Can I use a birth certificate to cruise? Do I have to get a passport? Frankly, the rules around the documents you need to set sail can get confusing. We are here to lay them all out in plain English. Cruising with a passport is best, but you can also sail with a birth certificate and photo ID. Below, we cover questions about sailing with a birth certificate for your cruise. First things first, if … [Read more...]
Explained: The Major Differences Between Norwegian and Other Cruise Lines
When it comes to cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line is not only one of the biggest players in the industry, but also one of the most unique. Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the biggest players in cruising, but if you think it’s just like all the others out there, think again. Sure, for those that have sailed other lines, much about the experience aboard NCL will feel familiar. It is a cruise, … [Read more...]
Easy Ways to Get to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for a Cruise (Port Transportation)
Sitting north of Miami, Port Everglades may not get the same amount of attention as its sister port, but it is one of the busiest cruise departure ports in America, with millions of passengers sailing each year. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is easy to get to from the airport and surrounding area. You have a number of transportation options to get to your cruise. And whether you are driving … [Read more...]
Using Uber or Lyft to Port of Miami and Port Everglades
If you’re cruising from Miami or Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) and don’t live in the area, then there’s a good chance you will need a ride to get to the port. While we cover all your transportation options to Miami here and to Port Everglades here, the one that we most recommend — and most often use ourselves — is Uber or Lyft. No matter where you are in South … [Read more...]
Celebrity’s All Included Offer: How It Works & What to Know
While cruising can be among the most relaxing vacations, there are some aspects that can also be annoying. Particularly, it can sometimes feel like even though you’d paid for a cruise, you’re always spending more once you’re on the ship. In fact, onboard spending is big business. In Cruzely’s analysis of onboard spending reported by cruise lines, the amount spent once on … [Read more...]
Celebrity Cruise Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
When it comes to cruising Celebrity, just like with other lines, gratuity charges are a part of life. If you’ve cruised before, then you’re familiar with these charges, which can add up to hundreds of dollars on your cruise. If you haven’t cruised — or you haven’t sailed on Celebrity — then there are a number of things you should know about the daily gratuity … [Read more...]
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) Cruise Parking (Where to Park): Prices, Profiles, & Map
Looking for your Fort Lauderdale cruise parking options and prices? We have you covered. Looking for cruise parking for Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? We have information about all your options, including where to park and how much it will cost. Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale has plenty of parking options, all located convenient to the cruise port itself. But that doesn’t mean … [Read more...]
Royal Caribbean Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
Royal Caribbean gratuities can be a surprise to some 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. That said, while some cruisers may resent the extra charge, many are glad that some of their money goes to the people who handle the small … [Read more...]
11 Top Carnival Cruise Deals You Don’t Want to Miss
If there is anything better than a cruise, it’s getting a great deal on that trip. And if you’re looking for a deal, then Carnival is one of your best options. The cruise line is well-known for offering a lot of value, specifically with cruise fares that are generally lower than the competition. If you know what to look for, then you can hunt down trips that offer some ridiculously … [Read more...]
Everything to Know about Suite Cabins on a Cruise (Read Before Booking)
When it comes to cruising, there isn’t anything more luxurious than taking the trip in a suite cabin. Suite cabins on a cruise can provide a much more luxurious experience while on the ship. There is lots to know before you book, however. While most cruise cabins are small, suite cabins offer more space, more luxury, and a higher-end experience than what you’ll find with other rooms. … [Read more...]
12 Major Differences Between Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line
While there are a lot of cruise lines out there, when it comes to the United States, two main players come to mind: Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. That’s for good reason. The two cruise lines are by far the most popular in the country, with millions of cruise passengers sailing on their ships each year. Carnival or Royal Caribbean? The two popular cruise lines share a lot of … [Read more...]
Full List: Fort Lauderdale Park & Cruise Hotels Near Port Everglades
When it comes to cruising, the cost of parking often catches people by surprise. For instance, the cost of parking at the Port Everglades cruise port in Fort Lauderdale runs $15 per day. On a 7-day trip, you’re spending over $100 on parking alone before you even step onto the ship. But here’s a money-saving tip: If you are staying in the area the night before your cruise, many hotels … [Read more...]
Worth It? Complete Guide to MSC Cruises Drink Packages
Sailing on MSC and ready to really go on vacation? Then you might start with a drink package. Instead of worrying about the price of your bar bill, you can pay one set daily fee and get your drinks included for the entire cruise. MSC Divina docked at Ocean Cay. Drink packages allow you to have your fill on the ship, but also extend to the cruise line’s private island. On the surface, the MSC … [Read more...]
MSC Gratuities (Tips/Service Charge): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work
Sailing MSC and wondering about the service charges — also known as gratuities — that you will see? Almost no matter which cruise line you sail, these daily charges are a part of life. MSC charges gratuities (also known as service charges) to most passengers on the ship. Here’s what to know. And the cost can be significant. In general, cruise lines charge between $14-$16 per … [Read more...]
Complete Guide to Cruising From the Port of Seattle
When it comes to departure ports, it’s tough to beat a destination like Seattle. As a world-class city tucked into one of the most beautiful regions on the planet, there’s a ton to see and do in the area. And that’s before you even set foot on a cruise ship. If you’re sailing from Seattle, then you are almost assuredly headed to Alaska. The port serves as a jumping off … [Read more...]
Everything to Know about Balcony Cabins on a Cruise (Read Before Booking)
Think of a cruise, and you might picture sitting on a cabin balcony, sipping a drink, and watching the waves go by. It’s a classic staple of taking a cruise. Cruise ship balcony cabins are popular, and for good reason. They provide your own little oasis, away from the rest of the ship, along with million-dollar views that you simply can’t get on land. Booking a balcony cabin for … [Read more...]
Carnival Welcomes a Wild New Ship — and Concept — to the Fleet (What Will Guests Think?)
Cruise lines work hard to ensure that the experience you have on their ships is similar, whether you’re sailing the newest ship in the fleet or one that is decades old. Now, Carnival Cruise Line is about to turn that concept on its head. Costa Venezia is now Carnival Venezia. Built in 2019, the ship officially joined the Carnival fleet, offering a different Italian themed experience from … [Read more...]
25+ Fort Lauderdale Hotels With Cruise Shuttles to the Port
Need a hotel shuttle to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port? What about a ride from the airport to the hotel? Then you’re in luck. Many hotels offer cruise terminal and airport rides in Fort Lauderdale. While Miami usually gets all the headlines as the cruise capital of the world, nearby Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is just as busy a port. Each year literally millions of passengers embark … [Read more...]
Everything to Know About Seattle’s Port Valet — Free Cruise Luggage Transfer Service
Want to explore Seattle after your cruise and not sure what to do with your luggage? Or maybe you simply want to have someone else take care of your bags instead of having to lug them from the cruise port to the airport… while also being checked-in for your flight before you even leave the ship. In that case, you’re in luck… With Seattle’s Port Valet, you can sign up and … [Read more...]
With Cruising Back, Stomach Bugs Are Too (Should You Worry?)
If there was one silver lining to the pandemic when it comes cruising — and the increased focus on health — it was that gastrointestinal illness outbreaks were low by historical standards even as ships returned. As cruises have returned, so too have reports of gastro illness outbreaks on ships. Now reports of stomach bugs on cruises are making a comeback, with six ships already showing … [Read more...]