Cruising 101 with Cristi
Your first cruise, one step at a time—from choosing your cruise and packing to boarding, life onboard, and port days.
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Platinum on a Clock: The Carnival Rewards Guide Nobody Explained to Platinum Cruisers
October 29, 2026
The comments on my last post are full of Platinum cruisers saying the same thing in different words: “My points are gone.” “Half my stars disappeared.” “They got us.” So let me show you my own account, because I am Platinum too and Carnival’s app is not shy about where I stand. That screen says […]
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Your Kids’ Carnival Platinum Didn’t Disappear. It Moved to Your Booking.
October 29, 2026
A Platinum mom messaged me this week, mad enough to chew nails. Carnival, in her words, “didn’t keep my kids Platinum for two years, yet they have been Plat for years.” She is not imagining it, and she is not alone. She is also not getting the whole story from the version floating around the […]
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Cruise Line Service Fees and Gratuities
October 29, 2026
Compare gratuities and service charges across nine cruise lines, with a calculator and receipt examples to help you sort out what is already included before you add more.
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Cruise Scooter Rentals, Handled
October 28, 2026
Need a scooter for your cruise? Do not just rent the biggest one and hope. Cruise lines are enforcing the storage rules now: your scooter has to fit in your stateroom, it cannot live in the hallway, and they size them at check-in. If it does not fit through your cabin door, it does not […]
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MSC vs. Royal Caribbean: What Royal Regulars Should Know Before Switching
October 24, 2026
Thinking about cheating on Royal Caribbean with MSC? You are not alone, and the fares are usually why. If you sail out of Galveston, you have probably priced a quick 4 or 5 nights on Mariner of the Seas, then noticed MSC Seascape will give you a full week on a bigger, newer ship for […]
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Celebration Key: Plan Your Kind of Day Before You Buy the Extras
October 20, 2026
Celebration Key: Plan Your Kind of Day Before You Buy the Extras By Cristi | Waves of Fun Travel Before you start adding half of Celebration Key to your cart, I want to know one thing: what kind of day are you trying to have? A beach day with the kids? Pool time and lunch? […]
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Same Ports, Different Sea Day: Symphony of the Seas vs. Carnival Jubilee from Galveston
October 16, 2026
You can look at two Galveston cruises, see the same familiar Western Caribbean ports, and think, “Well, those are basically the same trip.” Then you get to the sea days. 😂 And THAT is where things get interesting. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and Carnival Jubilee both offer Western Caribbean itineraries visiting Cozumel, Costa […]
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Carnival FunPacks: Which One Is Actually Worth It?
October 14, 2026
Carnival just bundled its drinks, Wi-Fi, and extras into four new packages called FunPacks, on sale through October 30, 2026. They are sold in My Cruise Manager for sailings departing October 31, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Prices are per person, per day. Here is what is actually in each one, and the fine print […]
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Galveston Cruisers: 7 Cruise Lines Sail From Texas. Which One’s Next?
October 14, 2026
Galveston cruisers, which one are you sailing next? Seven cruise lines, seven completely different experiences, all sailing from Texas.
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From Progreso to Celestún: Flamingos, Mangroves, and a Long Day in Mexico
October 13, 2026
Our cruise stop in Progreso took us to Celestún for flamingos, a boat ride through the mangroves, and beach views. And let me tell you, it was a LONG day! I came home with a lot of photos and videos. Some turned out great, some were a little shaky, and some reminded me that filming […]
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Carnival Cruise Theme Nights: What to Pack Before You Sail
October 13, 2026
Neon, all white, or Elegant Night? Learn what to pack for Carnival theme nights and where to find sailing-specific information.
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MSC Yacht Club vs. Norwegian The Haven: Which Gives You More for Your Money?
October 12, 2026
MSC Yacht Club vs. Norwegian The Haven: compare what’s actually included — drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, spa access and suite perks — and see which luxury ship-within-a-ship gives you more for your money.
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