December Recap: The Odd, the Delicious & the Mildly Terrifying #0041

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December was a month of contrasts:

We went from ancient superstitions about bananas (bad luck!)…to medical centers onboard with IV bags…to the timeless debate of “Should I bring my passport or trust my cabin safe and hope for the best?”

In case you missed any issues or you read them after two holiday cocktails and a slice of cherry cheesecake, here’s the recap of what we covered in December, plus a couple useful cruise items people asked me about.

🐬 Cruise Superstitions: The Odd, the Old & the Surprisingly True #0036

This was the issue where we learned cruisers have big feelings about the weirdest things:

🍌 Bananas = cursed fruit.
🎶 Whistling = summon storms at will.
👩 Women onboard = once “bad luck” (until women became the bosses, then suddenly it was fine). 😉

And tossing coins into the sea for “luck”? Cute idea, terrible for the ocean.

Takeaway: Cruise traditions are like grandma’s secret recipes, some wise, some wild, and some just exist because someone swore by them in 1742.

🍽 12 Cruise Dining Secrets Nobody Tells You #0037

This one made everyone hungry.

We learned:

The Main Dining Room serves breakfast, and it’s calmer than the buffet chaos.

You can order two appetizers, two desserts, three entrées, the waiter won’t judge you.

Buffets close earlier than people think. 10pm rolls around and suddenly you’re a detective hunting for pizza.

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🔑 Cruise Cabins Nobody Warned You About #0038

In this issue we chatted about how cabin choice can quietly make or break your cruising comfort, and why photos alone never tell the whole story.

• Some cabins are tucked under noisy pool decks, early morning chair scraping.

• Rooms above lounges, bars and live music stages carry bass and vibration that cruise lines don’t show in photos.

• Forward lower deck cabins near anchors or bow thrusters can thrum during early-morning port arrivals.

• Crew access and service corridors mean doors slamming and hallway traffic you don’t expect.

• Even inside cabins have quirks, total darkness and “pitch-black at noon” vibes that some cruisers love and others don’t.

This issue wrapped up with practical tips and small items that help turn “problem cabins” into more comfortable spaces.

🛂 Should You Bring Your Passport Into Port or Leave It On the Ship? #0039

This issue tackled the age-old cruiser question: Should I bring my passport into port or leave it in the safe?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

✔️ Taking it with you = peace of mind if plans go sideways.

✔️ Leaving it onboard = recommended on some itineraries (especially U.S. ports (if you are an American citizen) & closed-loops) where your license + cruise card is all you need.

If you do carry your passport ashore, the goals are simple:

• Store it in a waterproof pouch or secure beltbag that you can wear close to your body.

A bunch of you asked what I personally use, so here are my two go-to’s:

⭐ A waterproof phone/passport pouch keeps everything dry & together.

⭐ A belt bag with a water bottle slot hands-free, practical, and way better than a purse swinging behind you.

Small items = big stress reduction.

🚑 Issue #0040 — What Cruise Ships Prepare For (That Passengers Rarely Notice)

Cruise ships are floating cities, and cities need backup plans.

Some highlights:

Ships have full medical centers with licensed doctors and equipment.

Seasickness is monitored in real-time, ships literally adjust speed, angle, and programming to reduce nausea.

Emergency scenarios (weather, mechanical issues, blackouts, medical evacuations) are rehearsed constantly.

Announcements stay calm for a reason, panic is not part of the itinerary.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!

Tara

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