Cruise Tips Passenger Advice & Boarding Information

The same exact cruise on the same exact ship and the same exact cabin… but in this case for hundreds less than retail if you knew a "secret" discount. For years cruisers have enjoyed a way to buy discounted cruise gift cards via AARP membership. Or at least, that was the case. Now, the popular advantage that used to be a go-to for lots of travelers has all but disappeared, forcing more cruisers to … [Read more...]

In what is being called an industry first (and we have no reason to doubt it!), Oceania Cruises has announced that it will host an entirely gluten-free sailing. A special 12-day sailing aboard Oceania Vista will be completely gluten-free across the ship. Image courtesy of Oceania Cruises Yes, according to the cruise line every onboard venue and restaurant will "offer entirely gluten-free menus." … [Read more...]

MSC Cruises is quickly growing into one of the major players in stateside cruising cruise market. Today, the cruise line offers cruises from four departure ports across the country (including trips to Alaska) and has the largest cruise ship sailing outside of Royal Caribbean. MSC Cruises offers one of the more unique experiences in cruising. Here are some of our best tips and things to know before … [Read more...]

Heading from Houston to Galveston for a cruise? You're not alone. Today Galveston is the busiest cruise port outside of Florida. Each year roughly million passengers embark from the island and the number continues to grow larger every year. Galveston has blossomed into one of the most popular cruise ports in the country. Still, there is the challenge of getting to the port. We cover all the … [Read more...]

At 216,000 gross tons, 1,093 feet, 22 decks and up to 6,700 passengers, MSC World America is the absolute biggest ship in the MSC fleet. It's also the largest ship from any cruise line not named Royal Caribbean. I just got off the ship and having sailed MSC multiple times before, I felt I had a good idea of what was coming before I even set foot onboard. But I can tell you that when it came to … [Read more...]

For years, Carnival had a simple loyalty plan for passengers. Its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) program awarded one point for every night sailed. The more points earned over years of cruising, the higher status earned, and the more benefits awarded. Passengers cruising Carnival now earn points and stars via spending rather than being rewarded for the number of nights sailed. Now the cruise line … [Read more...]

From the truth about cruise sales, to why some ships take out an entire deck in the middle of the ship, and even a clever trick to never get locked out of your room, there's a lot to learn about sailing before you take a cruise. That's why we've compiled a list of 22 cruise secrets that you'll want to know, and (more importantly) you'll never forget once you learn.  Cruise Sales Mean Little Visit … [Read more...]

Not sure whether you should prepay your gratuities before your cruise or wait until you're on the ship? With millions of people sailing each year, it's a common question. Paying early offers some benefits, but it also means more money out of your pocket before you even get on the ship. On the other hand, it can seem strange to pay gratuities before you've actually received service. Nearly every … [Read more...]

Despite pointed pushback from passengers, Carnival has officially rolled out its new loyalty program today. The old "VIFP" program is now out, replaced with the all-new Carnival Rewards. The new program, which now puts most of its emphasis on how much you spend with the cruise line instead of how many nights you sail, has been in the works for over a year. Today, that old system is retired and … [Read more...]

If you are headed on a cruise from the East Coast, then chances are you'll stop in Nassau. It's one of the busiest cruise destinations on the planet with literally millions of passenger visiting each year. Having visited countless times, I've gotten a pretty good feel for Nassau and what to expect when you port here. So what do I wish I knew if I was a first-time visitor? Here's what to know… … [Read more...]

If you have an upcoming cruise on MSC, then prepare to be a busy during your vacation. We're not saying that you can't relax on the cruise, but there are going to be tons of things on the ship to see, do, and experience. Below, we have just the start of what you can do on the ship, but there is one thing to note. Like other lines, MSC offers a wide variety of ships that range from older, smaller … [Read more...]

While no one would mistake Galveston with Miami, the truth is that it has quickly grown into the busiest cruise port outside of Florida. Close to two million passengers sail from the Texas island each year. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC now sail year-round from the island's four terminals, while other lines like NCL, Princess, and Disney offer seasonal trips.  Sailing from Galveston means you … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean's Terminal 10 opened in 2022, but already the port and cruise line are in talk for a second dock on the island. This would be Galveston's fifth cruise terminal. With its fourth cruise terminal opening less than a year ago, the Port of Galveston shows no signs of slowing down. The port has announced it is in talks with Royal Caribbean to construct a fifth cruise terminal on the … [Read more...]

If you're taking a cruise, there's a good chance that it will have a stop in Cozumel. Literally millions of cruise passengers — from every cruise line you can imagine — visit the island in a year.  That makes it among the most popular cruise ports anywhere. Cozumel is one of the most popular and busiest cruise ports in the world. There is plenty to know before your visit to help you make the most … [Read more...]

Royal Caribbean gratuities can sometimes be a surprise those who've never sailed the cruise line before. Without realizing it, the extra charge can add hundreds to the cost of your trip, without much explanation of how they work or where the money goes.  If you're sailing Royal Caribbean, then you're going to have to pay gratuity. Below, we have more details on how these charges work and what to … [Read more...]

In a region that's almost as famous for its traffic as it is for sunshine, you might be wondering what the best way to get to the cruise port to sail from Los Angeles. Services like Uber or Lyft are ideal for getting you to and from a cruise in Los Angeles or Long Beach. If you live in the area, you can of course just drive your car. There's parking at the cruise port so you can drive to the ship, … [Read more...]

If you are taking a cruise in the United States aboard MSC, chances are that you'll be visiting Ocean Cay. This is the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas that's exclusive to guests of MSC.  Ocean Cay is MSC's private island in The Bahamas. It's large, with tons of beach space and electric blue water. If you are looking forward to a day at the beach, it doesn't get any better. In other … [Read more...]

Sunshine. Vacation. Alcohol. Swimsuits… Is there a better combination for a having a romantic encounter? Yes, actually. Add all those elements and then combine them on a cruise ship where everyone will be together for several days, all having a similar experience. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that hookups can and do happen on a cruise. Call it love, call it romance, call it a one-night stand. … [Read more...]

Cozumel is one of the most visited ports on the planet. Today millions of passengers stop there each year on across every line you can name. After dozens of cruises, I've been there countless times and have sailed to all three cruise piers on the island. That said, there are lots of things I wish I knew before I ever visited. So from a pro, here's what you're going to want to know before you stop … [Read more...]

Seemingly overnight, the port of Costa Maya has grown into one of the busiest cruise ports in Mexico. What was once a sleepy fishing town (and honestly, outside of the port area, still is), now sees some of the biggest ships in the world, sailing to the port from everywhere from Galveston to Miami. Still, for many people Costa Maya is largely unknown. Unlike ports that have been popular for years … [Read more...]