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Welkom / Welcome @blog feed (voor Nederlandse categorieën klik op MORE)
🇳🇱| Welkom bij mijn Cruise Stories
Op deze plek deel ik mijn persoonlijke ervaringen en eerlijke reviews van de mooiste schepen. Omdat ik ook een internationaal publiek heb, schrijf ik sommige verslagen in het Engels, maar je vindt hier ook veel verslagen in het Nederlands.
🇺🇸| Welcome to my Cruise Stories
This is where I share my personal insights and honest reviews of the world’s most beautiful ships. To cater to all my followers, these stories are written in English, providing you with all the details you need for your next voyage.


Zo werkt het biedingsproces bij een cruise
Ontdek hoe het biedingsproces werkt bij luxe rederijen zoals Oceania en Explora Journeys. Van prijsinsider-tips tot deskundig advies over waarom direct boeken vaak veiliger is – alles wat je moet weten voordat je een bod plaatst.

Esther
Jan 314 min read


The Bidding Process at Cruises: How to Win a Suite Upgrade
Is a butler just a bid away? Explore the bidding process at cruises for luxury lines like Oceania and Explora Journeys. From pricing secrets to expert tips on why booking direct is often the safer bet, here is everything you need to know before you place your bid.

Esther
Jan 273 min read


Oceania Sonata what can we expect?
The arrival of Oceania Sonata in 2027 is set to redefine the luxury cruise landscape. But how does it truly measure up against Explora Journeys? From the groundbreaking Nikkei Kitchen to the highly anticipated Solo Veranda suites, we dive deep into the details of 'Residential Luxury.' Discover which ship perfectly aligns with your travel style.

Esther
Jan 257 min read


How the role of Cruise Staff has changed
How has the cruise staff role changed over the years? Based on my personal experience working onboard, I’ve seen the shift from socializers to safety professionals. From the Ropes Course to the Bingo hall, discover how modern mega-ships have reshaped the responsibilities of the crew and what it means for your next vacation.

Esther
Jan 214 min read


Cruisen vanuit Venetië? Alles wat je moet weten over de Fusina Cruise Terminal
Plan je een cruise vanuit Venetië? Ontdek wat je kunt verwachten bij de Fusina Cruise Terminal – Venetië’s nieuwe cruisehaven – inclusief transfers, parkeren en inchecken.

Esther
Jan 205 min read


NCL Free at Sea Choice offers explained
Is NCL's Free at Sea actually worth the upgrade in 2026? From the secret self-service taps in the Solo Lounge to the 'Starbucks factor' and the exclusive advantages for Haven guests, I’m breaking down the fine print that most travel sites miss. Whether you're traveling solo or with family, discover how to maximize your value and avoid unexpected costs on your next Norwegian cruise.

Esther
Jan 176 min read


Luxe cruise rederijen vergeleken: wat is inbegrepen en wat niet?
Ontdek wat écht inbegrepen is bij luxe cruises! Van drankjes en fooien tot excursies en exclusieve voorzieningen: in dit overzicht vergelijken we de grootste rederijen zodat jij precies weet waar je voor betaalt.

Esther
Jan 143 min read


Should Luxury Cruise Lines Ban Kids? Oceania Cruises goes adult-only
Oceania Cruises is now adults-only, sparking debate in the luxury cruise world. Should families be excluded, or is this the future of serene, premium cruising?

Esther
Jan 104 min read


The Ultimate Abyss – Royal Caribbean’s Most Thrilling Slide at Sea
Deck 16 start of the Ultimate Abyss Experience The Ultimate Abyss is one of Royal Caribbean’s most thrilling attractions, a dry, spiraling slide that drops riders several decks in just a few seconds. It’s designed for thrill-seekers, families, and anyone looking for a burst of adrenaline at sea. The slide starts at Deck 16 at the back of the ship and brings riders down to the Boardwalk on Deck 6. What Exactly Is the Ultimate Abyss? The Abyss is a dry slide that spans up to 10

Esther
Jan 73 min read


Gangway Duty: Behind the Scenes as Cruise Staff
When guests step aboard during embarkation day, you are the first person they will see, Whether you’ve had 4 hours of sleep or a long ocean crossing, when that gangway opens, you are 'duty'. You are the smile that tells them: your vacation starts now. For the Cruise Staff it is the first time they meet the new guests for the up coming cruise. When I worked as Cruise Staff, gangway duty was a familiar routine: long hours, formal uniforms, and the excitement of greeting thousa

Esther
Jan 47 min read


Free Style Cruise met NCL - Ontdek vrijheid en flexibiliteit aan boord
Met Free Style Cruising bij Norwegian Cruise Line geniet je van volledige vrijheid aan boord: flexibel eten, ontspannen dresscode en optionele themadiners. Ontdek hoe zorgeloos een cruise kan zijn!

Esther
Jan 24 min read


The Tender Port Survival Guide | Cruise Tender Guide
Learn how to navigate tenders like a pro with this Tender Survival Guide — tips on boarding, procedures, and smooth transfers from ship to shore. Printable PDF included!

Esther
Jan 15 min read


MSC Yacht Club: A Closer Look at One of the Major Private-Area Cruise Concepts
Explore the MSC Yacht Club experience, from private lounges and pools to 24/7 butler service and personalized amenities. See if this VIP cruise experience is right for you.

Esther
Dec 27, 202510 min read


Miami Is Much More Than Just a Cruise Port for Cruisers
Cruise ship departure Miami Miami Cruise Port Miami is so much more than just a departure point for your cruise, it’s a vibrant city full of culture, adventure, and unforgettable sights. Why not arrive a day or two early and explore before you set sail? There’s plenty to do, whether you want to visit the Everglades on a tour, shop at world-famous malls, soak up the sun on South Beach, or wander through the colorful Art Deco and Wynwood districts. In this guide, I’ll take you

Esther
Dec 24, 20257 min read


Retreat (Celebrity) of Haven (NCL)
Wil je weten welke luxe suite-ervaring het beste bij jou past? In deze blog vergelijken we Celebrity Cruises’ Retreat met Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven. Van privérestaurants en lounges tot sundecks en exclusieve service: ontdek de belangrijkste verschillen en voordelen van beide concepten, zodat je de perfecte keuze maakt voor je volgende luxe cruise.

Esther
Dec 22, 20254 min read


Is There Still a Formal Night on Cruises?
Curious about Cruise Formal Night? From traditional black-tie evenings to today’s relaxed ‘Dress Your Best’ nights, discover how cruise lines handle elegant evenings and what to expect onboard.

Esther
Dec 20, 20253 min read


12. Cruisen als Crew in Alaska
Kijk achter de schermen van Alaskacruises en ontdek hoe het leven van crewleden eruitziet. Van dagelijkse routines tot adembenemende landschappen, krijg een unieke kijk op werken aan boord van een cruiseschip in Alaska.

Esther
Dec 17, 20254 min read


Most Frequently Asked Cruise Questions – Answered by a Former Crew Member
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions on board a cruise ship.

Esther
Dec 16, 20255 min read


Fooien op cruise: wanneer zijn ze inbegrepen en wanneer niet?
Het blijft altijd moeilijk, wanneer moet je fooien betalen en wanneer is het inclusief de cruise prijs.

Esther
Dec 13, 20253 min read


12. Cruising as Crew in Alaska
Step behind the scenes of Alaska cruises and discover what life is like for crew members. From daily routines to stunning landscapes, get a firsthand look at working on an Alaska cruise ship.

Esther
Dec 12, 20254 min read
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