Shore excursions are a major part of taking a cruise. In reality, you have two different sides to the vacation. First, you have the time spent on the ship and at sea. Here, everything to do is laid out for you, including all the activities on the ship and the entertainment put on by the staff. Cruise shore excursions give you the ability to do things — like swim in this cenote — that … [Read more...]
15+ Seattle Hotels with Free (or Discounted) Cruise Parking
When it comes to cruise parking, Seattle has among the most expensive options of any city you’ll find. It’s even more expensive to park here than cruise hubs like Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Much of this is due to the port’s location. Situated near downtown in a densely populated city, land is expensive and parking is in short supply. But one of the best deals in cruising is that … [Read more...]
THE Cruise Packing Checklist: 85 Items To Bring (Printable)
Searching for a cruise packing checklist you can trust? Look no further. The staff at Cruzely has taken cruises from Miami to Vancouver, including trips done solo, as a couple, and with a family. In other words, when it comes to packing for a cruise, nobody has the expertise — and the experience — that we do. And if you think packing for a regular vacation can be daunting, then try … [Read more...]
Worth It? Complete Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package
Royal Caribbean drink packages definitely have their fans. But are they worth it? And what should you know before you buy? If you like to have a variety of drinks, then Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package may be just the thing. But is the offer worth it? If you’re about to set sail, you likely have pictured yourself on the ship — hanging out poolside, drink in hand, soaking … [Read more...]
7 Big Differences Between Short (3-4 day) and Long (7+ day) Cruises
Should you take a short cruise or a longer cruise? Are they the exact same? Are there any differences (other than the obvious length of the trip)? It used to be that the number of options you had for your cruise was fairly limited. These days it’s the exact opposite. As cruising has soared in popularity, the number of cruises departing ports all around America has boomed. Today, you can find … [Read more...]
15+ Easy Seattle Hotels With Shuttles to the Cruise Ports
Seattle hotels with cruise port shuttles make getting to your ship much simpler on cruise day. Instead of worrying about taxis or arranging transportation, you can book your room and have your ride to the port also taken care of. And given the location in a far corner of the United States, that means many people have to fly in for their trip. Should you want to fly in, it’s a good idea to … [Read more...]
107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies
Whether it’s your first sailing or your 50th, there are always new cruise tips to learn for when you take your trip. That’s why we’ve rounded up a staggering 107 of the best cruise tips, secrets and freebies for you to enjoy. This list varies from relatively small tips to make your cruise a little more comfortable all the way to big secrets that the cruise lines don’t like … [Read more...]
Drinking Age on a Cruise: Can You Drink Under 21?
The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. There’s no getting around it. If you want to buy booze, you have to be of legal age or face some serious consequences. But what about on the drinking age on a cruise? Do you still have to be 21? After all, we’ve all heard of “international waters” — a magical place just a few miles offshore where the normal … [Read more...]
Explained: What It’s Like to Go Through Cruise Security
Anxious about security for getting on your cruise? Don’t worry. If you can handle airport security, then going through the cruise line’s process will be easy in comparison. In fact, while every port does things a little differently, going through cruise security is much easier than airport lines. From less intrusive screening to no body scanners to being able to pack liquids, cruise … [Read more...]
Revealed: Royal Caribbean’s New “Beach Club” Coming to Nassau (Renderings)
Royal Caribbean is well-known for its island destination, CocoCay. It’s a favorite among cruise passengers, with everything from waterslides to pools to cabanas to the exclusive Coco Beach Club. Now the cruise line has announced it is moving forward with another brand-new development, this time located in Nassau. The 17-acre destination will be the first Royal Beach Club, officially dubbed … [Read more...]
Bringing Water or Soda on a Cruise Ship (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and More)
Interested in cruise line rules about bringing water, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages aboard? Most people look forward to a cruise’s adult libations — an umbrella drink in one hand can mysteriously put anyone in a better mood. But that doesn’t mean you only want to drink booze for a week. Want to bring drinks like soda, juice, or water on your cruise? Many lines let you, … [Read more...]
18 Amazing Orlando Hotels With TONS for Kids to Do (Waterparks, Mini-Golf & More)
There’s no doubt that when it comes to family destinations, there’s Orlando… and then everything else. Nowhere else on the planet has as many family-friendly options within such a short distance — and that includes hotels with lots for families and kids to do. Orlando is known for theme parks, but many area hotels offer lots to do without even having to leave the resort. Of … [Read more...]
Review: Princess Cruises Wi-Fi Service (Speed, Reliability, Cost, and More)
Princess offers one of the most affordable wi-fi programs in cruising with its MedallionNet service — an Internet offer the cruise line calls “the best wi-fi at sea.” Princess offers Internet service to passengers on the ship via its MedallionNet service. Here’s what to know… And while you might think of a cruise as a place to disconnect from the routine and stresses … [Read more...]
The World’s Largest Cruise Ships Sailing For Each Line (With Photos)
Over roughly the past decade cruise ships have gotten big… real big. As one line makes a ship that’s larger, carries more passengers, and offers eye-catching activities, others then play catch-up in the “arms race” to build ships that everyone is talking about. Large ships offer several advantages over smaller ones. For one, larger ships carrying more passengers mean that … [Read more...]
29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
Packing for a cruise to Alaska? When it comes to packing, there’s a big difference between the classic Caribbean cruise and what you’ll experience in Alaska. Of course, you won’t be spending beach time in the warm sun… and you should probably prepare a little differently than bringing a few pairs of shorts and flip-flops. Alaska can bring everything from warm, sunny days to … [Read more...]
Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston
If you’re one of the roughly one million people that sail from the Port of Galveston each year, then Carnival Cruise Line is bringing you some great news. While cruising from Galveston has boomed, its location limits the ports that can be reached on a typical cruise. Now Carnival is adding a new ship with longer routes to more distant ports of call. For years Carnival has been a major player … [Read more...]
Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More
No matter which cruise line you sail, crew gratuities — also known as service charges or crew appreciation — are a fact of life. This includes sailing on Princess. Like other cruise lines, Princess charges a daily gratuity fee — known as “crew appreciation” — while sailing. While you have your cruise fare and then any extras like drinks, specialty restaurants, … [Read more...]
The 8 Closest Beaches to the Cozumel Cruise Port
Looking for a spot to swim in Cozumel? The port is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations on the planet, with millions of passengers stopping there every year. In fact, if you are sailing to the Caribbean anywhere from Galveston to Miami, then the odds are high your trip will include a stop at the Mexican island. Beach near cruise ships in Cozumel Of course, when you think of Cozumel, … [Read more...]
Carnival Brand Ambassador Warns Passengers of Cruise Scam (Don’t Fall For It)
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald is one of the most popular figures in cruising when it comes to social media. The big personality who talks all things Carnival has nearly 500,000 Facebook followers. Each day he shares details on what’s happening with the cruise line, conducts lots of polls regarding what people like and don’t like on a cruise, and generally offers up lots of … [Read more...]
Full Ships! Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023
The company calls it the “Great Cruise Comeback.” Following the pandemic pause and the gradual return of sailing, it’s safe to say that cruising has fully returned. In fact, it’s set to be back more than 100%… literally. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects that it will sail ships at more than 100% occupancy on average in 2023 for the first time since the … [Read more...]