I've been on 105-day cruises, but this 13-day one was the toughest. Its itinerary had a major flaw I'll avoid on future trips.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Author Lauren Mack with her arm on a balcony on Norweigan Cruise Line Jewel ship
A port-heavy cruise seems intense for a reason.

Lauren Mack

I booked a 'family' room on my Norwegian cruise. It was perfect for 3 people and saved us money.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
The author in a green sweater in the oceanview family room.
Norwegian Breakaway's oceanview family room is a good value.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded on a small African island after missing a deadline to re-embark

Tech Insider : Travel
An image shows an old colonial house by the sea in São Tomé and Príncipe.
An image shows an old colonial house by the sea in São Tomé and Príncipe, where the passengers were stranded.

Aldo Pavan/Getty Images

I chose an inside cabin on my recent Norwegian cruise because it was the cheapest option, and I actually loved my little cave

Tech Insider : Travel
A picture of the author in the mirror holding excursion tickets.
I didn't struggle to fall asleep and could easily get up early for my 7:30 a.m. excursion.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Subscribe to norwegian-cruise-lines