Cruise Travel Guides Planning & Destination Tips

We took our first cruise together in January 2007 on the original Legend of the Seas, and in the nearly 20 years and 100-plus sailings since, a lot of the cruise advice we once followed religiously is outdated. Some changed because the cruise lines' policies have evolved over the years. Others changed because two decades of sailing have taught us better. Either way, here's the 15 things we stopped … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line are two of the most recognizable cruise brands in the world. Carnival is known for its fun, "don't-take-things-too-seriously" atmosphere, while NCL is proud to offer "Freestyle Cruising" where passengers are not restricted to set schedules or dining times. But just because both lines are popular doesn't mean they don't have things that set them apart … [Read more...]

Since Virgin Voyages' debut, the cruise line's itineraries have been all about sun, fun, and party vibes. From Caribbean beach clubs to Mediterranean nights, the social atmosphere, eccentric entertainment, and no-kids policy made sense. So when Brilliant Lady headed north for Virgin's first Alaska season, we had the same question you probably do: does an adults-only brand that set out to redefine … [Read more...]

Virgin Voyages does almost everything differently, and that's exactly why a first cruise with the brand can catch you off guard. There's no main dining room, no kids, no set dinner times, and non-traditional entertainment. But there is more packed into your fare than you'd expect if you've sailed with other maintstream cruise lines before. We've sailed Virgin in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and … [Read more...]

The cruise buffet has a set of unwritten rules, and most people are breaking at least two of them. Are you? The buffet is one of the best parts of any cruise, but it's also the place where people seem to forget their manners. After more than 100 cruises together, we have spent a lot of mornings in the buffet line. And that means we have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of cruise buffet … [Read more...]

Wondering whether spending Halloween on a cruise is worthwhile, and whether your kids (and you!) will be able to have the full holiday experience while at sea? If you choose the right cruise line, the answer is a resounding yes! Many cruise lines offer a variety of Halloween-themed activities, events, and even food and beverages for passengers to enjoy — whether throughout the spooky season or … [Read more...]

After 100+ cruises, we've learned the hard way what's a waste of time and waste of money on a cruise. When it comes to cruise time wasters, it's all the little things that add up quickly: the line you didn't need to stand in, the sales pitch disguised as a free seminar, and the sea day scramble for a deck chair that was empty two hours earlier. We all book cruises to enjoy the ship and the ports, … [Read more...]

We've been lucky enough to check a lot of bucket-list destinations off our list over the years. We've seen penguins in Antarctica and giant tortoises in the Galapagos. So naturally, the Arctic was calling our name. Recently, we decided to head north to Svalbard on an Arctic expedition in search of polar bears. Even though we've taken a polar expedition before, this one was quite different. And we … [Read more...]

Our Atlas Ocean Voyages Arctic cruise took us further north than we had ever sailed, all the way to 79 degrees north into the high Arctic. Over 12 days, our Arctic adventure combined a Norwegian coastal cruise with a true polar expedition in Svalbard.  Even though we've sailed to Antarctica with Atlas, this hybrid cruise was quite different. In this cruise review, we break down what an Atlas … [Read more...]

Carnival Cruise Line touts itself as "America's Cruise Line," while MSC Cruises is a European line that's aggressively growing its presence in North America. They're different in many ways — but very similar in others. As you look into taking a cruise, you may be considering these two lines, comparing and contrasting things like price, ship options, itineraries, and onboard amenities. So, which … [Read more...]

Should I build loyalty status by cruising with one line or not be loyal to any brand at all? If you love cruising but are just finding your footing in the world of vacations at sea, this is a question you might be asking yourself. And the truth is, the answers you receive will depend on who you ask. Some people are fiercely loyal to one line; they know the ins and outs of just about everything a … [Read more...]

Every cruise packing list tells you what to bring, but far fewer tell you what you'll wish you hadn't. If you're wondering what not to pack for a cruise, the answer usually isn't a rulebook. It's a list of things you'll regret hauling across two flights and a cruise terminal, only to carry them home unused. After 100+ cruises across more than 15 cruise lines, we've packed plenty of it — and we've … [Read more...]

Considering taking a cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages but aren't quite sure what the cruise fare actually includes? While Atlas isn't a fully inclusive line like other luxury and expedition brands, it comes very close to including almost everything in the base price. Here, we're breaking down exactly what's included on Atlas Ocean Voyages and what you'll need to pay extra for. That way, you'll know … [Read more...]

Every cruiser has that one port. The stop you'd trade in a heartbeat for an extra sea day. The one where you looked at the excursion offerings, the crowds, and the logistics and decided it wasn't worth it. We wanted to know which ports our readers felt that way about, so we asked. Some of the answers came as no surprise but others shocked us. Of course, "overrated" is subjective. One cruiser's … [Read more...]

An HX Galapagos cruise is unlike anything we've experienced before. Heidi and I have sailed on over 100 cruises, many of them to the Caribbean and Bahamas. We've enjoyed the warm sun, the crystal clear water, and plenty of time on the ocean. We've also witnessed the impressive landscapes of Alaska and the Norwegian fjords. The Galapagos has all of that too. But it also has so much more. Over nine … [Read more...]

Headlines are quick to share with the world that there's another norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship. But how common is norovirus on cruises, really? Should it be a major concern for cruisers prior to setting sail and once on board? We're going over what norovirus is, how it spreads, and how it's not as common on cruises as the news might lead you to believe. Below, there's also tips on how to … [Read more...]

We've sailed big ships and small ships from oceans to rivers, itineraries built around beaches and others around glaciers, fjords, and ancient ruins. Though, the Galapagos doesn't fit neatly into any of these categories. It's part cruise, part expedition, part wildlife encounter. You won't fully believe it until you're standing in the middle of it. The Galapagos Islands operate by their own rules, … [Read more...]

If you're planning a cruise in the Mediterranean, you might be wondering what you should pack. From outfits and toiletries to electronics and things for the cabin, we detail everything you should consider packing to help eliminate pre-cruise stress. In our Mediterranean cruise packing list, we've divided everything up into categories so it's easy to plan your own packing accordingly. Even if … [Read more...]

The Bahamas is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world — and for good reason. With 700 islands, crystal-clear turquoise water, and some great beaches just a short sail from Florida, it's an easy choice for first-time cruisers and seasoned veterans alike. From understanding the difference between Nassau and a private island day, to knowing when to book and what to skip, the more … [Read more...]

Just four years ago, Riverside Luxury Cruises was an unknown name in the river cruise industry. In 2022, the line began as a cruise offshoot of the luxury Seaside Collection hotel and resort brand, operating high-end river ships it purchased from then-defunct Crystal Cruises. Now, it's making a name for itself by offering flexibility, from pricing that lets you pay for only what you need to short … [Read more...]