Melissa Mayntz

Senior News Editor & Writer

Melissa has been offering her expertise on cruises since 2017 and reporting on cruise news since 2021. her work has been featured in newspapers, blogs, and websites on a wide range of subjects, but cruises remain her favorite topic to cover. She has been on more than 40 voyages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and more, and always has at least one more sailing booked on the horizon.

How did you get started in cruises?

My husband and I took our first cruise on Carnival Fascination in 2003 – and hated it. Our first night experience was so bad, we actually went back and forth to Guest Services considering getting off the ship!

But we ultimately decided to stay on board and really get into the fun. By the end of that 5-night trip to Key West and Cozumel, we had enjoyed it so much we booked our next sailing just one month later on the same ship so we could buy the t-shirt featuring all the ports of call and be able to say we’d visited each one of them.

What makes you a cruise expert?

Cruising is my vacation of choice and I’ve been fortunate to be able to set sail many times over the past 20 years. I’ve enjoyed voyages ranging from 2-15 nights with Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line, and each one has something amazing to offer travelers.

On more than 30 different ships, I’ve visited outstanding countries, experienced new cultures, learned new languages, developed new skills, crossed multiple time zones, spotted new wildlife, and so much more.

I’ve had so many experiences that both new and seasoned cruise travelers enjoy. I’ve been the first onboard on embarkation day, tried just about every type of stateroom, visited a working engine room, been a team leader for Royal Caribbean’s famous Crazy Quest (and yes, I did take off my… well, if you know, you know), met Disney Princesses, ridden in a lifeboat, zip lined onboard, ridden Bolt, and more. With 20+ years of writing experience, I love to share my tips with others so they can make the most of their cruise vacations.

You can check my Muck Rack profile here.

What’s your favorite cruise line?

I can’t pick! Every cruise line has something they excel at.

Carnival’s casual food (Guy’s Burger Joint) and that DELICIOUS warm chocolate melting cake can’t be beat, along with the great comedy shows and extensive trivia. On Royal Caribbean, the dynamic shows and phenomenal entertainment will keep your pulse up and your hands clapping.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s awesome freestyle dining is both elegant and flexible, while Disney Cruise Line’s magical service and total immersion – without being overwhelming – is phenomenal. Celebrity Cruises has the true celebrity glamor down to a science. My favorite cruise line depends on what experience I want for my next sailing.

What’s your top tip for new cruisers?

There are so many tips I could offer, but ultimately, just let go and have fun. Try that tempting dish on the menu, join in the activities, try your hand at onboard features, take the silly photo – you are on vacation, don’t miss out on the memories.

I spent that first night of my first cruise in my cabin plotting to leave, and that’s a night of fun I won’t ever get back – so now I keep sailing to make up for it!

You find out more about the Cruise Hive team right here.

2017
Started at Cruise Hive
2389
Articles
Expertise
Cruises, Florida Travel
40
Cruises
15
Countries Visited
Florida
Location Based

Articles By Melissa

The Former Norwegian Cruise Ships, Where Are They Now?

Let's travel back in time to the former Norwegian cruise ships. Find out more about those once iconic ships which offered a great NCL cruise vacation.

Make the Most of Small Bathrooms on a Cruise Ship

We're going to prepare you with these tips for dealing with often small bathrooms on a cruise ship. Plenty of packing suggestions to help you out too.

25 Tips for Packing Less on a Cruise Vacation

With limited space in a cruise ship cabin, it is more important than ever to pack right. We've put together 25 tips for packing less on a cruise vacation to help you be prepared.

Carnival Cruise Dining Options Worth Paying For

While you can dine quite sumptuously during a cruise vacation without ever spending extra on food, there are a number of delicious Carnival cruise dining options you may want to consider spending a little more to enjoy.

6 Ways to Protect Your Cruise Ship Luggage

After putting in all that effort on packing for your cruise vacation it's important to make sure you also protect your cruise ship luggage. Follow these 6 ways to keep everything protected.

Towel Animals to Look for on Your Cruise

Towel animals are a fun cruise tradition that many passengers of all ages look forward to each evening as a new, fluffy friend appears in their cabin. But what do you know about these terrycloth visitors and how can you find your favorites?

What You Need to Know on Decorating Your Stateroom Door

It's time to get creative by decorating your stateroom door during your cruise vacation. Follow this guide which includes cabin decoration ideas and what you can and can't do.

15 Most Annoying Things People Do on Cruises

Once you realize how annoying these things can be to your fellow passengers, however, you can be sure not to do them, and you will know how not to let annoying behaviors ruin your vacation.

5 Ways to Get a Free Cruise Ship Cabin Upgrade

Some tips and advice on how you can get a free cruise ship cabin upgrade. Booking the vacation can be just as important.

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