Cruise Tips Passenger Advice & Boarding Information

Your first time cruising is going to be unlike any other vacation you've taken. While the main feel of the vacation will be familiar — you're relaxed, ready to have a good time, and excited about what's to come — cruising has a number of quirks that make it different. With the experience of dozens of cruises under my belt, I've picked up some common things that new passenger get wrong. Where else … [Read more...]

Food and cruises go together like peanut butter and jelly. Meals and snacks are everywhere, from the buffet to "grab and go" restaurants, to specialty dining spots that cost a little extra to eat. But perhaps no spot on the ship is as famous in cruising as the main dining room. It's where the majority of passengers will eat their dinner, it's included in your cruise fare, and offers a fine-dining … [Read more...]

Cruising — for as common it is — is actually pretty crazy. Where else do you essentially take a building, put it on the ocean, load thousands of people, feed them, entertain them, and do things at sea that were simply unimaginable just a few years ago? But there are good reasons behind all the seemingly wild things that cruise lines do, and it's fascinating to learn. That's why I'm highlighting … [Read more...]

Which cruise line should you sail for your vacation? When it comes to selecting the right one for you, it can feel a bit like car shopping. Wondering which cruise line is right for you? We have profiles of each below to give you all the ins and outs. Say you want a new SUV. You have options from dozens of car makers. You have to narrow the list down by price range, reliability, cost, and more. You … [Read more...]

Packing for a cruise?  Taking a cruise is different than any other vacation. Most other vacations don't have you packing for everything from hanging out poolside to formal dining to casual wear, while also bringing things to make your room more comfortable. To some people, it might be overwhelming. That's why we have some of our top cruise-packing tips below based on taking dozens of cruises … [Read more...]

If you're considering a family vacation, then there is arguably no better way to travel than on a cruise. Where else can everyone have something to do that interests them, all within walking distance? When it comes to cruising with a family, any cruise line will offer a fun time, but certain ones are definitely better than others — especially for kids. On a cruise the kids can play at the arcade … [Read more...]

When it comes to booking a cruise, everyone wants to get a good deal. And the truth is that you can get the same exact cruise for hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dollars less just by sailing during a different part of the season. Wondering when to cruise for the best deal? We highlight the best time to sail and the best time to book your trip to save the most. So when is the best time to … [Read more...]

Step inside your cruise cabin, and at first glance it looks just like a hotel room, albeit likely a bit smaller than you're used to on land. Your cruise cabin may look "normal" but there are all sorts of hidden features designed into it. But behind that normalcy are hidden features built into the room that many people don't realize exist at all. Some are things you may never notice while others … [Read more...]

Taking your first cruise is exciting… but can also be a bit confusing. Cruise travel is different than any other vacation. Even staying at a land-based all-inclusive resort — perhaps the most similar experience to a cruise — isn't anywhere near the same as a vacation on a ship. If you're wondering exactly what you can expect, we've detailed some of the basic things about cruising that we think … [Read more...]

Nobody goes on a cruise specifically to watch television. But, that doesn't mean you won't watch some of the tube while you are on vacation. Whether you hope to see your can't-miss show while you're on vacation, want to watch the game, or simply want to relax by watching a movie, there are all sorts of reasons that you may want to know more about TV on a cruise. Every cabin on the cruise ship has … [Read more...]

Looking for the best website to book your cruise? We wouldn’t be surprised if after a little bit of searching, your head is spinning a little bit. Think of all the options you have to consider — the length of your trip, the cruise line, the ship, the date, ports of call, and more. And that’s before you even decide on which website to use to book your cruise. When it comes to booking your cruise, … [Read more...]

For many, an around-the-world cruise is a bucket list trip. The big hang-up (despite having to arrange everything to leave more months on end) is usually the cost. A cruise that circumnavigates the globe is an expensive endeavor. It easily runs into the tens of thousands of dollars before you add on any extras like shore excursions or drink packages. The MSC World Cruise 2028 aboard MSC Magnifica … [Read more...]

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” deal is one of the most appealing cruise line offers out there. If you book it, you get all sorts of perks included in your cruise, from a drink package to shore excursion credits to internet access. But is it a good deal? It is worth buying? And what details should you know when you book? Sailing a Norwegian cruise? The line’s Free at Sea offer provides perks … [Read more...]

Without a doubt, South Florida is the cruise capital of the world. Between PortMiami and Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale), literally thousands of cruises and millions of passengers depart the area each year sailing around the world. Each year millions fly into South Florida to board a cruise. So which airport is best for your trip? No matter which cruise line you want to sail, it almost surely … [Read more...]

On most cruises, you pay your cruise fare, but that’s just the start of what you’ll spend. Drinks are extra, shore excursions are extra, specialty restaurants cost more, and wi-fi is a charge. All of that can feel like you’re being nickeled and dimed. Instead of enjoying your cruise, you’re adding up costs. A more carefree way to sail is having everything included. That’s why many cruise lines … [Read more...]