The Best Time to Cruise - CruiseHabit Podcast Episode 16
Planning a cruise requires a lot of decision making. Some things come down to preference, but if you're looking for the cheapest time of the year to cruise Alaska or the Caribbean we can help. After analyzing thousands of price points across the year, we go over the most economical and most expensive times to sail, as well as why the time of year matters.
Link Related to This Episode
Which cruise line is best for me? The differences between cruise lines. (explaining different types of lines)
https://www.cruisehabit.com/which-cruise-line-best-me-differences-between-cruise-lines
What are repositioning cruises?
https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-are-repositioning-cruises
Nieuw Amsterdam Live Blog
https://www.cruisehabit.com/tags/nieuw-amsterdam-live-blog
What happens if I book a cruise and then the price goes down?
https://www.cruisehabit.com/what-happens-if-i-book-cruise-and-then-price-goes-down
A 'Fare' Price - Cruise Pricing & Promotions Explained
https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/fare-price-cruise-pricing-promotions-explained-cruisehabit-podcast-episode-15
Key West - Great Cruise Destinations Don't Have to Be Far Away
https://www.cruisehabit.com/podcast/key-west-great-cruise-destinations-dont-have-be-far-away-episode-2
Cruise pricing can require a lit bit of explanation, but sales and promotions can be even more confusing. Some promotions aren't combinable, sales can take percentages off rates that aren't easily found, and different packages offer different levels of value depending on what you're looking for. Whether you're hunting for the best deal, or just trying to understand how much a cruise will cost you, we'll try and make it a bit easier to understand.
Over the past couple years we've had the opportunity to watch a new cruise line emerge. With details of Virgin Voyages trickling out at a pace that leaves us constantly wanting more, we thought we'd take this episode to share what we know so far about Sir Richard Branson's first dive into cruising. We talk about who is behind the line, what the ship will be like, the things that make Virgin Voyages so different - and even tattoos. Check out the links below for photos, renderings and more information. 
One thing every great vacation has in common is a beginning. On a cruise, that's called Embarkation Day. From when to show up at the terminal, to where to find food, but avoid crowds when everyone else is heading to the buffet, we're covering everything you need to know about your first day onboard.
Looking back on great cruises is nice, but looking forward to those trips we have ahead of us is even more exciting. On this episode Ric and Billy discuss their 2018 cruises and talk about where they'll be sailing in 2019.
When cruising Celebrity Edge, we found that Eden isn't just a bar, restaurant, show, cafe, or lounge - nor is it all those things smashed into one space. Struggling to describe Eden, and especially the experiences this fantastic space provides, we decided it would be best to dedicate an entire episode to just this topic. We've also linked to a number of relevant photos in the notes below.
In part two of our review of Celebrity Edge, we start discussing the entertainment options around Edge, mention some crew members and officers, and even cover what we wish was different on this great new ship. If you've not yet listened to the first part of this episode, you can find it linked in the show notes below, along with pictures, video, and more.
Ric and Billy were fortunate enough to be among the first guests to sail on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Edge. Being the first ship in a new class there is a lot to share, so we've split our review of our three night sailing into two episodes. They're a bit longer than usual, but we think you'll enjoy learning about the Magic Carpet, Eden, La Petite Chef, the wonderful crew, and so much more that Edge has to offer. For photos and videos, be sure to check out our live blogs and other articles linked in the show notes below.
Early in November, Carnival Cruise Line invited Ric to tour the Carnival Paradise while she was docked in her home port of Tampa, Florida. On this bonus episode, Billy interviews Ric about what he saw (and ate) on that ship tour. We close out the episode with a listener question.
Cruising can be habit forming, but among those who've not yet taken their first cruise, there are some common concerns, ranging from sea-sickness and boredom, to safety and weather. On this episode we take a look at some of these concerns and provide information to clear up fact from fiction, and offer tips along the way.