surrounding bringing fans on their ships. Anyone that’s cruised before knows cruise lines are generally relaxed when it comes to baggage rules, at least in comparison to flying on an airplane.
12 Things I Wish I Knew About the First Day on a Cruise
There’s nothing like that moment you first step onto a cruise ship. All those months of anticipation have finally come to a head and it’s finally your first day on a cruise. Even after 30+ cruises, I still get that feeling. But the first day on the cruise is different from all the others, and there are things that I wish I had known about the first day that you just don’t learn until you’ve been there.
This Popular Cruise Line Reported the Most Alleged Crimes During the Past Year
Nobody goes on a cruise thinking they will be a victim of a crime. And that's for good reason. While crime does occur on cruise ships, given the millions of people that sail each year, it's still relatively rare. Your chances of being a victim are low, no matter which cruise line you sail. However, while crimes are reported across all the major lines, there is one cruise line that has had the most publicly reported offenses. It also happens to be one of the largest and most loved lines on the planet.
This Popular Cruise Line Reported the Most Alleged Crimes During the Past Year
Nobody goes on a cruise thinking they will be a victim of a crime. And that’s for good reason. While crime does occur on cruise ships, given the millions of people that sail each year, it’s still relatively rare. Your chances of being a victim are low, no matter which cruise line you sail. However, while crimes are reported across all the major lines, there is one cruise line that has had the most publicly reported offenses. It also happens to be one of the largest and most loved lines on the planet.
Carnival Reveals Major Changes to Food Onboard (Including Replacing Some Restaurants)
Cruise lines always walk a fine line when it comes to the onboard experience. Change things too much and many passengers will be shocked that the classic cruise experience has been altered. Don't change things enough, and you risk getting stale. Carnival's latest announcement looks to thread the needle with the announcement of some major changes to food and dining onboard.
Carnival Reveals Major Changes to Food Onboard (Including Replacing Some Restaurants)
Cruise lines always walk a fine line when it comes to the onboard experience. Change things too much and many passengers will be shocked that the classic cruise experience has been altered. Don’t change things enough, and you risk getting stale. Carnival’s latest announcement looks to thread the needle with the announcement of some major changes to food and dining onboard.
Carnival Making a Big Change to a Staple Used by Every Guest
Carnival fans are known for not just being fans of the cruise line, but fanatics of the line. Any change, big or small, is of interest. And in the past year or so, there have been a number of big moves by the cruise line. From the opening of an entirely new destination (Celebration Key) to price hikes onboard, to the complete overhaul of the cruise line's loyalty program, it's been a year of change.
The World’s Largest Cruise Ships Sailing For Each Line (With Photos)
Over roughly the 20 years cruise ships have gotten big… real big. As one line makes a ship that’s larger, carries more passengers, and offers eye-catching activities, others then play catch-up in the “arms race” to build ships that everyone is talking about. Large ships offer several advantages over smaller ones. For one, larger ships carrying more passengers mean that each trip can generate more revenue for the cruise line. And it’s not just cruise fare.
Staying on a Cruise Ship in Port: What to Know Before You Stay
Think of a cruise and you likely picture sailing from exotic port to exotic port as you make your way around the Caribbean or other parts of the world. Most people get off the ship in port, but staying aboard is also an option. Here’s what to know. Truth is, however, that your time in port is actually pretty limited. On a typical 7-day cruise with three ports of call, you have only about 24 hours in port.
The $2.7 Million PER DAY Cruise Ship? Estimating How Much The World’s Biggest Ship Earns
Miami, Florida, USA - 4 January 2025: Front view of the world's biggest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas. Along with sister ships Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, these vessels are the new largest cruise ships in the world and generate millions of dollars on a per day basis according to our analysis. The ship is operated by RCI, Royal Caribbean International.
Free/Cheap Things to Do in Grand Turk on a Cruise + Tips, & What to Know
Sitting roughly 600 miles southeast of Miami and about 350 miles northwest of Puerto Rico, Grand Turk enjoys a spot that’s a world away and nestled in some of the most beautiful water on the planet. Grand Turk features a gorgeous beach with ships that dock as close as you’ll ever see. Here’s what to know about visiting, including inexpensive things to do. The island itself is small — only about six miles long and two miles wide. And sitting near the southern tip is the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
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